I don't own Digimon or Rising of the Shield Hero. I do however; own the OC's that will appear in this story when they appear. I will be staying close to the ROTSH anime rather than the light novel/manga; I have not read them, with some tweaks here and there. Please Read and Review.
Chapter I
*Dream Sequence Begin*
A war was going on. The battlefield was chaotic. Bodies of enemies and allies alike littered the fields. Some struggling to stay alive, others already dead. Three of the four heroes, with legendary weapons, from different worlds, fighting a losing battle against a goddess. All of them heavily injured and about to collapse. The fourth hero, on the ground, badly injured from the wave of monsters and the goddess. His partner since the day he arrived in this world, gently lifting his upper body up to his chest, tears flowing from his sapphire eyes. Sapphire eyes that were beginning to change to a demonic gold. Others from his party, crying and injured. An aura of black surrounding him. The others in his party seeing not for the first time what it meant. They hurried to a distance far away for what was about to come. The one holding the fourth hero cries out.
"TAICHI!"
From just being at a height of eight feet and two inches, the aura envelopes him, expanding to great heights, with the person growing in stature, returning to an old form. Spreading his tattered wings, to its fullest length, he releases a wave of dark energy. The beast that he has become, still crying, lost in his own mind, for losing something he never thought that would be precious to him. In an orb that the beast conjured, lay the fourth hero, before taking his last breath, tries to speak but is not heard.
"Please don't. Don't lose yourself. Va-Va"
And so, the fourth hero falls limp. Not a breath escapes from his lips. The Goddess and her monsters, gaining strength from his death. The other three heroes fall not soon after. Thus, this world is covered in darkness and despair. The goddess won. And so, nothing is seen. Black cold darkness is everywhere. Everywhere is dark. Then a light is seen. Before it becomes blinding.
*Dream Sequence End*
Waking up from his nightmare, twenty-two year old Taichi Yagami wakes up in a cold sweat. For the last couple of weeks, this nightmare has plagued him, gnawed at his mind. Wiping the sweat from his brow, Taichi heads to the bathroom. Cleaning up, Taichi thinks, wonders who those sapphire orbs belong to. Putting a hand to his heart, Taichi can't help but be drawn to whoever that person was. Heading back out to the main room of his apartment, Taichi picks up a book he recently checked out from the library at his university. Something just draws him to it, but has yet to really look at it. Studying the book, Taichi looks at the title, The Four Cardinal Heroes of Legend. Opening the book, he notices that every page was blank except for the first couple of pages. And then, an array of seals appears beneath him. The book and the seal array glow, the scenery around Taichi changing. Before him lays a chamber with people in robes. Beside Taichi were three others in attire similar to his own, with weapons from the book in hand. Looking at his right arm, Taichi notices a shield with a green gem attached to said arm. Then one of the robed people speaks.
"We did it! The summoning was a success!"
"And I've been summoned to another world yet again," thought Taichi, looking around the place, before noticing that people were looking at him with disguised disdain. "This is definitely going to be different from when I was sent to the Digital World with the others."
"O Brave Heroes, please save our world!" said the leader of the robed people.
The other three that were brought alongside Taichi were hearing none of this. They already did not like being brought here. Plus, they were asking for compensations. Sighing, Taichi looks around the place and at the people. Taichi could already see that things were not going to go in his favors just by seeing the disguised disgust and disdain towards him.
'What do you mean by that?" said the boy, with a bow in hand.
"There is a long and complicated story behind this," said the leader of the robed people. "But we summoned you Four Cardinal Heroes here using an ancient ritual."
"So they think we're the Four Cardinal Heroes," thought Taichi, staring around the place. "Might as well go with it for now."
"Our world teeters on the brink of destruction," said the robed leader, putting his hands together. "We beg you, O Brave Heroes! Please help us!"
"I guess we can hear you out for the time being," said Taichi, speaking to the robed leader.
"I refuse," said the boy, with a sword in hand.
"Likewise," said the other boy, with bow in hand.
"We can go back to our world, right," said the last of them, with a spear in hand. "We'll talk about your problems after that."
"Don't you guys feel any guilt at all for bringing us here without our consents?" said the sword boy, raising the sword in an intimidating manner.
"And if you send us home as soon as peace is restored, we'd have worked for nothing," said the bow boy, agreeing with the sword boy.
"How willing are you to accommodate us?" said the spear boy, gripping the spear. "Depending on your answer, we might end up becoming your enemies instead."
"Demanding respect and rewards right of the bat is not a good idea," said Taichi, gaining the other three attentions. "They are the ones who brought us here, and they are the only ones to send us back. Hearing them out is our best option right now."
"Tch, fine," said the sword boy, gripping his sword.
"F-First, we'd like you to have an audience with the king of our country, Melromarc," said the robed leader, walking towards Taichi and the others. "You can negotiate your reward after that, so please."
"I suppose we could consider their offer," said the bow boy, walking to the entrance of the room.
"Not like our demands are gonna change, no matter who we talk to," said the spear boy, walking to the entrance as well.
"Are rewards and respect the only things on their minds?" thought Taichi, eyeing the three. "These people could kill us in a heartbeat if they wanted to."
And with that, everyone leaves the chamber, ascending a spiraling staircase with balistraria showing the outside to them every few foot. Unbeknownst to them, they were being watched by multiple eyes from the shadows. A couple from the shadows flew from their spots to the outside, keeping to the shadows, straight towards their master. A master that has yet to show himself to the world.
"We really are in another world, huh," said the bow boy, looking out at the landscape from the balistraria.
"We sure are," said Taichi, enjoying the breeze that was coming thru. "Such a nice breeze. Feels like I'm in Spain with Miyako right now."
"Wait, have you never traveled outside out of Japan before," asked the bow boy, staring at Taichi.
"Going by the breeze outside, this place probably has your standard Mediterranean climate," said the sword boy, looking at Taichi.
