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Chapter Text

Everyone in Melromarc is watching as the Magic Crystal Balls are projecting the happenings of the throne room of the castle. 

The Four Heroes had been gathered in the Throne room together with their parties and multiple nobles and ministers stood off to the sides as the Queen explained. 

The Queen started explaining everything. The Shield Hero and his party had found a crystal ball while exploring some ancient ruins, and came back to find that it was an ancient artifact that could show glimpses of the past of the person touching it, through a mist from the crystal ball. 

The Queen had assembled people, and they’d concluded that showing the Four Heroes’ pasts would help the people gain more trust in them. 

Starting from the side, Itsuki was the one to start. 

Walking over to touch the Crystal Ball currently being held on a pillow by a mage, a mist appeared as he did so. 

The mist then changed, showing different moments of Itsuki’s life before he was summoned. Him going to school, chatting with friends, stopping bullies, and more different things. 

After some time, the mist disappeared, and people started clapping and cheering for their justice-filled Bow Hero. 

After that, it was Ren’s turn, and he stepped up to do the same thing as Itsuki. 

After getting through both Ren and Motoyasu, both of whom played a lot of online games, while Ren spent more time with friends and Motoyasu more time with many different girls, it was Naofumi’s turn. 

Naofumi stepped up, reaching out to touch the Crystal Ball, all eyes in the Kingdom of Melromarc on his back, as he touched it. 

When he touched the crystal ball, the mist appeared once again, more morphing to show different moments of Naofumi’s life before being summoned. The moment it started to show, it was almost like watching TV. 

Chapter Text

When the Four Cardinal Heroes had been summoned, Naofumi Iwatani, the Shield Hero, had put on a mask. He’d acted as a happy-go-lucky young man thrilled at the idea of being a Hero to save another world. 

When he’d been betrayed, only a little of the anger he’d shown on his face had been real. He’d seen through Myne’s act almost immediately. She’d had a mask good enough to fool those around her, but Naofumi, who was used to a life of Masks all around him, thick walls around people’s hearts, and most conversations being driven with dark undertones and silent codes, she’d seemed like a newbie. She was nothing compared to The Demon Prodigy.

‘Really? They summoned The Four Heroes here and expect me to fight for them after being badly manipulated and falsely accused?’ Naofumi thought as he steeled his face into one of surprise upon seeing Myne sticking her tongue out at him. 

‘Like Hell!’ Naofumi shouted in his mind, forcing down the smirk that wanted to grow on his face as he stood up, pushing back the soldiers, sending everyone a glare, and silently walking out of the Throne room, after throwing off Motoyasu’s hand on his shoulder

When Naofumi touched the Crystal Ball, the mist appeared once again, though compared to the white one that came when the other three touched, the mise this time was more of a grey color. 

The first moment appeared. 

The mist showed a dimly lit room, all light coming from the sunlight through colorful glass filling up a whole wall to the side. 

There were two couches opposite each other with a low table between them in the middle of the room. One person was sitting on the middle of each couch, alone, two people standing behind each of the couches. 

The mist focused on the person on one of the couches and the two people behind it. 

On the couch sat a beautiful lady with fair skin. Her long blue hair was in a tightly braided french braid laying over her shoulder. Her eyes were shining like jewels, like sapphires, in the dim and colorful light. 

She wore a dark aqua-colored button-up shirt under a black vest with silver buttons, a blue shirt tucked into black pants held by a leather belt. Her shoes were polished and black, and a pair of sapphire and silver earrings were in her earlobes. 

Behind the leather couch, she was sitting on stood two men. One of them, to the left, had red hair and matching eyes, just visible under the darkness that covered the one beside him’s face. He was wearing a white button-up shirt tucked into black slacks held up by a leather belt, a dark crimson waistcoat, and a black suit jacket hiding the gun holsters held tight to his torso. 

The person beside him was male by their body structure, but their face was hidden by the shadows. He was wearing the same thing as his partner beside him, except with a dark green waistcoat instead of crimson. 

“ So, Mori-san, can I assume this deal to be complete ?” The lady asked the person sitting on the couch in front of her

The man in front of her was the Boss of the Port Mafia of Yokohoma, and she’d come to offer a trade and ignorance deal between their organizations, two strong Mafia’s in neighboring cities. 

“ Why, I assume we can, Alexandrite-Chan .” The man on the couch spoke, a smile on his face and glint in his eyes, the young man covered in bandages and elderly sir behind him not reacting in the slightest. 

Everyone watching was confused as to what this had to do with Naofumi’s past, as no one could figure out where he was in the moment, except for Naofumi himself of course. 

As the two Bosses spoke, the man whose face was hidden shifted slightly, which now let his face be shown. 

It was Naofumi, standing with his hands folded behind his back, identical to the man beside him, in the stance of someone ready to move and attack or protect at a moment’s notice. 

People gasped. 

“Naofumi… You were in the Mafia?!” Motoyasu and Itsuki had reached the same conclusion as they exclaimed their thoughts

“Explanation later. Finish watching first.” Naofumi answered shortly from where he stood in front of his party after having touched the crystal ball 

After quickly showing Naofumi’s piercing gaze and neutral facade, the mist shifted to show another moment.

This time, Naofumi was standing behind the blue-haired lady as they watched something the mist didn’t show. The red-haired man was nowhere to be seen, while terrifying screams of pain could be heard. 

People became frightened due to the horrifying screams, and the way that neither Naofumi nor the lady seemed to care or react. Suddenly, the view shifted to show a man bound to a chair by rope and chains, beaten, battered, and bleeding in multiple places. His fingers were pointing in very off directions, and so were his feet, while he was missing multiple teeth. 

Behind the man in the chair, stood the man with red hair, holding a dagger to the man’s throat. 

“We got the information we wanted. Naofumi, terminate him. Two shots and a crushed jaw.” The lady’s voice said, emotionless

“Yes, Boss.” Naofumi’s voice came before the mist shifted again. 

This time, it showed Naofumi standing in an alleyway with multiple people dressed in black suits, all wearing sunglasses to hide their faces, while Naofumi was now wearing a black coat hanging over his shoulders. It was obvious Naofumi was the one in power between them all. The man from before had been let free of the chair, but was now writhing in pain and agony on the harsh concrete. 

His jaw had been crushed against the ground. 

Naofumi held his hand out, and one of the goons around him handed him a handgun, which he quickly pointed at the man withering on the ground. 

Two loud shots rang through the air as the bullets were fired. One landed between the man’s eyebrows and the other right in his heart. Complete accuracy. 

Naofumi handed the goon the gun back and turned around without as much as batting an eyelash at the life he’d just taken. 

“Someone get the cleaners here soon. No one will see any evidence.” Naofumi’s emotionless voice sounded while the sound of his shoes was heard as he walked away. 

“Yes Sir!” The goons chorused and got to work and followed Naofumi away

Then, the mist disappeared. 

People were in shock, staring. 

What broke some of the shock was when Naofumi sighed and lifted his hand to examine his nails, as if that was more important than the fact that he didn’t tell anyone that he’d been part of a mafia .

“What the hell Naofumi?! Why didn’t you tell anyone?!” Motoyasu shouted

“How could you be part of such a criminal organization like the Mafia?!” Itsuki exclaimed

“I was born into the Mafia, I had no choice. I made what I could out of it.” Naofumi said, not even turning his head to the other three

“You ‘Made what you could out of it’?” Ren asked, confused

“I became an executive, working directly under the boss. Our Mafia ruled the underground and night of our city and stopped small-time gangs and people like that from running wild and fighting while civilians were around.” Naofumi explained shortly, not going into too much detail, knowing that information could be a key to many things

“Sir Iwatani, could you properly explain what a ‘Mafia’ is? No one but you four seems to know what it means.” The Queen asked, breaking up their conversation

Naofumi sighed. This was what he got for hiding what he did before being summoned? Having to explain everything? 

Therese had better give him a raise once he gets back.

Chapter Text

When Naofumi touched the Crystal Ball, the mist appeared once again, to show different moments of his life. 

Morphing a bit around, the mist showed the first moment. 

The mist showed a grand and older city than what the other Heroes had been shown to live in, and it looked as though a grand celebration was going on. People were cheering, shouting, and screaming, and some were leaning out of their windows while others were on the streets. There were decorations and flower petals as confetti everywhere. 

There were soldiers keeping the cheering people back, taking up most of the middle third of the street. 

As a beautiful and glorious open carriage tugged by two white horses and two black ones came down the street, people started cheering even louder. 

“YOUR MAJESTIES! YOUR MAJESTIES!”

“CONGRATULATIONS TO YOUR MAJESTIES!”
“GLORY TO SHROUD!” 

The mist then showed the three people sitting in the carriage. 

In the middle was a beautiful woman with a shimmering jewel in her forehead, with long wavy blue hair done with many beautiful ornaments. She was dressed in exquisite and light-colored clothes. A veil was attached to the beautiful and detailed crown on her head, flowing behind her over the edge of the carriage, where many soldiers in polished armor rode their horses proudly.

Both of the people beside her were holding one of her hands each. 

On her right was a man with red hair and matching eyes, and just exquisite clothes as the lady beside him. He was smiling regally and giving an occasional wave to the people around them. His cape was draped over the back of the carriage, much like the lady’s veil, and a crown sat atop his head. 

On the lady’s right was another man- 

Naofumi. Naofumi was sitting in the carriage, wearing clothes much like the other two’s though also a bit different, to match him, and looking a few years younger. With a fur-lined cloak draped over like the other two, and a crown atop his head , like the other two. 

“GLORY TO THE EMPERORS AND EMPRESS!” 

“GLORY TO THE SHROUD EMPIRE!” 

“MAY THE SUN, MOON, AND STARS ALWAYS SHINE UPON OUR GRACIOUS EMPRESS AND EMPERORS!” 

The people were still shouting and cheering as the mist morphed to show something else. 

This time, the mist showed the inside of a throne room, with three thrones atop a small set of stairs, and three people sitting on them. The two people from before and Naofumi. 

In front of the stairs, a group of people dressed very differently from the ones around them kneeled on the ground as a show of respect. 

“We greet The Suns and Moon of the Shroud Empire, the Emperors, and Empress. Your Majesties, we are the embassy sent from [---] Kingdom on behalf of His Highness the Crown Prince. We come bearing gifts.” The one in front of the group answered

Before anything else could happen, the mist morphed again. 

This time, Naofumi and the two with him, the Emperor and Empress, are sitting at the head of a long table, together with multiple other important-looking people. 

