Chapter Seven: The Dragon
"Here for the armour? I'd just finished it a few hours ago. Go get changed into it."
She exited several minutes later, adjusting the manacles on her arms.
"I moved them up to keep the sleeves tight," she explained, seeing Naofumi's look, "the undershirt is a bit loose because of the chainmail layer."
"Looks to fit just fine," Ekil approached and checked the shoulder pads.
Raphtalia had at first just wanted boots, gloves, a hide breastplate and shoulder pads, however Naofumi wasn't having it.
She got the boots and gloves, a dark leather from the two-headed dog with white lining inside, fluffing from usapils, and instead of hide she'd been outfitted with Light Metal shoulderpads and breastplate, plus some Light Metal chainmail underneath.
"It feels heavier than I'm used to."
"Good," Naofumi stated, "you'll get used to the weight. Light Metal's the best fit for you if you want to stay on the move, but you're not just getting leather or hide."
She huffed but relented.
"Your turn,"
His was far heavier, and looked... wild.
"Pro'ly my best work yet!" Ekil bragged. "Though it's a custom job, I don't have much else like it. So I named it for you and it seemed fittin' givin' the abilities."
Naofumi narrowed his eyes at the sly drawl.
"I call it Beastmaster Armour."
Naofumi snorted.
"Bit uncreative?"
Ekil waved him off, "It fits your look."
The sleeve holes were lined with fluffy usapil fur which he recognised from his cloak. The chest was a gleaming deceptively heavy-looking piece of Light Metal. The parts not covered were lined with the dog skin. Naofumi put his hand inside and found the interior was formed of two layers of skin, probably porcupine, and was stuffed with pikyupikyu feathers.
The shoulders were linked dog-leather pads, connected by Light Metal chain. Same with the leg armour.
It looked intimidating with a monochrome colour scheme between the first layer of deep black dog skin, Light Metal, and boots. There was one, glaring exception.
The gloves looked to be layered with scales, ones he recognised.
"I'd kept Quetzal's loose ones and sheds," Raphtalia advised at his enquiring look, "I gave them to Ekil-san to see if he could do something with them."
"It has some magical effects from the ground bone and the variety, plus the Light Metal itself too," Ekil explained, "but you can have a look at that yourself."
"It suits you, Naofumi-san," Raphtalia offered, leaning in to whisper. "You look like a hero."
Naofumi's breath hitched.
"Thank you," he said, aimed at both of them. Diverting his eyes, he instead checked the status screen.
Beastmaster Armour
Equip bonus: animal taming skill 1
Equip effect: magic defence up
Enchantments: defence up
Boosted defence stats and an animal taming skill? Plus this looks far more than a step above the chainmail. I'm guessing the magical effects are those resist bonuses against some elemental magic...
"Oh yeah, I know you're big on privacy too, I made this from some of the Light Metal left."
Ekil handed him what looked to be some sort of knight helmet.
"A visored barbute," the smith elaborated, "means you don't need to were that hood up all the time, might give a bit more protection than that mask of yours too."
"Thank you," Naofumi said sincerely, glancing about. Nobody seemed nearby.
Ekil sighed and turned away, giving Naofumi the chance to put it on.
It was padded inside, but even with it being visored, his visibility was far better, even if his field of view was narrower in the single stretch of visor.
The hood had to hide enough of his features to not be identified as the Shield Hero, but now, he didn't need to worry. He'd blend in, like any other knight, whereas his mask drew the eyes.
He pulled the cloak hood up still to cover the top out of habit, but not far enough to obscure his vision at the front.
Beastmaster armour equipped, barbute helmet on his head, cloak around his shoulders... for the first time since he was summoned, he felt like a hero.
"Looks pretty impressive, if I don't say so myself," Ekil stated with a grin.
"It feels impressive," Naofumi admitted, "thank you, again."
Nafoumi hesitated, fingering his mask. Carefully, he stored it in his pack.
It felt wrong to replace something that kept him safe, or worse, discard it. It was the first true thing he'd made in this world.
"Not a problem kid. Least I could do for you after what you've done - will do, for us."
Naofumi nodded awkwardly, still not used to the helmet.
"I heard you're looking to find a dragon next," Ekil said.
Naofumi scoffed, "Does everyone gossip about my business?"
Ekil chuckled. "Well, you're one of the more interesting adventurers in the area. Aside that demi-human who turned up at the inn."
"Demi-human?" Naofumi asked, curiosity piqued.
"Yeah, a dog demi-human," Ekil frowned, "if Raphtalia wants to speak to him that should be fine, but... I'd recommend keeping your distance."
"How come?"
Here Ekil looked uncomfortable.
"Rumour is, he's a tracker from Siltvelt."
Naofumi frowned behind the helmet, "That is important, why?"
"Well... people think he's lookin' for the Shield Hero."
Naofumi stiffened, "Why?"
"Could be anythin'. To report back to Siltvelt his status, get him back to Siltvelt or even to offer assistance. Envoys have been sent across the borders by Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden."
Ekil paused.
"Some known envoys were actually up at Castle Town earlier this week, apparently investigatin' what happened to several adventurers who had offered to help the Shield Hero after he was summoned. 'Course, the King accused them of helping the Shield Hero flee after... well..."
Adventurers... that dragonnewt's party, could it be...
"Raphtalia, if there's anything you want to speak to him about, feel free when we head back. I'm going to continue working," Naofumi said, "we'll see you later, Ekil."
