Disclaimer: I own neither the Yakuza series or Rising of the Shield Hero

Training and Other Things

Kiryu stood at the base of the mountain that loomed over Lute Village, Nugget standing at his side. He had spoken with Harken about what monsters had loomed within, how dangerous they were and whether it was okay for someone his 'level' to fight them. Thankfully, the mage suggested that they were well within Kiryu's level of strength as well as Nugget's, whom of which Julius helped assign to Kiryu's 'party' which would help them both level up from what enemies they took down. Kiryu didn't really get it, but figured that the mage knew better than he did when it came to that stuff.

"Alright, Nugget. Let's go," Kiryu said, walking toward the mouth of the cave. In response, the bird quickly tugged on his jacket, making him turn around to look at the filolial as it let out a loud chirp in disapproval, its eyes looking concerned.

"Afraid?" Kiryu asked, raising a brow. Nugget seemed to take offense to that, giving him a proud glare. "I figured you weren't. Look, I told you I had a job in mind for you when I took you in. That job is going to be helping me protect the village when the time comes. I don't know how bad things are going to be when the Wave hits, but I'd rather get my level up for when it hits. You'll need it, too."

The filolial looked to the side, looking unsure and somewhat annoyed. Kiryu sighed, turning back to face the mountain. "You may not like the people in that village, but I do. I owe them for helping me get on my feet after coming to this world. If you want to run off, fine. Go ahead. I'm going in."

Kiryu turned back around, Nugget looking at him in wonder. He didn't say another word, heading into the cave. Nugget spared a look at the forest that sat just outside of the cave, his freedom easily achievable now. But the filolial hesitated, feeling the words of its current master stab it in the gut. With a hesitant squak, the bird turned back around and followed Kiryu inside.

When he heard the bird's feet close behind him, Kiryu couldn't stop a small smile from spreading across his lips.

As they explored deeper, Kiryu carrying a torch in one hand, they found the cave began to illuminate himself. Once they reached a wider space, Kiryu realized that he didn't even need the torch. All around him and Nugget were bright glowing crystals and a stream not too far off that seemed to glow on its own.

"This place really is beautiful…" Kiryu muttered, eyes scanning the area. "By the way, I'm gonna harvest some of the crystals. It wouldn't hurt to get some more money. I can't just rely on Harken and Melonie for money, after all."

He walked up to a small concentration of crystals, pulling out the small pick axe that Harken had given him before leaving. "Watch out for monsters and let me know when they come."

Nugget gave a short nod of its head in understanding, turning around and keeping an eye on the cave. Kiryu then began to chip away at the crystals, putting what he could in a small pouch. I might be able to make enough money just doing this if they sell for enough. Still… maybe I should get a job?

"Skree!"

Kiryu's head spun back, watching as Nugget lowered its head and spread its wings at its side. Some ways ahead of him, Kiryu watched as four large beasts started to stalk around. Kiryu raised a brow as he rose to his feet, noting that they were all some form of black dog with two heads. They weren't quite as big as Nugget, but they still looked ferocious.

"They found us pretty quick. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, though," Kiryu said, walking up next to Nugget and sparing a look at the bird. "Are you ready?"

Nugget only let out a small throaty growl, eyes narrowed at the dogs.

(Yakuza 0 OST: Force Addiction)

"Good." Kiryu assumed a fighting stance, his gauntlets igniting with blue flame. "Let's go!"

Two-Headed Dogs

The first of the dogs snarled before leaping forth, aiming for Nugget first. Kiryu didn't need to make a move, his giant bird companion quick to throw a flying kick at the dog's midsection, knocking it to the side. Another lunged for Nugget, only for Kiryu to step forward and throw a powerful hook into its right head. The other head might have tried to bite him, but Kiryu hit it with enough force to make its entire body crash directly into the ground.

The other two became more agitated, now rushing at Kiryu and Nugget. The Dragon of Dojima narrowed his eyes, quickly reaching forward and wrapping his arms around both necks of the dog he had just punched into the ground. With a quick heave up, Kiryu let out a short growl as he spun the dog around and smashing it directly into one of the other dogs, letting it fly out of his arms and send them both tumbling back.

Kiryu stepped forward to finish the dogs off, but hesitated when he heard Nugget let out a pained screech. His head snapped to the right, watching as the other two headed dog had used one of its heads to bite down on Nugget's left wing, the other being pecked at by the bird as it tried to force them off his body.

Kiryu quickly rushed over, jumping in the air and delivering a powerful drop kick directly into the dog's back. It immediately buckled from the impact, releasing Nugget's wing and flying forward. Kiryu quickly recovered to his feet, watching as the next dog attempted to rush him in his momentary exposure. But Nugget put a stop to that, delivering a swift kick to its stomach and making it fold and crumble on the ground.

