The Heroes
AN: So, just to get his out of the way. Ahem.
I FUCKING LOVE RISING OF THE SHIELD HERO! I'll admit I didn't even hear of it until I saw a picture of Raphtalia on youtube one day and asked myself, "Who is this animal girl and why is she so well designed?" and promptly clicked on the video. Couple of searches later I find out the anime she's from and watch the first episode. Halfway through, I'm admittedly not interested, it was sounding like a satire of SAO and Naofumi was admittedly annoyingly cheerful about the whole thing.
Then the second half happened and…well, if this is your first introduction to Shield Hero, first of all, go watch the show! It's amazing, it's well written and animated, and we're getting a new season next year. It's the BEST. Then come back and read this, because this is…..well it's me going back to my roots a little. OC insert, no crossovers, it's basic and I sorta need that to write right now. Only it's better written than my first few stories.
I got the blue bricks of season 1, so let's get going!
Fog covered the shoreline, overhead seagulls squawked as they flew against the wind, the sight making them look almost suspended in midair. Beneath them on the cliffside leading out to the sea sat a lone figure on wet stone. He was young, as young as the age of 22 could be considered at least, but the forlorn expression on his face was that of someone older, someone who missed home and yearned for just one more day there. He was tired, he didn't sit down to wait for a nice view, he sat because the past few days had been the strangest, exciting, but above all else worst days of his life.
Wrapped around him was a evergreen cloak, the same color as his eyes. His triangular face stretched as his hand ran down it, passing over the stubble around his mouth and cheeks. The dark hazel hair matching his hair that was messily combed back to try and at least be presentable, his pale skin almost looked ghostly with the surrounding fog, and wasn't too far off with how he felt.
The sound of the crashing waves at the shoreline below roared over him, as the sound faded away however he heard the impact of plastic. Looking over his shoulder, he saw a small ball bouncing down the rocks towards him. Taking a deep breath, he let it out through his nose, he couldn't let her see him like this, he needed to be strong. Standing up, he walked over in the direction of the ball and caught it as it's small owner climbed down the rocks after it.
As the seagulls screeched once more overhead, he closed his eyes.
'It's hard to believe this started out as just a regular day…..and it went so out of control so fast.'
The forest green eyes opened to the sunlight shining on them through his window, the abrupt and unwelcome light being met with a groan as he turned over in bed to try and block out the sun. However after minutes laying in bed he sat up and yawned. Looking down at his feet, the young man smiled at the occupant at the end of his bed, "Ok Copper, if I get up, you have to." he said, reaching out and rubbing the head of the black lab curled up at the end of his bed between his feet. The cat dog yawned and turned over, showing it's belly to it's owner as he slid out of bed and stood up, Matthew Daniels had been in quarantine for what felt like years when it had only been little over six months.
Getting up from bed, Matt walked across his room to his closet and got out his clothes for the day, while most of his days were spent indoors partaking in online classes for his college, today he had been sure to get all his assignments done and turned in as well as not having any virtual classes to attend. During the start of the global pandemic, he had been let go from his job at a video store since it was a place people frequented, though if he was being honest he was surprised people still rented movies instead of streaming them.
However Matt had been smart and saved up his money, living at home cut down on expenses compared to living at a campus. And it let Matt stay close to his family, though six months in and being forced to stay indoors was really testing how much he could handle.
Thankfully, people were adjusting. Looking over to his desk where his computer and monitor were set up, he saw he had accidentally left the chatroom open last night from his D&D session with his classmates from campus. Getting dressed in a pair of jeans, a grey sweater, and a button up hoodie that was green plaid, he walked over to his computer and closed down the window of the chat and revealed the long lines of coding he had been working on for his new job, making a video game with friends.
Hopefully it could get him some money when they finished it, but it still required some work before it was anywhere close to being sold. Matt smiled to himself, it was slow going but if it meant making something he was proud of he didn't mind in the slightest. One problem at a time. he thought to himself before turning off the screen. After making his bed, and giving Copper a kiss between the ears goodbye, he grabbed his mask on the doorknob to his room and walked out.
Walking through the house, Matt passed by his brother's door who was still asleep before entering the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash up for the day. Their dad having already left for work earlier this morning. Passing through the living room, he approached and exited the front door of the one story house. Walking across his driveway that divided the house from the garage, he walked to the dark blue Jeep parked outside.
Pulling the scarf mask over his head be entered his car and buckled in before turning the ignition.
Tugging his mask up over his nose, Matthew entered the comic book shop he frequented weekly. It was technically a bookstore since it did in fact sell novels but comics took up most of the wall space. Not to mention there was a simple 'Comics' sign above the storefront of the plaza. To be honest he was surprised that in the middle of nowhere Michigan there was a comic book store so close to where he lived. Not that he was going to complain, walking past the front counter he walked along the wall towards the back where the books where.
And by books, he really meant strategy guides and player manuals.
Let's see, Warhammer, Call of Cthulhu, Risk, wait you need a manual to play Risk? Matt thought as he walked to the back of the isle, scanning for the player manual he was looking for. Ah here we go! Cyberpunk 2020…..man with how the actual year is going, I think the post-apocalyptic one where we're all part robots looks pretty nice compared to what we have going on. he thought to himself as he reached for the manual, pulling it out the book next to it fell over to the side.
However the college student was too absorbed in the book he'd chosen to notice, Oh hey it's on sale too! Lucky me. Hmm, let's think here, I set aside forty for spending money, this is cut to twenty, so what else can I snag? he pondered as he looked up from his book and saw the one that had fallen aside. Unlike the other books that were overly large, this one was an average sized hardcover. Picking it up he inspected the cover and quirked a brow. Wait the hell? he asked himself upon seeing there wasn't really a cover to the book, just the title.
The Four Cardinal Weapons? he read to himself in confusion. Flipping open to the first page he was surprised to find a swash of color on the inside with a small text box in the upper corner. Huh. Graphic Novel? Don't think I've ever heard of this one. he mused to himself as he began to read the contents. 'In order to save the world from the waves of apocalyptic catastrophe, four heroes will be summoned from another world.' Wait world as in dimensions, or actual planets? Oh wait is this like that one Fate anime where they're like heroes from different time periods? he wondered as he turned the page.
The next page showed the four weapons, the designs of which were basic, a polearm spear, a knightly sword, an odd looking bow, and a small shield. 'Each hero wields a distinctive weapon, a sword, a spear, a bow, or a shield.' Huh, you know normally I wouldn't consider a shield to be a weapon but I'm pretty sure that'd get a bunch of Captain America fans angry. he thought mirthfully to himself. Plus Paul has that one D&D character who uses just a shield, he pretty much carried our group. And made me respect my wizard to a cleric….god I'm a nerd.
He continued reading, Ok art is pretty good, story is basic start, lets see now. Blah, blah, blah-princess? he asked himself open seeing a panel with a female outline in front of a window. Oh god no love triganles. Or wait, would it a hexagon if there's five of them? Ehhhhhh if this is a team book this might be a pass depending on how well it goes. he cautiously thought as he flipped to the next pages that outlined the Spear, the Bow, and Sword hero respectively. Wonder who the leader is? My first guess would be sword since that's usually what the case is. he assumed before turning the page and seeing it was blank for the shield hero, only showing the shield from the front perspective.
It was hexagonal in the body with the lower half extruding out and meeting at a point, in the center was a emerald colored gem. "Wait where's the-" he began to ask before the pages began to flip as though a breeze blew over them, a golden glow emanating from the pages of the graphic novel, before he could react the isle around him stretched apart towards the ceiling and down towards the earth below, his footing loosing any solid ground whatsoever to stand on"-AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Matt screamed as he fell, his arms flailing out for something to grab onto like the selves before his vision was blinded by a blinding yellow light.
Squinting his eyes, the light disappeared as quickly as he faded, "Huh!?" he grunted before he fell forward and hit the ground as though he had simply tripped. Instead of the basic carpet of the comic book store however, the ground beneath him was hard stone. Around Matt's hunched over form was a green light cascading up from the ground, a sigil glowing on the ground beneath him slowly fading away.
"Fantastic!" a elated voice said, "The summoning was a success."
Looking up from the ground, Matthew found himself surrounded by a large number of people in dark robes, the light of the sun pouring in through a window behind them. One of the men in robes bowed their head slightly, "Brave heroes, won't you please save our world from pure evil?" he asked, Matthew couldn't fully see his face but the sound of his voice was almost desperate.
"What?!" Matthew said in chorus with three other voices, upon hearing the simultaneous question he turned his head to the source of the voices and saw he wasn't alone in his confusion. Standing up from the ground were three other figures, each of them male and each of them holding weapo- Wait…... he thought upon seeing what they were holding. In each of their hands were a weapon. A sword. A spear. A bow….
Looking at his own hand he saw his forearm now had a familiar shield on it, "What the hell?!" he exclaimed as he stood up and looked over the shield. It wasn't overly large, covering his forearm to the back of his hand, the strange part however was that there wasn't any strap around his wrist to hold it in place.
"Please oh brave heroes, our world is in dire need of saving." the man in front of the group of robed people asked of the four.
Matthew was briefly stunned before shaking his head, "I'm sorry, could you…..you run that by me again, did you just say our world?" he asked in disbelief, glancing over at the other three beside him. The first beside him was a guy about his age, he had long blonde hair and bangs that were tied up in a ponytail, he wore a red button up shirt that was undone with a white shirt underneath it. He wielded a spear, that he let lean against his shoulder.
Beside him was a boy that looked younger, he had black hair that was cut short around his head but went down around the sides of his face. He wore a blue jacket and looked down at the sword in his hands, finally at the end was who looked to be the youngest among the four. He had a lighter shade of blonde than the spear wielder but it was much more maintained and wavy than the one with the sword, he pulled the string on his bow as a test. What got Matt's attention was the uniform he was wearing, which looked like something a boarding school would mandate.
"What do you mean it's in need of saving?" the bow user asked curiously.
Matthew turned his attention to who he assumed was the head of this group of robed people as he replied, "The story behind it all is long and complicated, but sufficient to say you are the Four Cardinal Heroes, and you were summoned here using an ancient ritual." he briefly explained.
Matthew shook his head in disbelief, "That's…..yeah does sound complicated…." he admitted in shock.
"Our world is in a most fragile state, and tetters on the brink of destruction." The group's leader said before clasping his hands together pleadingly, "So we beg you oh brave heroes, lend us your aid." he asked, bowing his head to them before his followers followed his example and bowed their heads as well.
Matthew was understandably uncomfortable, "I…..I'm sorry this is a lot to take in, could we have a minute to-" he began.
"Forget it." Matt turned his head to the sword user in surprise at the abrupt answer.
"I also refuse." the boy with the bow added.
"You can send us back to our home world right?" the young man beside Matt asked with an almost impatient tone asked. "Do that and maybe we'll talk."
The one with the sword stepped forward and leveled it at the man standing in front of them! "You brought the four of us here without our consent, don't you even feel the least bit guilty about it?" he asked, Matthew stepping out and walking between him and the robed man.
"Woah! Woah! Let's calm down, maybe not point the sharp things at one another?" Matthew asked, his hands raised up in a calming manner. He didn't know what was going on but threatening the people who brought them here with weapons didn't seem like the most sound idea. The swordsman looked him in the eyes sharply but Matthew remained calm, He's just waving a sword around, it's dangerous sure but he doesn't know how to use it like the rest of us…..then again a sword is pretty simple to use. he thought.
