Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Hey here is another fic to add to the severe lack of White Knight Chronicles Stories so please enjoy.

(Start Prologue)

On a Cliffside overlooking the sea with the waves crashing against the rocks birds could be heard flying around as all seemed oddly calm and quiet. Overlooking it all was a young man in white as he looked over the clouds before him. As he watched it all he seemed oddly calm and yet at the same time tired.

Soon he was joined by three others, a young woman of ebony black hair wielding a black and almost demonic sheath with black armor and a sword on her back. Another young man with dark brown hair in draconic armor with a lasso belt in his hand and a spear on his back. Finally another young woman with violet hair as she wore what looked like robes and armor belonging to an archer. She had a bow on her back and another bow in her hand. What could be noted about the sheathed weapons were the gems on each of them. But as for the items in their hands they all seemed ancient yet radiated power from each of them.

The young man looked to the three just before a ball rolled on over to them. They all saw it and in turn a young girl with a tail ran over to them. Following her was a young woman, and a small boy who seemed to have also been after the ball. As they stood there the young man stood up taking the ball and handing it back to the girl. When the girl took the ball the hands of the other three unknown warriors joined the ball for a moment. The boy, the girl, and the blond haired young woman all looked before the four began to walk away torts the hill top above.

As they walked they stood side by side but kept their distance at the same time. But with each step it seems they were preparing something as energy formed around them. Once the energy died down there feet also vanished only to be replaced by giant armored feet.

The three unknown arrivals looked and saw four massive armors walking torts the light. The Black Armor wielded a rapier in its hand, the red draconic armor held a trident in his hand, the only female of them a beautiful one with a fairy like look to her wielded a bow, and the white armor like a knight from stories of old wielded a shield. As they walked they looked to the light prepared to face whatever foe stood before them. Soon the light reached its apex until all was blinded by its radiance.

(Start Hokkaido Japan)

"Thank you." Came the voice of a male as he happily took the newly repaired camera from the shop after he had paid for the repair. In turn a group of four friends walked out as they began to walk down the street to grab a bite to eat before calling an Uber.

"Thank goodness that's over." Came the voice of a dark haired girl as she was wearing a lot of black looking a bit Emo as some would call her.

"Hey a good camera means more memories." The tallest of them said with a smile on his face.

"Oh knock it off you two." Came a second female scolding the duo.

"But we haven't even done anything yet, Tsubaki." The male said and thus Julie looked to them with a scolding look.

"Exactly, Taiyo yet." Tsubaki said as the boy know known as Taiyo pouted to this. "Speaking of you've gotten our new play book ready right, Jun?" Tsubaki asked to the Emo looking girl who looked.

"Yeah took me a while but I got it made." Jun said before Taiyo smiled in an excited manner.

"Awesome that means we'll be able to return to the Kingdom of Balandor after all these years!" Taiyo cheered as he made a huge grin in response to this. It's been several years since Geonet was shut down after the switch from Play Station 3 to Play Station 4 was completed. For these four it meant saying goodbye to their beloved game after so many years of online play... it was sad to see it all go away after almost 6 years of fun. But time stops for no one not even teenagers thus here they were.

"Yeah finally." Came the fourth voice as he walked between the groups from the back. "But first we need to get prepared and to do that we need to pick up our equipment." The voice said and thus the group smiled to this.

"Read mind Shiro." Taiyo said with a smirk on his face. "And I know just where to look for it." Taiyo said and thus they were off to whatever the destination was. These four were College Sophomores from varying walks of life. Taiyo was from a wealthy family but acted the exact opposite of what was expected of him. But since he didn't break bad and kept his nose clean 9 times out of 10 he was allowed to live on his own with an allowance from his family.

This allowed him to let his friend Shiro move in so they can attend college together and each of them had been from varying levels of good behavior to get rewarded. Shiro was the unofficial leader of the group since he tend to keep everyone in line while Jun and Tsubaki got their own places near the boys. If their parents had found out they did a mix housing thing they'd all freak and be on their asses. They've been friends ever since middle school when Taiyo set off that stink bomb he got from a cousin... don't ask.

Jun kept to herself most times didn't talk to others and tended to avoid things if possible. She's like a lone wolf if the lone wolves old pack wouldn't leave her alone. Tsubaki she's basically like their glue she keeps them all together but problem is she tends to act like a Tsunadere mixed with a Know-It-All. Fin story is that it's actually Jun who's smarter then all of them combined. Still they were a close nit group to the point they swore if they ever got a boyfriend or girlfriend they'll use their partner to get their friend's one of their own.

Taiyo often compared them to Big Bang Theory only they were college students and none of them were Sheldon, thank God. A man can only hear 'Bazinga,' so many times before their sick of it.

