Just as a bit of background about Kekal, I was reminded of the vampire demi-humans some time ago and realized that, while canon has made referance to them, they never had any representation as far as I know. I've yet to see another fanfiction give mention to them as well (though that might just be me being picky). As such, I wanted to have the final member of Chazon's party be a vampire instead of something like a cat girl.

Also, I did fiddle a bit with Kekal being a male vampire, but it never seemed to work out in the scenarios I planned out. Hence, she's female going forward. Rest assured, this is the final official party addition for the foreseeable future (most others will just be guest party members like Melty currently is to Naofumi).

"So… you have found the candidate to become the next queen?" A lone figure was sitting on a rock under the moon-lit sky, conversing with a lone filolial. The creature chirped a bit more and the figure nodded. "She's with the king candidate right now and is nearby?"

The filolial chirped a few more times in affirmation, leading to the figure to pet him in gratitude. "That there are two candidates present to rule the filolial race is… unprecedented. Nonetheless, I shall go to them and test their worth. Only one can rule as king or queen."

She looks at the moon. The second candidate was born under a hero other than the Shield Hero… perhaps I'll look into this other hero provided they are nearby as well. If it's the one Reine Skala informed me about, then all the more reason to do so...

The hero's parties were hiding behind a wall, trying not to get spotted by the monster now rampaging nearby. All of the former demi-human slaves managed to get away safely and meet up with those from Van's territories, though Kekal and Van himself seemed to have joined the two heroes in hiding from the monster.

Naofumi checked to see everyone still in good condition. "Seems they didn't take Chazon putting their leader on literal ice too kindly, but the fact that they're willing to sacrifice so many people just to kill us is obscene."

"I've given up on figuring out how fanatic minds work, Naofumi. I'd recommend you do the same." Chazon stated wearily. Especially considering I was wielding the Spear of Hope in that one major battle and they still saw fit to denounce me as a hero.

Kardia scanned the area she could see. "While the buildings make for ample cover, I don't fancy putting civilians in harm's way."

Raphtalia was about to comment when the nearby building suddenly collapsed and crumbled, revealing the head of the Tyrant attacking them. "It found us already?!"

"You stupid…!" Filo rushed forward with intent to attack.

"Filo-chan, hold on!" Obsidian rushed forward as well to support Filo and try to rein her in if possible. Both filolials attacked the Tyrant to no avail as it roared at them. "Why are you attacking so aggressively?!"

"Because it smells like a dragon and dragons are stupid!" Filo outbursts with irritation.

"That makes no sense! Are you telling me you hate this thing JUST because it feels like a dragon to you?!"

"Kuro-kun, are you telling me you're not feeling any hate right now?!"

"No, why would I? I get that filolials and dragons are mortal enemies, but that's no excuse to just rush in blindly!" Filo felt exasperated; how is Kuro-kun not feeling any hatred towards this dragon-like monster?

During that exchange, both heroes switched to more battle-appropriate weapons, which baffled Melty. "Are you seriously going to fight it here?!"

"Melty-sama is right. There's too many people nearby!" Merlay shook her head despondently.

"You don't think we know that? We just need a way to lure it away, first!" Naofumi grimaced as he thought as fast as he could.

Rino observed the monster and noticed that it was somewhat ignoring Obsidian in favor of Filo. "Filo-chan seems to have it's ire somehow!"

"Filo-chan's stomach is glowing purple just like on that ship from the wave!" Amber pointed out; Filo's stomach was sporting a brilliant shade of purple now.

Naofumi made the connection immediately when he saw the Tyrant's stomach glowing purple as well. "That monster is after Filo for the Dragon Emperor's Core inside her body!"

Kardia thought quickly before nodding in affirmation. "Then that makes her the perfect lure. We just got to take care of all the demi-humans we rescued first."

"Leave that to me." Van had a determined glint in his eyes. "I'll lead my people who are here and bring them safely home. Just focus on the dragon and make sure nobody gets caught in the crossfire."

Naofumi turned to make sure Raphtalia and Rifana were fine with how things were. Kekal took that chance to approach Chazon. "Spear Hero Chazon, I know I've been nothing but an annoyance to you… but I beg of you to let me prove myself!"

"Really? You're asking now of all times?" Chazon shot her a side look full of distrust. "Why would I let you-"

"Chazon-kun, I know you're not very happy with her, but that shouldn't mean you can just reject her like that!" Rino gave him a slight glare. It was reminding her of when she met Chazon for the first time and she would be damned if she let another girl suffer the same fate.

"Why can't I when I feel like she's just a-" His voice died in his throat when he properly locked eyes with Kekal for the first time. While she sported a determined and confident, albeit slightly panicking, face, he could see her true emotions.

