Here's the Chapter two I had written up along with the first. I'll decide probably in the morning whether or not to continue/delete this.
Chapter 2: Parties and Travel preparation.
The four heroes were all awoken, having gathered in the common area to discuss what they thought was going to happen.
"So," Began motoyasu. "You lot ready to head out?"
The other three nodded, with only Naofumi looking nervous.
"Yeah, I cant wait to see what our party members are like." Itsuki spoke, smiling.
After that, it devolved into a conversation of giving out a few tips to both Shirou and Naofumi. Places to grind Experience, Materials they should gather, and what type of quests they should take from the guild.
"So, you are saying I should go east, towards the mountains?" Shirou would ask questioningly, and Itsuki would nod.
"Yeah. There is some sword exclusive skills that way, and the monsters grow in challenge at a decent rate, letting you get a better handle on your skills."
Shirou hummed, and Naofumi spoke up. "So I should probably go south I suppose. Its away from you guys, so we wont have to worry about the cardinal weapons interfering with eachother. I'll just have to ask around and see if theres any villages in the south."
"Yeah, but you don't have to go immediately! Take some time to relax, we are heroes after all." Motoyasu said, a small smile on his face.
"We could have one last meal, and meet up before every wave!"
Shirou nodded, and Naofumi let a smile appear on his face.
"Yeah, that could be good! We could see how we have all grown, trade stories and all that. It sounds fun." Naofumi spoke.
"Yeah, I would be fine with that." Shirou spoke, a small smile on his face.
"Then its decided! We will meet back here a day before each wave, and trade stories and materials!" Motoyasu declared.
The other 3 heroes would nod, a small smile on their faces. A knock on the door broke the conversation as a maid spoke.
"Heroes, the king has requested your presence in the throne room. I believe it is to sort out your parties and funding."
With that, the four heroes departed, following the maid to the throne room.
"Heroes" Aultcray spoke, "I hope you all slept well! Now is the time to sort out your parties, and for you to travel." The King turned to the side.
"Bring in the adventurers who will be joining our heroes on their journey." The Aide at the Kings side nodded, motioning for the guards to open the doors as the adventurers filed in.
"As mentioned yesterday, we have gotten adventurers to join all of you for your journey." The King took a breath. "Well then adventurers? Go join your heroes!"
The adventurers moved forwards all at once, and after a short period, settled down. The results were that Motoyasu had five adventurers behind him, Itsuki had three, Naofumi had none, and Shirou had 4.
Shirou looked at the adventurers behind him. There was an axe wielding man wearing a cloak, a man who held a closed book in his hands, a green haired girl with no visible weapons. Shirou wondered if they were concealing their weapon somewhere. Last was a blonde haired kid who looked no older than Shirou, two daggers sheathed on his waist. He nodded before turning back to the king, who had a hand on his chin.
"Oh my, I can say I wasn't expecting this…" the king sighed, his aide whispering towards him. "I see… this is indeed disturbing…"
Again, the king shakes his head. "It seems we have had rumours spreading of the shield heroes knowledge not being up to par with the other heroes. They say he does not know anything of this world. Is that true shield hero?"
Naofumi would simply nod, even as Shirou wondered. Were we truly supposed to be summoned with knowledge of this world? He shook his head, clearing it as he kept staring at the King.
"Then this is indeed disturbing. Would any adventurers be willing to part from their chosen heroes and join the shield?" Shirou turned to look at his party members, but none moved, staring back at Shirou. He sighed, facing Naofumi before speaking. "Sorry naofumi. I can't help who they picked." The other two heroes repeated different variations of it, and Naofumi let out a dejected sigh.
"It's fine. At least you guys tried. I'll just have to look for some help on my own, huh."
The King drew the attention back to himself.
"Now, it is time to distribute the funds. Usually, each hero would get 600 silver pieces each, but due to the shields…"
The King would stare at Naofumi for a moment.
"…circumstances, he will be awarded 800 silver pieces, to aid him in finding new members."
Four servants would move forward, presenting bags to each hero. Shirou picked it up, holding it tightly before smiling.
"Thank you, King Aultcray." The four heroes would speak in unison. And the King would smile.
"Now go, brave heroes. Grow strong enough to defeat the calamities ravaging our world. All our hopes are placed on you."
With a bow, Shirou began to move, the other three heroes and their parties, or lack thereof in Naofumi's case, began to speak in hushed tones. The four heroes faced eachother, with Shirou speaking first.
"I'm going to head out immediately. As much as I might want to relax, it's not something I can see myself doing. I've always been doing stuff, so it's just not in the books for me."
Motoyasu nodded. "Yeah, I understand. You didn't seem like the type of person to relax. But remember, take it easy sometimes okay? Not everything is a matter of life or death, and eventually, that stress will get to you."
