"Through this spell, we called you here, great hero. For only the one with a Crystal Heart can unleash the legendary weapons of wars full power, the Astras, and fend off the evil that plagues this land. Please save Aether from evil and protect the people!"
On my phone screen two animated beautiful ladies with pointy ears could be seen kneeling down and begging for my aid. Tears streaming down there closed eyes as they saw me as their last hope for protecting their world. Their bodies barely covered by a stereotypical Arabian inspired dancers dress.
That was my start to Hearts & Astras, a new game that came out on mobile. A gacha game with a vast world that had a total of three different starting points, a unique feature that is used to target a variety of different players.
The Aether Kingdom starting point was made for the typical horny dudes. As it came with the [Dawn & Dawn Crystal Heart] that can only "summon" women as Astras. It was the most popular starting point and came with the 1-Star character [Shiro & Kuro] as your first Astras.
Then there is the Natatory Kingdom made for all the Otome game lovers as it came with the [Lunar Crystal Heart] which can only summon men as Astras. The second most popular starting point, but not by much and it came with a starting character known as [Gin] who is rated at 2-Star.
Lastly, there is Terrene Kingdom that came with the [Ecliptic Crystal Heart] that can have either men or women. The third in line only by a small margin, as people only play with this starting point for the sake of min-maxing. This came with the character [Hoshi], a 2-Star of course.
Now why did the Aether's starting point only have a 1-Star tutorial character rather than a 2-Star? You see, Shiro & Kuro are the only characters with a certain special passive skill called [Double Dance]. Despite there stats being at a level of a one star, all of there attacks hit twice, including Ultimates. A feature that greatly makes up for it being 1-Star level lower.
Not that any of this difference matters as the three characters are swiftly decommissioned. They were artificially turned into Astras, and still midst changing their nature, upon receiving fatal injury, they had become unviable combatants. The player character is unable completely save them.
Hoshi loses both his arms and has to give up fighting. Gin loses his legs and does the same. Kuro saves Shiro from an attack and dies in the process.
However, "we the players" were able to collect enough Crystalline energy to before the injury to "create" (summon) a true Astra (a random free 5/6-Star character), then go of on on our adventure.
The tutorial characters in turn become resource managers and counselors afterwards.
This kinda pissed me off though. I had become swiftly drawn to both Shiro and Kuro and had wished to keep them for a bit longer.
Yet it is what it is, I eventually moved on to an extent and just kept playing. The lore was nice, and the characters were all hot as hellfire.
However its biggest issue was how hard core this game was. You see, a character with a certain amount of stars are stuck with that number of stars. There was no way to improve it, and the number of Stars determines that character's potential.
1-Star Max Level: 25
2-Star Max Level: 30
3-Star Max Level: 40
4-Star Max Level: 55
5-Star Max Level: 75
6-Star Max Level: 100
So if you become unlucky enough to not have a full party of six 6-Star characters mid/late game, you are pretty screwed for a while. Character duplicates were not necessary, but they also had no pity system in place. Which meant that some extremely unlucky soul out there may have spent over 10,000 dollars and failed to get anything good from it.
Despite being a filthy casual, I managed to get lucky enough and obtain a full party of Level 100 characters that barely synergized with each other enough to let me finish the full campaign of the story. I enjoyed every bit of it to be honest, but I never let go of the fact that I lost Shiro and Kuro as a unit, they were the ones advertised so much in the teasers for the Aether Kingdom in this game.
A small spark of sadness went through my heart. "Such a shame." I thought out loud. Amidst my lament I failed to notice a a white Japanese truck gunning at me at 75 mph.
"Blam!" With in an instant everything goes black. Not even the tiniest moment was given to me to process my death. I just blinked my eyes and found myself in a completely new world, with a body completely different from before.
My black hair was now changed into gray fur that covered much of my body, but also had bright purple horns on my head. I also noticed that my hearing was much more sensitive and I could also see the vitality of various creatures far way from me.
