Chapter Text
Naofumi awoke early. Partly out of habit from waking and feeding his little brother but mostly because he didn't stay up late. He opened the wooden latch and looked out his window.
The sun was barely even rising and the crisp air struck his lungs. He sat at his window sill for some time. It was beautiful.
He never went to the countryside unless it was to visit his grandmother. The rustic town combined with the rolling green hills, well, It was strange to feel so nostalgic from a foreign country.
Naofumi shook the feeling away and decided to go through his abilities again. He wanted to get strong quickly.
There wasn't much he could do while he waited for someone to get him. In the end he decided to see what counted as material for the shield.
He picked up a candle from the nearby desk and held it to the shield. At first he thought nothing would happen but once he tapped it against the gem in the middle the candle disappeared.
Fuel shield requirements met.
-Further components needed.
Naofumi smirked to himself as he chucked another candle in but nothing happened. He tried another. Then another. He had to shift through the desk for another three candles before he got a new notice.
Fuel shield unlocked. level requirement - 2.
+1 Def +2 Fire Def
Ability: Candle Light. Produces a small candle sized flame to light the area.
"Having a light source wherever I go will come in handy." He thought to himself as he grabbed some loose straw from under the bed. It annoyed him that there would be level requirements but it made sense. He didn't get a notice when he chucked some straw in the shield so he deemed it a dead end.
Eventually he just started putting stuff in to see what stuck.
Some loose pebbles from the stone walls.
Stone shield requirements met.
-Further components needed.
A hair pin he found stuck down the side of the bed. Nothing.
The candle stands. Nothing.
The pillow.
Fabric Shield unlocked.
+1 def +1 cold Def
Ability: Fabric working I. Any garments you personally alter gain a 5% bonus. Current Bonus: 5%.
It seemed pretty useless. He switched to it because he at least wanted to wear his very first usable shield. The light from switching dimmed and he examined it.
It didn't really look like a shield. It was more of a gauntlet. It was heavily padded and went up to his elbow. The gem resting in the middle of the back of his hand. It was fingerless, likely to not diminish dexterity or fine control. It made sense since it's skill seemed more of a utility thing than anything else.
As he mused about the "shield" a notice popped up.
Shield mastery began.
Shield mastery?
Mastery of a shield will apply its bonuses even when not equipped. Time required varies.
Shield mastery: 3:59:16.
Now that was a juicy bit of info to know. If he could stack abilities on themselves then there was potential to boost himself exponentially over time.
He scoured his room for anything that might unlock a shield with a better ability but couldn't find anything worthwhile.
He flopped onto his bed dejectedly, rolling onto his side with a sigh. His eyes zoned in on his phone on the desk near the window.
Would it work?
It's not like there's anything important on it that's not backed up on a cloud. Once he gets home after everything is done he'll be able to get it all back. Before he could convince himself to not go through with it he absorbed his phone.
Map Shield unlocked.
+1 Def +1 Speed
Ability: Map I. Show a detailed map of the immediate surroundings and places travelled.
Calculator Shield unlocked.
+1 Def +1 Speed +1 Special Attack
Ability: Advanced Calculations I. Information given by status magic is enhanced.
Ability: Inspect I. Can Inspect to gain information about the target. Range: 20 meters.
Communication Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 15
+1 Def
Ability: long distance communication. Can communicate with party members no matter the distance.
Clock Shield Unlocked.
+1 Def +1 Awareness
Ability: Watch. Always know the exact time.
"Holy shit!"
Four shields and three of them were useful as hell. He definitely needed to look at them.
The map shield was a flat metal circle that changed colours to show his position in the room from a top down view. It's 2d but incredibly detailed.
The calculator shield was one of those old wooden calculators made from beads attached to rods. He was kinda disappointed it wasn't a modern one but it's looks didn't matter as much as it's Ability.
The communication shield was much less plain then the others. It was a small round shield made of metal that had writing inscribed all over it. It looked cool with how intricate it was.
The clock shield looked like an old stone sundial.
He decided to keep the calculator shield equipped. Information was power after all and he wanted to have that ability at all times.
With his experiments over he now had nothing to occupy his mind. The sun still had yet to fully rise and he doubted anyone other than the guards would be fully awake.
He decided to find one to talk to. Hopefully he'd get some more info about the world or be given something to do.
It didn't take long to find one. He was a broad fellow with gruff short stubble. As Naofumi approached the man seemed to straighten up. "Excuse me but I wanted to ask a few things."
The man nodded. "What would that be sir shield?" His voice was gravelly but he spoke in a polite manner.
