86 (Eighty Six) belongs to Asato Asato.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own nothing.
| Wonderful World ? |
"Lena… Are you up?"
"Hmrghhh…" She groaned, rolling over her bed.
"Well, not quite yet."
She wiggled, moving about while kicking the blanket. She groaned again as her eyes slowly fluttered open, noticing the darkness that still lingered in her room, a prelude to the sunrise.
"Uhm… Still dark, huh? This bed is so nice. I don't want to get out. Oaaah~" She let out a big yawn.
Nonetheless, she rose from the comfortable bed, stretching out her arms. Since her appointment as the tactical commander, it had become her routine to wake up very early. She darted her gaze around the room. Her lips curled into a melancholic smile.
"I'm not home. Well, do I have one in the first place? I'm free now. Still, it's sad…"
"Good morning, Colonel."
"Ah, good morning." She replied the voice in her head absentmindedly, but her eyes soon bulged. "W-wait! Sh-Shin!"
She was completely taken aback, but knowing that it was him, she calmed down. She was so happy that of all the people who called her, it was him. Still, she couldn't shake off her nervousness. Calling a person at such an hour was ethically impolite.
But personally, she enjoyed it.
"Calm down, Lena. I just want to have a talk." Came his soothing monotonous voice.
"O-oh… Alright." She nodded as she recollected herself although a red tint flushed her cheeks. "Then, can you tell me what is this? This isn't Para RAID, right? Didn't you say that you will tell me about this?"
"Right. Maybe I have mentioned it last night. It's my ability. This skill called [Maika's Charm] allows me to use a degraded version of the Para-RAID system. You might call it telepathy."
"I-I see. That's wonderful. And it surprised me last night when you called me through this." She let out a wry smile as she strode to the table in her room.
"Right. Sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."
"It's fine, Shin. Rather, this way of communication is so convenient. I guess I want to compare it with a RAID device, some time." She spoke as she took a seat on a wooden chair.
"Have you noticed their difference?"
"I think I have. Calling it degraded like how you put it is quite true. I cannot hear anything from your line except your voice. Your skill doesn't share the speaker's senses." She rummaged the content of the drawer in front of her, finding a comb, much to her delight. "We are… Really talking. This is like a wireless system. The problem is, I cannot contact you when I need to."
"Good. I guess I don't need to hand you a nonexistent manual about this system." He jested, garnering her small chuckle.
"Oh, Shin, that kind of joke again? Come on, we are not at work, right?" She began combing her silky silver locks, looking at her reflection in the mirror. "Besides, it's kind of unfair since only you can open the line."
"Can't be helped. This is what we get. But if I open the line regularly, you don't need to worry, no?"
She staggered as a red shade crept onto her cheeks once again. Why was it only her who kept him in trouble? Why would he go that far although she never grants him anything in return? It was so unfair.
'Whenever you're ready to give me your answer… just let me know.'
Is it because he loved her? The torturous feeling set her in agony. She felt so guilty. She wished to talk it out to him. And if, by chance, she found her courage, she would give him her answer.
"Shin…" She called, followed by a hanging pause.
"What is it, Lena?"
"By the way, where are you now?"
"On the training ground. Eastern section."
"Training ground?"
"Yeah. I need to get accustomed to this new weapon."
Her mind wandered back to the talk she once had with his vice captain, Raiden Shuga. The young man with a scarred face told her that Shin had a knack for mastering kitchen knives. Once he mastered it, he could wield it with unparalleled deftness. Raiden even shuddered at that creepy ability.
'Much like how he had become the most skillful Juggernaut pilot, could it be that it is a blessing? Or is it a talent?' Lena wondered as she sported a pensive look, finding the thought to be scathing since it meddled with his gloomy past as an Eighty-Six.
"… Lena."
"Huh?"
"Sorry for bothering you. I suppose I'm too early."
"Wait, wait! Shin!"
"Hmm?"
"Please, let me come over you." She begged, unconsciously casting a pleading look.
"… Sure. Just don't forget to bring the gun and make sure you find the way." He replied in his usual detached tone.
The journey to the training ground was so silent that Lena felt a phantom chill creep down her spine. It was still too early, even the blush of the dawn was barely visible on the eastern horizon. A sense of relief finally washed over her when she saw a group of palace maidservants were leaving their quarters, heading to their posts.
She finally arrived at the place. Her silver eyes darted around, scanning the dark yard for his presence, but she still couldn't find him. She walked farther to the center.
"Shin, where are you? Shin…?"
She finally heard something. It sounded like faint splashes and some dripping water. When she turned to it, she saw a figure, standing by a well. As the sun ray passed through the summits of the fort's bastions, she finally recognized who it was.
Basked under the pale morning sunlight, the lean figure of the bare-chested Undertaker stood like an exquisite sculpture. Even as he doused himself with cold water, he looked dazzling. The incoming light that showered his wet body added a sense of holiness to the sight. The scene was so sacred, as if he was in a ritual to purge every impurity on him before he departed to the battlefield.
The majestic statue of Saint Magnolia ruined in comparison to this spectacle.
Well, at least that was the impression Lena's eyes caught. She indulged herself in consuming the divine panorama, specifically his well-built body and nicely-toned skin.
"Oh, Lena. Good morning." He casually greeted as he wiped a wet cloth over his arm, unperturbed by her presence.
"G-good morning, Shin. Huh…?"
She just realized that she had been staring at him for some time. Her face burst red. She turned her heel, fidgeting uncontrollably in her shoes.
"A-ah, s-sorry. I-I didn't mean to look at you or something! P-please, go on! I-I'll leave!" She ran away, driven by her embarrassment.
"Huh? Wait, Lena!" He called as he swiftly slipped into his undershirt.
He caught up with her and saw her near a haystack. Her face was still all red.
"Um, I'm sorry, Lena. I didn't mean to scare you."
"I-it's okay. It's just… I'm not used to seeing that kind of thing." She awkwardly looked away. "I did intrude on you. I'm sorry."
"Well, I can't find shower and the bath is probably just for royalty, so the best bet is to wipe myself with a wet cloth after a workout."
"I see. That's… Really inconvenient, isn't it?" She slowly faced him.
"Yeah." He smiled. "So, what are you going to talk about?"
She took a small breath to recompose herself. Storing the fact about the hardship she might find for hygiene to the back of her mind, she looked at him in the eye.
"How are you today, Shin? Are you alright?"
"Hmm? What do you mean?" He cocked his head, some water dripped off the tip of his bangs.
"Mm… I mean, are you fine? Because we are…" She trailed off.
Her eyes rolled about as her face scrunched up in discomfort. She twiddled her fingers, pursing her lips. The words she was going to say jammed in her throat. She was too scared to admit that all the situation she had gone through until this waking moment wasn't an illusion.
Furrowing his brow, he wagered a guess. "Not in our world anymore?"
"… Yes."
The air of reluctance in her response was palpable. A sudden look of distraught overran her countenance. No matter how hard she tried to suppress it, her face disheartened him.
The fact that they ceased to exist in their original world still haunted them with dread. They were killed in a freak accident.
Since they were dead, how would people around them fare? How did they continue their effort in war? What about the strike package? What of the Federacy? What of the Eighty-Six? How about the rest of the world?
Would they hold a chance of winning against the Legion without them?
"… Sorry."
It was the least he could offer as an answer. His death itself might be the end of his folks. Against fate, he was powerless, and so did she. People placed their biggest bet on them, but they suddenly vanished. Death claimed them during their direst moment in the midst of a desperate battle.
Life, land, and legacy. In the end, all were reduced to nothingness. Everything turned to dust, swallowed by a void.
Was it always like this?
And his word of apology, to whom should he offer it? She wasn't a victim of his wrongdoing. Or was she?
