Camp was set up around the carriage as all of the demi-human children slumbered as a group. Chazon had volunteered to be first watch during the night to make sure no church knights were going to get the drop on them during a vulnerable period. Nobody knew how long it would be before the noble was discovered dead in his basement.

Rino was sleeping right besides him with her hand on one of his; the group agreed to forego using tents for the time being. He looked over at all of the demi-humans huddled together. Rifana and Kardia were in the epicenter of the children, having basically become the designated older sisters of the liberated slaves. Everyone was sleeping soundly, though the occasional whimper could be heard from one of the children.

Chazon scanned the area around their camp again, keeping a watchful eye out for any movement made by monster or man. He noted one of the children getting up and coming over to him, tears in his eyes. "Did you have a nightmare, Beker?"

The nue demi-human nodded, rubbing sleep and tears from his eyes. "It was… about my mom… she died a month ago in those prisons."

I don't doubt that you'd not be recovered from that, especially given the living conditions you were in up until now. Chazon beckons Beker and he sits down beside the Spear Hero. "Talk to me about her. Maybe you'll feel better."

Beker lowered his gaze. "Well… she was always a kind person, always willing to give up her share if someone went without food as punishment. Before we were forced into slavery… she always told me stories about the Shield Hero and how everyone should look to him as a role model for how we should act… and she never gave up her belief in him, even whenever she was tortured by our owner…"

Chazon put a comforting arm around him. "She sounds like a wonderful mother and a strong woman."

"I… I just miss her so dearly… how she was singled out and tortured to death as an example to the rest of us…" Beker's tears began running down his face again.

"Grieve for her as much as you need… but don't grieve for her forever." Beker looks up at Chazon, who sported a kind look in his eyes. "Your mother wouldn't want you to be mired by grief forever. She'd want you to look towards the future she entrusted to you, to live on for the both of you in a world where you're no longer a slave."

"But… how can I…?"

"That is a question not easily answered… but do not feel you are alone in your search for yourself. The rest of the children we rescued look up to you and, no doubt, hold similar pain in their own hearts. Seek solace in each other and those you trust. You'll find your answer when you're ready for it." Chazon hugs Beker comfortingly. "If nothing else… remember these words. Fate can be cruel, but a smile better suits a hero. They inspired a demi-human like yourself and it is my hope you'll find inspiration in them as well. But I want you to also remember her… remember that she once lived."

Beker had no words as he wept softly into Chazon's chest. Rifana had woken up and bore witness to the entire thing with a soft smile on her face. The legends always expressed how much the Shield Hero's compassion towards demi-humans was what saved them in the past. Here, the legend was reborn only this time the Spear Hero stood firm alongside the Shield Hero in showing their kind the light in the darkness, proof that the actions of the forebearers can have no semblance in the thoughts of the successor.

Chazon noted that she was awake and she motioned to him that she'll take the next watch. Squeezing Rino's hand, who hummed in her sleep, Chazon fell asleep with Beker sleeping on his chest.

As the carriage rolled through the mountain, all of the demi-human children have regained hope in their hearts and have been excitedly chatting with each other and the party. The Spear Hero's party and the children have all been taking turns walking alongside the carriage to help keep Obsidian from pulling too much weight, even though he claimed that the weight of everyone wasn't too much for him.

Plenty of the former slaves flocked around Chazon, holding reverence and gratitude for him like he was actually the Shield Hero. The rest of the party interacted with the children as well; Amber seemed especially happy to have made a bunch of new friends.

The plan was to keep going north until they found the Reichnott Territories in order to find a place where the children can be adopted and live happier lives. Thanks to the map that Erhard had slipped in with his gifts, which Chazon absorbed and gained a spear that greatly enhanced his status magic map, they knew which way to go and what roads to take.

"There's the fake Spear Hero!"

Provided they weren't spotted by church knights.

Chazon hissed in annoyance as he quickly put Beker back onto the carriage before boarding as well. "Obsidian, run as long and fast as you can! If they get their grimy hands on the children, it'll end far too badly!"

"You can count on me, Daddy! Here we go!" Obsidian took off with the carriage, with his party members hanging around the outside to ward off the rapidly approaching knights.

Chazon saw a group of horse-back knights riding towards them and dropped a flashbang behind the carriage. It exploded right as the riders were on top of it, blinding and getting them thrown off by the panicking horses. It also helped stall any knights behind the front-riders since the confusion caused a mess.

Rifana noted some Shadows jumping through the trees and realized what they were. "Those jumping guys from before are back!"

Shadows like the ones the queen commands, more than likely. "Rifana and Merlay! Make sure none of them board with your wind spells!" He got confirmation from both girls as they began firing off gusts of wind into the trees while making sure not to cause too much damage to the forest. "Amber, use the same trick as last time!"

"On it, Papa!" Amber climbed onto the top of the carriage and started scattering active bright scales. Once again, while it did cut the numbers down some were still being persistent as they started throwing weapons at the carriage. "These guys are too persistent!"

