What is this Dimensional Chat???

The atmosphere in the carriage turned heavy after Satria's words. His bluntness cut through the chatter, leaving an awkward silence in its wake.

Everyone seemed lost in their thoughts, each grappling with the truth he had spoken. Deep down, they all knew he was right—children like Fran weren't meant to shoulder the dangers of adventuring.

The living sword shifted uncomfortably in its sheath, breaking the silence internally. "What was I thinking, supporting Fran's decision to become an adventurer? It's true—a girl her age should be playing, not wielding a sword and staring into the ugly face of this world. A child should feel the warmth of family, not endure this cold cruelty."

The merchant, holding the reins with a furrowed brow, also wrestled with his emotions. He glanced at Fran, imagining his own daughter in her place. "The young man is right," he admitted to himself. "No child should face this life. But in this world, where privilege is scarce, children like Fran often have no choice. It's either this or starvation." Yet, he couldn't help but wonder. "Is this young master from a noble family? That would explain both his wisdom and his...spoiled nature."

Naruto, sitting across from Fran, clenched his fists tightly. Her quiet resolve and the weight of Satria's words stirred a storm in him. He'd grown up knowing how wrong it was to force children into dangerous roles, yet the world he came from wasn't so different. His mind flashed back to the harsh years of his own childhood, to the missions and burdens placed on him at an age when he should have been carefree.

Kurama, sensing his partner's turmoil, spoke in his usual gruff tone. "You should've expected this, Naruto. The strong prey on the weak in every world. The difference here is how blatant it is."

Son Goku's voice chimed in, recalling his own experience. "Hmph. My Jinchūriki's country didn't care about such morals either. Every child with the potential to fight was molded into a soldier, willing or not."

"True," Isobu agreed. "In my land, those who refused were branded cowards or traitors...and killed. You think your 'choice' made it better? War doesn't care about the age of its soldiers."

Fran, for her part, had been silent the entire time. Her small hands trembled slightly on her lap. She felt conflicted. She hated being treated like she was weak or fragile—especially by him. And yet, another part of her—a small, quiet part she tried to ignore—felt warmed by his concern.

But there was no denying her determination. She had her own reasons for wanting to become an adventurer. She clenched her fists tightly as memories surfaced: the faces of the people who murdered her parents and sold her into slavery. Her heart burned with the desire for revenge, but deep down, she hoped for something more—a life of peace, free from fear.

Naruto caught the expression on Fran's face—a mix of quiet fury and sorrow. It was a face he knew well, one that mirrored Sasuke's in the early days. His chest tightened.

Satria, sensing the growing tension in the air, sighed heavily. He hadn't meant for the conversation to spiral into this. The somber silence felt like a weight on everyone's shoulders, and he decided to break it.

"Hey," he said, his tone suddenly light. "How about we take a break over there? I'm starving, and I bet you guys are too." He pointed to a serene lake glistening in the distance.

Fran nodded, touching her belly with a shy smile. She was definitely hungry.

The merchant perked up, grateful for the change of subject. "A fine idea, Satria-sama. My horses could use a rest as well."

The group's spirits began to lift as the carriage veered off the road toward the lake.

"Great!" Naruto grinned, his excitement practically radiating off him. "I feel the same, and I've got a treat for you guys! Get ready to experience the Food of the Gods!" His tone was triumphant, as though he were about to unveil the world's greatest secret.

"The Food of the Gods?" The living sword's curiosity was piqued, though it was met with a groan from Satria, who already knew what Naruto was referring to.

"I can't believe you're still hyping that up," Satria muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Naruto reached into thin air and suddenly produced a scroll, to everyone's amazement. With a practiced flourish, he unsealed the scroll, summoning a collection of items that left the merchant and Fran in awe: a full assortment of cooking utensils, fresh ingredients, a table and chairs, a canopy for shade, and even a speaker that began playing soft, cheerful music.

Fran's eyes widened. "What is all this? Where did it come from?"

"A ninja's best friend—sealing jutsu," Naruto explained with a wink, before pulling out the pièce de résistance: a box of instant ramen from Ichiraku Ramen. He held it up like it was a divine relic, his expression reverent.

