I Died and Was Reincarnated as a Goth Femboy

For a moment, silence reigned in the cavern, broken only by the dripping water and Kenjiro's ragged breaths. The giant spider, stunned and reeling from the phantom punch, shook its massive head, its multiple red eyes refocusing with malevolent intent.

"It's weakened!" Ryo yelled, snapping out of his shock. "Don't let it recover!"

Gluteus Maximus let out a mighty roar. "For the honor of the guild—and the preservation of S-Tier assets!" He charged forward, his shield raised, absorbing a desperate lunge from the beast. Kaito was already moving, weaving fireballs that seared the spider's hairy legs, while Ryo unleashed a barrage of ice shards that encrusted its joints, slowing it down.

With its main threats now free, the spider was overwhelmed. A final, decisive sword slash from Gluteus ended the battle. The colossal creature collapsed, its legs curling in on themselves. The cave fell silent once more.

Ping!

A cheerful notification sound echoed through the cavern, seeming to come from everyone at once. Kenjiro glanced down to see his phone screen light up.

Mission Complete! +5,000 Femboy Coins, +1,000 Standard Coins have been added to your wallet.

Ryo was already dusting off his hands, a satisfied smile on his face. "Payment sent. See? Quick, efficient, and profitable."

Kaito, however, wasn't looking at his wallet. He was staring at Kenjiro, his fox ears twitching. "Okay, profitable, sure. But we're not just going to ignore... that, are we? What in the world was that shadow thing?"

"Indeed," Gluteus added, his deep voice rumbling. "A spirit of immense power answered your call, Lord Bombom. A guardian, perhaps?"

Ryo's playful demeanor faded, replaced by a sharp, intelligent focus. He looked directly at Kenjiro. "It's a rare phenomenon. Some people in this world, under extreme duress or with an unbreakable will, can manifest their inner self as a physical entity. A Persona. The stronger they get, the more realistic it becomes." He paused, his gaze intensifying. "Lysander told me that when you were attacked at the castle, you fought someone who could manifest a ninja-like femboy." He winked, a clear sign that he was far more informed than he usually let on.

Kenjiro's mind raced. That explained the ninja, and now... this. The shadowed figure wasn't just a dream; it was a part of him. A part that held all his old strength. He gave a curt nod. "The doctor I fought... he was strong. But I'm going to take my revenge on him."

Gluteus Maximus placed a heavy, armored hand over his heart. "That's so noble of you, Lord Bombom! Using your newfound power to pursue that evil man and bring him to justice!"

Kenjiro scoffed, turning away with a flick of his hair. "That's not the point," he muttered. "He said I had a big butt. I'm going to take revenge on him for that. Mark my words." He finished with a defiant "humpf," his cheeks puffed out in a way that was undeniably... tsundere.

A slow smirk spread across Ryo's face. He leaned in conspiratorially. "But did he lie?"

That was the last straw.

"S-SHUT UP!" Kenjiro yelled, his face turning a brilliant shade of crimson. "IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!" He started pacing, waving his arms frantically as words poured out of him in a stream of pure, unfiltered Bombom. "BIRL! I'M GOING TO CLIMB A TREE! THE MONSTER IS GETTING OUT OF THE CAGE! THIRTEEN! DESCENDING TRAPEZIUS!"

Ryo and Kaito burst out laughing. Even a deep, rumbling chuckle could be heard from within Gluteus's helmet. Kenjiro was left standing there, blushing furiously and screaming nonsense at the cave walls.

"Alright, alright, Mr. Monster-in-a-Cage," Ryo said, wiping a tear of mirth from his eye. "Let's get you back to the car."

They all headed back toward the cave entrance, their laughter echoing behind them, leaving Kenjiro to trail after them, utterly mortified.