Prism Isekai - Tales of Atheria Chapter 2 ~ Sunshine Prism Sunshine Prism ends up in the fantasy world, but their journey is hardly smooth. ========================================================== ## Another Unexpected Entrance The stadium pulsed with the electric energy of a thousand screaming fans. Sunshine Prism, the J-pop girl group of the moment, shimmered on stage. Sakura, the golden-haired leader, held a note with angelic perfection. Beside her, Aoi, the metallic-blonde dancer, defied gravity with a series of breathtaking pirouettes. And Hikari, the pink-haired powerhouse vocalist, belted out the final chorus, her husky voice shaking the rafters. Then, everything went... wonky. The blinding stage lights sputtered. The rhythmic thrum of the bass distorted into a low rumble. The cheers of the crowd turned into a cacophony of alien screeches. In the blink of an eye, the plush velvet stage transformed into rough, uneven stone. Their frilly idol costumes, designed for synchronized dance moves, now felt absurd against the backdrop of towering, moss-covered trees. Panic flared in Sakura's eyes. Even in this chaos, she remained the picture of primness, clutching her sequined microphone like a lifeline. Hikari let out a surprised yelp, her eyes wide with a mix of fear and excitement. Aoi, however, reacted with a characteristic burst of fire. "What the actual..." she snarled, scanning their surroundings. Lush greenery stretched as far as the eye could see, punctuated by the occasional colossal mushroom or tree with shimmering purple leaves. Strange, vaguely humanoid creatures with feathery wings flitted between the branches, their calls echoing eerily. "This is some kind of elaborate prank, right?" Hikari called out, her voice trembling slightly. "Like a hidden camera show?" Sakura shook her head, her golden bob bouncing. "No, Hikari. This... this is real." Fear threatened to overwhelm her, but she forced it down. She had to be strong, for herself, for Aoi, for their fans who might be watching this nightmare unfold on some cruel live stream. Aoi knelt down and examined the ground. "Look," she pointed, "footprints. Big ones." Following the trail, they found a set of massive, clawed prints leading deeper into the forest. "Maybe whatever brought us here left those?" Hikari offered. "Maybe," Sakura admitted, a sliver of hope flickering in her eyes. "But we need to find answers. And maybe a way back." With newfound determination, the three idols, despite their impractical costumes and complete lack of fantasy world survival skills, ventured into the unknown. Aoi, the most agile, scouted ahead, her lithe form weaving through the undergrowth. Sakura, the leader, followed closely behind, her sequined dress catching on thorns with an alarming frequency. Hikari brought up the rear, her eyes wide with a mix of terror and the thrill of adventure. Their journey through this bizarre, fantastical world had only just begun. Were they chosen for this isekai adventure? Was it a cruel twist of fate? One thing was certain: Sunshine Prism, the J-pop idols, were no longer performing on a stage. ---- Sunshine Prism trudged through the undergrowth, their frilly idol dresses now sporting a collection of snags and mud stains. Aoi led the way, her metallic blonde hair sticking to her forehead with sweat. Behind her, Hikari grumbled about the lack of decent snacks, while Sakura held her head high despite their predicament. Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the trees. "Hold it right there, sparkly maidens!" Three figures emerged from the foliage. One, a hulking man with a shaved head and a scarred face, brandished a rusty axe. Flanking him were a woman with mismatched armor and a shifty-looking skinny man with a quiver full of arrows. "Who are you?" Aoi demanded, adopting a defensive stance. The man chuckled, a sound like rocks grinding together. "The name's Grokar, love. And these fine folks are Matilda and Flick. We're adventurers, see? And you three... well, you look kinda lost." Matilda, the woman with mismatched armor, flashed a toothy grin. "Yeah, those outfits ain't exactly made for monster-stompin'." Sakura stepped forward, her voice surprisingly steady. "We are not lost. We are visitors from another world. A world of..." she paused dramatically, "princesses!" Hikari choked on a laugh, while Aoi muttered, "Sakura, what are you doing?" Unfazed, Sakura continued, "I, Princess Sakura of Popstar, demand safe passage to the nearest city!" Grokar burst out laughing, the sound echoing through the trees. Matilda and Flick exchanged skeptical glances. "Popstar, eh? Sounds like a fun place. You know anything about magic, princess?" Grokar asked, a gleam in his eye. Sakura, drawing inspiration from countless fantasy dramas, straightened her tiara and declared, "While I myself do not dabble in the arcane arts, I am surrounded by powerful magical beings!" Flick, the skinny one, chimed in, "Powerful magicians, eh? Maybe you could be useful after all. Zenith City could always use another enchanted tiara to sell to tourists." Grokar scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Alright, Princess Sparkles. We'll take you to Zenith City. After all, Atheria is a land filled with monsters. Wouldn't want to see your pretty faces scarred now, would ya?" Aoi scowled, but Hikari's eyes sparkled. "Monsters? Sounds like fun!" Sakura, however, wasn't thrilled with the prospect of encountering monsters, especially in a flimsy idol outfit. But the promise of a city, the thought of a warm bed and maybe even a real microphone, outweighed her fear. With a resigned sigh, Sunshine Prism, the J-pop idols turned unlikely princesses, joined the band of unsavory adventurers, heading towards the unknown city of Zenith. Whether this flamboyant trio of glitter and song would find their way home or become entangled in the dangers of Atheria remained to be seen. ---- The journey to Zenith City was arduous, to say the least. Sunshine Prism, adorned in their increasingly tattered costumes, were a stark contrast to Grokar's band of mismatched adventurers. Yet, Sakura held onto her newfound princess persona with surprising conviction. Aoi kept muttering about bandits and hidden agendas. Hikari, however, seemed to enjoy the novelty of it all, singing off-key princess anthems at the top of her lungs. Zenith City, when they finally arrived, was a bustling mess. Carts piled high with strange fruits rumbled through cobblestone streets lined with ramshackle taverns and shops overflowing with exotic wares. Grokar led them through the city with a practiced ease, navigating the crowds without a hitch. "This way, your highnesses," Grokar said with a mocking bow, guiding them towards a dimly lit alleyway. Aoi and Hikari exchanged nervous glances. Sakura, oblivious, adjusted her tiara and declared, "Lead the way, good Grokar. Lead us to our royal accommodations!" The alleyway led to a ramshackle building with peeling paint and a crooked sign that barely read "The Gilded Cage." Inside, a burly man with an oily smile awaited them. "Grokar," the man boomed, throwing a pouch of coins at him. "Excellent work as always. These princesses are top-notch quality!" Sakura puffed up with pride. Aoi, however, felt a cold dread pool in her stomach. Grokar winked at her. "Pleasure doing business with you, Barkeep. Take good care of them, won't you?" The barkeep's grin widened further as he surveyed Sunshine Prism. "Don't worry, these beauties will be the talk of The Gilded Cage." It was then that the girls' worst suspicions were confirmed. Grokar's "escort" service wasn't exactly royal treatment. Shocked silence descended. Sakura, the tiara finally askew on her head, stammered, "Wh-what do you mean, 'take care of us'? We are princesses!" The barkeep's laughter echoed through the dusty room. "Princesses of glitter and song, perhaps." He chuckled, eyeing them with a predatory glint. "Welcome to The Gilded Cage, ladies. Now, why don't you get yourselves settled in your room?" The "room" turned out to be a cramped, windowless chamber with a single lumpy bed. Gone were the dreams of a warm bath and fluffy pillows. Reality had hit Sunshine Prism, and it was far from a fairy tale ending. Aoi glared at Grokar, who stood outside the room, a smug grin plastered on his face. "You tricked us!" she hissed. Grokar shrugged. "Survival of the fittest, love. Now, you three be good girls and earn the barkeep your coin, or things will get..." he trailed off, making a slicing motion across his throat. Hikari whimpered, clutching her backpack of snacks. Even Sakura, her princess facade shattered, looked lost and scared. It was clear their isekai adventure had taken a dark turn. They were no longer celebrities; they were trapped in a seedy underbelly of a fantasy world, with only their friendship and limited skills to rely on. ---- The Gilded Cage was aptly named. Gleaming golden bars separated the stage from the grimy patrons, a constant reminder of their captivity. Gone were the frilly idol costumes, replaced by ill-fitting barmaid dresses that did little to hide the garishness of their original outfits. Hikari managed a smile as she practiced balancing a tray laden with tankards of cloudy ale. Aoi, ever practical, was already schmoozing a group of boisterous dwarves, deflecting their unwanted advances with practiced ease. Sakura, however, was a storm cloud in a sea of forced cheer. Her tiara, confiscated by the barkeep, lay discarded on the grimy floor, a symbol of her shattered princess facade. Shame burned hot in her cheeks. This wasn't how her isekai adventure was supposed to go! She was supposed to be saving the world, not serving watered-down ale to ogling patrons. "Cheer up, Princess Sparkles," Aoi teased, sidling up to Sakura with a playful nudge. "At least we're not scrubbing orc latrines." Sakura shot her a withering glare. "This is hardly better, Aoi. Were we not idols, J-pop stars? Now we're... servants!" Hikari, weaving through the crowd with practiced agility, managed to squeeze into the conversation. "Hey, serving drinks isn't the worst thing in the world," she chirped, a wide grin plastered on her face. "Besides, have you seen the prices on those outfits we were wearing? We're practically walking goldmines!" Aoi chuckled. "Hikari's right. Look at it this way, Sakura. We're gathering intel, learning the lay of the land. Maybe we can find a way out of here." Sakura sighed, deflating slightly. Aoi was right. Being enslaved as glorified waitresses wasn't ideal, but it could be worse. They could have been sold into something far more sinister. Still, the sting of humiliation lingered. "Fine," she grumbled, straightening her barmaid dress. "But the moment there's an opportunity, we're getting out of here. And when we do, I'm never playing another princess role again." Aoi and Hikari exchanged amused glances. Sakura, despite her grumbling, had a fire in her eyes. They may have been forced into a dingy tavern, but Sunshine Prism hadn't lost their sparkle. They were idols, after all, and idols knew how to put on a show, both on stage and off. ---- A fortnight had passed since their arrival at The Gilded Cage. The novelty of being barmaids had worn thin for all of them. Hikari missed real food that wasn't stale bread and watered-down ale. Aoi longed for the freedom of movement she enjoyed while dancing across the stage. And Sakura simply couldn't stand the perpetual feeling of being ogled and underestimated. One dreary afternoon, the owner of the establishment, a man named Bruno, entered with surprising news. "Alright, listen up, birdies," he announced. "Time to get you registered with the Adventurer's Guild. Can't have you gals working illegally." Relief washed over Sakura. Freedom from this dingy tavern was finally within reach! Aoi, however, tilted her head in confusion. "Registered? For what?" "For your class, doll," Bruno chuckled, pointing a thumb towards himself. "Everyone around here has one. Makes things official." A spark of excitement ignited in Aoi's eyes. Could this be like the role-playing games they sometimes played on their off days? Choose a class, learn skills, embark on quests? The possibilities were thrilling. As they entered the bustling Adventurer's Guild, Hikari voiced their confusion. "What even are these classes?" Aoi, now brimming with enthusiasm, explained. "Think of it like a video game, Hikari! You choose your class, it gives you special abilities. Maybe we can become adventurers ourselves!" The receptionist, a woman with a bored expression and hair the color of dungeon dust, led them through a series of basic aptitude tests. Sakura, unsurprisingly, excelled in singing, landing the class of 'Singer'. Aoi, with her graceful movements, was deemed a 'Dancer'. And Hikari, thanks to her surprisingly strong voice and captivating stage presence, qualified as a 'Bard'. "Entertainment classes, huh?" Sakura wrinkled her nose. "Disappointing. I thought we could maybe be warriors or something." The receptionist sighed. "Based on these tests, those wouldn't be a good fit. But," she shrugged, "it's not set in stone. You can pick whatever you want." Her words sparked a debate amongst the girls. Aoi saw the value in the classic party "trinity" – a fighter, a mage, and a healer. The question was, who would be which? "I say I become a mage!" Hikari declared, her eyes filled with the desire to conjure fireballs and lightning bolts. "But Hikari, your singing is your strength!" Aoi countered. "Imagine buffing us with powerful melodies!" Sakura, however, had her own ambitions. "Fighter! I'll learn how to fight and protect us all! Besides, can you imagine the headlines – 'Pop Star Princess Defeats Evil Dragon?' That would be legendary!" The girls bickered back and forth, each vying for their dream class. Hikari, the Bard, dreamt of fiery spells. Aoi, the Dancer, yearned for acrobatic combat prowess. And Sakura, the Singer, craved the thrill of hand-to-hand combat. It seemed, even in this strange new world, they still struggled to perform in perfect harmony. ---- The debate raged on within the dusty confines of the Adventurer's Guild. "Priest?" Sakura scoffed, her nose wrinkled in distaste. "Me? Standing back and healing? No way!" "But Sakura," Aoi argued, "a balanced party needs a healer! We'd be fools to head out without one." Hikari chimed in, her voice dripping with disappointment. "Yeah, can you imagine the frustration? We're all battling some giant troll, and you're just standing there throwing glitter at us and calling it a cure." Sakura bristled at the imagery. Throwing glitter? Absolutely not! But the image of a wimpy healer hiding in the backlines did little to entice her. Aoi, for her part, seemed drawn to the allure of the Thief class, picturing herself nimbly dodging attacks and swiping valuables from unsuspecting foes. While she liked the tactical advantage, she couldn't shake the feeling of being slightly...dishonest. