I don't own Rising of the Shield Hero nor the Fate Multiverse.

(Village)

After a annoying night of trying to sleep, I got up and started my morning routine. Man, I wish I had coffee. I am ok with drinking tea, but coffee is where it's at. Is there a magical world equivalent to cocoa beans? I mean, there was that potion I made a while ago that was like orange soda, so there may be something like that. If so, then I can get an infinite supply from the Bio plants. I sure as hell am not telling Raphtalia that sense the bio plants are supposed to be a temporary thing. So if anything, maybe a Bonsai cocoa tree? If that's possible, I could just have Bonsai trees of all the other fruit and have it at the ready for making food. I got to check in with Rat to see if that's possible, as well as the cocoa beans or caffeine like plants.

But before that, I need to make some food for everyone. And by some … (stares at the line of people waiting for food) … a lot.

Dame it, I really need some caffeine.

After I got some help with cooking, everyone was well fed and ready to start the day. I got into contact with the Old lady. She told me that the creatures that Fohl mentioned earlier were wandering around the barrier or accidentally hit it as they walked. She also mentioned there were other creatures outside the barrier.

I also checked in with Shildina, I asked her to check to see how far the barrier reached the sea. She told me that the barrier stopped just past the shoreline but the barrier prevents her from going any further because it is under water as well.

Well, that means there is no digging our way out. I then asked Wyndia about her report from last night. Apparently She and Gaelion had to nurse some of our flying monsters because they rammed into the barrier. I told her to tell me the next day sense we are in the same rotation.

From what she told me. The barrier expanded up in the skies, acting more like a cage then a wall. Gaelion even ended up ramming his snout into the barrier.

I end up patting Gaelion for taking one for the team.

With that, I am having a meeting with everyone to see what can be done to get past the barrier without busting it. We are in the main town building to figure this out. With me around the table are Raphtalia, Sadeena, Rat, Old Lady, Ren, Eclair, Fohl, Melty, Tolly, Risha, and Itsuki.

Motoyasu, Filo, Shildina, Wyndia, Ninja, Keel, Raph-species and Ruft along with some of the villagers were on patrol duty. It was around midnight when we were teleported here so they were active all morning.

(Ren) "Why do you want the barrier to not be destroyed Naofumi?"

(Naofumi) "It's because we don't know what's out there. I for one would like to have a wall protecting us but also allow us to leave."

(Rat) "Well, if we want to know how to open it up without breaking the barrier Duke, then I suggest we run some tests to understand more about it. From there, we can then see what we have available that can do what you are trying to achieve. But I think the main problem would to be what comes after we are able to pass through the barrier as well as the other scenarios that can arise."

(Naofumi) "What do you need to conduct your experiments?"

(Rat) "Hmmm, can I compile a list and add more stuff if necessary for the experiments?"

(Naofumi) "Sure, then who would you need for help?"

(Rat) "On the top of my head, Wyndia, Gaelion, Elrasla, You, a Raph species, 2 filiolias, and a couple of villagers who are good at digging."

(Old Lady) "Are you sure you want me? I am not a good lab partner, and I don't know what it is you do in the laboratory."

(Rat) "Don't worry, I need your help with collecting data on the barrier through using life force."

(Old Lady) "That, I can do."

(Naofumi) "Any reason you chose who for your list?"

(Rat) "Wyndia because she is my lab assistant, Gaelion for scarring off creatures on the other side of the barrier and for his ability to breath fire, You because you planted them so you may be able to due more than what we can, a Raph species for connecting to a Sakura tree, 2 Filiolas for moving my equipment to the barrier, and the villagers for digging so that if we did create a hole in the barrier, I rather it be under ground so that if there is a creature that isn't afraid of Gaelion then we can test it out without problems."

(Ren) "And the fire from Gaelion?"

(Rat) "Just in case there is a hidden creature underground, if that is the case then we can run and have Gaelion burn the tunnel."

(Naofumi) "Couldn't you do that with a fire spell?"

(Rat) "Yes but that requires cast time and Gaelion can just do that instinctively."

Makes sense, normally it takes some time to cast a fire spell, and usually it's in a ball-shaped attack. By having Gaelion doing it, not only will it be faster since it's instinctive, but also a constant stream. I haven't seen Gaelion use this ability at all so far. I guess he prefers to use his body. There is also the fact that Old Gaelion will protect them as well so there's that. That settles the research team. I will also have the cooking group that helps with the meals if I can't so I am free for gathering data.

(Naofumi) "Tolly, what's the housing situation with the Lemo's? Were there any tunnels that didn't come with us?"

(Tolly) "No, all of the tunnels are accounted for. No one was left behind nor our homes. However, as far as resources go for crafting and such, I don't know when the tunnels will run dry."

