It was supposed to be just a normal walk.

Kael and Lys were walking along a quiet trail when the grimório started blinking frantically, like it had just choked on Vital Energy.

> ALERT: Reality Anomaly Detected.  

> Risk of exposure to glitched elements.  

> Warning: “This might be funny. Or fatal.”

“That sounds like my entire life,” Kael muttered.

The ground shook. A purple, pulsing crack opened in front of them with the sound of a "universe loading error."  

Before Kael could say “nope,” the path vanished—and they fell straight in.

**PLOFT!**  

They landed in a floating clearing surrounded by corrupted data walls, melting emoji stones, and trees that laughed by themselves.  

In the center, a figure awaited them:

A tall being in a purple cape, sunglasses, and a golden mic.  

On his chest, the symbol of a broken “play” button.

**“I AM THE GUARDIAN OF COSMIC RHYTHM!”**  

**“WHO DARES STEP INTO THE RIFT OF FORBIDDEN FREESTYLE!?”**

Kael stood up, dusted off his cloak, and whispered to the ghost:

“Did we just fall into a mystical rap battle?”  

“…Yes.”

The Guardian pointed dramatically:

**“HERE, NO SWORDS, NO SPELLS, NO FISTS!”**  

**“YOU SHALL ONLY PASS IF YOU WIN…”**  

**“…IN A RAP BATTLE!”**

A beat dropped from nowhere.

Lys’ eyes widened.  

“Is this serious?”

“More serious than your entire existence, mortal.  

**RHYME OR DETONATE.**”

Kael stepped forward, took a deep breath, looked up at the sky...  

And rhymed.

**Kael:**

> “Don’t know who you are, but I’m already bored,  

> You look like a glitchy club that never scored.  

> You wanna block me with rhythm and vibe?  

> Get ready to lose to my sarcastic tribe.”

**BOOM!**  

The tree next to the Guardian exploded.

“**MY DECORATIVE TREE!**  

YOU SHATTERED MY INNER FLOW!”

Kael snapped his fingers.

“I’m just getting started. You backing off...  

or should I rhyme again ‘til your data turns into goo?”

The Guardian hesitated. Trembled.  

He tried to reply but only managed:

> “You… you’re a big… mean dude… with a face like food…”

“**NOOOO!**” he screamed.

**KABOOOOM!**  

He exploded into sonic glitter, leaving behind a brooch that said “I Lost My Flow.”

The grimório updated:

> **Reward Acquired:**  

> Secret Technique – “Arcane Humiliation Shuffle”  

> Effect: Stuns any proud being within 5 meters.

Kael picked up the item and turned to Lys:

“We never speak of this chapter. Ever.”

“I liked it.”  

“I didn’t.”  

“Will there be more?”

“If the next guy challenges me to a dance battle, I’m retiring.”