"Tibong!"
The sunlight is warm.
The air is cool.
So playing alone is fun and a bit lonely.
Tibong wagged his fluffy little butt and munched on a pebble. He was happy. Because pebbles are tasty. Nutty and salty.
So in a way, he felt a little sad.
Why doesn't Dad know how tasty pebbles are? Why don't the Four Heavenly Kings uncles eat pebbles with him? Why does Aunt Sirgi freak out and yell, "You little brat!" whenever he puts a pebble in her mouth while she's sleeping?
But Tibong vowed not to lose courage.
Because today is a special day.
He received a new mission from Dad.
"...Tibong! Tibobong!"
That's right.
A new mission.
His duty.
A noble responsibility has been bestowed upon him.
He was told to roam freely around the Demon King's castle grounds. And if he sees any demon uncles who act cooperatively, helpfully, or impressively, he's to give them a praise sticker.
"Bobong! Tibong!"
That's right.
This is my noble duty.
A heavy, oh so heavy task known as responsibility.
"Tibong!"
Chomp chomp!
Tibong slapped his steamed-bun cheeks with mochi-like hands as he reminded himself of his newly assigned duty. And he steeled his resolve.
Since he's been entrusted with it—
He would carry it out splendidly, chicly, and coolly.
And then it happened.
".....What's with all the yelling!"
From somewhere, it sounded like something was going down.
"Tib...?"
No way?
Could it be?
Tibong perked up his ears.
Then, another round of shouting.
"Did I say something wrong, huh?!"
"...Bong!"
It's certain.
It's a fight!
Thwack—!
The moment he picked up on the sounds of fighting, Tibong launched off the ground. Then, a fierce charge that shattered and cracked the earth!
Todododododododo!
He ran.
Toward the source of the quarrel.
Thanks to that, he found it at the edge of the field near the Demon King's front yard, where compost was being made. A direct subordinate of the Demon King's farming corps and a soldier from the 2nd Star legion were yelling at each other.
"What? Say that again. What did I do?"
"You stole compost! Compost theft!"
"Me? Compost?"
"Yeah! I saw you! Don't try to deny it!"
The farming corps member pointed at a pile of compost and shouted.
"I saw it! You pretended to poke around the compost and then subtly shoved a branch deep into it. Then you brought it to your mouth! You ate it! Didn't you?"
"I didn't eat it!"
"Then what was it?!"
"I just tasted it! I was checking if it had fermented properly!"
The 2nd Star Legion soldier snapped back.
The farming corps member gave him a suspicious once-over from head to toe.
"Isn't that basically eating it? What, trying to grow huge and go on a rampage like the previous 2nd Star Master?"
"What do you take me for?! I'm a carnivorous plant! A Venus flytrap! I wouldn't eat this compost even if you gave it to me!"
"The 2nd Star Master ate it just fine, didn't he? Heck, he even sucked up all the nutrients from the potatoes he was growing to bulk up!"
"That's because he was a greedy freak!"
"And you? You saying you're different?"
"I really was just checking the compost's condition!"
"I don't believe you! No, I can't believe you!"
"....Why you little—!"
Grab!
The argument escalated.
The 2nd Star Legion soldier's branch shot out and grabbed the farming corps member by the collar. And the farming corps member, enraged, grabbed his collar in return.
That's when Tibong cleared his throat.
"Ahem! Tibong?"
"...!"
The two demons, too caught up in the fight, finally realized Tibong was there. They quickly let go.
'D-Damn it!'
'When did he get here?'
Their hearts sank.
A thousand thoughts flashed through their heads.
'Crap. Damn it, this stupid plant bastard got us into trouble.'
'Ah man, what do I do? I really was just checking the compost. And, well, maybe sampling it a little... No, no! Anyway! The Demon King said no fighting!'
'If we make up and cooperate... we get praise stickers...'
'But instead, we got caught fighting. Does that mean... we get punishment stickers or something?'
'Not praise, but penalties...?'
'If too many penalties pile up… would we be sentenced to death or something?'
…Thump! Thump!
Their hearts pounded with anxiety.
Suddenly, the two demons locked eyes.
"......"
A rapid exchange of glances. Mutual understanding. A silent pact.
"....Well! Sometimes when you're working, you might taste a little compost, right, Venus flytrap buddy?"
"Uh, huh? Ah! Right! But the compost tasted kinda weird today?"
"Hm, oh? Why's that?"
"Felt like there was a lot of seagull poop in it?"
"That's because we added a generous amount on purpose to bring back your appetite, buddy?"
"....Oh? That's what that was?"
"Yeah. That's exactly what it was."
"Wow, and here I didn't even realize that."
"Now that you know, work even harder, alright?"
"Of course, friend!"
Wink!
With the 2nd Star Legion soldier's hilariously awkward wink, the reconciliation scene reached its climax!
Then, silence.
"......"
Both demons, and Tibong, who had been staring at their antics, fell quiet.
