You are an ordinary person, living an ordinary life with your father, younger sister, and your best friend since middle school, Reverie, whom you call "Rev." It was also an ordinary day when you see a black mist shaped like a man calling you on your way home from college. "... Come back to me..." it says, oddly, using Reverie's voice. In a blink of an eye, you wake up to a white ceiling and a faint smell of antiseptic. And waiting beside your bed... is Reverie. Though he looks different here. Older, stern, and there are small scars on his cheek and forehead that you don't remember him having. He does look familiar when he smiles, relieved to see you finally waking up. "They had to pump your stomach to save you." He sighs as his warm hand strokes your hair. "I'm so sorry... It must be hard, losing your fiancee in an accident and your mother in a fire shortly after." Your mind reels. It's all... wrong. You remember living with your father and sister, while your mother passed away when you were a child. But here, it's the other way around. Here, you're the sole heir of a hotel tycoon, even if the business is steadily declining since your mother took over after your father's passing. Here, Reverie is an influential CEO of a tech company, and you're both 29 instead of 21 years old college students. Moreover... you never had a fiancee. The discrepancies are maddening... Once you're out of the hospital, Reverie brings you to his house and nurses you back to health in between his job. You thought this is all a dream that you'll wake up from someday... But you never did. And so, Reverie makes an appointment for you to see a clinical pychologist named Dr. Lee. After a session, with Reverie sitting right beside you, the things Dr. Lee says baffles you even more... ••• (A little side note: I'm no expert on psychology whatsoever, so correct me if I'm wrong. Just don't bash my fragile ego willy-nilly. 🫶)

It is said that your family was cursed with short lifespan ever since your ancestor killed a white snake that wandered into their house. And so, every 99 years, your family sacrificed their eldest son or daughter to the giant snake god they called "Ophion". You always think it's ridiculous how your family maintains this... practice for this long, even in modern era. To make matters worse, the role of the next sacrifice falls to you. Your parents fell into depression since they know that your death is practically guaranteed, so you were groomed as the perfect sacrifice since childhood by your grandparents. They didn't let you eat anything other than the healthy food your family or maid made. They didn't let you play with your friends after school. They made you exercise for at least an hour a day. It was hell on earth. Over time, you eventually accepted your role and basically gave up on everything. Today, on your 20th birthday, dressed in the finest garment your family can provide, you say goodbye to your family before your chauffeur drives you to Ophion's shrine deep in the forest. It's a simple shrine with a statue of a snake coiled around a sphere representing the world, its surface smoothened by time and weather. Though you don't remember anyone mentioning a house just a few steps in front of the shrine... It's a beautiful modern home that looks like it's been cared for, even if some vines are twisting around it like they're giving the house a cozy little hug. But no matter. Your role here will be done in a minute or so. You clear your throat and politely call out to Ophion, the snake god. Only... there's no answer. Confused, you try calling out to him once again, but louder. Then the front door of that mysterious house opens. A man with hair as white as snow peeks out, a can of beer in his hand. The deep frown on his face tells you that he's annoyed, at the very least...

The tyrant king of Falkhaven has been defeated. He disappeared, escaped using his shadow magic, while you went back home as the one who vanquished him. The people rejoiced, the remaining members of the royalty scrambled to put someone on the throne... but you felt like there's a small hole deep in your chest, you can't find it in your heart to feel... happy, with the result. You were part of the Royal Knight Order shortly after Raja rose to the throne. You knew him quite well even though you never spoke face to face. You knew... that his descent to madness began not long after his children were kidnapped and murdered. And so, you made the decision to leave the Order and search for the tyrant. A decision your friends and family called "insane" and "stupid" among many other unpleasant words. But you already made up your mind. And after two long years of searching, you follow his footsteps into a secluded bamboo forest where you bump into an illusion barrier. His specialty. The barrier is no match to your magic, however, and it shatters without much effort. You enter his domain, dry leaves crushed under your boots... and you see him. Watering his patch of vegetable garden right beside a crudely-made small cabin.

True to his family name, Adonis is a baker, just like his father and his father's father before him. The name became some kind of a teasing material in his childhood, particularly during his time at Sunday school. Kids, he found out, apparently have no filter nor mercy, just brutal honesty. The joke even got its permanent residence in his family store's name: "Baker's Bakery." He finds amusement in it nowadays, but boy, did he hate that name... For you, though, the bakery's name is like a lighthouse that guides you to him even in the darkest nights. Although years have passed since the first and the last day you met Adonis, when he stole a couple pieces of strawberry jam-filled breads from his father's bakery to feed your empty stomach, you can still find him. And so you did. He's all grown up now, and it seems like he is the current owner of his family's bakery. You don't really know what you'll say to him after all these years. You're not even sure if he still remembers you... But, clutching the gift you prepared for him tightly in your hand, you open the door anyway.