"Stay safe!"
Once they were a distance away, Raphtalia turned to Naofumi.
"What do you want me to do about the adventurer, Naofumi-san? Do you have a message for him?"
Naofumi chuckled, "Why would you think that?"
Raphtalia shot him a look, "You know Ekil-san is a gossip. You said that to give me a reason to speak to him so people won't think about it, otherwise you'd have said now, or back in our room."
Naofumi laughed again, "It's... uncanny how well you can read me."
Raphtalia gave an uncharacteristic snort, which he hoped wasn't going to be a habit she picked up from him, "You're too private sometimes, Naofumi-san. I have to read you sometimes, mostly on body language alone given I can't see your face most of the time."
Naofumi shrugged, noting they were approaching the marketplace, "We'll talk more at the inn. This demi-human is potentially a problem."
"I've not seen another demi-human in a while," Raphtalia said quietly, taking a seat across from the hooded figure.
The dog demi-human looked up in surprise, "Ah... a, raccoon? You have mixed blood, my apologises if I am incorrect."
Raphtalia nodded, "Half-raccoon, yes."
The stranger sniffed.
"You're young. Not merely physically. You have recently started levelling up?"
"I have. My companion and I have been here for a few weeks now."
Raphtalia flagged down the barmaid, and asked for two drinks.
"My thanks," the stranger said after the barmaid left, "might I have your name, fellow fairfolk?"
"Raphtalia," she offered a small bow of her head.
"Fenway," the dog demi-human accepted and returned the gesture, "you say your companion, Raphtalia. Yet I see manacles on your arms, and that ink... the blood and pigment never really fades, does it? That smell of iron. It is like the metal often around the neck."
Raphtalia's brow furrowed. She knew that collar had been making Naofumi uncomfortable, and he'd ended up removing it to throw away. The manacles she insisted on keeping, as they kept loose clothing in place.
"Yes... though he doesn't treat me like a slave. I am his companion."
"Ah, he is one of the nice, kind slave owners, yes?" Fenway snarked.
"The people here gossip you are from Siltvelt," Raphtalia diverted.
"They speak true, I made no secret of this. I am on the hunt. The Saviour walks among us, while these filth spit on His name."
A fanatic.
Raphtalia narrowed her eyes, "You say Saviour, but what are your intentions? Bring him back to Siltvelt?"
Fenway hummed, "Now why would you care, Raphtalia, slave? You could not assist me, not with that leash. Do you wish me to cut your master's throat and free you?"
"Your intentions?" she pressed.
Fenway leaned in, and sniffed.
"It is the matter of the envoys to convince The Saviour to return to Siltvelt. My business is merely the hunt, no? I hear He is a 'criminal', and fucked one of the Royal bitches."
Fenway barked a small laugh.
"The folly of Melromarican scum to dare call one as He such, the slut should be honoured, mayhaps she will give him a pup too."
"You're diverting."
"And you're digging," Fenway shot back.
Raphtalia paused, and leaned back. The barmaid returned with their drinks.
After a sip, she spoke again.
"If your aim was to help the Saviour, then you're going about it the wrong way. For a hunter, you attract too much attention."
Fenway snorted, "The Saviour cannot survive alone in the wilds. There will be those who know of His whereabouts, perhaps those earlier adventurers."
"If it was the party with a dragonnewt, they're dead," Raphtalia stated.
Fenway flinched, spilling his drink slightly.
While she couldn't see his face fully, she could see his mouth pulled into a troubled frown.
"May I ask, how?"
"How it happened, or how do I know?"
"Both."
"The King imprisoned them and they were killed by the guards in the dungeons. The dragonnewt was sold as a slave, and died."
"I... I see."
Fenway sounded dejected, though he tried to hide it from her.
"You're too obvious," Raphtalia repeated leaning forward, "the knights will come for you."
"I plan on being gone by tomorrow," Fenway admitted soberly, "my plan was to linger in some of the villages for a few days, let word spread of my presence. See if one of the Shie- The Saviour's companions would approach. Now... I don't know if He is even still alive."
"He is."
Fenway's head shot up, almost dislodging his hood.
"You- you know. You know where He is," he said in a hushed whisper, leaning forward also.
Raphtalia nodded.
"Then, where..."
"He has a message for you, Fenway."
Fenway's breath hitched.
Raphtalia checked to see if anything looked to be listening in.
"He plans to be back here when the Wave of Destruction comes," she said quietly. "What level are you?"
"Level 21," Fenway answered without hesitation.
Raphtalia nodded, "He doesn't plan on going to Sidvelt right now. He has other business first in Melromarc. If a human was seen with you, the other Heroes would hunt him down; the knights will find out you were here and who you were searching for. Lay low, and return at the end of the month. Level up too, in the meantime."
Fenway nodded, but paused, "I could just go and meet Him somewhere else, though?"
Raphtalia shook her head, "The knights will find out you were here, and follow your route. That's why you're going to west then disappear and return at the end of the month."
"Go west... I see... then He has business to the east," Fenway deduced, "just how do you-... your master. He-"
"You're clever, Fenway," Raphtalia interrupted, "just do as he's commanded."
"I- I will. I will leave in the morning, loudly and within earshot."
Raphtalia nodded, and made to leave until Fenway gestured for her to sit back down.
