Chazon looked around the banquet hall as the party went on, wondering if it truly was a good decision to come here. The peaceful music, the spread of food, even the good cheer in the atmosphere did little to quell the Spear hero's anxiety. Or maybe I'm still not a fan of formal events like this.
After spending a night in the emergency shelters situated in Lute village after the wave and knights demolished everything, Both parties of the spear and shield hero had made their way to Castle Town for the after wave banquet that the knight captain told them about. Naofumi had made sure to voice his concerns about attending the banquet again, though Raphtalia had apparently warmed up to the idea as long as there was plenty of food. Rino was still neutral about it, but was curious about what to expect.
Chazon's status magic had updated his help guide, as well as told him that there were some new items in his inventory. When he first checked his inventory, he noted a couple of "Bee Souls" in there. Checking his help guide, he now has a new entry labeled as Spirit Enchantment. I'll have to look into that later.
On the way, Chazon made sure to showcase what he can do with jump attacks now on an unsuspecting Usapil that was in the wrong place at the wrong time by switching to his Chimera Lion Halberd and utilizing a combination of High Jump and Air Dash to skewer the creature.
Nobody gained any exp due to Naofumi and Chazon being in close proximity, though Naofumi was very interested in Chazon's skill combinations as well as how much potential he had as a monster mounter. Raphtalia made Chazon promise not to showcase anything else unless absolutely necessary, which made Chazon roll his eyes but he complied anyway.
Raphtalia is such a nagging mother. Chazon chuckled to himself before shaking his head and refocusing on the party that was going on around him. Naofumi was off by the window by himself due to his refusal to interact with anyone here besides the three he knew. Chazon couldn't blame him; this country made his life hell and some of the looks the nobles shot him were unsavory to say the least.
Raphtalia and Rino were both sampling everything the party had to offer. It warmed Chazon's heart to see Rino acting more like a young girl. Although, he remembered asking her how old she was when she went to drink some wine and she said 18, but anyone 16 or older could drink alcohol in Melromarc. Talk about awkwardness. I know my mom told me to never ask for a girl's age, but my reflexes were too fast for that advice…
Ren had been doing the same thing as Naofumi; trying to appear invisible to gawking nobles and keep to his own devices. Thankfully he was receptive of the spear hero's attempts to talk to him, inquiring what he plans to do after tonight. "I've received word from the adventurer's guild about a dragon harassing a village to the east of here. I'm to travel there and take it out before it causes any real damage."
"Should have figured there'd be dragons in this world as well. Out of curiosity, what village is it? I've only been west of Castle Town, so the lands to the east are unfamiliar to me."
Ren thought for a moment before frowning. "Some place called… Dragon Village? Mirso Village is its actual name, but everyone just called it by the first one even when I accepted this quest. Have you heard about it?"
"Can't say I have." Chazon thought about it for a second before wondering if something fishy is going on. "Ren, can I ask you a favor if you actually head out for this "quest"? Ask around the village first before heading out dragon slaying."
"Why? You think there might be unique dialogue if I talk to them while the quest is active?"
"You're still thinking that this is just a game, aren't you?" Chazon sighed at that. "Unique dialogue, useful information, call it whatever you want. All I ask is that you fact check a bit before you do something reckless. If all else fails, try attempting to communicate with the dragon; more often than not, they are very intelligent creatures capable of speaking and understanding speech. If I'm wrong, I'll make it up to you later."
"What brought this up? I'm aware that dragons can be capable of intelligent thought, but why did you suddenly become insistent on fact checking before fighting a boss?"
"Ren, say the nickname of the village you are heading to." There was a pause before the sword hero's eyes widened, realization behind them. "Yeah, there has to be a reason why the place is called 'Dragon Village', unless the people who live there are fans of being attacked by dragons which I highly doubt."
