Hello, my fellow readers. The eighth chapter of The Mischievousness of the Shield Hero has been released. I apologize for taking a while to upload a new chapter.
THE MISCHIEVOUSNESS OF THE SHIELD HERO
CHAPTER 8: SPEAR HERO VS. GOD OF MISCHIEF
Back in Riyute Village, Raphtalia and Sigyn were helping the villagers with their injuries using the bandages and healing potions that their master made while some villagers were mourning the loss of their friends and family. It was unfortunate for them that they couldn't rescue everyone.
Meanwhile, Loki stared at the mourned villagers as the knights began to depart. He was slightly distraught that he couldn't save everyone. He wondered if this is how the Avengers felt when they couldn't save the people during the New York Invasion. At least a lot of villagers survived from the Waves. He would've doubt his role as the Shield Hero if there were too many casualties.
"Hero!" A villager called him out before bowing his head. "Thank you for saving us. All of us wouldn't have survived without you and your comrades' help."
Loki smiled, "It's nothing. As my brother says, it's what heroes do."
"You'll have our eternal gratitude, hero." The second villager added.
"Sure." Loki said, feeling satisfied that he managed to save numerous innocent lives as redemption for the murders he committed while Raphtalia and Sigyn walked towards him.
Raphtalia smiled happily at the survivors, "We saved them. We've reduced the number of people who might end up like me and avenge those that were killed."
"Yeah, we did." Loki agreed with her disciple.
"It would've been nice if there were no casualties." Sigyn said, putting her bow at her back before counting her remaining arrows.
"If there weren't any, I would've thought I was dreaming. We can't save everyone. I learned that the hard way." Loki said, recalling the moments when he couldn't save his mother because he was imprisoned for his actions and unable to prevent the death of Asgardians from Thanos and the Black Order.
"Look at those houses. It's going to take forever for it be rebuild." Sigyn said.
"…not necessarily." Loki said.
Loki looked at the houses that were destroyed by monsters and the idiotic knights' who casted a meteor shower earlier. He has a way to fix them without having to spend their money to rebuild it, but he'll lose a tremendous amount of energy in the process. He hasn't been using this power because there hasn't been an opportunity to do so. He walked in the middle of the village to activate his power.
"What are you doing, master?" Raphtalia asked.
"Something stupid. This'll consume a tremendous amount of my energy." Loki answered.
Loki took a deep breath before raising both of his hands. The debris was reversing back to their original place slowly. All the damaged houses were slowly reverting back to their original design, much to the villagers' shock and surprise. He started to feel exhausted due to his energy being consumed for using his telekinetic ability. A minute later, the houses returned back to normal as if there wasn't any scratch or cracks in the first place. The villagers cheered for the Shield Hero who was sweating profusely while on the verge of collapsing. [1]
"Bloody Hel." Loki then collapsed on the ground.
"Master Loki!" Raphtalia called to Loki worriedly in an echo voice before he closed his eyes.
After four hours later, Loki woke up with a mild headache. He was sleeping in some kind of house because he didn't recognize the room interior of the inn. It seems he's still in Riyute Village. He stared outside the window where the villagers were having a conversation while the children were playing around cheerfully, forgetting the tragic incident. He almost screamed when his two disciples barged into his room without any warning.
"Master Loki! I'm glad you're alright!" Raphtalia exclaimed happily, as she runs toward him and hugged him.
"Oop! Easy there, Raphtalia. My body is still weak from using my ability." Loki said.
"Yeah, what did you do to the houses, master? Is it one of your abilities?" Sigyn asked, who walked in the room.
"It's just one of my mother's magic. Humans call it 'telekinesis'. It's a difficult ability that requires you to clear your mind in order to use it." Loki answered.
"Can you teach it to us? It might be helpful." Sigyn asked curiously.
Loki smiled, "Maybe later. Anyway, what's currently happening while I am asleep?"
"Well, the king will host a feast for the Four Legendary Heroes' efforts in the Wave. You're invited to the castle, master." Raphtalia answered, releasing her hug from Loki.
Loki chuckled, "They're inviting a criminal who threatened the king in public? No, they have ulterior motives."
"So, we're gonna deny the request?" Sigyn questioned.
"Well, I didn't say that. I need to be compensated. It's just that… this night will certainly be entertaining." Loki said before turning his attention to Raphtalia. "Raphtalia, I have something to tell you…"
"What is it?" Raphtalia asked curiously, as Loki answered her something surprising.
