To ptl: Thanks for the correction, I didn't really watched the first episode of the anime all too well so I made a mistake on how the Status works.
To fruitspunchsamurai-987: I apologise but my imagination just isn't enough for the suggestion you made. I tried but when I test read it, the scene just felt and sounded wrong.
To Gen2324: Thanks for telling me, I absolutely missed that blunder of mine.
29 Reviews, 59 Favorites, 80 Follows
Thank you for all the Favorites, Follows and Reviews. I didn't expect to get this much in just one week into the first chapter so thank you all so much. Hope you enjoy this latest update.
As for Yuuki, well, let's see if I can do your request. No Kirito though, this is Eugeo's story. Kirito already has his own tale to tell in the anime.
I apologise to those that don't like the harem route but their will be two or possibly three other girls who will show romantic interest for Eugeo. But just those girls, I promise. I agree that having too many girls just doesn't work in the long run.
Of course, Alice will always be the Top girl here. I REALLY hope no one Rage quits from this fact since this story has barely even begun. It's JUST EXTREMELY hard to stick to just Alice when Eugeo will be saving a lot of people, a number of them being girls that were doomed to die or spend a life of constant suffering in Canon because of the actions of Trash King and Devil Princess. It's JUST so hard... So I hope you all understand.
Well then, on with the story.
Eugeo and Alice enjoyed each other's presence, despite the fact that the young woman is still stuck in the form of the Legendary Holy Sword. Taking a look at the time in his Stacia Hud, he estimates that he still has 1 hour of privacy before a maid comes to tell the Heroes to have their breakfast. They'll most likely meet with the Adventurers that the king found for them afterwards.
Deciding to investigate more about how the Legendary Sword works now that he's got time for himself, he drew the letter (S) on the sword and opened its Stacia Window. To his surprise, an alert told him that he just unlocked something new because of this action.
[Weapon Sentience Unlocked]
Weapon Fluctlight: Alice Zuberg
Eugeo reads the details and learns that he can unlock new abilities by spending something called Fluctlight points. Reading further down, Eugeo learns that a hero gets 5 Fluctlight points for every Level up. But unlike the Weapon Skills, the possible abilities for this is blank. Meaning only Alice can see them, or they only appear once he reaches the Level Requirement.
"I guess it's going to take some time before you can officially join me here, huh Alice." Eugeo mumbled as he has full intention of finding a way to give Alice a human body in this world. 'Somehow, I WILL find a way.'
[It's okay Eugeo. We can manage for now]
Eugeo flinched in surprise when Alice showed the ability to communicate by using the Stacia Window.
[You don't have speak out loud for me to hear you. Just think with the intention of talking to me and I will hear you.]
'Like this?' Eugeo testing it out.
[Yes, loud and clear]
Time seemed to fly by as Alice talked with Eugeo and helped him learn more about his new abilities as this World's current Sword Hero. The most common ability being that when the Sword absorbs something, it unlocks and can transform into the Sword that corresponds with the material it absorbed.
With Alice basically being the Legendary Sword itself, she was able to teach Eugeo a few of her more complex abilities that she currently possessed at his disposal.
Equip Bonus
Equip Bonus refers to the special abilities conferred by equipping different weapons.
Equip Bonuses start unmastered. But once mastery is reached, the Equip Bonus will become permanently part of the hero even when the weapon form in question is not equipped.
[Weapon Copy Unlocked]
The Legendary Weapons can copy weapons of the same category for the hero's use, so long as they meet level requirements. Just hold the desired weapon for 5 seconds to process
[Weapon Creation Unlocked]
By combining different materials together, new and more powerful weapons can be made. Similar to how blacksmiths use more than one kind of metal or material in creating stronger and more powerful weapons and armor. Time of process depends on how rare and powerful the materials and final product is.
[Perfect Weapon Control Unlocked]
{Enhance Armament}
An incredible power up to the normal Weapon Skill that is being used
(Minimum Mastery Requirement: 80%)
(Minimum Resonance Requirement:50%)
{Release Recollection}
Strength of Weapon Skill becomes twice or thrice more powerful than the Enhance Armament version
(Full Mastery Required)
(Full Resonance Required)
[Weapon's Item Storage Unlocked]
The hero's own personal inventory dimension where items and objects can be kept
[There are still more Strengthening Methods and functions that can be unlocked. But they're blanked out for some unknown reason.] Alice reported.