Kiryu smirked, walking up next to Nugget and patting its feathery back. "Good job. Looks like we won." He said, watching as the two garnered EXP from the fight. Nugget's level shot up while Kiryu's only steadily grew.

The dogs began to whimper and limp away. One of them lagged behind the others, the one which Nugget had finished off last. Before Kiryu knew it, the bird stepped on the dog, making it cry out as drool started to drip down Nugget's beak.

"H-Hey, what are you doing?!" Kiryu asked, rushing up next to the bird and grabbing its shoulder. The bird tilted its head back at him in wonder as if it were the most obvious thing. Kiryu could see the hunger in its expression, and the way that it looked back and forth between Kiryu and the dog.

"... Oh. Oh! No! You're not eating the dog! That's… That's just wrong. Let it go," Kiryu ordered, causing Nugget to narrow its eyes in reluctance, looking back down at the quaking beast under its talons longingly. "Nugget, don't you do it. If you're that hungry, I'll get you something to eat at the village."

Nugget let out a croak that sounded like a huff, taking its foot off the dog. The beast quickly scurried to its feet before limping away as fast as possible, Kiryu and Nugget watching it leave. "I knew you were a big eater, but… look, Nugget. That was… wrong on a few levels. Try not to eat any of our opponents when we win, alright? I'll feed you plenty when we finish here."

Nugget rolled its eyes before giving a nod in acceptance. Kiryu couldn't stop a sigh from escaping his mouth.

"That wasn't very convincing, but… I guess it'll do. Come on, let's see what other monsters are roaming around here."

Kiryu hauled a full sack of crystals over his shoulder. There was more than enough gems in the mountain for him to take without putting a dent in the sheer amount of crystals that sat in it. He could mine more later, if he so pleased. He made sure to stop on his way home and feed Nugget, the filolial taking a rest in the back of the modest house with a bowl to dig into.

Kiryu slowly opened the door, not wanting to disturb his hosts with too much noise.

"I already said no, Julius!"

Though from the volume of Melonie's voice, Kiryu doubted that he would be disturbing them at the moment.

"B-But please, Melonie! Working at the tavern…. It's… well-" He could hear Harken's voice shake, the mage apparently losing the argument.

"I like my job, Julius! I'm not going to quit now of all times because it makes you uncomfortable!"

"B-But the men that go through there and say such things…"

"It's nothing I can't handle! We're in a matriarchy, Julius. That should be easy enough to understand!"

… Maybe this isn't a good time to walk in… Kiryu thought to himself, half tempted to retreat back out the door before he was spotted.

"Ah, Kiryu! Good to see you!" Kiryu flinched ever so slightly, his eyes trailing up as he heard Melonie's overly sweet voice greeting him. "Don't be afraid! Julius and I were just having a calm, relaxing discussion."

"H-Hey, Kiryu…" Julius mumbled his greeting awkwardly.

"H-Hey… I can come back later…" Kiryu said, trying to escape.

"Oh, you don't have to worry! I'm about to head off to work for the night, anyway! Feel free to stay!" Melonie gave a thin smile, stomping her feet past Julius and gathering some of her effects from their dining room table. Kiryu and Julius watched as Melonie roughly snatched her things and bumped chairs out of her way without a care, even knocking one down. She smiled as she passed Kiryu before sending a small glare back at the mage before slamming the door behind her, causing both men to flinch. An awkward silence soon followed, with Julius rubbing his arm while Kiryu adjusted the sack over his shoulder.

"Uh… I got a lot of those crystals you told me about…"

"Oh, good… good…"

Another short silence. Kiryu coughed into his hand before moving to the table and setting the bag down. Harken moved to the living room, taking a seat by the fire and letting out a deep sigh.

Well that was… weird. Kiryu spared a short look back at the mage, feeling some pity for him and releasing a sigh. Maybe I should talk to him about it. Might be good for him to vent. Doesn't hurt to ask.

"Hey."

Harken looked up at Kiryu slowly, his eyes tired. "Y-Yes? O-Oh, my apologies you had to see that, it was… it was embarrassing."

"No kidding," Kiryu said, his bluntness making Julius cringe. "Sorry… if uh… you want to talk about it…"

"I… I don't know, Kiryu… it might be best if I just… sit here," Julius grumbled, rubbing a hand over his face.

"Come on. Why don't we grab a drink. It might help you loosen up a bit," Kiryu offered, crossing his arms as he leaned against the table. "You said there were two taverns in town, right? We could go to the one at the inn."