Only then did it truly sink in that I wasn't even human anymore more.
——————
"You don't have to do this Vernal. You are my sister, I know you can fight it like I did." I calmly say.
"Vernal Laila, a name you gave me that I did not deserve. Demons like us, we can never be as sweet as this spring season you have talked about. You know I can't, I could not be as special as you, a Devouring Demon whose mind is stronger than even a Magus Demon such as myself.
"You know I was only able to resist this long because we had common enemies, but there is nothing left. We are the last two demons in this realm. I, I can't deny my existence anymore. I can't push back the madness, Aleph. So kill me and consume my remains as you have all our enemies." The female demon who fought for so long by my side was now visibly shaking, I delude myself even further by ignoring the signs.
"I can't, we still have time to work something out! We have been researching-,"
"I FOUND NOTHING ALEPH… I can't hold back anymore, you can see it. You are special Aleph, no one but you has succeeded in casually ignoring their demonic desire. At least this way, my knowledge of magic and Demon Sigils along with my flesh will forever be apart of you."
I look at Vernal, a demon that had manifest next to me two years since I came to this land. She started out as a simple cat and bird like hybrid. I took her under my wing, and we gave each other our current names. We were family in every sense, but now her time has finally drawn near.
The older a demon gets, the more warped their minds become, and the less they can resist the desire to kill, rape, steal, or betray. All for the sake of more power. This is why we are the last demons left, why I will soon be the last demon left in this realm.
I was the only exception to this rule.
"Can I get on last hug? I'm going to miss them." Vernal asks as she approaches me, straining herself. We embrace each other for the last time, and as tears dripped down from her face, I speak.
"We went through so much, you know. The battle against Beelzebub and his Legion of Corrupted, being chased by Borgaz the Giant Hog. You helping me devour True Darkness which prevents new demons from ever forming. I will remember all of that, I swear, I will remember you, forever."
"I believe you, I am so sorry that I have to go, I didn't want to leave you alone big bro." She whispered, only for her wet eyes to slowly glow red in fury as she stopped suppressing her demonic nature.
Sigils started rapidly forming around her, but before anything could happen, I carve out a chunk of her neck with my shark like mouth.
After completely consuming her body, I leave the area.
Eventually I fly around until I spot Beelzebub's castle. Take a seat upon the old and empty throne, and just taking my time to grieve as the last living thing in this realm, all the while purple magic symboled we're floating around within my palm.
As hours turn to days, days to weeks, weeks to months, months to years, and years to decades. I only really had only question remaining in my mind?
"Why was I so special?" As I went through various complex calculations in my head. I began to meditate on the answers. Yet after centuries of internal thoughts, a detailed conclusion could be found, the only thing I had discovered was that my heart was different than the rest of my body.
It constantly released a soothing and warm energy throughout my body and was constantly protecting my mind.
With that being the hard limit of my discoveries, I had nothing left to do while I was trapped in complete solitude with in this realm forever. For a demon's body is immortal, and my odd heart prevents my mind from degrading.
Despite all this, I still felt no urge to kill myself. Not that I know if I even could in the first place. Time comes to a standstill as nothing unusual seems to be happening for the next however many years. I just watch as the time flies by, continuously practicing magic in hopes that I would one day be able create a portal out of here.
Yet still nothing, as I can only connect with someone else's attempts an opening a portal near me. The waiting continues, always on the lookout out for a connection point. Never losing hope, for some reason.
Until, it finally happened, someone was trying to call upon me! It was a connection point ever so faint and far away, but it would work! I quickly released an array of magic seals and linked my enormous pool of demonic magic to it. Binding the two gates together. A portal opens up under neath me and I fall through.
