Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter let's get started people.

(Start Taiyo Adventurers Guild)

Since Taiyo wasn't an official member of Shiro's party any more he was no longer considered the 'Shield Heroes ally,' which helped him big time. Why you may ask well this allowed him, Tsubaki, and probably Jun to become Adventurers. Currently he was at the guild looking over a board with posts for those looking to hire and Adventurer for a task. Now normally this would be up his alley just one problem... he can't read their language.

Taiyo always came to the Quest Board first ever since he parted with Shiro a couple days back. So far he hadn't heard from him which made him worried. Erhard said Shiro had been around town a couple time when he went to visit the guy but nothing much. So here he was looking for Quests to get EXP and Level Up. "Fuck it." Taiyo said as he left the board and headed to the counter.

Once he got there he saw the Counter Maiden there waiting for him with a smirk on her face. "Still can't read it?" She asked to which Taiyo sighed.

"What was your first clue?" He asked looking to the woman with tears in his eyes like from an anime.

"You know you wouldn't have this problem every time if you just came to the desk first." The woman said as she looked to Taiyo.

"Yeah well you're not always here..." Taiyo said as he looked and saw Evelyn giving him a bored and annoyed look.

"Really?" she asked and thus Taiyo slammed his head on the table.

"Right sorry." He said to which the woman chuckled a bit. The Receptionist was a slender young adult with long auburn hair tied in a side tail. "Anyway Jane do you got a job for me to take?" Taiyo asked as he was lucky to have met Jane. She didn't believe the rumors spread about Shiro or his party members and was one of the few people in this town that had a good head on her shoulders. She was an intelligent sort from what Taiyo gathered and had this older sister air to her.

"Hmm..." Jane began as she looked through a book she had with her. "Well there is one I'd like you to take on." Jane said pointing to the job in question. "See there's been a request in Callma Village to get rid of a group of Bandits." Jane said as Taiyo heard this.

"Bandits?" Taiyo asked with interest and concern.

"Yes, and its especially bad since it was one of the places hit by the first Wave." Jane began to explain while looking to Taiyo. "The bandits have taken advantage of that fact and have been raiding this village for quite some time now. They've barely had any time to recover." Jane explained to Taiyo who listened to it.

"Ok got you Wave bad for people and great for monsters and opportunists." Taiyo said as he go the gist of it. "By why me? Cant some of the more experienced Adventurers or Knights handle it?" Taiyo asked as he hadn't actually killed anyone yet... emphasis on yet.

"Well that's where the bad news comes in, a lot of experienced adventurers didn't survive the wave and those who did are either bedridden or still fresh." Jane said as she looked to Taiyo.

"So what does that make me?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Jane.

"Not green but not clear either." Jane teased a bit as she looked to Taiyo. "As for the Knights... well there is only a handful off them that actually care about their job and that's not even a full handful." Jane said and thus Taiyo got the memo.

"Point taken." Taiyo said as he met some of those Knights... yeah he did not like them. They either got the jobs they have because they knew people or came from rich pedigree. It was like Storm Troopers of the medieval age heaven knows they can actually hit something without running away from it first. "But seriously why me?" Taiyo asked as he hoped for a straight answer.

"Well you've made a lot of progress since you joined up so it's only fair you start doing some harder jobs." Jane said and thus Taiyo nodded to this.

"Alright I'll give it shot." Taiyo said as he figured if Jane has faith in him he might as well try.

"Good! Now come with me the client for this job request is here and would like to speak in greater detail about it." Jane said as she left her station. "I'll take you to meet him." Jane said as she put the close sign her station.

(Later)

The duo arrived in a private room in the back of the Guild, where Taiyo's client was waiting. The Private rooms were made for clients to personally interview a potentially hired adventurer. "I've brought someone willing to help, Lord Vento." Jane said as she and Taiyo entered the room.

"Ah, you must be the adventurer who took on my request." said a wealthy looking gentleman as he sat in one of the couch of the room. He was middle aged, sporting graying black hair, and trim beard. He wore a white dress shirt, and dark green coat. He looked like a pleasant man.

"Nice to meet you I'm Taiyo." Taiyo said as he sat down on the opposite sofa in a relaxed manner.

"Taiyo? Isn't that the name of one of the Shield Heroes allies?" Vento asked to which Taiyo got worried.

"Yeah that's me." Taiyo said with a sigh as if he already lost the job.

"Well in that case... well met Taiyo. My name is Richter Vento." the gentleman introduced himself surprising Taiyo with how he didn't even react to learning how he was. In fact, from what Taiyo had seen thus far he was still being cordial.

"Now, on to the task at hand. I'm sure you know of the job request I have for you through the receptionist?" Vento asked as he looked to Taiyo.

"She told me a bit about your bandit problem, yeah." Taiyo said as he nodded in confirmation.

"That makes things easier." Vento smiled before he continued on with the conversation. "As you know, these bandits have been raiding this village I preside over as the lord." Vento said as Taiyo listened intently when he mentioned he ran the village.

"Wait back up the lord as in you run the village?" Taiyo asked as he may have just hit the jackpot for a job.

"Like you, I was an adventurer in my youth, but now, I'm the noble lord of Callma Village. I also run a merchant trade, and I believe that the primary reason for these bandits to harass my village. It's especially troubling for my trade operations. If I try to transport my wears, they'll attack without hesitation." Vento explained as Taiyo paid close attention to this man speaking.

"So that's where I come in then." Taiyo said as he figured out as much.

