One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.
| Omens |
In a room filled with some eye-patterned cushions and seizure-inducing abstract paintings, a blue-haired esper was doing a reading with a set of tarot cards. Before her, was a stack of major arcana deck while a crystal ball occupied the center of the desk. The woman drew a card from the stack and found The Chariot in her hand. She put it down, side by side with The Devil she had pulled in advance.
"Fifteen and Seven. What did you see, Psykos? Tell me." A raven-haired woman who sat on a chair across her asked. "Your dream last night might tell us something about this world."
Psykos put off her glasses and massaged her bridge. "True. It matches with the characteristics of the dream. However, I dare not to speculate whether this is about our world, or not. So, what do you expect President Fubuki? If I tell you, are you going to say that this thing is another nonsense?"
The one referred as president smiled as she rubbed the crystal ball. "Maybe. But if you tell me the truth, I would just let it be since deciphering dreams is a long-lost art of the ancients. You know it very well, don't you?"
"Yes, indeed. No wonder that the old Association regarded the late Madam Shibawa as a priceless asset." Psykos responded as her tired gaze landed on her old friend.
"And now, you walk on her path." The president quipped as her lips bent into a small smirk.
"That's your fault for opening that cursed channel on the net! Moreover, without my consent!" Psykos snapped as she shot a glare. "What did you name it? Mayonaka Channel, is it? Remember, Fubuki! We are not in high-school anymore! That psychic club is the past!"
"Ahahahaha…" Fubuki burst into a triumphant chuckle. "Oh, come on, Psykos… A little nostalgia isn't too bad, right? And think of it as your biggest contribution for my group. Is that too hard for you, hmm?"
"Contribution? Ah~ Good grief… I don't have much choice in the end. Besides, I'm in your care." The blue-haired esper sighed in defeat, breaking her building tension as she put her silver-rimmed glasses on. "And thanks to you, now, the new Association under Shibawa's grandson keeps bugging us."
"Can't be helped. You are the only most potential person who can predict the future, Psykos. Besides, they also pay us." Fubuki shrugged her shoulders, earning another sigh from her friend. "Okay. Back to your vision, actually what did you see?"
"Hmm... To make it simple, remember some old fantasy novels we snatched from the Literary Club?" Psykos pushed her glasses up as the dim light in the chamber illuminated the lenses.
"Heh…! I can even mention their titles if you want." Fubuki smiled haughtily at her friend's question. "So, are you talking about the plot?"
"Maybe." Psykos answered.
"And the story begins with… A kingdom, no?" The raven-haired esper guessed.
"The heroes actually." The blue-haired replied.
"The heroes?" Fubuki creased her brows. "Wait a second. Don't tell me it's an isekai!"
"That's not the point." Psykos corrected as she took the two cards. "Okay. I'll get to the point and it's up to you whether you want to believe it or not."
"You should just do that earlier." Fubuki muttered in protest.
"Well… I saw four guys. Each of them bore a legendary weapon." Psykos started the tale as she shuffled the major arcana cards with her psychic power. "A sword, a spear, a bow and a shield."
"A shield?" Fubuki frowned at the ridiculous idea. "What a joke."
"Don't sue me. It's what I saw." Psykos shrugged as she tossed some cards from the major deck. "Anyway, what I can infer from that dream about those four are… The sword made a pact with a devil to wage a war."
"Hold on!" Fubuki raised her hand to interrupt Psykos. "Do you mean that he turned into a bad guy?"
"Sheesh…! You're impatient as ever! No wonder that Saitama's group will never acknowledge you." Psykos rubbed her forehead at her friend's flaw as a leader.
"KUHHH….! Don't bring that baldy into this, Psykos! I warn you!" Fubuki sneered upon the mention of the new emerging clique of the hero who nobody knew.
"Huhuhu… Did I hit the mark? Or are you mad because you can't take him into your… embrace. Hah~ What a saddening fate you have, President." A Cheshire grin crept onto Psykos' lips, earning Fubuki's murderous glare. "Although his face lacks normal human features, he's quite a husband material, you know. Oh… Imagine what kind of super-child you can get if you–"
"I said STOP!" Fubuki slammed her palm on the table and hurled all the tarot cards onto Psykos with her ESP power.
"OOOF…!"
A momentary silence claimed the room. Fubuki calmed herself down as she took some deep breaths while Psykos rose from the floor. The woman behind Monster Association reclaimed her seat as she picked some cards which stuck between her wavy blue locks.
"Um… Alright, alright. Sorry, I was just kidding, okay." Psykos placated as she cast an apologetic smile.
"Accepted. Now, just tell me everything! You know, although I still consider you as my friend, I still have a group I should manage. I don't have much time for your damn teasing!" Fubuki's face made a disappointed grimace. "Especially with your cursed theory of super-human breeding! Seriously, has being a monster retarded your mind that much!?"
"Oh… okay. Hehehe... Very well." Psykos smiled wryly at her kind yet strict friend. "To sum it up–"
"Right. So, the swordsman made a contract with the devil, then what about the other three?" Fubuki cut Psykos before she could spoke the point.
"Geez... Oh well." Psykos sighed at her friend's incurable trait. "Yeah, that's for the first guy. The bowman got The Hanged Man and The Hermit. The lancer got The Tower and The Fool. As of the shield-bearer, I haven't figured out which cards would tell me about him."
For a moment, Fubuki's eyes trailed around that Mind Room as she thought about the meaning. She was not the best of person who could read symbolism, but at least she could draw some general ideas from the card's description.
"Hmm… So, the bowman will tread a treacherous path while the spearman is an utter degenerate who drown himself in low lust, correct?" Fubuki interpreted as she tapped her chin.
"You might say so, President. However, my dream is so vague and there are countless possibilities." Psykos added as she pursed her lips. "In truth, when I recalled it, there were only some flashes of pictures which depicted those four people."
"Oh, I see… That's much like visions some saints of the olden days had seen. Which means, you're a saint, Vice President!" Fubuki jokingly congratulated her former lackey in high-school.
