The system sprang to life in an instant, and Shion's cheeky, slightly teasing voice echoed in Ryuuto's ear:
[Ding! New S-level mission unlocked! Successfully repel or destroy Heimdall on the spot, and reap massive rewards!]
"Massive rewards?" Ryuuto's eyes lit up, excitement almost spilling over. Could it finally be? Seven or eight character data packages at once?
[Don't get ahead of yourself, Host. It's impossible to get multiple at once!]
Ryuuto groaned. Of course—this broken system wouldn't suddenly become generous. All the good stuff was buried at the end, as usual.
[I told you, Host, character data packages are rare treasures! Only the toughest challenges earn them!]
Ryuuto wiped sweat from his brow, muttering, Cunning… outrageous… this system never plays fair.
Shion's voice softened, almost a teasing sigh.
[Look on the bright side. You already have eleven packages. Most people would kill for just one.]
Ryuuto smirked, glancing at the holographic image of Shion floating near him. "Fair enough. But I like watching you fuss. Eternal goddess and all that jazz, huh?"
The comment earned a soft laugh from the AI, which Ryuuto quietly enjoyed.
Suddenly, a cold, hoarse voice cut through the smoke and dust:
"Hehe… sharp-tongued little human."
From the haze, Heimdall emerged. His cloak billowed like a storm, each step hammering into the ground with oppressive weight, like a drumbeat of doom. Golden eyes glinted, exuding a coercive power that made the air itself feel heavy.
Ryuuto, unfazed, rested his chin on his hands and gave Heimdall a lazy once-over.
"The gravity here… slightly annoying. But it's kind of miraculous that this planet hosts so many low-level life forms," he remarked casually, tone almost conversational.
Heimdall's gaze swept over him, calculating. "And you… seem bigger than I expected. Disappointing."
"Oh? Why's that?" Ryuuto's grin was breezy, unshaken by the armored giant before him.
After a pause, Ryuuto suddenly straightened, pointing a palm toward Heimdall and announcing in mock seriousness:
"Listen here! I'm a perfectly normal, decent human with a family. Handsome? Sure. Terrifying? Maybe. But I will never—ever—accept you! Now, prepare to taste my fist!"
Heimdall's eyes narrowed but he didn't seem to hear a word. The imposing figure just tilted his head, golden gaze fixed with icy disdain.
Ryuuto bristled. Seriously? This guy doesn't even register my words… fine. I'll speak in fists then.
[Ding! Expansion Jutsu Activated!]
Drawing on Akimichi Chōji's data packet, Ryuuto leapt forward, fist charged with concentrated chakra, and swung straight at Heimdall.
"Interesting… strong energy fluctuation." Heimdall's voice remained calm as the fist wind collided with his armor. A crisp metallic clash echoed, yet he didn't flinch.
Ryuuto's grin widened. Really? That's it? Fine, I'll show you what "fist" really means!
He smashed forward again, this time connecting directly with Heimdall's armored chest. A deafening boom erupted, shockwaves tearing through the surroundings. Dust and debris swirled violently.
But Heimdall stood unmoved, palm swinging out smoothly to block Ryuuto's punch. His expression was relaxed, almost bored.
"Your fist… impressive in size, but lacking real strength. Mere showmanship," he said, cold and unyielding.
Ryuuto's jaw tightened. Oh, it's on. I like it when they talk big. Time to crank it up!