Julius pulled his hand away from his face, looking up at Kiryu with mixed feelings. Finally, he sighed and gave a small, reluctant smile.

"A drink sounds good right about now… maybe one won't hurt."

"H-How am I to blame, Kiryu?! You tell me! W-Why is it my fault that I'm concerned?!"

Kiryu felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek. When he offered to take Julius out, he imagined something more along the lines of a quiet night with a mug or two of beer, perhaps even some whiskey. What he instead got was Julius downing several mugs of wine in under half an hour, quickly getting blitzed before Kiryu could stop him.

"I'd… like to help you figure that out, Harken, but you haven't told me anything about what happened yet," Kiryu pointed out. He had thought it was best to get a couple drinks in before getting into deeper conversation. Kiryu now realized his mistake.

"K-Kiryu, wer-weren't you listening?! Sh-She's working at a-a tavern of all things! A-And I disapprove! I-Is that so wrong?" The mage slurred out.

"Ah, I see. What's your problem with it?" Kiryu asked, glad that they were finally getting somewhere.

"W-What do you mean?! T-That's hardly a… a respectable job for… for a lady of her caliber!"

"Even if that's true, she said she likes doing it," Kiryu said, taking a sip of whiskey before continuing. "If it makes her happy, let her do what she wants."

"B-But Ki-Kiryu! You-you don't get it! She… we… she just shouldn't!" Julius whined, slapping his hand on the bar.

"There's nothing wrong with serving at a bar. It's not glamorous, but it's not something terrible," Kiryu continued, leaning forward on the bar and narrowing his eyes at Julius. "I have a feeling that this is about something else."

Julius puckered his lips, his hands hovering around as he tried to find the bar and lean over it, almost laying his chest on it as he released a long, exaggerated sigh. "O-Okay, look… look… maybe, just maybe, there's… s-something else to this…"

"I thought I heard the old man say~ leave her Johnny, leave her~!"

Kiryu and Harken looked up as laughter and cheers sounded through the tavern. Standing on some makeshift stage at the head of the room was some villager, his face red as a tomato as he slurred out a song.

"O-Oh, Kiryu, this song is great! I love this song!" Julius sloppily clapped, looking at the Dragon of Dojima in excitement.

"Oi, Harken! Focus! What's really-"

"Tomorrow you will get your pay~ it's time for us to leave her~! Leave her Johnny, leave her~!"

The tavern boomed with song, drowning out Kiryu's words and causing him to sigh. Looking back up at the drunk singing on stage, Kiryu could admit that normally he'd be happy to see something like that. It reminded him a bit of karaoke, even if it didn't have a mic or music playing with it. But his current goal was to get Julius to spill the beans on his problems. It was hard to do that with the singing that distracted his friend from speaking.

"Hey, Harken-san. Let's get out of here," Kiryu said, gently grabbing his shoulder.

"Wha~t, why?! We-we're getting to the best part!" Harken whined, pouting up at Kiryu in disappointment.

"We're trying to talk, here. We can't do that if you keep getting distracted."

"I know~, but… but…" Harken's mouth opened like a fish, as if an idea suddenly came to him. "Oh! Oh! Kir-Kiryu, you should-should sing!"

"Me? But…You know I don't know any songs from this world," Kiryu pointed out, looking up at the stage in reluctance.

"Oh, that doesn't matter~! So long as-long as you're having fun… that's what matters! J-Just… sing what comes naturally! Everyone will-*burp*-will love it!" Julius pushed eagerly.

Kiryu looked back up at the stage as the singer began to finish, earning laughs and cheers again throughout the tavern. With a sigh, Kiryu took one last sip of his drink before slamming the cup back down on the bar.

"Alright, but we're finishing our talk when I'm done."

"That's the spirit! Do-do your best, Kiryu!" Julius clapped again, grinning dumbly as he watched Kiryu stand from his seat. He walked up to the stage, each of the patrons greeting him with shock and glee as they noticed it was their hero walking past. Kiryu stepped onto the small stage, turning around to face the small crowd.

"You're gonna sing for us, hero?!"

"Do your best!"

"Sing us somethin' great!"

"Hey, everyone…" Kiryu coughed into his hand, the crowd returning his greeting with cheers. "Look, I… I only know a song from… my land. I hope you don't mind."

The crowd gave support to his answer, ushering for him to start and waiting eagerly. Kiryu was at least relieved to hear that much. With a small sigh, he nodded and finally began. No ambience to help me out, but I can make this work. Kiryu stomped his foot, recalling the beat of the song to the best of his memory and clapping his hands together, making a rhythm for the others to follow.