"I've traveled outside Japan before," said Taichi, thinking about the Digital World. "The Digital World should count. And that time when I went to France with Takeru and our Partner Digimon. Man, I miss Agumon."
And so they walked further still, till coming outside. Walking down the courtyard, no one notices a red haired woman looking down at them. A scheme slowly taking fold in her mind. Walking into the throne room, Taichi and the others see the king sitting on his throne, with other people of higher standings looking at them from the upper balconies. Their eyes showing hope upon seeing them but hiding their disdain towards Taichi, who has already noticed their gaze. And thus, the king spoke.
"So these men are the Four Cardinal Heroes of ancient legend?" said the king, looking at each hero before him. "I am the king of Melromarc, Aultcray Melromarc XXXII. Heroes, name yourselves."
"Ren Amaki, sixteen years old, high schooler," said the boy, with a sword in hand.
"I'm Motoyasu Kitamura. Twenty-one and a university student," said the boy with spear in hand.
"Name is Taichi Yagami. I'm twenty two and a university student," said Taichi, staring at the king, noticing a hidden scowl before thinking. "What's his problem and everyone else's as well?"
"Guess I'm last. Itsuki Kawasumi, seventeen years old, and a high schooler," said the boy, with a bow in hand.
"I see. Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki," said King Aultcray, skipping Taichi on purpose.
"Excuse me King Aultcray," said Taichi, gaining the King's attention. "But you forgot me. Or was that your intention?"
"Pardon my mistake," said King Aultcray, showing his disdain a little too openly. "Ren, Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Taichi. Is that better?"
"Somewhat," said Taichi, seeing that the other heroes saw a little of that display. "Go on, your highness."
And so, King Aultcray explained to Taichi and the others what was going on. Of a prophecy of apocalyptic proportions. Waves of monsters from dimensional shifts appearing in their world, leading to their world's ruins. About a Dragon Hourglass that could predict the next coming waves, with less than a month for the next coming one. The waves being stronger than the last.
"We underestimated the Waves," said King Aultcray, gripping his throne. "We realized once we actually experienced one that only the Four Cardinal Heroes could counter them. And so, we followed the legend and summoned you four. We have no time to lose!"
"We get the gist of it now," said Ren, swinging his sword to the ground. "Anyway, surely you didn't summon us expecting us to save you for free."
"Again with the rewards," thought Taichi, eyeing Ren.
"Of course, once you repel all the waves, we shall reward you handsomely," said the King's advisor, looking at the heroes.
"Will you, now? Well, as long as we have your word," said Motoyasu, looking at the advisor.
"We'll work with you provided you don't turn on us," said Ren, stating a fact. "But don't think for a moment that you can tame us."
"Exactly. We can't have you looking down on us," said Itsuki, staring at the king.
"God, these guys are so high-and-mighty," thought Taichi, looking at the other heroes. "What do they think they will accomplish by doing that?"
"I trust we have an agreement," said King Aultcray, gaining Taichi's and the others attention. "Then, heroes, you should all check your statuses."
"Wait, status?" said Taichi, confused by what King Aultcray said.
"What's wrong with you guys?" asked Ren, staring at the others. "It should've been the first thing you noticed in this world. Don't you see an icon in the corner of your field of vision?"
"You're right," said Taichi, seeing the icon. "There it is."
"Try focusing on it," said Ren, instructing them.
"Like this?" said Taichi, focusing on the icon, before a display came up.
Yagami, Taichi, age 22
The Shield Hero
Level 1
Experience: 7/14
Max HP: 142
Max MP: 36
Max SP: 40
Status
Attack: +10
Magic: +10
Physical Defense: +40
Magic Defense: +35
Dexterity: +50
Magic
Fire: 0
Water: 0
Ice: 0
Wind: 0
Earth: 0
Lightning: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Equipment
Small Shield
Otherworldly clothes
"Not bad, I can work with these," said Taichi, looking at his status. "Looks like my experience in the Digital World and playing soccer really helped out. Just have to raise my level and magic."
"Level One?" said Itsuki, looking at his stats. "That's worrying."
"Yeah. No telling if we can fight like this," said Motoyasu, also looking at his stats.
"What's all this, anyway?" asked Taichi, looking at the advisor.
"Status Magic, an ability exclusive to the heroes," replied the King's advisor.
"So what are we supposed to do?" asked Ren, staring at the advisor.
"I think that's obvious. Go on an adventure to increase our status," said Taichi, having played certain games when he was younger.
"Couldn't we just wield other weapons until these are useable?" asked Motoyasu, twirling his spear around.
"We can figure that out as we go," said Ren, looking at Motoyasu. "Anyway, it looks like we ought to train ourselves."
"We'll have to level up as much as we can," said Itsuki, talking to the rest of the group.
"So, if the four of us party up," said Taichi, gaining their attention. "We can cover each other's blind spots."
"One moment, heroes," said the King's advisor, gaining their attention. "You will each recruit and adventure separately."
"Why is that?" asked Taichi, looking at the advisor.
"It is said that the legendary weapons repel one another by nature," said the King's advisor, stating the nature of the weapons. "If you work together, it apparently hinders their development."
"He's telling the truth," said, Taichi, looking at the status screen before thinking. "Looks like the weapons are translating all verbal and visual information into Japanese for us."
HELP
When two or more wielders of the legendary weapons operate together, it causes an adverse reaction in the weapons. Working separately is highly advised.
"The sun is about to set," said King Aultcray, looking out the windows of the throne room. "Rest up tonight, and set forth tomorrow. In the meantime, we'll gather the best of the best to form your parties."
"Wait a minute. Shouldn't we recruit members ourselves?" thought Taichi, wondering why the king would do such a thing. "Is he trying to keep tabs on us with warriors of his choosing?"
"We've prepared rooms for you," said a young lady, walking up to Taichi and the others. "Please come this way."
