I Don’t Want to Be a Heroic Spirit [256] [200 PS]

Some battles are planned, others are unexpected—but a true Champion embraces them all. Consider this bonus chapter one of those surprises.

---

"Adorable maidens, would you like to form a team with me?"

Nero, accompanied by Alice, approached Megumin and Yunyun, directly extending an invitation to join forces.

Yunyun stared at the sudden appearance of the striking beauty in front of her, her mind struggling to process the situation. Megumin, on the other hand, lowered her head and let out a sinister chuckle.

"Heh heh… Hahaha!"

"M-Megumin?"

Yunyun, visibly trembling, stared at Megumin as though she were possessed by a demon. "Megumin, stop it! Act normal… Y-You're scaring me!"

"Finally… Someone who appreciates the glory of my Explosion Magic!"

With her cloak dramatically billowing, Megumin planted her feet on the chair and struck a flamboyant pose straight out of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

"Behold! The one who seeks my power! The one who dares to forge a contract with me! Engrave my name in your soul!"

"I am Megumin! The master of the most powerful offensive magic—Explosion Magic! The Crimson Demon prodigy! The one who will someday overthrow the Demon King from his throne!"

Through her fingers, her crimson eyes glowed with a dazzling, almost overwhelming intensity. Her excitement was palpable.

"Hah! Your voice is bold and confident—I like it! In that regard, you're much like me!" Nero burst into hearty laughter, her voice uninhibited and unapologetic despite the growing attention from the crowd.

As the surrounding onlookers turned their gazes toward them, Yunyun shrank back slightly in embarrassment. Yet, deep down…

"That's wonderful, Megumin…"

She couldn't help but feel happy for her friend, even if a small pang of envy crept in.

"But," Nero added, her tone shifting as she continued, "I hate to disappoint you, but I'm not actually here to invite you, Megumin."

Both Megumin and Yunyun froze, startled by Nero's unexpected statement. Nero's gaze shifted to the bewildered Yunyun.

"This… is your work, isn't it?"

"Eh? Oh… That's the recruitment notice I posted on the board…"

Nero held up the very notice Yunyun had written.

"Indeed. And so…"

"We are here to become your teammates. You're not dreaming, nor have you misheard. And rest assured, we're not approaching you with any ulterior motives. Of course, mere words alone may not convince you—I'll prove my sincerity with time."

Happiness struck like a bolt from the blue.

"I look forward to working together—though," Nero paused, her tone growing serious, "we have a more pressing matter to deal with right now."

Snapped back to reality by Nero's words, Yunyun turned just in time to hear Megumin muttering furiously to herself while gathering magic energy. Her face flushed red as her power swirled dangerously.

"M-Megumin! What are you doing? Are you seriously about to cast Explosion Magic here?!"

"Shut up, you backstabbing friend! I'm going to hit that infuriatingly gorgeous woman with a single blast! Just one!"

"What are you talking about?! Megumin, have you finally fried your brain with Explosion Magic? Why would you think it's okay to use it here, of all places?!"

"They've embarrassed me in front of everyone! Since they've all seen my humiliation, they can all go up in smoke!"

Magic surged in Megumin's staff as onlookers, realizing she wasn't joking, fled in a panic. Some even ran off still clutching half-eaten frog legs.

"Please, Megumin! I'll do anything! I'll treat you to meals, I'll help you find teammates—even join your team myself if you want! Just stop!"

"Is this a boast? Are you bragging that you have teammates while I don't?!"

"Eek! Someone save me!"

As Megumin's magic grew dangerously potent, Yunyun braced herself for the worst, convinced she was doomed.

At that moment, a hand gently rested on Megumin's shoulder.

"!!!"

For the first time, Megumin felt something unprecedented—her magic froze entirely. The overwhelming power gathered at her staff's tip dispersed into the air without a sound.

Deprived of her ability to channel magic, Megumin stood paralyzed, her eyes wide with fear. It was as though a bucket of ice water had been poured over her, sending chills through her entire body.

"Are you calm now?" Nero asked, removing her hand. Megumin felt her magic return, but the lingering sense of dread remained.

"What… what did you do?" Megumin demanded, her voice heavy with unease.

"A little anti-magic trick," Nero replied nonchalantly. "To prevent backlash from the spell, I restricted the flow of your magic. It took some effort, but it wasn't particularly difficult."

She spoke so casually, but without her experiences and the versatile skill of Imperial Privilege EX, it would've been impossible.

"A… trick?"

Megumin felt as though she were dreaming. If not for the unusually high magic concentration lingering in the air, she might've believed none of it had happened.

"I understand your anger and your embarrassment," Nero said sincerely. "It's my fault for failing to consider how my words might be interpreted. I didn't mean to insult you, but I can see how it came across that way. Please accept my apology."

Nero's straightforward and candid apology left Megumin momentarily stunned.

"Uh… I-I overreacted too. I'm sorry," Megumin muttered, feeling uncharacteristically shy.

Yunyun looked at her friend in disbelief, as if witnessing a miracle.

"Did… did Megumin just apologize?"

Embarrassed, Megumin glared at her. "Shut it, Yunyun, or I'll blast you instead!"

"Misunderstanding resolved, then!" Nero said with a satisfied smile. "In truth, I wouldn't mind having you as a teammate. In fact, I'd be delighted. Talent isn't important—as long as you're beautiful, that's enough! And in that regard, you both meet my criteria."

"Eh? Then why— Oh! I get it now!" Yunyun exclaimed as realization dawned on her. "It's because we're both mages, right? Having two mages would be redundant, so you don't need Megumin…"

"Ow! Ow! That hurts!"

Megumin grabbed Yunyun's hair, yanking it hard. "Are you saying I'm not as skilled as you? How dare you, Yunyun?!"

"Well, you're the one who can only cast one spell a day, and that's just a joke of a magic—Explosion!" Yunyun retorted, tears streaming from the pain.

"Oh? Then how about I show you this 'joke' magic up close? Let's see if you'll still be laughing afterward!"

Ah… These two really do have a great relationship.

---

A true Champion knows that every battle, every choice, and every unexpected twist shapes the path to mastery. Consider this bonus chapter a rare encounter—one that wouldn't be possible without the right support.

That's why you should support WiseTL at [patreon.com/WiseTL]—where every pledge helps bring more high-quality translations to life, staying true to the original while flowing naturally in English. After all, excellence is in the details.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more to prepare for. But you? You should take this opportunity—you never know what rare finds await.

Until we meet again—stay sharp, stay determined, and never stop striving to be your best.

—Cynthia