(Later at the Library)

Since they don't have to worry about work or parents it allowed them to indulge their Otaku sides. Added with Good grades and good behavior these four have it made until they graduate College and would have to find work. The group arrived at the Library to retrieve their 'equipment,' for tonight's game. See for the past year they've been working on a White Knight Chronicles Tabletop game Tsubaki handled game design of both board and pieces, Jun write up the game book for the campaign, Taiyo helped fund their snacks and supplies, and Shiro handled budgeting it all.

The only thing they needed now was to create a Dungeon Master for this. Hence why they were here they were planning to find something or someone to be the Dungeon Master and Light Novels were a good way to set up rules for the DM. Shiro of course was searching through Light Novels to find a book that would be a good source for DM basics. Taiyo was asking round while Jun well she was scaring everyone off.

Shiro was alone as he was reaching up to a random book hoping it might have what he needed. He pulled it but in doing so the other books were pulled as well. Thus when it was freed Shiro yelped as the books all landed on his head causing him both shock and pain. This caused Taiyo, Tsubaki, and Jun to run or walk over to him.

"Hey man you ok?" Taiyo asked as Shiro held his head a bit.

"Yeah just got surprised was all." Shiro said before he noticed something. "Huh?" Shiro asked as he noticed an extra book in the pile and proceeded to pick it up.

"What you got there?" Taiyo asked as Jun was intrigued as well.

"The Four Cardinal Weapons." Shiro said as he then opened the book to look inside it. "In order to save the world from the waves of apocalyptic catastrophe four heroes will be summoned from another world." Shiro read as he then turned the page and proceeded to skim through it.

"Sounds intense." Tsubaki said as she looked to Shiro.

"More like standards Isekai Light Novel cliché's." Jun said as she heard it all before.

Shiro rolled his eyes and continued to read the book. "Each hero has a distinct weapon, a sword, a spear, a bow, or a Shield." Shiro said and thus Taiyo heard this.

"Huh Shields can be badass." Taiyo said being optimistic about it.

"So where is our Heroin?" Tsubaki asked as they looked through the book. "I mean it can't be her she's way to bitchy and is just asking for the rebirth of the infamous Sakura vs Hinata war." Tsubaki said as she was a pro Sakura all the way.

"Seems like their all the main protagonists." Jun said calmly as she won't lie she was kind of interested in this novel.

"Hmm the Sword and the Black Knight, the Spear and the Dragon Knight, the Bow and the Moon Maiden, and the Shield and the White Knight." Shiro said and thus his friends saw his train of thought.

"Ok we have GOT to check this out." Taiyo said and in turn when the turned the page on the Shield Hero they saw it was all blank.

"Or not." Jun said as she saw this.

"Where's the rest of it?" Shiro asked and when he did the four were wide eyed when the book began to glow. In turn to the group's utter shock the entire area around them began to glow bright and from it the library seemingly began to grow to a size of infinite.

"Shiro!" Tsubaki called out and in turn the group of four panicked. Just then Shiro felt light and in turn they all went wide eyed when they saw Shiro begin to fall.

"SHIRO!" Tsubaki, Jun, and Taiyo all called out and went to grab Shiro. Of course Tsubaki grabbed Shiro's hand first causing Taiyo to grab Tsubaki, and ending with Jun grabbing Taiyo's free hand. The result was all four of them falling into the endless expanse to what might be there doom.

As they all fell they feared the worst for them at whatever the end was. But as they fell they went wide eyed when they saw something or in all actuality someone appear before them.

"Cisna?"

In turn the woman who looked like Cisna had four spheres of light in her hand. In response she sent the spheres to the four college students who were blinded by their light. The orbs went to Shiro's let arm, Tsubaki's leg hand, Jun's right hand, and Taiyo's belt buckle. They fell for a little while longer until they eventually landed in an unknown location.

The group ended up dog piling on each other Shiro ended up on the bottom of the pile sprawled out twitching a bit. "Fantastic the summoning was a success." Came the voice as the group looked and saw they were surrounded by men in robes. "Brave heroes won't you please save our world from pure evil." The Monk guy asked just before they Avengers had one similar question.

"What?!" They all asked but with three other voices added in causing the group to look and the Priests to look confused.

"Wait aren't their supposed to be four of them?" Another one asked as the leader did a count and counted three more then what was intended.

The group got up and looked around and noticed that there were three others here beside themselves. They looked and saw the three other boys here and got as close a read on them as they could. The oldest looking one that stood closest to Shiro was holding a spear. His long blonde hair tied up in a stylish ponytail, similar to but not as long as Kyoko's long red hair. He was wearing a rather nice-looking blazer over a simple pair of slacks and a V-neck t-shirt.

To Shiro's left was a slightly effeminate looking boy, with chin length black hair, wearing a black jacket, and jeans. He was holding a sword. At the end was clearly the youngest looking boy, wearing what looked like a high school uniform, with curly blonde short hair, and from what he they saw he was currently holding a bow weapon.