The idea of holiness and divine stuff did not bid well with Psykos who had done most – if not all– kinds deplorable acts to realize her now ruined ambition. She was aware that her way of inquiry to unveil the truth of the world befitted the acts of countless forgotten cults from the past.
"… Sinful saint, priestess of evil, emissary of malevolence… I guess those titles suit me better." Psykos sarcastically replied as she puffed her cheeks.
"Suit you better or you want to be called like that?" Fubuki grinned as she raised her brow.
"Huh~ Whatever… Now, since you are busy, can I continue the reading for the shield guy?" Psykos asked tiredly as she set the cards on the table.
"Sure, go on, Psykos." The president gave permission as she stared at the stack of cards. "And if it helps you, can I also take the Ouija board?"
"Just don't!" Psykos raised her hand in disapproval, cold sweat trickled down her cheek. "I don't want to draw any ghost to this room! I knew that some malicious spirits can turn into corporeal beings and transform into monsters. Trust me."
Fubuki shrugged her shoulders as she nodded in compliance. "Okay... Then here we go."
The blue-haired esper closed her eyes as she shuffled the major arcana with her ESP. She drew one from the top of the stack and found number 10.
"The Wheel of Fortune?" Fubuki muttered as her eyes narrowed. "A guy with the luck of the Devil."
"Or probably a man who always be favored by the Heaven." Psykos's lips curled up as she opened her eyes. "I wonder what's the next card."
"Fubuki-sama… Can I put the lunch near the door?"
A female member of Fubuki's group called. Her energetic voice was muffled by the locked door of that Mind Room.
"Oh, right. Just put it there, Lily. And thank you." Fubuki replied as she rose and walked towards the door.
"If you need anything, please just tell us." The young assistant spoke before she waltzed back to her post.
"Alright. Thanks."
"And here comes the prisoner's break." Psykos exclaimed as she rearranged her cards.
"At least I'm glad that you still want to eat." Fubuki swiftly opened the door to retrieve the food package. "And you're not a prisoner either."
"So, what am I? I'm still in your custody." Psykos stared at a pair of cupped ramen and two cartons of juice which flew psychically onto the table. "Oh! Now, look! You bring me this kind of food? Are you turning me into a NEET!?"
"Just change of menu. Stop being picky and eat what you find." Fubuki zoomed to her seat as she opened her carton. "We still need to see what's the next card for the shield guy."
"Fine." Pyskos rolled her eyes as the steam of her ramen puffed onto her glasses, slightly obscuring her vision.
Coliseum. A place to find a barbaric entertainment and a place for wasting some money on wagers. A place for earning fame and fortune, provided that the challenger had strength, ability and luck.
On a certain day at the edge of the capital city of Melromarc, clamors shook the air around this spot for local amusement. The spectators were cheering and shouting at the arrival of two new fighters. They entered under the name of Ana and Lia, who dressed in maidservant uniform.
Their master introduced himself as Mister Ryuu, a trader and antiquity collector. He said that he was a man who enjoyed fighting as well, especially a good one.
The most intriguing thing however, Ryuu's servants would fight barehanded. It was something uncommon and would only work for those who possessed monstrous might.
In that show, Ana and Lia would face a Minotaur. The bull demi-human was the coliseum's one among many ace fighters. Most people definitely placed their bet on him. Needless to say, only few who dared to bet for the maids.
When the fight began, the Minotaur charged towards the ladies. He ran and slammed his battle-axe at them, but it missed. The maids were agile enough to dodge the attack and they sent a combo kick to his chest in return, tumbling him backwards into the dirt.
Before the Minotaur could even rise, the masked servants delivered a drop kick in unison. The double strike sank him to the ground, forming a basin behind his back.
The servants' ruthless attack gained gasps of shock and amusement. Some of the wagers started to put their money on Ana and Lia on belief that the duo might be new contenders in this coliseum.
Their master for a moment flashed a small smirk upon seeing people's reaction. His curled up lips reflected his confidence over the victory of his trained servants.
Enraged, the bull-man hammered his arms to help him stand and bolted towards the ladies. Instead of grabbing his axe, he charged straight. He used his horns as spears and his body as a battering ram for crushing his pesky opponents.
Seeing the Minotaur rushed recklessly, Ana and Lia braced themselves by lowering their bodies close to the ground. When the bull-man almost hit them, they sent a kick to his shins. With such a force and broken balance, the poor fighter flew towards the wall in high speed. His horns impaled the wall quite deep. He was completely stuck.
Without wasting the opportunity, Ana and Lia rushed towards the bull guy and gave him some beating. The Minotaur could only let out a long miserable howl as he tried to pull out his horns under the barrage of punches and kicks to his body.
Bullying a bull was the best way to describe the sorry sight of this fight.
The painful yet amusing entertainment absorbed all the attention of the spectators as wave of cheers and shouts chorused. Those who had slammed their money on the coliseum's fighter cold-sweated while praying loudly for a miracle. Others who threw their bet on the new contenders also wished with vigor for their winning.
"GUUUUHHH…! PLEASE STOP! I YIELD!"
Three minutes passed and the Minotaur wailed in defeat, surrendering his title as the ace to the duo. He could not withstand the punches and kicks. Behind his dark-brown bristles, black and blue bruises adorned his skin. It began to throb as minutes went by. If not tended soon, he might faint out of pain.
"AND THE WINNERS ARE ANA AND LIA!"
Cheers echoed throughout that coliseum. The conclusion of the fight was clear. Those who won the wager raised their hands in triumph. Others who lost buried their faces into their palms as a crushing debt in this devil's game had awaited.
"For ten coins of gold, we get 400 in return? That's extremely lucrative!" Rifana exclaimed as she stared at the sac in her Master's hand with glimmering eyes. "This way, we don't need to painstakingly collect and sell a bunch of items from the forest."
"True. So, Lord Suiryu– Um, I mean Lord Ryuu... Are you considering this to be our main job?" Raphtalia added as she put off her mask. "Because we can also face strong fighters."
