Miri... Keep Smiling
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(Hours ago... On Miri's end)
From the top-right corner of their HUDs, the Cheery Black and their allies could see live footage from Helrin's Monitoring Orb. The broadcast showed Tobe pummeling Demon Lord Crockus relentlessly, flinging him around the shattered remnants of the village with an unyielding fury.
Miri, still recovering from her injuries, felt a surge of panic as she watched the live footage. Determination burned in her eyes. She and the rest of the Cheery Black, along with the recovered Naoto, the first Chosen Hero, the Vast Star, and their surviving allies, raced down a steep slope toward the village. The urgency of their mission pressed against them like a suffocating weight.
"Faster!" Miri urged, her voice trembling. "We need to help him!"
The moment they reached the edge of the village, the ground beneath them quaked violently. The church, already on the brink of collapse, shuddered as debris rained down from its broken steeple. The HUD broadcast revealed Tobe standing over Crockus' shattered form inside the church. He raised his head, his expression grim, as he began activating the devastating Mana End Nuke spell.
"No..." Miri whispered, her heart sinking.
Realization dawned on Max and Elma at the same time. They lunged for Miri, grabbing her arms to pull her back as she tried to charge toward the crumbling church.
"TOBE!!!" Miri screamed, struggling against their grip. "Let me go! We have to save him! Why are you stopping me?!"
"Miri, STOP!" Max shouted, his voice edged with desperation. "The spell Tobe activated cannot be deactivated! Anything within its radius will be completely decimated—including him!"
"NO! LET ME GO!" Miri thrashed against them, tears streaming down her face. "Tobe-senpai! We have to save him!"
Elma tightened her grip, her voice cracking. "We need to get out of the village! NOW!"
Miri fought against them with every ounce of strength she had, screaming in anguish. The others watched helplessly, their own hearts breaking as the broadcast showed Tobe's final moments. In the footage, Tobe reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, folded picture. It was of him and Miri as children, their smiles frozen in a moment of innocent happiness. Tobe's Ambition Ignition flickered and faded as his eyes filled with tears.
Under his breath, barely audible over the crackling energy of the spell, he muttered, "Miri... just keep on smiling for me. I'm sorry I couldn't say this to you in person..."
Bright white light began to seep from the cracks spiderwebbing across Tobe's body. His mana surged uncontrollably, radiating outwards in a pulsating sphere. Crockus, pinned beneath Tobe's foot, looked up in horror.
"What are you doing?!" Crockus demanded, his voice trembling with panic. Recognition flashed in his eyes. "Wait... no! How do you know Mana End Nuke?! HOW?!"
He struggled desperately, firing mana beams at Tobe, but they dissipated harmlessly against the blinding energy surrounding him. Crockus' attacks grew frantic as he screamed, "NO! STOP THIS! YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"
Tobe's calm smile remained as tears floated upwards from his eyes. Clutching the picture tightly, he whispered one final thought: "I've always..."
The explosion erupted with cataclysmic force, a brilliant white sphere expanding outward and consuming everything in its path. The church, the surrounding village, and Crockus' diamond-encrusted core were obliterated. The Monitoring Orb, knocked to the ground by debris, recorded the blast until its feed cut out.
The air in the village grew unbearably still as the ground beneath them trembled. The towering blast from the center of the village roared to life, its light an overwhelming, fiery brilliance that tore through the landscape. The shockwave obliterated everything in its radius—houses, trees, even the sacred bell that had stood in the village square for generations. Dust and debris filled the air like a suffocating shroud, cutting off visibility entirely.
Miri froze, her heart sinking as the realization hit her like a thunderclap. Her gaze darted toward Flake, Tobe's Snow Fairy Familiar, who floated in eerie silence. Flake's translucent wings shimmered faintly, their usual glow dimming. She raised her hands in front of her, watching them dissolve into iridescent particles. Her body followed, unraveling into a cascade of glimmering light. Flake turned her face toward Miri, her warm, reassuring smile brimming with unspoken words. It was a smile that said everything Flake couldn't voice: gratitude, farewell, and above all, trust. Then, she was gone.
"Flake?... no... NO!" Miri screamed, her voice cracking as it echoed through the barren village. Panic gripped her chest like a vice. Her legs moved instinctively, carrying her toward the epicenter of the destruction. Tears streamed down her face as her mind raced, replaying every fleeting moment of the Monitoring Orb's broadcast.
The image of Tobe—standing tall despite his bruises, activating the forbidden spell—seared into her memory. His whispered words lingered, haunting her. "I know... I never showed it... on my face... But... keep smiling for me."
Miri stumbled over the debris, her hands clawing at the rubble in desperation. "Tobe! Where are you?!" she cried out, her voice breaking with each syllable. Her hands bled as she hurled aside chunks of wood and stone, oblivious to the pain. Her heart pounding louder than the residual ringing in her ears from the explosion.
She paused when her fingers brushed against something familiar. Her breath hitched as she pulled it free: the same photograph, its edges singed but the image intact. It was of her and Tobe in their childhood, beaming with carefree smiles. Her trembling hands flipped it over. Scrawled in Tobe's blood on the back was a single word: Smile.