However he lowered the weapon as the bowman spoke, "Not to mention if you throw us out as soon as we restore piece, we'd have done all that work for nothing." he added, Matt frowned under the scarf mask he wore. That wasn't the most altruistic reasoning, not to mention who was to say they'd keep anything from here when they were finished with their work?
"How willing are you to accommodate our requests? Depending on your answer, we may end up as your enemies instead of your allies." the spear wielder added assuredly.
Matt looked at them in disbelief, Are you guys serious?! The fate of a world is at state and your making demands?! Christ did they mess up with summoning us? I mean it'd explain a few things. he thought to himself. "You….your all taking this surprisingly well…have….have you guys done this before?" he asked.
The spear user shook his head, "Not at all. but if we can't get home then what reason do we have to fight?" he asked. Matt pursed his lips together, there was reason to his words, he wanted to go home NOW if he could but…if people were in trouble and he could help? Wasn't he obligated to? Especially if he was one of the only people who could?
"Good sirs, before I say anymore we'd like you to have audience with the King of Melromarc." he said, slowly approaching the four summoned heroes, "You can negotiate your reward with him directly, so please…." he offered.
Matt waited on baited breath for the other heroes to answer, the sword wielder was the first to respond, "Fine." he simply said.
Matt let out a breath, "I suppouse we'll consider their offer." the bowman added.
The spearman shrugged, "Sure, doesn't matter who we talk to, our demands won't change." he said confidently as he walked past Matt along with the others. As they passed him, he pulled the mask down off his face and buched around his neck, this whole thing felt like some sort of lucid dream, magic? Kingdoms? Other worlds? His head was spinning from all that he heard within the last what? Five minutes? "Hey you coming?" the spear asked, looking back from the staircase where light came into the room from.
Matt turned around and let out a breath, "Yeah, sorry I just…..this is a lot to take in." he admitted as he turned and walked after him.
Walking up the winding staircase, a barred window where the light shone through was on the wall, looking outside it, Matt gulped when he saw a medieval-like town outside, "Wow look, this really is another world huh?" the bow user commented as he looked outside as well.
Taking a deep breath, he noticed something, "Woah….even the air is different." he said in amazement, "Well guess that makes sense, no pollution and all."
"Does that mean you've never traveled out of Japan before?" the bowman asked.
Matthew however did a double take, "Uh, I'm not from Japan." he said, taking the other three heroes by surprise, "I'm from the U.S.A. Michigan." he explained with a bit of pride in his voice.
"Really? Well your Japanese is surpisingly good." the swordsman asked.
Matt's brow creased, "Um….I'm not speaking Japanese…..and neither are you. Your speaking English." he told them, making the trio's eyes widen once again in surprise at his statement.
"That would be your weapons." the priest (?) said, making the four look at him. "The four cardinal weapons translate what you hear into what language you understand through magic." he explained. Matthew looked down at his shiled with awe, he had assumed the weapons had properties that made them superior to other weapons but they had magical capabilities?
As they exited the staircase and walked through a courtyard, Matt asked, "When we meet your King, is there some form of greeting we should show?" he obviously had never met royalty in any form. From movies and TV he knew that they expected their subjects to bow or kneel, but given that they were Heroes he didn't know if there was a certain form of etiquette he needed to do.
The priest looked over his shoulder to him, seemingly taken aback by the simple question. "A simple bow will suffice when meeting the Highness." he answered. Matt nodded his head as thanks.
"How do you greet people in the United States if you don't bow?" the bow hero asked amusingly.
Matt fought the urge to frown at the tone but shrugged it off, "Well for first greetings we usually shake hands. But nowadays it's….well everyone is rethinking it." he explained, a year ago they didn't need to worry about shaking hands but now you had to be careful of getting within spitting distance of someone. The other three heroes looked at each other in confusion as they entered the keep, continuing down the hall a ways, they soon entered a throne room.
Approaching the throne, the king sat alone beside a empty throne while citizens of the kingdom lined the walls as an audiance, "So, you young men are the four cardinal heroes of ancient legend." the deep voice King noted. He wore a set of elegant clothing that was royal purple in color. The tunic he wore had a white stripe down the middle with golden accents on the side, on his shoulders was cloak with a white fur trim, keeping it in place around his neck laid a large golden necklace that matched the crown he wore atop his head. He was older in age than any of the heroes, with white hair that was combed back on his head but cut just above his shoulders, along with beard on his chin that matched his hair. "This is the land of Melromarc, and I am her King. Aultcray Melromarc the 32nd. Welcome brave heroes, please identify yourselves." he requested.
Matt automatically bowed to the King, the three others seeing his action and following suite before standing up straight. The sword wielder lifted his blade into his hand, "Ren Amaki, I'm a high school student and 16 years old." he introduced.
The spear hero stepped forward with a smirk, Motoyasu Kinamura, College Student 21." he introduced.
The bowman, if Matt could really call him that, lifted his bow, "I suppose I'm up next. Itsuki Koizumi, still in high school and I'm 17." he introduced.
Matt cleared his throat, "Matthew-"
"Good-" the King started as well, the two stopping at the sound of each other.
Oh way to go dumbass! Matt quickly bowed again, "Forgive me your Majesty, I didn't mean to interrupt." he said respectfully, the King observed the Shield hero with a raised brow, and a small mutter went throughout the room, Matt feeling even more embarrassed than he already was. He also heard Motoyasu chuckle beside him, but was more focused on his current issue than that.
"It's fine sir…Shield Hero." King Aultcray replied, Matt looked up and say him gesture.
"I'm Matthew Daniels sir, I'm 22 and like Sir Motoyasu, I'm a university student." he introduced, trying to use the proper phrasing that he was picking up from the local inhabitants. The crowd's whispers seemed to stifle after that little blunder but Matthew still felt a little mortified, Can't believe I made an idiot of myself.
"I suppose I need to explain why we brought you here." the King began, "My beloved country of Melromarc and the entire country surrounding it are heading down a path to certain ruin." he went onto explain the situation to the four heroes.
The King explained to us that there's a prophecy of a coming apocalypse, one that's hundreds of years old. As it turns out, a series of incursions from another world onto this one with a destructive force beyond imagining. They're referred to as Waves, and if they're not stopped, this world will end. To this end, each country of this world contains a Dragon hourglass which fortells the coming wave, telling the people when the next wave will arrive.
The first wave just washed over Melromarc before we were summoned, and with it countless lives of the country's citizens were lost. Thankfully the local knights and adventures managed to fight back against the wave and fend off the monsters it spawned. That's the good news, the bad news is that each wave is stronger than the last, and the only hope the country, the world really, has is the Four Cardinal Weapons. When we were summoned, we had little less than a month until the next one hit.
Saying it now though…..I don't believe in fate, or destiny, or any of that. If that was the case then every wrong committed, every atrocity, every single bad thing that humanity had done, in my world or another was just…..justified. How many people, innocent people would parish because 'destiny' willed it? Every killer, every criminal, every horrible person, did what they did not because they were responsible for it but some omniscient force willed it to be?
I didn't believe it. I still don't, but what I did believe…and what I try to keep telling myself is that my fate is my own. Where I am now, is because of what I've done. I HAVE to believe that because if not…and fate has willed me to go through what I have…..then why bother going forward?
"We underestimated the potency of the waves." The king admitted, his grasp on the arms of his throne tightening, "Once we experienced the first one and barely survived, we realized only the Four Cardinal could counter them. So we followed the legend and summoned you four, but now we have no time to loose." he explained direly.
This sounds just like the book I was reading…..so that was the prophecy, if that's the case then how would we even go about stopping them? If there were only so many waves then that'd be one thing. But if there's not and they just keep coming? Then we can't keep fighting forever. Matthew thought to himself. The concept of the Waves themselves were a nightmare, army after army of monsters descending upon a world to just kill everything? And what if it didn't stop here? What if they couldn't stop it here and the next was Earth? His Earth!
Ren lowered his sword to the floor, "Ok, I think we get the gist of it. Anyway I'm sure you didn't bring us here thinking we'd save you for free." he replied, Matt was shocked by how brazen he was.
This stupid kid has that as his priority?! Who knows if we're even going to survive this!? he asked himself in disbelief.
"Of course not." a man standing beside the king replied, Matthew assumed he was an advisor. "Once you repel all the waves I can assure you we will reward you most handsomely."
Th spear hero raised a brow with a cocky smirk, "Yeah? Well it seems we have no choice but to take you at your word." he replied, Matthew looked at him from the corner of his eye trying not to glare. Motoyasu seemed overly assured with himself, Matt had dealt with people like that before, though not all of them were bad, he preferred people who were a little more humble.
"As long as you don't re-neg, we'll work with you. But don't think for a moment you can tame us." Ren answered.
Tame? Really? We're not a set of circus animals…although… he thought, glancing at Motoyasu briefly due to his hair. Not to mention we do need them if we want to get home…at least as far as we know. he thought.
"Exactly, we won't look put up with you looking down on us." Itsuki added in as well.
Christ these guys are full of themselves. They're either brave, or kind of stupid….ok that's a little mean, they could just be putting up a front. Matthew looked to the king and pursed his lips together, "I just want to help. If we can save lives then….well I'm obligated to, so where do we start?" he asked. The king gave him an even look, looking him up and down almost suspiciously, most likely due to how he spoke to him compared to the other three heroes.
"If I can trust we have reached an agreeable arrangement, I would ask you brave heroes to check your statuses." he the king asked. Matt looked in confusion, status?
"I'm sorry your majesty, our what?" he asked politely.
Motoyasu and Itsuki looked just as confused as he was, "Um, yeah?" the bow user asked, mirroring the shield hero's confusion.
Ren looked at the others with annoyance, "Are you guys dense? It should have been the very first thing you noticed when you got here." he retorted.
Oh I'm sorry I was a little concerned with waking up in Elder Scrolls than- he thought before he noticed something. In the lower right corner of his eye was a blinking light. What the, I thought that was from when we were summoned….what is- he thought as he focused on the small light that looked like three little dots inside a circle. Suddenly in front him appeared a slightly transparent dark screen with a number of statistics about….him?
"Right, like that, just focus on it." Ren noted as Matthew looked at what was in front of him in surprise.
This is like a character sheet for a video game, there's HP, MP, SP, EXP, Attack, Defense, even my age is listed here! he thought in surprise as he scanned over the information. There was even a level he was at, no surprise it was lvl 1.
"Level 1 huh? Well that's disconcerting." Itsuki said, looking over to the other heroes with a grim expression.
Motoyasu cupped his chin in thought, "Yeah no kidding, who knows if we can even fight like this?" he asked with concern. With starting at such a low level, it seemed dangerous to try and fight anything at the moment.
Matthew raised his hand slightly, "What exactly is this?" he asked the advisor to the king.
"It's called status magic, an ability exclusive to the heroes." the advisor explained simply.
Matt looked down at his shield in intrigue, it could translate languages and keep track of how strong he was like in a video game. "So where do we go? What's the first step?" Ren asked.
"You must set out on an adventure to develop and upgrade these legendary weapons you have been equipped with." he explained. Matthew hummed in understanding, it would be nice if the weapons were already maxed out, considering their legendary, but that could also be dangerous. Depending how strong they could become it could mean the difference between giving someone a gun, or an atom bomb.
Beside him, Motoyasu pointed the spear forward, "Can't we use other weapons until these are useable?" he asked, giving the spear an experimental twirl.