'If only I could get her to safety before the shell hit.' His face contorted in sorrow as he blamed himself over her death.
"… It's okay, Shin. Instead, I'm happy since I can be with you."
"Huh?"
Her words prompted his eyes to widen. Now her sad look, replaced by a beaming smile. It was bewitching. It rendered him speechless.
"Lena…"
"Besides, didn't you say that you want to take a rest in another world? Now that we are in another world, why don't you relax, though just a little bit, Shin?"
"Ah…"
The memory jolted him with a painless pang. He was simply surprised that he ever said that kind of thing.
Thinking more about it, it felt almost like the time he met her in the flesh over the field of licorice right after he executed Frederica's knight. That time when he learned the true Handler One for the first time.
Or rather, the time he finally found out that those higher-ups kept the record of their conversation and played it over and over for fun.
"I guess I must consider it." He turned his head in bashfulness. "Thanks, Lena."
A momentary pause wrapped them as his honest reply rendered her silent. She knew that he caught sight of her blush from the corner of his eye. It took a minute to cool herself down, collecting her composure before she could face him.
"You're welcome." She averted her gaze to the sky shyly. "A-anyway, isn't the weather nice? So, what's our plan for today?"
He glanced at her awkward face and checked the sky, just out of curiosity. His eyes went wide ever so slightly when the expanse of blue with golden trims filled his vision, melding in an endless seam with white puffs scattered over it. It was nothing like he ever witnessed before. Even as an Eighty-Six, who had gone through a pilgrimage along the longest track of unblemished nature, the sight snatched his breath away. To call that scenery nice was a true understatement.
Still, he didn't have the heart to chide her.
And why was he that late in reaching the point to appreciate this fascinating nature? Does it have something to do with his problem in coping with the new reality? Maybe? Spirited away to another world was the most unnerving way to gain a new life, after all.
"Shin…?"
"Oh, sorry. I was spacing out." He smiled in apology. "Right, I think today we will receive some people for building our party before we set out."
"Well, that's true." She nodded, but still curious about his odd reaction. "Now that sounds like we are about to go out to war."
"Aren't we?"
"Well, yes. But this world may look too peaceful for that kind of thing to take place." She argued, gazing up at the castle's fortification.
Tracing her gaze, he slightly furrowed his brow. "Once we cross that wall, we will learn what's really happening."
"True. Just like the Grand Mur." She said dejectedly.
As much as she wished to banish the thought, the looming stone wall that served as the castle's first layer of defense was so reminiscent of Grand Mur. The image of the very cursed symbol of her people's oppression over the Eighty-Six haunted her. A phantom lump lodged in her throat in which she bitterly swallowed it like a drug.
"And now we face a new kind of Legion." He heaved a sigh and turned around, facing the sun-bathed castle. "Or maybe something else. Guess I should be more careful with what I say."
The prospect of them facing monsters native to this world still spooked Lena, but her curiosity about Shin took over and numbed her fear at that moment. After all, he was the only person she always wanted to be with. She had made that vow. She turned around, finding the spectacle he was regaling himself with.
"Careful with what you say? Shin, aren't you always careful enough?"
'Every word is a prayer. Beware of what thou sayeth.'
He recalled the old reverend's teaching when he was but a little whelp. Together with his older brother, Shourei, he listened to the old man's sermon every morning. That momentary recollection flickered through his vision, garnering a nostalgia. He brushed it off, shaking his head and changing to another topic.
"Not really. The nobleman who attacked us yesterday is an example of how I had messed up my speech."
"But in the end, you could deal with it. And you did so for my sake, Shin. I don't see anything wrong with it."
"Probably. But the more I think about it, the more important it seems for me to listen to my grandfather's request. I turned him down before I heard his earnest wish."
Most of all attachments that bound him to his origin might have lost due to the merciless war, but unlike his comrades, he still had a living blood relative. The head of house of Nouzen, his grandfather, was still alive. Shin had come to visit him for some time. The lonely, old Onyx warrior had insinuated his intention to pass his title to his sole descendant – something that Reaper had little care. Learning etiquette and modicum was not his thing although he had a knack in those stuffs.
And now he felt a welling up guilt for not fulfilling the little wish of his withering progeny.
"Ah, Marquis Nouzen, is it? How unfortunate." Lena mumbled. "But didn't you visit him many times already? I think that is enough for an elderly like him to see that his grandson has grown to be a great man. He must be overjoyed."
"Great man?" Shin gave a dry laugh. "Yeah. He looks happy, but I think he still has so many things to talk about. And I didn't have a full day to listen to him."
"I see. That's too bad."
"Yeah."
A sorrowful smile floated over her face. Just like him, she had lost her parents. They perished in the heat of war. As for Shin, his parents were killed as result of her country's shameful vileness. Her father died due to his foolish bravery. And her mother, the last person she had as an emotional support, lost as fate's blind retribution for her country's heinous crime.
The scar was still wet in her heart. It still ached. Somehow, its pulse awakened a speck of envy over him who still had a root to cling to.
When she pondered about it, she found it as a childish excuse. The Republic she once loved as her motherland had robbed too many things from him. Even if he were allowed to taste the joy of having a living relative who cared for him, it wouldn't still be enough. He had suffered too much for far too long. That was why…
'I want to support him and fill in everything he has lost.' She mused as her face forged a look of determination, albeit in a flash. 'At the very least, I should lessen his burden.'
"Shin, isn't now the time we head back to the castle?" She asked, looking at some unarmored knights who marched into the training ground. "We have a packed schedule after forming our party."
"Oh, right. Let's go."
After having their superb breakfast, the heroes were headed to the throne room. The moment they made their entrance, twelve people, men and women, had been standing in line before the king. They were the people Aultcray had promised, now facing the coming heroes while sporting various looks.
"Heroes! Before you are the companions who would willingly follow your quest." Aultcray spoke. "Now, let them choose who the hero they would like to lend their strength to!"
The men and women stepped forward and chose the heroes they would like to follow. They soon stood behind their heroes in messy lines.
Shin and Lena got five followers.
Three people lined up behind Itsuki.
Four volunteers joined Motoyasu.
Naofumi… behind him, no one stood.
Shin and Lena immediately narrowed their eyes. Putting the matter about their own party aside, their suspicion spiked as they observed both Naofumi and Aultcray's reactions. The Shield Hero had a shocked expression while the king remained stoic. It was a clear bad sign.
"My King, what about me? Why do I get no one!?" Naofumi looked around in a mix of confusion and panic.
Worse, Itsuki and Motoyasu also looked confused, but they didn't seem to be concerned about their fellow hero. Their faces hinted their heavy reluctance and they looked like they accepted what they saw that way. It was as if saying that as long as they were not in Naofumi's place, everything was fine.
Shin had had enough with it and stepped forward. "Your Grace, I beg your forgiveness for my insolence, but we would like to demand your explanation regarding this manner of arrangement."
He was careful enough to not affront the king in any possible way, so he had chosen to bring up the matter in general, indirectly addressing Naofumi's trouble. He waited for Aultcray's answer and one of his ministers whispered to him. The ruler nodded, glancing at Shin then gazed at the audience.
"To ensure the freedom of your party members, we entrusted them with their own choice. You might ask them the reason they chose you. And concerning the matter about the Shield Hero, unfortunately, there is a spreading rumor about him, saying that he is the least capable among the heroes. His lack of knowledge about this world has put him as the least favorable choice."
Lena creased her brow in disapproval. "Your Grace, if that is the case, at the very least, is there any possible way to hold a fairer system so that every hero can equally acquire companions?"
The minister from the day of their summoning stepped in. "This is but a procedure we follow from the accounts of the previous summoning. However, rest assured, Dear Heroes, this party is flexible. Like a lord in search of laborers, you might hire a new member and fire them as well."