Suiryu for a moment hummed as he veered his gaze around the corridor in that arena. "Well, I don't think so?"
"Oh! Would you like to explain?" Rifana asked curiously as she wagged her tail.
"Honestly, it's too painful to watch." Suiryu answered as he made a grimace. "This is not the fight I expected. Every fighter ideally should have their own free will, but this one… It's too cruel."
Suiryu's mind wandered back to the Super Fight Championship. He could say that the fighting tournament was a real sport. Although it had brutality to some extent, every fighter entered the tournament with their own free will and were completely aware of the risk.
This one however, was too barbaric to say the least. He could see that most of the participants were forced to fight. They did not have any choice since they were mere possession of their heartless masters. A fight could lead to either victory or loss, but refusal could mean an even more painful outcome. Everything was pain and misery.
Worse of all, it was for the sole purpose of entertainment.
"That bull-guy, he actually didn't want to fight. And I noticed his movements were somewhat imbalanced. I'm sure that he's been treated really harsh, making him impaired." Suiryu threw his suspicion as he frowned at some people who dragged a chained bear beastman through a corridor.
"Well, I think that's true. I also felt that there was something off with our fight." Raphtalia spoke as her ears drooped. "It's like… His attacks were filled with desperation. Desperate to get out from the fight as soon as he could."
"Hmm… Maybe you're right. Unfortunately, this is the fate of our kind in this country. We can do nothing to oppose this cruelty." Rifana added as she cast a gloomy look. "Now, I feel bad for winning the fight."
The disciples' gave depressed looks after contemplating the truth about their victory. Suiryu also felt bad for rushing to the idea of earning some quick cash. In the end, he only hoped that he would never do this regrettable action in the future. For the sake of his daughters.
"Well. What's done is done. Regret always comes in the end." Suiryu quoted Suicho's wise words as he placed his hands onto his disciples' shoulders. "We can only hope that one day, this tragedy would eventually end."
The disciples nodded as they smiled. Indeed, they could only wish that this system would vanish and people, regardless of their races, could live together without any form discrimination and hostility.
The three exited the arena afterwards. When they walked, they saw the shady trader they met on a certain bloody night. He looked rather busy with several crates, carefully loaded by some laborers onto his carriage.
"Oh… It's that shorty." Rifana half-whispered at Raphtalia's ear, gaining a nod.
"Hmm… So many supplies. If only we can travel around on a carriage like that." Raphtalia's attention turned to the vehicle instead of the short trader.
"Good morning, Sir Beloukas." Suiryu greeted as he tipped his top-hat, imitating the manner of some fine businessmen he saw on the street.
"Oh, good morning… My Lord." Beloukas also pulled up his hat as his good-trader grin plastered on his face. "I assume that you are in the best of mood. Not to mention that you can blend with us perfectly well."
Since Beloukas knew that the shield hero's name was a bane in that country and he did not want to mess his potential transaction like last time, he tried to play smart. His considerate action gained a wide smile from the hero.
"Well, true. Things turn much better for each passing day and now I also am a trader. And… It seems that you acquired shipments of brand new wares. If it is not too much, can I see some samples of the items which may come to my fancy?" Suiryu smiled as his over-imposing frame eclipsed Beloukas, obstructing his view towards the maids.
"O… Oh. Absolutely, My Lord. Here as promised, I would like to offer you something which might interest you." The trader pulled a wooden box from the nearest corner of the carriage and opened the cover. "I assure you that this is a great investment."
"Great investment?" Suiryu let out a little snort at the items Belukas had offered. "You shouldn't be joking. These are common items we find in the market, right?"
"Eggs?" Rifana perked her head curiously at the wares. "I'd rather eat them."
"Why eggs? Oh, are those eggs of some beasts?" Raphtalia guessed as she pointed at the eggs.
Beloukas grinned as he twirled his mustache. "Correct, young lady. However, these eggs are not ordinary eggs. They are eggs of Filolials. Although if you are lucky, you can earn a dragon's egg."
"Woo… A dragon. Not the flier one, I suppose?" Rifana quipped as she squinted her eyes at the eggs. "Sounds great, but we don't have carriage."
"Filolial? What's a Filolial?" Suiryu asked dumbly, granting him shocked stares and slacking jaws from people around him.
Raphtalia cleared her throat to break the awkward silence. "Lord Suiryu, have you seen the birds which pulled some carriages along our way here?"
"Do you mean… The colorful ostriches?" Suiryu grabbed the best resemblance from his old world as he turned to his disciples.
"Ostrich?" Rifana mumbled as she tried to scour her memory about the foreign term.
"Uh… Well, yes." Raphtalia darted her gaze around to find an example. "Ah! Like that one!"
Suiryu followed where Raphtalia's hand was pointed at and found the said Filolial. He squinted his eyes and put a weird look. He could not still grasp the idea that there was a colorful avian for transporting purpose.
"Ah… I see. So that's a Filolial." Suiryu scratched his cheek as he scrutinized some options. "And compared to horse, which one is faster and more durable? Because… They don't seem sturdy like a stallion."
He had indeed seen how those birds could draw heavily loaded carts. However, coming from a world where physics claimed absolute reign, he still put a little believe in the magical aspect behind those birds. His logic wanted to deny the fact that those ostriches which fitted best for carnival were able to assist laborious works.
"I should say that for durability, they probably less superior than horse. However, for speed…" Beloukas spoke as he twirled his mustache. "Filolial is well known as the fastest."
"What about the land dragon?" Rifana interrupted as she lightly poked some eggs.
"They give you more advantage in a skirmish. Think of them as war mount." The sly trader waved his cane. "To put it simply, if you want something which can bring you and your small load faster than a horse, Filolial would be the choice. But if you desire a mount which allow you to traverse rugged terrain and engage in battlefields, you might consider to have a land dragon. So, what is your choice, My Lord?"