(Yakuza 0 Ishin OST: Iji Sakura)

"A man with~ neither money or social status…

Does nothing but accept~ it as his destiny…

And work and die…"

Silence seemed to fall throughout the tavern, faces staring in awe and disbelief as Kiryu's silky smooth voice began to win them over, Harken included. Some even began to clap to the beat made by Kiryu, making the song intensify.

"Through this ugly, fleeting world… he stubbornly lives~

His body drips with sweat, yet he keeps working…

Without getting a short lived but precious meal~!

Yes, be obstinate, never give in, and let them bloom~!

The burning, bloodstained petals~!"

The entire tavern filled with praise, the patrons cheering him on as they tried to get into the song.

"Those flowers growing from the muddy water…

Are the cherry blossoms of his persistence~!"

Kiryu struck one final pose as the song came to an end. The crowd answered his finale with applause, putting a smile on Kiryu's face as he watched the entire tavern stand to its feet. He slowly stepped off the stage, receiving shoulder pats and praise from those he passed by, some asking him where the song came from. But as much as Kiryu wouldn't mind giving his audience some time, his focus went back to Julius. The drunken mage was still clapping for him.

"Bravo, Kiryu! Truly, I wasn't… I certainly wasn't expecting such a… beautiful singing voice! You shou-should hear Melonie, she's…. She's a bit tone deaf," Harken laughed as Kiryu took a seat next to him. "D-Don't tell her that, she'll be pretty upset…"

"I'll take your word for it," Kiryu chuckled, leaning forward on the bar. "Now, Harken. Tell me why you really don't want Melonie to work at the tavern."

Harken's smile fell, a reluctant, drunken frown spreading across his lips. "Well… maybe I should sing now…"

"Harken."

"A-Alright, fine!" Harken groaned, throwing his head back. "I just… I don't like… how s-some of those customers of hers… talk to her. They get a little too friendly…"

Kiryu raised a brow. "Oh. So you're jealous?"

"No! No I'm not! Maybe! Yes…" Harken went from loud to a reluctant grumble and exhaling. "Look… You know that we're… we're not actually… married, right?"

"I did notice her drop that info a few times…" Kiryu admitted, looking to the side. "She was making some obvious hints, if you didn't realize…"

"N-No, no… I knew…" Harken sunk further into his stool. "I just… I feel like… she deserves so much better… better than that tavern. Better than some washed out mage running a potions shop in this little village… she deserves the world, Kiryu."

Kiryu nodded in understanding, looking down at his now filled goblet of whiskey. "I see. You think you're not good enough."

"Of course not, Kiryu. If-If it wasn't for her, I would have… I would have sold those gauntlets you're wearing. I'd probably be selling high end potions on the black market, even. My name will forever be marked by the king in Melromac. I'm not… I'm no good." Harken said, his voice trailing off as he sunk into his arms on the bar.

Kiryu looked down at Harken's pathetic display, feeling sympathy for the man who took him in. He took a sip from his glass and released a breath.

"Maybe… Maybe all those things are true," Kiryu said, his words making Harken sink lower into his arms. "But I don't believe that you're no good. And neither does Melonie, obviously." Harken's head slowly raised, his eyes peering at Kiryu. "She saw the good man that you were rather than what that king marked you as. She made sure you didn't sink so low as all that. And because of that, you were able to summon me and save your village. I'd say that makes you a lot more than just a no good mage."

"Kiryu…"

"Do yourself a favor and propose to Melonie as soon as possible," Kiryu continued, his eyes drifting back to his cup. "You both love each other, it's obvious. She deserves better than to keep waiting for you to stop pitying yourself. So it's time for you to man up and do it already."

Harken looked at his hands, absorbing Kiryu's advice. The Dragon of Dojima gave him one small look before his eyes drifted back to his cup.

"And… take it from me. Waiting won't do you any favors," Kiryu said, his voice becoming quiet. "Because one day… something could happen, and… you lose that chance forever."

Harken's gaze moved back to Kiryu, the mage seeing the sullen expression on the former yakuza's face. A face that conveyed the personal experience in his words.

".. You went through quite a bit before coming here, huh?"

"... Yeah."

A silence fell between them. Harken inhaled a deep breath before nodding. "Okay. I'll… I'll do it."

Kiryu looked at him and smiled. "Good."

"Heh. Hey, how-how's about one last drink? For some courage to act?" Harken asked, holding up his goblet to Kiryu.

"Well… alright. One last drink," Kiryu held up his cup and clanked it against Harken's. "Cheers."

Harken tossed his head back and inhaled the wine, letting out a satisfied breath before smacking his lips. Kiryu set his cup down, looking at the mage next to him and opening his mouth to speak.

