Argue

A Day That Felt Normal

Morning came gently.

For once.

Saburu walked through the marketplace with Remee at his side. The streets were alive—vendors calling out, cloth banners fluttering, the smell of fresh bread and roasted meat filling the air.

Remee’s eyes sparkled.

“So many colors…” she whispered.

Saburu stopped at a clothing stall and gestured. “Choose.”

She froze. “R-Really?”

“Yes.”

She hesitated, then carefully touched the fabric—soft dresses, warm cloaks, simple shoes. After a long moment, she picked a plain blue dress and a small hooded coat.

“I don’t need more,” she said quickly, afraid of asking too much.

Saburu bought them anyway.

Luna leaned in with a grin. “You’re spoiling her already.”

“She needs clothes,” he replied flatly.

“That’s what a boy say,” Luna teased.

They ate together after—warm soup, bread, skewered meat. Remee laughed quietly when Luna exaggerated stories, and even Saburu allowed himself to relax just a little.

He didn’t take off his mask.

Not even once.

And no one questioned it.

For a short while, it felt… normal.

Then a Announcement

An the bells rang.

Clear. Loud. Commanding.

The market slowly fell silent as armored knights rode in, banners bearing the kingdom’s crest snapping in the wind. One knight dismounted and stepped forward, voice enhanced by magic.

“People of the kingdom,” he announced, “hear this proclamation.”

Remee flinched at the sudden noise. Saburu placed himself slightly in front of her.

“Seven Heroes have been summoned by divine will,” the knight declared.

“To defeat the Demon Threat and save mankind.”

The crowd erupted.

Cheers. Applause. Shouts of hope.

“The Heroes bear sacred skills,” the knight continued. “Sword. Shield. Magic. Spirit. Archer. Saint.”

He paused.

“…And Assassin.”

The cheers wavered slightly.

Whispers spread.

Remee tugged at Saburu’s sleeve. “Mister… heroes?”

“People chosen by the gods,” Luna answered lightly. “Supposedly.”

Saburu exhaled quietly behind his mask.

Heroes, he thought. Trouble.

A voice from the crowd shouted, “Where’s the seventh?!”

The knight raised a hand.

“One Hero has already been summoned earlier—and currently resides within this country.”

The crowd gasped.

Excitement turned into speculation.

“Already here?”

“Who is it?”

“Why haven’t they joined the others?”

High above, unseen, the goddess watched.

“…Not united yet?” she muttered. “What a dumb choice.”

Saburu felt a faint pressure in his chest.

Then the knight spoke again.

“The missing Hero possesses the Assassin Skill.”

Saburu’s expectations dropped instantly.

“…Great,” he muttered.

Luna and Remee both looked at him.

They said nothing.

But they understood.

The crowd erupted again.

“An assassin hero?”

“No way!”

“Could it be that masked guy?”

“Impossible, heroes wouldn’t hide like that!”

Even the knight hesitated, clearly unsure.

“This information… is limited,” he admitted. “The Hero’s identity is currently unknown.”

Because even they didn’t know.

Before the Summoning happen

Long before the announcement—

The goddess stood within the royal chamber.

The king knelt. High-ranking knights and mages surrounded them, tense and silent.

“The demon threat will consume this world within decades,” the goddess said calmly. “Seven Heroes will be summoned.”

“They may not stand with the others,” she replied. “That path is… independent.”

The king frowned. “Then how will we control them?”

The goddess’s gaze hardened.

“You won’t.”

Silence fell.

“And if they refuse?” another knight asked.

“Then pray or I will punish them,” the goddess said, “that they still choose to protect what matters.”

Back to the Market

The cheers slowly faded as the knights departed.

Remee leaned closer to Saburu. “Mister… are heroes always noisy?”

“…Yes.”

Luna smirked. “Especially the loud ones.”

They walked away together, blending back into the crowd.

But somewhere above—

The goddess smiled faintly.

"My chosen had entered the story.

whether he liked it or not."

He didn’t know if he was a hero.

He only know he was reincarnated.

He didn’t know why the world bent slightly around him.

He only knew this—

If danger came for the child behind him,

the world would have to break first.

An Unwanted Guest

Evening settled quietly over the inn.

The three of them sat around a small wooden table, exhaustion finally catching up. Warm food steamed between them, the simple comfort making the room feel almost like a home.

Remee ate slowly, legs dangling from the chair.

Luna leaned back, stretching her arms.

Saburu sat straight, mask still on, as always.

No one spoke.

It was peaceful.

Then—

The door slammed open.

The sword hero came in his name aricanf he strode inside without hesitation, armor polished, sword at his waist, confidence practically dripping off him. His gaze swept the room—then locked onto Luna.

He grinned.

“Well, well,” he said loudly. “Didn’t expect to find someone like you in a place like this.”

Luna’s brow twitched.

The man walked closer, eyes openly appraising her. “Name Aric one of the Seven Heroes. Sword-class.” He brushed a hand through his hair. “Handsome, strong, chosen by the goddess herself.”

