200 followers… I'm very happy that so many of you took interest in my story! While I'm going to try and have a more fixed upload schedule, I'll do my best to make sure the chapters are quality… even if they move along a bit fast for some (what can I say? Using the anime as a reference makes me want to be more succinct).
Also, I do apologize for Ch11 being the way it is; I might have gone a bit overboard with the despairing thoughts. Thankfully, with the reveal of the Purity Series, that whole deal is over!
The sun had begun to set when Chazon got up and stretched. Thanks to Rino unburdening his heart with all of his self-doubt, he had been feeling a lot lighter in both mind and body. Everything I had done up to the night of the duel… why did I think it was all in vain?
"Are you alright now, Chazon-kun?" Rino had gotten up as well and regarding him with concern, hopeful that she was able to dispel the despair that had clutched her hero's heart.
Chazon looked at her… and for the first time in a while, beheld her soft brown eyes and vivid red hair as it danced in the soft breeze that blew through the forest. It wasn't bright and in-your-face like Malty's was, but is more down to earth and felt more natural. Like it would always be there to bring you comfort should you seek it.
He nodded with a genuine smile. "Thanks to you. I'm sorry for worrying you… for worrying everyone these past few days. But I'll do my best to make up for it, with my head held high… and you by my side."
Rino never thought she'd see the day when she would feel even more happy than the time Chazon let her into his life willingly. She gave him her happiest smile she could muster. "Of course! Welcome back, Chazon-kun!" She gives him a hug which he reciprocated.
"I'm home, Rino. So to speak." He never thought he'd say those words ever since he was transported to this world, but Chazon knew in his heart that whatever happened, he had a home now in this world. Home is where the heart is after all. "Are you well enough to hunt down that Mutated Mauler again? We still need that Yggdrasil Leaf for the kitsune."
"I should be the one asking you that. How is your back?"
Chazon broke the hug and moved his shoulders around to check for residual damage. Outside of the fact that the back of his medium-plate armor was torn open, he seemed to have no injuries otherwise. "I'm good to go, thanks to your healing spells. Perhaps we should invest in a grimoire for you so you can learn more and better spells."
That made the red-head's heart flutter; she remembered casting enough Faust Heals on Chazon due to him being unable to drink HP potions to get him out of danger before quickly setting up a monster repellent. After that, even when she saw his HP was full, she casted many more heals because of how worried she was over him. To see that her diligence had paid off in spades gave her much confidence in her magical abilities. Perhaps I still have a future as a spell caster after all.
Chazon notes the setting sun based on the color of the light that streamed through the canopy. I've forgotten… what colors looked like already… Being able to see color once again both lifted his spirits and gave him the determination to complete his tasks. "Do you want to wait until tomorrow until we hunt that Mauler down again?"
"No. Like you said earlier, we need to cure the kitsune as soon as possible. While it will be tomorrow at the earliest, getting the leaf today will save on time." Rino now sported a determined look on her face; she wanted to save the little girl as much as he did.
Why did I ever doubt your capabilities? I suppose my despair corrupted my thought processes enough to make me think that you needed more protection than you actually wanted. Chazon nodded at her. "Then let's go. We just need some tracks and we can find it again. Let's try using magic on it to test if it's magic defenses are weaker than its physical defenses, though be careful of when you start chanting." Rino nodded at that.
It didn't take long from their resting spot to find a new set of tracks, though it wasn't as fresh as the first set they had found today. Even so, it actually worked to their advantage as when they followed them, they saw the Mutated Mauler prowling ahead of them, unaware that it was being tailed.
Chazon looked around for a good way to ambush the monster before sighing. "Looks like if we want to get the drop on that thing, I have to climb the trees. Stay out of sight until you see me engage the Mauler, okay?"
"Be careful. Those Swooping Eagles might attack you so close to their perches." Rino nodded at him as he used High Jump to start climbing a nearby tree.
After reaching the lowest layer of branches, he started hopping across them to get to right above the Mauler, who had paused to look around; it had picked up the scent of blood, but couldn't tell where it came from. When he got close, he noted a Swooping Eagle eyeing him warily, but not attacking. When he made no aggressive motions toward the bird, it ruffled its feathers before leering down at the Mauler. I suppose the Eagles consider the Mauler the bigger threat and are willing to let me do my thing.
He waited until the Mauler had suddenly stopped… and looked in the direction Rino was hiding. Now! Chazon equipped his Heavensward Mauler Feather Javelin, leaped off the branch, and used Air dash to speed his descent towards the Mauler with a "Teriaaa!" The javelin got embedded right into the Mauler's shoulder, causing it to roar in pain and surprise before trying to fling the offender off.