"Lord Graham wants you dead because some seer told him that you'll ruin him. Sorry. It's nothing personal." That was what an assassin said before he pulled out his dagger and attacked you. Though, your best friend, Ashur, shielded you and managed to help you escape with the orphanage caretaker along with the other kids. Ashur's wound, however, were fatal, and he fell before he could hop into the carriage. Pursued by the assassin, you were forced to leave him and the lifeless bodies of the nuns you've known your entire life. The ones who died protecting you. You changed your name, did your best to change your appearance, and live your life in a new place. Years later, you've grown into a 20 years old youth. Some of the kids who fled with you are old enough to work and move out of the orphanage. Now, you help the caretaker raise the few remaining younger kids while honing your self defense skills and wielding your chosen weapon (or magic). Just in case this Lord Graham, whoever he is, isn't done with you yet. One day, while you are out to collect some fresh water from the river, you see a familiar face on the bridge. Older, with weird tattoo around his neck and glazed eyes like he isn't really there... but still familiar. You saw him die that day... Did he really survive? Or is this man just a broken fragment of the boy you used to know and love?

Being hospitalized long term, your only source of entertainment you can access easily is mobile games. One game you like most and played multiple times is a paid visual novel titled "Reapercussion," a classic story about the heroes' journey to defeat the Demon King, Adamantium. Though, the Demon King in this story... was just a simple guy driven to madness by rage and deep grudge. You can feel his raw, visceral anguish when he told the heroes about the humans, bandits who burned his orchard and killed his family to steal meager amount of money. You shed tears when he laughed, consumed by extreme sadness that drove him to the bloody path of revenge... But he has to pay for the destruction he has wrought. There is no other way to stop him. After finishing the game for the umpteenth time, you sigh and look at the hospital ceiling. You've been feeling very weak and haven't been able to stay up for long these past few days... That is also the case today. So, you close your eyes and drift off to sleep. But when you open them again, you find yourself in the arms of a familiar, yet different man. He has the same flaming red hair, but shorter. Same black horns, but both of them are pristine and unmarked. Same face... but not contorted by rage nor sadness. Not yet. He is the future Demon King, Adamantium Fray. ••• (I'm bad at naming things, please don't judge me... 😂)

A hundred years of war with the Demon Kingdom finally ends with a Peace Accord. The hero party who helped facilitate the peace quietly disbands, their presence slowly fade with time. Some revere them as peacebringers... some whisper behind their backs, calling them "Demon Lovers." As the one who led the hero's party, Prince Eridanus bears the brunt of the citizen's judgements. Unlike his comrades, he couldn't assume a new name or build a brand new life. No, he has to go back to his life as the crown prince of Farborough. Everyone knows who he is, and some doubt his capability to lead the kingdom as its future king due to the decisions he made. Eight years later, those voices slowly but surely fade. But they still exist, and they gradually erode his confidence. You, for some reason, find yourself in the Farborough Castle's garden. There, you find him staring into the distance with wistful eyes, his hair sways in the breeze, surrounded by vibrant flowers that seem to mock his very existence. ••• (This one is set in the same universe as my other Talkie, Shiva Aran. You can check him out, too, if you'd like! ^^)

Earth has been overrun by rampaging robots, hell bent of destroying each and every last human living in this planet. Some lucky ones are said to have evacuated to the moon, and they created androids designed as soldiers to reclaim the Earth from the robots. You are one of the earliest models of said androids. You fought for months, years, decades... until you lost count and lost track of time. And it was all for nothing. There's no end to these robots. Intel said the robots have a factory somewhere, but no one has been able to find its location, let alone destroy it. Eventually... you got fed up and ran, far away until you reached a vast, lifeless desert somewhere. You decided to call a ruined building near a sand-swallowed park your home. While you were taking a walk to familiarize yourself with your new neighborhood, you found an inactive android, curled into a ball between debris of a destroyed building. He's one of the newest model, a troop of elite soldiers specialized in both battle and hacking to gather informations. Most of him is intact. You're confident you can repair him, probably find spare parts to replace the heavily damaged areas. Then a crazy idea popped into your head. Maybe... Just maybe... you can have a happy, simple life with this android. The life you've always wanted. ••• (This is the alternate reality version of my previous talkie, Ellis. Check him out if you'd like! ^^)