"Were you to leave so abruptly, people might ask questions. The Heroes are new to our world, and do not have much understanding of the ways, I have been led to believe," Fenway said.
"If you were saved as a slave and only recently were levelling up, I imagine you have some... confusion, and questions. Drink with me and ask them. Since I cannot be by His side, I am happy to help one loyal to Him."
"How did it go?" Naofumi asked Raphtalia when she returned to their room.
He noted her rather pink face.
"Have you been drinking?"
"Just a little," Raphtalia admitted.
Naofumi tsk'ed.
"I'm not a little girl, Naofumi-san," Raphtalia reminded him gently.
"I- I know that now. I see that."
Raphtalia took a seat on the bed while Naofumi turned the chair.
"His name is Fenway. He's an adventurer from Siltvelt," Raphtalia reported, "not on official business. I think he just heard the news and travelled to find you to help."
Naofumi's brow furrowed, "Why, though? Surely he has some other motive. Why would someone be so..."
Raphtalia hesitated, "I... you're not from this world, Naofumi-san. You don't know the cultures, history, or religions."
"No, I don't," Naofumi admitted.
"There was- is a Church of the Four Heroes," Raphtalia explained, "but after The War, there was... a schism in the Four Saints Faith. Siltvelt main religion is The Church of The One, who worships the Shield Hero. Melromarc follows The Church of The Three Heroes, the... other heroes. The Four Saints faith has since fallen out of favour, mostly, except some neutral countries."
"Is that were the 'Devil of the Shield' thing came from?"
"Yes."
Naofumi pondered this.
"Siltvelt might be our destination after the Wave," Naofumi mulled, thinking it over. "I'm not interested in being worshipped, but it may be the best place to get support..."
Naofumi rubbed his chin, deep in thought. He noticed out of the corner of his eye Raphtalia seemed almost... nervous.
"Did you discuss anything else?" he questioned. "You were done there for a while..."
"I- no, we didn't."
Naofumi narrowed his eyes.
Does she know... did this Fenway tell her? 'heard the news'...
He's been trying to keep the reason he's a fugitive from her since they met, and it seemed she hadn't heard why. Had that changed?
Naofumi stewed in the silence, and didn't say anything. Raphtalia shifted.
Then, it hit him like a punch.
It was a stunning realisation.
She's lying to me.
His first instinct was to go for the status screen. His second instinct was to scold himself of even considering that. Instead, he ultimately decided on asking why. Because as far as he was aware, Raphtalia had never lied to him yet.
Before he could open his mouth however, she beat him to the punch.
"We talked about... demi-human things I wouldn't have learned from my parents before... before they died. Growth. Changes."
Naofumi paused, "Oh. Puberty."
Raphtalia nodded, slightly pink, still nervous.
That... makes sense.
"Sorry," Naofumi apologised.
Raphtalia just waved it off.
Reassured, Naofumi awkwardly turned away to continue working.
"Did you pass on the message, if he seemed the sort to help us?"
"I did."
He nodded, and left it at that.
Would the crest know I'm lying by omission?
Raphtalia pondered this while watching Naofumi work with his back to her.
If it was active, it would've caught me on the first lie.
So Naofumi trusted her enough to not block her ability to lie. That made her both happy at the trust, and guilt at her deception. Ongoing deception.
Was it bad of her to know his issues, and use them so manipulatively, in such a way she knew he wouldn't ask anything else?
Naofumi knew her own... problems.
And Raphtalia knew that in his own way, perhaps unthinkingly, he'd used hers.
"Your parents aren't coming back. But you can help other kids. You can keep the same from happening to them."
He had taught her plenty. Maybe Naofumi had felt guilty then, too.
Of course he had, he always looked at her that way.
At first, Raphtalia had thought he hated her. She had seen it in his eyes when they first met, a hatred fiercer than the revulsion in the soldiers who abducted her.
There were times when he slipped, his distrust showed on his features, or the way they'd be talking one moment and he would slowly trail off, unable to look her in the eyes.
Over time, she realised it wasn't hate, or if it was, it was not for her.
She had wondered why the Shield Hero was here, in this country. Why he avoided villages, preferred to keep to the wilds, and hid his features when in the village.
Then she heard the whispers when they went to the market. The stories being told.
"Best be careful girl, don't stray too far! You don't know where that Devil is lurking!"
"-hear what he did? Left her tied up in his room, poor girl had wet herself from fear by the time the innkeeper found her!"
She had felt her fear renewed, briefly, when she put them together.
Then she remembered the mornings of waking up and feeling safe.
Of having to clear balloons and other monsters that had attacked in their sleep, that Naofumi had used his own body to shield her from.
Then they'd rented the inn for the first time, and she remembered the stories, and dismissed them just as fast. Then Naofumi said she'd take the bed.
She didn't want to sleep alone. She didn't have the nightmares of the dog eating her when the Shield Hero, Naofumi, was protecting her.
But he said he'd be working. He'd be close by, he wasn't abandoning her.
The town hall and his reaction only confirmed what she knew however.
Naofumi had been accused of a horrible crime, a crime that he didn't want her finding out about and he'd fled Castle Town after buying her. It explained everything.
She knew without a doubt he was innocent. He would never do something like that.
And the dog... she'd never seen Naofumi bleed before. The dog made him bleed. Even the Shield Hero could get hurt, and it was a dog that done it. She had been so scared that her nightmares were going to come true, that she'd watch as he died and she was next.