——————
"Ha, Haha, HAHAHA! I did, I finally did it Vernal, I am free!" My magic mostly drained, but my mind no less euphoric. After my declaration of victory, I finally took the time to get a grip of my surroundings. Only to find two rather very beautifully curvy elf like women. One with heavenly white hair and sapphire blue eyes, alongside the other with an abyssal black hair and ruby red eyes. These two were the people who saved me from the shitty demon realm.
Thanks to a spark of warmth from my heart, I instantly recognized the two. I realized where I was and the nature behind my weird heart.
This was my to be my true calling, I was supposed to be Isekai'd here through a summoning portal on earth eons ago. It seems that truck-kun got to me first however.
I stare at the girls, both of which were staring back up at me in fear on their plump behind, completely in shock. Understandable, as I am a rather tall (8ft) pale skinned muscular man with purple eyes and purple horns. Along with shark like teeth to boot. Plus being shirtless and covered in scares probably didn't help either.
"We, we have failed Kuro, we have summoned a monster!"
"It seems there is no hope for the Aether Kingdom, Shiro. Everything is over!"
The two huddled together and broke down in tears. I slowly approached them, which caused them to break down even further as they try to scooch away from me. Before they could move back too far, I grab both of them in my arms, embracing them, patting their backs slowly and gently. Then using the remaining magic I had left to help lull them into sleep.
From the dark circles under both of their beautiful eyes, they needed this. I let them use my thighs as pillows. In the mean time, I try an acclimate my sense of time back to normal while thinking through the events that had transpired.
So, I am the owner of the Dawn & Dusk Crystal Heart, huh. That means there are transmigrators for the other two as well? In the campaign of the game, the three Hearts work together in harmony uniting the sea, land, and sky against the monster lords' grande invasions.
Monsters were always a thing on Gaia, based on the lore that I can recall, but there are 7 Monster Lords that led the creatures to ravage the lands in an attempt to conquer the world.
There was a prophecy that foretold that three black haired heroes could be summoned during this perilous time, capable of unlocking the full power of the Astras using their Crystal hearts, and wielding other worldly knowledge and foresight. All to fight back against the evils.
While I vaguely remember the general story and how it will all go down, the finer details elude me. It is hard to remember the specifics of something that you were involved in so, so long ago.
The women began to wake up from their short nap, seemingly looking like they had caught up on every bit of sleep they have ever missed out on. You're welcome.
"Feeling better? I hope that my thighs were of little discomfort." The two quickly backed off away from me, but I give my kindest closed smile letting them have their space.
"Are, are you not a monster?" Kuro, the black haired and red eyed one questioned.
"No I am not, though I understand your reaction. The horns are an odd sight."
"You have the Heart?!" Shiro, the white haired blue eyed one noticed, "yet you do not have black hair? Why?"
"Ah, my hair used to be black, and my body used to look quite different. I have had a rather unfortunate experience occur, and my physical changes are a result of that."
"I see," Shiro replies, they both look upon my body riddled with scars from past battles. After a while, both blush realizing they were staring for a bit too long.
"Ahem, I apologize for our previous behaviors. Oh hero, please help save the Aether Kingdom from the blight of the Monster Lords. We will aid you in utilizing your Crystal Heart and become your first Astras to fight against these monsters."
"By becoming my first Artificial Astras, right?"
Artificial Astras and True Astras were the same in functionality, but were acquired completely differently. A True Astra is a living weapon manifested by a Crystal Heart through using Soul Prisms (the game's premium currency) as materials while Artificial Astras are people turned into a living weapon by having their soul consumed and transformed by a Crystal Heart (the game's free campaign characters).
The only big downside for the Artificial Astra is the fact that they can never surpass 4-Stars. While a True Astra are always at minimum 3-Stars, and can go up to 6-Stars.
However this is a real world, not just a game, and I have powers that shouldn't belong in this world.
"Yes, it seems you truly do have a gift of foreknowledge." Much of the tension in the air was resolved at that revelation. They finally believed me to be the hero they were looking for. "We shall begin the process immediately."