"Suppose we'll have to figure that out as we go, regardless it looks like we have a lot of training ahead of us." he reasoned.
Itsuki nodded in agreement, "We'll have to level up hard and fast."
"Then we should probably stay together, if we learn how to work together than hopefully we can-" Matthew started.
"One moment brave heroes." the four turned their attention to the advisor, "I neglected to mention, you must each recruit allies and adventure separately." he said, causing the four heroes, Ren included, to look at one another in confusion.
"And why is that?" Itsuki asked for them.
"It is said that by their very nature, the legendary weapons repel one another, if you try to work together, it will apparently hinder their development." he explained, causing the four of them to look at their weapons and saw a message pop up confirming the advisor's words.
Well that's kind of stupid, we'd stand a better chance if they actually leveled up faster by us working together. Matt thought to himself.
"Since the sun is about to set, rest here for the night and begin your quest tomorrow. In the meantime we'll gather the best of the best to form your party." the King said to the heroes wisely.
A young woman in a gown approached the heroes from the right, bowing her head in respect she looked up with a welcoming smile. "We have quarters prepared for you all, please sirs, right this way." she said, gesturing in the direction for the heroes to go. As they left the throne room, Mattheew felt a sense of relief wash over him, standing in front of so many people always threw him off, it didn't help that he had interrupted the king.
Well, hopefully things will go better tomorrow after some rest. Matt thought optimistically.
After having a small feast in their honor, the heroes were escorted through the castle to their quarters, the four heroes all gathered in Itsuki's room to discuss the events of the day. The quarters was small but comfortable, it almost resembled an apartment from the world Matt was from, "Well I guess when your heroes of legend, you get special treatment." Motoyasu said smugly as he sat down on the end of the bed.
Itsuki and Matt sat at a small table in front of the bed with small goblets of water poured along with a container of more. Ren meanwhile stood against the wall of the rom with the sword slung over his back like Itsuki's bow. Oddly enough Matthew couldn't so much as remove his shield from his body, but could move it around, and now had it against his shoulder, acting like a pauldron.
"The girl who showed us here was cute too." the spear user added happily, Matthew smirked. He had noticed as well but he opted not to say anything.
"And though it did taste unusual, our dinner was quite sumptuous." Itsuki added.
Matt nodded, "You noticed it too? I thought it was just me." the American said in relief as he looked over his status again. "God this seems like a video game. They even have Experience here as a stat, not like legitimate experience." he noticed as he closed the screen, something he had discretely practiced at dinner.
Motoyasu grinned, "That's because it IS a video game." he replied, causing Matt's face to morph into confusion, "This is exactly like Emerald online."
The shielder tilted his head in confusion, "Sorry, I'm not familiar." he apologized. He wasn't big into MMO's like some of his friends but he was familiar with the popular ones, World of Warcraft, Everquest, Finial Fantasy 14, The Old Republic, but he hadn't played one in a while. But what he was concerned with was that he thought it was a game, these were people, maybe not their people but people nonetheless. However it made sense to equate it to a game considering what was going on, "Is it new?" he asked.
Motoyasu's brow rose in surprise, "Oh yeah it's huge! Maybe they don't have it in America?" he suggested, Matt shrugged in acceptance, there were a lot of games that were locked to certain regions for stretches of time. It could be a Japanese game he just hadn't heard about because there was no English translation?
"What are you talking about? This isn't an online game, it's a new console game I'm playing. Called Dimension Web." Itsuki said with his hands folded together properly in front of him. He turned to Matt for confirmation, but the older boy shrugged again, "Do they have any good games in America?" he asked with a little concern.
Ren looked up, "Your both wrong, everything about this place is identical to a VRMMO called Bravestar online."
…I'm sorry a what? "I'm sorry, I think I might have misheard that, did you just say a VRMMO?" he asked in confusion. He had to have misheard that, the only online games that had VR weren't anywhere close to being an MMO. Off the top of his head the closest one he knew was VR Chat, but that was just a chatroom!
Ren shook his head, "No. I said a VRMMO." he said confidently.
Matt looked at Itsuki and Motoyasu who looked just as confused as he was, Three games, which none of the others have ever heard of. But all similar to this…..wait. "Ok, really quick, what's the first video game console you guys ever owned?" he asked curiously.
"Startplay."
"Omisphere."
"GameBolt."
"PlayStation One."
The four blinked at the answers they heard, "Wait, what?!"
Ren stood up from the wall in surprise, "Quick, what year are you all from?"
"2020!" was the unanimous reaction. Ren deflated a little at that, "Quick what's the buzzword of last year?" the bow hero asked.
"The what?" Matt asked in confusion.
Itsuki frowned, "Right, sorry. Japanese thing. Uhh….whose the first Superhero?" he instead asked.
"Superman." Matt replied.
"Grey Ghost." Ren answered.
"Invincible." Itsuki said.
"Karma." Motyasu replied as well.
The multitude of answers led to a single conclusion, "There's only one explanation, we're all from different versions of Japan….and America." he added for Matt's sake. The shielder ran a hand over his face, making Itsuki notice the mask around his neck, "IS that why your wearing that?" he asked in confusion, drawing the attention of Ren and Motyasu.
Grabbing the fabric he looked down at it and nodded, "Yeah uhh….there's a global pandemic going on in my world that's infected over 40 million people." he explained, causing the other three heroes to each back away from him. Matt held up his hands, "It's fine, I've been in quarantine for two weeks, if I had it I wouldn't even have gone outside today." he added assuredly, making the other three relax. "God I wish that's the worst thing that happened this year."
Itsuki gave him a look of disbelief, "It's worse?!"
"Oh yeah, california's on fire. There's been protests across the US, we're in the middle of an election year. What else? Oh yeah there's a depression because of the virus going around. Russia is trying to interfere with the election…yeah it's been a sucky year. All we can do is stay inside, work from home if we can and…..yeah." he finished with a shrug. The other three heroes looking at him in shock from what the state of his world was currently.
"That's….depressing." Ren said simply.
Matt smiled, "On the plus side this whole thing pretty much confirms multiverse theory!" he pointed out excitedly, "I mean come on, that's pretty cool." he said, sitting down on the couch beside the table. "What's really amazing is that there's games that seem to mirror this world." he noted, seeing that the other three were still looking at him. "What?" he asked.
"Well we just sort of assumed you knew, since you're the shield and all." Itsuki explained vaguely, making Matt raise a brow.
"Ha! You too?" Motyasu barked in amusement.
Ren closed his eyes, "I mean yeah it only makes sense." he added in a monotone voice.
Matt cleared his throat, getting the attention of the three other heroes, "I'm sorry is there something I'm missing here? I'm a support class right?" he asked, he knew full well that a shield wasn't exactly a primary weapon but every good game had a reason for them being a part of it. Overwatch for example had Reinheart who was a key support character, he had a gigantic energy shield that both blocked attacks and allowed allies' to attack.
Motyasu approached with a smile, "Well I suppose so but in my experience the shielder class is….well, it's pretty much useless." he said, his voice filled with amusement as he leaned over the chair in front of him and looked at Matt.
"…..that doesn't make sense." Matt replied in confusion, making the spear hero lean back in confusion. "I mean, if we compare this to a game? Each class needs to have a reason for the playstyle otherwise a developer wouldn't bother." he looked at Ren and Itsuki, "For example a Bow has range, a sword has speed or power, same as a spear. A shield then probably has supportive capabilities." he reasoned. The three other heroes stared at him in surprise from his breakdown of their roles, "I'm learning to be a game developer, part of that is shitting on bad game design."
Ren didn't look convinced, "While it does make sense, most shielders in the game I've played don't do much. So I'm going to have to disagree."
Itsuki gave Matt a sympathetic look, "Sorry, but defense only doesn't really work on their own."
Matt slid the shield down his arm and onto his forearm, smirking as he gave it a swing, "I mean it's not a sword, true, but you can still beat things to death with a shield. Captain America can even throw his like a frisbe and take out nazi's with it." he reasoned, recalling all the films where he saw just how useful a shield could be in the right hands.
"I don't know who this Captain America is, but if he beats up Nazis? He's a good guy in my book." Motyasu said with a smirk, Itsuki and Ren both nodding in agreement.
"…wait. Big question. Who won WW2?" Matt quickly asked upon realizing how different their worlds were.
That night…looking back I'm surprised I got along with any of them. They acted so stuck up to me, so superior, thinking they knew better when they new just as much as I did. I didn't care though, I just thought if we worked hard we'd be home in no time…but they don't even see these people as….people. And I'll admit it's easier to think that way, think that these people are just a bunch of 1's and 0's in a game.
But it's not true. People have died, people are going to die if the waves keep coming, and they're only on board as long as they get paid.
They're not heroes. They're no better than thugs.
If I could go back I'd call them out on it, tell them that they need to get their shit together. People are counting on us.
After a good night's rest, Matthew and the other Heroes made their way from their room as back to the throne room as the morning sun shined through the windows of the castle. Matt glanced down at his shield as he walked, he had spent a few hours looking at the status and trying to learn all he could about the shield. From what he managed to gather, the shield was improved through gaining skills, so the task was simple today, get a skill and find out how to get more. That was the goal at least, but practical wise he spent a hour up late thinking about what he needed to get done immediately.
Walking into the Throne room, the doors were opened for them by guards on either side of the doorway. In front of the throne stood a lineup of adventures, each ranging in shape, size, gender, and armaments. There were around a dozen of them, meaning that there was enough for all of them.
"We have gathered the greatest warriors in the land, these brave souls will fight the waves alongside you." King Aultcray introduced as the heroes walked up to the spots they were in yesterday.
Why am I getting flashbacks to dodgeball in highschool? Matt thought, recalling how teams would pick one player at a timein sequential order. It always made him feel bad for whoever was last. As his eyes looked over the adventures, he went over the small checklist he had made last night, Ok, first and foremost I need someone who can do offense well. Second, someone whose knowledgeable, if I'm going to be here for a while I need as much info as I can get. And third, I need someone who I can get along with. he thought, his eyes passing over a large intimidating knight.
Briefly he stopped on one of the female adventures, she was about as tall as he was if not a little shorter. She had what Matt suppoused was a tunic and skirt, the white of it covering her arms and meeting at her neck while giving a slightly obscene look at her chest. Around her abdomen and biceps were leather pieces of armor that matched the gauntlets she had. She had a short purple skirt wthat had a belt around it, a sword strapped to her side.
What stood out was her hair, it was crimson, not like ginger hair that Matt had seen back home but actual crimson. She saw that he was looking at him and smiled, beign friendly he smiled back before looking at the other beside her. "Our future champions the time has come to begin your journey!" the king announced.
The companions stepped forward towards the heroes in a line, Wait they choose?! Matt thought in surprise as they walked towards him and the other heroes. Ok, I can work with this. No problem, there's no shortage of people. Just gotta get to know everyone who decides on me. he thought, trying to think positively in the situation. For all he knew the adventurers had been briefed on who the heroes were and chosen according.
However when Matt glanced ove his shoulder, he had to turn around with wide eyes to see that there was no one behind him…at all.
However the other heroes had all gained a full party, Three….five…four….wait that's twelve! "Uhh…huh….." he said simply before looking to the king who seemed to be just as surprised as he was. "….your majesty this is….well it's a little embarrassing to ask but is this…all the adventures?" he asked hopefully.
