Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Bonds Beyond Worlds
Morning arrived at Kuoh Town with a gentle warmth that belied the supernatural undercurrents threading through its streets. Motohama awoke, blinking at the rays of sunlight sneaking through his curtains, trying to reconcile the comedic absurdity of his new reality. He was still in the High School DxD universe—still Motohama, sidekick of Issei Hyoudou in the eyes of everyone else—and still the hidden wielder of Super Saiyan power gifted by the Multiverse Chat Group.
Over the last few days, he had juggled comedic hi-jinks at school, training sessions in the advanced tower of the Chat Group World, and reconnaissance on fallen angel activity. He was exhausted but strangely exhilarated. The typical high school side character might have dreamed of a bigger role; now, he was living that dream—and it was far more complicated than any fantasy he had envisioned.
## Morning Messages and a New Mission
His phone vibrated on the nightstand. Flipping it open, he found the Multiverse Chat Group interface glowing softly. Three new messages:
Fujiwara Chika: "Heeeey, Mote-chin! Don't forget we're planning to try out the new karaoke machines on the 6th floor of HQ later. I've got an entire setlist ready! Also, I might or might not have rigged it with comedic surprises. (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ"
Kanae Kocho: "If you're free after your classes, I'd appreciate your help testing a new herbal concoction in the HQ's alchemy lab. It's supposed to boost stamina, but I need a volunteer. Don't worry, I promise it's not poisonous!"
System Notification: "Urgent Mission Alert: Help Summons from a Chat Group Member. Please assemble at the HQ for briefing."
He paused. A *Help Summons* from a chat group member was no small thing. Usually, each member handled issues in their own worlds unless events escalated beyond their solo ability to manage.
Could it be Kazuma fighting a new Demon King revival? Or maybe Kamijou Touma uncovered a magical meltdown in Academy City? Regardless, the comedic slice-of-life part of Motohama's day just got overshadowed by a more pressing call.
Still in his pajamas, he hopped out of bed, fueled by curiosity and mild panic. "Looks like it's going to be one of those days again."
He snagged a quick shower, pulled on his Kuoh Academy uniform, and downed a basic breakfast. In the back of his mind, he recalled Shirou's advice—never forget your real life. *But the system is calling me, and a friend might be in trouble.*
Grabbing his phone, Motohama steeled himself, navigated to the chat group interface, and selected Teleport to HQ. With a burst of swirling light, the familiar pull whisked him away from his bedroom.
---
## Gathering at the HQ
In an instant, he materialized inside the sleek, futuristic lobby of the Chat Group skyscraper. Panels of glass and steel soared overhead, displaying mission updates and colorful adverts for group events. A giant holo-screen announced the urgent mission: Kazuma: Distress Call—Eliminate the Dullahan's Second Coming?
"Kazuma, again?" Motohama murmured in amusement. The comedic hero from another dimension always seemed to attract bizarre trouble.
Before he could fully take in his surroundings, a cheerful squeal startled him. "Mote-chin, you made it!"
Fujiwara Chika bolted across the lobby and nearly tackled him with a side hug, her pink hair swaying. She was wearing a pastel sundress—clearly not from any single anime costume but a mix of her own style. "It's good to see you again! Ready for some comedic chaos?"
He laughed, patting her shoulder in greeting. "Hey, Fujiwara. So, what's up with Kazuma's crisis?"
Fujiwara pouted dramatically. "Oh, something about a revived Dullahan that's terrorizing his world. He said something about an undead army crawling out of a lake… eww."
Motohama raised an eyebrow. "Dullahan? Haven't we been through this with him? Didn't he claim he wanted to lounge around in peace, away from Demon Kings and whatnot?"
She shrugged. "Trouble follows that guy like a magnet. Anyway, a bunch of us are going on the mission to help him. Kamijou Touma, Emilia, Shirou, maybe you too? We gather here for a briefing in, oh, ten minutes or so. We're just waiting on a few more members."