"Kardia, can you switch to buffing everyone with defense up and healing anyone who gets injured? I'd rather make sure everyone survives this!"

"Affirmative, leave it to me." Thanks to having three tails instead of one, Kardia's support spells were more potent than before. A knife got through the carriage cover and hit one of the children, but it didn't cut them too deep and was healed off immediately.

Rino looked out back again and gasped at the sight. "It looks like an entire platoon is after us!"

Chazon growled a bit. "They really are a persistent bunch… Let me try something." Chazon corrects his posture and holds out both hands. "As the source of thy power, I the Spear Hero command thee. Decipher the laws of nature and create an air of impeding darkness. Zweite Shadow Mist!"

The area right before the church knights became enshrouded by a movement-slowing dark-purple mist, which created even more confusion. "The fake hero is using dark magic! He's actually a devil!"

Make up your minds already. Am I a fake or a devil?

"Daddy! There's a fork in the road ahead!" Obsidian didn't know which way to go.

Merlay looked and gasped at where one of the forks led to. "Turn left! If we go right to get to the Reichnott Territories faster, we'll play right into the church's hands!"

"You heard her, Obsidian! Guess we're taking the scenic route!" They must have figured out our intended destination based on how we freed the slaves.

Obsidian obliged and reinforcements joined their pursuers from the direction they didn't take. The party was able to keep them away with a combination of flashbangs, grenades to tear up the roads, and slowing magics from Chazon, Kardia, and Merlay while Rifana blasted any Shadows trying to keep up with them on the sides. Amber kept scattering her bright scales in hopes of whittling down their numbers by blinding them.

Chazon double-checked his map and grimaced. They were heading closer to the Melromarc border than he would like to venture. If there is no side-path up ahead, then we'll have to abandon the carriage…

"I'm sorry, daddy… but I'm getting tired…" Obsidian was breathing heavily; he underestimated how heavy the carriage was and was straining as a result.

Kardia sighed before addressing the children. "We'll have to abandon the carriage and cut through the forest. We won't be able to rest until we find a safe spot for-"

"Hang on, what's that up ahead?" Merlay pointed it out and everyone looked. Ahead looked like an encampment for an entire army.

Rino flinched. "Are we getting sandwiched with no way to escape?"

Chazon noted the flag they were flying and saw it wasn't the mark of the Church of Three Heroes, but he still didn't know where their loyalties lay. "Should we gamble on them? At this rate, we'll have to either risk getting attacked by this army, turning back and having to face ALL of the church knights, or abandon carriage and cut through monster territory."

"All unfavorable options…" Kardia admitted. "Do you guys want to chance going to the encampment? Obsidian is getting tired fast and the children won't last long if we don't do something."

Rifana looked at the encampment before sighing. "We don't have a choice. It would take far too long to get to the Reichnott Territories otherwise and the children are too weakened for such a trip." The demi-human children all whimper.

Chazon nods at that. "Then we'll take our chances. I'll help you out, Obsidian!" He equips the power gloves and starts pulling the carriage alongside his son.

A couple of sentries noted a large, black filolial approaching with a carriage that looked like it had been attacked. "Who do you think they are?"

"We won't know until they get closer- wait is someone pulling the carriage with the filolial?"

After the carriage was close enough, Chazon rushed ahead towards the sentries, who eyed him with suspicion. "Who does this encampment belong to?"

One sentry narrowed his eyes. "Why would we tell you that? We don't know if you're an enemy or not."

The other sentry thought for a moment before shaking his head and lowering his weapon. "Let's give him the benefit of the doubt. If he was the enemy, he'd be pretty stupid to just come to us like this."

The other sentry paused before huffing. "Fine. We're the Melromarc army under the command of her majesty, the Queen!"

The Queen! If her Shadows are any indication… then perhaps we can save the children after all. "Forgive my hasty question. I am Spear Hero Chazon and I request succor for my charges."

"Wait, you're the Spear Hero?!" Both sentries immediately wished they didn't treat him so callously. Both of them nod quickly. "You and yours are free to enter, sir spear hero! Out of curiosity, who are your charges?"

"Some demi-human children who were former slaves. I rescued them when I found their prison block near a town of hot springs."

"The Spear Hero… saving demi-humans?"

The second sentry smiled. "My wife is a demi-human and I love her dearly. Rest assured, you'll find sanctuary here for the children, Sir Spear Hero."

Chazon bows gratefully. "Thank you! I also have to warn you that the Church of Three Heroes has been chasing us this past while. I know not their numbers, so I'd recommend putting everyone on high alert if you let us in."

"We'd be remiss and failures as our glorious Queen's knights if we let such treacherous dogs get past us!" One sentry rushed off while the other nodded. "Proceed into the encampment. Once you and yours have found a good spot to park and your demi-human children are being cared for, I'd like for you to go see our Queen."

Chazon nodded at that and beckoned Obsidian, who pressed forward. Rino looked at him with wide eyes. "They're friendly?"

