CH 3

On that day, as usual after I’m done with my part time job at the convenience store, I was on the way back home at night.

After not being able to achieve anything no matter what I do, as if being chased out of the house I started to live alone, and after worrying about what to do for my employment, I finally decided to work part-time at a convenience store only because it was close to the place where I live.

Even though it hasn’t even been two years since I started working, I’m already used to my daily routine, and now I can go home in the middle of the night without getting lost even at night even when there are few streetlights.

This routine is really a nuisance, so peaceful and never changing is my daily life that I almost feel like it was purposely haunting me. So to escape from that, on the way back home I would let my head sink into a sea of thoughts.

It’s so bland that no matter who hears it will always think that it’s boring.

That boring every day was sent flying on this day.

It sent not only my stagnant daily life but also everything up until now flying.

“Boy. Do you want to be a hero?”

“·········hah?”

In an alley that should have been empty, someone suddenly spoke to me. Even if I look around, I only see row of houses and nothing that seems like a human figure even though, the source of the voice should be close by since I know that the voice was really directed at me.

Perhaps the monster that is currently being talked about “Wanderer”, had targeted me. I’ve never heard that they can speak though. Then again, who can guarantee that the monsters are not intelligent enough to understand language, to have a will, to think?

Cold sweat runs down my back, and only unpleasant thoughts come to my mind.

Just when the way home that should have been familiar suddenly began to feel strange, I heard the voice again.

“Huh? That should have been the right word…Hey boy, can’t you hear me? Look down! Mokyu isn’t scary kyu~!”

It looks like it wasn’t an auditory hallucination. And there’s also no doubt that the person whose words are directed at me. I was so tense that I couldn’t understand the meaning of the word, but I resolved myself and cautiously turned my gaze downward.

And there was a white steamed bun. To be precise it was a living thing, with an oval body that seemed like a steamed bun with cat-like ears, a cat-like tail, a black round eye in the front, and a mouth that seems like mouthing an apology, it became something that resembled a face.

I was hesitant to talk to such a strange being, but as soon as our eyes met――I don’t know exactly whether an eye or not, I know that it was only a matter of time.

I spoke as slowly as possible so as not to provoke the other party.

“Um… who are you…? Do you need something for me?”

“Oh, thank goodness kyu~. I was worried that you might not understand my word kyu~. It would be a shame if I finally found it but memorized the wrong word kyu~. Ah, don’t be so scared kyu~. Mokyu isn’t a bad mokyu kyu~. Mokyu is a cute mascot who came from far away to propose a suggestion or rather a request to you kyu~. Even so, the city sure is full of people, it was very hard kyu~. Well, there’s a lot to talk about, but since it seems like to be a long talk, let me just tell you about the main points kyu~.  Hm? What’s wrong kyu~? Why are you making that surprised face kyu~?”

It was the first time I learned that a steamed bun-shaped creatures are very talkative. Well, it was also the first time I learned that such a creature existed.

The way the creature talked in one go is so similar to the old lady who lives near my parents’ home that my fear is blown away.

As I stare dumbfoundedly at the creature, perhaps sensing my confusion, it began to speak at a slightly slower pace this time.

“Boy. Let’s ignore the small details and talk straight to the point kyu~. Are you interested in heroes kyu~? Right now, the world is in an unprecedented crisis because of the monsters kyu~. We need someone who can fight against those monsters, in other words, a hero kyu~. Boy, do you want to become a hero who can help someone kyu~. “

I’ve seen many scams like this. For you to become a hero or for someone else sake. Deceiving and scamming others with sweet words, like a lump of malice in all ages and countries there’s always existed someone like that.

However, what about the creature in front of me?

It’s obvious, I have never heard of a human, being recruited by this kind of creature, and no matter how you think about it, you can’t gauge the situation with common sense

And. It’s common knowledge in hero stories that the introduction starts from an invitation by an unknown creature.

“Can, can I become a hero?”

“You have enough talent and qualifications, no, it’s more than enough kyu~. I have never met such a talented person in my life kyu~. You are the best in the world kyu~!”

……Yeah, it’s too suspicious all right.

However, thinking that such an opportunity may never come again, I cannot walk away.

If, what if, what is presented in front of me right now could really make my wish come true. And if I turned down such a great opportunity, I would regret it for the rest of my life.

Sensing my hesitation, the steamed bun continued to speak.

“I understand your feelings of worry and suspicion kyu~. If you become a hero, your life won’t be the same as the peaceful life you had until now kyu~. But Mokyu knows kyu~. What you’ve been through up until now, and what kind of hero you want to be, I’ve seen it all kyu~. No need to worry kyu~. You seem to have doubts about the image of what kind of hero you want to be, however, what Mokyu wants is a hero like you kyu~. That’s why I want you to believe me kyu~.”

The steamed bun floats in the air and offered its short hand while staring at me. What is this strange creature.

Well, I kind of understood what it wanted to say. I don’t know how, but the steamed bun seems to know about me, and also that it’s no coincidence that they’re talking to me like this.

If that’s the case, there’s no need to hesitate anymore. Anyway, it probably came to visit me because he knew I wouldn’t refuse anyway.

And in fact, that’s correct, I accept the offer.

There are many parts that is suspicious and questionable, but I still can’t refuse.

After all, the situation that is currently happening here is exactly what I keep dreaming of for a long time even when I know it won’t come true.

If I still can be hesitant at this point, I wouldn’t have been keeping this smoldering passion for this long.

“What should I do? How can I become a hero?”

I asked in a trembling voice.

“It’s not that hard kyu~. Just take Mokyu’s hand and say ‘transformation’ Kyu~. If you do that, you can be reborn into a new form kyu~.”

I lightly grabbed the steamed buns hand that is floating in front of me and took a deep breath.

My life up until now was all for this moment. It’s certainly not a waste.

Prepare yourself and put your wishes into your words, and chant clearly while embracing the image of the hero you envision.

“Transform!”

The moment the words were spoken, the world overflowed with light.

Along with a comfortable sensation of floating, the torrent of light that consists of various color gently warped around my body.

Eventually, the light is dyed black and gathered from the whole body to the arms, hair, legs, and other parts, forming various shapes.

The light silhouette bursts and the whole body gradually can be seen.

Long boots decorated with lace and ribbons.

Black bangle attached to the wrist.

Long hair that is a mix of black and purple, that’s almost knee-length.

Corsage that is modeled after rose.

Small height.

White skin.

Gothic-style outfit with long sleeves and the same black and purple base as the hair.

Long skirt with plenty of ruffles and a large ribbon tied around her waist.

Long eyelashes and deep purple eyes.

A sparkling amethyst on the chest.

Along with the shout, the body also formed a transformation pose — the leg was spread wide, and the right arm was extended until the tip of the finger and crossed above the left shoulder.

If I were to give a name that fits that figure, then it’s.

“The birth of a new magical girl, ‘Black Rose’ kyu~!

The already cold night road became even colder.