'That's alright. We can learn more about them AND this world once you have a human body again.' Eugeo assured with a smile. Alice didn't reply but Eugeo knows that she's happy. The Legendary Sword started glowing with a warm golden aura with the blue gem shining once more.
The moment was shortly interrupted when a knock is heard from the door, "Sir Sword Hero, it's almost time for breakfast." The grand breakfast was enjoyed in a quiet fashion but Naofumi, Itsuki and Motoyasu were all a bit confused of why Eugeo seems be in a really good mood.
"Right this way." The maid spoke as she lead the four heroes to their current destination. Once they arrived at the throne room the King along with numerous nobles were waiting to see them.
[Something is wrong] Eugeo read from Alice's window and he was quick to notice what she meant.
First is the many noble women that were eyeballing Eugeo, Motoyasu and Itsuki with admiration and desire, the Spear hero unsurprisingly gave many of them flirtatious glances while the bow hero simply waved at them in awkward greetings. Eugeo simply ignored them partially because he found them not worth noticing and partially because he can feel the Legendary Sword shaking in agitation. Alice is getting extremely annoyed with the lustful gazes the Noble women are giving him.
Another thing the couple noticed was that quite a lot of people were shooting glares and looks of disgust in Naofumi's direction again.'We really have to do some investigating after or if I get any companions later. Their eyes are exactly like Humbert and Raios when they looked at me and Kirito.'
[The eyes with very dark intentions] Alice said and Eugeo could only mentally agree.
As all four heroes bowed before Aultcray, he quickly announced, "Fellow heroes, as promised we have found worthy adventurers to aid you in your quest to save our world."
Immediately after the King finished that sentence, numerous people walked out wearing a variety of equipment and weaponry. Some had swords, some had staffs and some had knives.
While all of them looked like capable fighters, Eugeo and Alice can see the truth right through the ruse the king and nobles are pulling here. 'THESE are the worthy adventurers that you found for us! Almost all of them are just a bunch of stuck-up nobles who just happened to pick a weapon for a hobby!!!!!'
[Exactly!] Alice agreed with such force that the Legendary Sword vibrated once again.
As someone who is trained by Kirito, Eugeo's best friend being a battle hardened warrior of so many near death experiences. (Even though Kirito never had the chance to tell Eugeo about his past) Eugeo learned how to feel the battle presence of his opponents, and to a lesser degree, monsters aura. But almost all of these so called adventurers barely have any battle presence at all!
[That woman with silver and lavender hair is by far the only one who has what it takes to become your companion. The rest of these so called worthy adventurers won't even survive 10 seconds with a spar with you!]
Eugeo took a glance at the woman that Alice mentioned, she was equipped with a sword that's very similar in length to his. She is actually releasing a fair amount of battle aura and has a certain allure of being humble despite her status as a noble. Similar to Kirito's senior instructor Sortiliena.
Once again, Eugeo and Alice took notice that nearly all of them were giving brief looks of contempt at Naofumi which confused the couple even more. One woman in particular, a red head which seems to specialize in magic, caused Eugeo's skin to crawl.'That woman's smile reminds me of the Pontephex too much for my liking.'
[Agreed]
"Now choose the hero you wish to serve, though anyone who chooses to go with the Sword Hero will have to pass a certain test of his." The King announced.
Upon hearing this, all the Adventurers began walking towards the four heroes who lined up in a row to make things easier. Naofumi, Itsuki and Motoyasu watched in a mixture of excitement while Eugeo just hoped that the silver lavender haired woman that they took note of chooses him.
Soon the adventurers had all lined up behind the Hero they wanted to serve. Eugeo had five people (including the woman he wanted, much to his relief), Motoyasu had four, and Itsuki also had four. Leaving no one for Naofumi.
Upon noticing this, Naofumi was dumbfounded when it became apparent that he would have no one with him during his adventure. "Why hasn't anyone here joined my party?" He asked his voice laced with confusion and worry.
