Slimey and the Heroic Soul

Void.

All that surrounds me is an empty void.

I've lost track of how long I've been drifting this dark soup. Last I remember, I was walking home from my night shift of delivering pizzas. It's usually a calm and stress-free job with just around a dozen orders or so over the course of the night, balanced out with the below minimum wages and tips. That night was hectic though, caused by the event hosted by the local college student council. I don't remember what the event is, only that I skipped out on it to work a shift. Something must have gone wrong with their catering, which resulted in them just ordering pizzas and fried chicken. Can't really complain though, since I got a hefty amount of tips for the fast service. My eagerness to finish the delivery and get out of there must have contributed to it, as I'm not keen on parties anyway and I don't want to get dragged into attending. After that, I just delivered a couple more pizzas before it's time to end my shift. My place must be close to the pizzeria, since I remember just walking towards my house. That's... everything, I think. One blink and I was here.

Which I know is not right. I'm sure that something, or someone, must've caused this. Sleep deprivation, blunt **** trauma to the head, heck, even a goddamn portal opening up and swallowing me whole. I just can't remember it. I felt a sense of deja vu, like I've had this feeling before. Every time I wake from my random bouts of unconsciousness, I feel the void eating at me, consuming every piece of my memory until there is nothing left. Maybe the next time I wake up, I'll only remember delivering something to a random important location and suddenly waking up here.

The fact that I don't even remember my own name doesn't even surprise me anymore. Still, there's this gnawing, at the back of my mind. What happened? Why am I here? ...Who even am I?

"Carnachias, are you sure this is the one?"

A faint thing of light appeared at the distance...

"Yep, 100% sure. Is something wrong?"

...followed by another.

"...Take a look at this."

"What?!? But I just found it a couple of days ago. It's already deteriorated this much?"

"We can still save what's left of it. It's your call."

"Let's do it! I have a good feeling about this one."

They brightened up this empty void, even if just a tiny bit...

"Fine, but let me do the talking. And for the sake of both our sanity please take your fingers off of your clit."

"Pfff, spoilsport."

When I come to, I'm no longer in the void, but in a vast temple courtyard filled with all kinds of stuff. Marble pillars, exotic flower gardens, a lovely patio, and a water fountain. At least as far as the normal stuff goes. There's also the assortment of dildos, chastity belts, modern vibrators (?), and chains, as well as from what I can tell are BDSM gear. I don't think water should be colored purple, and those flowers look unnaturally creamy. At least the patio looks somewhat normal. Wait, is that a-

"...monstrosity without equal, to despoil their cities, and **** their women, and defile their saints. All of this and more shall be given."

"..."

I turned to the source of the booming voice. It's a girl, with dark brown hair and pale ashy skin, dressed in what appears to be a black and blue ribboned dress. For such a loud voice, her figure is cute and small, almost child-like. Her horns and oversized wings only seem to accentuate her tiny size. Her piercing blue eyes stare at me intensely.

As for the girl beside her, she has dirty blond hair and similarly ashy skin, though dressed in a more risque black-and-gold outfit that reveals her belly and breasts. Her figure is much more endowed, though still within reasonable proportions. She also has the horns and wings, but they look smaller than the other girl. Her shiny golden eyes look at the other girl with glee and a hint of smugness.

"Carnachias, can I kill this guy?"

A brief look of panic shot through the blond girl's face.

"W-wait wait, no. Let's not be hasty here, Mel."

"I told you not to call me that!"

What is going on...?

The blond girl, whose name is apparently Carnachias, turned to me and explained.

"Look, anon, we've seen your innermost desires and we deemed you worthy of getting our blessing or something, so we made you our champion against the Light!"

The other girl, named Mel, sighed and continued where Carnachias left off.

"That's right. Ruyanei, the world we'll be sending you to, has been a place of conflict between the Light and Dark. It is a world previously dominated by monsters. However, the forces of Light with their heroes managed to beat back the Demon king and push back the monsters."

"Those heroes are massive cheaters, by the way! Us forces of the Dark might start off strong and plateau in power, but those heroes can grow limitlessly and overpower our strongest fighters, even if they start off as weak, piddly beings. The blessings and perks they get at high levels are ridiculous!" Carnachias added.