She felt all alone. Even when she was defending the Reichnott Territories, she never got much recognition for her actions thanks to the front she puts forward. Nobody wanted anything to do with her, yet she kept trying her best regardless.

He saw in her a bit of how he was in the past… and he also saw a bit of Rino's past in her as well.

Chazon clenched his hand. Damn you, my conscience, for this… I should have figured that this is the dark side of my passive. Sighing in defeat, he nods. "Fine, but you're earning your keep if you wish to stay with us."

Kardia puffed out her chest in victory. "I knew you would see it my- Ow!"

Chazon had karate-chopped her on the forehead. "And hang that outward personality of yours out to dry. That's the main issue I'm finding with you right now." Kekal held her forehead as she nodded meekly.

Rino let out a sigh of relief, even if Chazon had just given Kekal a reprimanding hit. She had a feeling that Kekal's personality was more-so just a front that's hard to drop ever since she overheard Van talking to her. She decided to give her a chance in spite of how she acts. We were in similar positions at one point. I don't even care that she saw fit to mark him as her mate.

Kekal received a party invite which she quickly accepted, feeling extremely happy. The first party invite I've ever gotten… I know I bungled my first impression with him, but I'm going to do my best to prove that I can be an invaluable asset to the party! And… hopefully we can get some closure despite him already being claimed as someone else's spouse.

Naofumi turned and nodded at everyone. "Van will go back to his people and evacuate them. We'll lure that dragon out of the city and see if we can't deal with it out there."

Chazon looked at his newly expanded party. "Obsidian can carry three of us to accompany Naofumi's party on Filo. Karda, Merlay, and Rifana. You three will accompany him while the rest of us will catch up on foot. Amber, if you can't keep up with Obsidian while flying, then just stick with me." Everyone nodded at that. "Obsidian! Get back over here!"

"Daddy, this thing isn't taking any real damage!" Obsidian cried out despondently as he rejoined the group with Filo.

"Let's not worry about that for now." Naofumi managed to get everyone in his party including Melty onto Filo. "The Tyrant's attention is on Filo, so we need to lure it away from here."

The girls chosen to get on Obsidian did so quickly. Merlay nodded at the four that'll catch up a bit later. "We'll do our best to wear it down before you arrive!"

With that, both filolials took off. The Tyrant Dragon Rex roared and chased after the group, completely ignoring those left behind. Rino nodded at Chazon and the two girls still with them. "Let's get going as well."

As the two filolials ran to lure the monster out of the town, Filo noted something and frowned. "Kuro-kun, how are you running faster than me?"

"Er… I was told that I was a racing filolial before I gained the ability to transform, so maybe I'm just naturally fast?" Obsidian said that like he was unsure of himself.

"Filo, not the time to be comparing yourself to your fellow monarch." Naofumi commented dryly. Filo whined a bit at that. Is she suddenly comparing herself to him now? What brought that on?

Melty looks back at the town with the monster still following them. "I hope Chazon-sama and the rest of his party can catch up with us in time."

"He'll come, I know he will. Until then, we'll do our best no matter what for Keel-kun and for everyone else!" Rifana had a determined look on her face. Now that she had recovered enough from the loss of Keel and from Chazon almost losing his hand, she was feeling more determined than ever to fulfill her role. Not just for her friends and family, but for those who she had already lost.

Raphtalia nodded at her friend. "For those we have lost… for those we can yet save!" She remembered those words from Chazon's speech to Lute so long ago, but even now they still ring true.

Eventually the group found a large lake in the middle of the forest. They decided to fight the monster there while waiting for the rest of Chazon's party to rendezvous with them. Naofumi looked at everyone. "You all prepared?"

"Ready and willing, Uncle Naofumi!" Obsidian piped up as Filo nodded vigorously.

Rifana and Raphtalia glance at each other. "We'll fight until the end!" The three mages merely nod in affirmation.

The Tyrant didn't take long to show up and attempt to ram into the group. Naofumi was able to block the attempt with an Air Strike Shield, but it quickly shattered much to his shock. Filo and Obsidian got to work being distractions once again.

Filo accidentally misstepped and it looked like she was going to get chomped. Obsidian had other plans. "Filo-chan!" He quickly drags her out of the way, leaving the monster to eat nothing but air.

"Kuro-kun, I could have moved out of the way myself!"

Naofumi was quick to berate her. "And how were you going to do that while prone in the air while both of my Air Strike Shields were out of position?" Filo sputtered a bit at that before they dodged out of the way of another attack.

"I'm sorry, Filo-chan. I just wanted to help!" Obsidian sounded anguished; he didn't want to hurt Filo's feelings.

"Uuu… I'm so sorry for being short with you, Kuro-kun! I need to work on keeping my temper in check!" And Filo felt extremely bad for making Obsidian feel anguished. I'll make it up to him after this battle somehow! But why am I suddenly so keen on showing off to him? Every time he does something, I feel this urge to try and match him...