I secretly set up analysis sigils to study this process, and watch the two. They begin chanting while holding hands. One of them puts there hand on my chest, and my Heart resonates with them. Then, magic of a different nature than my own converts their physical form into energy that seeps into my heart, causing them to vanish.
This magic, there is something more to it. Something that the game didn't touch upon. Good to know.
I call them out right after some time, and both of them seem quite happy at the successful change. I can feel their souls being bound to me as well, though the bond is a bit weak. It will take a couple days for it to be fully formed.
Within that time Kuro is to be killed, huh.
"Now it is time to leave this place. This hero's temple itself is surrounded by some monsters and this will give you a chance to get used to fighting with us!" Shiro explains with growing enthusiasm.
"While we had been teleported here, you are not registered to our Kingdom's teleporters so we have to fight our way back." Kuro adds calmly. Having become completely relaxed with much of her responsibilities being fulfilled despite the hiccups.
"Do not worry, master. We are evolved by the Crystal Heart! We will grow stronger with every fight. Plus the monsters around the temple aren't that tough in the first place! All you have to do is sit back and occasionally guide us in combat!" Shiro say's excitedly.
Everything seems to be going well for them, they completed their duties of calling the destined hero as the Kingdom's priests, now they just need to escort me back to the Kingdom safely. This was the joyous turning point for their Kingdom, their world. They were on the fast track save it all. Both of them smiling at each other, and at me as well, having acclimated to my appearance.
I wanted to protect these smiles, as I owed them a debt for rescuing me out of the demon world, fate or not.
As we moved along through a forest outside the temple. We had our first monster encounter, a few wild charging boars. The sisters took them down with great fashionable ease, through the use of their dancing blade arts. The blood seemed to sparkle in the sunlight with each sword swing, their hips swaying with the flow of the wind, the chiffon dress untouched by the filth that was being flung around midst battle.
In contrast, a Demons method of combat were far more crude in comparison, just pure brute force and power. Not even the slightest bit of efficiency.
The only exception to this being a magus demons.
"You guys are good at this." I say as I go up and lift a boar up on my shoulder, the girls had mentioned we would be stuck camping the night. Well based on the assumption that my body was relatively human and needed sleep.
"Master… you are quite strong your self." Kuro looks as me in confusion. The player character does pretty much lay in the background during fights in the first place. My strength is usual.
"These horns aren't for decoration, the harsher the color, the more power I have compared to others like me."
"And what exactly are you? You are no human like the other hero's."
"Ah, but I used to be. Though I am more or less like a monster now in a way. However, the Crystal Heart protects my humanity. So no need to worry. "
Apprehension once again appears with the girls eyes, but they waved it off. They can feel the Dawn & Dusk Heart soothing their worries.
As some time passes, the sky darkens and we set ups camp at a near by cave. I let Kuro start cooking up a meal as I question Shiro about the properties differences within the Crystal Hearts.
"While it is true that the Crystal Hearts all have different summoning priorities, they also have slightly different functions.
They all protect the mind from corruption, but the Dawn & Dusk Heart also increases the overall luck of its summoner, making them gain more resources and more rewards (15% increase in all drop rates, and 5% increase in all critical rate and skill effect chances.).
The Lunar Heart increases the growth and strength of its summons and its user, making everything grow stronger faster (15% increase in all experience gain, 5% increase in all offensive stats).
Lastly the Eclipse Heart does a little of both while also increasing the toughness of its allies (10% increase in all experience gain and in all drop rates, along with a 5% increase in all durability stats)."
"So the Eclipse Heart provides the best overall benefits?" Same as in the game.
"Yes, but the Terrene Kingdom is also in a more dire state than the others, master." Shiro informs.
"Enough talking, the food is ready, hero. Though it may not be to your liking." Kuro bring out a bowl for me.
"It is fine I have had a good meal in a long time. I probably enjoy burnt toast with great pleasure." I joke, "by the way, the name is Aleph Laila. I would prefer you two to call me as Aleph."