Naofumi gave the man a smile as he answered. "I was wondering if there was anything I could do until the King calls for us heroes again?"
"Well… I suppose the cooks would be getting started about now but Janith would likely take your head for setting foot in her kitchen…" The man trailed off before suddenly picking back up. "Ah. The morning drills for the men might be starting soon. If you head to the courtyard you'll probably make it in time."
"An early morning work out sounds great actually. Thanks for letting me know." And it did, Naofumi wasn't the fittest person but he still kept up a regular routine, he didn't want to embarrass himself when Larping after all. Naofumi went on his way and only had to ask for directions twice before he made it. There was a group of men and women all gathered together and going through roughly the same routine.
He walked up to who looked to be in charge. "Don't suppose you have room for one more?"
The individual was covered from head to toe in full plate, he had a wide midsection and broad shoulders. They looked at Naofumi for a moment before laughing uproariously. "Would you look at that! A hero comes to train with us? Aye lad you can join! I'll even show you what's to be done myself."
Naofumi had a bad feeling but couldn't really back out now. He was told to do a series of stretches and a warm up jog. Once done he noticed that everyone else had stopped and formed a circle. In the middle two people duked it out with wooden swords.
Naofumi only got to watch for a round before he was handed the weapon and told to last as long as he could. Before he could even raise the sword into a defensive stance lightning arched out around him. He dropped the sword from the pain.
Warning! Attempts to use weapons other than the Holy Weapon will be punished.
"Well crap." He sighed. Just his luck.
"How the hell am I supposed to fight monsters like this?" He thought frustratedly.
"Ya right there lad?" The captain had come closer and dusted Naofumi off.
Naofumi turned to the captain fully and nodded. "Yeah. Just can't use anything other than the shield."
"Damn. Suppose that's that then."
"Yeah but I'm not going to let this opportunity go to waste." With that Naofumi rushed the other guard who'd been given the wooden sword.
The captain laughed joyfully at that.
The fight went pretty quickly. Naofumi was used to mock fights but it was clear he was an amateur compared to someone who spent nearly everyday training. He also only had a shield to defend himself. He got some valuable advice from everyone and learnt a lot about defence in just those short two hours.
He didn't fight the whole time. Even just observing taught him a lot. He'd have to come by regularly to train whenever he was in the capital. Which he suspected would be a lot in the coming weeks.
During a lull in the action Naofumi asked the captain something. "Do you know where I might be able to find the armor I arrived in?"
The captain nodded. "Aye lad. It was a bit scuffed so it was brought to the barracks for a spit shine. I'll have someone take ya there in a bit."
True to his word, once the training was over he sent Naofumi along with a guard to get his armour. Now suited up in his clean armour he felt more secure.
Basic Light Metal Otherworld Armour.
+10 Def
Affects: A Little Bit of Home. Reduces mental trauma.
Just as he was about to leave he spotted the row of weapons lined up on racks, amongst them were a dozen or so shields.
"Would I be able to have a look at the shields?"
"Certainly."
Without further adieu he set about copying the different types of shields.
Guardsman's Kite Shield Unlocked. level requirement - 7
+5 Def
Ability: Cavalry I. Damage taken while riding a mount is reduced by 5%.
Current Bonus: 5%.
Guardsman's Heater Shield Unlocked. level requirement - 3
+7 Def +1 Strength
Ability: None.
Guardsman's Buckler Unlocked. level requirement - 6
+2 Def +3 Agility
Ability: Parry I. Parrying an opponent's attack is 5% more effective.
Current Bonus: 5%.
Guardsman's Pavise Unlocked. level requirement - 12
+10 Def
Ability: Arrow Pincushion I. Ranged attacks are reduced by 5%.
Current Bonus: 5%.
Guardsman's Bouche Unlocked.
+3 Def
Ability: Lancer I. Attacks made while riding a mount are increased by 5%.
Current Bonus: 5%.
He thanked the women who brought him there and made his way back to his room to wait.
Not but an hour or so later did a maid knock on his door with food and told him someone will be around soon to get him and the others.
The food was much the same. It wasn't bad. But there's only so much you can do with salt. Naofumi might only be an amateur when it comes to cooking, but he knows a royal chef should be able to acquire things like thyme, rosemary, or chives, or literally anything other than just salt.
In a medieval era they should be aware of stuff like that.
He sighed. There's no point getting upset over something so small. It might just be that those plants don't exist here.
Standing in front of the king again was even more nerve wracking since twelve adventurers were going to be choosing who they are going with. Out of everyone Naofumi hoped to choose him, the guy with the big sword and the girl with the bow were the best. Naofumi needed damage and they'd be able to provide it.
