Kazuki regretted everything.
He stood backstage inside the Grand Pavillion of Yumihana City, the capital of glitter, drama, and excessive costume budgets. Colored spotlights swung across the stage like mana-fueled rainbows, and a crowd of thousands screamed from the stands.
There were fan signs. There were floating drones. There was a mascot shaped like a giant, flexing slime.
And Kazuki?
Kazuki was in a sequin-lined coat, leather boots, and fingerless gloves. Hikari, his baby dragon, was perched on his shoulder in a tiny cape, eyes wide and tail wagging.
"We can still run," he whispered to the dragon.
Hikari licked his cheek.
"Thanks, buddy. You're a real traitor."
✦
The Hero Idol Championship had two parts:
A performance showcase — song, dance, or unique talent.
A combat trial — in front of the crowd, judged for style, creativity, and chaos.
Smile, who somehow became both event planner and co-host, announced the rules with a glint in his eyes and a confetti cannon.
"And remember, folks! Mana is not just for fighting—it's for fabulous flair!"
Kazuki considered collapsing.
"Next up: contestant number eight—our favorite disaster—Kazuki Taira and Baby Dragon Hikari!"
✦
The Stage
Kazuki walked onto the glowing platform under a thousand mana lights. The crowd went wild—mostly because Hikari did a loop in the air and sneezed sparkles.
He gripped his microphone-staff like a lifeline.
Smile's voice boomed. "Kazuki, what will you be doing for us tonight?"
"Uh…" he looked at the cue card.
It said: Sing. Dance. Possibly explode.
"…Interpretive dance?"
A hush fell over the audience.
A beat dropped.
And then—
Kazuki began what could generously be called moving. It was a chaotic blend of martial arts, accidental flips, and one moment where he tripped and backflipped off Hikari's tail into a perfect landing.
The crowd roared.
Sparkles exploded. A spotlight followed him as he flailed across the stage with increasingly confused energy, flinging spell trails behind him like fireworks.
Hikari did a synchronized spin.
The music ended with Kazuki accidentally sliding backward into a dramatic kneel—arms spread, cloak fluttering, with a small puff of lightning smoke from behind him.
Silence.
Then… screams.
Cheers. Applause. Floating signs with "MARRY ME KAZUKI" written in mana-light.
He blinked. "Wait… that worked?!"
✦
Next up: The Combat Round
"Now we fight?" Kazuki asked, catching his breath.
Smile appeared with a new outfit (was that a tuxedo and bunny ears?). "Yes! Your opponent is… a mystery challenger!"
The lights dimmed. Smoke swirled.
A figure emerged.
Sword. Glowing red cloak. Perfectly styled hair.
The crowd gasped.
A dramatic theme song began playing.
Kazuki blinked. "Wait. That's—"
"Aurelis Vire of the Ember Crest, Hero Class A+!" announced Smile.
Kazuki groaned. "Of course it's him."
✦
Duel: Kazuki vs. Aurelis
Aurelis stepped forward, calm and confident. "This is a battlefield, not a stage."
"Funny. I thought it was sparkly dodgeball with swords," Kazuki said, raising his mic-staff like it was a weapon.
They circled.
The timer began.
DING!
Aurelis struck first — a slash of flaming swordlight.
Kazuki leapt sideways, tripped on his cloak, and rolled across the floor. A blast of fire followed, hitting a giant speaker and making it explode in tune with the beat.
"Stop accidentally dodging!" Aurelis snapped.
"I'm TRYING!" Kazuki yelled.
He swung his staff.
It slipped from his hand, hit the ground, bounced, and smacked Aurelis right in the shoulder with a burst of echo magic.
The crowd screamed.
Aurelis glared, fire in his eyes. "You did that on purpose."
Kazuki pointed at himself. "Have you met me?!"
Aurelis charged.
Hikari jumped in, did a loop, and sneezed lightning—again.
This time, it hit the pyrotechnics controls.
The entire stage lit up in a thunderous, glowing firestorm that silhouetted Kazuki mid-jump… flailing… but perfectly landing on Aurelis's sword… with one foot.
More screaming. Signs in the audience burst into flames (magically controlled, but still).
✦
Final Moment
Kazuki fell backward into a heap. Aurelis stood still, twitching.
Smile raised a glowing scorecard.
"TEN OUT OF TEN FOR UNINTENTIONAL GENIUS!"
The other judges nodded—one was crying.
The crowd chanted: "KA-ZU-KI! KA-ZU-KI!"
Kazuki sat up and waved weakly. "What just happened…?"
Aurelis stalked off the stage without a word.
✦
Later That Night
Back at the guild, Kazuki lay on the floor with Hikari curled on his chest.
Tala tossed a bag of glowing coins onto the table.
"Well," she said, "we're rich again. Temporarily."
"Do I have to do that again?" Kazuki mumbled.
Smile was already handing him a new contract labeled Round Two – Now With Group Choreography!
He groaned.
But Hikari yawned happily. And somewhere outside, someone shouted, "You saved my heart, Kazuki!"
He sighed.
"…Fine. But next time, I'm wearing pants that fit."