"I don't believe this. I end up marrying that red-headed dummy named Ron?" Hermione stared at the ending in disbelief. "How can someone as brilliant as me end up with him? Ugh! Don't let me find out who directed this movie—or I'll show them the true power of a Transfiguration spell!"
In the guild hall, a giant holographic crystal floated at the center of the room. The magical crystal projected a vivid 3D movie scene in the air, its light flickering across the faces of everyone gathered around it. Rimuru and the other guild members were completely absorbed in the movie, sipping soda and munching on popcorn like a bunch of overgrown children.
"That's how things originally played out in your world," Rimuru said, trying to comfort her. "But now, you're free to write your own path. If you'd like, we can head over there right now, revive that noseless freak Voldemort, and slam his face into the ground thirty times until he's begging for mercy. How's that sound?"
He tried to look fierce, but with his adorable face, it had all the intimidation of a kitten threatening a lion.
"Wait, we can really do that?" Hermione's eyes lit up. The idea sounded... surprisingly appealing.
"Of course we can!" boomed Whitebeard, waving his massive hand. "Little Hermione, if you want, I'll personally go over and teach that guy a lesson in manners."
His twisted grin made it clear his idea of "manners" involved fists.
"Thank you, Grandpa Whitebeard," Hermione said politely.
"Gururururu!" Whitebeard laughed heartily. "You're such a good kid! Say, how about becoming my daughter?"
"Huh?" Hermione froze in place. (⊙▽⊙) "Wait… becoming your what?"
"Not happening! I already have a dad! I'm not looking to collect them like trading cards!" she said quickly, waving her hands in protest.
"Aw, man…" Whitebeard looked genuinely disappointed. He turned to glare at his sons. The ones who noticed his gaze quickly turned away, pretending they hadn't heard a thing.
Wait a second… Why did I say 'again'?
"Hermione," Rimuru stepped in to defuse the awkwardness, "Old man Whitebeard just has a family obsession. He means well. Don't mind him too much."
"Ohhh, I thought that was some strange guild tradition or something." Hermione laughed. "If he's trying to help me, I'm already super grateful. No way would I be mad."
"Gururururu! What a wonderful girl! If you ever change your mind, let me know," Whitebeard beamed.
"So what's your plan?" Milim leaned forward curiously. "If you're gonna take down Voldemort, I'd be happy to help! That guy's a disgrace to the title of 'Demon Lord.'"
Hermione lowered her gaze and thought for a long moment. "Thanks, Milim-chan. But if I can… I want to defeat Voldemort myself. His existence is a challenge I have to overcome. It's my motivation to grow stronger, faster. So please, let me be the one to end it."
"I see." Rimuru smiled gently. "Just promise you'll be careful. If anything happens or you need help, the guild is here for you. We'll always have your back."
"I know… Thank you, everyone." Hermione's eyes misted up. Even though she hadn't been with them long, she could feel it—the genuine care, the sense of family. This guild was more than just a group of misfits. It was home.
"Well, I'll be heading back now. I'll visit again when I get the chance," Hermione said as she approached the Dimensional Gate, waving goodbye.
"Geez, you can come over any time," Rimuru rolled his eyes. "We've got a guild chat channel, remember? You can message us whenever."
"W-Wait, seriously?" Hermione's face went bright red. She clutched her cheeks and bolted through the gate.
"Hahahahaha!" The guild erupted into laughter watching her retreat.
"Think she's losing IQ points from spending too much time around you guys?" Rimuru sighed.
"We're standing right here, you know! At least wait until we're gone!" the others groaned in protest.
"Pfft. Am I wrong, though?" Rimuru shot them a sideways glance full of disdain. "You're all muscle-brained meatheads who think with your fists."
"Aww man," Milim sulked. "Guess we're not going to smash Voldemort after all…"
"There, there." Rimuru patted her head. "There'll be plenty of worlds joining our guild in the future. I'm sure you'll find more demon lords to punch."
"Bestie!" Milim teared up in joy… then suddenly got an idea.
"Wait, bestie! If more worlds are joining, does that mean… we can go visit Hermione's world?"
"You just wanna play around, don't you," Rimuru saw right through her instantly. "Not that it's impossible, but you better ask Hermione first."
"Got it!" Milim sprang into action.
"Hermione! Hermione! You there?"
Hermione: "What's up?"
Milim: "Can we visit your world?"
Hermione: "Of course! I'd love to have you over anytime."
Milim: "Yay! Oh, and one more thing. Is your school hiring teachers? Or maybe even students?"
Hermione: "...Why do I have a really bad feeling about this?"
Rimuru: "Yeah, me too."
Milim: "Hehehehe~!"