The three mages were able to start casting spells thanks to the two filolial's distraction. "Zweite Aqua Slash!"

"Zweite Earthen Blade!"

"Zweite Gale Cutter!"

Kardia's wind spell was the only one that clocked any meaningful damage thanks to how focused on magic her stat distribution was… if a sliver of health that was regenerated immediately counted as damage. That made the three of them grimace as Merlay shuddered. "If Kardia-chan can only cause a SLIVER of damage, then we'd be better off just healing and supporting."

Melty looked exasperated. "My affinities are water and earth. I can't support or heal!"

Kardia noted Raphtalia moving in for a strike and quickly casted an attack buff on her. "Zweite Attack Boost!"

Raphtalia briefly glowed a brilliant red before feeling empowered. Thanks to the buff her sword did scratch the Tyrant's skin, but it was also quickly regenerated. "Even with that buff, we can't do enough damage fast enough!"

Naofumi grimaced at that. Even with half of Chazon's party backing us up, we still can't damage it in a meaningful way. We can dodge it just fine, but that doesn't matter much.

"PIERCING THRUST!" Chazon came right out of the tree-line and dove into the side of the Tyrant, driving his Stone Golem Spear deep into the flesh of the monster and dealing some damage. "SPEAR DRIVE!"

The explosion launched him away from the rest of the group as the Tyrant roared in pain. That attack did do more than just a sliver, but it didn't blow open as big a wound as Chazon was hoping. The monster rushed after him, intending to take advantage of his inability to properly move.

"Agility Hindering Arrow!" An arrow hit one of the Tyrant's legs and it suddenly started moving a bit slower. it gave Chazon enough time to stabilize himself to jump away from the Tyrant's attacks.

Rino cheered at that as she entered the clearing. "Nice shot, Kekal-chan!"

"Naturally!" Kekal was very pleased with that shot; she wasn't quite used to the Soul Eater Bow Chazon had given her as the replacement for her old one, but she made due. "However, I wonder if even my abilities will be able to harm this thing."

Rifana, noting how Chazon's explosion did actually harm the monster, got an idea. She planted herself near Kekal and waited for the monster to approach. After the Tyrant opened its mouth to either roar or bite, Rifana threw a primed grenade into its mouth. The explosion that happened inside the body did as much damage as Chazon's Spear Drive. "Just because this thing has stupid high defenses doesn't mean it can't be hurt from the inside!"

Kekal readied another arrow. "Defense Piercing Arrow!" The arrow she let loose had a dark aura around the head as it flew. It hit the Tyrant and everyone saw it being afflicted with a DEF Down debuff. "This, for the record, is how I roll and my calling as a vampire! I use my arrows to inflict various debuffs before moving in for the kill!"

So she's a supporter of a different breath than standard support magic. A debilitator, so to speak. Even so… just what level is this thing?! Chazon started rapidly going through all of his unlocked spears, desperately searching for one that enhances his ability to analyze enemies. He found one in the Magnifying Glass Halberd; a spear he had gotten as a joke a long time ago and figured it wouldn't be useful at all. Congratulations, past me, you played yourself…

Equipping it and looking through the lens, Chazon's heart practically stopped at what he saw.

Tyrant Dragon Rex

Level: 150

He didn't even bother reading the rest of the stats; all he needed was the level to realize that this thing was almost unkillable by a group of level 40 adventurers and heroes.

Even with the DEF Down, nobody could properly injure the monster; while damage was being registered, it was quickly regenerated. It roared in frustration, both breathing fire and creating localized earthquakes to attack everyone. It even managed to hit both Naofumi and Rifana with its tail; if it was anyone other than those two, they would have instantly died. Amber tried to blind the monster alongside Rino.

Seeing Naofumi's gears running, Chazon knew what the shield hero was going to do and called out to him. "If you're thinking of using the Shield of Wrath, forget it!"

"This thing might be the only way to-"

"Naofumi, this thing is LEVEL 150!" Naofumi stared in shock at the revelation. "As it stands right now, I doubt your Shield of Wrath will make any difference" Chazon wracked his brain trying to find a way to kill or at least disable this dragon as it roared in frustration again. We can barely damage it past the skin, Kekal's defense down isn't enough to- wait a minute! "Kekal, can you inflect magic defense down as well?"

"Yeah, I can inflict almost anything under the sun, be it most status ailments or stat debuffs."

Combine that with our allies getting support magic… yes, we'll make due with that before resorting to extreme measures. Time for my newest party member to prove her value. "Kekal, keep the dragon inflicted with defense down and magic defense down! If you can find the time, inflict either attack down so that it can't hit as hard or agility down to make it even slower!"