Only to watch as Harken fell out of his stool, flopping on his back and blacking out. Kiryu watched him for a moment in disbelief before letting out a sigh.

"I should have just taken him home…"

Kiryu woke feeling well rested. It had been some time since he drank alcohol, and he had the perfect amount the night before. He stood from his bed, rolling his shoulders and frame to wake his body up. Despite his good night of sleep, Kiryu needed to check on Harken. He had blacked out the previous night, and he needed to make sure that the mage remembered their conversation.

I just hope Melonie wasn't too upset when she saw him once she got home.

Kiryu pushed the door open slowly, entering the hall and moving toward the living room where Kiryu had left Harken on the couch.

"You… you mean it, Julius?"

Kiryu halted, hearing Melonie's voice filled with emotion.

"I do… I've been pathetic this whole time, and… you deserve better than that. That's why I won't be so pathetic anymore. I want to marry you, Melonie."

Kiryu smiled, relief filling him as he heard those words leave Harken's mouth.

"Oh, Julius!" Kiryu heard Melonie laugh and likely embrace him. "Yes! You know it's a yes!"

"G-Great! I… I'm so happy! I love you, Melonie."

"I love you too, Julius."

Kiryu turned around, feeling like his mission was accomplished. He could go through the back and check on Nugget, instead.

"Ah, Kiryu!" Kiryu raised a brow, turning around to see Harken and Melonie smiling at him, in each others arms. "I'm guessing you heard the news?"

"Heh, yeah. Congratulations, you two," Kiryu smirked at them.

"It was in no small part thanks to you, Kiryu. I wouldn't have gotten the courage to finally ask without you," Julius admitted, looking down at Melonie with a bright smile.

"Thanks for helping this stupid mage along," Melonie teased with a giggle, snuggling into his chest.

"I didn't do much. I just gave him the little push he needed," Kiryu said, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Oh, don't be so modest. In fact, as thanks, I do hope you'll be my best man, Kiryu." Harken said, causing Kiryu to raise a brow.

"That seems like a big responsibility, but… sure. I don't mind."

"Great! All that's left is the planning and getting some rings!" Harken said, looking at Melonie again. "Sorry I didn't have a ring for you, but I promise I'll get one soon."

"You better. Otherwise, the guys at the tavern will never stop chatting me up," Melonie smirked, causing Harken to flinch.

"W-Wait, you knew?!"

"Of course I did, idiot! I just wanted you to admit it instead of insulting my job! Which I'm keeping, by the way."

"I-I know… I won't make you quit. Not like I could," Harken laughed sheepishly, rubbing his head. "I'll make sure to get that ring soon enough."

"That shouldn't be a problem," Kiryu said, walking past them and picking up the sack of crystals he farmed. "I've got plenty to sell."

"K-Kiryu! I-I hadn't realized how much you had gathered!" Harken blanched, he and Melonie looking at the bag in awe. "A-Are you sure?"

"Consider it my wedding gift."

"Oh, Kiryu!" Melonie exclaimed, running up and hugging him tightly. "You're the best savior-slash-house guest we could ever have!"

"Heh. It's the least I could do." Kiryu pat her back.

"We'll never forget this, Kiryu!" Harken said, joining the hug in a show of emotion. Kiryu was beginning to feel a bit uncomfortable with two people hugging him, but decided to keep quiet.

All's well that ends well, I guess.

It had been a month since Kiryu's arrival in this world. He had spent the time either training, working with Nugget as a cart driver, and a few other things. He had integrated into Lute Village easily enough, appreciating the kindness of the villagers and his hosts. Speaking of his hosts, he found himself doing a lot of running around in preparation for their marriage, as Harken and Melonie planned to wed before the next Wave hit. As thanks, Julius was now treating him to a drink after a long day of errands.

"Did you lot hear? The Heroes are finally going to be summoned!"

Kiryu raised a brow when he heard one of the other patrons in the bar crowd.

"So it finally begins, eh? About time," Harken sighed, his eyes looking tired. "I just hope the Shield Hero doesn't experience too many problems."

"You did mention something about the Shield Hero before. You think he'll run into trouble?" Kiryu asked, glancing at his friend curiously.

"Considering I was framed and exiled for merely trying to support the Shield Hero's arrival? I have little doubt he will," Julius explained, his hands wringing around his mug. "The king's age has deteriorated his mind. He'd take the word of that corrupt Church of Three Heroes over his own counsel. I just hope that snake of a daughter doesn't add fuel to the fire."

"Is she that bad?"