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken anxieties. Healer just wasn't anyone's cup of tea. Yet, they all knew it was the logical choice. Finally, Sakura slammed her fist on the counter, startling the weary receptionist. "Alright, here's what we do," she declared, her voice laced with a desperate determination. "I'll be the Fighter. Lead the charge, take down bad guys. Classic hero stuff." Aoi raised an eyebrow. "Fighter, huh? You sure you can handle getting dirty?" "I can handle anything," Sakura retorted, puffing out her chest. Internally, though, she couldn't help but picture herself in a shining suit of armor, not the basic leather jerkin the guild provided. Hikari, with a sigh, spoke up next. "Fine, if someone's gotta be reckless, I'll be the Mage. Fireballs and lightning bolts, here I come!" Aoi couldn't help but grin at Hikari's enthusiasm. "Sounds perfect for you, firecracker." The receptionist, who had been watching the scene with a detached amusement, cleared her throat. "So, Fighter, Mage, and Thief. An interesting, if not...traditional... party composition." Sakura mumbled something about flexibility, while Aoi simply shrugged. They weren't exactly the dream team, but they were a team nonetheless. After being outfitted in their rather underwhelming class attire (leather jerkin, simple robes, and a slightly too-tight black suit), they headed back to the Gilded Cage. ---- The girls burst back into The Gilded Cage, a cacophony of nervous excitement. Bruno, wiping ale suds off his burly beard, surveyed them with amusement. "So, ladies," he rumbled, "heard you're ditching the barmaid life for the thrill of monster-slaying. Ambitious, considering..." he trailed off, eyeing their underwhelming class attire. "We can do this, Bruno!" Sakura declared, puffing out her chest. "We just need to know how to get started." Bruno chuckled, a booming sound that rattled the dusty bottles on the shelves. "Well, that's where things get interesting. Your sparkly outfits, those fetched a pretty price on the collectors' market. Let's just say your little 'debt' is covered." Relief washed over the girls. They weren't stuck here forever! Hikari bounced on her toes, already buzzing with anticipation. Aoi, however, remained pragmatic. "So, assuming we're free to go... how do we become proper adventurers?" "Ah, the Guild gives you the basics," Bruno explained, leaning back in his chair. "But you want to be good? You need a mentor, someone to teach you the ropes. Someone like..." he paused with a dramatic flourish, "me!" Hikari's eyes widened. "Really?" Bruno winked. "Sure, why not? But first things first, classes. You three picked... interesting ones." Sakura squared her shoulders. "I want to be a valiant warrior, a knight in shining armor!" Bruno snorted. "Knights, eh? That's a Paladin – a third-tier class. Requires mastering both Fighter and... Priest." A mischievous grin spread across Aoi's face. "See, Sakura? Maybe you should just embrace destiny and become the Priest right now." Sakura's face flushed crimson. "That's not fair, Aoi! Surely you or Hikari..." Bruno held up a hand, silencing the bickering. "Actually, both of you have a point. Hikari, Mage combined with Priest leads to a powerful Sage class. But Aoi..." He eyed her with a sly grin, "Thief doesn't offer any such holy combos." A triumphant smirk played on Aoi's lips. "So, looks like I'm the only one not destined for holy duty. Saves me the boredom." Hikari and Sakura exchanged exasperated glances. The relief of escaping servitude was quickly dissolving into their usual bickering. Here they were, on the brink of adventure, and they were already arguing over who should be the party's glorified healer. Bruno chuckled, shaking his head. These pop idols might just make the most entertaining – and chaotic – adventurers he'd ever trained. "Alright, alright," he boomed, silencing the girls once more. "Let's settle down. We can figure out your class woes later. First lesson – basic survival. How to avoid getting eaten by goblins, for instance." The thrill of adventure was quickly replaced by the harsh reality – surviving as adventurers demanded more than flashy spells and heroic dreams. Sunshine Prism, the unlikely trio of Fighter, Mage, and Thief, still had a long way to go before they could even consider slaying monsters or saving the world. ---- Dust swirled around Bruno's massive form as he barked out instructions. Sweat beaded on Hikari's brow as she expertly launched a fireball into a stack of hay bales, the flames erupting with an impressive "whoosh!" Aoi, meanwhile, gracefully weaved between Bruno's training dummies, her kicks and strikes leaving phantom bruises on the air. Sakura, on the other hand, presented a less picture-perfect scene. Grunting with every clumsy swing of her wooden practice sword, she barely managed to deflect Bruno's wooden club before receiving a solid whack on the shoulder. "Oi, Sakura," Bruno chuckled, his voice booming across the training yard. "You look like a toddler trying to crack a walnut with a feather!" Sakura scowled, a fresh wave of heat blooming on her bruised shoulder. "It's not easy being a walking shield!" she huffed. "Maybe if someone in this party wasn't too busy twirling to actually heal me..." Aoi, who had just landed a flawless flying side-kick on a dummy, froze mid-air. Her playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a deep frown. "Here we go again," she muttered, landing with a huff. "What's that supposed to mean?" Sakura snapped. "I'm the one getting pummeled here, while you flit around like a butterfly!" Aoi's eyes narrowed. "Sakura, Thief doesn't come with magical ointments! And for your information, being agile isn't 'useless.' It's how I avoid getting smacked in the first place!" "Fine," Sakura spat, dropping her sword with a clatter. "Then why don't you switch to Priest? All you have to do is stand back and flick your wrist!" Aoi flinched at the harsh words. As a dancer, grace and agility were her lifeblood. The idea of being relegated to a passive role rankled deep within her. But then, a different emotion washed over her – a grudging respect. Sakura, despite her clumsiness and constant complaints, was taking the brunt of the training, putting herself in harm's way for them to practice their spells and agility. Shame stung Aoi's eyes. Suddenly, it clicked. Becoming a Priest wasn't about being 'useless.' It wasn't a demotion – it was an act of support, a way to protect Sakura, who was shielding them all. Aoi swallowed her pride and straightened her back. "Alright," she declared, her voice stronger than before. "Fine. I'll talk to Bruno about switching to Priest." Sakura's jaw dropped. "Y-you mean it?" Aoi gave her a wry smile. "Let's face it, you're a walking target, Sakura. Someone's gotta keep you from falling apart before we even encounter a real goblin." A grudging smile tugged at Sakura's lips. "Thanks, Aoi." Hikari, who had been silently observing the exchange, beamed and bounced towards them. "Yay! Now we'll be a perfectly balanced party! We're gonna be unstoppable!" As Bruno chuckled and launched into a lecture on basic healing spells, a new energy pulsed through the trio. Sunshine Prism, the unlikely band of pop idols turned adventurers, may have been clumsy at best, but for the first time, they were truly working together. ---- ## Glamorous Heroism The stench hit them first, a thick wall of putrid sewage that threatened to knock them over. Sunshine Prism, adventurers-in-training, stood at the entrance of the city's sewer system, their bright new class cloaks looking woefully out of place in the dim, dripping cavern. "Ew," Sakura muttered, wrinkling her nose. "Are we really adventurers, or glorified sewer inspectors?" "Don't knock it till you try it, Princess Sparkles," Aoi teased, her voice muffled by the cloth mask Bruno had insisted they wear. Hikari, however, seemed genuinely excited. "This is way cooler than rehearsing dance routines! Imagine the stories we'll tell back at the bar!" Bruno, their gruff but surprisingly patient mentor, led the way cautiously. "Alright, newbies, first lesson: sewer exploration. Keep your eyes peeled for green slimes. Nasty little buggers." As if on cue, a blob of green goo oozed out from a shadowy alcove. It jiggled unsettlingly, its single, gooey eye targeting them. With a roar more comical than threatening, it lunged. Sakura, remembering Bruno's instructions, raised her wooden practice sword and swung wildly. However, the slime simply oozed around her clumsy attack and engulfed her entire torso in a sickening green embrace. "Sakura!" Hikari shrieked, but before she could react, Aoi burst into laughter. "Oh man, Sakura, you look ridiculous!" she wheezed, tears welling up in her eyes. Sakura, trapped within the slime, could only see Aoi's silhouette through the green goop. "Very funny, Aoi!" she muffled, her voice distorted. "Get me out of here before I suffocate!" Aoi, still giggling, reached for her holy symbol and began chanting a healing spell. A warm light enveloped Sakura, and she felt the slime loosening its grip ever so slightly. However, Aoi's laughter didn't subside. "Come on, Hikari," she gasped between giggles, "blast it with a fireball! Mercy shot!" Hikari, torn between amusement and concern, hesitated. Finally, with a sigh, she launched a small fireball at the base of the slime. It erupted with a satisfying "plop," dissolving into green goo puddles around a very disgruntled Sakura. Sprawled on the damp floor, Sakura peeled the last clinging bits of slime off her armor. Despite the warmth of Aoi's healing magic, a chill of humiliation ran down her spine. "You two just watched me get devoured!" she accused them, her voice dripping with mock offense. Aoi wiped a tear from her eye, still trying to stifle her laughter. "Oh, come on, Sakura. You weren't in any real danger. Besides, you looked like a green marshmallow!" Hikari offered a reassuring pat on Sakura's shoulder. "Don't worry, Sakura. We'll get you cleaned up at the tavern. And next time," she added slyly, "maybe you'll be a bit more graceful with your swordsmanship." Sakura scowled, but a ghost of a smile played on her lips. Perhaps this adventuring life wasn't as glamorous as they'd envisioned, but they were in it together. And despite the slimes, the near-death experiences, and the constant teasing, they were slowly becoming a team. ---- The flickering torches of the blacksmith's shop cast an orange glow on the three figures huddled around a display of gleaming armor. Gone was the enthusiasm of their first adventure into the sewers; now, a somber mood hung over Sunshine Prism. The reason for their gloom was draped in a comically oversized brown cloak – Sakura. Her once-proud leather armor, a casualty of the green slime encounter, lay in a lumpy green blob in a corner. The memory of being engulfed sent shivers down her spine. "Alright, time for an upgrade," Aoi announced, her voice echoing in the cavernous shop. "No more leather armor for Princess Marshmallow here." Sakura scowled. "It wasn't even my fault! Those slimes are just... indiscriminate eaters." A grizzled dwarf with a beard like tangled steel approached them. "Slimes, eh? Nasty buggers. Eat through leather like it's butter." He chuckled, a sound like rocks grinding together. "Ya lookin' for somethin' slime-proof?" "Exactly," Aoi nodded. "Something that won't turn into a gooey souvenir after our next encounter." The dwarf scratched his beard thoughtfully. "Well, nothin' organic's gonna do the trick. Slimes eat anything plant or animal based. Best bet's metal, but..." he eyed Sakura, a sly grin spreading across his face. "You gotta be sturdy enough to handle the weight." Sakura crossed her arms, glaring. "Metal armor? Can't you just... enchant it with something?" The dwarf threw his head back and roared with laughter. "Enchantments ain't gonna stop a hungry slime, lass! They'll dissolve the enchanting right along with the leather." A resigned sigh escaped Sakura's lips. "Alright, alright. Metal armor it is." Aoi rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "Seriously, Sakura, don't worry. We'll back you up next time. Besides," she added with a wink, "metal armor might actually look good on you." Sakura huffed, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks. Metal armor might not be ideal, but the thought of facing another slime while shrouded in a billowing cloak was simply unbearable. She would conquer her fear, slime-resistant armor and all. After all, they were Sunshine Prism, adventurers-in-training, and they didn't shy away from a little... green... challenge. ---- The blacksmith squinted at Sakura as she tugged self-consciously at the new chainmail shirt. It felt heavy, cold, and every little metallic ring seemed to snag on her hair. "Ugh," she grumbled, "this looks like something a medieval dish scrubber would wear." The dwarf blacksmith chuckled, a rumbling sound from his chest. "That there, lass, is the best protection your money can buy against goblins, slimes, and the like." Sakura sighed dramatically. "But it's so... bulky! And noisy! Can't you make it a little... sexier?" Her gaze drifted towards a faded poster on the wall, depicting a scantily clad warrior woman in a chainmail bikini, brandishing a sword. "Like that maybe? Chainmail bikini? Show a little leg?" The blacksmith snorted. "Those things are about as useful as a chocolate teapot in a dragon's lair. All looks, no protection. You wouldn't last two swings with a goblin in one of those." Sakura slumped her shoulders in defeat. "Fine, fine. But this still needs some work." Hikari, who had been meticulously examining her own new mage robes, perked up at that. "Work? What kind of work?" Sakura's eyes twinkled. "Maybe a cute undershirt? Something soft and comfortable to wear under this metal torture device?" Hikari clapped her hands excitedly. "Brilliant, Sakura! And maybe... some sparkly shoulder pads for the robes? And a cool belt with pouches for potions!" Aoi, who had been patiently waiting for their fashion show to end, finally reached the limit of her patience. "Hold on a minute," she interjected. "We're going into a dungeon, not a fashion parade! Why does our adventuring attire need to be... sparkly?" Hikari puffed out her cheeks. "Because, Aoi, why not? We can be strong and stylish! Besides," she added with a mischievous grin, "imagine the intimidation factor! A band of adventurers who not only pack a magical punch, but also look fabulous doing it!" Sakura considered this, a slow smile spreading across her face. "You know, Hikari has a point. Maybe a cool, dark-red undershirt for under the chainmail? And a black leather belt with silver studs..." The blacksmith watched their conversation with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. These girls were unlike any adventurers he'd ever encountered. They were loud, they were sparkly, and they cared about fashion choices in a dungeon. Yet, there was a glint of determination in their eyes, a spark that told him they wouldn't back down from a challenge. ---- The Gilded Cage hadn't changed much. The stale ale still clung to the air, and Bruno still sported his perpetually disgruntled expression. Yet, for Sunshine Prism, it felt like a step backward. They were back in their barmaid outfits, the uncomfortable itch of scratchy wool a stark contrast to the cold bite of chainmail. Sakura, wiping down a mug with a resigned sigh, grumbled, "Honestly, this is more comfortable than that metal torture device they call armor." Hikari, however, seemed oblivious to the gloom. "Don't worry, Sakura! Once we save the princess, we'll be rolling in gold! And then," she added, her eyes lighting up, "I'm getting those sparkly shoulder pads for my robes and maybe a cute new wand with a candy-apple top!" Aoi, however, couldn't ignore the sinking feeling in her stomach. While Sakura wallowed in self-pity and Hikari dreamed of glitter and sweets, their coin purse had rapidly dwindled. Their first few adventures had barely covered the cost of basic repairs on their armor. The reality of adventuring was hitting them hard: slaying goblins didn't pay much, and potions and spell components were expensive. "Hikari," Aoi began cautiously, "are we... are we really serious about this whole adventuring thing?" Sakura paused, mid-wipe, and looked up at Aoi. Her usual fire seemed dampened. "I... I don't know." Aoi glanced at Hikari, who was now eyeing a tray of pastries a patron carried past. "Because," Aoi continued, "if we are, we need to be smarter with our money. Fancy wands and pastries aren't exactly investments for