The training yard behind the Renmei Guild buzzed with energy.
Guild recruits swung wooden swords, sparred with fire spells, and showed off their mana techniques to impressed onlookers. All in neat rows, following form and flow.
And then there was Kazuki.
Standing in the middle of the field with a slime on his head.
Smile jiggled gently like it was meditating. Or possibly downloading forbidden knowledge from space. Hard to tell.
"Hey, Kazuki!" one of the rookie adventurers called out. "Are you the guy with the murder slime?"
Kazuki blinked. "…The what?"
Before he could answer, a very loud clang echoed across the yard.
CLANG.
CLANG.
CLANG.
The dramatic soundtrack of heavy boots and wounded pride.
Kazuki turned just in time to see Aurelis, Hero of Flame, Slayer of 13 Lesser Wyrms, First of the Emberblade Order, wearer of unnecessarily flowing capes stomping toward him like an anime rival about to monologue.
"You!" Aurelis pointed. "We settle this. Now."
Kazuki blinked. "Huh?"
"You've stolen my spotlight three times now!"
"I didn't mean to. That coconut wasn't even my—"
"Silence! I, Aurelis the Righteous, challenge you to an official spar. For honor. And narrative clarity!"
A small crowd started to gather.
Kazuki rubbed the back of his neck. "Can I say no?"
"No. You can't." Aurelis drew his glowing sword. "If you're truly a chosen one, prove it!"
Smile perked up.
Oro slithered into a sunbeam and coiled regally. Tala landed on a fence and started slow-clapping with her wings.
Kazuki sighed. "Fine. But I'm not doing anything flashy."
✦
The duel circle lit with a soft blue glow as Aurelis stepped in and took his stance — textbook perfect.
"Begin!" shouted Saya from the guild balcony, sipping juice like it was wine.
Aurelis charged forward, flames erupting around his sword. "Solar Arc: Crimson Fang!"
Kazuki just stood there.
Smile… slid down his shoulder.
bloop
Right into the path of the incoming strike.
"Wait, Smile, NO—"
BOOOOM.
Aurelis's attack landed squarely on the slime.
The ground shook. Dust blasted upward.
Everyone shielded their eyes.
Then silence.
And then…
"…what?"
Aurelis was upside down, embedded in the wall behind Kazuki.
His sword was bent.
His hair had poofed into a frizzy, electrocuted mess.
Kazuki turned around. "Did you… reflect it?"
Smile bounced innocently.
Smile has used [Oopsie Mirror].
The strongest available attack within 5 seconds has been redirected randomly.
Target: Original Caster – Critical success.
+100 embarrassment.
Aurelis groaned. "Why… are you… like this…?"
Kazuki crouched beside him. "Hey, at least now you're a real rival. You've suffered a slime defeat. That's anime gold."
Smile squished up and nestled against Aurelis like a pet.
The proud hero screamed softly.
Back inside, the Guild's mission board updated.
Kazuki Haruto – Class: ???
Rank: F (Unofficial Danger Rating: A+)
Known Companions:
• Tala – Wind Affinity (Terrifying)
• Oro – Earth & Venom Affinity (Judgmental)
• Smile – ??? Affinity (Reality-breaking Slime of Doom)
That night, a note appeared on Kazuki's bedside.
Handwritten. Elegant. Dramatic.
"Next time, I will win. No more holding back. Prepare for my ultimate form." — Aurelis the (Currently Recovering)
Kazuki rolled his eyes.
Smile jiggled smugly and turned into a chair.
Tala sighed.
Oro napped with his fangs showing.
Kazuki flopped onto the bed. "This world is weird. And I think I love it."