The Strongest Shield

by oblivon2991

The legend! A walking disaster! The "Strongest" Man on Earth! Many titles he gained. Many times he "saved" Earth. His heroics, all a lie? Or all true? Not as it matters. Thrown into an entirely different environment, a new world, he will prove his worth. Hilarity and misunderstanding ensue when he appears! The King engine starts: 'Dub! Dub' "Man, I quit being a hero..."

2. Legend of the Screaming Hero

Written by Oblivon2991

Proofread: The usual drunken gang of misfits and Transcended Potato

Thank you for reading my fanfiction and for giving me a chance.

My mother tongue isn't English, so please be patient about the grammatical issues.

I don't own One Punch Man anime/manga/webcomic, it belongs to ONE.

I don't own The Rising of the Shield Hero (Japanese: 盾の勇者の成り上がり, Hepburn: Tate no Yūsha no Nariagari), it is written by Aneko Yusagi.

If you have anything to add or have questions, or remark, please review, or send a PM.

Thank you!

Now let's start the story!

---

Chapter 2: Legend of the Screaming Hero

---

"What do you mean, King disappeared!?" A tall man in a business suit and slicked back brown hair glared at his subordinate. If that glare wasn't scary enough, his prosthetic eye was focused directly on the simple operator before him.

"I-It is just as I said, Mr. Sekingar!" The operator and his co-workers gulped, rarely seeing their usually-kind superior so angry. "According to the eye-witnesses and reports, King disappeared that day. Swallowed by some kind of light."

The operator room was settled deep inside of the Heroes Association's heart, in the newly minted reinforced building made by Metal Knight himself. In aesthetic terms, it was very futuristic. In rows, the operators sat before their holographic screens and keyboards. All of them working diligently, their fingers never stopping for even a moment, accepting requests and redirecting them to other heroes 24/7.

"Some kind of light? Explain!" Sekingar yelled.

"As I said, reports stated that he disappeared after picking up a book. Then in the next moment, a bright light swallowed him. People uploaded the whole scene!"

"Show me!"

Nodding, yet still sweating profusely from the anger that his superior was showing, the operator standing before Sekingar started the recovered recording, putting it on a large screen.

It showed how King 'effortlessly' — without even moving — defeated the terrible owl monster, making people gape and clasp their mouths in awe.

"The full examination of the body still ongoing. But according to the first tests, that monster was at least Tiger, at worst Demon level."

"Hmm…" Sekingar nodded.

It was not surprising; he pitied the foolish monster that encountered King. This recording perfectly showed why. The man needed not to move a finger to take care of such weaklings. Well, weaklings to King, at least. Demon-level threats were still powerful in their own right.

He simply intimidated the thing enough to make a mistake, attack, then run away. "Just how does King know what will happen?"

As the recording showed, King anticipated what would've happen.

Not moving at all, he used the right amount of intimidation to make the monster commit a mistake, a mistake by throwing that book that missed him barely, then entirely rebound back towards the owl and with sheer accuracy, beheading the Owl perfectly.

"Not only is he the strongest fighter of the Heroes Association, but he's also able to predict the future?" Possibly, another secret ability of the mysterious Strongest Man. Perhaps he was like Madame Shibawawa, but superior? Even she only managed to divine natural disasters and the like, not to the point where King managed to accurately predict the monster's movements to the very last detail, causing it to decapitate itself.

He needed to relay this information to his superiors. If all of this was true, they needed to consider another promotion for the man — or better said, add this to his already sturdy file. Hundreds of sure-kill moves, an ultimate move capable of wiping Dragon-level threats off the face of the Earth and greatly wound God-level threats, and now the capability to predict the future? If he wasn't worthy of the moniker of 'King', no one was.

Watching the recording further, it showed King picking up the book that just slipped before his feet, reading a few pages. "What is this? H-he just disappeared!" Sekingar's eyes widened, seeing the impossible happening in the next moment.

"Is it possible he was transported elsewhere?" The operator looked at his boss uneasily, even the question was blasphemously scary to consider. What would become of City-M if King disappeared? Chaos would surely ensue.

"We tried to make contact with him. No luck until now. Sir, do you think...?"

"No, he is not likely to die from a random book. Most likely, it was some kind of teleportation trigger." At least, he hoped. If King's disappearance came to light, City-M would be swallowed by the monsters and criminals who would think the city was vulnerable due to the disappearance of the city's guardian protector.

"King was not only a mysterious fighter who carried the title of The World's Strongest Man, but also a symbol. If he disappears, people will start to panic." Sekingar bit his lip, already anticipating the chaos The Strongest Man's disappearance would bring.

"Also, the mobile carried by King was made by Metal Knight. The device is supposed to have a connection even on the moon, just as well underground. If that's the case…"

"I will notify the higher-ups. Send a team to investigate the area as fast as you can."

"Already sent."

"Good! I need to relay this information and call a crisis meeting. What is the state of the city?"

"The people still think it was a new ability King came up with — this might just be the truth. The monsters and criminals have yet to make a move. They're most likely thinking King wants to fool them to strike when they are confident, and then annihilate them in one fell swoop."

"Good! We can't let them gain confidence and attack the now-vulnerable city! Notify the heroes, ask them to protect the city as much as they can! Make a public statement that King is still with us."

"Yes!" The people behind the consoles started to work ever more diligently, typing and sending messages. Social media was a deadly weapon, and the specialists of the Hero Association were professionals, using it to its full capacity.

"Sir, you don't mean...?" The operators gulped, fearing what the man meant.

"We may need the help of other S-Class Heroes." The man with one artificial eye had cold sweat. "If King really disappeared, or in the worst case scenario... died, we need to come up with a contingency plan."

"Yes!"

"Go now!" The assistant left, leaving behind Sekingar, who turned to the holographic screens.

"Where are you, King?"

---

Scene Change:

Meanwhile, who knows how far away, in a different world, the Strongest Man was sweating bullets.

"This must be some sick joke…" King muttered, glancing around in the lavish dining room.

"First, the bedpan, now this. I don't know what I did to deserve this." Although it was the royal palace, there was not even tap water or a normal place to go to relieve himself. All there was for him was just a place with a hole, or that porcelain bowl.

It was expected, he was in a different world — A world with a medieval fantasy-like setting. Yet, he was still completely pissed when he asked about it, and the maid looked at him like he was dumb. Even after clarifying, she just pulled out that china bowl from under his bed.

"WHAT KIND OF JOKE IS THIS!?" King was a simple man; all he wants is a quiet place in his life. Food on his table, and of course, warm tap water. "Online service, my games and hobbies are not to be dismissed."

Yet, when he woke up this morning, he was still in that cursed room the maids showed him. No internet, no tap water, no toilet... no games...

Not to be misunderstood, the room was lavish enough, fitting enough for a royal heir. Still, he preferred his simple apartment. That place was just too big; he felt that a monster could jump out from the corner at any moment. He was too exposed, fearing someone might be hiding behind the corner! Hell, that picture on his wall creeped him out! It was like it followed him with his eyes!

"First, I thought it was just some bad dream. But now, this seems more like a nightmare! I want to go home!"

It's not like his home would be more protected from monster attacks, but back in City-M, the civilians and mysterious beings at least knew who he was. Even if they barged into his room, he could most likely hiss them away with a bluff, then call the Hero Association to renovate his home.

Here? Such a thing wouldn't work. No one knew about him!

"My stomach… I can't take this anymore."

"Ah, Mr. King. You didn't touch your food, again…" the boy called Itsuki noted, seeing King not eating anything from the lavish amount of food laid out before them.

"Hmm, my stomach is bad for some reason." He could still barely believe that 'baby face' was already seventeen. "He looks much younger, maybe a little older than Child Emperor, at most!"

"I see…"

"Why do you look that menacing all the time? You depress me, dude!" Motoyasu quipped, finding the man unnerving. "Smile a little!"

"That's my normal face, that's how I normally look…" And this was not a lie; King himself cursed his looks from time to time. His normal expression was just threatening to others. "This damn scar just made it all worse!"

Many said that he got that scar when he battled a God level threat; in truth, it was a major exaggeration. He got it when he was too scared to move, and a monster mangled him before a hero came and saved his life.

"Thanks again, Saitama!" King thought. From time to time, he considered that he would prefer to be dead rather than bearing all this strain. He'd get a heart attack from all this stress sooner or later.

"You need to eat; we have an important mission," Ren stated calmly, consuming a small piece of bread.

"I suppose, you are right." King said, stuffing down some food, albeit with difficulty. If it wasn't for his anxiety, he would've been able to stomach the food properly. He was just too damn nervous!

"So, Mr. King, are you from America?"

King almost suffocated on the bite, needing to hit his chest hard to swallow.

"Mhmm!"

"Are you alright?" Itsuki asked, tilting his head.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Was just a shard of bone. What is this 'America' you speak of?"

"You don't know?" Ren raised his brow. He heard the man's answers last night, every one of them were complete nonsense. But not knowing what America was? It was absurd!

"He is either a pathological liar, or he really does come from an entirely different world."

"Man! You can't be serious!" Motoyasu quipped. "There is no way you don't know what America is! Be it a different world or not."

"Well, I don't know…" King stated, seemingly calm. Remembering all the nonsense these guys spoke about last night. He can't help but imagine that alternate reality as a weird place.

Countries? Separate continents? What are they even talking about?

The world of King had only one continent. A world only covered by humongous metropolises and cities named after letters. Countries? Such things only exist in history and folk tales. Before the continents joined together a couple hundred years ago, that is.

"We only have one continent and huge cities spanning through the globe." He explained.

"I see." Ren hummed. "So, it is a completely different world."

"It seems so."

Those short answers, and that unchanging expression this guy offered... It honestly unnerved everyone around him.

"Then how come we speak the same language?"

"Don't you know?" King offered a deadpan expression to Motoyasu. "The weapons automatically translate every spoken language."

"Indeed."

"That's the case…" Ren and Itsuki agreed. Skimming the help-page last night, they as well had read about this.

"Damn! Most likely missed it." Muttered the third blonde.

After this, the heroes did not really speak much to each other. King looked left and right, trying to measure his environment most likely, unnerved the latter three.

And thus, not long after finishing their breakfast, the four cardinal heroes proceeded to the same throne room they arrived yesterday.

…

"The same setting as yesterday…" The same lavish hall, same elderly king, the same guards and nobles filled the room. Even standing here, King couldn't help but gulp nervously.

'Gulp!' Even so, no one had apparently noticed his nervous gulp.

"You may enter now." Aultcray waved his hand regally, inviting the guards to open the doors.

"He must have a great deal of practice in that move." Yeah, for King's eyes that only saw such actions in games, movies, or manga, it indeed looked like a practiced move, lacking any real thought in the action.