Chazon knew it was capable of easily flinging him off now, so he used his javelin as leverage, leaped past the Mauler's head with a swipe to it, before switching to his Chimera Dragon Spear and held out one hand, a spell circle in front of it while he chanted as fast as he could. "As Spear Hero, the source of thy power, I command thee. Decipher the laws of nature and strike my target with a bolt of shadow. Faust Shadow Bolt!"
The shadow bolt was launched right at the Mauler's face, which coated it in darkness and hampered its senses outside of touch. It roared in frustration as it blindly started swiping around. Looks like I found a new effect of Faust Shadow Bolt. Perhaps I have a niche in spell-casting after all. "Rino, Now!"
"RAAAAAA!" Rino had gotten closer while Chazon made his first strike and leaped over the boss, dual blades spinning. She was able to cut the back of the monster up more while seeing the old injuries that the duo had given it prior. "Chazon-kun! It's still hurt from our first encounter!"
Sure enough, his status magic showed that the Mutated Mauler's HP was lower than it should have been. Perfect. Despite my mental state earlier, we did make this battle a little easier. "I'm trusting your judgement on when to attack and when to dodge, Rino! Let's kill this thing before it damages the forest anymore!"
Rino's heart fluttered again upon hearing that. Chazon-kun really is back and better than ever!
Chazon had switched to his Chimera Lion Halberd for the minor boost in attack and agility, not wanting to risk the defensive penalties the Golem Core Partisan incurs. While the Mauler's senses were dulled by dark magic, it changed its direction of attack whenever it got struck with an attack. This led it being stuck in a loop between attacking Chazon whenever he swiped or stabbed it and Rino whenever she blade-danced its side/back or casted Faust Light Bolt.
Turns out the creature indeed had poor magic resistance; despite being a basic Faust-level spell, Light Bolt was doing good chunks of damage to its HP, though when one hit the face it dispelled the darkness that had hampered it prematurely. The Mauler managed to recover and moved to attack Rino, who gracefully dodged its attack thanks to her high agility and movement speed bonuses. She really can dodge its strikes so easily.
Chazon used the opening to attack the Mauler's back. "Needle Thrust!" Turns out that while the Mauler had high defenses, it also carried high resistance to Piercing attacks which made the Needle Thrust do less damage than it could have. "Because of course it's a beastly physical tank. How about this? Heavensward Mauler Claw Glave, Savage Strike!"
The skill he hasn't used since the Stone Golem fight was much more effective than Needle Thrust thanks to the high slashing bonus provided by his newest glave. The seven slash marks made by the skill was proof of that.
As the fight went on, after another brief period of the boss getting impared by Faust Shadow Bolt, both party members noticed that the Mauler's movements and attacks were losing force. Eventually, it roared at the duo and tried to escape… only for a tongue to suddenly grip one of its hind legs and trip it. An Ancient Celkko had entered the area and "roared" at the mauler. It was then that the duo noticed something.
The perimeter of their battlefield had become populated with the forest monsters. Stick Bombers, more Ancient Celkkos, and Swooping Eagles as well as some other monsters, had all gathered, their eyes all on the invasive monster and crying/roaring at it. "Rino… I think the forest itself wants this monster dead. These other ones are only hostile to the boss!"
"Then we'd best not disappoint them or Reine Skala!" Rino shouted with clear determination as she took advantage of the Mauler being toppled by the Ancient Celkko.
The Mutated Mauler got up and, seeing that it had no chance to escape, decided to fight till its last breath. It entered a berserker state, with red lines surrounding the now red eyes of the monster as it became faster and more savage. That didn't stop Rino from dancing around its strikes with continued grace or Chazon from blocking its attacks with the Stone Golem Spear in a pinch.
Eventually, Rino hit its face again with another Faust Light Bolt, which disoriented the monster completely. Chazon saw the opening and knew what needed to be done. "This is the end of the line for you! High Jump!" He leaped high into the air, switched to his Heavensward Mauler Claw Glave, and used Air Dash to launch himself downward for one final attack. "SAVAGE STRIKE!"
The first hit had rent the entire monster down the middle, though it didn't quite kill it. The six slashes that occurred after proved to be the boss monster's coup de grace as it let out a dying roar before collapsing in a heap. With the Mutated Mauler killed, the other monsters slowly dispersed back into the forest, seemingly satisfied with the fact that the invasive monster is no more.
Rino looked at the corpse with glee on her face as both of them reached level 30. "We did it!"
"We did. We worked as a team with trust in each other and it never stood a chance. That, and taking advantage of our magic to do more than just hurt it." Chazon smiled at Rino. "My final skill was able to land without incident thanks to your light magic. This is both of our victories." Rino let out a light-hearted cheer at that.