Motohama felt a swirl of excitement. Another cross-world adventure, comedic banter, and possibly a chance to test his abilities in a real battle scenario. "I'm in," he said. "Just hope it doesn't mess with my classes too much."
Fujiwara gave a conspiratorial wink. "The time in your world will be paused while you're on the mission, remember? That's the advantage of the Chat Group dimension. So your precious comedic slice-of-life won't be disrupted."
Right—he often forgot that the chat group had ways to freeze timelines, ensuring that these grand escapades wouldn't sabotage everyday life completely. "In that case, let's do it."
---
## A Rapid-Fire Briefing
They moved from the lobby to one of the mid-level briefing rooms. Inside, Motohama spotted familiar faces: Kamijou Touma, sporting his casual tee and spiky hair; Emilia in her regal white-and-purple attire; and Kanae Kocho, who nodded politely as they entered. A large, transparent screen stretched across the front of the room, flickering with an image of Kazuma's world—a pastoral kingdom dotted with forests, farmland, and a suspiciously large lake.
Emiya Shirou stood near the screen, arms crossed. He offered a tight smile as they approached. "Motohama, Fujiwara, good timing. Kazuma is in the field, but we can still contact him."
He tapped a console, and Kazuma's anxious face materialized on the screen. "Oy! Is this thing on? Guys, I need backup ASAP!"
In the background, a shrill neighing noise indicated some undead horse off-screen. The comedic scenario nearly made Motohama crack up.
Touma nodded at the image. "We're all here to help, Kazuma. Fill us in."
Kazuma exhaled dramatically. "You remember that Dullahan general we fought ages ago? Well, apparently he had a cult of undead fanatics, and they performed some necromancy nonsense to revive him. Now the jerk is rampaging near a village—and it's near MY mansion. I'm not letting him wreck the place I laze around in!"
Fujiwara let out a sympathetic gasp. "Your precious mansion must be spared, indeed."
Kazuma shot her a glare through the screen. "This isn't a joke, Fujiwara! The whole area is crawling with undead. Darkness and Megumin are on the front lines, but we're getting overwhelmed. Aqua's healing is helping, but we need some heavy firepower."
Shirou quickly took control. "All right, we have a plan. Touma, Motohama, Emilia, and I will join you directly. Fujiwara and Kanae can stay at the HQ as support, or come along if they want to. We'll coordinate from there."
Fujiwara folded her arms, weighing the comedic potential. "I'll come for moral support—and comedic relief, of course!"
Kanae offered a gentle smile. "I'm good with anything that helps people. Maybe I can treat the wounded."
Shirou pointed to the group. "So it's settled. We'll open the portal. Remember, time for each of our worlds is paused. So let's do this."
Motohama felt a rush of adrenaline. This was a chance to test his Saiyan abilities in a real threat scenario—plus, comedic drama would likely ensue with Kazuma's party. "Let's go save the day… and maybe his mansion, I guess."
Kazuma rolled his eyes. "Yes, yes, hurry up!"
---
## Entering Kazuma's World
A radiant blue portal shimmered into existence in the briefing room's center. Shirou stepped through first, followed by Emilia, Touma, and then Motohama. Fujiwara and Kanae followed behind, giggling and chatting about dessert options in the Chat Group cafeteria after the mission.
Stepping out the other side, Motohama was greeted by a sight both picturesque and chaotic. They found themselves on a dirt road running along a hillside. Rolling plains stretched in the distance, but columns of black smoke rose above a nearby village. The stench of burnt wood and a faint hint of dark magic permeated the air.
Kazuma, dressed in his usual adventurer's garb, waved frantically from a vantage point behind a half-collapsed stone wall. "Over here!"
Darkness, the blonde crusader with a masochistic streak, and Megumin, the explosive-obsessed archwizard, were huddled nearby, both looking exhausted. Aqua was out of sight, presumably healing villagers.
Emilia's eyes widened at the plumes of smoke. "This looks bad."
Touma clenched his fists. "We'll split up—some defend the village, others deal with the undead army."
