The next day began with chaos.
Not magical monster chaos.
Royal announcement chaos.
A trumpet blasted outside Haru's room.
"LORD HARU!" a knight's voice echoed. "THE KING WISHES TO SEE YOU!"
Haru nearly fell out of bed. "Wh-What now?! I didn't even do anything today!"
He barely had time to throw on clothes before being rushed through golden halls, past servants who bowed like he was royalty, and into a throne room with ceilings so tall he couldn't see the top.
The king sat on his throne, beard as white as snow, with a smile that looked both wise and mischievous.
"Ah, the Bladebearer of Destiny!" the king boomed. "We have a special mission for you."
Haru froze. "Mission?"
Ding!
[World Influence +2: Trusted by Royalty. Reputation deepens.]
"Please no..."
---
The Impossible Quest
"You see," the king said, "a nearby village has been attacked by bandits. We need someone powerful, someone fearless... someone like you, to help them."
"Bandits?" Haru blinked. "Isn't that something a guard could handle?"
"Nonsense!" the king laughed. "The people will sleep peacefully knowing you, the great hero, are protecting them."
"But I—"
"Take a small team and leave at once!"
Before Haru could argue, a group of elite knights appeared beside him. One of them handed him a sword.
"A gift, forged by dwarves," he said with admiration. "Strong enough to cut through dragon scales."
Haru looked at the blade like it might bite him. "I don't even know how to hold this properly..."
Ding!
[World Influence +1: Wielder of Ancient Steel. Title unlocked: Dragonbane Hope.]
---
The Road to Regret
An hour later, Haru found himself bouncing in a fancy carriage with gold trim, headed toward a small village on the edge of the kingdom. His "team" included:
Sir Alric, the overly serious knight.
Mina, a cheerful healer who thought Haru was "deep and mysterious."
Toto, a quiet boy with big eyes who carried Haru's sword like it was holy.
"I'm not a real hero," Haru muttered.
Sir Alric nodded respectfully. "Exactly what a real hero would say."
Mina beamed. "So humble!"
Toto whispered, "Sensei... you will teach me, right?"
Haru stared at the clouds. "Why is this happening to me...?"
---
The Bandit Blunder
When they reached the village, the townspeople surrounded the carriage cheering.
"It's him!"
"The one who defeated a golem with his foot!"
"The sneeze sword guy!"
"I really wish people would stop calling me that," Haru said under his breath.
The bandits had taken over an old wooden fort nearby. Sir Alric began explaining strategy, but the villagers were already whispering:
"Surely, Lord Haru will destroy them in one strike."
"I bet he'll just glare at them and they'll faint!"
"…I'm going to die," Haru whispered.
But he had no choice.
They approached the fort carefully, planning a surprise attack. Haru stayed in the back, hoping to disappear.
Then he sneezed.
Again.
"Ah-CHOO!"
This time, he tripped over a rock and tumbled forward—right into the fort's front gate.
CRASH!
The gate broke off its hinges. Haru flew through, landing in the middle of the bandit camp.
Every bandit turned to look at him.
Haru raised a hand slowly. "Uh... hi?"
---
Misunderstood Mayhem
One bandit panicked. "IT'S THE GOLEM SLAYER!"
Another dropped his weapon. "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!"
Within seconds, chaos erupted. Bandits screamed and scattered like scared mice. Some jumped into bushes. Others dove into the river.
Sir Alric and the knights charged in a moment later, but there was no one left to fight.
Mina ran up, eyes sparkling. "You cleared them out alone?!"
Toto knelt beside him. "Master... I will follow you forever."
Haru just lay in the dirt, face-down. "I want to go home..."
Ding!
[World Influence +10: Feat of fear. Reputation skyrockets. Title gained: Bane of Bandits.]
---
A Hero's Return
When they returned to the capital, the streets were lined with people cheering Haru's name. Banners waved in the wind. Even the king clapped proudly.
"You have done well, young hero," he said. "And now... your legend truly begins."
Haru stared up at the sky, dead inside.
Ding!
[World Influence +1: The kingdom awaits your next great act.]
"…I'm doomed," Haru muttered.
And so, the story of Haru Nakashima, the accidental hero, continued to grow—thanks to sneezes, bad luck, and the unshakable belief of everyone around him.
Even if he still had no idea how to swing a sword.