Melromarc Castle
In the castle, there was a whole banquet of food lining the tables. There was music played by beautiful maidens on a violin everywhere while the king was on top of the chairs with a smile on his face. The heroes were conversing with the guests, except for Loki who was observing the place cautiously. Raphtalia was drooling after seeing delicious food on the tables while Sigyn was glaring at Malty with pure hatred in her heart.
"Heroes! You've done well in your deeds! Tonight, we hold a feast in your honor! Enjoy yourselves to the fullest!" Aultcray announced happily before secretly glaring at the Shield Hero.
As the heroes were having a good time with their companions and noblemen, Loki simply walked around without a care in the world. He can feel the immense gaze from the king, princess, and knights who didn't help protect the village. It seems the king still hasn't forgotten about his actions weeks ago, though he doesn't really care about the grudges His Majesty has towards him because he'll have a good time with this banquet.
'I miss this type of feast. I always remember when we hold one everyday for our contributions in keeping the Nine Realms in peace.' Loki said thoughtfully while holding a cup, reminiscing his time as a warrior with Thor and the Warriors Three. 'I miss them. It's sad that we couldn't bury Fandral, Volstagg, and Hogun properly. It's weird missing them when I tried to kill them and they threatened to kill me. Hold on. Where was Sif during that time?'
Meanwhile, the Captain of the Knights was conversing with beautiful young noblewomen about the Waves. Loki was infatuated with the women's beauties, but they weren't really as beautiful as the asgardian women. He walked towards the conversation out of curiosity. He was frustrated and disappointed that the captain left the village because he was almost eaten by monsters. He is about to humiliate him in front of the ladies as punishment.
"I heard that there were only a few casualties in this Wave." The Captain said.
"The Heroes are truly great." A noblewoman complimented the heroes.
"And I never flinched in the face of a giant monster, fighting with the pride and honor of the Ord-" The Captain was about to boast himself proudly until he was interrupted by Loki.
"Oh dear, you're quite a liar. Should I tell these beautiful ladies what really happened?" Loki asked curiously while winking at the ladies, which made them blushed unexpectedly from a handsome devil.
"Shield D-I mean Hero!" The Captain was sweating profusely. "I didn't know you were here!"
"Why not? This is a party. I can't miss a good party now, can I?" Loki answered cheerfully before turning his attention to the beautiful ladies, as they were infatuated with his handsomeness. "So, ladies. Would you like to know what really happened?"
One of the ladies chuckled while blushing, "Yes please, Shield Hero."
"Well…"
As Loki conversed with the beautiful ladies, the Captain was left alone with an angry expression on his face. He could hear the ladies' laughters from whatever story the demon was telling them. He speculated that he was mocking him for being a coward in Riyute Village. In truth, Loki was telling the ladies about the battles in his world like the Battle of Harokin where his brother got hit with a broadsword. The ladies seemingly believed the tale instead of denying it, probably because they couldn't resist how handsome and cute the Shield Hero was. They were only focused on his criminal status rather appearance.
"Those are such fascinating battles, Shield Hero. And you participated in all of those?" One of the ladies asked curiously.
"Yeah, it's part of the prince's duty." Loki answered proudly.
"So, you're really a prince? You didn't make that up?" The second lady questioned.
"If I did, I wouldn't have revealed it, otherwise, it would've been humiliating." Loki answered calmly while sipping a drink.
"Do you dance, Shield Hero?" The third lady asked curiously.
"Why, of course. I have years of experience. Why? Would you like to dance with me?" Loki answered smoothly.
The lady blushed, "I-If you want to…"
"Well, well, well. You're quite busy, master." Sigyn teased her master while drinking wine from the cup.
"Master is such a ladies' man." Raphtalia said while chewing her food.
"Who are they, Shield Hero?" The fourth lady asked while glaring at the demi-human scum.
"Oh, these are my companions. Sigyn and Raphtalia." Loki introduced his faithful companions.
Meanwhile, the Spear Hero was conversing with other women. The ladies asked him if there was a lady in his heart, but Malty prevented him from answering with an excuse that he's exhausted. Motoyasu then stared at Raphtalia and Sigyn who were conversing with Loki along with the other young noblewomen.
"Look at that playboy." Motoyasu said hypocritically, as he walked towards the party. "I really need to convince the two of them to leave him. He doesn't even acknowledge them."
"Sir Motoyasu, I have something to inform you." Malty said, whispering in his ear to take advantage to reveal a secret to humiliate Loki.
