There are many kinds of heroes throughout history, and even in today's modern world. Some heroes did it for fame, for honor, for love, for greed, for power, and for duty. But not us. For we are the unsung heroes. For we are the ones who cross the line for the many, can find salvation. For it is our duty to protect the people from invaders and, at times, themselves.
Hello, my Fellow Readers! I apologize for such a long delay. I originally wanted to post chapter 3 in December or earlyJanuary. However, things came up in life and I had to prioritize it first before I could start writing again. Again sorry for the delay and I'm glad to gain some positive reviews from you, fellow readers, of your thoughts on my second chapter so far. It's enlightening to hear your response to your ideas and feedback on my chapters. It helps me to be more motivated to create stories. Again thanks for the review and before we began.
To CAD270895: For appearance, Hunk looks exactly like his counterpart in the Resident Evil 2 Remake. I also describe his Black op gear in the first chapter too.
ErrorDataExpunged: I actually have two beta who look at my chapters before I post them. I also use Grammarly before I send my work to the betas too.
I do not own Rising of the Shield Hero or any other franchise's material that I used in my story. They belong to their rightful owners and publishers. The only thing that I do own is my OC (Own Characters). Other than that, let the story begin. Rated M.
Flashback would be all italicized.
'Thoughts would be italicized with Apostrophe.'
"Speaking would be a quotation."
"Video wold be underline and italicized."
Chapter 3 Operation Good Neighbor
2200 hour, Melromarc, Castle Town, a block away from Angel Inn
(POV Third person)
'Oh, how I love it when a plan comes together perfectly.'
The redhead adventurer, Myne or otherwise known as Malty S Melromarc, smirked as she walked across the evening streets.
After talking with the nun to start the plan to frame the naive Shield Hero, Malty couldn't help but laugh to herself as an hour passed for the foolish Shield Hero to finally go to sleep. Now she could start the plan that would ruin his so-called adventure.
Oh, it was so easy to fool that naive Shielder, believing her, sweet innocent Melty, would be on his side in every step of the way. In fact, he is but a means to an end for my ascension to the throne. Helping the religious fanatics bring all the four heroes into our kingdom was tricky but with my word alone. My dear old daddy agreed so readily to summon all four heroes for the sake of our world or rather my soon-to-be kingdom. Once the four heroes were summoned, the church would plant agents in their party. Afterward we will guide them into being whatever the Three Heroes Church wants the three heroes to be as our supposed savior. While ruining the Shield Hero in the process by labeling him a criminal to the rest of the Melromarc. We'll also deprive the filthy Demi-humans of their so-called god to add insult to their injury. As an added bonus, the kingdom gets to ruin the Shielder's reputation across the land, if not the world. Oh, this is just simply delightful; it just brings a shiver down my spine.
As for my so-called mother and my sweet little sister, who stole my rightful birthright, they are probably still in the Kingdom of Faubrey. Probably having meetings with the other kingdoms in order to summon which heroes, only to find out that we have gathered all four of them here. Oh, will they get executed for breaking the treaty? Oh hopefully not! Zeltoble would likely make them into slaves for their crime, which is even better!
Oh, once Melromarc with the church aids will be rightfully mine in a couple of months with the waves ravaging the other kingdoms to the point that they will be unable to defend themselves due to exhaustion of manpower against the Wave of Catastrophe. Send my new loyal shadows to Zeltoble to look and buy my mother and little sister as slaves. So she could do whatever she wanted to them. Oh, it would be so delightful to put my so-called mother in her place. As for my little sister, decisions, decisions, only time will tell, but it will be so fun to break her. Giggling to herself while thinking of such ideas, she skipped a beat out of glee.
As for the final nail in the coffin for my loveable father... he will fall in battle by the hand of the Shield Hero, which myfather will become a martyr for our kingdom. Standing up against the Shield- no, the Shield Demon, with the Shield Hero forever be hated and forgotten in the pages of history.
Suddenly, Malty stopped on track as she just thought of something…why stop there in ruling Melromarc when she could rule the whole world! With the Three Heroes Church aiding her and the other three heroes, once she wraps them around her little fingers, nothing can stand in her way.
Speaking of heroes, or rather one particular Hero, the Bow Hero has yet to be found. The whole kingdom is still searching for said Hero. No use in crying over spilled milk. The Bow Hero will eventually be found and be swayed to our cause. If not… well she could just break him like she has done to others before. Besides, what can one hero do against her kingdom and underlings?
Almost reaching her destination, Malty couldn't help but smirk. 'Once everything is in place. I will bring this whole world down to their knee as they bow before its new ruler, as I, Queen Malty S Melromarc, will usher in a new world order or-'
*BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM*
Shook from hearing an explosion in the middle of the night, she stopped in her tracks trying to see where it came from. Only to realize it came directly from….
Malty's eyes widened as she ran towards the inn to realize the explosion came directly from Angel Inn. Once she got there, the kingdom mages were casting water spells to put out the fire on the inn's second floor. Right where the naïve fool… was sleeping!
Shocked by what had happened, I barely heard the peasants' bits and pieces of what caused the fire. Saying some shadow had lit a firebomb on the top floor, while others said they saw some Zeltoble assassins who kidnapped the Shield Hero, and so forth. As for herself, she was shaking not out of fear but rage. Her entire plan went up in flames! The foolishness of a Shield Demon! GONE!
Malty lowered her head for a bit with her shoulder shaking. She looked up to the night sky and-
0600 hour, Melromarc, Castle Town, commercial district, Magic Shop Safe Room
(POV Naofumi)
"Zzzzzz~…Zzzz-…Huh?"
I rose from my slumber woozy from whatever hit me last night. Looking around my surroundings so far, I'm on a bed with the blanket falling down my side. As for my vision, still blurry, but goddam, my head hurts. Rubbing my head to get a better grip on what just happened to me, I just realized I wasn't alone.
"I see you're finally awake, sleeping beauty."
Surprised to hear the voice, I turned to see who said it, as my eyes were becoming more forced. Finally able to see properly, was-
"IT'S YOU!?" I shouted out as I jumped out of bed I was on, pointing my finger at my abductor. Getting a better look at him, he was sitting on a crate. With his gun on his side, a gem on the handle of all things. My kidnaper was wearing full black ops gears with pouches and pieces of equipment over his uniform. Must of all, I remember his glazing red eyes gas mask before everything went black. Before I could yell at him any further, he cut me off with a dry laugh.
"Is that any way to treat your savior, kiddo?"