"She's a spoiled brat that, left to her own devices, would ruin the entire kingdom should she have been chosen to succeed the throne. Thankfully, the queen could see that for herself. Still, there's plenty of damage that she can do on her own since she's still a princess," Julius continued, shaking his head. "If only the queen had stayed… but then again, had she, I doubt I would have met you. In which case, perhaps it's not so bad." Harken gave Kiryu a small smile.

Kiryu smirked back. "I guess some good things come with the bad."

"Yes, I suppose they do. Still… that Shield Hero may be in for a troubling time," Harken said, his gaze falling back to the mug in front of him. "But there's nothing I can do for him. And considering what trouble I got in, I doubt that it'll be any different for any that might try to help him as well. His future in this world will be bleak in the beginning, at the very least."

Kiryu's gaze fell away from him, unsure what to say. It seemed to be something that weighed on Harken, more than he had initially realized. Though this was one thing Kiryu couldn't really help with. Hopefully things for the Shield Hero don't end up too bad.

The doors to the tavern swung open, Kiryu and Harken looking back to see several knights enter. Kiryu turned fully to look at them when he noticed the young knight from before accompanying the troupe.

"That's him, sir! That's the hero who saved Lute from the bandits!" The young man called out in excitement, drawing the leading knight's attention to Kiryu. He was an older gentleman that Kiryu had never seen before, with a cleft chin and a thin handlebar mustache.

He looked down at Kiryu with a doubtful gaze. Scoffing, the man approached with several of his guard close behind. "So you're the man who saved this village, Kazuma Kiryu?"

"Who's asking?" Kiryu said, eyes narrowing at the knight. The tone of voice and expression that this man was addressing him with was enough to make Kiryu dislike him already.

"A royal knight captain of the Melromarc Kingdom! One who would be addressed with respect!" The man huffed, in no way helping his case when it came to making Kiryu like him.

"And what does a royal knight want?" Kiryu asked again, having no plans to show any sort of respect for his title. The knight's eye twitched in irritation, but he seemed to remember his station, coughing into his hand and snapping his fingers. The young knight, who now looked rather uncomfortable, quickly brought a scroll for him to take, the squad captain snatching it away before unfurling it.

"'You have been hereby invited by the King of Melromarc to the Capital. We are in search for adventurers and warriors alike who will join the parties of one the Three Heroes. The Hero of the Sword, the Hero of the Spear, and the Hero of the Bow. If you would so wish to help our Heroes save the kingdom, the King would-'"

"Wait a second," Kiryu interrupted him, causing Harken to look at him in alarm. "There are supposed to be Four Heroes, right? What about the Shield Hero?"

The knight only glared at him, looking back at the scroll. "'-would compensate you for your efforts as well as bring renown and glory to any willing and-'"

"I asked you a question." Kiryu demanded, his eyes narrowing.

"Kiryu, stop!" Harken whispered to him, grabbing his shoulder.

"The Shield Hero is not your concern!" The knight finally barked, growing impatient. "The summons is for the other Heroes. If you know what's best for you, you'll hold thy tongue!"

Kiryu had half a mind to stand up and make the man bite his own tongue. But the hand on his shoulder kept him at bay, not wanting to inconvenience Harken. Harken brought him here with the gauntlets, which he stole from the palace. If he took on too much attention, he might get a light shined on his friend by accident.

So Kiryu held back, reluctantly obeying his friend's wishes. "Fine. What else is there?"

The knight smirked triumphantly, something that tempted Kiryu even further into busting up his face. "I'm sure you got the gist of our summons. The kingdom has heard of your… 'deeds' here in Lute and decided to offer you a chance to work with the Heroes. What is your answer?"

"I'll pass," Kiryu answered immediately, causing the knight's eyes to widen. "I don't have any interest in joining their parties. I've got my own home to protect."

The young knight looked disappointed while the squad captain only huffed. "If you wish to let true glory pass you by, then by all means. You're only one among many who have been offered this chance, so don't think it makes you special."

"Then go and bother them. I'm trying to enjoy my drink." Kiryu turned back around to the bar, deciding that he had given the man enough of his time as it was.

The royal knight captain growled as he grit his teeth, but the young knight from Lute was quick to move to his side. "S-Sir! We still have others to summon today! We should be on our way…"

The squad captain glared at the young knight, but only huffed. "Fine. Let's not waste anymore of our time here, then. Move out, men!"

The knights soon left the bar, the young knight looking back at Kiryu in reluctance but soon following his orders. A quiet lingered in the tavern until the knights were completely gone. Once they were out of sight, voices bustled again.

Julius let out a breath of relief, looking at Kiryu. "You certainly don't mind pushing buttons."