"Meaning, they are disposable." Shin boldly quipped, tired of his summoner's lame excuse.
Almost all soon-to-be retainers of the heroes gulped upon hearing Shin's heartless remark. Even Lena who knew him the most couldn't help but shoot a criticizing look. Nevertheless, the Reaper, the one who had immersed himself in countless deaths, remained firm. To him, comrades who can be changed easily like a rig's parts are nothing but tools. Simple as that.
And because death can take anyone. It is coldly indiscriminate, mercilessly natural. That was a reality he learned through his struggle in the Eighty-Sixth Sector. He still couldn't free himself from those thoughts despite knowing well that he had set a new goal.
"Hmm… Well, that might be the least pleasant way to put it." The minister gave a restrained smile.
"I hope you take that as a bad joke." Shin followed with a faint smile.
"So, I must search for my own party member?" Naofumi scratched his head.
Shin tilted his head to see Lena. She cast a dubious look and turned to their party members which sucked the bulk of the people. They actually were still conflicted about the whole situation, but seven people for a squad was too much.
"Well, if you are okay, we can have our party member transferred to you." Lena said as her eyes were silently appraising the adventurers before her.
"R-really?" Naofumi stammered.
"Yeah. We often went on missions with a five-men squad, so you can have the excess." Shin added as he fixed his gaze on one of the men. "You, the one in heavy armor."
"Huh? Me?" The guy pointed at himself.
"Yes, you. Join the Shield Hero."
"Huh? Are you joking, Lord Sword Hero? I come here to–"
"No, I'm not. That's an order." Shin's cold answer fell like a hammer hitting an anvil.
The burly man in armor moved to join Naofumi, letting out a grumble. He cast a sour scowl at Shin.
"Uh… Shinei…? You don't need to run into trouble to transfer your party member. I guess I can get a new party member just alright."
"Besides, transferring a party member like nothing? Are you crazy or something, Lucky Guy?" Motoyasu regarded Shin indignantly.
Lena frowned at the Spear Hero in ire. The way he looked at Undertaker derisively sickened her. She understood that the blond still had the heat from his loss last night, but she couldn't understand just how far he would take his hatred. Now she really hated him for opening hostility towards Shin.
"Unfortunately, that is the way we people from the military often deal with our members. Transfer of command so that our rank and file can work properly is one among many keys of success in an operation." Lena calmly spoke in Shin's place without so much as batting an eye, pointing at the next person she wished to expel. "And sir, would you kindly join the Shield Hero?"
"Ah, but?"
"It is an order, please."
"Oh, well. If you say so." The guy in animal fur hood moved to join Naofumi in defeat.
"Hmm… I believe that anymore than that, you might be in trouble, Lord Sword Hero." The minister warned.
"Then it is the duty of other heroes to show their contribution for the success of this grand mission." Lena turned to Motoyasu, flashing a cold smile of the Bloodstained Queen.
"That is true. Although I shall not force you, I cannot condone the act of selfishness that eventually might be a drawback in the long run, either. A little sacrifice you pay now can be a boon in the future." The king gave his two-cents.
'As if you ever done that in the first place. Hypocrite…!' Lena closed her eyes to contain her ire.
"Well, in that case, Your Majesty, allow me to volunteer."
A wavy red-haired girl in leather armor stepped out from Motoyasu's party. She looked to be nearing her 20th, possessing a very slender build and didn't seem to be an active adventurer like the rest. All in all, laymen like Shin and Lena could tell that she wasn't the typical fighter they could rely on.
"Huh? But, are you sure?" The Spear Hero cast a dumbfounded face, shifting his gaze from his party to the others'.
"I find no problem with it. Wish me luck!" She winked cheerfully at Motoyasu.
Aultcray nodded in response as the girl joined the Shield Hero. He gestured to his aides and some men brought bags, clinks resounded with their movements.
"Since we have settled the matter with your companions, now I would like you to receive some money to support your endeavor. You will be given 600 silver coins for now, each. Every month, you will receive our funding. Spend it wisely, Heroes." The ruler announced.
"War funds?" Lena raised an eyebrow.
"No mistaking." Shin nodded when the king's aide handed him the bag.
Undertaker turned his head to see Naofumi who looked overjoyed. For a brief moment, his crimson eyes made contact with the green eyes of the mysterious volunteer in the Shield Hero's party. All of sudden, a queer jolt rushed through his body when she smiled at him. He grimaced as he tore his gaze away, a cold sweat bead slid down over his cheek.
"Shin, what's wrong?" Lena asked, noticing the weird shift on him.
"Um. Nothing." He shook his head, masking his lingering suspicion with a smile.
Lena didn't look convinced, but she chose to keep silent. She only regarded him with concern, hoping that nothing was wrong.
'… Still. What is she? She gives me the vibe of a Black Sheep.' Shin thought as he glanced in the direction of Naofumi's group. 'I got a bad feeling about this.'
"Again, thanks so much, Shinei, Vladilena. You are my life-savers. You have my deepest gratitude. One day, I'll pay your kindness back!"
Naofumi bowed deeply to Shin and Lena before they parted ways. Behind them, their respective companions had been waiting.
"Think nothing of it, Naofumi. We're glad that we can be of help for fellow heroes." Shin said, smiling at the Shield Hero.
"Right. We are happy as far as we can help our friends." Lena added, waving her hand.
"I see. Then we'll see you again. I promise I'll give you something in return!"
"Alright. Just make sure it's something good." Shin shrugged his shoulders. "Oh, and be safe."
"I will!"
With that, the Shield Hero and his party bid their farewell. Shin and his group waited near the fort's gate until Naofumi's figure vanished beyond the crowd in the city.
"What an innocent-looking guy." The blond thief in Shin's group exclaimed as he leaned against a wall, leg folded, pressing against the wall while putting his bridged hands behind his head leisurely. "He's so unlike you, boss."
"I'm sure that's because he came from a very peaceful world." Shin replied as he led the group into the city.
"Peaceful world? Come to think of it, from what kind of world did you come from, Lord Sword Hero?" The green-haired girl in a martial artist get-go asked.
Lena actually wished to answer that question, but seeing that their conversation turned out to be exciting enough, she cast away the idea. When she got the sight of the taciturn Shin answering his curious followers, it made her happy. It shed more light about the Reaper in a novel way.
"The moment I saw your eyes, I have no doubt that you are a man of war, My Lord." The man in a scholar robe spoke, interrupting Shin's pace.
"And what do you know about war, Mister Aleister Colbert?" Shin turned around, facing the scholar.
"A state where you exhaust your resources in a conflict to achieve your goal. Often, in a bloody manner." Aleister answered without missing a beat, raising his index finger like a teacher answering his student.
"That's a textbook answer." Shin dryly remarked, turning to the martial artist girl. "What about you, Allona Kuyper?"
"Eh? War, is it? Hmm…" She cupped her chin, thinking hard for an answer. "I think war is where many people are fighting."
"Many people fight? For what? Don't they have any reason for fighting?" Shin cocked an eyebrow.
"Eeeh?" Allona looked flustered upon noticing Shin's questioning look.
"Shin, we're here not for a theory on war, right?" Lena smiled wryly.
"Testing the general knowledge of our men is a must. I guess you got that at the academy."
"Yeah, that's true. But isn't this… kind of too much?" Lena asked as she began patting Allona's shoulder to comfort her.
"Fueee… Lady Lena, Lord Sword Hero's question hurts my head so much!"
"There, there…"
"Not really. I did almost the same to the guys back at home. Well, sometimes." Shin rolled his shoulders dismissively. "Then, what's your answer, Hicks Crawford?"
"Me? Well, it depends on your own answer, boss." The thief flippantly replied.
"The way you answered me reminds me of one of my friends." Shin responded, looking at Hicks with pitying gaze.