"Future heroes!" A group of people entered the room, proceeding to move behind the four summoned heroes.

"These are the people who have volunteered to join you on your journey."

"I still think it would be more beneficial to proceed on our own…" King grumbled to himself, seeing all those unknown people. "Yet, reading the help-page... It stated the same thing as these people. The four weapons hinder each other's growth."

Unfortunately, thanks to that nonsense rule, they had to continue their journey separately.

"You will grow and strengthen your legendary weapons. It is said that when fellow weapon users are near one another, it will cause the weapons to conflict with each other and impede your growth. As such, I want you to move as separate parties henceforth."

The same thing that sly noble explained yesterday. Just like the rule book of that game-like system stated.

"It just makes no sense…" Whomever that designed this game-like system had most likely never played a proper team-based RPG.

"These people have already chosen who they will follow; it would seem."

Glancing at Aultcray, King saw his smile. "Why do I feel uneasy about it?" He couldn't help but feel it would not end well for him.

"Now! Select the hero you will attend!" The people King counted had numbered twelve, all lined behind the heroes.

Five courageous adventurers for Ren, three for Itsuki, and four for Motoyasu — strangely, all were girls.

"Five, plus three, plus four…" King made a quick calculation. Yet, glancing behind him; no one stood there!

"Is this a joke!?" Even he was surprised. He was well aware that he didn't want to go on an adventure — at least, outside of a virtual environment. But this!? Did the people sense his lack of willingness to go or what!?

"This is bad…!" He started to sweat intensely, seriously thinking that he should just leave, and no one would miss him. He was just a miserable guy with the only talent to play games. Who would miss someone like him?

"Is this normal?" He couldn't help it, he had to ask. Maybe these people were just too afraid of his looks to approach him.

"Hmm, it is indeed strange, Shield…" the king did not even call him by his name. What the heck!? "For something such as this to take place. It is probably due to the Hero of the Shield currying little favor among others."

"Just as suspected…" King wanted to laugh; his luck always hit in the best places.

"In that case… I will go alone." He couldn't help it, if these people didn't want to join his party, he couldn't force them. He had neither the strength nor was he a tyrannical person to do such a thing. Or, maybe was is better like this. He was never a person who really teamed up with anyone. He was a loner, even in games. He was always that way. Well, except for Saitama. He was a good bro, at least.

"Dude, are you sure? With a shield?" Motoyasu almost chuckled, but honestly, he could only pity the man.

His face is just menacing, the presence he gave away was more befitting a villain rather than a hero. It was no surprise the people didn't want to join him.

"What's wrong with the shield?" King watched his tool.

He tried to take it off last night, but he couldn't even budge it. It was utterly fused with his arm. "How will I clean under it!? My arm will go moldy!" That, or it will start to have an awful stench. He got his limb broken before when he was younger; he knows well how bad it'd smell after the plaster cast was removed.

"The shield… well, dude. We spoke about this last night. It is the job of the losing team." all behind Motoyasu nodded.

"And as I said, You played a badly designed game then." Yeah, that must've been a really badly made game. Every class in every game is made to be balanced. The developers are not stupid enough to program classes no one uses or is useless in the endgame.

It was just a waste of resources and time. Things developers usually lacked due to the greediness of their management team.

"Did I say something wrong?" The people just glared at him, like he said something profane. "I just want to go home."

"Well, Mr. King is right, perhaps. His explanations and reasons last night were compelling. Still, the game I played worked the same as Motoyasu explained. Considering how much this world resembles that, I ought to agree with him. It is not likely you can progress with that weapon."

King can only deadpan; still finding their reason stupid.

If they can't use the shield, that was most likely the most awfully designed game in existence, or everyone in that game had never read the guide to learn how to use it properly. Or, as the third option, was utterly unable to play classes that need some kind of thinking or skill. Either way, it was not his problem now; he will figure something out later.

"Yeah, most likely that's the case…"

"You can have my team; I'd rather go alone…" Ren offered with a huff, looking immensely annoyed by the people behind him. "Those who can't keep up with me, just leave my party."

"L-Lord Ren?!" A few of his followers whimpered behind him, looking horrified, shrinking behind the guy's back like scared children.

Yeah, that Ren guy looked like a loner, with a sword in hand, he most likely would be fine alone. Yet, King was somewhat suspicious; those people will probably not leave a handsome guy to someone as menacing-looking as him.

Looking around, King saw the grimace, disgust, and shudder all the adventurers offered him, all the uncaring stares of the nobles.

"They're scary!"

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

The King engine started on its own.

"He wants to attack us!?"

"S-So scary!" Several weapons were raised against him, the guards readied themselves to go against this menacing, and probably dangerous man.

"Shield, please, moderate yourself in my throne room. These people are not your enemies." The king sweated, the immense pressure the Shield Hero emitted was almost suffocating.

"I want no enmity between us…" King somehow managed to calm himself; his heart rate slowed, making the King Engine emit a lower volume. "But I wonder why no one wants to join."

"Hrnmm… Apparently, a rumor has been circulating around the castle that out of all the Heroes, the Shield Hero is the least acquired with the ways of our world."

"That's it?" It was a really lame excuse if you asked King.

"Indeed, in the legends, it is written that the Heroes are ones with a deep understanding of the inner workings of this world. If I am not mistaken, that does not apply to you?"

"True…" yeah, King never played those games the other three mentioned. "Most likely because they do not even exist in my world!?"

"Hmm, I see…" King sighed; it was like every single one of these people were joining hands against him. It was not fair. But what did he expect? The world was not a fair place. Among everyone in this room, he knew all too well.

"In that case, I go alone."

The adventurers around Ren sighed, relieved. They didn't have to accompany the shield demon.

"I would rather not want to force anyone to come with me…" Yeah, thinking about the dagger-like glares and constant complaining voices he would have to listen to if someone would be forced to accompany him, he would rather go alone — even if it was very unlikely he can survive even the first day.

Seriously! He didn't even know the outlines of the place! Where should he go? What should he do first?

"In that case… I have to follow the guide this system offers and proceed with the exploration myself." He read the help-page thoroughly before falling asleep — and during meal-times — he knows about a thing or two already.

"Are there any willing to go to the Shield Hero's side?" The king asked. His face was quite bored, like he didn't care at all.

"Or maybe it's because his face is like that?" He couldn't blame Aultcray, King's face also offered an unnerving picture, anyone he meets looks kinda afraid. "Also, he's quite oblivious, even forgetting that I was here during the introductions."

Though, King considered Aultcray utterly forgetful — out of his "pure" heart — the expression of Aultcray hinted an entirely different reason to anyone who knew him. It was his contempt-filled face.

"…"

Silence descended on the throne room for a long time, as no one volunteered.

King stood alone. Around him were many people. Yet, he was utterly alone.

"No one?" Aultcray raised his brow. "In that case…"

"My Lord, I will travel with the Shield Hero!"

"Huh?" King didn't expect anyone, but behind Motoyasu, a beautiful girl stepped forward.

She was a lovely young woman with shoulder-length red hair. She was stunning; compared to her, the rest of the room was quite bland. Her features were slightly childish, if King had to say anything about her.

"Ah! I see! Very well!" The king welcomed the decision with a regal movement of his arm. "Are there any other willing to go on the Shield Hero's side?"

Not a single person showed even the slightest inclination to volunteer. Finally, the king sighed, carrying some tone of regret.

"Very well. In that case, Shield Hero, now you are on your own to scout out and recruit suitable companions. Because of these… unique circumstances of yours, I will make a special exemption, just this once, and increase your aid for the month over that of the other Heroes."

"Thank you…" King nodded solemnly.

A little bit of extra cash never hurts. Though, it was a little bit strange. King understood Aultcray wanted to help him out, but wouldn't it more beneficial giving the others an increased amount instead of him? They had more companions, meaning they most likely would have more expenses with buying all their gear and maintaining them, as well as feeding themselves.

"But as I see now, they already have some semblance of equipment…" Still, the bigger team didn't necessarily mean they would earn more. People needed to find a balance between team size and the amount their team could effectively can earn from an area. One didn't need an army to farm at the starting area! Just four was enough. Hell, four was the perfect number for any party size! It grinds King's gears that he couldn't party with the other heroes. It was utterly inane and stupid.

If the amount they earned didn't balance their expenses, their team would go bankrupt easily.

"Those armors and equipment... They surely have a hefty amount of maintenance cost."

In that case, it was more beneficial going with a smaller party of two or three than getting a whole army behind your back. This was more considerable in the starting area, where monsters were usually weaker, but dropped items were worth a notch, and newbie players had basically zero coins to start with.

"In RPGs, you need to maintain your team, paying for everything yourself." King was not as naïve as he seemed to be. He suspected that those adventurers weren't joining out of the pureness of their heart; they also had expenses, expenses they were not likely able to pay, so they'd ask the person they joined to pay them some sum of upkeep.

"Let's distribute the funds!"

Reacting to the king's signal, four ladies stepped forward, presenting heavy, jangling purses. As expected, King's was slightly heavier than the rest.

"I hereby bequeath 800 silver coins to the Shield Hero… King." Aultcray almost spat.

The man calling himself that way? What did the Shield Devil think of himself?! "… and 600 silver coins to the other Heroes. Use this money to equip yourselves, then begin your journey!"

"Yes!" Came the same answer from the three. King however just remained silent. This simply made him all the more intimidating.

"Well, King… what have you gotten yourself into?" He asked himself, but of course, the Strongest Man on Earth received no answer. He never got a response. More so, if there was a god out there, then that god most likely hated him by putting him in such a situation, or simply loved watching him suffer.

"Why me? What did I do to deserve this?!"

And thus, when the king finished distributing the funds, the people slowly went out of the great hall, then the introductions started.

"Shield Hero, it is nice to meet you. My name is Myne Sophia. Let's do our best together, okay?"

"Mm…" King hummed, offering a smile. "Let's do our best." Although that small smile of his mostly came from uneasiness than any real form of joy.

If it came to a real fight, he feared that this young, hopeful looking little girl will have a rude awakening. He had utterly no skills or knowledge of how battles in real life worked. In games, he was unbeatable. But in real life, he was weaker than an average man!

"Still, I should be glad that at least one person wants to come with me. Still…"

The girl looked enthusiastic. Too enthusiastic, even. She was all smiles. Not as though he wanted to complain, as it was a miracle in itself that someone even joined him. Still, King would've be glad if someone less bubbly and cheery would join him.

"Let's hope that she will not become like 'those kinds' of my fans." Even remembering those stalkers, King couldn't help but tremble.