At the moment, Suiryu truly had not seen the importance in owning a means of transportation. Although he loved convenience, so far, walking around with Rifana and Raphtalia in tow did not bother him in the slightest. And if he needed a transport, there always be a carriage along the way whose good driver offered his party a free ride.
"Hmm… I guess it won't be painful to try. So, I'm in. Whether I'll get a Filolial or a dragon, I think it's not a problem." Suiryu decided as he shrugged his shoulders. "Rifana…"
"Yes, Lord Ryuu!" The weasel girl stood straight at her master's command, ready to do his order.
"You can choose one." Suiryu ordered as he cast a gentle smile, earning a faint blush from the weasel-girl.
Rifana turned to her dearest pal, signaling her to give her opinion. "Which one, Raphtalia?"
"All of them look just the same." The raccoon's gentle gaze narrowed into a glare, shot at the trader. "Is this intentional, Sir? Answer before I draw my blade."
Under Raphtalia's threatening look, Beloukas silently exhaled his nervousness through his nose. "Ohoho… They have come that way from my trusted supplier. I just sell them the way they are."
"Good. Now I'm taking a lottery." Suiryu muttered quietly as he rolled his eyes.
"Very well." Rifana grabbed an egg and handed it to Raphtalia. "However if you dare to play foul, remember that you might be the receiving end of our anger."
"Just like monsters we crushed along our path." Raphtalia finished as she turned to her master who flashed an apologetic smile.
"Apologies, Sir Beloukas. As you see, my companions are still young and blessed with overflowing vigor." Suiryu lightly bowed.
"Ah… That is not a problem at all. Besides, it is truly amusing to hear that your group also took part in some unsolved bad dealings around the capital's red light district." The slaver replied with a jab as he pushed his dark glasses up. "You truly have earned your reputation as a successful debt collector."
Suiryu grimaced as his disciples glared dagger at the slaver upon the leak of that disturbing information. Their repeated incursions into the pleasure quarter was the result of some stray requests from unfortunate people around Erhard's circle. They just took back what were rightfully belonged to these people from some crooked pimps.
What followed their action was the spreading urban legend about three vicious debt collectors who maimed some slavers. No one had been able to trace any lead about their identity. Some of their victims told that they dressed in adventurer's gear while others saw them in nobleman's fine clothing.
Above all else, they hit the target without any weapon. Because their limbs were their mightiest armament in disposal.
Suiryu cleared his throat as he gathered his composure, noting the fact that their identity was still safe. "I cannot deny that. We took almost any kind of request in exchange of fortune. We just want to have a change of pace. That's all."
Both Rifana and Raphtalia sighed as they reclaimed their bearing. They only followed their master in the daring quest to learn the duty of a hero and savor some thrills. It was quite profitable to say the least, but they earned some notoriety as a result.
"I see…" Beloukas nodded. "To serve the people, that truly is the noble cause of heroes... whose herald of their grand exploit lately goes into obscurity."
The sudden jab bent into a tidbit he demanded. Suiryu slightly narrowed his eyes at the lead. He needed that piece of information since he also heard a hearsay that Ren and Itsuki were missing. He produced a coin of gold from his pocket, knowing well that the trader would not talk unless he received an offering.
"Thanks for the egg. Take the change and tell me everything about them."
"Oho! Sure thing, My Lord. Come to my tent after sundown." Beloukas grinned as he lightly tapped his cane, waltzing back to finish his supply arrangement.
Two days passed and the egg Suiryu bought from Beloukas had hatched. A white chick emerged from the shell. Now, it had been comfortably nestled on his spiky hair.
The presence of this adorable newborn however could suppress but only a slight of worry in the champion's heart. The burden of the tidings he received from the slaver had bothered him to the point that he could not sleep well at night. He had convinced himself that he was not going senile like that grumpy ruler, but the news kept bothering him.
What put him on edge was the news regarding the unsettling details about the heroes' escape. It was concerning since he might some day meet those boys in an unpleasant way.
Being a man who loved peace, he was afraid that their grudge would lead them into an unnecessary bloodshed.
The source around the palace reported that Ren injured some guards when he was not permitted to leave the keep. No one had caught his true intention, but witnesses spoke that the swordsman looked restless when he left the palace.
On the other side, Itsuki murdered some knights when he escaped from the castle's dungeon. No one could stop him since he also liberated some dangerous prisoners along his way.
People said that it was the worst blunder the royal knight had ever done. Confining people far above their league in a flimsily walled cubicles with rusty metal bars was none other than the work of utter fools.
The palace was in uproar, even to the moment when Beloukas narrated the story to Suiryu. The throne had secretly issued an order of manhunt, spreading knights and hired-adventurers across the country to restrict the movement of the two. The king would never let his piece of valuable assets escaped his grip.
However, until that moment, there was no news about their whereabouts. Either they were still roaming on this land unnoticed or managed to slip away off the country.
"Gweeee…!"
The odd, yet joyful chirp of the chick echoed, pulling the martial artist out from his musing. He veered his gaze around and recalled that he was still at the shop of the witch lady. The bird flapped its wings and landed on his shoulder.
"My Lord… Is something the matter?" The good old witch called, earning some blinks in return.
"Oh… Uh. Apologies. I was spacing out." Suiryu replied as he looked around and found his disciples were browsing some items in display.
"You are still young, but I assume that some events have deprived you from proper rest. That is a problem." The shopkeeper shook her head as she smiled, noticing his tired eyes. "Would you like to have some black tea?"
"Oh, but…"
"Oh, please. Have people's ill-remarks barred you from taking other's good offer? I have heard from my grandchild that a man in green cloak warded off monsters by his own, saving Lute from an utter devastation. Turned out, the man was you, the Lord Shield Hero." The witch lady began to prepare the tea. "That is no meager achievement. We are indebted to you for the rest of our lives."
Suiryu's lips curled into an uncomfortable smile as his hand rubbed his locks. "Well, I just did what a hero should do. That's all."
