Chapter 10 Waves Aftermath (Edited)

Naofumi stood in the corner of the room, even as everyone else around him mingled. Looking around, he noticed that everyone was avoiding him. He could only assume it was because of the accusation.

"I mean, come on. There can't be a conspiracy to kill me with everyone involved, right?" Naofumi thought to himself, a small smile on his face as he shook his head to clear his mind.

He watched as Raphtalia went around the tables, trying different foods with a smile on her face. Even when she came back, a plate full of food for him, he couldn't bring himself to deny it. Even if he couldn't taste it, he'd still take it. It saved him money in cooking for the night, so he was certainly going to have as much as he could.

"Raphtalia, make sure you eat plenty alright?" Naofumi told her. "This is free food. You can't pass up the opportunity."

Raphtalia looked at him for a moment. "Mr Naofumi, do you perhaps like…" She shook her head, cutting off the train of thought before it began. "No, it's fine. I'll do as you say, Mr Naofumi."

Naofumi was left rubbing his head at the strange interaction.

"Just what was she going to say?" Naofumi thought.

With a sigh, he looked around the room.

He saw Itsuki, the bow hero, politely talking to several nobles, a small smile on his face. But even here, he could see the fakeness in the smile. But if his party couldn't see it? That was going to end badly. Yet, when Naofumi looked closer, he could see Itsuki talking casually with his party, the fake smile nowhere to be seen.

"Was it a trick of the light?" Naofumi rubbed his eyes, yet no matter what he did, he couldn't see the fake smile again.

The next hero he saw was Motoyasu, surrounded by women, each holding onto his each and every word, even as he had a soft smile on his face. He saw as he parted from the group of ladies, making his way towards the King. Naofumi averted his eyes. He didn't want to have to look at the King any longer than necessary.

Shirou was quickly located, his party surrounding him as they talked, laughing about small things. He could still see... Welt and Tersia, was it? He shook his head. He'd have to ask again later. They were both helpful, so there was no way he'd forget their names.

They had both been looking at Shirou with a small amount of concern and honestly? Naofumi was a bit concerned for him as well. He had seen how drained he had looked after using that ability. He shook his head. Shirou would be fine, he had a good group with him.

Every so often, a noble came over to the Sword hero, obviously trying to shower him with praises, but a quick shake and a point to Naofumi would have the nobles moving away, shaking their heads. Naofumi couldn't tell why. He just assumed that it was because they believed that he had actually done the crimes he had done.

"Not much I can do to convince them, I guess…" Naofumi thought bitterly

Shaking his head, he turned to his shield, quickly bringing up his shields. He had to have a look at what the shield he had got from that protection Shirou had offered him. Quickly going through the shields tree, Naofumi began his search for the shield. As he travelled further through the tree, he encountered more and more locked shields. Just where was this shield?

Eventually, he found it, separated from the main branch of the tree, entirely on its own. He looked at it for a moment, seeing the name below the shield's tree.

"Noble… Phantasm?" He spoke curiously, catching Raphtalias attention. He waved her away quickly, telling her to enjoy herself and that he was just speaking to himself. Thinking about it, Naofumi assumed it meant something to Shirou. He would have to ask him at a later point. He clicked on the shield, the menu for it popping up.

Shield of Aias (Degraded)

Defense 15

Magic defense 15

Skill: Rho Aias

Forms a four layered bounded field, with each layer taking the form of a flower petal. If any of the layers break, the damage will be reflected onto the wielder.

"This shield is one of the best yet!" Naofumi thought in shock.

He looked at the skill for a moment, reading over the skill description. Whilst he didn't know what a 'bounded field' was, It was slightly above the Chimera Viper shield he had unlocked from the wave boss in term of stats alone. Just where had Shirou got this? He shook his head again. He had already heard parts of Shirou's story. He would surely tell the rest with time.

Whilst it was his best shield for straight defense, the skill made it a liability. What would happen if the skill broke? Would he just die? Or would it leave him in critical condition? Naofumi wouldn't know until he attempted it. It annoyed him.

"I don't want to be left in the dark about this stuff! What if I suffer the drawbacks in an actual fight?"

Shaking his head, he looked back up, only to see Motoyasu walking towards him, an angry look on his face.

Shirou looked up at the commotion, staring at Motoyasu and Naofumi.

"What? Is this some sort of joke?" Naofumi asked, standing before Motoyasu.

"What do you mean? Raphtalia is clearly your slave! Don't tell me you think it isn't wrong to own a slave!" Motoyasu spoke, gesturing towards Raphtalia.

Shirou looked on in surprise. Raphtalia was a slave? He couldn't tell with how Naofumi was dragged around by her.