"You both have done well to slay the beast that has haunted this forest." Reine Skala's voice reached their minds. "The Ancient Oak expresses its thanks to you for restoring balance to its home. And I am glad to see that Despair's corrupting influence has left you, Spear Hero Chazon."
"If it wasn't for Rino being there for me… who knows how long I would have been like that."
"Doubt not the strength of your own heart. She may have helped you dispel your corruption, but it was your own strength of heart that allowed hope to return. Underneath your despair… you were still as kind and determined as you were beforehand."
Rino ran over and gave Chazon a hug. "Reine Skala is right. After all, even in your despair you still bought Rifana and the kitsune from the slave trader and saved them from being shackled to another abusive owner. I knew you still held kindness and compassion in your heart."
Chazon let out a soft sigh as he hugged her back. "Rino… thank you for everything."
"The forest would like to express its eternal thanks. It has heard little Rino's wish, and by extension Spear Hero Chazon's wish, to create a Yggdrasil's Drought for the sick kitsune. Paired with the Yggdrasil's Leaf I'm bestowing upon you, the forest included the other herbs necessary for the medicine. Farewell, young heroes, but know that you are welcome here any time."
An orb of light descended from the sky and, when Chazon touched it, it revealed a large leaf with rainbow-like veins running across it. Surrounding it were various other leaves and herbs. Chazon stored it all in his inventory for safe keeping.
Yggdrasil Leaf (Legendary)
"We've got the leaf. Let's head out of the forest and rest for the night before returning to Lerno Village. Here's hoping we aren't too late." Chazon said solemnly. He had gone over to the corpse when he suddenly facepalmed. "I am an idiot box!"
"C-Chazon-kun? What's wrong?" Rino ran over to him in concern, hoping he hadn't already relapsed.
"I forgot we can teleport to the Aetheryte Crystal now!"
Rino had her mouth open in surprise before she entered a giggling fit at his exasperation. "I-it's true! I forgot about it as well until you remembered it yourself!" Chazon grumbled at that as he started carving the corpse. I'm just glad you're back to your old self.
Much to the spear hero's disappointment, the Mutate Mauler only gave him two new spears. However, both of them were very interesting in both effects and equip bonuses:
Mutated Mauler Fur Trident (Level 32 required for unlock)
Equip bonus: ATK bonus (low), DEF bonus (medium), Piercing resist bonus (low), 'Berserk'
Special effect: ATK up (medium), DEF up (high), 'Berserk' duration bonus (medium), MDEF penalty (high), AGI penalty (medium)
My first 'trident' type spear, huh? Looks like this one not only makes me into a physical tank at the cost of magic defense and some agility, but it works in tandem with my new skill from it.
Mutated Mauler Claw Partisan (Level 35 required for unlock)
Equip bonus: ATK bonus (medium), AGI bonus (low), 'Demonic Strike'
Special effect: ATK up (medium), AGI up (medium), Slashing bonus (high), Thrusting penalty (extreme), Multi-hit attack bonus (2 hits)
He couldn't equip either weapon at the time, but he was curious about both Demonic Strike and the Multi-hit attack bonus. He quickly looked them up and noted that Demonic Strike is a direct upgrade to Savage Strike, while Multi-hit made any regular attacks hit for the indicated number of times; in this case two times. I'll look into these once I unlock them.
After carving as much as he could, Chazon started casting Return after telling Rino to hold on for a second. Sure enough, after he vanished in a purple vortex of magic, she received a prompt asking if she wanted to "Return" with the party leader, which she accepted and got warped back as well.
Back in Lerno, some of the residents saw Chazon and Rino appear in the Aetheryte Square in a swirl of purple energy and electricity, surprising them. Chazon quickly told them that it was the effect of using Return and that there was a different effect for Teleport. He made sure to get a good look at the Aetheryte Crystal before he left. Game graphics didn't do these things justice…
They rushed back to Rino's home as fast as they could, hope in their hearts that the kitsune will live to see the dawn of a new day, free of sickness and slavery. They had passed by Glenn on the way by, but one moment was all the elder needed to see a new miracle. Chazon-sama… full glad am I to see light in your eyes once again, that you yet hold hope in your heart.
When they arrived at Rino's house, Damalus and Rifana gave them a surprised look. "That was quick, though I'm willing to bet you're taking advantage of the Aetheryte Crystal. How did it go?"
Damalus had been looking after both demi-humans during the absence of the two young adults. He never ordered Rifana, nor did he ever treat her harshly. If he wanted her help, he always requested it politely and always made sure that her help was appreciated with head-pats and words of encouragement. Ever since she was enslaved, made the slave of Idol Rabar, and losing Raphtalia to another slave trader, she had given up on ever being treated with kindness. But Damalus had made sure to show her what Chazon wanted: that her suffering as an abused slave was over.