For Jun she gave them a cold look as to her eyes she saw what looked like shadows coming off them. Not great mind you but just enough that they had a taint of sorts on them. But she then went wide eyed at this and then looked down before going wide eyed at what she saw. It was the black scabbard of the Black Knights ark in her hand as she then looked to the others.

"Guys." Jun said as she looked to her friends who then saw what she was holding. Tsubaki did the same and in her hand she saw that she was holding the Moon maiden Ark in her hand as the bow looked exactly how it did in the game. From there Taiyo looked to his hands and saw he had the Lasso belt of the Dragon Knight in his possession making him get a big giddy at the sight of it. The only one left was Shiro who saw he had a shield all but attached to his right hand as his left hand was holding what looked to be the White Knights ark with the dagger inside it but not at all active.

"Did we get Isekaid?" Shiro asked as he tried to make sense of this while trying to hide the Knights ark.

"What do you mean it's in need of saving?" The curly haired young man asked as he looked to the Priests.

"The story behind it all is long and complicated, but suffice it to say you are the four cardinal heroes and you were summon here using an ancient ritual." The head priest said as this surprised the group.

'Cardinal huh?' Shiro thought as he then laid eyes on the Knight Arc. 'What why do we have the Knights Arks? Also are these the actual Knights Arks?' Shiro asked and in turn much to the fours surprise the Arks quickly vanished from sight for them in a flash of light.

"Like that book?" Taiyo asked as he tried to make sense of everything going on here.

"Shh." Tsubaki shushed him as she gave Taiyo a scolding look.

"Our world teeters on the brink of destruction. Heroes, please lend us your strength." The Priest continued while Shiro was thinking, lowering his head back down.

"Well, I can at least…" Shiro started before he was interrupted but the three other boys interjections.

"I don't think so." The Sword wielder said causing Jun to glare at him.

"Yeah, me either." The kid with the bow said as this caused Tsubaki to want to smack him upside the head.

"We can go back to our world, right? We'll talk about your problems after that." the Spear wielder said as Taiyo was starting to not like this guy.

Shiro and his friends gave the three a glare knowing full well that was both rude of them but at the same time understandable as well. Shaking his head slightly, the sword wielder pointed his sword at the priest, and nearly shouted, "Don't you feel any guilt for calling people into your world without their permission?"

"Besides," interjected the boy with the bow. "Even if we save you and bring peace to your world, you'll just send us back home, right? That just sounds like a job to me." He glared at the priest before the Spear wielder spoke up.

"I wonder how much you've considered our opinion on this. I wonder how it could be worth our while. Depending on how the conversation goes, keep in mind that we might end up enemies of your world." The Spear user said causing Shiro to glare at him for this.

'Why are they taking this is stride any sensible person would be demanding answers not respect and rewards.' Shiro thought as he saw this.

Seeming to realize what was being asked, the priest quickly scrambled back up to his feet. "Yes, well, we would very much like you to speak with the king. He will discuss future compensation with you in the throne room." The Priest answered the two younger looking boys.

"Whatever." The Sword user said as he looked to the Priests.

"Fine." The Bow user added as they began to follow the priests.

"I don't think it really matters who we talk to, but whatever." The Spear user added as he went after the Priests.

"But before that." One of the Priests spoke causing all eyes to go to Jun, Tsubaki, and Taiyo. "Where did you three come from?" He asked looking to the four.

"Um I'm guessing we were at the wrong place at the wrong time." Tsubaki said as she showed to not have a single weapon when she had the Ark teleport to some subspaces storage.

"We're with him." Taiyo said pointed to Shiro.

"I see." The Priest said and thus knew there must have been a reason for it. "Then would you three also meet with the King perhaps he may be able to assist you all." The Priest offered and thus Jun sighed.

"Very well." Jun said and in turn the group of seven followed the Priest to meet with the king.

(Later)

The group were seen climbing a flight of steps as the four friends try to keep their space between each other in a narrow path area with Tsubaki Kaguya not happy about this but who would denied people who looking for help she can't be angry about that, but she is angry at the other 3 summon "So called heroes" as they threaten to harm people if they didn't get rewarded when they ask for their help… how messed up is that?"

Taiyo pass by a window stopping for a moment to look out it as he said "Wow this really is another world, huh." He lifted up his camera and took a shot to the outside.

"Somewhat impressive" Jun said as everyone felt the wind blow by. It was different clean even Shiro could also tell they were in a different world, the sky, the air, the smell, so much cleaner than the city as he said, "It's like we have travel through time."

"Totally," Taiyo said as Jun look to the boys and said, "It's not something to be Excited about as everything will be different here no doubt with different rules and laws."

"But it is something to be Wowed about, even if we are in a different world," Tsubaki said as looking outside almost remind her of the country side as the bow guy asked, "I'm guessing you guys never traveled much?"

"We do, just not out of the country, let along something like this far for that matter," Shiro said as Taiyo added in his two cents as he said while pulling up some photo he had on him, "I do have some photo of us traveling to places if you guys want to see some of them."