"SAVIOR!? SAVE ME!? YOU KIDNAP ME FROM THE INN!?" I shouted at him more, but before I could say anything else, I heard a muffled snicker in the room. Hear it, I just realized that myself and the OPS soldier weren't alone in the room. Turning to the source, my jaw dropped as I saw a child but not any human child. No, it is a squirrel girl, a real living beastkin with her squirrel ears and her big fluffy tail. As she saw my expression, she tried to hold it in. She really tried. But alas, she couldn't hold it in any longer.
"BRUF-AH HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!"
The squirrel girl laughed while holding her stomach, her tail was sweeping back and forth, and her furry ears twitched once in a while. Indicating that she was, in fact, a real living beastkin and not wearing any attachment costume. Seeing how the child was laughing at my own expense, I blushed out of embarrassment as I rubbed my back head, not knowing what to do in this situation. Looking around the room, I realized another person was in the room with us.
On another bed sat a woman in her early twenties wearing plain pants and a shirt. Her face is gorgeous with blue eyes and pink hair with a bang that swirls down on the right side of her face giving a unique hairstyle for her. Seeing her gaze, I noticed she might be observing me if her slight smirk indicated my blunder earlier. However, seeing her eyes, I could tell as if she was lost in thoughts about something else.
Before I could ask what the hell was going on, I heard a stone moving behind me. Turning my head around, I saw the brick wall sliding to the side as a middle-aged witch came inside the room. Seeing I was wide awake, she smiled at me, giving me a motherly vibe. "Oh, thank goodness you're awake, Shield Hero! How are you feeling, dear? Are you feeling any light headedness? Feeling any soreness?" The motherly witch asked, walking towards me.
"I'm feeling alright, just a bit light headed. No thanks to you!" I shouted while pointing my finger towards my accuser as said person gave me a mock salute. That bastard… "Other than that. No worries, I'll walk it off. Thanks for your consideration, miss…?"
"Ah, where are my manners." The witch scolded herself before reintroducing herself with a polite bow. "My name is Miriel, and I own this fine magic shop that you find yourself in, or more precisely in my safe room. The other person sitting on the other bed is Eclair Seaetto, a noblewoman and a knight of Melromarc." Waver her hand toward the rose hair knight, who nodded to me.
Then she pointed at the squirrel girl, who finished off her laughter as she wiped a tear off her eyes and smiled at me. "This little one is Makoto Nanaya, a demi-human if her appearance didn't give her away." Miriel said as she came behind the squirrel girl and petted her head. Then turned toward me and asked. "And your name, dear Shield Hero?"
"Thank you, Miriel, and my name is Naofumi Iwatani." Replied back to her with a smile. Even though I was kidnapped by that black ops person and cautious of my surroundings with strangers that I hardly knew. Yet, Miriel's motherly atmosphere managed to calm me down somewhat without going into a full-blown panic.
"Not a problem, dear, and do you prefer I call you by your title or your name?"
"By name, please, I would very much appreciate it Miriel."
"I understand Naofumi. Now that we got our introduction out of the way. I believe you have some questions about why Hunk and I did what we did to save you. Am I right Naofumi?"
Hunk? Taking a glance at the black ops soldier across from me. 'Is that his name or his call sign?' I thought to myself before turning towards Miriel, who took a seat on a chair as I replied. "Yes. That is one of the reasons, but what do you mean by saving me? Save me from what exactly."
"Why my own home kingdom of course, Melromarc."
What?
"What? What do you mean by your own kingdom? The people of Melromarc summoned us heroes to fight off the Wave of Catastrophe? That's what the king said to the other two heroes and me in the royal chamber?" I asked Miriel only to receive a look of sympathy from her.
"I was afraid of this." Miriel closed her eyes with a resigned look before looking up again and continuing. "You're not wrong dear. However, the king or his advisors failed to tell you that the wave is not just in the Kingdom Melromarc but the whole world.
What?
"Not only that but for the Shield Hero to be summoned here. In this kingdom is even worse because the religion sees the Shield Hero as the reincarnation of the devil."
WHAT!?
"Wh-what do you mean the wave is happening all over the world! What do you mean this kingdom religion sees me as the devil!" Shouting out my concern towards Miriel. If what the shopkeeper is saying is true. Then why did the kingdom summon me to see me only as a devil towards their faith? Why was I summoned into this kingdom in the first place!
Miriel closes her eyes to gather her thoughts before opening them up. "Well to begin, you need to know that ther-"
(POV Hunk)
Seeing Miriel giving Naofumi the complete explanation of her worlds, the Waves of Catastrophe, her kingdom politics, the Three Hero Church, and any vital information that the king or any of his followers may have left out in their meeting in the throne room.
'The kid's going to need all the help he's going to get with the shit storm that will approach from here on out.' As I thought to myself, watching Miriel explain everything to the kid.
Looking to my right, I saw Makoto sitting next to Eclair, who started to listen into the conversation between the witch and the Shielder. Glad to see she finally awoke from the drug that knocked her out when returning with the VIP from last night's operation.
Must operations that start now with a deadline being tomorrow without preparation ahead of time and with little info can lead to many risks. I rather not go in gun blazing like most amateurs would do. Fortunately for us, Miriel knows some people that can help us, especially those she had the displeasure of knowing.
Flashback began
1500 hour, Melromarc, Castle Town, slums
(POV third person)
Castle Town may look like a shining beacon of a kingdom in remembrance. For all its accomplishment for its Citizens to live in prosperity, but for whom? From the outside, it shows its visitors and guests it's shining gem on the surface. However, it tells a different story in one of the kingdom districts lies the slums. Where the poor, the desperate, the criminals, and any unsavory individuals live. With buildings slowly decaying from disrepair and filth litter the roads with only a few people roaming aimlessly with no destination. The children on the side begging for coins to feed their little stomachs.
On the side of a run-down building lay a human child, no older than nine, sitting down with his arm raised, begging for coins as a person walked past him, ignoring the child blight. Looking down with no success until a hand with a couple of silver coins was in his sight. The child smiled as he looked to only turn to horror as the person who was offering the coins was an inquisition. Without a second thought, the child bolted from his spot and ran in terror, not wanting to be taken by the church inquisition.
He heard dark tales from grown-ups about what they do to kids like him. He even saw firsthand experiences of what they did to poor Trish. To this day, he still has nightmares. Sadly those are the lucky ones that some inquisition will do, those who were not so fortunate… he prayed for their Swift end. The number one rule in the slum of Melromarc was to never gain the attention of the Three Hero Church, especially their inquisition.