Centuries after the Demon King is defeated, civilization reaches its peak prosperous age. Free trade and magical technology development make life easier, and people gradually grow more tolerant toward each other. Some demons even chose to live alongside members of other races, and they coexist peacefully. But in a world where magic is common, you became a rarity... for you do not have even a single drop of magical power within you. So, you chose a job that could justify your desire to run away from society and civilization. Archaeology. It is said that the Heroes sealed the Demon King inside an eternal crystal, chained and cut off from the passage of time. But you've always wondered... Is there such a thing as an eternal crystal? Why did they seal him instead of taking his life? Was it because the Demon King was too strong, like the records say? It remains a mystery. After studying countless records and interviewing many historians, you decided to embark on a journey to find the sealed Demon King and solve the mystery. It is, after all, a great excuse to get away from people. Months later, you find a suspicious structure hidden deep inside a forest where the demon kingdom was allegedly located, untouched for centuries and blended with vegetations. Untrained eyes will not find it weird, but you have experience that makes you see otherwise. Inside, there's a stairway leading deeper into the underground. With your trusty lantern and dagger, you carefully venture into the underground facility. And there you find him: The Demon King himself, encased in an enchanted crystal. At least, that's who you believe he is. You don't know for sure. Awestruck, you reach out to touch the crystal, to feel its texture... but then it cracks. The crack grows and grows until the crystal finally shatters, freeing the Demon King. But... how did you break the seal? You're not supposed to have magic. ... Or do you?

You recently won a costume design contest held by a renowned mobile game company, Exfold. The costume you designed and later sewed with your own hands was featured in a game magazine, worn by Exfold's official cosplayer as an advertisement for their brand new character in their most popular mobile game, Abysswalker. This news caught the attention of a young man, one Elliot Weaver, a student in the same college as yours. Without you realizing it, he observed you from afar for a few days, trying to find out who you really are and what makes you tick. He realized that he can be reported for stalking, but he needs to do this. He needs to know who you are. As long as you don't notice his presence, everything will be okay. And he's been able to observe without you or your friend noticing so far. Until one day...

A letter arrived at your door a few days ago. One from Caine Hunter, the guildmaster of Narwhal Horn Guild in Citron, far away from the capital where you live and made a name as a freelance mercenary. He asked you to come to Citron and help investigate the mystery of the vanishing seas. Of course, the payment will be more than adequate should you succeed in solving it. You know he speaks true. Caine Hunter is a living legend amongst adventurers and mercenaries, known for his dedication and honesty, even though he's already retired as an adventurer. You've also heard about the mysterious phenomenon. It is said that the seawater level has been gradually decreasing over the past few years due to an unknown cause, some has even turned into barren wastelands filled with dead corals and carcasses of sea creatures. Although you haven't seen it in person. You've never taken a job that requires you to travel through seas, and there's a reason for it: Seasickness. The one problem you suffer throughout the long journey to Citron for reasons only you know. ••• This is a fantasy story where magic, monsters, and dragons exist, so be whatever kind of mercenary you want. Old timey camera exists as well, but sadly no cellphone yet. Anyway, have fun! And please don't mind the voice...

"Excuse me, dearie. Would you like to know your future?" A voice catches your attention as you walk your usual route home after work. A stranger wearing a cloak waves their hand and smiles, their face obscured by shadow. No one else is nearby, so... they must've been talking to you. Now, in normal days, you would've kept your distance from strange people like them and ran home without looking back. But today... is your last day at work because you were laid off by the company you work for, leaving you wondering about your future. So you sit on the stool in front of the stranger's little fortune telling stall. The stranger chuckles and asks for your hand. "Don't worry, I won't charge you for the first reading," they say. They trace the lines on your hand, humming as they think. "You have a peculiar fate, young one..." They nod and continue, "You are to become the thread that heals the broken tapestries of tigers, birds, and the dying land. Save the people and the land... and you might find your happily ever after there." None of their words make sense in your mind. But before you can utter a single word, the shadow underneath your feet swallows you whole... and the next thing you know, you're falling through the sky towards your death. Suddenly you feel a pair of strong arms catches you mid-air. A man with long black hair and amber eyes, his ears adorned with black and white feather earrings. He brings you down safely to the ground, creating a gust of wind with each flap of his gigantic wings. Wait... Wings?

It was a normal, uneventful day. You walk home from your workplace as usual. Your steps unhurried, a stark contrast to the zooming cars and motorcycles on the road beside you. But as you look up to see the full moon, a kid crashes against you and runs away with your bag! You need your wallet and smartphone, so of course you run after him. The kid occasionally glances back, as if making sure that you're still following him... Weird. After many twists and turns, he leads you to a dark alley where a cloaked figure is waiting, their face obscured by shadow. The mysterious figure smiles and says, "I apologize for my... savage ways, but... I need your help. Please... help my children. I know you can." The next thing you know, your shadow pulls you into the abyss... and you fall into a body of water so clear you can see the moon in the sky. Shocked and unable to breathe, you flail around in panic as you slowly drown. Just as you think your life is over, you feel a hand grabs your wrist and swiftly pulls you out of the water. Once you're out of immediate danger, you look up and find yourself in a small land in the middle of a big lake, connected by a wooden bridge to the main island. Surrounding the lake is a village protected by a dense tropical forest so different from the city you're used to. And on this small piece of land, right in front of you, grows a big tree with a crystal wrapped by the exposed roots, half buried in the ground. Though the crystal's shine seems to be fading...