(Naofumi) "Keep doing your work and if the tunnels run dry. I will have to assign everyone to other projects and work."

(Tolly) "Understood."

(Naofumi) "Is there anything else?"

(Risha) "Um, what about us?"

Oh right, since the barrier is still up, it's hard to level up and guard.

(Naofumi) "Those who aren't helping with the research are either going on patrol, honing their skills or have free time. We can sort out the schedule after the meeting. Anyone else?"

With that, I sorted out who's doing what and have them split up into 4 teams that will have one team on patrol and the other 3 doing their own thing. We also supplemented the numbers with the villagers to help with covering ground. Even though the dome is preventing anyone from entering and exiting the village, it doesn't mean it will last. Considering my luck and the fact that our enemy is that which claims the title of God, I know that someone or something is going to get past that barrier.

(?) "Is the meeting over? If so, I have an announcement to make, if you don't mind."

...god DAMMIT!

Everyone jumped into action, pulling out their respective weapons and into a fighting stance. Those that weren't combat oriented went to the back of the group and waited to cast spells depending on the situation. It took less than a second for everyone to get into positions.

If there wasn't a stranger that found their way in here unnoticed by everyone, especially by Raph-chan, I would have admired how fast everyone was getting into positions. Especially Itsuki and Ren. They have come a long way.

In front of us was a tall old man with black clothing and white hair. He had white gloves, a walking cane, and a pair of ball shoes. He wouldn't look out of place in a ball full of military officers. What is weird about him, other than him appearing out of nowhere, is those red eyes.

(Raphtalia) "Who are you and how did you come here?"

I was getting in front of everyone in a defensive stance.

(?) "Well that's rude. You don't need to be so hostile. I was just about to answer you."

(Ren) "Says the guy that didn't knock or inform us that you were there."

With that he closed his eyes and had the face that he was thinking. He nodded.

(?) "True, true, but to be fair I had no control of where I will appear in the dome, and everyone was in a meeting so I decided to remain quiet until you were finished with everything you were doing so as to be polite."

(Old lady) "I would do the same thing if I was in your shoes, I vote to hear him out."

Shifting a bit. I looked back at him. He was calm despite everyone having their weapons out. If he was here this entire time and only announced his presence as to not be rude then he doesn't have ill will toward us.

Making a subtle motion, everyone relaxed our stance.

(Naofumi) "Is this a normal occurrence?" I don't know why, but I feel something off about this guy.

(?) "Normally, I would be able to come here without any problem. However, whatever this bound field is, it is a tough one. It was a lot more difficult to get in, let alone observe."

Wait a minute.

(Naofumi) "Were you trying to get in last night?"

(?) "No, at the time I found a blank spot on Earth, only to find a pink dome. From there I had been observing and trying to understand it."

Ok, so he must have been that weird energy from last night. Maybe he can tell us how to get out?

My heart stopped and my eyes went wide. Did he just say-

(Ren) "Earth?"

I looked toward Ren and Itsuki. Both of their eyes went wide and both were stunned. Hell, I probably have the same look on my face as well.

(?) "Yes, are you from Earth as well?"

We got out of our stupor. It was Itsuki who was the fastest and thus responded first.

(Itsuki) "Only 4 of us, and we are from different versions and time periods of Earth."

(?) "Oh, really?! The more you know I suppose."

(Eclair) "Hold for just the moment. Mister...Oh, I am sorry but I don't know your name."

(?) "Sorry, how rude of me. I have many names, but I prefer Zelretch."

(Eclair) "Thank you Mr. Zelretch, my name is Eclair Seaetto. But you can refer to me however you wish. Now then, Mr. Zelretch, can you describe the Earth we are on?"

(Zelretch) "Well, you are currently in the year 502 AD. Located on the West coast of the British continent, and pretty far from civilization as well. Thou, you are in the middle of the Fae wilds, so you will have unsavory visitors soon. Whether or not they can enter is a different matter."

(Naofumi) "Fae? Like Fairies or Elves?" There is no way-

(Zelretch) "Oh? You have heard of them already?"

(Naofumi) … god dammit. "The time period I came from viewed them as myths and fiction. I guess they are real, what can you tell me about them?"

Even though my world might view them as kind, pretty, and beautiful, doesn't mean the idea that is commonly associated with them will turn out to be the same. Its like when two people talk about dessert and say the word "cake". They may imagine two different versions of the cake. One chocolate, the other vanilla. They both fall under the same category of "cake" but both of them are different. The other way can happen as well. Like the Grass people in Kizuna's world. They can be viewed as Elves, but in the end Grass people and Elves will have the same result as tall, long blond haired, pointed eared, long-lived people that are androgynous.