As the child ran for his life, not turning around to see if the inquisition was chasing him. If he had just looked into the inquisition eyes, he would have seen the man's eyes were sympathetic towards his blight.
As the inquisition saw the child fade in the distance, his left hand gripped hard before he shocked his head before continuing towards his destination. As he walked, he noticed people were fearful of him, with some walking faster while others looked the other way, trying not to get his attention. As the lone inquisitor walked, he made sure he wasn't followed until he found his destination, a dead-end.
Before he could turn around, he sensed something behind him. He twisted his head around to be greeted by a couple of thugs with hoods covering their bodies, one of them being the ringleader, that is twice his men's size. The only noticeable feature he was able to see under the ringleader's hood was his three claw mark scars on his left cheek.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here? A lost inquisition out on his own, under my own turf." Scarface said as he started cracking his knuckles with his boys, raising their weapons toward the lone church dog.
The lone inquisition tossed something towards the leader without a word, as said leader caught it. He looked at it, recognizing it as a medallion. However, it wasn't just any medallion but a symbol that the leader knew all too well. Raising his hand to hold off his men from ganging up on the inquisition. As the ringleader stared at the inquisition until he said. "As the false dust fades."
"Only the warm embrace of the abyss will guide us home." Replied the lone inquisitor.
After hearing it, Scarface looked up on the rooftop and gave the Signal to back off. Soon, some of his men aiming their bows on the rooftop lowered their arrows as they back off and left to parts unknown.
"Follow me then lone inquisitor. My boys will keep any shadows and the church lap dogs off us."
The inquisition nodded as he followed Scarface and his men walked down a couple of blocks to lose anyone following them. Until they reach a dark alley with a building on the side with stairs that lead to an underground bar. Once entering the bar, the atmosphere went silent with all eyes on the lone inquisition. With distaste in their eyes, a few were reaching out their weapons in case things escalated. Fortunately, Scarface stepped forward and raised his hand with the medallion, drastically changing the atmosphere. Everyone went back to whatever they were doing. Looking at the bartender, the bartender nodded his head towards the basement. Nothing else, they walked down towards the basement, and once there, people were gambling until they saw us. Before they could say anything, Scarface said, "Open the abyss. We have a customer here."
Nodding at the leader, a female sorceress from the group walked up to a wall and her finger glowed as she drew an unseen sign before the wall opened up. One opened the ringleader nod his head towards the intuition to enter. Without hesitation, the lone inquisitor entered the open passage with the other soon followed. Walking through the passage for a while until they finally reach their destination.
It was a big chamber-like room lit with torches across the room walls and pillars. Crates filled with all suits of items, weapons, armors, and even other rare items. However, most of these goods are probably illegal or stolen. After all, this is the place for pouches one needs in the black market, including other stuff.
Walking towards the center lay a man in a black hood robe with only his face barely seen. He sat on a chair-like throne as he read some logs on his desk before looking up upon us. Smirking as he stood up with hands stretched-out as if showing off his goods.
"Greeting my fellow customer. Welcome to the abyss. I am your humble dealer Mordred, at your humble services. What can I be of service to you? We have never gotten an inquisition down here in our lowly abode, or rather, should I say the Bow Hero."
"You must be mistaken. The Bow Hero is still out at large? Even if I was, what makes you think I'm him? In fact, the Bow Hero could be a girl or a demi-human for all we know?"
The leader of the black rub only smirked at the response, "Sure, whatever floats your boat dear inquisition. Nevertheless, what are you here, my dear customers? Are you here for weapons? Or rare items? Or maybe…" as Mordred trailed off with a grin "information's?"
"I need information on what the church and the first princess whore are planning against the Shield Hero." The inquisition, or rather Hunk asked.
Everyone in the room went silent, as all of the guards in the chamber were shocked at what Hunk said. Not the church but rather what he called the first princess, even though they agreed wholeheartedly. Mordred was quiet as he lowered his head down for a minute until his shoulder started to shake. Until he went into full-blown laughter while Scarface was smirking at the insult to the first princess.
"I think I may be starting to like you." Mordred said, catching his breath. " I may have the information you may be seeking, but what are you willing to offer me for said information?"
Without a second thought, Hunk opened the bag he was carrying and laid down the inquisition gears he acquired on his first day on the job.
"I believe you could use these gears for better use in your operation if the time ever calls for it, and also…" Reaching into his jacket, some of the gourds were on high alert until Mordred raised his hand to stand down. As Hunk pulled out an envelope and handed it to Mordred to read it.
Mordred opened the letter to see who it was from before his eyes widened, and he went into another laughing fit. Calming down a bet, he wiped out a tear in his eyes as he replied. "Well looks like that adorable witch is calling in that favor I own her."
"Very well, I will tell you what I know so far. My Sources told me that the church will have a secret meeting with whore to frame the Shield Hero of rape, which will ruin the Shield Hero's reputation in this kingdom."
"Why would they frame him of rape?"
"Because my dear lone Inquisitor, rape is the highest crime here in this kingdom especially said kingdom is ruled by a matriarch and not a monarch, which means the women have more influence than men. But only to a certain degree, of course. However, if any crime is dealt on a female populace, the crime can be quite severe depending on the said crime, but for a rape crime? Must I say more?"
"…I see. I take it the church and whore will fabricate false evidence to frame the Shield Hero of said crime without a fair trial. They wouldn't try to execute said hero would they?
"Usually if any man rapes a woman in this country, it would lead to execution. But for the Shield Hero? They would likely ruin his reputation and spread his action across the land, making him a parasite of this kingdom. With the likelihood of not gaining any aid, sympathy, and support whatsoever."
"Do you know when and where the meeting will take place?"
"From what I gain from my sources, it will occur at night at the back alley of a brothel called A Midsummer Night's Dream."
"And the inn they will be staying at?"
"Likely place would be Angel Inn because it's the only Inn close to the brothel where the meeting will take place."
After Mordred said his piece. Hunk thought of a plan before an idea was formed. He asked, "Is it possible for you and your men to give out false rumors for what I'm about to do when I get the Shield Hero out of the mess for when all hell breaks loose?"
Mordred leans forward with a grin, "Tell me more."
And so, a plan was formed.
After all, business was settled, Mordred had his men escort Hunk out of the chamber with only him, Scarface, and his guards left. Scarface looked at his leader and asked. "For a Hero, he acts more of an assassin of Zeltoble than those records have painted them as honor-bound heroes."
