Chapter 4 — First Meeting (2)
You're another me from another universe…!?
[Yup, I'm a version of you from a parallel world!]
Unbelievable! I never knew the parallel worlds theory was really real!
[Unbelievable, right? I was also shocked when I realized, so I had a difficult time adjusting… I mean, who would have thought a world with superpowers would really exist!?]
Based on your words, your world doesn't have a superpower society?
[Yup… A completely normal world without superpowers. Still, it was a world that wasn't bad!]
Kurogane smiled as he remembered his memories about his previous world. He was an orphan, but there were still many bonds he had formed in that world.
Although he was far too away now...
Meanwhile, Shirogane wondered what a world without quirks would look like.
Oh right, how did you get inside of me?
He inquired because it wasn't exactly comfortable to realize someone else had been living inside of him.
[I understand how you're feeling…]
Kurogane sympathized with his other half's uncomfortable expression.
[It was the doing of the Hero Crystal. When I woke up again after meeting It, I was already within you without being able to affect or control you in any way. Even my voice couldn't reach you…]
No wonder I never knew about your presence until now…
[It was crazy! A literal brain in a vat situation, but much worse because I was conscious and able to perceive the outside world!]
Kurogane complained bitterly with dread hidden in his eyes.
You really suffered too much…
Shirogane wryly imagined himself placed in that terrible situation. He couldn't help but shiver from fear.
[As expected of another me, we think the same!]
Kurogane smiled as he saw those fearful eyes.
When did you enter my body?
[A month ago. For a month, I spent my time accepting my new situation, gathering necessary information through you, and also understanding more about the Hero Crystal.]
Kurogane shortly explained.
I see, so it hasn't been that long.
Shirogane was relieved as he spent the month just studying subjects like history under his parents and then creating stuff inside his workshop for the entrance exam. In short, he never committed any embarrassing acts!
So during the month, what did you learned about the Hero Crystal?
[Since I'm bound to it, I have developed a natural understanding over it. Like an instinct on how to use it? I know about its abilities like Hero Transformation, and how it keeps my soul alive in a spiritual ghost state.]
Wait, You died!?
Shirogane was speechless when that bomb suddenly dropped.
[Yup! If I didn't die, would I still be in this state?]
That's true…
Shirogane pitied the man who had to endure various sufferings.
[Dying is the worst. Not a pleasant experience to endure, so don't try about doing It… My advice as a senior!]
Kurogane grimaced as he remembered the painful and cold sensation of how he slowly died.
Who would!?
[True…]
Shirogane then asked him about an important situation.
Is there any way you could leave my body? I mean you are basically imprisoned within me, so I want to help.
[It's okay now. The reason I couldn't talk to you back then was because our connections were weak. However, when our souls fused together as Hero X, our souls established a Soul Bond.]
Now that you said it, I feel a strange connection to you. But how does it help you leave my body?
[Since we've established Soul Bond, our soul connections help to nourish our souls as both of our strengths and weaknesses cover for each other. As of now, I feel like my soul will soon be nourished enough to solidify and detach from your body.]
That's great…
Shirogane was relieved in many ways.
[Ah, right. Our Soul Bond also means you're now officially bound to the Hero Crystal like me.]
Will it change something for me?
Shirogane vividly remembered that during the practical exam where he felt something influenced his mind.
[All I know is that the Hero Crystal protects and strengthens our souls. In return, by providing it with the thing generated by the soul, which is the power of mind, it will transform us into Hero X to gain incredible power.]
Ohh… What is the power of mind?
[I don't have clear ideas, but these are things generated by our souls such as emotions, feelings, thoughts, imaginations, memories, wisdom, knowledge, beliefs, faith—All sorts of things!]
Souls, huh…
Shirogane now understood that the concept called soul really existed.
It was an amazing discovery.
…
Can you explain to me more about Hero X? I'm really curious…
As someone devoted to creating Support Equipments, Hero X was the real definition of the pinnacle he was pursuing when it came to power suits.
[Like what? Ask me.]
Kurogane asked eagerly.
For example, is it similar to a quirk?
He shook his head.