Ren closed his eyes in contemplation before sighing. "Alright, I'll ask around the village proper. I'll be straight with you, hearing about your story with the Cyclops Mauler made me want to try doing something like that, but I'll follow your advice." Ren sighed again at that, but there wasn't any irritation in it. If I'm being honest with myself, I actually trust Chazon a lot more after I heard about his speech to the survivors of the wave. I've… never seen such hope emanating from NPC's… and the fact that both him and Naofumi killed a separate boss monster between only the 4 of them…
Chazon nodded to Ren, satisfied with his answer and bidding him a good night. If Hraesvelgr existed… what would he think of this? Shaking his head, he went over to Itsuki, who was happily chatting with his party members.
"Sir Spear Hero?" Chazon turned and recognized the blond that had been forced to join his party on day 2. "A coincidence seeing you here."
"Indeed. I didn't know you were a noble."
"I am, but I'm also the daughter of a very well known trader." She realized something and shook her head. "I never did give you my name. My name is Elena Haven."
"Mine is Chazon. How have you been since we parted company?"
Elena let out a sigh. "My father is being annoying due to him being a hero devotee and wondering why I didn't actually join your party, but my mother has been keeping him in line. Sadly, she's been expecting me to take over the family business since she discovered that I never joined your party."
Chazon rolled his eyes. "Family drama is always a pain. Trust me, I had old friends who went through things like you are."
That got a smile out of her. "It's not like I'm running away from it either. If I'm being honest, I'd rather inherit the business than risk my life in the waves, so you giving me an out is still deeply appreciated." She curtsied after that. "I'm just lazy is all."
That got a snort out of Chazon. "At least you admit it." He thought for a moment before an idea struck him. "Do you know of a village named Lerno?"
"I do. It's a bit far out there, but traders have been overly cautious after the first wave hit, so I wouldn't be surprised if no traders have gone there for a while." Elena thought for a moment. "Are you going to suggest that I send some traders there?"
"I'm not subtle, am I? Yeah, but I'll tell you now that it'll be worth your while." Chazon told her about the BioFruit that the village now grows and that they already have a surplus that can be traded away.
Elena regarded the information with rapt. "It's a good place to get some trader training, as well as kick-starting trading in general again. Thank you for the information, I'll be sure to discuss it with my mother after tonight. Looks like I'll be helping out a Cardinal Hero after all." She curtsied again and began to leave before stopping suddenly. "Chazon-sama?"
"Yes, m'lady?"
"I need to warn you about the pink haired girl that tried to join you as well, Lesty. She may look sweet and innocent, but she closely fraternizes with First Princess Malty and… well let's just say I don't really believe the rape accusations myself. Watch yourself out there. Lesty might try to do something funny if Malty wants her to do it." With that, Elena took her leave.
Chazon shuddered when he remembered how sweetly she said she would be praying for him. Perhaps I'm infinitely lucky that I unlocked Soul of the Spear when I did. There are too many pretty faces that are just masks over the evil within.
He heard a commotion to the side and looked. An elite knight had just thrown his glove before Naofumi who had been talking to Raphtalia. Close behind him was a certain red-head he would've liked to have never seen again. Malty… what is your angle this time?
"Dual me." Was all the knight had said.
Naofumi looked almost bored. "Who the heck are you?"
"My name is Glone Vaga and I am a-"
"That was a rhetorical question." Naofumi cut him off. "What business do you have dueling me?"
Glone glared at the Shield Hero. "I heard that this girl is your slave." That made Raphtalia develop a surprised look.
Chazon noted Rino's presence and looked at her. She had a face of worry. "I don't like where this is going."
"Neither do I, but we should wait and see. Don't worry, I'll interfere if things get out of hand." Chazon gave her a pat on the shoulder, which comforted the poor girl.
"What's it to you? I'm sure you've seen plenty of people owning slaves on the street of this city during your rounds."
"Except it's hardly appropriate for a hero to own a slave. Certainly I dislike seeing people in cuffs, but that doesn't excuse you for owning one!"
Is this guy for real? He dislikes the concept of slavery, yet the only one he'll target for it is Naofumi?
Naofumi scoffed. "That's just your opinion. Besides, why did you pick a fight with me when there are plenty of others who own slaves in this city? Or did you forget that I'm supposed to be a legendary hero?"
"I've heard of your crimes in particular, Shield Hero." Chazon's heart grew cold as Naofumi glared at Glone. "Besides, she obeys your every command. What's stopping you from using her to threaten or steal?"