"Oh, but that dear child said that you crushed horde upon horde of monsters with your bare hands. In my view as a former adventurer, you truly deserve the title of a hero." The lady flattered the unsung hero as she poured some boiling water into a cup. "This black tea is nothing compared to your merit. Please have some. It can help you to relax."
The champion's smile stiffened upon the praise. He felt embarrassed since he still had not met the standard of a real S-Class hero. That eye-patched McCoy chose him merely because he could bolster the popularity of the new association, much like when the old one used Amai Mask.
"Well. I am just a simple guy who love an easy life. Nothing much." The martial artist spoke after a moment of pause, humbling himself as he took the cup. "Ah… Thank you."
While the master spent his time to converse with the witch, the disciples were indulging themselves at the sight of the wares in that shop. At the moment, what interested them were the books and tomes in the rack.
"Hey, Raphtalia, look at this!" Rifana beckoned as she held a book with black leather cover in her hand. "This looks interesting. What does this read?"
The raccoon squinted her eyes. "Midland Saga: Tale of The Black Swordsman."
"It must be a good story book." Rifana quipped as she eyed her pal who immediately opened the middle pages.
"… Donned in a pitch-black armor, the man wielded a giant hunk of iron. Dragon Slayer was the name of that sword. Its blade was as black as the darkest night, reeked the foul smell of countless demons who fell in its mercy." Raphtalia closed the book. "I think it is. And an interesting one. Do you want to buy it?"
"Yes, why not?" Rifana wagged her tail in excitement as she took another book. "What about this one?"
"A Path Under The Light of The Green Moon." Raphtalia smiled as she opened the first page. "Written by Goblin Slayer. Edited by Magus of Electricity."
"Is it a story book?"
"Let's see…" Raphtalia raised her brows in amusement and opened some pages. "… I slashed them, hacked them and gored them. However, a normal blade would obsolete in five slashes since blood and fat would dull the edge. Thus, I should take whatever in my reach and use it to the best of my ability for killing them. Never cease your thought, for goblins are dull but not idiot!"
"That sounds like a guide." Rifana nodded as she digested the excerpt of the story. "It's filled with hints for slaying goblins."
"Yes, and it's very detailed. I think this is very useful, so let's take it." Raphtalia put the book into an empty space in the shelf.
Rifana grabbed another book and turned to the shopkeeper instead. "I'm sorry, Witch Lady... What is the title of this book?"
"Oh! It's the Ballad of The Phantom Blood!" The old wizard widened her eyes as suddenly, a smile of burning zeal rose on her face. "I suggest you to read it, young miss! It is very popular among adventurers. I have finished it when I was young and even until now, it never fails to entertain me."
"The problem is, only one among us who can read and write." Suiryu scratched his cheek in mild embarrassment. "Rifana and I are, well… illiterate."
Truth be told, unlike Raphtalia, Rifana had not learned to read and write properly. Since literacy was not really important in commoner's life, the majority did not put serious regard on this matter. They could still live and die peacefully without being bothered to read any parchment throughout the rest of their lives after all. Thus, Rifana's parents, like the rest of the townsfolk, followed that custom and left their child without any ability to read and write.
In this case, Raphtalia was exceptional. She was so lucky since her parents put a great concern on her education.
On the other side, Suiryu simply had not have the time to learn the foreign writing. Besides, whenever he went, he could just ask people around and they would answer him happily. Basically, he had lived like most illiterate commoners of that world.
"Is that true, My Lord?" The shopkeeper blinked.
"Gweeeee!" The chick Filolial chorused as if it confirmed the shocking fact.
"Sadly, that's the truth." Suiryu admitted, earning Rifana's wry smile and Raphtalia's concerned look. "That's why we need a tutor."
"A tutor…? Hmm…" The witch lady hummed as she scrutinized some possible solutions. "Ah… If you have some free time, feel free to visit me. I will willingly teach you the basics. I believe, a young and able man like you will master it in no time. And a young lady like you would also ace it the way your master does."
"Oh, really?" Rifana beamed without realizing her master's slight objection on his face. "So, we can learn to read and write from you!?"
"Yes. It is the least I can do to repay your grand merit." The witch lady smiled sincerely.
"I… I have no intention to turn down your generosity, Witch Lady, but aren't you busy on running this shop already?" The martial artist inquired as he shifted on his seat. "Besides, we are traveling quite a lot. It would be a bother if we come here without any fixed schedule."
"Oh, I see. In that case, I can ask my apprentices from the guild to join your band." The old shopkeeper offered as she smiled. "How does it sound?"
"A new companion?" Raphtalia darted her gaze to see her friend's reaction.
Within the monk-fighter's head, this offer, however good it was, would complicate his situation even further since there was no telling about when and where people from Argento and Jaeger would show up. The last ordeal with Salvatore was a good warning that those shady guys were still lurking in the dark, waiting to finish him so long as they still held their contract.
Not to mention that the populace were still referring him as Shield Devil. A sign that he still had a painfully long way to mend his reputation were he able to fix it.
"Hmm… That would be even more concerning because my group is under a constant threat from bounty hunters. They always come after us, doing their employer's request, either to capture me or kill me along with my companions." Suiryu explained as he grimaced. "Other than that, it would be really hard should your disciples eventually discover my true identity. I am afraid that they cannot take the burden of this complicated matter."
The witch's jaw dropped for a moment, only to close when she reconsidered about the gravity of the situation behind the Shield Hero. She felt that she could not do much to help this young man out from this peril.
"… That truly is concerning." The witch spoke with a grave tone as she glanced at the books Raphtalia had collected. "If only I can help you."
"Ah, but please do not be troubled by it. I think I can depend on Raphtalia to teach us." Suiryu cast a rather proud smile to ease the kind wizard.
"Uh…" The raccoon demi-human could not utter a word, cheeks turned red as she fidgeted upon her master's statement. "… I will do my best."
"Oh... If you prefer that way, I think I can put my worry aside." The old witch sighed, hardly reassured at that choice. "However, I would still welcome you to learn from me, especially in the matter of magic."