"We're good," the sword guy said as Jun spoken up saying, "Can we keep moving along? Last thing I want is to be in a small place that could collapse on us that could either kill us or trap us in place with many smelly guys around stinking up the place."

The three heroes and the few priestess and nuns look to her oddly as it seem they aren't use to girl like her as Tsubaki said, "Don't mind her, she always had a thing going on. Let us meet the king shall we?"

With that everyone was moving along with Taiyo too before getting a few more shots and follow the rest.

(Scene Break Throne Room)

Eventually, the heroes and all of the friends were brought before the King sitting on his throne with the throne room itself was well lit and decorated. A few dozen people were present in the room. They were presumably nobles, along with some servant that stood by on the fair side walls and corners.

Dressed in purple robes, the elderly King sat in one of the distinguished thrones. The second throne chair was curiously vacant, and it was noticeably higher than the king's throne. A priest had just finished updating the King of the odd summoning event as the other arrivals all stood together with Shiro.

The Four Heroes and the friends stop at the center of the room and bow before the King, even the friend's bow as well to be plight, even if Tsubaki had to force Jun a bit.

"So, the youths I see before me are the Four Cardinal Heroes of ancient legend?" the King asked with a firm tone of voice, a clear sign and reminder of his authority. He scanned each other of the Four Heroes as they stood side by side, "I humbly welcome you brave souls to my country of Melromarc. I am Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, and I rule this country as her King. Now then, you may stand once more." The Four Heroes stood up to their feet as ordered. "Now one of my priests had informed me that that 3 others were brought here alongside the Shield Hero correct?" Aultcray said as he looked to the group.

"Yes your majesty I think it was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Tsubaki said letting her be the voice of the group.

"No kidding." Jun said as she as she looked around she sees shadows all around some of the nobles and knights around, even the king had a big shadow lingering around him.

"Well then my apologies that you were dragged along but I have faith your souls may brave the trials to come." Aultcray said and thus carried on. "Now then starting with the heroes please identify yourselves." He asked and thus the sword guy spoke up.

"Ren Amaki, I'm a high school student and I'm 16 years old." Ren introduced as he looked to the group.

"I'm Motoyasu Kitamura. Twenty one years old, and a college student." Motoyasu introduced as he walked up shouldering his spear.

"I'm suppose I'm up next. I'm Itsuki Kawasumi. I'm still in high school, and I'm seventeen years old." Itsuki introduced as James was probably the only foreigner among them.

"Looks like I'm up next." Shiro soon stepped up knowing he was next as he started to say "I'm-

Before he could say anything else the king cut him off as he spoken over him saying, "Good, Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki, is it?"

The group was surprise that the kind just brush him off before he could say anything, with Shiro was about to let it go hoping the king did forget him, but it seem Tsubaki did let it go as she spoke up after she give a "Ehem!"

All attention was on her as she said to the king, "I am sorry to be rude here your highness, but you forgot someone, my friend here who is I am assuming is one of "Four" cardinal hero as you put, and you only mention three names."

"Ah… my apologies." Aultcray said, with a hint of indifference to which the group of friend picked up, even with Jun as she saw the shadow grew a bit around the king as Shiro thought, 'He did it on purpose?'

Shiro then sighed before he continued on. "I'm Shirogane Takeru College student 20 years old." Shiro introduce himself as he looked to the king.

"Taiyo Ryusenshi the same just turned 20 actually." Taiyo introduced himself.

"Tsubaki Kaguya also in college turning 20 soon actually." Tsubaki introduced as she looked to the King.

"Jun Kagemaru." Jun introduced in a bored tone as she saw the shadows coming off of a great number of people here. She didn't go any further then her name as she stood with her friends giving everything a bored look mixed in with a skeptical investigative look.

"Now then." Aultcray began as he gave the gathered warriors a look. "I suppose I need to explain why we brought you here." Aultrcay said as he then went into the explanation of their summoning. "My beloved country of Melromarc and the entire world surrounding are heading down a path to certain ruin." He began before going into the story of what was happening to his world. The King then proceeded to tell the group of the problem they were having. He spoke of an ancient apocalyptic prophecy that had foretold of the "Waves of Catastrophe", which will bring destruction and chaos upon this world. During these "Waves", rampaging monsters will wreak havoc wherever they spawn. The first Wave had washed over this country not long before the Four Heroes were summoned. The adventurers and soldiers were able to fend off the first Wave, but the devastation and loss of life was not lost on any of the survivors. The Waves following after the first would increase in difficulty with each one passing. If Waves weren't stopped, the world will meet its end.