Eugeo then decided to help Naofumi by reminding everyone of the condition he asked for, "Well you still have a chance."
He then faced the King, "I would like to test my possible companions here and now, if it's not too troublesome. Those who failed my test can join Naofumi."
Eugeo noticed the king frown ever so slightly at his suggestion, same goes for his companion candidates with the silver lavender woman being the exception. But the king complies, "Very well, let it be done if they wish to do so."
Everyone then made space for the center of the throne room where Eugeo stood across his companion candidates with the other occupants watching in anticipation. "The condition I set up is simple. I want you to attack me with everything you have, no holding back whatsoever. If you manage to hold your ground against me for 10 seconds, you pass. If not, it's an instant fail. So who wants to go first?"
Everyone is very surprised at his strange and seemingly easy conditions, so the first candidate to go is the guy who carries some kind of spell book. The guy started chanting, "As source of thy power I order thee, Decipher the laws of nature and burn the target in front of me. Faust Fire Ball!"
Eugeo would normally not allow an enemy to finish casting but decided to humor this man. Just to show how incompetent he is to Eugeo's eyes. So as the chanting is finished, a human sized fire ball is launched at him. To the other heroes, it was an impressive sight. But to Eugeo who witnessed the fire power of the Pontephex and her right hand man, it's not much better than a flaming candle.
With the flash the spell was releasing, Eugeo was able to discretely activate a sword skill. With relative ease, the fire ball is sliced in half, much to the caster's and everyone's shock. Then with a simple leap forward, the Legendary Sword is now two inches away from the man's throat.
"You failed." Eugeo said in a plain voice before lowering his sword and facing the other companion candidates, "Who's next?"
The other heroes and the rest of the throne room's occupants watched in astonishment as Eugeo tested the others. The guy who used two daggers jumped high in the air and crashed down on the Sword Hero was simply sent slamming into one of the castle guards that was spectating. The green haired girl delivered a powerful punch that was quickly blocked by the flat side of his sword, before trying a sneak attack with a hidden blade on one of her sleeves. Eugeo saw it coming so he sent it flying from her grasp before leveling his Sword on her throat.
The big guy who used an axe charged at him like an out of control bull, all power with no skill whatsoever. Eugeo met the axe strike Head on before redirecting the man's momentum to one side, causing the man to lose balance and stumble to the floor. Not allowing him to recover, Eugeo once again pointed his Sword at his opponent's throat.
Finally, it's the silver lavender woman's turn to face Eugeo's test.
Looking at the woman in question, she is wearing some kind of uniform which is actually very similar to the one female students used to wear at the Sword Craft Academy. Her's being white with violet design at the joints with her skirt being a few inches above her ankles. There are also some pieces of armor that protected some of her vital spots like joints, shoulders and chest.
Eugeo can see that her curvaceous and appealing body isn't simply because of having a healthy diet, but the result of years of training in the way of the Sword.
The woman took a stance in the typical samurai fashion, but Eugeo saw something that pleasantly surprised him. The sword and scabbard his opponent is holding started to glow, very similar to the Sword skills that exist from his former world. The only difference is that her version seems to be a little untamed.
Seeing that Sword Skills also exist here, Eugeo deemed it safe to show more of his abilities.'Then again, these people just might write this off as me mimicking her style instead me using a superior one.' Eugeo then took an Aincrad style version of the woman's stance, causing the Legendary Sword to shine a blue light as he activated a Sword Skill.
The other heroes watched in excitement as this is the very cliche but still famously loved standoff scene where two powerful attacks are being charged up and were about to clash, to see which one is stronger than the other. The other occupants on the other hand, gasped in great shock. Just as Eugeo predicted, they mistakenly thought that he simply copied the skill from the woman. The said woman maintained her calm and seemed to be more determined than before as one of her legs slid ever so slightly in preparation for a full speed attack.
In a silent signal, the two combatants charged at each other.
"AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!" they both yelled as their blades crashed against each other.
CLANG!!! WHOOSH!!!