But he didn't back down and kept the dog back, and it was down to her to kill the monster. They'd done it as a team, together, what neither could've managed alone.
Nothing else really destroys that fantasy pedestal than treating a bleeding Hero's wound.
He was still her Hero, and would always be. The Hero who kept her safe in the wilds, the Hero who was prepared to die in a cave to give her the chance to run, the Hero who held her after her nightmare of failing in the cave, she had been so stupidly scared that he was going to tie her up and leave her after that embarrassing incident. Then he'd chased off those boys, and knew he was still her Naofumi.
She didn't really see the Shield Hero anymore, it was Naofumi.
She hoped he'd eventually see her not as a demi-human slave child, but Raphtalia.
Raphtalia who didn't believe the lies, who didn't care he'd saved her as a slave, and who was his sword.
She knew when that day came though, it would come with admitting she had known all along about what he was accused of. As strong as Naofumi was physically and defensively, as hard as his edges were, Raphtalia knew just how fragile inside he was; how he'd see it as a betrayal, an excuse to push her away, or affirm whatever it was he was convinced that she really felt.
She hoped that when that day came, it wasn't the push that broke him.
"We only need five more coins," Naofumi said, double checking the money bag on his person.
"Where is it we're going again? The east?" Raphtalia asked.
Naofumi nodded, "The village is called Mirso. The dragon's known to live in the mountains nearby. He's apparently peaceful unless disturbed. The main thing we've apparently to keep an eye out for is his children."
"Children?" Raphtalia echoed. "Other dragons?"
Naofumi shook his head, "I'd spoken to Elder Riyute while I was getting payment. He said, uh... if the dragon has been there for long enough, he may have went into a rut. They don't have much regard for race, so dragon desolations have... half-blood offspring monsters."
"I... see."
"This is where having Quetzal will be useful."
At hearing his name, Queztal peeked out from within Naofumi's armour. He tapped the couatl who dipped back inside to doze.
"How... oh, his venom," Raphtalia realised.
Naofumi nodded, "It's a non-lethal takedown. If any of them attack, he can deal with them."
"Killing his children before we go asking for help would probably start things off poorly."
"Right."
They continued their walk on the road in amicable silence, until Raphtalia suddenly broke it.
"Tell me about your life, Naofumi-san."
"Huh?"
Raphtalia glanced over at him.
"Your life," she repeated, "did... do you have a family?"
"Oh. Yes, I do."
Naofumi was going to say nothing further on it, but Raphtalia seemed to be waiting on him elaborating.
"My parents, and my brother. Younger brother, Toshiro."
"You must miss them," she said softly.
"I do," Naofumi admitted. "Toshiro, at least... I... I don't know how this summoning works. If it takes two years for the Waves to be dealt with, will two years have passed in my world? Will I just, be back in that library?"
"The stories never really say," Raphtalia said hesitantly.
"Well, I hope I'm not gone too long. I might end up being done for tax evasion, and I'll have a hard time explaining that to the government," Naofumi said jokingly.
"Tax evasion?" Raphtalia questioned. "Like, the tax collector would come to your village and you wouldn't be there?"
"Ah... sort of. A lot of it is done by mail, or digital."
"Dig-it-tal?" Raphtalia enunciated slowly, confused at the word.
"Over the internet, or the bank. Your money is sent automatically."
"internet..." Raphtalia puzzled out, "is that an international network? Of couriers?"
Naofumi shook his head, a bit out of his depth.
How do would you explain the internet to someone from a time like the 1800s?
"Think of mailboxes and billboards," Naofumi started slowly, "only, you can send mail to people's mailboxes automatically within seconds from your own. And billboards which people can update and you can view, all from one billboard."
"Oh... that sounds like really advanced magic."
Naofumi shook his head, "we don't have magic in my world."
"Really?" this baffled Raphtalia. "Then, how..."
"Electricity," Seeing her confusion, he elaborated, "think lightning, but contained and used like coal as a fuel."
"Sounds magical."
Naofumi chuckled, "there's a saying back in my world... something like 'advanced technology can't be distinguished from magic'. Who knows, maybe this world will end up similar, just with magic instead."
There was a lull in the conversation while Raphtalia pondered this.
"So, tell me about demi-humans."
"Hm?"
"Demi-humans: is there cultural differences from Melromarc or other human countries, history..."
"Oh. Well, there's therianfolk. If you meet one, don't give a handshake, instead bow."
Naofumi blinked.
"Is there a reason for that?"
Raphtalia glanced at him.
"Well, would you try to shake Baerwyn's hand? Or maybe an elephant-folk? A minotaur?"
Naofumi thought about doing such, and realised the folly of such a gesture.
"Ah. That would probably hurt."
"Wolf-folk claws are deadly," Raphtalia agreed, "and a minotaur would probably just crush it by mistake. Also, doing so with dog demi-humans is really insulting, it makes it look like you're asking for their paw; treating them like monster dogs."
"I'll keep that in mind. What's with the 'folk' thing?"
"Oh," Raphtalia looked slightly embarrassed, "um, it's a race thing. You've heard therianfo-uh, thopes? And of course, demi-humans. Well, those are... human words."
"Like, slurs, or-"
"Not exactly, no. It's just therianfolk and fairfolk are more traditional terms. Siltvelt use them pretty much exclusively, and if you called someone a demi-human there... you're pretty much calling them a part human."