"Yes, precisely." Vento nodded at Taiyo's assumption. "Thanks to my bodyguards, I managed to determine their location, so now it's a matter of finding someone to drive them out. I'd ask the royal knights to do it, but as you no doubt have heard, they're rather incompetent." He said to which Taiyo laughed a bit.

"I'd agree but I'm worried they'll charge in the minute I say that." Taiyo laughed as Vento saw Taiyo was being humorous here.

"Quiet." He said but in all seriousness they'd probably do that if they could. "So, what do you say? If you complete this task, I'll reward you handsomely." Vento offered as he looked to Taiyo who had to make sure he could go through with it.

"Before I answer, may I ask you a question?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the man in question.

"A question? What might that be?" He asked and thus Taiyo got to it.

"What do you think of me personally?" Taiyo asked and knew clarification was needed. "I'm sure you know of my reputation for standing up for the Shield Hero. More than that I sympathize with the Demihumans here." Taiyo said as he sat before the lord. "I honestly think they got the shit end of the deal living in Melromarc because of how their treated and that's not even factoring he slavery." Taiyo said as he looked to Vento.

Richter was silent for a while, no doubt formulating his response. After a few short seconds, he spoke once again, "Well, regardless of that, I think you're a fine young lad and if I had a daughter I'd introduce you to each other before offering her hand to you in marriage." Vento laughed causing Taiyo to go wide eye in response to those words.

"Wait what?! Dude no offense but I'm not ready for that sort of commitment and no offense to your daughter or lack thereof." Taiyo said laughing and blushing at what was said to him. In fact even Jane, who was silent the entire exchange, was also caught off guard a bit by Vento's words.

"Forgive me. You've just been so serious this whole time with few moments of lightheartedness, I couldn't help myself." Vento said as he laughed a bit at Taiyos response.

"Ok I'll remember that for next time." Taiyo laughed as he joined in the merry making here.

Vento then continued knowing Taiyo wanted an honest answer. "Anyway, in all honesty, I don't really care for the on-going rumors and events circulating in Castle-Town, so long as they don't affect my business too much. Neither your reputation, nor the Shield Hero's matter to me. What I do care about is if you're willing and capable of taking on my request." He said as Taiyo looked at him with the Dragon Sight and saw he was being honest with his words.

"Well then before we get off subject let's get back to talking about that job you got." Taiyo said as he looked to the Lord before him.

"You're right." Vento nodded as he knew Taiyo had a point... until he opted to mention one more thing. "Oh, by the way, if you're wondering, I don't own any Demi-human slaves. I prefer willing employees. Better for business." Vento added to which Taiyo nodded to this.

"I assume that concludes the questioning?" Vento asked to which Taiyo nodded to this.

"Yes. And I'll take the job." Taiyo said as he was in need of new equipment soon and what better way than to do this job and get paid handsomely for it.

"Splendid!" Vento said while he smiled happy to see someone take this request. "Though, I must know if you're planning to go into this on your own? Wouldn't it be more efficient to go with a party?" He asked to which Taiyo blushed a bit while scratching his nose.

"Um... well the thing is... people aren't interested in working with the former member of the Shield's Party." Taiyo admitted as it would take a good while to change the opinions of others.

"Ah understandable." Vento said knowing how opinions can be fickle. "Very well, I'll leave the bandits in your hands. I'll also give you directions to Callma Village, and the location of the bandits' hideout. They aren't particularly threatening, but watch yourself, Sir-Taiyo." Vento said as he began to give Taiyo the map and directions to his village.

"Got it." Taiyo said as he was ready to move up in the ranks.

Just then Vento remembered something and looked to Taiyo. "Oh, and before I forget, in addition to being the high reward money I'm willing to pay for your service, I'll throw in a rare item I think you'll find interesting. You're free to say no, but I have my doubts you'll want to pass it up." Vento said and thus Taiyo looked to him.

"Dude stop digging you've stuck gold already." Taiyo joked and thus Vento and the Spear Wielder shared a laugh together.

(Scene Break that afternoon)

After Vento disclosed the location of Callma Village and the bandit hideout, Taiyo exited the private room, promising to do away with the bandits. Vento decided to remain behind, stating he would send royal knights over later on to have any remaining bandits arrested. While she couldn't stop him from going alone, Jane had advised that Taiyo should at least look for a partner, if not a party, to take with him to the bandits' hideout. Taiyo of course decided against it mainly because no one wanted to work with him and also he didn't trust his Dragon Sight 100% hence why he was still holding some suspicion of Vento.

He eventually left the main gate and traveled by foot to Callma Village. Halfway there, as he trailed down the path to the village, the Dragon Knights pactmaker noticed a wide and clear area near the forest and from what he could see empty possible farm lands. It was nice and clear enough for a small community to be built here. Taiyo and his friends could use a place to live in, since he didn't want to stay inns or hotels all the time. If he raised enough money, he could potential have a community built after buying this pot of land, for those Demihumans and beastmen. Or he could purchase a house in Castle-Town but alas hose ideas could wait because first, he had a job to do.

Hours later into the afternoon, Taiyo eventually spotted the fairly small village known Callma from the slopped path he took. Right now he had his spear over his shoulders like a cross while giving off a small yawn. His initial thoughts of this nightmare world had changed after the trial. The people here were a conceded bunch of assholes with narrow minds and close sighted views of the world and the Cardinal Heroes. All the racist crap he's seen made Taiyo want to vomit before summoning his Knight and rampaging on these assholes like a true Dragon. But he had to reign that in because if he did that he'd make problems a whole lot worse for everyone. But still, he couldn't abandon Melromarc, let alone a miserable little village like this one.