"Fortunately, we have measures of our own. A new demon king is on the rise, we've increased the reproduction rates of this generation of monsters, and we've placed as many dungeons on human land as we could. And lastly, we have our trump card: You."

Me? Is this the champion against the Light thing you guys were talking about?

"Yes. Your human soul belongs to the Light, and as such have limitless potential for growth. We shall make you a monster, capable of evolving beyond any other by defeating the spawn of men. You shall start off weak, just like all the other creatures of the Light, but then... ohoho... But then...!" Mel starts rubbing her hands together menacingly.

Now it's Carnachias' turn to sigh. "She always get carried away with these stuff. Anyways, let's start customizing your body!"

Wait, like in RPG games? Oooh, sounds exciting.

"Hehehe, I knew you would say that. Here are the cores compatible with your soul. Pick one."

I started browsing for the core with the highest stats.

"Oh, before I forget. All the stat percentages stack additively." Carnachias flashed a smile, but her eyes are slightly judging. Oh well, might as well pick the options I prefer.

First off, the monster cores. Carnachias is enthusiastic when showing me these. Out of the four info cards I've been shown, Arcane and Powerful are what my gut is telling me. Humiliating just inflicts mental anguish to the victim (A fast track to becoming 'Public Enemy #1'), and Seedbed seems like an awful idea for someone who hasn't taken care of someone else before.

Torn between Arcane and Powerful, I eventually settled into Arcane. Powerful might be simpler in terms of both power scaling and '****' management, but it's also quite boring. Also, I haven't played much into the magic side of RPGs, so this will be a good learning experience.

I was about to confirm my choice when I saw both Mel and Carnachias both staring at me intensely. A bead of cold sweat drops down from my forehead. Am I making the right choice? What if I became a weak monster? I am a Champion of the Dark, after all, I should at least make a somewhat optimized-

"Do not fret, mortal. You are our chosen champion, and as such we extend a certain degree of trust in your decisions. We assume that your decisions, now and in the future, will be in the service of eradicating and/or corrupting the forces of Light." Mel reassured me. "Also, call me Melanoche." Melanoche, gotya.

I've confirmed my choice of an Arcane monster core. Immediately after, I feel the core enter my body, alongside a plethora of arcane and cosmic knowledge entering my mind. In return, a massive shower of blood pours out of my chest, yet I don't feel anything, even emotionally. I feel a massive weight lifted off my shoulders and my eyes gain a distant look. I feel a strong urge of curiosity, to know and understand everything around me. I really want to lick the courtyard floor, just to know what it tastes like, but I stopped myself out of both disgust and embarrassment.

Melanoche and Carnachias both seem to find joy at my sudden mental anguish. Carnachias states... "Oh, that Arcane core resonates with you more than I thought. Interesting... I bet you are very curious right now..." ...sensually. Melanoche just smiles. The core part of my body screams for me to touch the two girls, but once again I stopped myself. I feel the core loosen its grip onto me slightly.

"N-next, please." I croaked, first time I've ever spoken a word since before I got lost in the void. Carnachias goes back into her cheery disposition.

"Ok, now, what size do you want your starting form to be at?" Carnachias once again presented me with four info cards. If my RPG senses from playing games I don't even remember the name off, is that stealth and deception is the absolute king. As such, Huge and Massive seem to be both no-go's. Those sizes just put a massive target on your back despite the power increase, and the perks don't seem to be powerful (Sorry, Melanoche). However, the other two seems enticing. Being small allows me to hide better as well as gain more experience, while being Human-sized allows me to blend in better as well as gain an additional class. After much deliberation, my dislike for social interactions win over and I pick the small size.

"Nice choice. You're probably gonna change size as you evolve, anyway." Whelp, that was moot. At least I get the experience boost. "Next is the family of monsters you belong to. These are usually restricted by the type of monster core you have, but fuck it, pick whatever."

Carnachias shows me a whopping ten (10!) different info cards for monsters. Bit of a jump from the usual four choices I've been given previously. Still, they are all distinct from each other and have their own strengths and weaknesses. My inner subconscious is delighted, even if I don't know why. Skimming through the choices, one monster caught my attention.

Slime
Perk: The Magic Blob
You gain the ability to leach magic from your enemies, start being able to drain all of novice mage's mana after a minute of contact, and this ability grows with you. Your defense against spells is augmented by 300%.

