Shield Maker

by Arrixam

With a relic found in his treasury, Artemis is summoned to a new world as one of the four Holy Heroes. He has sworn to save them from a great calamity. And yet, the same people who ask for his help hinder him at every step. Let it be known he is not helpless. He came more than prepared to deal with these enemies on both fronts. (Features OC)

Before we begin!

This is a rather selfish project for myself. I've been wanting to write about Shield Hero for a long time but haven't been able to decide what to do with it. I've gone through the list of anime and novel characters to swap with the other heroes, introduce the characters to this world as themselves and not heroes, or replace X Hero with one of my own. The latter ended up winning.

This story is about an OC.

As I've been working on Inverse, I've grown to miss writing about Artemis. And until I figure out how to update Broken Rules, I will be using him for this story. Please note Artemis in this world is slightly different from the original Reverse and Broken Rules. This one is closer to his Inverse version. Take the spoilers found here with a grain of salt. Details here may differ with updates for Inverse later down the road.

This story is planned to be a short series (between 5-7 chapters) with each chapter being around 16-20k words. It will only get up to the Third Wave (if even that). I will be working on it between updates on Paleblood, All of My Love, and my original work Inverse.

I hope you enjoy the show.

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Chapter 1

King and Champion

"Good morning," he greeted as soon as he stepped through the door.

"I'm sorry sir," the middle-aged clerk said from the sliding ladder behind the desk. She was putting things onto a shelf from a box tucked under her arm. "We're not yet open. If you don't mind coming back in… Oh dear. Are you by chance the Shield Hero?"

He remained close to the door, "I am. I apologize for coming in but the door was unlocked. I'll come back when—"

"No, no," the woman shook her head and slid down the ladder with practiced ease. She placed the box of magical instruments onto the counter and circled around. "Was today the day the heroes were summoned? It would do no good if I did not play my part for the heroes' quest. Come in, come in. Welcome to my humble shop of arcane wonders. What can I do for you, Sir Shield Hero?"

"King Shield Hero," he corrected, though he made sure to keep his tone friendly and his smile open. He put a hand to his chest and dipped his head in formal greeting. "I am Godking Dalang, a King of Ilyvander, summoned the previous night to be your Shield Hero. But for now, I am but a simple customer in your store."

"God… Godking?" the woman asked with uncertainty.

"Yours is the most tame reaction," he breathed out as he stepped further. He towered over this small lady by nearly twice her height. "But, yes, the title bestowed upon me in my homeland is Godking Dalang. If you find this displeasing, you may address me as King Shield Hero. Or simply as Shield Hero."

"Yes, well," the woman flustered where she stood with unease. "You certainly have a peculiar air about you. It's just… I've never expected to be in the presence of royalty. Nor in the presence of one of the Holy Heroes in my lifetime. The closest I've been near anyone of such importance would be the royal retainers. A-Ah! Was there something wrong with the crystal balls requested?"

"I'm afraid I haven't any knowledge in the royal affairs of this kingdom," he waved a hand before crossing his arms. "I can't give you a proper answer."

She frowned next, "Were they not given out to the heroes? They requested every crystal ball I had in stock. They told me it was meant to assist the heroes in learning magic spells for when they were summoned."

He frowned back, "If it is true, then it is something I have not been privy to hear of. It is of little matter. I am here today because I am in need of components for a ritual. But first, would you be willing to accept this as payment?"

He uncrossed his arms and placed a pale coin onto the desk. It had come from seemingly nowhere as he had no sleeves for his tunic and wore no gloves. The woman blinked at it.

"May I?"

"Of course."

She reached for it. As soon as her fingers touched it did her eyes widen. She picked it up and drew it towards the light from a nearby window. The light made the center shine with a multitude of colors.

"This is… enchanted platinum," the woman whispered in awe. "With an enchanted diamond at the center? I do not understand these imprints in the metal. Is this a currency from your world?"

"It is," he nodded. "It's called a crown and is worth 100 platinum coins in my world. To further elaborate, 100 gold equals a platinum, 100 silver a gold, and 100 copper a silver. That is our system. I understand if the values of precious metals are different here."

She was in awe of it, he could tell. Partially for its monetary value but primarily due to its magical properties. It was a coin of great worth and one not easily replicated. Even if the underworld forged a coin out of the same materials, they would never be able to copy the magical signature within.

The thing was a physical coin. It was probably the most advanced piece of magic in the world.

He already checked with the blacksmith. While the coin was valuable for the metals, it held next to no worth in terms of actual currency. He couldn't even exchange it for other Melromarcian coins. He'd have to sell it for a tiny fraction of its converted worth.

Oh, he already knew how much it was worth in this world. He just needed to know how the witch would react to it.

"I-I'll give you everything I have in my store!"

He expected something grand from her evaluation. He didn't expect something of this scale.

"I will only accept certain things," he said, unfolding one hand to gesture towards her. He knew this game well. To deny her would have her panic. To go along would leave her suspicious. He chose the middle. "Consider it your commission. I need items that may contain raw magic energies. Things like crystals to power the night lamps. Beyond that, elementary textbooks on this world's magic. I will offer more if you believe it is not enough for the books."

She became twice as flustered and couldn't form coherent words as she ran around her shop. She grabbed things from the shelves along the walls, debated about what next to grab, and then grabbed more things from under the counter. Too many things started to pile up quickly.

He put up both his hands, "There's no need for that. You needn't surrender your most precious for a simple coin. How about this? I will take what crystals you have and a rudimentary grimoire. Keep the coin as a sign of good faith for the future. You will find me a frequent customer, I promise."

"S-Shield Hero, I couldn't possibly hand over so little for this," she said, yet still covetting the coin close to her chest. "Even as a commission it's simply too much. Do you not know what this is?"

The secret to creating magical coins in a world that can produce them but don't know how just yet. Yes. He knew exactly what this was. He also knew how dangerous this could be in the long run.

"It is a trade of equal value to me," he argued back, making sure he put a touch of annoyance in his tone. Just a touch. He didn't want to present himself as rude or immature. "I am essentially trading with you my magical secrets for yours. I am unaware of how magic works in this world. I am offering magic for magic— but I have your world's currency if that is what you prefer."

She had a conflicted expression for a long moment. He waited her out, spending his time glancing at the other items around the shop. She eventually came to a decision.

"Very well, Shield Hero. I will accept your offer. But are you sure that is all you desire?"

"Knowledge for knowledge," he turned and shrugged with his hand casually. "Nothing more and nothing less."

She still looked conflicted as she replaced some items on her counter. After further negotiations, he walked out of the store with a bundle of common crystals and a supplementary magical textbook. The items were a mild curiosity at best. Her reaction as a magician was what he truly wanted out of the exchange.

"There you are, Shield Hero."

He dismissed the items he purchased into the mythical shield strapped onto his arm. It was plain with the appearance of a diamond plate forged out of steel with a fist-sized green gem at the center. It would have made for a good enough buckler in his world.

The leather pouch of crystals and the thick college-worthy textbook disappeared into the shining gem.

"Ah, Miss Myne," he greeted back at the young lady who trotted towards him. "Did you find everything you needed at the blacksmith's?"

The young woman was beautiful with unblemished fair skin, cardinal hair, and light green eyes. She dressed in leathers with some plates of metal for minor protection. She was in the early stages of adulthood, no older than twenty and possibly younger.

She pouted at him as she planted her hands on her hips, "Shield Hero, you should have gone out with the other heroes to test the limits of your abilities. We could have gotten better armor if we knew what to work with."

"I understand myself quite well," he returned solemnly. "Were you not an adventurer, Miss Myne? You should know what kind of armaments you need for a quest."

"Yes and I purchased what I needed," she returned dully and purposely threw her hip to the side. The flaps of her armor swayed, drawing any passerby's eye her way.

The armor she chose was… adequate. It protected her core and granted her mobility. But it did not protect her throat. It wrapped around her collar but left a large gap to show her bosom. It would have been a strategic piece if they were fighting other humans. However, he was under the impression they were going to be fighting monsters.

"You left before I could measure what armor to buy you," she frowned as she eyed him from foot to chin. "I know you can't use any weapons aside from the Holy Shield, but that doesn't mean you can venture out in your normal attire."

"Thank you for your concern but the armors there would only limit me," he turned and gestured for her to follow him. She did, taking quick steps to catch up and walk at his side. "My bigger concern is the lack of members for our party. I can only do so much on my own. If Melromarc requires me to save it, I will need others to accomplish what I cannot. I cannot be in the east and west at the same time."

"There's no need to worry about that, Shield Hero," she stepped closer to him and wrapped an arm around his. She pressed the side of her chest against his arm and gave him a coy smile. "The two of us should be more than enough. All we have to do is fight monsters and increase our levels. With a hero like you to guide me, there's nothing we can't do."

He gave her a warm smile while reaching over to pry her fingers off of him. "You're sweet, Miss Myne. But reality is not as forgiving. Between the Waves of Calamity, I may be needed in one village to stop a plague while a monster terrorizes another. I need a companion I know I can trust to not just stand at my side but to be an extension of myself. That way, I can be at the east and west at the same time."

He walked with his hands behind his back, greeting those he passed by with a nod or a smile. Some were returned, most were reluctant or suspicious. The latter was due to them catching a glimpse at the shield strapped to his arm.

Myne said nothing for a while. It wasn't until they passed a particular crossroad in the castle city did she look down it and then gaze up at him. "Shield Hero? Are we not making a petition from the adventurer's guild for more members?"

"The finest have already sworn themselves to the other heroes," he returned plainly. "I intend to recruit more members from the country soon enough. But first, I need to make a wish."

She blinked, "A… wish?"

"Have you never dropped a coin into a fountain?" he craned his head as he walked. "It's a superstition from my world. I think it came from a movie. Ah, flip a coin into a well and maybe your wish will come true. I'm going to be doing something like that."

"And… And then we'll be out hunting monsters?" she asked with a bit of concern in her voice. "Shield Hero, we should learn how the Legendary Weapon works as soon as possible."

"I understand," was all he said.

They kept walking. They reached the edge of the city, crossed through the gates, and walked down the dirt path and into the open fields. The tall grass around them rustled but no monster leapt out. In the distance, the other heroes could be seen fighting on their own or coordinating with their party members.

The Sword Hero saw them. His sharp eyes met with the Shield Hero's. The latter dipped his head in greeting while the former shook his head in warning. His eyes flicked up their chosen path before returning to his fellow hero. It was the only advice he would give as he turned his back to them and continued his hunt for monsters.