Naofumi scoffed again. "Once again, I care nothing for your opinion. Now go away."
That made Glone mad. "Fight me, Shield Hero! If I win, the girl goes free!"
Chazon facepalmed at that before whispering to Rino. "Remember the room we occupied at the inn before coming here?"
"Y-yes?"
"Get out of here and head there, since I don't want you in any crossfire that might ensue. I can't make any promises right now, but I'm going to try and diffuse this situation before it gets anymore out of hand. Just keep your wits about you; I'll try to be back before dawn." She nodded at that and slipped away.
Malty noted the red-headed peasant leaving and mentally smirked. Couldn't stick around with your precious hero, huh? Perfect...
Naofumi leered at the knight now pointing his sword at him. "And? What do I get if I win?"
"I'll step down as a royal knight."
"Yeah, no. I have much more to lose than you here."
Chazon had to force a snort of laughter down at that as he approached. "Besides, it's hardly a fair fight." Both parties looked at the spear hero. "All Naofumi has is a shield and a terrible attack stat. If I had to hazard a guess, then you only picked a fight with him because you thought you could win."
Glone stuttered a bit. "Sir Spear Hero? Why are you defending this man?" Naofumi didn't know what Chazon was up to, but he decided to roll with whatever he said.
Chazon gave the knight a flat look. "I'm not defending him. It's merely an observation made by an unrelated third party. As such, why not let the girl herself dual you?"
"That completely defeats the purpose of my challenge!"
"And what you failed to account for is her opinion in all of this. If she truly wanted to be free from the shield hero, she'd be a bit more happy at you offering to free her."
"That's because her slave crest doesn't allow her to disobey her master in any regard!" Glone was starting to grasp at straws here.
Chazon facepalmed. "Dude, I'm sorry, but you're setting the bar so low right now, not even paper can limbo under it…" Naofumi had to turn his head away to hide the fact that he laughed at that while Glone just looked confused.
"I think I've heard enough of this situation." The king's voice rang down from above, showing that he was observing the whole thing. "That you are using a slave is proof that you are rotten to the core. I hereby order you to accept this dual."
Raphtalia panicked. "Y-you're wrong! I'm with Naofumi-sama of my own free- mmph!" A knight had grabbed her from behind and both heroes reacted.
"Poor girl. Your curse really does compel you to defend your master." He thought for a moment before snapping his fingers. "And Chazon-dono is correct. It's hardly fair for a normal knight and a so-called "hero" to duel. Thus, since he so graciously stepped up to the plate, Chazon-dono shall be the one to face the Shield Hero."
"Wait WHAT?!" Chazon out-bursted. "I recall volunteering to do no such thing!"
"Apologies, but while you claimed to have stepped forward as an "unrelated third party", many of the nobles are beginning to get the impression that you are defending the Shield Hero." Many of the nobles began murmuring in agreement as Chazon's very soul grew simultaneously hot and cold. "As such, I feel this is the best way to prove that you truly are the third-party that you claim."
Chazon was about to argue when a sudden movement from Naofumi caught his attention. They locked eyes. 'I don't want to drag you down with me. Just play along,' was what his eyes said.
Naofumi… even now, when everyone is trying to take everything away from you… you're trying to protect me…
Eventually the spear hero simply dropped his arms to his side and said, "Fine, then let's get this over with." He clenched his hand in frustration.
Naofumi knew that Chazon got what he was trying to say with his eyes. I know this will be painful for the both of us… but I don't want the world turning against you like it did me. Besides… I know you'll do your best for me… for both of us.
"The duel between the Spear Hero and the Shield Hero will now begin! This duel will end if one hero becomes incapacitated or admit defeat!" The announcer outside of the room shouted.
Chazon punched a nearby wall in frustration and it cracked. Fuck this country. Fuck this king. Fuck this world's prejudice against Naofumi… and most of all… fuck my powerlessness to help him. All I can do is provide the illusion that I'm trying to defeat him while finding a way to surrender in a way that feels natural…
The doors suddenly open and he looks out at the arena. The stalls were filled with spectators, no doubt waiting for the shield hero to meet his match. With great reluctance, Chazon headed out.