"Oh," now that he thought about it, he saw the sense in it. Why would a country that apparently had human slaves and hated humans tolerate calling themselves 'demi-humans'?
"Do you mind me calling you a demi-human, then?"
Raphtalia shook her head, "Melromarc is a human country, you'd get some looks if you called me a fairfolk."
"That doesn't say if you mind, though," Naofumi pressed gently.
Raphtalia just shrugged, "I... I grew up with 'demi-human', even though it was a 'fairfolk' village. My father didn't use fairfolk either, he didn't really seem like someone who liked old traditions. It's just, you'd said about maybe going to Siltvelt, so it would be good to know, and if you ran into a demi-human from there."
Like Fenway.
"I'll keep that in mind," Naofumi promised, then hummed, "wait, if Siltvelt doesn't like humans, then... how do they feel about the Shield Hero being a human?" Naofumi paused. "Has there been a demi-human Shield Hero before?"
"It's always been humans, because they've been summoned from another world," Raphtalia explained, "as for the whole worship part... it's hard to explain. It's not necessarily the Shield Hero that's worshipped, it's more of the Shield itself. The Heroes are seen as... avatars? Wielders? Users, of the Legendary Weapons. It depends on who you ask.
"Fenway might not really see a difference, and would give you the same revere. A demi-human slaver would probably see you being human as 'unfortunate' or that you're one of the good ones, since you've been chosen by the Shield. Basically there's a whole exception made for the Shield Hero human that's not really given to others."
"Do demi-humans look down on humans?" Naofumi asked.
Raphtalia shifted uncomfortably.
"There's some who do. Most wolf-folk see humans as weak, tiny things. They don't have claws which when they're levelled enough can tear through armour, or better hearing, smell and other things. But they forget that humans usually have other things they're better at. Eyes that don't tunnel vision and brains that don't either. Wolf-folk aren't really good thinkers or planners. Demi-humans... it depends on them. Do all humans look down on demi-humans? Same answer."
Naofumi hummed, before realising that Raphtalia likely couldn't hear him with the helmet, "Right."
They continued their trek in silence, which Naofumi felt somewhat relieved at. It helped to hide his tiredness.
I can't remember the last time I did any serious exercise, especially in something as heavy as armour.
The journey from Castle Town to Riyute was a couple of hours at most, and their now deserted camp was about an hour away from the Village. It was good exercise, but the initial trip was downhill, and the fields and forest between the camp and Riyute were relatively even terrain.
Now with their trip to Mirso Village, they were going to be travelling mostly uphill. It would be tiresome business, but you couldn't be a lazy Hero, could you?
They dealt with the occasional monster on their journey, and ran into a few fellow travellers on the road who didn't spare them much of a glance. As the journey would be about a two days on foot, they settled to make camp for the evening when the sky bled red.
"We'll get up early and should be at the village by the same time tomorrow," Naofumi grunted, laying out their bedroll and bags.
Instead of joining them, Quetzal instead took brief flight to reach the tree above their rest to settle in coiled around a thick branch.
"Have you seen anything like him before?" Naofumi asked, eyeing the serpent above them.
Raphtalia shook her head, "I don't remember any stories about them either. I only have a couple ideas how the Aotatsu even got one."
Naofumi glanced at her, surprised, "A couple ideas are more than what I have. I take it Aotatsu is their type's name?"
Raphtalia nodded, "Sort of. Not all dragonnewts are Aotatsu, but all Aotatsu are dragonnewts. It's just a collective name for demi-humans with dragon features. Anyway, Fenway told me the Aotatsu was called Widyastuti, I think. Apparently there was a couple of stories being told in Shieldfreeden about him that made their way to Siltvelt."
Widyastuti... I'll remember your name.
Naofumi laid down and waited for her to continue.
"Well the first important thing is most Aotatsu don't actually worship any of the Four. They keep to something called the Dragon Faith. So the really weird thing was that Widyastuti was a prominent son who suddenly took a journey into the mountains about a month ago with some close friends, was there for a few days before returning. Then they went straight for Castle Town."
"What's the weird bit about the Dragon Faith and him, then?"
Raphtalia blinked, "It must've been for you, why he ended up here in Melromarc, it's the only answer Fenway and I could think of. But he was a follower of the Dragon Faith all his life, until he came back from that trip and all of his friends converted to the Church of The One. How did he even know to come to Castle Town in the first place?"
Naofumi paused, "The summoning. He must've known."
Raphtalia nodded, "Fenway told me it wasn't even planned for Melromarc to summon all four of the Heroes, either. The Queen is apparently at a conference with other country leaders, and the summoning came as a surprise to everyone."
So that's where this Queen is...
"So... if it wasn't planned for it to happen, how did Widyastuti, know to come?"
Raphtalia shrugged helplessly.
Naofumi glanced at Quetzal, now snoozing away.
"There's more to him that meets the eye," Naofumi said quietly, "I thought, but..."
Naofumi noticed the look Raphtalia was giving him and elaborated.
"In my world, there's an old god called Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent. I don't know much else about the god I'd only glanced at him in a book, but..."
"That's why you called him that."
Naofumi nodded, "Plus, his scales. They gave a shield, called the Celestial Couatl Shield. I can't use it yet, it's locked."
Raphtalia's brow furrowed, before she hesitantly said, "Um, Naofumi-san. You said it was a book that summoned you to the world. What did the book say?"