From time to time, those types of 'fans' would appear, and he could barely escape them. Those people following him everywhere. Because of them and the continually appearing challengers, he couldn't even leave his home without a disguise.

"I-Is something wrong? Shield Hero?" Myne seemed to be caught off guard for a moment, offering a momentary scared expression as King blanked out while observing her, and although he didn't intend to be menacing, his usual stoic, 'battle-hardened' expression was enough to scare the girl.

"It is nothing. Let's proceed. Do you know of any armor or weapon shops? Perhaps a place where we can get supplies for our adventure?"

Yes, if he even wanted to start this adventure, he needs gear. Shield bearers in-game usually wear heavy armor to protect themselves better and to serve as a moving fortress for their friends. Heavier weight also helps them to tackle enemies and usually, gives them greater weight and penetrating force to their charges.

"However, I have no training for wearing any heavy armor, and my stamina and endurance would also most likely will let me down." He already imagined himself with his back-breaking while trying to raise himself in his armor — basically, the weight of his own armor crushing him.

"Just like when I tried to pull out Atomic Samurai's sword." Just like back then, he had no faith in his strength at all.

"Hmm, I may know a few. Follow me!" After a short thought, the girl quipped happily, leading the way.

"I also need some stomach medicine…" King grabbed his stomach subtly. He was starting to feel nauseous from all the things that happened in the last few days. All the things he'd need to consider in order to just remain alive… It was bothersome!

"Being a hero is a letdown…"

And thus, the duo started their way, the girl leading the Hero of Heroes.

…

Even though he had caught a curious glimpse of it yesterday, seeing the city up close made him realize the vivid charm of this parallel world.

The streets were paved with stones, and there were signs hanging on the buildings. The place was shrouded with the savory fragrance of food. It was different compared to the towering buildings and shopping complexes of City-M, or rather- any part of his original world.

"The best comparison would be an RPG world with fantasy settings." The ordinary townsfolk, of course, stared at the duo without pause, as if they were circus attractions.

"Most likely my strange clothes…?" That, or his face. Or his shield. To be honest, he had no idea why the townsfolk they passed by continued to stare at him, but it freaked him out.

"Calm down, if you don't do anything stupid, they'll just leave you alone."

After 10 minutes of walking from the castle, Myne stopped in front of a conspicuous store with an over-sized sword printed on its sign.

"Here is my recommendation."

"I see." King just mumbled, stepping through the door. At first glance, one could see weapons hanging from the walls, exactly as one would imagine when mentioning a Weapon Shop.

There were also other necessities for adventuring, such as completed suits of armor together with matching weapons.

"Welcome!" The moment the two of them entered the shop, the owner cheerfully greeted them. He was just like King anticipated, someone ultra-buff who stood behind the weapon store counter.

"It would have been rather disappointing if the owner looked otherwise." Of course, since he read somewhere that metalworking required great stamina and endurance. But there was also a possibility that the shop run by a more trade aligned figure — which was possibly fat, or scrawny — and the buff guy was working in the workshop, making weapons. Honestly, King could only guess how things worked here.

"Hmm…" As he looked around, King wondered which side weapon he could use.

"Anything too heavy, or ones that need skill to handle are out of the question! Swords or simple bludgeoning weapons would do…" He was aware that according to his stats, his attack power was pitifully low — basically almost zero — still, carrying a weapon was better than only going with shield and battering the enemy to death. "I also need to consider what kind of armor I should use. Chain-mail as a starter should do."

In survival games where the weight of armor and weapons were also a factor, chain-mail was somewhat balanced, providing adequate protection and was a lot lighter than full plate. Maintaining it was also cheaper, and it protected more than leather armor.

"Hmm…" King glanced at one of the mannequins, wearing a full-body chain-mail. "How much does your chain-mail cost?"

"You are new here, aren't you? I've never even seen you before in town! Yet, you already know what you are looking for? I like that!" the bald man smirked.

"I was introduced to this shop by her."

King subtly glanced at Myne. She raised her hand and waved back lightly, almost like she was waving away the compliment.

"Ah! It is no problem~! It's simply that Erhard's shop is famous around here."

"Oh ma'am, you're flattering me. But isn't the outfit of your father over there a bit weird? Where are you from, good sire?"

Great, now he was mistaken for her father. He was just, 29 dammit! Yet, people could even mistake him is her father? This day couldn't get any worse.

"But perhaps my appearance is to blame…" Yeah, many people did often say that he looked older than he really was.

"I am not her father. She is my…"

"Traveling companion!" The girl quipped once again, hugging his arm tightly, pushing it between her cleavages.

"Oh! I see!" the man blinked, recognizing the strange shield on his arm, smiling impishly.

"So that means you're a Hero!? Wow!"

Erhard took a long, hard look at King.

"Indeed, your posture is quite good, befitting a hardened warrior." Erhard caressed his chin, measuring King. "And that stare? It speaks about great experience. Maybe training?" King didn't show any outward reaction upon hearing this; since his facial muscles were so flabbergasted he couldn't even raise a brow.

"What experience? What training? Hardened warrior!? What nonsense is this guy spouting about!?" He wanted to refute all these claims but was too slow in his endeavor.

"Oh! Lord Shield Hero really is experienced!?~" Myne glittered, watching the man in a different light. Though unknown to King, some malice-filled-fear was also present in her tone.

"I encountered a few monsters before…" And at the time, he was completely unable to move or run away immediately. Right! He had experience and bad luck with bad encounters. What of it!? He was just really unlucky!

"I see, just as I suspected." grinned Erhard. "But your face…"

"What's wrong with my face?" It was always his face! What the hell were people's deal with his face? He knew damn well he wasn't a pretty boy — definitely not a Sweet Mask — still, he was not the monster everyone tried to depict him as. He had no idea what the deal was with them! Had they never heard of the phrase 'don't judge a book by it's cover'?

"If you allow me to say this, it is rather menacing. Not as I would imagine a hero would look like…"

"Give me a break…"

"... yet, heroes without scars are rarely useful." The man concluded with a laugh in the end. "You look just like the rumors described you. Well, it doesn't matter! Until you pay, you can be the devil himself. I don't care. How can I serve you? Want new equipment? I assure you, my shop offers the best wares around."

"I suppose... you can show us around."

"Right, but before that. How much is your maximum budget? I just want to know so that I can show you some adequately priced equipment."

"Hmm…" It was true. One can't spend too much on equipment as a game guide said. But spending all in one place? Moreover, in the starter town? Rookie mistake. Starter armors and weapons were usually replaced not long after the first drop from a monster.

Unfortunately, The Strongest Hero had no idea how much the allowance the king gave him was worth; he needed to rely on his only source of information, Myne.

"Myne, how much should we spend? I am not yet aware of the worth of your world's currency."

"Oh! Let me handle it, my hero!" She measured King, appraising his worth. "Hmm… Around 250-300 would be enough."

"Hmm, very well, make it 275 at maximum." That was a good middle ground. They also needed to consider that they would not have any income for a whole month. If that was the case, their funds would drain away quite fast. King didn't want to starve nor live in the streets. His frail body was utterly unfit to spend his nights on the road!

"Very well." Erhard left, picking up a few weapons and armors.

As the man placed the weapons on the counter, King immediately started to inspect the one-handed swords which looked light enough for him to handle.

"They look quite well made. I expected worse in the starter town." Alas, such was his experience with games. In starter towns, weapons and armors offered by the traders were usually crappy. One could find better if they'd have gone out naked, and beat a few monsters. Wasting money on it was simply idiotic.

"But it seems that this world is different from the games I played." The system his shield offered referred to it as a game, yet, everything else was too real to be considered as one. The starter town didn't sell shitty weapons, monsters didn't drop weapons and armor but instead dropped materials which could be used to make new weapons and armor, etc.

"These are my newest recommendations since they all have a blood-clean coating."

"Some kind of enchantment?" He guessed.

Since it was a fantasy setting, it was sensible to give a fancy name to the special effects.

"More like a coating, magical enchantments come at a high price. With this, the weapon hardly goes dull due to gore."

"Handy…" King glanced at the closest sword.

There were games which had a degradation system. Of course, most were not sophisticated, and the weapons damaged the same whatever you did with them, no matter the type of the enemy you attacked.

For example, your weapon and armor degraded the same rate no matter if you attacked an acidic being such as a slime, or a simple skeleton. The durability didn't change whether one attacked a slime or an iron golem. Very few kinds of games added multiple modifiers for this kind of degradation system.

"From the left, we have Iron, Magic Iron, Magic Steel, and finally Silver. Each of their performances are guaranteed to be top-notch. You would find better works anywhere else!"

"Hmm, I see. I assume the material used will affect its durability?"

These weapons seemed to belong in the ore based category. In other fantasy-setting games, King even saw weapons made from purely crystal, some hard stone, or even purely energy fueled by a magic source; he couldn't be sure that they didn't exist here.

"Indeed, it's as you say. The material affects how much the weapon and armor can bear. There are better weapons around here, but these are the ones that fit your budget of 275 Silver Coins."

This world once again resembled a typical RPG game. Usually, bigger countries had better stocks of weapons than small cities or rural villages; this seemed to be the case for this parallel world too.

"Sigh... No other choice but to try them out… what a bother." King reached towards a sword that looked among the lightest, grabbing it.

"It's... quite heavy. Is this how a real sword feels like?" Of course, Atomic Samurai's Katana was far heavier, and the blade had different feel, and it was a lot better made.

"But even so, compared to this shield, it's quite cumbersome." Though, maybe it was because he already got used to this shield on his arm after a day, and that's why he felt that way, but honestly, he had no idea. King was never the bodybuilder nor strength type, having absolutely no physical prowess.

Trying to swing it, King wanted to test the heft and feel of the blade and-

'Chang!'

"Augh!" in the next moment, it was like a sudden electric impulse ran through his hand, sending the sword flying.

"Aiiieeeeei!" Myne behind him yelped, the sword almost beheading her. In fact, it managed to shave off some of her hair — making her hairdo look quite asymmetrical and funky.

"Ca-Can't you see where you throw that thing!?" she whimpered, utterly scared.

"Ah, sorry." King can only scratch the back of his head sheepishly. "Some electrical impulse ran through my hand when I tried to swing it. The weapon simply flew out of my hand."

"Is that so…!?" Myne's eyes twitched, almost like she wanted to shout.

In the next moment, King recognized the text in his view.

"Huh?"

[Violation of the Legendary Weapons Convention: you had touched another specialized weapon with the intent of possession.]

"What the heck!? I remember I read something similar in the help section."

Quickly searching through the help, he found the exact reason behind this strange happening.

[Excluding their own Legendary Weapon, the Hero cannot equip any other weapon for combat purposes.]