First things first it was time to pay those bandits a proper visit and once he was done get his reward. However, as soon as he began to walk down to the village, something caught his attention. He walked over to it and noticed footprints and from what he could see these were human in origin. It could be a scout from either side or it could be some random person... still he had things he needed to do and that was to finish the job. But from the foot print he just knew he was on the right track of taking out these bandits.

Well his plan seemed to reach a block because of something or someone sneaking up on him. He gave them a small look and with his Dragon Sight he knew they meant him harm. "Well... here we go." Taiyo said to himself knowing it was time to fight. Taiyo got up and slammed the pommel of his spear into the bandits causing them great harm in turn. When he did this he grabbed the bandit and slammed his knee into his face. He then spun his spear and slashed the blade at the guy thanking his Karate classes for this. Once he got the second guy he used his spear to put him in a choke hold and slam him to the ground.

Taiyo smirked at the fallen foe and patted him on the cheek. "Better luck next time." Taiyo said as he took their rope and tied them up to the tree for the knights to retrieve. "Now then let's take care of those bandit assholes." Taiyo said ready to kick some ass as he headed out to find their hideout. At least until he saw something on one of the Bandits. As Taiyo went to the bandit he took the item in question and noticed it was a card of sorts. When he saw it fully he went wide eyed at what he saw.

"Oh fuck all types of duck!" Taiyo cursed realizing exactly what this thing was. "A Gigas card and if there's one then there's a lot more." Taiyo said as he knew enough about these cards to know that they were bound to be a lot more and were dangerous.

(Later)

In a matter of minutes, Taiyo came upon a wooden outpost campsite near the mountain, in accordance with Vento's information he found the bandits hideout. They seemed to be celebrating their recent raid on Callma Village, drinking and dancing like there was tomorrow. There were about fifteen or so of them, all being male. There was even a woman beside the boss from where Taiyo saw from the shadows.

As Taiyo remained out of sight he almost blushed when he saw the woman in question. She was quite pretty, with long curly blonde hair, and blue eyes. She wore adventuring gear, such as a short blue dress, silver chest plate, armored wrist guard, and knee-high boots. She may have been the same age as a certain red haired bitch who deserves his ire, given her stature and physique.

But from what Taiyo saw of her both as a human and with the dragon's sight she was far from ok. She looked terrified to be in the presence of these men. Clearly she was there against her will, as evident by her arms being tied up by rope, and she was gagged by a cloth. Taiyo then looked to the front gate and knew the only way in was through the front door. Taiyo knew he had to save her but since he couldn't be sneaky that well he had to be loud and noticeable. "Well here goes nothing." Taiyo said as he then jumped down to handle the guards.

(Later at the Front Gate)

There were two guards stationed at the gate, keeping watch. Clearly they were put here because they weren't part of the raid. "Hey man do you ever why we're here?" One of the guards asked to which his friend rolled his eyes.

"Ok no you've asked me that question before and every time I Said it was a deep question not this time!" He yelled as he glared at his friend!" The second guard said clearly not wanting to go down that route again. "Man, I wish I could party in there right now. Heard they got some good wine from that village." The Second Guard said annoyed he was stuck out here.

"Yeah, me too. Bet it tastes good. Maybe next time, we'll join in and grab some loot. Then they'll let us drink, and have some fun with that woman who was sold to us!" The Guard said unaware of Taiyo's approach.

"I had the same idea!" The second one said calming down some until Taiyo was heard.

"You don't say." Taiyo said with a grin on his face over there conversation. "Hey what if you raided them then you guys will be the bosses." Taiyo said and thus had weapons pointed at him. "Well I tried." Taiyo said and thus grabbed the two guards making sure to knock them both out by pushing there spears away and slamming their heads together. When he did that they fell down knocked out as Taiyo proceeded to dust his hands off. "Thank God for loud music." Taiyo said with a grin on his face until he began to notice the music had died down.

A voice started to speak out loud that Taiyo heard, seems like someone was giving a speech or something as he came up to the main building where the celebration is going on as he hears, "To celebrate to another successful raid, as not only we gotten ourselves a hall but also to a new wrench that will no doubt settle our pleasures and gain us more coins than ever."

As the men cheer out to this, with Taiyo peek his head up through a window, seeing a man that no doubt the leader of the bandits as it seem using a human skull as a drinking cup, while everyone else using a normal cup or mug, the sick freak he was, but he also saw someone up against the wall chained up, no doubt a prisoner to these bandits, as Taiyo soon heard what the leader went on saying, "We will expand our reach to the other villagers, no adventurer, knights, or heroes will stop us as long we hold these, we shall live as kings!"

The boss head up a red card, no doubt it was a boss level monster, which one Taiyo does not know, but he doesn't want to find out and knew he had to take out that guy before he try it and the best idea he can think is as he said to himself, "If I bust in right now, I could catch them by surprise, and also keep the fight indoors, no doubt the guy doesn't want to ruin his own hide out, and also avoid the hostage being taken to be use as a shield or hurt by any stray attacks, I can jump in and use an attack in the middle… so I guess I have to do it before then."

"Eat and drink up my friends as tonight we dine in-

*BOOM!

Suddenly the door into the build was sent flying, hitting some bandits, with smoke and a bit of flames was use as a smoke screen to blind the bandits while chocking on some smoke, Taiyo came fast with a kick to a nearby bandit that survive the sudden explosion knocking him down while Taiyo moves on to the next guy.

