Ryo walked back toward the bakery the tiny wolf pup trotting alongside him For a brief moment he imagined enjoying his loaf of bread in peace But as he approached the village square had transformed into something he hadn't expected Banners hung from every building tables were overflowing with food and villagers were bowing or waving as if he were royalty
Ryo muttered I just saved a wolf and ate some cake… why does this feel like I conquered a kingdom?
Villager Elder stepped forward holding a ceremonial staff Ryo you must accept the title of Supreme Protector of our village! Your deeds cannot go unnoticed.
Ryo blinked Title? Supreme… Protector? I didn't do anything except wave my hand and eat cake.
The villagers gasped in unison Even your smallest actions are divine!
Ryo groaned He tried to retreat toward the bakery but the villagers formed a pathway leading directly to the stage someone had hastily set up in the center of the square The wolf pup barked happily as if encouraging him to go along.
Ryo sighed and climbed the stage Alright alright… I didn't ask for this but let's just get it over with.
The villagers cheered One child asked Ryo will you protect us forever?
Ryo looked down at the child, who was holding a small loaf of bread almost as big as their head Forever… is a long time kid But I guess I can stick around for a while.
The baker approached with a tray of freshly baked goods Supreme Protector please accept these as tribute!
Ryo raised an eyebrow Tribute… okay fine But only because food is involved He set the tray down next to him and began eating quietly.
Suddenly a shadow moved at the edge of the square A mysterious figure cloaked and hooded watched from the trees Ryo didn't notice at first he was too focused on a perfectly toasted piece of bread.
Mysterious Figure whispered So this is the one they call the Supreme Protector… so casually strong… it's unbelievable.
Ryo finished his bite and turned Hello? You here for bread too or are we doing the dramatic staring thing now?
The figure froze For a second no one in the village even breathed Then the figure stepped forward raising a hand A faint swirling energy began to appear I have come to challenge the strongest being in existence Prepare yourself.
Ryo sighed looking at the villagers See this is what I mean You finally get a quiet day and suddenly someone decides to fight you for… reasons?
He walked forward casually taking another bite of bread The energy from the figure barely moved him it swirled around his body harmlessly like a gentle breeze.
Ryo said Look if this is a fight can we at least schedule it after lunch? I'm not finished yet.
The figure frowned You cannot be stopped Your power… it transcends everything I know.
Ryo shrugged I know That's kind of the point But seriously I'd rather not fight today Can we settle this with a snack contest instead?
The villagers stared confused and awestruck at the same time The wolf pup barked running circles around the figure who was now completely distracted.
Ryo muttered Maybe being the strongest isn't so bad if everyone just wants snacks and cake But apparently, trouble has a taste for drama too.
The mysterious figure hesitated clearly unsure what to do Ryo finished the last bite of bread wiped his hands and said Alright let's make this simple Leave now or I'll send you back to wherever you came from No hard feelings.
The figure vanished in a swirl of light leaving only a faint echo of awe in the village square
Ryo looked at the villagers who were now whispering excitedly among themselves Guess we go back to normal now? he said rubbing his temple.
Villager Elder nodded slowly Supreme Protector… we are truly honored.
Ryo sighed staring at his loaf of bread I just want to eat in peace… is that too much to ask?
For now at least the village had calmed But Ryo knew deep down that the quiet would not last long.
And somehow he didn't mind.