"Shield Hero," Myne spoke sharply at his side. She caught what the Sword Hero was implying. "The area we're approaching is full of high-leveled monsters. You're not prepared for them."

"You're more than welcome to turn back, Miss Myne," he said impassively as he kept walking. His steps did not hesitate by her words.

They approached a forest, one only the bravest would dare to travel through. Dire wolves and wraiths haunted it. An unnaturally cold air settled on her shoulders like a wet blanket. The cold only grew worse as they drew closer.

She stopped when they were fifty feet away from the first tree. He did not. He did not change his posture or pace from when he was in the heart of the city. He treated the woods as he would the streets. His hands remained folded behind his back as he kept his chin raised.

She eventually followed after him, taking several bounds to catch up. He never altered his pace as she landed a full step behind him. He never looked her way or would he take caution to the woods around him.

There was an unnatural silence as they walked through the woods. No bird sang, no twig snapped, no leaf rustled. The cold was at its thickest, like hands of the dead landing on their shoulders.

Myne gripped the sword at her waist fiercely. Her head swiveled around in search of the monsters that would leap out of the dark. The Shield Hero did no such thing as he remained as calm, if not ignorant, as ever.

Half an hour they ventured in this silence, and not a single beast came their way. Was it due to the favor of the gods? Was it out of sheer dumb luck? Or was there something special about the Shield not mentioned in the stories?

She would come to her own assumptions.

0-0-0

"This should do," was the first thing he said since entering the forest.

They came into a clearing full of thick grass, weeds, and rocks. The sun was almost directly over them with how close it was to noon. Yet its light did not offer them any warmth as the miasma of the forest remained.

He looked around, took a few steps to the side, and bent over to place something on the ground. He walked off five paces more and placed another small, shining object into the grass. And again he repeated the process, placing something down in a circle.

She approached the nearest one, squatted, and reached for it. Her eyes widened as she picked up a beautiful coin. Its color was paler than silver and tingled at her touch. She knew it to be platinum. What amazed her more was the diamond stud implanted at the center of the coin.

"I'll give you one if you want one, Miss Myne," her head snapped up when the Shield Hero spoke. He was halfway done with his circle. "But please place that one back. I need it there for the ritual."

"Ritual, Shield Hero?" she asked, eyes narrowing. Her arm moved to place the coin back down.

"You'll see soon enough," he answered in a plain voice. He was almost done. "This shield limits me in more ways than you know. While the beasts as far as I've seen are nothing to me, I cannot say the same for the monsters in the more ancient parts of this world. And I can say less about the unknown monsters in the Waves. Simply put, I need help."

"Am I not good enough, Shield Hero?" she stood up and placed a hand on her chest.

"No," he said immediately and without remorse, making her brows narrow further. He placed the last coin down and approached her. "I thank you for coming to my side when no one else would. But your level is only at 10. The beasts surrounding us average at 32. If the Waves are even more perilous than this, you are not enough."

She fell silent for a moment. Her voice was low when next she spoke, "How do you know my level?"

"I'll tell you if you return my coin," he said in the same steady tone, extending an open palm towards her. When she glared at him, he continued, "The coin is magical. I can feel it in your right sleeve."

She stared at him with a glare so fierce the weak would falter. He never blinked as he kept his own stare impassive and patient. He moved his hand a little closer towards her. Seeing as he would remain there indefinitely, she clicked her tongue and slapped the coin into his hand. But as she brushed her hand back, he placed a new coin into her hand. She stared at it with confusion.

"I said you could have one, just not this one," he said as he went towards the original spot of the coin she picked up. He knelt down and placed it in its exact previous spot. "As for how I know about your level, my eyes are special. I can see things most cannot— be they mundane or supernatural or even cosmic. The status screen each hero has is remarkable but incomplete. My eyes let me see all the other hidden menus and secrets.

"That includes the lack of you joining my party despite accompanying me. But I trust you have your own reasons for not queuing up with me."

He looked over his work with a few turns of his head before standing and taking a step back. He did not give Myne anymore attention as he looked up at the sky. The sun was steadily declining as noon was ending. It would have to do.

"I invoke the names of the Grace and the Grim," he called out to the empty space before him. "For I am Godking Dalang, a King of Ilyvander. The World is in danger and I invoke the ancient right to protect it. By Sun's Presence, by Star's Truth, and by Moon's Unity, let the one who is best suited to save it answer my call."

The thirty-three coins he placed on the ground began to shine. The warmth of the sun pierced through the forest's miasma. Their hair and clothes swayed despite no wind blowing.

"I wish! I wish for one pure of heart! I wish for one with a righteous sense of justice! I wish for a mighty warrior with unshakable courage! I wish for one powerful enough to save this World from utmost destruction!"

Lines of light shot out of the coins, each one connecting to another. The light was almost blinding when the magic square formed.

"I reach out to the omniverse for my wish to be granted! Come and make my dream come true, my Champion!"

The first coin he placed shot off the ground and towards the center. It stopped midair as if striking an invisible wall. The next coin he placed down shot forward as well. And again, and again, each coin in the following order flew towards the center. The coins melted with the intensity of the light as more gathered. The liquid metal spread out and took shape as if guided by invisible hands. A humanoid form was beginning to appear.

When it finished, when the metal began to cool, the figure started to move on its own. Color soon followed.

"...No," the Shield Hero took a step back at what was forming.

The figure was tall with lean muscle. Platinum plates, gauntlets, greaves, and pauldrons lined with gold covered scaled, leather armor underneath. An aged cape rested on his shoulders, being held against the wind by a pair of greatswords— one made of glass and the other made of a black metal darker than the night. Other items on his person included three different pendants, a set of rings on one gauntlet, and a leather satchel under his cape.

A platinum helm rested on his head, forged in a manner that would not hide his face from the rest of the world. His face was rather handsome with smooth skin and the high cheekbones belonging to upper nobility. His eyes were like dark sapphires… but with slitted pupils.

The man crossed his arms and gave the Shield Hero a cocky half-grin, "Long time no see, Artemis. You, uh, stuck being useless again?"

"Oh come on!" the Shield Hero threw his hands up in the air as he lost his composure. "I chose my words carefully! I made sure I wouldn't summon you!"

The man shrugged, "As if I'd know. What'd you wish for?"

"Someone of pure heart," he replied quickly.

"I know exactly what I want and nothing's corrupted me to change it," the man said in a simple tone.

"How about a righteous sense of justice?!" the Shield Hero countered next. "There's nothing righteous about you at all!"

"Maybe not, but I know everything there is about good and evil," the man shrugged again. "I am both educated and experienced in the sociological, political, ethical, and spiritual conflicts between right and wrong. I just don't care."

The Shield Hero groaned as he put a hand to his temple.

"Is that all?" questioned the man with a cocked brow.

"...Courage," was the muttered reply.

"There is no glory for cowards," the man cackled lightly. "So what am I killing this time? Another Sir Rolan? Dragons? Come on, Artemis. What did you summon me for this time?"

"Shield Hero?" Myne spoke up and approached his side. She gave a suspicious glare at the man before him while addressing the hero. "What is this creature? What have you done?"

"Creature?" both brows rose this time. "You're either bold or stupid to look down at me, little girl."

"L-Little girl?" she bristled and snarled back. "How dare a lowly demihuman like you speak to me that way."

"Bold and stupid, got it," he said with a smirk. His hand reached up for the black greatsword.

Myne drew her shortsword and entered a defensive pose.

"Don't kill her," the Shield Hero said… from several yards away. He had managed to move without Myne noticing despite being directly next to her.

"Sure," the man said dispassionately. "I'll let you go first, little girl. Make it count."

She smirked back, "You'll regret giving me the chance."

She rushed forward. She expected him to go against his word and defend himself. He never moved from his position, never put up a hand to deflect her oncoming strike, nor did he draw his blade. Her strike was true as it went straight for his face. She meant to gouge out his eye.

Her blade made contact with the soft flesh. He didn't blink. The metal scratched off with no effect.

Her eyes widened as she lost her balance. It felt like she had tried to strike at a statue.

"I only regret you wasting my time like this. Begone."

He was a blur. She saw his arm twitch and a streak of black come from the corner of her vision. She had no way to defend herself as she was left exposed. She had no choice but to drop her sword and throw herself to the side.

The sword struck the ground at a place that would have never hit her. For the briefest of instances, she thought he was nothing but words. That his presence was purely pomp. That he didn't know how to swing a sword at all.

The instance ended. The ground the sword touched exploded.

Her body was sent flying as a wave of magical force struck her. Her head rang, her bones screamed in agony, and the world around her spun as she was sent flailing like a doll. She hit the ground once, bounced, and tumbled through thick bushes at the field's outskirts.

She struck something hard and the world went black.

0-0-0

"Hear me now, wench!" he bellowed as he drew the Darkblade onto his shoulder. "I am Sir Seamoose, Lord Champion of Godking Dalang, Slayer of the Mythic Green Dragon, Savior of Heaven, Conqueror of the Abyss, and Dream Eater of—"

"Seamoose," Artemis waved a hand, dispersing the cloud of dirt swirling around the area. "She's unconscious. She can't hear you."

"...Oh," he said with heavy disappointment. He clipped the Darkblade onto his back before crossing his arms again. "I held back. I used my off-hand, aimed the blast away from her, and used the lowest damage output possible. I assumed she was at least decent if she could afford to wear revealing armor."

"She's a starting adventurer," Artemis explained, though his voice held little concern for the girl. "I didn't expect you to use an advanced spell against her."

"The bitch was talking shit," Seamoose removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm. With his other hand, he ran his fingers through his hair. "Besides, it was a good excuse to get rid of the thing spying on us."

They both turned to look at the wave of destruction Seamoose created. A large gash tore apart the ground that grew in a cone the further it traveled. Trees had been decimated as a new split in the forest existed.

"They showed no ill intent so I left them be," Artemis turned back towards his Champion. "I'm more astounded you saw them. You're usually blind to these sorts of things."

"I happened to be facing the right way and their colors didn't match with the scenery," Seamoose shrugged with one shoulder. "It was honestly all by coincidence. They're not around still, are they?"

Artemis curled his fingers as if wrapping a piece of string around each individual member. They both waited a moment. "No. They've run back towards the capital. I can only assume they're going to report what they saw. There's none else around us besides the local beasts."

Seamoose grunted with acceptance. "About that too… Why aren't they attacking us? They're not even going for the easy pickings." He gestured towards the still unconscious adventurer.

"Instinct. They're aware of a greater predator."