“What do you mean [-----] Kingdom is declaring war on us?” The redhead guy asked seriously, sitting with Naofumi to his left, and the lady to his right. 

“T-That’s what the messenger said! That they’re preparing weapons, rations, and assembling the adult men into camps in The Empire's direction! It's an obvious sign of war!” One of the people by the table said

“By God’s Name. The Waves are plaguing the world and these people are preparing for war!?” The redhead sighed, obviously annoyed

“They’re desperate.” Naofumi’s voice cut in

A few of the other people looked confused at the statement. 

“It’s because the Waves are happening. They’re desperate either because they’re afraid the Waves will annihilate them, or they’re running out of resources because they used them all against and after the Waves. Or both. Therefore, they’re readying for war so they can take in more land and get more resources.” Naofumi explained a serious look on his face

The Emperor and Empress looked almost proud at his explanation. 

Then, the mist changed again. 

This time, the mist showed something much different. Naofumi, the two people, and everyone around them were in a field by the ocean, fighting the Monsters falling from the rifts of the Wave above. 

Naofumi and the two were fighting flawlessly together as if they could read each other’s thoughts and had fought together for years. The guy was fighting with a scythe, the woman using Magic from her Jewelry, and Naofumi was fighting with two twin sabers, and using magic to deal more damage with his attacks. 

Right as Naofumi landed another devastating blow to the large monster in front of him, the mist disappeared. 

People turned to stare at Naofumi in shock, while he stood with his head held high, his back straight, and his arms crossed. He suddenly had the aura of royalty.

“Naofumi… What-” Itsuki started but was interrupted

“Naofumi! How could you keep quiet about being Royalty ?!” Motoyasu exclaimed

“Do you think anyone would’ve believed me if I’d said anything before this, Kitamura?” Naofumi asked, looking directly at Motoyasu. 

“What?” Motoyasu asked, confused

“This country, or at least the bigger cities and villages closer to the capital, are heavily influenced by the Three Heroes’ Church; a religion which worships you three as Gods, and sees the Shield as the Devil. I saw no reason to tell my Title since it would’ve had no meaning in another world anyway, and even if I had, I would’ve been called a liar and imposter.” Naofumi explained

People stared, some filled with different emotions. Shock. Awe. Hate. Disgust. Anger. All of them.

Before anyone else could speak, Naofumi spoke up again. 

“Oh. Your Majesty?” Naofumi turned his attention to the King. 

People kept quiet, making him continue.

“You’re a shitty excuse for a ruler and a father. I seriously don’t understand why your wife would leave you in charge while she’s gone.” Naofumi spoke, face devoid of emotion

“You insolent-!” The King started

“Ah, ah, ah. Try anything like that trial or duel again, or try to hurt my party at all, and I will make sure this whole world goes down with you all in it.” Naofumi spoke a small fake smile on his face, one he used during social gatherings

People shivered at the dark and intimidating aura coming off Naofumi. 

Then, Naofumi walked out of the room with the aura of someone of great importance and power, with his Party hot on his heels, looking not even a little shocked at the news, as if they’d already known. 

(A little something I didn’t know how to include but wanted to:

As everyone stared at Naofumi in shock or disbelief, Motoyasu decided to speak. 

“What, how did someone like you become Royalty ? I bet you bent over backward for one too many people to get there.” Motoyasu scorned, gaining people’s attention

“Actually, I bent over forwards. But only for my husband and wife.” Naofumi said nonchalantly, before sending Motoyasu a smirk and turning his back to the other Heroes, leaving.)

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the Crystal Ball, the mist appeared again to show different moments of Naofumi’s life. 

As the mist appeared, it was a murky pinkish color.

The moment the mist showed was of a dimly lit place, red and pink and green lights going over the crowd where people were waiting for something, all heads and eyes turned to the stage with a pole secured to the ceiling. 

As loud music with a lot of ass started, people started whistling, catcalling, shouting, yelling, and whooping. 

As the lights started flickering, a silhouette appeared behind the thin pink curtains behind the stage. The crowd became louder. 

As a beat drop came, the curtains were pulled aside. 

The people of Melromarc stared at the person behind the curtains. 

He made a subtle pose, showing off his bare legs except for the high heels on his feet and short leather shorts. On his torso was only a leather harness with many straps , connected to the shorts. He had makeup on to make him look more exotic and tempting. His clothes left almost nothing to the imagination. 

Naofumi. Naofumi was the man on the stage. 

People gasped as they realized, while the crowd around the stage in the mist cheered and screamed Naofumi on.

Naofumi then started walking slowly and temptingly towards the pole in the middle of the stage, swaying his hips to the beat and stretching his legs whenever he took a step.

As the song for the music started, Naofumi had his hands on the pole and started moving around, tempting the people below the stage, and keeping their attention solely on him. 

The people of Melromarc stared in both shock and awe. How could anyone look so beautiful like that, and how could anyone move so smoothly and temptingly?

Then, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi was standing in a shady alleyway, leaning against the wall, smoking a cigarette. 

He was wearing a tight green crop top with no sleeves, high waist tight black shorts, fishnet stocking, black high heeled ankle boots, and a large thick white fur jacket. 

Suddenly, two elderly men on the heavier side who were both obviously drunk stumbled into the alleyway. 

Once they saw Naofumi, they both smirked.

“ ‘Ey there pretty, why don't ya come have some fun with us? There’s a pretty nice motel nearby we could take ya’ to. ” One of the men spoke

“ I don’t give out my services for free, and I'm not cheap. Obviously, neither of you can afford me. ” Naofumi said, sparing the two a single glance before taking another drag of his cigarette

That apparently greatly angered the two drunks. 

“ What ‘ya say, ‘ya whore?! ” The other man exclaimed

Then, without waiting for an answer, he charged at Naofumi with a shout, running sluggishly. 

Then, in a flash, the man was curled up on the ground, clutching his private parts. 

Naofumi stood above him, stomping out the cigarette he’d thrown to the ground, with his arms crossed. 

“ As if I’d let you lay a hand on me, ” Naofumi spoke before the mist changed again

The mist changed, this time to show Naofumi sitting prettily against a guy on a couch. 

From the lighting and decorations in the background and the music, it was obvious that it was the same club as before. 

There was a red-haired guy in a suit sitting in the middle of the curved leather couch. There was a woman with long blue hair and a revealing outfit sitting on the man’s right side, sitting close against him, his arm around her shoulders. On his other side, Naofumi sat, both arms wrapped around the man’s arm, holding it close to his chest. 

It seemed the man was talking with someone outside of view, but he then paused his conversation to lean down and whisper something in the lady on his right’s ear, with a smirk on his face, making her giggle. Naofumi nudged them, man, wanting to know what was so funny. 

The man complied and leaned down to whisper to Naofumi too, making Naofumi blush and giggle too. 

Then the mist changed again. 

This time, Naofumi was wearing what looked to be an almost see-through green belly dancer outfit. 

Also, he was being pushed against a wall by the red-haired guy from before, panting as they separated after their little make-out session. 

“ Wha-what about Therese? ” Naofumi spoke breathlessly through his panting

“ She’s busy tonight, so she’ll just join us next time. ” The man said

Then, he moved to kiss and suck against Naofumi’s neck. 

“ Hmm, I love how you look in this outfit. I’m thinking we should do more theme nights here, ” The man said after a few moments, voice deep against Naofumi’s neck

Naofumi let a little smirk slip as he spoke next. 

“ Whatever you want, Boss , ” 

And then, the mist disappeared. 

People turned to stare at Naofumi, most red-faced from what they’d just seen. 

Naofumi looked completely unphased. 

“Wha- You were a prostitute?” Motoyasu asked

“No, I was an entertainer and a stripper. I was in a perfectly functional marriage.” Naofumi answered

“B-But you said those two men couldn’t ‘afford’ you,” Itsuki mentioned with a pink face

“That was a bluff to either make them go away or rile them up enough to not think about their actions so they were easier to get away from,” Naofumi answered nonchalantly

“Wait… You were married?!” Motoyasu exclaimed after a few moments of silence

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the crystal ball, he waited until the Mist appeared, before moving back to stand with his party. 

As the mist appeared, it showed Naofumi sitting leisurely in a chair in what looks to be a bedroom, while a young lady sits kneeling on the floor in front of him, and a younger lady stands by the chair. 

Naofumi was wearing a kimono of various intricate colors and patterns, obviously of silk and other luxurious fabrics. 

“Miss Rasi, explain to me why you’ve been spreading rumors about your fellow concubines,” Naofumi speaks, authority in his voice

“I… I…” The young woman, Rasi, stuttered

“Do you realize the consequences it could’ve caused if the rumors had spread outside the palace? If the Emperor and Empress’ harem becomes sullied, so will their names. If the people think the Imperial Harem is rotten, the people will think that the Emperor and Empress are either incompetent in choosing those close to them, or corrupt. Your actions could’ve sullied the names of our Empress and Emperor.” Naofumi spoke, staring the young lady down, who started shaking 

“Why did you do it, Rasi?” Naofumi then asked, gentler, but still authoritative

“Because…” Rasi started, strained, trailing off

“Because?” Naofumi pushed

“Because of you!” Rasi yelled, raising her head to glare at Naofumi

Naofumi kept silent, and Rasi took that as a sign to continue. 

“Just because you’re the Head Concubine and favored by the Emperor and Empress doesn’t mean you have to monopolize their time so much! It’s unfair to us, the rest of the harem! How are we supposed to serve His and Her Majesty when they only call for you to their chambers?! That’s what we’re here for!” Rasi yelled, frustrated and annoyed

Naofumi only looked at her with cold eyes. 

Then, right as Naofumi opened his mouth to say something, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi is sitting alone in the same room a before, but in front of a table with a built-in mirror on it, putting red eye-liner-like make-up under his eyes. 

Suddenly someone knocks on the door, and Naofumi takes a quick look out the windows, where the sunset paints the sky in hues of pink and orange, before telling the person to enter. 

A young woman whom most would assume is a maid opened the door, entered, closed the door, and then bowed. 

“His Majesty and Her Majesty had summoned you to their shared chambers, Sir Head Concubine.” The maid told head bowed respectfully

Naofumi smiled to himself and responded as he finished his make-up

“Of course, lead me there,” Naofumi said gently, getting up

“Yes, Sir Head Concubine,” The maid nodded and bowed again, before opening the door for Naofumi to step out first

Then, the mist changed again.