However, when no one stood behind him he was disappointed. At least the other heroes asked if they'd join him, in their own kind of ways. He resolved himself to just finding his own party with the extra funds given to him. Until the Red haired princess stepped out from Motoyasu's party.
"I'll join the shield hero." She said while swaying her hips as she walked. Naofumi did not want a royal brat following him. She might have a sword on her hip but the armour she was wearing was impractical. Not to mention the makeup and heels.
No. He didn't want to deal with a pampered rich kid. So he turned and bowed at the waist. "Apologies, your majesty but I don't believe I would be fit to protect you during my travels."
She seemed surprised for a moment before composing herself. "You have no need to worry, I'm capable of protecting myself well enough. I wish to aid the heroes after all."
Now Naofumi had a bad feeling. Why did she insist on coming with him? Either she really was this altruistic or…
Her glancing at Motoyasu proved it. She was clearly trying to get in his good books for some reason.
"I didn't mean to disrespect your abilities. It is my own that I do not trust to keep you safe. I'm sure it would ease everyone's mind to know you'd be partied with a more capable hero, such as Motoyasu." The princess sighed "very well" and moved back into line behind Motoyasu, who mouthed a thank you his way. Naofumi didn't plan on being a wing man but if it meant Motoyasu owed him then he's fine with it.
With a grand sweeping gesture the king bid them all fair well onto their journey.
First thing Naofumi did was head to the capital library. He purchased a book on learning the language. It was a bit pricey due to the magic enchantment on it. If he pressed a finger to a letter or word it would then say it. It came to around 25 silver pieces but it would be worth it in the long run.
Next he just wondered around asking passers-by if there was anywhere of interest he should visit. He was pointed in all manner of directions. Most were just stores that sold trinkets but one was an apothecary.
He talked to the man inside about buying medicine. It turned out that the man was being bought out of everything he could make. Panic from the waves made people stock up on emergency supplies. In the end Naofumi got an old apothecary set. The man said since Naofumi was going to be travelling so much he won't always have time to find a potion seller or the like.
Naofumi left the shop with one minor resist disease potion, his own tools to make potions, and 46 silver lighter.
He realised as he was juggling everything he bought that there was a much easier solution. He dumped everything into his shield.
Book Shield unlocked.
+1 Def +1 Magic Def +1 Magic Affinity
Ability: Avid Reader. Copy any book held to a maximum of 10 plus your level. Any learned recipes are stored permanently.
Ability: Speed Reader I. boosts reading speed by a minor amount.
Magic Book Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 16
+6 Magic Def +6 Magic Affinity
Ability: Arcane Student. Spells learned from Scrolls and magic orbs can be stored in the shield for use later at no additional MP cost. Limited to 1 + 1/12 of level.
Mortar & Pestle Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 2
+1 Def +1 Magic Def +1 Magic Affinity
Ability: Alchemist I. Crafted potions and medicine are boosted by 10%.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Cucurbit Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 4
+1 Def +1 Magic Def +2 Magic Affinity
Ability: Alchemist II. Potions and medicine require 30% less to craft and are 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 20%.
Alembic Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 6
+1 Def +3 Magic Def +1 Magic Affinity
Ability: Alchemist III. Potions and medicines are crafted in half the time.
Glass Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 4
+1 Def +2 Magic Def
Ability: Refraction I. Any light based attacks are reduced by 5%
Current Bonus: 5%.
Bottle Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: Liquid Storage. Inventory now can store liquid.
Antibiotic Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 5
+1 Def +3 Status Def
Ability: Disease Resistance I. Time needed to recover from sickness is reduced by 30%
All of these seemed like useful abilities. Making powerful potions for the waves would come in handy and if what the apothecary said was true, people would love to buy the excess medicine he made.
With high hopes he set about finding his next destination. Naofumi wondered for quite some time, purchasing various items to see what he could gain. He went to various everyday workers or artisans to buy old tools or products.
Axe Head Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 3
+1 Def
Ability: Wood Splitter I. Attacks against wooden targets do 10% more damage.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Carpentry Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 3
+1 Def
Ability: Carpentry I. Any products you craft from wood are 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Whetstone Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 4
+1 Def
Ability: Sharpen I. Any stored blades deal 10% additional damage after an hour. Last six hours.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Smithy Tools Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 6
+1 Def
Ability: Smithy I. Products you craft from metal are 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Locksmith Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 6
+1 Def
Ability: Inner-workings I. Locks are 10% easier to dismantle or unlock.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Hammerhead Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 5
+1 Def
Ability: Carpentry II. Any products you craft from wood require 10% less time to make and are 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 20%.