The king sighed, "I am loathed to admit it, but even I did not expect this outcome." he said, causing Matt's brow to raise in confusion. Loathed to admit it?
"No volunteers, he must have zero charisma." the advisor said in disappointment.
Matt frowned, "I'm right here." he said loud enough for the advisor to hear, the man flinching slightly as one of the King's men bent down and whispered something to him.
"Ah, I've been made aware of an unsettling rumor." he announced with a sigh.
"Something wrong Sir?" Motoyasu asked.
"It would appear that rumors have spread wildly around town is that the so-called Shield Hero is ignorant of this world." he explained, making Matt's eyes narrow. How could a rumor spread about him when he was here less than a day?! Not to mention the King's attitude towards him has been noticeably backhanded for some reason. "Legend tells us that the heroes arrive with a firm understanding of our lands, and our townspeople don't seem to think he meets the criteria."
The spear hero leaned over, "Someone must have been eavesdropping on us last night." he rationalized.
Shit. he thought before taking a breath, "While I admit that I'm not knowledgeable to this world as my fellow heroes, I'm more than willing to learn." he replied aloud. The crowd on the upper level whispered amongst themselves.
"So he admits it?"
"Not what I expected from the Shield Hero."
"Isn't that dangerous?"
Matt looked over at Ren, who had the most party members out of all of them, part of him wanted to ask if he'd be willing to let one join with him, but that didn't seem fair to the adventures. "I'm sorry if this information makes any of you hesitant to join me but….I do understand why I wouldn't be the first choice. I just want to say that." he said a little dejectedly.
Ren looked back to his party, well aware of it's size, "If any of you can't cut it with me then you'll be left behind. I'm a loner, and I don't NEED any of you to do my job." he said, the group of five seemingly stepping closer to the sword hero.
Did…..did he just use me as a stick? Like a carrot on a stick? Matt asked in disbelief. "Well your…..loyal." he said carefully.
Motoysasu rubbed the back of his head awkwardly as Matthew turned to him, "I mean this is unfair, and I'm actually surprised that my party is all girls to be honest."
Matt gave him a blank stare, ….yeah sure you are. he thought before taking a deep breath, "Ok…you know what? Alright then, I can deal with this. I can figure out the basics on my own, just one problem at a time." he said aloud, mostly to himself as he closed his eyes and folded his hands together.
Itsuki once again gave the shield hero a look of sympathy, "I know it would be fair if we split them up three a piece but that could wreck everyone's moral." he reasoned. Two of his companions nodding in agreement behind him, he wasn't wrong, the adventures all chose to be here. And just telling them who they went with wasn't the best way to foster trust.
"No, your right. I know." Matt assured him, "But hopefully I'll be able to find some help later-" he began as a single hand rose up from behind Motoyasu. All eyes turned to her as the girl he noticed from the lineup stepped forward.
"Sir hero." she began to Motoyasu, "Would you kindly allow me to switch parties with he shield hero?" she offered, giving a soft smile to both the spear and shield users.
Motoyasu blinked in surprise, "Are you sure?" he asked.
She nodded happily, "I am!" she assured, surprising Matt. This might be the first thing to go right today, and yet…..it was still strange.
He didn't notice the way the King flinched from the offer, "Are there any others who would be willing to join Master Daniel's on his quest?" he asked. The room was deathly silent, he let out a tired sigh, "So be it. Master Matthew, you will have to recruit for your party yourself as you've said. Every month we shall provide each hero with funds you require. This one time however, Master Matthew's will be higher." he reasoned.
The shield hero was surprised by the show of generosity, "I-thank you!" he sputtered out.
The king bowed his head as a quartet of servants approached the heroes, each of them carrying a bag of funds in their hands, "Here are your initial war chests, accept them with our thanks." the King said as each hero was handed a sack.
The adventurer walked up beside Matt as he was handed his pouch, "Shield hero receives 800 silver coins while the rest of you each receive 600." the advisor said, the heroes bowing to the ones who gave them the money as thanks.
After leaving the throne room, Matt made sure do a quick count of the money he had received, he had also learned the name of the young lady who had joined his party, Myne Sophia. Upon entering the town, Matthew was met with sights and sounds he never imagined he'd see in person. Such as the large lizard creature that was pulling a cart of goods instead of a horse, or humans who had animal traits like ears and tails walking the market. "So Myne, how long have you been an adventurer?" he asked his party member as they walked through the market.
The redhead smiled at him as they walked, "I'm embarrassed to say not that long Sir Shield Hero, about a year or so." she bashfully admitted.
Matthew offered a smile, "Well that's more experience than I have. And you can call me Matt or Matthew if you wish." he offered in return, looking down at the shield on his arm. "First thing's first, we should probably get supplies before heading outside of town. Do you know anywhere we could find some armor and weapons?" he asked. Even with his shield, that could only defend so much of his body, and not to mention he'd never even used one to fight before. So having some extra defense would only help.
Her face brightened up, "Good idea! With all that silver you can probably get some high class armor!" she realized, "I'll take you to a shop I trust, they should have everything we need." she assured.
Matt patted the pouch of silver in his pocket, "It doesn't need to be super expensive, just enough to get the job done." he said with a shrug. Myne gave him a curious look, so he explained, "If we spend a majority of the money on armor then we might not be able to get something we need later." he reasoned.
The adventurer nodded in understanding, "Ah, your thrifty then." she said understandingly.
Matthew barked out a laugh as he followed Myne to the store, "That's a word for it, another is cheap." he said with a forlorn expression. Just like mom….
Soon they arrived at a small balcksmith's shop, it was a ways off from the market and had lower foot traffic, but upon entering the cobblestone building, Matthew was in awe of what ws inside, "This place gets my highest recommendation." she praised as they etered Immdiately inside two racks of swords stood parallel to one another. Looking at the hand crafted metal, Matthew couldn't help but be in awe.
He had gone to a few museums in his life for school, they had displayed armaments from different periods in display cases but to see freshly made swords on display was something else. "Wow…..doesn't matter if they're out dated, no one ever said a sword can't look good." he said as he inspected one of the swords.
Turning to the desk near the back of the store, he saw a large man standing there waiting for them, and by large, he meant LARGE. If the sizes of his muscles were any bigger, Matt thought he could give the Terminator a run for his money. He wore a brown apron with a single strap over his shoulder, a pair of large thick gloves, and a white shirt underneath. He had a sharp beard on his chin, similar to the king's, and had a bald head, showing a pale scar om the side of his head. "Welcome sir." he smiled as he recognized the look of interest on the younger man's face, "So, first time in a weapon's shop is it? Well you already know how to pick the best one."
Matt smiled and nodded, "Yeah, well actually my companion here recommended your shop." he said, gesturing to Myne beside him. Matt watched as the shopkeeper's face changed from friendliness to confusion upon seeing her.
"You do look familiar Miss, have we met?" he asked.
"Sure! I've been in here before, your shop is rather renowned after all." Matt gave Myne a confused look out the corner of his eye as she walked behind him and placed her hand on his shoulder, she had been the one to recommend this place but the owner didn't recognize her?
"Aw, sweet of ya to say so. Anyhow whose your companion here with the funny outfit?" he asked, Matthew looked down at the clothes he was brought to the world in. His sneakers didn't exactly blend in with the rest of the world.
Myne seemed amused by the situation, "You mean you can't tell sir?" she asked.
The blacksmith stepped closer, leaning over the counter and upon noticing the shield, "No, are you trying to tell me he's one of those heroes?" he asked in bewilderment. He glanced at his shield, "A shield huh? Guess that must mean you're the dud." he said, his tone merely poking fun.
"Hey were I come from? Our country's mascot uses it to take out armies of bad guys. Don't knock it till you try it." Matt jabbed back playfully before stepping forward and holding out his hand, "I'm Matthew Daniels." he introduced.
The shopkeeper smiled and shook his hand, "Hey if you're a regular, I won't give two hoots what you wield." he replied.
"Smart business plan." Matt said as he withdrew his hand.
Myne walked up behind him with a smile, "Now that that's out of the way, do you think you could help Sir Shield Hero with his armor?" she asked politely, her hands resting on the back of Matthew's shoulders. The hero slightly tensed at the touch, "Our budget is around 250 silver." she added.
The blacksmith nodded and walked around the counter, leading them to a table with a handful of swords, each of them basic in overall look but were each a different type of saber. "Left to right that's iron, magic iron, magic steel, and silver iron in ascending order of price." he said, straightening out the blades.
Matt hummed as he looked over them before turning to the blacksmith, "What do you recommend for a beginner?" he asked, the closest thing he had to a sword were the plastic lightsabers he and his brother used to play with when they where children.
The smith smiled, "Given your shield? I'd go with simple iron or maybe magic iron. They're reliable, and what most beginners start with." he advised.
Looking down, Matthew carefully reached for the iron sword and picked it up by the handle, however as soon as he lifted it up from the table, a stinging sensation went through his arm with the sword seemingly sparking out of his hand! "What the-" Matt exclaimed as he backed away, Myne and the blacksmith equally shocked. I just touched it why would…..wait a second. he slowly realized, "Myne, try picking that one up." he asked.
The adventurer looked unsure at first but reached down tot eh hilt he just touched and picked it up with ease, "Wait, why did it fly out of your hand earlier?" the redhead asked in confusion.
Matt lifted his right arm where the shield was attached and tapped it, suddenly a message popped up in his eyesight, Rule violation? Legendary shield, blah, blah-cannot wield an weapon with the intent to attack. Oh damn. "Well according to the shield I'm not able to wield another weapon." he explained, the blacksmith walking around to look at the small silver shield.
"How does that work then?" he asked, taking out a magnifying glass from his pocket ad inspecting the shield's glowing gem, a soft green light emanating from the legendary weapon. "At a glance, it's like any other small shield." he said before grabbing the sides of it, "Does this thing come off you?" he asked.
"Not that I've found yet, so far I know I can move it around my body." he explained.
The blacksmith hummed in thought, "That's strange, I can sense a great amount of energy, but my appraisal magic can only tell me so much." he said in awe before standing up. "Thanks for showing me something interesting anyway. Wanna buy some armor?" he said in a more positive tone.
Matt nodded, "Yeah, that's actually what I think I need most. The shield may be legendary but it's the size of a serving plate." he said, tapping the weapon. "Do you have anything that's light and flexible?" he asked hopefully.
The blacksmith hummed pleasantly, "Well it seems you put some thought into it, I might have just what your looking for." he said, walking across the store to where the armor was placed. There was a variety of wears in different shapes and sizes, the blacksmith went to a wooden mannequin where a black quilted armor was draped over it. It's shoulders where slightly bigger and had a V neck so the wearer could move their head around, it also went
"This is chainmail, it's got heft to it but it's easy to move around in. But you'll usually echange weight for durability, it'll absorb a sword strike, but you'll still feel it." he advised as the young man grabbed the sleeve and felt the armor. "I'll also throw in some boots and trousers, no offense but those don't look like they're made for combat." he said, gesturing to his jeans an sneakers. "What are those anyway?"
Matt looked down at his shoes, they weren't exactly made to be killing monsters.
After entering the changing room, he quickly put on the armor and clothing, making sure to put his wallet and phone, which he had the foresight to turn off, into his new set of pants. Once the chain mail was on, he checked his status and saw that his defense, which was standing as his highest stat, had gone up from 20, to 21. So my clothing also effects my status as well. Man maybe the others weren't too far off with the game analogy. he thought before exiting the changing room.