Shirou surveyed the area, manifesting a swirl of magical swords behind him. "We can handle the cannon fodder. But what about the Dullahan itself?"
Kazuma popped his head over the wall, pointing to a looming figure in the distance: a tall, armor-clad silhouette with a headless form, carrying its severed head under one arm. The head itself glowed with eerie, malevolent light.
Motohama recognized the comedic villain from tales Kazuma had shared. "Let me guess, it loves monologues and curses?"
Kazuma grimaced. "Pretty much. Watch out for its curse blasts. They're a pain to deal with."
Fujiwara, clutching a baton she seemed to carry purely for comedic effect, chimed in. "Don't worry. Our comedic synergy is unstoppable!"
The group collectively rolled their eyes, but no one challenged the statement.
---
## Skirmish at the Village Gates
They took positions quickly. Touma and Shirou rushed to the front lines, meeting an advancing wave of undead knights. Emilia followed to support with her ice magic. Motohama, Fujiwara, Kanae, and Kazuma circled around to the other side, aiming to flank.
As Motohama sprinted along the dirt path, comedic adrenaline fueled him. "Alright, time to see how the Saiyan power holds up," he muttered. He briefly powered up, letting a thin layer of golden aura flicker around him.
Fujiwara squealed at the sight. "Oooooh, shiny! Also, can I get some golden hair like that?"
He stifled a laugh. "You might need a few centuries of training, or maybe the system can gift you something."
Kanae Kocho, trailing behind, offered a calm assessment. "If your power can disrupt the undead, it might be more effective than normal blades."
They reached the outskirts of the village, where rotting undead warriors clanked forward in ragged armor. Kazuma cursed under his breath. "I hate dealing with undead. They smell so bad."
Motohama didn't hesitate. He channeled Ki into his palms, unleashing small energy blasts that incinerated a handful of zombies. The comedic aspect surfaced when one particularly rotten corpse went up in a cloud of rancid smoke, causing Kazuma to gag theatrically.
"Ugh!" Kazuma doubled over. "This is the worst!"
Fujiwara, undeterred, hopped around gleefully, smacking skeletons in the knees with her baton—less lethal, more comedic, but still enough to distract them so Motohama could finish them off.
Kanae gracefully weaved among the undead, her movements reminiscent of a butterfly dance, deftly slashing with a short blade that gleamed with the demon-slaying techniques from her world. Though the comedic environment clashed with her elegant style, she adapted, carefully dispatching foes.
"Nicely done," Motohama managed between blasts.
She gave him a gentle smile before flipping backward to avoid a skeleton's swipe. "Thanks. This is very different from demon battles, but I'll manage."
---
## Darkness and Megumin's Entrance
Out of the corner of his eye, Motohama saw Darkness wade into the fight, taking hits on her heavy armor with a grin that bordered on ecstasy. A comedic undertone overshadowed the potentially grim battle.
"Ah, the sweet agony of their swords!" Darkness cried, her face flushing in a manner that made Motohama do a double-take. Kazuma simply sighed, as if used to it.
Meanwhile, a pint-sized wizard's shout rang out: "Explosion!"
A massive blast rocked the area, sending a horde of undead airborne and leaving a deep crater in the path. Megumin collapsed dramatically, drained of energy from her signature one-shot spell. Aqua promptly appeared, scolding her.
Kazuma pumped a fist. "That's it! We're pushing them back! Now if only we could get rid of that Dullahan once and for all."
Fujiwara pointed to the headless knight looming on a hill. "Should we maybe… go talk to him?"
"Talk? He's not exactly the chatty type," Kazuma snorted.
But Fujiwara was already marching forward in her comedic bravado, baton at the ready. "You there! Evil undead knight thing! Surrender now or face the fury of our comedic synergy!"
The Dullahan's severed head roared in a deep, ghoulish voice. "Impudent mortal! I shall blanket this land in eternal night—again!"
Fujiwara turned to Motohama with a grin. "He's monologuing. That's your cue!"