After hearing the secret, Motoyasu walked towards Loki and his companions angrily while Malty smirked mischievously. He removed his glove and dropped it in front of Loki who simply smirked at the unexpected action before continuing to drink the wine from his cup.
"Loki. A duel." Motoyasu ordered.
There was a long silence from the crowd after the Spear Hero ordered the Shield Hero to have a duel. Loki was simply unamused because he was correct that tonight will be entertaining. He had a tingling because it happened numerous times in the Nine Realms, though someone challenging him in a duel is a first time for him. He wondered the purpose of such request.
"Oh? And why is that?" Loki asked mockingly while sipping his drink.
"I heard that Raphtalia and Sigyn are your slaves." Motoyasu answered.
"Y-!" Sigyn was about to insult the Spear Hero until she was stopped by Loki because he wanted some drama.
"So? What if they are? You're gonna do something about it?" Loki asked.
"Listen, you. Heroes do not enslave other people." Motoyasu answered.
Loki chuckled, "Ah, Motoyasu. You certainly are unaware about this world. You're clearly an idiot. And I was rumored to be clueless and dumbfounded about this world? What a joke."
Motoyasu growled, "Did you just call me an idiot? Just because you're smarty pants, you think you're smarter and better than me?"
"…why, yes." Loki answered truthfully and brutally, as veins were starting to appear from the Spear Hero's forehead while the audience were shocked from the simple insult. "It's common knowledge that slavery hasn't been abolished in this country… probably never. The princess should've told you about it considering she is… well… a princess."
"Shut up, Shield Demon!" Malty insulted Loki, but he remained unfazed.
"Taking a slave in your party?" The Bow Hero, Itsuki, questioned.
"I never thought a so-called prince would stoop so low." The Sword Hero, Ren, said.
Loki stared at the both of them, "Look at my face. Do I look like I care?"
Motoyasu scoffed, "A duel! If I win, you'll release both of them!"
"Oh, that's an interesting deal." Loki took one more sip before slamming the cup on the ground like a viking. "And what happens if I win?" [2]
"If you win… you can continue doing whatever you want." Motoyasu answered.
"Well, I'm already doing what I want. I explicitly stated that during my so-called trial." Loki reminded the Spear Hero and everyone before walking closer to the annoying spear wielder. "No. If I win, you and your companions are going to give me all of their valuable stuff. It's a reasonable deal, right? A slave for a treasure."
"You're truly sick…" Motoyasu was disgusted by Loki, slightly worrying that his and his companions' valuable equipment and money will be stolen by an evildoer. "Fine. It's not like you would win anyway, being defenseless and all that."
Loki smirked, "You've just made a deal with the devil, Motoyasu. I hope you do not regret it."
"We have heard about the circumstances." Aultcray said, appearing once again. "It's sickening to think that a hero would use a both a human and demi-human as a slave. You're truly wicked. A criminal."
"It's good to see you again, Your Majesty. I hope your neck is fine." Loki said sarcastically.
Aultcray growled, "Let's see if your attitude will remain after this duel, criminal. We shall acknowledge this duel!"
"There's no need for th-!" Raphtalia couldn't finish her sentence as her mouth was covered by a knight.
"Raph-!" Sigyn was also covered by another knight before she could pull out her dagger.
"Pitiful girls. You must've been cursed to side with your master." Aultcray pretended to feel sorry for them, as Raphtalia and Sigyn tried to fight back.
"Your Majesty," Loki called him out coldly, as the atmosphere became cold like last time while almost everyone was intimidated by his cold tone. "I suggest you release them. I'll kill you for real, if you don't."
"I-If y-y-you killed me! Y-You would be deemed as a fugitive of Melromarc!" Aultcray yelled while slightly shivering from Loki.
"Let… them… go… now." Loki ordered the king.
"Tsk. All right, release them both." Aultcray ordered his knights reluctantly. "You won't meet with these poor girls after Sir Motoyasu defeats you anyway."
"Masted Lo-!" Raphtalia wanted to defend her master, but she was stopped by Loki.
"Raphtalia. That's enough. It would be too disrespectful to refuse a duel between 'heroes'." Loki said, reverting back to his original tone. "So, when are we going to start?"
Motoyasu walked towards him while trying to hide his shiver, "Right now."
Arena
A few minutes later, Loki and Motoyasu were in the area standing in front of each other. There were commoners, nobles, priests, and two and two heroes in the audience, watching the fight. Loki was excited as he would finally humiliate one of the so-called heroes in front of the audience. He secretly wished it was the Bow Hero who challenged him instead because wanted an indirect revenge on Hawkeye, as he was the one who knocked him towards the Hulk.