"For the other heroes, maybe, but I would like to have all my facts before making my final judgment on the other three heroes. Whether the legends say what they truly are or not. After all, history is always written by the victor. Scholars would write about them in the brightest of pictures of perfection without their faults or what's not." Said Mordred before looking up to his right-hand man with a mad grin. "And yet Hun. The Bow Hero throughout our history has always been the biggest mystery of the three when they were always summoned, no?"
"Point taken boss. From what little the church didn't temper or any bull-crap scholars that had written about the past Bow Heroes that I read was that they play by their own rules or butts heads with the world structures." Hun said to his boss.
"True, which is precisely what Melromarc needs. Not a Hero in shining armor who only sees the world as black and white. But a hero who is willing to do whatever it takes in the shadows of this world. Even if it means getting their hands dirty." Mordred said as his grin turned serious as he began to write a letter, "And it looks like our time to act as come."
"Boss, while you were setting up the plan for the operation. I read the letter. Are you going to use your connections to look for the inhabitants of Lurolona Village?"
"Yes. I owe a debt to Alexander, God rest his soul, and Miriel is calling in a debt I own her. How I see it, I'm killing two birds with one stone." Mordred finishes up his letter before signaling one of his men to come over here. "Give this to Beloukas, his eyes only."
Receiving a nod as his man left the chamber. He turns towards Hun with grave importance. "Hun, after this operation is over, I need your best shadows to deliver this message as quickly as possible." Handing the letter with a symbol surprised Hun for a second until he understood what it meant.
"I will not fail you, Mordred." Hun bowed as he took the letter and headed out.
Mordred relaxed for a bit, absorbing today's meeting before opening his eyes with purpose and hatred, 'Patient is a virtue. But now, the piece that we have been waiting for has arrived. Everything is in place. And when this is all over. We will have our revenge.'
2000 hour, Melromarc, Castle Town, Angel Inn
'There's my target.' Hunk thought to himself, seeing the Shield hero who had just arrived at the inn entrance. His facial is that of Asian descent being around his early twenties. The kid has messy black spike hair and green eyes. His gear looks like a chainmail coat, with dark brown pants, and boots. Most of all, the symbol of his heroism is the shield attached to his right arm.
As for his said partner. 'Malty, the first princess of Melromarc.' Looking at critical eyes, he could tell her caring expression and innocence were all an act at first glance. He dealt with people like them before, always thinking they could get whatever they wanted with no consequences whatsoever. Always believing they are on the high ground that nothing can reach them. Oh, he going to take great pleasure in ruining her plans tonight.
As Hunk waited, wearing a full-body hood to keep up his disguise, he sat at the bar and waited to get into earshot range from the innkeeper. He was rewarded when the in keeper gave the key and the room number to the kids, and soon they sat a couple seats away from him as they ordered their food. See them distracted. Hunk drank his ale before laying the empty cup down, putting down five silver coins before heading towards the room he paid earlier as he went upstairs. However, instead of going to his room, he went to the Shield Hero's room. Seeing the correct number, Hunk took out his lock pick kit, and with ease, he opened the door. Once inside, he looked around the room and saw the shield kid's stuff. Without hesitation, he stores them in his inventory for safekeeping.
[Requip Black OPS gear]
Hunk gave a silent order, and silence flashed later. Hunk was in his old gear. Nodding to himself, he began to set up bombs he gained from the abyss black market. Luckily he managed to put a timer on them but would start the countdown once he got his target. Luckily he wouldn't have to wait that long as he heard movement outside.
Quietly hiding in the closet as he took out the cloth with chloroform. As he waited, the door finally opened and closed as he saw his target walking towards the bed. With stealth, he slowly walked towards the objective and with skills. He grabbed the kid and placed the cloth on his face. The kid tried to fight, but it was already too late. The drug was already kicking in. Has the kid started to lose focus as he turned toward me.
And my response, "You'll thank me for this kid. When you wake up. We have a lot to discuss." With that, the kid was out like a light.
Nodding at my work, Hunk placed the hood on him and started the count down on the timer for the bombs. With everything set, he sets the final touches. He took a mask. A mask symbolizes the assassin's allegiance towards the Zeltoble, placing it under the bed to give off a false trail. With everything set, he opened the windows. Hunk jumped out of the seconded floor and landed with a silent grunt in the back alleyway without hesitation. Hunk walked towards his final objective under the cover of night while carrying the kid over his shoulder. He took the back way and headed to A Midsummer Night's Dream. Strange how William Shakespeare plays is the name of a brothel here. A coincidence? Who knows?
As he headed towards the brothel, he heard the expulsion. As he knows his object is almost completed, he just needs to care for one more thing. Finally reaching the back alleyway of the brothel, he looked around to make sure it was clear, and when it was, he walked towards a crate of boxes with a slight crack hole at the bottom left side. Opening it up, he saw his cell phone leaning on the crack hole. Picking it up, he checked the video. He liked what he saw.
"GGGRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
…
"For a whore. She screamed pretty good." Hunk said, turning towards the sound of her screaming. Turning to the items of importance, he placed his phone into his inventory and headed back to his rendezvous to call this mission, Operation Good Neighbor, a success.
Flashback ends
(POV Hunk)
"-are there any other questions you want to ask Naofumi?" Miriel finished her exploitation, snapping out my thoughts from last night's operation. Looking toward the kid, I could tell he was having difficulty digesting a load of information. His eyes held denial, especially finding out his partner Myne was actually the princess Malty. Who is plotting to ruin his life and reputation in this kingdom.
Finding his voice, he shouted out his denial. "Ar-are you telling me that the King, the church, Myne has been plotting this from the very start to backstabbing just because of the Shield Hero? THIS IS FUCKING BULLSHIT!"
with a sad face Miriel tried console Naofumi "I wish I knew how you fe-"
"YOU DON'T KNOW I FEEL! IN FACT, HOW DO I KNOW YOU'RE TELLING ME THE TRUTH!? FOR ALL I KNOW, YOU COULD BE LYING TO ME!? MYNE AND THE KING'S MEN MAY BE LOOKING FOR ME!? Naofumi shouted out of anger and confusion.
"HOW DARE YOU ACCUSE MIRIEL! WHO HAS BEEN A SECOND MOTHER TO ME TO ONLY CALL HER A BRIGAND LIER!" Eclair shouted out as she stood up off the bed with anger. While Makoto stood on the sideline, afraid this may lead to a full-blown shouting match.