Kekal grinned; Chazon saw her talent and wanted to put it to good use. "You can count on me!"

"Merlay! Use channeled support magic on Raphtalia and buff her attack!"

Naofumi widened his eyes. "With just an attack buff, she was able to actually cut through the Tyrant's skin even though it regenerated right after. Lowering its defenses as well will work wonders!" He looks at Raphtalia. "Get into position and wait for our order! Filo, Obsidian! Keep distracting it, but don't play risky like before!" Both filolials vocalized their affirmation.

Chazon looked at Kardia. "You were able to hurt it with your magic before, correct?" She nods at that. "Then keep pelting it with various elements until you find one one it's weak to! You'll be able to deal more permanent damage once Kekal lowers magic defense!"

"It will be done."

Naofumi looked at Melty. "If you can, use your earth magic to keep the ground around us stable! The last thing we need is Merlay's channeled support magic being disrupted by the Tyrant throwing a tantrum!"

"I'll do my best, Naofumi-sama!" Melty never realized that she could still actually contribute despite not having enough power to damage the enemy.

"Amber, blind the monster if the need arises but otherwise shower it with blast scales since they will do magic damage. Rino, see if your own attacks can reach through with just a defense down. Even if it's scratch damage, it'll use up energy regenerating those scratches!" Both of them nod at Chazon. "Rifana, if you still got grenades, lob them into its mouth if the opportunity presents itself. Otherwise, follow Naofumi's orders and defend everyone as best as you can!"

Everyone scrambled into position as the filolials continued to be the distractions, though they were playing a lot safer now. Merlay started chanting, "As the source of thy power, I the Spear Hero's companion command thee. Decipher the laws of nature and strengthen my target. Zweite Attack Boost!"

Raphtalia glowed red and she nodded, ready to attack. Kekal saw her cue and used another Defense Piercing Arrow to refresh the DEF Down debuff on the Tyrant before nocking another arrow. "Magic Defense Hindering Arrow!" That one inflicted MDEF Down.

Naofumi gave the signal. "Now!" Raphtalia rushed forward right as Amber staggered the monster with her blast scales and slashed as hard as she could at the leg. It created a severe gash in the monster's leg and did a good chunk of damage to its HP. Emboldened by the fact that she can now damage it properly, Raphtalia pressed her advantage whenever she could.

Thanks to her replica legendary swords and blindingly fast attacking speed, Rino was able to deal at least some sustained scratch damage, even without someone granting her an attack buff. Kardia started pelting the Tyrant with various elements, only to find that lightning attacks were the most effective.

Melty kept a watchful eye and made sure to use her magic to keep the ground around Merlay and Kardia stable. Rifana followed Naofumi's lead as she dashed around to protect her allies from the monster's fire breath with her Siderite Shield while occasionally chucking grenades. Kekal, whenever she found the time, started using her wind magic to enhance her arrows.

Chazon wasn't idle either: thanks to the DEF Down, he was able to do some good damage with his Mutated Mauler Claw Partisan-Demonic Strike combo coupled with the occasional Piercing Thrust and downing soul-healing potions when necessary. He even showed Naofumi his newest trick: being able to apply Nocturnal Shields that puts HP over the 100% maximum. Seeing Naofumi, with high HP and defensive stats already, with over 100% HP was a sight to behold.

Even with their newest strategy, it was still taking too long to kill the Tyrant; it was only down to two-thirds HP. "Naofumi, got any bright ideas? Like a weak point you noticed?"

Naofumi grimaced as he observed, only to remember something when he looked between Filo and the Tyrant again. "Attack the stomach and the core inside of it!"

Raphtalia didn't waste time changing targets as she slashed at the purple glow. The Tyrant freaked out and backed off from the attack. "It really doesn't want us attacking that spot!"

Chazon nodded as he dashed forward to join Raphtalia. "Kardia, buff me! Kekal, switch from magic defense down to agility down!"

"Got it! Agility Hindering Arrow!" An arrow hit the monster and inflicted AGI Down. "I'm almost out of arrows, so go for it!"

Both Raphtalia and Chazon let out war cries as they both aimed for the purple glow, driving their weapons into the spot with all their might. They were rewarded with the Tyrant outright screaming until they heard something shatter. The glow disappeared and the Tyrant fell over, no longer alive.

They won the battle, despite the massive level difference.

Kekal fell backwards with a tired, yet satisfied smile as Chazon approached. "I stand corrected from before, Kekal. You did great out there."

She was too tired from all of her spent MP to be boisterous. "Glad… to be of… service."

Everyone cheered at their recent victory as they recovered from the fight. Naofumi smiled at it all. Chazon's party can now support and debilitate at the same time. Combine that with my party having power-houses and we're almost unstoppable.