monster-slaying." Hikari frowned, the sugarplum dream in her eyes replaced by a flicker of doubt. "But... but Bruno said we were good. We almost saved that princess." "Almost," Aoi pointed out gently. "And then we got lost in the dungeon for three hours because Sakura forgot to pack a torch." Sakura huffed and crossed her arms. "It wasn't my fault those tunnels all looked the same!" Aoi sighed. This wasn't leading anywhere. "Maybe," she ventured, "maybe the Guild was right. Maybe we should have stuck with the entertainment classes. We could have been singing and dancing for nobles, making actual money." Silence hung heavy in the air. The fantasy of overnight riches and glorious quests was quickly being replaced by the harsh reality of responsibility and sacrifice. They were at a crossroads, and for the first time, the glitter of adventure was fading, revealing the hard work and dedication it truly required. "I..." Sakura started, her voice barely a whisper. "I don't know what I want anymore." Hikari sat down beside her, shoulders slumped. "Me neither." Aoi glanced at their dusty, but functional adventuring gear hanging behind the counter. They may not have been knights or mages of legend yet, but they had taken a step towards a life beyond the stage. Perhaps, she thought, being adventurers wasn't about instant glory. Maybe, it was about growing, learning, and figuring out who they really were in this strange new world. With a newfound determination, Aoi straightened her back. "Alright," she declared, her voice ringing with a fresh resolve, "let's talk. We figure out a budget, invest in some decent rations, and maybe learn how to read those dungeon maps." ---- Aoi fidgeted on the hard wooden chair, the weight of her decision settling on her shoulders like a chainmail cuirass. The Grand Cathedral of Zenith City wasn't exactly her cup of tea, all echoing silence and flickering candles. Still, needs must. With a deep breath, she entered the ornately carved confessional, the heavy oak door swinging shut behind her with a soft thud. On the other side of the latticed grill, a gentle voice inquired, "Welcome, child. What troubles your heart today?" Aoi took another deep breath. "I... well," she stammered, "I'm not really... religious. Not at all, actually." A chuckle, warm and understanding, emanated from behind the grill. "My dear, a Priest's calling doesn't necessitate piety. Tell me, why did you choose this path?" "It wasn't really a choice," Aoi admitted, relief washing over her at the lack of judgment. "My friends and I... we're trying to be adventurers. But we're terrible at it. And everyone needs a healer, right?" "Indeed," the voice agreed. "But healing is not just about mending flesh and bone. It requires compassion, empathy, and a strong spirit." Aoi nodded fervently. "That's what I thought! But... maybe we don't have what it takes. We had this image in our heads, you know, of being these amazing heroes. But it seems like all Sakura cares about is not getting hurt, and Hikari just wants to blow things up with fancy spells." The voice chuckled again, a rich, knowing sound. "Perhaps, young one, you are taking this... adventuring... a bit too seriously." Aoi bristled. "Seriously? We're talking about fighting monsters and saving people here!" "And a noble pursuit, to be sure," the voice soothed. "But tell me, what makes a game enjoyable?" Aoi frowned. "Well... having fun, a challenge, overcoming obstacles..." "Exactly!" The voice boomed, a hint of amusement in it. "Perhaps your adventuring needs a touch of... playfulness. Remember, it's not just about the destination, but the journey as well." Aoi blinked, taken aback. "But this is a confessional, isn't it? Shouldn't I be confessing sins, not... getting life advice?" A gentle laugh filled the room. "My dear child, the lines between a confessional and a listening ear can be quite blurry. Besides, if you think a Priest only deals with deities and demons, you might be surprised to learn some of the things confessed within these walls." Aoi blushed, her initial nervousness replaced by a sense of unexpected comfort. Maybe this 'confessional' wasn't so bad after all. "Thank you," she said sincerely. "I... I think I needed to hear that." "Then go forth, young Priest," the voice encouraged. "Heal not just bodies, but spirits as well. And remember, there's room for laughter and joy even in the darkest of dungeons." With a newfound lightness in her step, Aoi exited the Grand Cathedral. The world outside seemed brighter somehow, the weight of her doubts replaced by a flicker of hope. Maybe their adventures wouldn't be some epic saga, but a collection of experiences, shared laughter, and the ever-present knowledge that even the clumsiest adventurers could learn and grow together. After all, sometimes, the most important part of the journey was simply having fun with your friends. ---- ## A Late Success Two months. Two long, grueling, monster-slaying, potion-chugging months. Sunshine Prism, once a pop idol group, now bore the scars (both literal and figurative) of their adventuring career. Yet, amidst the aches and bruises, a different feeling bloomed – a sense of unity and accomplishment. They had finally done it. After countless goblin skirmishes, slime-drenched chases, and near-disastrous forays into abandoned mineshafts, they had mastered their base classes. Sakura, once a clumsy chainmail-clad mess, now moved with surprising grace, her sword flashing with practiced skill. Hikari, who initially focused on flashy fireballs, now wielded a variety of spells with precision, her magical energy crackling with controlled power. And Aoi, once the perpetual skeptic, had embraced the role of Priest, her healing spells a soothing balm to their many wounds. Standing before the imposing oak doors of the Adventurer's Guild, they weren't the wide-eyed newbies anymore. A quiet confidence radiated from them, a shared understanding forged in the fires of combat. With a deep breath, they pushed open the doors. The familiar bustle of the Guild greeted them – adventurers boasting of victories, merchants hawking wares, and weary novices seeking guidance. Bruno, their gruff but supportive mentor, spotted them and lumbered over, a rare smile splitting his beard. "Well, well, well," he boomed, his voice echoing in the hall. "Look who finally learned how to not trip over their own boots." Aoi rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't be jealous, Bruno. We may not be seasoned veterans, but we're getting there." Bruno chuckled. "Indeed you are. Now, why the visit? Here to register for your second-tier classes?" Aoi nodded, a surge of pride filling her chest. They were actually progressing! Sakura declared, "I'm going Warrior." A mischievous glint appeared in Hikari's eyes. "Ooh, a Warrior! Maybe Sakura can finally take some hits and let me focus on nuking things!" Sakura swatted her playfully. "Hey, I can take a hit or two! Besides, I want a big shield to protect you both." Aoi smiled. Their squabbling had become a familiar comfort, a testament to their bond. "And I," she announced, "am going Bishop." Hikari's eyes widened. "Bishop? But wouldn't it be..." she trailed off, glancing at Sakura. Sakura, understanding the unspoken question, chimed in, "Easier if we just switch so Aoi can work on a Thief class? We can always use a good scout." Aoi shook her head, her voice firm. "No. Bishop is important. Besides, mastering our second tiers will only make us stronger. We can all learn new skills later, but for now, let's focus on solidifying our roles." A wave of respect washed over Sakura and Hikari. Aoi, despite her initial reservations, had wholeheartedly embraced her role as a healer. And they were right – a strong Bishop could mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. With a nod of approval from Bruno, they registered their classes. Sakura, the Warrior, ready to be a shield for her team. Hikari, the Wizard, wielding arcane power with deadly precision. And Aoi, the Bishop, a beacon of healing and support. They were still Sunshine Prism, but now, they were a different kind of band – a band of adventurers, a team forged in hardship and camaraderie. As they stepped back out into the bustling city, they knew their journey was just beginning. Dungeons still loomed, monsters still lurked, and glory, however they defined it, still awaited them. But this time, they faced it not as individuals, but as a unit, ready to conquer whatever challenges lay ahead, together. ---- The stench hit them like a physical blow as they descended into the inky depths of the Westside Sewers. This wasn't their first sewer foray, but the oppressive darkness and the fetid air held a new intensity. Aoi, now a formidable Bishop in her gleaming white Bishop's garb, wrinkled her nose but pressed on. "Alright, team," she announced, her voice echoing in the damp tunnel. "Remember, higher level dungeon, higher threat level. Stay sharp and support each other." Sakura, a Warrior clad in sturdy chainmail armor, hefted her new warhammer with a practiced ease. "Ready as I'll ever be." Hikari, a mischievous grin splitting her face, twirled her staff. "Let's light up this sewer disco ball style!" They ventured deeper, encountering familiar foes – slimes, rats, and the occasional grumpy troglodyte. But these creatures seemed... different. The slimes were tougher, oozing with a sickly green that resisted even Sakura's powerful attacks. The rats were faster, their beady eyes gleaming with a feral intelligence. Even the troglodytes, usually slow and predictable, moved with surprising agility, dodging Sakura's blows with ease. "Whoa, these guys are tough!" Hikari exclaimed, narrowly dodging a rat's vicious bite. "They shouldn't be this strong," Aoi muttered, sweat beading on her brow despite the chill of the tunnels. "We've faced worse before." That's when it hit Hikari. "Wait a minute," she squinted at a particularly burly rat dodging Sakura's attacks, "These guys... they're red! Higher level!" Aoi's eyes widened. "Oh gods, you're right! We've been so focused on mastering our classes, we forgot..." Sakura, struggling to land a hit on the red-furred menace, roared in frustration. "Forgot what? What's the difference between class levels and... what was it? Character experience?" "Think of it like this, Sakura," Aoi explained, dodging a spray of slime. "Class levels are our skills – healing spells, powerful attacks, fancy magic. But character experience is our overall growth – health, stamina, basic stats like strength and agility. We've been grinding low level mobs for class levels, neglecting our base character strength!" Sakura scowled. "Ugh, this is such a bother! Two separate leveling systems? Who came up with this?" "It makes sense, Sakura," Aoi argued, dodging another swipe from the rat. "Think about it. Do you really need high character experience singing on stage or tailoring robes?" Sakura paused, her frustration tempered by reason. "Okay, fine. But at least if we can handle these higher level creeps, our character experience will catch up in no time, right?" Hikari, with a triumphant yell, unleashed a burst of flames that sent the red rat and its friends scurrying into the darkness. "Exactly! Now, let's teach these over-leveled sewer dwellers a lesson about messing with Sunshine Prism!" The battle raged on, the girls relying more on teamwork and brute force than their fancy new class skills. They were bruised, battered, and soaked in slime, but their determination wouldn't be deterred. They may have neglected their base skills in their quest for class mastery, but they were still a team, and they wouldn't back down from a challenge. By the time they finally emerged from the stinking sewer, their bodies ached, and they reeked to high heaven. But they had emerged victorious, albeit humbled. ---- ## Ego Check Sunshine Prism, adventurers extraordinaire, stood in the opulent foyer of Lord Reginald Featherbottom III's mansion. The air shimmered with wealth – polished marble floors, gilded chandeliers, and enough portraits of stern-faced ancestors to make a museum blush. "So, you're the brave souls who answered my call?" Lord Featherbottom wheezed, his voice like a deflated whoopee cushion. He resembled a boiled egg with a suspiciously flamboyant cravat. "Indeed we are, your lordship!" Aoi, the Bishop, puffed out her chest (which wasn't saying much, considering her petite stature). "We've faced down goblins, outwitted ogres, and even... well, let's just say slimes tend to leave a sticky mess." Lord Featherbottom shuddered delicately. "Yes, yes, well, my predicament is far less... messy, I assure you. It's just a small... creature in my shed. A nuisance, really. Nothing a band of valiant adventurers like yourselves couldn't handle in a jiffy." Intrigued, Sakura, the Warrior, hefted her warhammer – a bit too enthusiastically, sending a nearby footman scrambling for cover. "A creature, you say? What kind of creature?" "Oh, nothing fearsome, my dear," Lord Featherbottom waved a dismissive hand. "Just a little... spider." The girls exchanged glances. A single monster in a shed? Was this some kind of elaborate test? Leading them to a quaint little shed at the far end of the sprawling garden, Lord Featherbottom unlocked the door with a flourish. Sunlight streamed in, revealing... "Awww," Sakura cooed, completely disarmed. In the center of the shed, perched on a web spun with surprising skill, sat a giant spider. However, giant was a relative term - it was maybe the size of a small dog, with fluffy white fur and beady black eyes that glittered with an unsettling curiosity. "That's... adorable," Hikari, the Wizard, added, her voice devoid of the usual excitement for a magical battle. Lord Featherbottom coughed. "Adorable? It's the size of a small ottoman and has fangs the size of daggers! It keeps stealing my prize marigolds!" Sakura hesitated, her warrior spirit momentarily subdued by the spider's fluffy exterior. "Maybe we could... relocate it? It seems happy here." Aoi sighed. "Sakura, with all due respect, Lord Featherbottom pays us to solve problems, not become foster parents for oversized arachnids." With a heavy heart, Sakura raised her warhammer. The spider, sensing the change in atmosphere, scuttled closer, its fuzzy legs twitching. "Hold on!" Hikari's eyes widened. "I have just the spell for this!" Before anyone could react, Hikari unleashed a torrent of fire aimed at the spider. The spell, meant for a particularly nasty goblin last week, had clearly not been properly adjusted. The shed, unfortunately, was not fireproof. There was a deafening explosion. A giant plume of smoke rose from the garden, momentarily blocking out the sun. When the smoke cleared, the shed was a smoldering ruin. The spider, miraculously unharmed, was now perched on a pile of charred lumber, looking mildly put out. Lord Featherbottom, apoplectic, his cravat askew, sputtered, "My shed! My marigolds! You... you... INCOMPETENTS!" The girls, covered in soot and singed hair, hung their heads in shame. There was no denying their failure. Worse, Lord Featherbottom, in his fury, presented them with a bill – the astronomical cost of rebuilding the shed and replacing his prize-winning marigolds. "This," he declared, his voice trembling, "is on you!" Sunshine Prism, penniless and defeated, were left with a single option. They became maids in Lord Featherbottom's mansion, forced to dust portraits of stern ancestors and scrub floors until their debt was repaid. ---- Sakura glared at the starched white uniform, its ruffles a mockery of the sleek armor she once wore. "This is worse than a goblin ambush," she grumbled, tugging at the suffocating cap. "Where's the chainmail? At least it was practical!" Aoi sighed. "Sakura, we're maids now. Lamenting our lack