"This is bad… very bad!" he suspected it meant something like this, but hoped it had a different meaning behind it.

For example, he can't equip two-handed weapons or staves. Who thought a simple sidearm would have such an effect!?

"In games with shield, one can automatically equip a one-handed side weapon. Who thought it would be different here?" Hell, he even played games where the character with adequate strength can equip and use two-handed weapons in one arm.

"Damn! It seems I can't equip any side weapons..." He concluded. The only way he would be able to attack was to bash the enemy to death with his shield.

"MY ARM WILL BREAK!" Yep, there was no way in hell he could continuously bash and not break his arm in the process.

"I see…How does it function, I wonder? Can I take a look?"

"Of course."

It was evident Erhard had taken an interest in that shield, recovering a monocle and chanting something, his eyes widened.

"Amazing!" his eyes widened, inspecting the shield. "Even though it looks like a Small Shield, there's something mysterious about it..."

"Maybe the legendary modifier?" Yes, the status window also said it was a legendary weapon. It was not surprising that it was a lot higher-grade than simple items — also, in games, legendary weapons always had some special effect, or gained skill — it was not surprising.

"Possibly. Either way, probably this jewel engraved in the middle contains great power. I can sense a strong source of power from there. While I could somewhat identify it through my Appraisal magic, I couldn't fully grasp it. It seems to be a type of curse. "

"Great… now I am also cursed." Just what he needed.

After finishing his appraisal, Erhard measured King while playing with his trademark beard.

"You've shown me something interesting. Then do you want to buy some armor instead?"

"That would be good." If he had to go out there and risk his life fighting monsters with nothing more than his shield and fist, the least he wanted was some adequate protection.

"Since you're buying armor instead of weapons within the 275 silver coin range; then I guess this armor will do."

Since he already possessed a shield, it didn't seem like he had many other options.

Erhard brought back several pieces of armor that were on display.

"As you may assume, full plate armor isn't very popular with adventurers since it's quite chunky, so chain-mail would provide better mobility while offering considerable protection."

It also looked easier to equip than bothering with a full plate with it's dozens of belts and clips, almost like he was just wearing a shirt.

The chain-mail looked fine enough, though. Looking at it, the game-like system immediately displayed the stat change.

[Chain-mail Defense Power Up! Tolerance against the enemy's slash attack (small) increased!]

Well, at least he could raise his defense. His attack stats were still pathetic, but that was expected from a Shield-User class.

"Hopefully, I will not die from the first attack." And that his armor was still mobile enough for him to run away if the need called for it.

"I remember an anime where one of the characters had similar tactics, running away if the enemy was too powerful." It was a sensible thing to do while facing an opponent way above oneself. Not like the annoying main character that just stood their ground and depended on plot armor to save the day.

If it came to stalling the enemy and risking one's life, King just couldn't understand how other heroes could do it. He was too cowardly even to wait for the first strike to connect. He'd run way before then!

"Maybe it's just me being a coward." That, or the other heroes were simply monsters, and he was just a simple person dropped into the world of monsters. Both were a possibility.

"How much is this worth?"

"120 silver in discount."

"I see… Myne? What do you think?" Shakily, the girl answered. "It sounds reasonable. How much exactly can we resell it?"

"It is relatively new, so, 100 silver, I might say."

"That's…" It was really generous. In games, King also sold unused equipment below his current level. Compared to 120 silvers, the 100 silver reselling rate was more than generous. VERY generous.

"The most I used to get in games was 15-20% of the original price." And of course, the trader sold it back at full price — or higher — if one accidentally sold the equipment from their inventory, they needed to pay a steep price to get it back.

"Those greedy bastards!"

Also, according to his stat chart, he was only level 1; it was sensible that he'd need to upgrade his equipment as he gets a higher level.

"In that case, it is a deal." Yes, unlike games, this world operated on much fairer principles. "Or the developers simply got it all wrong and used wrong variables everywhere."

"Splendid!" the smith grinned, hitting his palm. "I will be sure to give you a bonus next time. Do you want to try it now?"

"Sure…"

"Then, please come this way."

King was led to the changing room and donned the Chain Mail over his undergarments, his old clothes put inside the bag he carried around.

"Well, well! You look even more menacing now."

"Well, thanks, I suppose." It fit him quite well, even he was surprised. Yet, the compliment was entirely unneeded; it just weighed him down.

"Of course, it's just starter gear. It looks like that…" Watching himself in the mirror, his Otaku mind went overdrive, imagining himself in full plate and cool legendary armor. Yet, as he considered his own frail reality, the world pulled his mind back from wonderland.

He wanted to wear legendary armor, sure! With a cool look on top of that! But even he was aware, he most likely neither had the stats, nor the stamina yet to wear full plate armor and look cool. For a time, this armor will suffice. Perhaps when he leveled enough. But that would be very far away.

…

Not long after, King and Myne left the shop. The girl already had some gear on her; there was no need for an upgrade yet. Maybe later, they will replace her armor and weapon too for a better one. But for now, they will have to suffice.

"Although her hair looks quite funny. Did she get a new haircut while I was in the changing room?" King had no idea if it was that way before starting their journey, he was never a man who gave much heed of other's scalps. Still, it somehow looked different than he initially remembered. He usually wouldn't care, but he was sure that wasn't the same haircut.

Either way, on their way out of town, many people continued staring at them why they passed by, some even muffling their chuckles.

And thus, soon, the two left the town, reaching an expansive green meadows spreading far beyond the horizon.

"Well, let's start at…" King looked around. Maybe outwardly it didn't show, but he was unsure how to start this adventure.

In truth, he had never been in a real adventure before.

"In games, usually the starting quest always guides the players to the next node, where they automatically receive the next quest. Then the next. Then the next…"

Unfortunately, despite the game-like system that seemingly now was part of him, there was no indication if there was any quest around.

"What to do?" He asked himself since all this ordeal started. No answer came, of course.

"Hmm, should we start to farm?" He pondered. In his status screen, his level was displayed, which meant he could level up and gain further stats, become stronger as they continued leveling. If he was careful, he might even be able to get strong enough to the point he could actually be a hero!

...Yeah, right.

"If there is no quest displayed, they are either hidden, or we need to suffice from purely farming."

He really hoped there were at least hidden quests around, only leveling by farming was painful. He knew from experience. Unless the fields had a 500% increase in mob spawns, he honestly doubted that he could properly farm well.

"Farm?" Myne blinked, confused by the unknown term King used.

"Killing monsters. Herding them and defeating them for EXP. We'll be leveling up that way." King explained the game term.

"That's a good idea, Shield Hero!" Myne quipped, smiling as always. "Just as expected!"

"Her smile makes me sick…" He hated people who smiled all the time, they always wanted something from him. Their bubbliness was just poisonous!

"So, where do we start?"

Wandering about for a few minutes, a nasty-looking orange balloon-like creature jumped up before King.

"Woah!" He jumped back due to the sudden appearance of the small thing. It didn't look dangerous in any way; it was an orange balloon after all. Still, appearing so sudden, and right away biting his arm, it was unexpected.

"Wha…?"

"Right! Shield Hero! Attack!" Myne cheered.

"Ora!" King used his fist to strike it, and the creature was sent far away. Surprisingly, it was elastic, almost like he hit a ball instead of a creature.

"Di-did I manage to hit it?" Yeah! He hit something! He managed to attack it!

Never before had he properly fought monsters and defeated them! Not once did he ever gather his courage to even stand against them!

Yet, his victory was only momentary, as the creature bounced back from the ground, biting on his fist.

"Huh?" Raising his fist, the small being gnawed on it angrily, glaring daggers at him.

'Gnaw! Gnaw! Gnaw! Gnaw!'

"Aghhhhh!" he was terrified, being attacked by a monster, how should he act otherwise?

Living in a dangerous world filled with monsters, King learned early on, do not judge monsters according to their appearance. Even the most innocent looking creature can destroy whole cities.

"Just look at Tornado of Terror or Child Emperor. Who the Hell would think that those two are among our top heroes!?"

Yeah, even hearing the accomplishments of those two filled King with dread. There is no way he wants to face such monsters.

Gnawing on his fist? Attacked? What should he do? King did the only sensible thing! Run — screaming in terror!

"AGHHHHHHH!"

"Shield Hero?" Myne blinked, seeing King as he is desperately trying to get rid of the small monster...

By running left and right.

"HEEEEEEEEEELLLLLP!" Of course, his shout raised the attention and ire the nearby balloon monsters. It seems as though his voice was extra annoying to them, almost like someone used an [Area Taunt] skill with an extra-long range effect.

Thus, they started to flock, flock, and flock! All of them were heading towards the duo. Even from the nearby forest, and even the entire region, the balloon monsters began to gather behind him.

"Ehhh!?"

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!' the King Engine roared as King's terror grew, it was like a signal horn for them, making every balloon from the nearby area flock towards them.

"Ah… Ahhhh!" Myne raised her sword, horrified. Suddenly seeing the horde of monsters charging after King, and even though she managed to cut a few, yet, it was not enough to repel them! Nearly not enough to resist a whole army that suddenly appeared!

"Shi-Shield Hero! He-Help!" The monsters gnawed on her, sparing not even her precious assets.

"Aghhh! Leave me alone!" Yet, Myne seemed to be a tiresome prey, after gnawing on her a little — leaving her slightly naked — the monsters decided to change victim, charging after King who was noisier, and tastier looking food.

"Should we help them?"

"Nah! I think he can manage. Anyway, he looks scary."

"Surely it is some tactic of his."

"Ah! I see he is herding the monsters together with that scream. Very smart indeed."

"You think so?"

"Yes." Meanwhile, on the nearby hill, the other heroes and their team watched as King ran around like a maniac, screaming. For them, he looked like a person who knew what he is doing. Using an elaborate tactic to gather, then finish the collected monsters with as little effort as possible.

He looked like a menacing person. Also, they were curious about what this always calm-and-collected man was capable of. He said that he was a hero in the profession. Well, He could show how strong he truly was now!

"Oraaaaaa!" and King did what he did best. Run! Run! Run and RUN! Every fiber of his being was focused on evading his pursuers.

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

The King engine intensified with each moment, basically roaring to the world, thumping in 'rage' and 'bloodlust'!

Though he was only running in circles, he was lucky, his constant need to escape from monsters brought the needed and surprisingly enduring stamina, he easily outran the creatures chasing after him. For the other heroes, to be able to keep up for so long, his speed was astonishing, remarkable even!

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" This chase continued for a few more minutes, as the other heroes grew bored went back to farm for their own EXP. Though, they should had done better to watch out, because in the next moment-

"What is this sound?" Motoyasu and his companions were the first ones who raised their heads, killing monsters just nearby. As they turned towards the direction of the sound-

There was a literal tidal wave of those orange ball-things chasing after King's figure!