"Right," Motohama muttered. He took a breath, summoning more of his Ki. The comedic tension gave way to an adrenaline surge. This was the perfect moment to test a bigger technique—perhaps the Kamehameha, if he dared.
---
## The Headless Showdown
With Touma, Shirou, and Emilia still engaged in clearing out the remaining undead, it fell to Motohama's smaller group to confront the Dullahan. They advanced slowly, stepping over smoldering remains and scorched earth.
The Dullahan brandished a giant sword, dark energy crackling along its length. Its laughter echoed through the smoky air. "You fools cannot stand against me. My curses will consume your souls!"
Kazuma gulped. "I'd like to not have my soul consumed, thanks."
Motohama locked eyes with the monstrous entity—well, the glowing eyes in the severed head. He stepped forward, letting golden Ki swirl around him, but he didn't transform fully. He didn't need the comedic meltdown of spontaneously revealing his Super Saiyan form for everyone to see, at least not yet.
"That's enough," he shouted, voice reverberating with the power thrumming in his veins.
The Dullahan paused, seeming to register the energy. "Who are you, mortal? You reek of foreign power!"
Fujiwara giggled. "He's from another dimension, silly!" Then she leaned over to Motohama and whispered, "Strike a cool pose!"
Rolling his eyes at the comedic instruction, Motohama nonetheless complied, dropping into the classic stance Goku had used countless times. "Alright, big guy, let's see how you handle this."
He cupped his hands at his side, but a flicker of doubt gnawed at him. He was about to unleash a large Ki blast in a dimension not his own, potentially altering the comedic balance further. But what choice did he have?
"Kame…hame…" The words felt surreal echoing across a fantasy battlefield.
The Dullahan swung its sword, launching an arc of dark magic directly at him. Kazuma yelped and dove aside, while Fujiwara squeaked and shielded her face with her baton.
Motohama thrust his palms forward. "HAAAA!" A bright beam of blue Ki erupted, colliding with the wave of dark magic in a thunderous explosion that shook the hillside.
The comedic tension snapped as everyone, including Kazuma's party, stared in open-mouthed awe. When the dust settled, the Dullahan reeled, its armor cracked. The severed head roared with rage, but it was clearly wounded.
---
## Comedy in Crisis
Sensing an opportunity, Darkness rushed in, absorbing a barrage of dark curses with a delighted grin. Megumin, though exhausted, cheered from a distance. Aqua hollered that she was about to cast a divine barrier.
Kazuma scrambled up, dusting himself off. "I didn't know you could do that!" he yelled at Motohama, equal parts panic and admiration.
Fujiwara, bouncing on her toes, looked like a child in a candy store. "That was epic! The comedic factor just soared!"
Kanae Kocho swiftly intervened with a graceful slash, severing the Dullahan's arm. It staggered back, howling in pain. "Curse you all! I will not fall again!"
At that moment, Touma, Shirou, and Emilia arrived, having dispatched the rest of the undead. Shirou dashed forward with swords swirling behind him. He launched a volley of Noble Phantasms at the Dullahan, each slamming into the cursed armor.
Touma rushed in, aiming his Imagine Breaker at the torrent of dark magic that erupted from the Dullahan's body. As soon as he made contact, the curses fizzled.
Emilia unleashed a crystal lance of ice that pinned the creature's foot, rooting it in place. The comedic synergy of so many powerful heroes teaming up on one monstrous foe was almost overkill.
The Dullahan's head spat venomous threats. "You cannot hold me forever—"
"Actually, we can," Kazuma muttered, brandishing a stolen holy sword that glowed ominously. With comedic timing, he swung it down on the Dullahan's exposed torso. "Stay dead this time!"
A final burst of dark energy flared, then dissipated. The creature let out a deep groan as its body crumbled in on itself. The severed head fell to the ground and rolled away, dissolving into ash. The threat was gone.
Silence, then raucous cheering from the group. Darkness sighed in mild disappointment she couldn't take more hits, while Megumin lamented she had only managed a single explosion that day. Aqua hopped around, chanting about her incredible healing powers.