of battle gear won't help us clean the chandeliers." Her gaze flickered to Hikari, who was busily weaving a tiny, jeweled collar around the fuzzy white spider perched on her shoulder. "And just what are you doing, Hikari?" she asked, a hint of exasperation creeping into her voice. "I'm bonding with my new familiar, Fluffy, of course!" Hikari chirped, completely oblivious to Aoi's frustration. "See? He likes it!" The spider twitched its fuzzy legs in response, but whether it was due to the sparkly collar or simply annoyance remained a mystery. Their first day as indentured servants was a testament to their sheltered past lives. Breakfast was a disaster zone. Sakura attempted pancakes, ending up with a charred black mass that resembled a burnt offering to a fire demon. Aoi, tasked with making tea, managed to boil the kettle dry, nearly setting off the smoke alarm. Only Hikari seemed relatively unscathed. Having convinced the head chef she was a "foreign alchemist with unique culinary techniques," she concocted a purple, bubbling stew that sent the kitchen staff fleeing for the nearest window. The day progressed from one hilarious disaster to the next. Dusting turned into a sneezing fit for Sakura, while Aoi, tasked with polishing silverware, somehow managed to turn the precious family heirlooms into a dull, scratched mess. By nightfall, they were utterly exhausted and utterly humbled. They had never realized how much work went into simply keeping a house running. Hunger gnawed at their bellies, the only meal they'd managed to stomach was a plate of cold cheese pilfered from the pantry. Sitting on the back steps, bruised and defeated, an unexpected feeling bloomed within them – respect. Respect for the maids who worked tirelessly day in and day out, keeping Lord Featherbottom's life in order. "Maybe," Sakura mumbled, her voice softened by fatigue, "chainmail wasn't so bad after all. At least it protected you from falling soot." Aoi nodded. "And maybe," she added with a hint of a smile, "we can actually learn something from all this. Who knows, maybe one day we'll even be able to make something edible that doesn't glow in the dark." Hikari, surprisingly quiet, stroked Fluffy's head. "Yeah, maybe. But first," she added with a mischievous glint in her eye, "I need to figure out how to turn this feather duster into a magical staff. Can't a girl have a little fun while she cleans?" ---- The clatter of pots and pans punctuated the tense silence in the kitchen. Aoi expertly flipped a sizzling fish, dodging a stray onion ring that pinged off her forehead. Across from her, Sakura wrestled with a stubborn dough, her face a mask of flour and frustration. "Three days," Aoi muttered, "Three days of this, and I swear I miss goblin stench." Sakura swatted away a cloud of flour with a sigh. "Don't even remind me. At least fighting was predictable. This... this is chaos." Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them. Hikari's exile to 'gardening duty' (a thinly veiled punishment after the purple stew incident) hung heavy in the air. "Do you ever think," Aoi began cautiously, "that maybe we should have listened to the Guild when they suggested... well, entertainment classes?" Sakura stopped kneading the dough, a flicker of regret crossing her features. "Yeah," she admitted, "Singing and dancing wouldn't have resulted in a smoke alarm going off every other hour." A wistful silence settled between them. The glamorous world of being adventurers they envisioned in all those isekai stories seemed far, far away. Now, the closest they got to magic was Aoi's desperate attempts to bake bread that didn't resemble bricks. "This whole world," Sakura began, breaking the silence, "it feels like a video game. Like, one of those stories we used to read." Aoi nodded, her brow furrowed. "Even the leveling system. It's... uncanny." Suddenly, a flicker of despair clouded Sakura's eyes. "I just wanted to be a princess," she confessed, voice barely a whisper. "Not a scullery maid in a stranger's mansion." Aoi reached out, placing a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder. "Maybe there's a way out," she offered, clinging to a sliver of hope. "Maybe there's an exit quest or something, like in those stories." Sakura's eyes welled up. "Do you think we can even go back home? Back to our world?" A heavy weight settled in Aoi's stomach. She didn't have an answer. All they had was each other, a shared dream that had turned into a comically disastrous reality. But one thing was certain – they would find a way. Even if it meant scrubbing floors and baking questionable bread until the cows came home, they would face it together. ---- The weight of their chainmail felt foreign against Sakura's shoulders, a stark contrast to the starched collars they'd worn for the past two weeks. As they stepped out of Lord Featherbottom's opulent mansion, blinking in the morning sunlight, a mix of relief and disappointment gnawed at them. They were free, their debt repaid with sweat and burnt offerings to the kitchen gods. "Finally," Hikari sighed, stretching dramatically. "Back to the glorious life of adventurers! Though honestly," she added with a wink, "a little less 'glorious' and a little more 'not setting things on fire' would be preferable." Aoi chuckled dryly. "We'll work on that." Sakura, however, remained silent, her gaze fixed on the bustling city in the distance. Her usual fiery spirit seemed dampened. "Do you think..." she started, then stopped. Aoi, noticing the tremor in her voice, prompted gently, "Do you think what, Sakura?" Sakura hesitated, then blurted out, "I just... miss home. This whole world, Atheria... it feels so strange. Like we're stuck in one of those stories we used to read." Aoi's heart ached for her friend. She hadn't realized how deeply homesickness had gripped Sakura. "Don't think we haven't thought about it," Aoi confessed, placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "But wallowing in it won't get us anywhere." Hikari, surprisingly somber, piped in. "Honestly? Me too. I miss our old lives, our families, our lunches that didn't involve chasing a giant chicken around a farm." Aoi raised an eyebrow at the last remark, but Sakura let out a choked laugh, the first genuine one in weeks. "See, Sakura?" Hikari continued, her voice gaining a cheerful lilt. "We're all in this together. And look at it this way, at least we don't owe anyone money anymore. Plus," she added, a mischievous glint in her eyes, "I finally have a familiar! Fluffy's the coolest spider a mage could ask for, even if he does shed a lot." The image of Hikari sporting a giant white spider on her shoulder, a far cry from the elegant familiars most mages possessed, brought another laugh from Sakura. The sound, fragile and hopeful, filled Aoi with a sense of renewed purpose. "We may not be princesses," Aoi said, squeezing Sakura's shoulder, "but we're still Sunshine Prism. And even heroes stumble sometimes. Maybe," she added with a grin, "that's just part of the adventure." Sakura met her gaze, a spark of determination flickering in her eyes. "You're right," she said, her voice stronger. "We may not know what the future holds, but we have each other." ---- Two weeks after their humbling servitude at Lord Featherbottom's mansion, Sunshine Prism stood once more in the bustling Adventurer's Guild. Gone were the haunted looks of greenhorns, replaced with a newfound determination. Today, they were here for a purpose – to unlock their third tier classes. Bruno, their gruff but supportive mentor, grinned at them. "Well, well, well! Look who finally remembered their class tiers exist beyond Warrior and Bishop!" The girls exchanged a sheepish grin. Their stint as maids had been... illuminating, to say the least. But it had also served as a powerful motivator to hone their skills. With a flourish, Bruno unveiled their advancement scrolls. "Sakura, your warrior spirit shines bright, but true defense requires devotion. Today, you become a Guardian!" Sakura pumped her fist, a satisfied grin spreading across her face. Guardian - it was a perfect fit. But her smile faltered slightly. Her ultimate goal was Paladin, a class that demanded mastery of Priest skills as well. Aoi, meanwhile, beamed as she received her scroll. "High Priest! Now I can heal even the most stubborn of adventurers." Though her words were cheerful, a flicker of longing crossed Aoi's eyes. From the beginning, she had been drawn to the thrill and intrigue of the Thief class. Hikari's eyes practically sparkled as she received her scroll. "Archmage! Just a few more steps and I'll be a Sage! The ultimate master of magic!" Like Sakura, however, Hikari's path to her dream class – Sage – required Priest mastery. The girls looked at each other, the weight of their unspoken thoughts heavy in the air. Running around with two dedicated healers wasn't exactly the most efficient party composition. Finally, Aoi spoke, her voice firm. "Sakura, your heart lies with the Paladin class. Why not focus on Priest for now, and then you can tackle Paladin after?" Sakura considered this, her gaze flickering between the Priest scroll and her warhammer. A sigh escaped her lips. "You're right. A strong defense needs a strong foundation in healing too." Hikari chimed in. "Agreed. And while you focus on Priest, I can complete Archmage. Then, maybe we can find a good Thief to join our party!" Aoi nodded. "Sounds like a plan." Sunshine Prism exited the Guild, no longer a group of frustrated pop idols thrust into a strange world. ---- Sunlight streamed through the dappled forest as Sunshine Prism embarked on their first quest as a re-vamped party. Aoi, now a nimble Thief clad in leather armor, stretched with a limber grace that belied her nimble fingers. Beside her, Sakura, a Priest in flowing robes, yet carrying her usual warhammer, walked beside her. "Ready to roll?" Sakura rumbled, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Just try not to trip over yourself this time, Aoi." Aoi winked, her smile sharp. "Don't worry, sis. My new Thief skills come with a surprising perk - dodging attacks like nobody's business." Their first dungeon was a goblin-infested cave, a familiar foe for the girls. A goblin archer let loose an arrow, but Aoi, with a dancer's swiftness, twirled just out of its path, the arrow disappearing harmlessly into the undergrowth. "See?" she chirped, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Dodge tank extraordinaire!" Sakura chuckled, her warhammer a blur as she slammed into a charging goblin, sending it sprawling. "Alright, alright, show-off. Just make sure you don't get yourself overwhelmed." Hikari, their newly minted Archmage, remained a short distance behind, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, Sakura! With my upgraded spells, these goons won't even get close!" And she wasn't wrong. With a cackle that echoed through the cavern, Hikari unleashed a torrent of fire. The effect was undeniably impressive, but also slightly excessive. The entire goblin horde went up in flames, leaving behind a pile of smoldering ashes and a slightly singed cave entrance. Aoi and Sakura exchanged exasperated glances. "Hikari," Aoi began cautiously, "Maybe... a little less... fire next time?" "But it was so effective!" Hikari protested, her eyes wide with innocence. Sakura sighed. "Effective, yes. But wouldn't it be more efficient to..." she trailed off, eyeing the charred cave entrance, "well, not leave everything in a pile of cinders?" Aoi patted Sakura's shoulder reassuringly. "We'll work on her... enthusiasm. But hey, at least I don't have to heal you guys as much anymore. My Priest skills are coming in handy!" With Aoi's newfound ability to heal herself while dodging like a blur, the burden on Sakura as a Priest had lessened. She could now focus on tanking, wielding her warhammer with renewed purpose. Their journey through the dungeon, though still punctuated by Hikari's spectacularly destructive spells, was undeniably smoother. Aoi's agility proved invaluable as a dodge tank, taking the brunt of ranged attacks and nimbly slipping away from melee strikes. Sakura, with Aoi's occasional healing light keeping her going, held the frontline strong. By the time they emerged from the dungeon, victorious and slightly singed, a newfound understanding hung in the air. Their party composition, though unorthodox, was surprisingly effective. "Well," Aoi grinned, wiping soot off her forehead, "That wasn't so bad. Being a dodge tank isn't so different from dancing, after all." Sakura chuckled, a hint of pride in her voice. "Maybe not. But next time, Hikari, try to leave the cave entrance intact, alright?" Hikari, sheepish but unrepentant, grinned. "I can't promise anything, but I'll try!" Their journey as adventurers was far from over. There were stronger foes to face, more dungeons to conquer, and perhaps, just perhaps, Hikari could learn to control her fire a little better. Sunshine Prism, despite their unconventional approach, was finding their own unique rhythm in this strange new world. ---- ## Spider Cat Sunshine Prism was finally settling into their new routine – fighting monsters, dodging Hikari's enthusiastic explosions, and most importantly, figuring out Fluffy. The once-feared giant spider, now a permanent fixture on Hikari's shoulder, had become an enigma wrapped in fuzzy white legs. They had since determined that the giant spider was female, but also a rather fickle creature. "Alright, Fluffy," Hikari cooed, offering a juicy beetle she'd snagged from their latest dungeon crawl. "Time for your snackies!" Fluffy, perched regally on Hikari's shoulder, regarded the beetle with disdain. Her multiple beady eyes blinked in what could only be described as judgment. With a flick of her leg, she sent the hapless insect tumbling into the undergrowth. "Ugh, picky eater!" Hikari grumbled. "What does she even want?" Sakura, wielding her dagger with surprising dexterity while chopping vegetables for their camp stew, offered a suggestion. "Maybe... she's like a cat?" Aoi, busy stirring the stew with a wooden spoon, looked up, eyebrows raised. "A cat? A spider the size of a small dog?" "Think about it!" Sakura argued, chopping a carrot with impressive force. "She rubs against things, purrs... well, sort of clicks her mandibles, and she absolutely hates anything that isn't a perfectly good cricket." Hikari gasped. "She does purr! When I scratch behind her little head-bits!" Aoi remained unconvinced. "But the webbing! She webs us up whenever she's upset! Cats don't do that!" "Maybe it's her way of saying 'don't touch my tail'?" Sakura offered, a mischievous glint in her eyes. The memory of Aoi's hair being intricately woven into Fluffy's web for attempting a 'friendly braid' flashed through their minds. The image was both horrifying and strangely comical. Suddenly, Fluffy twitched her leg, a clear demand for attention. Hikari, realizing her mistake, reached up and scratched gently behind her fuzzy head. A low, rumbling purr – or at least the closest spider equivalent – emanated from Fluffy. "See?" Hikari beamed, her voice dripping with triumph. "She's a total cat-spider!" From that day on, Fluffy became the undisputed ruler of Sunshine Prism. Treats were carefully chosen, scritches were delivered with reverence, and any sudden movements were met with the ever-present threat of getting webbed. One sunny afternoon, as they camped by a babbling brook, Fluffy seemed particularly agitated. She clicked her mandibles rapidly, her eight legs twitching in annoyance. "What's wrong, Fluffy?" Hikari fretted, searching for the source of her familiar's displeasure. Suddenly, it dawned on Sakura. "The stew!" she exclaimed. "Aoi put in those weird, leafy things Hikari hates!" Aoi, defensive, sputtered, "But they're