"This is…?" One of Motoyasu's companions backed off in horror. "So many!?"

"We need to retreat! We can't possibly…"

"Ha! Great! He is bringing the horde to us! Do not disappoint him!" The blond playboy smirked. "Let's take care of it. After all, it is a hero's task to help out his fellow hero." boasted the college student.

"Lord Motoyasu, I don't think it is a good idea, their numbers…"

"Don't speak nonsense; they are simple balls. What can they…"

"GIVE ME WAY! RUN AWAY!" King warned them, but it was too late.

"Huh?" In the next moment, like a flash, King raced away, leaving the flabbergasted Motoyasu and his group standing.

"Guahhh!" As in the next moment, the wave of monsters washed over them, their sheer number pummeling them to the ground, washing them over in a vicious stream of gnawing balls.

"Guh…" Motoyasu and his companions were out, they were no longer in a state to continue today.

"That guy…" The next one was Itsuki, who recognized the rumbling sounds, his eyes squinted for a moment, just to acknowledge the endless tide of balls bouncing after King.

"The fool!"

"Impossible! How there are so many!?"

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!!' In all directions, the King Engine was drawing the monsters, resonating in a frequency that made the man an enticing target, enraging the balls of death. Behind him, the number of monsters were ever-growing, becoming an endless tide of destruction.

"GIVE ME WAY! RUN AWAY! SAVE YOURSELF!" He warned them, but once more, it was too late! It was always too late…

"Impossible! This many!?" Itsuki fired his bow relentlessly, yet, there were too many. As King ran past them, their group too, was overwhelmed by the endless tide, leaving them damaged and unconscious.

"Guh!"

Itsuki and his group were out. Two from the four teams were eliminated.

"Lord Ren! What should we do!?"

Ren squinted his eyes, considering what to do.

These little things were the weakest monsters, yet, their overwhelming numbers and momentum were enough to leave two of the four heroes, and their group barely alive. Luckily, neither of them died. Still, the damage was great.

"We retreat!"

"L-Lord Ren?"

"Retreat, now!" Ren commanded, and his companions nodded. They saw firsthand what happened with the other two heroes.

"That fool! Just what did he do to draw so many monsters!?" It was utterly flabbergasting, there shouldn't be enough monsters to create such a massive tide of monsters! The only sensible explanation was that they came from the nearby forest. Yes, that had to be the case.

Yet, it was still astounding how he could draw so many at once! Was it the secret ability of the shield?

"We retreat, we'll watch the development from nearby."

"Yes!" Thus, the hero of the sword and his companions retreated to a safe distance, being the only group left — save for King himself — left unharmed from the tidal wave of monsters.

In the end, the balloons managed to corner King near a tree, all awaiting to gnaw a piece from him.

"What to do? What to do? What to do?" King trembled, his heart beating at it's full rhythm, pumping his blood with insane speed. Any normal person's heart would have blown up from the strain. Yet, King had an extraordinary heart! It was extra sturdy. Any old triad leader would gladly replace his own with his!

"I'm gonna die here!? But I barely started!"

It was over! He was going to die here! It was shameful, but it seems that he'll die in the starting zone. But what did he expect? He was never the lucky one…

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

The King engine usually discouraged and forced his enemies into unconditional surrender, even the most vicious monsters weren't an exception!

Unfortunately, these things were purely instinctual beings; they cared not about being hurt. They know not the infamy of King among the members of the Monster Association and literally anything alive. They only know that right now, before them, a scared human stood, offering himself for consumption.

"Guahhhh!"

All balloons jumped at him at once; King had no other choice! He really didn't want to do this! HE WANTED TO GO HOME!

"Dammiiiiiiiiit!"

Punching forward, the first balloon directly biting into the one still gnawing on his fist.

It was strange that he felt no pain at all, but at the time, he thought it was only because of the sudden adrenaline surge. Never did he consider it was because of his high defensive value.

...No, he might have considered it. He was just too scared to care. He just wanted to survive!

'Gnaw!' as the first balloon gnawed on its own companion for a few moments, it popped, exploding!

'Pop!'

The balloon on his fist burst, destroyed and remained as orange scraps.

"Huh?"

[+1XP.] The notification appeared in his field of view right away.

The shockwave that came with the burst sent away the attacking monster, which collided with its comrades behind it, sending a bouncing wave through the wall of monsters and destabilizing the tide completely, causing utter chaos!

At this moment, the overwhelming numerical superiority was purely disadvantageous, turning against the army itself.

Like a calculated bowling ball hitting bowling pins, the destabilized tide scattered, bouncing all over the place, colliding again and again with each other and the environment!

Like balls, their bounciness turned against them. There was no stopping! Once the chain reaction started, nothing could stop it anymore!

Thanks to the sheer number of gathered balls, everything collided and bounced back from anything and everything, an unstoppable chain reaction ever-growing in intensity and speed began to form.

"S-So many!" King couldn't move due to his fright rooting him in place, so he just gulped and closed his eyes, hoping that he will survive this. The only thing he could do was pray that Saitama would just pop up and save him!

Around him, the chaos grew ever more! The ricocheting balls, again and again, collided against each other, rebounding, gaining uncontrollable speed and momentum! Some of them popped from the strain, releasing another shockwave that made things worse, accelerating the process!

Again and again, this near-impossible to event happened! Bouncing against the environment and each other, ever-growing in speed and intensity.

Any normal person hit by these uncontrollable balls would be seriously injured or even die on the spot. Their speed left dents on the ground, shattered rocks and knocked down sturdy trees. Slowly, the creatures became living bouncing bullets, unable to stop or even slow themselves.

The intense sound even drew monsters further away from the nearby region, and soon, all the nearby monsters flocked to King location, just to find death! Even the biggest monsters rose to the challenge, yet weren't spared! All died instantly, for he was King! The Strongest Man On Earth! No one could touch him!

With each moment, even greater strain grew and grew upon the unstoppable tide. Some colliding too hardly and the sheer force causing them to burst. Some meet their fate with a sharp edge of a stone or a broken branch. Some simply couldn't bear it anymore and simply died, killing further monsters drawn by the noise.

The poor creatures showed a desperate expression; they couldn't stop their body that became uncontrollable. Yet, before the 'calculated' strike of The Strongest Hero, only death awaited these monsters.

'Pop!'

"Huh?"

'Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!'

[+1XP.]

[+1XP.]

[+1XP.]

[+10 XP!]

'Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop! Pop!'

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

[Level up!]

...

...

Slowly, the tide started to shrink, only leaving a few miserable looking creatures behind, dying monsters barely able to drag themselves on the ground.

"Kyuuu!"

"This guy… this precision is inhuman!" Ren watched the "battle" wide-eyed from afar and was astonished.

This man… whoever he was, was a monster! With a single hit, he destroyed an entire horde of monsters! Even colossal beings fell, leaving only their mutilated carcass behind! Just how much power and precision did he have!?

He only struck once! Yet, in under a few minutes, it left mass destruction and mutilated corpses in its wake! It was incomprehensible! Flabbergasting! And above all… scary!

"It should be impossible! Is he really just a Shield-User!? Just who are you, Mr. King!? Killing all of them with just one hit!?"

"L-Lord-Ren. What do we do?"

"Tch! Let's check the others, King will solve this alone." He was honestly terrified by what he saw. Not only did this man manage to collect all the monsters around by just screaming, but he also managed to take care of them in a single hit! Not only that, he managed to kill monsters that were way out of their league! He was a monster himself!

"Quiet ones are said to be the most dangerous, well, they weren't wrong this time." With that, Ren left, embedding the sight of the dead monsters in his mind. He definitely wouldn't want to cross paths with this man.

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

King still trembled with his eyes closed, as around him, there were only a few balls alive, trembling before The Strongest Man.

"JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!"

The remaining creatures were utterly terrified due to their already terrible state, thus they burst from the sheer stress that came with King's shout.

'Pop!'

[+1XP!]

[+1XP!]

[+1XP!]

[+1XP!]

[+1XP!]

[Congratulations! You reached level 29!]

"Huh?" King slowly opened his eyes, seeing all the drops and dead monsters around.

"Wha… where are all the monsters?" he was completely flabbergasted, a moment ago, a literal tidal wave of monsters pursued him, then the next, there were loud crashing sounds- and popping sounds.

"And what's with these corpses!?" He was confused, but mostly terrified when he saw all the monsters on the ground lying dead. Even monsters he had no idea where they came from were present! Colossal warthogs, lion-like beings, huge rats, etc… they were all dead, or twitching, bleeding out with a big hole on them, or a tree landed on them, knocking them over.

"Am I still alive? Is this a dream?" He checked by pinching himself. The sharp pain told him everything. "So this is real... but who saved me?" Honestly, he had no idea. He only remembered that he was chased around by these things, saw two heroes and ran past them. Aside from that, he was completely unaware of what happened. He was too scared to remember anything!

"I hope they are alright…" No, they're probably alive. At least, he hoped. Surely, they wouldn't just stay and bear with the onslaught of these things. That would be stupid, right?

"Huh?"

Removing a piece of scrap on his shoulder, it had a rubbery texture, and immediately after, his shield started to glow. He wanted to run away, but some inner voice told him to stay, as if telling him there was no more danger around.

"Hmm, I read something about this. According to the help section, the legendary weapons can be upgraded by monster parts." Well, he needed to try it, after all, he won't know for sure if he didn't try.

Slowly, he placed the scrap to the green jewel in the middle of his shield.

"Oh!"

[Orange Balloon Skin Absorbed!] As this line popped up, the Weapon Book Icon also blinked in King's vision. Opening it to confirm his suspicions, the Small Orange Shield Icon popped up.

While he couldn't transform his shield yet, he now knew what materials were required to unlock it.

"Hmm, I need more orange scrap to open up this skill." Thus, he feed more scraps to his shield, while feeding it with the parts of different monsters that were on the ground.

"Whoever saved me, thank you!" He then thanked the one whom saved his life, unbeknownst to him, that he was the one that saved himself.

Though he wasn't used to stealing loot from others, the one that killed them seemingly left after saving him, and as a gamer, leaving the loot here would be a waste.

"Great!" Soon, the [Balloon Series] and several more shields were unlocked, and honestly, he felt better.

[Balloon Series Unlocked, passive bludgeoning defense increased! Defense up!]

[Warthog Series Unlocked, passive charge speed, and thorn damage increased! Defense up!]

The list went on and on… in just one day, he already opened up several shields and passive effects.

"Ah! I read something about this!" Searching through the help section again, his eyes widened. "Oh! So they are passive skills. I can have them active even if I use a different shield!"