"Oh, really? I hope it's not an insult."
"He's dead, though. Cause he followed my order poorly."
"I thought as much." Hicks rolled his eyes.
"Shin!?" Lena shot a reprimanding look. "Don't ruin our hope when we are just about to go out for an adventure!"
"Well, sorry."
"Seriously, boss. You're creepy."
"Sorry for being creepy."
"So, boss, what's your opinion about this err… War?"
"Kill or be killed. That's my view about war." Shin's simple answer came with finality.
"Just that?" Hicks blinked.
"Yeah. What else do you expect?"
"Kill or be killed. Hmm…? Kill or be killed. So deep." Aleister nodded sagely, repeating the Sword Hero's piece of wisdom. "So, speed determines everything. Now I am convinced that you are a true soldier. A pupil of the battlefield!"
"A guy taking the battlefield as a teacher? What kind of joke is that?" Hicks scoffed.
"Young Crawford, you find such an idea weird because you never find this kind of man."
"Heh? As if you ever find one." Hicks crossed his arms.
"But I have!" Aleister puffed his chest.
"Who? Do you mean boss?" Hicks gestured at Shin with his thumb, quirking his brow when Aleister made a nod. "That's… You know, just how far you'll believe in those yellow-papered books and crumpled scrolls?"
"They are a trusted source of knowledge!" Aleister argued.
"Ugh… I cannot get what they're talking about." Allona whimpered.
While the thief and the scholar went on with their debate, Lena's neck creaked, turning towards Shin like a rusty tank turret. She heaved a sigh as soon as he looked at her.
"Shin, now I've understood what you said."
"Oh, what is it?"
"You messed up your speech. Now, just look at how far you can make a misunderstanding with your words."
"Yeah, I know. But this is weird. This never happened when I took command of the Spearhead." Shin cocked his head in a tad of confusion. "Oh, well. Anyways, nice input, Lena."
Undertaker's honest compliment took her by surprise. Time and again, his words unjustly pierced her heart with a peculiar warmth, slowly and surely driving her mind to nothing but him. It throbbed and at some points, it nearly burst. It was only a matter of time until its restraint broke.
"Oh. Um…" She tilted her head as her cheeks got a shade of crimson.
"Ow, man. What do I look over here?" Hicks snickered, stealing a glance at Lena's reaction in which Shin was oblivious to.
"Eh?" Lena got flustered even more.
"Um, by the way, what's your relationship with Lady Lena, Lord Sword Hero?" Allona innocently asked.
"She's my superior." He shook any weird idea they might conceive with a casual tone.
"So, does that mean Lady Vladilena was higher in command than you were?" Aleister surmised, frowning in ridicule at the notion.
"Yes. Do you find it weird?"
"Not really. But to think that a female soldier can rise up to such a high rank, that should be admirable."
"Oh, I'm flattered." Lena bashfully said as she fiddled with her silver locks.
"Well, she is. To us, she was like a queen." Shin added.
"Shin?" The Bloodstained Queen fidgeted in her boots.
"A queen, huh? Now that's very interesting." The thief rubbed his chin.
"Very interesting, indeed." The scholar nodded in accord.
"Then what about you, boss?"
"Just a soldier who did his job. Aside from taking care of the dead. Hence my name is Undertaker." Shin spoke without any trace of discomfort.
Lena didn't give any reaction. She stayed silent, owing to the fact that almost all Eighty-Six knew who he was. The Headless Reaper truly had made a legend among his folks. And she knew it, thanks to being their queen.
"Undertaker? Now it makes sense." Hicks glanced at his boss.
"Eh? Undertaker? Lord Sword Hero, did you really deal with the deceased?" Allona widened her eyes. "Like… Burying them?"
"Something along that line. I helped them to lay them to rest."
"What a noble work! Oh, now I genuinely feel ashamed to join your quest." Aleister buried his face into his palms. "I have no skill worth mentioning save my mastery in books. I really feel out of place."
"Um, Mister Colbert, you don't need to be that down." Lena said to console the older guy.
"Oh, perhaps you are right, My Lady. After you kindly let me stay in this party, it would be unforgivable if I just abandon it for such a trifle."
"Meh, just quit already if you don't feel like you're cut for the job." The thief waved his hand, shooing the whiny scholar.
"You… Knave!" Aleister scowled at Hicks.
"Say it again!"
"Enough already. We need Colbert because we are sure that he can teach us about writing and magic." Shin stopped them before they fell into a quarrel.
"I will do my best to meet your expectation, My Lord." Aleister nodded humbly.
"Alright. Hicks, didn't you tell me you'll be our guide? Now, where are we?" Undertaker turned around to learn the surroundings.
"Oh, right. Shouldn't we suppose to reach the shopping area? Shin and I need some gears before we can go out." Lena exclaimed.
"Uh… Are we in a residential district?" Allona pointed at a cluster of houses at the side of the road.
The group had arrived at a less crowded part of the city, rather far from the main road. They darted their gaze around, trying to figure out where they were. They were lost.
The thief for a brief moment blinked. Then as realization struck him, a cold sweat bead trickled down his cheek.
"Oops. Guess we missed some turns."
"Then you're useless." Reaper coldly said.
"Wha– B-boss!? Forgive me!? I didn't mean to–"
"Then lead us to the shopping district you told us for gearing-up."
Shin's crimson eyes bored a chilling gaze into Hicks. That mystical stare that seemingly absorbed all his life force didn't spell out bloodlust, but it freaked him out. The boy shuddered as a chill ran down his backbone. Weirdly, it was only him who could feel that, or rather, it didn't affect people around him. That thought scared him even more.
"R-right away, boss!" He stammered, rending his gaze away from the Reaper.
"Ehehe…." Lena chuckled weakly, feeling powerless upon seeing Hicks' anguish.
"Alright. I guess this will do." Shin said as he fastened his tattered white scarf around his neck.
Now bedecked in a simple adventurer attire, he looked at his appearance. His choice consisted of brown linen pants, a pair of leather boots, a simple long-sleeved shirt, fingerless gloves and a thin leather armor over it with a belt for his weapon to rest. He managed to suppress the expenditure to the minimum, so low that it could be called reckless for a rookie adventurer.
"You spent under 40 silver? Seriously, boss, why should you skimp if you can buy more!?" Hicks frowned at his boss. "So, what's the point of bringing you here? This is… messed up!"
"I must minimize our spending. Besides, our enemies are some weak monsters."
"Who said that? Did you ask Mr. bookworm?" Hicks narrowed his eyes in suspicion at Aleister.
"Hey! I only told Lord Nouzen about the monsters outside the immediate perimeter of the city." The scholar turned to Shin with a worried look. "My Lord, for your safety, I implore you not to put on such a measly protective attire. We adventurers might stumble upon unexpected situations once we plunge ourselves into the wilderness."
"I know that much. I was a soldier."
"Then why don't you equip yourself better?" Hicks was on the verge of fuming.
"I was minimally equipped, but I could go just fine. Armors hinder my movements. Same as my war vehicle. The more plating it got, the less nimble it could run on the battlefield. And it proved fatal." The heir of the Nouzen warrior nonchalantly stated.
True to his words, most of the military personnel of the Federacy considered Eighty-Six as a pack of mad war dogs. Fighting with bare minimum protection standards in a running aluminum coffin box, they were beyond reckless. Still, it couldn't be helped. They were heroes for sacrifice, cruelly manufactured by the white pigs of the Republic to serve their need. Stripping armors in exchange for excellent mobility gain was the most logical solution.
And Shin was the most reckless yet the strongest among them. All Eighty-Six wouldn't deny that.
Aleister and Hicks unhinged their jaws at the same moment. They failed to process Shin's reason. His idea seriously defied all of their understandings about adventuring. He truly was floating on a different plane.