And with that, the young lady led them to their rooms. All of them convened to one room to discuss important matters. During the discussion, they found out they were from Japan's of different Earths. Nothing was alike between their worlds. Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu were surprised that it didn't affect Taichi much. Taichi divulged what happened between him and his friends back in the days when they were younger. Learning what happened to Taichi shocked the other three.
"My gosh, how are you and your friends still sane after all that?" asked Motoyasu, gripping his spear.
"Our Partner Digimon helped us along the way," said Taichi, reminiscing about the old days. "Right now, I'm just glad that our status magic doesn't show that we're either Alphas, Betas, or Omegas. My little sister showed me a manga that had me blushing up a storm recently."
"Aaah, I'm a Beta. How the heck am I a Beta?" shouted Motoyasu, looking at his status. "I should be an Alpha!"
"What?! Don't tell me that actually exists," said Taichi, staring at Motoyasu.
"Apparently it is a thing here," said Itsuki, looking at his status. "Mmm, Beta is okay with me."
"Same here," said Ren, looking at his status as well. "Beta as well."
"What the heck is an Alpha-Omega?" said Taichi, seeing what looked to be a cross of the Alpha and Omega Greek symbols on his status before a screen came up. "Nothing in the manga had anything on this."
ALPHA-OMEGA
AO for short. Is just what it means. Extremely rare, only .5% exists in the world. Exclusive to males only. A person with both Alpha qualities and Omega qualities but with some key differences. During their first heat and childbirth, a vulva opens up in the perineum area. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE HYMEN BE BROKEN/CUT DURING THE FIRST HEAT! They produce more slick compared to Omegas. Also during their first heat, is when their scent is the strongest making the AO go into a trance like state seeking out an Alpha or Omega that sticks out to them. This is their most vulnerable time as their scent will drive other Alphas and Omegas towards them. Their scents are a mixed of the Alphas musky scent and the Omegas sweet scent, VERY ALLURING! Their first heat usually is around the age of eleven and twelve years of age.
"You've got to be kidding me!" said Taichi, covering his lower region with the shield. "Not happening while I'm here!"
"I'd rather not be around you when that happens," said Motoyasu, gripping his spear. "I'm more of a ladies man."
"Agreed," said both Ren and Itsuki, standing away from Taichi.
"Hey, this is not my fault. It's this weird system in this world," said Taichi, not watching where he swung his arm before the shield absorbed a nearby music box. "Huh?"
Music Box Shield I
(Unlocked)
Skill acquired: Lullaby
Defense +5
"Great, the shield just absorbed a music box," said Taichi, groaning at his mistake. "Don't know how useful that shield will be. At least we just learned something from that display."
"Right. We have to set out on adventures tomorrow," said Motoyasu, looking out the window. "Let's head back to our rooms and get a good night's sleep."
"Before that, let me give you all a fair warning," said Taichi, gaining their attentions. "Don't just think we're just data in a game. If you die here, you die for real."
"Seriously, if I just make a mistake, I can just start over!" said Motoyasu, grinning before seeing Taichi's serious face. "R-Right?"
"Guys, you can't be thinking that just because you're data, you're free to act like a video game character, are you?" said Taichi, looking at each of them.
"Are we wrong?" asked Itsuki, staring at Taichi.
"Completely! It's exactly the same as if we're living and breathing here,' said Taichi, with a straight serious face. "If you die here… You'll really die!"
"What?" said Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki, looking at their bodies. "N-No way!"
And with that, they went to their separate rooms for the night. Ren, Motoyasu and Itsuki with a lot more on their mind after what Taichi just said to them. Unfortunately before getting to his room, Taichi ends up bumping into a suit of armor. His shield ends up absorbing the iron long sword on the suit of armor. Before falling asleep for the night, Taichi looks at the new shield he obtained on the status screen, and changes his shield to the Music Box Shield I before dozing off.
Blade Shield
(Unlocked)
Attack +5
Defense +5
Mastery Bonus
When a shield is used for a while to achieve a certain level of proficiency, it will grant its wielder permanent bonuses.
*Dream Sequence Begins*
Rolling fields of grass appear before Taichi. A babbling brook nearby stretching as far out like the fields before him. In the distance, a lone tree with four people standing near it, are conversing among themselves. Taichi walks towards them, eager to hear what they're talking about. The shortest of the four sees Taichi and waves him over. Upon reaching the tree, Taichi notices that three of the four he knows, that being Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu, but each with a shield instead of the weapons he saw them with. The fourth person wielding the same shield as well.
"Glad you could make it. Name is Naofumi Iwatani," said the shield wielder, looking at Taichi. "We have much to discuss before you wake up."
"Wait, this is a dream," said Taichi, looking at the four. "What do we have to discuss?"
"About what is about to transpire soon," said Itsuki(Dream), giving Taichi a serious face. "We're all from different timelines where we're the Shield Hero."
"Melromarc is a matriarchy, ruled by Queen Mirellia," said Motoyasu(Dream), before noticing that the landscape was beginning to fade. "What's going on?"
"Something is waking him up. Too soon I might add," said Ren(Dream), looking around the place. "Before it completely fades, we all have something to say to you."
"DON'T LISTEN TO THAT TRASH KING AND HIS BITCH OF A DAUGHTER!"
"Also when you wake up, have the shield absorb the coins in the drawers," said Naofumi, staring at Taichi. "We were able to procure quite a bit for you. Don't question it, just absorb the coins. Also, save Raphtalia in your timeline!"
*Dream Sequence End*
"That was a weird dream," thought Taichi, opening his eyes and looking out the window. "It's still night. Wonder what woke me up?"
Remembering what he was told, Taichi goes to the dresser in the room. Opening up one of the drawers, Taichi notices a bunch of coins in it. Ranging from copper to silver to gold. Not knowing why they wanted him to absorb them, Taichi took a coin, one of each, and let the shield absorb them.