"Let me guess," Satria said dryly, already knowing what was coming. "The Food of the Gods is ramen."

Naruto beamed. "Not just any ramen—Ichiraku Ramen! The pinnacle of culinary perfection!"

The merchant was intrigued. "Ramen? I've never heard of such a thing. Is it truly so divine?"

"You'll understand once you taste it," Naruto replied, his grin widening.

The sword huffed, feeling both amused and slightly insulted.

Meanwhile, the merchant was captivated not only by the ramen but by the equipment Naruto had summoned. His eyes sparkled with wonder. What incredible tools! If I could get my hands on just one of these, it would revolutionize the market! He could barely contain his excitement, already calculating the profit potential in his mind.

Satria, unfazed by the display, grabbed the cooking set with a casual air. "Dobe, step aside. I'm in the mood to cook today."

"Fine, fine," Naruto said, stepping back with a smirk. "But don't mess up the ramen!"

Satria waved him off and pulled out a high-quality cut of beef and chicken from the stash. He placed a camera nearby and began recording himself. "Alright, let's get started," he said, his tone suddenly professional as he began narrating his process.

Fran tilted her head, watching Satria talking animatedly to a strange device set up nearby. "What is Satria doing, Shishou? Why is he talking to himself?"

The sword hummed thoughtfully. "Hmm… is he perhaps one of those food bloggers I've heard about? You know, the kind of people who share their cooking skills with the world."

Naruto, arranging the ramen ingredients, glanced over. "Maybe? Honestly, I don't know much about him," he admitted with a shrug. "He's always doing random stuff."

Satria's movements around the cooking station were mesmerizing. He moved with the precision and confidence of a seasoned chef, tossing ingredients into the pan, stirring the curry, and checking the ramen's broth like a professional.

The rich aroma of spices, savory broth, and perfectly grilled steak began wafting through the air, making everyone pause and take notice.

"Wow," Fran murmured, her mouth watering. "It smells… amazing."

The merchant's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "This young man has incredible skills! The way he's moving—it's like watching a chef in a noble's kitchen!"

Naruto grinned, inhaling deeply. "You should see him cook when he's really trying. The guy's got magic hands when it comes to food."

When the meal was finally ready, Satria presented the dishes with a flourish. He placed a steaming plate of Japanese curry rice and a bowl of rich, fragrant ramen before each person, completing the spread with a refreshing glass of iced tea tarik.

"Here you go," Satria said. "Enjoy."

Fran stared at the food in awe before eagerly digging in. "It's… it's so good!" she exclaimed between bites, her tail wagging with delight.

Naruto slurped his curry ramen noisily, a blissful expression on his face. "This really is the food of the gods," he declared.

Even the merchant couldn't contain his delight. "This is extraordinary! The flavors are so balanced, so unique…!" He paused thoughtfully, then reached into his bag and pulled out a bottle of finely aged alcohol. "This meal deserves a worthy companion. Let's enjoy this together!"

Naruto accepted a glass with a grin. "Thanks! I'm not much of a drinker, but I'll make an exception."

Satria, on the other hand, didn't hesitate. He poured himself a glass and downed it in one gulp.

"Hey!" Fatalis's voice echoed in his head. "What do you think you're doing? Isn't that haram?"

Satria waved a hand dismissively. "It's just one sip. I'm not drunk or anything, right?"

Fatalis sighed. "Tsk. You Indonesians are so weird sometimes."

Satria rolled his eyes, pouring himself another glass. "Relax, I'll stop after this one. Besides, it's not every day you get to enjoy good food and good company like this." 

"Geez... I must admit," Fatalis teased in Satria's mind, her voice carrying a mischievous tone, "if you showed this side of yourself more often, every girl you meet would fall head over heels for you. After all, girls love a man who can conquer them with food."

Satria smirked, puffing out his chest with exaggerated pride. "What do you expect from the incredible me? Cooking is just one of my many talents!"

Fatalis chuckled, though her own longing surfaced. She could almost taste the dishes he prepared, her memories of his cooking vivid. "It's unfair, you know. Your cooking is addictive. No wonder your wife refuses to let you go anywhere without them."