“Hm, I like the clothes we bought for you. You look amazing in them, Nao.” A deep voice chuckled

Naofumi is shown to sit sideways on the lap of a young man not much older than Naofumi, with short red hair and matching eyes. Beside them on the soft-looking couch sits a young woman with long wavy blue hair in a loose ponytail over her shoulder. They’re all sitting in front of a lit fireplace. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I like them very much too. They’re very comfortable.” Naofumi said, smiling

While Naofumi wears the same exquisite kimono from before, the two are both wearing a simple white robe each. 

“You look beautiful in those clothes, Nao.” The lady spoke

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Naofumi thanked, still smiling

“Nao, what did we say about calling us our titles in private?” The redhead spoke

“To call you by your names instead.” Naofumi pouted

Then, the mist changed again. 

This scene is what shocks most people. 

Behind the thin red curtains around the four-poster bed, is the silhouette of Naofumi sitting on top of the redhead from before, who lies against the pillows on the bed, and the lady laying against him. Though, they’re not sitting completely still and just talking. 

Naofumi is moving up and down, and most people can figure what’s obviously happening behind those thin curtains. 

And he’s moaning. Loudly. 

Then, the mist disappears. 

Everyone, who’d been staring at the mist, quickly turns to stare at Naofumi, who seems mostly unbothered, except for the faint blush on his cheeks. 

No one had needed to see him serve his Emperor and Empress in private. It was private for a reason. 

“WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!” Motoyasu suddenly screeched. 

“My original world, if you haven’t already realized that,” Naofumi says, his tone annoyed

Chapter Text

After touching the crystal lightly, Naofumi swirled around on steady feet and strode back to where his party stood, while the Mist appeared from the crystal once again. 

As the mist finished coming from the crystal, it started showing different moments of Naofumi’s life. 

The first one started in the streets of what looked to be a large village with roads of dirt and sand and houses of brick and wood. 

In what looked to be a town square, on the side in a free spot, a band sat, playing upbeat music. 

In the middle of the town square, a young man was dancing, looking to be in his mid-to-late teens. He was wearing faded green pantaloons, a piece of beige fabric with green patterns tied around his chest, showing off his lean stomach, and two pieces of green fabric tied around his upper arms. 

The young man was dancing to the beast, jumping, and light on his feet and swaying his hips and arms to it. A crowd had even formed to watch, cheering him on. 

The young man smiled, at his audience, messy raven hair becoming even messier with his dancing, and emerald green eyes shining under the midday sun. 

He looked like Naofumi, but younger (-and happier).

Obviously, it had to be Naofumi then. 

As the music ended, and Naofumi stopped his dance, he bowed in gratitude as people threw coins to the ground where he stood. 

As the crows disappeared, Naofumi crouched to start collecting the coins. 

Then, the mist changed. 

This time, it wasn't as happy or upbeat as before. Now, Naofumi was curled up on the ground in a dirty alleyway, dirty and with dust sticking to his hair and skin. 

There were four guys standing above Naofumi, looking only a little older, spitting insults and spit at him, and kicking him whenever he tried to get up. One of them held the money pouch Naofumi had used to pick up coins. 

The four were laughing until a voice boomed through the alleyway. 

“Hey!” A voice shouted, male-sounding

“Shit!”, “Dammit!” Two of the guys cursed, before the whole group ran further into the alley, and around the corner, disappearing from sight

Slowly, Naofumi tried pushing his body up, looking in pain as he grimaced. 

“Are you alright?” A gentle voice asked as a hand was offered to Naofumi

In front of him stood a beautiful young woman, only a few years older than Naofumi, with long blue hair and eyes to match, and a dark blue cloak with the hood down. Behind her stood a handsome young man with red hair and eyes, and a dark red cloak, similar to the lady’s. Naofumi assumed he’d been the one to shout. 

Naofumi looked at the hand, before turning to the lady, then to the man, to the hand, to the lady. 

Then, Naofumi lifted his hand and placed it in the lady’s, smiling shyly. 

“Thank you,” Naofumi breathed out as he was tugged to stand

“You’re the dancer from the square.” The man suddenly said

Suddenly, the mist changed again. 

Now, instead of a town square or a dirty alleyway, the moment took place in what looked to be an extravagant castle, with decorations of gold and silver everywhere. 

There were guests in lavish clothing, servants carrying trays, a band playing music, and tables with snacks and small foods and drinks at the sides of the room. Atop a set of stairs, was two thrones, both occupied. 

Those who people assumed to be the King and Queen, was the two who’d helped Naofumi in the last moment. 

Suddenly, the whole rooms’ chatter and music quieted down, the lights were shut off, and more direct lighting was pointed to the middle of the floor, where people had moved away from and everyone’s attention was currently on.

In the middle of the room, Naofumi was kneeling on one knee, head bowed to the King and Queen. 

Now, he was wearing silks of green and blue, as a belly dancer outfit. 

A sea-blue top is wrapped around his chest, held up by connecting to the golden choker Naofumi now wears. He’s wearing loose baggy light green pants, wrapping around his ankles, where two golden bands are on each side. A see-through white cloth is wrapped around Naofumi’s hips, connected to the pants, as an open-front skirt. Naofumi’s sleeves are skin-tight, blue, with light green patterns, going over his hand to go around his middle finger. 

Around his neck are two more necklaces, both with golden chains. One holds a ruby and the other a sapphire. On both of his wrists are multiple golden bands, clinging whenever he moves his arms. The sleeves too are held up by golden bands on his upper arms. 

To top it all off, a green veil covers the lower half of Naofumi’s face. 

Within seconds, music is being played, upbeat and quick. 

But, Naofumi is just as quick on his feet, light and graceful as he starts his dance again. 

Everyone in the room’s attention is on Naofumi throughout the whole performance. No one dares interrupt. 

As Naofumi ends his dance, together with the music, he kneels in front of the King and Queen again, closer than before, by the edge of the stairs. 

The King and Queen are the first to start clapping, making everyone else join in, and Naofumi stands up, to bow to the audience before leaving, being escorted by a pair of knights. 

Then, the mist changes. 

Now, Naofumi is in what looks to be a garden, filled with bushes of flowers and trees bearing fruit. 

In a clearing, Naofumi dances to a tune only he can hear, and two people watch from a beautiful white bench in a gazebo nearby. The King and Queen, both with fondness in their eyes. 

They’re drinking tea and eating an occasional snack from the tray on the table in front of them, but their full attention is on Naofumi, who’s smiling brightly under the veil. This time, his outfit now is of reds and pinks. 

“He looks so beautiful and free like this,” The King says to the Queen, eyes not leaving Naofumi’s form for even a second

“He always does, whenever he dances, with music or not.” The Queen answers

Then, the mist disappears, ending the moment. 

“What was that?” Itsuki asked, looking over at Naofumi

“My life,” Naofumi answered

“But, didn’t you say you were a college student?” Motoyasu exclaimed

“I did, I copied what you said,” Naofumi answered

“Why?” Ren spoke up

“Because I’m favored by my King and Queen, many people have tried using me for their own political gain. I’m not about to become a pawn for others in a new world I know nothing about, so of course, I lied.” Naofumi explained

People could only stare.

Chapter Text

As Naofumi moved away from the crystal, he stepped back to stand with his party while the mist appeared again, quickly starting to show the first moment. 

The first moment shown confused a great many people, while others found it pathetic, and very few felt pity. 

At that moment, Naofumi, looking younger than now, was sitting in a dark room, his bedroom, on his bed. The curtains were drawn and Naofumi was curled into himself with his back to the wall. 

He was hugging his knees to his chest and hiding the lower half of his face in them. 

Tears were streaming down Naofumi’s cheeks, while he let out an occasional sniffle, and his body shook with held-in sobs. 

Outside the room, there was muffled shouting and screaming. 

“I will not have a faggot for a grandson! Who knows, maybe next year, he’ll start saying he wants to be a girl! I will not have it!” An elderly female shouted

“Grandma!” A younger voice shouted angrily

“Mom! How could you say that! He’s our family!” A female voice shouted

“I am in no way related to that thing !” The elderly voice screeched

“Honey! That’s enough ! If you can’t accept Naofumi as he is, then we’re leaving !” An elderly man exclaimed

While the shouting quieted down, but muffled voices could still be heard, a knock came on Naofumi’s door. 

“C… Come in,” Naofumi lifted his head to say hoarsely, sniffling again

“Hey, Son.” A man opened the door to come inside, looking faintly like Naofumi, and with the same hair color, but with gray-brown eyes

“Hi dad,” Naofumi whispered

The man went over to turn on the lamp in the desk in the room after closing the door, before sitting down on the bed and putting a hand on Naofumi’s shoulder. 

“I want you to know that your mom, Yatsuki, and I will always support you, and so will grandpa.” The man said, giving Naofumi’s shoulder a squeeze

“Thanks, dad,” Naofumi whispered, reaching a hand up to wipe away his tears

“Could you explain it to me again, I’m still not very up about what these labels mean. You said you were bye, and...” Naofumi’s dad smiled softly as he trailed off

“Bisexual. I’m Bisexual and Polyamorous. I… I like both men and women, and I can love both at the same time..” Naofumi explained

“So your mother and I might end up with multiple kids-in-law?” Naofumi’s dad grinned

“Yeah, maybe… If I find anyone…” Naofumi trailed off

“That's great, Naofumi” Naofumi’s dad said, patting Naofumi’s shoulder

Then, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi is in a club, with bright, colorful, and flashing lights. The dance floor was filled with people, all dancing and sweaty. 

While dancing with a young man a little older than him, Naofumi held a drink in one hand, palm over the top to not spill and make sure nothing was put in it. The young man, with red hair, pulled Naofumi closer as they danced to the beat. 

A little later, Naofumi had his back pressed against the guy's front while the guy had his hands on Naofumi’s neck as they swayed. Then, a young lady with long blue hair came over, joining the two, pressing against Naofumi’s front with and holding around his waist. 

Naofumi smiled dumbly as she leaned in for a kiss, and as they leaned back, they whispered something to each other, but it was deafened by the loud music. 

Then, the mist changed. 

This time, it showed what looked to be a parade. There were rainbow colors everywhere, and people were cheering and screaming. 

Naofumi was in one of the vehicles with a lot of other people, smiling, grinning, waving, and cheering while music was playing in the background. 

On each side of him was the guy and girl from before, both cheering and grinning too. 

They all looked so happy and proud to be there. 

Then, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi was at the beach with the two from before. They were walking along the beach, Naofumi and the guy wearing swim trunks, the guy with an open short sleeve button-up on and Naofumi with a t-shirt, and the lady with a sundress over a bikini. 