"You have done well without using your cursed or corrupting powers." Everyone looked around in surprise as a flock of filolial suddenly emerged from the tree-line.

The lake behind them started swelling with waves, which got everyone's attention. Suddenly a massive entity erupted from the center and soared over them. After it landed and the dust settled, everyone saw what it was… or rather what SHE was, much to Melty's shock. "The Filolial Queen?! Here?!"

The giant queen walked over to the corpse and extracted all of the Dragon Emperor's core fragments from the dead body before looking at the group. "The Shield Hero and the Spear Hero, correct?"

Both of them looked up and nodded as the giant filolial queen observed them. I'll be honest with myself. If it weren't for Reine Skala informing me that it was the Spear Hero some time ago, I would have thought it was the Bow Hero. "I would like to offer my congratulations on slaying a monster as powerful as this one without my help. I'd like to speak with the both of you, but my current form is inappropriate for conversation. One moment please."

With that, in a soft blue light, she transforms into a white-haired girl around Filo and Obsidian's height, dressed in attire fit for a queen. "I am Fitoria, Queen of Filolials world-wide."

Melty stood there in shock before approaching as Rino flipped through a book quickly. "Are you actually Fitoria?"

Rifana looked at the princess with a puzzled look. "You speak as if you know her."

"Fitoria is the name of a filolial raised by an ancient hero." Rino piped up after reading the entry on her. "Just like the Solar Empress, the name is considered a legend."

"You mean she's like me?" Amber piped up excitedly.

Chazon could see the surprise in Fitoria's eyes despite her neutral face and chuckled. "Amber is indeed a Solar Empress. I somehow managed to get her egg despite them being… well… you know." Amber gave him a confused look but she hummed happily when he patted her.

So the spear hero is raising 3 legends… very odd considering his predecessors. Fitoria nodded at the group. "I am indeed the Fitoria of ages past."

Filo looked excited. "Will Kuro-kun and I grow up to be as big as her one day?"

"Feeding you would be exceedingly difficult if you got that big, so you'd be on your own." Filo let out an insulted hum with a pout; leave it to Naofumi to indirectly call her a glutton.

Kardia giggled. "We wouldn't have that problem with Obsidian at least. Sorry, Filo-chan, but you really would be on your own." Obsidian started laughing happily as Chazon gave him a pat as well. Filo merely sighed in defeat.

"It's not something most of you would have to worry about. It would take centuries for a filolial to get as big as me."

Naofumi noted that point with interest. So she's lived for that long. I wonder what she has bore witness to in the past.

"Now… I have introduced myself. Would the parties of the two heroes introduce themselves? I know Filo, Amber, and Obsidian's names already." Fitoria scanned the group; the two heroes and the kitsune in particular she was interested in.

"Iwatani Naofumi."

"Chazon. A pleasure, your majesty." Chazon decided to be as courteous as possible. It seems to be a running trend that the women in this world are powerful.

Raphtalia nodded. "I'm Raphtalia and this is my dear friend Rifana." Rifana bows respectfully.

"I'm Rino!"

Kardia bows as well. "My real name has been lost, but I'm proud to call myself Kardia."

Fitoria regarded that with rapt interest. So the one to take up the mantle of Nine-Tails is named Kardia… I get the feeling that name has a special meaning.

"I'm Merlay, your majesty."

"I am the Vampire Lord, Kekal!" The vampire stated boisterously, only to get a bonk on the head courtesy of an unamused Chazon. "A-a pleasure to meet you, your majesty."

"And I'm Melty Melromarc. It's an honor to meet you again!" Melty bows her head.

"Mel-tan, correct?" That made Melty recoil in surprise.

Amber looked at Melty. "You know her, Mel-chan?"

"Yes, actually. We met after one of my diplomatic missions on my way back to the capital."

Naofumi wanted to facepalm at that. "You really did make a habit out of that, didn't you?"

Chazon shook his head in amusement before turning back to Fitoria. "Why do you seek us?"

Fitoria looks around the area before sighing. "I'd like to say now, but this area is ill-suited for such conversations. As such, I'd like for all of you to join me in a change of scenery." She motions towards a large, fancy-looking carriage.

"First, I'd like to do something." Naofumi started walking towards the Tyrant's corpse.

"I dislike the prospect of a Cardinal Hero like yourself using dragon materials." Fitoria had an edge in her voice now.

"And I need those materials in order to get stronger."

"Don't think I never noticed the aura coming off your shield." Naofumi flinched at that, but stood his ground. Fitoria continued, "Curse powers are potent, but so are the consequences of using them." She looks over at Chazon. "Same goes for the corruption present in your spear. While my knowledge is limited to what Reine Skala has told me, I know enough to see that the two are rather interchangeable consequence-wise."