Satria's smirk softened slightly at the mention of his wife but quickly masked it. "What can I say? I aim to please," he said playfully, setting down another perfectly plated dish.

Fran, her curiosity piqued as she eagerly dug into her meal, glanced at Satria. "What is this food called? It's so good!" she asked, her eyes wide with wonder.

Satria wiped his hands and knelt beside her with a smile. "This is Japanese food," he explained. "What you're eating now is called curry rice, and the other dish is curry ramen. Both are popular in my world."

Fran's eyes sparkled. "Japanese food…" she repeated, savoring the unfamiliar flavors.

Her sword hummed thoughtfully. "Fran, if you'd like, I can try making something like this for you later. I won't lose to this guy!"

Fran's ears perked up, her tail wagging slightly. "Really, Shishou? That would be amazing!"

Naruto, finishing off his second bowl of ramen, interjected with a grin. "Good luck matching Satria's cooking, though! The guy's a natural chef. You might have a hard time beating him."

Satria grinned smugly at the compliment. "Of course. I am amazing, after all."

Fatalis sighed, though a smile lingered in her voice. "There it is. That typical-Indo overconfident attitude. Don't let it go to your head, boy."

"I had no idea you were a genius in cooking! It's absolutely amazing, Satria-sama!" The merchant exclaimed, savoring every bite. He had never tasted anything like this in his entire life. The flavors were rich and complex, making words insufficient to describe the culinary experience. "And this drink... it's so refreshing, perfectly sweet for my liking. How wonderful." He took another sip of the iced teh tarik, thoroughly enjoying the combination.

Naruto leaned back after finishing his plate, patting his stomach in satisfaction. "You're seriously talented, Satria. Ever thought about switching careers? You'd make an incredible chef," he joked, though his tone carried genuine admiration.

Fran was practically glowing as she feasted on Satria's cooking. "Satria is amazing!" she said, her eyes lighting up with joy. Between bites, she added, "The drink you made is so tasty too!" It was rare for her to indulge in food this good, and it brought a cheerful energy to her normally reserved demeanor. 

Her thoughts briefly wandered as she continued eating, sneaking glances at Satria. Not only is he kind, strong, and intelligent... but he's also an incredible cook. She couldn't help but blush at the thought of living with someone like him, being spoiled by his care every day. 'No! I can't think like that… not until I've found the ones who destroyed my life.' Her cheeks turned even redder as she quickly shook the thought away and focused on her food.

The sword, however, was less enthusiastic. "Is his food really that good?!" he grumbled, though deep down, he was suspicious. Fran's face clearly showed she was becoming more and more affectionate toward Satria. That realization hit him like a thunderbolt. "No! I don't care if he's a great cook or a demon or whatever! I'll never hand Fran over to you, you bastard!"

Satria, catching the sword's outburst, smirked and leaned in closer to Fran. "Careful, Shishou," he teased, his voice laced with amusement. "It looks like Fran's already on my side after tasting my food. Maybe you should work on your own cooking skills if you don't want to lose her."

"NOOOO!!!"

Fran giggled at their banter, the warmth of the moment filling the air. For a fleeting second, she felt like she was part of something she hadn't had in a long time—a family.

•

After packing up their equipment, the group resumed their journey.

Fran, however, decided to make herself comfortable by climbing onto Satria's lap, demanding that he pat her head. Satria, accustomed to her antics by now, gently ran his hand through her hair while casually replying to the Dimensional Chat messages flooding in.

___

Dimensional Chat

King of Knights: "How is your travel going?"

God of Hope: "We're doing fine, and Fran-chan is an absolute angel. Check out these pictures from our journey!"

[God of Hope uploaded six images]

Emilia: "She's so adorable!"

Kazuma-sama: "Why is @Fran acting so strangely close to @Shin? What have you done to her, you wicked man?!"

Black Cat: "Satria is a good guy, so don't assume the worst about him, Kazuma-san."

Shin: "Exactly, listen to her, Lolizuma! I've done nothing wrong. I'm just being a proper gentleman who treats a lady well."