Naofumi shook his head. "Well, why should I? It's perfectly legal, here in Melromarc." He replied.

"But we aren't from Melromarc! Or have your standards dropped that low?" He shouted, enraged.

Raphtalia would speak up, moving beside Naofumi.

"Sir spear hero. I'm with Mr Naofumi of-

The king would interrupt them, looking at Naofumi. "To think that a hero would own a slave. What would the rest of the world think?" The king would shake his head, the guards moving forward slightly.

"Master Naofumi!" Raphtalia would shout, quickly pushing away the first set of guards, only to be taken by surprise from the set behind her.

Shirou's party immediately tensed up, and Naofumi shouted back.

"Let go of her! She hasn't done anything!"

The king ignored him, speaking louder.

"A simple proposition. The hero of the spear shall fight the hero of the shield. Is that agreeable?"

Motoyasu immediately accepted.

"Of course! If I win, Naofumi gets to keep Raphtalia as a slave. But if I win, she is freed!" The king easily accepted those terms, not letting Naofumi get a word in.

"Prepare yourselves heroes! Meet in the castle courtyard!"

"I haven't even been able to say anything! Don't I get a say!" Naofumi shouted, but was ultimately ignored.

Shirou would choose that moment to speak up.

"Can I ask what's happening over there?"

Shirou had a good idea of what was happening, but the King didn't need to know that.

"Ah, Sword hero. I forgot that you weren't here when the trial took place."

"Trial?" Shirou spoke, acting ignorant.

The king nodded, seemingly eager to speak about it.

"Yes, it would seem that the Shield hero…" The King practically spat the word hero out, as if using the word 'shield' and 'hero' in the same sentence was a crime. " attempted to rape a companion of his."

Shirou would tilt his head to the side.

"But I don't remember anyone who chose to go with him on that day? Or am i misremebering it?"

The king nodded. "That is true, but one of Sir Motoyasus companions decided to go and assist him after you left, but you could probably guess how that ended…" He shook his head sadly.

Shirou looked beside Motoyasu, the girl in question trembling slightly. Upon closer inspection, he saw through the act. He knew who the girl was, the red hair catching his attention the most. He had seen it in the Shields' memories.

"She's got Motoyasu wrapped around her finger." He thought.

"I see… and you claim that Raphtalia is a slave to Naofumi?"

Once again, the King nodded and Shirou turned to face Naofumi.

"Naofumi, is Raphtalia a slave?" Naofumi nodded, wondering where this chain of questioning was going.

"When did you purchase Raphtalia?"

"A week after the trial. Why do you want to know?" Naofumi spoke, beginning to get frustrated.

"And you claim its legal to own a slave in Melromarc?"

Naofumi nodded impatiently. "From what he told me. As long as it's not human, then it's perfectly fine. how much longer does this farce have to go on for?"

Shirou nodded, turning back to the King.

"Is there any document or law that says otherwise, your majesty?".

The King turned to look at Shirou, silent for a few moments as he thought of his next words carefully.

"Sword hero… Just whose side are you on?" He spoke slowly.

"Can you please answer the question?"

"It doesn't matter. Heroes should be above such things. You should know your place, sword"

The king spoke the last part quietly, so only Shirou would hear it, but from what Shirou could see, Raphtalia had also heard it, if the shocked look on her face was anything to go by.

Shirou just stood up straighter.

"I see…" He would stare at the king for a moment before continuing to speak. "Then if this duel was to go on. Would it not be unfair?"

He wouldn't let himself listen to any threat from the King. There were other countries he could go to if he needed to, atleast, that's what he had gathered from the conversation about the fact the heroes were supposed to be split between the countries.

"How would it be unfair? It would be two heroes fighting. Unless you are insinuating that one of the heroes has not been getting stronger?"

Shirou would smile sadly. "You know fully what I am talking about. You know that the Shield hero has no way to attack. From my view, you are setting this all up for your own pleasure. Is that right?"

The king would look at Shirou.

"Then what would you suggest? Would you fight in his place? Well, Sword hero? Tell me what you would do!"

Shirou would turn to face Naofumi.

"I would see if Naofumi is willing to have Raphtalia be freed, however you plan on doing it."

Naofumi would pause at the idea, staring at Shirou and Motoyasu would take the opportunity speak up.

"Shirou, this is ridiculous! You can't really be considering just freeing Raphtalia like that! Naofumi has probably conditioned her to come back to him!" He would shout out.

Naofumi would look at Motoyasu, anger in his eyes. "Why the hell would I do that? Are you really looking for a fight!" He shouted back.