"Well, thank you, Witch Lady." Suiryu nodded in gratitude.
"By the way, Dear Miss, have you decided what book you want to pick?" The shopkeeper turned her attention to Raphtalia.
"Oh, right. We will take these three books." Raphtalia replied as she took the books from the shelf.
"Yes. Including that Ghost Blood!" Rifana added as she nodded.
"It is Phantom Blood." The witch lady corrected.
"Oh, right. Phantom Blood."
"What about you, Lord Shield Hero?" The shopkeeper asked as an idea crossed her mind. "Actually among those books, there are also some which do not come with a lot of text. Those books usually have many pictures. It is good for practice."
"If they can help me to learn faster, then I'll take them." Suiryu strode towards the rack as he guessed which of those was mentioned by the shopkeeper. "Is it this one?"
The witch knitted her brows at the book Suiryu had picked. "The Secret Healing of The North Star? I truly have a vague recollection as to how I acquire the copy of that book, and so do the content."
Raphtalia took a closer look as Suiryu opened the first page. "For my dearest brother, The Man With Seven Scars."
"The Man With Seven Scars? Never heard of him." Rifana shrugged her shoulders. "And honestly, why bothered to count scars on a guy's body? That sounds like…"
"Pervert." Raphtalia deadpanned.
Ignoring his disciples' silly remark, Suiryu opened some pages. His eyes widened in astonishment when he found pictures of human anatomy with arrows and dots around the images, complete with sections for the organs.
'Acupuncture? Gosh… Is this coincidence? Hell! I need this one!'
It was the kind of book which he really needed. A book for advancing his skill as a martial artist, especially in the field of healing.
The pages seemingly shone a radiant golden light as the monk-fighter opened more, blowing him away. His heart was filled with awe at this divine work of its unnamed author. In that instant, gone his worry about how he should deal with the other troublesome heroes.
Because if he desired, he could also utilize this godly skill for subduing his opponents peacefully.
"This is... Cool! A book of acupuncture and acupressure!? Man… I've never thought I can find this stuff in another world!" Suiryu spoke aloud in excitement, taking the girls aback and prompted the shopkeeper to blink in surprise.
"Gweeeeeeeee!"
Even the Filolial joined its master's jubilation.
"Oh… Really?" The witch came out of her stupor. "Since it contained so many sketches of human anatomy, I believe that you will need an expert in that field to help you comprehend it. Are you certain that you will take that book, My Lord?"
"Yes. I will take this and master it, no matter what!" Suiryu answered with determination in his eyes. "It's a shame that I didn't learn as much as I could from my grandfather about useful skills of acupuncture. Now, it's my time to fill that hole. This book, is truly a Godsend! Thank you, Ojii-san… I will learn harder!"
The martial artist clenched his fist as a new spirit burned in him. In his heart, he vowed to study the divine technique to the best of his ability. Because if he could not master it in his previous world, he would try to do it in this one.
All of this, simply because he felt that he had wasted too much time in his old world. It was laziness that barred him from acquiring more divine knowledge from Suicho. And now, this place had offered him the chance to redeem himself.
"So, how much would they cost? I mean, this incredible work has so many details that two hundred silver even wouldn't be a fair prize. Not to mention the other story books." The martial artist exclaimed as he closed the book. "Please, don't tell me that they are free just because I did my job at Lute."
Being a fortune magnet, Suiryu could not find a better way to spend his money other than by appreciating works of art with material value. Plus, this venerable wizard was really nice. Her heartwarming kindness truly had eased his hard feeling.
"Are those books that cool, Lord Suiryu?" Rifana blinked in surprise.
"Lord Suiryu, is it wise to spend that much on these books?" Raphtalia worded out her thought.
"Well, I feel like it's the best way to value the hard effort of the writers and people who had willingly preserve their works." Suiryu replied as he took out his gold coin pouch.
As the disciples nodded, the shopkeeper's jaw dropped, surprised at Suiryu's idea. It had been a long time she met a person who really appreciated works of art properly. Most of her customers were practical people who saw the goods they needed as they were. Few of them were even just a bunch of stingy people who bargained and squeezed the prize to their nasty heart's content.
But this man, was different.
"Ah, I see… So, you are a man of culture as well." The witch lady nodded in understanding. "In that case, I will give you five crystal balls as addition."
"Five? Isn't that too much?" Suiryu quirked his brows. "We are talking about business and it is my duty as a hero to help people."
"I insist." The witch persisted.
"Okay. Two gold coins and five Black Dragon scales. How does it sound?" Suiryu offered as he reached his item storage menu.
Seeing that Suiryu was a man who chose to be professional, the wizard complied. Moreover, the item he had collected was rare, even among the covens of sorcerers and alchemists around Melromarc.
Which means that this Black Dragon scale was a stuff in quite a high demand.
The wizard lady had schooled her business mentality however, unlike most traders who would rush at this offer right away. That item was quite tempting indeed, but it would not sway her.
When she looked at the young man's eyes, she sensed that he was pleading to her to accept this. She looked at the shining black scales and she smiled knowingly. The hero just wanted to return her kindness and appreciate her trust on him. It was a token of thanks, much like how she wanted to teach him in reading.
"Hmm… Black Dragon Scale. Quite a curious paraphernalia you collected there, My Lord. I believe it is fair enough. Then, it is a deal." The wizard lady concluded as she smiled.
'Well,these guys… They're just bothersome NPCs. Killing them isn't a problem. Even I got a decent sum of EXP. So, thanks I guess.' Ren scoffed and flicked his sword to his side, getting rid off some blood on the blade.
Before the Sword Hero, some people in adventurer attires were lying dead on the ground. Their blood painted that dirt road. Ren showed no mercy since they tried to ambush him on that mountain path.
The swordsman, now alone, walked away from the killing field. His face showed no sign of remorse for his brutal act. In his mind, it was their fault who dared to stop him.