"Instinct, huh. Even the dead ones?"

"Even the wraiths know we can banish them."

Another grunt. "Fair enough. Now really, why am I here? What peril forced the mighty Godking to use Summon Champion once more?"

Artemis took a deep breath as he looked around. His eyes looked to what lay beyond the forest. "I have been summoned by the Kingdom of Melromarc to play the part of their Shield Hero. A foreign entity has invaded their world and floods it with monsters. Thus, in their desperation, Melromarc used an ancient ritual to summon their four Cardinal Heroes.

"As the Shield Hero, the only instrument I can use is the Legendary Shield," he raised his arm to show the plain-looking armament. "While I can still use my magic without restriction, the Shield uses deep magic to forbid me from accessing my regalia. I cannot draw my sword. And thus, I do not have access to my Sun Spheres nor my armor."

"...So basically you're back to being useless again," Seamoose's brows fell into a flat line.

"I at least have my memories this time!" Artemis argued back. "I'm not some low-level mercenary with delusions of grandeur. I have my magic! I still have access to Doll Maker, Legend, Reverse, and Inverse!"

"Yeah but without your sword you can maybe use any of those once before dropping dead," Seamoose pointed out. "No sword means no key. No key means no access to your armory. And no armory means no unlimited power source. And before you ask, I'm not letting you borrow my Sun Sphere. Didn't we have this problem before? Shouldn't you have fixed it by now?"

"It was fixed by having my Sun Spheres used within my lands," Artemis sighed. "I didn't expect to be summoned to another World. But that fault is mine. The next Wave will come in thirty days. I can craft four Sentinel Djinn in the meantime. We will need numbers if we are to protect Melromarc from a literal wave of monsters."

"So you summoned me to help with the peel," Seamoose nodded along. "Got it. Alright. Yeah, I'm fine with fighting a horde of monsters. Sounds like my kind of deal. What're we going to do in the meantime?"

"Not much different from last time," Artemis reached into the shield, his fingers entering the gem itself. He pulled out a leather pouch full of Melromarcian silver. "Take this and go to the adventurer's guild. I'll guide you when we head back to the city. You will recruit as many as you can and take up any quests they're willing to offer. Train them to help us fight against the wave."

Seamoose took the money and placed it into his pack. He then asked, "Didn't you say something about four heroes? What are the others doing?"

"They've formed their own mercenary crew— excuse me, adventuring party— and will be going in separate directions to increase their strength. The Legendary Weapons also hinder their growth when they are a certain amount of space together."

"Are they anything like you?" he asked next, a mixture of both selfish concern and hunger flashing in his eyes.

"No. They seem to be mundane humans before coming here. My eyes did not pick up anything special about them. Well… the Bow Hero has some psychic abilities which are perfect for his weapon. Even then, however, they are children who have been given a grave responsibility under the deception of glory. It makes me wonder how I was chosen to be one of them."

He shrugged back, "And their party members? Did you not display your crazy ass magic? I'd imagine they'd all want to jump to your side if you showed them even a beginner spell."

"I have my suspicions about that…" Artemis muttered as his eyes fell towards the castle town's direction. "I believe Melromarc has its superstitions about the Shield Hero. Further investigation is needed. For now, Myne is enough."

"That her name?" Seamoose asked with a sarcastic smile. "What trash. I ain't exactly a people-person but even I can tell she's full of shit. We could just leave her here and say the wolves got to her. Even I can tell they're all way stronger than her."

"I will deal with Myne myself," Artemis returned with a bit of heat in his voice. "If you've no other questions, we'd best act before the day sets. Do you still have a means of communication?"

"Just the same old piece of junk," he pulled a crystal ball out of his satchel. He began to toss it up in the air a few times. "If needs must, I still know that Revelation spell. Should still consider you my divine benefactor."

"It will do. Just the same, I will inform you ahead of time when the Wave will manifest. And Seamoose?"

"Yeah?"

"Please be on your best behavior."

"Aren't I always?"

"..."

"..."

"Do the exact opposite, please."

"I will do what I do best, Artemis. You can at least count on that."

0-0-0

"I thought this was the adventuring guild!" his voice boomed as he swung his blade around while dodging another. He kicked a nameless armored weakling in the chest and sent them flying. "A hall full of warriors who seek glory and fame! I didn't realize this was a tavern for bitches!"

Rogues, warriors, spearmen, and brawlers all rushed him together. Some of them knew how to fight in a group while the rest fumbled over each other. At least they weren't stupid enough to charge him one at a time. Yet he made sure the Faeslayer kept swinging, no movement wasted. He rotated his body around, making sure they kept their distance in a wide circle while fighting two to three at a time.

The crystal greatsword parried two swipes while he slammed his shoulder into the guy with the greathammer. An elbow knocked the air out of another one. He ducked and tilted his body, flipping the brawler trying to grapple him over his shoulder. Another kick here. A few swipes there. He never needed to block.

He spun or pivoted when he needed to dodge. Sometimes he would redirect one attack from one adventurer to another. His focus with the Glorious Nimbleness spell made sure no spell from the mages bound him in place. He also used it to catch a crossbow dart in the corner of his eye.

"You were all talking so much shit a minute ago! Where's that human superiority you were all boasting about?! I am Sir Seamoose, Champion of the Shield Hero! I have come to find those worthy enough to join his cause! Yet none of you have proved to me you can even serve as a pack mule!"

He provoked them with his insults. He wanted them to get angry and rise to his challenge. He wanted at least one of them to land a blow! Even if it was by dumbass luck.

"We'll never join the Shield Devil, you disgusting tuna!"

Someone said something that caught his interest. It made him stop playing around.

A heavily armored man with a mace (the typical fat boi's weapon) raised his arm and began to charge forward. He never made it further than a single step as Seamoose crossed the distance in a single bound. The man didn't even have the chance to blink.

He grabbed the man by the face of his helm and lifted him off of the ground. His fingers made the metal bend as the man groaned. There was a pause before adventurers recovered from their stunned stupor. Those closest to him attacked… and found their weapons bouncing off of him.

"What did you call my King?" Seamoose demanded from the man in his grip.

Daggers dug into the gaps of his armor but none of them pierced through his second layer. Stunning spells struck at his side and then fizzled out. Manacles of earth wrapped around his ankles while hands made from the shadows gripped at him. Glorious Nimbleness was still ongoing and all of their binding spells could be shrugged off when next he moved.

"Screw you, fish demon!" snarled the man who was one twitch away from having his head pop like a balloon. "You're the one who came in here and— aaaaaahhhhh! Head! My head! Someone get this monster off of me!"

"Oh, you're a cleric," Seamoose muttered as his eyes found something around the man's neck. He tugged and snapped it off. It was a holy relic with the brand of a sword, spear, and bow. It could be argued the silver halo behind all three symbols could be the shield. But given what the man just said… "You should really answer my question before I start squeezing."

Nobody moved. Their weapons and magic were ineffective. These adventurers had no idea what to do against a superior enemy. Pathetic. Disappointing. The purpose of adventuring was to seek out a challenge! To break your limits! To face adversity and find a way to overcome it!

Yet everyone was petrified in place. The cleric in his grip swore and flailed like a wet kitten. His mace never made a single dent in his armor.

"Seamoose. Stand down. Now."

He dropped the man without another thought and sheathed his sword. He turned and the adventurers parted to see who had commanded him. The Shield Hero himself stepped through the ruined halls of the guild with eyes as sharp as steel. He paid none else any attention as his eyes remained locked on Seamoose's spot.

"My humblest apologies, my King," Seamoose crossed an arm over his chest and bowed at the waist. "I came to fulfill your task and was bombarded with insults against your honor. I rose to defend it."

"By destroying the facility and attacking the entirety of the guild?" his voice cracked like a whip. "Every adventurer spoke ill of me? You've overstepped your bounds as my Champion. We are here to help Melromarc against the Waves of Calamity, not cripple their strengths any further."

"I will admit to giving into my selfish need to test this land's warriors," he kept his head bowed as the Shield Hero stopped two paces away from him. "I am ashamed to have wasted my time here. There is none worthy in these halls to stand at your side against the Waves of Calamity."

Hands clenched against their weapons; tongues clicked with disdain, and swears were muttered beneath their breath. Yet no one dared to challenge him.

"Wait outside as I speak to the guild master."

"As you command, my King," Seamoose dipped his head a fraction lower before standing at his full height and marching off. The adventurers moved out of his way as if the lightest graze would burn them. He smirked at them; they glared back but did nothing.

The streets of the castle town were still bustling as the sun began to set. Guards had assembled at the foot of the guild's gates but remained at attention. Adventurers he had wounded at the start of his brawl had been dragged out and laid down on the nearby gardens. Priests, nuns, and clerics treated their wounds. One or two saw him and shot him a glare hardly worth his attention.

Most of the healers had the same relic as the one still clutched in his hand.

"How much did you pay him?" he asked once he heard the familiar set of footsteps from behind.

"One thousand Ilyvandri gold pieces," Artemis answered in a dull voice. "No matter what world, mercenaries will always be mercenaries. Gold will always be gold to them. Now, if you don't mind…"

Seamoose leaned back as a finger was jabbed close to his face.

"I gave you one thing," Artemis said through gritted teeth. "One. Thing. And you went and did exactly what I told you not to do!"

"Okay, that one thing was something I rejected," Seamoose pushed the finger out of his face. "We had this conversation. Are you willing to at least listen to my report before judging me?"

"I judge you anyways because I know exactly what kind of person you are," Artemis sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"What do you think of this?" Seamoose asked as he flashed the holy relic towards him.

Artemis glanced at it briefly. "It looks like a rosary. There are low-level blessings on it and it's used as a catalyst for divine spells. It's made from silver and tin. Beyond that, I assume you're referring to the symbolism?"

"Maybe they're out on a mission or something," Seamoose muttered as he pocketed the item. "But I didn't see a single animal-person there. The place was crawling with humans. None of them were willing to listen to me and mocked me openly about my armor and weapons. Pointless things like I stole it from the slaver I freed myself from, or how I couldn't lift any of my blades, and how I didn't belong in God's land or some shit."

"So you provoked them?"

"Getting to that," he rolled his wrist. "Anyways, I ignored them. Made my rounds and talked to some of the clerks about accepting quests and getting a membership. They kept yanking my chain about guild fees, minimum level requirements, insurance policies, waiver forms, interviews, the board reviewing my application, blah, blah, blah.

