[Princess And Dragon]
An American-Japanese collaboration.
The game's inception came from an American developer's desire to create a dating simulation game. Inspired by similar Japanese games, he journeyed to Japan and struck a substantial deal with a prominent local game studio. The Japanese director was enamored with the American's concept for the game.
Five years of intensive development followed, during which most of the team doubted the potential success of the venture. Yet, the American and Japanese duo remained steadfast in their confidence.
And their belief bore fruit.
It became a massive hit.
Millions upon millions of copies were sold each month.
A historic achievement in this genre.
But here's the twist. This romance-centric game was far from conventional.
There were multiple facets beyond just romance.
Action, tragedy, drama, and even gore.
Indeed, it was a surprisingly violent game.
The goal was not just to woo the girls, but to survive.
With over a thousand distinct scenarios, only a handful were blessed with happy endings.
A true hardcore gaming experience, as some would describe it.
With the triumph of the first game, the creators ventured into a sequel that was equally triumphant.
As of 2022, three games were part of the series.
I can still recall how Ephera and I had laughed at the most disliked character poll for the trilogy for different reasons.
Edward Falkrona secured the third position.
In the ranking for the most dangerous character in the trilogy, he snagged the numero one spot.
He embodied the role of a [Major Antagonist] in the [First Game].
Progressing to become the [Main Antagonist] in the [Second Game].
Though he met his death at the conclusion of the second game, his influence still permeated the [Third Game].
***
I surveyed my own reflection in the mirror.
In my previous existence, I was lanky; now, I'm quite the opposite.
The renowned grey hair of the Falkrona lineage adorned my head, while my amber eyes were inherited from my late mother.
Denial was no longer an option. I accepted my reality even though I resented it.
That man did something to me, and I ended up within this game.
As the most reviled character.
My surroundings drew my attention.
This was my chamber.
Upon inquiry, a maid pointed at my room with evident trepidation. Unsurprisingly, I was loathed even within my own mansion.
Never had I received such venomous glares. Initially, the discomfort was unsettling, but I've grown accustomed to it over time.
As the game's lore informed me, I had harassed all the maids in this estate at least once, verging on assault. If not for Elona, I might have unleashed my predatory desires on every female under this roof.
I clenched my teeth.
Why couldn't he have dumped me into the protagonist's body? Or even a random passerby?
In this damned world, no one liked me!
Well, to be honest, I didn't really care.
Taking a deep breath, I settled onto my bed.
The mattress groaned and sagged under my weight.
"..."
Ignoring the bed's protest, I scanned my surroundings.
This was the grand chamber befitting the heir of the Falkrona Dukedom.
-Ding!
A screen materialized before my eyes.
Well, well, well.
I sighed, poking the screen with my finger.
======
[Edward Falkrona] [16]
[3rd Ascension]
[Falkrona Bloodline]
[Charm: 0.5]
[Affection Points: 0]
======
"Hey."
[...]
Silence.
"Answer!"
[Host?]
"Shut up! What the hell does that charm 0.5 mean?"
I snapped annoyed.
There were no stats like agility or strength, considering the game's mechanics hinged on the [Ascension] system. I had already reached the Third Ascension, which was a positive sign. However, why in the world was there a charm stat?
That wasn't even part of the original game!
[It indicates your charm level.]
The response was stoic.
"I know that, but what's the average?"
I asked, almost holding my breath.
Given that he had consigned me to this wretched existence, couldn't he have bestowed upon me a handsome face?
I had no way of knowing if I looked good, considering my preference for women.
I mean, determining if a woman was attractive was one thing, but assessing the handsomeness of a man?
That was an entirely different ballgame, wasn't it?
I was convinced my reaction was normal. Absolutely.
"Hey."
[From my data, the average is 20.]
"Fuck you."
[I can't host; I don't have a-]
"Shut up."
I cut off the AI before I lost my cool.
"Was 'that' guy who sent you to me?"
I posed the question, shifting my body to recline on the bed.
[Yes, Edward.]
"Call me master."
[No.]
"I'm not Edward, I'm Nyr."
[Not anymore.]
"I'll rip you apart."
[You're incapable.]
"Why did that guy send you to me?"
[To aid you.]
"Aid me?" I scoffed.
"That bastard planted me into the treacherous depths of the most perilous romantic game as the freaking main antagonist!"
With a mixture of frustration and anger, I lashed out at the screen, but my hand simply slipped through it.
[Edward, do you remember his words?]
I averted my gaze.
The man had mentioned that he couldn't resurrect Ephera on Earth. Did that mean it was possible here?
It seemed preposterous.
Resurrecting the dead was nothing short of a fantasy, or so I thought until this odd occurrence.
Now, though, I was plagued by doubt. Here I stood, trapped in a different world and an unfamiliar body.
Regardless, I had already mourned Ephera's death...
Upon meeting her brother, Emric, I had feigned detachment to encourage him to move on and relinquish his self-blame. I was the only responsible of her death.
"What am I expected to do here?"
[Do you desire death, Edward?]
"No, not anymore. I'm in a fantastical world; I should indulge a bit. I've earned it."
I forced a smile.
Who wouldn't?
Living within the very game I had spent countless hours playing?
"Now, let's get started."
I attempted to rise—well, at least I tried to lift my rather massive form.
Bloody hell.
[You need to exercise, Edward.]
"Water is wet."
[That depends on its state.]
"Are you really just an AI?"
I asked in genuine curiosity.
The way he communicated, he seemed more human than machine.
[Yes, I was crafted by--]
"By?"
[My master.]
So, his master remained a mystery.
-Knock!
"Step out!"
A voice from beyond my room interrupted our discourse.