He had had enough with the ordeal at the palace. A solo player like him should overcome everything by his own. No one should stop him in his path.
His path to seek the truth behind the meaning of power.
'Come to think of it, the guy in my dream ordered me to head north to meet a person. I'm just curious though. Is this a side-quest?' Ren mused as he checked his status to find that he reached level 54.
His boots stepped on several patches of grass. His stroll brought him towards a green mound, surrounded by pine forest. He passed a creek and halted his journey to refill his water skin. Under the mild gaze of the morning sun, he swiped a glance at the beautiful scenery before him.
It was soothing. Something which brought his sweet recollection back.
The momentary solace however came to an end when he sensed a malicious presence from behind. He turned around and saw a Saber-toothed Mountain Lion was standing on a cliff, ready to pounce him.
Its level was 46 with an ATK almost twice as his, but it did not surprise him. He had been used to this kind of stuff, right after his first step to level up. Even without the help of any companion, this sight did not make him falter. His experience as a solo player had greatly helped him in this kind of situation.
Ren reached his holy blade on his left side and assumed his stance, lowering his body slightly as his eyes aimed at his enemy. His mind automatically raced to find the best move for this engagement while predicting the lion's initial attack.
His fighting instinct had turned sharper from every fight he won.
He drew his sword and the monster leaped in cue. In that split second, both the hero and the monster locked eyes at each other until a foreign source of force made an unexpected presence.
When the boy was still in mid way to make a slash, he saw some soundless flashes ran around the lion's body. His jaw dropped as the monster's body fell to the ground, finely cut into smaller chunks. He landed and glanced at the diced carcass for a moment.
Ren looked up at the edge of the cliff and his eyes widened in horror. He could not believe at the sight which invaded his vision.
A humanoid monster with the head a grotesque reptile had been standing still. Its right scaly hand rested on the hilt of his katana. Its articles of clothing were those of a samurai.
The monster three eyes rolled onto the sorry sight of a boy who dared to enter its dominion. Its brown haori fluttered by the serene morning breeze, flapping its thin killing intent towards the supposed Sword Hero who suddenly quivered in fear.
"Who… What the hell are you!?" Ren shouted as dread took over his body, his hands trembled.
"Is that the way you address the elderly? Kids these days… They don't learn how to respect old men." The monster exclaimed in a vibrating guttural voice, driving Ren away further off that place.
Ren could feel a strong malice from this accursed creature. Its repulsive appearance was alarming. He wanted to run, but his legs stiffened, forcing them to bend as his panic paralyzed them. He fell to the ground, rear first.
Another reason for his fear was the creature's level did not show up on his HUD. A grave premonition of a surprise boss monster on the road.
He blinked and when his eyes opened, the abomination had stood in front of him, close enough for him to see the shape of its greenish scales. He gagged as the monster looked down at him in… curiosity, as if it assessed him.
"I see… What a foolhardy kid." The monster spoke with a tinge of boredom as the eye on his forehead closed. "You venture around while thinking that that fancy blade and your pathetic swordsmanship can save you? Courageous, but foolish. As I expected from a youngster."
Ren's eyes suddenly narrowed at the ill-remark. Being called a fool was the worst insult he would never accept. Gone his fear as his nerves were rattled by his rage.
"You! Brainless lizard! How can you call me a fool if you don't even have a brain to begin with!?" The swordsman sneered.
"Bah! Look! You even buy your enemy's taunt? If you cannot cool your mind, how can you swing your blade, hmm?" The lizard calmly turned his back, leaving steaming Ren to his own wrath.
Ren drew his sword and swung it in a wide horizontal arc, thinking that he could take down this beast by surprise. When his blade was about to land on the side of the monster's neck, it vanished, startling Ren.
"You are already dead." The monster's voice echoed from behind Ren.
"What!" Ren turned around. "GUUUH!"
The katana's hilt knocked his sternum. The skillful hit sent him flying away from the monster samurai. The Sword Hero landed unceremoniously on some shrubs. He gasped for air as his HUD made a glitchy blur, indicating a fair damage he had taken. His HP bar dropped by 50 percent.
"Ugh… Damn it!" Ren cursed as he crawled out from the bush.
"Unpolished." The monster samurai remarked as he placed his katana on his left side. "I could have cut you several times over. But, well… I do not have the heart to cut a flower before it blooms. However, if you want to sharpen your swordsmanship, you can find me upstream."
Amid the reverberating pain, the monster's statement garnered Ren's curiosity. Unlike mindless monsters he slew, this being was very sharp, even surpassed humans he had met along his journey. It could talk too, meaning that this creature probably was along the line of beastman.
'It's strong and it can speak. Alright, I don't really know how something Japanese can be here, but he must be some sort of samurai.' Ren mused the obvious thing as he stared at the monster who walked away nonchalantly. 'Wait a sec! Could it be...'
Ren then realized that this guy, was the thing his dream had hinted.
"Hey, wait!" The sword-boy shouted.
The monster tilted its head, giving Ren one meaningful gaze. Its three eyes blinked and conveyed an expression of approval. The rims of its lips bent upward, revealing its fangs, making its menacing grin so prominent. The monster's countenance however bore no malice.
"The name's Haragiri. I welcome a disciple. If you want to seek power, then find me up there, shounen."
'Why… Why everything turns into something like this!? This is… Utter chaos!'
After a long day worth of diplomatic meeting, the queen of Melromarc, Mirellia Q. Melromarc reclined in her seat. Her quarter which was provided by the host country of that meeting was luxuriously comfortable, even in nobles' standard. Nonetheless, that could not ease her mind in the slightest, let alone granting her a sense of relief.
She was beyond stressed. Stressed at this awful development which was… maddening. She could not bear this idleness where she let her husband took control over her country, and let this mess went on.
She should come home as soon as possible before things got worse.
"How can this even be possible!? Three heroes against us!? We are only courting divine punishment!" Mirellia let out a tired huff as her face grew pale. "I dare not to imagine what kind of nightmare would follow for turning our blades toward the saints."