"Decided, 'fuck the guild', and went directly to the adventurers. I gave a pretty impressive speech, if I do say so myself. Told them all about you, myself, and our noble quest to fight the Waves of Calamity. They laughed; go-figure. Said some more shit about how nobody was going to help a rapist and his pet fish."

Seamoose made sure to be looking at Artemis. The other young-looking man blinked a number of times.

"So I commented back at how they were nothing but cowards and started to leave," Seamoose shrugged and crossed his arms. "Same guy who called you that didn't like it. Said some things about me that I don't care to remember. Kept walking. He didn't like that and drew his sword. One thing led to another and…" he cocked his head to the side and hummed once.

"Then we can conclude the adventurer's guild never had any intention of assisting me," Artemis muttered in thought.

"Yeah. They hate your guts for some reason. Not you personally. They seem to really hate the piece of junk on your arm. The cleric with the rosary I stole called you the Shield Devil. Notice how there's no shield on it?"

"You think the previous Shield Hero was a demihuman?"

"Ah, that's right. That's what they're called here. Demihumans. Gotta remember that next time. And I don't know. You should look into it a little further."

Artemis fell silent for a moment. Then, "The Waves take priority. With that, we will have to reconsider our recruitment."

"I got a couple ideas for that," Seamoose half-turned towards Artemis. "Can't you conscript some knights as the Shield Hero?"

"They will be defending the towns and villages from the Waves when they appear while the heroes are tasked with heading to the center and defeating the… boss. That is why adventurers were recruited to our parties rather than any of the kingdom's military."

"Plan C, then," Seamoose breathed out. "Speaking of adventurers, what happened to your little friend? Give her the boot after all?"

Artemis scowled back, "I healed her and left her at an inn with a message for her. I was looking around town in the meantime. It was only by chance I crossed the adventurer's guild and sensed your magic."

"Chance, huh," Seamoose chuckled. "Sure, sure, Godking. Best get back to your sleeping beauty. I'll be off to draft some soldiers for your cause."

"Seamoose—"

"Yeah, yeah, best behavior. I'll be quote-unquote good."

"I prefer acceptable within the boundaries of society."

"Fine. Sure. Whatever. I hear and obey, my King. Fucking white bread."

0-0-0

The day had come to its end. He sat across from Myne as they ate dinner together. As an apology to her for his Champion's behavior toward her, he paid for the meal and ordered a bottle of the inn's best wine. It did little to elevate her mood as she kept scowling at him.

"You have the power to summon other heroes," she accused, the first thing she said since returning to her.

"Not as you think," he answered calmly. "Summon Champion is a spell only the greatest of casters can use. With very few exceptions by spectacular individuals, only Kings have been able to perform it. It allows me to make a wish and a being from another realm, who is best suited to fulfill that wish, is brought to my location. Seamoose is bound to this world through me and will carry out the wish to the best of his abilities. If it makes you feel better, I can only have one Champion at a time."

He saw her relax at that last detail, as if having multiple beings capable of saving this world was a terrible idea. She didn't think that way, he assumed. No, she was more miffed about the fact he was capable of summoning a powerful being like Seamoose.

"Is that demihuman's name really Seamoose?" she asked next, sipping at her wine and placing the cup down with more aggression than she meant.

"Sir Seamoose," he urged. "As ridiculous as the name sounds, that is indeed his name."

"He is your knight errant?" her eyes narrowed as her lower lip curled.

"He is my Champion," he corrected. "The title of sir is different in my world. It comes from the word 'Zyr', which means 'saint', 'champion', or 'wish granter'. In postmodern Ilyvandri, the language I speak, it is a title granted to those who have achieved a King's wish. Seamoose fulfilled the impossible task I gave him. Thus, he has earned the privilege and honor to be addressed as Sir Seamoose.

"While you are in my presence, you will address him as such. You may hate him, you may show your scorn, but you will acknowledge him and give him his due respects. I will not protect you again if you offend him."

"You let him attack me," she snapped.

"I stopped him from killing you," he returned bluntly. "He will not listen to me again if you offend him a second time. I am giving you honest advice. Do not wake a slumbering dragon."

They fell silent as he resumed his meal. She fumed and glared daggers at him. He was unfazed and kept eating in peace. Her glare shifted when she learned he would not give her look any attention.

"Where did he go?" she asked next.

"I gave him a mission; mostly to see if he could achieve this much without causing trouble," he said with a touch of cynicism slipping through. "I have my doubts and I know I'll be in for a pleasant surprise in the morning."

"And what exactly did you tell him to do?"

"Find more party members. A simple enough task."

"I see…" she huffed. "So you have no faith at all in me, Shield Hero? I admit I am not as strong as that demihuman. But I will grow as we venture together."

"Miss Myne," he breathed out her name as he placed his utensils down. He waited until she looked his way. "Why did you leave Young Motoyasu's party to join mine?"

She blinked as her lips thinned. She collected her thoughts and prepared her words carefully. "Because no one else would have. All the nobles and other adventurers laughed when you stood by your lonesome. We shouldn't be like this when we need the heroes. I decided I would be the one to support you if no one else would."

"How very admirable," he said as he reached for his cup. He raised it towards her and she brightened up slightly. She gave him a reluctant smile as she mirrored him, drawing her cup up to match his gesture. "I thank you for your support and acknowledge the effort you are putting for your country."

They drank together. Her smile was a little wider when they placed their cups down. It was a smile of triumphant victory.

"Incidentally, I swapped our cups when you were looking away."

Her smile dropped. Her eyes flashed down to the cups at the edge of the table. He turned the cup on his side until a red mark could be seen at its ridge. It was the same shade of red as the lipstick she wore.

She paled as her eyes widened.

"You…" she gasped as she rose quickly, knocking her chair over. Heads turned her way as the tavern fell silent. "You poisoned me!"

The silence became twice as heavy as everyone in the room stilled.

"I'll praise you for your dexterity," he said with his eyes watching her closely. "I did not see when you put in the poison. But my eyes saw that my drink was tainted. Did you forget what I told you about them earlier? I can even see the chemical compounds within all things. However, I removed the poison when I made the switch. I'll not poison my own companion, no matter how rude she may be to me."

He reached for her cup and drank from within until it was empty. He then flipped the cup over and placed it flat on the table. A long silence fell throughout the entire room with all eyes on him. Minutes went by. Steadily, one after another, the patrons and servers went back to their own business.

"Pick up your seat, Miss Myne," he gestured with an open hand across the table.

She moved slowly, crouching down with her eyes locked on him. Her hand fumbled around to search for the back of the chair. A moment later was she back in her seat, her complexion fair once more and her glare just as fierce. Only this time her eyes lacked the childish immaturity of a pout. Her eyes were that of a viper.

"That's twice now you've wronged me," he said in a steady voice. "The first I can easily forgive as simple greed. I will hear what you have to say only because the poison was not lethal. Choose your words very carefully."

She continued to glare at him. Even with the mask gone and her true ire revealed, he remained unfazed. He waited with utmost patience for her to speak— to do anything. Slowly, as dull as watching ice melt, her gaze began to falter. He watched her glare of venom melt to one of bitterness, to annoyance, to stubbornness, to uncertainty, to doubt, and then finally to regret. She steadily shrank into herself until her chin rested on her collar.

She said something. Something so small normal ears would never be able to pick it up.

"Please speak up," he said.

"I-I said…" she began, her voice louder than normal. She caught herself. Her face was scarlet and she couldn't look him in the eye. "You're just so… unapproachable. I wanted to loosen you up before…"

Her eyes drifted towards the stairs behind him. They led to the rooms they were renting for the night.

He said nothing as he shut his eyes and thought to himself. He remained like this for a few minutes.

"Shield Hero?" she called to him in a small voice.

"Miss Myne," his eyes opened and his expression was one of utmost patience. "I will excuse this… misunderstanding, let's call it. From now on, please be direct with me about your intentions. Honesty," he put emphasis in the word, "will get you further than trickery."

He fell silent to let his words settle. She bowed her head as if in shame. He saw the way her lip twitched into a sneer.

"As for your request," he continued, this time in a lighter tone. "I am going to have to politely decline. You are a beautiful woman. I simply prefer to get to know my partner before we decide to become active. If your intentions are true, I will treat you with the respect you deserve and return your feelings when the time is right. For now, my attention remains on the upcoming Waves of Calamity."

"I understand, Shield Hero," she replied in a neutral tone. She did not raise her head.

He drew his chair back and stood. "I will leave you with your thoughts. I wish you a good night, Miss Myne. Be prepared tomorrow morning as we set out for Lute Village."

He left her be as he crossed the dining area and headed towards the stairs.

0-0-0

"Seamoose, I need that status update. It's already night."

"Hold that thought. Chasing down A BITCH WHO SHOULD BE MINDING HER OWN BUSINESS!"

The shout was just as physical as it was mental.

He stood there in the middle of the rented room. It was a small cube space that fit a single bed, a small table, and a chest. The room was only illuminated by the moonlight from a drapeless window. His fingers twirled and bent in a series of signs and gestures. The moonlight seemed to sway around them as if it were thousands of threads.

A spell was woven in his hands.

He saw his Champion running on the rooftops in his heavy armor on the other side of town. He was keeping up with her movements but lacked her grace. Seamoose was no doubt using his magics and skills that amplified his physical prowess to divine levels. But even then, he was far from dexterous. His target took too many tight turns and eventually slipped into the shadows.

For all his glorious deeds, Seamoose was not a hunter. He never had to track his prey down. Thus, he had lost sight of his target.

Artemis did not and placed a tracking spell on her through this scrying.

He then contacted Seamoose again with the previous message spell.

"I'm following her movements. Do not pursue. Let's see where she goes next."

"Ten platinum it's the Three Heroes Church," Seamoose sounded frustrated in his mental voice. "They seriously don't like you, Artemis."

"What happened?" he urged.

"Found the thieves' guild. Went looking for some goons to hire. Met with the boss and everything. Turns out, someone else paid them to NOT have you hire them. I tried to convince them otherwise. Told them that there's a chance he could become a legit noble with actual lands, deeds, the works. He was considering it.

"Before I could push further, everyone in the meeting wound up dead. Some bitch stabbed me in the back with a poisoned dagger. She was surprised when I didn't go down so I used the chance to kill her. The rest scattered like rats and I chased after the only one I could find."

"Three Heroes Church…" Artemis muttered. "I'm going to assume that has to do with the rosary you appropriated. The three symbols—"

"Stole. Don't be fucking white bread with me right now, Artemis. I stole it."

He ignored the comment and went on, "What makes you think they're the ones behind this?"