"They're the Queen's army and I trust her more than her husband. For now, let's get these children properly taken care of and give Obsidian a rest." She nods as Obsidian follows the soldier guiding him.

All of the demi-human kids looked warily around the encampment they found themselves in, only for Beker to gasp. "Is that…? DAD!"

"My son?!" Father and son hugged each other tightly. "I'm so sorry… I left you and your mother behind… please forgive your foolish father."

"It's okay… I'm just glad to see you're still alive!"

That was the catalyst for the rest of the children to find comfort in the soldiers around them. The Spear Hero's party had their hearts warmed at the sight; the queen very clearly wished equal rights for humans and demi-humans if her soldiers followed her example. It probably helped that they themselves inspired the soldiers to treat the kids with compassion.

Chazon nods at his party. "Shall we introduce ourselves to her majesty?"

Rifana gave him a curious look. "I thought you didn't trust Melromarc's royalty?"

"I'll explain at a later point. For now, let's not keep her waiting."

Chazon's party was guided to the back of the encampment and taken to a rather fancy purple tent. The soldier requested they wait and entered for a bit before coming back out. "Her majesty would like to speak with you all!"

The Queen exited the tent shortly afterwards, wearing some light-plate armor fitting for a royal. She gives him a royal smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you and your companions, Spear Hero Chazon. I am Mirellia Q Melromarc." She bows to him.

Chazon made sure to bow back respectfully with his party members. "The pleasure is all mine, your majesty. It's a blessing to finally meet the true leader of Melomarc after… how much your husband has been bungeling..."

She let out an irritated sigh at that. "I even sent letters to him specifically to NOT mistreat the Shield Hero and his companions. I suppose I should have known as much when he failed to respond to them, but affairs at Faubrey kept me from returning any sooner than this." She looks at his party and smiles. "I'm glad you are the Spear Hero my Shadows have been telling me about. However, am I correct in the fact that you were chased here by knights from the Church of Three Heroes?"

"I apologize for the inconvenience. Admittedly, we didn't know you were here so it was pure coincidence, but we were in desperate need of rest since my son couldn't pull his carriage anymore."

"Hold on… did you say your son was pulling a carriage?" Mirellia gave him an incredulous look.

Rino facepalmed at that. "Chazon-kun, that was pretty badly worded. I know he's your son, but he still a filolial."

"Ah, I was wondering how you- you have a filolial companion?!" Everyone recoiled when the Queen suddenly had stars in her eyes.

Now I know where Melty get's her obsession from. Chazon shook his head and beckoned Obsidian, who he petted. "This is Obsidian, the filolial that I hatched and raised from a chick. Say hello, Obsidian!"

"Nice to meet you, Queen Mirellia!" Obsidian said joyfully, flapping his black wings.

"You are adorable! Come here to auntie Mirellia!" Obsidian obliged with a laugh and a hug as Mirellia giggled with mirth. "You are a good boy!" Amber joined in as well, much to Mirellia's delight as everyone laughed. The queen eventually coughed awkwardly with a blush. "Apologies, I didn't mean to lose myself and derail the conversation like that. I've also heard that you brought in freed demi-human slaves?"

"Yeah. we were on our way to the Reichnott Territories since they practice equal rights for demi-humans, but… well you can see what we had to do." Rifana nodded, relief clear on her face. "I'm just glad we found friendly people even out here."

"You were wise to try and go to the Reichnott Territories. One of my most trusted advisors runs that place and he shares many of my views on demi-humans." Mirellia was cut off when the alarm horn was sounded. "It seems the church knights have caught up to you. I shall address them, but you are free to join me."

Kardia gave a determined look. "We're the ones who accidentally brought them here. We'd be remiss if we did nothing to fix our mistake." Everyone agreed with her.

The Spear Hero did a wonderful job with his party. Full glad to have such powerful allies by my side in the trying times I foresee ahead. Mirellia nodded at the party. "Pray accompany me to where the church knights are approaching from. If they deign to show treason to queendom and country, we'll make sure they'll regret their decision!"

Her majesty really cuts a figure of power in many ways. I'm glad I gave her the benefit of the doubt when I still could. Chazon follows her to the outskirts of the encampment, noting that the children were getting moved closer to the back.

They saw a whole host of knights approaching the encampment, which made Merlay shudder. "They sent this many people just to hunt down Chazon-sama?"

Mirellia nodded slowly. "I'll admit, it wouldn't have been overkill considering the potential the legendary heroes have. However… at your levels, it actually is and you would have been overwhelmed if you stood and fought. Now, however, you have your own army backing you alongside me."

Rino looked shocked. "Your majesty, are you going to be fighting as well?!"

"What kind of Queen runs away and leaves her soldiers to die?" Mirellia hated abandoning her men if she could help it. That was one of the many reasons why the main Melromarc army held such deep loyalty to her.