So she and Reine Skala know each other. Shaking his head, Chazon folds his arms with a somber sigh. "And I understand that using such power can be detrimental. However, I would have figured someone as long-lived as you would've known why we would resort to such power, even if we were able to avoid using them this time."

"Reine Skala might be more allowing, but I refuse to accept that such things are necessary."

"Then allow me to regale a quote from my world: "Gather allies, subjugate enemies, do whatever it takes to ensure victory. Survival is never pretty." Chazon sighs again. "Believe me, using my Corruption Series weapons never leaves me with a pleasant feeling afterwards. But sometimes the Purity Series just isn't going to work or be readily available. Same logic applies to Naofumi's Cursed Series. Say what you will about it, but we would have been dead at one point without his Shield of Wrath."

That survival is never pretty is something I've learned to be a harsh truth in this world. Between the noble that kidnapped Rino, Idol Rabier, The Soul Eaters, and now this Tyrant Dragon Rex...

There was a pause before Fitoria sighed in resignation. Is this why Reine Skala merely warned him against overuse rather than discouraging it entirely? "Very well, you have convinced me for the time being. Be quick about it."

Both heroes didn't waste any time in absorbing the new materials. Chazon noted that the spears that he got from it were locked due to a prerequisite spear being required. I'm guessing it has something to do with that dragon emperor's core. I'm going to search for a fragment of one elsewhere. I do not feel like pushing my luck with Fitoria right now.

Merlay noted the mess with a frown. "What about the rest of the corpse?"

"My family will clean it up and bring it with us. Shall we get going?" She motioned towards the carriage again; everyone else was already inside with plenty of room to spare. Once the two heroes were inside, a golden glow surrounded the carriage as Fitoria simply said, "Portal."

When everyone started exiting, they were surrounded by ruins. Kekal was amazed by it all. "I never knew such a place existed!"

Filo was less than impressed. "What's so special about this dump?"

Merlay had to keep a lid on her excitement; she always loved ruins. "What's the story behind this place?"

"I heard from Reine Skala that it's the remains of the civilization that the original Cardinal Heroes once defended." Fitoria didn't know exactly what happened; she wasn't born when it fell. "Even so, this place is considered one of the ancient forests of the continent."

Empires rise and fall… I suppose that's true for any world, not just my own. Chazon regarded the surroundings with respect.

Kardia realized something as she looked at the filolial queen. "So is this ancient forest also the filolial sanctuary?"

"Indeed. I'm not supposed to bring humans or demi-humans into here, but I've made an exception to everyone here."

Naofumi regarded that information pragmatically. Then both of our parties should be safe for the time being.

Filo's and Kekal's stomachs suddenly growled, much to the latter's embarrassment. "I… haven't eaten anything since that fruit Chazon-sama gave me… and his blood…"

"No, I'm not giving you any more of my blood." Chazon stated flatly. "Your one bite-mark is already a pain in the neck. I don't need another." Kekal grinned nervously at that.

Rino rolled her eyes at that. "We can just set up a fire and cook over it. Since we're in no danger here, we can afford to set up shop here. Are you fine with that, your majesty?" She looks at Fitoria with a questioning gaze.

"It should be fine. No sense doing anything on an empty stomach."

Chazon and Naofumi nod at each other. "Then let's get something cooking."

Before long, a tasty stew was made and everyone, including Fitoria, was having a taste. Obsidian was with her and Filo as they marveled at how tasty it was. Kekal was wolfing it down with gusto, despite Rifana warning her that she might choke… or be denied seconds.

"Kuro-kun, could you open your mouth for a second?" Obsidian looked confused as he complied with Filo's request, only to have a spoon-full of stew put into his mouth. "I want to make it up to you how short I had been with you recently and… for my massive blunder earlier. But I don't know how else to make it up to you… So let me feed you!"

Obsidian had a blush on his face as he swallowed. "You don't have to apologize, Filo-chan. I know you've been stressed out, what with the battle against that monster and everything that happened before then. Even that blunder was something nobody could've seen coming." Spying a morsel in his own stew that he knew she really liked, he picked it up with his spoon and quickly put it into her mouth when she opened it to speak. "Even so, this is me saying I forgive you." Melty couldn't help but squee at the display.

Filo couldn't stop her tears of happiness and her own blush at his soft smile as she chewed on her own bite. Fitoria noted the two interacting and felt a small pang of loneliness for the first time since the hero who raised her died. I wonder… would I have been less bitter if I also had mate with me?

Kardia smiled at the sight of the two younger monarchs interacting the way they have been. They are still very young, but I hope those two grow to love each other through thick and thin. She looks at Chazon sitting next to Rino. The two were cuddling while they ate, even in spite of Naofumi's teasing. One day… we'll all be able to love each other that way.