"The bitch that stabbed me whispered something into my ear. I'm a disgusting demihuman, creature of hell, God will cleanse the world of the impure races, and the Devil of the Shield shall receive divine judgment. Paraphrasing, but I was kinda pissed off my entire night's work was wasted."

"I will be heading to the crime scene then. Those others you mentioned will no doubt clear the evidence. I wouldn't put it past them to blame this on me if they can. If they're willing to go as far as to kill their own citizens, they will go to greater lengths to target us directly. I'll need a location."

"Use Locate Object to find a Dragonfang Mythril dagger. It was the guild leader's prized tool. Wouldn't shut up about it."

"Seamoose," Artemis spoke with a sharp tone. His eyes narrowed as his other spell followed the roguish figure through the city's maze. "Listen closely. Head towards the palace from where you're at. You'll eventually reach a fountain. Take the road on your left when you approach. Go until you find a drainage system. Follow it upstream to the sewage entrance. Straight, left, right, straight, straight, right, left. Do you understand?"

"Got it," Seamoose said in a more serious tone. "And what will I be doing, my King?"

"You have my permission… No. I am giving you an order," his voice hardened. "Engage against the enemy. Take what spoils you want from them. Educate them on what it means to threaten me and mine. Any who we recruit will be in danger so long as this threat remains."

For a moment, Seamoose was quiet.

"Yes," then, glee sang through his voice. "Yes! Yeeeeesssss! It shall be done, Godking Dalang. For the glory of the Shield Hero!"

The spell cut off after that.

He reached for the moonlight and pulled a sheet of it into his hands. His fingers twirled and twisted the silver streams into knots. He headed straight for the door and in a few tugs of his hands was a weave crafted. He flung the net of moonlight at the door and it stuck like spider silk.

When he opened the door, it did not lead to the inn hallway. He stepped through and shut the door behind him.

0-0-0

The meeting room of the thieves' guild was decadent. It was a show of their wealth and power with how much gold decorated the room. All of which were fake, which had to be intentional. After all, they were thieves and wouldn't be stupid enough to fall for their own tricks. The only thing of actual worth in the room were the brightly dyed banners bearing what he assumed to be the guild's insignia.

The meeting room was tarnished with the spilled blood. The central table had been smashed, the rack of wine knocked over, and the tapestries stained with blood. Bodies sprawled everywhere in broken positions. None of the thieves had a chance to draw their weapons and only a handful showed signs of reacting to something. A single step, a hand on their weapon, maybe a shout of alarm.

The only one who had a weapon drawn was the one sprawled in the center of the room. He had a crossbow bolt in the back of his skull. His hand still clutched the white dagger that Artemis used to find this place.

The other body that did not belong had the same physique as the thieves. It was dressed in all black with a half-mask covering the bottom of their face. The poisoned dagger Seamoose mentioned was on the other side of the room, presumably knocked out of the assassin's hand.

Beside the knife was the assassin's lower torso and right hand. Seamoose had cut his assailant in an upward diagonal swing.

Aside from the all-black attire, there wasn't much else to go off of. The assassin had no symbol of allegiance on their person. It was a common tactic should they be compromised— they can claim to be part of another faction instead to confuse their interrogators.

He squatted and cupped his hands together. He breathed into them before placing them down onto the assassin's shoulders. He gave them a light shake. "Wake up. I have questions. You will answer them."

The corpse gasped as its milky eyes crossed. Its head jerked as its remaining hand flung around in reach of something. It found Artemis' arm and clenched tightly around it with inhuman strength. It inhaled air like a thirsty man for water.

"Who are you?" Artemis asked.

"I… am…" the corpse struggled at first to regain control of its cognition. One eye focused on Artemis while the other one continued to spin. Its tongue fell out before it stiffened and rolled back into its mouth. "Sasha is my name, Shield Devil. You… What… What have you done to me? Where am I? Devil! Heathen!"

"You will answer my next question," Artemis put more power into his spell. The reanimated corpse stiffened and shook. "Who ordered you to spy on my Champion and kill these men?"

"Pope Biscus Balmus himself," said the raspy voice. "No! Monster! Stop making me betray my faith! God, forgive me for my sins! The Devil has my soul in his grasp! Free me at once!"

"Why did this man give you that kind of order?" he demanded next.

"Because you are the Devil of the Shield," the corpse spat with passion this time. The answer needn't be forced by his spell. "You are the enemy of mankind who will bring about the end! You and the demonspawn, the demihumans, must be cleansed from this world. Your demihuman pet was enthralling these innocent humans with his wicked magic. We purified them in the name of God and saved their souls! You and your pet will face judgment soon enough! You will meet God's wrath in the day of—!"

The corpse croaked as the last of its life faded. The spell had reached its limit and the last thoughts of the spirit that had already moved on vanished. The corpse was truly dead now.

He learned next to nothing. Only that he could confirm the things Seamoose had said. The Three Heroes Church hated the Shield Hero. They thought him some sort of anti-christ and the demihumans his demon thrall.

If they hated him so much, then why summon the Shield Hero? Or did they not know how to summon the other heroes without summoning the Shield? It was an easy trick for someone like him, and he wanted to assume they knew as it was an ancient magic they had plenty of time to learn.

Another thought was they intended to summon him for the sole purpose of ruining him. If they had prepared well enough, they could take care of their Devil for good. Perhaps this was the true reason why the heroes were summoned— the other three were as much convenient excuses as they were the church's idols.

He felt the presence before he heard the heavy boots and grunting of low conversation. The door to another hallway opened and a knight entered. He stopped at the doorway when their eyes met. The man was surprised to see him but did not so much as glance at the bloody scene around him.

Behind him was a full squad of knights.

"S-Shield De—" he caught himself, but it wasn't missed. "Hero… what are you doing here? What's going on?"

"I think we both know what's going on here," Artemis drawled in a heavy voice.

The man entered and signaled for his knights to follow. They spread out and followed his lead when he drew his sword. "Shield Hero, you are under arrest on the suspicion of sexual assault and murder."

Still, the man never looked at a single corpse. Nor had his men.

And there was that accusation again. Someone in the adventuring guild called him a rapist. Was it slander from the previous Shield Hero's reputation? Or had it just been a rumor that spread to this degree? It seemed highly unlikely as it had been less than half a day.

"Very well," he sighed and held up his hands. "I surrender myself to your authority. I will comply with all of Melromarc's laws so long as a thorough investigation undergoes and a fair trial is made."

The leading knight seethed. He wanted a fight to break out. Artemis extended his wrists towards him. The man snarled and ordered his men to shackle him. They sheathed their weapons and followed their orders, just as unhappy and unsatisfied as their commander. Iron manacles were placed on his wrists and ankles. They searched his person and grew confused when they found nothing but the clothes he wore. They pushed him to walk as they surrounded him.

They tried to provoke him into lashing out. They pushed him continuously as he walked, yanked on his chains, and called him many vile things. He kept his head up high and moved to match their hastened pace. They never suspected his used his magic to increase the length of the chains between his ankles.

He had hoped these corrupt men would take him straight to the church headquarters. Instead, they took him to the palace, exchanged coins with a palace guard, and dragged him through an unfamiliar path only the guards would know about. They were a set of hallways for the knights' exclusive use.

After an hour since they arrested him, he was shoved into a cell in the bottom of the palace. The only source of light in these dark, cold stone walls was a shred of moonlight from a grid iron window. They kept him shackled.

His cell offered nothing of comfort. Rats scurried around in the dark with the scent of feces and death clinging to the walls like cement. A set of guards stood at attention on the other side of an iron door— the only way in and out of this dungeon.

"Good evening," he said to his one and only company. A figure sat on the floor of the cell directly across from him. Normal eyes would not be able to see her in the darkness.

"...Good evening," the woman returned with a hint of surprise. Her tongue was elegant but her voice was strained to keep her spirits up.

"I apologize for awakening you from your slumber with my arrival," he said and meant it.

"There is nothing to apologize for," she returned with practice politeness. "The accommodations make it difficult to sleep. Forgive me. It was a poor jest."

"Already forgotten," he played along. "I'll leave you to return to your rest. I merely wished to greet my cellmate for the evening."

"Please don't," she said with urgency. "Yours is the only company I've had in the time I've been down here. Though it has only been a day, I crave to know what is going on the outside. Please, at least tell me what has become of the Shield Hero."

He blinked at her choice of concern. A small smile graced his lips. He lifted his head and announced, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Godking Dalang, a King of Ilyvander—"

He ignored the way her brows furrowed with displeasure.

"And I have been summoned to his world to be your Shield Hero."

She was against the bars of her cell in an instant, "Y-You're the Shield Hero?!"

Her voice shook the entire cell block. She winced as her eyes flickered towards the iron door. Seconds ticked by and the door remained closed. She breathed out a sigh of relief before looking back at him with… hope. Hope in its purest form. As if it would bring her salvation.

He grabbed the moonlight from his window and threw it from his end to hers. He covered them both in it, granting them enough light to see each other with mundane vision. She saw him, absorbed every detail about him, and her eyes lingered at the shield on his right arm. She looked to be on the verge of breaking apart into tears.

She was a lovely woman, close in age to Myne. Her hair was a soft pink, skin fair but still graced by healthy sunlight, and eyes sky blue. She wore a battle gown that was supposed to offer padding for plate armor— something the guards would have removed from her.

She fell to one knee and bowed her head, "Sir Shield Hero—"

"King, please," he corrected out of habit. He wouldn't take it back. "I am a King in my fatherland. If you so desire, addressing me as Shield Hero will suffice."

"I beg your forgiveness, King Shield Hero! I meant no disrespect! I did not know I was speaking to the Holy Hero of the Shield, let alone royalty."

"The fault is mine for not announcing myself sooner," he waved his hands in dismissal. "Stand. Due to our position, we are currently equals. I would like to hear your name."

She did and brushed her gown of the filth that had accumulated in the short amount of time. She looked straight at him as she gave a local knightley salute. "I am Eclair Seaetto, daughter of Duke Seaetto, and a knight of Melromarc. I came to answer the call when I heard the Cardinal Heroes were to be summoned. I… I had requested to… join your party, King Dalang. I, as well as several others."

He frowned. "Were these others also knights and not adventurers? Where are they now?"

She shook her head as a heavy look fell on her. "They were all demihumans from across the kingdom. They wished to join the Shield Hero's party. On the night of the summoning, we were all attacked in our sleep. I managed to overcome my assassin but the others… And when I tried to alert the guards, they accused me of being the culprit. I have been here since, awaiting to plead my case to the king."