"How much do you want for it?" Myne asked for him as he steed out, moving his arms around to get a feel for how much movement he had.
The blacksmith leaned his arm against the wall, "Heroes discount. 120 silver." he offered generously.
Myne tilted her head, "And the buyback price?" she asked as well.
"Hmm, if it's mostly in new condition, I'd offer you 100 silver." he decided fairly.
Matthew hummed, ideally he would return the armor once he could afford something better, at least that's how he did it in most RPG's. "Which do you think is a better option long term, buying back for better armor, or improving the existing armor?" he asked, some of the games he played had only so many types of armor that the player could have and the only way to stand a chance was to upgrade the armor or just grind.
"Hmmm, I'd say for starting armor it's best to buyback, but better armor I'd recommend improving." he advised.
Matthew nodded, "Thanks….oh I'm sorry I didn't even ask your name." he apologized.
The blacksmith grinned, "I'm Erhard, nice doing business with ya shield hero."
The starting monsters that Matthew faced were…..not what he was expecting.
He had expected wolves, or ghosts, maybe even slimes. But instead the first monsters that he and Myne encountered were balloons. Small, orange, balloons. With mouths that bit him.
"When I woke up today, I did not plan on getting EXP by popping balloons." he said to his companion as he grabbed one of the monsters that lunged at him, throwing it down to the ground before stomping on it with his foot and popping it, earning him a single thing of experience. Earlier he had seen Ren easily dispatching the same type.
Myne approached and knelt down, gathering the pieces of balloon in her hand, "Well how did you plan today to go?" she asked.
"Honestly? Interviews." he answered as he knelt down beside her, Myne had admittedly done more work than him when it came to slaughtering these helpless balloons. And what he quickly found out was that while he could attack with his shield, it was in fact built for more defensive measures. It was so much so that when the balloons even bit him he didn't even feel pain.
Myne looked at him in confusion, "What's an interview?" she asked.
Oh yeah. Job market isn't exactly like it is back home. He realized as he took one of the pieces of the balloons in her hands and dropped it onto the shield's center gem. The piece of the monster disintegrated into dust and was absorbed into the shield, a small notification in the corner of his view told him that the piece had been successfully absorbed into the legendary weapon. "Well back in my world you usually meet someone beforehand to see what their qualifications are for a job. For example if you were an archer then you probably wouldn't need to be in Itsuki's party." he explained.
The adventurer let out a small 'ahh' of understanding as he 'fed' more of the monster remains to his shield, "There's no limit to what it can absorb. That must be part of the legendary weapon's power." she said in awe as another popup appeared in Matt's vision.
"Yeah, but it looks like it'll need more raw materials before I can acquire a new skill." he noticed, seeing that the menu in front of him showed the shield he was using currently was the 'Small Shiled' skill. Which didn't grant him much of anything. Looking at the reaining scraps Myne had, he looked up and asked her, "Are these fragments worth anything?" he asked.
She handed him another scrap, "Yes but at most they'll probably only fetch one copper a piece." she estimated.
Matthew hummed, if that was the case he wasn't sure if it would be more worthwhile to sell the pieces or let the shield absorb it to upgrade. We still have…let's think, 800 hundred minus 120? That's 680. Man I wish I could just use my phone's calculator. he thought. "Well considering how easy Ren took them out, they've gotta be weak so not surprising." he said as he stood up from the ground.
Myne had taken him to the surrounding planes of the town, stretching for what looked like miles was grassland, it looked like something like out of an old western painting. Michigan had a few places like it but you could still see buildings in the distance, here it looked like you could walk for weeks without coming across so much as a long cabin. "Well good is that when I level up I'll get more skills."
Myne smiled as she walked around him, "In that case why don't we call it a night? We should stop back in at the weapons' shop, if we get some equipment for me, we'll get even further tomorrow." she reasoned.
Matthew nodded, but found something odd, "Sure thing, honestly I should have asked if you wanted something before heading out." he said as she crossed her arms behind her back and flashed him a smile.
"Oh no Sir Shield Hero, your equipment takes priority." she replied before she began leading him back towards the town with an almost obvious sway to her hips. Matt shook his head, this whole day felt….off to him.
Being in another world aside, the fact that rumors spread about him despite being here less than a day, the King's seemingly irritated attitude towards him, and even some of what Myne had said was a little weird if he thought about it. No, I'm just being paranoid. I mean it's weird but maybe if I can talk with the King later and explain, he won't be so aggravated. he reasoned before following Myne back to town as the sun began setting, bathing the land in orange.
"Gear for the lady then?" Erhard asked as Myne kneeled down to a box of armor pieces and went through it, scavenging for parts of armor. "You'll certainly be much stronger decked out in some good equipment." he agreed, Myne looking back and smiling at him in agreement. Erhard looked to the shield hero, his bag with his old clothes slung over his shoulder and tied in a knot, "So how'd the chainmail work out?"
Matt smiled as he shifted his shoulder where his shield was, "It worked fine, but my defense is actually so high already that the balloons we fought didn't even hurt me when they bit me." he explained, making the blacksmith's eyes widen in interest. Matt glanced at Myne as she browsed, "Are there certain requirements that need to be met before you can wear certain armor, or is there no real limit?" he asked.
"Well that depends on the armor, I've seen some that's magically enchanted to only allow people of a certain level to wear it but it's rare." he admitted. "Speaking of, don't ecxpect another discount for what the lady buys." he added good naturedly. Matthew nodded in understanding, it was a small business and he needed to make money after all.
"Thanks again for that, but before I start haggling anything I need to see what my companion picks out." he said, knowing firsthand that paying full price for something right off the bat wasn't always the best thing to do. His first car was proof of that.
Erhard chuckled, "So you at least know how to do business, that's good. If you tried before you saw the goods, I would have doubled it." he 'threatened'.
Matt and he shared a laugh before Myne walked over an laid a set of armor down, inspecting it, Matthew saw it was a fine set of steel plated armor that looked made for a woman, along with a sword. "So how much?" he asked.
Erhard smirked, "480 silver, and that's with a discount. Best I can offer." he replied, Matt felt his stomach drop at that. That only left them with 200 silver.
"Um Myne, would you be ok with something less expensive? That only leaves us with 200 silver, and I don't know how much we'll need for food and rooms. Unless we stay at the castle, but even then that won't last us very long." he explained gently, not wanting to be forceful. Myne had been very informative and helpful, and while he did want to repay her, he also wanted to make sure they didn't blow through their war funds so quickly.
Myne smiled, "Oh we'll be fine Shield Hero." she assured, "The stronger I am, the more loot we can collect from monsters right?" she reasoned as she stepped close to a still not totally convinced shield hero. Her arm wrapped around his and pulled it close to her, her other hand laying on his chest and making the young man's face warm up at how close she was.
OK, down dude! Down. Doown. he thought to himself as he reached his hand up and scratched his chin. Swallowing he recomposed himself as best he could, "Well….that does make sense. I just want to be safe with our funds." he said as he lifted his bag unto the table. "Alright I'll take it." he decided.
Erhard grinning at him, "Thanks a ton! Gotta say, you got a good nose for deals." he praised as Matt reached into his coin purse and provided the funds needed.
Myne thanked him graciously as he paid for the goods, however as he set the coin pouch back inside his bag, he saw the fragments of the balloon monsters he fought earlier. "By the way, you wouldn't happen to take these monster remnants would you?" he asked, pulling out one of the scrapes.
Erhard shook his head, "No I don't, but there are certain merchants who take those kinds of good off your hands." he informed them.
After finding an inn to rest for the night in, the hero and his adventurer ordered some food and drink for dinner. Taking a seat at a small table for two beside the staircase leading upstairs, Matt took a bite of the chicken he had gotten, humming in satisfaction at the taste, "This might be better than what I had at the castle." he commented as he stabbed his fork into one of the bits of meat and ate. His dad was big into cooking, meat especially, and while the inn food was good it still wasn't as good as his dad's grilled burgers.
God I'm going to miss fast food while I'm here. he realized.
Across from him Myne sat with the new armor she had gotten from Erhard, and….well she filled it out to say the least. Matt wasn't stupid or blind, he clearly knew that Myne was beautiful, but his mother had instilled in him that women deserve respect like anyone else and weren't pictures to stare at. Though it's kind of hard when that armor doesn't cover the upper part of her torso…wait why the hell doesn't it?! he asked himself.
The armor basically covered her entire forearms with steel armor as well as her midsection with fancy black cloth covering her bicep and a white cape that went down to her hips. There was also greaves with this armor so she was offered more protection, along with plates on the sides of her skirt. However the upper portion of her body was…..a little bare, the peek of her cleavage showing that much. "I'm so glad your enjoying your meal." she said pleasantly as Matt retived a map of the aera Erhard had given them as a bonus for buying his gear.
Setting it down on the table, he saw the capital of Melromarc and the town near the center, "Ok today we hunted in the fields here. Right?' he asked for confirmation.
Myne nodded, "Yes, and tomorrow we'll be heading to Laffan village just beyond this map. And past there, we'll find a dungeon that's perfect for rookie adventurers." she informed, Matt cupping his chin and contemplating the information. "We may not make a lot of money, but it'll give us a chance to level up."
"In that case we'll have to be careful with our money then, if we run out we might have to take on more dangerous monsters to get a profit." he rationalized.
Myne nodded in agreement, "True, but with my new gear and you defending me? it should be a walk in the park!" she said with excited optimism.
Matt smiled, it was a solid plan, and a good start to leveling up. "Thank you, you've been a great help Myne. I'm not sure if I'd be well off without you here." he said graciously.
"No problem." she replied cheerfully, her eyes going to the glasses of red liquid beside their plates, "By the way sir hero, we have all this wine here, aren't you going to drink some?" she asked, reaching out and picking up her glass. Matt looked at the glass and grimaced, he didn't like drinking, not that he had anything against people who did but he just didn't like the idea of drinking something that could addle him.
So instead he waved a hand, "No thank you, I don't drink." he declined politely.
She deflated a little, "Oh that's too bad, this is a really fantastic vintage." she commented before taking a drink and spitting her glass down. Lowering it from her lips she gave a pleasant sigh, "After the long day we've had I'd love to share it with you." she said, siding the now empty glass across the table and clicking it against his untouched one with a lidded gaze.
Matt felt his heartbeat increase at the suggestion, Is she….well she was the only one who joined my party…..so maybe she….no! Wait, she's had a whole glass of wine. And I don't know if she's thinking straight. It's not right, no. "I'm flattered, but I'll have to insist, I need to stay sharp after all." he insisted. It wasn't like back home, he would probably have a glass out of courtesy if that was the case, but then he could get a ride home with no issue. But here, for all he knew there were people waiting for some drunk to stumble out of a bar and make them their victim.
"Oh well, that's too bad." she said in defeat. She chuckled to herself, "That's a hero for you I suppose." she admitted with a shrug.
Matt raised an eye, "What do you mean?"
"This country is a matriarchy, no man from here would ever turn down a drink offered by a woman." she explained, making Matt's eyes widen in surprise.
"Really? That's interesting. I hadn't noticed." he said, taking a look a round the inn and noticing a few young woman scattered about.
Myne gave him a soft smile, "It's alright, you'll learn." she assured.
Matt smiled back at her, despite the circumstances he was honestly was fascinated by Melromarc and it's world. Every tidbit of information he learned, he made a mental note of, but today he had enough, he as beginning to get tired and there was abed upstairs with his name on it for the night. Taking the last bite of his food, he pushed the plate forward, "I think I'm turning in, is that ok or is there anything else we need to discuss?" he asked.