"Understood."
"Of course."
"Thank you."
While none of the three of us needed to eat food any longer. For them, old habits die hard, and I just want something cooked in my mouth for once. I have been eating everything raw in the demon realm, not that there is much to eat casually in such a realm. I also greatly regret not learning how to cook my own meals.
I should get to changing that now that I am in a more civilized world. I also seemed to have absorbed some of the vitality of the boar, which meant that my demonic powers were working well in this world.
The boar also had this weird magic with in it. A lesser form of my own demonic energy, let's call it beast energy, that was refined and absorbed by me as well. A very minuscule amount mind you.
Overall, a great first meal, especially one to be enjoyed besides the campfire.
"Ah, I forgot to give you this Mast-Aleph." Shiro pipes up after finishing her meal. She hand over a small crystallized gemlike orb in her hand. "This is a Soul Prism, the storage method of power for most ordinary monsters. It is rare to fine them intact after a kill. This should help you obtain a True Astra, we just need a few more I believe before we can manifest the first one. I heard for the first time, manifestation is rather cheap."
Ah yes, the premium currency of this game. They aren't supposed to drop from monsters, but this world doesn't really have the ability to exchange 100 dollars to redeem a large amount of Soul Prisms. Fucking, gacha games.
I use my magic to study the crystal, and discovered it was just purified spiritual energy condensed into a crystalline form. I could mass produce this as long as I can find a method of purifying my demonic energy. However, I ate the boar, I should be able to do what it can. So why can't I create a Soul Prism in my own body?
I get a small throb from my heart, answering my question. I can't make one because of you, huh. Then it is what it is.
The girls attempt to keep watch, but eventually go to sleep again. Their minds not having fully realized they are no longer human, and therefor, should not need to sleep.
I keep watch in turn and eventually notice something approaching us from certain distance way. It stops and hides, the begins watching our every movement.
The beginning of an ambush? I do believe something like this led to Kuro's death in the game. An attack set up by the Scaled Queen if I recall. Let see what I can do about this. I use my powers to slowly vanish into the shadows from my current position, and fade in right behind the intruder.
"Hello mademoiselle, do you require some form of assistance?" I questioned, tapping on the shoulder of the intruder. She stiffly turns around and looks up at my towering torso. The woman was a black scaled draconian with violet eyes (much like myself) and lightly tanned skin. Her tail was limp and on the ground as her black wings were tucked in to better stay hidden.
I should get a shirt at some point.
"How did you-" I cut her off with my bare hand by clasping her face and squeezing in. A vile aura of blood lust pours out of me, seeping into every corner of her mind. She initially responds by trying her best to kick, punch, and scratch her way out of my grip. When all was pointless, she could only widen her eyes in shock and fear, somewhat like the twins had before.
This time, such fears held extremely validity.
"Now listen here woman, I know you are a scout for the Scaled Queen, and that you plan to kill me here while you can. I would rather not get blood on my hands this soon after coming into this world. So you have one chance. One shot to run away and disappear from my sight. Do not take this for granted. Understood?"
I can feel her try and nod her head as she mumbles an affirmative. I nonchalantly remove my hand and recede my blood lust.
"Good girl. You just did your best to stay alive today, ok." I say lovingly, as I gently pat her head.
"Y, yes. I did." Once filled with fear, the spy now was just flabbergasted by my demeanor. She felt like the past two minutes had just been an illusion.
"Don't let anyone ever tell you you were weak willed, ok. Your survival comes before anything else, there are very few things in the world worth dying over, but many things to live for. So go do that. Live a beautiful life, maybe even get married, and have kids. Only then contemplate death at my hands." I then flick her forehead, casting a spell to cleans her pant of her little accident, and lightly push her forward away from my camp.
She hastily bolts off, only to halt and glance back for a moment, then kept on running again
Children, they sure grow up fast, don't they?