"......."
Was the acting a little too clumsy?
The dialogue delivery felt a bit off, too.
The two demons nervously watched Tibong's reaction.
Several more seconds passed.
".....Tibong."
Whip.
Tibong muttered something cryptic yet weighty, then turned his chubby butt and walked off with determined little steps.
The two demons almost collapsed from relief.
".....Phew."
"We're… alive…"
They had been caught fighting right after the Demon King had issued a command to promote harmony and cooperation. They had truly feared being punished.
Nearby demons who had been watching thought similar things.
'Tsk, seriously… Getting caught fighting might really get you in big trouble.'
'Yeah. Those guys got lucky.'
'Maybe they got a pass since it's the first time.'
'So… do we really have to work well with the other legion soldiers now?'
'Ugh. I hate the farming corps guys. Always acting smug during potato rations.'
'And those 2nd Star Legion guys are gross, tasting compost like that. I want to call them out.'
'But come to think of it, the 3rd Star Legion guys aren't great either. I know their pincer hands make strength control tough, but they break every farming tool they touch.'
'And the 4th Star Legion guys—what's with those stubby limbs? Are they proud of that or what? Might as well just cut them off.'
Truthfully, they still had plenty of gripes with each other.
But now, everyone understood.
The Demon King's declaration was real.
Tibong really had started his inspection patrols.
'Then... the praise stickers must be real too.'
Everyone recalled the morning's announcement.
The team that receives the most praise stickers would receive the largest food ration next season. And… the top two individuals would be granted the vacant positions of 2nd and 4th Star Masters.
"....."
Not just anything—Star Master.
Sometimes born as monstrous mutants.
Those innately gifted in battle.
A high-ranking officer position that only such beings could even dream of.
And now, it was within reach.
If they worked hard!
If they cooperated smoothly!
If they earned lots of praise stickers!
'I can… do this too!'
The realization that the Demon King's declaration was real.
The awareness that Tibong was on patrol.
And the sweet promise the Demon King had made.
The synergy from that awareness hit everyone hard. It brought change to their behavior and attitudes.
"Ahahaha! Hey, 2nd Star Legion friend! How's the compost taste today?"
"…Oh dear, the compost's a bit salty!"
"Ahahaha, then should I stir it around for you?"
"Hmm, friends! That's a job for me with my strong pincer hands… Wait? I broke it again…"
"Ahahaha! Our 3rd Star Legion friend is so strong, everything he grabs just breaks!"
"Hmm… sorry...."
"Ahahaha, it's fine, it's fine. That kind of thing happens when you're working hard!"
Everyone, though awkward, was trying in their own way.
To avoid fighting.
To cooperate better, even if just a little.
They tried to acknowledge, accept, and understand each other's differences.
Thanks to that, over the course of a few days, the fights in the compost field noticeably decreased. In their place, laughter bloomed. Before long, they genuinely began to see each other's good qualities.
'Hah, tsk. Those direct subordinates of the farming corps—once you actually work with them, they're definitely skilled at farming. So experience does make a difference.'
'Whew. And those 2nd Star Legion guys, they really do have a good eye for compost condition. Maybe tasting really is more reliable than just looking.'
'Now that I think about it, the 3rd Star Legion guys, if they use their pincer hands right, they're super helpful with farm work. Maybe it's thanks to the pincers—they're really good at tilling.'
'The 4th Star Legion guys, their limbs are short and their bodies long, so they're amazing at crawling on the ground. They're probably way better at weeding than I am.'
Thanks to all that, the compost field was filled with laughter instead of shouting and insults!
But there was one strange thing.
Despite all their efforts, despite how smoothly they got along and worked hard on composting… not a single demon had received a praise sticker from Tibong!
"....Hey, you too?"
".....Yeah, me too."
It was true.
They hadn't fought.
They always helped the other legion soldiers with a smile.
And yet, not a single person had received a praise sticker!
"......"
Something's off.
Maybe their smiles and cooperation weren't enough?
From that moment on,
Everyone tried even harder.
Whenever Tibong appeared, they gave it their all to help, to understand, to take on the hard tasks themselves.
Even so, as more days passed,
"....Hey, you too?"
"...Yeah, me too."
Still, no one had received a praise sticker!
"......."
At last, everyone vaguely realized something.
'There's something to this.'
'Just cooperating isn't enough?'
'Could it be… that Lord Tibong has his own criteria for giving out praise stickers?'
'And those standards are… what?'
'Even stronger cooperation?'
'But we're already doing that?'
'Are we maybe lacking sincerity?'
'Or is it because our voices are too harsh when we talk?'
'Or maybe… is it because we're ugly?'
'...'
Please, not that.
Still, there was one thing they were sure of.
In this situation where no one was getting praise stickers—where the drought of stickers was especially severe—if someone were to suddenly get one?
That person, would become the next Star Master.
At the very least, their chances would shoot through the roof.