The boss who saw what was happen as he saw a warrior of sort who suddenly busted his way in and fought off his fellow bandits left and right, using a weapon as his main weapon, thinking it was the Cardinal spear Hero, but gotten a good look at him and realize it wasn't as people describe in in rumors, a blonde man who seem like a moron with the princess by his side, he wasn't blonde and no redhead princess anywhere that he saw.

Taiyo strike the bandits with the staff part of his weapon, while acting out some fighting style that seem to come out of a kung Fu movie while making the sounds as he went, "YEAAAA! '*Wack!' Ohhhhh!"

Some bandit try to come at him all at once with Taiyo quickly turn towards them as he called out, "Flame Lance!"

Make a spear made of flames and sent it at the small group as it exploded near them, blowing them back with ease no doubt knock them out, with Taiyo smile and said, 'I love it I can use magic from the game, and fire no doubt.'

Suddenly he was attack by the bandit boss, who swung down a huge ass battle axe, with Taiyo barely able to block it with his spear and force by the weigh and the force of the blow push him back greatly as the bandit boss smile and give a bit of a laugh as he said, "Not bad, there are few that could stand firm against my attacks."

"Yeah well I'm what you call gifted." Taiyo taunted as he pointed his spear at the foe. "And you're what they call busted!" Taiyo called out as he pointed his weapon at the Bandit leader.

"Oh am I?" The Bandit Leader asked as he looked to Taiyo. "Do you have any honest idea of whom you are messing with punk?" He asked glaring at Taiyo.

"Nope just some crook who needs to be locked up." Taiyo said as he glared at his foe.

"Arrogant little punk." The Bandit said as he then went for the attack. Taiyo avoided the strike as best he could as he knew the guy was strong in his own right. The attacks kept coming as Taiyo was doing his best to avoid it but it was clear that this guy had some power to his swings.

In response Taiyo spun his spear and slashed his leg with it before slamming the shaft of the weapon into the man's side. Once he did that the Bandit leader was surprised by Taiyo's skill. Taiyo then back flipped away from the man before taking a battle stance. The Bandit leader charged at Taiyo as he then blocked the weapon with the shaft of his spear before kicking the man and proceeded with a head-butt to his foes skull. This left the Bandit disoriented and dazed as he stumbled about a hit. Taiyo then took the opportunity to start attacking as he proceeded to send punches at the guy before doing a double kick to his chest sending him tumbling to the ground.

"Hey now another one bites the dust." Taiyo said with a smirk on his face at his oncoming victory.

"Arrogant punk." The Bandit leader said as he glared at Taiyo while reaching for something on his person. "Don't think you've won just yet I still GAUG!" He cried out when Taiyo kneed him in the face knocking him down. Taiyo knew he was going for the Gigas card and thus was doing his best to stop him before he could pull out said Gigas Card. Taiyo didn't finish as he then got on the guy and pinned him as he pushes the shaft of his spear to his neck. The Bandit leader glared at Taiyo and with a show of strength force the spear user off his body. Taiyo rolled on the ground before he went for the one spot he knew all guys shared as a weakness. Taiyo then flipped over the guy once he got his feet back under him and swung the shaft of his spear between his legs. What came next was a high pitch cry of pain as the bandit leader as his family jewels took a deadly blow.

"No nuts... now glory." Taiyo joked as he saw the guy get hit there and felt sorry for him. Sure it was fighting dirty but he was a Bandit so he was just getting a taste of his own medicine. Taiyo saw how the man fell to his knees grasping his crotch as Taiyo then charged in and kicked him in the face hard enough to knock him out for a bit. "Serves you right!" Taiyo tainted as he then saw the rope and began to gather it up to tie up the bandits.

Once he was done he looked over to the captured and rushed over to the blond haired woman. "Are you alright?" Taiyo asked as he untied the woman from her restraints.

With a big gasp, the woman spoke, "Y-Yes! Thank you so much!" It was evident she was happy to come out of this in one piece.

"It's no problem." Taiyo said happy to see that she was ok.

"Did... did Sir Motoyasu send you to help? Are you with him?" The woman asked and thus Taiyo then gained a flat look.

"No he did not and no I am not." Taiyo said wanting nothing to do with that moron though he was surprised to hear how this girl apparently knows Motoyasu.

Once Taiyo got the girl untied she began to speak. "I can't thank you enough for saving me!" She said happy to finally be rescued.

"I-It's seriously no big deal!" Taiyo said scratching his nose a bit stammering over his words. "Anyway, who are you, and how did you wind up like this?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the girl with concern.

"I... I..." She began as Taiyo then saw tears begin to stream from her eyes. For some reason Taiyo felt he was not going to like what he was going to her. "M-My name is Rino. I'm small time adventurer… I recently joined a party, but… they sold me to these bandits as a slave!" Rino said and in turn Taiyo was wide eyed in shock and horror upon her words.

Taiyo was blindsided to hear this and why would he not. A party of adventurers selling their own comrade? How was this allowed to happen? And why? Rino seemed like a nice person. Who would do something so cruel? One person came to mind as an answer to that question, but just to be sure…

"Rino this party you mentioned… was it Motoyasu's party?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Rino hoping he wasn't about to get another reason to hate that idiot.

Rino then nodded as Taiyo was ready to go Motoyasu hunting. "T-That's right… I was in the Spear's Hero party for a short time. I was initially excited to join a Cardinal Hero's party, especially since he asked me directly to join him, not to mention very handsome. But, I was so surprised to learn that the rumors about his party being cheerleaders for him were true and I was so confused I couldn't help questioning why the party was like that…" She explained as Taiyo let her speak.