Shirou nodded in understanding. "I'll try my best Motoyasu."
Motoyasu smiled, giving Shirou a handshake.
"Yeah, try not to get agitated Shirou. It won't do good for anyone." Itsuki spoke with a small smile. Shirou nodded again.
Upon looking at Naofumi, who said nothing, Shirou began to move. Before he could move more than a few steps however, something grabbed hold of him.
"Shirou. When you next see me, I'll be strong, okay! I won't let the faith you placed in me be for nothing!" Naofumi declared, a fire in his eye. "I won't let you down."
Shirou smiled at the declaration, and put a hand on Naofumis shoulder.
"I'm sure you will be Naofumi. Maybe someday, you can protect everyone, become a shield against evil."
He turned to the other two heroes aswell, continuing to speak.
"I hope you stay safe in your travels you three. If you ever think you need help, feel free to try and contact me. I'll help if I am available. May you all become stronger, and may we meet again safely."
With that said, Naofumi let go, and Shirou moved forwards, his party behind him following quietly after the declarations.
Shirou turned to look at his party members, watching them for a moment before speaking.
"May I have all your names?"
The man with the closed book moved forward first.
"Of course, Sword hero. My name is Bakta. I'm a magician focused on wind and fire magic. Wind magic is my strongest, but it's always nice to have a few tricks you know."
Shirou nodded in understanding as the man with the axe moved forwards.
"Sword hero. My name's Welt. I've had some training using the axe, and I've killed a few monsters before, but I'm still rather inexperienced. I would be happy if you would keep me on your team so that I may grow and learn."
The green haired girl moved forwards next, a small smile plastered on her face. "Ah, the names Farrie. I'm a martial artist. I can use some wind magic, but not for anything offensive. I mainly just reinforce my legs with it to help me get the jump on enemies."
The last person stepped forwards, a small smile on his face. "Sir hero. It's an honour to be in your presence." Shirou had to suppress a small grimace at that. "My name is Tersia. I don't know any magic unfortunately, but I am quite accurate with my knives."
Shirou took in all the information before speaking.
"It's nice to meet you all." He began. "Please don't call me any title. I haven't done anything worthy of it yet. If you truly want to call me anything, call me Shirou, please."
Welt, Bakta and Farrie all nodded at that, but Tersia seemed to struggle with the idea.
"I'll… try my best sir-" Tersia cut himself off. "Shirou, but I can't promise I'll be able to always do it."
Shirou nodded. "That's fine. So long as you're trying, I don't mind." He spoke with a kind smile on his face.
"So, does anyone know where we can get equipment? I plan on leaving here by tonight."
The group nods, with Welt taking a lead. "Well, there's the place I got my axe from. They say he's the best blacksmith in town, and from the results I've had, I'm inclined to agree."
"That's good, but before that. Who here doesn't need equipment?" Shirou spoke.
Bakta and Farrie raise their hands.
"Ah, all the equipment I need is in the book Shirou. And I already have some light armour to help in battle."
Shirou nodded, noticing the armour underneath the cloak he wrapped around himself.
"I see. What about you Farrie?"
"Well, I mainly use my fists, because you know, martial arts." She spoke. "That, plus the equipment I have was recently bought. I'd much rather not burden you with getting another set when I have barely used my current gear. Why do you ask?"
"Well, since we are going to be leaving here by tonight, as I mentioned previously," Shirou began. "I thought it would be wise to split the group up. Those of us going to get equipment can go get it, and those who don't need it go gather the stuff required for camping." Shirou said, the group nodding.
"I see…" Bakta spoke. "Well then. Anything specific you want us to get whilst getting camping supplies?"
Shirou shook his head. "So long as you get the required stuff, pots and all that. Maybe something to help start a fire?" Bakta nodded.
"How much do you think it'll cost in total?" Shirou asked curiously.
Farrie put a finger on her chin before speaking. "Well, if we want luxury camping gear, I'd say about 250 silver? But if we just want some basic, run of the mill ones, I'd say about 150 silver?" Welt and Tersia nodded in agreement, and Shirou opened the bag of coins.
"Do you have anything to hold these?"
Farrie took out her own coin bag, and Shirou quickly deposited 150 silver coins into it.
"Alright, you two go get some stuff. If you have any coins left over, buy some extra things you think we might need"
The duo nodded, before moving away towards a shop.
Shirou turned to Welt.
"Would you mind leading the way to this blacksmith?"
—-
The trio opened stood Infront of the blacksmith. A moment passed before Shirou stepped forward, opening the door, all three of them shuffling in.
"Welcome! What can I get ya?" A voice spoke. Shirou studied the man, a small glint in his eyes as if he was checking out new products rather than people.
"Erhard, we've come to get some equipment." Welt spoke. Erhard turned to face him. Moving closer before slapping him on the back.