Myne raised a hand and waved him off, "No, no. It's fine, I'll be up after bit, I'm going to finish up here." she said, her food not really touched yet. She closed her eyes and tilted her head as Matt stood up and walked past her, "Although drinking alone can get so lonely." she muttered.
Stopping at the bottom of the staircase, Matt turned to the adventurer, "Myne?" he asked, the redhead looked back at him, "Thank you, for everything. Joining up with me, showing me the basics, it means a lot." he said honestly. When no one had joined him at first, he was admittedly nervous, he didn't know where he would begin but with Myne? They already had a plan to prepare for the waves when they came after a day, she was smart, and one person who was smart or clever enough was worth more than a full party.
The young lady smiled, "It's totally fine, I mean it. I'll see you in the morning Sir Hero." she said, bidding him goodnight which Matt returned.
Entering the room for the night, Matt stripped down to the tunic and trousers he had gotten, setting the money he had remaining down on the table looking outside the window, he poured the contents out and recounted the funds he had. Ok room was 30 copper pieces, meal for two was fifteen. But that barely cost us a silver piece so we have 199 pieces of silver left. he thought as he gathered a stack of nine silvers and pocketed them, If we run out before we get paid by the king, this will last us over a week. And by then we can get some cash of our own hopefully. he reasoned before walking over to the bed.
His armor was draped over the chair of his desk and the clothes and wallet were tucked away in the drawer of the cabinet beside the door. Laying down on the bedding, he released a long sigh, the fighting, if he could really call punching and slamming balloons with a shield fighting, was probably the most exercise he had gotten in a while. He was somewhat sore, but nothing a good rest wouldn't sort out.
This day started out like shit but ended pretty decently. Considering I'm infinite miles away from home? I'll call that lucky. he thought to himself, staring up at the ceiling, the candlelight beside his bed flickering shadows around the room. He frowned as the thought wormed it's way into his head, Home…..god, dad is probably freaking out. Evan too. he thought worriedly of his father and brother. His hope was that when they were transported back to their home, the time they spent here would be relative to them, so they were just gone a second.
I'm not sure if dad could take it. Me disappearing like that…..he's been through enough. I just…..I wish I could send some sort of message. A letter in a bottle would do just…..tell him I'm coming back. he thought with a heavy heart. He loved his family, his brother may have gotten on his nerves like a fly buzzing around his head sometimes but he also was his flesh and blood. And his dad, his father was the ideal man to him, he wasn't perfect but he was strong as oak in terms of will.
I'll ask about it next time I see the King. He may not be able to send us home but maybe- he pondered before the echo of a voice penetrated the wall. Two familiar voices of Motoyasu and Itsuki where muffled by the door, Huh, what are the odds? They're crashing here tonight too. he noticed as he pulled the cover up from the bed and laid down beneath it.
Reaching into his pocket he pulled out his phone and turned the device on, opening the smartphone's photos, he found a picture of his family together. They had gone up to Lake Michigan for vacation once a year during the summer. They were all on the shore wearing swimwear and smiling, him, his brother, his dad, and his mom…..
Turning off the phone, he once more put it in his pocket and leaned up to the side table to blow out the candle. Darkness enveloped the room, and sleep quickly took the shield hero.
I wish I never fell asleep.
When Matthew woke up the next morning, it was to the overcast sunlight beaming through his window, getting up from bed, he walked to the window and looked out to the empty roads below. Ugh, what time is it? Eh, never mind. Hopefully the kitchen is open so I can get some food. he thought as he looked down at the desk….only to find the sack of money was gone. "Wait…." he turned to the chair he left his chainmail on last night, it too was gone. "No….nonono!" he muttered as realization started to dawn on him.
Rushing to the cabinet, he didn't see the carriages of soldiers unload two dozen knights.
It's all gone! All my clothes and gear! I've been robbed! SONOFVABTCH! He mentally screamed when he didn't find his clothes that had came with him from his world. Aw damn! That means my wallet is gone too! he realized, rushing out the door to his room and turning to the one beside his and knocking on the door in rapid succession. "Myne?! Are you in there?" he called out. "I uhh…..I got robbed." he embarrassingly said as he tried to open the door, only to find it locked.
Hey maybe she got robbed to! he realized as a loud set of armor stopped at the end of the hall where a group of knights stopped. Oh….well that's convenient. "Oh man am I glad to see you guys! Your not going-" he began before one of them stepped forward with a serious expression.
"Shield hero?" he asked. Matthew nodded, "The king has sent for you. Come with us."
I wish I never woke up.
But most of all….I wish I never came here.
Matthew was shoved to the ground of the throne room harshly, as he picked himself up he was shocked to have a number of spears pointed at him, "What the-whats the idea!?" he asked as he looked around he saw the other heroes gathered in the room in front of the throne along with Myne. The peanut gallery from the day prior was there was well, all of them looking solemnly at the redhead, "Myne? What's going on? Why-" he began before she shrieked and hid behind Motoyasu in fear. Matthew was shocked, "Wait are you ok? Were you robbed too?" he asked before turning to the King who wore a grimm expression, "Your majesty someone broke into my room and-"
"SILENCE YOU FILTH!" the king roared, making Matt recoil in shock, the King let out a sigh of shame, "Myne I'm sorry to ask my dear, but could you repeat your testimony which you told Sir Motoyasu?" he asked.
The young woman looked at the shield hero in disgust, "The shiled hero forced his way into my room, he was stinking drunk! He grabbed me and pinned me down!" she accused.
Matthew recoiled in disgust, "What!? No! I didn't! I didn't have a single-" he was stopped as one of the knights surrounding him pointed their spears at his neck.
"He said something like, 'The night is still young.' and started tearing my clothes off!" she whimpered loud enough for everyone to hear. Matthew was appalled beyond belief. He would never force himself upon a girl! "I managed to get away and ran down the hall to sir Motayasu! Who happened to be staying at the same in!" she lied.
Motoyasu looked at Matthew in disgust, "IF she hadn't asked me to wait until dawn and call the knights, I would have gladly cut you down myself!" he spat venomously at the American.
Matt shook his head in denial, "No! I went straight to bed last night! I even heard you and Ituski out in the hall!" he retorted angrily before realizing something. Instead of the clothing he arrived in, Motoyasu was wearing the chainmail he got yesterday! "Wait, where did you get that chainmail armor?! That's mine!" he acused.
The spear hero scoffed, "Are you calling me a thief? Myne gave this armor to me as a special gift when I met her at the inn yesterday." he explained, placing an arm around the girl who was cowering into his side. Matthew gritted his teeth in anger, she was lying!
The king stood from his throne, "To think the cardinal shield hero would commit the greatest sin in this country!" he snarled in disgust.
The advisor to the king looked grimly at the hero, "In Melromarc even attempted sexual assault on a woman is punishable by death." he informed.
The king pointed directly at the shield hero, "If you weren't the shield hero, you'd be executed at once!" he threatened violently.
Matthew felt the color drain from his face and his heart sink, Executed?! But I didn't do anything! "I swear! I haven't done anything!" he pointed at Myne, "If what she says is true then why wait until this morning to tell the knights?! And even then why wouldn't I have followed her the night before if what she was saying was true?! Where's your evidence aside from what she says?!" he argued as a knight walked around the circle and kneeled before the king.
"We searched the Shield hero's room as ordered, we um…" he struggled, "We found this, strewn across his bed." he said, holding up a piece of torn lingerie he had never seen before.
Myne gasped abhorantly and the crowd of onlookers mimicked her, "You animal!" Motoyasu snarled out.
The King growled, "The proof seems undeniable!" he barked.
Matthew shook his head, "No! That wasn't there when I woke up! It must have been planted by someone! Not to mention she said I broke into her room drunk! Why would that be in my room!? Not to mention her door was locked when I woke up this morning when I was looking for her!" he argued.
Itsuki shook his head, "What a terrible shame, I was worried something bad might have happened but hoped you knew better." he said in disgust, Matt looked at the bow user abhorrently. He was talking down to him like he was some child! He was just a teenager!
Ren's cold gaze focused on him, "Guess he thinks a hero can do whatever the hell he wants. And get away it!" he said vilely.
"It's not true I swear!" Matthew shouted, his stomach felt three sizes too small, he felt sick. He never once touched Myne, she was lying!
"This world isn't some consequence free playground for you! Know your place scoundrel!" he ordered, making Matt's anger rise even higher.
He's a fucking moron! All of them are! he turned his gaze to Myne as she lowered her hands from her eyes.
And mockly stuck her tongue out at him.
You…..you….you….Anger boiled his blood, ALL of you! You 'heroes' who treat this all like a game! You Didn't even care about anyone until you got rewarded for it! And you, who lied to my face from the very beginning! he thought venmonusly as his hands balled into fists, his knuckles turning white with how hard he was clentching them. "Your lying!" he shouted as he stood up, the guards around him closed in, trapping him with their spears and bracing against him as he grabbed the shaft of one for leverage.
She shriked and turned into Motoyasu's arms, "Shut your mouth you criminal!" he sneered in disgust.
"Fuck you, you dense moron! Ren! You saw me in the field the other day! I was wearing that armor Motoyasu got from Myne! How could that be?!" he asked the sword user.
Ren looked at Motoyasu, "He was wearing something similar, but it could be a common armor." he reasoned. "He's refusing to admit he's guilty, and making nonsensical accusations." he stated coldly.
Itsuki looked hard at the shield hero, "I know what your thinking and your right. He doesn't deserve a shred of mercy." he agreed.
"I knew it. It was a mistake to summon all four together at once."
"Exactly! They shouldn't have summoned the shield hero at all!"
"But who could have known he'd be such scum?"
Who the fuck cares about the shield!? he looked at the weapon on his forearm, No….it….it is…..it's all about the shield. Ever since I got here….they've treated me like shit! This country hates me, and I haven't even done anything! Fuck! I didn't even ask to be brought here! Why…why should I care about them then!? If they hate me then they don't need to keep me here!
"Then send me back! Send me home if you don't believe me! Summon another shiled hero! I didn't ask for this!" he demanded, they couldn't kill him because he was the shield hero?
"So your just going to run away as soon as things get though?! You really are scum!" Ren shot out condemningly.
Itsuki looked at him in disappointment, "After everything you've done how can you think of abandoning your job?"
Motoyasu on the other hand looked pleased by the idea, "I say let the coward run on home. Who wants a rapist good ridd-"
Matt's emerald eyes flared in anger, "SHUT UP! SEND ME BACK HOME NOW!" he demanded.
The king heaved a heavy sigh as he sat down, laying a hand on his forehead, "Believe me, I would like nothing more than to kick you out. But legends say no new heroes may be summoned untilall four of the original cardinal heroes meet their end." he revealed, causing the four heroes to look at him in shock.
"What did you say?"Ren asked in disbelief.
"That's insane!" Motoyasu protested.
Matt glared at him, "So you mean I'm stuck here?! We all are?! "
The king lowered the hand, "Not yet, but there is one way you may return home. Fight off all the incoming waves." he revaled. Matt swore he felt his heart stop as the situation dawned on him.
He couldn't go back home. "But sir, does that mean we'll have to fight alongside a criminal like him?!" Motoyasu asked.