"And, who was the one who sold you off? There's no way it was Motoyasu." Taiyo said as he knew the guy may be a pervert and a moron but he'd never do something like this... not intentionally that is. For all his arrogance and delusion, Motoyasu seemed to care about women a lot. He wouldn't condone hurting a woman if he could help it. It didn't stop him from not listening to reason, though. He was just that stupid.

"I-It was Myne." Rino revealed as she looked to Taiyo. "She tricked me into going with these people, just for a few coins!" She revealed and thus Taiyo now wanted to hunt down both Motoyasu and Malty and give them both a piece of his mind and a spear up Motoyasu's ass.

"That's what I thought." Taiyo said as he tried to be as calm about this as he could.

In turn Rino continued to sob to herself in misery. Taiyo felt great empathy for her having her faith shaken like this and enduring such torment. Something was indeed seriously wrong with this country if they let the First Princess get away with things like this. Malty had no place as a Royal and for all intense and purposes she must NOT be allowed to take the throne. And of course, there was Motoyasu, who no doubt allowed this to happen without him even realizing it. How was he this stupid? He went on and on about how wrong Shiro was for attempting to rape 'Myne', but he had no clue one of his own party members was sold off to a bunch of bandits, which would have led to an awful fate had Shiro not saved her. That was cruel irony at its finest.

Deciding it was best let the blonde have some time to herself, Taiyo rounded up the unconscious bandits with some gathered rope. Afterward, the Dragon Knight's pactmaker sat with and comforted Rino, who continued to sob in misery. Taiyo didn't know why or how but this country was shit and this world was probably not much better. This was the problem with Isekai's anime's they only show you the fun and happy aspects of such a thing. They almost NEVER show you the darker aspects of a world its corruption and its cruelty. Taiyo was really hoping he didn't cross paths with Motoyasu until the Wave because he's afraid if he did then Taiyo won't be able to control himself looking at his dumbass face.

A couple minutes later, Taiyo heard heavy footsteps in the distance. Those were likely the royal guard, arriving fashionably late, and just in time to arrest the tied up bandits. One of the knights, one distinguished by his stylized helmet and dark red cape, possibly a commanding officer, like a Captain, approached Taiyo, while his men begin making the arrests.

"We were told by Lord Vento that an Adventurer may need assistance in dealing with a mess of bandits near his village. However, it would appear you've sorted out these pests on your own. Commendable, for a novice, I suppose." The smug and mustachioed Captain said making Taiyo want to punch him in the face.

"Well then thanks for at least bothering to show up." Taiyo said, snidely. Clearly, this man wasn't taking his job as seriously as he should. The commander clicked his tongue in annoyance, clearly not wanting to bother with this brat but Taiyo wasn't done with him. "I'm sure the whole country feels so much safe with how you Knights show up long after we needed you and someone else had to fix the problem you were supposed to fix." Taiyo taunted being a smart ass about it. "Keep up the good work I'm sure the nobles appreciate you cutting down their expenses when their citizens die when you could have saved them." Taiyo said clearly trying to get a rise out of this man.

"Captain!" A knight called out before the Captain could retort against Taiyo. He had a distinctive scar across the bridge of his nose, and a navy blue cap, indicating a rank second to the captain. Unlike his commanding officer, he seem to be taking his job more seriously, given the more stoic expression in comparison to his arrogant Captain.

"What is it?" the Captain asked irritably clearly wanting to give Taiyo a piece of his mind.

"We finished the arrests of the bandits and gathered the stolen goods are ready to transport them back to Lord Vento." The Vice-Captain said as he was ready to transport the criminals to a nice holding cell waiting for them.

"Very good, once we return everything to lord Vento, I am sure he'll be pleased and rewards us greatly," the captain said a bit greedy on with Taiyo looks at him and said, "Wow, I didn't know they reward people who just picked up criminals that were already capture beforehand."

"Watch it punk, I have the half the mind to take you in being an associate to the shield devil who rape the princess," the captain said as then Taiyo responded with as he held up the photo of him and the princess and said, "You mean the fake rape that you and little miss bitch made up to frame my friend hoping you can get some ass or something from her, by the look on your face, you didn't."

"You little bastard, I ought to," the captain started to say as he drew his sword and as the vice-captain came in to stop him and said, "Sir, it's unwise to attack him. He took down an entire group of bandits by himself, and there hardly a scratch on him."

The bandit leader gotten his hands free after cutting at the rope, as he use some of his own men as cover as he move around a bit and pull out a 2nd red Gigas card while everyone was distracted by the captain as he was yelling out, " I don't care if he's a high priest, no one dare talk that way to the royal guards."

"Don't worry I wasn't talking about all of you guys, just your greedy ass," Taiyo said as the captain was about to draw his sword until one of the other guards yell out as they said, "Hey stop him!"

Everyone turn to see the bandit leader running to an open area as the guards chase after him, as he suddenly stop, all the guards surround him quickly as another guard said, "Surrender you have no place to run to!"

"Oh I'm not running, not anymore," the bandit leader said as he held up the red Gigas card as Taiyo eyes widen as he said, "Get you men out of there! He's going to use it!"

"Use what, it's nothing much a silly card," the captain of the guards said, with Rino seeing what Taiyo saw, a look of fear appears on her face as it seem she knows what it was, as the bandit leader soon smile as he yells out while holding the card up to his head, "Come forth Sargatanas! Adveni!"