That was why the Four Cardinal Heroes have been summoned, to fight the Waves and protect this world and its inhabitants. When summoned, the Heroes bear these Legendary Weapons, the Sword, the Spear, the Bow, and the Shield respectively, just as Ren, Motoyasu, Itsuki, and James had the Legendary Weapons already in their possession. The countries of this world had ancient artifacts called the Dragon Hourglasses, which predict the coming of each Wave. They would continue to turn and pile on sand until all this crisis was averted. The next Wave was due in less than a month from now. By the time Aultcray was finished, sun had begun to set.

"We underestimated the disaster the first Wave had wrought." he said solemnly to which the group all listened. "Now that we know of the potency of the Waves, we had no choice but to follow the ancient legend, and summon the four of you to aid us and prevent more of these tragedies. We can no longer afford to waste any more time. On behalf of my people, I beg you, brave Heroes, help us counteract the Waves of Catastrophe by lending your strength." He asked and in turn James noted it as did his friends. It was the exact same story in the book they found for their tabletop version of White Knight Chronicles.

"Ok we understand the gist of it." Ren said after he slammed his sword to the ground. "Anyway I'm sure you didn't bring us here we'd save you for free." Ren said as he glared at the King.

Jun was oddly quiet during this but before any of them could respond to Ren's words the Prime Minister spoke up. "Of course not once you repel all the waves I can assure you we shall reward you most handsomely." The Prime Minister said as Motoyasu liked the sound of that.

"Yeah?" Motoyasu asked with a smirk on his face. "Well it would seem we have no choice but to take you at your word." Motoyasu said but all the while Jun saw the shadows grow stronger not out of evil it showed her what she would assume is their true intentions.

"As long as you don't renounce we'll work with you." Ren said in a cold tone. "But don't think for a moment that you can, tame us." Ren said showing he wasn't backing down.

"Exactly we won't put up with you looking down on us." Itsuki added and thus Shiro had his doubts but Jun spoke up first.

"What a bunch of arrogant assholes." Jun sighed as she kept to herself mainly.

"Jun!" Tsubaki scolded as she was heard by everyone. "Sorry she's not exactly a people person." Tsubaki apologized as she looked to the people around them.

"If I can trust we have reached an agreeable arrangement I would ask you brave heroes to now check your status." Aultcray said and thus Shiro and his friends looked confused.

"Our what?" Shiro asked as even Motoyasu and Itsuki looked confused about this.

"Yeah what the heck is a Statues?" Taiyo asked as he heard this.

"Um yeah." Itsuki said as he agreed with them.

"Are you guys dense?" Ren asked as he looked to the group. "It should have been the very first thing you noticed when you got here." Ren said as he looked to Itsuki and Motoyasu sounding like a major know it all. "Don't you see the icon in the lower right corner of your vision?" Ren asked and in turn everyone started to look to it.

"Huh?" Shiro asked and thus he did as Ren said and found the icon in question. Shiro then focused his attention on it seeing as he had seen how Anime with VRMMORPG's tend to work.

In turn they all saw what they had going for them. It was a pretty basic status screen found in all RPG's as Shiro saw his. But his statues screen had a few extra bits to it assuming the others were different. He opted to check it out later but when he looked to his friends he saw they also found something similar but were being discreet about it.

"Only level 1 well that's really concerning isn't it." Itsuki said as Motoyasu had to think it over.

"Yeah no kidding who can tell if we can even fight like this." Motoyasu said as he was concerned about this information.

"What is this exactly?" Shiro asked as he looked to the King and the Prime Minister.

"It's called Status magic an ability exclusive to the heroes." He said as Shiro looked to him getting some major Ledom vibes from him.

"So where do we go? What's the first step?" Ren asked as he looked to the Prime Minister.

"You must set out on an adventure to develop and upgrade these legendary weapons you have been equipped with." The Prime Minister said as he looked to the heroes.

"Makes sense." Shiro said as he saw the Shield no doubt these weapons must undergo some reset every time they get a new wielder. "I guess this will be a learning progress for all of us." Shiro said as he looked to his shield.

"Can't we just use other weapons until these are usable?" Motoyasu asked but Ren spoke up next.

"Shiro has a point we'll have to figure this out as we go." Ren said as he looked to Motoyasu. "Regardless we all have a lot of training ahead of us." Ren said as Shiro had a bad feeling about this.

"We'll have to level up and fast." Itsuki said and in turn Jun spoke up.

"There's a catch isn't there?" Jun asked as she glared at the Prime Minister getting everyone's attention. "There's always a catch to these sort of things." Jun said and thus the Prime Minister sighed.

"She is correct I neglected to mention that you each must recruit allies and adventure separately." The Prime Minister said as Tsubaki then sighed to this.

"Why does she have to be so perceptive?" Tsubaki asked as for once it was a good thing it helped them.

"Ok why is that?" Itsuki asked as he looked concerned.

"It is said by their very nature the legendary weapons repel one another. If you try to work together it will apparently hinder their development." The Prime Minister said as Taiyo saw that was odd.

"Looks like it's the truth." Shio said as he saw a help screen show up before him. Shiro also noted that the weapons and most likely the Arks were transferring all the visual and sounds to their primary tongue.

