'Is this what it feels like to become a girl?'
Although memories of the past remained a blurred haze, Nameless recalled being male... probably?
Such trifles mattered little now. For the current Cerydra and Hysilens, the past was a closed book. One must look toward the horizon, no? Besides, she possessed no means of reclaiming her former self. If the System's claims held true, perhaps acting out various roles across different worlds offered a sliver of hope.
'The task at hand is to play these two roles with every fiber of my being. Fortunately, it provided a "One Soul, Two Bodies" template; otherwise, I never could have adapted to the shifts in physique and gender.'
A petite frame versus a curvaceous, mature silhouette; the sensory data differed entirely. Having two bodies allowed Cerydra and Hysilens to experience these contrasts firsthand. The friction between skin and fabric served as a constant reminder: she forfeited one thing to gain another.
Cerydra, the white-haired girl, intended to turn her head to study the face of Hysilens beside her. Instead, an unexpected fullness dominated her vision. After a brief daze, Cerydra commanded Hysilens to perform a simple hop. As expected, that bountiful chest surged with a violent elasticity, much like a volleyball slammed against the surface of a pool, sending ripples through the water.
Moreover, Hysilens actually had water as abdomen!
"Phew!"
Cerydra's reaction proved surprising. She didn't display the petty jealousy of a young girl; rather, she exhaled in relief.
"They say an excessive figure makes walking a balancing act. To think I get to experience that sensation firsthand... I wonder if this is luck or a curse."
[Host, the world is selected. Please do not forget the System's missions and your character acting.]
[Upon mission completion, the Host may conclude the current world and undergo an evaluation. The System will issue rewards based on performance.]
[Should the mission remain incomplete, the Host may still exit prematurely, but at the cost of a "Severe Punishment."]
Cerydra, who had been ready to depart for the first world, suddenly found her curiosity piqued by the mention of a "Severe Punishment."
"Oh? Do tell. What exactly is this 'Severe Punishment'? Will it stir my desire for victory?"
[Severe Punishment refers to encountering the thing the Host desires least. Please do not tempt fate, or the outcome will be utterly wretched.]
As if to provide a warning, the System manifested a screen before Cerydra and Hysilens. It resembled a mobile browser. The System slowly navigated the cursor, hovering it over the "Browsing History" tab... Wait, what was it doing?
"System! Is that the outcome you're talking about?"
Hysilens's expression twisted instantly, her voice laced with gritted teeth.
"Fine! You've successfully sparked my competitive streak. If that thing ever sees the light of day, I'll take your name as my own!"
Being the same person, Cerydra's face also darkened completely, her previous composure vanishing. It made sense; no one could remain calm seeing their own "wretched" secrets threatened with exposure.
Within their shared heart, Cerydra and Hysilens swore that regardless of the cost, they would complete the mission. They would never exit a world early.
"Understood. Just start it already!"
Out of sight, out of mind. Eager to banish this wretched System from her sight, Cerydra urged the transition.
[Since the Host is determined, our journey begins now.]
★ ★ ★
Amidst a whirlwind of vertigo, the surroundings shifted rapidly. Cerydra and Hysilens, previously in an unknown void, arrived upon a desolate, frozen tundra.
[Current World: Akame ga Kill!]
[Mission 1: Overthrow the corrupt Empire and establish your own Northern Empire.]
[Mission 2: Recruit at least five named characters from the original work as subordinates.]
Scanning the panel, Cerydra fell into deep thought. A plan began to take shape. However, the immediate priority was escaping this wasteland. This was the world of Akame ga Kill!—beyond the threat of Teigu users, there lurked monstrous creatures known as Danger Beasts.
As the biological precursors to the world's powerful artifacts, while not every beast posed a direct threat to Cerydra and Hysilens, they could certainly hinder their progress or leave them lost in the snow.
"Hysilens!"
The petite Imperator uttered the name of her most loyal subordinate. She had clearly entered her role, beginning her portrayal of the entity known as Cerydra.
From the lore, this adorable monarch possessed distinct traits. First was her penchant for bestowing titles, most of which she devised herself—Hysilens as the Dux Gladiorium, Tribios as the Dux Fatorum, Aglaea as the Dux Goldweaver, and Cipher as the Wind of Dolos. Beyond them, a vast number of Chrysos Heirs held titles like Dux Draconum or Dux Lucens. Should Cerydra encounter suitable subordinates in the future, she would naturally grant them resonant titles.
Second was her iron-blooded ruthlessness. Holding a title like Imperator suggested Cerydra was anything but simple. The fact that she sacrificed 500 Chrysos Heirs to complete the Demigod's trial was enough to leave a profound impression of her cruelty.
Yet, despite such cold methods, her dialogue suggested a unique affection for Hysilens, showing a tenderness absent in her interactions with others.
"I am here, Imperator."
The response came in the mermaid's melodious, moving voice. Aside from absolute loyalty, it carried a mirroring warmth. Even if they were sovereign and subject, they viewed each other as unique existences. In their lore, Hysilens had spoken words bordering on a confession... Perhaps that was why the System paired them as the "Best Partners."
"Currently, I have no one by my side but you, my dear. Do you still swear your fealty to me, accepting the rank of 'Gladius'?"
The Empress looked at her knight, a glimmer of expectation in her eyes. She maintained her posture, arms crossed over her chest, awaiting the knight's answer.
In the original story, the end of Cerydra and Hysilens left many with regrets. But now... since this was acting, she would indulge herself a little.
"Imperator, I crave neither the deep seas of my lost homeland nor the oceans beyond the stars." The knight's emotive gaze met the Empress's bright eyes. "I am but a fish; how could I ever leave the sea in which I dwell?"
"Excellent, Dux Gladiorium!" Upon hearing this, the Empress's lips curled upward. "Then join me in the conquest of this world!"
"As you wish, Imperator."
★ ★ ★