[It's not a quirk. It's just my guts or instincts, but I believe it's a super futuristic advanced technology beyond any common sense. Well, you can also think of your assumption over It.]
Okay, I'll think over it.
Shirogane nodded.
[You also noticed how the Hero X-Suit Integrated and strengthened your tools right?]
I remember. It was amazing! Especially, when their intended functions were strengthened greatly!
[The integration is temporary for now, but it showed the technological side of the Hero X-Suit.]
Kurogane then smiled at him.
[I also realized something now.]
What?
[I believe you were not chosen by the Hero Crystal by luck.]
What do you mean…?
[Your ability to create tools. Your unique intelligence. Your inherent kindness. There are many more things I don't know about you, but I'm certain it chose you for a reason.]
He continued.
[The current Hero X is a blank state without any equipment or special features. But with your ability, you can create equipments for Hero X so that it can save even more people!]
Shirogane felt his heart beating rapidly as he listened attentively.
[With your ability, your perseverance, and your determination, you can perfect Hero X and eventually elevate it to higher heights!]
Kurogane stared at him. His eyes now full of faith and trust.
[I believe you. So, believe in yourself more.]
Shirogane nodded as clenched his fists tightly. His eyes were hot, but it was because of the joy of being acknowledged by someone.
He, who was always rejected.
Then tell me. More about Hero X.
Now gained the embers of courage to stand against fears.
I'll create tools for it so we can save and help many of the people!
[Compared to you, I can't explain its capabilities that clearly in detail, but I'll tell you about what I know.]
Kurogane waved his hand, attracting some of the nebula clouds made from metallic particles before forming them into Hero X.
[The reason I need your help to become Hero X is not only because of your ability to create, but also because I lack a physical body. To transform and affect the physical plane, a physical body is needed.]
So I'm like an anchor?
A skeleton, a foundation, a vessel – That was Kamado Shirogane.
[Yup! And I really have to save this! During our fusion I state, I'm certain your brain's capabilities works better than my previous body, but fighting was hard because of your shitty weak body! Good grief, how could anyone have such a weak body?]
Shirogane was slightly embarrassed. He knew full well of his weakness.
[I'm not here to make fun of you. What I'm saying is to make sure to take care of yourself better!]
I'll try…
[Good!]
Kurogane then proceeded to explain about Hero X.
[The X-Suit is created out of the particles being replicated and stored limitedly in the Hero Space. Yes, just like the cells of living beings, these particles are the building blocks of the X-Suit. Moreover, through the Hero Crystal, they can move at will!]
So they work like nanobots!
Shirogane also realized the design of the X-Suit seemed to be inspired by the structure of the human body.
[Now, I'll explain the fundamental layers that build the X-Suit.]
To summarize, the X-Suit was separated into three fundamental layer systems, and Kurogane explained them one by one.
First, the crystal gems system! The Emistals located in the various parts of the X-Suit had the function of concentrating and condensing the Emiscules generated by the Hero Crystal as a way to strengthen parts of the X-Suit, allowing it to perform empowered attacks.
What is the main function of the Hero Crystal for the X-Suit?
[It plays the important role of harnessing and converting the power of mind into an usable energy known as Emiscules that acts as the main energy source of the X-Suit.]
Amazing! To be able to form a new kind of usable energy just by using the abstract things produced by our mind...
[Yeah! And since the two of us are connected to it now, we should be able to provide it with enough sufficient energy! Wait, it sounds like we are human engines…?]
Second, the synthetic muscular layer! It was formed from metal particles that transformed into flexible crystallized metal resembling reddish crystal tissues that stretched over the whole body. Being powered by the Hero Crystal, it provided the X-Suit the power to move without difficulties. Not only providing increased movement, strength, and speed, it also served as a capacitor and pathways to the Emiscules, allowing it to store and channel them like a battery.
Last, the protective integumentary system! It was the outermost layer that granted protection through its thick and dense armor plates made out from the hardest and resilient type of metal particles recorded within the Hero Crystal.
When Shirogane examined the armour plates closely, he saw that the armour seams were able to separate and lock down into various spots, revealing the reddish crystallized metallic muscles that resembled the Emistals.