Naofumi was getting a piggyback ride from the guy, while the lady walked beside them, with the sun setting in the background, painting the sky and sea in pinks and oranges. 

“I love you guys…” Naofumi muttered, head in the crook of the guy’s shoulder, eyes turned to the lady

“We love you too, Nao.” The lady said, reaching over to hold one of Naofumi’s hands

Naofumi unhooked one of his arms from around the guy’s shoulders to hold her hand, smiling. 

“How about we go to my place and watch a movie or something? It’s getting a little chilly.” The guys suddenly offered

“Sure, m’ tired,” Naofumi muttered

“Really?” The guy asked jokingly

“Yeh, ‘wanna cuddle when we get back home,” Naofumi muttered again

The guy and lady both smiled at the sleepy Naofumi, happy. It was obvious from their eyes that they were incredibly smitten and in love with Naofumi. 

Suddenly, the mist disappeared. 

“You… You swing that way?” Motoyasu stuttered as the mist disappeared

“Yeah…” Naofumi trailed off

“Who were those two people with you?” Itsuki then asked

“My boyfriend and girlfriend. We were about to officially move in together, but then I was fucking summoned to another world..” Naofumi answered, glaring around the room

“You would cheat on them-!” Motoyasu exclaimed

Motoyasu was interrupted by Naofumi stalking over, glaring furiously. Without giving Motoyasu time to react, Naofumi put his hand on the Spear Hero’s throat, squeezing, but not enough to choke the other. 

“I can tolerate you people looking down on me and calling me names, but if you ever talk bad about those I care about or even suggest that I would cheat on those I love, you’re dead ,” Naofumi spoke darkly, making sure everyone could hear him as he told his threat

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the crystal, he felt the magic of the artifact flow through him, to find moments of his life, and be able to show them. 

It intrigued him. 

But, he couldn’t find out what it was yet. The mist had started forming, and Naofumi turned to go back to stand with his party. 

The mist showed the first moment. 

Naofumi was walking through a thick forest with tall and healthy trees, and greenery and nature growing freely all around. 

He wore an open black robe over a turtleneck black shirt and gray pants. His leather boots were muddy and dirty, presumably from having walked a long way through the forest. 

He wore black gloves and a pointed black hat with a green cloth on his head. A classic witch hat. 

He held a woven basket in his hand as he walked, looking around for something. Finally, it seemed he’d found it. 

Naofumi kneeled in front of a tree stump, setting the basket open beside him, and reached. Gently and carefully, Naofumi picked the slightly glowing blue mushrooms with white and purple spots and laid them in the basket where there were already many other plants.

Then, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi is inside a nice, cozy little cottage. He’s standing in what looks to be a workshop, with a cauldron over a fireplace on the stone floor in the middle of the room. One of the walls is just one big bookshelf. Two of the other walls have worktables from wall to wall, with shelves here and there, and the last wall has the door, where a large closet stands beside it. There is a window in the middle of the walls with the tables. There are many pots and bottles and plants on the shelves and in the windowsills, and herbs and plants and hung to dry in the ceiling and walls. 

Naofumi looks to be cleaning up on the tables when a light knocking is heard on the window opposite the door. 

Going over, Naofumi slowly and gently opens the window. Sticking his head out, Naofumi looks around before leaning back inside. 

Before he can close the window though, two little blue balls of light the size of Naofumi’s palms float up in front of his face. 

“Oh, what cute little wisps,” Naofumi smiles softly, 

“Would you like to come inside?” Naofumi then offers

The two wisps bob up and down slowly as if imitating a nod, and Naofumi moves away from the window. The two slowly float inside, and Naofumi puts the window on the hasp, so the two wisps can leave whenever they wish. 

After putting the last three books back on the bookshelf, Naofumi turns to the two wisps that are hovering over the cauldron. He slowly holds one of his hands out, palm up, smiling gently. The wisps float over ever so carefully. 

One of the wisps settles in Naofumi’s palm, while the other hovers over his fingers. 

Then, the mist changed again. 

Now, Naofumi is seen flying on a broom, sitting side-ways on it as he leisurely flies through the sky. He has a leather bag thrown over his shoulder, and beside him, multiple crates are flying, being held up by magic. 

Soon, Naofumi arrives at what seems to be a city wall, with the entrance on the ground, and a hole higher up in the tall wall. 

Naofumi flies over to the hole and hovers on his broom above the floor, setting the crates down to be inspected and showing his ID and merchant’s permit. After that, Naofumi continues, flying through the other side of the hole, into the city behind the wall. 

Then, the moment changed again. 

Now, Naofumi is seen walking through a forest a night, a few plants here and there glowing in the dark, or an occasional will-o’-the-wisp or firefly. Then, Naofumi wanders into a clearing, only the moon lighting the space in a red hue, showing the large flat stone and grass growing freely around it. 

Naofumi walks over and takes a look at the full blood moon above the clearing before sitting on the stone. 

Naofumi then lights a purple light in his hands using magic and waits. 

A few minutes later, after listening to the rustling of the trees and the blow of the breeze, Naofumi turns off the light. 

Only a few seconds after, two figures emerge from the shadows of the trees. 

A large red wolf, with a small black bat with blue eyes and a blue jewel in its forehead on the wolf’s head. 

As the wolf comes over, it’s taller than Naofumi from where he’s sitting on the stone like it’s a chair. 

“ Hello, you two,” Naofumi smiled, reaching up to hold the wolf’s face and scratch under its chin, while the bat flies over to land on Naofumi’s head, laying in his soft hair, almost blending in

Naofumi let go of the wolf, letting it sit down and lay its head in Naofumi’s lap, while Naofumi reached up to take the bat into his hands. The bat’s body was the size of his fully stretched hand. Naofumi petted and stroked the bat’s head with his thumb, before letting it lay on the wolf’s head in his lap and laying him and over them. 

Naofumi didn’t even react when the bat bit his thumb and started drinking the blood. 

Then, the moment changed again. 

Naofumi was back in his cottage, in the workshop-looking room. But, now, he wasn’t alone. 

There was a young man, taller than Naofumi, with red hair and eyes to match, and a pair of soft-looking red wolf ears on his head instead of human ears, and a young woman with long blue hair eyes to match, and a jewel in her forehead, with pale skin and fangs poking out between her lips. 

The three were laughing at something together while Naofumi working on something in the cauldron. They were chatting and smiling. 

Then, the mist disappeared. 

“What was that?” Itsuki asked, confused

“Me before we were all summoned. I’m Witch. How do you think I’m so good at making potions?” Naofumi answered

“Aren’t witches supposed to be women?” Motoyasu asked, staring unimpressed at Naofumi

“As if we care something as insignificant as gender. Why would it matter when we can just use magic to change our bodies’ structure and biology?” Naofumi said

“You can become a woman? With magic? Ridiculous.” Motoyasu responded

Naofumi gave Motoyasu a bored look before raising his hand in front of himself, palm upwards. 

Naofumi chanted something no one could understand, not even the other Heroes, as a light purple light lit above Naofumi’s hand. A wind started coming from the light and quickly surrounded Naofumi like a small tornado. 

After a few moments, the wind and light disappeared, and Naofumi glared unimpressed at Motoyasu. 

Except he had now turned into her. 

Naofumi stood the same as before, except with shoulder-length hair and a thinner and more feminine build. (Because of the armor, no one could see her chest.)

“Believe me now, womanizer?” Naofumi spoke, voice just as annoyed as before, but higher pitched

Chapter Text

Naofumi’s hand shook as he touched the crystal. As the magic flowed through him, looking through his mind and memories, it made unpleasant ones resurface. Ones he never wanted to think of ever again. 

Shakily, and on hasty feet, Naofumi walked back to stand with his part, both Raphtalia and Filo standing close to him. Filo held onto his cape and leaned against him, and Raphtalia took his hand. 

(They knew of his night terrors, but he’d only told them they were from unpleasant memories. They wanted to offer their father a little comfort in case those memories were shown as moments.)

The first moment was shown. 

It looked pretty normal, like the other three. Naofumi was at the library, looking through books, or Light Novels to be more precise. After a few minutes, the moment changes to quickly show Naofumi checking out a few LNs at the front desk, and then leaving the library. 

After that, the moment changed to show Naofumi walking down a street in the early evening, with a book bag on his shoulder, while listening to the music in his earbuds. 

Suddenly, which no one had expected, a hand reached out from a dark alleyway and grabbed Naofumi’s shoulder. 

Before Naofumi had the chance to scream or shout, he was pushed to the ground, head bashed against the harsh ground, and someone got on top of him, pressing a damp cloth over his mouth. 

Naofumi tried to struggle and hit to get free, but his captor was stronger and bigger than him, and two other people were holding down his arms, while the first one sat on his legs. 

After a few minutes of futile struggling, Naofumi’s attempts started getting weaker, until his eyes rolled back and closed, and his body went limp. 

Then, a black van rolled up in front of the alleyway. Two of the three guys who’d taken Naofumi quickly got up to carry him over and throw him into the back of the van. 

Then, the mist changed. 

Though, it took a while longer. The mist had suddenly changed from white to black and started swirling like a dark whirlpool, before stilling and showing the next moment. 

Inside a tiny, cramped, and densely lit apartment, Naofumi lay on a thick, dirty mattress in the corner of the bare room, ankles tied together and wrists tired behind his back. There’s a camera on a stand by the mattress pointing directly at Naofumi, and his green and white jersey’s gone. He’s left in just a black t-shirt and jeans. 

Suddenly, a glass of water is thrown at his face, making Naofumi cough at the abrupt awakening. 

Slowly getting his bearings together, Naofumi looks around, eyes widening. 

He doesn’t know where he is, why he’s there, who the man in the room with him is, nor what he wants. 

What is happening? 

“Awake now, sweetie?” The man asks, grinning at Naofumi with a glint in his eyes

“Wha… Who’re you…” Naofumi mutters

“Don’t you worry about that, darling. After all, we’re just here to have some fun.” The man smirks, making his way over to Naofumi

“D-don’t! Don’t come closer!” Naofumi exclaims, pushing himself up against the wall to get away, terrified and shaking

“Oh, don’t be like that. I’ll make it good.” The guy says, crawling onto the mattress

“No… No! Help! Someone help!” Naofumi shouts

“No one can hear you here, baby. Nor will anyone care.” The guy says standing on his knees over Naofumi

Then, the terror begins. 