"You know it's true Naofumi! You're scared of admitting it! If I win the fight, I'll be sure to save her from you!"

"Fine! If you want to fight, let's do it!"

Shirou could only look at Naofumi in shock. Had he really just chucked away the only chance of resolving this peacefully? He just couldn't believe it.

Shirou watched as Naofumi stepped out into the arena, the nobles staring at him with hatred in their eyes. Whilst Shirou had the vaguest idea that the church was somehow involved, did it really involve this many nobles?

He watched as Motoyasu spun the spear in his hands, planting the bottom of it into the floor.

"The rules of this duel are simple!" The king's aide spoke. "The fight will continue until one person is either unable to get back up, or admits defeat! Is that agreeable to both parties?"

Both sides nodded, with Naofumi having grim look on his face as he realised what he had just agreed to.

If Shirou was unaware of Naofumi's resourcefulness, as shown in the wave, he'd easily declare it as Motoyasu's win. But despite the difference in levels, Naofumi held himself with confidence, one that said that even if he was going to lose, he would make it as painful as possible for the spear hero to win.

Despite that, he was still shocked at how easily Naofumi gave in to his anger, how easily he was provoked. He just didn't understand. Didn't they understand that they all needed to work together?

He shook his head, shouting down to the arena.

"Motoyasu! If you use that weapon, we will be having words. I promise you that."

Shirou wasn't sure if he heard it, but seeing Motoyasu tip his head slightly, he felt like he understood the message. But why did he still have a bad feeling about this?

Motoyasu would lunge forwards immediately, jabbing at Naofumi with his spear, no skill name being uttered. Each strike would jolt his arm, causing Naofumi to move back. He would shout as he did so.

"Shield prison!"

The familiar ball of shields would appear, encasing Motoyasu.

"Ha, you know this won't hold me for long!" Naofumi ignored it, shouting quickly.

"Change shield! Bee needle!"

Motoyasus taunts didn't last for long, shouts of pain escaping from the shield prison as he was pricked by the needles.

"Chaos thrust!"

The shield prison was broken, the consecutive jabs quickly wearing it down. Motoyasu looked at Naofumi, a frown on his face.

"Fight me like a real man!"

Naofumi could only look at him in shock. Did he really expect him to go over there and start punching him?

"Are you an idiot? Using skills is how I can attack!" He shouted back.

Motoyasu moved forward, intending to jab at him again, but he quickly changed shields, the small, basic shield turning into the Chimera Viper shield.

Motoyasu let out a yelp as he was bit by the snake ornaments on the shield, stumbling back slightly.

Naofumi let a smile slip onto his face and Motoyasu tightened his grip on his spear. Motoyasu began to speak.

The fight continued like that for a short time, Naofumi slightly chipping away at Motoyasus endurance whilst trying to limit how much SP he expended.

"Come on Motoyasu, just give up already. You know you can't hurt me!"

The taunt was met with silence as Motoyasu moved back, holding his spear tightly.

"You know, there's been one spear I've been keeping back, out of respect for Shirou, but I think I'll have to use it now."

Naofumi immediately tensed up, switching from the Chimera Viper shield to the shield of Aias. It looked like a regular shield, the front covered with thick layers of boar hide.

Motoyasu switched his spear, and Naofumi had to prevent himself from flinching as its aura flooded over him.

—

Shirou stood up immediately as Motoyasu swapped his spear. He had to move quickly. He moved past Itsuki quickly, who looked up in shock at the sudden movement.

"Your majesty! You have to stop the duel!" Shirou shouted.

The King turned towards him.

"Why would we? The conditions for the duel to end haven't been met."

"You don't understand! If Motoyasu uses that spear, Naofumi will die!"

"Both heroes knew this going into the fight. I'll hear no more from you."

The king Turned away from Shirou, ignoring his desperate pleading.

Shirou began to move, but he could tell he was going to be too late as Motoyasu spoke.

"You wish for the cursed crimson spear?"

As Motoyasu spoke the first sentence, the intent of the spear became more refined, understandable even.

Naofumi could tell what its goal was from just a single glance.

To pierce his heart.

Naofumi couldn't let it happen. No matter what. He couldn't tell what would happen if it did, but he knew nothing good would come of it.

"I'll have your heart!"

Motoyasu charged forward, the red spear glinting in the dim light.

Naofumi spoke his skills name at the same time Motoyasu did.

"Rho Aias!"

"Gae Bolg!"

The Spear that twisted causality met the Shield that could not be pierced

The world stilled for a moment, the two forces colliding. The four flower petals, whilst pink for Shirou, had turned a light green for Naofumi.

Time resumed, and the spear crashed against the skill, leading to a struggle of power.