Miri's body shook as she clutched the picture to her chest, tears streaming down her face. "Tobe..." she whispered, her voice breaking. "Why... why senpai... WHY?!"
Yuka knelt beside her, placing a comforting hand on her back. Tears streamed down her own face as she tried to console Miri. Jun turned away, covering his eyes as he struggled to contain his grief. Max stood silently, his greatsword planted in the ground, his forehead resting on the back of his hands. Elma hugged herself tightly, tears slipping down her cheeks as she stared at the ground.
Naoto's scythe clattered to the ground as he clenched his fist, his head bowed in shame and anger. The first Chosen Hero, his mission complete, faded away into the ether, his expression solemn as he glanced at Miri one last time.
Lala sat slumped against a broken pillar, gripping her spear so tightly her knuckles turned white. Umi pressed her hands together in silent prayer, her head bowed. Toma wiped his face with his arm, his shoulders shaking. Chisa stood rigid, her hands clutching her clothes as frustration and grief warred within her.
Around them, their allies gathered in silence, mourning the loss of a hero who had sacrificed his own life for everyone.
Julius' voice broke the heavy silence, carried through the HUDs of everyone present. "It seems..." he began, his tone somber and strained, "Demon Lord Crockus... has been defeated... The battle is won..." He paused, his voice faltering. "But... Tobe Kusakabe... of the Cheery Black..."
His words hung in the air like a weight. "He... sacrificed his own life... to save ours..."
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(5 Months Later...)
Miri knelt before the towering silver statue of Tobe Kusakabe, her steel-gray eyes locked on the engraved plate at its base. The fountain's gentle cascade provided a soothing backdrop, though its serene melody was lost on her. The pedestal bore the words etched in his honor:
"Here lies Tobe Kusakabe of the Cheery Black Guild, he who sacrificed his own life to save others from further death. Untitled Hero & Vanquisher of Demon Lord Crockus."
The statue stood in the heart of the bustling kingdom square, a symbol of hope and sacrifice. Around its base, a myriad of offerings had been left by those who wished to honor his memory—flowers of every color, candles flickering in the cool breeze, and handwritten notes of gratitude and mourning.
Miri's figure had changed since those fateful events. Her once-soft demeanor had hardened, replaced with a firm resolve. Her new armor, a lightweight and intricately crafted ensemble of new darkened steel and leather, clung to her toned frame, a testament to the training and battles she had endured throughout these months. The burn scar that once marred her face had faded and healed. But the emotional scars remained—her smile was gone, replaced by a stoic mask that seldom wavered.
She gently placed a bouquet of vividly colored flowers at the base of the statue, her fingers lingering as she whispered.
"Tobe… I miss you," she began, her voice trembling. Her gaze lifted to the statue's face, forever frozen in an expression of courage, determination, and unrequited love. "Everyone still misses you. I wish you were still here…" Her voice broke for a moment, but she steadied herself, taking a deep breath.
"But I'll keep your promise." A faint, wistful smile touched her lips, fleeting but genuine. "I'll live for you. I'll keep on smiling for you… so just keep watching over me, okay?"
A voice called out from behind. "Miri," Yuka said gently, stepping closer. "The new recruits are here. They're waiting to meet you."
Miri's firm demeanor returned as she nodded. Rising to her feet, she dusted off her armor and adjusted the short cape slung over one shoulder. "Understood," she said, her tone even and composed. Without a glance back, she started toward the guildhall. Yuka followed, though she paused briefly, turning back to the statue. Her expression was soft, her eyes glistening.
"Keep watching over us... keep watching over her, Tobe," she murmured, before hurrying to catch up.
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The Cheery Black Guild had steadily transformed even in Tobe's absence. No longer a modest establishment, it now stood as a sprawling fortress of activity and innovation. The upgraded guildhall was a marvel of engineering, with high arched ceilings, reinforced stone walls, and state-of-the-art facilities. Banners bearing the guild's emblem fluttered proudly from its parapets, and the buzz of activity within could be felt even from the entrance.
Inside, the guild was alive with purpose. Recruits trained in the courtyard, sparring with weapons both traditional and modern. A research wing was abuzz with scholars and inventors poring over ancient tomes and blueprints. The guild's reputation as one of the world's strongest and most innovative guilds had grown exponentially. Its missions spanned from capturing members of the Grey Veil Syndicate to delving into uncharted dungeons and developing cutting-edge technology.
One of their proudest achievements was the integration of modern ideas into their world. Guided by Umi's expertise in crafting and smelting, and Toma's unconventional knowledge of firearms, the guild had developed their own versions of guns—sleek, efficient, and devastatingly effective. They had also created devices akin to phones and walkie-talkies, as well as mana-sensing headsets capable of detecting an individual's mana potency, density, and body heat.
The guild's rapid rise in prominence had, in turn, elevated the High Kingdom to new heights of prosperity. The kingdom's borders expanded, its economy flourished, and its influence spread far and wide.
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Miri entered the main hall, her presence commanding immediate attention. Conversations hushed, and all eyes turned to her. She carried an aura of quiet authority, her strides confident but unhurried. The recruits, eager but nervous, straightened their postures as she approached.