He knew what this meant! If passive effects could be stacked, that might be able to net him a pretty overpowered build. Still, in most games, passive effects were balanced, often disabled if one changed specs or weapons, yet, since he was stuck with his shield, maybe he could keep them.

"Yeah, that would be the best…" Sighing, he decided to collect a few more monster drops from around him, storing them in the inventory of his shield.

"I assume I can sell these parts." In games, monster parts often served as ingredients for different items, he hoped it would be the same here. "At worst, I can just discard them later."

His legendary weapon was pretty handy; not only could it continuously grow, but it could also serve as an inventory if needed. "Just like in-game…" As he thought of this, his smile suddenly disappeared.

In the middle of collecting a few monster parts for selling, he suddenly remembered his companion that he left behind.

"Oh! Shit! What happened to Myne!?" It just came to his mind! In his hurry, he left his companion behind, completely forgetting about her due to his stress and will to survive.

No matter how unsavory the girl's smile was, he couldn't just leave her behind! She might've gotten seriously injured.

"I hope that's not the case." He really hoped so. His poor heart couldn't take that strain. Taking care of himself was one thing, but if someone died because of him? Well, he preferred it if people remained alive.

"Even if I am to always run away, I always apologize."

"I need to get back to her!" And thus, King left the scene, searching for Myne, Not even paying attention to how devastated the area was around him.

…

"Hey, wake up! Are you alright?" Someone tugged her side, trying to wake her up.

"Guhhh!" Her body hurt, as if a stampeding monster trampled her over, chewed her up and spat her out.

"That damn bastard…" She groaned.

She underestimated him! That damned Shield Hero! Did he know her goal!? How was it possible!? No! Her acting was perfect! There was no way she was exposed!

She needs to go along with her plan! She needs to destroy the Shield Devil! Yes! Right! Her plan was perfect! There was no way she will fail! She can't doubt herself, or everything will fall apart! Her perfect scheme will be gone!

"Are you alright?" As she slowly opened her eyes, the man, the legend himself, King, came before her view. Completely unscathed, fine from all harm.

"Are you alright?" He asked again. "Should we look for a doctor?"

"Yo-you!?" She bit her lip, trying to suffocate her rage and disgust, she can't let her perfect façade fall. Or was it too late? It is possible that this man saw through all of it!? No! It can't be possible! She gave no sign of her betrayal!

"I-I am fine…" she sat up with a pained expression. "Just a few bruises. You? Those monsters must be really wearing you down."

"I am fine. I don't have any injures."

"Wha-!? Impossible!? All those monsters followed him! There is no way he isn't hurt!?" From that tide, even she had fainted! How come she wakes up and the man is completely fine!? It was completely impossible! Incomprehensible! Even the other three heroes combined shouldn't be able to fight off that absolute numerical superiority! Well, maybe when they level up more, but not now!

"I see. Still, you look injured. I think we should call it a day." The World's Strongest Shield Hero offered, inspecting her.

"Bu-But I still can...! Augh!" Myne grabbed her side, looking pained. It seems that she couldn't collect more information today. A part of her plan had already failed.

"Let's just return the town." Perfect. King was also tired. Despite his surprising amount of stamina, he was still tired after running so much the entire day. The sun was also setting soon. He spent all day running from these things, and searching where he came from. All around there were no more monsters present, all of them drawn by his 'King Engine' and destroyed by the "mysterious savior."

It was quite incredible, but he survived. "I am either lucky or cursed…" If he had to guess, it was the latter. He always found himself in the most uncomfortable and difficult situations.

"I really need to thank the one who saved me. Without him, I would be dead." maybe it was Saitama again? Then why didn't he stop to speak at least? It was all too strange and confusing; he wanted to go home. For a moment, he even spaced out, imagining himself playing with his games.

"Let's seek out a healer, or someone who sells potions." Right, it was a fantasy world. Surely, they have some HP potions around.

"Yeah, you're right." No matter her disgust, Myne couldn't help but agree. Those things really did a number on her; she needed medical attention. She felt like a corpse!

"Can you help me, please? My entire body hurts."

"Ah, of course." After a moment of hesitation, King helped her up, heading back to the town.

…

Walking through the city, the people once more watched the strange duo. Some were laughing at Myne's new hairstyle — which was still messed up after the sword gave her a haircut — some on the other hand just questioned her beaten-up state.

Something else attracted their attention soon after. Not far from the walls, out of nowhere, a lesser army of balloon monsters appeared, two of the four heroes were brought back, unconscious and injured. Their companions weren't faring any better.

Because of this, the full force of the town guards were alarmed, stationed near the walls. It was almost like the wave had come earlier, bringing calamity once more.

Yet, due to a strange reason, all the balloon monsters disappeared, gone! The scouts and hunters sent to investigate the case only found one thing!

A mountain of balloon-monster scraps and other monster carcasses covering a great area, part of the forest was utterly decimated! Trees and rocks lying left and right out of place, broken and shattered! Almost like a great storm or a stampeding monster rampaged through the area!

A gruesome scene, something blunt had pummeled every single monsters to death. Not sparing any or letting any escape!

Even the bigger monsters that were drawn from the depths of the forest died due to something hitting them with incredible force! It was an instant kill! Some of their heads were missing! Some bled out from blood loss!

Asking the sword hero was useless, the boy only shrugged, saying: "Ask the Shield Hero. That monster…" And with a slightly pale expression, he and his companions left, retreating for the day.

"Ah! Thanks for buying me some medicine. You really are caring, my hero." Myne was fine again after visiting a potion and herb shop; she looked like her old self — not her hair, though.

Myne and King took seats, waiting for their food to arrive.

"30 copper coins per person for a night. Ten more for a meal. Ten Silver for the healing potion, stomach medicine, and a few herbs…" King calculated, taking into account today's expenses.

Today was their first day, and he already spent more than one-eighth of his total monthly allowance. True, from the monster scraps, he could also receive a hefty coin selling them.

Still, being stingy, he usually strives to use his funds in games effectively, and spending for all of this was kind of painful for him. Hoarding enough gold to make dragons salivate was always number one priority! Who knows if he needed hundreds of thousands of gold coins for a never-before seen piece of ultra-powerful equipment?

"Still, Myne showed me a lot of things today. I need to thank her somehow. Her armor is kinda ruined. Tomorrow, I'll buy her a new one." She was his only companion; without her, he would be lost. That was the least he could do for her.

Spreading the map over the table, they started to discuss where to go tomorrow.

This girl was really determined to come with him. Even despite what happened and his offer to leave, she insisted on coming with him.

True, deep inside, he wanted her gone. He was still shameful of his display running away right after a monster swallowed his fist — even if it didn't hurt — he couldn't help but panic and run away.

"But I suppose that's how any normal person should act, right? After all… A FREAKING MONSTER SWALLOWED MY HAND!"

Watching the map, he saw the meadow where they 'hunted' today.

The map showed the geographic landscape of the surrounding region.

Planning was important, be it real life or games, going out for an adventure unprepared was tantamount to suicide.

Thus, he asked Myne to teach him about the area of this region. There was no way he wanted today's incident to repeat itself. It was embarrassing enough experiencing it once.

With this map, he could get a rough understanding of this country's geography.

There was a highway that cut across the castle meadows and lead into a forest. From there, mountains appeared along the edges of the map with a river nearby.

Since this wasn't a very big map, he couldn't see any other villages that might have been further ahead — or simply weren't marked due to the geographical nature of the map.

As expected, this map didn't provide any information beyond the forest; it would be suicidal to fight without knowing what monsters spawned there or the safest path through the area.

"Even those balloons were scary! I don't really want to progress further!" As he checked, his current level was 29.

"The XP requirement to level up must be really, REALLY low." He didn't kill a single monster at all, according to his memories. Did it come from exploration XP? Or was it feeding his shield that caused him to level up? He was not sure.

The only thing he was sure of was that he was way, WAY far from the level cap.

"My stats grow though…" Yet, with his nature as a coward — and with the mind of a gamer — he wouldn't just let his higher stats drive him to overconfidence. No! He needs to be more careful now than ever!

There were enemies that existed in games that could easily kill one despite the higher level. Especially those with stupid instant-kill abilities! Worse still, what if there were enemies that scaled with his level? He couldn't ignore this possibility!

After consuming their meal peacefully — some steak with a potato-like side — King was honestly full.

Myne raised her glass of wine, forcing a smile on her face. "Well then, I'll be retiring for today. Please take care of me tomorrow as well, my hero."

"Tomorrow." King only said that much, honestly hoping that things will go better.

Thus, the two retreated to their rooms.

"Man! My stomach is killing me!" As he returned to his room — slightly sleepy — he took his stomach medicine. All-day his stomach ached, it seems that the heavy meal and the wine just made it worse!

…

Later that night, while everyone slept, a shadow crept through the corridors of the upper floors. Awaiting her great scheme to come to fruition.

"Hmm, yes! He didn't close his door!" Myne grinned, she managed to open the door without even trying.

That monster should be sound asleep. She made sure to put a sleeping potion in his drink! Even an elephant would be knocked out by that much! She was sure; her plan came to fruition!

"That shield bastard will regret ever being born. I will make sure of it." searching in the room, she found the chainmail on the chair, a bump in the bed showing he is asleep. It is her chance! She needs to be fast, agile, and quiet; else, her cover will be blown.

"It doesn't matter, though…" she chuckled maliciously. For tomorrow, the Shield Hero will be disgraced.

"Where it is…?" As she started to search, a cold presence appeared behind her back, completely catching her off guard.

"What are you doing here?" Suddenly, she froze! A familiar voice coming from behind her.

"Im-Impossible!" She made sure he drank the wine! She put enough potion to knock an adult several times over! How is it possible he is still awake!?

"So it is that?" King raised his brow, making him look like he questioned her honesty. Appearing behind her, with his deep voice, it was like a monster stared at her back.

"Lo-Lord Shield Hero…!?"

That face! In the dark, it was even more terrifying! She trembled! She couldn't move! He just stared her down like he knew what she was planning! But that's impossible, right? She made sure not to betray her intentions.

"Is he truly a monster?"

"Myne, what are you doing in my room?" His words carried great weight, making her knees tremble.

"I-I assure you, it is not what you think…"

"Is that so…?"

That tone again! She can't bear it! Even without anything in her pocket, she needed to run for it! Escape!

"Move! Move! Why can't I move!?"

The pressure this man exerted was enormous! His mere stare made her whole body freeze and rooted to one place!

"What are you doing in my room?"

For King, it was an innocent question. Yet, seeing it from Myne's point of view, it was like a monster was towering above her. She couldn't move! She couldn't object! She was completely frozen.