A great bright light surround the bandit leader as he use a Gigas contract card becoming a pactmaker to a Gigas. All of the guard close their eyes for a moment before opening them, and see what happen with a look of fear now upon their faces. Even the captain was scared once he saw what happen as the bandit leader just transform into a huge monster, with many legs, and an upper body of some sort of orc or troll while it had it two fronts legs raise up before slamming down and roaring out. This Gigas was the Sargatanas from the first White Knight Chronicles, with Taiyo yell out, "All of you knights! Fall back now, you're no match for that thing!"

"Shut up we're the royal knights and we're not going to be scared off by this thing, all knights rain down fire upon it!" the captain said as soon enough all the guards around soon started to chant as a magic circle came forth before them as they said, "Decipher the law of nature and burn my target. Raging fire!"

Soon enough balls of fire came forth a they all rise up and combine together and soon it rain fire flames upon the, but instead of hurting it, it just laugh as it spoken with the bandit leaders' voice as he said, "You are just weaklings! Prepare to face my power!"

He soon swings its legs out, hitting many guards around before stepping on one as they cry out before they were crush to death, then the Sargatanas turns around reviling the other face of the Gigas as it charging up its attack, as Taiyo eyes widen as he knew what was going to happen next as he grab both the captain and vice-captain and yell out, "Get out of the way now!"

They moved with Rino following them as the Sargatanas fire its beam of death as it not only taken out some of the guards, vaporizing them to dust as they cry out before they died, but the group of bandits that were stilled tide up were caught in the blast as the beam was heading towards the, and blow them away to the void.

The attack keep going as it hit some of the building too with them blowing up too and setting everything around them ablaze, as Taiyo, the captain and vice-captain, as well Rino recover and saw the damage, they were shocked, with Taiyo saw the group of bandits he help captured were now gone as well, before he gotten angry at this.

The bandit leader just killed all of his followers and some of the guards as well, destroying everything in its path, he wasn't going to let this guy get his way anymore, he going to take him down and let him face justice as he stood up and walk towards the Gigas as Rino said, "Wait, what are you doing?"

"I'm going to take this bastard down," Taiyo said as the Sargatanas was about to kill another guard, suddenly a fire spell was use, as it hit the giant monster's face as Taiyo called out, "Hey Jackass the Giant!"

"Hu?" the bandit leader said as he turn to Taiyo as said, "For starters I don't really care what you or the other people here has to say about me. Second of all I don't usually get pissed off, but you just killed many good people, and took out your entire crew... so congratulation big guy you've managed to pissed me off! So if you got any last words... say them!"

"Hu! If they cannot live or survive with me, they are better off dead. IF you care so much about them, you can die as well!" the bandit leader called out as he send his fist down to crush Taiyo, with Rino yell out, "Watch out!"

Taiyo did lead out of the way as Taiyo said to him, "Too slow there rock head… but now it's my turn."

He brought forth his ark as he sent it lose as it flew all around him as he chanted, "O Larvayne, vermillion drake, leveler of ancient lands, grant me your power."

The dragon ark soon wrap around Taiyo's waist like a belt as he took a stand similar to a Kamen rider as they were about to Henshin. Thus Taiyo then called out while making the dragon head of the ark bite down on the crest, "Verto!"

Once the magic began everyone was wide eyed and or shielding their eyes from what was happening. A magical circle appeared around Taiyo as he then clenched his hand into a fist. He then punched the ground causing the magic to reach its apex for what was coming. Taiyo then raised his hands up and crossed them over each other before the Dragon Knight rose up behind him mimicking his movements. Taiyo then spread his arms as he was floating torts the Dragon Knights chest while sinking into it as energy. Once he did so the Dragon Knight landed and its eyes flashed to life showing it was ready for battle.

Taiyo then had the Dragon Knight draw its Trident and take a battle stance while spreading its armored wings showing the wings weren't just for show. "What... what is this?!" Sargatanas asked shocked when he saw this.

"Wait he has one also?!" The Knight Captain asked shocked at what he saw.

"Incredible." Rino said shocked at what she saw.

"Come on!" Taiyo called out as he glared at the Gigas. "Bring it on!" Taiyo added and thus Sargatanas glared and charged at him. He started by punching the Dragon Knight who blocked one and thrust his Trident forward. One he did that he jumped up and chopped down with his weapon causing damage to the Gigas.

Sargatanas stumbled back from the attack and roared in anger against the Dragon Knight before charging in. The Dragon Knight blocked the attack with his spear before spreading his wings and flying upward. Once he did this he began to spin the spear around his body using midair. He then slammed the spear down on Sargatanas causing him pain as the result.

Taiyo smirked at this as he landed and then began to spin the spear before thrusting it forward using the built up momentum to help. "Come on is that all you got!" Taiyo called out only to be punched in the face by the Gigas causing him to stumble back. "Ok that was smarts!" Taiyo called out holding his chin through the armor. "But it's my turn now!" Taiyo called out ready for more as he in turn began to attack Sargatanas giving him what for with the Dragon Dance. Since most of these attack skills weren't magic based Taiyo didn't have to worry about it.

Sargatanas stumbled from the onslaught as the Dragon Knight then charged in and grabbed him by the face. Once he did so he pushed the Gigas to the ground and began to grind his face into it causing destruction in his wake. Once this was done he kept going until the second head came up and attacked causing Taiyo to block it with his trident. But was forced to free the Gigas as the Tail tried to disarm him where it then threw him. This in turn opted Taiyo to use his wings to stop his flight and fly on his own merit making him grateful the wings really did work.

Taiyo then spun his spear to where he can throw it while aiming it at Sargatanas while charging magic into it. "Eat this! SONIC SPEAR!" Taiyo invoked and thus threw his spear at Sargatanas where the attack pierced through the monster causing it an extreme amount of pain. Somehow the monster was still standing despite all of that before Taiyo charged in on the monster intent on ending it. He grabbed his spear on its return and thus impaled the monster in the chest and kept going deeper causing its blood to flow.