Naofumi entered the arena at the same time Chazon did. He didn't have a passive for reading people's emotions like Chazon did, but he could tell that the spear hero had a slight pained expression on his face; he didn't want to do this. I wish I could tell you… that I won't blame you for anything that happens here. I don't want to kill your self-confidence after you worked so hard to build it up.
Normally, Naofumi would have used the Balloon monsters he likes to pick up as impromptu weapons, but because he didn't want to use them against his friend he made sure to pop them all on the weapons in his room before heading out. I'll use my less dangerous countering skills on you as well. It's not that I have no faith in your defenses, but I'd rather not risk causing irreparable damage...
They stopped a good distance as the announcer exclaimed that, due to the presence of both the King and the Pope, the match is legitimate. Chazon simply sighed as he grasped his spear. "Shall we get this over with?"
Naofumi said nothing as he switched to his Ultralight Metal Shield and got into a combat stance. Chazon switched to his Ultralight Metal Lance. Neither hero wanted to use their weapons obtained from the wave bosses.
"BEGIN!"
Chazon rushed forward and stabbed at Naofumi a few times, only to get blocked at every turn. "Your defense is amazing alright…"
"You know it. Besides, remember the story of the spear that can pierce anything and the shield that can't be pierced?"
Chazon made another strike before Air Dashing away. "I've heard of it, but I'm more familiar with the terms "unstoppable force" and "immovable object" because of where I once lived." He switched to his Cyclops Mauler Claw Glave. "Why do you bring that up?"
"Hate to spoil it for you, but the spear lost in the end when it couldn't pierce the shield." Naofumi, deciding to play up his role as the heel, grinned at Chazon. "Face it, you lost when you couldn't get through my shield!"
Chazon noted that he meant no malice by those words so he played along. "Perhaps, but there's one thing the spear did wrong in that story. Instead of trying to brute force your way through something you can't pierce-" He suddenly started swiping at Naofumi at various angles, which threw the shield hero off balance multiple times. "- you should find a way around it."
Naofumi jumped away from one swipe and grinned at Chazon. As expected. His power is on par with my defenses thanks to the both of us sharing the same strengthening methods and he's very clever as a fighter. He's a slightly higher level than me, but I know he isn't trying to hurt me too badly.
Malty had just arrived in the arena after taking care of some "business" elsewhere. She smiled at the scene of the two heroes fighting. And once this is over… you'll finally be my pet, Spear Hero!
Chazon switched back to his Ultralight Metal Lance. "High Jump!" He leaped into the air towards Naofumi, only to use the Air Dash when he was right overhead to dash straight down. Naofumi knew that it was his newest trick and quickly switched to his Two-Headed Black Dog Shield, which activated the counter bites. The heads chased after Chazon and bit him in the arm when he raised it to block.
It actually hurt quite a bit; even with Chazon's custom medium-plate armor, the counter packed a punch. Naofumi quickly followed up with an Air Strike Shield and launched it at the spear hero. That skill didn't hurt, but it did make Chazon cough from the surprise impact.
"Shield Prison!" The green ball of shields that once saved his life now trapped Chazon, unable to maneuver his spear properly. "Rope Shield, Lasso!" Naofumi grabbed the ball with his rope and had begun spinning it around the arena with increasing speeds.
The audience had begun to murmur, wondering if the shield hero really was going to win. The king leered at the battlefield; Chazon really was fighting the Shield Hero as hard as he could, but the Shield Hero was somehow overpowering him because he used a jump attack at the wrong time.
Malty knew that she shouldn't interfere directly until the Shield Hero did something truly illegal. No… perhaps daddy can help me here! She quickly rushed off to tell her father something.
Naofumi finally slammed the Shield Prison ball down onto the floor. Not long after, it disappeared, revealing a VERY dizzy and unstable Chazon. "C-couldn't you… have gone a little- oof -slower?"
"Sorry, but I'm not holding any punches against you. I'll make you give up one way or another."
