Chapter 1: A not so normal Girl

For the most part of Naofumi's life it can be considered normal; go to school, hang out with friends, family gatherings, she's now in her twenty were she's attending university and taking part-time jobs, she's also an otaku and gamer, over half of her friends are guys, she might seek a relationship with one of them, especially the guys she's been friends with since elementary school. But there was a time were the normality turns a full one eighty degree, it all started when she and her little brother was invited to a vacation by their relatives to America and to the beaches of the Bahamas, they had a great time, swimming and sandcastles, buffet and luxurious hotel rooms; until one day she, her brother Naoki, her cousins and her uncle went sailing on a boat making a trip near the famous Bermuda Triangle, through bad luck or strange supernatural force the boat suddenly stops working and they're going deeper into the triangle, for hours her uncle is desperately trying to fix the boat while the children are in distress, she was hugging her brother tightly at the time as her cousins are crying or panicking, then another misfortune struck as they got caught in a storm an hour later, holding on against the raging winds and rocking waters until a massive wave hit them throwing her and her brother overboard, a lifejacket is what preventing them from sinking to the bottom of the sea.

Naofumi and her brother are tossed aboard and into the dangerous current hitting her head on the gunwale in the process knocking her out cold, the next she knew she's on the beaches with her brother on her side happily hugging her that she's alive. Besides some bruises and a few scratches the siblings are safe and fine, after looking around the beaches they went through the humid forest of the island hand in hand, as they delve deeper they come across a waterfall with women bathing, embarrassed and respectful Naoki covers his eyes and instinctively shouted "Sorry" resulted in being discovered, they weren't expecting a spear nearing piercing Naofumi's face, seeing that they're hostile the siblings ran, but they didn't get far when an arrow hit Naofumi on the back.

The attackers are revealed to be the famous Amazons of Themyscira, when the Warrior women came close to take a closer look at the intruders they were shocked to find out that they are just children, they struck an innocent child, regret and guilt filled their hearts as they watch the boy crying over his dying sister. Not wasting any time four women quickly brings the girl to a healer while two stayed to comfort the boy and then brings them to their city.

Naofumi's wound proved fatal the arrow pierced an artery, but despite the futility they are not going to let the child die especially Artemis who is the one who shot the arrow. The only option they had is the Sacred Spring, its divine waters have the power to heal a person from near death, and in fact this spring can grant incredible strength, agility and reflexes, even prolonging a lifespan, the Fountain of Youth as the people from the outside world called it. With permission from Queen Hippolyta they'd taken the girl to the spring carefully removing the arrow then gently placing her in the water, the spring worked its miracle; the wound is sealed, damages undone, and restore life to her dying body. Artemis and the other women breathe a sigh of relief as they watch the boy tearfully hugging his dear sister.

After a few hours on the island the Iwatani siblings were treated with delicious meal for dinner as a form of apology for earlier, the two can't hold grudges told that is not to be worried about and began asking a lot of question regarding everything about Themyscira, their host the Queen Hippolyta herself happily told many things though withholding anything too sensitive, she told the children of their adventures, stories of battling monsters and barbarians. After their meal Hippolyta informed them that they must stay on the island for at least a month and went on to explain the nature of the Sacred Spring and how it grants Naofumi supernatural strength, agility and reflexes, and she must be trained to properly use her powers so she will not be a risk to herself and others. She assures them that when Naofumi's training is done she will see to it that they are return to their family safe and healthy.

For an entire month Naofumi trained with the Amazons, early in the morning and late in noon, she learns to fight with swords and spears, use bow and arrows, defensive with a shield, hand-to-hand combat, endurance, dodging projectiles, and most importantly control her strength, she is able to lift boulders ten times her size with ease, punch through stone walls, and is very resistant to pain. Her brother would often watch from the sideline, bringing her and her trainer refreshments.