The adventurers wanted nothing to do with him. The thieves' guild had been paid off and then killed when Seamoose almost convinced them. And now he learned volunteers were butchered just for wanting to be in his party to save this bloody world.

He knew the Waves were real. His eyes could see their twisted magic cling to this world like a tree trying to eat another. He knew when the next Wave would come and knew great power threatened to pour in. And he had heard how the Wave before their summoning had wiped out a third of their army before it could be stopped.

Yet the church was willing to doom the planet because of religious zealotry?! Even to go as far as to kill patriots who wanted to defend their homeland?!

He forced himself to calm down. Anger wouldn't answer any of his questions or solve the issue. He needed a clear mind.

He did not doubt Eclair's words. He sensed no deception from her. And even if there was, what was there for her to gain from this?

"What did they do with the bodies?" he asked next. "Do you know?"

"Customs would dictate their bodies would be delivered to their families… if possible," she muttered that last part after a second pause. "But, in all likelihood of the situation, they would be most likely cremated to remove any evidence. The assassins use daggers while I use my straight sword. Any knight would know the difference if they saw the wounds."

She said it happened on the night of his summoning. Which meant a full twenty-four hours had passed. There was the slimmest chance their bodies were still intact.

While pretending to think to himself, he sent a message to Seamoose. Perhaps the church still had the bodies. If not, then he was to find any evidence about it.

Seamoose didn't reply, though Artemis knew the message went through. The man was no doubt too occupied in his mission with something that demanded his full attention. Fighting. Definitely fighting.

"King Shield Hero?" Eclair spoke up as the silence dragged on. "It might not be my place to ask but… what are you doing here?"

"My Champion was assaulted, presumably by the same people who put you in here," he answered back. "He survived while those he was conversing with did not. He pursued the culprits while I investigated the scene. City guards arrived soon after and arrested me on the charges of sexual assault and murder."

"S-Sexual assault?" she blinked a few times.

"A rumor was going around earlier in the day," he shrugged with his bound hands. "The adventurers refused to join me because they thought I was a rapist. Did the previous Shield Hero have that kind of reputation?"

"That… Not that I know of…" she muttered before her gaze returned to him with alarm. "King Shield Hero, you may not know how grave of an accusation that is. Melromarc is a matriarchy. The punishment for any kind of assault on a maiden is death. I… I'm not sure what may happen to you even if you are a Cardinal Hero."

"I've more important things to worry about, Honored Seaetto," he huffed with his annoyance slipping out of his control. "The Waves of Calamity are my priority and so far this Three Heroes Church is getting in my way on the first day. I am abiding by Melromarc's laws as a sign of good faith to the crown as well as to find the one behind this foolishness."

"King Shield Hero…" Eclair stepped away from the bars with a forlorn look on her face. "The church is very powerful. Even if you have a Legendary Weapon, you have only been in this world for one day. What could you do against them?"

He chose to not answer her question. "Thank you for this conversation, Honored Seaetto. It has been enlightening. I must rest and be prepared for the morning. I leave you with the means of a pleasant rest as my thanks."

He wove a spell with the moonlight and flung it towards her cell. A warm wind blew her way and cleared the small space of any filth. The cell smelled of lavender and the stone floors were softened and warm. It would not make up for a bed, but it would do for a single night.

"S-Shield Hero…" she stepped away from the bars and looked at him with wonder. "What was that? Was that a blessing from the Legendary Shield?"

Still bound in his chains, he lowered himself to the floor and rested against the wall. "Magic from my home, Honored Seaetto. Good night."

He pulled up his legs and rested his bundled wrists onto his knees. He bowed his head and shut his eyes. Eclair said something quietly to him, both gratitude and prayer, before lowering herself to the floor. He heard her sigh pleasantly and quickly fell into a slumber before him.

Seamoose had yet to return his message. He decided to sleep until his Champion would.

0-0-0

"Thirty-one," Seamoose counted. "Thirty-two. Thirty-three. Thirty— Huh? Whoops. Thirty-three. And… thirty-four."

The Darkblade crushed the skull of the knight that stood in his way. Victim number thirty-three continued to hold onto his heel even after death. A couple kicks forced the limb to detach. He swiped the blood off of the black greatsword and kept moving down the hall.

The high of breaking into the underground facility quickly faded. No one here was a challenge. They had high spirits, sure, but lacked any of the skill or power to match their passions. If one of them dedicated themselves to the sword as much as their religion— or even their prejudice against the demihumans— then they'd be able to stand against one swing of his blade.

But not two. The difference between him and they was too great.

"The demon comes this way!"

"Defend the tunnel at all costs!"

More knights flooded the stone hallway and rushed him. As if they didn't see their own get thrashed. They muttered curses and prayers, casted magic to enhance their weapons and armors, and came at him at once.

One swipe from the Darkblade had three of them blown away. Their armor shattered and bent. One body crashed into the blockade of knights twenty meters down the hallway. The other two left craters in the walls to his left and right, leaving them dead upon impact.

"F-Fall back!"

"To the checkpoint!"

"Regroup with the rest!"

He hefted the Darkblade over his shoulder and watched them scurry back, dragging the dead knight he sent flying along the way. He gave them points for securing a comrade. But they lost them for thinking he was stupid.

They were trying to lure him somewhere. It wasn't a trap when they mentioned other members of their order. It wasn't that they wanted him to follow, per se. Rather, they wanted him to not go a certain way.

So he ignored them and went down a different hallway.

Lo and behold, he came across something as good as a treasury. He found a library. A library full of priests trying to secure the ancient books and scrolls into boxes and sacks. They saw him enter and froze like prey meeting a predator.

"B-Burn the books before—!"

The priest who spoke died instantly as Seamoose was upon him. Up and down he went, cutting down these holy men who tried to either purge the knowledge or flee for their lives. One or two tried to cast magic on him, which he tanked without any trouble. They had no one to protect them; presumably because all the knights were supposed to be luring him away.

Some got away with a book or two. Some managed to destroy a piece of text before he was upon them. Oh well. It was hardly a minute when he had cleared out the entire library of these rodents.

He had five minutes, at most, before the knights realized he wasn't following them. His first instinct was to pry the books from the dead hands of those who tried to remove them from the library. Every book and scroll kept in a sack or box was tucked into his leather satchel, storing more space than it should have. Every item they tried to destroy came next.

He was only halfway done before the knights returned. The ones in the lead shook with rage at the blood and dismembered bodies everywhere.

"Filth! Unclean damnation! You will be purged from this realm!"

"Learn new insults, you single celled monkeys!" Seamoose spat back and drew his sword once again. He activated Glorious Nimbleness and went on the offensive this time. No more countering. No more waiting for them to come at him. He dove into this line of steel and flesh.

He was also annoyed he lost count. But that was his own fault and he accepted it.

Surprise crossed him when one particular knight managed to parry his attack, though the force had the knight's heels skid across the floor. This one was dressed in better fitting armor with a fancy cloak and a couple decorative medals. His sword also vibrated with magical energies.

"Dog of the Shield Devil, your transgressions tonight will not go unpunished," said the knight. "As a source of my power, God Almighty, grant me the power to deliver justice to your enemies! Divine Weapon!"

Gold light flashed across his longsword. He leapt at Seamoose, who put the Darkblade between them. The knight— no, with that divine magic he would be a paladin— brought his sword down hard on the black blade. The light flashed and a shockwave knocked over the nearby tables and shelves. The knights surrounding them had braced themselves in preparation.

Yet, Seamoose stood tall and as unmoving as a statue. He saw the man's eyes widen behind his visor.

"Neat," a smile spread across his lips. "I can do that too. SMITE!"

Before the man could react, Seamoose drew his blade back and around in a single swing. Light erupted from the black blade as soon as it kissed the paladin's armor. Searing heat washed over them all as the paladin's entire being was rendered ash.

The knights were left stunned and silent. Many shook. Many relieved themselves. None dared to move.

"Hear me well," he stood straight as he planted his blade into the pile of ash at his feet. "I am Sir Seamoose, Champion of the Shield Hero. You have dishonored him and I have been sent to demand recompense. Lay down your weapons and flee, and I will let you live. I do not hunt weaklings and cowards. Those who do not offer their lives to the Shield Hero."

The clanking of metal echoed all around him as weapons and shields dropped to the ground. He did not move as those who listened to him slowly moved away. Slow at first, like cornered animals, before dashing away frantically. Still he did not move.

"C-Cowards!" Of course, there was always the one zealot. Three, actually, but this one had the courage to keep his voice. "Traitors! You will all burn in hell for this!"

"You three it is then," Seamoose sighed as he picked up his sword. With one hand, he slew the knight who spoke up. His remaining companions, he realized, were too terrified to even drop their weapons. They died frozen in fear.

Silence reigned in the library a moment later. Seamoose found a desk large enough and dumped his satchel onto the counter. He then began the methodological task of taking out each piece of text individually, skimming through the contents for a base understanding, and then setting them aside depending on their worth. Some could be used for his own use, some for Artemis', and some for future investments and possibilities. But the most was just trash.

Why the fuck should he care if the previous Spear Hero collected stuffed animals? And why was it one of the books they tried to destroy?

Hours went by and no one disturbed him. The guards of this facility had truly left him to his own devices. He didn't even sense them trying to rally more troops or set up a trap.

He reached into his satchel and pulled out his crystal ball. He let it rest on the top of his satchel so it wouldn't roll off and break (again). He channeled magic through it, muttered Artemis' name, and waited. He smacked the thing a couple times when static was his answer.

An image appeared in the center of the crystal ball. He saw Artemis in the fetal position, bound by chains in a damp dungeon cell. His King sensed the scrying and looked up, peering into Seamoose's eyes through the magic.

"Report," said Artemis.

"The dark deed you requested is done," Seamoose sat back in the leather office chair with a large book in his hands. "I'm going over the loot as we speak. As for your last message, there's nothing I've found about recent affairs. I did find out why the church hates the Shield Hero with a raging hard one."

Artemis raised his hands in gesture for Seamoose to continue.

"Before the church was a thing, the Shield and Bow Heroes came from the same world. Theirs was collapsing and came to this one with a massive colony of people— the demi-humans. The Waves of Calamity ended in time and all four heroes chose to remain here. But the human countries feared the demihumans for their accelerated growth. So they spread all sorts of propaganda about them and even got the heroes involved. Three of the heroes agreed it would be best to exterminate them, including the Bow Hero. But the Shield Hero disagreed and fought in a war to defend them.