"That knight was pissing me off. It's too bad, because that's a good kid in his squad," Kiryu said, looking down at his cup as he tilted the contents back and forth. "Hopefully he's not going to be held back by a guy like that."

"Yeah. I certainly wouldn't want him to be in charge of protecting Lute," Harken chuckled, earning a small smirk from Kiryu. "Though I have to say… I was wondering why you've been spending so much time training."

"Huh?" Kiryu looked back at him in wonder.

"You're planning to help defend against the Wave, right? You and Nugget," Julius pointed out, causing Kiryu to shrug.

"It seems like the obvious thing to do. This place is my home now, after all."

"No one here would disagree with you on that," Julius nodded, looking down at his cup again. "But if we're lucky… the Wave won't be focused on Lute."

"What do you mean 'focused'?" Kiryu asked, looking back at the mage in question.

"Well, while the Wave does attack across the country, it will usually focus upon a single area the most heavily. Sure, there might be a few beasts and monsters that drop by the village, but if the focus isn't near us, it's something that even a few peasants like us could handle."

Kiryu raised a brow, having several conflicting feelings about that idea. "I… sort of wish I knew that beforehand… but then again, it's better to be prepared, I suppose."

"Heh, my apologies. I just hadn't given it much thought lately. Especially with my wedding plans going on, you know?" Julius admitted, rubbing his head sheepishly.

"Fair enough. Well, we're both preparing for the worst in this case," Kiryu smirked, holding his cup out to Harken. "I'd say we're both ready for what may or may not come next."

"That we are," Harken laughed, toasting with Kiryu. The two took short swigs of their drinks, letting out a breath as they finished. "So, what kind of different bracers have you gathered?"

Kiryu paused, looking at Julius in confusion. "What do you mean?"

"Don't you remember, Kiryu? When we were going over your bracer's powers, I told you that you could add different materials to them that would expand your inventory and variety."

Kiryu stared at Julius for a long moment, his eyes and expression unreadable. He turned back to his drink slowly and looked at the contents. "I uh… might have forgotten about that."

Julius's lips pursed, looking at Kiryu with a mixture of disbelief and disappointment.

"Hey, cut me some slack. I had a lot to learn that day," Kiryu said, rubbing his neck sheepishly as he thought about his slip up.

"W-Well, I suppose that we did only cover it briefly…" Julius sighed, stroking his chin before smiling. "I know. Let's get out of here and gather a few things. We'll get started on opening up more branches for your bracers!"

"Alright. Thanks."

"Alright… that should do when it comes to materials, at least for now." Julius said, dropping a small stack of sticks in front of Kiryu. The two had returned to their home, with Nugget now standing next to the Dragon of Dojima as they watched the mage work. In front of them was the pile of sticks, a pile of rocks, and a small fire that the mage threw together with a spell.

"We're going to put all this… into the bracers?" Kiryu asked, quirking a brow.

"That's right. It should be a fairly simple task. Heck, if it works the way we want it to, we likely won't need all of it. I just grabbed extras in case there was a numbered requirement. We'll start with something simple. Here," Julius picked up one of the twigs, handing it to Kiryu. "Just put the twig to the gem on your gauntlets and think of absorbing it. Simple enough."

Kiryu shared a small look with Nugget, the filolial shrugging its feathery shoulders. Kiryu didn't say another word, taking the twig and holding it over the gem on his left arm. As Julius asked, he merely gave a thought to absorbing the twigs. Not a moment later, the gem glowed red. Kiryu's eyes widened, the former yakuza quickly dropping the twig into the gem.

The menu in Kiryu's eye immediately popped up, making him recoil in in shock. His fighting styles menu was shown, and a small branch was added to the Rush Style side. "I-It worked…"

"Great! What did you gain from it?" Julius asked excitedly. Kiryu tapped on it, the icon becoming bigger with its label appearing above.

Wood Gauntlets: Lightweight gauntlets that grant minor boosts in Power and Speed but minor loss in Defense. Minor increase in range for punches.

"Huh. A couple of small power ups and range but a loss in defense," Kiryu said, tapping the menu away. "How do I summon them?"

"Just think about it! Changing gauntlets should be almost as natural as changing fighting styles for you."

Kiryu nodded, looking down at his gauntlets and simply thinking of the alternate form. Not a moment later, light ignited around them, shifting them into a pair of wooden bracers, the armor looking more like bark rather than the metal plates they once were. Holding them up, Kiryu understood what the boosts did, his arms now feeling strangely lighter than before. When he curled his fists, wooden spikes suddenly sprouted from the knuckles, going out several inches.

"So that's what it meant by extending my range a bit. Not bad," Kiryu said, fascinated.