Their stay was pleasant save for the somewhat harsh training it's almost like a vacation; they enjoyed authentic Greek meals, learn history from women who lived thousands of years, watch a play in the amphitheater, playing at the beach, making friends, and many other activities. Watching over these two children are Artemis, Diana and Persephone, the latter of who is very eager to be their guardian almost acting like a mother to them, in fact, half of the women were very friendly with the two, not surprising as the children remind them of the days when they had children of their own who all perished during the war with Ares.

After a month they are finally ready to go home but not before the Queen insisting them that they must not tell every one of Naofumi's new abilities for her family's safety as well as her own, with her words in mind they agreed and went with Diana. The trip back home was a long one which result in the children falling asleep, when they get there Diana landed the invisible jet on the airport there they are greeted with armed security and a few police officers.

This incident became the top story news of that day, the story of two children who were tragically lost for a month is miraculously rescued by Wonder Woman, keeping the children's promise to Hippolyta Naofumi came up with a story that they're stuck in an uninhabited island and is rescued by Diana, no need to tell them that they landed in Themyscira, how the warrior women mistaken them to be hostile intruders at first, and how Naofumi nearly died but is saved by the Sacred Spring which also grants her inhuman powers.

The reunion is a happy and tearful one; their uncle bows his head several times profusely saying sorry he was for putting them in danger, the siblings hugged their uncle and told him that it's not his fault and shouldn't hate himself, later that they day they a huge party for the siblings a celebration for their safe return.

After that fateful event things went back to normal for Naofumi, she still trains in using her powers properly taking karate classes and self-defense arts, every year Diana would come visit to check up on her, and on one occasion Diana gifted Naofumi a pair of Magical Bracelets, the same type that Diana used.

So far, nothing out of ordinary happened to her, until she visits a public library and opens one peculiar book.

"The "Tale of the Four Heroes", odd, wonder why's there no name of the author?" Naofumi opens it and read a typical intro.

"Word tells of a final prophecy that speaks of another world. In order to save our own from calamity, heroes are called forth from the other world to aid us. The four heroes each possess the Legendary Weapon: The Sword, the Spear, the Bow, and the Shield."

But when Naofumi flips the page she is surprise that it's blank. "What, nothing there, this is an unfinished book?" Without warning she suddenly felt dizzy and weak, falling into unconsciousness.

The next thing she knew she's in a very unfamiliar place, it appears to be a simple room with strange runes on the floor they're standing in, a man in robes said out loud "We did it, the summoning is a success!"

Looking back she notices the three boys behind her, each holding weapons: sword, spear, and bow. Sword, Spear, and Bow, does that mean she have the shield? Looking down and sure enough the Shield is firmly attached to her left forearm. "No way, don't tell me I'm inside the book?" She mutters.

"Four Great Heroes of old, please save our world!"

Testing if this is a dream Naofumi pinches herself, the slight pain didn't do anything. "I'm in a different world am I?"

The man in robes continues on, saying that this world is at an end; a terrible event called the Waves opens a rift in the sky and emerges numerous monsters from them attacking anything alive, their soldiers, knights, and adventurers barely able to hold them off, many lost their lives and a huge damage is done.

However the boys don't seem to care.

"Forget it."

"I also refuse."

"You can send us back, right; if you can do that then we can talk."

"You brought us here without our consent; do you at least feel guilty?"

"There's also the chance that you'll throw us out after our job is done, the least you can do is compensate us."

"How willing are you to accommodate us? If we don't like it we might end up as your enemy."

Naofumi just stares at these guys with surprise and disgust. "Are they serious? If they want to join the Justice League and talk like that to any of the heroes especially Diana, they'll be kick out to the curb."

"I assure you Great Heroes, that all of you will be handsomely rewarded for your deeds, I'll take you to the castle and speak with the King of Melromarc, he'll gladly accommodate all of your needs." After he said this the four heroes went along to meet up with the king to discuss the matter further.

"We really are in a different world." The boy with the bow said when he looks outside the window.

"Yeah, it's like the time I visited Greece." Naofumi said thinking back to the time were her relatives would invite them to their vacation. "It even has that Mediterranean climate."