"I-I just…" She can only shutter, there was no escape.

"Hmm, are you a sleepwalker?" King questioned, knowing a few people with such a condition. Though it didn't look like it, Tatsumaki apparently sleep-floats with ESP... however she manages to achieves that.

"Ye-Yes…!" She could only agree with his statement, unable to come up with anything else under her nervousness.

"In that case, let me return you to your room."

Thus, King escorted the paralyzed Myne to her room, closing the door behind her, as so she wouldn't wander out for the night.

In her room, the girl collapsed.

"A monster…" He cannot be described otherwise, he was a monster! "But how could it be? I gave him a sedative. I gave no sign of my intent. How? He should…" Then, realization dawned, making the girl thrash in rage! "That potion he bought!?"

Yes, it had to have been that!

To explain what happened, it was enough to know how different medicines affected each other. It is not an accident that doctors' advised against taking multiple different pills at once, as their impact could lessen, or even cancel each other out.

Let's take, for example, the sedative potion Myne poured into King's wine.

Mixed with the stomach medicine the man drank, the effects of the two were wholly extinguished. Moreover, since the man was drinking the thing since they left that shop, it served as a stimulant. It would be a miracle if he could sleep this night at all!

"He knows! He knows! I need to get away!" Quickly, she grabbed her luggage and equipment. Completely broken, she tried to open the door. "Why is it not opening!? Why isn't it-!" Once more, the realization dawned.

"No…" That night, Myne was the prisoner of her own overactive imagination! For everyone, King's stare had a great effect on others, whether they realized it or not.

"DAMMIIIT!"

---

Scene Change: In the next morning:

"Yawn!" King yawned loudly, waking up on the music of his alarm clock — the one on his mobile.

Something kept him up all night, only letting him sleep for a few hours. Due to that, he was extra drowsy and tired.

"Hmm, maybe it's the effect of stomach medicine? Or all that heavy food?" Once he returns to that potion shop, he will hand them a complaint. Those potions were probably just cheap goods, his stomach hurt all night. That medicine was not effective at all!

"Oh shit! It is already past eleven!" He had really overslept!

The sun shone brightly on his face as he opened the shutters as if announcing a new morning. Of course, it was already past eleven o'clock. But it didn't matter!

Disoriented from drowsiness and the sudden light, he got up and took a look outside the window.

It seemed that he had fallen asleep sometime after morning. The sun had already risen quite high.

Inspecting the street further, it was quite the spectacle seeing busy restaurants and food stalls cooking their ingredients for the day's lunch rush. There were also carriages being pulled along the street. King couldn't help but unwittingly fall into a trance of sorts.

It seemed that the bird or horse-drawn carriages were the two most popular types. The bird looked like a particular type of ostrich.

Thinking of it, King was hungry.

'Grrr!' Even his stomach signaled that it was past breakfast, and soon time for lunch.

"I am starving; I wonder if Myne-" His eyes widened immediately.

"Shit!? Is Myne still in her room?" He had planned to open her door around six o'clock, making sure that the girl didn't end up hurting herself while wandering half asleep during the night.

He had seriously overslept. Unfortunately, if his body couldn't get enough sleep, it forces itself to make up for it later. And thus, after being unable to fall asleep for a long period of time, his body decided to put him into the REM stage immediately.

"What the…"

In the next moment, his attention was on several soldiers entering the inn through the main entrance, quick metallic steps reverberated on the wooden stairs.

"Open up! Shield hero!"

"Huh?" He locked his door at night. After Myne suddenly appeared in his room, he wanted no further visitors.

"Hello?" As he slowly opened the door, coming face to face, several angry-looking knights glared at him.

"It's the Shield Hero!"

"Well, yeah. That's me." He deadpanned, even if he disliked this title, he couldn't help but play along.

Seriously! Why can't these guys call him by his name? King! It was not that hard!

"Why do they glare at me so much? It is scary!" Those hostile glares didn't help at all.

"The king has requested your immediate presence. We are to accompany you along the way."

"Requested my presence?" He questioned, earning a firm, but hostile nod.

"Come along now!"

"Ok. Wait a minute. I need to pack my things. Also, my companion…"

"Come along now!" The knight forcefully opened the door, grabbing his arm.

"I said, one minute. Let's be civilized here…" 'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!' "I don't want any trouble…"

That glare once more! That terrifying rumbling! It made even the veteran knight back away. Although King was only requesting it, his tone sounded more like a statement: "If you do not leave me alone... there will be consequences." Yes, the knights all shrunk into a defensive position upon hearing him. Despite being armored and armed whereas the man before them only had his Legendary Weapon... they didn't dare defy him.

Neither one of them wanted to be here. All of them heard the rumors reported by the Sword Hero! Be it those rumors were true or just mere constructs, attacking a hero — be it the Shield Hero or not — it was a bad omen.

"Fi-Fine! But be quick! We will wait for you here." Thus, the only thing they could do was to play along for now, hoping that he will come along willingly.

The heavy sword of justice will strike him down later! He couldn't possibly win against three heroes at once! Can he? One can only hope!

"Thank you…"

Being Myne was gone from her room the time he checked it, he came to the conclusion she went out to shop for some ingredients or something.

"She most likely banged the door, and the owner let her out." He concluded and was okay with it. They can meet later after that king stated what he wants.

"Haah! This is so troublesome!"

A carriage like the ones he saw earlier was there waiting for him, taking him directly to the palace. All along, two knights were pointing their weapons at him.

Asking them what this was about was pointless, they simply started to tremble, saying he will know when they reached the palace.

What can a man do in such a situation? Wait and hope for the best.

…

After reaching the palace, the knights escorted King before the royal court, into the same room where Aultcray received them previously.

It was quite an uncomfortable march; spears pointed against his back all the time. No! Better yet, a ring of guards with spears escorted him while walking, all along spears pointed at him from all directions.

"It is like I was some kind of monster…" he was quite uneasy, with so many pointy things pointed towards him.

Inside the court, members already awaited, many nobles, the king, and that small, foxy minister gathered inside. But what was more flabbergasting was the three other heroes, and… Myne?!

"Oh! Most likely they notified her previously. Did she let me sleep in? How nice of her. Still, it's kinda awkward. I feel like I am the last to arrive." In that case, she should've woken him up and dealt with it. He could have dealt with being a little bit sleepy, but arriving as the last? He felt uncomfortable with so many gazes aimed at him.

"Maybe that's why the guard was so persistent. Telling to come as soon as possible." Yes, the king must have insisted on coming as fast as possible, telling the guards to urge him.

"Wait! I closed the door! Yes! She most likely already tried to wake me up! My sleep was just too deep!" In that case, why didn't she call for the owner and use a spare key? It was all so confusing.

"No matter. I will get to know soon."

"So… why are we all here? Has something important happened?" he asked, clueless, which strangely, earned even more glares from all around.

"You have the gall…!?" Motoyasu stepped forward, barely holding himself back. "After all you have done!? You dare to question what you did!?"

"Hmm, you lost me." Honestly, King had no idea what's going on. "Can you explain, please?"

"Lord Motoyasu, please, calm down. We will deal with this criminal the proper way." Aultcray raised his hand, and the spear hero backed, snarling at the strongest hero.

"So, can you tell me what's happened?"

"Tch! So you are still not willing to admit your sins? Even before my court, you refuse to confess? Fine then!" Aultcray waved.

"Myne, you poor damsel. Please, could you recount the case?" the old and wise looking king turned to the burgundy haired girl, watching her with a gentle expression. "Of course, if it's not too hard to recount. It must be traumatic."

Even her armor looked messed up, not even speaking about her scalp that was messily cut by a sharp object.

"Ye-Yes…" the beautiful girl gulped hard, fighting with her tears.

"What's her problem? Did she have a nightmare or something?" Yes, it must be just that. Girls often cared more about their dreams than men did. But to call the whole court for a nightmare? That was a little too much.

"H-he raped me!" The beautiful lady pointed at the lean and tall guy, standing in the middle of the court. Her tone was already quivering, in the middle of breaking down.

"...Eh?"

"H-He just came into my room that night! He then tried to force himself on me! Saying, 'The night is still young! How about a little fun?' He reeked from alcohol the whole time!" her tears poured onto her cheeks; she was very convincing indeed. So much so, everyone started to glare at the blond adult in the middle of the court.

"I never thought you would go that far!" the one with bow said, sadness filling his heart.

"You monster!" the blonde college student with long hair tightened his grip on his spear, grinding his teeth in rage. He was ready to strike down the man! "But what did I expect? Looks like a brute and acts like a brute!"

"How disappointing…" the third one with the sword shook his head, all around, the people had already decided on the man's guilt.

"Man, I want to quit being a hero… I want to go home!"

Anyway, what's their problem? They can't possibly believe what the girl just said. Just because she had a bad dream? That's such bullshit!

"Hmm, any proof?" Questioned King. He will not go to prison just because a girl had a nightmare. Him, raping someone? He never even had a normal relationship! It was all absurd! Bullshit!

"Even if I want to, I don't have enough strength to force anything on anyone."

True, he had fantasies about the girls in the dating simulators he played, but that's it! It's alright, no? They were only virtual, after all!

"Silence, fiend!" Aultcray bellowed.

He seriously had no idea what their problem was. It was so tiring; he just wanted to go home. "Sigh…"

"After all you've done, and you still have the nerve to sigh before my court!? You brutally committed rape against my dear countryman, you villain! If you weren't one of the four heroes, I would've executed you on the spot!"

Aultcray flatly declared. King hardly ever saw a glare filled with that much hate. Only monsters he 'faced' had that sort of glare. That guy definitely wasn't just acting, he really just disliked him.

"Hmm, sorry to say this, but I have no idea what you have been speaking about. Myne, what's going on there? Did you have a nightmare? You know, it is not nice to frame others."

"Kyuuu!" The girl hid behind the spear hero, looking tearful. "Lo-Lord Motoyasu! Protect me!"

"Don't worry, I will protect you!" He whispered, turning his gaze back to King. "I request permission to kill this bastard!"

And now they want to kill him? Great, just what he needed.

It was strange, as King looked at Myne, she mirthfully stuck her tongue out, pulling her eyelid down, as if mocking him.

"What's her problem now?" If this was a joke, it was awful, poorly constructed, and tasteless. One should not frame others, that's why many young men feared a serious relationship, because some women had this kind of humor.

"He not only raped poor Myne, he even raised the ire of all the monsters around, knocking us out for the day." All the nobles gasped, even more hate aimed against The Strongest Hero.

"I hate the way they look at me. So damn scary!"

"Not only a rapist, but also hindering his fellow heroes? How low you can go, Shield?" Aultcray looked actually disgusted, even turning his head away.