Chazon withdrew the Yggdrasil Leaf from his inventory and everyone looked at it in wonder; it glowed with a pure radiance. "We found it! We had to do a dangerous test to get it, but it was worth it in the end!"
Damalus noted Chazon's eyes and saw how bright his eyes shone, which made the apothecary smile. "That's the spirit, lad! Glenn was just here giving me a vital piece of literature needed for Yggdrasil's Drought. I just need to glean the ingredients and the procedures and we'll have our cure in no time!"
"I'll help you. The forest spirit deemed us worthy of not only the Yggdrasil Leaf, but also the other ingredients needed. Damalus, let's do this!" Chazon said in a confident voice as he followed the apothecary to his crafting room, taking off his armor so it wouldn't get in the way.
The book Glenn had given Damalus that contained the Yggdrasil's Drought recipe was handed down to the elder from his apothecary family for generations and contained powerful and potent concoctions if one had the skills to make them. Glenn's family had stopped following the family tradition of everyone becoming apothecaries, which led to the book never being read with meaning. When Glenn heard about Chazon's plight, he figured that he would help in the only way he could.
Nobody in Lerno Village hated Demi-humans; they traded with the sea-side demi-human village of Lurolona in the Seaetto region before the first wave hit. As a result, the villagers in Lerno never believed the Church of Three Heroes lies when it came to their neighbors. Many figured that it was the reason why the king never sent relief to the village when the famine started due to his intense hatred of demi-humans, but it was a decision nobody regrets now thanks to Chazon.
After a few hours of processing the materials and making sure nothing went wrong, Chazon and Damalus had produced Lerno Village's second miracle:
Yggdrasil's Drought (Excellent Quality)
Usable 10 times
Cures everything, except for death.
"It's done!" Chazon exclaimed, holding the rainbow-shimmering drought in his hands. "All that's left is to administer treatment."
Damalus stroked his mustache in pride for the hero. "Shall you do the honors, Chazon-sama? The kitsune is still holding on upstairs and you went through the trouble of getting the Yggdrasil Leaf for her, you may as well finish what you start."
He didn't need telling twice as he hurried up to the bed-ridden girl. Rino and Rifana were comforting the kitsune as best as they could, but the instant they laid eyes on what Chazon was holding, they knew what it meant.
Following the directions his status magic gave him, he administered the drought appropriately. The girl glowed a rainbow light for a few seconds, only for all of her color to return in an instant and she started breathing easier.
She was cured and will live for much longer than anyone initially thought.
Chazon took the time to observe the kitsune with a soft smile. She had maroon hair that, just like Rino's auburn hair, was down to earth and spoke of hidden warmth. When she opened her eyes everyone beheld the soft gold behind them, no longer marred by illness and misery.
Chazon stroked her hair. "You're going to be alright. You're free from the curse of your illness."
She lets out a soft gasp. "I'm… not going to die?"
Rino held the girl's hand with her own soft smile. "That's right. You're going to live a long life now. And not as a slave anymore."
The girl looked stunned for a minute, until the purest smile graced her face as her ears twitched in happiness. "I'm… I'm so happy…"
Damalus chuckled as he saw the scene. "Alright, lass. Even if you're cured, it'll take some time for your body to recover properly. Get some sleep and we'll treat you to a hot and healthy meal in the morning." The kitsune nodded tiredly and nodded off with Rino still holding her hand comfortingly.
Chazon got up and went outside, only to see Rifana watching from behind the door. "What's wrong? None of us will harm you."
Rifana looked at his eyes, only to see such kindness and light behind them. He initially scared her because of how dull his eyes were, but now they were full of compassion. "Are… are you really the Spear Hero?"
"I'm guessing Damalus told you after I left yesterday." Chazon knelt down and petted her on her pink-haired head. "I am indeed the Spear Hero. It's not a title I like to parrot around personally; I'd rather let actions speak louder than words."
Rifana's eyes began welling up as she remembered hearing that the only hero that ever cared for demi-humans was the Shield Hero. Yet… here was the Spear Hero, showing that very same compassion to two people he should be disgusted by according to practitioners of the Church of Three Heroes.
"H-hey, I'm sorry if I scared you. I'm not a bad person, I promise-"
"Why…" Chazon stopped short when she started sobbing. "Why are you being… so nice… to us…?"