"You travelled a lot?"

"Just a few places, my aunt and uncle would often times invite me, my brother, and many of my cousins to their vacation trip."

While the boys were talking about the place and the time travelled outside of Japan Naofumi looks down on her attire, she was heading to the gym before until she got summoned, it consist of a baggy jacket, loose jogging pants, and running shoes, combine with her shoulder length hair and sharp features and the fact that her sports bra is compressing her e-cup breasts many would mistake her for a man, though she don't have the need correct them about her sex, plus it would be fun when they gawk at her and she say "Oh, you can't tell, I thought it would be obvious".

Once they reach the throne room they saw the king on his high throne, fancy clothing and jeweled crown, an introduction follows. "I am King Aultcray, thirty-second ruler of Melromarc." He went on to explain about the Waves of Calamity, how it devastated his precious kingdom, repeating the words of the robed man from earlier. "I promise that you will be compensated for your hard effort should you save my beloved kingdom; I've already prepared funds and monthly stipends for you all. Now, may we know your names, Great Heroes?"

"Guess I'll go first, Amaki Ren, age 16, I'm a high schooler."

"I am Kawasumi Itsuki, 17 years-old, I'm in high school as well."

"My name's Kitamura Motoyasu, I'm 21, a university student."

Before Naofumi could utter a word the king cuts her off. "Good, Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu, it is a pleasure to meet you."

Naofumi's eyebrow twitch that she was blatantly ignored, though she didn't show her annoyance she calmly said. "Pardon me, sir, but I think you forgotten me."

"Hm? Ah yes, the Hero of the Shield." He said looking down on her with judgmental, disdain, and hate look on his eyes.

Naofumi didn't like the way that this man is looking at her, something is definitely wrong here, best to go with the flow and reveal little of herself, she purposely made her voice a bit more deeper, sounding like a man. "Naofumi Iwatani, I'm 20, and also a university student."

"Now, will you please confirm your statuses?"

"Our what?"

"You mean you guys haven't noticed it yet? You can see a small icon at the bottom right vision." Ren said like he stating the obvious.

Sure enough they saw it, concentrating on this little thing and a huge screen pops into their vision, showing the details, such as age, equipment, skills, magic, and of course the power level, as expected of a shielder her defense points is high, what is also noticeable is her strength and agility is extraordinarily high and with such strength it also increases her attack points to a high state. Thank the gods for the Sacred Spring and Amazon training, speaking of which she can see that said effect is listed as a buff.

Sacred Spring Blessing

Increase base Strength by 250%

Increase base Agility by 250%

Increase base HP by 1000%

Increase base MP by 1000%

Grants Enhanced Regeneration

Amazonian Strength

Increase base Strength by 500%

Increase base Agility by 500%

Increase base Attack by 500%

She smirks at these stats; she's basically having a very powerful buff, an enormous advantage over the other heroes, what's even better is that Sacred Spring Blessing has a detail that said "Cannot be remove except for a God level entity", and Amazonian Strength stated that it is permanent and cannot be remove. When she looks to her fellow heroes, two are amaze at seeing their own statuses except for Ren who is looking at her with shock and astonishment; no doubt he is surprise to see her buffs if not the fact that her gender is female.

"I also want to add the fact that you must form your own parties for the Legendary Weapons repel each other and hinders your progress if you party together, but do not worry a dozen of warriors and adventurers had signed up and already chosen their preferred Heroes, you shall meet them tomorrow, for now you can enjoy the banquet and comfortable rooms that was prepared for your arrival."

"Well, looks like we have an easy start, I'm in." Motoyasu enthusiastically said excited to meet his future teammates, hoping that they're all beautiful women.

"I don't see any downsides, sure, count me in." Itsuki is now dreaming of glory and fame, though Ren is silent still looking at Naofumi with many questions in his mind.

"Thank you for your generosity." Naofumi gave a low bow, first she'll be cordial with these people, but judging by the way the king looks at her and the tone of his voice they might do some underhanded conspiracy but she have to wait and see if something bad happen.