"… Your Grace." Her servant in black garb asked in concern. "Should I–"
"No." The queen raised her hand, her gaze hardened. "Please focus on your duty. Do not let this hard matter sway your imperative. This… Only I who will fix this."
"Understood."
Mirellia took a glance at the parchment once again. A grim scowl of anger marred her face. The report was short, yet the news it contained was enough to depict the horrendous turmoil her country suffered from.
The future looked dark. As time passed, the hope grew thinner. Soon, her country might fall if she did nothing to end this precarious situation.
"Keep a contact with Genevieve and Wagner. Tell them to stay alert and do nothing unless I order." Mirellia passed her command to her masked servant. "Thank you. You may leave."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The dark-garbed soldier bowed and left her queen, leaping into the shadow of that night.
Now, alone in her chamber, Mirellia turned her gaze to a crystal ball on the desk. She took it from its stand and channeled her magic. A record of moving pictures played, displaying the events it magically had stored.
"Actually who on earth is this young man?" The queen muttered as she looked intensely at the record of the botched trial. "With such a tremendous might, he had the chance to end all of this right there at that moment. But why he chose to not do so? Is he holding back? Is he playing on us?"
The queen frowned as the scene shifted to the event of the Wave. The man single-handedly repelled the abomination force from another world and he came out victorious, only to be discredited by other heroes. Mirellia could not respond but bit her lip in rage.
"What an unimaginable power! Such a virtuous and courageous man! How can we become so evil toward him!?" The queen clenched her hand really hard.
The event at the banquet came into display. Mirellia's gaze turned softer, but her jaw suddenly unhinged.
"He… Dressed like a nobleman? No. More like a respectable merchant. What a good-looking young man!" The ruler of Melromarc blinked in awe as she failed to notice that her cheeks burned. "Wait…!"
The queen averted her gaze around that room. She paused the video and placed the ball on its stand. She felt shiver and warmth at the same time. A cold which told her that the Shield Hero deserved his rights, and a warmth she got from how awesome the man was.
His smile had truly put her in a daze.
'This is not right! I am not a virgin in search of love anymore!' Mirellia scolded herself as she shook her head, shrugging the thought about the graceful Shield Hero. 'NO! What kind of wretched thought do I have? I am a wife and a mother to two daughters. How can this thought haunt me!?'
Hesitantly, she peeked at the display she had momentarily halted. She gulped and took the crystal ball. She resumed her silent movie session and widened her eyes.
'He has two retainers in his disposal!? And demi-humans? What a senseless humor is this!' Mirellia winced at the sight of Rifana and Raphtalia. 'Suspicious… But I wish that he treated them well.'
And by the look of it, he really treated his two disciples very kindly.
Mirellia almost could not believe in what she was seeing. She decided to stop to watch the display at the part when the noblemen began to murmur. She had caught the disgusted looks on them, meaning that the scar from the scuffle between her country and Siltvelt had not recovered.
In the end, she failed to understand about the young man. Her instinct as a ruler told her that he was a strong man of great patience. Her other side as a mother however yelled at her that this kid was just a nice-looking deviant who loved his job to fool around, pretending to be an important guy.
Her third part as a woman on the other hand, whispered that Suiryu was a cool guy every lady should worship.
Mirellia sank in her seat. She really wanted to get rid of those damn thoughts and plunge herself into oblivion. She had consumed all the farce of this dispute among countries. Nothing in her mind except to settle this matter and run home as quick as she could.
To fix the horrible mess and make amend with the heroes, especially the shield-bearer since he was the first victim.
The thought about Suiryu almost swayed her, indeed. However, she firmly kept her mind straight on the matter at hand. The problems which surrounded the Shield Hero was the real homework, not him. Next would be the other heroes and lastly was her country. She had that frame in mind.
"Alright. I can do this." The queen motivated herself as she inhaled.
'And with his smile, nothing will stop you.' The devil in herself whispered.
"Cursed!" She muttered as she glared at the crystal ball which innocent shine seemingly reflected the devil's smirk.
Author's Note
Hiyaaaaah…. Been awhile, huh? :-D
Sorry. Got absorbed in some other projects. :-3
So, will Suiryu learn Hokuto Shinken from Toki?
NO.
Because to master Hokuto Shinken, one really needs a long and arduous training with strict instructions from a master/official successor. It's just too divine that learning it from a book won't give a guy any idea. Instead, Suiryu will integrate this medical derivative of Hokuto Shinken into his Void Fist and come out with his own version of Pressure Point Killing Fist.
Maybe Suiryu's style will be something along the line of Amiba's Hokuto Shinken. Not a genuine one, but immensely lethal. :-O
And as much as I love Hokuto Shinken, that technique can only be passed down to a successor. So, even I have doubt that a prodigy like Garou can learn the art from a fight or from simply gawking at Kenshiro. Unless Kenshiro takes him as a disciple. Though honestly, I feel that Raoh suits best to be Garou's master while flamboyant Toki for Suiryu. XD
The case would be different if it were Nanto Seiken. I guess Garou can learn it in no time, so fast that Shin, Rei, Yuda and Shu would be wiped the moment he snatched their styles. The same probably would go for Souther who will get smacked around should Garou nicked his Nanto Hooh Ken.
Okay, enough for the Hokuto no Rambling… I love it because it's one hell of epic fighting source material, alongside with Berserk and Jojo. B-)
Of course, to spice things up, I decided to isekai some monsters from OPM universe. Because monsters from ShieldHero universe are kinda boring, especially compared to those fromits shield friend, I mean, FGO. So, expect more to show up in the future. ;-)
Although, I'm so sorry for the meager action scene. :'-(
But… Ahem… Yeah. Our guy has started to charm the queen. Let's see what kindof development might happen in the days to come. XD
Right… The duo Psykos & Fubuki were just cameos. And maybe Filo will make her appearance in the next chapter. :-3
Okay, I hope you like this chapter and my other stories as well. Thank you for all your support and see you in the next story. ;-)