Saburu slowly looked up.

The hero leaned closer to Luna. “Why don’t we make tonight memorable, hmm?”

Luna’s smile vanished.

She stood up—

But before she could move—

BAM.

The hero flew sideways, crashing into a table.

The room went dead silent.

Luna stared.

Remee’s mouth fell open.

The hero groaned on the floor.

Saburu lowered his fist.

“…Don’t you touch her!,” he said calmly.

Luna turned slowly. “You—”

The hero staggered to his feet, fury burning in his eyes. He drew his sword.

“You bastard—!”

Saburu shifted, ready.

Then—

The air pressed down.

The floor creaked. Plates rattled. Everyone felt their knees buckle slightly.

“Enough.”

A calm voice echoed.

the mage hero nana stepped into the doorway, staff glowing faintly.

“Gravity magic,” Luna muttered. “Tch.”

Before the sword hero could move—

SMACK.

A sharp sound echoed as a woman her name yuki she was in white dress stepped forward and slapped the swordhero across the face.

Hard.

“Control yourself,” the Saint said coldly. “You embarrass us.”

The sword hero stared at her in disbelief.

Saburu relaxed slightly.

The gravity lifted.

He looked at the group once, then turned back to his meal like nothing had happened.

The heroes backed away.

The sword hero pointed at Saburu, teeth clenched.

“You’ll pay for that.”

They left.

The door closed.

Silence returned.

Luna’s heart was racing.

She slowly turned toward Saburu, eyes shining.

“…Wow,” she said softly. “I didn’t know you loved me that much.”

Saburu paused.

“…Huh?”

“ I only defend you?” he muttered.

Remee stared at them both.

She leaned forward and stare at both of them.

They looked at her.

“Oky. Oky,” she said seriously.

Before anyone could respond—

A heavy hand landed on Saburu’s shoulder.

He turned.

“Guild master Aldous,” Saburu said calmly. “Didn’t hear you come in.”

The massive man laughed heartily. “Good reflexes. Welcome back.”

Then Aldous leaned in and said casually—

“Marry my daughter.”

“…Eh?”

Saburu blinked.

“your daughter? I don't even knew her” he repeated while drinking.

Aldous nodded, pointing.

“She’s right there.”

Luna crossed her arms. “Hmph. Father.”

Saburu froze spilling the drink.

Remee’s eyes widened.

“…EHHHHH?!”

The room exploded into confusion.

And for the first time that day—

Saburu genuinely didn’t know how to respond.

At the castle hero inn

The corridors of the castle inn echoed with heavy footsteps.

The Sword Hero stormed ahead, rage boiling over.

“That bastard—!” he shouted. “How dare he challenge a Hero ?! Me!!! I’ll kill him—kill, kill, KILL—”

“Oi. Shut up already.”

The Shield Hero beck snapped, slamming his shield against the floor. “You’re embarrassing us.”

The Mage adjusted his staff, clearly annoyed. “You were the one who started it. In public. In an inn.”

The Saint crossed her arms, gaze cold. “If you act like that again, I’ll personally report you to the king.”

The Sword Hero clenched his fists, teeth grinding—but finally fell silent.

Inside, though, his hatred only grew.

Back at the other inn, Saburu, Luna, and Remee returned to their room.

The door closed softly.

Remee yawned and climbed onto the bed. Luna collapsed into a chair, rubbing her temples.

“…Heroes,” Luna muttered. “So troublesome.”

Saburu stood near the window, arms crossed.

“They’re weapons,” he said quietly. “Weapons make noise.”

Luna glanced at him. “And you?”

He didn’t answer right away.

“…I’m a lock,” he finally said. “Not a weapon to kill other.”

She fully understand—but she felt the weight behind his words.

Remee hugged her knees, watching him silently.

The Next Morning

Sunlight spilled across the stone streets.

Saburu, Remee, Luna, and Aldous walked together through the city. Aldous laughed loudly, Luna argued with him, and Remee walked between them, holding Saburu’s sleeve.

From a rooftop—

A pair of bright, mischievous eyes watched them.

“Ooo~?” a childish voice giggled. “Interesting group.”

A small figure hopped down silently.

A girl with mismatched eyes and a twisted smile.

A clown

An known as illusionist. A nightmare-maker.

Status: Bonney or as Joker

Rank:C

Skill: Illusion,nightmare

Elements: wind,fire,water and earth.

She snapped her fingers.

The world shattered.

Illusion — Nightmare Domain

Luna suddenly stood alone.

The city burned.

People pointed at her.

“Traitor.”

“Failure.”

“Guild disgrace.”

Her legs trembled.

Aldous found himself kneeling.

The guild hall lay in ruins.

Bodies everywhere.

A voice echoed—

You failed them.

He roared in denial.

Remee—

She stood in a dark throne room.

Chains wrapped around her wrists.

People laugh and bandits drag her.

Tears streamed down her face.

“Mustwr—mister— please don't leave"

Then—

There was Saburu.

He stood in silence.