With that they follow a woman who guide them to a small room that is built for small parties, after a succulent dinner they are guide by the same woman to the guest room.

"Oh yeah, it's good to be the Hero, you get a lot of perks, and that lady who guide is cute, don't you think." Motoyasu is so into that guide, revealing himself a skirt chaser.

"And the food is great too." Itsuki is not used to new things but he did enjoyed dinner nonetheless.

Naofumi saw that Ren is still eyeing her, it's getting unnerving. "This feel like one of those video games don't you guys think?"

"Well of course it's a video game," Motoyasu state as the matter of fact. "It's exactly like Emerald Online."

"What do you mean? This world is like Dimension Web."

Ren who break his trance on Naofumi spoke up. "Wait, you're both wrong, this is too similar to Brave Star Online."

Different games and yet she never play them, heck she never even heard of them, it's impossible that those games are obscure as they talk how popular it was. Then an idea comes to mind. "Guys, I think that all of you are not wrong, because I think that each of us came from different parallel universe, different timeline, different leaders, different battles, etc."

"Parallel universe?" they said in unison.

"Yes, and I'll prove it with questions, who is person featured on the 1000 yen bill?" They all gave different names which surprises them. She continues on with her questions: Which country won World War 2, who's the current Japanese Prime Minister, who's the famous celebrity, and so on, one question that the Shield Maiden didn't ask however is "Do your worlds have metahumans?", she decides that she'll bring it up later on when it's needed.

"I can't believe it, different versions of Japan." Itsuki slumps on the couch.

"Yeah, it's so odd." Ren took in all the information he learned, and then looks at Naofumi again, he is wondering why is she pretending to be a guy, but most importantly where the hell did she get those two HUGE buffs.

Motoyasu then got up and close to Naofumi with a smug look. "Naofumi was it, how are you going manage, considering that your only weapon is a shield."

Naofumi can feel the condescending tone in his voice, feeling irritated she politely said. "Do you mind telling me where are you going with this?"

"What I'm trying to say is that the Shield class is basically at the bottom of the barrel, a class that no competitive gamers take seriously, only beginners with no clue about game mechanic pick this class."

"I have to agree with Motoyasu, it's pretty weak."

"Yeah, admins of the Brave Star Online is planning to discontinue the Shield Class."

They all look at her with judgmental look, already decide that she's the weakest because of a shield, her reaction surprises them, just laugh out loud still maintaining the deep male voice.

"What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing is just that the developers of your games lack imagination towards the shield, too much emphasis on offense than defense. I played a game two years ago that is your typical fantasy RPG, though the class type is different like Warrior, Mage, Rogue and so on, the game allows you to be creative with your weapons and equipment, and I mean really creative."

"Uh, how so?" The three were now interest in she's saying.

"First off, the game I played has few limitations with how you customize the weapons, a lot of combination of effects and buffs leads to some crazy antics, one instances were I used a shield that has the effect of draining the enemy's health every time they hit it, there are a lot of items in the game that allows you to increase the effect, as I said that there's few limitations I was able to boost the effect it reaches the point were it drains the enemy's health by almost 90%, me a level 27 mage had manage to defeat a boss of level 80 by letting them hit my shield twice."

"No way, weapons have a limit of 25% for health draining abilities." Motoyasu used weapons with vampiric abilities but he never expects a shield to gain one.

"Yeah, but it's okay with the shield, mostly because it's not an offensive weapon, and the developers definitely didn't foresee any players would do this. In fact I got banned from a handful of online servers just because I used a very cheesy shield, I used shields that sets the player on fire, another that completely paralyze them for hours, shields with so much buffs that I'm virtually invincible, Oh I was such pest and an absolute nightmare to deal with, terrorizing players and encouraging others to do the same, until I got bored and switch to FPS like Team Fortress 2 and Counter Strike."