Since Naofumi was bound tightly, and the guy was a lot bigger and stronger, he quickly and quite easily got on top of Naofumi’s legs. The guy forces Naofumi to turn around and lay on his stomach. 

Getting something from his back pocket, the guy holds wraps the things around Naofumi’s head, over his mouth. 

A gag ball. It gets secured tightly, and Naofumi is forced back onto his back, tears in his eyes, wide the terror. 

The guy licks his lips and gets a switch knife from his other back pocket, making Naofumi stiff, not wanting to get hurt by the knife. The guy smirks as he cuts open the front of Naofumi’s black t-shirt, nicking his skin a few times. 

The guy puts away the knife again, before putting his hands on Naofumi’s hips and pushing the shirt aside. As the guy runs his hands up Naofumi’s sides, towards his chest, Nofumi starts thrashing as wildly as he can. 

“Stay still!” The guy yells, raising his hand

Naofumi’s eyes instinctively close as the hand comes down, colliding with his cheek with a loud ‘SMACK’ sound echoing in the room. 

Naofumi shakes and flinches at the pain, and clenches his eyes tightly, turning his head to the side, letting the tears roll as a red mark appears on his cheek. 

Then, the guy moves his hands, and pinches Naofumi’s nipples, before twisting them, making Naofumi let out a choked sob. 

As the guy lowers his head, the moment changes. 

Now, it seems like hours have gone by. 

Naofumi’s clothes are completely gone and his legs are untied, but his arms are still stuck behind his back. 

Naofumi is sobbing and crying and seemingly trying to call for help and the guy violates him. 

Naofumi has his chest pressed and head pressed onto the mattress and his ass raised in the air, and the guy thrusts his hips behind Naofumi. 

Naofumi’s eyes widen suddenly, while the guy starts thrusting more erratically. 

As the guy stops inside Naofumi with one harsh thrust, smirking, Naofumi screams, eyes wide in horror and terror. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi lies with his back on the mattress, covered in sweat and dried white stuff, wrists bound in front of him now. 

His head is rolled to the side, eyes dull and devoid of any and all life, as if trying to leave the world and the pain behind. 

Then… 

“Hey, hey, move him here.” One of the multiple guys standing around the mattress with their pants and underwear off says, tugging Naofumi close by the arm. 

Naofumi’s head is thrown over the edge of the mattress as the guy gets on his knees. 

Naofumi lays limp as his mouth is pushed open, and his jaws are slack as the guy pushes past his lips with almost no remorse.

Then, the moment changes again. 

Naofumi lay limp in his side on the mattress, against the wall, barely conscious, while two guys, one from before and someone in a suit talk by the door. 

“Yeah, he’s definitely broken by now.” The guy from before says

“Good. My clients like their merchandise being… obedient .” The one in the suit smirks

“He’s all yours.” The guy says, before pushing over and leaving the apartment through the door

Naofumi still lays on the mattress, beaten, bruised, violated, and unmoving. It’s as if life has been sucked out of him, and his eyes are devoid of life, completely dull. 

Then, the mist disappears. 

(Ah. So that’s why he’s always so jumpy and anxious.)

Quickly, all eyes turn towards Naofumi. 

Naofumi has fallen to his knees, clutching his cape cloak around himself eyes wide with terror and unseeing of the world in front of him as he shakes. 

Raphtalia and Filo are holding onto him, calling out for him, trying to get him to respond. 

“Oh no…” Itsuki whispers

“What have we done…” Motoyasu mutters

Naofumi didn’t respond to anyone for days after the incident and stayed isolated in his room, only calming slightly when Raphtalia or Filo was with him. 

Chapter Text

With a swirl, Naofumi turned to saunter back to stand with his part, leaning his hip to the side as he stopped and turned around while the mist appeared.

As the mist finished appearing, it started showing the first moment. 

Naofumi is in what seems to be a club-like place, with a long stage and dim, colored lights in red, pink, and purple. 

He’s wearing pinks and light red cloths over his body, swaying with his movements while leaving little to the imagination. 

Naofumi is on top of the long stage, slowly moving further down, towards the end of the stage, where a round part with three long pieces of soft pink cloth hang from the ceiling, 

Around the stage, people are throwing money towards Naofumi or waving it around, and catcalling and cheering for him. 

Then, the people watching the moment notice. 

Between Naofumi’s even wilder black locks, are a pair of black horns, decorated with golden strings and small golden chains, like the ones holding the cloth over Naofumi’s body and decorating him, with a few sapphires and rubies here and there, hanging on the thin golden chains. A thin and long tail sways hypnotizingly being him, with a spade-like end, and a set of black, demonic-like wings sprout from Naofumi’s shoulder blades. 

As Naofumi entices his audience with smooth and revealing movements and tempts them with touches they’ll never get, he finally gets to the three cloths hanging at the end of the stage. 

Naofumi grips the cloth hanging closest to the edge, while the other two hang closer to the middle, and starts climbing, enticing the audience even further. 

When Naofumi gets about halfway up, he stretches his legs behind himself and twirls the other two cloths around his legs. Then, he lets go with his arms and hangs upside down with his legs out in a split. 

In the far back of the audience, on a space raised above the rest, on the second floor, sits two people on a red leather couch. They’re each holding a drink, looking important and powerful, and deadly under the dim colored lighting while keeping their eyes on Naofumi during his whole performance. 

The man has red hair and completely red glowing eyes with no pupils, and a smirk on his face as he looks at Naofumi. There are a pair of ram horns on his head, starting on the sides of his head, and then down and around his pointed ears, and stopping pointedly in front of his jaw. He’s wearing black slacks, a dark red button-up, and there’s a black jacket thrown over the back of the couch. 

Beside him sits a woman with completely blue eyes, diamond-shaped pupils in a light blue color, and a lazy smirk on her face. Her ears are long and pointy, with multiple jewel-decorated earrings and piercings in both. A thin black tail sways slowly beside her leg, with a diamond-shaped end. She’d wearing a form-fitting long black skirt with a slit on each side and an attached black underbust corset, and a red button-up shirt. 

Then, the moment changes. 

The woman and man from before are shown, now closer, showing just how attractive they are. 

The woman is holding a smoking Chinese-styled pipe in one hand now, holding it lightly between her fingers. 

Her other hand is on Naofumi’s waist, who’s sitting on her lap, with a leg on each side of her, facing her. 

Naofumi has his hands on her shoulders and is smiling. He’s wearing what looks to be a belly-dancer outfit in different green colors. 

The woman turns her head to take a breath through the pipe, before turning her head back, and softly blowing the smoke at Naofumi’s face. 

Naofumi just grins dumbly. 

The woman chuckles, before pulling Naofumi closer by his waist and capturing his lips in a passionate kiss. Naofumi hums into the kiss and presses back, arching his back. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi sits on the round table by the curved couch, in front of the guy, wearing the guy’s jacket which had previously been thrown over the couch back. The jacket is open, and sliding off one of Naofumi’s shoulders, and he’s smirking seductively at the man, tail swishing slowly behind him. 

The guy sits relaxed on the couch, a cigarette between two of his fingers, arms thrown over the back of the couch, watching as Naofumi sits prettily in front of him. 

As Naofumi suddenly lays down on the table, spreading his legs over the edge, a shadow stands in front of the table, though the person isn’t shown. 

“Ah, Sir Valentine,” The guy smirks

“L’Arc. Therese. I told you two something bad would happen if you started a club here.” The person grumbles

“Ahh, as if we’d listen to the threat of an old animal like you.” L’Arc sighs darkly, eyes glowing crimson on the dark light

As if thinking the conversation is boring, and being petty because he’s not getting attention, Naofumi sits up and moves off the table, to instead sit against L’Arc’s side. Naofumi smiles when L’Arc puts an arm around him, holding firmly on his hip, making Naofumi lean against his chest, as L’Arc is a lot taller than Naofumi. Beside them, Therese moves closer, and firmly grabs Naofumi’s tail, making Naofumi blush and arch his back as she twirls it around her fingers

“I told you-” The person gets interrupted

“You see,” L’Arc starts, moving his free hand holding the cigarette up to his mouth to take a drag of it

Then, L’Arc softly blows the smoke in Naofumi’s face, making Naofumi smile, pupils becoming pink as he does

“Our little Incubus here likes this place, where he gets all the attention and energy he deserves, and anything he wants. We can’t possibly take that away from him.” L’Arc chuckles, smirking darkly

“What do you-!” The person starts

“You’re too old anyway. Get lost, old man, we’re the new bosses here.” Therese says sternly, pupils glowing sharply, tugging suddenly at Naofumi’s tail

Naofumi lets out a moan as a bunch of people surround the person standing by the table, quickly moving him away. 

“Wha- I have men stationed all over, you’ll regret this!” The person sputters as he’s dragged away

“Already taken care of,” L’Arc says, uninterested

“Did you mean that?” Naofumi suddenly asks, moving to kneel on the couch, hands on L’Arc’s leg, looking up at the taller

“What?” L’Arc asks teasingly

“That I can have anything I want?” Naofumi asks

“Of course,” Therese answers, rubbing gently at Naofumi’s tail

“Is there anything you want, then?” L’Arc asks

“I want to feed, right now.” Naofumi reaches up to wrap his arms around L’Arc’s neck, leaning his head on L’Arc’s chest, smiling seductively

L’Arc and Therese both chuckle darkly. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, through the thin veils of a large four-poster bed, three silhouettes are shown. 

One is laying on the bed on their back against the many pillows in the bed, the red demon from before. Moving on top of him is the silhouette of Naofumi, hands braced on the redhead’s chest as he moves up and down. 

Naofumi’s mouth opens in constant moans and gasps, while the lady from before kneels behind him, touching him all over. Hers and Naofumi’s tails are intertwined, twirling around each other. 

The sounds Naofumi made were positively enchanting and so alluring, and the silhouette made many people feel heat gather in their bodies. 

This moment is shown for a few minutes, before disappearing. 

As the mist disappears, Naofumi looks indifferent towards everyone having seen while most people have pink or red faces, and a few even fainted. 

Naofumi just looks at his black-painted nails, uncaringly checking if the polish is cracking. Therese was always so much better at it than him. 

“Wh-what the hell was that?!” Motoyasu suddenly exclaimed, cheeks pink

“You already know, my life before I was summoned,” Naofumi states boredly

“You-you’re actually a Demon?!” Itsuki then explains, pointing at Naofumi

“An Incubus, to be precise. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt anyone here, as you all like accusing me of so much. I only feast on two people and I love them very much.” Naofumi states, a pink tint appearing over his cheekbones. 