"OH YEAH! YOU COULD BE AN ESCAPED PRISONER FOR A CRIME THAT YOU COULD HAVE TRULY COMMITTED AND A NOBLE, AS MIRIEL SAID!"
"WHY THE NERVE OF YOU! HOW DARE YOU SLANDER MY FAMILY NAME! IF IT WON'T FOR SIR HUNK RESCUING ME AND MIKOTO IN THE CASTLE DUNGEON! WE WOULD HAVE BEEN…" Eclair trailed off as she grabbed herself to stop the shivering thought of what could have happened three days ago at the dungeon.
Naofumi didn't know what she meant until Miriel said what the inquisitions could get away with due to their connection to the church. Putting the pieces together, it finally clicks. His eyes widened at what she meant, what could have happened to her and Makoto.
"ENOUGH!" I shouted, catching all parties towards me.
"What you said kid, you do have some points to be suspicious of us, but if you want proof kid. About the whole façade and who Myne really is. Look no further than but see it with your own eyes."
[Requip Bow Video.]
I commanded my gem gun to transform into a mixture of a crossbow and a camera with a gem being placed on the sight. The gem lightened up as a screen appeared in front of him.
The kid was surprised, same as the others in the room. Before the kid could say anything, the screen changed to a first-person view.
The night vision was on as it was angled, hidden inside the crate with a hole leaning on as it was recording. Soon enough, Myne came into view and waited in the alley. Surprisingly the kid on what his partner was doing there of all places a nun came along with two inquisitions following behind her.
"Is everything set, princess Malty?" The nun said to Myne.
"Of course, what do you take me for? Some peasant." Myne, or Malty now, showing her true color said.
"Of course, I would never do such a thing, Princess Malty. However, the church, especially the high priest, wants to know if you got everything set for the downfall of Shield Demon?"
"I already got him wrapped around my little fingers. That incompetent fool believes that I am on his side. *Giggling* He was so easy to fool, and soon once he is asleep, I'll steal everything from him and run towards the Spear Hero, crying out of fear after being raped by the Shield Hero. And in the morning, the castle gourds will drag him towards the throne room. At the same time, your inquisitions will place false evidence in his room, which will be the final nail in the coffin to ruin his life and reputation across Melromarc." Malty finished summarizing the plan with a nasty smirk.
"Perfect princess, that's all the high priest wanted to know. We can't kill the Shield Demon yet. However, what we can at least do is ruin his reputation and make him weak."
"True, but I hope you keep your end of the bargain once this is all over and I become next in line to the throne?"
"Of course, Princess Malty. God rewards those faithful to his cause, and you'll become the next queen of Melromarc, no exception my princess." The nun said as she bowed toward her.
"True, but what about that bitch of my mother and the brat that stole my throne from me?"
"Don't worry princess. The time will come when they must pay for their sins."
"True, true. Anyway, I must return to the inn to begin the downfall of that sweet innocent fool."
"Understood Princess Malty and may the Three Hero Church bless you in your endeavors." The nun bowed one last time before signaling the inquisitions they were leavening.
With that, I willed the video to end. Looking at the audience, I saw Makoto with a look of shock, while Eclair was enraged at what she saw. Miriel was hard to read, but if I have to guess, she was angry at both the church's plot and whore's scheme to claim the throne. Naofumi had the worst of them all.
I saw his face form many emotions, from shock to confusion to acceptance. After acceptance led to anger but soon turned to sorrow and finally despair. Seeing him going through all these emotions is never a good sign. It could lead to a dangerous road, if not darker. Walking toward the kid, I place my hand on his shoulder. He looked towards me for some form of guidance, and I gave it to him.
"Shack of your funk kid. Not everyone is against you."
"…Oh yeah, how would you know?"
Nodding my head towards the other in the room, the kid looked towards them as I continued, "They're here to help you, and not only that, but they believe in you."
"But this is their first time meeting me? Hell, they scarcely know me? And after my outburst…."
"They don't blame you for losing your cool. They get that your whole world was flipped upside down. Also, word of advice, first impressions are important, kid. One must always determine which one is friend and which one is foe. Not by word. But by their own action can one tell if a person can be trusted."
"I…"
"If that's not enough, then think of it this way kid. How do you know when you're trying to make a friend? How do you know if said friend is trustworthy, or is just pertaining until they backstab you later? The answer is you don't. Bonds are built over time, and if it happens, it happens. All you know is that they are undeserving of your trust."
"…"
"Don't let this one experience taint your thoughts into thinking you are on your own. That nobody can't be trusted, or the world is against you. It will only lead you to dig yourself a shallow grave." I said to the kid as he started to absorb my words. I decided to take off my OPS helmet to gain his trust, and he was surprised to see my appearance.
"Trust me, its one personal hell that I don't want anyone to walk into."
Naofumi was silent as he absorbed what I said to him. We all stared at him for a while, waiting for his next course of action, until finally, he looked towards the natives and bowed towards them. "I apologize for my earlier behaviors. I was so-"
"Don't worry dear. I don't blame you for your early shouting." Miriel cut Naofumi from his apologies as she continued, "You had every right to doubt us. And I'm sure Eclair doesn't hold it against you, right dear?" She finished smiling as she looked at Eclair, which said noble was sweating from said smile.
"…All is forgiven, Sir Hero."
"Thanks, Eclair and please, just call me Naofumi." Naofumi said as he raised his hand towards her.
"…Very well, sir Naofumi." Eclair raised her own hand to shake in order to bury the hatchet.
Nodding his head, he looked towards the only demi-human in the room. "Also, sorry for scaring you Makoto."
Makoto smiled as she looked up at him. "Not a problem shieldy. I can't be mad at you because for me? It… is…. SO COOOOOOOOOL THAT I DID NOT ONLY GET TO MEET NOT ONE BUT TWO HEROES IN THREE DAYS! BEST! DAY! EVER!" Makoto shouted with glee as her eyes had stars again.
Naofumi laughed at the squirrel girl's nickname towards him or probably her energetic nature. Or perhaps it could be both. Soon enough, everyone laughed as the tension went down due to Makoto's atmospheric personality. After getting our act together, Naofumi turned to me with his hand out, "We never got a popper introduction from your action three days ago, but I guess it was a blessing. Anyway, my name is Naofumi Iwatani, I'm 20 years old, and… or was a university student."