"O-okay. I know, boss. But still… What's the pain in putting on a more decent gear? We still have some money." Hicks tried to reason, staring at Shin with a frustrated look.
"I said I'll be fine. Just because I'm a hero doesn't mean that I should splurge more on fancy clothes."
The thief dropped his jaw once again. He slowly closed it, finding his boss' stubbornness was beyond saving.
"Okay, fine! But if you got wounded, don't blame me. We've warned you." Hicks threw a look of resignation. "Oh, and healing potions aren't cheap. I guess you've taken it into your consideration."
"I know. Then I just need to not get scratched." The Reaper spilled his reason, earning a sigh from Aleister.
Shin suddenly gazed at Hicks sternly in scrutiny. The blond thief in response flinched.
"W-what?"
"Come to think of it, isn't your outfit also too thin. No. Scanty, even."
"Scanty?" Hicks frowned at Shin in irritation. "Just what do you take–"
"My Lord…" Aleister interjected. "Thief's outfits are mostly designed to be light, but they possess magical enhancements to boost their physical and magical resistances. Thus, Hicks' clothes are actually far more durable and can protect him better than they look."
"Ah, right. You came from another world, huh? Sorry about that, boss." Hicks scratched the back of his head, remembering who his boss was.
"It's okay." Shin turned to see his clothes, then glanced at the outfits on display. "I see. So, does it mean two-piece leather undies with metal plates like those have enhancements?"
"Um… Do you mean that Armor of Valkyria?'' Aleister awkwardly looked at the gaudy female outfit.
'Valkyria? Sounds like a name from the Alliance…' Shin made a mental remark at the armor.
"Ah, yes of course! I even heard that the more it exposes the skin, the better it protects the wearer!" The thief informed without any hint of shame.
"Hmm, really? Is it popular among ladies?" Shin asked as he shot a thoughtful look at the inappropriately skimpy armor.
"For once, I saw some female adventurers clad in that armor without anything covering them over it, but soon the trend died down." Aleister answered with a tinge of discomfort.
"Right. Strong as it might boast, it doesn't protect the wearers from the most dangerous beast." Hicks added, rolling his eyes.
"Guys." Shin said flatly.
"You bet!" The thief pointed a finger gun at Undertaker.
The door that led to the other section of the shop opened. Lena and Allona burst in. They seemed to be enjoying their dress-up session.
The Bloodstained Queen had gotten her new attire. Since she had a huge MP reserve, she chose a mage set whose colors surprisingly matched with her Republic military uniform. She donned in a Prussian-blue, short-skirted mage robe with white embroideries. She also got a pair of high boots, black fingerless gloves, a leather belt and a wide-brimmed wizard hat that suited her robe. For her weapon, she took a standard mage wooden staff.
"Shin! How do I look!?" She asked cheerfully as she turned around in front of Shin, waving her staff around.
"Lena… You… Look really good in that." He said in a daze.
"Really?"
"Yes. You truly look like a mage in storybooks."
"Mage in storybooks? Oww… Shin, are you praising me?" She clutched her staff giddily as she blushed.
"But you really look like a witch from legends, Lady Lena! You're so… Pretty!" The brawler girl stared at her with beaming eyes.
"Allona…"
"Can't say otherwise. Guys surely will fall for you, boss lady." The thief laughed a little.
"The Silver Archmage… So majestic. So dazzling." The scholar added in awe.
"Everyone…" Lena held her hand before her chest.
"So, how much does it cost?"
Shin's question yanked everyone back to reality. His indifferent look weighed the gravity of his question.
"Uh… For the robe…" Allona counted with her fingers, muttering the cost for each item. "… So, for the clothes, we spent 260 silver. And the staff is 40 silver."
"Hmm? So, it's 300 already?" Hicks' eyes bulged in exasperation. "For real!?"
"I-is it expensive?" Lena cold-sweated, turning to Shin who remained unfazed by the amount. "No, wait! I'll be spending half of our war fund! Wh-what should I do!?"
"You see, it's actually enough to feed a family of four for three months!" Hicks pointed out, throwing a mental slap to Lena.
"What!?"
"We understand that some equipment for mages are expensive, but this is… exorbitant." Aleister thoughtfully remarked. "Unless they are some rare pieces, delicately crafted items, or a special custom-made."
"Ah…!" Lena's face lost its color.
"W-wait! The robe has special enhancements. Many customers even said that it can last until they have reached level 40." Allona explained as she was on the verge of panicking. "The same goes to the pieces of equipment Lady Lena took."
"That doesn't change the price." Hicks sighed.
"True. Three golds is not a small price to pay." Aleister pinched his bridge.
"Fu-fueeee…!" Allona trembled in fear.
"Can you do something about this, like negotiating the price, perhaps?" Shin glanced at Lena, noticing her pallid face.
"Okay. I can haggle a little bit." Hicks offered his service.
"Then please do." Shin nodded in approval.
"Aye, boss."
Lena quivered on her feet. She cast a guilty look the moment Shin faced her.
"Shin… I'm so sorry."
"Why? If it's about the price, you don't need to."
"But–!"
"It's okay. If you really like the clothes and they really can protect you in battle, then they're worthy."
"But, Shin… What about you?"
"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine." He gave a reassuring smile. "I'm just a soldier, after all. A soldier doesn't need expensive armor."
"But you are a hero, Shin!"
"And you're the queen." He retorted, almost devoid of any warmth.
"Shin…"
They veered their gaze to check on Hicks who was still negotiating with the shopkeeper, but they found Allona was on the verge of crying. She shook on her slender legs, biting her lower lip as her eyes went red. She met their gaze and her tears burst.
"… Lord Sword Hero, Lady Lena… Please forgive me…!"
"A-Allona, what's wrong? Please don't cry."
"I-i-it's because of me that you got extorted… If only… If only we took Hicks' suggestion, we wouldn't need to drain our funds." She sobbed, rubbing her tears.
"Allona, please, you don't need to blame yourself." Lena tried to calm the green-haired brawler as best as she could.
Aleister remained silent. He had nothing to say although he knew from the beginning that their visit to the shop might end up like this. He did so to avoid any more unnecessary quarrel. The nearly heated debate with the thief on their journey that morning was enough for a headache. He only regarded the scene before him with a solemn grimace.
Reaper sighed, drifting his gaze to Allona with a tired look. "It's alright, Allona."
"Huh?"
"I said it's alright. You don't need to cry on this anymore. Next time, just make sure you are well-informed about the shop we're going to visit."
"L-lord Sword Hero…"
"Besides, we have Hicks." He turned to the thief. "Hicks, how is it going?"
"The best deal is 255, boss." He mentioned the price, earning a pout from the shopkeeper lady. "How does it sound?"
"255 silver? That's…" Lena cast a dubious look.
"We got 45 for the cut. That's much." Shin came over the counter, facing the shopkeeper without showing any trace of complaint. "What weapon can I get with five silver coins?"
"Just that knife over there. The leather sheath is free." The shopkeeper replied grumpily.
Shin nodded and took the weapon, sliding it into the dusty leather sheath. "Sorry, Lena. This is as much as we can get."
"S-Shin… This is…"
"Sure, it's cheap, but I hope it helps you."
"Oh… Thanks so much, Shin." She muttered gratefully, holding his gift tightly close to her chest.
"Yeah, you're welcome." He smiled at the queen.
It was just a lump of cold steel, hammered into shape for cutting plants, or flesh if the wielder exerted more effort, but a warmth emanated from it. Its true value was not much compared to her equipment, yet it became so precious since it was a gift from him. She felt it grow warmer as seconds passed. She looked at him once again and decided to place it at its proper place, strapping it over her belt.
"Lord Sword Hero…" Allona silently spoke.