Currency Shield I
(Unlocked)
Amount of coins
Copper: 1/800
Silver: 1/800
Gold: 1/800
"So the shield can store items. Pretty handy. Though why all of it?" thought Taichi, opening up the rest of the drawers, seeing that they were filled up as well. "They must have a reason for doing this. Oh well, time to feed this shield!"
Currency Shield II
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield III
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield IV
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield V
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield VI
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield VII
(Unlocked)
Currency Shield ∞
(Unlocked)
Amount of coins
Copper: 999,999/∞
Silver: 999,999/∞
Gold: 999,999/∞
"Whoa, that's a lot of coins!" thought Taichi, eyeing his new shield. "For what reasons would they go to this extant?"
Deciding not to think on the matter at hand, Taichi goes back to sleep for the night. Unbeknownst to Taichi, he was being watched by prying eyes outside the bedroom windows. Come morning, Taichi was able to have breakfast along with the other three, before being summoned to the throne room.
"We have gathered brave warriors who will fight the Waves with you legendary heroes," spoke King Aultcray, gesturing to the people he had in front of him.
"These people will join our parties," thought Taichi, looking at each of the people before a red headed woman smiled at him. "Okay, don't know why she smiled at me."
"Now, our future champions!" said King Aultcray, talking to the adventurers. "Time to begin your journey!"
"Wait, they're the ones choosing?!" thought Taichi, seeing the adventurers go to all but him. "That's messed up!"
"I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this," said King Aultcray, looking at the teams before him.
"No volunteers?" said the King's advisor, silently grinning. "He must have no charisma."
"So there have been rumors," said King Aultcray, getting word from a younger advisor by ear.
"Did something happen?" asked Motoyasu, staring at King Aultcray.
"Well, rumors that the Shield Hero is ignorant of this world have spread around town," said King Aultcray, telling what was told to him.
"Well, I just got here yesterday with the others," said Taichi, looking at King Aultcray. "Of course I wouldn't know a thing about your world."
"Legend says the heroes come with a firm understanding of our lands," said King Aultcray, telling them of a fact. "And they seem to think he doesn't meet those criteria."
"Maybe someone was eavesdropping on our chat last night," whispered Motoyasu, leaning over to Taichi.
"Seriously, just for that," thought Taichi, wondering what was going on. "Do they have something against me?"
"I'm actually surprised that my party is all girls," said Motoyasu, scratching the back of his head.
"It would be best to split them three each," said Itsuki, looking at the situation. "But if we force it, it could destroy morale."
"So I'm going it alone at the beginning," said Taichi, thinking over the situation. "I could always gather party members on my own eventually."
"Sir Hero!" said the red headed woman from earlier, raising her hand from Motoyasu's party. "Would you allow me to join the Shield Hero?"
"Are you sure?" asked Motoyasu, staring at the woman.
"Yes!" said the red headed woman, a little too cheerfully.
"That's okay, ma'am," said Taichi, gaining her attention. "But I'd rather go it alone for a little bit."
"What? Why so?" asked the red headed woman, mentally scowling. "Don't you need the aide?"
"As much as I would love to," said Taichi, seeing the woman stare at him. "I just want to get a lay of the land before really heading out."
"You sure about this?" asked Ren, staring at Taichi. "All you have is a shield."
"Yeah, I'm positive," said Taichi, before thinking. "There's something about this woman I don't trust."
"I suppose we'll have to take other measures," said King Aultcray, looking at the situation at hand. "Young lady, could you at least show Sir Taichi around before convening back to your party?"
"Of course, Your Highness," said the red headed woman, bowing to King Aultcray.
"Again, you don't have to do this," said Taichi, looking at the red headed woman. "I can figure things out on my own."
"But Sir Shield," said the red headed woman, only to be cut off by Taichi.
"I'll be fine," said Taichi, gaining King Aultcray's attention. "There's no need for a guide. The sooner I learn the lay of the land, the easier it will be for me."
"Fine, Sir Taichi," said King Aultcray, looking at Taichi. "You will have to recruit for your party yourself."
"Thanks for understanding, Your Highness," said Taichi, slightly bowing to King Aultcray.
"Every month, we shall provide each hero with the funds they require," said King Aultcray, speaking to the heroes. "This time, Sir Taichi's payment will be higher than the others. Here are your initial war chests. Please accept them."
"Sir Taichi gets 800 silver coins," said the King's advisor, seeing the coins being handed to the heroes by young women and men. "The others get 600."
"Use this to procure all necessary equipment and set forth on your journey," said King Aultcray.
And with that Taichi and the other heroes and their parties set forth. Before leaving the castle, Taichi was able to tell the others about how to keep their money save. Setting forth in the Castle Town, Taichi asks around on shops that would help him on his journey. One young lady pointed to a nearby weaponry that she wholeheartedly recommended to Taichi. Walking into the weaponry and armory, Taichi looks around before seeing the shopkeeper.
"Welcome. Names Erhard," said the shopkeeper, looking at Taichi. "Is this your first time in a weapon's shop? You sure know how to pick'em."
"I actually just asked around for a good shop," said Taichi, looking around the place. "One lady recommended this place."
"By the way, what's with the funny outfit?" asked Erhard, looking at Taichi's attire. "Never seen anything like it."
"These are the clothes from my home world to be exact," said Taichi, placing his hands in his pockets. "Pretty comfortable to wear."
"You mean you're one of the heroes?" said Erhard, looking at Taichi then the shield on his arm. "Ah, I see you've got a shield. You must be the dud."
"Dud?! A shield can just be as useful as any other weapon out there," said Taichi, pointing out a fact. "As long as it's used right, it's a pretty decent defensive armor."
"My bad," said Erhard, looking at Taichi. "What's your name kid?"
"Taichi Yagami," said Taichi, introducing himself. "Pleased to meet you!"