Chazon was able to stabilize himself as something clicked in his mind. He looks at Naofumi with a determined glare. "Then we're at an impasse. I'd rather not drag this out any longer than I need to, so I'm announcing my final ultimatum!" The crowd began murmuring again. "Hear me! I shall charge up my most powerful skill in my arsenal! Shield Hero Naofumi, if you wish to win against my final strike, shore your defenses! If your shield remains unpierced, I shall admit defeat!" He changed to his Golem Core Partisan and began charging his Charged Skewer skill.
Naofumi looked panicked on the outside, but inside he's happy that Chazon discovered a way to let him win naturally. I knew I could count on you! Any perceived debts you think you still owe me? I'll forgive them ALL for this! He changed to his Golem Core Shield and began charging his own skill.
"Is the Spear Hero mad?"
"Perhaps he can win against that Shield Demon!"
"This could go either way from how I see things…"
The crowd was split on how to feel about the situation at hand. Ren and Itsuki looked on from the crowd. "Chazon is serious about this, isn't he?"
Ren merely folded his arms. Chazon… you really are friends with Naofumi, that you remained the one person who believed in him. Yet… I think you're doing the right thing in the end. Slavery is bad, but I heard Raphtalia's voice; that was all it took to convince me that Naofumi needs her as much as she needs him.
Chazon kept charging his weapon, only to discover something about the skill too late: If he keeps charging past his remaining SP, it'll reduce his HP by 25% and force him into a state of overcharging. I guess it's too late now. Naofumi… I hope you can do this. "Ready or not, here I come! CHARGED SKEWER!" He launched himself at the Shield Hero.
"CHARGED BULWARK!" Was Naofumi's Golem Core answer to Chazon's skill. An orange dome of charged energy appeared in front of him right before the partisan reached him.
The impact created a shock-wave that rocked the entire arena, causing the spectators to cry out in surprise. Both of the younger heroes couldn't believe the power on display. "Is this… what we're capable of?"
After a minute of the skills clashing that seemed like thirty, both weapons lost their charge.
Naofumi's shield didn't get a scratch.
After a delay, a clang rang out from the now destroyed floor. Chazon had dropped his spear… before promptly falling onto his knees. "I guess… that's it. I just can't… pierce that shield of yours after all." Chazon looks up at Naofumi. "I give up. You win."
The announcer almost missed his que. "You… you give up? The winner is Iwatani Naofumi!"
Despite the spectators murmuring and looking displeased, Chazon felt relief flood through his body. With this… Raphtalia should be able to stay with-
"The winner of the dual is Alistor Chazon." The king's voice rang from above.
Both the heroes on the floor looked at the king in pure confusion. Chazon tried to speak up, "What? But I clearly surrendered to- HURK." He started coughing up blood from what the charge attack took from his HP.
"That right there is proof that the Shield Hero has cheated. The Spear Hero had been poisoned before the match started and was unable to fight at full strength." The murmurs got even louder.
"N-no! That was because I overcharged *cough* past my SP limit and used HP in my charge- *cough* *cough*" Chazon couldn't stop coughing as what felt like ice began to creep into his veins.
Naofumi tried to help cover for him. "But what about his ultimatum?! He very clearly had the strength to use such an attack beforehand and, like he said, he overcharged his attack!"
"Who's to say that truly was him at his strongest?" Malty had interjected with a haughty smile. "For all we know, you could have poisoned him long before the banquet even started!"
Chazon tried to raise another objection, but the king spoke over him, "Chazon-dono, you don't have to struggle anymore. Thankfully, the poison in your veins isn't deadly; all you need are some potions and you'll be fine. After all, you are victorious!" The crowd erupted into cheers.
Chazon could hear his heart beating as the corners of his vision slowly turned grey. No… this isn't… what I wanted…
"Malty, be a dear and gather the girl to release the poor thing from her curse." The king looked at his daughter with a small, triumphant smile on his face.
"At once, father!" Malty knew that it wouldn't be long until she got what she wanted.