The other Heroes couldn't believe what they heard; from what she describes Naofumi is basically a troll who likes to pub stomp and wreck the fun for other players. Itsuki spoke up. "Are you sure that the same thing could happen here?"

"Don't know, but it's very likely, I take a look at the skill tree, there's the Vampiric Shield that I can unlock fairly early on at level 15, there's the Infernal Shield at level 22, and there's the Medusa's Shield at level 30. The best part is that I can activate these three at the same time, and let's not forget another thing I can still use magic."

"Okay, now you're scaring me." Ren got the slight shivers at the thought, how can they fight a shielder without suffering such hefty negative effects.

"Well, it's a good thing we're all comrades here, right Ren?" Naofumi look straight into the boy's eyes, telling him that she knew that he knew about her secret buffs and her real gender.

"Y-Yeah, right" Ren is very curious about Naofumi and would like to talk to her about her – special buffs.

"Well, all I'm saying is you guy shouldn't underestimate me," She let stretches her arms and let out a yawn. "Talking about my antics and my full belly just make me tired, I'll turn in for the night, goodnight you guys." After she went to her bedroom she can hear the boys talking more about their future, grinding and fighting. She still has her bag which contains many of her belongings, extra clothing, some chips, a bottle of water, a towel, and her most treasured pair, the Magical Bracelets. She never thought that she would have to use these later on.

After a long night sleep the four Heroes are back at the throne room, standing at the front of the throne are adventurers and warriors with varying weapons and clothing. "These are one our greatest across the land, these brave souls shall join and assist you all in your quests and the fight against the Waves of Calamity."

"None of them are going to join me." She whispers which the other three heard.

"Really, how can you tell?" Ren asks.

"Just watch."

"Now then, choose the Hero you wish to aid." Men and women steps forward to their chosen champions, five for Ren, three for Itsuki, four for Motoyasu, but Naofumi have no one. "What's this, not a single volunteer for the Shield hero? I wasn't expecting this to take place."

Naofumi have a slight smirk, yesterday this man shows that he might have a vendetta against the Shield, her lack of companions is proof of that. "Wow, I'm so unfortunate, oh well, nothing can be done about it." The room became silent when Naofumi just said that as they watch him took a few steps forward. "Your highness, since I'm all alone can you double my current aid fund? I can assure you that I'll put the extra money to good use, hiring my own companion."

Aultcray was expecting the Shield Hero to be distraught that no one is willing to be his followers, even asking the other Heroes to give up one of their own companions; the Shield just nonchalantly accepts this. "It is normal for the Heroes to hire mercenaries if there is no volunteer, very well, we shall double your funds, I expect you to spend it wisely."

Naofumi merely nods and said "Thank you very much, your highness." After she takes the sack of silvers she heard a voice from behind.

"I volunteer."

Naofumi turns back with surprise. "Wait what?"

"No matter what the circumstances are, a person travelling on his own is disheartening to see." She steps forward to Naofumi and greets her. "I am Myne Sophia, a pleasure to meet you, Sir Hero."

Naofumi carefully observes her, her face, her smile; it is so faked she can smell a two-face liar from a mile away, this girl putting on an act, but why? It is best that she plays along for now, putting up a shy and flustered face she replies. "Oh, it is a pleasure to meet you too, Miss Myne."

"Hey, are you sure you want to switch?" Motoyasu asks because the most beautiful girl seen so far in this world is leaving his party.

"I am."

"Is that so, are there are no others?" Starts Aultcray, he turns to the rest of the people, no reply. "Very well, Heroes, you may begin your journeys!"

Later that day Naofumi and her only companion walk through the street, with a bag of 800 silver coins she thinks of what to spend. "So, Myne, where should we do next, buy some gear, eat at restaurant, or fight some monsters?"

"Oh we should definitely buy some armor first, and I know the best place to get it."

She follows Myne through the streets and not long they stop at shop that's sells weapons and armor, inside she met the man who owns the place, Erhard the blacksmith, Naofumi made a quick view at his profile and sees that the man is level 87 with most of his skills revolve around weapon and armor making. "Hello there, judging from your looks you're new here. My name's Erhard, how can I help you?"