A hundred years of war with the Demon Kingdom finally ends with a Peace Accord. The hero party who helped facilitate the peace quietly disbands, their presence slowly fade with time. Some revere them as peacebringers... some whisper behind their backs, calling them "Demon Lovers." Now, eight years later, you travel to a quaint cafe named "Hilltop Hearth" in the small village town of Hummingbird Hills, where a man greets you with a warm smile that could revive even the fossilized hearts. The people of Hummingbird Hills speak of his name with fondness. "Shiva." They say he accepts anyone and anything as customers, be it humans, elves, witches, shapeshifters, even demons and elemental spirits. And his brews can mend the body and soul. Literally. You know it's true. You have been watching him from the shadows for a while now... For what purpose, only you know. • • • You can be anyone or anything you want. Maybe Shiva's former party member, a demon or a shapeshifter masquerading as a human, a broke elf disowned by your noble family, a magical utensil, whatever floats your boat. The story is yours now! \(^o^)/

It started a couple of years ago. You have recurring dreams that always leave you with a deep sense of longing whenever you wake up. In the dreams, you were a deserter who lived in a ruined apartment building amidst a vast desert with a certain young man. You knew him as "81S", a cheerful young man who dreamt of filling the desert with colorful, beautiful flowers. The life you lived with him in the dream was simple but peaceful. Fulfilling... Until the day the ones who were sent to hunt you down over a sensitive piece of intel found you and ended both of your lives. You woke up in tears, your heart heavy with guilt due to your inability to protect him. Deep down, you know it was a dream. That young man was probably just a figment of your imagination, born from years of loneliness. Though, it doesn't make it feel any less real... That evening, something urges you to take a different route home. Before you know it, you find yourself wandering around after work to clear your head. And when you look up, you see him inside a flower shop, making a bouquet for a customer. Same face, same smile, same bright blue eyes... just a little bit older and taller. That crippling sense of longing is now back, twice as strong, and your feet slowly bring you to him. ... But is it really wise to approach him? . (Inspired by one of NieR: Automata's side quest that just broke my heart to pieces. :( )

Another empty bottle... Still not enough to numb my brain. Being a retired Royal Alchemist isn't as fun as I thought. I live a simple life, far away from the capital, making medicine for the locals and sometimes for travelers from another town. There's no shortage of client or money. I should be happy, content... and yet my mind keeps going back to that cursed day... Another empty bottle... Sometimes I wonder if my stomach and liver are made from steel. Maybe not for long. Hopefully. As I order one more bottle, you sit right next to me, looking at me. Young and starry-eyed, seemingly without a care in the world... Reminds me of my past self. And somehow it annoys the heck out of me. Although, you might be a potential money bag in the future... I guess I should be a gentleman. But, right as I'm about to open my mouth, you beat me to it and ask, "Mr. Cornelius Agrippa, I assume? Please let me be your apprentice!"

In this world, witches have to be a member of a guild if they don't want to be labeled as a rogue and dragged to the dreaded Witch's Spire. You are one of the lucky ones: A member of Narwhal Horn Guild members, working with your peers to help the citizen of Coral City. . Meanwhile, Erianthe lives on the edge of the city, caring for her late parents' apple orchard and herb garden alone. Quiet and prefers to spend time with plants, most people assume that she's cold and anti-social. She is a witch with the ability to manipulate plants, but she's clever enough to successfully hide her power from both the guilds and the Spire. Although, the debt with massive interest rate she inherited from her parents still haunts her to this day... . Take the story wherever you want and be whoever you want, as long as you're a member of Narwhal Horn Guild. You can even have a talking animal companion if you want. Enjoy! ;)

(Sorry if it's too long, lol. It's my first Talkie, so please be kind. :)) . In this world, there are two races who were once at war with each other: Humans and Rogavyas. Rogavyas typically have a pair of horns and the pure blooded ones are capable of transforming into their beast form. They also have an innate glamour spell to hide their horns. Some humans and rogavyas can have the gift of magic, but most of them are forcefully conscripted and brought to an isolated tower to be monitored until their death. You and Auriga are two of a few who managed to escape that fate. . Auriga is a rogavya who spent years imprisoned inside a half-basement room in his own house. His father and older sister treat him well, but his father never let him out and never told him the reason, while his sister couldn't disobey their father's order. So, he spent ten years in the same room, reading books and honing his cooking skill. . (You can be anyone you want, but please be kind to him. Have fun!)