It wasn't long before the first petal was blown away. Naofumi let out a grunt as he felt the armour around his hands tear away, his hand going numb from the force.

The second petal was blown away much like the first. But instead of destroying his armoured, blood began to flow from his arm, causing Naofumi to tense himself up more, now unable to feel his right arm.

The third petal was destroyed, slower than the other two, with Motoyasu visibly struggling even as the petal was destroyed.

"The spear is slowing down." Naofumi noted mentally, a grim look on his face, as his body suffered the drawback of the third petal being destroyed. He could see his health going down, going from the usual green to a shade of yellow.

As the spear pushed against the final petal, the second to last wall between Naofumi and the spear, Naofumi used all the strength he could muster. He moved his right hand in front of his body, his shield against his chest as he let out a shout of anger and desperation

"AIRSTRIKE SHIELD!"

The green shield appeared between them, the last petal shattering as the shield appeared, buying him precious time.

Naofumis final moments of consciousness let him see as Shirou moved in front of him, his sword held to block the spear.

Naofumis world turned dark soon after.

Motoyasu stood there, breathing heavily as Shirous sword held the tip of the red spear to the floor.

"Motoyasu, change the spear." He spoke, with no room for argument. Motoyasu nodded quickly, changing the spear as fast as he could back to his basic spear. Shirou looked at Motoyasu, speaking slowly.

"We will be having a conversation when Naofumi is fine. Do you hear me?" Motoyasu nodded quickly, retreating to the exit to the arena, standing by the side whilst shifting nervously.

"Is this good enough for you? Naofumi is unable to fight anymore, so you can free Raphtalia."

The king nodded, waving his hand as the priest poured the holy water over the slave crest. Shirou watched as it faded away, Raphtalia beginning to move.

"S-see! I told you, she would just go back to him! He has conditioned her to not leave him!" Motoyasu shouted, but a quick glare from Shirou caused him to go silent.

Raphtalia, on the other hand, wasn't going to stay quiet. She turned to face the Spear hero before speaking.

"Spear hero, Naofumi saved my life. Without him, I would have died a slave, my illness would have overtaken me and I would have been left to rot. Naofumi saved me from that fate. He gave me warm meals, he gave me medicine, and he was patient with me."

Raphtalia shut her eyes as she continued speaking.

"The first couple of days I was with Mr Naofumi, I had nightmares. They would attract all the monsters around us. Do you know what he did? He used his own body to shield me from them. Even if it meant he got no sleep, he still protected me."

Her eyes opened, staring at Motoyasu as she spoke.

"During the wave, he helped to protect all the villagers that had to escape. After that, he fought beside Mr Shirou to keep the boss from leaving. From all the things I've seen, Mr Naofumi is the most heroic person I've seen!" She declared to everyone watching.

With that, Raphtalia turned again, moving towards Naofumi.

Naofumi was in a void.

The only thing he could feel was his shield, but yet, when he tried to interact with it, it did nothing.

Then, memories came. Feelings of anger flooded him. The memories of the accusation, the uselessness of the other two heroes at the wave, Raphtalia having been taken from him and finally, his own anger at Shirou's involvement in that spear Motoyasu held.

"D0 y0u s33k p0w3r?"

Naofumi faltered for a moment. Was this what he really wanted, to be driven by his anger, his hatred towards the kingdom?

Thoughts of his time with Raphtalia came to mind, treating her illness and her rapid growth from a timid, young girl, to a teenager who was able to stand toe to toe with monsters. The sight of Shirou being by his side, helping to defend the village.

Following that, anger flashed in his mind. Anger at himself for having forced her to grow up so quickly, for having had her leave her childhood behind, to be used essentially as a child soldier.

Anger at the kingdom, for even allowing Raphtalias village to be destroyed, for allowing the slavers to take the children.

Shield conditions met

Curse Series unlocked.

Naofumi's world turned dark again.

Raphtalia sat beside Naofumi in the now vacant arena, only her with Shirou and his party remained.

"Can you lot help Raphtalia? Take Naofumi to Erhard and tell him I'll pay him for Naofumi to stay there."

His group all agreed, with Raphtalia speaking up.

"Thank you for the help, Mr Shirou, but what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to have a talk with the spear hero, and see what the he'll he was thinking!" Shirou spoke, shouting the last part.

With that, he walked off towards where he saw Motoyasu leave.

Chapter has been redone. Hopefully it's better than what I posted before.

again, I apologize for posting a chapter like that, my mind kind of died on me, and I completely forgot about Shirou interacting with anyone or anything. I made him brain-dead entirely.

leave a review just to say if it's better/worse. that would be appreciated