Kazuma-sama: "Sounds like you've already brainwashed her, you bastard!"

Evil Spirit: "Stop bickering, you two. Satria-kun, you still haven't answered my question yet."

Shin: "...Oh, right. What was your question again?"

Evil Spirit: "I asked if there's a way to use my powers without sacrificing my lifespan."

Robin: "Wait—what?! Don't tell me what you did during that mission in Peter's world came at the cost of your lifespan!"

Evil Spirit: "It did, but no need to worry. I have my own ways of dealing with it."

Robin: "How exactly?"

Evil Spirit: "You don't need to know, little bat."

Robin: "..."

Shin: "It's a complicated issue, but every problem has a solution. First, I'll need to check your condition to understand the source of the problem."

Evil Spirit: "Thanks, Satria-kun. If you manage to help me, I might just reward you with something... fun. 😏"

Shin: "...Your version of 'fun' is more of a danger to me." 

____

Fran, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly looked up at Satria with a sharp glare.

"What... is this 'fun' she's talking about, Satria?"

"It's... uh, it's just fun after playing games or something like that!" Satria stammered, his face breaking into an awkward grin. "Nothing you need to worry about. It doesn't have any hidden meaning, Fran."

Despite his explanation, a bead of sweat formed on his temple. Deep down, he had no idea what Kurumi's "fun" actually entailed, but he dreaded it might be exactly what he feared. "If it's what I think it is, my wives will kill me for sure."

As if reading his mind, Fatalis's voice echoed in his head, teasing him.

"Don't forget, you have the Osiris Ring. Even if they kill you, it'll bring you back to life, so no big deal!"

"Idiot," Satria retorted internally, "That just makes it worse!"

Fran raised a suspicious eyebrow, but eventually shrugged it off. "If you say so, Satria," she said, nestling back into his lap.

Naruto shook his head in exasperation, muttering under his breath, "How do you even end up in situations like this...?"

•

After a long journey, they finally arrived at their destination.

"So, that's Alessa City?" Fran asked, munching on a chocolate bar Naruto had given her earlier.

"Wow! It feels like I've been transported straight into another world, just like in the anime Kurama watches back home," Naruto said, marveling at the bustling cityscape before them.

Alessa was a vibrant city, surrounded by towering walls and teeming with life. The gates were busy with merchants, adventurers, and travelers from various regions. The sight was a kaleidoscope of activity: wagons carrying goods, street performers entertaining passersby, and guards diligently inspecting those entering.

Satria observed the gate thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. "It looks impressive, but how do we get in? We don't have money or any proper identification to enter the city."

"Illegally sneaking in is an option," he admitted, "but it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I'd prefer not to act against the rules if we don't have to."

"Don't worry about that. I'll pay the entry fee," Rendou, the merchant who had accompanied them, said with a reassuring smile, pulling out a small pouch of coins.

Fran turned to him with gratitude. "You're so kind, Rendou-san. Thank you for helping us."

Rendou chuckled warmly, shaking his head. "Think nothing of it, young lady. And if you ever need money, feel free to visit my shop. I'll be happy to purchase any items you want to sell." His eyes sparkled, still holding out hope that they'd part with some of their exotic goods.

With Rendou's help, the group successfully entered the city. After bidding farewell to the merchant, they stood at the entrance, taking in the lively surroundings.

"We made it, Fran," the sword said, his voice tinged with excitement. "This is our first city! Can you feel the energy here?"

Fran nodded, her eyes bright as she scanned the streets. This was more than just a new place to her—it was the starting point of her journey to become stronger.

As they strolled through the city, Satria stretched his arms, looking around in awe. "Man, this place feels way more like a fantasy world than Kazuma's hometown! You can really tell it's a hub for adventurers."

Fatalis agreed. "Yeah, Alessa has a more authentic vibe. It's exactly the kind of place you'd imagine adventurers gathering."

The streets were lined with vendors selling everything from shimmering weapons to exotic spices. Adventurers in armor and cloaks crowded around notice boards, while blacksmiths hammered away at their craft. Nearby, children darted through the crowds, laughing and playing.