"Sir Motoyasu! I wish you luck!" Malty 'cheered' for him.
"I don't even need it for this duel." Motoyasu said before glaring at Loki. "Loki, have you heard a story about which weapon would win? The strongest spear or the strongest shield?"
"I've heard. And they're both equal, but in this case, your strongest spear will be the weakest to my strongest shield." Loki said confidently while smirking and crossing his arms.
"Tsk. I'll wipe that smirk out of your face." Motoyasu was then in his battle stance. "Loki, admit your defeat at once. I might spare you."
"Unfortunately, my blood is too pumped to surrender." Loki was also in his battle stance after changing his shield to Light Metal Shield, secretly hiding his trump card. "You better not disappoint me, kid."
"Kid? You're still claiming that you're a god? You're really sick." Motoyasu said, still refusing to believe that his enemy is a princely god.
"Let the duel begin!" Aultcray announced.
Motoyasu ran towards Loki immediately while the latter simply smirked. The Spear Hero leaped into the air and delivered a deadly blow to the Shield Hero, but his attack was blocked by the shield. Loki easily blocked it as the move was too predictable. It was like fighting Captain America for the first time, who was a bit amateurish with his fighting skills because of his years of comatose in the ice, yet he is confident that the timeliness captain would've destroyed this Spear Hero easily without any use of magic.
"So you blocked it? You're the Shield Hero after all." Motoyasu complimented Loki while pushing his spear into the shield, as sparks were emitting from the clash.
"Did you really think that you could win, Motoy-ass-u?" Loki insulted him before dodging to the side quickly and grabbed the spear. He then pulled the spear closer before throwing it, as the Spear Hero across the arena without any effort.
"GAH!" Motoyasu grunted after he landed on the ground roughly which caused a small crack.
"I have a thousand years of combat experience. Your fighting style is way too predictable and way too amateurish." Loki criticized the hero's spear skills. "A brute could do better than that." [3]
The crowd were silent after the Shield Hero threw the honorable Spear Hero across the arena without any effort. Aultcray, Malty, Ren, and Itsuki didn't expect that while Sigyn and Raphtalia weren't surprised as their master is quite strong due to his biology. None of them expected him to be stronger than the Spear Hero himself. Ren was suspicious about the Shield Hero's physical attributes.
"Sir Motoyasu! Are you all right!?" Malty asked 'worriedly'.
"I-I'm fine, princess." Motoyasu coughed before standing back up with a groan. "Did you just throw me like a ragdoll?"
"I don't know what a 'ragdoll' is, but yes, I threw you like one." Loki answered while snickering. "You give up yet? It would be disappointing if you're gonna surrender after that."
Motoyasu growled, "Why would I!? Those two poor girls will be in your criminal hands if I lose!"
Raphtalia and Sigyn scoffed before facepalming, 'What an idiot.'
"Acting high and mighty, are you? I would've praised you if you weren't so naive." Loki insulted the Spear Hero again.
Motoyasu growled, "I'm gonna make you eat your words! Chaos Spear!"
After activating the skill, Motoyasu's spear splits up into multiple spears which then fly towards Loki. The barrage of spears, however, went through the Shield Hero who was glowing green and yellow from the hits while smiling wickedly at him, much to Motoyasu's confusion and annoyance.
"What!?" Motoyasu then remembered his opponent's skills, as the illusion of Loki disappeared laughing. "Illusion! You dirty criminal!"
"I'm right here." Loki appeared behind Motoyasu out of nowhere and delivered a punch at him with his shield which sent the Spear Hero flying once again across the arena. "How did you not block that? I didn't even swing at full force."
Motoyasu groaned, "H-How are you so strong…!?"
"Let's just say that I'm not a human being. Didn't I tell you that already?" Loki reminded Motoyasu before cracking his knuckles. "So, you've given up yet? I'm not entertained enough."
The crowd were in disbelief once again that the Shield Hero managed to send Motoyasu flying and inflict some pain to him which shouldn't be possible. Loki was honestly disappointed that Motoyasu couldn't manage to stay on his feet. He was starting to feel sorry for the guy… not.
"I already told you! I won't give up!" Motoyasu stood up immediately before running towards Loki to deliver a devastating pierce with his spear.
Loki sighed, "This is getting ridiculous. Are your skills that stiff?"