The impact caused a small shockwave and powerful winds that blew against all of the spectators. Eugeo and the woman looked deeply at each others eyes as their swords sparked with their light slowly dimming. But instead of going on with the remaining 9 seconds of his test, he decided to call his verdict.
Eugeo and the woman took a few steps away from each other before both returned their blades back to their waist. "You pass with flying colors." Eugeo smiled as he gave her his Swordsman's salutations which she then returns with her own. Striking her left fist to her open right palm in front of her then taking a small bow with her hips.
"My name is Eugeo Zuberg, it's a pleasure to meet a fellow dedicated Swordsman such as yourself."
"My name is Kirin Toudou, and the pleasure is all mine Sir Eugeo. I look forward to fighting by your side and to also learn your world's sword style."
Eugeo then faces the king, "I will be taking her as my companion your majesty. You have my gratitude for finding someone like her to aid me on my journey."
Their was a small silence before the king managed to snap out his stupor, "Y-you're welcome Sir Eugeo. I'm glad you found someone who you deemed worthy to be your companion."
It seems that Alice went on ahead and added Kirin Toudou to his party as a Stacia Window suddenly appeared in front of him saying...
[Kirin Toudou added to your party]
Level 10
There was a silence again before someone started to clap which evolved to everyone clapping and giving praise for giving a good show.
"That was so badass!" Itsuki said in admiration as he hooked one of his arms behind Eugeo's neck.
"That was amazing!" Naofumi praised as he shook his hand.
"You really put up a great show dude!" Motoyasu exclaimed as he strongly pats Eugeo's back, almost causing him to fall to the floor.
Unfortunately, once the scene finally ended, they faced the very same problem as the three men who tried to join Eugeo transferred to Itsuki while the remaining woman went to Motoyasu. 'Alright, this is getting ridiculous. This scenario is completely impossible to happen unless someone is seriously doing this on purpose just to make things harder for the Shield Hero.'
"I must admit this is something I haven't foresaw." King mused, causing Eugeo to narrow his eyes and to label him as one of the many culprits that is purposely making things harder for Naofumi.
"Perhaps this is because the shield hero doesn't have the charisma that the other three have?"
[That is totally a lie! If that is true, more of them should have chosen you since the Spear and Bow have been extremely disrespectful ever since they arrived in this world.] Alice commented which Eugeo agreed wholeheartedly.
In the next moment the advisor whispered something into the king's ear before Aultcray turned to the four otherworlders.
"It seems a disturbing rumor has been circulating around the castle."
Eugeo tried very hard to not glare at the king as he asked, "And what exactly would this disturbing rumor be? Because rumours tend to be unreliable information and is mostly made up of lies."
"Apparently there are those that have reason to believe that the shield hero has no knowledge of our world, even though the prophecies state that all the heroes are supposed to have extensive knowledge of it."
"How can that be when no one has even spoken to him about it? We literally just arrived in this world yesterday after all." Eugeo asked with a suspicious tone
The king looked uncomfortable and from the looks of it he was trying to think of a response to give to Eugeo's question. "Well you see Sir Eugeo….one of our servants had a chance to speak with the shield hero the previous night about it and that's where he confessed his lack of foresight at least according to them."
Naofumi looked shocked, "I only said that I don't know much about this world, but I didn't say I'm completely clueless..."
The king cut him off. "Anyhow that's just how it is, there's no helping the situation now shield hero."
As Eugeo was contemplating over what he could do to help Naofumi, an unexpected voice broke out.
"Excuse me, I would like to join the shield hero's party."
Everyone looked in the direction the voice came from and saw the red haired woman from before who continued. "I don't think the shield hero should have to fight alone, so since no one else is willing to help him when he needs it the most I guess it'll fall to me."
Both Eugeo and Alice already noticed that her words were anything but sincere. Unfortunately, the Couple simply don't have anything concrete that they can say for Naofumi to not accept her offer so they decided to stay quiet. But Eugeo have every intention to get to the bottom of this, because this entire situation practically reeks of a set up.
Eugeo could only watch warily as the redhead walked up to Naofumi extending her hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you shield hero."
Naofumi took her hand and shook it whilst replying. "Likewise miss…"
"Myne Sophia."
