The group stared at Eggscalibur in Kazuya's hands. The legendary blade shimmered with a faint golden light, and the scent of freshly baked bread filled the air.
"So, what does it do?" Ravynne asked, arms crossed. "Other than smell like a bakery."
Kazuya swung the sword experimentally, its baguette-like blade whooshing through the air. "No idea. Maybe it's just... a really good-smelling weapon?"
"Highly doubtful," Cluckminster said, flapping onto Kazuya's shoulder. "Legend says Eggscalibur has the power to summon armies, smite enemies, and make sandwiches of unparalleled quality."
Sylvara perked up at the mention of sandwiches. "Wait, hold up. Sandwiches? Did we just unlock the ultimate lunchbox?"
Ravynne pinched the bridge of her nose. "Why am I still traveling with you people?"
A Sword's True Test
As the group bantered, the ground rumbled ominously. A low, guttural roar echoed through the valley.
"What now?" Kazuya groaned, clutching Eggscalibur tighter.
From the forest emerged a massive creature—a grotesque amalgamation of dough and feathers. Its body was lumpy and uneven, with half-risen rolls for arms and a head shaped like a burnt croissant. Its glowing eyes radiated pure carb-fueled rage.
"Oh no," Cluckminster whispered. "It's... the Sourdough Sentinel!"
"The what?" Ravynne asked, drawing her sword.
"A guardian created to test the worthiness of Eggscalibur's wielder," Cluckminster explained. "And it looks like it's very unhappy we took the sword."
The Battle of Bread and Butter
The Sourdough Sentinel roared, launching globs of sticky dough from its lumpy arms. Kazuya barely dodged one of the projectiles, which splattered against a tree and immediately hardened into a crusty shell.
"Okay, this thing means business!" Kazuya shouted, gripping Eggscalibur.
Sylvara snorted. "Go on, Chosen One. Show it the power of your breadstick!"
With a groan, Kazuya charged at the Sentinel, swinging Eggscalibur. To his surprise, the blade glowed brighter as it connected with the creature's doughy body, slicing through it like a hot knife through butter.
The Sentinel let out a pained roar and staggered back, clutching its now-crispy side.
"Nice!" Sylvara cheered. "Turns out your breadstick is pretty sharp!"
"Less cheering, more helping!" Kazuya yelled as he dodged another dough attack.
Ravynne leapt into the fray, her blade flashing as she hacked at the Sentinel's legs. Meanwhile, Sylvara rummaged through her bag.
"What are you doing?" Cluckminster squawked.
"Looking for jam," Sylvara replied. "If this thing's made of bread, maybe we can eat it to death."
Cluckminster stared at her in disbelief. "That's either the stupidest or most brilliant idea you've ever had."
"Why not both?" Sylvara said with a grin.
A Sweet Victory
As Kazuya and Ravynne distracted the Sentinel, Sylvara managed to smear globs of jam onto its wounds. The sugary substance seemed to weaken it, causing its doughy form to crumble.
"It's working!" Cluckminster squawked.
"Keep going!" Kazuya shouted, delivering another glowing slash with Eggscalibur.
With one final roar, the Sourdough Sentinel collapsed into a pile of crusty bread and sticky jam. The group stood amidst the wreckage, panting and covered in dough.
"Well," Ravynne said, wiping her sword clean. "That was disgusting."
"Disgustingly delicious," Sylvara said, scooping up a chunk of bread and taking a bite. "Mmm, sourdough."
Kazuya stared at her in disbelief. "You're eating it? It was trying to kill us!"
"And now it's my lunch," Sylvara replied with a shrug. "Circle of life."
A New Power Awakens
As the group recovered, Eggscalibur began to glow brighter. Kazuya felt a strange warmth in his hands as the sword transformed. Its blade extended slightly, and intricate runes appeared along its surface.
"What just happened?" Kazuya asked, holding up the newly enhanced sword.
"Eggscalibur has absorbed the essence of the Sentinel," Cluckminster explained. "It's now even more powerful—and possibly tastier."
Sylvara's eyes sparkled. "Does that mean it can summon sandwiches now?"
Ravynne sighed. "I hate to admit it, but that might actually be useful."
Kazuya groaned. "Great. I'm the chosen wielder of a magical lunchbox."
Little did they know, Eggscalibur's new powers would soon attract even more chaos—and an unexpected visitor.