"If a Queen doesn't lead, her troops won't follow, am I correct?" She nods as Chazon crosses his arms with a smirk. "My respect for you is deepening by the minute."

"You are too kind, Spear Hero Chazon, but I thank you for your support. Now lets see if these knights really are stupid enough to engage us in battle." Mirellia approaches the edge of the encampment towards a sole knight that seemed to be the acting messenger. "Pray explain yourselves to the Queen of Melromarc! What reasons do you have for being here?"

"The church has decreed the Spear Hero as a fake and therefore must be removed!" The knight shouted with zeal. "By offering him succor, you have proven yourselves impure by association, but we aren't without mercy. Surrender the fake hero and we'll spare your lives!"

"Fake hero? Perhaps all of his deeds in my country have fallen on deaf ears, unless you have a proper explanation on why he's a fake."

"He has associated with demi-humans and brought shame upon the Spear Heroes that have come-"

Mirellia just lost any patience she may have had when dealing with the Church of Three Heroes. "If all it takes to be considered fake or impure is to treat demi-humankind with compassion, then I'm afraid your religious leaders have gotten far too bigoted. Leave this place if you wish to be spared!"

"We will never stop until the fake hero is removed! You will all suffer the consequences!" The church knight rode back, presumably to tell his fellow knights to prepare for battle.

"The knights of the Church of Three Heroes have openly declared themselves enemies of the crown! Prepare for battle!" Mirellia shouts, which was answered by the roars of agreement from her own knights.

Chazon turned to his own party. "I hate to say it, but this will be a battle where we might have to kill other people in order to survive. If any of you don't wish to see or contribute to this bloodshed, speak now or forever hold your peace." He gives them all a solemn look. "After all, when we're at war we're all the same. Kill… or be killed."

There was a short silence before Rino sighs. "I suppose it was inevitable, as much as I hate to admit it. Even if we didn't find the Queen's army, we would have been forced to kill in order to protect the children from their clutches." She holds Chazon's hand with a determined look. "I may regret it later, but I will follow your lead until the very end, Chazon-kun!"

"I agree." Kardia approached with a smile, all three tails flicking. "You've given me a reason to live and fight. If these zealots wish to spit all over your good name for the mere act of treating us with kindness, then I shall act in kind. My magic is yours."

"My shield as well! I refuse to let my dream of rebuilding my village with Raphtalia-chan die because of them! For Keel-kun and everyone else still suffering from slavery!" Rifana piped up with immense determination.

"Daddy, Amber and I have made up our minds. We'll fight with you as well, no matter how difficult it gets!" Obsidian said, transforming into his filolial king form.

Amber had a determined smile on her face. "As long as I have you, Papa, I'll always do everything in my power!"

Merlay nodded at that. "You have always shown everyone kindness on your travels and you have shown me the dark secret of my nation that I am deeply ashamed of. To that end, I wish to eradicate this darkness that dares masquerade as a holy power!"

"You guys… I never wished to stain your hands with blood, but religious fanatics won't ever stop to words. Let us fight, not just for the children we have saved, but for those we can YET save! For all the demi-humans who are suffering, and for Naofumi's party as well!"

Mirellia smiled at each of the spear hero's party members sounding off and his own determined proclamation. Everyone in his party has such amazing potential and they have such undying loyalty to him.

"Your majesty, we have detached a handful of soldiers to protect the non-combatants at the camp's rear. Everyone else is here and ready!" One of the knights announced, bowing before his Queen.

"Everyone, your quick action is greatly appreciated." Mirellia turned to address her knights. "For too long has our nation suffered the darkness of the church's lies, abusing and ending innocent lives for the sole crime of existing as they are. They have deemed the Spear Hero a fake for his good and compassion and the Shield Hero a devil in spite of all of the lives he has saved! And now they deem everyone associated with the two heroes as impure and worthy of death, including me.

"Today, we show these religious zealots where their loyalties should've been from the very beginning! Today, we begin purging the filth of the church from our lands! The Spear Hero and his party have offered support in our battle today. We will be victorious!" The entire army roared in agreement. Mirellia nods at Chazon. "Let us clear your name and the Shield Hero's name."

"My spear is yours, your majesty." Chazon felt hope surge within his heart from the knights and he realized what it meant. "Permit me to be the beacon of light for your troops to follow!"

"To all you sinners! We condemn you to death!" The church knights charged forward with their own battle roar.

Chazon made a few deep breaths before he gave the opposing army a determined glare. "Let hope guide us all to victory!" Focusing on his hope, he willed it all into his spear and it obliged.

Spear of Hope II unlocked

Equip bonus: All stats up (high), Movement speed bonus (high), Light aspected attack (very high), All known light-aspected skills, 'Rising Hope', 'Radiant Dawn'

Special effect: All stats up (high), Purity (Radiant Rays), Skill augmentation (Hopeful)

The spear turned into what looked like an even more powerful version of what it was before. Both him and Amber glowed radiantly with hope as they took their positions beside Mirellia, further inspiring the Queen's troops as they rushed to engage the enemy.

