Kazuki sat on a fallen tree at the edge of the ruined village, watching the last embers of the corrupted glyph flicker out. The silence that followed was unnerving—like the forest itself held its breath.
Aria crouched beside a collapsed wall, staring into nothing. "That… wasn't just a monster."
"No," Kazuki said. "It was something else. Something put together."
She looked over at him. "You think the Demon Emperor's behind this?"
Kazuki shook his head. "If he was, Celestia would've said something."
> Celestia: Don't drag me into this. But… no. That wasn't him. That corruption didn't carry demonic mana—it was older. Deeper. Like rot in a forgotten wound.
Kazuki leaned forward, elbows resting on his knees. "So we've got someone playing puppet master with ancient magic, and they know who I am."
> Celestia: Which means the gods may have poked a very large, very angry bear by sending you here.
> Kazuki: Great. Love being a cosmic accident and bait.
Aria gave him a look. "You really going to joke now?"
"Can't exactly punch existential threats, Aria. Gotta laugh before we cry."
> Celestia: Technically, you can punch them. You just need the right skill set and… several hundred thousand MP.
Kazuki rolled his eyes.
---
They buried the corrupted corpse—or what was left of it. It felt like the right thing to do. A trace of humanity lingered in those twisted remains, a reminder that this wasn't just an enemy—it was someone made into one.
As the wind rustled the trees above them, Aria spoke softly. "You think this is the start?"
Kazuki stood, brushing off his coat. "No."
He turned to face the northeast horizon, where storm clouds gathered unnaturally fast.
"It's the second move."
---
That night, they made camp in a safer area, closer to a river. A small fire crackled between them. Aria sharpened her sword in silence. Kazuki stared into the flames.
> SYSTEM LOG: [Soulcut] Skill Usage Recorded – Experience Gained: Moderate
SYSTEM LOG: Combat Data Syncing… Analysis: Reaction time – Excellent. Emotional control – Fluctuating.
> Celestia: You okay?
> Kazuki: I'm calm. Just… not used to this kind of enemy.
> Celestia: The kind that doesn't scream when it dies?
> Kazuki: No. The kind that talks after it's dead.
Celestia paused for a moment, then responded with uncharacteristic softness.
> Celestia: Kazuki. You're still human. No matter how many skills you make or how calm you pretend to be… this world will try to break you. Just promise me something.
> Kazuki: Depends. Is this where you tell me to save the world?
> Celestia: No. I don't care about that. I care about you. Promise me you won't forget why you came here.
He looked at the stars, then back at the flickering fire.
"To live my life how I want… and make sure no one has a reason not to smile."
> Celestia: Then hold to that. No matter what monster or god steps in your way.
Kazuki smiled faintly. "Yes, ma'am."
---
The next morning, they returned to Bristhaven. The town's defenses had been subtly reinforced—more guards, tighter patrols, and the church bells rang three times before noon, a warning signal rarely used.
They were expected.
"Report to the Guild Hall," said a guard. "Council's waiting."
Inside, a roundtable of adventurers, nobles, and scholars awaited. The Guildmaster—a stout woman named Reza—gestured them forward.
"Report, Kazuki."
He laid it out plainly: the quake, the glyph, the corrupted being, and the voice that spoke directly into his head.
The room was silent for several heartbeats.
Then a scholar spoke up, trembling. "You said the glyph was… pulsing? Violet, not red or blue?"
Kazuki nodded.
The scholar paled. "That matches descriptions of pre-Era magic. Forbidden symbols. Lost to time."
Reza narrowed her eyes. "And you two were the only ones to witness this?"
Kazuki nodded again. "We're lucky to be alive."
Reza folded her arms. "Then you're not just an adventurer anymore, Kazuki. You're our early warning system."
> SYSTEM NOTICE: Reputation in Bristhaven increased: [Uncrowned Protector]
Passive effect unlocked: Slight reduction in shop prices and improved local trust.
Kazuki sighed.
Great. Now he had a title.
---
After the meeting, as Kazuki stepped back into the street, Aria elbowed him. "So. Now what?"
He stretched, back cracking. "Now? We take a few days off."
She blinked. "Seriously?"
He grinned. "If I'm going to be the world's weirdest watchdog, I'm doing it with a hot bath, grilled meat, and at least eight hours of sleep."
> Celestia: Finally. My boy's got some sense.
> Kazuki: Just trying to get in all the naps I can before ancient horrors crawl out of the dirt again.
> Celestia: Charming. You're like a sarcastic mushroom. Dangerous, low-key edible, and emotionally photosynthetic.
Kazuki burst into laughter in the middle of the street.
Aria stared at him.
"…What the hell did the voice say this time?"
"Nothing. Just… fungus-related existentialism."