Merlay looked at the crowd gathered outside of their campfire circle with a somber look. "Um… shouldn't we at least get them fed as well?" All of the filolials were staring at the food longingly.

Chazon felt guilt as he put down his bowl with a sigh. His soft spot for filolials was definitely working in their favor. "You're right." He gets up and turns to the flock. "We're going to need a lot more ingredients and a bunch of big pots! If you guys can manage that, then I'll see about getting a hot meal ready for everyone!"

The flock was all too eager to oblige as they scattered for the requested items. Naofumi raised an eyebrow in amusement as he set his own meal aside for now. "I'm not about to make you do everything by yourself, so I'll help you cook."

"You're a lifesaver, Naofumi." The two heroes bump fists with smiles on their faces.

Fitoria noted the comradery between the two heroes and, for the first time, smiled a bit. I was going to inquire about the shield hero's relationships with the other three heroes… but seeing these two interacting gives me hope. Perhaps I'll hold off on the harsher words and personality after all.

After every single filolial was fed, almost everyone was asleep due to how late it was. Naofumi looked over at Chazon's sleeping figure and noted something interesting.

Rino had her head pressed against his chest, presumably because his heartbeat is comforting to her. Rifana was sandwiched between him and Raphtalia. Kardia was clinging onto his other arm like a safety net. Merlay had her face pressed against his stomach, even with Rino there.

All four of the girls had shown Chazon a fair amount of affection towards him before they fell asleep, much to the Spear Hero's slight confusion. Even Naofumi found it odd. They all know him and Rino are a couple, right? Yet I can't see them trying to steal him away either...

Kekal had told everyone before they fell asleep that vampire demi-humans were special in that they hardly needed sleep. She only needed to sleep once every week and had good night vision, making her an excellent night-watch. Naofumi noted a slight longing look when she was staring at Chazon; a contrast to her normally boisterous personality, though he chose not to pry.

The four younger members were sleeping together in a separate pile. What was telling was Filo's position; she was curled up right beside Obsidian, clinging to him like he was going to slip away otherwise.

Either she still feels really bad about everything prior, or… she might have developed something of a childhood crush or attraction to Obsidian. Maybe that's why she was so intent on showing off to him? Even then, does she even know what her feelings are towards him, considering her age and mental maturity? He noticed Fitoria approaching him. "Sorry, but we don't have enough for seconds."

"That's fine. It's time we talked." Naofumi turned to her as she observed the group. "I was hoping the Spear Hero would be able to join us, but he seems… preoccupied."

"I honestly don't know either." Naofumi started walking beside Fitoria while looking at the stars. "Everyone knows that him and Rino are already a couple, though maybe they're just a close family like that?"

"Or perhaps they all love him as much as Rino-tan does, which is fine as well."

That got a flat look from Naofumi. "I thought nobody was allowed to take multiple spouses… or something along those lines."

"Were you not informed? Heroes, especially Cardinal Heroes, are allowed to take multiple mates without consequence." Fitoria looks back at Chazon. "Though something tells me that, while the ones who love him are aware of that fact, he isn't." She gives him a wary gaze. "However… we will need to talk to him about that, regardless if he accepts it or not. I'd rather not have one of the Cardinal Heroes get torn apart by in-fighting or poor communication."

It would explain why the three older girls started being more affectionate towards him earlier before they fell asleep… especially if they know about it. Judging by his reactions, Chazon really isn't aware of it himself, though I wonder why they haven't told him yet. Naofumi was suddenly much more smug about the fact that he knew he'll get much more amusement watching Chazon's party in the future.

I'm surprised I'm taking this in stride, though. Probably because I know I won't wind up with a harem like Chazon inadvertently did.

"That is not why I wish to talk with you, though." Fitoria gives him a stern, yet questioning gaze. "Why was that monster unsealed?"

"I thought you knew about it already and that was why you happened to be there."

"I was there to check out the candidates who would be set to rule over the filolial race."

Naofumi thought for a moment before realizing who she meant. "Filo and Obsidian, correct? I've actually been wondering about something. Why did those two grow up so differently from the others?"

"Because they were raised by heroes." Naofumi gave her a surprised look. "I'll confess, I wasn't expecting a second candidate to be raised so close in age to the first one, especially by someone not the Shield Hero."

If all previous Filolial Kings and Queens have been raised by past Shield Heroes, then I guess Chazon's been making more ripples than either of us have expected.

"But you unfocused the conversation and dodged my question."

"That… would require starting from how this whole situation came about."

"I'm willing to listen to it all."

Naofumi sighed at that before launching into his tale. How he had prevented Melty from being killed by religious zealots in an attempt to frame him, only to get accused of kidnapping her. His encounter with Glone and two other knights using what looked like knock-offs of the legendary weapons. Glone and Malty were much stronger than the last time we confronted, worryingly so. I thought only party members of Cardinal Heroes could level up that fast.

