The protagonist must endure the antagonist's brutal trials to succeed in both love and career and reach the pinnacle of life.
These antagonists come from many different backgrounds. One type in particular is an obstacle the protagonist must overcome on the way to success, dedicated to striking at them through matters of the heart.
They are despicable exes who share a code name: "Ex-Husband Bro."
Ex-Antagonist System 075: "The Hosts' mission is to cruelly torment the protagonists and deal a major blow to their feelings. Once the protagonists' destined partners appear, you can retire in success."
The Hosts bound to Ex-Antagonist System 075 ponder: "Cruelly torment them, deal a major blow?"
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World One: Stalker Creep x Pure-Hearted Actor
System 075: "You must play an insecure, obsessive stalker who is infatuated with the protagonist, an actor. You'll worm your way into every corner of his life, torment him over and over, and try to take complete control of him, leaving him deeply traumatized. In the end, the protagonist's destined partner will 'take care of' you."
Stalker: "Torment him over and over, got it."
He looks at the panicked protagonist and narrows his eyes. "I watched your recent shows. Did you know your acting is... kind of bad?"
How is criticizing his professional skills not a form of torment?
- So said the stalker, who had become a fan of his career.
World Two: Evil God x Top Esper
System 075: "You must play an Evil God who descends to the human world and covets the protagonist's body, a top Esper. Stay by his side and brainwash him repeatedly, trying to devour him and take over the world. In the end, the protagonist will see through you and slay you alongside his destined partner."
Evil God: "Brainwash him over and over?"
He descends beside the protagonist and teaches him, repeatedly revealing the Evil God's weaknesses. On the day his identity is exposed, countless Espers keep their eyes fixed on him.
The Evil God looks at the protagonist, whose eyes are bloodshot, and smiles. "I've taught you everything. Come on, kill me."
How is making the protagonist kill the mentor he respects with his own hands not a form of torment?
- So said the Evil God, who had become a teacher.
World Three: Powerful Eunuch Who Rules the Court x Prince Confined to the Cold Palace
World Four: Perennial Runner-Up x Righteous Path Prodigy
World Five: Emotionally Detached Alpha x Unhinged, Obsessive Omega
Theme: Love really does take courage.