"Taichi, eh? Well, if you'll be a regular, I don't give two hoots if you wield a shield or what," said Erhard, looking at Taichi. "Nice to meet ya, kid!"
"Anyway, I'm looking for equipment to start off with," said Taichi, looking at the equipment. "I want to stay around 250 to 350 silvers at best for now."
"Left to right, that's iron, magic iron, magic steel, and silver iron in ascending order of cost," said Erhard, indicating to a couple of swords. "I guarantee they're all quality swords, though."
"Wow. One of these will be really handy at the beginning," said Taichi, before being zapped by the sword and dropping it before a status screen came up. "So that's what's going on."
CAUTION!
LEGENDARY WEAPON RULE VIOLATION:
Holding non-assigned weapon
A Hero may not hold, with intent to fight, any weapon other than their assigned legendary weapon
"Well, looks like I can't use any weapons other than this shield," said Taichi, looking at his shield before transforming it into the Blade Shield. "Looks like I'll just stick with this then."
"How does that work? Looks just like the small shield with just a long blade jutting out from the bottom end at first glance," said Erhard, using a magic magnifying glass to study the legendary weapon. "Doesn't this thing come off?"
"I can move it around, but I can't seem to remove it from my body," said Taichi, demonstrating it.
"That's so weird," said Erhard, staring at the shield. "I sense a great amount of power in this thing, but even my appraisal magic isn't telling me much. Well, thanks for showing me something interesting. Want to buy some armor instead?"
"Show me what you got big guy," said Taichi, looking at the armor he was shown.
"I like you kid," said Erhard, laughing wholeheartedly. "Here's to a good partnership."
Erhard showed quite a few armors to Taichi. Ranging from chain mail to a full suit of armor. Not wanting to be weighed down too heavily, Taichi chose to stick with lighter armor, for better range of movement. Grabbing a chain mail, Taichi goes to the changing room to try it on. Once it was on, Taichi moved his arms around to make sure it felt right. And it did.
Chain Mail
Attack: 0
Magic: 0
Physical Defense: +21
Magic Defense: +15
Dexterity: 0
Slash Resistance (Small)
Magic
Fire: 0
Water: 0
Ice: 0
Wind: 0
Earth: 0
Lightning: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Durability
Weight: 11
Quality: *
Unlock Requirements
Humanoid Lv. 1
"Oh, hey," said Erhard, making sure the chain mail fit Taichi. "You're starting to look the part now."
"Thanks," said Taichi, grinning. "How much is it?"
"I'll give you a discount. 120 silvers," said Erhard, leaning against the doorframe.
"Not a bad price. And the buyback price?" asked Taichi, coming out of the changing room.
"Well, if it's mostly new, I'd pay 100 silvers," said Erhard, going back behind the counter.
"I'll take it," said Taichi, walking towards the counter.
"Thanks! I'll throw in some innerwear to show my gratitude!" said Erhard, giving a thumb up.
"Later Erhard," said Taichi, after paying before heading towards the door. "Time to level up."
"Good luck kid," said Erhard, waving towards Taichi.
Going to the field outside of the Castle Town, Taichi comes to a plain of grass. With the Blade Shield in hand, Taichi slashes at the monsters that came his way. Of course, they were only Orange Balloons, Yellow Balloons, and on the rare occasions, Red Balloons. The Blade Shield made it easy downing those monsters. Hearing popping sounds nearby, Taichi notices Ren taking out Orange Balloons with as much ease as him. By the time the sun was setting, Taichi was absorbing the fragments of the balloon monsters and couple of Usapils and Mushs that chased him into up a tree, into his shield, unlocking new ones. Taichi had leveled up pretty good in his eyes.
Orange Small Shield
(Unlocked)
Defense +2
Yellow Small Shield
(Unlocked)
Defense +2
Red Small Shield
(Unlocked)
Defense +4
UsaLeather Shield
(Unlocked)
Agility +3
UsaMeat Shield
(Unlocked)
Dissection Skill +1
Mush Shield
(Unlocked)
Plant Appraisal +1
Blue Mush Shield
(Unlocked)
Simple Compounding Recipes +1
Green Mush Shield
(Unlocked)
Apprentice Compounding
White Usapil Shield
(Unlocked)
Defense +2
Usapil Bone Shield
(Unlocked)
Stamina Up (Small)
Yagami Taichi, age 22
The Shield Hero
Level 7
Experience: 90/150
Max HP: 282
Max MP: 102
Max SP: 100
Status
Attack: 15
Magic: 46
Physical Defense: 151
Magic Defense: 105
Dexterity: 74
Magic
Fire: 0
Water: 0
Ice: 0
Wind: 0
Earth: 0
Lightning: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Equipment
Small Shield
Chain Mail
Heading back into the castle Town, Taichi heads towards an inn that Erhard recommended when coming back into town. The inn also happened to be a pub as well. Ordering food, Taichi takes out a map that he was able to procure earlier in the day. Eating while looking at the map, Taichi notices Ren and Itsuki walking towards him with some food in hand.
"Hey Taichi," said Itsuki, sitting at the table. "How's the level grind going?"
"Pretty good so far. The Blade Shield really comes in handy," said Taichi, showing the Blade Shield to them. "It's not just a defensive shield anymore; it has become offensive as well."
"This just shows how each legendary weapon is unique," said Ren, staring at the Blade Shield. "I would like to see how that handles against my sword one day."
"So, what are you looking at?" asked Itsuki, staring at Taichi's map. "I heard that Lafan Village is a good training area from my party."
"There's a dungeon in that area for rookie adventurers," said Ren, looking at the map. "I'm going to bypass it this time."
"Sounds like a good area," said Taichi, taking a bite of his food again. "I'll go there next after I gain another level or two."
"I'm gonna turn in early tonight," said Itsuki, stretching his arms. "I want to be ready in the morning."