Sargatanas struggled to get free as he roared becoming something of a feral monster through his pain. But eventually the damage was too severe and the monster began to fall limp from it. In doing so Taiyo got off him and allowed the Gigas to return to its previous form laying on his back struggling to get up.

"But how...? My Gigas…" The Bandit leader gasped as he was clearly exhausted from the ordeal and battle only to cry out when he found a Trident pointed at him.

"Long story short I just busted your ass any questions?" Taiyo taunted as he glared down upon the Bandit Leader. "You guys can tie him up again just make sure he doesn't have anything to get out again." Taiyo said and thus the Knights getting the memo did as they were told. The Vice-Captain then approached Taiyo and cleared his throat to get the Dragon Knights attention. Taiyo had saw him before and noted he wasn't like his boss. "Lord Vento is waiting in his manner. I suggest you don't keep him waiting." The Vice-Captain said and thus Taiyo nodded to him.

The knights eventually cleared out, promising to have jail the bandit leader to face his crimes and return the stolen goods to Vento's manor once every stolen valuables had been accounted for. Seeing he was no longer needed he looked to Rino and kneeled before her. "Are you alright?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Rino.

"Yeah, I am! I owe you so much for this, Taiyo!" Rino called out with a cheerful voice.

Seeing she was going to be ok knew it was time to head back. "Great! Let's go to Callma Village and meet with Vento at his manor." Taiyo said to which Rino nodded looking forward for a long awaited bath. "Need a lift?" Taiyo offered as he held his free hand to the Adventurer.

"Oh... um sure." Rino nodded and carefully climbed onto the Dragon Knight's hand.

"Hold on." Taiyo said before spreading his Knights wings and proceeding to fly off. The wind he left behind nearly caused the Knights to loose there footing when they saw it.

(Later at Calma Village)

The Dragon Knight made a landing before the entrance of Calma Village causing everyone to jump back in shock and fear of it. That was until it dropped off Rino who looked to have just came out of her first rollercoaster ride. Once Rino was let off Taiyo kneeled and reverted back to his human form after claiming victory. Once that was done he smiled to Rino who could only smile back at the Pactmaker.

"How was the ride?" Taiyo asked with a smile on his face to which Rino smiled back.

"It was... fun." Rino said and thus Taiyo smiled to her and headed into the mansion with her.

(Later inside Vento's Mansion)

The trek through the village was an odd change for Taiyo. The majority of the people he had met and interacted with in Castle-Town, Melromarc's capital city, were prickly in a manner of speaking. The people of Callma Village were a little more pleasant and that was what won this kingdom a few brownie points in his eyes.

Some of the villagers went out of their way to great him and be cordial. It was like they didn't know of the rumors spread far into Castle-Town. Some had even thanked the Adventurer for getting rid of the bandits terrorizing them.

Taiyo felt a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for being recognized for his actions. He mainly did it for the money, but this brought a familiar feeling of doing, good for its own sake and no other reason. And, it felt pretty good, all things considered. But when he looked to Rino he didn't know how to say it but he was happy to have rescued her. Hopefully she can heal after her ordeal and possibly come back to being an Adventurer.

Now waiting in a private room in of Vento's manor, Taiyo despite hiding it well felt anxious, being in such a lavish space such as this. The same could be said Rino as she sat next to the Dragon Knight's Pactmaker. The duo were currently sitting on a coach located at the center of the room, where there was also an arm chair, coffee table, fire place, and various book shelves.

"I apologize for the wait." Vento said as he entered the room before he took a seat in the arm chair, while one of his maids set tea down on the coffee table. "First off, Sir Taiyo, I want to commend you on a job well done on taking care of those bandits and retrieving my stolen goods. Very outstanding!" Vento said after sipping a cup of tea.

"The knights did the retrieving part. I just handled the bandits. That was my job." Taiyo said while relaxing in his seat seeing as he only did what he was paid for.

"Yes, and there are the people you saved as well." Vento said to the Dragon Knight's pactmaker already aware of his armor by now. "I'd say you've more than earned praise." Vento added with a smile. "You saved not only this village but this victim of cruel circumstances." The Lord said as he saw Rino here.

Taiyo wasn't sure what to say but Rino beamed a smile at him he ended up blushing. "Ah shucks." Taiyo said showing he was a bit embarrassed by the praise.

"Now, as much as I'd like to keep singing you praise, I believe it's time to give you your due reward." Vento took out a large bag of money placed it in front of Taiyo.

"Thank you very much." Taiyo said as he took the bag and counted the amount of Coins inside it. "Wow 900 silver that should cover the amount for equipment and leave just enough for a night or two at an inn." Taiyo said as he looked to the coins.

"Naturally. And there's that rare item I promised as well. It was among the stolen loot, and thankfully, it wasn't damaged, or even used yet." Vento urged his butlers to bring the rare item, which was stored in a fairly long chest. After a short wait, the butlers brought in the chest and set it down on the table, allowing their employer to open it and present the rare item. When it arrived Taiyo recognized the sword instantly when it got there.

"This is called the True King Sword. It was forged from a rare substance known to few. This is one of the few of its kind, and it is of good quality. More so compared to most other swords." Vento explained as he showed the sword to them. "Like I said, you can have it if you want only 7 weapons like this exist and rumor has it that there is a suit of armor to go with it as well." Vento said as he showed to them the weapon.