"That's what your focused on!? He lied to us! He pulled us here against our will with no way of sending us back home!" Matthew screamed in anger, pointing at the King. The anger boiled over, "FINE YOU SON OF A BITCH! I'LL DO IT!" he screamed with a forceful osuh, knocking the knights binding back off their footing.
"Don't move!" one of the knights shouted as they once again aimed their spears at him.
"GET AWAY FROM ME!" Matthew shouted as he swiped his arm, knocking into the spear and the force from the shield blowing all the knights back once more. He stared down the king, "So what's the call? You gonna bring me out from the dungeon each wave? If so I'm not gonna last long! "
The King's glare met his with just as much conviction. "There's no more time before the next wave, so I won't be imprisoning you. Scum or not, your still a hero, and one of the only beings left who can fight them all off. But news of your deeds has already spread to the people. That is your punishment, you should never expect to live a decent life." he stated.
The shield hero glowered at him, "Clearly." he spat out before turning towards the doors to the throne room. As he walked, he felt weight shift in his pocket and the jingle of silver coins. The ones from last night, the ones I stowed away for emergencies. he looked over his shoulder to the king. Fuck it. Reaching into his pocket he retrieved the silver coins, "Shove it up your ass!" he snarled out as he threw the money at the feet of Myne and Motoyasu.
The spear hero looked down at the coin before looking back up to Matt as he walked away, "Hey! Wait one second!" he shouted as he ran over, grabbing him by the wrist.
Matt's head turned to his with spite, "Let go of me before I break your hand one finger at a time!" he snarled out before yanking his arm free. "I got to get ready for the waves. Without someone trying to backstab me." he hissed as he made his way out of the throne room.
As the shield hero left the room, none of those in the room noticed the shadow in the rafters watching the trial silently, a cloak and mask watching the fall of the shield hero.
Once the adrenaline died down, Matt finally felt it. Numbness.
The accusations, listening to Myne tell her lies, it made his stomach churn and his eyes burn with tears. But he refused to let them fall, as he made his way through the town, people parted way out of fear, disgust, and anger. Can't say I blame them…fuck, I'm not a rapist! But….what's the point? They all think-
"Hey! Shield Bro!" Matt stopped at the voice and turned to see a furious Erhard. Before he could respond, the scruff of his turnic was grabbed and he was dragged into an alley off the main road, his back hit the wall with the behemoth of a blacksmith towering over him with his fist raised back in anger. "So I heard what you did to that girl you where with! I ought to punch you in the face!" he angrily shouted.
Matt looked down, unable to meet his eyes, "…..so go ahead…..do it." he muttered out, his throat closing in as he tried to keep it together a little while longer.
The grip on his shirt loosened and silence took over the alley, "Kid….look at me." His eyes looked up to Edhard, instead of disgust, instead of hate, instead of utter distain, he saw patience. Which quickly morpthed into sadness, "You didn't do it, did you?" he asked, letting go of the shield hero. He didn't see frustration or guilt in the green eyes of the hero, instead he saw shame, disgust, and pain.
"No I didn't….not like anyone will believe me." he said lowly, looking out to the street before starting to walk.
"Hold up a second." Edhard stopped him.
Minutes later they were beside his shop and the building next to it with the blacksmith presenting a green cloak with thick clothing. "Your not going to get far in those clothes." he noted. Matt took the clothing and inspected it, "Consider it a parting gift." he said, Matt looked up at the shop owner.
"….how much?' he asked.
The man sighed, "Doesn't matter since your broke, but we'll call it a clearance sale, and say five coppers." he decided.
Matthew looked down, "I promise I'll pay you back." he swore before putting on the new armor.
It wasn't anything fancy, it had a set of heavy brown pants with a belt holding it in place, his upper body was covered with a pullover like cloth with a golden trim around the collar that popped up to his chin, as well as a lighter brown vest with short sleeves that added both warmth and another protective layer. However what stood out most was the green cloak that wrapped around his neck like a scarf with a button to hold it in place with it wrapped around him. Walking through town and out towards the fields, the numbness was gone, and just anger took over.
It took a few minutes until he was out in the fields again, the small balloon monsters from yesterday shifting through the grass and lunging at him, one of them biting down on the back of his leg but Matthew not even noticing. Another latched onto his arm, looking down at the enemy creature he snarled before grabbing ahold of it with his empty hand and punching it as hard as he could with his right. It flew into another as it bounced up and shot back at the shield hero who reeled his shield back and slammed it into the creature popping it as a dozen of the small monsters converged on the hero.
"Come on." he growled out as he kicked one, tuning on his heel and punching another, "Come on!" one lunged at him which he blocked with the small shield and slammed down onto the ground, popping it as well. "COME ON!"
Rain fell down from the sky as Matthew took cover beneath a tree line, in the distance he could see the town of the kingdom peeking out from over the hilltop. Within a small, hollowed out section of the tree, he found cover from the rain as he fed remains of the monsters to his shield. The hero looked at the status screen in front of him, he was now at level 2. But I had to fight all damn night to do it. he thought sourly. The anger in his chest had died down for now, most of it put into the remains at his feet.
It made the pile he and Myne had gathered look like a small scrap. After feeding enough of the scraps to his shield, he had finally gotten the Balloon Shield Skill. However all it did was improve his attacks against balloons. Ok…..one problem at a time. I got a level up, but now I need some actual money. I can't camp out every night, at least not without proper supplies. he thought, reaching over his shoulder and rubbing a sore spot from sleeping on the ground. His clothes had kept him warm, but he barely gotten any sleep.
Running a hand over his face, he felt the small hairs around his mouth and cheeks prickle a little, Hygiene isn't really important. But I need a coin. Edhard told me that there's people in town who will buy monster remains. It might be my only way of income. he thought as he gathered the remains from his 'hunt' earlier. As he stood up and walked through the field, more balloons slid towards him. He gave them a glance but sighed, "Honestly I'm too tired to even do anything about you fuckers. Not like you can hurt me." he said as one of them leapt and bit down on the side of his shirt.
Matthew continued onward as another but the underside of his left arm. He wished that this was all some horrible dream he would wake up from, but that wasn't the case.
Getting back into town wasn't a problem, the kinghts and townspeople alike met him with nothing but contempt but none tried to stop him walking through town. His cloak covering his body, he made his way through the town in search of a trader who would take the balloon scrapes he had. However he came to another hurdle, I can't read a single fucking thing. he thought irritatedly to himself as he looked at the sign of a shop. He slid the shield out from under his cloak and glared at it, Sure you can translate speech but letters? Noooo, that's too much for the magic bullshit shield that doesn't let me use another weapon. he thought spitefully as he leaned against the wall of a building.
His first thought was to ask for help, but that quickly died when he realized that no one would try and help him. So instead he looked out for adventures, if they weren't heading towards the gate of the town, then they had to be returning for something. Seeing a man with a sword strapped to his side and a few balloon scraps hanging out the back of his pocket was a good a lead as any and tailed the man from a distance until he came to a cubside shop. Hiding behind the corner of the shop, he listened to the merchant, "Let's see, for these little things? How's about one copper for every pair sound?" he offered.
Ok so that bitch wasn't lying about how much they were worth. That's a first. Matthew thought bitterly, waiting for the adventurer to conclude his business. A slight growl from beneath his cloak made him roll his eyes, as weak as the balloons were, he had to admit they were tenacious. They hadn't let go even after walking into town, So there's nowhere monsters won't go. Good to know. he thought to himself.
When the money finished changing hands, he walked out from the alley and approached the shop, the adventurer turned around and saw him shooting him a hateful look he walked around like Matt had a disease. The merchant turned back to the counter, welcoming him, however he too clenched when he saw who it was.
Regardless, Matt pulled out the gathered ball of twenty balloon scrapes and laid them on the countertop, "How much for these?" he asked.
The merchant, whose balding had was covered with a pomus hat with brown sideburns looked at the goods, "Hmm, orange balloons are they?" he asked. He looked up smugly at the shield hero, "Looks about twenty by my count. How does one copper sound for the entire lot?" he offered like a snake.
Matthew's eyes narrowed, "I heard you offer the last guy a copper for each pair." he said bluntly.
The man cupped the side of his face, "Did I now? I don't recall that." he asked. Matt felt his fists clench together beneath his cloak, this weasel was trying to cheat him! "You must understand I'm running a business here." he replied.
Matt sneered, "Well how much will I get for a live specimen?" he asked, the merchant's smirk vanished as Matt threw his cloak up and showed the trio of balloons latching onto him. The man yelped in shock before Matt took one of them off and presented it to him, the balloon growling and snapping it's jaws at the merchant, the man let out a shriek as Matt reached his other hand to his shirt and pulled him close, keeping the balloon just out of reach of his nose.
"Wait! Please! No!" the man yelped as the balloon groaned.
Matt smirked to himself, "Well you're the one who said that those are worth only one copper. I'm looking for a fair deal here, just like the guy before. Feel me?" he asked with an amused tone at seeing someone finally a little scared of him.
"Ye-Ye-Yes! I Feel you! And I was mistaken, those scrapes are definitely worth two copper a piece!" he agreed, trying to struggle out of the hero's grasp.
Matt nodded, "See? Fair market trade. And if you keep buying from me I might even give you a discount. Sound good?" he offered.
"YES!" the man shrieked before Matt finally let him go and dropped the balloon to the ground, only for it to shoot back up under his cloak and latch onto the hero again. "I-I-I'll be sure to make sure you have a fair price next time sir." he assured nervously as he handed him the copper pieces he had, which was only eight.
Maybe I could get a silver out of him if….no, I'm not going to extort people. he decided, shaking his head of the thought. "By the way, I'd advise you to spread the word about my fair deal policy will you?" he asked as he walked away from the stand with a little smirk for the first time since yesterday. The merchant agreeing to his demand as he walked off, I know that was wrong but…..god if it doesn't feel nice to have at least a little control again. he thought to himself as he passed by another store. He lifted his cloak up at the balloons that were still biting down on him, "See I don't get why anyone could be sacred of you guys….In fact! I'm going to call you three Huey, Dewy, and Louie." he decided jokingly to himself.
Stopping in the street, he noticed that in the window of the store were a number of green herbs. Wait a second. I've seen those before. They were out where I was camping last night….hmm. he pondered, looking down at the copper pieces in his hand. Ok, first thing's first. I gotta pay back a friend. he decided as he continued on his way.
Later that day when Erhard returned from the back room of his shop with a chest, he nearly set it down on the counter where a neat stack of six copper coins were sitting.
The next day, Matthew spent the remaining two coppers on a satchel he immediately took to the forest outside the kingdom. Setting through the brush, he kept his eyes peeled for the herb he saw in the shop window. After walking around a small pond he found the plants that were identical to the ones he saw at the shop. Bingo! Took me a few hours but finally got you. he thought as he kneeled down in front of the herbs, which were stems with large leaves sprouting out of them.
Plucking one of the leaves off, the shield hero turned it over to inspect, Looks well enough. I mean I'm no flora expert but still, that merchant might buy these. he thought as he grabbed his satchel with his right hand, his shield coming into view. "Hmmm….I wonder…." he trailed off, looking between the plant leaf and his shield before feeding the leaf to the shield through the green gem.
His menu popped up with a notification New Shields Unlocked, showing he small shield in the center of a skill tree that branched out into a few other shield types like the Orange small shield he hag gotten from popping balloons, and a new Leaf Shield. Another notification pipped up, There are shields with available skill unlocks. "It worked! And…..it looks like that the more I use a shield, I'll be more proficient and eventually I'll get a permanent bonus from it!" he said in surprise as he read another notification.