Despite his radiant look, the church knights still held the strong belief that he was a fake. It was quickly shown why: a single knight had suddenly started tearing through the queen's army with a spear that looked like Glone's from back in Castle Town, using skills as well.

"Leave that one to me! He's using a legendary spear replica, so normal knights won't be able to stand up to that!" Chazon dove after the knight and hit him away from the Queen's army before entering a blade lock with him. "So you're the reason why you nut-jobs keep calling me a fake."

"Because you ARE a fake, you false prophet! Meet your end to one of the candidates for the title of TRUE Spear Hero! Chaos Spear!"

The knight unleashed a flurry of attacks at Chazon, who was able to block them all. "Funny, you think you can mimic EVERYTHING I can do? Hopeful Light Spear!" He launches a blast of holy light at the knight, who barely dodges the attack and explosion. "Lets see how you handle a hero powered by hope!"

Back with the main army, it was quickly discovered that there was a knight holding a legendary sword replica and one holding a legendary bow replica. Both of them also started tearing through the ranks as well, which Kardia wasn't about to allow anymore. "Zweite Stone Blast!" She launched powerful stone blades at the one holding the sword. "Rino, deal with that one! Show him what real blades can do!"

"I'm on it!" Rino quickly engaged the knight and processed to dance around all of his strikes with the speed and grace of a ninja as she attacked without mercy using her dual blades.

"Amber, assault that bow user from the air and keep him from launching arrows at Queen Mirellia!" Chazon managed to call out mid-duel with his supposed replacement.

"Got it, Papa! Leave my friends and family alone, meanie!" Amber flew up and launched her light-aspected blast scales at the bow user, forcing him to disengage and reposition. She made sure to keep him occupied by mixing in light spells and fire spells that were augmented by her blaze scales.

Rifana was able to position herself among a bunch of the Queen's knights and was able to fire off wind and lightning spells between blocks, paralyzing her enemies for her allies to put down without much resistance. She did flinch at lives being taken, but she pushed it from her mind for now.

Obsidian, having rested enough from his carriage pulling, began returning the favor and plowing through the enemy ranks with his focus on speed and physical damage. Merlay supplemented his rampage with support magic as well as a mixture of fire and lightning spells. "Obsidian, keep going as long as you can!"

Rino had been handily overpowering the replica sword user, only to get ambushed by a second one. "Everyone, there's two legendary sword replicas in play!"

Kardia immediately reinforced Rino's position. "Think they can double-team you into submission? Not if I have anything to say about it. Zweite Water Shot!" Water formed beside her and launched itself at the second replica user, dealing hefty damage.

Queen Mirellia had been combining fire spells with her ability to cast ice magic thanks to her fire and water affinities. Being able to freeze enemies in place gave her the tactical advantage, even though the replica weapons her Shadows warned her about were present. To think they had this many replicas… and they were going to use them all on Sir Chazon. I suppose they felt threatened by what he could do with his party and potential.

Chazon had started to overpower his opponent when he was reinforced by his cohorts and blind-sided by yet another spear replica user, though he shook it off just fine. "You guys really think there's safety in numbers? I'm about to show you what else I can do as a hero. Hopeful Chaos Light Spear!"

He started launching a load of hope-aspected projectiles at the group, which handily took care of the replica user's reinforcements, something that made the two knights suddenly fearful. "Just what kind of monster are you?!"

"The person you initially pegged as your god, apparently. It was your choice to brand me as a fake, so you'll suffer the consequences!" Chazon continued his assault on the replica users. I would like to be able to keep myself healed up without distracting my allies… perhaps it's time to try combining my magic systems after stunning these wanna-be's.

Activating a flashbang after knocking away one of the replica users, he threw it at the knight and stunned him. Recalling how Rino casted her combined affinities he chanted, "As the source of thy power, I the spear hero command thee. Decipher the laws of nature and heal my target with darkness. Faust Nocturnal Heal!" He was healed back to full from the damage he got from getting blindsided and noted that his current HP was 10% over his max.

Nocturnal Shields

Shielded from damage for a limited time and for a limited amount of HP.

I can get a shielding effect from combining my systems? Can't wait to see how that works on Naofumi! Chazon continued his assault on the other replica user.

Thanks to Kardia, Rino had taken control of her situation. No matter how many skills the replica users fired off at her, she found ways to dodge them. Even if she was hurt, Kardia kept her healed up. Her opponents were outraged at what was happening. "How can a lowly adventurer like you be overpowering our sacred gifts?!"

"Perhaps if you weren't so blinded by faith in your weapons, then you'd know why." Rino stated flatly before promptly disarming one of them. "You claim Chazon-kun is a fake, but I think the real fakes are right in front of me." With those words, she disarms the other knight.

Kardia smirked at that. "Your lack of skills using your weapons certainly speaks volumes. In a battle with no tricks or hero-like skills, the inexperienced will always fall to the experienced and properly trained. Admit defeat and we'll spare you from the flames."