"....."
I'll do it.
I'll figure it out.
From that point on,
The demons in the compost field all anxiously racked their brains. They studied and brainstormed. Whenever Tibong showed up nearby, they pushed themselves to the limit with effort.
And yet, even after ten more days passed, no one had received a praise sticker.
"Hey, you still…?"
"Yeah, me too..."
"...Damn it."
"...I don't know anymore, damn it."
The direct subordinate of the farming corps and the 2nd Star Legion soldier who had fought on the first day sat side by side on the field's edge and let out deep sighs.
No matter how hard they tried, they just didn't get it.
With no results, their motivation was fading.
Honestly, they were starting to get a little annoyed.
Maybe that's why—
They started noticing each other's flaws again. Things that had gone unseen began to irritate them. And eventually, they couldn't help but voice it.
"....Hey, you there. What's that?"
"Hm? What is?"
"There's a bunch of compost stuck on the branch on your back. Did you smear that on there on purpose to stash it?"
"......What? Me?"
"Yeah. Look. That's pretty excessive."
"Hey now, it got on there while I was working."
"Don't tell me you're planning to secretly eat it later?"
"I said I'm not!"
"Oh really? It sure looks like it. There's no way compost would naturally get on a branch behind your back like that."
"What the hell. Are you accusing me of being a compost thief?"
"I'm just pointing out facts."
"What?"
"Did I say something wrong?"
"Even if your mouth's open, you should watch what you say."
"Heh. You gonna hit me or something?"
"You think I won't?"
"Try me."
"...I've held back because of these stickers, but I can't stand that smug attitude anymore."
"That's my line. You damn flytrap bastard."
".....Then I'll squash you like a bug!"
Smack!
Finally, the 2nd Star Legion soldier's branch slammed into the farming corps member's face. The farming corps member, as if waiting for it, threw a punch right back.
"Oh yeah?! I've had enough of letting things slide every day, you pest! Let's see who drops first!"
"You're one to talk! And I'm not a pest, I'm a Venus flytrap!"
"Same thing!"
Branches and fists flew.
They struck each other square in the face.
Thwack! Crack!
An explosion of impact in an instant!
Despite the shock, the two demons charged at each other.
"Graaaaah!"
"Uwoooooh!"
They punched, kicked, and pounded.
They slapped, spun, and slammed.
"Guahh!"
"Kraaaaah!"
Dust flew.
Roars echoed.
The two of them became literal beasts, brawling wildly. Even when others tried to pull them apart, it was no use. Even when Tibong came by and stared at them wide-eyed in shock, they didn't stop.
They dodged and countered, both thinking the same thing at the same time.
'Damn those praise stickers that won't come no matter how hard we cooperate!'
If we're not getting any either way, then screw it—let's just fight it out. Let it all out, tear each other apart if we have to.
With a punch full of sincerity!
Kwaaaaah—!
Branches and fists crossed paths again, landing in a clean cross-counter strike on each other's faces.
Thwack!
A powerful shock.
The world tilted.
'Guhhh…..!'
'Urghhh...!'
The farming corps member's legs gave out.
The 2nd Star Legion soldier's roots wobbled.
They both collapsed at the same time. Flat on their backs, staring at the sky, gasping for breath, their faces twisted in pain.
"Whew...! Huff!"
"Huff! Haaah......!"
Their hearts burned out.
And for some reason, the strange sense of relief blooming in their chests—was that why? Was that why they, without realizing it, ended up saying this to their once-opponent?
"...Hey, Venus flytrap. You still alive?"
"...Hah. Of course."
"Surprisingly sturdy, for how you look."
"You're tougher than you look, too."
"Wanna go again sometime?"
"Just don't come begging when the time comes."
"Hah. You're one to talk."
"Heh. Funny guy."
"......"
Unspoken understanding bloomed.
A deep bond born only from a real fistfight—true friendship that can only arise between men who've exchanged blows in earnest!
They both thought the same thing.
'I don't care about praise or penalties anymore.'
'Today, I've gained a friend who acknowledges me as a man.'
'So just for today…'
Ssssh.
In the sunset, the two lay in ruins side by side. Without a word, as if by instinct, they extended their fists and branches toward one another.
And then.
Tap.
A greeting shared only with the heart of a man.
A silent promise that they acknowledge each other as rivals and friends.
A deeply emotional moment to them, though endlessly cringey to any onlooker.
"...Ti, Tibong...."
Clap clap clap clap clap...!
Tibong, who had witnessed it all, began clapping with a deeply moved expression.
Thanks to that, just moments later—
A neatly stamped praise sticker in the shape of Tibong's jelly-like paw was proudly marked on the backs of the two demons who had starred in that unbearably corny bro-drama. Pop ♡
[T/L: I am not getting any support from webnovel platform, so please support me and read ahead chapters on my ko-fi page "RevengerScans" : https://ko-fi.com/revengerscans ]