"New comrades?" Naofumi said in surprise.
Kluger nodded. "The optimal number of members in the party system is six. You can have more than that, but one you do you will begin to suffer xp penalties. Since you already have two companions his majesty commanded me to select the three best suited to assist you in increasing your level and fighting in the wave itself. Hundreds of adventurers volunteered, these are the three I chose for you. If any of them prove unsatisfactory there are others ready to take their place immediately."
Naofumi stared at the three people who were still kneeling before him. Can I really trust them? Was the first thought to run through his mind. As soon as he thought that he shook his head and scolded himself. These people weren't part of the Three Heroes Church. They weren't part of some vast conspiracy out to ruin his life. These three were volunteers who wanted to help him stop the waves. Even if it's sort of scary I think I need to show a little bit of trust. A little bit.
"Please stand up, it's a pleasure to meet you all." The three of them jumped to both feet. "I am Iwatani Naofumi, the Shield Hero. This is Raphtalia and Firo, I really hope we can all work well together and be a great party."
"I hope so as well, my lord." The knight said.
Naofumi held up a hand. "Ah, it's just Naofumi."
The knight nodded. "As you wish, Naofumi-dono."
Naofumi sighed, he supposed he would have to accept the honorific. Kluger insisted on using it too.
"I am Sir Roland Greywatch, a royal knight." Roland bowed his head. "I pledge to give my life for you."
"Uhm, hopefully it doesn't come to that. I'll do everything I possibly can to protect all of you and keep you safe. If it's all right could you tell me your level and your magical affinity?"
"Yes, Naofumi-dono, I am level sixty-five, and my affinity is Speed."
"I am Groo of the North Plain Tribe," the minotaur said thumping his chest. "I am the greatest warrior of my tribe and level seventy. I am one with the Earth. I swear to cut down all your enemies Naofumi-dono! No one can handle an axe like me!"
Naofumi nodded and turned his attention to the bunny girl. Her black leather corset showed off her belly as well as her cleavage. Her mini-skirt only went from her hips to the top of her thighs. Her gold and silver cloak was tied about her shoulders and left most of her enticing body on open display. Though standing she leaned forward a bit, giving him a little better view of what her corset was struggling to contain. She grinned and her bunny ears were quivering.
"My name is Cassandra Hase, though people like to call me the Crazy Bunny. I am level fifty-one and a master of Fire magic. My body is at your service, Naofumi-dono." She gave him a wink. "Please do anything you like with me and I do mean anything."
"Uh…" Naofumi's face began to redden. This girl was way, way too much. After everything that had happened with the bitch princess he really didn't trust woman anymore. Especially not the ones who were blatantly using their sex appeal on him. On the other hand, well, he was still a virgin. And this girl was crazy stupid hot! He wasn't quite sure what to say here.
Raphtalia stepped forward and slid partially in front of Naofumi. "Why is your level so much lower than the others?"
Cassandra's eyebrows rose. "Fifty-one isn't low, I am a classed-up fire mage and one of the strongest spell casters in this country."
"That's very true," Kluger said. "Most adventurers never class up. The ones who do form a tiny elite. So, anyone above level forty is considered quite special."
"Then why are both of them so much higher than she is?"
"I fought in all the major battles in the war with Melromarc when I was young," Roland said. "In the years since I traveled the world on quests trying to help people and slay dangerous monsters."
Groo slapped his chest. "I spent six years fighting in the arena in Zeltoble! Most who try it don't survive three months!"
Kluger nodded. "It's not a case of Cassandra being lacking. Rather it's a matter of Roland and Groo being truly exceptional even among classed up adventurers."
"Besides," Cassandra said with a teasing grin. "I've got plenty of other things going for me besides my level."
Raphtalia's tail flattened out and went stiff. Naofumi thought he heard a 'grrrr' sound coming from her.
Naofumi coughed into his hand and drew everyone's attention back to him. "Listen, I am truly glad that you want to be my companions. I've been alone and know just how important it is to have people who are willing to help you. This shield gives me the power to protect people and I promise I will do everything I can to protect each of you. So, let's all do our best to get stronger and to defeat the waves."
"I could not agree more," Roland said.
"Damn right," Groo said.
"Sounds good to me," Cassandra said.
Naofumi nodded in satisfaction. "Good, then if it's ok with everyone, I'd like to make the three of you my slaves."
"…" Four stunned faces stared back at him.
"Hey master," Firo said. "Why are all their mouths hanging open like that?"