As Motoyasu thrust his spear at his opponent, Loki dodged to the side swiftly and calmly before delivering a karate chop at the hero's neck. Motoyasu fell on the ground, temporarily paralyzed by the attack while coughing blood. The crowd couldn't believe that the Shield Hero brought the honorable Spear Hero to his knees for the third time. It shouldn't be physically possible because of his Legendary Shield. He shouldn't be able to fight in hand-to-hand combat, yet Motoyasu was brought to his knees almost instantly.
"Seriously. I'm not even using my shield skills yet. Can't you be more creative? I don't understand how you managed to survive this long in this world." Loki doubted that the Spear Hero even fought hard enemies because of his lack of adaptability. "Oh right, you just simply hide behind your lady companions. That makes sense now."
"Shut up, criminal! Don't insult me nor my beautiful companions!" Motoyasu exclaimed as he stood up forcefully, ignoring the pain on his neck and delivering a strike at Loki, but missed. "Damn it!"
Loki stepped back several feets away, "You're quite persistent, aren't you? Then I hope you enjoyed these wonderful creatures."
When Loki showed the balloons that were chomping his hips, there were gasps and shrieks from the crowd. He then released the inorganic monsters from his hips and cast an illusion of them. There were currently thousands of balloon illusions scattered in the arena, as some of the crowd were screaming even more from the numerous monsters.
"What the-!?" Motoyasu exclaimed, as his legs went through the illusions.
"Now Motoyasu, can you tell me where the real balloons are? I hope you won't get bitten. They're quite itchy." Loki said, sitting down on the ground.
"You dirty! You're not fighting fair!" Motoyasu was swinging his spear at the illusions to make them disappear, but they kept coming back.
"I'm the God of Mischief. I don't resort to fighting fair. I resort to more on… trickery. That's my field of expertise." Loki reminded his opponent and everyone. "You may or may not believe me that I'm a god, but I surely live up to my title."
Motoyasu was getting desperate as he ran towards Loki while swinging his spear at the illusions. He stopped running after both of his legs were being bitten by four balloons. He was five meters away from Loki who stood back up calmly whose shield was glowing green. He killed the balloons before running towards the mischievous opponent and delivered a strike, but his attack was once again blocked by a two-headed dog shield.
"Well, well. I always wanted to test this skill." Loki said before activating the Dog Bite ability, which is when two dogs head howl and bite into the Motoyasu for 30 seconds though the hero blocked the two bites with his spear barely.
"Get off me!" Motoyasu said angrily, as the dogs went back into the shield.
"Air Strike Shield!" Loki activated another skill, which is the giant green shield thrown at Motoyasu, dealing light damage and knocking him off balance.
"Guh!" Motoyasu groaned before spitting out saliva.
"Shield Prison!" Loki activated a skill, encasing Motoyasu in a ball of chains.
"What the-!? Do you think this can hold me, Loki!?" Motoyasu exclaimed.
"No, but it surely will bring you an amount of pain." Loki smirked evilly when his right hand was covered in green flames and placed it on the prison. "I hope you enjoyed being fried."
"What? Aaaaaah!" Motoyasu was feeling the heat of the flames.
Most of the crowd covered their mouths from shock, as the honorable Spear Hero was howling in pain. They couldn't believe that he was losing to the criminal when he should be stronger because Loki couldn't fight with a shield. It was a horrifying sight to see Motoyasu being burned to death slowly inside the giant ball while Loki was smiling wickedly, enjoying the cries of despair from the Spear Hero. He has missed this feeling.
"The Shield Hero is defeating him." One of the noblemen said worriedly.
"This doesn't make any sense! He just has a shield! He can't fight!" Aultcray pointed out angrily, as he glared at Loki who smirked at him. "You demon!"
"That dirty criminal…!"
Loki rolled his eyes at the crowd before removing his flaming hands from the prison which disappeared soon after, "So? You still won't admit defeat yet? I would be highly impressed if you do, pretty boy."
Motoyasu groaned while his body was slightly burnt, "I would… never submit my defeat to you!"
"Is that right? Then I have no choice, but to execute you." Loki said coldly, which shocked everyone and Motoyasu.
"What…?" Motoyasu asked while his heart was beating fearfully.
"WHAT!?" The crowd exclaimed.
"I already told you that I came from a kingdom full of warriors and deceit. As a warrior, I must kill my enemies who refuse to surrender. I may have changed, but it doesn't mean I abandoned my old ways. Be prepared for a pointless death, Motoyasu Kitamura." Loki declared, as he conjured his daggers and raised it in the air.