The illusion tried to form.

A city drowned in blood.

Luna dying.

Aldous broken.

Remee screaming his name.

The Joker smiled.

“This one will be fun—”

Saburu stepped forward.

The nightmare froze.

He tilted his head.

“…That’s all?” he asked calmly.

The illusion cracked.

He raised his hand—

And the entire nightmare world collapsed like glass.

Luna gasped awake.

Aldous staggered.

Remee cried out—

Only to find Saburu already kneeling in front of her.

“You’re safe,” he said firmly.

The Joker stumbled back, eyes wide.

“W-Wait—! That’s impossible—! My illusion—!”

Saburu looked at her.

Cold. Empty.

“You entered my mind,” he said.

“That was your mistake.”

The Joker dropped to her knees immediately.

“I— I surrender! I surrender!!”

Silence fell.

Luna stared at Saburu.

Aldous swallowed hard.

Remee clutched his cloak tightly.

In that moment, all three understood the same thing—

Saburu was not a Hero.

He was something far more dangerous.

And far more protective.

The sun had barely risen when the town fell silent.

At first, the people seemed asleep—but the streets twisted unnaturally. Buildings wavered like water, the cobblestones melted and reformed beneath their feet. Shops appeared upside down. Market stalls floated in the air.

The heroes were scattered, each in a different corner of the region, unaware of one another.

Only one pair of eyes saw clearly.

From a rooftop, a small figure grinned.

Bonny—the so-called Joker—watched the group moving together: Saburu, Luna, Remee, and Aldous.

Her fingers flicked, and the world around them warped. The four felt it instantly: the air shimmered, the floor rippled, shadows grew and twisted.

“Let’s have some fun,” she whispered.

Minutes later, a loud crack echoed through the illusioned town.

Saburu stepped forward, calm, his cloak flowing. The illusion splintered as he appeared.

Bonny’s eyes went wide. “N-No! Impossible!” She raised her hands and attacked, throwing waves of illusion magic.

But nothing worked.

The attacks fizzled harmlessly around him.

She stumbled back, terror in her gaze. “I… I surrender! Please, don’t kill me!”

Saburu’s fingers curled into fists, anger flashing behind his mask. He stepped forward, ready to strike—close enough that she felt the weight of death.

Then—he stopped.

He breathed, slowly, and relaxed slightly.

“Why do I keep forgiving fools?” he muttered to himself.

He looked down at her. Cold. Intense. “Hey… clown. What’s your name?”

Bonny trembled. “…M—my… name is… Ahhh… my name is… Bonny.”

He nodded once. Then his eyes swept over the town.

“Free everyone,” he said quietly.

Her hands shook, but she obeyed. The illusions fractured completely. Buildings straightened. People blinked in confusion and relief.

Luna stomped forward, furious. “About time!”

Aldous growled, stepping beside her. “You could’ve destroyed the town—do you have any idea—”

Saburu raised a hand, blocking them. Calm. Unmoving.

Both froze under his gaze. Slowly, they realized—he wasn’t just blocking them. He was in control.

Saburu looked at Remee. She was trembling, tears streaming down her cheeks.

He wanted to be angry, wanted to scold, but he couldn’t.

Why can’t I forgive? he thought. But I can’t stop… either.

Bonny’s voice cracked. “P-Please… if you must kill me… I wish… I wish you could save my sister. Her name… her name is Elda. She’s in Bolnar Land… they’re holding her there!”

Her voice broke as she cried. Begged. Trembled.

The four of them—Saburu, Luna, Aldous, and even Remee—looked at each other.

“…We’ll help,” Saburu said, voice steady.

He stepped forward, hand slicing through the shadow clinging to Bonny’s back. A dark, writhing curse item fell to the ground.

Bonny froze. “W-What…? Why… why are your allies helping me?”

Saburu didn’t answer. He looked back at Remee. She buried her face in his cloak.

He muttered softly, almost to himself: “I can’t forgive… but I can’t abandon either.”

The four agreed—reluctantly, carefully—to rescue Elda.

Bonny sniffled, wiping tears from her face. “Th-Thank you… thank you so much!”

Later, when the group returned to the town square, the people were gathered, looking around, murmuring.

One by one, the heroes returned.

The Sword Hero stepped forward, eyes flashing. “Where were you? The people—”

“They were trapped in illusions,” Saburu said simply, voice low, calm. “Everyone’s fine now.”

The Sword Hero scowled. “You… you handled this alone?”

Saburu shrugged behind his mask. “I was here. That’s all that matters.”

Luna snorted. “You were here, but as always, calm and mysterious. Typical.”

Aldous chuckled, shaking his head. Remee just hugged Saburu’s sleeve tightly, eyes still wide.

Bonny glanced at him, grateful but fearful. “I—I’ll make sure nothing like this happens again…”

Saburu’s eyes narrowed. “See that it doesn’t. Your sister comes first.”

The town breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

And somewhere, hidden among the shadows, the gods and higher powers took note—without knowing exactly what had just transpired.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***