"Name classified, call sign, Hunk, formally 33 years old, now by my appearance-wise 24 years old, occupation classified." I said with a grin as I shook his hand. I saw his face surprised either by my deaged answers or giving him classified bullshit answers. Before he could respond, my grin turned strict. "With all formalities out of the way. We need to leave this castle as soon as possible before our window of opportunity is closing."
"Hunks right dear, with everything on high alert, especially with the false lead that Hunk and the Abyss left behind. It will eventually become harder to leave. So we need to help both of you to escape as soon as possible tonight." Miriel urgently said.
"How all my stuf-" Naofumi tried to say before Hunk pointed towards his belongings on the desk. "Okay, never mind, but what am I supposed to do if this kingdom despises me because of their church religion? I can't go to the other countries because their border portal will be high alerts, and I can't especially go to Siltvelt if the information you provide me is accurate?"
"That's an easy answer. Win the heart and mind of the people here. If you can build enough reputation with the people, they may be willing to help you and may even question the Three Hero Church faith!" Makoto shouted as she puffed up her chest with glee. Everyone was silent, surprised by Makoto's response, not expecting the little squirrel girl to come up with a solution.
As for me, "Squirrel girl's got the right idea, heart and mind can have a major effect in swaying the people's cause and opinions on you, kid." Hunk patted her head. One can tell she is enjoying it with her tail swinging rapidly.
"That might work. All I gotta do is figure out what I can do while staying under the radar. So that solves one problem, but my next problem is I need companions to watch my back, and with me being in the lower pecking order, what am I going to do?"
"I'll join your party sir Naofumi!" Eclair said to Naofumi as she continued. "I originally planned to join the Shield Hero party once everyone was settled on who summoned who. But when I heard the news that the Wave of Catastrophe struck my family lands that house the demi-human settlements. I asked my queen for leave of absence to look for any survivors and when I had arrived…." She trailed off as she looked down in shame and sorrow.
"Negative, Eclair. If the Three Hero Church finds out you are traveling with Naofumi. They can fabricate false information or lies, which they can use to kill you with just cause. May even frame Naofumi in the process or some bullshit they could think of." I said to both of them. Before Eclair could speak, Miriel backed up my answer.
"I'm sorry to say this, Eclair, but he's right. That is what the church or the inquisitions will likely do to get you killed and possibly tarnish your family legacy." Miriel said with empathy towards Eclair and Naofumi.
"So I'm alone again!?"
"… Not quite." I said to Naofumi as I continued. "There is a way to gain party members outside the adventure guild or barracks. They will be loyal to you whether they want to or not."
Naofumi looked at me with hope but was confused at what I meant at the end. Miriel looked depressed but accepted the circumstances. Makoto looked down nervously, knowing what I meant, and Eclair looked surprised and angry.
"What do you mean by that?"
Turning toward Miriel to explain to him. She nodded and looked at Naofumi to answer his question.
"Before I tell you dear. I need you to swear-no promise me that you will treat them as people and not disposable pawns." Miriel said to Naofumi with a hard yet emotional stern at him, seeing how serious this conversation was going.
"I promise, Miriel." Naofumi replied to her, but I could see in his eyes that his stomach was forming a knot hoping that Miriel's answer was not what he thought she was going to say.
"How do you feel about owning… slaves?"
2000 hour, Melromarc, Castle Town, Northern walls, Hidden waterway swear entrance
(POV Hunk)
"It's almost time. Where are they?" Eclair patiently asked, witting for Naofumi and his acquired slaves to rendezvous here in the hidden swear entrance leading to the outside wall of Melromarc and our ticket to freedom.
"They'll be here, Eclair." I said as I checked my equipment for one last time, with said equipment being the inquisition-hooded armor. Makoto was leaning on me, sleeping while holding her tail for comfort. It was decided at Miriel's place that Naofumi would buy some slaves while getting them equipment from a blacksmith that Naofumi and Miriel know. Eclair and Mikoto will team up with me once we leave Castle Town. If they stay at Miriel for too long. The chances of the church gaining wind that they are with Miriel, who is hiding two fugitives, they could be arrested or, worse, executed. As for the girls, I would rather not think about it. Nevertheless, Miriel made me swear to protect them with my life or else... Well in that case, I better watch their back from now on if I want to avoid her wrath.
"How do you know that, Hunk?"
"… Because they're here." I said, waking Mikoto up while Eclair, surprised, turned towards the dark tunnels. Sure enough, Mordred's men have arrived with Naofumi's group behind them. As they got closer, I saw three of Naofumi's new party members. The first person was a man in his mid-twenties, probably twenty-seven. He has white hair with rabbit ears that indicate he is a demi-human. Red eyes like most rabbits back in my old world, but the most noticeable feature was that his left arm was deformed due to how it bent in an odd direction. He is probably a mage or a priest by the dark robe he wore and a crystal staff he has on his back. The second person was a man but not a demi-human but a beastmen. More precisely, a lizard man with red scales all over his body except his underbody was tan brownish, two white horns on his head, and orange eyes. The look of his gear seems that of the roman gladiator, while his weapon is a shamshir that is hooked on his left belt side, a small shield strap on his right hand, and a battle-axe hanging over his back. The final person was a surprise because the last person was a ten-year-old raccoon demi-human girl. The girl was wearing leather clothing, a dragger strap on her right side hanging off by a belt. She has long messy light brown hair, and her eyes are tea-red. She looked frightened as she clung to Naofumi like a lifeline.
"Yo Hunk, sorry for getting here a little late. I had to get all the gear for my party."
"Not a problem. You just got here just on time."
"Speaking of gears, here catch." Naofumi said as he took a sack from his inventory shield and tossed it towards me. "Miriel already paid and talked to Erhard about the situation. Hopefully, these gears will help you blend in and not stick out like a sore thumb."
"Thanks for the gear, Naofumi." I said looking through the gears in the sack. So far, the types of equipment are pretty decent. It'll help me and my companions to blend in. Looking up to Naofumi's colleagues, I asked, "So what's their names?"
"Right, the rabbit demi-human name is Oscar, the red Lizardman name is Lyd, and my last member is-"
"Ra-Raphtalia, is that you?" Makoto was shocked and whispered loudly.
"Ma-Makoto, is that really you?" Raphtalia responded with shaken hope.
Within a second, Makoto ran toward Raphtalia and gave her a big hug as she cried out in joy. "Raphtalia! I'm so glad you're alright!" Makoto tearfully bawled out.
"Me-me to Ma-Makoto! I thought-I thought those knights took you away and-and." Raphtalia cried out, seeing her friend was safe.