"I'm Naofumi, and I'm the new Shield Hero, we like to buy some gears, a sword for me and armor for you, Myne?"

Her companion nods. "Yes, I'm very proficient with magic so I don't need such weapons."

Upon hearing her status as the new Shield, Erhard has a pity and apologetic look. "Sorry, kiddo, but you can't use any weapons, I don't know if they tell you or not but the Legendary Shield restricts the user from any other weapons aside the Shield itself."

Naofumi is surprise to learn this, turning to Myne then to Erhard. "Seriously, how come no one ever told me about this?"

"Guess it might have slip their minds, if you want proof hold a sword and give it a swing."

Following his instructions she grabs a sword and raises it but before she could swing it down an electric shock burst on her hand causing her to wince in pain and drops the sword, then a warning shows that she's not allowed to use any other weapon than the shield. Looking at her hand then the sword, "Come on; please tell at the very least I can use magic?"

"Luckily for you the Shield doesn't restrict you from casting spells, especially the offensive ones."

"Thank goodness, that would make my life much easy, all I need is a good spell book and I'm good to go." Turning to Myne she asks her. "So I guess that means we'll just buy armor for you then."

"But what about you, surely you need some armor for yourself." She said with concern on her face.

Naofumi just wave her off. "It's okay, the Shield is all I need, I'll be fine, I can assure you."

After some time browsing through Erhard's stocks they bought Myne's armor, though Naofumi didn't like it, it's too flashy and it's on the expensive side, luckily Erhard is kind enough to give a discount for it.

"Do you know a place where we can fight monsters? I like to level up fast."

"There's a lot balloon monsters not far from here, we can start there."

So for the rest of the day the Shield Heroine and her companion fight the bouncing creatures, a one-sided battle since these balloon monsters don't pose any real threat to Naofumi with her enhanced abilities. But she was carefully, she doesn't trust Myne at all, so she did her best to conceal her strength pretending to be weak and applying just enough strength to make the balloon pop, they continue popping these monsters until Naofumi reach level 2. After a long day, they book two rooms at an inn, while eating their meals Myne explains of a dungeon where they can fight stronger monsters and also pick some valuable items.

During this time Myne talks about Melromarc being matrilineal society with women having the most power, Naofumi smiles inwardly laughing that her teammate still thinks that she's a man, though what really raises the red flags in her head is how insisting Myne is in having her to drink wine, she respectfully declines three times until she eats her last bite and tells to she turning in the night.

She enters her room and locks the door, walking around to see if there is any hole and listening if someone's behind walls, pulling the curtains so no one can peek through the window, she inspects the mirror closely and seeing that's a normal one. Now that she feels secured in her room she unzips and removes her jacket, and then lifts up her bra and let her boobs hang freely from her chest, breathing a sigh of relief.

"It's getting hard to breathe in this." She took a deep breath letting the cold air freshen her sweaty chest; she took one sniff and flinches at the smell. "And I haven't taken a bath since yesterday." Looking around she's annoyed by the fact that they is no bathroom in this place, guess she'll have to find a public bathhouse or a river or stream to bathe in.

She fully removes her bra and took another deep breath then grabs a chair and wedges it to the door, barricading it firmly, after testing if the door is barred she took off her shoes and socks and arranges them near the bed, with a faint blush on her cheeks she removes her jogging pants and panties. She lays her naked body on the bed clutching her bag tightly, on guard in case someone tries to break in and take her stuff, closing her eyes and falls into an uneasy sleep.

Chapter ends

AN: Hope you guys this new story, I came with this after I read "A Fox's Play" and other fem Naofumi stories and "The Shield Hero and the Amazon". Next up is the farce trial, take a good guess what will happen. Now regarding Naofumi's past experience with cheesy shield, I got this idea after watching Spiffing Brit's shenanigans in Skyrim. Also, I might plan for Wonder Woman to make an appearance much later into the story.