"No, don't!" Motoyasu exclaimed, as he shielded his face instead of grabbing the spear due to his whole body shaking mildly. 'H-He can really use other weapons!?'
Suddenly, Loki felt an incoming massive wind behind him instinctively. He turned around and switched his shield to block the wind magic, but he was slightly sent flying before landing on his feet without any effort, causing a tiny crack as a result. As the wind dispersed a few seconds later, he saw Princess Malty was the one that casts the magic. He stood back up calmly before rubbing off the dirt from his clothes.
'How is he not affected by my magic!?' Malty asked herself mentally while her hand was glowing pink.
"Isn't that cheating, princess?" An echoey voice of Loki whispered to her.
'Shield Demon!' Malty turned around and saw that Loki wasn't behind him. 'What the f*ck!?'
When Loki was distracted glaring at Malty, Motoyasu dashed towards him before thrusting his spear. Loki dodged the attack instinctively before kicking the hero, sending him flying once again. The Spear Hero stood up once again until he was hit by a circular object in the head which ricocheted back to Loki's hand.
"Gah!" Motoyasu covered his face until he saw the shield. "What the heck is that shield?"
*Playing 'Triumphant Returns' by Alan Silvestri*
"Do you like it? This shield is similar to the real Shield Hero back on Earth. This type of shield is made out of indestructible steel. It can be used as a defense… and an offense." Loki explained while smirking before returning to his battle stance. "You stated that shields aren't weapons, Mr. Spear. You thought wrong."
There were murmurs from the crowd. They were in disbelief that a shield could be a weapon when it's only good for defense. The king, princess, and the two heroes were also in disbelief as they have always believed that shields are useless, yet Loki told everyone about the Shield Hero in his world.
"Don't be ridiculous! If a shield is a weapon, you wouldn't slaves to fight for you!" Motoyasu pointed his spear at Loki while groaning in pain.
"Aww, still naive as ever." Loki teased the hero.
Loki threw the shield at Motoyasu, but the hero dodged the attack as he ran towards him with bloodlust. The shield, however, ricocheted from the wall and hit Motoyasu in the head as he fell on the ground with a painful groan. As Loki grabbed the shield from the ground, he slammed Motoyasu in the face and pushed him on the ground.
Motoyasu then coughed blood, "This isn't… possible! I shouldn't be defeated by a mere shield!"
Loki rolled his eyes, "Well, get used to it."
Loki pinned Motoyasu on the ground with his foot, slowly crushing his chest as the Spear Hero was having hard to breathe. He was smiling widely as he loved the thrill of executing someone though not as much as his brother in the past. The crowd covered their mouths from shock as they witnessed the honorable Spear Hero was slowly dying.
"Get away from the Spear Hero, criminal scum!"
"You're a dirty cheater!"
"The Spear Hero would've won if you hadn't asked the demons from hell to help you!"
"Piss off!"
As the crowd insulted him and started to throw random food at Loki, there was a glimpse of emotion that the Legendary Shield reacted to. He was feeling the emotion of anger from the crowd as it reminded him of his people's insults towards him back in 2013 until his 'sacrifice' in Svartalfheim. He managed to calm down, smiling at them once again.
"If you want me to prevent you from executing my opponent, either he admits defeat or the king announces that I'm victorious. I noticed that the latter hasn't announced it when I've already… well… turned him that" Loki said, as the crowd went silent after seeing bloodied and bruised face. "So, Your Majesty. Will you announce the winner? Or will you watch as one of your beloved heroes is executed by my hands? I don't mind the last one. And you better make the choice fast because I can do this whole day." [4]
Aultcray was hesitant to announce the Shield Demon as the winner, especially when he threatened and humiliated him a few weeks ago. He couldn't give Loki the satisfaction that he seeks like last time. He let him destroy his plans of humiliating the demon again. He glanced his eyes at Malty as a signal to cast magic again.
As Malty received the signal, she started to cast another wind magic. Loki dodged the wind instinctively again, but Motoyasu took the hit instead as he was sent flying like a ragdoll once again, which caused everyone to properly witness the princess this time. The two heroes, Ren and Itsuki, knew that Loki already won in the beginning.
Ren stood up from his seat, "Your Majesty, I found it absurd that you're allowing your own daughter to aid Motoyasu while denying that Loki is the victor."
"Yeah, it's evident already that Loki won the fight. Why are you refusing?" Itsuki agreed with his fellow hero.