"Umm… I did say to run away." King stated, sweat dropping slightly.

What kind of idiot stands in the way of a horde of monsters? It is quite apparent they will be trampled over if they try so. More so if they are low leveled, and they were DPS characters instead of tanks, no less? They would not last long.

How is it his fault that they're complete idiots?

"It is their own fault, not running away from a wall of monsters. And I can't help it; they started to pursue me."

"Then you should have faced them courageously! Taking the mantle to protect your fellows! Aren't shields meant for that? Coward!"

The hell he is talking about? Facing all those nasty things alone? No way! He will die instantly!

"I refuse to let myself be killed."

"Yo-You curl! Isn't your task to protect the people!? But what did we expect? The accursed shield ran away from problems, like always." This guy had some serious anger management issues. King couldn't help but think that way.

"He seriously needs a consultant…"

"I can hardly protect people if I get killed. To protect them, I need strength, to that, I need to level up." He tried to reason. Even if he would be not a coward, he would still be a logically thinking man; there was no way to face so many monsters at once at a low level. Even at a high level, it was questionable that he could tank that many.

It cannot be helped, those things really had a vast aggro range, or reacted to one of their comrades being in trouble, attacking him. He couldn't do anything about it.

"I don't even know where all of those things came from." One moment, there was barely a few; and in the next, a whole army pursued him.

"That's true…" Came a few whispers around, the people considering what he said. Aultcray right away glared at them, and the people in the room become quiet once again.

"You dare to defy our judgment!? You dare!?"

"Are you saying... I am a liar?" The statement froze everyone in the room, the moving air had suddenly stilled in place, and the pressure was suffocating, making people shudder. 'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!…' the King Engine started, as King was afraid they could not be reasoned with.

"If it's some kind of play, it is not funny. Myne, I don't know what you remember from last night, but when I found you in my room, you said you were a sleepwalker. After that, I escorted you back."

"Yo-You locked me in my room! You drugged me! I swear! He drugged me and forced himself on me! Lord Motoyasu! Please! You must believe me!"

"Any test to prove your statement?"

"..." With no answer, Myne remained silent, even turning her head away, biting her lips.

"Myne…?" Motoyasu and the rest of the heroes looked at the girl questioningly, she was completely cornered.

"Myne, why are you lying?"

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

That menacing sound again! A chill and immense dread filled the girl.

"It is not nice to lie… or frame people because of a bad dream."

"I, I am not lying! I swear!" She trembled! This man was a monster! He cannot be denied! Did he know of her intentions all along!?

He didn't move an inch! Was he facing everyone without a flinch!? Was he not even angry!? Was he even human!?

"I locked you to not wander away at night, since as you said, you are a sleepwalker. As for drugging you?" King tilted his head, completely confused. "Maybe you drank too much wine?" He questioned again, those eyes of his as hard as steel, questioning the very being of the girl.

"I-I am not! I swear!" Her words were shaking, her whole body was shaking, fearing her secret will be exposed. "I-I…"

"Yeah! Right! She told us what you did! You drugged her with wine after abusing her outside on the field! Giving her a bad haircut! Ruining even her armor, you beast!"

"Eh?" What the heck they are saying? "Her hair was cut when my legendary weapon repulsed a sword I tried to use. The army of balloons outside trampled over her when I tried to draw them away. As for drugging her…" King recovered the bill the alchemist gave him from his bag.

"First, test her for drugs if you don't believe me. Secondly, I have proof it was just healing potion, stomach medicine, and a few herbs we bought. No drugs present on the list."

"Yeah, he mentioned his stomach is bad…" the Bow Hero whispered, and Ren nodded, since he as well heard it. "It's true, as well. We can only use our legendary weapons. All other weapons are immediately repelled."

"That's still…!" Motoyasu still didn't want to believe it, it must be some scheme this man was playing. His feelings told him! It couldn't be the adorable Myne playing anything malicious! ...Right?

"You can also ask the people in the town, the blacksmith and the alchemist. She must have had a bad dream, mixing it with reality."

Ren walked to King — albeit, trying to keep his calm, as after what witnessed he was slightly afraid of this man. After all, who wouldn't when knowing this man single-handedly destroyed an entire forest of monsters?

"Hmm…" After checking King's list, he nodded. "How should we know it is not a forgery?"

"Ask the alchemist." That was his only answer. Seriously, he had no clue what was their problem. Not to mention, the stamp on the receipt also proved that it was not a forgery.

The day before they were glad that he came, the next day they tried to frame him? What kind of sick game was this? He just couldn't follow their thinking anymore.

"We will…" Itsuki hummed, trying to be a neutral judge. Indeed, it was true. He also saw King running towards them, shouting for them to flee. In a sense, it was his own fault for not retreating, even after seeing all those balloons piled up behind him.

"Lord Motoyasu! You had to believe me! H-He…"

"Sigh! This is so tiring."

"Enough! Are you willing to face our judgment!?" Aultcray was seriously pissed, even grabbing the arms of his seat, squeezing it with all his anger.

"...If my innocence is questioned, I have no other choice."

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

"So, you are ready to fight!?"

"As said, if I have no choice, I will…"

Everyone flinched. This man was relentless, even after weapons pointed at him, he watched them with pity, with a completely apathetic expression. Almost as if he was saying, 'You can't hurt me with those…'

"You damn…!"

"Considering your expression, my presence here is not well-liked. In that case, simply send me back to my world. I would rather not remain in a place where my presence is not needed."

"Please! Pretty please! Send me back!"

"Ho-How dare!? After all the crime you just committed you want to back out!?" Motoyasu shouted, completely pissed at how cowardly this man acted.

"You can call me whatever you want…" King lowered his head for a moment. "…But I didn't commit the crimes you accuse me of and have no mood to play your game. So, either send me back and summon a new hero, or I leave, searching on my own."

Aultcray groaned as he held his head. "Unfortunately, there isn't a known method to send heroes back to their own worlds... Even if we wanted to re-summon new heroes, all of the current ones would first need to perish."

"What!? Killed!?" He was a coward, yes! Definitely not a hero material! But dying? No way in hell did he want to die!

"... Wh-why?"

"What the..."

"I-It's got to be a lie..."

The other three heroes, bewildered, responded in unison.

No magic could return them to their old world? It was a crushing revelation.

"Shit…" He was in deep trouble. He knew that they mentioned something similar on the first day. But he thought it was some bluff to keep them demanding the topic any further. Who the hell thought it was the case for real!?

"In that case, there is no time to waste. I will leave to search for a way." There has to be some way! There is no way he is stuck here with an apocalyptic scenario on the horizon!

"There has to be some way…"

Turning around, King started to walk away. There was no time to waste. Also, he was so strained; he barely managed to move, or even stand straight. His stomach started to cramp once again!

"I just want to go home! Please! Let me go home!"

"Yo-You!?" the king's face couldn't be redder after seeing the man turning his back on him; it looked like he can blow up at any moment. "Detain him in an instant!" immediately; numerous weapons pointed against him.

King stood motionlessly, like a living statue, not even flinching as the weapons pointed directly at him, his hands in his pockets.

This made him look like a person who was not afraid at all despite all the weapons pointed at him, making him look even more intimidating.

"Holy shit!? Will I die here!?"

'Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble! Rumble!'

The King engine started once again in a greater rhythm, giving the already intimidating 'hero' an even more menacing presence.

"Ah-Ahhh!"

"We are not finished, Shield! How dare you show your back to us!?"

"As I said…" King only glanced back. "I have no time for this, show me real proof about the case, and I will oblige. Until then, it is a case of false accusation I am not willing to play along with." Gold diggers and beautiful women with little to no wealth have this tactic when they want something, or, at least, that's what he read.

Or that she was simply delirious and had the inclination to come up with random things? He had no idea. "Call me again if you have more proof than the accusing words of a sleepwalker. Until then, I go my own way."

This is one of the reasons why he didn't have a girlfriend, he read too many cases where this happened, and he became paranoid after a while. The hell he wants to get framed like this! He rather had no real girlfriend at all to avoid the hassle.

"The other reason is because I am a notorious loner. Who wants the hassle of someone else hanging around in their flat all the time? Messing up my stuff? Ordering me around? No way!"

It was more satisfying playing with a dating simulator.

"I can design the girls however I like! It is ten times easier, and if they get displeased, I can always load a previous save!"

Just imagining about fun he had with his games filled with him with joy!

Anyway, with his fame as a hero, even if he wanted to, he couldn't know a girl casually. He tried, once. The entire time the girl just asked about his work, praising that he is the best. Etc… Etc… He didn't need that.

"It was honestly annoying…" Never again would he expose himself to such annoyance and strain.

"Fine then!" the king snarled, his tone venomous! "Go then, Shield! Die alone on the field! But hear me out! We may not punish you now due to your status as a trump card, but be aware! We spread the news of your crimes to the people! That will be your punishment. Don't even think about finding suitable work in my country."

"Duly noted…" King answered only as such, walking towards the entrance, the two guards, of course, crossed their spears before him.

"Just let me go."

"We can't seriously let him go! He…" Motoyasu wanted to go after him, planning to beat him up, yet Ren stopped him.

"I advise against it…" Ren grabbed his shoulder, holding him back.

"But he…"

"He killed all the balloons with just one calculated hit," He whispered. "He was the one who devastated that place."

"You cannot possibly believe that ridiculous rumor! He…"

"I know because I witnessed it firsthand!" Ren confirmed, making the ones heard him extremely pale. "With just one strike, he killed all the monsters, ruining that part of the forest. It is hard to admit, but he is not someone any of us, even combined can face with our current strength."

"Dammit!" Motoyasu bit his lip, lowering his head in shame.

"Let him go…" Aultcray ordered, sweating heavily after hearing what Ren said. "The people will deal with him. He will not last long alone."

With that, King left the court.

"Damn you Shield! Damn you!" Aultcray muttered, powerless, lowering his head. That day, not even moving, King utterly defied all his authority and power. He couldn't do anything to him!

What happened today, everyone would remember for a long time!

That day! The day The World's Strongest Man left a deep impression in the royal court of Melromarc! So deep, it made them question the authority of their own king. In fact, in front of King himself, their own king was sorely underwhelming in comparison!

Where will his way lead? His legendary tales will tell you!

Only one thing is sure: 'Being a hero is such a bother…' Until next time, Shield Hero!

---

AN:

Well, that's it for now!

Sorry for the long wait, life and other stuff took my time.

In the next chapter, the journey of The Strongest Man continues onward!

Where does his path lead? You will see it!

Until then!

Be good! Good day! Good night! Safe winds! Be safe! Until next time!

RnR!

Read and Review!

Send a PM if you have questions.

Oblivon2991 out!