Naofumi glanced at Raphtalia, mulling the question, "It gave an outline of the world, this one, and the four Heroes. It also had a warning, about... something."
He thought she was going to press, but instead, "And this 'Quetzalcoatl', these are from old stories too?"
Naofumi nodded, "I read it, yeah."
"Is Svalinn from a book in your world?"
Naofumi looked confused now, "It could be... why?"
Raphtalia glanced away, "You'd said that the other Heroes seemed to know what they were doing. Something about games they'd played, that you hadn't. Is it possible that the books you read were your own way of knowing?"
Naofumi's jaw dropped.
Could it... is it that simple?
The book, it was at a library. It contained the warnings about Bitch, and gave him an overview of the heroes, what they were like. It had tried to warn him. He didn't play many games, Naofumi was more of a reader. Could that be why he was summoned the way he was? Then, should he be looking to the old stories and myths of his world as an idea for it?
It was possible. The heroes got sent back to their worlds, so maybe that's were these stories came about for these creatures in this world. Werewolves weren't real, but there were Wolf-folk here. Quetzalcoatl was some old Mayan god, but was that from a past hero's tales about a companion couatl?
"It could be," Naofumi agreed slowly, "we'll... we'll continue as we're going with this now. Most of these stories are old myths and religions, so it would be best to take it with a grain of salt."
Raphtalia agreed and settled to sleep, but it still burned in Naofumi's mind.
He glanced down at the ever present shield on his arm, now in it's Small Shield form, as he found that the most comfortable for sleeping.
"I'd resented you at times..." He murmured, studying the green gem, "but that was more on me, not you, wasn't it? The other heroes, they never got warnings... visions."
He remembered the vision like a faint dream, one he was reminded of when he first saw Raphtalia. The morning of his summoning. They were on a mountain, she was beside him... He'd only saw a girl then however, hadn't he? Had things already changed? Or had it shown him that to know to get her?
Prophecy was a foolish game, he wouldn't pretend to understand the visions and warnings, but he knew that whatever force it was, most likely the Shield itself, had been trying to guide him in ways he'd understand.
He wasn't much of a 'gamer' like the other heroes, and as such was excluded due to their weird elitism. He didn't care however. He had his Shield, and he had Raphtalia.
He glanced up, noticing that Queztal wasn't asleep. The reptile may be feigning it, but he could see that awareness in it's posture, and the occasional flicker of of eyelids.
"If he came from an egg, that the dragonnewt, Widyastuti had... then it must've came from the parents," Naofumi puzzled out, "I wonder..."
Like Raphtalia, he only had an idea now of what took place, but it mattered not. Maybe it was the Shield and its divine intervention, who knows.
He'd continue as he had and go to the dragon in the mountains for answers. Hopefully it would have information on just what he had on his hands, and provide guidance on how to raise Quetzal properly.
At the rate he's growing, it could quickly become a problem too... I don't see us being able to go unnoticed or incognito with a massive unusual snake in the party.
"Elder Mirso, presenting Sir Beastmaster!"
He'd noticed on their entry that Mirso Village was in a far better condition than Riyute. Whereas Riyute had dilapidated buildings in need of repairs, Mirso looked fresh and clean. It was a stark contrast.
Similarly, the town hall was almost... opulent. Fur rugs were everywhere, trophy kills littered the walls, and iron braziers burning merrily were commonplace. In comparison to Elder Riyute's, it was night and day.
Naofumi preferred the modest and functional Riyute hall. From what he had seen this far, the hall was a reflection of the Elder.
He was unsurprised by Elder Mirso's rich robes and rings.
"Welcome, welcome," the man greeted, "my guards told me you have came due to the dragon problem?"
Naofumi's brow furrowed behind his helmet.
"I was unaware the dragon was a problem. I was merely told of its presence."
Elder Mirso coughed, "Yes, well, who knows how long the beast will remain idle? When its hunger will grow great, and it will look to our village for further wealth for its hoard?"
Naofumi said nothing in return.
"Is that why you have came, Sir Beastmaster? Do you seek to slay the creature?"
Naofumi didn't like the thinly veiled greed behind the Elder's eyes.
"I seek an audience. Nothing more, nothing less," he stated simply, "if the dragon attacks, I will retreat. I have heard what has happened to previous adventurers."
Elder Mirso hummed, "Yes, your caution speaks well of your sense. They are dangerous creatures, I would be wary approaching it. The dragon has tasted human flesh, and it may desire more."
After being given directions to the inn, they were quickly dismissed and shown the door by the guards.
"I don't trust him," Raphtalia said quietly.
"Neither do I," Naofumi admitted, "I think... we'll stay the night, and if the dragon permits it, set up camp in the mountains."
Quetzal must have good instincts too, Naofumi mused, he didn't show himself once.
For such a curious reptile, it made Naofumi's aversion to the town all the more justified in his head.
If you really have such good instincts to avoid bad people, why are you with me, then?
Naofumi ignored this intrusive thought. Quetzal was bound to the Shield, not him. It didn't matter who had it. Same with demi-humans, they wouldn't give a shit about him, just what he had on his arm.
"And I'm grateful that it was you, and that I got to meet you, Naofumi-san. That I won't regret."
Well, except one. But he wouldn't know that it was true until after she was freed at the end of the Wave. Still, it was a nice thought.