The external armor plates were suspended onto an underlay, which was the flexible muscular layer, meaning there would be no restrictions in movement.
After learning everything and performing some of his observations, Shirogane realized something about the particles that built the X-Suit.
All parts and layers of the X-Suit were made from the same kind of metal particles he now called Base Metal Particles.
The metal particles were like the shape-memory alloy he came across before. However, they were countless times advanced as they seemed to have the ability to change themselves according to some sort of mechanism.
In simple words, the metal particles were able to change their very own composition and structure into different pre-set roles recorded in a database.
Those pre-set roles were like the hard particles for the armor plates, the flexible crystallized metal particles for the synthetic muscles and crystal gems, and the base metal particles that filled the gaps to make all of them as whole.
And it was most likely the Hero Crystal that acted as the database and recorded the many pre-set informations that the metal particles could change into.
When he told this to Kurogane, it seemed the latter believed him and praised his analytical wisdom.
Shirogane was amazed and excited to realize this fact. It just showed the endless potential hidden within Hero X!
[I can't wait to transform into Hero X again… It should soon experience new changes since our first transformation involved only my traits.]
Kurogane was very eager to experience the new change of Hero X.
After I wake up, should we try transforming again?
[A good idea. But we should use it wisely because we can only use it for 5 minutes every 12 hours.]
That's true…
[Well, I'm sure our Hero Time will eventually increase in the future. Let's use it wisely at the right time.]
I understand! I'll try to train myself and use my tools in situations where we don't need the transformation.
[Good! When you're in a pinch, I'll definitely help you, so don't be afraid!]
I'll count on you if there's a fight…
Kurogane laughed and agreed to save his butt.
Shirogane smiled before noticing his body starting to fade.
[Oh, you're about to wake up now…]
Kurogane saw his body fading as a sign of waking up.
[Well, let's talk in the real world soon!]
Okay!
[In the meantime, you should familiarize yourself with my traits upon waking up. My traits should help solve the weaknesses brought by your albinism and the innately weak constitution you were born with.]
Huh, what do you mean?
[I told you right? Due to our Soul Bonds, you'll experience some changes!]
You should have explained clearly!
[Good bye!]
Kurogane waved his hand.
…
The next morning.
"Why does it smell so foul!?"
When Shirogane woke up, he frowned as he saw dark pungent dirt covering his skin and dirtying his bed.
For some reason, he felt his body brimming with vitality instead of the usual weakness and tiredness he felt whenever he woke up.
"This is gonna be a pain in the ass to clean…"
Shirogane glared at this bed before deciding to just throw them out and buy new ones.
"Just in case this happens again, I'll sleep in the bath tomorrow."
He took a mental note as he made his way to the bathroom, intending to wash away the pungent filth covering him from head to toe.
On the way, he also felt strangely light and his blurry vision had become slightly clearer.
"Is that me…?"
After looking at himself in the mirror, Shirogane saw how his appearance changed overnight.
There were strands of his white hair turning black from the root. It was not because of the dirt clinging to him, but they really turned black without being dyed.
Apart from his white hair, he also saw how his left eye turned into red like rubies while his right eye remained blue like aquamarines.
He then heard Kurogane speaking inside of him.
[Ah, test... Mic test... Uh, can you hear my voice?]
"Yes."
[Good! Finally, I can speak outside!]
Kurogane cried joyfully inside of him. Although it was weird imagine.
"Anyway, is this what you meant by inheriting your traits?"
[Yup! Inheriting my traits is a boon for you. Unlike your frail body, I had a healthy body that was strong and athletic. You're still in the process of inheriting and obtaining my physical traits. And of course, your height… It will also continue to grow taller."
As he remembered the adult Kurogane's towering height in the Hero Space, Shirogane gulped down as his smile became shaky.
Finally, I would get rid of my destined short height…!
...
After Shirogane was connected to the Hero Crystal, somewhere in the Hero Space...
A new star was born.
The new star...
…was a White Star.
O' Heroes...
Please forgive the selfish pleas of desperated foolish peoples...
....
Hey. Hold up. You're about to be robbed.
Give me your powerstones.
....
Now continue.