Nail Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 8
+1 Def
Ability: Carpentry III. Any products you craft from wood are an additional 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 30%.
Shovel Head Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: Digger at Heart I. Digging or otherwise excavating is 10% less draining.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Saw Blade Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 8
+3 Def
Ability: Wood Splitter II. Attacks against wooden targets do an additional 10% more damage.
Current Bonus: 20%.
Bowyer Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 10
+5 Def
Ability: Bow Crafting I. Unlock several recipes for Bows. Any bows crafted by you are 10% more effective.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Fletcher Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 6
+3 Def
Ability: Fletching I. Unlock several recipes for arrows. Any arrow crafted by you are 10% more effective.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Tanner Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: Tannery I. Any crafted Items using Leather, Hide, or Pelts will be 10% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Chisel Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 9
+2 Def
Ability: Carpentry IV. Any products you craft from wood are an additional 15% higher quality.
Current Bonus: 35%.
Ability: Masonry I. Any products you craft from Stone are 10% higher quality.
Silver Chain Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 10
+2 Def
Ability: Restraint I. Place a weak restraint on anyone 5 Levels or lower than yourself.
Chain Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 15
+3 Def
Ability: Restraint II. Place a sturdy restraint on anyone 5 Levels or lower than yourself.
Bronze Compass Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 2
+1 Def
Ability: Magnetic North. Always know where North is in relation to yourself.
Broche Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: None.
Merchant Scale Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 8
+2 Def
Ability: Inspect II. More Information about targets of higher level is revealed.
Range: 30 meters.
Shear Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: Careful Cut I. Handling sharp objects to craft is 10% easier.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Small Hourglass Shield unlocked.
+1 Def
Ability: Timer I. Set a timer for up to six hours.
Naofumi was getting so many shields from everyday objects that he couldn't wait to start getting his hands on stranger or rarer things just to chuck them in his shield. It was like a gatcha game where you always won.
He was going to see if he could start crafting things but dropped the thought when he heard bells ringing. Looking in the direction it came from showed a tall bell tower attached to what looked like a church of some kind.
Now that piqued Naofumi's interest. He had holy resistance, which led him to believe there were holy spells of some kind and since he's clearly meant to be the support he could stand to learn if there were healing spells and those were usually a part of holy stuff.
He grabbed some food on his way since it was around lunch. That's probably what the bell meant. Simply out of curiosity he dropped a bit of meat into his shield.
Cow Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 6
+2 Def +2 Strength
Ability: Bovine Stat Adjustment I. Bovines receive a minor boost to stat Scaling.
Huh, neat.
He made sure to clean his hands and dust off his boots before entering, It was quite beautiful and he didn't want to seem disrespectful. Ornate marble pillars and intricate stained glass windows decorated the large open floor plan, but the thing that took his breath away was the giant hourglass in the middle.
Someone cleared their throat behind him and Naofumi nearly jumped three feet in the air. The nun looked a little spooked herself. Naofumi nervously chuckled. "Sorry about that. I was just admiring everything. It's breathtaking."
The nun smiled. "Thank you. I had a similar reaction when I first saw it. The legendary dragon hourglass itself, truly magnificent."
Just as he was about to ask what it was, a notice appeared.
Dragon hourglass.
-Legendary artefacts that foretell the waves. Register to be notified of waves and be bought directly to them.
-Way point access.
He read it as discreetly as he could while paying attention to her talking about the good the church does to support the heroes. Offering holy water for sale, Class upgrades, cursed item disposal, teleportation from the sand of the hourglass and more.
Intrigued by the holy water he asked if he could purchase one of their lower quality ones. She nodded and went off to retrieve it. It was only 15 silver, the cheapest thing he bought all day. While she was gone he walked toward the hourglass. After a few steps a green light shot out of his shield to the hourglass.
Dragon Hourglass Registered - Melmorac.
Time until wave: 27:16:54:12
A little under a month till the wave. How intense would it be? What level would the enemies be? And why did it specify Melmorac? Are there more dragon hourglasses? Will waves pop up in other places?
He was snapped out of his musing by the nuns' return. He thanked her and popped the holy water into his shield.
Small Holy Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 17
+3 Curse Def +2 Holy Def +2 Magic Def
Ability: Repel Curse I. Minor curses can be cured and warded off.
She seemed caught off guard by the potion disappearing into his shield. "Y-your the shield hero?!" She exclaimed.