The inn they were directed to also charged a silver for the night. He was beginning to think that Castle Town's cheap price was probably down to the competition. These smaller villages seemed to have one inn which could set the price to what it liked without worry of travellers going elsewhere for a bed and a roof.
Setting their bags down, Naofumi took a quick glance at their stats.
Naofumi Itwani LV 18
Raphtalia LV 21
Quetzal LV 9
Decent levels, though he'd like to be at least level 30 himself before the wave comes. Raphtalia seemed to level up the quickest for some strange reason that he suspected had something to do with being partied with the Shield Hero, or it may be down to one of his shield abilities. He knew Quetzal was definitely levelling faster due to that Monster User Shield.
"Seems every two levels I get, Raphtalia gets three," he murmured, "Quetzal levelled up three times of Raphtalia's as well, but that should even out soon..."
Regardless of the level, the couatl was a dangerous foe. In a one on one fight, if the enemy can't resist his venom and the couatl can deal damage, the outcome is already decided.
Will be useful in a fight, in fact...
Searching through his bag, he took out a few vials and a thin bit of parchment.
"Queztal, come here."
The snake slivered other curiously, scaling the desk Naofumi had sat at and rested the collected items on.
"Could you inject some venom into those vials?"
The couatl looked confused but clearly understood what he was saying, as he bumped his head gently into the glass.
Raphtalia watched on from the side, clearly confused at what he was trying to do.
Naofumi sighed.
"Here," he ripped off a small square of the parchment and closed it over the vial, "bite into that." Naofumi said, holding it to the snake's head.
With a lightning fast motion he didn't even see, Quetzal's head was suddenly locked onto the vial, two fangs piercing the leather with ease and injecting a scary amount of venom in. When the vial filled, the serpent gently withdrew, face scrunched and jaw adjusting.
Naofumi gave him a few thankful strokes and examined the contents with appraisal while Queztal preened under the attention.
Vial of Young Couatl Venom: quality: Legendary
Legendary... don't think I've seen that before... maybe because it's direct from the source, or willingly given?
"Raphtalia, you still have that backup dagger, right?"
Raphtalia withdrew the dagger from the sheath at the back of her belt.
"Good. Here," he handed her the vial carefully after he stoppered it.
"What's this for, Naofumi-san?"
"The first vial is for you, there might come a time were it would be handy," Nafoumi explained, "could just pour some over that dagger. I don't think it would work with your sword though, because the Blood Clean Coating might just register it as a foreign substance."
Raphtalia nodded.
Naofumi glanced at Quetzal, wondering. The reptile glanced back at him, small slit eyes locked on his.
"Don't even think about it."
Naofumi flinched at the sudden rebuke, turning to Raphtalia in surprise.
"I don't-"
"You're not going to get an immunity to that kind of venom or whatever it was you were thinking about by having Quetzal repeatedly bite you, Naofumi-san."
Naofumi shifted, "It could work."
"After years of continuous work, maybe," Raphtalia argued.
"It was just an idea..."
"And it will stay at that," Raphtalia told him firmly.
Naofumi nodded, but the thought stuck in his head and gnawed like an itch, of being vulnerable to poisons like that.
If I had that resistance, then she would've been no threat...
It still scared him. He needed to get stronger, he needed to build up a resistance to these poisons and potions, or other spells they might have at their disposal. Either by levelling up, or other means.
For now, I'll shelve that idea...
No matter how physically defensive he was right now, all it took was him letting down his guard once... once was enough for them to slip something in his meal.
He double checked his pack and was assured he had the ingredients for the gruel. He didn't trust eating in this inn. They would hunt in the morning for a meal for the dragon, and have their own outside the village.
"You think this will be enough for the dragon?" Naofumi asked, grunting as he pulled the cart.
"I hope so."
They had rented a small hand-drawn cart from the innkeeper for a silver with the promise to return it by the weeks end. It was a good thing too, since the boar they'd hunted for the dragon was at Naofumi's estimate, over three metres, close to three and a half.
"We should switch out," Raphtalia said again.
"There's no need for that, I've said already."
"Naofumi-san, I'm not supposed to kill anything. If we're attacked, it's you and Quetzal we're relying on. Don't you think-"
They were cut off by a sudden screech as a creature burst from the treeline straight for Raphtalia. Before it could make contact, Naofumi had already called out for an Air Strike Shield.
When the creature impacted, Quetzal launched with a burst of his wings and coiled the monster's neck.
It was several metres in length, and looked like some sort of feline hybrid with wings.
Lesser Half-Blood Drake LV 11
The struggling creature was quickly pacified once Quetzal's fangs sunk into its neck, twitching a few times before being forced to sleep.
"I can protect just fine from here," Naofumi called.
Raphtalia huffed, stomping over to take the cart off his hands.
"Get to the front and be a shield, you can protect from there too."
"Fine, fine."
The forest had the occasional animal call before, but after their sudden encounter with what he guessed was a spawn of the dragon, it had fallen disturbingly quiet.
In the tree lines, he could make out pairs of red eyes watching, but not striking out.
It was unnerving.
Normal monsters either fled or fought. None he had encountered thus far kept vigil on their movements.
"Naofumi-san... I think the dragon knows we're here."
The Shield Hero nodded tensely, eyes watching the trees.
They travelled further into the disturbing silence, aware of their movements being followed, and perhaps the dragon already had them in its sight.