Chazon could only watch in despair, all of his pleas falling on deaf ears, as Raphtalia was gagged against her will and brought down. Naofumi called out to her in vain, but the noise around Chazon had slowly started muting as he started shivering. Cold tears had begun to leak from his eyes.
Not… what… I… wanted…
…
Who am... I kidding?
I'm weak… can't even keep a promise…
And... it's all… my… fault...
Images of what Chazon did during his time here flashed by in his mind.
The Cyclops Mauler and his victory over it.
Lerno village and the end of its famine.
The successful defense of Lute Village's residents against the wave.
Naofumi and Raphtalia with hope in their eyes.
Rino's smiling face as she joined my party.
…
None of it mattered.
All of the images turned to grey and shattered like ice.
Why did I think… that I was… a hero…
I'm not a hero…
…
i'M nOT a HeRo…
I'M...
HoPELesS…
UseLEss…
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…
Cold...
Į̼͇̟̘͍͔͖͚…̛̖̱̙̪̖͕̞͕͕ ̡̭̥̖̕m͢͏̹͍̼̼…̺͎͙͚̖̳̣ ̵̺͚̩͍̩̮̟̗͘̕ͅs̷҉̪͍̠͎̟̘̖̗͉̀…̴̹̘͔̭͠ ̨̥̺̳̝̮͙͕͖o̜̰̪̰͓̺͜͡…̞̦̭͈͚̥̳͜ͅ ̴̨̩͕ͅc҉͉̥̟̬̬̖̟…҉̫̭̰͓̜́ ̵̷̹͙̖̣ǫ̳̬̗…̴̤̣̤̖͚͕͝ ̛̹̩͎͔͓͈͇͟l̞̞͈͓̜ͅ…͇̖ ̛̞͔̱d̸͕̭͔̞̯͎̰.̛͔̥͝.̳͖͟.͖͈̺͎̘͕̰ͅ
...
Chazon was brought back by the sound of a slap and looked up weakly. Raphtalia had just slapped Glone and was shouting something angrily at him. He could only glean tidbits of what she was saying, including something about him being a coward and having the Spear Hero fight his battles for him, but he heard one part clear as day. "He gave me valuable medicine to save my life, even when nobody else valued his! Are you capable of such kindness? Are you merciful enough to extend a hand to a slave on the brink of death?"
Glone answered it like second nature. "Of course I would!"
"If that were true, then you'd have a slave by your side as well!" Those words drove a thousand icy needles into Chazon's heart when he remembered how frail she was when they first met. How she was barely holding onto hope. How he never tried to buy a slave of his own to save them from their suffering.
After some more heated words, the other two heroes had finally come down to mention that they very clearly couldn't see any signs of Chazon being poisoned and that it really was the effects of overcharging; Ren had a similar skill. Raphtalia used that opportunity to walk over to Naofumi, with Chazon looking on as she simply passed him. I guess… that's it… I'm sorry Rino, but your friendship… was never meant to last…
After watching Raphtalia comfort the shield hero, even after he lashed out at her, for some time, Chazon knew that he was no longer needed and promptly left the arena without a word. Istuki saw the spear hero leaving and decided to intercept him outside. "Chazon, where are you going?"
"Back to my room… I'm not needed… not wanted here anymore."
"Why? Ren told me that you were good friends with Naofumi and Raphtalia, so-"
His voice died when Chazon turned around and he saw the spear hero's eyes. "I no longer have any right… to call them my friends… Sorry, Itsuki, but… I'd like to be alone for a bit."
Chazon kept going, leaving the bow hero with a pain in his heart. Itsuki even noticed his legendary weapon: its jewel no longer had a red luster. It was an empty grey and what looked like cold mist drifted off of it.
After some time, Chazon reached the Inn where Rino's room was. The Innkeeper noticed and called out to him. "Are you here without your companion tonight?"
Those words broke Chazon out of his despair-trance and looked at the innkeeper in horror. "I sent her here a while ago!"
"Huh… I haven't seen her here ever since you left for the castle- sir Spear Hero?!" Chazon had bolted out of the door.
Nononono Rino please tell me you didn't… tell me you couldn't!