Naofumi nodded sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry I didn't introduce myself, I was just stunned by how beautiful everything here is."
"It's alright, I'm sure you were overwhelmed." She collected herself quickly, asking if there was anything else he needed.
"Yeah, would I be able to get some of the hourglass sand? Oh, and I was wondering if the church taught healing or holy spells?"
She stiffly walked past him towards a ladder near the hourglass. "We don't teach spells, however I can get you some sand, it's quite expensive though, 80 silver."
Naofumi cringed slightly at the price but handed it over.
Portal Shield Unlocked. Level requirement - 30
+16 Def +10 Holy Def +5 Magic Affinity +5 Magic Def +5 Awareness
Ability: Portal. Save a number of destinations equal to 2 + 1/8 of Level. Teleport to any saved destination once a day with a max of seven others.
He bowed to the nun, thanking her again and left. He was on a roll getting shields and it hasn't even been a full day. Now that he thought about it he should probably get a party member soon so he can unlock even more shields.
Actually, if he went to a blacksmith he could probably copy a ton of shields or even commission some he could copy. It didn't take long to be pointed in the direction of the best Smith in town.
The shop was lined with armour, weapons of all kinds, and most importantly, Shields. He walked up to the desk where a tall man with scars stood flipping through a ledger.
"Excuse me. I was wondering how much the copy service cost?" The man turned to him with a puzzled look. He closed the book and looked Naofumi up and down. "Name's Erhart and it depends what you want me to make a copy of."
"No, I mean I want to copy some of your shields." Naofumi lifted up the arm holding the legendary shield. "I can copy any shield I hold. I assume the other heroes already have been here, so how much did you charge them?"
A few moments passed in silence before Erhart exploded. The string of curses and violent grunts was something truly impressive. Once he finally calmed down Naofumi had a fairly good idea why he was so upset. "They didn't tell you."
Erhart shook his head. "Damn brats said they were browsing. They must have gotten their hands on seventeen golds worth of equipment each for free."
"I'll try and get them to pay you." Naofumi said.
Erhart smiled. "I'd appreciate that kid. Anyway, back to business. How about fifteen silver per shield? It's a lot cheaper than buying them and I can still sell them to other customers. Win for both of us. I'll even let you copy one for free from that rack over there as thanks for being honest."
Naofumi took the man up on his offer. He copied four shields. The one he got for free was a wooden tower shield reinforced with leather.
Reinforced Wooden Tower Shield Unlocked. Level requirement - 10
+5 Def +6 Lighting Def
Ability: Living Wall I. You are 15% harder to be knocked off balance.
Current Bonus: 15%.
The second was a smaller shield similar to a buckler made of metal. However, It had a series of notches along its edge.
Blade Catcher Shield Unlocked. Level requirement - 7
+3 Def +1 Agility +1 Strength
Ability: Blade Catcher I. Trap a blade with the shield allowing greater chance of disarming.
The third shield looked simple. It was a dull grey kite shield with a bird embossed on it.
Eagle Kite Shield Unlocked.
+2 Def +2 Agility
Ability: Horse Rider I. Mounts receive a 5% Defence boost.
Current Bonus: 5%.
The final shield was the one he was most excited about. It was a small pavise shield that covered his whole arm and where the bottom of it extended slightly past his fist, It had a bladed edge.
Bladed Pavise Shield Unlocked. Level requirement - 10
+1 Attack +3 Def
Ability: none.
While he couldn’t use any shield other than the kite one, he was still pleased. He got his first offensive stat increase. He'd have to wait until level ten to get it but it was still promising.
He bought a few essentials before he left the shop. A warm cloak, travel pack, and camping gear. He chucked everything except the cloak into his shield to store away. He realised as he was doing so that he should probably put his money in his inventory as well.
Small Silver Coin Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 10
+4 Def +3 Curse Def
Ability: Banker II. Stored currency interest is increased by 5%
Current Bonus: 5%.
What? Instantly he asked Erhart to covert a silver into 50 copper coins and 50 silver to 1 gold.
Small Copper Coin Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 5
+2 Def +1 Cunning
Ability: Banker I. Stored currency is increased by a 5% compound interest rate every week.
Current Bonus: 10%.
Small Gold Coin Shield unlocked. Level requirement - 20
+10 Def +10 Cunning
Ability: Banker III. Stored currency interest is increased by 5%
Current Bonus: 15%.
Ability: Market Control. a single gem every day can be converted to currency for an additional 10% of its worth.
He thanked Erhart and left. Naofumi checked the time with the clock shield to find he still had another four hours until it got dark. So, Naofumi decided to finally head to the guild.