Once the heroes spoke up about Loki's victory, they changed their minds that Loki deserved the win much to the king's dismay, annoyance, and frustration.
"N-No, I didn't cheat…! Uhm… that's right! It was an illusion of me! The criminal frames me for cheating in the fight!" Malty defended herself by blaming the deceitful prince.
Loki chuckled, "I suggest you need to understand the word 'illusion', princess. I merely cast an illusion, but the illusion doesn't have the ability to cast magic. They aren't real like me. Don't humiliate yourself as you've already done harm to it, princess."
Malty scoffed, "You-!"
"Fine! Loki… you are victorious in this fight." Aultcray announced reluctantly.
"Congratulations, master!" Raphtalia cheered from the balcony.
"I never doubted you." Sigyn cheered as well.
Loki chuckled, "I may be victorious, but there's something you lied about, Princess Malty Melromarc."
"Ouk! W-What is it…?" Malty asked reluctantly while her eyebrow was itching due to annoyance and hatred.
"Sigyn and Raphtalia were never my slaves. They joined me on their accord." Loki declared, as the crowd gasped in disbelief from the news. "For proof, you can observe their body. There is no slave crest anywhere."
Motoyasu groaned as he looked up at Loki, "L-Liar!"
Loki sighed before stomping on his back, "As I said, you may observe their bodies. I'm warning you though. If you think of any perverted thoughts, I'll slay where you stand without hesitation."
The crowd shivered from Loki's cold tone once again, except for the Vice Captain who aided Loki and his companions in the Riyute Village. He decided to closely observe their bodies while the Shield Hero was glaring at him in case he was getting some ideas. A minute later, the Vice Captain finished observing and nodded to everyone.
"The Shield Hero is telling the truth! There aren't any slave crests in their bodies!" The Vice Captain announced, as the crowd, king, and princess gasped.
"What!?" Malty exclaimed. 'How!? I saw a glimpse of that demi-human freak's slave crest!'
"How unfortunate that your plan failed, princess. You should stop pretending to be deceitful. That's my profession." Loki whispered to her ear before walking towards his companions while smirking.
Malty widened her eyes at the realization, 'Don't tell me he knew this would happen!'
EARLIER
An hour ago in Riyute Village, Loki was conversing with Raphtalia about the removal of her slave crest while Sigyn was listening. Raphtalia was slightly shocked and surprised about her master's words.
"Why, master? Are you… abandoning me?" Raphtalia asked while whimpering.
Loki chuckled, "No, Raphtalia. I'm simply setting you free. Remember what I told you a few weeks ago? I'll remove the slave crest when you earn my trust. And you earned it already. Are you perhaps against it, Raphtalia?"
"No… no, it's just that… What if I hurt you? What if somebody controlled me? You can't stop me unless…" Raphtalia pointed out.
"I highly doubt that you could even harm Master Loki, Lil Sis. And you should remember that he is a master of manipulating one's mentality. You shouldn't worry about being mind controlled or something." Sigyn explained.
Loki nodded, "She's right. Raphtalia, you're part of the family. And I don't want my family being bound by my words. I want them to have… free will."
Raphtalia lowered her head to think about it before smiling while tears were flowing from her eyes, "All right, master. I accept."
Loki took out a potion that he secretly stole from Beloukas which can dispel the slave crest. After pouring one drop on Raphtalia's crest, it dispersed from her chest. It was convenient to have the potion because it'll be annoying to make one, though he'll have to pay the slave trader for it. He couldn't help but steal it in order to test its effects to avoid a scam.
'I'm not freeing Raphtalia just because I want her to be free, but I have a feeling that the princess would use this advantage to humiliate me further. I'm not going to let that happen.' Loki said mentally while smiling at Raphtalia who became her own person now.
NOW
Back in the present, Raphtalia ran towards him with a hug while Sigyn stayed back, happy that her master won the duel. It was a bit embarrassing to hug her master in public, so she's against it. The king headed down from his observation area, along with the party members of the Spear Hero.
"You… are victorious… Shield Hero…" Aultcray congratulated Loki reluctantly. "Which… equipment… would you like… to have from… Sir Motoyasu… party?"
'This is amusing.' Loki found it hilarious due to the king's reluctance in congratulating his victory. "All of them of course, from the princess' sword to the Spear Hero's armor. That was the deal, innit?"
"No, you can't! We spent weeks gathering these!" Motoyasu exclaimed while coughing blood.