'If that's the case...' Taiyo thought as he knew this sword was from White Knight Chronicles 2. 'If we can find the rest of its set we would be total bad asses!' Taiyo mentally called out and thus looked to Vento.

"Tell you what I'll take it but you need to hold on to it for me." Taiyo said surprising Vento when he said this.

"Oh?" He asked but Taiyo smiled to this.

"Just want you to hold it for a friend is all." Taiyo said as he now had something to gun for later.

"I see." Vento said and thus Taiyo had to ask.

"Anyway I've been meaning to ask so here it is. Why are you helping me like this?" Taiyo asked and thus Vento chuckled a bit.

"I'm afraid that's a secret. However, I can say that I'm doing this as a sort of favor to someone." Vento said and thus Taiyo sighed.

He then crossed his arms before continuing. "A favor? So, I guess whoever it is, you can't say either?" Taiyo asked with his arms crossed.

"Correct and I am sorry for being so secretive." Vento apologized as Taiyo nodded to this.

"It's ok." Taiyo said as he looked to Vento.

"Anyway even if we're going to hold this sword for your friend, Callma Village and I are in your debt for helping us, so if there's anything you need from our meager village, don't hesitate to ask." Vento said making Taiyo feel humble from all of this. But, since he was being generous right now, it might be appropriate to try asking for something.

"Actually there is one thing if possible." Taiyo said as he looked to the Lord who was now curious. "See I've been in this land for a time and so far I don't exactly agree with how they treat Demi-humans or that certain unnamed skanks can sell of their teammates and get away with it." Taiyo said as Vento listened in. "So I've been wanting to build some sort of Oasis for them to live peacefully or at the very least not get persecuted." Taiyo said causing Vento to listen to him. "Problem is that amount of land is restricted to Lords and the like which I am not." Taiyo said as back in Geonet you were able to build your own village and the higher your Guild Rank gets the larger your village becomes.

In turn Vento began to laugh like he heard a real good joke. "You do realize that I own most of the land here, right? You're basically asking for a pot of land in my property." Vento laughed and thus Taiyo sighed.

"Yeah, that's what I figured." Taiyo muttered, a little dejected.

"Now hold on, I didn't say I wouldn't do it. Between hiring an architect and finding materials, and depending on what sort of Land you want." Vento said surprising Taiyo when he said that. "That's also adds on what your offering to me for that land." He said as Taiyo figured he needed some sort of trade.

"I... don't know I guess mining." Taiyo said as he remembered that in WKC most Hometowns tend to focus on certain aspects.

"Mining you say?" Vento asked as he then laughed once more. "I'm starting to think you have future sight if not have spies because there is a land like that which had come into my possession when its former Lord passed with no heirs." Vento said and thus Taiyo heard this.

"Wait your just going to give it to me just like that?" Taiyo asked but Vento cut him off.

"Not exactly you need to learn how to run a place like that before you can have it." Vento said and thus Taiyo figured as much. "I'll give you the land if you can prove to me you have what it takes to run it." Vento said and thus Taiyo figured that meant studying. "I'll send you off with some books and the like and when you feel up to it come back to take my challenge." Vento said and thus Taiyo smiled to the guy.

"You're on." Taiyo said as he was so going to pass this one way or another.

"No then speaking of lands, you and your friend are welcome to stay here for as long as you need. There's plenty of room, food and clothes, so make yourself at home." Vento said making both Taiyo and Rino go wide eyed to this.

"Sir that is way too much." Taiyo said as Rino heard this.

"It's no trouble at all." Vento said as he smiled to Taiyo who then sighed.

"Geez." Taiyo said with a sigh no doubt having to accept the offer now.

"Ms. Rino, I'm certain you've had a harrowing experience, so you may as well as take up my offer. I'll have my medical staff see to your well being too, just in case." Vento offered and thus Rino began to smile.

"Yes! Thank you so much, Lord Vento!" Rino cheered ready to move out as soon as possible. "I haven't had good food and a warm bath ever since I was sold to those bastards!" She said no doubt hungry and in need of a bath. For now it seems they were stuck here for the night.

(Later that evening)

Dinner was had and rooms were prepared as Taiyo yawned ready for bed. He was given his own room while enjoying the space he got for it. "Man this day has been nuts." Taiyo said read to head out tomorrow.

Just then a knock was heard causing him to look. "Come in." Taiyo said and thus the door opened to see Rino in a night gown. "Oh Rino how are you?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Rino.

"I'm doing a little better." Rino said as she walked to Taiyo. "I have a request if possible." Rino said and thus Taiyo nodded.

"Ok shoot." Taiyo said and thus Rino went for it. "I wish to begin traveling with you if possible." Rino said with a bow surprising Taiyo.

"Um shouldn't you focus on recovering first?" Taiyo said as he looked to Rino.

"I should yes but I owe you so much... I want to repay you on my own merits." Rino said as Taiyo heard this.

"Geez." Taiyo said but he knew he needed help to read those books he'd be leaving with. Plus with his Dragon Sight he saw there was no talking her out of this. "I guess there's no talking you out of it huh?" Taiyo asked to which Rino nodded in agreement. "Alright you can come ONCE you recovered enough." Taiyo said and thus Rino nodded.

"Very well." Rino said and thus Taiyo added Rino to his party as she smiled to this. As they smiled to each other they both wondered what tomorrow may bring them. But one this was for certain this Chronicle was far from over.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here we are another chapter out of the way I hoped you all enjoyed it and join me next time for Tsubaki's chapter. Now then please leave a review before leaving and as I always on here Ja-Ne.