Realizing why she was sobbing after looking right at her red eyes, he brought her in for a comforting hug and a soft kiss to the head, which she gasped at. "Do I need a reason to be kind? To save someone from their suffering? One doesn't need to be called a hero in order to do heroic things, nor is it required to be strong or full of charisma. Sometimes, all it takes to be a hero… is a small act of kindness." He strokes her head affectionately. "You've been through so much despite your age. If it's wrong to save children like you from such misery, then I never want to be right."
Rifana was stunned for a few moments… before breaking out into full-on crying, burying her face into his arm; she never thought she'd see the day where light could come back into her life. And it wasn't the Shield Hero, the savior of demi-humans who did it but the Spear Hero, the one who valued and protected his friends.
Chazon closed his eyes as he kept stroking her head, letting her cry her eyes out for what may be the first time in a long time. Rino and Damalus saw the scene and it warmed their hearts. Chazon looked like an older brother comforting his little sister.
After some time, Rifana had cried herself to sleep due to how late it was. Chazon picked her up and tucked her in beside the cured kitsune; letting the two sleep together felt right since they were saved from slavery at the same time. After closing the door, he nods at the other two. "Here's hoping they can start acting like kids again."
"I agree." Damalus nodded while stroking his mustache. "That the country deems kids like them as worse than monsters is heartbreaking, to say the least. But I know everyone in this village will treat them with kindness." He motions towards the two. "You two should get some sleep as well. Not only does it seem like it's been a long day for both of you, but I'm sure it's going to be a busy day tomorrow."
Rino nodded before yawning. "That it has. We gained quite a few levels as well, so we're even more prepared for the next wave. Hopefully we can keep going like this, because saving people while getting stronger is always a good thing!"
Chazon nodded. "While we should get stronger for the waves, we shouldn't ever forget about the people on the way to such strength. At least, that's what being a true hero is to me. Perhaps… it's a bit late to be talking philosophy…"
Damalus nodded with a yawn. "I don't know about you kids, but I'm bushed. With Rifana-chan's help, I was able to give the kitsune lass a sponge bath and changed into cleaner clothes so that her illness didn't get worse from all the grime on her. Slave traders really are the worst… though that is a conversation for another day. My bed is calling me." Damalus waved the two goodnight and headed towards his room.
Chazon yawned and was about to head to the guest room when Rino grabbed his hand, a light blush on her face. "Chazon-kun. Thank you for being who you truly are. I'm glad I met you and joined your party."
Chazon stood stunned for a bit before gently squeezing her hand with a smile. "And I'm glad I met you, Rino-chan. While our first meeting was nothing short of disgruntled on my part, I'll never regret letting you in. Here's hoping we can do more in the coming days and months before the wave."
Chazon bid Rino goodnight and headed into his room. She stood there for a bit longer before quickly retreating into her room, a full-on blush on her face. I… I recall directly telling him that he is the man that I loved… I-I said it i-in the spur of the m-moment while trying t-to bring him back but… AAAAAAAHHH. How could I fall in love with a Cardinal Hero-
She stopped her line of thought right there. No… Chazon-kun is a person, just like me. I'm… still deeply embarrassed that I confessed my love the way I did, but… I shouldn't objectify him like I have been. That may be why I treated him with gloves too much when he was consumed by despair. She shook her head quickly. Tired. Bed. Now.
As Chazon lay on his bed, his thoughts turned to how Rino brought him out of his despair the way she did and gratitude filled his heart. But there was one part that somewhat confused him.
"And the man I so dearly love now…"
Did she… confess her love to me…? Confusion suddenly overtook him as he blushed and covered his face. Oh… oh no, I've never had anyone confess their love to me before! W-what should I do? Should I respond to that? I don't know what kind of relationship I want us to be in. He tried to think more logically before giving up due to his mental gears overheating. I know this might be a bad idea… but I think I'll wait until I get confirmation from Rino-chan that she does love me… if I act on a whim, things could get awkward.
"I'm glad that you are doing very well, Spear Hero Chazon."
Chazon fell off his bed in surprise when someone spoke from his window. Looking at the intruder, he saw it was a woman sitting on the windowsill, cloaked in black like a ninja. "What? Who are-"
"Please lower your voice. I mean no harm to you or any of the residents." Chazon looked into her eyes and saw no falsehoods in her words. He calmed down, which allowed her to enter his room fully. "Judging by the look in your eyes, I'm guessing your shattered confidence has come back together?"
"You seem awfully familiar with me. I'll finish my question from earlier: who are you?"
The woman in front of him let out a small laugh. "Observant too. I cannot give you my name proper, but I am a Shadow of the kingdom of Melomarc." She noted Chazon tensing up and raised a hand. "Worry not, the king does not command me. My loyalty lies with my mistress alone and she has a keen interest in you and the Shield Hero."