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the crystal, he had a sad look upon his face upon remembering. Everyone here would see, of course. He didn’t know if he wanted them to or not. 

Then, the mist started showing the first moment. 

The first moment showed Naofumi at what looked to be some sort of party outside in a beautiful flower garden, wearing a white suit with a beautiful floor-length white cape. 

In the middle of the dancefloor, he’s dancing the waltz with two other people. One, a handsome, tall young man with red hair and eyes, wearing a white suit, and a beautiful lady with blue hair tied in a bun and decorated with pearls and a light blue ribbon, wearing a beautiful white wedding gown. 

The three are smiling, eyes full of nothing but love and adoration. 

Around them, the guests are looking at the three dancing, smiling, and happy for their union. Then, the music comes to an end. 

Suddenly, a boy no older than six, with deep blue eyes and brown hair runs over, wearing an adorable little white and pastel green dress. He runs over to the woman, calling out “Mama! Mama! Up! I wanna dance too!”

The lady picks him up, propping him on her hip while the three smile. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi is playing tag with the boy from before in a park. The two from before are sitting on a blanket with two bags, ready for a picnic. 

Naofumi and the boy are playing happily. Naofumi is wearing a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, and a beige cardigan, while the boy wears a princess-themed shirt, police-themed pants. The boy is running after Naofumi, both of them laughing while the two Naofumi had been dancing with are smiling. 

Then, the moment changes again. 

Naofumi, the four are sitting around a table, eating dinner together.

“Aiya, how was school today?” Naofumi asks the boy, now looking around 7 years old

“It was fun! I played with Iko-Chan and we drew each other!” Aiya exclaimed cheerfully after swallowing his food

“Do you always play with Iko?” The red-haired man asks 

“Yeah! He’s my bestest friend! I love him!” Aiya exclaims after another bite of food

“Oho? Does our little Aiya have a crush?” Naofumi grins teasingly at the boy sitting beside him

“Maybe!” Aiya then exclaims, pouting

“Alright. L’Arc, Therese, how were your days?” Naofumi asks, looking over at the two across the table

Then, the moment changed. 

Now, Naofumi and L’Arc are sitting in the living room on the couch, watching some TV when Aiya comes running inside, Therese following after but standing in the doorway. 

“Dad! Papa! Look at the shirt Mom gave me!” Aiya says excitedly, grinning while stretching his shirt for the two to see

“Huh?” Naofumi voices, looking over at Therese in wonder

“Wait… Really?!” L’Arc exclaims, smiling widely at Aiya

“I’m gonna be a big brother!” Aiya exclaims

“You’re pregnant?!” Naofumi exclaims, smiling brightly, looking over at Therese

Therese only smiled and holds up a positive pregnancy test. 

Naofumi is quick to get off the couch and run over to hug Therese. L’Arc quickly follows after, but not before picking Aiya up to include him in the hug, of course. 

“How far along are you?” Naofumi asks after the hug

“Seven weeks.” Therese smiles

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, the little family is in a hospital room, Naofumi sitting on side of the bed with Aiya asleep in his lap, and L’Arc on the other side of the bed, while Therese lays on the bed, propped up by the pillow and bed, holding a bundle in her arms. 

“Look at her, she’s adorable,” L’Arc whispers, gently brushing a finger over the baby’s brow, and flinching away when the baby twitch

“You did so well, Therese,” Naofumi whispers to his exhausted wife, who’s barely keeping her eyes open while feeding the little girl

“Thank you, I didn’t know pregnancy would be this hard,” Therese whispers hoarsely

“You did amazing either way,” L’Arc says softly, eyes still on the feeding child

Then, Naofumi turns to the sleeping child in his lap. 

“Aiya? Aiya, baby, wake up.” Naofumi says gently, shaking the child

“Ngh. Wha?” Ayia murmurs as he wakes, sitting up and rubbing his eyes

“Do you wanna see your new baby sister?” Naofumi asks gently

That seems to wake Aiya up completely, as he quickly grins, face lighting up with awe. 

“Yes!” Aiya exclaims

“Shh, not so loud. She’s eating, and Mom is very tired.” Naofumi says gently

“Okay,” Aiya then whispers

Then, Naofumi lets Aiya crawl into the bed beside Therese so the child can see his new sister. 

Aiya stares in awe at the child his mom is holding. 

“She’s small.” Aiya comments, smiling in awe

“Aiya, you weren’t much bigger when we first got you,” Naofumi says, chuckling

“Hi, baby,” Therese whispers, raising one hand to cup Aiya’s cheek

“Hi, mom.” Aiya greets back in a whisper

“You know we love you, right?” Therese whispers with a tired smile on her face

“Mhm!” Aiya hums

“Mn. That’s good.” Therese says

“What’s her name?” Aiya asks after a few seconds

“Her name is Aiko Iwatani-Berg.” Therese answers

Then, the mist disappears. 

Quickly, Motoyasu turns to shout at Naofumi.

“You’re a dad?!” Motoyasu shouts

“You’re married?!” Itsuki exclaims

“Yeah…” Naofumi trailed off

“You would cheat when you have a child?! Don’t you feel bad-” Motoyasu exclaimed

“I would if I had actually done it in the first place! But I didn’t! If any of you had stopped to listen, maybe you would’ve heard my side of the story or believed me, but no! And now, I’m stuck here in a world that hates me, who knows how far from my family!” Naofumi ranted

“Wait, didn’t you say you were twenty?” Itsuki suddenly asked

“No, I said I was 28, really shows how no one cares,” Naofumi responded

“But you look so young,” Ren commented

“Okay?” Naofumi had answered

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the crystal, there was a sad and worried look on his face, before he turned around to stand with his party (both girls whom he considered his own daughters) while the mist appeared

Then, the moments were shown. 

In the first one, Naofumi is seen looking a few years younger, sitting in a nice cozy living room in a small house. The room is dimly lit as Naofumi holds a little bundle in his arms while sitting on the couch. 

“It’s just you and me now, my little princess. I promise we’ll be alright, okay? You’re going to grow up having a nice childhood, and I promise to support you in whatever you want to do.” Naofumi whispers, letting the little baby, looking to be around 1 or 2 years old, with a tuft of messy and fluffy pink hair and pink eyes, play with his finger, eyes glossed over with unshed tears

The baby then looks up at Naofumi, staring at him for a few moments before sputtering and laughing with a bright smile on her face. 

“Yeah, we’ll be just fine, my little Aiko.” Naofumi smiles, leaning his forehead on the baby’s

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi is driving a car with Aiko in the back, looking a little bigger than before. 

After a little, Naofumi stops the car on the side of a street, and gets out, before moving around the car to get Aiko out. Naofumi locked the car and then carried Aiko towards the building they parked by, a school. 

Inside, Naofumi went towards what looked to be a little kindergarten. 

“Good morning, Iwatani-Sensei!” A teenage boy said as Naofumi opened the door

“Good morning Ryuuichi-Kun, I’m here to drop off Aiko.” Naofumi smiled, crouching down to let the little girl down

“Hi, Aiko-Chan!” The boy, Ryuuichi greeted her, smiling, holding a book open in his lap while two little boys looked at it from each side of him

“I’ll get going to my classroom now. Remember not to let Usaida-San slack off every time you’re here.” Naofumi said, waving

Naofumi patted Aiko’s head and ruffled her short pink hair before waving as she left, while Aiko waved back with a smile. 

Then, the moment changed. 

Now, Naofumi is seen standing in a room full of teenagers, by the blackboard. He’s seemingly teaching them about literature. 

“Iwatani-Sensei?” One of the girls puts her hand up

“Yes?” Naofumi smiles gently

“I don’t understand…” She says, averting her eyes

“That’s alright, what part is it that you don’t understand?” Naofumi asks gently

As the girl answers, Naofumi goes over it again, noticing both the girl and a few other students perk up in understanding. 

Naofumi smiles to himself as he tells the students to read a few pages on their own, and then they’ll talk about it after. 

He’s happy that the students are comfortable with asking him for help, and he’s grateful to the headmaster for letting him work at the school, despite how young he is and… His situation.

Then the scene changes. Naofumi stands in front of a door to what looks to be an apartment, leaning against the door, while a lady with long straight hot pink hair, clean-cut bangs, and red eyes stands in front of him, chewing a piece of bubble gum. 

“Why are you here?” Naofumi asks seriously, staring at the lady

“Nao-Kun, of course, I’m here to help raise our little darling kid!” The lady exclaims, an obviously fake look of desperation and guilt on her face

“No, you’re not. You’ve been gone for years after leaving me all alone with a child as soon as you gave birth. I’ve had to raise her on my own.” Naofumi speaks

“But Nao-Kun! I’ve come back to help with just that!” The lady exclaims

“Don’t call me that. You didn’t care about us back then, and you don’t care about us now. You’re only here to steal my money again. You didn’t care to help raise, and I did so on my own. And you know what, I’ve done a fucking great job. She’s got friends in kindergarten, and we have a nice home here. I have a stable and good job, and I get to do what I love.” Naofumi rants, now glaring at the lady, crossing his arms

The lady stares in barely concealed shock, trying to keep a smile on her face. 

“So you know what, you can fuck right off, and never come near us again,” Naofumi says sternly, pointing down the hallway of apartment doors

“Na-nao-chan…” The lady stutters

“ Fucking leave. ” Naofumi points down the hallway again, glaring at her

After watching the lady leave, Naofumi sighs, before turning around and entering the apartment he’d been standing in front of. In the entranceway, the girl from before stands, now looking around 4. 

“What does Fuck mean, Papa?” Aiko asks

Naofumi looks flustered for a second, before kneeling in front of her. 

“It’s a bad word, princess. We only say that when something really hurts, or someone’s being really mean.” Naofumi explains, Aiko nodding along

Then, the moment changes. 

In the next moment, Naofumi and Aiko are in an amusement park, with Aiko now looking to be around 6 years old. 

They’re walking around with bright smiles on their faces. Naofumi holds a pink cotton candy in one hand, and Aiko’s hand in his other, while Aiko holds a tiger plushie in her other hand. 

The night sky is clear, the stars are shining, and the lights from the amusement rides and large Ferris Wheel are shining brightly. 

Suddenly, there are many gasps as people look up into the sky, Naofumi and Aiko quickly following after. Both gasp in wonder, before Naofumi crouches down to pick Aiko up, letting her sit on his arm. 