Shin turned to the thief, holding the sack of coins. "Hicks, I'll leave the payment to you."
"Understood, boss." The thief took the sack and began counting the coins.
Some minutes later, the group had finally settled the transaction and gone out immediately. They couldn't bear the scowl on the shopkeeper's face. The foolish crook truly was a wicked abomination who tried to squeeze the hero's purse. Being a hero sure had its perks, but predators out there had also been lurking with open maws. It was a lesson to learn.
Shin decided to take the rearguard, letting the girls grab the lead until they reached the city gate. Lena was okay with that since she also had many things to talk about with Allona. Now, separated by Aleister in the middle, he walked side by side with the thief. He momentarily stole a glance at Hicks, out of suspicion. The boy had been sporting a rather weird face since they left the shop.
"Hicks, do you wanna say something?"
The thief who felt like his employer had just read his mind flinched. He turned to the sword hero, smiling awkwardly. He knew that he might lose his life the moment his thoughts jumped off his tongue, but his perverted curiosity had stolen a victory.
"Say, boss, when you asked me about Valkyria Armor, did you imagine boss lady in that?"
Reaper's Pyrope eyes shone red, narrowing into a homicidal glare at the knave. The thief felt that shiver once again.
"Say it again and I'll rip your throat."
The group finally had reached their destination. The vast meadow outside the city wall looked so green, reminiscent to the pristine plains on the contested zone that once belonged to the Giadian Empire – the very place Shin and his comrades passed their mad survival mission after laying his brother to rest. He gazed at the expanse of green with a look of nostalgia.
A morning gust blew past the group. Lena held her wizard hat lest it flew away. Her silver locks fluttered freely behind her back as she closed her eyes. Shin caught the sight and reached for her, out of concern.
"Careful, Lena."
"Oh, um. Yeah. The wind is pretty strong."
"Yeah." He smiled as he got a glimpse at the cheap dagger that hung on her left waist.
He grabbed his sword and averted his gaze towards the tall grasses. As soon as his sight fixed on them, they rustled violently as his vision indicated the inbound enemies.
"Are those orange ball monsters?"
"Yes. They come." Aleister nodded as the monsters bounced out from the grass, letting out some odd growls.
"What are… those?" Lena stared in disbelief the moment the enemies made their charge at them. "Are those balls really alive?"
"Those are Orange Balloons. They are low level monsters most rookie adventurers used to gain experience points." Allona explained.
"I see." Lena nodded as the wacky spheres with angry eyes and mouths bounced about, closing in.
"They are not dangerous, right?" Lena held her staff tighter.
"There's only one way to prove it." Shin said as he broke into a run, meeting the charging swarm head-on.
"Hey wait, Shin!"
"My Lord!"
"Boss!"
"Lord Sword Hero!"
Ignoring to heed their calls, the heir of Nouzen met the pack and swung his sword in a wide arc. He slashed the bunch with one horizontal swing, flinging and staggering them away. Their HP bar that floated above them dropped to 50%.
"Still not enough, huh?" He bashed his sword at them, popping three in the pack.
A notification emerged on his vision, telling him that he earned some experience. He ignored it and began to slaughter the rest of the bunch.
"Hey, boss! I said wait!" Hicks thrust his dagger, popping one. "Good grief! Why are you so eager to hog up all the kills?"
"That's right, Lord Sword Hero! At least give us a chance!" Allona protested as she punched a balloon, but ended up enraging it, biting her arm in retaliation. "AAAAHHH!"
"Stay still!" Shin thrust his blade at the ball that was gnawing on Allona, blowing it. "And your footing was off. You cannot dodge in time if your stance is weak."
"Whah–! That's not the point!"
Shin swung his blade to finish the last of the pack. The moment it exploded and dropped its elastic hide, he turned to his companions.
"One experience points per ball. This is too slow. Can we get a bigger game than this?" Reaper turned his gaze ominously at the woods beyond the edge of the grassland.
"Ah, we are so sorry, My Lord, but I would suggest otherwise. We can focus on the monsters around here and proceed to the more dangerous area when we have reached a higher level." Aleister suggested, noticing Shin's stare.
"Hey, old man, what do you take boss for? He might be greedy, but do you think those slashes are works of an amateur? He got pretty cool handling on his blade. Going in a bit around the edge won't be a problem. Guess books don't teach you 'bout swordsmanship." Hicks retorted with a scoff, putting on a cynical smile.
"But we should prioritize safety! What if Lord Nouzen and Lady Vladilena get wounded!?"
"Pardon me, but what is the chance we might encounter high-level monsters?" Lena diffused the tension.
Aleister and Hicks turned at Lena in bafflement. Shin followed, his distant gaze conveyed an expectant look as he regarded her meaningfully. She smiled and turned towards the rest of the group.
"If we find monsters a little bit higher in level than Orange Balloons, I believe we can still manage, somehow. Provided that they don't come in swarms."
"I heard that the chance is about one in ten." The scholar lightly scratched his head, giving a conflicted look. "Boars, wolves and bears roamed deeper into the woods."
"So it's ten percent." Lena hummed. "I see. That is still pretty high. Okay now, everyone, what do you think if we proceed?"
"I know boss is pretty strong for a rookie, so I'm okay with it."
"I hope you at least disagree with it." Shin gave a faint smile, narrowing his eyes a little in ridicule at Hicks.
"Boss, this is a different matter. I've joined a bunch of rookies, but you struck me as a pro. Now I really understand why you don't need fancy armor. Hell! I don't even think you can get any scratch if you move like a possessed guy! Man… It's like you're born to fight."
Lena's eyes widened. She almost failed to fathom it. The thief could tell that Undertaker was an excellent fighter from mere observation alone. She should admit that the thief might be a precious asset for their team.
As she pondered about his appraisal on Shin, her mind drifted towards his origin. Could it be that it had something to do with his Onyx bloodline? She drove her wandering gaze towards Shin. He only gave a shrug in response to Hicks' remark.
"I thought everybody could do that." Shin turned to Allona. "So, what about you, Allona?"
"I think it would be alright as long as we are with you, Lord Sword Hero. Oh, and there's also Lady Lena!" She said cheerfully, grabbing the Alba's delicate arm.
"Ah, I haven't even done anything. Besides, I'm not that great." Lena humbled, giggling at the green-haired brawler.
Everybody in the group turned their heads at the last member. The oldest of the gang heaved a long, defeated sigh.
"I see. To be young and powerful. How wonderful." He threw a self-deprecating remark, looking at the bunch tiredly.
"Then it's decided. Off we go to the woods."
"Yikes…" Hicks swung his dagger to rid some gray goo off its blade.
Shin casually jammed his blade into a stubby horned rabbit and stomped his boot into a brown slime. Those poor creatures died all the same, gored and crushed. He drew back his sword as his leg retreated at the same moment. Blood and sludge covered his sword and boots, but he paid no mind.
"Does this slime corrode metals?" Shin threw a question, looking at Lena who was practicing to cast a spell under Aleister's guide.
"Well, pretty much. These guys dull blades much faster than bloods and fats." Hicks wiped his knife's blade with a rag. "Still, you don't need to worry cause you got a legendary blade there. Huh~… How enviable!"
"I see. What about swords with magical enhancement?"
"That will depend on their levels. The higher the level of your weapon, the more resistant it should be."
Reaper nodded, raising his sword. He eyed the sapphire sphere embedded in its guard and opened up the menu. He chose a circle from the weapon tree and confirmed his choice. His weapon magically morphed into the standard sword of Melcomarc's knights.
"Wow! You also got the knight's steel sword? You're rock, boss!" Hicks snickered.
"I still feel bad about this. It's like I stole it from the display on the wall." Reaper admitted, checking the level requirement of his new weapon.
"It's alright. You're a hero. They won't charge you cause you're doing a dangerous job for them."
