Re: Konosuba

Chapter 1 : Meeting

A Few Days Before Subaru and the Others Arrive in Axel

The dense, shadowy expanse of the forest loomed before them, ancient trees reaching up to the like twisted, skeletal fingers. The atmosphere was thick with mystery, an air of otherworldly silence hanging heavily between the towering trunks.

Megumin swung her staff idly, her crimson eyes scanning the surroundings. "This is a long forest. There's no telling if anyone's here."

Kazuma adjusted his headband, glancing around skeptically. "The guild receptionist suggested this quest because of the high reward. I had my suspicions, but now I can see why."

Darkness's eyes gleamed with excitement. "An ancient forest protected by a barrier! Said to contain a doorway to another world! I wonder what kind of monsters are in there ~"

Aqua's usual bravado faltered slightly. "People say whoever comes from here never comes back. Aren't you a little scared?"

Kazuma shrugged, trying to sound confident. "We'll see if there are any monsters close to the barrier and investigate the rumors. As long as we're careful-"

A sudden, guttural roar echoed through the trees.
????: "Raaaaaaaabbbbbbbiiitttttt!!!"

Aqua leapt back, clutching her staff. "Owwsssaaahhh!!! It's a monster!"

Megumin's eyes lit up with excitement. "Kyyyaaaa!! EXPLOSION!"

A massive blast erupted, tearing through the forest and obliterating the ancient barrier that had stood for centuries.

Kazuma's jaw dropped. "What do you think you're doing? You just took out the entire barrier!"

Megumin fell to the ground, a blissful smile on her face. "That felt good!~"

Aqua tried to regain her composure, dusting off her robes. "It's not like we were spooked or anything-"

A loud, rhythmic banging interrupted their conversation, resonating through the now barrier-free forest.

*Darkness looked around curiously. "What's that sound?"

Kazuma squinted into the distance. "Huh?"

From the shadows emerged a massive, rainbow-colored toad, its skin glistening in the dappled light.

Darkness gasped, her eyes widening in delight. "A giant frog? This one looks different-never seen a giant frog in this color before."

The Rainbow Giant Frog's voice rumbled ominously. "Since my seal has been broken, my siblings in other worlds shall awaken as well."

Aqua's eyes widened. "Is it just me or-"

Kay azuma's eyes darted around in panic. "He can talk!?"

The ground shook as the giant frog stomped forward.

Kazuma grabbed Megumin by the collar, pulling her to her feet. "Come back here! Where do you think you're going!?"

Back at the Mansion in the Present

The group sat around a large table, the air heavy with the scent of tea and tension.

Kazuma rubbed his temples, sighing heavily. "And so, that's what happened."

Subaru shook his head in disbelief. "I see-but that makes no sense!"

Emilia leaned forward, a frown creasing her brow. "So this toad you talked about is the same one that swallowed us as well?"

Subaru's thoughts raced. "Now it makes me wonder what happened to the others-Ram, Otto, and Garfiel."

Darkness crossed her arms, nodding thoughtfully. "It was my first time seeing a rainbow frog that could speak."

Puck floated above the table, his tiny form exuding an air of wisdom. "This is just a theory, but you guys mentioned a doorway to another world in that forest, right?"

Darkness shrugged. "I guess."

Puck continued, "And this giant frog might have been the doorway to another world itself. After you guys broke the barrier-"

Rem looked around in awe. "I never thought I would see other worlds."

Subaru's eyes narrowed. "Hang on a sec-so it's your fault that we got transported into another world!?"

Puck nodded slowly. "We can assume from what Kazuma said about the rainbow frog-that it's not the only one of its kind. Its siblings, as Kazuma mentioned, might have appeared in our world after they broke the barrier, which caused us to be swallowed and brought here."

Megumin burst into laughter, raising her staff triumphantly. "Mwahahaha!! My explosion magic is strong enough to rip away the gates of hell if I do say so myself!"

Kazuma's face turned red with frustration. "You're not supposed to laugh! You're supposed to apologize! Oh my god! Please forgive this crazy explosion girl-"

Emilia turned to Subaru, her voice soft and worried. "What can we do, Subaru? We still have things to take care of in our world..."

It's dplaced a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Emilia! I'll figure something out!"

Aqua waved her hand dismissively. "It's not like we did this on purpose! We are sorry, of course!"

Darkness glanced at Kazuma, her eyes sincere. "What do you think, Kazuma? We should consider giving them a helping hand."

Kazuma groaned, his resolve weakening. "Well, we are responsible for this-"

Kazuma threw his hands up in defeat. "Damn it! Fine! Fine!"

Aqua stood up, casting her usual party trick. "Nature's Beauty!"

Emilia watched in amazement as Aqua's spell created dazzling light effects. "That was amazing, Aqua!"

Aqua grinned. "Consider this my apology And now feel free to enjoy more of what I've got! Nature's Beauty!"

Emilia's eyes sparkled with delight. "Wow!"

Subaru chuckled, watching Aqua's antics. "Aqua doesn't look like she's sorry-but if Emilia is happy, then I'm happy!"

Rem looked at Puck thoughtfully. "What's the plan to get back to our original world?"

Puck floated in a contemplative circle. "First-we've got to locate where this rainbow frog is at."

Darkness pounded her fist into her palm, determined. "We'll help you in whatever way we can!"

Megumin raised her staff, her eyes gleaming. "Rainbow frog or any frog-it can't withstand my magic! I will take care of it this time!"

Kazuma grabbed her staff in panic. "Hold on! No! We need it alive in order for it to eat Subaru and the others so they can return to their original worlds!"

Megumin grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, that too."

Subaru rubbed his temples, a feeling of dread settling in. "Why do I have a bad feeling about this..."