The King decided to address everyone. "Now that all the heroes have their parties assembled, we will now distribute funds to all of you."
Upon hearing this, four servants holding bags began walking towards the four heroes handing the bags in question.
"As you venture out to fight off the waves we will give all of you funds each month to support you in your quest. Motoyasu and Itsuki shall receive 500 silver whereas Eugeo and the shield hero shall receive 800 silver since they both only have a single party member."
Eugeo once again saw for a brief moment the disgust on the King's face. Another fact the he now noticed is how the king kept avoiding to use the shield hero's name. All this time, he kept referring to Naofumi by his title. Eugeo highly doubted that the extra funds he gave to the Shield hero is in any level of sincere either.
"Thanks, this'll definitely help." Naofumi said to express his gratitude believing that the king actually meant well. Of course the king didn't bother with any reply and instead opted to address all four heroes.
"Now heroes destined to save our world, go out and grow stronger so that you can combat the waves."
With that, all four heroes turned to leave the castle. Once everyone was outside, Itsuki and Motoyasu with their respective group went on their separate ways. Eugeo then looked at Naofumi, "Hey Naofumi." Naofumi turned to listen, "Just as I said last night, I'm going to do some combat practicing with my companion, Kirin. Do you still want to join us?"
Naofumi blinked before scratching his cheek as he felt embarrassed that he actually forgot about the offer Eugeo so generously gave him. Especially since the Bow and Spear have written him off as useless with the Sword being the exception. The Shielder nodded before facing his red haired companion, "Hey Myne, do you know a place where we can get some potions and some equipment?"
"Of course I do Sir Shield Hero, this is my home after all. I also know where the best blacksmith shop in town is."
Naofumi nodded in acknowledgment as he took 600 silver coins from his money bag and placed them in one of his bigger pockets on his jacket. He then handed over the money bag with the remaining 200 silver coins to Myne, "Why don't you go ahead and buy our potions while I go with Eugeo for some combat training. Let's meet up again at that blacksmith shop you mentioned afterwards. I doubt I will take very long since Eugeo's knowledge about Shield combat might be a bit limited, he's a Swordsman after all."
Naofumi turned to the Sword Hero for confirmation of his educated guess. "That's unfortunately true, but it's still better than nothing. Besides, that Shield of yours probably has something to compensate for that particular problem." Eugeo admitted before facing Kirin, "Do you know the blacksmith shop that she's talking about. We can all go there together after our short training session." Looking down at himself, the clothes that he stole from the Axiom Church's armory, "I don't think these are going to do a good job in providing me protection."
Kirin giggled with a nod off agreement before giving a reply, "If she's talking about Erhard's blacksmith shop, then yes, I know of it. He's been my family's go to blacksmith for the passed several years because he focuses more on quality instead of unnecessary cosmetic design. Though his creations always had a certain charm to them despite their simplicity in the looks department."
"Yes, that is exactly the place I was talking about." Myne exclaimed with a smile.
"Alright, everything is settled then." Eugeo finalized. Eager to have this two faced woman out of here so that he can finally relax more. Something about Myne just seems off to Eugeo and Alice.
As they went their separate ways, Kirin then guided the two Heroes to a clearing in the forest where monsters very rarely roamed. The perfect place for a training session without being disturbed by human or monsters.
"Alright Naofumi, now I need you to watch very closely as Kirin and I use a one hit Skill." Eugeo instructed as he and Kirin stood a few feet away from each other, facing in the same direction and shifting into their respective stances. Their blades soon gained their respective light, Eugeo's being sky blue while Kirin's is red, then slashing the empty air in front of them in a horizontal manner.
Wooosh!
A gentle burst of wind was felt by all of them because of the force of their slashes. Eugeo straightened up before looking at Naofumi, "As you saw, we had to take a specific stance to activate our Sword Skills right?"
"Yeah?"
"But for you to learn a Shield skill, something that is really abnormal, you have to create your very first stepping stone. The very basic Shield skill in the list. I can't show you the skill because this Sword prevents me from using a shield, even if it's for a demonstration." Eugeo explain
"Wait, what did you just say?" Naofumi asked in confusion.