The building was long and tall. Inside were a dozen or so people, a line of various people dressed in armour and wielding weapons were waiting their turn at a desk, Naofumi lined up and waited.
The wait wasn't long thankfully and the woman at the desk perked up once she caught sight of him. "Are you here to register with the guild, sir Shield?"
"Depends. What are the benefits?" Naofumi kinda expected it'd be like some kind of membership.
She went on to explain that he would receive a badge to show he was a member and he'd be able to take jobs from them or even post his own request on the notice board. The guild would receive a small amount from the reward since they hosted the quests.
But that was it. No other benefits and he'd have to pay a fee every month. It simply didn’t seem worth it right now. Instead he asked if he'd be able to get party members from the guild.
"Sorry sir but everyone willing to join the heroes already went to the castle." She genuinely looked sorry about it. Naofumi sighed and turned to leave after saying goodbye. He was stopped however as she quietly said. "T-there might be one way to get party members."
She handed him a note with directions. He thanked her and made his way there. It was a rather strange set up. There was a large circus tent pushed at the back of a long decrepit alley.
He was hesitant but it looked at least interesting. Stepping inside revealed numerous cages of monsters. From giant wolves to strange living balls. Was this some kind of monster shop? Maybe he could get a pet or something. He began walking around, occasionally looking in cages. A couple of the creatures looked interesting.
A white two headed snake about as long as his arm. There was also some kind of tortoise with blades all over it. The one that he observed the most however was a large Dog-Bat thing.
It was still young, he thinks, with paws and wings too large for it. It looked nervous and scared. Naofumi knew that no matter what other animals this place had he'd be taking this one.
Decision made he began looking for whoever was in charge. He wondered a bit before hearing a cough. The sound seemed to come from a cage nearby.
He stopped in shock when he saw what was under the cover. A young girl with matted hair and dressed in rags. He almost missed the animal ears and tail on her.
"You're quite the curious one, aren't you?" Naofumi froze before standing to full height. He turned to see a short well dressed man smiling up at him.
He gave Naofumi the creeps and if this place is what he thought it was then he needed to get out of here. "Yes. And I've seen enough to satisfy it. I'll be taking my leave now."
The man's smile twitched ever so slightly. "Of course. I'm sure you will be quite busy getting stronger out there. Especially on your own, sir shield hero."
Naofumi stopped walking. He did plan on getting a monster pet of some kind but knowing this place probably deals in slaves put him off even being here. On the other hand there's nothing he can do about it.
The receptionist from the guild sent him here so it's unlikely it's against the law of this place. Slaves have been used to lay the foundation of every powerful kingdom. He should have realised something like this was going on from the start.
He's not strong enough physically to put a stop to it and he doesn't have the political power to stop it either.
If he could get stronger. He could stop it. To get stronger he needs party members. Which he's unlikely to get today or even tomorrow.
But if he got a monster to fight alongside him he could level faster than alone. He hated the idea of doing business with this man but it's probably the only way he could catch up to the other heroes and put a stop to this.
No. He's not resorting to that.
He made his exit and headed straight to the inn. He got a room and stewed in his frustrations late into the night. The candle steadily glowed in his room as he wrote out three letters. Each to the other heroes. It would be in Japanese so no one from this world would understand it.
He detailed what he found and his frustrations about not being able to put a stop to it. He asked for their help abolishing slavery once they grew strong enough both politically and physically.
Just as he finished, a notice popped up.
Shield Mastery completed - Calculator Shield.
He looked out the window to see the sun barely cresting the horizon. He didn't sleep a wink. Deciding to get to work he slid the letters under the other heroes' doors. He saw them last night but didn't want to bring the subject up to them in the open.
He moved down stairs and asked the cook for breakfast. It was simple sausage and mashed potatoes. As he ate he thought about what he was going to do today. He needed to get access to Magic so finding a magic shop of some kind would be important.
Then he'd have to see if he could talk to the guild again about getting companions, if he had to hire them then so be it. He'd rather pay someone to fight with him than buy someone to fight for him.
His planning was interrupted by the sounds of someone coming down the stairs. It was Ren. Once he spotted Naofumi he made his way over, ordering the same meal.
Ren sat across from him. "I got your letter. I'm sure if we took this information to the king we could get him to outlaw it."
Naofumi shook his head. "It's the nobility that would gain the most from it. Unless we can become too strong for him to oppose then we'd be unlikely to get him to do anything he doesn't want."