He didn't realize it in the depths of his despair, but Rino had vanished from his party list at some point, meaning he couldn't check her status. He knew full well that calling out for her in the dead of night would be rude to the residents, so he simply looked frantically everywhere for her. "Are you, perchance, looking for someone, sir Spear Hero?"
Chazon saw what appeared to be a maid who was walking by an alleyway. "H-have you seen a petite, red-headed girl wearing light-plate armor anywhere?"
The maid thought for a moment before saying, "I know not if this is the person you're looking for, but I did see someone matching that description in the red-light district." She points to the alleyway behind her. "That way will lead you there. I'd suggest starting your search around the brothel."
"Thank you!" Chazon dashed down the alleyway with his Ultralight Metal Lance equipped.
After he disappears, the "maid" lets out a sigh and quickly vanishes. "To think my work up to this point might be for naught…"
She was the Shadow assigned to the Spear Hero by the Queen. The very first thing she knew about him was how low his self-esteem was; she had overheard him call himself the most useless hero to the Shield Hero. Even before he stepped out of town, she could clearly see his steps mired by the self-doubt he puts himself through; with the Shield Hero's trial and subsequent meeting between the two making things worse.
Deciding on more desperate measures, she was able to convince the blacksmith Erhard to send him to one of the forests in the immediate area around Castle Town and manipulated the Cyclops Mauler into attacking him. She had been too late to save its most recent victim, but his sacrifice played a role in what she wanted: have the Spear Hero fight the Mauler and gain more confidence in himself, though she failed to consider that he would sacrifice himself to kill it. She found out that the Shadow assigned to the Shield Hero had subtly sent him that way to save the Spear Hero, much to her eternal gratitude.
She had overheard Malty's personal Shadow telling some villagers from Lerno that the Spear Hero would be around to claim the Mauler bounty and that he would help their famine-struck village. She knew what lay at the end of the Alchemist's Cavern and managed to give the adventurer, Rino, the tablet for translating the ancient language into Melomarc's language in hopes that the hero would learn the truth and be cautious enough to not haphazardly plant a potential monster.
Her hopes came true; she got the report that the trees he modified have no chance of turning into monsters and that the famine had ended. He had even gained a party member who not only was someone he trusted, but was rich in potential as long as she was nurtured.
She did all of that in the interest of increasing Chazon's self-esteem, to where he can proudly call himself a hero. His speech to the residents of Lute after the wave was proof of that growth.
But now, because of the king's blind hatred of the Shield Hero and the first princess' cruelty, all of that confidence shattered like ice and left him even worse off than when he started. What will happen later tonight will more than likely drive him even deeper into despair… but unless my talk with the other Shadows and her majesty yields ideas, it's out of my hands. Adventurer Rino, may you be Chazon-sama's light of hope in the days to come.
Chazon rushed as fast as he could towards the slummier parts of town, wondering why Rino would be in such a derelict place. He noted the sign on one of the buildings and figured that was the brothel that the maid mentioned. Stopping in front of it, he frantically looked around for any signs of Rino.
"...on-ku…"
Did… did I hear someone?
"...azon-kun…"
RINO! Chazon did his best to pinpoint where her voice was coming from.
"Chazon-kun!"
The brothel?!
He focused his hearing after turning around… only to have his veins start boiling when he heard someone else speak. "Call all you want, my little toy, but this "Chazon-kun" of yours isn't coming to save you. Though I do love it anyways; as I taste your flesh and see how you perform, I'll watch with delight as hope fades from your eyes!"
"N-no! Stay away, please!"
The noble paid no heed. "I do love "sampling the merchandise" after all-" He was interrupted when Chazon launched himself through the closed window of the room with High Jump, shattering it completely..
Rino realized who it was. "Chazon-kun!"
Chazon got a sight that was burned into his mind forever: Rino was lying paralyzed on the nearby bed… with nothing but lingerie underwear and a see-through nightgown. Hovering over her was a fat nobleman, his hand right over her crotch.
The moment he knew what was going on, The grey in the corners of Chazon's vision turned pitch black.
"W-what?! Who are-" He screamed in agony as he was flung off the bed against the wall and impaled through the shoulder with a lance.