kale chips! They're healthy!" Before she could finish, a sticky white line shot from Fluffy's abdomen, neatly ensnaring Aoi's hand, effectively preventing her from adding any more "healthy" ingredients. The girls stared at the scene, then burst into laughter. Fluffy, perched smugly on Hikari's shoulder, clicked her mandibles once, a clear message conveyed – "Mess with my food, get the web." Sunshine Prism's life, while undeniably more chaotic with a giant spider in tow, was never dull. They learned to adapt, to cater to Fluffy's whims, and to appreciate the strange, furry (well, kind of furry) addition to their party. After all, who else could say their familiar doubled as a mouser, a purring stress ball, and a walking (or rather, crawling) web dispenser? ---- ## Silver Lining The forest air grew thick with the stench of stale chips and body odor as Sunshine Prism emerged from a particularly nasty goblin ambush. Just when they thought their day couldn't get any worse, a figure materialized from behind a thicket of trees. The newcomer wasn't imposing - skinny, clad in a mismatched assortment of clothes that screamed "basement dweller," and sporting a greasy mane that rivaled a troll's pelt. A self-satisfied grin stretched across his face as he surveyed them. "Well, well," he announced, his voice nasally high-pitched, "looks like the Hero has stumbled upon his first damsels in distress!" Aoi wrinkled her nose. "Uh, excuse me?" Hikari rolled her eyes. "Another isekai protagonist wannabe?" The newcomer, oblivious to their disdain, struck a heroic pose, his chest puffing out like a deflated balloon. "Fear not, fair maidens! I, Kazuki, the prophesied Hero, am here to escort you to... um..." he trailed off, scratching his head with a finger that looked suspiciously like it hadn't seen soap in weeks. Sakura sighed. As much as she loathed the arrogant reek of entitlement emanating from this walking cliche, she remembered their own fumbling beginnings. "Look, kid," she said with a forced smile, "we're not damsels in distress. We're adventurers ourselves." Kazuki's grin faltered. "But... but... you're all beautiful warriors! My harem!" Aoi bristled. "Harem? We are not your collection of girlfriends!" Kazuki looked flustered. "W-well, you could be! Once I defeat the Demon Lord and claim my rightful throne!" Hikari, unable to contain herself, burst out laughing. "Demon Lord? Throne? And what exactly are your qualifications for this... throne?" Kazuki puffed out his chest again. "I'm a master strategist! I've conquered countless worlds! I'll show this world with my secret, overpowered ability!" Sakura's patience was wearing thin. "Look," she said, her voice firm, "we get it. Isekai dream and all. But you're clearly lost and unprepared. We can help you get to the nearest Adventurer's Guild. They'll teach you the ropes." Memories of their own indentured servitude as barmaids when they first arrived in Atheria flashed in her mind. They may have been treated poorly, but at least they weren't delusional. Mostly. Kazuki harrumphed. "Fine," he grumbled, "but only if you join my party! Together, we shall be unstoppable!" He launched into a rambling monologue about epic quests and loot drops, completely oblivious to the growing look of irritation on Sakura's face. Even the promise of a decent shower (which they weren't above hinting at) wasn't enough to make up for his incessant babbling and grabby hands. Finally, Sakura snapped. Her voice, usually booming in battle, now held a low, dangerous growl. "Enough!" she roared, causing Kazuki to shrink back. "We're taking you to the Guild, whether you like it or not. And if you even think about touching one of us without permission, you'll be facing something far worse than a Demon Lord." Kazuki, sensing the shift in power dynamics, whimpered in fear. The forest, once buzzing with the promise of an annoying encounter, now felt oddly peaceful. The promise of a hot meal and a goblin-free night's sleep seemed infinitely more appealing than babysitting a delusional teenager. Their journey to the Guild was quiet, Kazuki muttering under his breath about "unrealistic heroines" and "broken character development." After they deposited him at the registration desk, Aoi leaned in and whispered, "Just think, if we hadn't been sold into servitude, this could have been us." Sakura shuddered at the thought. "Let's just be thankful for our misfortune," she replied with a wry smile. "At least we have each other, and a healthy sense of personal hygiene." With that, they left Kazuki to the Guild's dubious guidance, disappearing into the twilight forest, a band of true adventurers, forever bonded by their shared resilience and a healthy dose of sass. They may have come to Atheria as clueless pop stars, but they were leaving as seasoned adventurers. ---- ## The Rabbit Hole of Appearances The cobblestone streets of Zenith City gleamed under the afternoon sun as Sunshine Prism made their way towards the Guild. They were a week into their new party composition, and things were going surprisingly well. Fluffy, the spider-cat, had become somewhat less territorial (though Aoi still bore the faint scar of a strategically placed web across her hair), and Hikari had – mostly – mastered the art of not setting things on fire. As they passed a quaint shop tucked away on a corner, Hikari screeched to a halt, her eyes glued to the window display. "Guys, guys! We HAVE to go in there!" Aoi and Sakura exchanged glances, then followed Hikari's gaze. The window displayed a mannequin adorned in a curious outfit – a white, frilly blouse with a low-cut black vest, white thigh-high stockings held by a garter belt, all topped off with a ridiculously short, frilly skirt. "Seriously, Hikari?" Aoi deadpanned. "You want us to wear... that?" "But it says 'Maid Attack'!" Hikari exclaimed, pointing at a placard beside the mannequin. "Think about it! We could look good and fight good at the same time!" Sakura snorted. "Yeah, because nothing says warrior princess like showing off your knees while dodging a goblin's axe." Despite their initial resistance, Hikari's enthusiasm was infectious. They found themselves inside the shop, the air filled with the delicate scent of lavender and silk. A woman with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes greeted them. "Welcome, adventurers!" she chirped. "Interested in the latest trend in combat couture? Our 'Maid Attack' line is a guaranteed morale booster for your party, and let's be honest, it looks fabulous in action." Aoi raised an eyebrow, skepticism etched on her face. "Morale booster? For who? The monsters we're fighting?" The shopkeeper chuckled. "Let's just say it adds a touch of the unexpected. But more importantly, it's enchanted." She gestured to a rack of similar outfits, each with subtle variations in design – longer skirts, armored bodices, even options for pants under the skirts. "The fabric is woven with enchantments that mimic your existing armor. Looks like playful maids, feels like battle gear." Intrigued, Sakura reached out and touched a black dress with silver accents, the material surprisingly sturdy. Aoi examined the seams, a flicker of interest replacing her initial disapproval. After a bit of trying on (much to Hikari's amusement), they each left the shop with a new outfit. The 'Maid Attack' style, it turned out, was surprisingly comfortable and undeniably stylish. More importantly, as they tested it out in a nearby training arena, they discovered the enchantments worked seamlessly. They looked like maids, but they fought like the seasoned adventurers they were. Back at their temporary inn room, Sakura twirled in the mirror, admiring the way the skirt swirled around her knees. "Alright, Hikari," she admitted, "you got me on this one. This is actually kind of cool." Aoi, adjusting the bodice of her own outfit, smiled. "Comfortable, practical, and surprisingly flattering. Who knew maids could be so badass?" Hikari, grinning from ear to ear, perched Fluffy on her shoulder. "Exactly! But who knows what other hidden gems this city holds? Maybe there's a 'Pirate Princess' set or a 'Ninja Chef' costume!" Sakura rolled her eyes with a smile. "Alright, alright. But let's keep it within the realm of practicality, okay? I don't think I could pull off a 'Dragon Tamer' outfit that involves a tutu." Hikari gasped, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Challenge accepted!" Aoi sighed, shaking her head as she straightened the room. "This is going to be a long adventure, isn't it?" But despite the inevitable chaos, they knew they wouldn't have it any other way. Sunshine Prism, in their stylishly unconventional way, was ready to face whatever came their way, be it goblins, dragons, or the ever-present challenge of keeping Hikari from turning their entire wardrobe into a fashion show. ---- Sunshine Prism strutted down the bustling market street of Zenith City, the curious glances following them turning into unabashed stares. Ditching their usual worn armor for their newly acquired 'Maid Attack' outfits had an unexpected consequence – they were the center of attention. Hikari, showing-off, twirled dramatically, the layers of her white and black maid garb swirling around her. "See, Sakura? I told you it would be a morale booster! Everyone loves the new look!" Sakura, despite herself, had to admit Hikari was onto something. They were getting complimented left and right – not just by randy adventurers, but by female knights and seasoned mages as well. The sheer novelty of 'warrior maids' was turning heads. Their newfound popularity translated into more than just compliments. A burly barbarian with a handlebar mustache winked at them and paid for their entire lunch at the tavern. A group of giggling huntresses showered them with silver coins, giggling about how 'cute' they looked. It was like a strange, twisted echo of their J-pop idol days – except instead of catchy tunes, they were winning over crowds with their stylish combat attire. Aoi interjected. "This is... unexpected. But effective, I'll give you that." Sakura, a mischievous glint in her eyes, tapped her chin. "Maybe... this could work to our advantage. Imagine, adventurers flocking to our banner, eager to be part of the 'Sunshine Maidens,' the most stylish and unstoppable party in Atheria!" Hikari squealed in delight. "The Sunshine Maidens! I love it!" A pang of nostalgia tugged at Aoi's heart. "Speaking of costumes," she mused, "do you think there's any way to get our old idol outfits back?" Sakura's face fell. "The ones we had to sell to pay off our debts? Most likely gone, swallowed whole by some shady secondhand shop miles from here." The memory of their sparkly, sequined costumes, a symbol of their past lives, brought a flicker of sadness. But Sakura quickly shook it off, replacing it with newfound determination. "Maybe not those specific outfits," she said, her voice firm, "but there must be more enchanted clothes like these somewhere in Atheria. We have to find them, expand our costume repertoire!" Hikari jumped in, eyes gleaming. "Pirate Princesses! Ninja Chefs! We could even find something for Fluffy!" she added, patting the spider-cat perched on her shoulder. Aoi chuckled, shaking her head, but couldn't help but smile. They were adventurers in a strange new world, but amidst the chaos and danger, they were still Sunshine Prism. And maybe they could find a way to blend their past and present, becoming legendary heroes who also happened to look fabulous while doing it. ---- Sunshine Prism sashayed into the Adventurer's Guild, their confidence radiating with each click of their high-heeled boots (enchanted to be surprisingly sturdy, of course). The 'Maid Attack' outfits had done wonders for their morale. The playful yet practical attire, coupled with the unexpected attention from admirers, had fueled a newfound energy in their training. They were sharper, more focused, and their teamwork had reached a new level. The results were evident in their progress. Sakura, finally comfortable with healing as a Priest, had mastered the class in record time. Hikari, her magic fueled by a renewed sense of fun (and the occasional free meal courtesy of their 'fans'), had blazed through Archmage with unprecedented speed. Even Aoi, initially hesitant about the flamboyant costumes, found herself appreciating the way they allowed her to move with even greater agility. Her mastery of Thief skills was undeniable. Standing before Bruno, their gruff but ever-supportive mentor, the girls prepared to choose their next steps. Sakura, practical as ever, announced, "I'm ready to move on to Bishop. Gotta get closer to Paladin!" Hikari, however, surprised them both. "Actually," she said, "I think I'll switch to Priest for a while. Becoming a Sage requires mastery of healing too, and..." a sheepish grin spread across her face, "maybe having someone else cast the fire spells for a change wouldn't be a bad thing." Bruno chuckled, stroking his beard. "Wise choice. A well-rounded party is a party that survives." That left Aoi. Having mastered Thief, she stood before a branching path. Assassin, specializing in swift, brutal takedowns, held a certain appeal. The thought of someday wielding twin daggers like a ninja warrior sent a thrill through her. "What do you think, Aoi?" Sakura asked. "Maybe Assassin? You could eventually become a total ninja badass!" Hikari chimed in, "Assassin all the way! Then you can be my awesome ninja sidekick!" Aoi smiled at their enthusiasm, but a flicker of hesitation crossed her face. "I like the idea of being a ninja," she admitted, "but... maybe not one focused solely on killing." Bruno, sensing her dilemma, spoke up. "There are other paths for a skilled Thief, Aoi. Swindler, for instance, specializes in misdirection and creative acquisition of resources." Aoi's eyes widened. "Acquisition? So... stealing?" "Not necessarily stealing," Bruno chuckled. "Think of it as a... redistribution of wealth." Sakura snorted. "Right, 'redistribution'." She offered another suggestion. "You can be a Swashbuckler! There's a certain romanticism to it, don't you think? A hero with a blade, a defender of the innocent." Aoi considered the option, knowing her friend's enthusiasm. Then, a new thought struck her. "There's also Outlaw... they specialize in pistols! Like gunslingers!" Images from old action movies she'd devoured in her idol days flashed before her eyes – graceful twirls, lightning-fast draws, and the satisfying "bang" of a well-placed shot. "That's it!" she exclaimed. "I want to be a pistol-wielding Outlaw! Like a ballet of bullets!" Bruno grinned. "Sounds like you've made your choice. There are no pistols available at the Guild, but I know a dwarf blacksmith who can whip you up a fine pair. Just be prepared to learn a new way of fighting." Aoi pumped her fist, her heart filled with a newfound sense of purpose. The 'Maid Attack' outfits may have been a frivolous purchase at first, but they had ultimately served as a powerful catalyst. With newfound confidence and clear goals, Sunshine Prism was ready to embark on the next stage of their journey. ---- The training grounds echoed with the satisfying clang of Aoi's new pistols hitting their holsters. Bruno had procured a pair of finely crafted dwarven pistols from his blacksmith friend. They were surprisingly light, engraved with intricate swirling patterns, and held a faint hum of magic that hinted at their unusual properties. "Alright, Aoi," Bruno boomed, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a large man, "let's see what you can do with those fancy new toys." Aoi, her heart pounding with excitement, drew both pistols with a practiced flourish she'd spent hours perfecting in front of a mirror. She aimed at a nearby target dummy, picturing herself as a swashbuckling gunslinger from those old action movies she'd seen back in her idol days. With a dramatic flick of her wrist, she fired. Click. The hammer fell, but no bullet emerged. Aoi stared at the pistol in disbelief. Then, a faint glow emanated from the barrel, solidifying into a small, shimmering projectile that zipped towards the target and embedded itself harmlessly in the straw. Bruno chuckled. "Welcome to the world of magical firearms, Aoi. No need to worry about reloading here. Those pistols channel magical energy into projectiles." Aoi blinked, processing this new information. "So... unlimited ammo?" Sakura, watching from the sidelines with a mischievous glint in her eyes, chimed in, "Seems that way. Kinda like those bottomless quivers some archers have. Just another video game convention in this strange world, I guess." Aoi, holstering her pistols with a sigh, decided not to dwell on the magical mechanics. She aimed again, this time trying to replicate the graceful dodges and lightning-fast draws she'd seen in the movies. She twirled, she leaped, she fired... and missed the target dummy by a mile in a flurry of uncoordinated movements. Hikari, suppressing a giggle, stepped forward. "Aoi," she said gently, "you're... kinda treating this like slow-motion action movie. In real life, gunfights are messy and fast." Aoi flushed crimson. "I... I was trying to look cool," she mumbled. Sakura patted her shoulder. "There's a time for looking cool," she said, "and a time for staying alive. Focus on speed, accuracy, and most importantly, staying out of the line of fire." Aoi nodded, her initial bravado replaced by a newfound determination. She took a deep breath, cleared her mind of movie scenes, and focused on the task at hand. She moved fast, relying on her honed agility as a Thief to dodge imaginary bullets while firing off precise shots. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start. The satisfying "thunks" of her magical projectiles hitting the target fueled her confidence. She wasn't a slow-motion action hero, but she was learning to be a quick and deadly Outlaw in her own right. ---- ## Not You Again Sunshine Prism bustled around the Adventurer's Guild, finalizing preparations for their next quest. Aoi checked their supplies, Sakura haggled with a grumpy blacksmith about some new armor upgrades, and Hikari, perched on a stool, nervously patted Fluffy on her shoulder. The spider-cat, ever in tune with her mood, twitched her many legs in response. Suddenly, a loud, self-important voice cut through the air. "There they are! My glorious damsels in distress!" The girls groaned in unison as Kazuki, looking even greasier and more out-of-place than usual, materialized beside them. He scanned their outfits, a lecherous grin spreading across his face. "Ooh, new costumes! Do tell, have you chosen which one of you gets to be the love interest today?" Aoi tightened her fists. "Kazuki. Seriously? We told you we're not interested." Sakura added, "And stalking adventurers using Guild resources is a big no-no." Kazuki waved a dismissive hand. "Stalking? No, no! I merely inquired about your next heroic quest. As your destined champion, it's only natural for me to accompany you!" Hikari, rolling her eyes, retorted, "Oh, how valiant. We wouldn't want to face a slime or a goblin without your... expertise." Kazuki, oblivious to the sarcasm, puffed out his chest. "Precisely! Now, where are these mythical beasts you seek to vanquish? A dragon's lair, perhaps? Or perhaps a treacherous dungeon filled with... booby traps?" His gaze lingered suggestively on the girls, punctuated by an overly-dramatic finger wag. Aoi and Sakura exchanged exasperated looks. Fluffy, however, seemed to have had enough. With lightning speed, she shot a strand of sticky web, pinning Kazuki flat against a nearby wall. The girls froze, then burst into laughter. Here he was, the self-proclaimed hero, immobilized like a fly caught in a web. Kazuki, however, remained undeterred. "Ah, Fluffy!" he exclaimed, attempting a charming wink through the webbing. "Such passion! You yearn for my touch as well, don't you?" Hikari doubled over in laughter. "Passion? Fluffy wants you stuck there until the gnomes come by with their bug spray collection." Aoi, wiped a tear from her eye and crossed her arms. "Kazuki, listen. We appreciate your... enthusiasm, but we're not interested in a harem protagonist fantasy. We're adventurers, and we prefer to work alone." Sakura walked up to the struggling Kazuki, a stern look on her face. "And maybe," she added, "learn some basic personal space etiquette while you're at it." Kazuki, still stuck to the wall, pouted. "But... but... the prophecy! We are destined to be a glorious party!" The girls shook their heads in exasperation, a mix of pity and amusement welling up within them. Hikari, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, leaned in and whispered to Fluffy, who bobbed her head in agreement. Moments later, Fluffy began to weave a small, intricate hat onto Kazuki's head, the web glistening under the morning sun. Kazuki, completely oblivious to the indignity, grinned from ear to ear. "See?" he proclaimed, wiggle his head slightly. "A love token! A symbol of our unbreakable bond!" The girls exchanged a final look, the unspoken message clear. Maybe Kazuki was a lost cause destined to remain trapped in his own world of delusions. But as they turned to leave the Guild, their laughter echoing through the halls, one thing was certain – their journey ahead was guaranteed to be an adventure, Kazuki or no Kazuki. They were Sunshine Prism, and they were unstoppable, even in the face of the most clueless (and webbed) of isekai protagonist wannabes. ---- ## Shadow of the Necropolis Sunshine Prism hummed along the dusty path, the rhythmic chirping of crickets the only soundtrack to their journey. They were heading for Sleepyhaven, a quaint little town nestled amidst rolling hills, a perfect respite from their recent goblin-slaying exploits. "Sleepyhaven," Hikari mused, bouncing a pebble in her hand. "Sounds lovely. Maybe they'll even have some decent bakeries there. I'm craving a good cinnamon roll." Aoi scanned the map spread out on her lap. "It does seem like a peaceful place, perfect for a layover." Sakura, usually stoic, couldn't help but crack a smile. "A break from goblin stench would be a welcome change." Suddenly, a group of weary-looking adventurers rounded a bend, their faces etched with a mixture of fear and exhaustion. They stopped short when they saw Sunshine Prism, their eyes widening in recognition. "Hold on," one of them, a burly man with a chipped broadsword strapped to his back, said, his voice thick with disbelief. "Are those... the maid adventurers?" Hikari puffed out her chest, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "The one and only, Sunshine Prism! Heard of us?" The burly man and his companions exchanged nervous glances. "Heard of you?" Another, a woman with fiery red hair, choked out. "We've heard... enough. Please, for the love of all that is good, turn back!" Aoi frowned, her map-reading session forgotten. "Turn back? Why? Sleepyhaven looks charming on this map." The burly man shook his head, his face grim. "Sleepyhaven... isn't so sleepy anymore. It's a... necropolis now." Hikari, confused, tilted her head. "Necropolis? Sounds like a fancy word for a big city. We can handle city crowds." Aoi, however, knew better. She grabbed Hikari's arm, a flicker of fear in her eyes. "You're thinking of 'metropolis'," she explained in a low voice. "A necropolis means city of the dead." Hikari's eyes widened. Dead city? As in, zombies? Skeletons? All those things she usually saw in horror movies? The red-haired woman spoke again, a tremor in her voice. "We tried to reclaim Sleepyhaven. But the undead... they're relentless. They're not weak like those things in the crypts. You, with all due respect, are a bit outmatched." Sakura stepped forward confidently. "We appreciate the warning," she said, her voice firm. "But we'll make our own judgment. Besides," she added with a steely glint in her eyes, "a little undead shouldn't be too much trouble for Sunshine Prism." The adventurers exchanged a final, worried look before continuing on their weary way. Their words, however, hung heavy in the air. A quiet town turned necropolis? A challenge, however morbid, was a challenge nonetheless. And Sunshine Prism, the maid adventurers, were never ones to back down from a good fight, undead or not. ---- Sunshine Prism pushed through the tall grass, the outskirts of Sleepyhaven finally in sight. Aoi squinted through the dust. "That's strange," she muttered. "The gates are wide open." Sakura, ever observant, noticed something else unnerving. "And there are people... walking around?" Indeed, figures moved through the town square, seemingly oblivious to the danger the adventurers perceived. Yet, something didn't feel right. Aoi's stomach twisted. "Look closer, Sakura," she said, pointing at the imposing gate. At first glance, it appeared to be a simple guard post. Then, Aoi's trained eye picked it out – a large, skeletal hound, its vacant eye sockets staring blankly ahead. An undead Blight Hound, to be precise. Hikari piped up. "Maybe they have, like, guard dogs that are... magically preserved?" Aoi shook her head. "No, Hikari. That's an undead Blight Hound. Blight Hounds don't look like that normally, but that's definitely what it is." They watched, their apprehension growing, as a squad of well-armored figures marched out of the town gates. Unlike the ragtag skeletons they'd encountered in dusty crypt dungeons, these were meticulously maintained, their bones polished and their armor gleaming. They moved with a practiced efficiency, their swords held high. "This town..." Sakura muttered, her voice tight. "There's a powerful Necromancer at work, one with a lot of control." Hikari, usually fearless, gnawed on her lip. "Maybe we should just turn back. This doesn't feel right." But before any further discussion, Sakura, always the first to charge headfirst, had already drawn her sword. "No," she growled. "We take down the guards, draw out the Necromancer, and..." Her battle cry was cut short. The lead skeleton warrior, its empty skull seemingly locked on their position, raised a bony hand. The entire patrol came to a halt, their hollow eyes fixed on the girls. "Hostiles detected," the lead skeleton announced, its voice coming from the darkest depths. Aoi's heart hammered against her ribs. "They saw us!" The skeleton warriors advanced, their movements surprisingly coordinated. Sunshine Prism met the charge, a whirlwind of steel and magic. Aoi darted, her daggers flashing, but they seemed to pass through the skeletal warriors with little effect. Sakura's swings landed with satisfying thuds on bone armor, but caused no discernible damage. Confused and frustrated, they fought on, until a wave of the lead warrior's hand sent them sprawling. They lay on the dusty ground, weapons clattering around them. Strangely, none of the skeletons moved to deliver a final blow. The townsfolk, who had been watching the commotion from the safety of the walls, erupted in laughter. A wizened old woman cackled, pointing a finger at them. "Look at the newbies! Didn't read the town bylaws, did you?" Shame burned in Sakura's cheeks. It was worse than being defeated – it was being treated like clueless novices. Picking themselves up, faces flushed, the girls beat a hasty retreat, leaving behind the mocking laughter and the terrifyingly well-organized undead guards. They had approached Sleepyhaven with the intention of liberating it from the undead scourge, only to discover a town where death was a well-oiled business, run by a powerful Necromancer who kept his subjects (both living and undead) surprisingly content. ---- Sunshine Prism slunk through the bustling streets of Zenith City, their heads hung low. The memory of Sleepyhaven's mocking townsfolk and their laughably ineffective attempt at "liberation" still stung. "Maybe," mumbled Aoi, kicking a pebble down the cobblestone path, "we should've just stuck with goblin-slaying." Hikari, unusually quiet, sighed. "I just wanted some decent cinnamon rolls." Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the square, silencing the crowd. A herald, resplendent in royal colors, stood upon a makeshift platform, a scroll clutched in his hand. "Hear ye, hear ye!" he proclaimed, his voice amplified by magic. "By decree of His Royal Majesty, the town of Sleepyhaven is henceforth under the protection of the Crown! Adventurers are hereby forbidden from engaging in hostilities with Sleepyhaven's guards." Sakura's head snapped up. "Sleepyhaven? What in Atheria's name..." Aoi noticed a nervous glint in the herald's eyes. "Seems like we weren't the only ones who tried their luck against those undead guards," she whispered, nudging Sakura. "But why would the King..." Sakura began, frustration creeping into her voice. "Why protect a Necromancer lording over a town like that?" Hikari, who often had a knack for blunt observations, chimed in, "Probably bribes. Lots of bribes." Aoi raised an eyebrow. "Hikari, that's cynical." "But probably true," Hikari countered. "Is this Atheria just another place where money talks?" A heavy silence descended upon the group. The cheerfulness they'd carried into Zenith City had dissipated, replaced by a cynical understanding of the world. The harsh realities of power and corruption were starting to sink in. "So," Sakura finally said, her voice grim, "if we want to get anywhere in this kingdom, we need to get rich?" Aoi and Hikari exchanged a hesitant look. While they had never actively sought wealth, the logic was undeniable. Maybe, just maybe, a healthy dose of pragmatism wouldn't hurt. "Well," Aoi said, a slight smirk playing on her lips, "there are ways to make money without becoming treasure-hoarding dragons. Maybe we can use our skills to offer... specialized services to the highest bidder." Hikari, a mischievous glint returning to her eyes, chimed in, "Imagine! Sunshine Prism, the most stylish and skilled mercenary group in Atheria! We could take on any job, from monster slaying to high-society security detail!" Sakura couldn't help but crack a smile. "Mercenaries? Not exactly the heroines we envisioned ourselves to be, but... it could work." With newfound determination, Sunshine Prism embarked on a new chapter. They were no longer just adventurers with a penchant for flamboyant outfits and a thirst for justice. They were Sunshine Prism, the best-dressed mercenary group in Atheria, and they were ready to exploit a system that seemed to value coin over compassion. ---- Sunshine Prism, the once starry-eyed adventurers, had become Atheria's hottest mercenary group. Their unorthodox attire – the now iconic 'Maid Attack' outfits – had become their brand, a quirky counterpoint to the usual gruff, battle-worn mercenaries. Nobles, especially those with sensitive social circles, flocked to them. Here were powerful adventurers who wouldn't leave a trail of carnage and destruction, but rather, a sprinkle of elegance with each dispatched threat. They had mastered the art of self-promotion. They cultivated a persona of "discreet defenders," emphasizing their white-and-black uniforms and refined fighting style. It worked. Soon, they were commanding exorbitant fees for escort missions, monster removal from prestigious gardens (without upsetting the flowerbeds, of course), and even the occasional discreet retrieval of a runaway heir or two. Their dedication to their image paid off in other ways, too. Sakura finally reached the pinnacle of her path – becoming a resplendent Paladin, radiating an aura of holy protection. Hikari, unleashing her full magical potential, achieved