"Since the sun is about to set rest here for the night and begin your quest tomorrow." Aultcray said as Jun let it be for now. "In the meantime we'll gather the best of the best to form your parties." Aultcray said and in turn a maid walked up to the group.

"We've have quarters prepared for you all, please right this way." The woman said gesturing her arm to guide them to their rooms.

(Later that evening with the Heroes)

"I guess when your heroes of legend you get special treatment." Motoyasu said as he sat on the bed in the room.

"The girl who showed us here was cute too." Motoyasu said as Jun was off to the side. "Though not as cute as you and Tsubaki Jun." Motoyasu said and thus Jun scoffed a bit.

"Whatever." Jun said giving Motoyasu the cold shoulder.

"Wow that was cold." Shiro joked when he saw this and smirked at Motoyasu's expense.

"Though it did taste unusual our dinner was sumptuous." Itsuki said as Taiyo was on looking around a bit.

"Doesn't this seem kind of like a video game?" Shiro asked as he looked at the character screen he had.

"That's because it is a video game. It's exactly like Emerald Online." Motoyasu said and thus Shiro gave him an odd look.

"Sorry I never heard of it." Shiro confessed and thus Tsubaki nodded.

"Neither have I." Tsubaki confirmed as she knew well enough that such a game never existed as far as she knew.

"Seriously? It's huge," Motoyasu said as Itsuki said to him, "What are you talking about. This isn't some online game, it's a new console game I'm playing called Dimension Web."

"You're both wrong, everything about this place is identical to a VRMMO called Brave star online." Ren said with his arms crossed as this in turn got everyone confused with each other.

"Honestly it's kind of like an upgraded White Knight Chronicles." Taiyo added as he wanted to be involved and thus Jun sighed in frustration and face palmed herself.

"Ok it's obvious something is up here." Jun voice everyone's thoughts. "Where we come from VRMMORPG's are a thing of fantasy the closest anyone has gotten is online co-op play over the computer and the graphics aren't that great." Jun said as she then looked to Ren. "Are you honestly saying you've played an actual Virtual Reality Multi-Media Online Role Playing Game?" Jun asked as that was out there even for her.

"Yes." Ren said and in turn Tsubaki spoke.

"Sounds like the concept a few light novels we've read like Sword Art Online or .Hack/Sign." Tsubaki said as Taiyo nodded. "In fact one of those Novels had a game series as well that explores the concept." Tsubaki said as she looked to the group.

"Ok just to be sure let's explore general knowledge." Motoyasu said as Jun looked to Motoyasu wanting to hear what he had to say.

"Who face is on the 1,000 dollar Yen bill," Motoyasu said as he held up his spear as he waited a bit for everyone to get their answer right as he said, "Ready and-

Everyone answer at once and with mix results as all the Cardinal heroes gave out a different answer while Shiro and his friends given out the same answer of who was on the 1,000 yen bill, and soon enough for the next 10 minutes or so of Q&A with everyone asking so many different things like who was there favorite voice actor or actress for an anime character, which country won WWII, before it gotten to a point of everyone asking other question as Ren ask if anyone knew what GS(Game system) was, no one did but the group of friend think it the Counterpart to be the PS(Play station).

That wasn't the only thing as Itsuki ask if anyone knew what a Bot-X, the same thing as no one knew, but the group thought it could have been the Xbox counter part due to the name being so similar.

So on and so forth as everyone asking strange question to the other, even some of the friends gotten to ask some question to the other 3 heroes and they didn't know the answer too as everyone sat down and relax after those 10 minutes they all concluded they were all from alternate worlds with japans with none of them sounding alike, heck each world was different from each other with Motoyasu said, "I thought we would be from different eras but that not it."

"I thought stuff like this only existed in story… and fanfictions," Taiyo said as he was sorting the thoughts in his head as Shiro raise his arm with the shield on it as he said, "And It seem I got stuck with a underrated weapon, I mean I hardly ever heard of a shield class in much RPG games other than in DnD, and etc."

"Yeah, it's not unrealistic to have a shield character in a game unless they have special traits," Tsubaki said as she and their circle of friends knew well enough shield aren't great other than pulling agro, or being the Tank to take the damage which usually ends with them dying a lot and resurrect afterword's.

"Yeah as I've ever seen the shielder class that specializes in the Shield." Motoyasu began before looking at Shiro as he went on saying "Is for losers because no true gamer has ever played it."

"Are you calling him a loser because he was chosen to be the shield hero then with no choice of his own?" Tsubaki said with a slight tone of anger in her voice as she can tolerate people picking on her at time but picking on her friends was a big no-no as Motoyasu held up his hands and said, "Whoa I didn't say that, I'm just saying the shield class is not the greatest class at all."