Fran's gaze wandered from stall to stall, soaking in the vibrant energy of the city. She clenched her fists with determination. "This is it. The place where I'll start my journey as an adventurer... and where I'll grow stronger."

Naruto leaned down, nudging her playfully. "Excited, Fran? Your first city as a full-fledged adventurer!"

"Yeah," she said, her voice quiet but filled with resolve.

Satria smiled at her determination. "Enjoy it, Fran. This is just the beginning."

As Satria and Naruto strolled through the bustling streets of Alessa, they couldn't help but notice the stares of admiration directed their way. Women across the marketplace blushed as their eyes landed on the duo, whispering in excitement.

"Who... are they?" one murmured, clutching her basket of goods tightly.

"So handsome..." another sighed dreamily.

"They must be nobles, or maybe even princes from a faraway land," a third speculated, her cheeks flushed.

A particularly bold woman stepped forward with a sultry smile. "Hello, boys. Care to spend some time with an Onee-san tonight?" she teased.

Satria and Naruto sweatdropped, suddenly aware of the growing crowd of admirers closing in on them like bees to honey.

'Not only in DxD but here too? Are you kidding me?' Satria thought, his mind racing as he noticed Fran glaring daggers at every woman who dared approach him. The tiny black cat girl was practically hissing like an angry kitten, making her displeasure known.

"Must be nice being so popular. You make me jealous, damned harem protagonist!" the sword groaned, his voice dripping with envy. "Why is it always you people? It should be me surrounded by heroines! And instead? I'm cursed to be a hunk of metal. A sword! Damn whoever reincarnated me like this!"

Naruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "What fun? This is a nightmare. I should've worn my hood from the start—they're so bothersome!" He glanced nervously at a group of women who were giggling and waving at him.

Satria sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Alright, that's enough of this nonsense." He placed a hand on Fran's shoulder to calm her down and looked at Naruto. "Let's get out of here before they swarm us. Our first stop is the adventurer's guild, remember?"

Naruto nodded, relief washing over him. "Please, lead the way!"

"Sorry, ladies," Satria said smoothly, addressing the disappointed crowd. "But we're on a tight schedule and don't have time to chat."

Before anyone could protest, he grabbed both Naruto and Fran, activating his super speed. In the blink of an eye, they vanished from the market, leaving their admirers stunned and searching in vain.

When they reappeared, they were standing right in front of the adventurer's guild. The grand building loomed before them, its doors buzzing with activity as adventurers of all kinds came and went.

"Finally, some peace," Satria muttered, brushing himself off.

Fran puffed out her cheeks, still sulking. "Hmph! Too many weird female..."

Satria gave her a wry smile. "Let's just focus on registering as an adventurer now, okay?"

Fran brightened up at the mention of her goal, her earlier irritation melting away. Together, the trio headed inside, ready to take the next step on their journey.

The guild hall was bustling with activity. Adventurers gathered in groups, huddling over maps and discussing their quests. Others feasted noisily, their mugs clanking as they celebrated recent victories. Amidst the lively chatter and occasional bursts of laughter, a single woman at the reception desk quietly cast a deadpan glare at some particularly rowdy adventurers. Though she said nothing, her thoughts betrayed her disdain.

'Ugh, if only some of these idiots would take a permanent trip to the afterlife...' she thought, suppressing a sigh of frustration.

Suddenly, a small voice snapped her out of her musings. "Excuse me. We want to register with the guild."

Looking down, the receptionist spotted a young black cat girl standing confidently before her. But before she could respond, her eyes drifted past the girl, landing on the two striking figures behind her.

Her breath hitched.

'W-Who are they? Are they nobles? Or... perhaps my prince charming come to whisk me away from this cursed place?' Her mind spiraled into a dreamy haze as her eyes sparkled.

"Ara~ Welcome. What can I do for you, gentlemen?" she purred, her tone oozing charm as she addressed Satria.

Satria, unfazed by her demeanor, spoke plainly. "We want to register with the guild. Can we?"

The receptionist blinked, snapping out of her reverie. "Oh, three registrations?" she asked, glancing back at Fran. Her tone softened, laced with concern. "Are you sure you want to become an adventurer, little one?"