"We'll never bow down to such filthy creatures like you! Even if we fall here you'll face judgement, mark our words!"

"Suit yourself. Zweite Fireblast!" Kardia incinerated the two knights and ended their lives. Rino grimaced at that, making Kardia pat her on the shoulder. "They made their choice, Rino-sama. We can regret ours after this battle is over." Rino could only nod numbly at that.

Amber had been joined by Obsidian and Merlay in taking down the bow replica user, who was joined by yet another spear replica user. Obsidian felt weird trying to take someone out who was using his Daddy's weapon, but he knew he couldn't get distracted by such thoughts. Thanks to Merlay buffing his attack, he was hitting exceedingly hard and had the spear user on the ropes. "H-how can a filolial be this strong? Or this big?"

"I was raised by my Daddy, the Spear Hero! I won't let you badmouth him, you evil people!" Obsidian hit the knight hard enough to conk him out.

Amber got the idea to use her bright scales to supplement a light spell and make the blinding effect extremely potent. The augmented light spells prevented the bow replica user from fighting back against her. "This is the end for bad people like you! Papa is not a fake hero!"

"N-no… defeated even with a sacred gift?!" The knight was promptly Ko'd by Merlay with an earth spell.

Chazon, while being the last to defeat his replica user opponents, didn't disappoint. He had begun overpowering the two knights so much that his final Hopeful Demonic Strike obliterated both the replica weapon's heads at the same time, leaving the two with sticks. Realizing that they were thoroughly defeated, the knights fell to their knees. "Then… you really are the Spear Hero. Was everything we've been told… a lie?"

"Not only that, but you were more than likely used. All your leaders want is power and they have no qualms with using people like you to get there." Chazon shook his head, pitying the men in front of him. "Surrender and I'll make sure you'll be spared."

"We… we surrender, Sir Spear Hero. Forgive our blindness."

Chazon looked into both of the men's eyes, saw no deceit behind them, and nodded. "I'll convince the Queen to go easy on you and yours. I can tell you didn't want to be deceived like this."

Looking over, the battle was just about over. One church knight got the idea to rush right for the Queen. "Take this, Vixen of Melomarc!"

His strike was blocked by Chazon, who forced him back with relative ease thanks to the Spear of Hope giving him a lot of power. "Nice try, but I'm pretty sure you guys lost. All of your legendary weapon replica users are dead, disarmed, or incapacitated." The knight deflated at that and dropped his weapon in defeat.

Rifana blocked another desperate attempt on the Queen's life effortlessly. "I think we're pretty much done here. Even with them using legendary weapon knock-offs, they were no match for us."

Rino had picked up the replica swords she had managed to get from the knights before going back to Chazon, who had deactivated his Spear of Hope. "They were tough, but my training won out in the end."

Chazon smiled back at the Queen, who realized why he was smiling and nodded. "Rino, I'm glad to see how capable you are as Spear Hero Chazon's companion." She notes the replicas and gets an idea. "Would you like to try using those replicas as your new weapons?"

Rino looks down at the replicas and wields them like her dual blades. To her surprise, they didn't feel much different from her current set. "How much stronger are they compared to my current set, Chazon-kun?"

Chazon analyzed the weapons and noted the innate high bonuses to attack and medium bonuses to agility. "While you won't get the movement speed bonus, it's a very sizable increase to your attack. There's also a decent bonus to agility, so you won't completely lose out on mobility."

Rino thought for a while longer before nodding. "I'll use them for now until we find a proper way to seal or dispose of these. I'll also refrain from using any skills."

Mirellia smiled at that. "I'd much rather have them in the hands of a companion of the Spear Hero. It'll give me peace of mind knowing religious zealots aren't using them."

Chazon nodded as he looked over the battlefield. It was a landslide victory for the Queen's army due to the presence of him and his party members. Casualties were taken, though, but the enemy was routed and survivors were captured. "There are knights who surrendered willingly. Heck, the ones I was fighting finally realized that I really was the real Spear Hero. They were just… extremely misguided before now. What are you going to do with them?"

Mirellia closed her eyes. "Those who are willing to change their ways and beliefs will be forgiven in time, but we'll have to enforce some kind of punishment on them. Those who refuse to change will be executed for treason."

Harsh, but I suppose necessary considering who we're dealing with. As much as I wish there was another way, anything could be considered inhumane no matter what.

After respects were paid to the fallen and prisoners were judged, night had fallen on the encampment. The demi-human kids were sleeping comfortably with their charges while night-watch guards milled about, keeping the night-time peace.

Chazon had taken to spending time with Amber and Obsidian to make sure the day wasn't too hard on them. Despite being in a large-scale battle for the first time, neither of them were really shaken by things. I suppose they didn't see too much death. I'm glad their innocence still holds up, but I dread to wonder how much longer before we see the true horrors of war...

In another area of the encampment, a lone mage was sitting outside of her tent, sighing to herself as she gazed at the full moon.