"He can still use it to bash things in the head, as you can do that with a shield," Taiyo said as shield can he use to bash people back in games and figure out counter attacks, as Jun spoken up adding onto the whole conversation, "And there are magical skills that are passive abilities that anyone can use as just because he only has a shield, he may have great magical abilities, Maybe."

"Thanks for the vote of confident, Jun," Shiro said to her as she is right as there are magical skill are passive abilities anyone can use them and figure out which spell is right for their class to keep the RPG roll stuff going, as all he has to do is figure that out later.

"Well until we figure out what you can do, you may just have to get use to just defending people, I mean you can level up by party share EXP," Taiyo said as he hope that was a thing here too as Shiro said, "Right, but we can worry about that tomorrow, it's getting late already and going to need a full night rest for tomorrow."

The other heroes nodded and they didn't know if Shiro's friend were being helpful or cheer him up as far they knew, the shield class was the lowest of all classes, as they all headed to bed with the girls getting their own rooms and turn in for the night, unaware of someone listening from the shadows.

(Later)

Shiro open his eyes as an hour or so has pass, and he cannot get a wink of sleep, with some question lingering in his mind, as it wasn't about the shield… it was the white knight ark and the other arks he and the others gain when they came into the new world they were in.

Sitting up from his bed as he looks around the room seeing everyone was asleep with the light snoring, turning in bed with their feet hanging out from their beds, and the sleep talk as he hear Motoyasu saying in his sleep, "Oh my lovely Freon I have found you at last."

Shiro shake his head to that as he gotten up and decided to walk around a bit until he heard the familiar happy voice of Taiyo calling out to him, "Can't sleep?"

He turn to see Taiyo was still up as he lifted up from his pillow to show he was wide awake as Shiro said, "Well it was either that or I was about to go to the loo or whatever a bathroom is called here."

They both stay there in silent in the dark room as it was seem to be awkward a bit as Taiyo suggest, "Should we knock on the girl's door and see if they are still awake?"

"…why not," Shiro said as Taiyo gotten up from his bed as he and Shiro went out into the hall and went a few doors over where the girls were staying in for the night, as they knock on the door, to their surprise that it was answer quickly and Tsubaki had answer it as she opens the door and said, "Figure you two would still be up."

"You guys can't sleep either?" Shiro asked as he heard Jun voice saying, "What do you think?"

Tsubaki sighed a bit as she look to the guys and said, "You guy may need to hear this."

"Why, what's going on," Taiyo asked as soon enough the boys found themselves in the girls room as they all saw around a table similar to the one in the Heroes room as Shiro asked, "You been seeing shadows around people?"

"Yeah." Jun confirmed after waiting a bit. "It varies from person to person and sometimes moment to moment." Jun said as she sat with her friends. "I can't explain it but the despite the size the Darkness feel varies from person to person." Jun said to which she linked her hands together and rested her head on it. "In fact if I focus hard enough I can almost decipher it." Jun said as she looked to the group.

"So what you can read people by their shadows?" Taiyo asked as he sat on the bed.

"Not exactly the best I can describe is that I can see their darker or true selves. If their true intentions are dark I can see them, if not then not so much." Jun explained as she sat on a chair.

"Kind of like with Caesar in White Knight Chronicles." Shiro said and Taiyo remembered.

"Oh yeah that's right he can see the hearts of people and with it the truth about them." Taiyo said as he sat with his friends. "Which reminds me." Taiyo remembered as he then looked to Shiro. "I don't think the King likes you very much buddy." Shiro said as Taiyo looked and in turn Jun nodded.

"I can agree on that, it's like he's forcing himself to talk to you. While he has no problems with the other three it seems he has to force himself not to spit at you." Jun said and thus Shiro was confused on this.

"What did I even do to him?" Shiro asked and in turn Tsubaki was just as lost.

"I'm not sure and I don't think I Want to find out." Tsubaki said as Shiro had a thought when Tsubaki had more information. "We didn't mention this earlier but when he asked you guys to perform status checks we did the same out of reflect when Ren mentioned it and found we also had access to Status screens we don't know why but Jun figured out may be a side effect or the Arks giving them to us." Tsubaki said and Jun nodded to this.

"Yeah I figured it must have had some sort of role in this especially who gave them to us." Jun said and in turn Shiro figured them out.

"You saw Cisna?" Shiro asked and thus they all nodded in response. "Guys do you think the Knight Arks may have granted all of us passive abilities?" Shiro asked as Tsubaki thought it over.

"It might have done so we won't know until we discover them." Tsubaki said as she knew it was worth looking into at a later date. "But those guys... I'm sorry but I Don't like them." Tsubaki said and Jun nodded with Taiyo.

"Agreed they seemed too eager to stay in this world and the way they demanded compensation from those asking for their help. I can understand why they asked but doing it in such a way grinds my gears." Jun said as she sat with the group.