"You sound like a genuine thief now." Shin quipped, swinging the steel longsword to earn its feel.
"Thief doesn't always steal, mind you." Hicks huffed.
"So, what's a thief?"
"Well, it's kinda… complicated. Thief isn't only for calling guys who steal people's stuff. Those who got their skills are also called 'thieves.' So, anyone who steals doesn't mean he got something to do with his job-class. And anyone who got 'thief' as their job-class doesn't mean he snatches goods for living." Hicks elaborated, playing his dagger around his hand skillfully.
"Is that so?" Shin creased his brow, ceasing his weapon testing. "Then what are your job-class known skills? Lock-picking?"
"That's one of them. Mostly are skills related to scouting and trap-disarming."
"Sounds like an assassin." Shin scrutinized Hicks' explanation.
"Well, a thief can turn into an assassin after a class-up."
"Class-up?"
"You might call it an upgrade. Though for some classes, people will need some items for the requirement."
"Sounds complicated." Undertaker's comment felt like a drought.
"Not really. I swear, you don't even need to put up an effort to know it."
"How so?"
"You're a genius, boss. Now I'm sure of it." Hicks smirked in amusement.
An explosion cut off their conversation, followed by Allona's scream. They veered their gaze and found a charred ground in front of Lena. Aleister was holding his head in exasperation while Lena slackened her jaw. The brawler came over them, leaving behind her duty to collect the dead monster material. Soon, Shin and Hicks followed.
"W-what happened? EEEEHH!?" Allona got a gobsmacked face the moment she saw Lena's handy work.
"I… was just trying to use the most basic spell, but it ended up like this." Lena smiled wryly as she turned to her companions. "I didn't really know what happened."
"Lady Vladilena tried to cast [First Fireball], but turned out, her magic attack exceeded even [First Fire Blast], its advanced form." Aleister explained as he eyed the crater with grimace. "I dare no guess over this matter, yet."
"Boss lady, seriously? Did you really burn the earth?" Hicks whipped Lena with an incredulous look.
"I said, I didn't know!" The Bloodstained Queen retorted, her eyes narrowing.
"Alright, Lena, how much MP did you spend?" Shin calmly assessed the situation.
She glanced at her MP bar and looked at him with a serious look. "Approximately ten percent. Meaning, I can shoot this spell nine more times. Provided that the MP consumption is constant."
"I see. Try to shoot it once again."
"Understood." Lena complied, poising her staff forward, much to the party members' bafflement.
"As my source of power, I command thee! Reverse the law of Nature, set my enemy alight with this fire! [First Fireball]!" She completed her incantation as a blue magic circle appeared before her.
The flame sphere flew forward from the magic circle, cutting the distance between its initial launching point to a rotten tree stump almost instantly. The stump went ablaze as the fireball splashed its surface.
"… It's… Not as strong as the first one. I think it's the normal one. How come?" Aleister muttered in thought as the stump was burning.
"Is it normal?" Allona asked.
"Well, talk about luck." Hicks rolled his shoulders. "Just like whenever you wanna make a spark with flints."
"MP consumption?" Shin turned to Lena.
"Five percent. I still need to find out about this anomaly." She closed her report.
"Good. Should we say that it's what people call a critical hit?"
"I suppose so." She glanced at the red crystal embedded in the tip of her wooden staff. "However, could it be that this staff is faulty? Master Colbert, do you have any idea about this?"
"I believe that your guess might be the most plausible reason which missed my reckoning. However, to grasp that conclusion, we need to see an appraiser." Aleister took a look at Lena's staff.
"Appraiser?" Lena cocked her head.
"Right. People who can know the value of stuff. If it's a magical ware, we can see a mage. Staves and magician outfits are things in the list. If it's a weapon like a sword or an armor, it's usually a blacksmith's job." Hicks elaborated, garnering Shin's nod of understanding. "Heck. They can even tell you about some good tricks in handling your stuff, provided that you're lucky."
"Do they charge us?" Shin's gaze landed over the intricate embroidery on Lena's robe.
"Normally they will. But if you can slip to their good side, you can get free." The thief answered as he gave a knowing smirk. "It won't be much though, since it's their side job."
"I see. Then, shall we check an appraiser after we finish this?"
Lena made a hesitant look. Since the beginning of their journey, Shin had always prioritized her over everything. She understood that he loved her, but at that point, his way to express his feelings was pretty concerning. She was afraid that he would make a rupture in their team's cohesion should this go on.
"Um, Shin, I think it would be wiser if we focus on our leveling-up trip. We can visit an appraiser on a later date." She smiled sincerely.
"I see. If you say so." He shrugged his shoulders and turned toward the wood. "Alright. Let's get back to work."
"Ugh… I'm beat." Allona hung her head low as she walked with the group tiredly.
Under the ray of setting sun, the band of Sword Hero was returning to the city. They dragged their loots over a pair of wooden skids, scraping the cobblestone road, robbing people's attention as they trod the main street.
"Just bear with it. We're back to town already. Sell those pelts and whatnot. Get the cash. Back to the inn and you're good to go for whatever business you have." Hicks said as he pulled the improvised slider. "Right, boss?"
"Is it that simple?" Shin raised his eyebrow in question.
"Boss, I swear, you're no fun." Hicks' bland face garnered Lena's giggle.
"Shin, you really are no fun!" The queen teased the reaper. "Boo!"
"Not fun? Well, whatever." He shrugged coolly, hauling the skids with a yank, startling Hicks.
"Damn you, boss!"
For a brief moment, another gleeful laughter escaped her as she watched how he had adjusted with the new environment. He looked so free, freer than even the time he spent with his comrades back in their world. Her smile waned when she recalled his past.
'Shin… Actually what have you been through…?'
Her mind wandered to the time when a pack of black wolves ambushed them. Shin without any trace of hesitation charged at them, aiming at the alpha despite the fact that its level was higher than him. With dexterous moves, he evaded its attacks and wounded its legs to seal its movements, all the while parrying its followers. With a single strike to its nape, he sent a killing blow. Its kindred fled after he pulled out his handgun and shot a thunderous bang into the air.
'If I'm not mistaken, he also got another skill called [Nouzen's Blood]. Does it have something to do with his unbelievable combat prowess?'
Almost all reason was lost in that heat of battle. His companions were nailed in their places, gawking at him. And he fought almost like he abandoned everything around him. His concentration, his sight, his hearing, all of his nerves were wired solely to that battle.
Even when he emerged as the victor, he said nothing. When she asked him, he only said that it was always like that when he was still in that hellhole called Eighty-Sixth Sector, almost. His friends – Raiden, Theo, Kurena and Anju– had known it so well. It was only recently after they were in the Republic that he could place more trust in his friends, including her.
'However, we're back to square one. This is a battle I'm still foreign to. I don't like to say it, but I'm afraid you'll get in my way.'
His answer once again echoed in her mind. It was a frigid, undeniable fact they should swallow. No matter how many buts they wished to throw at him, their amateurish help would mess up the fight instead. Engaging multiple enemies alone while dodging its bunch was almost like fighting Legion units.
And no one could do it that excellently except him. Him, alone.
Even those who had fought alongside him for years would leave that nearly impossible job to him. They mopped up the fodders while he brought down the big shot. They knew the roles they had to play.
That reality sent a pang to her heart.
How long would she need to take so that she could help him? The thought frustrated her.
"Hicks, I'll leave the monster materials to you. Bring the money tomorrow. I'll head straight to an inn with Lena." Shin ordered as he handed the rope, his neutral voice echoed in low airs as the last afternoon wind passed them, bringing the faint scent of grass.
"Boss, are you gonna shove all this heavy lifting to me?" Hicks cast an irked smile. "Come on, give me a hand! You got some flesh around your arm."