the coveted title of Sage, a master of both offensive and defensive magic. Aoi, surprisingly, had blossomed as a Gunslinger, wielding her pistols with a deadly grace that belied their magical nature. But amidst the clinking of gold and the compliments on their "quaint" uniforms, a shadow lurked. Their experience gain had plummeted. No longer were they delving into treacherous dungeons, battling hordes of monsters. Their days were filled with chasing rogue pigeons off chandeliers and politely "convincing" troublesome bachelors to leave a lady's doorstep. While their class mastery was soaring, their experience level remained stagnant. One evening, as they sat polishing their weapons in their luxurious new apartment, the weight of the situation settled on them. "We're rich," Hikari sighed, twirling a silver coin between her fingers, "but... stuck." Aoi nodded, holstering her pistols with a practiced flourish. "Our fancy clientele doesn't offer much experience points." "We need a balance," Sakura decided. "We can't abandon our image. It's our brand, but..." "But we also need a good old-fashioned adventure," Hikari finished, her voice tinged with nostalgia for the days they battled goblins and ogres. A sudden knock on the door interrupted their contemplation. It was Bruno, their gruff but supportive mentor, his face etched with a rare seriousness. "Girls," he began, his voice low, "I have a job. High-risk, high-reward, and... requires a touch of... finesse." The girls exchanged a glance, a flicker of excitement rekindled in their eyes. Maybe they could find a way to balance their image with their thirst for adventure. After all, Sunshine Prism, the best-dressed mercenaries in Atheria, weren't afraid to get their hands a little dirty, as long as they did it with style. "Tell us more, Bruno," Aoi said, a confident smirk playing on her lips. "We're listening." ---- ## Some Things Never Change Sunshine Prism, clad in their now-iconic maid outfits, strutted confidently through the bustling marketplace. Their pockets were heavy with coin, their reputation as Atheria's most stylish mercenaries firmly established. As they weaved through the crowd, a commotion erupted from a nearby tavern. Aoi noticed a flash of familiar, blindingly white – Kazuki's ridiculous cape. He stood amidst a group of female adventurers, their attire an assault on good taste – leather bikinis adorned with strategically placed feathers and chainmail miniskirts that left little to the imagination. Kazuki, oblivious to the questionable fashion choices around him, beamed like a lovestruck badger. "There you are, my glorious damsels!" he bellowed, his voice thick with what Aoi could only assume was cheap ale. "Just the ladies I was hoping to bump into!" Aoi deadpanned. "Kazuki? You're... still alive?" Sakura crossed her arms, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Apparently, the isekai protagonist dream never dies." Hikari sighed. "Can we not deal with him today? We have a basilisk to slay before lunchtime." Kazuki, completely missing their lack of enthusiasm, launched into a passionate (and frankly, delusional) speech about how the girls were destined to be part of his grand harem adventure. He envisioned them slaying dragons, conquering kingdoms, and all the while, looking stunning in their "adorable" maid outfits. Before he could continue his cringe-worthy monologue, Fluffy, perched on Hikari's shoulder, twitched her many legs. A strand of sticky web shot out, neatly sealing Kazuki's mouth shut. He sputtered indignantly, his face turning a comical shade of purple. The girls exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. With a synchronized sigh, they turned away from the struggling Kazuki and his bewildered companions. "Later, Kazuki," Aoi called over her shoulder, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Maybe next isekai fantasy." As they walked away, the muffled sounds of Kazuki's muffled protests faded into the background. Sunshine Prism had a basilisk to slay, and they weren't about to let a clueless wannabe hero slow them down. ---- ## Threads of Fate A familiar clang echoed through the Adventurer's Guild as Sunshine Prism deposited their latest spoils on the counter. This time, it was a collection of glistening scales, remnants of a particularly stubborn hydra they'd dispatched. As Bruno, their gruff mentor, inspected the haul, Aoi scanned the bulletin board for their next potential job. Her eyes snagged on a brightly colored poster. It depicted two figures – vibrant, flowing costumes adorned them, and their faces held wide, enthusiastic smiles. Aoi blinked, doing a double-take. "Hana? Riko?" she breathed, disbelief coloring her voice. The poster, under the headline "Melody Haven's Moonlight Prism!", advertised a concert featuring the two girls, their idol names sparkling in bold letters. Sakura and Hikari, drawn by Aoi's gasp, crowded around her. "No way," Hikari muttered, tracing the figures with a finger. "Those are definitely them! But... what are they wearing?" Hana, usually dressed in comfy t-shirts and jeans, sported a shimmering purple gown that billowed dramatically around her. Riko rocked a hot pink leather jacket and a tutu that somehow defied all fashion logic. Aoi squinted at the bottom of the poster. "Melody Haven," she read aloud. "That's... Sleepyhaven, isn't it?" A cold dread settled in Sakura's stomach. Sleepyhaven, the town controlled by the powerful Necromancer, was the last place she ever expected to see their friends. "Maybe it's just a coincidence," Hikari offered, but her voice lacked conviction. Bruno, having finished his appraisal of the hydra scales, looked over their shoulders. "Melody Haven, huh? That's a new one. Apparently, it's become quite the hub for the arts lately. Heard they even have an open Necromancy school there." The girls exchanged uneasy glances. A thriving arts scene in a town ruled by the undead? It didn't exactly inspire confidence. "We need to see this," Sakura declared, her voice firm. "Hana and Riko wouldn't just... become pop stars in a Necromancer town." Aoi nodded, a determined glint in her eyes. "We're going to Melody Haven. Time to see what our friends have gotten themselves into." The prospect of facing the unknown, with the unsettling reality of a Necromancy school hanging over their heads, sent a shiver down their spines. But the thought of their friends potentially being misled or worse, spurred them onward. ---- Sunshine Prism arrived at Melody Haven under the cover of night, a stark contrast to the town's new name. Gone were the sleepy streets and watchful undead guards. Now, the town bustled with a vibrant energy, colorful banners hanging from buildings and music spilling out from open taverns. The air itself vibrated with a peculiar energy, a mix of exhilaration and something vaguely unsettling. Following the throng of concertgoers, they finally reached the heart of the town – a massive amphitheater built entirely of polished bone. A colossal stage, decorated with swirling neon lights, stood at the center. Tonight, it was Melody Haven's Moonlight Prism: Hana and Riko. Hikari whistled appreciatively. "Wow, that stage is impressive. You think they hired a whole team of mages to polish all those bones?" Aoi nodded, a flicker of worry crossing her eyes. "More importantly, Hana and Riko... they're Idol class?" Hikari peered at the stage program. "Tier 3 entertainers... that's not bad. Maybe they took the path we didn't." Sakura remained silent, a knot of unease tightening in her gut. The entire situation felt... off. The concert was a spectacle of light, music, and enthusiastic screams. Hana, clad in a flowing white dress, wielded her violin with an elegance that captivated the audience. Riko, the fiery antithesis, belted out powerful vocals, her stage presence electrifying. As the final notes faded and the crowd erupted in cheers, Sunshine Prism slipped backstage, their hearts pounding. There, in a dimly lit dressing room, stood Hana and Riko, looking a little worse for wear but undeniably happy. Their faces broke into wide grins upon seeing their friends. "Aoi! Sakura! Hikari!" Hana gasped, rushing to them with open arms. "We can't believe it's you! What are you doing here?" Riko stood up quickly, mirroring Hana's excitement. "Looks like our friends are traveling maids! Living the life, huh?" Aoi and Hikari exchanged a relieved smile. They'd worried their arrival might be unwelcome. "We saw your poster and... well, let's just say we had some questions," Aoi admitted cautiously. Sakura, however, wasted no time. Steeling herself, she put on a stern face. "Let's see your Guild licenses." Hana, oblivious to the tension, readily pulled out a worn leather booklet and handed it over. Aoi and Hikari scanned the document – a valid Adventurer's Guild license, listing Hana's impressive mastery of several combat and musical classes. But Sakura's eyes were glued to the magic section. Her blood ran cold. Mage, Wizard... and then, at the very top, the seal of the Necromancer. Without a word, she slapped Hana across the face, the sound echoing sharply in the small room. Hana recoiled, a hand flying to her now-stinging cheek. Tears welled up in her silver eyes, a mixture of shock and betrayal. Riko gasped, a look of pure horror on her face. "Hana!" Riko cried, rushing to her friend's side. "What's going on?" Ignoring Riko's question, Sakura looked at Hana with a burning intensity. "Explain," she said, her voice cold. "Explain why you're a Necromancer." Tears streamed down Hana's face, her silver pendant catching the dim light. The playful, carefree Hana of before was replaced by a mixture of hurt and confusion. "We... we just wanted to help," she stammered, her voice cracking. "We're the first graduates of the School of Necromancy. This school, it's different. It's about understanding, about honoring the cycle of life and death." Sakura scoffed. "Spare me the lies," she spat. "Necromancy is evil. Period. You're just as guilty as your precious teacher." Aoi and Hikari, their initial shock fading into a cold disappointment, exchanged a heavy look. The cheerful reunion they'd imagined was crumbling before their eyes. "Riko," Sakura said, her voice hard, "Let's see your license." Riko's hand trembled slightly as she pulled out her own worn booklet. Despair flickered in her normally mischievous eyes as Sakura scanned the document. Like Hana's, it listed Necromancer as a mastered class. "See?" Sakura said, her voice laced with icy triumph. "Both of you, corrupted by this... this place." Hana tried to speak again, but Sakura cut her off. "Don't try to justify it, Hana. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Before Hana could utter another word, Riko stepped forward, anger flashing in her eyes. "Sakura, that's enough!" she roared. "Hana doesn't deserve this! This school is different, you don't understand." The argument was abruptly interrupted by the sound of the dressing room door creaking open. A large, imposing figure stood silhouetted in the doorway. Lilac hair pulled back in a tight ponytail framed a face etched with stoicism. Shizuka, their friend, clad in sleek black samurai armor, exuded an aura of quiet power. A silver crescent moon pendant, identical to Hana and Riko's, hung from her neck. But unlike them, Shizuka wore it with an air of authority. Her gaze swept over the room, landing on the tense trio. "Get out," Shizuka ordered, her voice deep and steady. Aoi felt a bead of sweat roll down her temple. The air crackled with barely contained power radiating from Shizuka. Glancing at Sakura and Hikari, she saw a mixture of disappointment and fear reflected in their eyes. Compared to the imposing figure before them, they were outmatched. Sakura, unwilling to relinquish her anger but sensing the futility of the situation, cast one last glare at Hana and Riko before following Aoi and Hikari out of the dressing room. The door shut behind them with a soft thud, leaving Hana, Riko, and Shizuka in tense silence. The Melody Haven concert, once a beacon of hope, now echoed in their ears as a sorrowful reminder of a shattered friendship. ---- Huddled in a dark alley, the stench of rotting vegetables clinging to the air, the Sunshine Prism girls tried to piece together the shattered remains of their afternoon. "Did you see Shizuka?" Aoi whispered, her voice tight with barely suppressed fear. "She's... incredibly high level and an Asura. That's high-end raider territory!" Sakura, her face still flushed with anger, scoffed. "And Hana and Riko aren't exactly newbies either. Necromancers on top of everything!" Hikari, normally the optimist, remained silent, fiddling with a loose button on her jacket. The air of camaraderie that had sustained them through countless battles was replaced by a palpable unease. "We can't face them head-on," Aoi admitted, the statement heavy in the cramped alley. "Not with those skeletal guards roaming the streets and Hana... well, with what Hana's become." Sakura slammed her fist against the crumbling wall. "They've become monsters! That school, it's corrupting them! We have to stop it!" Hikari finally spoke, her voice hesitant. "But... are they really monsters? Hana wouldn't..." "Necromancy is evil, Hikari!" Sakura snapped. "It's unnatural, disrespectful to the dead!" Hikari flinched, the fight draining out of her. "But... maybe this school is different? Maybe they're..." Ignoring Hikari's pleas, Sakura turned to Aoi, her eyes blazing with determination. "We need to take down that School of Necromancy. Hikari, you're the explosives expert. Get ready for some demolition work." Hikari bit her lip, torn between loyalty and a gnawing doubt. "Sakura, are you sure? We don't even know what goes on there..." "Are you questioning me?" Sakura's voice grew colder. "Necromancy is a plague, Hikari. We can't let a monument to such evil stand!" Hikari's shoulders slumped. Shamed, she mumbled a reluctant agreement. Blinded by anger, Sakura hadn't noticed the flicker of defiance in Hana's eyes, the pain in Riko's voice, or the strange sense of peace that seemed to hang over Melody Haven. Their night raid ended in a whimper before it even began. Sneaking towards the deceptively modest structure that housed the school, they were intercepted by the town's ever-vigilant skeletal guards. Aoi's hastily conjured illusions were no match for the undead warriors, and Hikari's explosive satchel was confiscated before she could even ignite the fuse. Thrown into the town jail, a dank, cobweb-infested cell, the girls awaited their fate. Contrary to their expectations, they weren't executed. Instead, a wizened old man, the town elder, entered their cell, his gaze weary but strangely understanding. "I see your intentions were... misguided," he rasped, his voice dry as parchment. "But your friends, they vouched for you." He glanced at the door, where Hana, and Riko stood with worried expressions. Shizuka stood nearby, her back turned and expression unreadable. The elder sighed. "You are banished from Melody Haven for attempted arson. Consider it a blessing. This town thrives on balance, life and death intertwined. You wouldn't understand. But, if you come back, you will find we won't be so merciful." With that, the girls were escorted out of town by the skeletal guards, not as menacing figures this time, but bored sentries. The townsfolk, their faces pale under the moonlight, watched them go with a mixture of pity and a hint of the same revulsion Sakura had felt towards Hana and Riko. ---- The crisp morning air nipped at their cheeks as the Sunshine Prism girls trudged through the forest outside Melody Haven. The echo of their expulsion and the stunned faces of Hana and Riko still hung heavy in the air. Aoi broke the silence. "Okay, so... let's analyze the