"Are those things in the backpack from Dekomori?"
Shaka nudged Kuroneko with his elbow.
"I heard we're going on a long trip today, so I specially prepared snacks for the journey yesterday." Kuroneko twisted her waist to dodge, her gaze shifting to Mamenosuke. A hint of murderous intent flashed in her eyes: "I was counting on those too."
Mamenosuke shrank back in fear.
"You didn't prepare any food for me either, Master i was starving!"
Shaka was helpless; he clearly didn't have time to make new provisions. To ease the awkwardness, he pulled out the Familia crests he'd prepared in advance:
"Here, these are for you all. They're cursed items that reduce pain. Use them as needed."
The crests were shaped like crossed swords and wings, with a button on the back to activate the curse. It automatically triggers during combat and can be dispelled when not fighting. Shaka had made one for each member.
Kuroneko tried hers and said confidently: "The curse has no effect on me."
Dekomori flexed her hands, gripping a practice weapon loosely: "It feels so strange like im numb all over."
Shaka sighed: "If it's uncomfortable, just activate it during battles. As for you, Kuroneko, try to see if you can control or cancel the skill."
"No need," Kuroneko said firmly. "But I can assimilate it."
[Servant of the Night Demon! My other half return to the embrace of eternal night!]
The badge dissolved into black light and merged with Kuroneko's body. Now she could freely choose to apply the curse to herself or reverse its effects. What's more, enduring the curse long-term would increase her durability, and she was guaranteed at least one [Development Ability] upon leveling up a valuable gain, since such abilities aren't always guaranteed.
After distributing the crests, Shaka used 200 ability points to stabilize Kuroneko and Dekomori's states. Now, even if they logged off, their physical forms in this world would remain as spiritual vessels, waiting to be summoned again.
ABILITY UPDATE
Sanae (Dekomori)
Level: 1
- Strength: I20
- Endurance: I12
- Dexterity: I20
- Agility: I5
- Magic: I0
Magic:
[][][]
Skills:
[The Hammer of War]
- Activate at will
- When equipped with a warhammer, temporarily gains "Hammer Master"
- Effect scales with level
Hammer Master: Ignores warhammer weight and grants instant weapon mastery
[Giant Weapon Mastery]
- Increases Strength when using giant weapons
- Effect scales with weapon weight; maximum boost: Hyperdomain Enhancement
Shaka took the parchment from Astraea and couldn't help but marvel inwardly: Wow this is the start of a true powerhouse loli.
Dekomori struck a pose like a character powering up in Dragon Ball, shouting excitedly:
"Whoa! I can feel power surging out of me!"
With Dekomori showing such promise, Shaka felt confident about their journey. After watching Cecil leave with Kuroneko and Dekomori, he got to work,there was no time to waste with the monster tide approaching.
He returned to the backyard, laid out six sets of clothing, and approached the summoning circle to call forth his new familiars. Three slots were reserved for patients who required constant summoning and full magical immersion 24 hours a day; the other three were for temporary helpers summoned using liberated mental energy. Given the upcoming monster siege, he'd chosen his recruits carefully.
The magic circle glowed red as mana surged through it. The six sets of clothing billowed and expanded, filled with golden particles that eventually took human form.
First came the Hospice Care Team. Shaka had reviewed all materials sent by Iwanaga Kotoko.
"...Is this real?"
Konno Yuuki a girl with short purple hair held her hands before her in disbelief, touching her body to confirm she was whole. After years of illness, she'd almost forgotten what it felt like to be healthy.
"I really wish my sister could be here too." According to Kotoko, her older sister had given up her spot to let Yuuki come.
Beside her stood a white-haired girl with golden eyes and an innocent, blank expression she bore a striking resemblance to Ais Wallenstein. She said nothing, but her eyes sparkled with wonder.
And last was a girl with short pink pigtails who should have been full of energy and pride, but was now sobbing uncontrollably.
"Hahaha it's all real! Yui-nyan is back to normal!!!"
The girl calling herself Yui jumped up instantly, running around the backyard crying and laughing completely out of control, like an overexcited husky.
Shaka checked the notes:
- Konno Yuuki: Immunodeficiency syndrome
- Tachibana Kanade: Congenital heart disease
- Yui Yoshioka: Complete paralysis from head to toe due to an accident
Except for Yuuki, the others could be quickly improved by boosting their physical condition and recovery through the Falna blessing. Their cases ranged from Yuuki's severe chronic illness, to Kanade's congenital weakness (though she could still move basic ally), to Yui's acquired paralysis that had robbed her of all mobility. It seemed Kotoko Iwanaga was testing something with this selection.
Putting away his documents, Shaka turned to the three temporary helpers.
"Long time no see, Kageno-san. And nice to meet you, the legendary Blank."
On one side stood Minoru Kageno, with delicate features but a muscular build. Next to him were a handsome red-haired man with a confident smile, and a white-haired girl hiding behind him.
All three were watching the hospice care team with varying degrees of curiosity and no wonder; the trio looked like a mismatched pack of dogs: a husky, a samoyed, and a golden retriever.
Feeling the awkward atmosphere, Shaka stepped forward to speak:
"As you've probably already sensed, this is a genuine alternate world. Even if you don't believe it, I need you to treat this seriously, not like a game."
"Therefore, I ask you to treat each other with the same respect you would in our world. Swear before the sword and wings of justice that you will not act against the justice in your hearts. Those who break this oath will be banished from this world."
After explaining the basic rules, Shaka paused. The six newcomers exchanged confused glances.
Finally, Yuuki who stood closest to Shaka stepped forward, pressing her right fist to her chest:
"I, Yuuki, swear by the sword of justice to defend what is right with my life, and to protect the goddess's glory!"
"This is my new life I will become a hero in this world, leave my mark, and prove I didn't live for nothing!" she declared with unshakable resolve.
Only those who've faced true despair and illness can truly cherish this second chance. It didn't matter if they called it a game, another world, or an adventure for them, this place was a dawn of salvation.
With Yuuki leading the way, Yui bounded over. Her cheeks were still wet with tears, but her smile was bright:
"I'm Yui-chan! I swear too! Hey can I go run outside right now? I can't wait another second!!"
Shaka crossed his arms: "No using cuteness to get your way. Behave yourself first."
Tachibana Kanade looked a bit dazed and subdued as she quietly stepped forward: "Kanade... me too."
Shaka met her intelligent eyes, then sighed and decided not to push her to say more.
PS. The new players are shiro and sora from no game no life/ konno yukki from SAO/ minoru kageno from eminence of shadow/kanade Tachibana and yui yoshioka from angel beats.