I Became a S*ave to The Mastermind

I read the free chapters on MTL up to chapter 15, as the translation hasn't progressed beyond that point. Initially, I expected the mastermind to connect with the main character (MC) early on, but that didn't happen. The mastermind is barely mentioned up to chapter 15. I assume this is to establish the MC's life before introducing the mastermind.

I predict there will be a time skip, and the mastermind will reveal itself soon, as the novel's title wouldn't make sense otherwise; it would drag out the MC's arc for too long.

I'll continue reading to see how it develops after chapter 15 once the translation catches up.

Sept 13 update: Spoiler
Literally, in chapter 16, what I predicted during chapter 15 happens. Wow.

Very few chapters out so far, but I think this novel has had a strong start, and I like the premise. The main character (MC) is also enjoyable. I disagree with the other review that wants the novel to rush into introducing the mastermind to the MC. It’s a good thing for the novel to take its time and let the MC become accustomed to her new world and body before diving into the main plot. A common trap many novels fall into is rushing things to keep the pace fast, which often leads to a lack of proper development. This novel seems to be avoiding that trap, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

I'd like to say I enjoy reading this novel. If you like the other author's novels, such as *Pet Lady* and *My Little Grand Duchess*, I'd say it isn't as bad with the weird torture dynamics as *Duchess*. This one is also already completed on Novelpia. However, the novel is only on chapter 19, and there's already:

**Spoiler**
Straight-up torture to force the protagonist into a save contract with the mastermind. Hera's choice to become a slave is for the plot, but it's also reasonable. Since Athena is a master magician, she keeps Hera's heart from bursting due to shoving her magic power into Hera until she agrees to the contract. A normal person who just commented on a novel got transported to a world where she was the strongest, even for a moment. Then, the Hero shoves her fingers down Hera's throat, and she feels pain that makes her want to die. She has no choice but to accept. This is also the event that shatters Hera's belief in the original novel since it literally didn't mention anything about this.

Personally, this is better than *Grand Duchess*, even if it is the earlier work... for now. If you enjoy this author's works, I'd say you'd be desensitized to the amazing amounts of second-hand embarrassment, humiliation, and deprivation of human rights or would have dropped it from the start. I'd rank the cruelty levels:

1. Mastermind
2. Grand Duchess
3. Pet Lady

**Setting:**

**Spoiler**
- **Hera**: Protagonist, is a reincarnator with a unique ability, super strength. "Black Bear that Tears People Apart."
- **Dania**: One of the love interests. Older sister of Lily. She embodies the older sister archetype with a lot of darkness.
- **Lily**: One of the love interests. Little sister of Dania and the yandere in the novel. Not an adult yet. Trained to be an assassin.
- **Athena**: Love interest. The Hero of the Empire. Also the mastermind of the novel. Mysterious attraction to Hera. No unique ability, only magic shown to be used.

All three are probably perverts.

**Special abilities**: Rare, only a handful of people have them and are conscripted. Known: Saintess, Crown Prince, Hera

If you read the titles of the raws, it's pretty clear that there's f-preg and marrying... and polygamy... r-19. A lot of things you'd expect from a yuri Korean novel of the genre. If you're pissed it's going to turn out like this, oh well. I'm going to drop this if it gets way too extreme like *Grand Duchess*.

All in all, please don't read this if you hate any of this.

It starts off promising, but as soon as the master-save relationship dynamic kicks in, it degenerates into yet another story where the main character is merely being manipulated and controlled by someone else. If you're seeking a well-crafted plot and solid story development, look elsewhere. This is more of a sadistic fetish piece.

Sure, here is the rewritten content:

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Things get really intense, and I love it.

To be honest, the beginning was a bit slow, but after a few chapters, the story picks up and becomes quite gripping. The early chapters, though, aren't bad at all and set the stage for what's to come.

If you're not comfortable with or triggered by themes like abusive relationships, manipulation, and similar content, I wouldn't recommend this novel to you.

So far, I've been thoroughly enjoying it, and I plan to explore more of the author's work.