Fran nodded firmly. "Yes. I want to become an adventurer."

The receptionist hesitated. "You do realize not everyone can become one, right? You'll need to pass a test from the guild examiner."

"I'm ready," Fran replied without hesitation.

The receptionist leaned closer, her expression serious. "You understand the risks, don't you? If you get hurt—or worse—the guild takes no responsibility. Are you really okay with that?"

Fran stared back, unwavering. "No problem."

The receptionist sighed and turned to the two men, her professionalism momentarily faltering as she once again admired their appearances. "And you two?"

Naruto and Satria nodded in unison. "Same as her."

Before the receptionist could process their determination, the murmur of nearby adventurers caught their attention.

"Kehehe, some spoiled noble brats trying to play adventurer," one sneered, his voice dripping with mockery.

"Don't die too early, alright? The real world isn't as kind as your mansions!" another taunted.

"That white-haired one is handsome though," a woman commented, though her tone was laced with disdain. "Bet he's just here to show off."

"Tch. Pretty faces don't last long in this line of work," another scoffed.

The receptionist cleared her throat, ignoring the background chatter. "Don't mind them. Please follow me," she said, gesturing toward a hallway that led to the guild's testing grounds.

Fran shot a glare at the jeering adventurers, her small fists clenched, but Satria placed a hand on her shoulder. "Ignore them," he said calmly. "We'll prove ourselves soon enough."

Naruto gave the crowd a wry smile. "They'll eat their words in no time."

•

The trio stepped into the dimly lit arena, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the stone walls. At the center of the arena sat a burly figure on a large stone, his crimson skin and sharp tusks giving away his Oni heritage. He leaned forward, his piercing gaze sizing up the newcomers.

"You brats are the ones who want to join the guild?" he growled, his deep voice reverberating through the room.

Satria, Naruto, and Fran simply stared at him, their reactions far from what he expected.

With a loud clang, the roof above them slid shut, casting the arena into near darkness. Only faint torches illuminated the area, creating an oppressive atmosphere.

"I'm the examiner for the Alessa Guild. Name's Donadrond!" he bellowed, his voice a mixture of pride and authority. As he spoke, an intense wave of aura erupted from him, washing over the group like a tidal wave.

The receptionist, observing from a safe distance, thought to herself, 'As expected of Donadrond-san. That aura... it's terrifying. Most rookies run for the hills when they feel it. Let's see how these three handle it.'

But instead of panicking, the three newcomers acted... bizarrely.

Fran stood calmly with a blank expression, unfazed by the pressure.

Naruto yawned, stretching his arms casually, as if he were about to take a nap.

Meanwhile, Satria had pulled out his phone and was snapping selfies with the group, ensuring the ominous arena background was perfectly framed.

The receptionist's jaw nearly dropped. 'W-What?! They're not even flinching? Are they insane?!'

The sentient sword, observing the scene through Fran, decided to appraise Donadrond. After scanning him, the sword mused, 'Hmm... not bad. Strong, sure, but not anything extraordinary compared to the two guys Fran's traveling with. He's more of a mini-boss level, really.'

Donadrond's eyes narrowed at the lack of reaction from the group. He growled, his pride as an Oni on the line. "Listen here, I don't care who you are or where you're from. When you step into this arena, I won't hold back. I'll fight with everything I've got, even if it means crushing you!"

Fran stepped forward, her small figure looking almost fragile compared to the towering Oni. She locked eyes with him and replied without hesitation, "That's what I want."

Her voice was calm, but it carried a weight that caught even Donadrond off guard.

Satria chuckled as he took another photo. "Alright, Fran. Make it a good fight. I want some cool shots for the gallery."

Naruto grinned, leaning against the wall. "Show him what you're made of, Fran. Don't hold back."

Donadrond smirked. "You've got guts, kid. Let's see if you can back it up!"

The tension in the air thickened as Fran drew her sword, her stance firm and unwavering. Donadrond cracked his knuckles, his aura flaring even stronger.

Fran took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. She was ready.