"Merlay-chan, are you alright?" Merlay looked and saw Rino giving her a concerned look. "Are you thinking about the major battle we just went through?"

Merlay sighed again at that. "Kind of, but that's not where my mind is wandering right now." Rino sat beside her with concern. "It's just… I suppose there's a sense of longing in my heart now for something so far out of my reach now. All because I was a coward in the beginning."

"What's out of your reach?"

Merlay squeezed her eyes shut for a moment before giving Rino a guilty look. "I… I love Chazon-sama as well." Rino gave her a shocked look as Merlay shook her head. "Ever since he showed me kindness and allowed me to leave his party when I was forced to join him, it felt like my heart was aching. Every time we interacted… that aching grew until it reached a head with him rescuing me during the second wave. At that point… I knew I actually loved him."

She looked back down, dejected. "But… because of my cowardice, I never had the chance to properly develop my love for him. By the time I had finally joined him… he had already fallen in love with you. Don't get me wrong, I'm not jealous of you at all. But every time I see you two interacting, I feel a longing sadness in my heart."

Rino suddenly gave Merlay a comforting hug, which surprised Merlay before her tears began forming. "Why…?"

"Because I don't like shutting out people who love Chazon-kun as well. He needs all the love he can get because… I know how he can be. I was with him when he was suffering a crushing amount of despair and it broke my heart to see him push people away." Rino looks at Merlay. "Perhaps I'm being condescending by saying this, but I don't care about that. If you love him, then don't feel like you're being shut out."

There was a pause before Merlay thought of something as she broke the hug. "I appreciate your kindness, Rino-chan, but... don't worry too much about me. However, remembering back how you tried to get Chazon-sama to veer off his thought process the other day, that makes me wonder. What are your feelings on the matter? Are you happy being Chazon's keeper?"

Rino looked back up at the moon. "Yes, without a shred of doubt. Certainly, it feels like Chazon-kun could be set off at any moment at times. But… even then, I don't care how overbearing he can be. Do you remember how we briefly went over how he was after the duel?"

"Yes. He fell to despair after the duel and he felt that he failed Naofumi-sama, correct? Is that why you're always worried about him?"

"More than just worried. After he left the duel, he had to save me from becoming a sex slave, which drove his despair even further into his heart. Perhaps I'm doing this all out of slight guilt for forcing him through that, but…"

"Wait, what about your feelings in that situation?!" Merlay was shocked at the new revelation; she didn't know about that part. "You were nearly raped, yet you still show more concern about Chazon-sama than yourself? I thought you would be more traumatized after something like that!"

"Certainly, I was more conscious of people after that ordeal, but I've never been one to dwell on what-ifs and past traumas." Rino closed her eyes. "Besides, Chazon-kun's despair made me want to try to be strong for him, but I was uncertain on how to. Up until then, I had always revered him as a legend more than a person, which made me hesitant to help him when he began falling into despair.

"After I finally got my own head straight and broke him out of it, I made myself a silent oath as I comforted him in the ancient forest. That, no matter what happens, I will be there for him. He's strong in body and heart… but I know how frail his mind can be, especially with the Corruption Series. I want to be his peace of mind, no matter what."

There was a pause before Merlay laughed softly. "You really do love him, don't you?"

"Honestly, it really helped the other day when he dispelled my own doubts about me practically forcing him to be my boyfriend. Because of that… no, even in spite of that, I'll forever be grateful for him for everything he has done for me and for the people of this world. And I'll always love him no matter what."

Self-doubt began to worm its way into Merlay's heart during Rino's speech. All I ever had to love him with is the fact that he was so kind to me… perhaps my love for him really was-

A pink light pulsed in Rino's eyes as she quickly grabs Merlay's hand. "But even so, I'll never shut you out. I said it before and I'll say it again. Chazon-kun needs all the love he can get. Don't doubt your own love for him!" That got a surprised squeak and a blush from the brown-haired mage; it was like Rino knew what she was thinking.

"Besides, it's not like he can't have both of you." Both girls squeaked in surprise when Mirellia snuck up on them with her words, not even trying to hide her sly smile.

Rino calmed her heart down before giving the Queen a questioning look. "What are you talking about, your majesty?"

"You can just call me Mirellia, Rino. As for the subject… do you know about the hero's privileges?"

Both girls look at each other before shaking their heads. "I'd like to know more as well, Queen Mirellia." Kardia had heard the tail-end of Rino and Merlay's conversation and was considering dropping in on them, but the Queen beat her to the punch.

"Oh? Perhaps I need to invite Rifana as well for this conversation?" Mirellia giggled; for the hero who started out with the most confidence issues, Chazon certainly had the girls in his party falling for him.

Kardia smiled mischievously. "Why don't I go get her? I'm sure she'll be… interested as well." With that she dashes off, leaving Rino and Merlay very confused.

Eventually, Kardia came back with a slightly sleepy Rifana. "What is this "important conversation" Kardia-chan has told me about?"