How they tried to rendezvous with the Queen of Melromarc at the behest of her Shadow and Melty's kidnapping by Idol Rabier. He finished by stating how Chazon killed Idol, only for one of his guards to release the dragon to kill the two heroes in revenge.

Fitoria sighed at the end of it. "Humans really are short sighted…"

"I'd like to think not all of us are, but I'm inclined to agree with you regarding a good chunk of the population of Melromarc." Naofumi huffed at all the Church of Three Heroes disciples and the nobles who were all too willing to screw him over.

"And what of the other heroes? What is your relationship with them?"

Naofumi figured that was an important question to her, so he figured he'd give her a succinct answer. "I'll confess, things were very shaky in the beginning, especially with the Sword and Bow Heroes after my rape accusation. But… as time went on, we eventually got over it and started trusting each other a lot more. Heck, we even willingly worked together last wave, even if they were short of their potential."

"And the Spear Hero? I saw you two interacting earlier, but I wish to know-"

"You really need to ask? He was my first friend in this world after we all got summoned. Even after I lashed out at him after I was accused, he never stopped believing in me." Naofumi looked up at the night sky. "Up until after the first wave we participated in, I had convinced myself that the only thing I would hold over him was the fact that he wasn't there for me. In hindsight… even that was unfair of me."

Fitoria gave him a curious glance as he continued. "He treated my party members with kindness every time we met. He trusted me both on the battlefield and with strengthening methods that were supposed to be unique to him. He has his flaws, but he never denies them and always tries to improve on them." Naofumi smiled a bit. "I trust him entirely. If it wasn't for him never giving up on me, I'd probably be a lot more bitter and cynical at the world and the other heroes."

It seems the Spear Hero is the heart of the four heroes this time as well. The Spear Hero that was with the Shield Hero that raised me seemed to have some influence over the Sword and Bow Heroes of the time. Looks like history is repeating itself here. Fitoria nodded. "I'm satisfied with your answer. I'm no longer concerned about whether or not the heroes can cooperate for now. My new concern is the reason why any of you aren't in any of the other countries."

That got a confused look from Naofumi. "Could you elaborate?"

"You know of the Dragon Hourglass, correct?" Naofumi nodded at that. "Then… why aren't you fighting the waves across the world?"

Realization dawned on Naofumi as he adopted a horrified look. "The waves happen outside of Melromarc as well?"

"Yes. How it was supposed to happen was that four countries were to summon one hero each to fight the waves. That way, every country would have a chance at getting through the waves without heavy losses each time."

"It… really is the first I've heard of all this. Heck, I've only recently learned of other Dragon Hourglasses in other countries." Naofumi looked at the ground with a grimace. "But… then why would all four heroes get summoned-" He widens his eyes in further realization. Now I know why the Queen, the true ruler of Melromarc, has been away. The political storm that arose because of Trash's decision to summon all four Cardinal Heroes to Melromarc had kept her away this entire time. It's also the reason why she didn't want any of the heroes leaving anymore because it might entice the other countries into declaring war.

Fitoria noted that the shield hero had come to his own conclusions. "Now… while I have been going wherever I'm needed, one thing I've noticed and am thankful for is the fact that the waves outside of Melromarc aren't quite as bad as the ones inside. As bad as it is to have all four heroes in one area, the waves in other areas aren't completely impossible to win against."

"Even so... " I'm still trying to figure out why Trash would go behind the Queen's back and summon all four of us like that, especially the Shield Hero he so clearly despises. Not unless… no, I'll give him credit this one time. Unless someone was able to convince him that it would give his country immense power, I doubt he would have acted on a whim like that, meaning…

Naofumi suddenly nodded. "I think I know the culprits behind all four heroes being summoned to Melromarc." Fitoria glanced at him. "Considering everything they have been doing, they didn't summon us because they wanted heroes, but because they wanted tools for their use. The Church of the Three Heroes."

"But if they wanted to use the other three heroes as tools, if your theory is correct, then why did they condemn Spear Hero Chazon as a "fake hero"?"

"Because he was acting outside of their boundaries. He remained a faithful friend to me no matter how much they tried to force us apart and he saved both humans and demi-humans alike. He even got a few demi-human and monster party members when they were expecting him to have a party full of humans."

That made Fitoria narrow her eyes. "Admittedly, Siltvelt's Church of the Shield Hero can be pretty bad as well, but I'm disgusted by what these religious zealots are doing." Looking at the sky again, she sighs. "Perhaps any further talk will wait for a future time. For now, let us return to everyone else and rest."

Naofumi nodded and started heading back. While she may not have shown it, there was relief in her heart. I'm glad… I don't have to threaten death upon the four heroes yet. Hopefully never.