Naofumi as well? Chazon thought for a moment before asking, "How much of a keen interest are we talking about? I doubt it's a passing interest if she sent you to stalk me."
"Correct. She's well aware of the role you play in this world. In fact, we were under orders to observe you once you were summoned back in Castle Town. My mistress has been unable to properly meet you as she's been out of the country for quite some time dealing with… consequences of rash acting."
"Rash acting…" Chazon's gears had cooled off enough to start turning again. I'm aware of there being multiple countries like Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden… Chazon suddenly remembered that every time he was in the audience hall, the king was there, but there was always an empty second throne. Hang on, if she's out of the country dealing with the consequences of rash acting… it's a hunch but… Chazon looks at the Shadow. "Perchance, is your mistress the queen of Melomarc?"
"I saw the steam coming out of your ears, Chazon-sama, but it proves that you are very clever. You are once again correct; her majesty is currently in the kingdom of Faubay, dealing with the fallout of the king's rash decision to summon all four heroes into Melomarc. That is the reason why she has yet to meet any of the heroes."
"Considering that she's the one who represents all of Melomarc, I have to hazard a guess that she's the one truly in power." Chazon scoffs. "Guess that's why we weren't told about your queen; the king didn't want anyone questioning his authority."
"King Aultcray is only half of the problem, sadly. There is another faction in Melomarc who seeks to control the heroes for their own ends." The Shadow lets out a sigh. "A faction that has been exceedingly difficult to remove due to its influence."
"Gee, I wonder if it's the Church of Three Heroes." Chazon said sarcastically… only to deadpan when he saw her nod. "That was a random guess by the way." I swear, every game I ever played always has a corrupt church somewhere in it.
"Random or no, it was a good one."
Chazon thought for a moment. "If it's true, you guys have your work cut out for you. Forcefully trying to denounce people's faith has a bad habit of only strengthening them." I don't even need video games for that observation. My world's history is proof enough.
"Exactly the reason… and it's because of that faith that Naofumi-sama and demi-humans are so persecuted. They see the shield as the devil and the other three weapons as gods."
That only makes me hate them even more…
"I'm afraid we've derailed the original conversation, however. Have you ever wondered how adventurer Rino came into contact with a deciphering tablet? Or how you just so happened to run into the Cyclops Mauler twice within a short time-frame?"
"Wait… I can maybe see the tablet, but the Cyclops Mauler?"
She gives a wily smile under her mask. "You shouldn't be surprised, Chazon-sama. As a Shadow, I have access to potent illusion magic. While it has no effect on the Cardinal Heroes… against simple-minded monsters, it works wonders."
Chazon saw red in that instant. "Do you realize how many-"
"No, I wasn't responsible for any of the adventurer's deaths. Believe me, even I was saddened that I was too late for Regald. But you can't deny that his death served as a good motivator… even if you tried to sacrifice yourself afterwards." She sighed at that last one.
"Then… why?"
"Remember, I had been watching you from the beginning. I heard you call yourself the most useless hero and saw how your steps were mired by self-doubt. How can we trust a hero who had no trust in himself?" Chazon wanted to argue that, but he came up with nothing and sighed. "I'll admit, your foray into the Alchemist's Cave wasn't my doing, but I did use that to my advantage and provided you with the tool needed to see the danger of the seed at the end. You even got a trustworthy party member, one who served as your light in the darkness considering that light shines in your eyes once again thanks to her."
"All in the name of increasing my self-confidence…" As cheap as it made him feel Chazon couldn't deny that her methods worked, even if they were underhanded.
"Indeed… For the first time in my career as a Shadow, I actually felt proud of someone I had been tasked with watching over. Your speech to the residents of Lute had moved even me and the Shadow in charge of Naofumi-sama."
"Why are you telling me all this now? What do you hope to gain?"
"A powerful ally, Chazon-sama." That made him recoil in surprise. "Because, even in spite of your confidence issues in the beginning, her majesty and us saw you as being a wise hero. One that truly thought of the people in his quest to get stronger and, judging by your actions recently, that includes demi-humans. While you do have a reckless streak, you think things through as best you can where it suits you; the BioFruits of Lerno are the result of one such instance.
"And above all else, you had remained a faithful friend and ally to Naofumi-sama, even after he lashed at you on the day of his "trial". The world needs all four heroes to survive the coming waves and you all must be willing to work together if we are to turn them back. As a result, her majesty sees you and Naofumi-sama as the most potent allies because you are already friends, though I commend you for attempting to give counsel to the Sword Hero at the banquet. There may be hope for him yet."
Assuming he learns to stop seeing the world as a game… I do wish I could have talked to Itsuki as well, but that dumb broad and her "white knight" kept me from doing so.