"Welcome to the Cheery Black Guild," Miri began, her voice steady and firm. "You've chosen to join not just a guild, but a legacy. This is a place where we push our limits, where we fight not just for ourselves but for the High Kingdom and the world. Each of you has a role to play. Prove yourselves worthy, and you will find a family here."
The 4 recruits exchanged glances, their nerves giving way to determination. Miri's words, though simple, carried weight. She had become a symbol of resilience and leadership, a figure to inspire those who sought to follow in Tobe's footsteps.
As the recruits dispersed outside, Miri ascended the staircase to her office. From her window, she could see the bustling courtyard below and, beyond that, the statue of Tobe. She allowed herself a brief moment of reflection, her hand brushing against the locket she wore—inside, the same small photograph of her and Tobe from their childhood.
"I'll make you proud," she whispered, a faint smile gracing her lips before she turned back to her work. The guild's future awaited, and she would ensure it shone brightly, just as she and Tobe had envisioned.
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The open field shimmered under the midday sun, a vast expanse of wild grass and scattered trees rustling in the breeze. Standing tall at the field's edge, Miri's sharp gaze swept across the four recruits before her. Her new appearance radiated authority. The recruits stood in a line, tense but ready.
"Alright," Miri began, her voice firm, "this is your initiation test. Prove your worth to join the Raven Corps of the Cheery Black Guild. Your task: defeat one of Yuka's strongest summons, Balboa." She paused for effect, her hand gesturing to the towering rock golem waiting in the distance. Beside it, Blubby, a green slime brimming with a mischievous glow, bounced in place.
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The recruits exchanged uneasy glances.
Finally,
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"Good," Miri said, nodding at their readiness. "But don't think it'll be that easy."
"What do you mean?" Rick asked, furrowing his brow.
Miri smirked. "Balboa never goes easy."
Before anyone could react, the ground trembled.
WOOSH!!!
Balboa barreled forward like a runaway freight train, its massive fist swinging toward Rick.
"Shield up!" Rick yelled, a dense magic circle mana shield materializing just in time to block the strike. The impact reverberated through the field, cracks spiderwebbing across the barrier as Rick strained to hold it.
"Already?!" Rick grunted. With a flick of his fingers, a magic circle formed in front of Rick's magic circle mana shield, releasing a
"Viyo, Flame Blits!" Kash commanded.
The phoenix darted through the air, leaving trails of violet fire as it struck Balboa from multiple angles. Balboa's stony exterior glowed faintly under the heat, but Blubby sprang into action, firing a Slime Shot at Viyo's wing. The phoenix screeched, spiraling to the ground.
"Melty, Joan, now!" Kash called.
Melty darted toward Blubby, her dagger flashing in quick, precise strikes. Blubby, however, with its jiggly form dodged and weaved and shifted into its Defense Form, hardening its surface to deflect the blows. Meanwhile, Joan lunged at Balboa, targeting its joints with powerful thrusts of her spear.
"Hold still, you overgrown rock!" Joan growled, her strikes finding purchase in the cracks forming on Balboa's knees.
Rick seized the moment, casting another magic circle beneath Balboa. Ethereal chains erupted, binding its legs in place.
"Nice one!" Kash shouted as Viyo recovered, burning away the slime from its wing. The phoenix soared high before diving at Blubby, claws sinking into the gooey summon. With a powerful flap, Viyo flung Blubby into the air.
"Now finish it!" Melty, Joan, and Kash barked in unison.
Viyo ascended rapidly before diving back down with a fiery Violet Blazing Divebomb, its flaming form hurtling toward Balboa like a meteor.
At the same time, Rick unleashed a Twirling Lightning and Water Streaming Beam, called
Blubby landed nearby, wobbling weakly before dissolving into harmless puddles.
The recruits stood panting, their weapons and spells still at the ready.
Miri stepped forward, her expression unreadable. "Impressive display of teamwork and skill," she finally said. A smile softened her stern features. "Congratulations. You're now Fledglings of the Cheery Black Guild's Raven Corps."
The recruits exhaled in relief, their exhaustion giving way to pride.
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As they walked back toward the guild, Melty sheathed her dagger and asked, "Ma'am Miri, why are we called Fledglings? Does it mean something special?"
Miri chuckled lightly, her serious demeanor softening for a moment. "It's a ranking system. Fledglings are the lowest rank. You'll start with creature hunting and material collecting missions. As you gain experience, you'll progress to Juveniles, Sub-Adults, and eventually Adults, each rank unlocking tougher missions and better rewards."
"And what's beyond Adults?" Joan asked, curious despite herself.
Miri's smile faded slightly. "That's... something we're still figuring out. But for now, focus on proving yourselves in the missions ahead."
As they reached the Cheery Black Guild, its imposing structure gleaming in the evening light, Miri turned to face the recruits one last time. "Welcome to the Cheery Black Raven Corps, Fledglings. Your journey starts here."
A raven cawed from above, landing briefly on Tobe's silver statue near the guild. Its wings spread wide before it took flight, disappearing into the crimson sky.
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