"Same here," said Taichi, finishing up his meal. "After I clean up first. Had to butcher a monster called an Usapil to get two new shields, I want to get the smell off me."
And with that, the three parted to their rooms in the inn for the night, with Taichi taking a shower beforehand. Unaware about what was about to transpire. The next morning, bright and early, Taichi notices his chain mail was missing, from where it hung on the chair during the night. Looking around for it, Taichi gathers his clothes that he hid underneath his pillow and his shoes between the box spring and mattress before heading downstairs to ask the innkeeper if he saw someone with his stolen chain mail. Unfortunately, knights from the castle barged in before he could ask the innkeeper.
"The Shield Hero, yes?" asked one of the knights, staring at Taichi.
"Yeah," replied Taichi, staring at the castle knight. "Why?"
"The king has issued a summons for you," said the castle knight, staring at Taichi. "Come with us."
Going with the castle knights, Taichi is escorted to the castle. Upon arrival in the throne room, the knights end up pushing Taichi into the room. Not knowing what was going on, Taichi spots the other heroes and King Aultcray looking at him with disgust. The castle knights surround Taichi, their spears pointing at him.
"What's going on?" asked Taichi, staring at the castle knights. "Why such hostility this early in the morning?"
"Quiet, scumbag!" shouted King Aultcray, before talking to the red headed woman in Motoyasu's party. "Myne, you poor adventurer, could you please testify once more for us?"
"Th-The Shield Hero barged into my room drunk and pinned me down," said Myne, clinging to Motoyasu. "He said "The night is still young" and tore my clothes off! I somehow escaped and ran to Sir Motoyasu, who happened to be nearby, for help!"
"What the hell?" thought Taichi, looking at Myne. "That's a bunch of bull."
"If she hadn't asked me to wait till dawn and call the knights," said Motoyasu, staring angrily at Taichi. "I would've cut you down myself!"
"What are you talking about?! I don't even know her," said Taichi, staring at Motoyasu. "Besides I went straight to bed after a dinner and shower last night. Nor did I drink! Itsuki, Ren! You were at my table last night; you saw I had no alcohol there!"
"True," said Itsuki, before speaking up. "After we split after that you could have procured the alcohol by then."
"I had no alcohol at all," said Taichi, before seeing his chain mail on Motoyasu. "Wait a second. That's my chain mail!"
"What do you mean, your chain mail?" said Motoyasu, pulling Myne closer to him. "Myne gave this to me as a present when she joined back up with me yesterday at the pub."
"To think the Shield Hero would commit the gravest sin in this country," said King Aultcray, looking at Taichi.
"In Melromarc, even attempting to sexually assault a woman is punishable by death!" said the King's advisor, stating a fact.
"If you weren't a hero, you would be executed immediately!" said King Aultcray, pointing at Taichi.
"Executed?" said Taichi, in shock. "I'm telling you, you've got the wrong idea! I did no such thing! If you're so convinced I did, then show me the proof. If not, this is a total waste of our time in trying to save your world."
"When we searched the Shield hero's room," said a knight, which stepped forth and showed a purple negligee in hand. "Um, we found this on his bed."
"You animal!" shouted Motoyasu, staring at Taichi while Myne shrieked.
"There you have it! Undeniable proof," said King Aultcray, pointing at the fact.
"What the heck?!" shouted Taichi, looking at the negligee. "That wasn't there when I woke up!"
"It's too bad," said Itsuki, looking at the state of the matter. "I was worried something bad might happen, but I was hoping you'd know better."
"He thinks a hero can do whatever the hell he wants and get away with it," said Ren, staring at Taichi.
"That's not even the least bit true," said Taichi, getting a little heated from these false accusations.
"You're not the be all and end all in this world!" said Motoyasu, pointing his spear at Taichi. "Know your place!"
"What is all this? What the hell is going on? I see. This was all a setup to destroy me at the beginning. This was her idea all along. Who knows what would have happened if I didn't deny her at the beginning?" thought Taichi, before seeing Myne sticking her tongue out at him while pulling her lower eye lid down, before speaking. "This was your setup all along. Wasn't it? I did nothing and you know it!"
"Sir Motoyasu, I'm so scared!" cried Myne, clinging to Motoyasu.
"Shut your mouth, you criminal!" shouted Motoyasu, holding Myne close to him.
"Screw you, too! You had this planned all along," shouted Taichi, the knights holding their spears closer to him.
"Refusing to admit his guilt and making nonsensical accusations?" said Ren, just staring at Taichi.
"I know, right?" agreed Itsuki, staring as well. "I don't think he deserves any mercy, either."
"It really was a mistake to summon all four together," said King Aultcray, staring at Taichi.
"Exactly. They never should've summoned the Shield Hero," said the King's advisor, staring at Taichi as well. "But who would've thought he'd be such scum?"
"This is what Naofumi and the others were talking about. It's all because of that woman. Disgusting! This country's people don't believe in me one bit, too. Why should I fight for the ones that are putting this all on me?" thought Taichi, thinking back to that dream, before thinking of the people that helped him in the Castle Town like Erhard, before speaking. "Can you even send me back to my world to begin with?"
"Well, I'd love to kick you out but legends says new heroes can only be summoned once all Four Cardinal Heroes die," said King Aultcray, sighing at his throne.
"What?" said Ren, shocked as well as the others.
""No way…" said Motoyasu, paling at the information.
"So I can't even go home?" said Taichi, looking at the ground.
"Well, you can certainly go home after you fight off all the incoming Waves," said King Aultcray, his hand over his forehead.
"Are you saying we'll have to fight alongside a guy like him?" asked Motoyasu, staring at King Aultcray.
"Screw that. I'll handle the Waves my own way, then!" shouted Taichi, moving away from the spears pointing at him. "And I'll do it for the people that actually believe in me!"
"Don't move," shouted one of the knights, holding Taichi down with his spear.