"The benefits will only get better the more you add to your arenal! And once you start adding more rare materials to them, the more powerful those benefits will become!" Julius explained, examining the gauntlets with great interest. "Come, let's add more to it!"

Kiryu did as he asked, picking up the rocks and a piece of burnt lumber and adding them to the gauntlet. Two branches soon sprouted on the menu.

Stone Gauntlets: Heavy gauntlets that grant minor boosts in Power and Defense, but a minor loss in Speed. Rock projectiles can be launched. Four projectiles total with a recharge time of thirty seconds.

Ember Gauntlets: Midweight gauntlets that grant a minor Fire effect to punches and kicks. Small chance of leaving targets with a magical burn effect that lasts five seconds.

Kiryu dismissed the menu again, holding his right arm up and watching it shift forms again, first going to the stone gauntlets. The plates were replaced with rocky edges, and on the knuckles were two protruding spikes each. Kiryu extended an arm, remembering the words and thought of them shooting out. On command, one of the spikes fired forward like a slingshot, sailing past Julius and digging into the trunk of a nearby tree.

"Simply incredible, Kiryu! Looks like you're starting to get it!" Julius praised, grinning at the former yakuza. Nugget moved next to him, nodding its head up and down in approval, eyes shining with curiosity as it looked a bit closer at his newly changed gauntlets.

"Amazing… this thing can do way more than I realized…" Kiryu muttered, looking down at his arms as he shifted them to the Ember gauntlets. The stony edges transformed into what looked like burning bark, an interesting visual effect now spread across the gauntlets like that of a dying wood fire. He started to shadow box, getting a feel for the gauntlets. He noted that the sparks that came from these gauntlets weren't affected by the style aura that naturally surrounded his gauntlets when getting activated.

"There are so many possibilities you can achieve with these gauntlets, Kiryu. You can even absorb the skin, teeth or bones of demons and beasts that you defeat and add them to your arsenal as well!"

"Really? That works, too?" Kiryu said, sparing a look at Nugget. He raised a hand and plucked a feather from the bird's back, though it didn't seem to notice as it tilted its head curiously. He added the feather to his gauntlet, the menu once again popping up.

Demon Trainer Gauntlets: Boosts the development of Demons (small)

"Huh. That's strange," Kiryu commented, holding his chin in thought. "Nugget's feather only gave me something called the Demon Trainer Gauntlets that'll help him grow, I guess."

"Ah, yes. Another useful aspect of your bracers is the fact that the benefits won't always be to stats. Some will benefit other aspects of your being like repairing things, training demons as you can see, and much more. Even outside of combat, they can be very useful."

"That wasn't something I was expecting at all. These things get more complicated by the moment," Kiryu hummed, but nodded. "Still, you're right. Now I can use them for a lot more than I was expecting."

"Exactly! Now, I know you do a lot of your training in the mountain, but perhaps consider going into the forest to train as well," Julius suggested, motioning past the town. "There are plenty of beasts in it that you can get different forms from slaying as well. The more you have, the more potential you'll unlock!"

"Alright, I'll keep that in mind," Kiryu nodded, dismissing the gauntlets into their smaller form before looking up at the black filolial. "Come on, Nugget. We're going to the mountain first since we know most of what's up there. We'll gather materials from beasts up there."

"Pewa!" Nugget cawed in approval, moving to stand next to Kiryu.

"Thanks, Harken. This will definitely help me improve with these things," Kiryu said, giving a small bow of his head in appreciation.

"Think nothing of it. If anything, I'm investing in the protector of Lute above all else," Julius smiled, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Alright, then. I'm off with Nugget," Kiryu turned around, grabbing Nugget's harness off a nearby post and setting it on the bird's back. "By the way, don't forget to buy those tables today. Melonie will throw a fit."

"Right, of course. I'll take care of it," Julius laughed, watching as Kiryu mounted Nugget and was beginning to trot off. That was when a thought suddenly came to him, the mage quickly extending an arm. "W-Wait, Kiryu! I forgot that I…" Before he could stop them, Kiryu and Nugget took off, leaving Julius in a depressed state.

"I… needed Nugget to help haul the cart around…"

To be continued…

Thanks goes to my beta chidoriprime for helping me clean up the chapter as usual :)

Alright, that's a rap! Sorry if this chapter seemed a bit mundane. Wanted to get a few things out of the way before we really link up with the main story of Shield Hero. The first meeting is rapidly approaching, so expect that soon enough!

Also, in case some missed that reference during the tavern scene, the song that the drunk is singing before Kiryu sings is from Assassin's Creed: Black Flag (the only AC that I actually like haha). They had some good sea shanties :P

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