This, combined with my arcane core, would be perfect for my mage build. I cast a quick glance at the remaining two monsters, and finally picked Slime as my monster family. Carnachias smiles faintly.

"And with the secondary stuff out of the way, let's move into the important stuff. What is your greatest tool in giving all those luscious hoes in the side of Light a dose of Dark cultural enrichment going to be like?"

She then presented me with three info cards, above three smaller ones about add-ons. Packages, huh? Haven't really thought about it, since I'm not too much into those kinds of stuff. Still, having tentacles would be nice, if just for moving around.

"I do not recommend using these for movement. They are quite sensitive."

Seriously?

"Yes." Carnachias looks at me, steely-eyed. I'm suspecting that, while they are usable in that capacity, she would prefer them being used for more devious acts.

Can I strangle or tie someone up with these, at least?

"It depends." Dang, she's really sparse with the details here. "Anon, I'd prefer you experience these things yourself. If you are insistent on what you want to do with them, go right ahead~." That last part made me jump a little bit. Carnachias chuckles a bit and returns to her normal state, while Melanoche just rolls her eyes.

After deliberation, I picked the Standard Package (Needle injector tentacles) + Mindbreak Addon. Both on the premise of "Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it." Essential is too little, and Complete is too much that it might complicate some things. Standard seems just right. "Yes, you can retract the needles if you want to..." Nice. That's my "tool" against the Light.

"Whew, finally done. You've really made this harder for me and yourself, anon. I'd be lying if I say I'm not interested, though, just that you should let yourself loose a little. I see great potential in you." Carnachias comments. Why does she keep mentioning my potential? "Also, its not **** if the god says it isn't. Remember that." She winks. Gotya...

"You can reflect on your choices later, anon." I saw Melanoche, crossed arms, as she said that before assuming a more dignified posture.

"My Chosen, it's time to bestow you with the unique powers of Dark, that which is only accessible to our creations. Monster Powers. I'll present you with one, but if you have somehow acquired more, you can select them. Furthermore, I will include a way of gaining these within Ruyanei, but be forewarned that they will be arduous tasks."

Melanoche showed me six info cards for monster powers. While they are powerful, they are either simple, require a lot of management, or too specific for my tastes.

"You dare call our blessings simple, anon?" I shivered, hairs up on ends. _Look, both Dungeon Master and Broodsire require me to manage others, either as a Dungeon Master or as a Father. Elemental Infusion only grants me the power of a single element, what with all the elements that exists in Ruyanei. Timefruit Juice either works like VATS in Fallout, which increases for every enemy I take on and I can dump everything onto a single one, or I can just make two actions on each target. Either way, doesn't really help if all my options are just "Slap", "Fuck" and their variations. They are all very powerful, I'm sure, but they really are... just that. _Still, Melanoche narrows her eyes even more. S-status Effects and Final Form looks cool, though.

"...You are overthinking this, anon." Melanoche finally softens her gaze. "You don't need to explain yourself to anyone. Not to me, especially not to Carnachias, and not to anyone." The latter pouts in the background. Mel put both of her hands on my shoulders and stared right into my eyes."Pick what you feel is right, and so long as you stand with the Dark, we will support you."

"Aww, that was so kind of you, Mel. You should jack him off, ease his worries a little bit~."

Melanoche returns to her serious look. "Shut it, Carnachias."

Hehe, thank you for that Melanoche. I... I'm okay now. I'll choose Status Effects for my Monster Power.

"Good, can't have our Champion being a nervous wreck now, can we?" Melanoche states. "I am looking forward to seeing your Final Form, though. Don't let me down~"

Why is she so good at making people at ease? Is it just me?

"With that out of the way, I think I've mentioned the advantages of being a human Light-based soul, right? Your human soul allows you to gain a Class, similar to the monsters' evolutions and powers. It's a collection of powers and skills that can evolve, either by increasing in level or once the cap is struck, promoting into a higher Tier Class. Tier I is the weakest, and Tier X being beyond mortal means. Note that all the Heroes will have multiple Tier VIII classes. You will start at Tier II, and with one class, plus as many extra ones you have unlocked. Furthermore, you can unlock Classes after surviving in Ruyanei by fulfilling the conditions below, with a limit of..."