"Go Fran! Beat that old man! What's his name again? Oh yeah, Donald Trump!" Satria called out with a teasing grin, earning a snort of laughter from Naruto.

"It's Donadrond, you bastard!" the Oni roared, veins popping on his forehead. He turned his focus back to the small Black Cat girl in front of him. "So, you're up first, kid? Let's see what you've got."

Fran nodded firmly, her eyes shining with determination.

"You both ready?" the receptionist asked, her voice trembling slightly as she glanced nervously between Fran and the massive Oni.

"Begin!"

Donadrond wasted no time, lunging forward with his axe raised high. His attack cleaved the air where Fran had been standing just moments before. She had nimbly dodged the strike with graceful precision.

"Hoh... Not bad for a newbie," Donadrond grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up his eyes. It had been a long time since anyone gave him a real challenge.

'Huft… That was close!' the sword thought, relieved at Fran's quick reaction.

The Oni charged again, leaping high into the air. "Slam Slash!" he roared, bringing his axe down with a thunderous crash. Once again, Fran sidestepped the attack effortlessly, leaving Donadrond to strike only the stone floor.

"Go Fran! Show him what you've got!" Naruto cheered enthusiastically, holding his phone up to record the action. Beside him, Satria was doing the same, capturing every moment.

Fran and Donadrond's weapons clashed, sparks flying as the two tried to overpower each other. Realizing she needed an edge, Fran activated her magic, enhancing her strength and agility.

"Let's end this," Fran muttered, dashing forward in a blur. With precision, she landed a clean slash on Donadrond's arm, drawing blood.

But to her surprise, his wounds closed almost immediately.

"Not bad, kid," Donadrond admitted, his grin widening. "But that's not gonna cut it. Let me show you real power!"

The Oni flared his aura and launched a flurry of relentless strikes. Fran weaved through his attacks, her focus unwavering.

"I will become an adventurer!" she shouted, planting her foot firmly on the ground. With a flick of her wrist, she cast earth magic, summoning a massive hand from the ground to hold Donadrond in place.

"Nice one," the sword said, deciding to join in. "Now, let's light it up. Fire Magic: Tri-Explosion!"

Three fiery blasts erupted, slamming into Donadrond and making him stumble back.

"Damn you!" Donadrond growled, his pride wounded as he realized this small girl could use advanced magic.

Fran didn't let up. She leaped forward, her blade glowing with energy. "Take this! Dragon Fang!"

Her strike hit like a freight train, sending Donadrond hurtling across the arena. He crashed into the far wall with a deafening boom, the rubble burying him under a cloud of dust and debris.

The arena fell silent, the receptionist staring wide-eyed at the devastation.

"She's incredible," she whispered. Fran stood victorious, her breathing steady as she looked at the rubble.

A moment later, Donadrond emerged, dusting himself off. Despite the scratches and dirt on his face, he gave her a proud thumbs-up.

"You're amazing, kid. You pass," he said with a grin.

Fran nodded in acknowledgment, her calm demeanor belying her earlier fiery determination.

"Now it's your turn, boys," Donadrond said, cracking his knuckles and readying himself for the next challenge.

Naruto glanced at Satria with a smirk. "Hey, you know how he likes to intimidate people? Let's give him a taste of his own medicine."

Satria sighed but nodded. "Fine. Let's see if he can handle this."

Together, they unleashed their full aura. The atmosphere in the arena shifted dramatically as an oppressive energy filled the air.

The receptionist immediately fainted, collapsing behind Fran. The entire city seemed to tremble as if an earthquake had struck.

The sword, sensing the sheer power, was in complete shock. 'What... what kind of monsters are these two?!'

Donadrond, meanwhile, could only stare, frozen in place. His legs trembled as he looked at the shadows forming behind the two men. Behind Naruto, he saw the shapes of nine massive beasts, each radiating raw power. Behind Satria loomed the terrifying figure of a colossal black dragon.

"What... what is this power?" Donadrond stammered, his voice barely audible. For the first time in his life, he felt genuine terror.

The Oni knew that this moment—the overwhelming fear and awe—would haunt him for the rest of his days.

To be continued...