"Yeah I can't tell but when I looked at them for a minute I thought I saw scars on their souls like they had some deep shit that happened to them." Taiyo said as he sat on the bed. "I need to get closer for any confirmation but it might explain why they were more than eager to stay here." Taiyo said as he crossed his arms deep in thought. "Speaking of what about you guys do you want to stay or go home?" Taiyo asked as Shiro sighed a bit and leaned back on the sofa.

"Honestly I don't care either way." Shiro said as he relaxed a bit. "As long as I'm with my friends and have a bed to lay on I can walk away happy." Shiro said calmly and thus Jun sighed to this.

"In all honesty I'd rather stay." Jun said as she remembered some things that she was not exactly proud of back in her younger days.

"Wow your still hung up on that? Jun I thought you got over it." Taiyo said as he looked to Jun who then glared at him.

"It's not easy to get over when you done some shady stuff that got others hurt or worse." Jun said as she won't lie she had done things and said things that she wasn't proud of. She had time to grow but the things she had said or done back then... she had been trying to put it behind her for years. She won't go into detail but let's just say she wasn't always the cold, aloof; cool girl she was here.

"Ok Ms. Ex-Cheerleader." Taiyo said causing Jun to glare at him for that one. "There's the Jun we all know and love." Taiyo said as Jun then calmed down and smiled a bit.

"Whatever." Jun said as she proceeded to relax.

"Hey I have an idea." Tsubaki said as she stood up smiling to the group. "Let's form a party!" Tsubaki called out as she smiled to the others.

"What?" Shiro asked as Tsubaki smiled.

"Hear me out I was trying to find the help screen that mentioned the Cardinal Weapons repelling each other." Tsubaki began a she smiled to the group. "And from what I found the Knights Ark have the opposite going on they attract and empower each other." Tsubaki said as Taiyo then saw the alert appear as well.

"It's true." Taiyo said surprised to hear this.

"Well that was convenient." Jun said as she saw the alert appear for her next followed by Shiro.

"Well what do you know?" Shiro asked as he saw this as Jun then looked away a bit.

"I suppose that would be for the best." Jun began seeing the logic in this. "At least until we can get high enough with our levels." Jun said as she figured that was the case.

"Really trying to be a lone bird again?" Taiyo asked as Jun then looked to Taiyo.

"Lone bird? Isn't it lone wolf?" Jun asked but Taiyo smirked.

"Yeah but since the Black Knight is a Phoenix and you've been a loner type since we've met I changed it to Lone Bird." Taiyo said causing Jun to roll her eyes to this.

"Whatever." She responded not at all caring about the newest of nicknames Taiyo gave her.

"Well I think we should do it, maybe you guys can ask the King first thing tomorrow if it would be possible to join the Adventurers in forming parties." Shiro said as he'd be happy to have his four closest friends as part of his party.

"Yeah let's do that." Taiyo said with a smile on his face but then realized something. "Um we're probably going to need gear for this." Taiyo said and thus Tsubaki sighed.

"And we have no idea how the Party forming will work." Tsubaki said as she sat with her friends as they talked about this.

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it goes tomorrow." Jun said as she then yawned a bit in response. "I guess we should try to get some sleep that way we can have energy for tomorrow." Jun said and they were all in agreement on this.

"Yeah." Shiro said with a yawn as he and Taiyo got up. "Well goodnight." Shiro said as he took his leave of Jun and Tsubaki to head to bed.

As they left Tsubaki then smiled to Jun with an idea. "Think we can get a boyfriend in this world?" Tsubaki said and thus Jun sighed.

"Goodnight." Jun said as she went under the covers to sleep.

Tsubaki then sighed before she looked out to the moon in the night sky. As she looked to it she felt stronger from it for some reason and she wondered why. Then as if to answer her question an alert appeared before her eyes. "The Moon Maidens pactmaker gets an increase in power based on the phases of the moon." Tsubaki said as she saw the alert with shock on her face. Tsubaki knew this needs a lot of research but for some odd reason she felt the power of the Knights didn't belong to this world originally.

She knew Jun and probably the others were thinking it but there were FIVE Knights in the game before the introduction of the Avatar Knight. Right now Tsubaki counted four out of the Five accounted for so with that thought in mind… where was the Sun King? The Sun King is supposed to be the strongest of all the Knights with only the Demon Knight being the Knight that dwarfs it in power, then they had to find it before someone with less than pure intent does. But this was a big world and the Sun King could literally be anywhere on the planet assuming it was even here at all.

Thus as Tsubaki went to sleep with thoughts of researching this newly acquired power she also had to investigate the location of the Sun King and its Ark. If they at least found the Sun King itself, then that would mean the Ark was still hidden away. After all the Knight was useless without the Ark and the Pactmaker to use it. Still she didn't know why but this world or at least this kingdom left a very bad feeling for Tsubaki. She couldn't explain it but for some reason Tsubaki felt she had to keep her guard up in this world.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here you go the first chapter I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time. Now then be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always folk's ja-ne.