Loki slowly glared at him, "If you simply looked for evidence instead of listening to a rumor before challenging me in a duel, this wouldn't have happened. You reap what you sow."
"I was saving those poor girls from y-!" Motoyasu was interrupted by Loki's two companions.
"Shut up! We have never been slaves to Master Loki! We joined him of our own accord!" Sigyn said angrily at the Spear Hero.
"Stop trying to play 'hero' when you don't have any freed slaves in your party." Raphtalia told the Spear Hero brutally.
"N-No, you all must be brainw-!" Motoyasu was interrupted again by the two heroes.
"Motoyasu, you need to stop. You're just humiliating yourself further." Ren said.
"You lost. You must honor the deal." Itsuki said.
'It seems these guys aren't really that idiotic.' Loki slightly complimented the two heroes before turning his attention to the Spear Hero's companions. "So, please hand over your money and equipment. A deal is a deal after all."
The Spear Hero's companions gave their equipment and money reluctantly to the Shield Hero. Malty gave her sword to Loki angrily before walking away, along with the other companions. Loki grabbed Motoyasu's armor while he was currently being treated by the mages to heal him instantly. Loki and his companions walked out from the arena, as Motoyasu watched them leave in despair.
As the crowd began to leave, Loki stopped briefly and looked back at the arena as he sensed the same feeling from yesterday. He wondered who was watching him and whether they were friend or foe, as they didn't have any problems towards him. He's rather impressed with their skills, but Black Widow did better for him. He isn't going to expose them any time soon as it'll be no fun at all.
"I need some sustenance." Loki said while his stomach was rumbling.
The next morning in another country, the maids were dressing the Queen of Melromarc in her royal robes. She was currently listening to the information her spy brought to her from framing the Shield Hero to allowing the duel between heroes. She was currently frustrated by her husband's actions in her own kingdom while interested in the news about the Shield Hero.
"The king did all that?" Queen of Melromarc questioned.
"We believe that it was due to Princess Malty's request." The spy answered.
"And what of the Shield Hero?" Queen of Melromarc asked.
"He claimed that he didn't purchase a demi-human slave from the Slave Merchant, but our sources said that he indeed did. He probably set her free." The spy answered.
"I see. I'm relieved to hear this." Queen of Melromarc said, noticing the disturbed expression on her spy's face. "Is there anything else you're worried about?"
"It's just that… the Shield Hero was aware of my whereabouts." The spy answered. "He knew that I was spying on him. I don't understand how."
"…really?" Queen of Melromarc was quite surprised that the Shield Hero managed to detect her spy's presence when nobody could easily done so. "Interesting. Is there perhaps a reason for how he managed to detect your presence?"
"I don't know, but it may have something to do with his status in his world." The spy answered.
"Status?" Queen of Melromarc questioned, as the maids departed the room after dressing her.
"We didn't consider it to be true because it was unbelievable. During his trial a few weeks ago, he claimed that he was a prince and a warrior in his world. That may have been a reason why he managed to detect my presence. He was already experienced with it." The spy answered.
"A prince? So he's royalty. If he's indeed telling the truth, then we might have offended a royal member and my husband is too stubborn to admit it." Queen of Melromarc said. "Keep an eye on him, but make sure he doesn't detect you again. He might think that you're an enemy."
"Yes, ma'am." The spy was about to leave until she remembered something. "He also proclaimed himself something odd to the point it angered the Church. He called himself the 'God of Mischief'."
"God of Mischief? So gods exist in his world? It makes sense the Church would consider him a blasphemy. Those old fools." The Queen of Melromarc wasn't a fan of the Church due to its dark secret from the past, as the spy left in a blink of an eye. "Loki…"
CHAPTER 8 ENDED
Author's Notes:
I hope you enjoyed the fight. I was planning to release this chapter next week, but I'll probably be busy working with MHA: Reacts and OmniVersus, so I don't think I can post the ninth chapter anytime soon… hopefully not.
[1] A reference to when Loki used his telekinesis to reverse the pillar back in Loki. Everyone was kind of surprised by this ability to the point they thought he was using a Time Stone when we've already seen his telekinesis back in Thor: The Dark World. So yeah, Loki has telekinesis but he'll have to use it sparingly as he'll be a liability in the battle due to exhaustion.
[2] A reference to when Thor and an alternate version of Loki dropped their glass mug hilariously.
[3] A reference to when the alternate version of Loki was… being beaten by a brute who was enhanced with strength because he's possessed by Sylvie… canonically.
[4] A reference to Captain America's iconic line.