"If you look carefully at your Stacia Window, your Weapon says that it's locked in. Meaning you can't remove your Shield and at best, you can only move it around your arm or perhaps transfer it to your other arm. You most likely can't use anything else. I have a hunch that we get some kind of punishment if we disobey this rule." Eugeo sighed sadly for his fellow hero's behalf.
"Seriously! But how can I deal damage when my Attack power is a measly 1!" Naofumi exclaimed in frustration.
"Well lucky for you, Shield skills don't depend on your Attack power. So if you manage to figure this out, then you have something in your arsenal that actually deals damage." Eugeo assured him. This calmed Naofumi a bit and made him even more determined to implement Eugeo's combat skill to his arsenal.
After 5 minutes of Naofumi's failed attempts of activating a Shield Skill, Eugeo had an idea.
"I think I have an idea." catching Kirin and Naofumi's attention, "When using a Combat Skill like this for the very first time, allowing your instincts to take over is probably your best chance."
Taking several steps away from Naofumi, Eugeo took a stance of his most basic and weakest Sword Skill. A simple slash called {Slant}that is simply the building blocks of his more powerful Sword Skills, "I'm going to attack you with my weakest Sword Skill, so even if you failed, you won't be taking too much damage."
The Shielder nodded, understanding what Eugeo meant as Naofumi had watched shows and movies where some new skills can only be unlocked in combat situations. Taking a stance that he feels comfortable with, he waited for Eugeo's strike.
"Follow your instincts!" Eugeo exclaimed as he charged forward with his weakest Sword Skill.
Naofumi met the attack head on, and to everyone's surprise, the Shielder actually pulled it off. The Legendary Shield taking a soft green glow before releasing some kind of feedback that sent Eugeo sliding backwards because of the force. Eugeo barely managed to catch himself from falling on the dirt as that Shield Skill really messed with his center of gravity. Giving his Stacia Hud a glance, Eugeo is pleased to see his HP going down by a small amount.
"I DID IT!" Naofumi cheered in glee as he raised both his arms in triumph.
"Quick, take a look at your Stacia Window. You should have unlocked something new now because of this breakthrough you just pulled." Eugeo mentioned as he and Kirin smiled for the Shield Hero's success.
"Right." Naofumi eagerly writing the (S) on his palm then opened his window. "There IS something new here."
[Combat(Shield) Skills Unlocked]
The Legendary Heroes can also learn and master physical skills and techniques. Once the hero reached the required Status requirement and Mastery of the basic skills, more powerful and complicated skills can be unlocked. They can also be used in conjunction with Weapon Skills.
Naofumi's grin grew wider and wider as he scrolled in various directions to see the many Shield Skills that's currently locked. Already planning to work hard to learn them as he read the prerequisites of his future Shield Skills. He then took a look at the first Shield Skill he just used, "The Skill I just used is called {Shield Counter}. As the name heavily implies, it's more of a Counterattack skill instead of a straight up attack skill. But it's very useful if I get creative and if I time it just right."
"That's great news." Eugeo agreed and felt great relief wash over him that his idea actually worked. Now his mind is more at ease now that Naofumi isn't completely helpless anymore. Glancing at Kirin, he saw that she's also happy with the outcome. 'Glad that Kirin is different to all those Adventurers that the king gathered for us. I would hate to kick out someone like her who has so much hidden potential that's just waiting to fully manifest.'
Eugeo and Kirin then spent the next 10 minutes to show several Sword Skills of their respective styles and explaining to each other of their various advantages. Naofumi on the other hand, watched closely to see if he can at least memorize a few Sword Skills and maybe teach them to his future party members who are also sword users. After working up a little sweat, the two swordsman stopped and Eugeo decided that it's time to head out now.
"I think this is enough training for now, let's go take a look at that Blacksmith shop you were talking about." Eugeo declared.
Naofumi seems to swipe something in the air, probably to close his Stacia Window and nodded in acknowledgment.
"Very well, the shop is this way." Kirin said as she began leading the two Heroes out of the forest and into the city streets.
"So Eugeo, what do you plan on doing once we get our gear?" Naofumi inquired.