"Welt! It's great to see you. Almost didn't recognize you with that cloak up!"
Welt let out a small laugh. "It's nice to see you to Erhard. Like I said, we've come for some equipment. We've got the Sword Hero with us."
Erhard's eyes turned to Shirou and the blade in his hand.
"I see…"
A small frowned showed on his face before being replaced by a smile.
"Well then, I certainly can't be allowed to dissapoint can I? Come, let's see what we can get you. Let's start with you two first! Welt, what do you need?"
"Ah, I need some more oil to take care of my axe. I'm not sure how long we will be gone from here, so better safe than sorry."
Erhard nodded, moving behind his counter and ducking down, before putting a flask on the desk.
"Well, I've got this. It's not the best, but it's also not the worst. It should be more than enough for your axe. And I'm glad you're taking care of your weapon better this time Welt."
Welt didn't respond to that, only rubbing the back of his head apologetically.
"I told you I was sorry!"
Erhard let out a laugh before focusing on Tersia.
"What about you laddie? You've been staring at those knives."
Tersia nodded. "Hm? oh, yeah, just admiring them. I'm looking for some throwing knives, if you have any in stock?"
Erhard hummed.
"I'll have a look out the back. Just have a look around whilst I go look for them."
With that, Erhard moved through a door, the sounds of crates being opened being heard from behind it.
Shirou took this opportunity to take a look at the weapons. He could tell they were of all great quality, the care put into them and the maintenance done on them showed that Erhard wasn't just a regular Blacksmith. Shirou let out a small whistle.
"You were right Welt. This guy really is a great blacksmith."
Welt smiled. "I know. He takes great care of weapons, and from what I've heard, he's one of the main suppliers for the Melromarc army!"
Shirou kept looking, occasionally grasping a sword and looking at its history. Strangely enough, even though he held another weapon, it didn't shock him. He wondered if it was the intent that mattered. He shook his head. Nothing worth trying out.
Through grasping the history of some the swords, he could get a better outline of some things. How the user's grew, what type of monsters they encountered and what the world was like.
He out down the sword as Erhard came back through, four daggers on the counter Infront of him.
"Sorry, but this is all I've got in stock currently. Do you want them?"
Tersia picked up a dagger after asking, and examined it, turning it slowly and feeling the weight of it. He turned to Shirou. "I'll buy these, if there is no issue sir swo- Shirou?"
Shirou shook his head. "There is no problem. I'd prefer for everyone to be at their best." With a nod, Erhard took the dagger, putting it beside the flask of oil.
"Now, sword kid, Shirou, was it?"
Shirou nodded.
"What type of equipment do you need? From what I understood by my encounter with the shield boy earlier, you can't use any other weapons, right?"
"That's right. I mainly came here for some armour. I'd like something light, so it won't restrict my movement, but still give me a bit of defense."
Erhard nodded, a hand on his counter as he thought. "I suppose leather armour would do for now. Although if you wanted something better, I'd have to custom make it for you."
Shirou would nod, still looking at Erhard. "I'm perfectly fine with leather armour for now. It just has to be something simple for now. But what would you need to custom make something?"
"Well, it depends on what you want it to do. If you wanted it to be more durable, probably some ores, some tough hide from a monster, that type of stuff. It all depends on what you bring me and what I have on hand. Aswell as how much you're willing to pay for it of course."
Shirou nodded. "Of course. How much does leather armour go for?"
"I'd say about 75 silver? Paired with the knives and oil flask, I'd say it comes up to a total of 180 silver, if that's agreeable with you?"
Shirou nodded, opening the bag again and taking out the required amount. The bag was starting to feel alarmingly light. Assuming that Farrie and Bakta spent all the money they were given, they would have gone over just half the amount of cash they had been given, and it wasn't even past the first day.
Tersia took the knives and sheathed them on his belt, whilst Welt took the flask of oil and held it gently.
"Sword kid, if you want to get your armour on, there is a changing room back there."
He pointed towards the back of the shop, and took the armour from Erhard with a grateful smile.
Farrie and Bakta both groaned as the held the sacks that contained their camping equipment.
"Atleast we had enough spare to get some extra sets, right?" Farrie spoke nervously.
"I know you were thinking ahead for more members, but it just means we have more stuff to carry" Bakta spoke, a small whine escaping him.
"I didn't think it'd be this heavy! But we can split it between all of us when Shirou gets back! For now, let's put these down and rest."
The duo let the sacks lay on the floor, sitting as Bakta drank some water, whilst Farrie lay on the grass.
"What's taking them so long?"
Upon saying that, they heard a small laugh.
"Sorry for taking so long guys, it was a bit of a struggle to put the armour on. First time and all that." Shirou spoke. "How'd did your shopping trip go?"