Motohama sank to his knees, panting. He'd never used that level of Ki in direct combat before, and the comedic tension in his chest felt like a twisted knot of excitement and relief. Fujiwara promptly pounced on him with a congratulatory hug.
"You did it, Mote-chin!" she squealed, ignoring the soot and debris coating his uniform.
He gave a half-hearted laugh. "This is definitely not how I pictured my day going."
---
## Victory Feast
In classic comedic-fantasy style, the villagers insisted on throwing a feast for their saviors that evening. Long tables were set up outdoors, laden with roasted meats, fresh bread, and plenty of ale. Fairy lights strung between makeshift poles cast a warm glow, dancing on the breeze.
Motohama found himself seated next to Kazuma, who was devouring a plate of grilled fish. "Man, that was intense," Kazuma said between bites. "Thanks for coming, everyone. I'd be in big trouble if that guy trashed my place again."
Touma raised a mug of water. "Here's to comedic camaraderie and not dying."
Shirou smirked, quietly savoring the calm after the storm. Emilia, sipping a modest cup of tea, watched the local children run around, occasionally freezing a flower in ice to delight them. Fujiwara and Megumin were busy having a dramatic conversation about perfecting comedic timing in magical chants, while Darkness tried to get Kanae Kocho to demonstrate sword techniques.
Kazuma turned to Motohama, giving him a once-over. "So, you sure you're just some random side character from another world?"
Motohama flushed. "Uh, yeah. Technically, I'm from High School DxD. Canonically, I was basically a comedic extra."
Kazuma snorted. "You're rewriting that script pretty well. That Kamehameha stunt was insane. You pack quite a punch for a sidekick."
A surge of pride warmed Motohama's chest. The comedic label "sidekick" no longer felt as dismissive as it once did. "Thanks… guess that's the power of the chat group."
Kazuma clinked his mug against Motohama's glass. "Well, I owe you. If you ever need me to pummel some devils or angels in your world, let me know. I might not be a Super Saiyan, but I've got a knack for survival."
They shared a laugh. The comedic synergy and budding friendship were undeniable.
---
## Mission Rewards and a Chat Group Check-In
An hour later, once the village festivities wound down, the system chimed with the familiar jingle of quest completion:
> Mission Complete: Distress Call in Kazuma's World
> Rewards distributed to participating Chat Group Members.
A translucent panel popped up before Motohama:
> You received 30 credits.
> Bonus Item: 'Cloak of Spirit Dampening'
He read the item description: *A cloak that reduces the wearer's outward Ki or magical presence, useful for avoiding detection.*
A grin curved his lips. That might come in handy back in Kuoh Academy, where devils lurked around every corner.
Similarly, the others checked their rewards. Touma seemed pleased about a "Magic-Nullifying Trinket," and Emilia got some precious crystals. Fujiwara squealed about a "Comedic Enhancement Charm," whatever that meant.
Kazuma gave an appreciative nod. "Thanks again. Maybe now I can finally have a week of peace. All I wanted was to laze around and mooch off other adventurers, but life has other plans."
Motohama patted him on the shoulder. "You never know… at least you've got your friends."
Kazuma made a show of looking at Darkness and Megumin, who were bickering. "Yeah… comedic chaos, but friends indeed."
---
## Return to HQ and a Surprise Karaoke Session
After goodbyes were exchanged, the chat group used the system's teleport to return to their towering HQ. The stark transition from rustic medieval village to futuristic glass-and-steel building still jarred Motohama's senses.
"Whew," he exhaled, rubbing his neck. "That was a wild ride."
Fujiwara, practically bouncing, tugged at his sleeve. "Now that the mission's done, we can relax! Karaoke time!"
Shirou chuckled. "I suppose some leisure won't hurt."
Kanae Kocho nodded. "And I can test the new herbal stamina potion. Might be perfect for an all-night karaoke spree."
Touma gave a tired grin. "I'm in. I need a break from punching curses."