Mirellia smiled again. "I was about to speak of the privileges Sir Chazon gets because of his status as a legendary hero." Rifana did wake up a bit at that. Seeing that she had the weasel's attention as well, Mirellia continued with her own smirk. "Now… while traditionally practiced in Faubrey because of how many hero descendants there are, I'm confident in saying that all countries respect one rule: the legendary heroes can fall in love with anyone… and I do mean anyone."

Kardia looked confused. "That… sounds like something everyone should have the freedom to do. You fall in love with the one you want to love, not the person someone else wants you to fall in love with."

"Perhaps I misworded that a bit. What I mean is… that as long as all four of you can agree and get along with each other, you can all have Sir Chazon."

There was stunned silence which amused the Queen to no end. Rino spoke up first. "You mean… Chazon-kun can love more girls than just me?"

"Yes, so long as you're fine with that as the "alpha female" of his harem." That word put a mad blush on every girl listening.

Merlay didn't know what to think. "S-so I c-can fall in love w-with Chazon-sama and n-not feel guilty about stealing him from Rino-chan?"

"Correct, and since Rino has already stated that she's fine with that, the only person you need to convince now is Sir Chazon himself. Considering he's your party leader, I'm sure you'll be fine."

Rifana was blushing madly as her tail started wagging fiercely. "Oh no… and Rino-chan might already be pregnant… meaning that if all of us get pregnant, then-"

"Wait WHAT?! I can assure you that I'm not pregnant, Rifana-chan!" Rino's face was tomato red in the moon's light.

"B-but didn't you kiss him?"

There was once again dead silence, only this time Mirellia had a deadpan expression on her face as well. Merlay spoke up shakily. "Rifana-chan… how do you think girls get pregnant?"

"B-by kissing right?"

Mirellia wanted to facepalm so badly at that moment. I may have gotten practice giving "the talk" to Malty, but it never gets easier… Letting out a sigh, the queen approaches the weasel. "Rifana… that is not how pregnancy works."

"No? Did my parents lie to me?"

You sweet, innocent baby girl… was the thought that ran through everyone's minds. Even Kardia, with her faint memory of her parents, remembered getting "the talk" when she reached 10 years old.

"I'll… tell her." Rino held up her hand with the most neutral face before approaching a very confused Rifana. "You see, Rifana-chan… when a boy and a girl love each other…" She started whispering into Rifana's ear.

After Rino was finished, Rifana was completely red in the face with tears in her eyes. "That's… how… pregnancy… works?"

You really are innocent…

Mirellia shook her head before remembering one other problem. "You girls might have to keep an eye on Faubrey women as well. That country has a tradition of marrying heroes into their bloodlines for influence, which is how it became the most powerful nation. As such, certain people will not look kindly on you four keeping him for yourselves."

Kardia, after hearing that she could marry Chazon alongside Rino, knew what she wanted as well. "Then we'll make sure he doesn't get taken from us by some girl who only wants his blood."

While Rifana was still dealing with her BSOD, the three other girls agreed amongst themselves to always love the Spear Hero. Merlay remembered something based on her conversation with Rino earlier. "Kardia-chan, Rifana-chan? Why do you two love Chazon-sama?"

Kardia giggles, knowing why Merlay was asking. "Perhaps one would call my love for him more akin to a repayment of a debt. He saved my life with the Yggdrasil's Drought back when he first purchased me as a sick and dying slave. But… there's more to it than that. He's shown me genuine kindness for the first time in years after all of the abusive nobles I've gone through. And… even discounting all that, it's my personal wish to be his guide in the darkness should anyone's light fail to reach him."

She looks up at the moon. "Certainly my way of loving him seems more pragmatic, but there's no doubt about how much I love him. Though I'll confess, I'll never be able to match up to Rino-sama in that regard." Kardia winks at the red-head, who blushes.

Rifana broke out of her stupor and sighed at that. "Between him saving me from slavery and showing such kindness… honestly my reason for loving Chazon-sama is pretty weak compared to Rino-sama's or even Kardia-chan's. But… just like how Raphtalia-chan wants to be Naofumi-sama's sword, I want to be Chazon-sama's shield. I may not be able to protect him from a lot of things, but I wish to do my best!"

Merlay realized that even with Rifana admitting her reasons were weak as well, she didn't waver in her commitment. Perhaps I shouldn't doubt myself so much. I just need to find a way to support Chazon-sama like everyone else is doing!

Elsewhere in the encampment, Chazon lets out a sneeze as he was brushing Amber's hair. "Papa, what's wrong?"

"I think someone's talking about me…"

Before you guys say anything, yes harems are canon in The Rising of the Shield Hero world. Like Mirellia briefly mentioned, Faubrey has a history of heroes and their descendants forming harems and reverse harems while competing in power struggles. Because that whole conversation took place without Chazon, who came from a world like ours, the girls were far quicker in accepting the knowledge. Don't worry, Chazon's values from his old world will come into play once he's told.