"I… I would have if it weren't for Eclair and Hunk who saved me. And speaking of Eclair, here she is!" Makoto shouted with glee as she dragged Raphtalia towards Eclair, who was surprised but happy to see each other.
"Raphtalia, I'm glad you're safe."
" Miss Eclair, I'm happy to see you again!"
Eclair smiled but turned to sorrow as she looked down with guilt. Before the girls could ask her what was wrong. They were interrupted by another voice coming from the shadows of the tunnels.
"It looks like the whole gang are all here?" Hun said as he stepped out of the shadow. "It's time to go. My boys have started the distraction on the North and West side of the city for you guys to escape. Oh one last thing." Hun said as we all turned towards him. His grin formed as he spoke sarcastically, "Have fun out there, and please. Try not to die out there. After all, it would be a shame to lose our newfound partnerships so soon."
Hearing what Hun said, some of our companions felt discomfort or disturbed by what Hun had said. However, letting out a snot, reminding me of the good old days of Captain Price's friends saying something similar to us when getting info or gears for upcoming operations. Good times.
"My party is going south. What about you Naofumi?"
"We're going east near a village that Miriel has good tides with. I think we can be there for a while to grind and resupply until we head out around the kingdom."
"Understood. If you need anything, use the transmit shield you unlock once you're a high enough level to use it or look for the abyss for information or supplies when you have a chance."
"Got it Hunk. Thanks again for the information you gave me to improve my shield." Naofumi said, lifting his hand to shake.
"Not a problem. Good luck out there, and watch your team back." I said, shaking his hand.
Getting a nod back as we all exited the sewers to the outside world of the castle wall. The abyss stayed behind to make sure we weren't being followed. As soon as we were far away from Castle Town, we split off to our own objective. Looking at my parties, I could tell Makoto wanted to spend more time with Raphtalia. Putting my hand on her head, she looked up to me as I scratched her ears to comfort her. "Don't worry Makoto, we will see them again."
"Right! Need to get strong for all our sake if I want to save my friends!" Makoto said with fiery determination.
Looking towards Eclair, I asked her, "You know your own kingdom like the back of your hand, right?"
"…"
"…"
"…"
"It means you know everything about your home turf: towns, villages, landmarks, etc." I said, waving my hand in motion.
"Oh, then yes, I do know where to go. Do you have a place in mind, sir Hunk?"
Breathing in and out, I looked toward the horizon as dawn approached. I turned towards her with my answer. "Take us towards Lurolona village."
Finally Chapter 3 is finished. I hoped by giving you the readers the first or third person perspective of certain section that it helps you read the story nicely. Please let me know what I can improve on. I really appreciate the feedback you guys give me.
Also don't worry if there are some unanswered questions like where Hunk gotten a assassin's mask of Zeltoble, or Naofumi interaction with the slave trader Beloukas, etc. They will all be explained in flashbacks in later chapters.
Also I'm still trying to decide on the name for Hunks partners/Legendary Bow.
1)Ashe, which stands for power, command, and authority.
2)Tauriel means "daughter of Mirkwood" or "daughter of the forest."
Again, if you guys have any other names, you can come up with and explain the meaning behind the words you guys point out. I would really appreciate it.
Nevertheless, here is a one short trailer I wrote from an idea I thought of, for a crossover of two series I like to watch or read.
Please enjoy.
The Fellowship has succeeded in the war for Middle-Earth. With the One Ring destruction at Mount Doom in Mordor. With its destruction, Sauron's army has fallen, his influences vanquish across the lands, his Nazgûl's souls were set free to rest, and finally, the Dark Lord himself was banished to the void.
With this, the mortals of Middle-Earth can finally find peace knowing that Sauron has finally been slain and can never bring his terror amongst the living ever again… or so they thought.
Ever the cunning Sauron is. For he had cheated death yet again but not by hiding in another land.
No, for Sauron had a grander, more ambitious scale as he looked up to the star ocean themselves. For he had found another world.
In a world where the gods walk amongst their mortals' creation. In harmony and prosperity.
Or so they say.
For even in the light of this world. Lays a hidden truth that the mortals are unaware of, or the very gods themselves are blissfully unaware. For in the shadow of this world lay numerous dark truths and secrets.
A corrupt world that is ripe for the taking that is not united as the inhabitants think they are.
For Sauron, his influence has been ranging unchallenged for over centuries in the shadow and soon. He will amass his army to conquer and decimate the world of…
Gekai.
Neither mortals nor even the gods themselves will stand a chance against them, for it will be already too late to stop him.
Yet, in their darkest hour, there is hope.
For there is a new war raging on in the shadow.
A young man wearing a hooded cape that hides his face as he walks across the ruined field filled with bodies of horrific form unseen in this world. As he walks toward his destination, he hears running footsteps; as he looks up, to only see one of these creatures charging toward him with a battle cry as it raises its sword to kill him. The stranger parried it in kind by bringing up his own sword as he parried the creature's blade before swiftly backhanding it into the ground. Only to be greeted with another charging foe before bringing his sword to parry the creature's blow but this time running through his blade into the creature's heart. He took out his sword of his dead foe with swiftness to deflect a flaming arrow that flew toward him.
For the shadow of war has spread across the new world. In the land of... Mordrac.
Looking upon his destination, it was a dark foreboding fortress that was being sieged by the young man's own forces. Except his troops were not men, but creatures themselves. For they are Orcs that are being led by the hood man. As he blocks another foe's blade before decapitating it, he looks to his right to see a giant armored Olog-Hai dragging its crippled enemy, giving said man a nod before walking towards the fortress.
Nodding back at it as the man continued to slay his adversaries as a drake flew down, unleashing flames towards its enemies as it passed by after seeing the greater sight of the battlefield. With the fortress being surrounded by said man, forces laid siege to the fort with their catapults and arrows.
As an army of Orcs amass…
As the man and his armies ran closer to the fortress gate, he looked around to see his next obstacle. A line of orc crossbow units roared at him as they lunged a volley of arrows. Out of reflex, he raised his right hand to block the arrows, only to be protected by a shield. When he looked up, he saw one of his Orc captains blocking the onslaught of arrows for him. With a grin, they mutually nodded in return as they charged their enemies together.
Under the rule of… Man.