I hold my breath in anticipation.

"Six classes! Six different Classes... This is unheard of."

Six classes huh... If even humans and other Light beings can't get six at a time, it definitely is a huge boon. Interesting...

Melanoche showed me six info cards for Classes. The others seem interesting and cool, but considering my core and monster, picking Sorcerer seems like a no-brainer. Although, a slime transforming as a bow or a knife seems quite amusing.

"Good choice. Now, you hold the most potential of all my creations. However, I fear that it might not be enough..."

Seriously? How jacked are these heroes?

"It's because the Light side cheated super hard!"

"Indeed, and for that, I feel no regret granting you one last gift. A 'cheat' of your own, if you will. Pick one."

Melanoche showed me six info cards, of what is possibly the hardest decision of my unlife. Each one holds great value and coolness that is very hard to pass up.

"I didn't know your face can curl up like that. Hehehe~." Melanoche teased.

Err... Uhh... Umm... Mmmm! Hero's Soul!

"An interesting choice. I thought you would've picked the Pro Gamer HUD. Any reason why?" She turns her head sideways.

"I hate grinding." It just came right out of my mouth.

Melanoche smiles. A knowing, menacing one. "I see." W-what does that mean?

"Told you so, Mel. You owe me." Melanoche's smile turns into a frown at Carnachias' statement. "Yeah yeah, whatever Carnachias." Carnachias just beams in the background, a smug grin plastered on her face.

Melanoche once again shows me the Class info cards. I picked Assassin since one of its promotions, Poisoner, pairs well with the Sorcerer's one, Alchemist. Finally, I can roleplay as Walter from that Bad show.

"And with that," Melanoche stares levelly at me, "you are anointed. But before you scourge earth and sky, we will reveal onto you the nature of your enemies, the accursed Saintesses of Light."

Melanoche showed me five info cards, detailing the information about the Saintesses as well as their classes, archetypes, strengths and weaknesses. All in all, very tough nuts to crack. Curious about the witch lady though, Arch-Imago Citrinas. Her magic ability clashes with my Anti-magic physical form and Sorcerer abilities. Concerned about the Hero and Dragon lady, both very devoted to the cause of Light and probably can't be swayed. Uncertain about the Amazon lady, and the Bishop is just a bitch. Still, would not want to meet with any of them if I can help it, even when I'm properly leveled. Ruyanei is vast, however, and the probability of each of the heroes going their own separate ways is likely. Probably even more likely since the world is now peaceful and there's no need for them to gather. Hopefully. Killing one of them, should be a need or desire to, would be... interesting.

The Dragon Lady... Ruya... Ruyanei. Is there a connection there..?

"Having second thoughts, already, anon? They are very overpowered, indeed. There should be something to sweeten the pot, right Mel?"

Melanoche's eyes narrowed with suspicion towards Carnachias. "I don't know what you're talking about, Carnachias. I intend to bestow immortality and the ability to step in between the plane(t)s were he to succeed."

Carnachias' eyes in turn narrowed with deviousness towards Melanoche. "Uhh, yeah no. He can get that just by walking out of here and drinking from the fountain. I think I have an idea. A great idea, in fact."

Carnachias suddenly turns to me. "Anon, what do you think of my sister?"

Melanoche? Well, I think she's... Cute? Caring? Patient and understanding? Also can be very menacing when she wants to. Wait a second, aren't you both-

"Hahaha! It seems like Mel's charms are working perfectly." I glance at Melanoche, her looking unamused at her sister's antics. "How about this, anon? If you win, I'll give you her hand in marriage- wait. No, that's worthless. I'll give you her as a ****."

Melanoche's face shifts towards surprise, then annoyance. "Wha... No. I refuse."

Carnachias winks at Melanoche. "You owe me, remember~"

"That was a stupid bet and you know it."

"You still owe me. Besides, this is your chance to get some action, you 40k year old virgin."

"I REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT BET. AND CEASE YOUR IMPLICATIONS IMMEDIATELY."

Carnachias turns to me again. "Anyways, that's all. Good luck anon, have fun **** wherever you go! See ya. I'll prep sis for your cock." She then vanishes into thin air.

"A-and listen carefully when someone's talking to you next time!" Melanoche hastily added, then chases after Carnachias. "Get back here you b-"