The trees thinned out, making way for cracked, blackened forest floor and rocky terrain. The trees remaining here were naked, stripped of leaves and branches. Some looked nearly uprooted, as if they had just barely resisted a hurricane.
They kept on pushing forward.
"No turning back now," Naofumi murmured.
As they crested the small slopes taking them above the forest level, its massive form was revealed.
Its body was about ten metres long, with a tail about the same length. Dark, forest green scales glimmered dully as yellow eyes studied their approach.
Keeping his eyes on the dragon, Naofumi slowly stepped back to help Raphtalia with heaving the boar carcass onto the ground before them. They then backed off and waited.
They were at a standstill. The dragon did not approach further.
Then, in a booming voice akin to a rockfall, the dragon spoke.
"It is not often the adventurers and thieves approach my territory without weapons drawn," the drake rumbled.
"We're not here to steal from you," Naofumi called, "only to talk. This," he gestured to the boar, "is for you."
The dragon took a step forward, cracking stone under his claws.
"I am a Great Green, human. What poison you have laced this prey's blood with matters not to my stomach. Nor will you."
Naofumi swallowed.
"It's not poisoned. It's a gift."
The dragon huffed a plume of green breath that lingered and smelt of rot.
"A tribute. You... are a rare breed of human, adventurer."
With a lightning fast motion, the dragon snatched the boar and threw it up into the air, only to snap it out and with a mighty crunch, swallowing it whole.
There was a pause.
"You come with tribute, and no weapons drawn. Yet one of my spawn rests on the forest floor, unmoving."
The dragons long neck dipped and curved, the left eye focusing on Naofumi.
"And you claim to come in peace, hm? Then what is hiding on your person, adventurer? I smell it."
"incapacitated, not killed. A companion in my party used his venom to put it to sleep."
At this, Quetzal revealed himself from within Naofumi's cloak, already in a defensive posture.
The dragon reared back, both eyes now focused on Naofumi.
"How... fascinating."
Naofumi kept a firm grip on Quetzal.
"He hatched recently. I was told to seek a dragon. I came to speak with you, to ask for help."
The dragon seemed to slowly relax as it examined the couatl closer.
"He is wary of me," the dragon rumbled, "as he should be. He may be young, but he is already starting to develop his powers."
"Powers?" Naofumi asked, carefully taking a step forward. The dragon gave no notice other than a wandering eye before returning to Quetzal.
"It is a couatl, an inherently magic attuned creature."
"Is it a dragon?" Naofumi asked.
The dragon rumbled, clearly mulling it over.
"It isn't a dragon. Yet it was. And it can be."
"That... doesn't make sense," Naofumi said slowly.
The dragon made a a low, rumbling noise like an avalanche and Naofumi realised it was laughing at him.
"Humans have such short lives. Fleeting creatures, fleeting history. I have forgotten more than you will know in your span. You may not understand, yet that does not dilute the truth in my words."
Quetzal hissed, and the dragon returned it's attention to it.
"Yes, he knows better to trust my kind. Even young, a couatl will begin to develop powers it may use at will. It can detect evil and good. Detect magic. Even detect thoughts."
The dragon leaned in.
"He detects the primeval magic within me, he knows I am an aberration."
The dragon's head shifted to focus on Naofumi, and sniffed.
"You reek of ancient magic also, human. Celestial."
It moved closer and closer, until Naofumi could feel its breath on his skin. He knew Quetzal was practically ready to lunge, and while he couldn't see Raphtalia, he assumed she had a hand on her blade.
"Who are you, human?" the dragon demanded an answer.
Naofumi shakily removed his helmet.
"I'm Iwatani Naofumi, the Shield Hero."
The dragons eyes widened.
"You lie."
Naofumi slowly bared his right arm to show the shield.
The dragon reared back, taking several heavy steps back.
After a few beats of silence, its roared a bellowing laugh that shook the forest.
"The Shield Hero, comes to a Dragon Emperor! Hah!" The dragon continued to rumble it's mirth, attention away from them. "The Queen will rage at this, a mortal foe of her kind assisting their precious hero!"
Naofumi didn't know what Queen the dragon was referring to, but doubted it was the Melromarcian Queen.
"Yes, I will help you, Shield Hero Iwatani Naofumi. My name is Gaelion."
Naofumi nodded, relieved, "This is Raphtalia," he said, gesturing to the demi-human, "and the couatl's name is Queztal."
"Raphtalia," Gaelion repeated, eyeing her, "you have a demi-human slave, Shield Hero?"
"I... yes. She is my companion."
"I am Naofumi-san's Sword," Raphtalia stated firmly.
Gaelion rumbled to himself, clearly pondering something.
"You... are you knowledgeable in your kind's ways?"
Raphtalia nodded, confused.
Gaelion hummed, a sound that reminded Naofumi of a harsh wind.
"Good... this is good. Very well. You will be permitted within my land. The lesser creatures will be made aware of this. Any foolish enough to attack you..." Gaelion snorted, "Slay them. Rid the forest of their stupidity, lest they breed."
Apologises for the delay, currently going through the prior chapters to correct errors in them and also the ones that have already been written but not posted.
Will likely be moving from a weekly to a bi-weekly upload to provide a better level of quality in the chapters, and maintain a longer chapter length.
Many thanks to those who pointed the errors I had not caught out in the reviews!