Ren remained silent for a short time before nodding. From there the conversation became more tame. They talked about what they did yesterday. Ren pointed out a few spots around the outskirts of town which were best for grinding levels.
Naofumi explained how he unlocked numerous shields and pointed out where all the shops of note were. He even gave a run down of all his stats and skills.
Ren in turn explained how, while his attack stats were ridiculous, he was pretty much one hit for anything that could pack a moderate punch. Naofumi, in concern, used Inspect on him.
Name: Ren Amaki.
Race: Mouse-Humaniod.
Titles: None
Level: 7
Class: Hero of The Sword.
HP: 370/370
MP: 90/90
SP: 190/190
Strength: 35
Endurance: 12
Agility: 36
Awareness: 11
Cunning: 9
Attack: 47
Special Attack: 31
Magic Affinity: 17
Defence: 11
Magic Defence:5
Status Defence: 5
Fire Defence: 23
Frost Defence: 7
Lighting Defence: 13
Wind Defence: 5
Speed: 34
Afflictions: None.
Resistances: Minor Diseases.
Weaknesses: No accumulated weaknesses.
Skills: Stone Faced. Mighty Combatant.
Naofumi was thrown through a loop at Ren's race for a moment before he decided Fuck it, if they were all from alternate worlds then he won't bring it up.
Naofumi promised Ren that during the waves he'd take any hits for Ren or the others. Since Ren was six levels higher and only had a little more HP than Naofumi did at level one.
Before Ren could reply the sound of heavy footsteps drew their attention. A group of knights entered and split into three groups. One asked for Ren to follow, the other went up stairs, and the third came to him.
The knights near him waited until Ren's party and Itsuki's group, who looked to have just been woken up by the commotion, left before addressing him. They all had stern features and two of them grabbed his arms. The one at the front spoke in a clipped tone. "You will be coming with us to the castle."
Naofumi didn't put up a fight. He was only level one after all and he was sure that whatever was happening would be cleared up once he was at the castle.
It wasn’t long before he was practically thrown into the same room the king met him and the other heroes. The king looked furious and Motoyasu was glaring daggers at him. Itsuki looked disturbed. Ren was just as emotionless as earlier that morning.
"Do you have anything to say for yourself, devil!?" The king shouted. His eye's held untold fury and disgust.
Naofumi's confusion and worry peaked immensely. "What are you talking about? Why are-" he was interrupted by Motoyasu. "You know damn well what you did, bastard!"
The king held up an arm to silence Motoyasu. He then turned to the red head princess from yesterday. She looked distraught. "Malty my dear, I know it was terrible but please. Tell the other heroes what happened."
She kept a tight grip on Motoyasu. "It was at the Inn last night. I had retired early for the evening, but I got no sleep... Because of the loud knocking at my door not long after I entered. It was the shield hero."
"What? I was in my room as soon-"
"Silence!" The king shouted, his face was practically red. Naofumi wanted to deny all of this but didn't want to irritate the emotional king.
She continued "I tried to ask what he wanted, but he kept demanding to see me. I thought he was going to ask me to party with him… but when I opened the door, he was slurring his speech and smelled of booze. He…he threw me on my bed and… I managed to slip out from under him and ran to Motoyasu's room." She moved to Motoyasu and huddled behind him.
Motoyasu spoke up then. "The only reason I didn't deal with you myself then was because Malty wanted to be back at the castle. You scum! I can't believe-"
"Enough sir Motoyasu, I will deal with this." Came the king. He turned to Naofumi. "Assaulting a woman is the gravest crime that can be committed in Melmorac. Usually you would be executed, however as a hero we need you to face the waves-"
"This is bullshit! I didn't do it! I don't even drink!" Naofumi yelled in frustration.
"There is evidence from the scene that you atempted to commit this heinous act! My daughter's undergarments were found torn throughout the room. It is clear you are guilty." As King Aultcray spoke a knight came forward with a set of silk underware. The bra had a broken strap and the lower garment ripped.
"That wasn't there when I left my room! I'm being framed!"
The king stood from the throne. A glowing golden staff materialising in his hand. "Silence or I will execute you myself, Hero or not!"
The king waited a moment to see if Naofumi would open his mouth, staff at the ready. "I will not tolrate your lies any longer. Your punishment has already been decided. It will be to have this country's people judge you. All will know of your crime and vile nature. Now leave, devil!"
The knights that had dragged him in took his arms again and dragged him back out. They shoved him out of their grasp once they reached the front gate.
Naofumi glared at the two and made his way into the town. People stared at him with disgust and anger as he walked.