As he slew another Orc enemy, he looked up at the fortress gate; his stare became hardened with hatred. One of his adversaries was not an Orc but a High Elf wearing black armor that is only worn by the Black Hand of Sauron legions, with only his face being exposed to be seen by his adversaries. The High Elf looked at his warchief with a menacing grin towards his warchief with said warchief holding a knife around a captured Orc neck as it looked down at the man below the gate.
"Say bye-bye Ranger!"
"SAVE ME MASTEAAAAAAHHH!" The captured Orc cried out before his throat was sliced open as black blood was pouring out. As the hood man saw one of his Orc spies being executed, his anger rose with hatred.
"GGGRRAAA HAHAHA!" The warchief laughed in glee.
"OVER THE WALL!" The ranger shouted as a bright shade of an older man formed on the left side of his body as he raised a specter of a spear flag.
As the fortress defenders fought off the rangers' armies as they laid out arrows after arrows only to fall one by one either by the hood man's crossbow Orc units or raging beasts managing to climb over the wall to rip and tear the defenders to bloody pieces.
Fortresses will fall.
A goliath of a beast kept bashing the gate until finally, it broke through as it started to cause mayhem to the defenders' forces.
Power will rise.
As a captain who shielded his master walked into the breach, he drew out his sword toward the sky and gave a battle cry as the rangers' armies charged into the fortress, exterminating anything in their sight.
Adversaries will be slain.
As the hooded man slew his enemy after enemy, not noticing another warchief with a crossbow was aiming at him. The warchief was about to take the shot until the Orc noticed he was covered in darkness, turning around only for his world to turn upside down as his body fell over the wall.
The decapitated body slammed onto the ground, getting the ranger's attention as he looked at the body. Looking up, he was greeted towards the sight of an armored Dark Elf female assassin hiding her face within a mask that hid her lower face. With only her blonde bangs covering her right eye, while only showing her crimson left eye. Looking closely, she is holding a decapitated warchief head with her left hand, while her right holding a dark elven blade covered with black blood. Both stared at one another until the hood man smirked. He did a short bow towards her for her thanks.
Alliances will be forged.
The Dark Elf nodded back in return before going to slay more Orcs.
As the hooded man charged his foes, mysteriously teleporting towards his victims, a bright shade overcame his body and began to slaughter more Orcs before jumping on an orc and doing a backflip. While in midair, he reached out on his left arm as a specter of a bow came before him, taking the bow and pulling a ghostly arrow. Letting the string loose, it went through the Orcs head, ripping it off its body in the process.
Landing gracefully, he turned around to stab an orc defender before kicking it off. As the ranger turned toward his next objective, he was stopped for what lay before him.
Not only the clashing of blades or the spilling of blood. But upon choices he'll make...
"Master! Don't leave me here!" The Orc captain pleaded for the ranger to help him. As he was pinned down by an Orc beast tamer.
"Face me, ranger, if you dare!" The High Elf was taunting him. It was only made worse as the Black Hand grasped a bloody amulet belonging to someone he once held dear.
"Save me master!" The captain pleaded for him again. Grinding his teeth into making a hard choice. Until the ranger decided what was needed to be done.
Running towards his captain's aid, he blocked the fatal blow, but now he was in a deadlock with the beast tamer.
"So the white rabbit wants to play, does he!?" The beast tamer shouted with glee before he roared out in the air.
"GROOOWWWW!" An armored caragor roared as it blinded side the ranger and pinned him down. As his hood filled down, his face was shown to the world. He was a young man that would turn any woman's head around. He is in his mid-twenties with white hair and red eyes like a rabbit. The young man has stubble on his lower face while being white, just like his hair.
As he fought off the caragor to get it off of him, the beast was ready to bite his head off. Suddenly an arrow launched itself into the beast's eye as it let out its final cry of pain as it fell over and died. Looking towards where the arrow had come from, it was his captain who shot it.
"GRAAAAAAAAAA!" As the beast tamer roared in rage as his pet was killed. Looking down at the pinned Orc who killed his beast. The Tamer was about to slay the white rabbit captain out of revenge.
The white-haired man ran behind the beast tamer, brought out his small dagger, and repeatedly stabbed the Orc. As the Orc fell down on its knee from the wounds, the ranger, with brutality, decapitated the Orc without mercy.
As the battle was coming to an end, the fortress now belonged toward the victor. He looked down at his Orc captain and raised his right hand to lift him up. The captain seeing this, took his master's hand, got up and nodded his thanks towards him.
With the rest of his forces surrounding them, waiting to hear what their master has to say.
"You've proven yourself valuable. How would you serve me?" The white ranger said to his captain.
"Make me overlord Bright Lord, and these walls will tower over the coupes of our enemies." The Orc captain said, waiting for his master's answer.
The white ranger thought over his captain's suggestion before finally having his answer. Placing his hand on the Orc's shoulder. He gave his Orc his answer.
"This fortress is yours to rule, my friend. Keep these walls safe."
With that, the white ranger armies raised their weapons and roared in their hard earned victory.
Nothing will be forgotten.
And there it is, the story preview idea that I came up with. With the two significant crossovers of Danmachi (Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) x Middle-Earth: Shadow of War (The Lord of the Ring franchise). There will also be other minor crossover characters or others franchises due to not enough information or world-building in the Danmachi series, so I got to be creative as the story goes along.
Also been playing Middle-Earth: Shadow of War, and an idea came to me about why not create a crossover between the two series. It has excellent potential in becoming a story, am I right? Nevertheless, I hope for some feedback from you, my fellow readers.
Also, one more thing, for posting chapter 3 so late, here is a sneak peek of another story idea I have written.
…
…
…
…
*BANG*
…
*BANG*
The fallen leaves tell a story.
The great Elden Ring was shattered.
In our home, across the fog, the Lands Between.
Now, Queen Marika the Eternal is nowhere to be found,
and in the Night of the Black Knives, Godwyn the Golden was first to perish.
Soon, Marika's offspring, demigods all, claimed the shards of the Elden Ring.
The mad taint of their newfound strength triggered the Shattering.
A war from which no lord arose.
A war leading to abandonment by the Greater Will.
Aaaahhh Arise now, ya Tarnished. Ye dead, who yet live.
The call of long-lost grace speak to us all.
Hoarah Loux, Chieftain of the badlands.
The ever-brilliant Goldmask.
Fia, the Deathbed Companion.
The loathsome Dung Eater.
And Sir Gideon Ofnir, the All-knowing.
And one other. Whom grace would again bless.
A Tarnished from another world.
Cross the fog, to the Lands Between.
To stand before the Elden Ring.
And become the Elden Lord.
So until next time, peace!
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