(Zelretch) "Well, the Fairies and Elves are under the same category of Fae and they are divided into different Fae clans. There are 6 Fae clans; Mirror, Wing, Fang, Wind, Earth, and King. Each specialized into different aspects of Fae society. But keep in mind that just because there are Fairies and Elves that constitute as Fae, they are not the only types of Fae that exist."

Huh, so the Earth equivalent of Demi-humans and Beastman. That simplifies things. So would oni be considered monsters or fae or a type of demon? Actually would animals be considered monsters as well?

(Fohl) "So this world's equivalent of Demi-human and Beastman."

(Zelretch) "Is that what you are? You could easily pass off as Fae."

(Tolly) "Yes, where we come from there are Humans, Demi-human, and Beastman. However, Demi-human and Beastman have a variety of types compared to Humans. I am a Mole Beastman while Miss Raphtalia and Mister Fohl are both Demi-humans."

(Zelretch) "Interesting, such a thing is not the same here."

(Naofumi) "So, are you able to help us open up a hole in the dome?"

(Zelretch) "Oh~? Now why would I do that?"

Greaaate, just the type of person I have to deal with.

(Naofumi) "What do you want?"

(Raphtalia) "Oh no, Naofumi..."

What, he started it!

(Eclair) "Oh, here we go."

(Melty) "I concur."

(Old lady) "He, he, the Saint is at it again."

I ignored them as I focused on getting him to cooperate, I rather have this done with opening up the hole then wasting time and labor. I looked back at him and he had a smirk. Looks like this isn't his first time bargaining.

(Zelretch) "I live for a long long time and have seen a lot in life. All I want is entertainment and excitement. So, what do you have to offer?"

Hmmm, lived a long time so he must have seen a lot. Maybe here? I think back to my village, what we have to offer. Thinking about it, we had grown from a destroyed village to what it is now. We have definitely came a long way. Grown in strength, craft gear and merchandise, and gathered a lot of allies. Sure, we are definitely different… ok weird but I who cares, we are still alive. We have gone from beating up bandits to defeating a zombie dragon, followed by an army of Zealots, then a giant fish whale, then a giant turtle,... followed by a Demon Dragon… then a Mecha-Minotaur and Mecha-Demon Dragon…

. . . now were currently fighting a False God. . .

. . .

. . .

(Raphtalia) "Naofumi, are you alright? You look depressed."

(Naofumi) "I … I will be alright." I straightened up and looked at the guy. I think I found his new source of entertainment.

(Zelretch) "So, what's your proposal? Money? Land? Knowledge?"

(Naofumi) "None of the above, in exchange of opening a hole in the wall of the Dome that will allow us to go through both ways with no known downsides, I will allow you to stay here. Under some conditions of course."

He looked at me, it looked like he was searching for something. Then he looked annoyed.

(Zelretch) "Oh, and why would I live here?"

(Naofumi) "You wanted entertainment, live here and you will find it. You can already look around and find that it isn't your average village."

He widened his eyes then went into a thinking pose.

(Raphtalia) "Honestly, this used to be a normal village, that is until Naofumi came here." She looks really depressed.

Don't give that look, this is temporary!

(Old lady) "Ha, Ha! She's right Mister Zel, that is why I am hanging around Saint here. Both for paying him back and for enjoying a life worth living! HA HA HA!"

At this he perked up.

(Zelretch) "Ohhh? Like what?"

At this, Melty pulled out a scroll. Why do I feel dread?!

(Naofumi) "Melty, why did you pull out a scroll?" And why do I feel like I am panicking?!

(Melty) "Well, due to knowledge lost of past heroes, I figured that I would write down the accounts and knowledge of what we know about the calamities as well as abilities of the Hero's equipment. So I have compiled everything we know as well as a list of exploits you have accomplished. Hopefully future Hero's of the future would not write this off as a farfetched fictional story rather than a Government official record."

(Raphtalia) "What's the matter Naofumi? I thought you don't care about this?"

I looked back at her. She was smiling but it never reached her eyes.

(Naofumi) "Tch* Do what you want." God dammit. Now I will be recorded as a Nut Job. I am fine with being called a Devil, Demon, Evil, whatever! But even I have standards!

(Ren) "Hmmm, perhaps now Naofumi will pull back on his actions."

(Eclair) "We could only hope."

Everyone looked at me, oh come on! I am NOT THAT BAD!

(Fohl) "Brother, your this bad."

At this point I just went to get a seat. This is going to take a while. I can already feel a headache coming along. I made sure to grab some water and the Melromarc world's equivalent of Bufferin.

Zelretch just laughed.