They took an express elevator to the 6th floor. The doors opened to reveal a sprawling entertainment complex. Neon lights and digital signs announced Karaoke Booths, Dance Arcade, and even a Comedy Club. The comedic chaos was strong.
Fujiwara sprang into action, claiming the largest booth. The walls glowed with reactive LED strips, shifting color in time with the background music. A large screen displayed an extensive list of songs from countless anime worlds.
Within minutes, the group was selecting tracks. Emilia politely declined singing at first, but Fujiwara's puppy-eyed persuasion eventually won her over. Touma somehow ended up with a mic in his hand, looking both excited and embarrassed.
When Motohama's turn came, he froze. "I… I'm not exactly a great singer."
Fujiwara hopped up and down. "That's the point! We're here for comedic fun!"
Shirou raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "I'll give it a try if you do."
Motohama relented, flipping through the track list, trying to find something comedic enough to distract from his lack of vocal talent. He selected a cheesy theme song from a mecha anime he used to watch on his old Earth. The high-energy rock tune blared through the booth.
He started singing—or more accurately, yelling—the lyrics, fists pumping in time with the beat. Fujiwara shrieked with laughter, Touma hollered encouragement, and Emilia clapped in delight. Even Kanae Kocho giggled softly, sipping her herbal brew.
By the time the song ended, Motohama's face was bright red, but a euphoric laugh bubbled out of him. "Okay, that… that was fun!"
Touma took a turn next, warbling through a ballad from his own world's anime references. Shirou tried a rousing heroic anthem—fitting for the King of Heroes, though comedic in how earnest he was. Emilia sang a sweet lullaby that left everyone in quiet awe. Fujiwara belted out a pop tune while dancing around, and Kanae humbly performed a gentle track reminiscent of the Demon Slayer's haunting melodies.
At the end of the karaoke spree, they collapsed on the plush seats, breathless and laughing, comedic tensions eased.
Fujiwara tapped her phone. "Let's record these points: We definitely deserve some comedic XP for that performance."
Motohama stared at her in amused confusion. "Comedic XP?"
She winked. "It's my personal scoring system. Don't worry, you'll rank high!"
---
## A Quiet Moment of Introspection
As the night wound down—though time in their home worlds was technically paused—each member prepared to depart. Shirou needed to return to supervise Fuyuki City, Touma had urgent issues in Academy City, and Emilia planned to check in on Subaru. Kanae Kocho had potions to finalize.
Fujiwara pouted that the party had to end but accepted it with comedic grace. "We'll do this again soon!" she promised.
Motohama said his farewells and made his way to the rooftop of the HQ, a place he'd discovered offered a panoramic view of the entire chat group city. Cool wind brushed against his face, carrying a sense of peace.
He reflected on the day's events: battling undead, forging deeper bonds with cross-world heroes, discovering new comedic synergies. The idea that just this morning he was an ordinary Kuoh Academy student—albeit reincarnated—seemed laughable. But the comedic contradiction was his life now.
He summoned his phone once more, reading the final system updates:
> Kazuma's Distress Mission Completed.
> Universe Timelines Paused: 1
> Next event in 24 hours: 'Potential Fallen Angel Encounter in DxD World.'
Motohama's stomach fluttered. That event was undoubtedly tied to Issei's impending confrontation with Raynare or other fallen angels. The comedic slice-of-life bubble would soon be threatened by lethal conflict.
But, with the chat group behind him, he felt more prepared. He might be comedic relief in the original script, yet he was forging his own story, discovering a power that rivaled even the main characters.
He gazed at the starlit sky, a swirl of city lights far below. "A person from Earth has been reincarnated as a high school side character in DxD, and he's got a Multiverse chat group," he whispered, letting the comedic statement hang in the air.
And with that, he smiled. "On to the next adventure… comedic chaos or not, I'm ready."
Then, with a final breath of the crisp night air, he tapped the teleport function on his phone. A swirl of light enveloped him, carrying him home to Kuoh Academy, where the comedic story—his story—would continue.