“Aiko, when you see a shooting star like those, you can make a wish. Ah, but you can’t tell anyone, or it won’t be fulfilled.” Naofumi smiled

Aiko looked in wonder between her Papa and the shooting stars in the night sky. Then, she hugs the tiger plushie close and clenches her eyes for a few seconds. Then, she smiled as she opens her eyes, looking at Naofumi. 

“Did you make a wish?” Naofumi smiles

“Yeah!” Aiko grins, before leaning over to Naofumi’s ear, whispering to him, “Papa, you can’t tell anyone, but I wished for us to live in a huge castle together! ” Aiko grins after she leans back

“I promise I won’t tell anyone,” Naofumi smiles, adoration for his daughter clear in his eyes

As Aiko turns her head, yelling about something she wants, the mist disappears. 

As eyes turn towards Naofumi, he’s glaring at the floor, eyes glazed over as if trying to keep the tears from falling. 

“You… You have a daughter…” Motoyasu whispers, shocked

“Yeah…” Naofumi whispers, voice rocky

Everyone decides not to speak more of it, seeing how hardly Naofumi is trying to keep himself together and not weep over being stolen from his daughter which he adores oh so much. 

(Much later, Aiko’s wish would come true, as she and Naofumi would move into Shroud’s Castle with L’Arc and Therese together, and she’d become a princess, together with her big sis Raphtalia and little sis Filo.)

Chapter Text

Naofumi had been quick to touch the crystal with a disinterested look on his face before turning back around to stand with his party, head held high like always and eyes glaring at anyone meeting them.

Then, the mist started showing the first moment. 

High within the sky, with pure white, fluffy clouds all around and waterfalls falling from the edges, lies a beautiful city. The buildings are grand and large, and decorated with all kinds of exotics and valuables, mainly gold. 

People in extravagant clothing and armor are moving around on either exotic animals or on small clouds, while only a few actually walk on the ground. 

The mist zooms in on three of these people. 

Two men are walking behind a woman holding multiple scrolls, chatting. One wears white robes and a bamboo hat on his head, and the other wears white and green clothing embroidered with silver patterns and decorations and has his waist-long, messy raven black hair pulled into a high ponytail. 

The one wearing green and white looks an awful lot like Naofumi, but with a lot longer hair. 

Oh wait, it is Naofumi. 

“Your Highness, how has it been going with your Shrine?” Naofumi asks politely to the other

“Aha, it’s been going as always, Naofumi-Kun. We are still accepting donations.” The one wearing a bamboo hat responds with a polite smile

“And how are ‘we’ doing, Your Highness?” Naofumi asks

“It’s been going great. Everything is peaceful. What about yourself, Naofumi-Kun?” The man asks with a polite smile

“We have been doing alright, Your Highness. Nothing amiss and completely peaceful. Almost too peaceful.” Naofumi speaks

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi is seen walking through a thick forest, until he arrives at an extravagant mansion in red, black, and dark blue colors, decorated with gold and silver. Lanterns hang around the place, small blue fires inside to cast light. 

Two people are sitting on the porch outside, a man wearing black and red, and a woman wearing different dark shades of blue. 

“God of Fields and Forests. Welcome,” The man says, crimson eyes glowing in the dim lighting of the blue fires

“Blood Scythe Cutting Petals. Rainbow Jewel Demolishing Diamonds.” Naofumi greets back with a chuckle and a smile

“What is a God’s business at our humble abode?” The woman asks

“I would hardly call the extravagant home of two Supreme Ghosts humble,” Naofumi commented

“How about we continue speaking inside?” The woman offers

“Of course, Therese. L’Arc?” Naofumi says, turning to the man

“Let’s.” L’Arc answers

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi is with the white-clad man from before, sitting at a table. The two are chatting politely with each other, while L’Arc, Therese, and another man with black hair wearing red and an eyepatch sit at the table, discussing something. 

“Gege, this one has finished negotiating.” The man clad in red spoke

“Love, we’re finished,” L’Arc said after

“It was a pleasant conversation, Your Highness,” Naofumi spoke, looking at the man beside him

“I can say the same, Naofumi.” The man said

The two smiled at each other before standing up and leaving with their respective partners. 

Then, the mist changed. 

Now, Naofumi stands within a grand hall of gold and filled with many people in extravagant clothing. People were chatting and whispering left and right. 

As Naofumi stood off to the side, he looked bored and annoyed out of his mind, and like he’d rather be anywhere else but there. 

All around Naofumi the people there are gossiping and sharing news, though Naofumi’s stand alone. 

Suddenly, Naofumi puts two of his fingers to his temple and seems to relax at least a bit. 

Naofumi smiles softly to himself for a few minutes. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Within a gorgeous and extravagant palace of gold and jade, Naofumi sits peacefully at a low table, sipping a cup of tea. 

Suddenly, a young woman looking to be a servant, though with a sword at her hip, came in, panting and looking rushed. 

“M-my lord! The- The Heavenly Emperor calls for you! All of Heaven has been assembled!” The servant rushed out, panting and she stuttered over her words. 

Naofumi put the cup back down gently, and let out a soft sigh as if knowing this would be coming. 

As the moment changed, Naofumi was standing in the middle of a grand hall, the one from before, even more people now assembled, standing off to the sides while Naofumi stood in the middle, in front of a man in luxurious clothes and armor, sitting upon a throne. 

“Lord Iwatani, explain why there have been sightings and stories of you together with the two Calamities, Blood Scythe Cutting Petals, and Rainbow Jewel Demolishing Diamonds?” The man sitting on the throne, the Heavenly Emperor, said

Naofumi raised his head, and just as he opened his mouth, the moment changed. 

Now, Naofumi sits in a beautiful garden of maple trees, flower bushes, and ponds. He sits on the back porch in what looks to be the same manner as a few moments ago. 

Naofumi sits leaning against the red-haired man from before, L’Arc, while the lady, Therese sits beside them, swinging her legs over the edge of the porch. 

“It doesn’t really matter if they all know now, they already didn’t like me. And they won’t even be open about it because they’re terrified of you two.” Naofumi speaks, eyes closed peacefully, his head on L’Arc’s shoulder

“Of course, they should be,” Therese says, smiling as she reached over to hold Naofumi’s hand

“We’d kill anyone who dares hurt or speak badly about you,” L’Arc then says

Then, the mist disappears. 

“You… You’re a God?!” Motoyasu shouts, staring at Naofumi in shock

“Is that why you have so many cheats…?” Itsuki asks

“Yes, I’m a God, I ascended many centuries ago. No, my status as a God does not give me any ‘cheats’ as you call them, in this world.” Naofumi says with his chin raised high, and eyes full of confidence and power

Chapter Text

As Naofumi touched the crystal, he glared at it for a split second, before turning and stalking back to stand with his party, Raphtalia, Filo, Rishia, L’Arc, and Therese. 

As the mist appeared, it started showing different moments from Naofumi’s life. 

The first one was of Naofumi back in his own world. He’s inside a library, looking through the books while trying to find something to read. 

Then, a bunch of books falls onto Naofumi as he tries taking a book down, making a few people chuckle at his clumsiness. 

As Naofumi looks around the books on the floor around him, as he’d fallen to sit on the floor, he picks up an old-looking one. 

‘The Legend of the Four Cardinal Heroes’ It says on the cover

“Sounds pretty cliché,” Naofumi mutters to himself as he opens the book

“The Princess in this sounds kinda slutty. I don’t think she’d be the heroine in this story.” Naofumi says to himself as he flips to another page

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi is wearing his current armor, fighting a Wave against monsters no one has seen before, fighting back-to-back with Therese and L’Arc. He looks almost the same, except for a scar going from his jaw to his cheekbone. 

They all look tired, and stronger, fighting with all their might against the overwhelming amount of Monsters. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi, L’Arc, and Therese stand by a cliffside over the water, surrounded by forest, with smoke rising within the forest, and the light of raging flames slowly coming closer. 

Therese is holding Naofumi close, both of them kneeling on the ground, while Naofumi has his face pushed onto her shoulder, and his hands grip the back of her shirt, while his body shakes with held-in sobs and sniffles. 

“Please… Please… I can’t take it anymore… I can’t do this… Please…” Naofumi whimpers against Therese’s shoulder

L’Arc, who kneels beside them, rubs circles on Naofumi’s back as the Shield Hero cries. 

The shield, instead of the normal green gem in the middle, now has a dark blue one, like the depths of the ocean, and black cracks are forming all over, slowly getting the Shield closer to cracking, like its wielder. 

“Alright, Kiddo,” L’Arc whispers softly, eyes sad

“Let’s get you away from this rotten world,” Therese whispers, holding Naofumi closer

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi stands within a little cottage, fields, and a forest in the distance seen through the windows. He stands by a stove, smiling as he stirs with the pot with a wooden spoon. The shield sits forgotten on his hip, smaller than the one he uses now. 

Suddenly, the front door of the cottage bursts open, and Therese steps inside, quickly coming over to Naofumi, arms full with a large bag. 

Eyes sparkling, Therese holding the bag open for Naofumi to see the contents. 

“Nao, look how many jewels we found in the mine!” Therese exclaims, smiling brightly, a little durst and dust on her cheeks and clothes

“That’s a lot.” Naofumi smiles, happy for her

Then, Filo and Raphtalia come inside, Filo carrying something blue on top of her head. 

“Dad, look! We found a friendly slime!” Filo cheers, holding the slime up for Naofumi to see

“A slime? In a jewel and crystal mine?” Naofumi asks, reaching a hand out to touch the slime

Suddenly, as soon as Naofumi touches the slime, it jumps upon his head, staying there. 

“...Why do every small Monster and Animal imprint on me?” Naofumi grumbles to himself

“I’m not small!” Filo exclaims

“You look like a child.” Naofumi states

Then, Filo grins. 

“Filo! We said no transforming inside the house!” L’Arc’s voice suddenly shouts as Filo turns into her Folilal Form, right as he entered the cottage

Then, the moment changed. 

Now, L’Arc and Therese have dropped to the ground, tears streaming down their faces as they cry out. 

Naofumi lays motionless in L’Arc’s arms, a trail of blood running down his chin, and a gaping hole through his chest and on the left side of his stomach. 

“Naofumi… Naofumi, wake up! Please!” L’Arc cries, slightly shaking Naofumi’s body

“Naofumi… Please… We can’t lose you!” Therese cries, holding Naofumi’s hand in both of hers

Around them, more and more people are arriving, either looking at the giant dead Boss Monster of the Wave they’d been fighting, or the dead body of the Shield Hero. 

