"What does it mean to be a Hero?"

KADOKAWA returns for the MyAnimeList x Honeyfeed Writing Contest 2026, seeking extraordinary Fantasy tales that explore two types of heroes: 《Epic Heroine》 or 《Tragic Hero》.

Inspired by hits such as Secrets of the Silent Witch and Sentenced to Be a Hero, KADOKAWA is seeking a new heroic Fantasy story following a heroine whose overwhelming power is contrasted by endearing flaws, or a hero who makes a comeback from the depths of despair.

Now is your chance to put your storytelling skills to the test and write the Fantasy story only you can tell. Create a hero worthy of legend and take the first step toward what could become KADOKAWA's next published light novel!

Prompt: Fantasy

Sub-Prompt categories: Epic Heroine or Tragic Hero

Grand Prize: $5,000 USD 💰 (each category)

Runner-up Prize: $3,000 USD

Entry period: July 6 – September 27, 2026

Judge applications: July 6 - August 31, 2026

Read the promotional MyAnimeList page here.

233 words 55 sec reading time ❤︎

✎﹏﹏﹏﹏ An annoyed groan escaped behind crusty lips.

“The fuck is he?”

The leather that cradled the villain squeaked as he shifted. Pinkies up, the out-of-date Wii flickered. Be nice if All for One offered pennies, but the league made do; a test of strength to overcome more than hero’s babble.

Wooden floorboards creaked to signify another. Tomura didn’t bother; only the hint of his nostrils flared.

“You’re late.”

Silence, the ambiance of thunder gripped tight.

BING!

The coin on the screen spun. One of his lackeys found the tossed gaming system in the trash- an apology for failure.

“You know I work.”

A new voice broke through, light soles stomped. With a rustle of plastic, a small bag landed on the dirty coffee table.

A cockroach scrurried.

“Sorry, it’s cold.”

“I figured.”

Lucky he couldn’t decay the bastard, he actually enjoyed their game nights.

The ash-toned scarf unwrapped.

Another ding for victory.

“Why don’t you use those hero funds to get us an Xbox?”

An eyebrow raised, crimson eyes stung.

“Really?”

Long ago, during a signing, Shigaraki made friends with Eraser- before this shit went down. Unknown to the teacher? The hero’s signature sat guarded behind a glass case.

An eye rolled as the hero took a bite of cold teriyaki.

Dabi? Toga? Not a clue. Shigaraki made sure.

Shota handed the sake halfway through the game.

“Cheers.”

Next month?

Yeah, next month.

GIVE ME WORDS!

Please.

Submissions are open until December 1. 350 words. $35/story. I choose 15-20 each year. All the details are at the site.

This isn't a riddle. I'm genuinely asking.

Café, Rain, and Umbrella - May Flash Fiction Contest: 280-Word Romance!

It was fun to write this one. I love OLxOL Yuri and always wanted to write this kind of story, but with only 280 words, it was challenging. If I have time, I will try to record an audio, but I cannot promise it.

Café, Rain and Umbrella

We met by chance when you joined our company. You were so different, and the desk that separated us felt like a shoreless sea. Why did you never care about your appearance, fashion, and chitchat during the lunch break? Why did you never tried to fit in?

You made me angry when you sat alone, but deep inside, I admired your courage. I wished that just for once I could stop caring too, but I am a coward. I was so afraid of being alone. Even if all those people just fill the emptiness around me, I cannot imagine my world without them. It is a fair deal. We are "friends." With them, my phone and TV, I managed to push my loneliness away. And I knew they do the same… but you were different… and I hated it.

I was busy that day, too busy for lunch. I let my "friends" go without me. I just had too much to do… You came to my desk with a cup of coffee, a sandwich, and a smile. For a long time, I wondered why you did this. I never believed your "you looked hungry." Why then? You never cared about those unspoken contracts that bound people to be nice. You weren't like this… then why?

It was a rainy day. I took my courage and shared my umbrella with you. Now your daughter calls me "mom."

Published on https://neobook.org/book/FmLeHz7V/

I’m sure it will appear when I’m older

Maturity

Obscurity

Wrapped around another

Do we take the time we need

To find one in each other

Troubled by a gentle breeze

We see the leaves

Fall down and touch each other

For the first time and the last time

Till they wither and become the soil