Daphne Lock, PhD student in meteorology

(Daphne POV)

Daphne finished her lesson in meteorological modelling. It was only the 15th class she'd taught, but already she was regretting all the stupid things she'd thought about her teachers. Her students were like saying that while remaining polite, not very attentive. Most of them were behind their phones and computers, playing who knows what.

Anyway, let's stop thinking like that, it's like my grandmother repeating that it was better before. I'm only 22. I'm too young to think like that.

At the age of 22, Daphne was in the process of starting her thesis to obtain her doctorate in meteorology. The problem was that, although she was brilliant, it was difficult for her to teach students, some of whom were older than she was. This had a way of annoying her. She had always succeeded in her studies, winning the jury's congratulations every time. But now she was experiencing difficulties, and she didn't even have the faintest idea of how to overcome them.

She quickly packed up her things and headed home. She was going to have a nice shower and a good meal to cheer her up. Returning to her apartment, she headed for the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror.

Daphne Lock was a young woman of 22, which made her look young. Although she dressed professionally and seriously, almost all her colleagues and pupils saw her as a young student who didn't know much about the world. This really had a way of annoying her. And nothing could be worse than some of her students making lewd comments about her. Sure, she wasn't ugly, but her appearance was more than classic. Brown hair, brown eyes, 1.70 meters tall, medium-sized breasts. Nothing out of the ordinary.

She undressed and took a quick shower. Nothing to say it was really an excellent remedy for the gloom. I should recommend it to Leo. He hasn't been doing too well since his studies ended. She thought, before leaning over her computer to check her e-mails. She flipped through her e-mails before coming across a strange one.

“Hello, Ms. Lock, we're delighted to inform you that you've been chosen to take part in the new season of the HxH game show. If you do not reply by October 1, we will assume that you have agreed to take part. Hope to see you soon.”

It was really nonsense; this kind of e-mail should have ended up in spam or even been blocked before. Anyway, she quickly deleted it before moving on to more important e-mails, such as those concerning her thesis on forest fires. She worked on her thesis for 3.5 hours before realizing that it was already 11.58 pm. The former thesis students were right when they told her that being a thesis student was like having 2 jobs at the same time. She closed her computer and got up to turn off the light. And as she pressed the button, the world went white.

I'll explain the game briefly and go into the details later, when all the participants are here. Nola looked at Leo as if waiting for a visual confirmation that didn't come. Seeing this, she continued her explanation.

Harem Hotel is a game show broadcast throughout the multiverse for beings with a high level of reality. The aim of the game is quite simple: a group of women fight to become the Master's favorite. To do so, they must either seduce him or win competitions organized by the production team. Do you understand the principle, or do I need to be clearer? asked Nola. Leo simply shook his head at the absurdity of it all. Who could have come up with such an idea? he thought.

So, let's welcome our very first participant. Daphne Lock!!! At this sentence, which appeared out of nowhere, Daphne, still in her pyjamas, looked around in a panic as if struggling to understand.

Welcome Daphne to Harem Hotel. Production thanks you for your participation. We've only just started this season, so for those of our viewers who don't know you yet, please introduce yourself and answer a few questions. What's your name? What do you do for a living? What's your relationship with Leo? What are your sexual experiences?

No sooner had Nola finished her questions than Daphne straightened up and began to answer them.

Hello, my name is Daphne Lock. I'm a PhD student in meteorology as well as teaching on the side to pay the bills. I've been friends with Leo for over 12 years. As for my sexual experiences, I've had a few boyfriends but I'm still a virgin.

Daphne finished this last sentence by hurriedly putting her hands in front of her mouth as if to stop herself from adding more. Seeing Daphne brought Leo out of the state of denial he was still in.

Daphne, are you all, right? I don't know what's going on, but I'll do anything to get us out of here.

Before he could continue and rush after his friend. Nola stopped him and spoke again.

Calm down. The game isn't open yet, so there'll be plenty of time for hugs and more. Anyway, thanks for the introduction. We'll now welcome our second contestant.