Raising his shield up, he said, "Leaf Shield." the emerald in the center of the shield glowed, showing a glypth of the symbol which the leaf shield had in the menu before it collased into a bright light and reformed into a news shield. Instead of the small shield he had been using for the past few days, it was now a thinner shield that resembled a plant leaf with a green middle and golden trim. "Ok then, what can you do?" he asked, reaching down and picking one of the herbs from the ground, the shield glowed green which flowed into the herb, making it grow into an even more prime condition.
He spent the rest of the day in the forest picking plants.
Who said foraging didn't pay? Because they're wrong! Matt thought to himself as he sat at a bar inside a inn. The owner and customers alike shot him dirty looks as he sat down and ordered some actual food to eat, but he ignored it and instead focused on planning on what to do next. The money he had gotten from the medicine merchant was more than what he planned, with the Leaf Shield's ability to improve the quality of plants, he now had a way to make money steadily.
While nothing like the funds he had before, it was at the very least more reliable than a monthly pay. Looking down at his foot, he grimaced when he saw that someone spit on the potatos. Moving them aside with his fork he took a cautious bite from the chicken, however it was devoid of any taste, I haven't really tasted anything since that day….fuck did I get cursed or something? he wondered, he didn't really even feel hungry, to be honest he still felt somewhat numb at times. But he knew he had to eat in order to keep his strength up and not starve, so despite not feeling the hunger, he ate.
Ok, next problem. Leveling up, I can punch and slam balloons all day but if a real monster shows up? I'm gonna be in trouble, I can defend sure, but if it takes me a hour to put down a monster then it's just plain not worth the effort. he rationalized. Which meant he needed party members, but with how that went last time? He didn't want to get screwed over again, and even then-
"Oh great shield hero?' a sing song voice said behind him, Matt tensed up at the name. Behind him, a trio of men approached, one of then thin with unmangled hair, another dressed presentably but who looked smug, and a third who was large in size with a bowl cut hairstyle. "We'll be your party." the lanky one offered.
The large bowl cut chuckled. "Yeah that's right, thank your lucky stars." he said in a thick voice, putting a hand on the hero's shoulder which immediately tensed. Myne had tried the same trick on him before, and he wasn't going to fall for it again.
Taking the milk he had been given, he gulped it down before answering, "If your serious, then I have some conditions. That good?' he asked tearsely.
The large one behind him chuckled at his friends, "Sure."
"First of all, I pay by performance. Understand?" he asked.
"Nope." the lanly one replied instantly, making the three burst into laughter. Matt had to fight the urge to brain one with his plate, but causing a scene wasn't going to help. Plus he didn't want to pay for a plate.
"It means that I pay based on what we get. And as the leader, I keep 40% of what we make." he explained, making the arrogant smirks vanish from their faces. "And I'll pay you based on your performance, meaning if you do well? You get paied well. Do nothing, you get jack shit." he laid out as he stood from the bar, turning around and looking at his 'applicants' in the faces.
"That's not fair! That means if you get a hair up your ass you may not pay us at all!" the lanky one protested.
Matt shrugged, "Trust that I wont." he said before walking past them to the door out of the inn, the three following behind him, murmuring to themselves until they walked down the street from the inn a ways.
"Fine, just pay us for the equipment and-" the large one started.
"Buy it yourselves. I'm looking to make a profit, if I invest in you and you just fuck off? That only hurts me." he coldly replied, turning around the glare at the three. They had no intention of being in a party, that was clear, "If you want my money? Take it yourselves." he threated with a glare.
The large bowl cut chuckled, "See this could be easy-" he started as he took a step forward. Matthew's cloak flew open, in his hand one of the balloons reeled back. "SHIT!" the large one screamed in fear as the monster was thrown at him. Raising his hand the balloon bit it while Matt charged forward. Swinging his fist with the shield into the side of his face, hearing a loud 'CRACK!'
Ashe fell to the ground, the lanky one pulled a knife and swiped at the hero, he responded by simply raising his shiled and blocking it, the blow reflected off the shield, knocking him off his feet and onto his ass. "Fuck this! Run!" The remaining one said, helping the fat one get up from the ground as he held his broken nose and scampered away, the lanky one running after them.
The balloon rolled across the ground to the shield hero who stopped it with his foot, "I can defend but my offense is complete shit. And without good offense I can't defeat monsters. And then I can't get EXP. And since I can't farm, I can't raise my attack to begin with." he said to himself in frustration. "I'm trapped in a fucking cycle!" he shouted in anger before kicking the balloon away. Backing up to a wall, the young man leaned back, as the last five minutes just showed he also couldn't trust party members, easpically now given the rumors spreading about him. There's my next problem…..so how the fuck do I solve it? he wondered.
"Looks like you could use some help." a gruff voice from the shadows asked. Matthew turned his head to the source of the voice and saw….a rather peculiar sight. Leaning out from around the corner of an alleyway was a man. He was older than Matthew but short, coming up to around to the shiled hero's waist standing up straight. He was large as well, his shape almost resembling an egg. However his clothing is what threw Matt off, he wore a suit jacket remenancnt of what a butler would wear, complete with white gloves and purple fur collar. He wore a set of dark spectacles and a top hat, he also had a short but puffy mustache that twirled into tips at the end. Stepping out from the alley, Matthew readied for another confrontation.
"It's clear you don't have any. And what luck! I have exactly what you need!" he offered excitedly.
Why do I have the feeling I'm about to be sold a used car? Matthew thought to himself, crossing his arms beneath his cloak, "And what do you think I need?" he asked suspiciously, raising an eye to this man.
"Not party members if that's what your thinking." the man denied with a shake of his head, "No, no, what I offer is something far more convenient." he explained, walking up to the shield hero until he was standing right before him, looking up at the doubtful young man. While he was dubious of him, Matthew couldn't deny the offer was interesting, it was possible that there were other options than party members as way to gain EXP. Just yesterday he learned his shield had very lucrative uses when the other three heroes told him that it was useless. "Interested?" he asked.
"Depends on what it is your offering." he replied cautiously.
The man chuckled, "Your every bit the man as the rumors said you were." he noted in a positive voice.
"So you know who I am then." Matt noted.
The man adjusted his glasses, "Of course I do, brave Shield Hero Sir." he responded, Matt's face reflecting in the lens of his glasses. "If my offer interests you, follow me, and let us discuss it further." he said, turning around and walking towards the alley he emerged from.
Well…not like I have any other options. Matt thought before following the odd man. Walking through the alleys of the town, the pair soon entered a small square which contained a circus tent in the middle of it. A circus? Well it is a kingdom. What is he going to introduce me to the guy who can swallow swords? Matt thought sarcastically as he followed the man into the tent.
"Right this way." he led as Matt entered behind him, when his eyes readjusted to the darkness, he found the interior of the tent had dozens, if maybe hundreds of cages.
Cages…..wait, maybe an animal party member? That could actually work, I helped train Copper. Training a hellhound or something could work in the long run. he thought, "So…what exactly are you offering me?" he asked as they passed by some empty cages.
"Can't you tell? It's slaves my boy!" he jovially stated.
…what!?
"What?!" he yelped as he thought the same thing.
The man spun around and reached his arms out, "Yes! I run a slave trading business!" he said proudly, behind him a few red eyes opening within the cages behind him. Matt gulped audibly, suffice to say, he ABHORED slavery. The idea of owning another person? Another living human being? An animal was one thing, but a person?! Hell, he had a hard time understanding how anyone could own something like a lemur or tiger!
"Wh-Why?!" he barked out in shock, "Why would I want to own a slave?!" he asked in an accusing tone.
The man's grin never faltered, "Oh I don't know, the fact they can neither lie nor betray their master." he revealed. That clicked things into place for Matt, "We keep all our slaves in line by placing them under the effects of a curse. A strong, seal based curse. If they misbehave, it can take their very life." he explained. "So what do you say?" he asked.
Matt swallowed it solved the problem he had, but it was WRONG. He wanted to go home, he wanted to stop the waves, but was this really the only way? Seemingly sensing the potential customer's uneasiness, the Slave trader gestured to follow, "Come now, allow me to show you what I have available." he said, walking down the isle of cages. Matthew followed if only to see what kind of Slaves they were.
They….weren't human. Within the cages he saw humanoids with animal like features, or entre creatures that didn't even resemble humans. "These aren't humans…" he said to himself in relief.
"Technically they still are." The slave Trader chimed in, "The creatures that look mostly human, but aren't, are what we refer to as, 'Demi-Humans'." he explained, Matthew recalled seeing some people in town who fit that description. But as he recalled…..they all were working when he saw them. "They're mostly used as servants or manual labor. Beastmen are Demi-Humans whose appearance lean more towards the animal side. They're often used as body guards, or gambled on as participants in death matches."
This world is so fucked up. Matthew thought to himself.
"And since this country practices Human supperemecy-"
Ok this country in particular is SO FUCKED UP.
"-Demi-humans are thought to be closer to monsters. Life can be quite hard for them here, as such, they're slaves." he explained.
Matthew felt utter disgust, before he could tell the slave trader to go to hell, he heard a cough. It was small, but violent, turning to the scource of the noise he saw a cage with a tarp covering part of it. Approcahing th cage, he heard the rattle of chains and the cough grow worse. Lifting the tarp up slightly he looked inside.
Within the cage was a little girl, she couldn't be any older than 10 years old. Around her neck and wrists were cuffs with a chain connecting them together. She was thin, like all the muscle and fat had been drained out of her. She wore a single cloth that clearly belonged to some other creature but managed to cover her like a dirty dress. She had long, LONG brown hair with sides that went over her shoulders and down to her waist. The most noticeable feature were the pair of ears on top of her head that resembled a raccoon's, along with the fluffy tail that was laying behind her.
She looked up to him, her irises dim pink.
She's…..she's just a kid….fucking hell…..
…he was not going to leave a child here. Turning to the slave trader, he couldn't believe the next words out of his mouth, "How much for her?" he asked.
The trader walked over with a joyful look, "Ah! You've a fine eye, these are some of the cheapest slaves I have. However the mangey half-racoon is sick as a dog, and a few spokes short of a cartwheel, know what I mean?" he asked. Matthew's teeth grinded against each other, "You see her previous owner loved his torture. Heh, heh, heh, she's not long for this world."
That confirmed it then. "No, this one…..she's what I'm looking for." he said, the girl looking up at him in fear.
I crossed a line that day….I still think that now, but I was in such a bad place…..some days I wonder if I hadn't been accused, I'd have found that place eventually and freed all of them. But even then that shitheel of a king and country think that they're not people.
But I needed to stop the waves, I needed to level up, I needed someone who could fight. So I got someone who could. But the catch? I had to hate myself for doing it.
AN: WOW. This might just be the longest chapter I've ever written, but I wanted to get through that first episode damnit! Clearly Matt is different from Naofumi in a few ways despite going through pretty much the same thing. However I felt that if the character was a little older, they might recognize some things were off like Matt did. There's some actual great foreshadowing in the first episode that I didn't catch when I first watched it.
Anyway if this is your first time introduced to the world of shield hero then I HAVE to recommend checking out the official series again. Seriously watch it, season 2 is coming next year and this is kind of the perfect little fanfic I need to write right now.
I actually have another one planned and…well if you know what I write, you probably won't be surprised.