"Get off me already!" shouted Taichi, the shield on his arm glowing and driving away the knights. "What'll it be? Will you throw me in jail till the Waves arrive?"
"I won't imprison you. There's hardly any time until the next Wave, said King Aultcray, staring at Taichi. "Scum or not, you're still a hero, one of the only beings who can fight the Waves. But news of your crime is already spreading among the people. That is your punishment. Don't think you'll ever get to lead a decent life in this country."
"I've already figured that out!" said Taichi, walking towards the entrance of the throne room.
"Wait a second, Taichi!" shouted Itsuki, stopping Taichi at the entrance by placing his hand on his shoulder only for something to cross his mind. "Wait a second here. I smell no alcohol, not even a little. I would know my uncle drinks pretty heavy."
"Sorry Itsuki but I have no time to waste," said Taichi, in a low voice with Ren coming closer. "Just don't forget what I said the prior night, don't treat this like a game. This is real, if you die, you'll die for real!"
"Understood," said both of them, staring at Taichi as he walked out.
Leaving the castle, Taichi doesn't notice he was being watched by not just one person, but others that stayed in the darkness. All the respect and trust gone in a two days by false accusations placed on Taichi. The sky has gotten cloudy indicating a dark day. Taichi walks around the Castle Town, looking down at the ground, pondering how differently it could have been if he had used the skills he learned at university to use. But would it even work during with this world's era.
"Hey, kid with the shield. Come with me for a second" said Erhard, getting Taichi's attention and showing him down an alley.
"What do you want, Erhard?" said Taichi, before some clothes were placed before him.
"Just by seeing you yesterday, I knew for a fact that you were a good person," said Erhard, putting the clothes in his hands. "You'll never make it dressed like that. Consider this a parting gift."
"Thanks Erhard," said Taichi, looking at the set of clothes in his hands. "I'll pay you back somehow."
"Saving my world will be plenty enough," said Erhard, scratching his head. "And also staying my customer as well. Got to make a living somehow."
"Gotch'ya big guy," said Taichi, giving a little chuckle. "I'll make sure to come incognito so it doesn't hurt your business."
"Could care less what they think," said Erhard, pulling the cloak around Taichi. "Just come as is."
And with that, Taichi wearing the clothes that Erhard gave him, he sets out. Walking thru the fields outside the Castle Town, Taichi just lets the Orange Balloon attack and bite him. Tired after a bit, Taichi grabs the nearest Orange Balloon, throws it in the air then stabs it with Blade Shield before slashing the others in tandem. After a while it starts to rain. Seeking shelter in the nearby forest, Taichi finds a hollowed out tree. While keeping dry out of the rain, Taichi looks at his status screen.
Yagami Taichi, age 22
The Shield Hero
Level 9
Experience: 150/250
Max HP: 410
Max MP: 215
Max SP: 250
Status
Attack: 15
Magic: 58
Physical Defense: 160
Magic Defense: 116
Dexterity: 82
Magic
Fire: 0
Water: 0
Ice: 0
Wind: 0
Earth: 0
Lightning: 0
Light: 0
Dark: 0
Equipment
Small Shield
Adventurer's Cloak (+20 Physical Defense, +10 Magic Defense)
"I fought all night and gained two levels," thought Taichi, before noticing Orange Balloons nearby. "I'll just add you to my collection."
By the next day, the rain had let up and Taichi went back into Castle Town to sell some monster drops. Coming upon a store that would purchase his items, Taichi walks up to the stand, startling the customer that left. With a bundle of Orange Balloon fragments in hand, Taichi puts them on the counter, the owner recognizes him. A small pair of eyes watches Taichi from a few feet away.
"Buy these," said Taichi, placing the items in front of the shop owner.
"Oh? Orange Balloons, huh?" said the shop owner, looking at the fragments. "Twenty in all. How does 1 copper sound?"
"Didn't you offer that guy 1 copper for two?" asked Taichi, staring slightly angrily at the shop owner.
"Did I, now?" said the shop owner, staring away from Taichi. "You must understand, I have a business to run."
"Really now," said Taichi, before a large bat landed on his head. "Ah. Get off! Get off!"
"Hahaha! Serves you right," said the shop owner before the large bat came his way, staring at him before going into a trance. "Right 1 copper for two. That will be 10 coppers total."
"What the?" said Taichi, staring at the bat before it landed on his shoulder. "Thanks little guy. Want to join my party?"
"Have a nice day," said the shop owner, still in a trance.
After the large bat flew off, Taichi left the shop and went around town again. After Taichi left, the shop owner was back to normal but with a strange clear view of what transpired and decided to be nicer to Taichi the next time he came around. Taichi passed by some apothecary before silently heading to Erhard's shop, leaving some coins on the counter before leaving when Erhard was in the back. When night came around, Taichi was laying out under a tree in the fields, wondering about that large bat that helped. For some odd reason, it felt like to Taichi that he knew that bat from somewhere but couldn't pinpoint it. Settling for the night, Taichi climbs the tree and sleeps on a branch for the night, away from monsters that would attack during the night, like the night prior.
The next day, during the morning hours, Taichi looks around the forest. Noticing a nearby herb, Taichi recognizes it as the ones he saw at the apothecary he passed by yesterday. Absorbing one of the leafs of the herb, Taichi unlocks a new shield. Changing his shield into the new one, Taichi picks at the herb before it gains a glow, activating its skill. Taichi was surprised when the Aero skill improved the herb he touched and gathered as much as he could carry, thinking about going to the apothecary when he returned. Before heading back into the Castle Town, Taichi absorbs more stuff from the forest and monsters after slaying them into his shield.