They knew already. Which meant someone told everyone he was a rapist before he was even in the damn throne room. The whole trial was a sham. Absolute bullshit! He didn't do a damn thing! And the king was too furious to even let Naofumi properly defend himself.
Why the hell would Myne single him out? Because he was the weakest? Because he didn't do what the she wanted?
Naofumi was suddenly pulled into a side alley. He came face to face with Erhart. He stared at Naofumi as he held him against the wall. Naofumi just accepted what was coming.
However, as time passed and no fist came crashing down on him, Naofumi opened his eyes. Erhart was staring at him intensely. "Did you do it?" His voice was like steel and his eyes hard.
"No." Was all Naofumi said. Erhart stared for a few moments longer before letting him go. As he walked away he said "If you need new equipment then come to me. Good luck kid."
Naofumi watched him leave with a strange feeling. Erhart believed him. Or at least didn't care enough to not accept his money in the future.
Deciding to not get his hopes up he just pushed the feeling down and continued on his way out of the city.
The guards didn't stop him as he left, just glared. Naofumi spent the whole day attacking bouncing yellow balloons until late into night. He was exhausted and did little more than collapse into his bed roll after making a small fire.
Naofumi awoke to a chill morning from a notice telling him he mastered a shield. Despite the frost clinging to the early morning dew he hardly felt the cold. Naofumi couldn't avoid it any longer. He didn't look at his stats yesterday the whole time he was killing monsters. It took him forever to kill them and he eventually lost track of time and kept going after them over and over again.
He looked at his stats.
Name: Naofumi Iwatani.
Race: Human.
Titles: None.
Level: 2
Class: Hero of the Shield.
HP: 300/300
MP: 70/70
SP: 80/80
Strength: 6
Endurance: 30
Agility: 6
Awareness: 8
Cunning: 6
Attack: 1
Special Attack: 6
Magic Affinity: 10
Defence: 31
Magic Defence:15
Status Defence: 15
Fire Defence: 20
Frost Defence: 15
Lighting Defence: 10
Wind Defence: 10
Holy Defence: 25
Curse Defence: 15
Speed: 11
Afflictions: None.
Resistances: Poison. Sleep. Madness. Instant K.O Attacks.
Weaknesses: No accumulated weaknesses.
Skill: Proficient Actor.
He was furious. He'd fought his heart out yesterday and he gained a single level and was half way to level 3. It was ridiculous. Not only that but it seems levelling up only increased base stats so his Attack and other attributes won't even go up unless he masters shields.
He'd never catch up to the others.
He hated the idea but if this world and its trash king want to screw with him then he'll use every advantage he can get.
He headed into the capital town, keeping to the back alleys and side-streets so as to avoid as many people as possible. Quickly he found his way back to the slaver tent.
He spent a few moments observing the large space. Now that he knew what it really was he could see the signs clear as day. The front most cages held animalistic monsters or exotic looking wildlife.
"Back again I see, interested in anything particular?" Came the same lilting voice he heard the last time he was here.
Naofumi turned around to face the well dressed slaver. "I'll be getting a low cost, easy to control monster that can fight."
The man's smile stretched an uncomfortable amount and made a follow me gesture. "Of course my good sir. You've already perused my merchandise so I'm sure something caught Your eye? Yes?"
Naofumi nodded. "I saw a bat-like dog monster. It seemed young but not defenceless."
The man hummed happily and even got a bit of a skip in his step. "I can see you have eyes for quality merchandise. A Bat-Hound is fierce and loyal, not to mention easy to train."
They stopped at a table in the middle of the tent. Various pieces of paper and ink wells were laid out on it. "I'll just need you to sign for it and the beast is yours."
"How much for it?" Naofumi knew he was going to take it. Whether that's today or the next, he'd get it. He needed it. And if he could afford to, he wants to get that girl as well.
The man giggled to himself for a moment. "Apologies, I was simply so excited I forgot to name the price. Or even myself for that matter." He bowed in a theatrical way. "Beloukas at your service and the beast will be 135 silvers."
Naofumi knew he could afford that much but it was a hefty dig into his finances. He pulled 135 silver from his shields inventory. "Where will I be signing?"
Beloukas shook his head. "Oh, just a drop of your blood into this ink and I'll transfer ownership of the beast to you. With the crest it will be unable to disobey you."
Naofumi felt his eyes narrow without his consent. "I assume slaves receive the same treatment."
Beloukas nodded. "Indeed. The ink is different but serves the same function. Are you interested in purchasing one perhaps?"
Naofumi nodded.
He'd be basically broke after both purchases.
But he had to.