"What's the point of calling me your boss if you cannot do your job. You've failed me, Hicks." He shot a merciless retort at his employee. "Besides, is it proper for an employee to have his boss do his own job?"
"W-what!? Ugh…" Hicks failed to find any way to counter Shin. "I… I guess you've got a point."
The banter once again put her at ease. As long as he was happy, what should she worry about? Isn't that what she wanted?
"Well, Shin can be pretty savage if you slack off." She told with a teasing smile. "Do your job well, unless you want to oppose him."
"No, thanks. I don't wanna find out what kind of nasty stuff he might pull out. And I don't wanna be the receiving end of his sword. Being a hero's pincushion is the worst way to die."
"Lena, am I that terrible?" Shin gave a look of disbelief.
"Well, for starters, you have a lingering aura that makes you unapproachable." She rolled her eyes. "I think?"
"Then your opinion on me is baseless." His eyes narrowed slightly. "Or did Cyclops tell you so?"
"No, she didn't."
"I see. If it comes from you, I guess I'm okay with it. Let me take it as good advice."
"Eh?" She blinked, a blush blemished her cheeks.
"Okay, guys. Anyways, it's getting dark soon. Allona, Mister Colbert, you can go back and rest for today. Thanks for your assistance."
"Yeah, you're welcome, Lord Sword Hero. It's fun. Guess taking dinner, dip and conking out after this are what I need." Allona squeezed her shoulder to ward off the numbness.
"You are welcome, My Lord. Then, let me retreat and prepare for tomorrow." The scholar bowed.
"Oh, right. And thanks, Hicks. I'm counting on you." Reaper smiled ever so slightly at the thief.
"Yea, yea. Save your thanks as some cash. I came here for money, not for your praise."
"Sure. You can even nick some from the profit of selling our loots. I won't know, you see."
"Nope. You definitely will notice and my neck will be a new scabbard for your blade before I know it." Hicks deadpanned, triggering the group's burst of laughter.
"Alright, everyone. Thank you so much for today. Let's meet again tomorrow. We will see you right after breakfast." Lena thanked the group as she bowed, followed by Shin. "See you tomorrow."
"See you, Lady Lena!"
"May we meet you again."
"Yeah, see ya tomorrow."
As the party members left, Lena turned to Shin. He gave a warm smile in response as they walked side by side.
"Let's search for lodging."
"Yes. I've asked Allona about it. It's not really far from here."
He knitted his eyebrows. "Are you sure about it? I mean…"
"Just because she doesn't know the right clothing store doesn't mean that it goes the same with an inn. She said that it's a quite popular inn for adventurers. She often stayed there."
"I see. How much per night?"
"A silver. Dinner and breakfast included."
"Sounds standard. Then lead the way, Lena." He gently took her hand.
It stunned her for the briefest moment, but she soon accepted it. A bright smile adorned her face.
"Uhm!" She cheerfully pulled him into a faster pace.
As the pair made their way through the rather crowded street, the group of Shield Hero saw them. Naofumi couldn't hide his urge to call them.
"Shinei!"
However, the buzzing crowd of adventurers and townsfolk swallowed his voice. The couple soon escaped earshot with their quick pace and went into an inn. He gave up the thought of calling them for a second time.
Still, Lena's new appearance flared his otaku side. He hid his giddy smile behind his palm, prompting the redhead in his party to turn at him curiously.
"Lord Shield Hero, is something the matter?"
"Oh, um… It's nothing, Myne." He smiled wryly.
"I see. Then, shall we go to an inn?"
"Ah, right. Let's go."
'Dang! Like… For real!? Where did she get that Megumin get-go? No… Silver hair, blue robe and hat… Ah I think it's Elaina! The Wandering Witch. Just… Wow!'
It was the morning of the third day. Sitting in a wooden chair in her inn's room, Lena had just gotten up, combing her lustrous silver locks as she relived the memory of their adventure the previous day. She shivered when she thought about it, but also excited at the same time.
"Morning, Lena."
His voice serenely echoed in her mind. She plunged into a silence, widening her eyes in surprise. Her cheeks reddened as a fear that he might read her thoughts overcame her.
"Huh? Shin? W-wait! Shin! I…"
"Oh, guess I called you too early, again. Sorry."
His voice was flat, but sounded apologetic enough that she knew he would cease the call immediately. She inadvertently reached her hand out as if she could see the blip of Undertaker was going to die on the Vanadis' screen before her eyes.
"Wait, Shin! Please, tell me what you are going to tell me!"
"Just a morning call."
"Ah, I see…" A sense of relief washed over her. "I'm so glad. I thought it's something dire."
"… It's very dire. Actually it's so dire I'm afraid I shouldn't tell you."
Somehow, she could sense his teasing smirk behind his voice. Ever since they got closer during their mission in Roa Gracia, he had been showing his mischievous side. It was refreshing, but sometimes, it's also annoying. She was sure that Anette would take pleasure in seeing her agony.
"Shin, stop with your joke." She puffed her cheeks as she slowly got dressed. "Quit with your teasing!"
"No. I'm serious. Hmm… I can smell the freshly baked rye bread. Oh, there is potato soup, some stews… and smoked meat."
The queen gulped. Coming from a war-stricken world where its inhabitants were frighteningly impoverished in food variety to the point they ate plastic explosives, there was no way those amazing cuisines didn't move her. A speck of drool peeked at the corner of her mouth as she hastily slipped into her robe. That delicious breakfast menu had been dancing on her mind, inviting her.
"Maybe you should be quick, Lena. Starved adventurers are rushing downstairs."
"AAAAAHHH!"
She bolted out from her room without locking it, leaving her staff and hat behind. Gone are all the images of the majestic Bloody Reina. She was just a hungry girl at that moment.
'Ahh~ Another world sure is the best!'
Lena mused in content as she made a blissful smile, gazing at the bright morning sky. As she walked beside Undertaker with their hands locked together, she couldn't think of anything except all the sweetness of spending the day with him. She couldn't be happier than that.
His pace stopped almost abruptly. She tilted her head to see him. A look of exasperation rose on his face as his grip over her hand loosened. She followed his line of gaze and her eyes widened.
"Is that Naofumi? What happened?"
"No idea. But I guess it's pretty serious." His frown deepened as Naofumi walked closer to them.
The Shield Hero wore nothing but the most simple clothes, unfit for adventuring. His shoulders slouched, his raven bangs covered his eyes messily. The trace of his happy and unburdened self they knew had seemingly gone, now replaced by an air of depression, as if a great calamity befalling him.
Drawn by concern, Lena stepped forward. "Naofumi!"
The face she witnessed from him was nothing she would expect. His eyes had lost the gentleness she knew. His stare was hollow, conveying a terrible misery he might have gotten. It wrench the heart of those who still had pity on him.
But the world truly was cruel. It was clear as the morning sky on that day that he was a victim.
"What?"
The voice of the forsaken hero came out as nothing but a hissing whisper.
Author's Note
Yo. It's been a while. Writing sure isn't easy, but in the end I can squeeze this out, thanks to all your support. :-D
First… Maaan… Eighty-Six volume 9 is sick. Like very sick! I like how Lena grows into a lovely tsun, throwing baka at Shin, but the event going around them is insane. From scary cultists to justified children mass murder, all of them almost left me depressed, unlike the previous volumes. :'(
Damn you Asato! You screwed my mind!
On the bright side, the finale of 86 anime is a masterpiece, surpassing my expectation! Ah, I wanna watch it again, but… I cannot stand Lena's crying face and Shin's painful smile! Aaargh! XD
Okay. Enough for the rambling. I guess that's what I wanna say. I hope you like this effort of mine to put Undertaker and Bloody Reina in this setting. Thanks for your visit. See you in the next story. ;-)