situation." Sakura, her initial anger replaced by a simmering determination, scoffed. "Analyze? We were naive fools that's for sure. We spent months mastering a single tier 3 class each while they..." Her voice trailed off as a wave of realization washed over them. Hana and Riko, with their mastery of Necromancy on top of several combat and musical classes, were far beyond their level - a respectable Level 62 compared to their Level 38. Shizuka, shrouded in mystery, with her imposing presence and tier 3 Asura class, wasn't even on the table at a staggering Level 77. They hadn't seen her Guild license, what else was she hiding? Hikari spoke hesitantly. "Maybe... maybe it's not that bad. We can still be friends with Hana and Riko. Maybe they can explain..." "Necromancy, Hikari?" Sakura shot back, her voice sharp. "That's not something you explain away. It's evil." Aoi sighed, caught between them. While a part of her resonated with Sakura's disgust at the whole Necromancy thing, another part ached for the lost friendship. However, Aoi couldn't deny the chilling reality. Their old friends were leagues ahead in power. "Look," Aoi intervened, "whether or not we agree with their path, there's no denying the power gap. We were amateurs compared to them." Sakura nodded curtly, a flicker of newfound purpose in her eyes. "That changes now. We've been aimless for too long. Now, we have a clear enemy, a goal: closing the power gap." Hikari bit her lip. This wasn't the hero story she'd envisioned for them, fighting their own friends. But the memory of Shizuka's power settled in her stomach like a lead weight. "Maybe there's another way," Hikari mumbled, but her voice lacked conviction. Sakura, her mind already set, ignored her. "We need a plan, a rigorous training schedule. Level grinding, focused class mastering. We won't catch up overnight, but..." "But what?" Hikari asked, a hint of defiance creeping into her voice. "We become like them? Ruthless power-seekers?" "No," Aoi said, placing a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "We become strong enough to have a real conversation with them, strong enough to understand what Necromancy truly means in this world. And maybe strong enough to bridge the gap between us." Hikari considered this, a glimmer of hope returning to her eyes. Maybe Aoi was right. For the first time since they arrived in Atheria, the Sunshine Prism girls didn't have a specific job, an enemy monster to slay, or a bustling town to explore. However, they had a new and daunting quest – to become strong enough to understand and perhaps redeem their lost friendship. With a mix of determination and uncertainty, they ventured deeper into the forest, the echo of their former naivety fading with each step they took towards their unknown future. ---- Dawn broke over a scene far removed from the girls' usual leisurely mornings. Gone were the fluffy pancakes and leisurely gossip. Instead, a tense silence filled the air as Sunshine Prism stood in the heart of a dusty training room. Dust motes danced in the golden light filtering through cobwebbed windows – remnants of the training hall's once-glorious past. Sakura held a stance that crackled with barely suppressed energy. Gone was the defensive poise of the traditional Paladin. Here, she was a whirlwind of steel, her morning practice session a blur of clanging metal and furious strikes against a battered training dummy. The once pristine white of her uniform was now flecked with dust and sweat, a testament to her newfound intensity. Across the room, Aoi knelt, eyes narrowed in concentration. Her twin pistols glinted in her hands, their muzzles tracing intricate patterns in the air. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she unleashed a rapid burst of shots. Time seemed to bend around her, bullets weaving between imaginary opponents in slow-motion ballet – a macabre dance inspired by late-night action movies. Unlike Aoi's usual precise shots, these were imbued with a frantic desperation, a hunger for power to match her friends. Hikari sat amidst a flurry of glowing crystals, the air crackling with magical energy. Fluffy perched on her shoulder, her many eyes gleaming as she channeled a beam of concentrated healing magic into a nearby practice dummy. Hikari, once known for her gentle touch, now unleashed her spells with a controlled fury. Fireballs scorched the ground, bolts of lightning arced through the air, and beams of restorative light illuminated the room's grimy corners. It was a dazzling display of raw power, a far cry from her previous role as the team's soothing support mage. They were pushing themselves beyond their limits. Delving deeper into dungeons, facing nastier creatures, and pushing past the familiar aches and fatigue. Their days were filled with relentless training – afternoons spent in the dusty training room, evenings poring over dusty tomes retrieved from forgotten corners of the Adventurer's Guild. Yet, they still clung to their signature "Maid Attack" uniforms. The elegant dresses, once a symbol of their unorthodox approach, now held a new meaning. It was a reminder of their past, of the camaraderie they desperately hoped to reclaim. Their exploits, while less glamorous now, were far more lucrative. The efficiency born of their relentless training attracted attention. Guild quests they'd once scoffed at – goblin eradication, kobold cave clearing – were completed with swift precision, earning them a hefty sum. Money might not buy power directly, but it bought them access to the best training grounds, potions to heal their battered bodies, and enchantments to enhance their weapons. ---- ## No Turning Back Despair settled like lead in Sakura's stomach as she left the Adventurer's Guild. The cheerful bustle of the hall mocked her heavy heart. A week ago, she had anonymously submitted a high-risk, high-reward bounty on Shizuka. It was a desperate gamble, a cruel plan born from a night of frustrated tears. Separating Shizuka from Hana and Riko, she'd reasoned, was the only way to reach her friends. Now, the weight of that action crushed her. Three separate large raids, meticulously planned, had been assembled to take down Shizuka. Three raids made up of high-level adventurers, including veterans of the infamous Tomb of the Fallen King, the highest raid dungeon cleared to date. All three, the Guild receptionist informed her with a grim shake of his head, had been utterly annihilated. Whispers of "solo job," "should have made it five raids," and "unstoppable force" echoed in her ears. The receptionist's face, etched with a mix of awe and fear, did not know the veracity of the rumors, but one thing was clear: Shizuka was a monster, far more powerful than any of them could have imagined. Word of the failed bounty spread quickly in hushed whispers throughout the Adventurer's Guild, dubbing it a "Massacre of the Three Raids". Sakura rejoined Aoi and Hikari in their training room, the once familiar space feeling suffocatingly small. Her usual fiery spirit was a flicker in the wind. Aoi noticed the change immediately. "What's wrong, Sakura?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. Tears welled up in Sakura's eyes. Shame and fear choked her voice. Finally, in a broken voice, she confessed her reckless act, the anonymous bounty on Shizuka. A stunned silence followed her confession. Hikari gasped in shock. Aoi, however, remained composed, but her face contorted with a mix of anger and disappointment. "Sakura, that was..." Aoi started, searching for the right words. "That was reckless! And cruel! What were you thinking?" Sakura shrank under Aoi's gaze. "I... I thought if we separated them... then maybe..." Her voice trailed off, unable to articulate the desperate hope that had fueled her actions. Hikari, the compassionate one, stepped forward and placed a hand on Sakura's shoulder. "We all want to get our friends back," she said softly, "but this... this wasn't the way." Shame burned hotter than any training session ever could in Sakura. She had acted impulsively, blinded by anger and fear. The very strength they sought to build to bridge the gap with their friends, she had tried to exploit in a ruthless attempt at a shortcut. "I... I'll remove the bounty," Sakura mumbled, a strangled sob escaping her lips. "It was a mistake." Aoi nodded curtly. "That's the least you can do." She paused, then continued, a new determination in her voice. "But we can't give up. Not now. We just have to get stronger. Stronger than anyone who accepted that bounty, stronger than anyone who thinks they can take on Shizuka alone." Hikari, wiping away her own tears, offered a small smile. "We can do this, Sakura. Together." The days that followed were a blur of intense training. The weight of Sakura's mistake fueled their determination. They pushed themselves harder than ever before, the elegant swish of their maid outfits a stark contrast to the brutal efficiency of their combat. But beneath the relentless training, a flicker of hope remained. They were not just getting stronger; they were rebuilding their bond of trust. The question remained, if one Level 77 adventurer could defeat three full raid groups of adventurers surpassing her level, what chance did they have? ---- ## The Massacre of the Three Raids The first crimson rays of dawn kissed the horizon as Shizuka stepped through the heavy wooden gates of Melody Haven. A grim resolve hardened her features, stark against the serene beauty of the waking town. Behind her, the heavy gates clanged shut, a resounding finality echoing in the crisp morning air. The six blades she carried on her back were her only companion for what was to come. "Shizuka?" Hana's voice, laced with worry, drifted from the ramparts. Shizuka offered a tight smile. "Don't worry about me," she called back, her voice carrying the weight of unspoken trust. "You two focus on keeping the town safe." Hana and Riko exchanged a concerned glance, but they understood. This wasn't their fight. Not yet, anyway. Their job was to protect the town, to stand by the ideals they believed in, and to be waiting for Shizuka when she returned. Shizuka stood alone in the vast field outside the town walls. Dust swirled around her boots as three figures emerged from the haze – the leaders of the rival raid parties, all radiating an aura of power and purpose. Their faces, however, were obscured by helmets and hoods. "Shizuka the Asura," the leader boomed, his voice echoing in the stillness. "We are here to collect the bounty on your head." Shizuka's lips twitched in a humorless smile. She'd been in this game long enough to know the dance. Bounties, politics, double-crosses – it was all part of the brutal survival game that was life in Atheria. She had hunted and been hunted countless times, the thrill of the chase a constant companion. "And whose generous purse is this bounty offered by?" Shizuka countered, her voice calm and clear. The leader remained silent, his hidden eyes likely scanning for any sign of weakness. He knew the rumors: Shizuka the Asura, a formidable opponent, a force of nature fueled by death magic. Still, the promise of a hefty reward was a powerful motivator. "Surrender," the leader barked, "and you might walk away with your life." Shizuka's smile vanished. Surrender was not an option. Not when her life, her town, and the fragile peace they had built were at stake. She took off her wide-rimmed hat and her overcoat and tossed them on the dirt behind her, revealing her polished black and crimson samurai armor to the morning sun. Today, she wasn't just Shizuka the Asura, the notorious warrior. Today, she was the shield of Melody Haven. As if a prearranged signal, the ground beneath the raiders trembled. A low groan echoed as skeletal warriors, clad in dusty armor and wielding spectral blades, erupted from the earth, surrounding the surprised raiders. This was Shizuka's secret weapon – an army of undead, loyal and silent, hidden just out of sight of Melody Haven. Months of meticulous planning, sacrifice, and necromantic rituals had culminated in this moment. A flicker of surprise, then horror, crossed the raiders' faces as they realized their mistake. Underestimating an Asura, especially one with access to such a powerful necromantic army, was a fatal error. She knew this was it; there was no turning back. Shizuka reached over her shoulder and unsheathed her River Edge Katana, its fluid grace a familiar comfort in her hand. She then reached for another, the Windblade Katana, its wind-kissed edge ready to sing in the wind. They were the two lightest katana in her arsenal, and Shizuka had no intention of holding back. This was a battle that required speed, not strength, to win the day. From her vantage point on the ramparts, Hana watched the scene unfold with a mix of dread and admiration. Riko stood beside her, her eyes wide with a mix of concern and a strange, almost defiant pride. "She'll be alright," Riko whispered, her voice strangely steady. "She always is." Hana, however, wasn't so certain. Shizuka might be a master strategist, but these were seasoned raiders, some of which surpassed her in experience levels. The fight would be brutal, a dance of death with no guaranteed outcome. Yet, seeing Shizuka charge into the fray, her movements a whirlwind of deadly grace, a spark of hope ignited in Hana's chest. From a distance, it all unfolded in a blur of steel and bone. Shizuka was a whirlwind of destruction, her blades, imbued with dark energy, carving a deadly path through the ranks of the raiders. But she was not alone. Melody Haven's skeletal warriors, buffed by Hana and Riko's augmentation class abilities, fought with a relentless ferocity. The air crackled with dark energy as spells were cast and blades clashed, with only a pair of bright streaks of blue and green the telltale sign of Shizuka's location. The fight was brutal, a symphony of death echoing across the plains. The ground became slick with blood and littered with the broken remnants of armor and weapons. The raiders, initially confident, were slowly overwhelmed by the sheer number and resilience of the undead horde. Their roars of defiance turned into desperate pleas for mercy, ultimately fading into chilling silence. As the sun climbed higher, casting its golden light upon the carnage, a single figure emerged victorious. Shizuka stood amidst a sea of fallen raiders, her armor stained with gore, her face etched with grim determination. Shizuka the Asura had lived to fight another day. The gates of Melody Haven opened to welcome its champion. No words passed between Shizuka and her friends on the walls, the weight of the day's action on each of their minds. The only thing they knew for certain was all Atheria would know the legend of Shizuka the Asura. =========================================================================== This story is written with heavy AI assistance. Sunshine Prism serves as a counterpoint and a follow-up to Moonlight Prism's experience in the isekai world. As painful as it was, I felt the story needed to end on the depiction of the massacre. There is nothing great about it, it's not celebrated, and it's nothing like Sakura heard (the rumors paint Shizuka as a monster, while the reality she's just very well prepared). It's just Shizuka protecting her home and her friends from something she knew was coming, going out and getting it done, and then walking back home. It's a bit of a terrifying counterpoint to Sunshine Prism, who don't really confront their mortality at any point in the story. And the worst part of all is the implication it's not going to be over; I would imagine this is one of those situations that Shizuka predicted about the raiders in the previous story-- either they get tired or they run out of raiders. ~ Razorclaw X