Then, the moment changed again. 

Fire. There’s fire everywhere. it’s burning everyone and everything. 

In the middle of the fire, Naofumi has fallen to his knees, hunched over, clutching his head tightly in his hands, the cursed shield and armor attached glowing an ominous red as Naofumi screams. 

He screams as the fire burns everything, and as his mind burns up. 

Naofumi screams until his voice is raw and hoarse from it all until he can’t heave in enough air to let out the screams. 

When the screams stop, Naofumi opens his eyes, emerald green now dull black as he lets his hands fall to his sides. Suddenly, Naofumi falls to the ground motionless as the rain starts to fall, though it evaporates before it can even hit the ground. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, a small, dimly lit cell is shown, the floor and walls dirty and moss growing between the bricks. 

Inside, a person is locked up, their face hidden by the shadows as their head hangs low. Their right arm is locked in a chain hanging from the wall, while their other hand is missing, a stump by their elbow only bandaged with a dirty cloth. 

The person is only wearing a ripped and dirty pair of black pants, and a bangle of iron, and a green gem on his shackled wrist. 

Suddenly, the thick iron door is pushed open, and lights flood inside. Though, the shadows of a person still obscure everyone from seeing the face of the shacked person. 

“You finally broke, eh? Shield Hero, my ass.” The man who’d entered sneers, crouching to roughly grab the chin of the chained person and raise their head

All he gets is spit in his face and a wild glare. The chained person, as some people had thought, was Naofumi, who’s glaring furiously at the man touching him, snarling at him. 

“Ah, you insolent-!” The man shouts before a clang is suddenly heard, and he falls to the side, unconscious.

“Hey there, Kiddo.” L’Arc’s voice is heard

L’Arc and Therese are standing in the doorway, L’Arc having his scythe out, having used it to knock out the man. Naofumi grins when the two come into the cell. 

“Get me out of here,” Naofumi says smugly

“Of course,” Therese says, right as L’Arc cuts off the shackles holding Naofumi

“As if we’d let you rot away in a shitty cell like this. You deserve much more than that for everything you have and will go through.” L’Arc says

Therese is the one to catch Naofumi as he wobbles after standing, before the mist changes.

Now, Naofumi looks much older, with long hair down to his shoulder, the right side braided close to his head. He’s wearing extravagant clothing, his eyes are calmer and look wiser than ever, and he has many more obvious scars. One going from under his left earlobe to the end of his left brow. A small scar following his right cheekbone to under the middle of right left eye. And one going from the right side of the bridge of his nose, following down to under his eyes, and then over to connect with the one on his cheekbone. 

Naofumi sits on a throne in a castle, not of this world. To his right, L’Arc sits on a similar throne, and on L’Arc’s right sits Therese on another one. 

L’Arc’s hair is in a long ponytail high on his head, thrown over his shoulders and reaching down to his lower ribs and Therese’s hair is cut off by the middle of her neck, and the jewel in her forehead is shown off. 

Both also have more scars visible, and look older, and have the aura of them having gone through a great many ordeals before coming to where they are now. 

Then, the mist disappears. 

People turn to stare at Naofumi, L’Arc, and Therese in confusion and shock. What were they just shown…?

“Wha… What…?” Motoyasu stutters, while Itsuki just stares at where the mist had been, and Ren stares at the ground as if he’s trying to find the square root of pi in his head. 

Naofumi just sighs.

Chapter Text

After touching the crystal, Naofumi swirls around to walk back over and stand with his party as the mist appears, starting to show the moments. 

In the first moment, Naofumi is seen standing in the middle of a little village, with a crowd surrounding him as he plays guitar and sings a song. 

“Three black crows were sitting on a fence, watching the world pass them by. Laughing at humanity and its pretense, wondering where next to fly,” Naofumi sang, his voice more beautiful than many had ever heard before, doing a little twirl and smiling as a few kids danced around him

“And they cackled in joy and dove through the air, like the winds of a hurricane. And they spread their wings as if to declare, ‘Onward, let freedom ring’!” Naofumi sang, smiling brightly as a few of the kids tugged their parents and siblings over to dance with them. 

Naofumi is smiling happily as he plays and sings, and so is the crowd around him. 

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, Naofumi stands in a square within a large city, where a little crowd has once again formed. 

After a little start play, Naofumi started singing. 

“I wandered down the pathway, through the misty Moor, like I know he did, a thousand times before.” Naofumi sang, getting people’s attention

Quickly, as Naofumi sang, his beautiful voice attracted a larger crowd. 

“Voices seem to echo ‘Come talk with me, a while, just around the corner, just another mile’…” Naofumi sang, watching with a smile as a group of children started dancing around close by, while a few shy ones watched him in awe with smiles on their faces

“I had heard the stories, her legend served her well, a mystic's myth or fable, truth or fairy tale” Naofumi sang as he played, fingers moving over the strings of the guitar flawlessly as if he’d done it a thousand times before

“A raggle-taggle gypsy, with a toothless smile, said, ‘Sit with me my darling, let's talk a little while’…” Naofumi continued smiling, starting to move around a little, dancing slightly around with the children, happy that he brought smiles to their and the crowd’s faces

“And the road goes on, seeming ever longer on the Way to Mandalay” Naofumi sang 

In the back of the crowd, two people watched Naofumi in awe, a handsome young man with red hair and a beautiful young lady with blue hair. Both are watching Naofumi in awe at his voice and his beauty. 

“And the road goes on, forever will I wander on the Way to Mandalay…” Naofumi continued singing with a smile on his face

After Naofumi finished singing, the crowd cheered and threw coins at him, and the children came over to thank Naofumi for the fun and tell him how good he is at singing. 

Naofumi thanked the children, and after picking up some of the coins on the ground, gave them to the children and told them to go buy something nice to share. 

Then, the two people came over. 

“Hello there, Bard.” The red-haired man greeted, bowing slightly and holding a hand out, while the lady smiled beside him

“Hello, Sir, Miss,” Naofumi said, lifting his hand to the man’s

The man took Naofumi’s hand and moved it up to kiss the back of it, keeping eye contact with Naofumi, watching as Naofumi blushed slightly. 

Then, the moment changed. 

Now, Naofumi sits against a tree in a beautiful garden, guitar in his lap, while singing once again. Though, this time, he sits alone. 

“Everything you do, it sends me higher than the moon with every twinkle in your eye, you strike a match that lights my heart on fire.” Naofumi sings, looking up to the sky where a flock of birds flies twittering overhead

Two pairs of footsteps come from behind some of the bush walls in the garden. 

“When you're near, I hide my blushing face and trip on my shoelaces. Grace just isn't my forté, but it brings me to my knees when you say,” Naofumi sings as the two people from before appear in the clearing by the tree, smiling softly 

“Hello, My Darling, how are you, today?” Naofumi grins at the two,

“I fall into a pile on the floor, puppy love is hard to ignore, When every little thing you do, I do adore.” Naofumi smiles, love and happiness clear on his face and in his eyes as he looks at the two

“Hey, Kiddo.” The redhead greets with a grin

“Hi L’Arc, Therese.” Naofumi greets with a smile, laying the guitar across his lap, a slight blush on his face

“That was beautiful, who’s the song for?” Therese asks with a smile

“For you two.” Naofumi smiles brightly

The two smile, before going over to sit on each side of Naofumi. 

“Can you sing another song?” Therese asks, leaning her head on Naofumi’s shoulder

“Of course, I’ll always sing for you guys,” Naofumi smiles with a blush on his cheeks

“Merrily we fall out of line, out of line, I’d fall anywhere with you, I’m by your side,” Naofumi starts, playing his guitar again

“Swinging in the rain, humming melodies, we're not going anywhere until we freeze,” Naofumi continues singing, voice filled with love and emotion for the two people with him

Then, the moment changes. 

Now, in what looks to be a military camp, only lit by torches, campfires, and the dark evening sky, full of tents and equipment including weapons and armor and food rations and survival gear, Naofumi sits on a pile of crates by a large tent, legs crisscrossed to keep them away from the thick layer of snow on the ground. 

Naofumi now wears thick boots with fur lining, and a thick green quilt with a hood, and also fur lining. 

As Naofumi sees the soldiers by a nearby campfire trying to keep warm while drinking from cups they hold close to the fire, he unpacks his instrument from the case leaning against the crate he sits on. He starts playing. 

“Come my dear I’ll tell a tale, through the winter’s frosty gale.” Naofumi sings, getting the soldiers’ attention, a few turning their heads towards him

“When the bells refused to ring, and the angels wouldn't sing,” Naofumi continues singing

“Somewhere in the dark of night, was a single shining light. Still, I can remember, once upon December,” Naofumi sings, his voice ringing through the almost completely silent camp

“Come my dear I’ll tell a tale, through the winter’s frosty gale.” Naofumi sings, getting the attention of soldiers all over the camp 

As he sings, a few soldiers move to get closer to hear the beautiful voice, while others stay at their posts and listen to the voice from afar. 

“Come my dear and listen close, while the wind cries like a ghost. Though the ice and silver snow, as the frozen breezes blow,” Naofumi sings, having the full attention of many of the still awake soldiers

Inside some of the tents, a few soldiers have been awoken by the beautiful voice, while others are lulled into an even deeper and comfier sleep. 

“Look up high into the night, when the moon is shining bright.” Naofumi sings, smiling as he looks up at the cloudless dark night, the galaxies and stars above shown, and the moon shining bright

“Still, I can remember, once upon December. Come my dear and listen close, while the wind cries like a ghost.” Naofumi sings while all the soldiers within eyes-sight keep their eyes on him

Many of them who’d been freezing before, feel like their souls and bodies are warming up just from the sound of the bard’s beautiful night

“Come my dear I'll sing a song, hoping you will sing along,” Naofumi sings, looking around at the soldiers watching him, a couple of them peeking out from the tents

“Come my dear I'll sing a tune, to the stars and to the moon,” Naofumi sings, smiling to himself

Within a larger tent nearby, obviously, for someone of high status, two people listen to the beautiful voice, their stress and worries flowing away like a river down a mountain. 

Then, the mist disappears. 

“You can sing?” Motoyasu asks skeptically as he side-eyes Naofumi

“Yes. I was a Bard before I was summoned as the Shield Hero.” Naofumi says dismissively

“Can Master sing for us?” Filo then asks, grinning as her eyes sparkle

“Sure, I can.” Naofumi smiles softly down at the filolial

Filo just grins happily.