The Shadow looks out the window. "It is late and I do not wish to keep you awake much longer. Before I go, allow me one piece of advice." Her voice became serious. "If you choose to raise the demi-humans you purchased from the slave trader, exercise caution in areas that practice the Church's teachings. They may get… unpleasant ideas if they see you treating their mortal enemies with kindness."
"Wait!" The Shadow looks back, puzzled. "I know this might be a dumb thing to ask now but… is there anyone you know who can teach Rino proper dual blade skills? So far we've been coasting by on self-taught, but something tells me we'll need proper training going forward."
She taps her chin before nodding. "Many of us Shadows are actually apt dual blade users. If you wish, I can come back at a later point under the guise of a regular adventurer and teach your companion. Would that be acceptable?"
"Yes. I know you did a lot for me, but I wish to get stronger in any way I can. Be it raw power, technique, magic, or even just battle smarts."
"Hesitate not if you wish for a favor like that from me. You've already done plenty for our kingdom, yet you've hardly been rewarded for it. Rest assured, once my business elsewhere is done, I'll return and train your partner." With that, she vanishes.
At least Rino will be able to hone her skills with her weapons, but what did she mean by "If I choose to raise the demi-humans"? I purchased them so that they could be free and Lerno Village is more than willing to take them in, but… no, I'm too tired to think more on it. I'll muse over it in the morning.
With that, he climbs into bed and blows the candle out, wondering what tomorrow will bring.
Ren was panting due to how much he had been fighting, with his party members scattered and injured, but alive. They had been fighting for a good few hours, but they had finally won.
The purple-scaled dragon that had attacked them in a rage was finally dead.
Shaking his head he goes over to a particular spot, one that had been safe in the entire scuffle. "The dragon is dead; you can come out now."
The Elder of Dragon Village came out of hiding and beheld the now dead dragon with sadness. "It makes no sense… our Lord has always been a patient soul to those willing to understand. Why would he attack us in such a rage?"
Ren looked at the legendary weapon in his hand with a grimace. "Do you think he had a bad history with the Cardinal Heroes?"
"No… even if he did, he would have seen that you were willing to talk once he saw I was with you and would have held off to ascertain your intentions."
When Ren and his party had arrived in Dragon village the day prior, he followed Chazon's advice out of respect for his fellow hero and had everyone gather information about the village and the dragon. Some party members, like Welt and Tersia, had heard about a supposed treasure that the dragon was guarding but him, Bakta, and Farrie had heard that many of the villagers revered the dragon as a protector.
Deciding to try and talk to the dragon, Ren convinced the Elder to come with him to talk with the dragon named Gaelion. He figured that having him would make the dragon more willing to compromise and listen.
Sadly, the dragon that attacked them did so in a blind rage, unwilling to speak or compromise. Ren's party was forced to slay him, lest he become a true threat to the village.
Even so… the NPC is just as confused as we are. Something is off about this whole thing, unless-
"Father…?" Everyone turned to see a little girl with dog-like ears and tail approaching the scene.
Tersia quickly moved to the child. "Are you lost? Are you hurt?"
"No, but… is that my…?" She moved in front of the dragon and looked all around the head. "No... This isn't my father."
That confounded everyone present. Bakta spoke up first, "Wait, are you saying your father is a DRAGON!?"
She turned around and nodded before looking back. "Father adopted me when my real family was killed by a group of slavers. He's always been around to protect me, yet he was… late coming back today so I came out to see what had happened." She looked at Ren's party. "This isn't my adoptive father, even though he looks very similar. Do you know where he is?"
Ren was about to answer when the familiar sound of dragon wings reached the ears of everyone present. Looking up, they saw another purple-scaled dragon. "Wyndia!" Came a voice in everyone's heads.
The little girl looked gleeful. "Father!"
Ren looked at the purple dragon with wide eyes. Is this… the real Gaelion?
"Lord Gaelion! Full glad to see you are hale and healthy!" The Elder cried out in relief.
Gaelion landed near the corpse of his kind and looked at it with a soft sadness. "I'm sorry, brother, but you really were beyond saving…" Looking back at the party, he bows his head. "Are you the ones who ended my brother's madness? If so, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Ren found his voice. "You are the dragon named Gaelion?"
"Correct. I live nearby peacefully with the village and my adopted daughter, Wyndia. Tell me, Sword Hero, what brings you here?"
Ren clenched his hands; the people of the guild lied to him. While he did slay a rampaging dragon in the end and prevented loss of life, they had fully intended to have him slay a peaceful dragon who had done nothing wrong and was even a father. I'm… so glad Chazon advised me to…
Deciding to speak the truth, Ren bowed. "I must apologize, lord Gaelion, for I feel the truth must be spoken. I had been told by informants in the adventurer's guild that a dragon was attacking the nearby village and that I was to slay it." He looked up with an apologetic look. "Forgive me, for I believe that I was sent to kill you."