"He died saving them while the survivors fled to another land. They eventually formed their own country, known today as Siltvelt, which is Melromarc's greatest rival. With so many humans dead because of the war, they blamed it on the Shield Hero betraying his own kind and formed the Three Heroes Church."

Seamoose let Artemis soak in the knowledge. He had paraphrased everything, of course, but that was the gist of the story. The journal entries had a lot of hate to skim over.

"See if you can find anything on current affairs," Artemis commanded next. "As you can see, I am currently imprisoned for false crimes. I need to see how well the church has its hands in the government."

"And to clear your name?" Seamoose cocked a brow.

"That I can easily do on my own. There is another imprisoned wrongfully due to the Shield Hero's reputation. This is merely a test to see how King Aultcray reacts."

"Alright, I'll see what I can— MOTHER FUCKER!"

He slammed his fists onto the desk (shattering it) and stood up. He reached over his shoulder and pulled the poison dagger out of the back of his neck. The attack had been precise and would have paralyzed even a mighty warrior. The poison would have finished them off soon enough.

He spun and flung the dagger back where it came from. A figure darker than the shadows was hurled back as the dagger sank into their chest and pinned against the wall. They died choking on their own blood while trying to pull the dagger out.

"I'm going to have to call you back," Seamoose muttered as he gave his crystal ball a light kick. The spell didn't so much as end as the ball fizzled out.

He drew the Darkblade as crossbow bolts and poisoned daggers came flying at him from every corner of the room.

0-0-0

They came for him shortly after dawn. It wasn't the same group of knights. They forced a muzzle over his mouth, locking his jaw and forbidding him from speaking. He allowed it, if only to see where this was going.

Eclair protested but could do nothing more than make noise.

Like before, they shoved and harassed him as if he were the worst human imaginable. He tolerated their practices and followed their lead. It irritated them further but they did not push their attempts like the previous guards. There were eyes watching from the maids to the wandering nobility.

He was led to the throne room— a spacious and opulent room with marble tiles, a velvet rug leading up to the dias of two thrones, and a viewing platform on the second level to the right. The morning dawn shone through glass windows reaching from the floor to ceiling. In the presence were his fellow heroes, the king upon his throne, a few nobles in the viewing area, and Myne— sobbing and shaking behind the Spear Hero Motoyasu.

He walked on even when the guards stopped at the doorway. He saw the way the other heroes were glaring at him with absolute disgust. He stopped a few meters from them, standing at the center of the room and making sure the light from the central window shone down on him.

He felt his magic steadily return to him.

King Aultcray, a man past his prime with a golden crown of office on his head, was shaking with restrained rage. His eyes bore down on Artemis with absolute hatred and damnation.

Artemis remained unfazed and unmoving. He waited patiently for this circus act to begin.

"Myne," King Aultcray's rage was put aside as pity and sadness replaced it. He looked over to the crying adventurer behind the Spear Hero. "I know this is traumatizing. But please, can you tell us what happened once more?"

Motoyasu put an encouraging hand on her shoulder while also giving her a heartbroken look.

"I… I'll try," Myne nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes. She would not look his way as she said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Last night, the Shield Hero summoned me to his room. I thought we were going to talk strategy. But then he threw me on his bed. He… had a look in his eye. He told me the night was still young. And then he… he…"

She sobbed and covered her mouth with her hand.

Motoyasu put both hands onto her shoulder and shot him a heated glare. "Myne came banging on my door in the middle of the night. She told me you forced yourself on her. If she hadn't begged me to stay with her I would have beaten you to an inch of your life right away!"

"How repulsive," said the Bow Hero, Itsuki.

"I didn't think you could get so low," said the Sword Hero, Ren.

Artemis did not blink at their comments. He awaited the next part of this charade.

The king watched him closely and found nothing. He waved a hand towards one of the knights in the back.

"When we investigated the Shield Hero's room," one knight stood up with a piece of fabric in his hands. He blanched with nausea, "We found this under his bed."

He displayed a negligee for all to see. The nobles gasped. Myne cried out in horror. Motoyasu shielded her as if it were a monster ready to attack her. The other heroes' glares intensified.

Artemis looked at it briefly before returning his attention back to the king. His face remained impassive to everything while King Aultcray was fuming.

The king let out a breath of air as he sank into his chair. He pressed his palm to his brow and looked several years older. "This is unforgivable. Since you are one of the Cardinal Heroes, I cannot punish you. You are needed for the Waves. However, I cannot stop rumors of what happened here from spreading—"

Artemis flicked his wrists and threw his manacles to the floor.

"Draw swords!" one of the knights shouted with others following his command. "The Shield Hero is trying to escape!"

King Aultcray stood. The heroes drew their mythic weapons while Myne drew back. With all the attention locked on him, she did not need to hide her smile of delight.

He drew up a hand and removed the muzzle as though it were a simple mask without locks and restraints. His voice was dry, "Do not waste my time like this, Princess Malty Melromarc. We both know the truth."

Myne's smile faltered.

"W-What?" Motoyasu blinked and looked over his shoulder. "Princess? You're a princess? T-Then… Dalang, you bastard! How dare you defile a princess!"

...As if violating royalty was worse than any other maiden.

"King Dalang, Young Motoyasu," Artemis snapped. "This accusation is a slander to my name and I will be defending it. Since you wish to defend Princess Malty's honor, then answer my inquiry. At what time did she come to you?"

"Filth like you has no right to speak without permission!" Aultcray jabbed a finger his way. "Guards! Seize the Shield Hero! Clasp him in iron and throw him in the dungeon! I am done with this vagabond!"

He sighed with disappointment. Perhaps he should have kept his cool. No, they weren't willing to listen to him in the first place. The heroes had set their opinions about him. Aultcray did not even question why he was muzzled.

Magic swirled at his fingertips. He will have to make them listen to him, it seemed.

A part of the wall by the king's side blew open. A perfectly cut rectangle of stone flew out and almost destroyed the first pillar of the viewing platform. A secret passageway was revealed for all in the throne room to see.

"Ah," Seamoose lowered his foot from when he kicked open the doorway. Over his shoulder was a familiar figure with a bundle of pink hair. "This isn't the bathroom."

"G-Guards! Guards!" Myne shrieked and took several steps away. "Kill him! Kill him! He's come to free the Shield Hero!"

"Oh hey, it's the bitch!" Seamoose smiled as he dropped Eclair unceremoniously onto the floor. She gasped as the air was knocked out of her. He then reached for Faeslayer. "I told you she was trash! Should have listened to me!"

"Seize this intruder!" King Aultcray commanded.

"KILL HIM!" Myne shouted louder.

"Wait! Your majesty please listen!" Eclair rolled onto her knees and tried to placate the situation.

It was too late. Knights ran forward with their blades drawn. Even the Sword Hero rushed forward, eager to engage with this new villain. Ren was faster than anyone else in the room… except for Seamoose.

The Champion took a single step and had crossed the distance between him and Ren in an instant. Ren's eyes widened as Seamoose lifted Faeslayer off his back. Power radiated off of his being as the light of the room seemed to brighten.

"Kneel!" Artemis shouted.

All who heard his voice fell to the ground. Most fell to all fours while few had fallen onto two knees. Those with great mental resistance, such as the nobility and the king, had been able to fall to only one knee. But none had escaped the command.

Seamoose resisted the most, standing on both feet as a great weight crashed down onto him. He groaned in exertion until his eyes met with Artemis. Only then did he fall to one knee with the impact leaving a large crack on the floor.

"I wasn't going to kill him…" Seamoose grunted.

"You have my permission to stand," Artemis said with a hard voice. "You do not have my permission to engage unless I give the command. Do you understand?"

"...I hear and obey, my King," Seamoose bowed his head in fealty. Only then did the oppressive aura lift.

Steadily, the occupants of the room began to rise back to their feet. Many were shaken as their wills had been taken away from them by his voice alone. Even, or perhaps especially, the heroes were startled by this level of magic. They thought themselves invincible and impervious. They thought each other equals.

"Lord Aultcray," Artemis approached the throne, leaving the chains around his ankles behind. Knights drew their swords with shaking hands but found themselves incapable of stopping him. Not from his magic but purely out of fear.

He stopped at the foot of the dias and bowed at the waist, one hand over his heart. "I apologize for the actions of my Champion. He acted to defend me. I assure you he will behave appropriately from now on."

King Aultcray stood, glaring down at Artemis with a much closer eye. Though his anger still burned, it had been tempered down due to the display of his power. He became cautious. Then, his eyes drifted over towards Seamoose, who stood tall with his arms crossed and a heavy frown on his face.

"I do not accept your apology, Shield Hero," Aultcray said eventually.

"I do not care about your feelings, Lord Aultcray," Artemis stood straight. "I care about your authority. If you are unwilling to give me a fair trial to clear my name, I will accept your negligence to justice as a declaration of war."

Seamoose whistled in awe. Those who had regained their composure gave weak laughs.

Aultcray took a seat at his throne. He stared at Artemis for a long moment, neither one blinking as they gauged the other. When he found what he was searching for, his eyes went towards the viewing platform. He found a noblewoman who had a fan covering half of her face. Her eyes were watching the king closely.

He shut his eyes before returning to Artemis, "Very well, Shield Hero. I will grant you the chance to defend yourself."

The laughter died immediately.

"Thank you, Lord Aultcray," Artemis bowed again before stepping away. He turned and gestured to the knight still holding the negligee, "Since Young Motoyasu refuses to answer my question, I'll ask this instead. Was it you who found that in my room at the inn?"

The knight looked over to his king, who gestured for the man to answer. "No. It was the knight commander who did the investigation himself."

"Is he present?"

"Yes."

"Then I call for the knight commander to answer. Is it true you found this article of clothing within my room?"

A man with polished and decorative armor stepped up. He snarled and pointed a finger at him, "I did! It even has the scent of the princess' perfume!"

"...Strange how you know what that is, knight commander," Artemis commented. "To confirm that it is indeed hers, can you explain your testimony?"

"T-The princess herself confirmed it to me!" he sputtered out.

"What's the point of asking these questions?!" Motoyasu shouted. "The knights say they found it in your room! Isn't that proof enough?!"

"They say they did," Artemis turned to him. "But how did they get into my room? I placed several spells on every entrance and wall. Nothing short of destroying the inn itself would allow anyone entry. I am content with waiting for a team to confirm this."

"D-Don't try to lie about something like this!" the knight commander bristled. "We barged into your room and found this in your bag."

Artemis turned around quickly, "The one on my chair?"

"Yes!"

"I thought it was found under my bed. Also, I have no traveling bag. I keep all my things within the Shield's inventory space."