Chazon got right up to the man's face, nothing but murderous hate in his eyes. "Tell me why I shouldn't kill you right now." He started twisting the lance to cause more pain. "After all… you've given me no reason why scum like you should be left alive."
"Chazon-kun! Please no! Don't do this!" Chazon snapped out of it and looked back at Rino. There were tears of concern in her eyes; even when she's paralyzed and was almost raped, she was more concerned about him than herself.
Chazon squeezed his eyes shut for a second before extracting his Ultralight Metal Lance from the noble's shoulder and regarded him with nothing but disgust. "I'm feeling merciful tonight, but mark my words. If you or the person who brought my companion to you ever comes near her again, I'll dissect you alive. Am I understood?"
The noble merely wet his pants in pain and fear as he nodded quickly. Chazon turned around, wrapped Rino in the blankets of the bed she was in, and carried her out of the brothel bridal style.
The receptionist didn't even flinch when she saw the blood on his lance, nor at his hard question of where Rino's equipment was. After putting everything into his inventory, he left the building, which made the receptionist… smile. Her partner came for her after all. I'm glad that her story didn't come to a tragic end like so many others "sampled" by that vile noble.
Chazon had held onto his hate long enough to threaten the noble and get his point across, but once he was out on the streets and heading towards the inn, his despair came back stronger than ever and he started shivering again. I… almost lost her forever… all because I wanted to keep her out of some "crossfire" that never happened.
"Chazon-kun…?"
He looks down at her and realizes the concern on her face hasn't gone away. "It's okay… I got you… let's go back and get you into a safer place." He stopped shivering and tried his best to reassure her; that he was back to normal.
I'm sorry… I don't deserve your kindness… I'm not worthy of your companionship…
The innkeeper gasped when she beheld the duo when they arrived, but said nothing about the drying blood on Chazon's lance as she escorted them to their room. "I'm putting you two in the same room tonight. I'll be sure to compensate you for the cost of one room tomorrow morning." Chazon could only nod numbly at that.
He made sure Rino was properly tucked into bed, doing his best to make her comfortable. She looked up at him as he finished up. "Are you sure… you're alright?"
"Yeah… I know it'll be tough, but try and get some sleep. Hopefully whatever is paralyzing you will be out of your system by morning. I'll put your equipment on the nightstand for you." Chazon managed the best smile he could to comfort her.
"Please get some sleep as well… I can tell you've been through a lot tonight as well." She smiles sweetly at him as she closes her eyes.
Chazon watched over her until he confirmed that she was sound asleep. Looking at her face again, he sighed. When… When did your hair turn so grey?
Naofumi looked up at the morning sky, feeling more at peace than he has ever been since coming to this world.
"Naofumi-sama?" He looked over at Raphtalia holding a couple of sandwiches. The one who saved him from his own darkness. He remembered when she refused to leave his side, no matter how many things he said to drive her away. Her words of comfort to him when he felt nobody would believe him. That, no matter what happens, she would always be at his side as his sword.
"I'll be honest… I still can't believe it's you. I'm not used to it yet."
She let out a sigh and smiled as she gave him a sandwich. "That's why us demi-humans are so discriminated against by humans. Leveling up as children causes our bodies follow suit and grow rapidly as well. But let's not think too much about it." She takes a bite of her sandwich. "For leftovers, it's pretty good!"
Naofumi took a bite of his… and tears began building in his eyes again. "I… I can taste it. I can finally taste food again!"
Raphtalia smiled brightly as she beheld his face. "I'm glad that you can now, because we're going to eat lots of delicious food together." She looked at him for a bit longer before saying, "I remember something Chazon-sama said a while ago when I was still small… that has stuck with me ever since." She puts her free hand on her heart and closes her eyes before smiling again at Naofumi. "Fate can be cruel, but a smile better suits a hero. And your smile is proof of that."
Naofumi nodded as his thoughts turned to his fellow hero. Chazon… I hope you aren't being too harsh on yourself. What had happened was out of your control, so please don't beat yourself up over it. We know you're better than you think you are; everything you've done up to this point is proof of that.