"You wouldn't be the first party to try and kill me." The dragon sighed as he looked down the mountain they were on. "Many adventurers had been sent to do the same as you presumably would have, most likely all sent by the exact same people. I've been able to drive them all off thus far without killing anyone, but I had wondered when they would send someone truly capable of killing me."
Wyndia whimpered. "Y-you mean you were going to-"
"My daughter, it's clear that he had doubted the word of the guild if he brought people from the nearby village. Do not hate them, for they were wise to seek information from the village" She nodded at that.
Ren closed his eyes and clenched his hand. "It wasn't my idea to begin with. One of my fellow heroes advised me to… gather information before I came out here proper." To think that I was used…
Gaelion felt relief that there was a hero with wisdom and was held in high regard by his fellow heroes. "Your fellow hero is wise indeed, but you're not any less so for following his counsel.
The Elder nodded at Ren. "When you told me that someone from our village had wanted lord Gaelion killed, I was shocked and outraged. At the same time, I was grateful you and yours sought information before heading out; I was able to correct your course before you slew someone who meant no harm." He looks at the corpse with a confused look. "You said this was your brother, lord Gaelion? If so then why did you thank Ren-sama?"
"Because he had slipped too far into his wrath to be considered anything more than a monster. His family was slain by misguided adventurers a long time ago and had never let go of his lust for revenge. He more than likely came here to try and kill Wyndia and the villagers to spite me for being peaceful with them."
Ren felt a pang of sympathy for the fallen dragon. Driven mad by loss… perhaps death was a mercy after all… He suddenly realized that he felt sympathetic for a boss he killed. It was supposed to be a moment of triumph and celebration, but he didn't feel that way at all. Is this… why Chazon was exasperated over me treating this world like a game?
Gaelion had continued speaking, "While I did not wish for it to be so, my brother lost himself that day and has killed many innocent lives since then. Because of that… the outcome was inevitable. Once again, I thank you for putting him out of his misery."
This isn't a game…
Gaelion looked past the horizon with a solemn look. "Sadly, if my brother is here, then the situation in the dragon kingdom must have degraded. As one of the twin Dragon Emperors, I must return to my lands of origin and reign in my people, lest they go on a rampage and more innocent lives are lost."
"Wait, father! You're telling me you're leaving?!" Wyndia looked devastated that her only remaining parental figure was now leaving her as tears began running down her face. "Please, take me with you! I don't want to be left… all alone again…"
"Forgive me, my daughter, but the lands I must return to are too dangerous for humans and demi-humans alike. I cannot protect you adequately enough in such hostile territory."
Wyndia broke down crying and Farrie moved to comfort her as Gaelion turned to Ren. "Sword Hero Ren, I have little to offer for compensation besides the materials from my brother's corpse, but I have my own request. Please… look after my daughter. Without me to protect her I feel she is safest with a Cardinal Hero, even with you fighting the waves of catastrophe, as the slavers who have infiltrated the village will most likely try to enslave her. She has already suffered much in her young life."
Ren closed his eyes for a moment before looking at Wyndia; her tears of sadness were too real. It reminded him all too much of his childhood friend when he had saved her from attempted murder at the cost of his own life as she cried for him not to leave her.
This isn't a game at all…
Ren finally spoke. "Wyndia, your father has asked me and my party to take care of you, but I must ask you directly. Are you fine with traveling with us, the ones who had been set on the misguided course of killing your father?"
Wyndia sniffled a bit before looking at Ren. "You… didn't kill my father in the end, though, so why would I hate you?" She dried her tears before giving him a determined look. "I know it's painful… but I'll be strong. I know I'll see my father again one day, so I'll join you."
You're already strong… Ren sent Wyndia a party invite as he told his party to harvest usable materials from the dragon corpse. She accepted it and her name and status appeared in his party list.
Gaelion stood up, satisfied. "I will give you all a ride down to the village where I will inform everyone of my departure. I will admit, I'll miss this place in my absence, but duty ever calls for all of us."
"That would be greatly appreciated. Thank you." Ren bowed to the Dragon Emperor in respect.
After the materials were gathered, everyone headed back down the mountain to Dragon village on Gaelion's back. Farrie and Tersia got a nagging feeling they should have done something before leaving, but pushed it out of their minds.
They had a new party member to train and interact with now.
Just in case this comes up, I've seen the manga depict Rifana with pink hair and red eyes while I was poking around the internet. While her anime portrayal has brown hair and yellow eyes, I actually think the look I chose for her is cuter.