The commander paled as Artemis reached into the gem on the shield and pulled out the grimoire from the magic shop. He showed it to Aultcray, whose eyes narrowed, before putting it away again.

"I meant under the bed!" bellowed the commander. "Regardless, we still found this in your room at the inn!"

"You made me wear that disgusting thing!" Myne shouted from the far corner of the room. "Don't you dare try to turn what you've done to me!"

"Then until it can be proven anyone can break into the room, I would like to question the timing of all this," Artemis faced her. Motoyasu stepped in front of her. "When did this take place?"

"You know when!" she spat.

"An exact time needs to be given," he returned calmly.

"Why?" demanded Motoyasu. "What does it matter if it was at midnight or three in the morning? No one was awake at that time to prove you're innocent."

"Just the same, no one was awake to witness my crime," he countered. "Just the accuser and you, whom she approached first. To answer your question, I had left the inn an hour after the dinner bell. The inn was very much alive a few hours after the bell. What time would you say is 'in the middle of the night'?"

Motoyasu gritted his teeth and tried to find an argument rather than answer the question.

"I ask the guards who brought me here today," Artemis turned to the knights next. "From where did you fetch me this morning?"

There was no answer.

"Speak," commanded Aultcray.

"...The Shield Hero was in the palace dungeon, your majesty," answered one of the guards.

"Why?" Aultcray's eyes narrowed.

The same knight could not answer. He looked over to his superior, who then looked over to the knight commander. "We were told it was need to know, sire."

The knight commander had broken out into a cold sweat. All Aultcray did was stare him down.

"I was brought in on the charges of sexual assault and murder," Artemis confessed. It did little to alleviate the glares. "My Champion was attacked and those in his company slain. I went to his aid immediately and was met with the guards of the nightly watch. They were the ones who escorted me to the palace dungeon. You may confirm the timing with my only witness, Dame Eclair Seaetto."

Eclair stiffened as all eyes turned towards her.

"Seatto…?" muttered Aultcray in thought. "You are Reginald's daughter, then?"

Eclair fell to one knee as she bowed her head, "Yes, your majesty. And I can confirm a part of the Shield Hero's story. I heard the seventh bell from my cell. Around an hour and a half later was the Shield Hero escorted to the cell across from mine. He was there until this morning."

"Cell?" Aultcray blinked. "What were you doing in the dungeons, girl?"

"M-My king…" Eclair looked frightened as she looked up. "I was thrown in there, accused of murdering my party members on the night of the heroes' summoning. I plead with you these accusations are false! We were ambushed in our sleep! I was the only one to survive! What have you learned from the assailant I slew?"

Aultcray's frown deepened. "I have heard nothing of this incident."

Eclair looked horrified.

Aultcray shut his eyes and fell into a deep thought. "Your matter will be reviewed at another time. Until then, you will be under house arrest within my guest chambers. Word will be sent to House Seaetto about your situation."

"Sire…" Eclair's voice was small. "My father is dead. He was slain in the first Wave."

"...What?" Aultcray leaned forward with mild surprise. "Reginald Seaetto is dead? Why was I not informed of this?!"

"Because the Three Heroes Church does not wish you to know, Lord Aultcray," Seamoose spoke up and produced a crumbled letter from his satchel. "If it may be presented to the court, I have in my hands a letter from Bishop Newman to Justicar Payne. In it reports the confirmation of an operation happening in the Seaetto providence. It strongly suggests they knew when the Wave of Calamity would strike and used it as a chance to assassinate the Duke of Seaetto."

Eclair stood and faced him, her face twice as horrified as before. All color on her washed away.

"It also states they were unaware of the whereabouts of his heir," Seamoose went on, glancing down at the letter. "And that another attempt to 'remove her' will happen in the near future. This letter was dated three weeks ago. As we are also on the topic, I also have another letter from the seneschal of Pope Balmus to Princess Malty S Melromarc regarding the Shield Hero."

"T-That's clearly fake!" Myne blurted out. "P-Papa, don't believe something a lowly demihuman said! Especially one who attacked the throne and works for the Shield Hero! He's clearly lying!"

"Enough," Aultcray said with a final tone. "Sword Hero, bring me the evidence."

Ren, who had remained standing near Seamoose, glowered but obeyed. He took the bundle of letters offered and approached the throne. He stepped up to the dias and personally handed over the letters to the king. Everyone fell silent as he read the first page.

Eclair was clutching her hands tight to her chest as she held her breath. She gasped every now and then as she forgot her need for air. She shook with tears threatening to break out.

Aultcray lowered the letter as he looked at Eclair with a long stare. He forced himself to look away. "Send out knights to arrest Bishop Newman and Justicar Payne for suspicion of conspiracy and treason."

"My king, no!" Eclair cried out. "My father! Say it isn't true! My father fell fighting the first Wave!"

"Sword Hero, please deliver this to Lady Seaetto," Aultcray looked aged as he extended the letter for Ren once more, who accepted a little more graciously. When he leaned back, he announced, "Eclair Seaetto, you are hereby free of all charges and free to go."

Eclair hardly heard him as she grabbed the letter with both hands. She shook as she read quickly. She caught a passage and went absolutely still. The letter fell out of her hands as she slowly sank to her knees.

In the meantime, Aultcray read the next three pages. His eyes narrowed further as his brows creased. The room was silent as they all awaited his judgement. Ren frowned and crossed his arms, his mind deep in thought of the situation. Itsuki looked unsure over who was right and wrong but never about his own judgment before. And Motoyasu was sure this was all a trick. Their expressions were easy for anyone to read.

Finally, Aultcray crumbled the pages and glared at Artemis. "Shield Hero… you are free to go."

"Papa, no!" shouted Myne.

"SILENCE!" he barked and stood, his face flushed red. "Everyone, out! I must speak with my daughter alone."

"It's all a lie!" she shrieked. "Those letters are fake! You can't believe the Shield Hero over your own daughter! I didn't do anything wrong!"

Artemis gestured for Seamoose to grab Eclair and follow him. The Champion did, if not gracelessly dragging her by her arm. She fumbled to her feet and chose to walk on her own, her head raised but tears continuing to fall. The knights wanted to bar their path but they too had been ordered to vacate the room. The nobles up in the viewing started to chat among themselves like gossiping school girls.

"Shield Hero."

Artemis turned to regard Aultcray.

The king's eyes loomed over to the breach in the wall before returning to him. "Do not cause trouble within my realm again."

He mirrored the man as he glanced at Myne. "Just the same, do not waste my time again. By your leave, Lord Aultcray."

He walked off and quickly left the palace.

0-0-0

"Why didn't you tell me you found evidence?!" he spun and jabbed a finger at his Champion.

"I didn't know you were charged with rape!" Seamoose brought his hands up. "Hilarious, by the way. I'd sooner believe she raped you."

"You knew I was arrested," he jabbed the finger onto his chestplate. "You knew the church was behind it. That's partly why I told you to look for anything on current affairs. You didn't think it necessary to message me between the hours we last talked?"

"I was up all last night looking through all the shit," Seamoose snarled back and pushed the hand away. "You know, while you were sleeping! Got attacked twice more, by the way. You're lucky I found anything at all!"

"What… What were you even doing with Miss Seaetto?"

"Coincidence," he shrugged back. "There's a secret passage from under the church that leads to the palace. One tunnel led up to the dungeon. I knew who she was from the scrying last night so I figured I might as well bust her out. Oh, also saved her from a few assassins before she woke up."

"...What?" Eclair squeaked.

Artemis forced himself to walk away from his Champion. Calming down was a harder task, even with magic. He ran both hands through his hair and counted to ten.

"I thank you, sir knight," Eclair said as she faced Seamoose and gave a bow. "You have brought the truth of my father to me and have cleared my name. I will repay this debt."

"Sir Seamoose," the man raised his head and puffed out his chest. "And I am no knight. I am the Champion of Godking Dalang."

"Y-Yes, of course," Eclair looked uncertain about the name but wasn't going to argue about it. "Forgive me. I am Eclair Seaetto, daughter of Duke Seaetto and a knight of Melromarc."

"A pleasure," Seamoose nodded his head. "If it means anything, I was acting under the orders of my King. It was only by chance did I uncover anything about you and yours."

"Which would have been great to open up with instead of wasting all our time," Artemis muttered with his irritation returning.

"You said you could handle this easily," Seamoose gestured towards the other man with an open hand. "If anyone wasted time it was you by acting like a lawyer. You and I could have easily busted out of there and they wouldn't be able to stop us."

"The point wasn't to escape punishment," Artemis frowned. "The point was to see how deeply rooted the problem lies. I wouldn't have learned anything had I thrown my magic like a weapon."

"And what did we learn?"

"The church is willing to use any means to remove the Shield Hero," Eclair answered bitterly. "My father was one of the leading advocates for demi-human equality. He angered many practitioners of the Three Heroes for as long as I can remember. And they removed him when they found it most convenient. I wonder what else they've gotten away with…"

"Also, Lord Aultcray is not a part of their schemes," Artemis added on after a moment of silence. "He was genuinely surprised about your father. I believe so long as we stay out of his attention he will not bother us."

"But this church is going to go out of their way to make your life hell," Seamoose pointed out. "Wouldn't it be better if we just destroyed it?"

"Destroying their place of worship and killing every practitioner will create an even greater monster," Artemis said with a hard voice and stare. "To truly rid us of them, we will need the people on our side. For now, we leave them to their devices and focus on the Waves of Calamity."

Seamoose grunted with disappointment.

"King Dalang, Shield Hero," Eclair placed a hand to her chest and knelt down. "Please allow me to accompany you on your journey. I am a knight trained with the sword. I pledge myself to you and your cause."

"Granted," Artemis said in a simple tone and a wave of his hand. "Rise and join us, Honored Seaetto. You are most welcome."

She let a smile show as she stood. "Thank you, King Dal—"

Her eyes widened as the status of the two revealed themselves to her. Once she had joined the Shield Hero's party, all the information about him and his Champion appeared. Artemis gave her a concerned look but she shook her head. He said something, her ears ringing as she was too stunned to pay attention. He moved; Seamoose said something else and soon followed. She found herself following their footsteps.

Her mouth was dry and a cold sweat washed over her.

Seamoose. Level 250

Dalang. Level 300+

She did not know what it meant. She did not know how it was possible. She could not comprehend how such beings could exist.

But if the numbers were true…

Perhaps there was some truth to the ancient stories her father read to her. The world might be saved from the Waves of Calamity.