Leaf Shield
(Unlocked)
Gathering skill +1
Foraging Skill 1
(Activated)
Skill Acquired: Aero
Fish Shield
(Unlocked)
Fishing Skill +1
Egg Shield
(Unlocked)
Cooking +1
Blue Egg Shield
(Unlocked)
Appraisal +1
Sky Egg Shield
(Unlocked)
Simple Cooking Recipes
PikyuPikyu Shield
(Unlocked)
Simple Weapon Restoration +1
Wood Shield
(Unlocked)
Woodcutting Skill +1
Rock Shield
(Unlocked)
Defense +10
Butterfly Shield
(Unlocked)
Paralysis Resistance (Small)
"Wow, this is good stuff," said the apothecary shop owner, looking at the weeds. "Where did you get these?"
"Right outside the castle, in the forest," said Taichi, staring at the shop owner. "Didn't you know?"
"Hmm… I never knew you could find such fine stuff there," said the shop owner, twirling the weed in hand. "I was sure the quality was more average."
After doing business at the Apothecary, Taichi headed to the nearest pub. After ordering his meal and eating most of it, Taichi is approached by three strangers. They say that they would join his party, but Taichi knew. Knew that they were lying thru their teeth. Not liking how this was going Taichi turns around to face them. Not wanting to hear them, Taichi walks out of the pub after paying. But the three weren't letting Taichi off that easily. Following Taichi on the dark empty street, Taichi turns around to face them.
"What do you want?" asked Taichi, staring at the three with a bored expression. "I'm busy at the moment."
"Forget it," said the tall one of the three again, staring at Taichi with a grin. "Just hand over your money."
"If you'd had said that from the beginning, we could've saved some time," said Taichi, only for the large bat from earlier to appear before him. "You again?"
The large bat circled around the three strangers, trying to scare them away. Biting at them, tackling them, even slapping them with its wings. The large bat was able to scare off two of them. But the leader had enough, took out a knife, and tried to kill the bat by slashing. Taichi was having none of that and summoned his Blade Shield forward. When the stranger's knife hit the shield portion of the blade, the shield lit up, sending the stranger backwards. After the stranger scurried away after the display, Taichi looked at the large bat.
"Thanks for the save again," said Taichi, staring at the bat. "Have we met someplace before?"
"You seem to be having trouble," said a portly man, coming out from behind a wall. "You don't have help, but I have just what you need."
"If you're offering party members, thanks but no thanks," said Taichi, walking away from the portly man.
"Party members?" said the portly man, just staring at Taichi. "Please. What I offering you is a service far more convenient."
"What would that be?" asked Taichi, slightly staring at the portly man.
"Interested, are we?" said the portly man, standing too close for Taichi's comfort.
"Get away from me," said Taichi, with the large bat still there, flapping its wings.
"That look in your eyes is the kind I just love," said the portly man, staring at the large bat flying next to Taichi. "You're every bit the man the rumors said you were."
"You know who I am?" asked Taichi, staring at the portly man.
"Of course I do, Shield Hero," said the portly man, gaining Taichi's attention. "If my offer interests you, please follow me."
And so Taichi followed the portly man straight to his abode. A big circus tent hidden from prying eyes. Taichi wasn't sure what to expect but he was ready to summon his Blade Shield if need be. Walking inside the tent, Taichi notices cage of varying sizes. From small to big, with people inside them. But not normal people at first glance. Some in good condition, others in bad conditions. What Taichi didn't know was there was someone waiting, eager to see him in the far depths of the tent.
"Here we are," said the portly man, pushing the tent flap aside.
"So, what exactly are you offering me?" asked Taichi, the large bat staying close to him.
"Can't you tell at a glance?" asked the portly man, walking pass the cages. "Slaves!"
"Slaves!" said Taichi, wondering what he just got himself into.
"Yes. I run a slave trading business," said the portly man, twirling around, showing off the cages before.
"What makes you think I want a slave?" asked Taichi, staring at the portly man angrily.
"The fact that they cannot lie or betray their master," said the portly man, shocking Taichi. "Slaves are placed under the effect of a curse. A strong seal-based curse that can take their very lives. What do you say?"
"Show me what you got," said Taichi, thinking of saving these people instead.
"I knew it. You have everything it takes to be a most wonderful patron," said the portly man, before showing the slaves to Taichi as they walked.
"I see ones that aren't human, too," said Taichi, seeing them no differently than him.
"You can call them human, technically," said the portly man, still walking while talking.
"Tell me more. I don't know much about this world," said Taichi, stroking the large bat that decided to rest on his shoulder.
"Creatures that look human but aren't are called Demi-Humans. They're mostly used in manual labor or as servants," said the portly man, still walking while showing Taichi his merchandise. "Beastmen are Demi-humans whose appearance leans more toward the animal side. They're used as bodyguards or as participants in death matches that are gambled on."
"I see," said Taichi, wondering how he could help them in secret. "But they both fall under the same category."
"Indeed. And since Demi-Humans are thought to be closer to monsters, life would be hard for them in this country, which practices human supremacy," said the portly man, stopping before a cage. "As such, they're treated as slaves."
Something ends up gaining Taichi's attention. Walking further into the tent, Taichi bypasses many cages. Something was pulling him towards the depths of the tent but couldn't place it. Demi-Humans in their cages warning him not to go any further but on deaf ears. The large bat leaves his shoulder and takes flight, deeper into the tent. Following the large bat the rest of the way, Taichi comes upon an extremely large cage. Within the cage, someone that Taichi thought he would never see again lays before him. A brown tattered cloth wrapped around the one in the cage. The large bat flies into the cage before landing on the person's shoulder.
"It's been a long time hasn't it," said the clothed person, his voice alarming Taichi, recognizing his voice instantly.
"N-No way? Ho-How," stuttered Taichi, seeing the person before him before getting angry. "You just don't know how to stay dead! Do you!"
"Nice to see you too, Chosen Child!"
Notes:
Taichi's attire that he gains from Erhard after the trial is based on Marth from Fire Emblem Fates 4Koma Book but without the armor for now, which he'll gain later.