Eugeo scratched his head in thought, he actually planned to do some investigation about this world beyond what the King Aultcray said. It's really common for people of high standing to omit details, especially if it's about the so called commoners that they choose to ignore. There's also something completely wrong with how the king and his people were purposely treating Naofumi poorly. He wasn't as naive as he used to be, so Eugeo clearly saw the looks of contempt that has been aimed at the Shield Hero by the king and a great number of the Nobles. There is also the fact that there's no signs of damage in this town, which means the first wave occurred somewhere else.
[You are being followed, be careful of what you say!] Alice quickly alerted in one of her Stacia Windows in front of him.(Alice being classified as a sentient sword, can sense the blades that the spies are carrying on their person)
Eugeo can feel the Legendary Sword shake as a sign of urgency, so he said something else, "I planned to see how fighting monsters in this world differs from my world. I would also like to see how this Legendary Sword of mine absorbs materials and how it can store my belongings for me."
"Wait, our weapon's could do that?" Naofumi paused in amazement as he looked at his Shield.
"From what I've read on the Stacia Window, we Heroes can absorb materials like monster parts, metals, ores and many more resources to the jewels that our weapons have. We could even create combinations of different materials together depending on our imagination." Eugeo explained to Naofumi the few functions of their Weapons, "The absorbed materials is then used to unlock more forms that corresponds to the material in question for our use. Each form having different appearances, strengths and hidden abilities."
"Is that seriously how it works?"
"Yeah." Eugeo replied in slight confusion of how Naofumi didn't know about this, before passively adding, "I found out about this when I opened my Sword's Stacia Window."
Naofumi abruptly stopped walking, causing Kirin and Eugeo to stop as well.
"Our Weapons... also have Stacia Windows?" Naofumi whimpered softly as he looked to the ground in shame. Feeling like a really big dummy that the answers he desperately needed... were right under his nose the entire time!
Eugeo couldn't help but chuckle awkwardly as he watched Naofumi lament about his supposed stupidity while Kirin quickly tried to cheer him up in an adorable fashion. "Che-cheer up Sir Naofumi, now you know! So you can go ahead and take a look right now!"
Naofumi, still not fully cheered up from his depressed state, went on ahead and wrote the (S) on his Shield and opened its own Stacia Window. In his vision appeared the information that explains about the absorb function, the Mastery gauge, the Equip Bonus, Weapon Creation and the Weapon's Item Storage that Eugeo was talking about.
"Why don't we go and put our money in our storage now." Eugeo suggested in an attempt to snap his fellow hero out of it, "This way, their won't be any chances of them getting stolen."
This did the trick as Naofumi got back to his senses and carefully dropped all of his remaining money to his Legendary Shield. A window popped out saying...
[Treasury Shield 2 Unlocked]
[Quality: Very Low - Base Defense: 5]
[Mastery: 0/20]
[Equip Bonus: Appraisal Skill 2]
[Exclusive Ability: Money Storage]
Naofumi was then startled as his Legendary Shield changed form right in front of his eyes. It transforms into a more shiny silver shield with a padlock embedded in the middle with a green jewel at it's very center. Opening the Shield's Stacia Window once again, it showed a bar at the top right corner where his 600 silver coins are now being stored for safe keeping. Below that are the currently empty slots where he can store his belongings.
Eugeo experienced something similar when he followed suit. The Legendary Sword transforms into a shiny silver sword with a silver padlock and blue gem at the center of the guard.
[Treasury Sword 2 Unlocked]
[Quality: Very Low - Base Attack: 5]
[Mastery: 0/20 - Resonance: 0%]
[Equip Bonus: Appraisal Skill 2]
[Exclusive Ability: Money Storage]
"Did you get the Appraisal Skill 2 as well?" Naofumi asked out of curiosity.
"Yeah, I did. The Stacia Window says that this skill is used to scan the Level of monsters. Extremely important in making decisions of wether or not you can handle a particular monster in a fight." Eugeo answered with a grin as he imagined how important this seemingly simple ability could be in the future.
"How come we skipped that Appraisal Skill 1 and went straight to 2?" Naofumi wondered out loud in confusion.