Farrie jumped up. "It went great! We got everything we needed, and got a few extra of a few things. Just incase we lost it or it was destroyed, you know? That, and we can't be sure we won't get any more party members."
Shirou nodded, seeing the logic in her explanation. "I see. I guess you used up all the coins? Don't worry if you did. I told you to do it if you thought we needed to."
Farrie nodded, and Bakta stood up.
"So, are we going to be splitting everything between the party, so that everyone carries their own stuff?"
"It sounds like a good plan, but I have a better idea."
Shirou crouched down and reached into the sack, easily pulling out one of the sleeping bags they had bought. He slowly moved it towards the gem on the sword, and watched as it pulsed and the sleeping bag was pulled in.
"What was that?" Bakta asked curiously.
"Apparently, the legendary weapons have a storage space inside them, allowing the heroes to carry what they need."
"That's super convenient." Farrie spoke. "Does it have a limit?"
Shirou shrugged, even as he absorbed another sleeping bag. "We won't find out until we reach it, will we? Do you lot mind giving me a hand? It would probably be quicker if we all worked together."
The group nodded, and split into two groups, each emptying out a sack as they handed items to Shirou. He absorbed them all, from pots and pans to fire starters. He even managed to unlock a few new swords
Flint sword
Attack +1
Iron sword
Attack +2
Skill unlocked!
Can dual wield both swords. Striking them against eachother allows a small spark to be made. Helpful for starting fires!
Shirou nodded at the swords. "Alright, that should be everything, right?" A nod from the party, and Shirou continued.
"Alright, so, my plan is to head towards the east. Does anyone have any objection to that?" No-one spoke up.
"Does anyone know any of the villages in the east?"
Tersia raised a hand. "Yeah, my family lived in a village to the east, next to some mountains. We could head that way if you want?"
Shirou nodded his head. "Sounds like a plan then. Is there anything else we need to do before we depart?"
"Have you registered with the dragon hourglass yet?" Welt asked, and upon seeing Shirou`s look of confusion, explained.
"The dragon hourglass can tell when the next wave is approaching. Anyone who is registered to it will be teleported to it immediately upon the waves arrival. It allows us the best chance to save as many lives as we can."
"Then let's head there before we leave I suppose."
Shirou stood outside the church, looking at the three weapons on it. Yet again, something just didn't feel right. He could clearly see the bow, spear and sword, but where was the shield? He'd have to ask either his party, or someone inside.
He steeled himself as he walked in, opening the door to be greeted by a nun.
"Sir sword hero. I take it you have come to register to the hourglass?"
Shirou nods his head.
"Then follow me."
The nun took him up the stairs and into a wide room. Sitting in the centre was an hourglass, small grains of sand flowing from the top to the bottom.
"How… do I register to it?"
"Simply hold your weapon Infront of it, and the weapon will take care of the rest."
Shirou nodded, stepping up the steps that lead to the hour glass and raised his sword. A beam of light shine from the gem, connecting to the gem on the centre of the your glass, and a new icon appeared in his vision. A miniature picture of the hourglass, aswell as a timer to go along with it.
"Just over a month, huh?" Shirou whispered.
"Thank you for your help."
The nun shook her head.
"Nonsense. I was merely doing my duty. Before you leave, there is something the Pope wished to give you. He said it should help the heroes on their journey."
She quickly turned, moving over to a desk before grabbing hold of a bag. She gave it to Shirou, who promptly opened it, revealing sand.
"It's sand from the dragon hour glass. The bow and spear have already collected theirs." Shirou would deposit the sand into his sword, unlocking a new weapon.
Portal sword. (Level 50 required)
Skill:
Portal sword
Allows the user and his party members to teleport to any location they have saved (maximum of three saved locations.)
Shirou bowed.
"I thank you for your help again. Please pass on my appreciations to the Pope."
Shirou turned to leave before speaking.
"If I may ask. Why is the Shield not represented on the churches entrance?"
"That is because some people do not believe the shield hero is actually a hero. They believe he is a devil in disguise. The church has been trying to purge those who think that way, but we have not been successful. They are good at hiding it from us." The nun spoke clearly.
Shirou hummed. "I see. I hope you have a good day."
And with that, Shirou walked back to his party, unable to shake off the feeling that the church wasn't what it should be.
Unseen behind him, the nun shook her head, ready to report to the Pope
Shirou met up with his party, and after a few last minute checks, they all prepared to leave.
"Alright, so remember, Bakta, Tersia, you two are in the back whilst me and Welt are in the front. Farrie, you'll be the middle, and you'll support anyone you think needs help, ok?"
The group nodded.
"This is just a temporary formation until we can get used to eachothers fighting styles. We can change it at a later point. Now, let's go, shall we?"
And so, the Sword hero and his party left Castle town, ready to face whatever came their way.