After a Week.
A full week had passed since the night of the festival when Akira went on a date with Mitsuha and confirmed their relationship. That night led to Akira staying in Itomori for a week to accompany her.
Upon returning to his own timeline, he was greeted by notifications from the dormant chat group.
[Ding! A new quest has been issued for the chat group.]
Quest 1: Defeat the Orc Lord.
Quest 2: Kill 50,000 Orcs.
Quest 3: Obtain the Demon Lord's Seed (One Person).
Quest 4: Obtain the Chosen Hero's Egg (One Person).
Quest 5: Defeat one of the Ten Great Demon Lords and take their place.
Participants: All Members.
Reward: 2,000 points, one random reward.
System Note 1: Time in the original world will stop during the quest.
System Note 2: A random person will join the chat group after completion.
"…" Akira stared at the notifications, his face unreadable.
He easily recognized the quest world—it was Tensura, one of his favorite and most powerful works. Even with his current strength, he couldn't compare to its true powerhouses like Guy Crimson or Milim Nava.
"Seems we'll be sent to the story's beginning, when Rimuru is still weak…" Akira muttered, eyeing the quests. A faint smile crept onto his face. Though risky, this was a golden opportunity to grow stronger—for himself and the others.
With that thought, he opened the chat to see everyone discussing the new mission.
[Yukihime]: Looks like the quest world is swords-and-sorcery, with Heroes and Demon Lords.
[Asuna]: Seems one of us must become the Hero and another the Demon Lord.
[Tabane-chan]: I wanna be the Demon Lord! Sounds fun!
[Sui]: Can people just become Demon Lords for fun?
[Kurumi]: Ara~ ara~… Guess I'll join this time, unlike before.
[Asuna]: By the way, where's Akira?
"…" Akira watched the messages, fingers darting across his phone screen as he typed a reply.
[Akira]: Hey everyone, sorry I'm late. I was gathering intel on the world we're heading to. Got some info.
[Ding! Akira (Admin) has sent: Anime Tensura S1.]
[Ding! Akira (Admin) has sent: Anime Tensura S2.]
[Akira]: This is the world we're entering. Watch these anime first before going. I've got some things to handle beforehand.
After sending the message, Akira pocketed his phone. He had loose ends to tie up before departing for Tensura World.
_
Akira sat on a wooden bench in a small park, savoring his favorite matcha green tea ice cream. The breeze ruffled his hair and clothes, and the sea glittered in the distance—waves lapping gently at the shore. A perfect atmosphere to unwind after a long day.
As he lifted another spoonful, he sensed movement behind him. Without turning, he smirked. "She's here."
"Eating sweets like a carefree high schooler." The familiar, teasing voice came from behind.
Akira didn't turn. He just raised his spoon again. "And you're sneaking around like a ninja on a covert op… Oh wait, you are."
Sayaka froze for a second, then burst out laughing and plopped onto the bench beside him. "Don't start, Akira. I'm not here to spy… exactly."
Akira side-eyed her, smiling as he handed her a second ice cream cup. "Mmm-hmm. Sure. A Lion King Organization agent shows up after a week 'just because.' Take the ice cream and at least try honesty."
Sayaka accepted it sheepishly. "I… was sent to check on you. Nothing major. Just wanted to be sure you're okay."
Akira raised an eyebrow. "Ah yes, a 'wellness check' with a sacred weapon strapped to your back?" He hid a grin.
"Stop!" She brandished her spoon like a threat, but a smile betrayed her.
Akira chuckled. "Relax, I don't mind being 'monitored.' Makes me feel important."
Sayaka took a bite. "Honestly… I felt a little guilty. All week, you've been normal—dates, ice cream, no chaos. It's almost unsettling."
"Apologies for shattering your expectations." Akira feigned offense. "Next time, I'll summon a demon or blow up a building—give your reports some spice."
Sayaka laughed but softened. "I was… worried. Just a little. You always vanish and return with something insane."
"Worried? About me?" He smirked. "Oh no, Sayaka-chan, don't tell me you've grown fond."
"Delusions aren't evidence." She shot back, though a blush crept up her cheeks.
A comfortable silence settled between them. Akira scraped the last of his ice cream while Sayaka gazed at the sea, lost in thought.
Noticing her expression, Akira nudged her. "What's on your mind?"
Sayaka stirred her ice cream. "Remember when we first met? You acted like you owned the world."
Akira laughed. "Oh? Sounds like you were enchanted."
"Hardly." She tucked her hair behind her ear. "But you always dove into absurd situations. Like trying to pry open a store's broken lock with your sword."
"Ah, that." Akira grinned. "I was channeling 'action hero' vibes. Turns out the door was just jammed."
"Or jumping from a third-floor window to 'feel like a fearless hero.'"
"A terrible idea," Akira admitted. "But the dramatic effect was worth it."
"What effect? You were just reckless."
"And you were watching." Akira's eyes twinkled. "Did the Lion King Organization assign you to stalk me?"
"No cameras," Sayaka said, lifting her chin. "Just close observation. Analyzing your every unpredictable move."
"And here I thought I was the protagonist." Akira fake-sighed. "Turns out I was just your case study."
"You did create the best chaos." Sayaka's smile was fond. "No one else could keep things so… lively."
"Glad to be your entertainment." Akira stood, stretching. "But I've got things to do. See you around?"
Sayaka gave him a playful glare. "Stay out of trouble, or I'll have to file another report."
Akira waved as he walked away. "No promises."
Sayaka watched him go, her smile lingering long after he'd disappeared.
...
To get more chapters please visit my p@treon :
p@treon.com/Akasaki_Ryujin
For support :
https://ko-fi.com/akasaki_ryujin