"It's probably because we went straight to Silver coins. The first Appraisal Skill must have had a Copper coin requirement, probably for Scanning objects instead." Eugeo took a guess as he can see the great potential this ability has for merchants, doctors and herb gatherers. 'This would have made their jobs easier by by a hundred times over. This is just plain out cheating!' he snickered in thought.
"That's amazing..." Kirin commented in awe as she can see how incredible the Legendary Heroes could be in the future. If something like completely mundane pieces of coins were able to give them such useful Skills, she can barely imagine what they would get if they absorb something mystical. Absorbing things like Dragon Fangs, claws or scales, will without a doubt, give them a great boost in power. Giving them more amazing Skills to add to their near infinite arsenal.
"If that's the case, let's ask that Blacksmith for some pocket change when we buy our equipment from him. That sounds just too good of an ability to pass up." Naofumi eagerly suggested as they continued walking
Eugeo followed suit as Kirin continued to guide them to Erhard's Blacksmith Shop.
The trio soon arrived to their destination, the two heroes now looking at the emblem of a shield with what looked like a buster sword beside it. But they couldn't understand the words that's written right below that picture.
"We really need to learn how to read this World's language when we get the chance. This could eventually become a big problem down the line if we don't." Eugeo sighed at the unexpected chore. The Underworld only had a single unified language, even the Goblins he fought when they saved Selka spoke at the same language as humans. So there's no reason for anyone in the Underworld to learn a new tongue.
"Yeah, I can already imagine some shady businessman or quest requester suddenly ripping us off simply because we can't read a contract's fine print." Naofumi sighed as well.
"Don't worry Sir Eugeo." Kirin assured with a smile, "I will teach you this world's language the first chance we get."
Eugeo nodded thankfully
Opening the door, the three entered and were quick to notice the red head who was holding a sword and seems to be testing its weight.
"Welcome!" A voice bellowed as the two heroes looked towards the sound and were greeted to the sight of a middle-aged bald man with a scar on his face who turned to get a look at both of them. "I've never seen you two before."
"These two are the Sword and Shield heroes." Myne announced as she returned the sword she was holding to the display.
Erhard, blinked in surprise for a couple of seconds before bursting out in roars of laughter. "Would you look at that, my little shop is getting really popular! Two out of the four Legendary Heroes paying a visit to my humble shop at the same day and at the same time!"
Erhard then noticed the Sword Hero's companion, "Little Kirin! Is that you!?"
"Hello Mr Erhard." Kirin greeting a bit nervously before being enthusiastically pulled in to a tight hug.
"I haven't seen you in years! You really grew up to be such a fine lady haven't you." Erhard said as he looked at Kirin now and comparing it to how she was several years earlier before releasing, "So I guess you're here because you joined the Sword Hero's party, huh?
"Yup! Sir Eugeo and Sir Naofumi would like to buy some armor since their current attire is hardly appropriate for the battles to come." Kirin confirmed as she gestured to Naofumi's casual clothing and Eugeo's light blue Swordsman's Soldier Uniform.
Erhard smirked. "So long as they got the money for it."
"Gotcha."/"Understood." Naofumi and Eugeo replied simultaneously which they chuckled in good humor.
To answer the inevitable question:
Why Eugeo's already strong enough to match a skilled Swordwoman like Kirin in strength?
It's because the Stacia Window of the Rising of the Shield Hero universe doesn't take into account the strength of an individual before the summoning. So even if Eugeo is already stronger than the average man, his Stacia Window still regards him as a Level 1.
Why Naofumi didn't unlock Perfect Weapon Control?
The Legendary Weapons are powered by the Hero's beliefs. Unfortunately, Eugeo didn't know this and mistakenly thought that Naofumi automatically received info about Perfect Weapon Control and the Weapon copy when he opened the Stacia Window. A mistake that Eugeo will be quick to making up for in the near future.
Eugeo's investigation will happen next chapter.
Kirin Toudou is a character I took from the Asterisk War anime. She's 16 years old and only a few inches shorter than Eugeo in this Fanfic unlike in the Asterisk War anime where she's only 13 years old. I hope this doesn't bother anyone too much.