= [Chapter 01] =

…

Melromarc, a human supremacy country. Ruled by the Queen as its true monarch. A country that has been at war with the neighboring countries. Mostly with the Demi-Human country, Sitvelt.

During the Wave of Catastrophe, the war was postponed. Under a cold truce to save the world. A small skirmish still happens here and there. But it all stays in the shadow.

The World Alliance, tentative name, was in a dilemma and had decided to summon the Heroes. Both the Star and Holy Heroes.

It was negotiated to at least have one hero per country. Placing them at a point where they can get the whole continent to be saved. But not far enough that each Hero can help each other if needed.

And that's where the problem comes in.

As mentioned, the country must only summon one hero. And Melromarc was supposed to be the fourth in line to do the summoning. With a very big petition from the two Demi-Human countries to get the Shield Hero.

But the country's Ruler had messed it up intentionally by summoning all four of the Holy Heroes! And this happened while the actual ruling monarch was on a very important meeting without her permission! Causing her more problems on her end and making her take too long to get back to do something to fix it!

The utter foolishness of the King who made such a decision. Too blinded by his flaws and greed that he made this problem.

And I am the one who is going to suffer the consequences of his action!

But the King is not to be blamed alone as he was just a means to an end to the actual mastermind of this whole thing. The Church of the Three Heroes. They had 'whispered' this to his ears. Tempting him to get what he wants. Prompting him to act upon it.

This is to get the Three Heroes Church to rise in power and usurp the country! Taking their so-called 'rightful power'! And with it wage war upon those so-called 'filthy beast in human!

And with all that this Thrash King has the gal to act imposing to us!?

"Huh, so these kids are the Four Holy Heroes?" The King commented with this condescending tone.

Right there at that moment was when I had painted him as a foe in my mind. Even without Meta-Knowledge, I would consider him as one with just his attitude alone.

"My name is Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, and I rule these lands. Heroes, show me your faces!"

With that command we Heroes, who were in a kneeling position just a moment ago rise. While doing so I resisted the urge to rebuke his claim to this land.

The King then proceeded to tell us the reason for our summoning. Omitting the fact that we aren't supposed to be all here.

The summary of the 'introduction' is...

Some weeks ago, a crack appeared in the sky for no reason whatsoever. The crack turned into a tear and with it comes the horde of monster flowing out of it. Rampaging and causing wanton chaos.

They weren't prepared at that time, but they still manage to trim them out, but that is with the sacrifice of many soldiers and strong men. It was a war they had the win but a fight they had lost.

A legend had foretold this to happen. Upon sand in the Dragon Hourglass drops, Catastrophe shall follow. Heroes will rise and fight this battle to save the world. Healing wound of the sky and bringing peace back to this land. For if they don't, Hell shall descent to this world.

As the legend had spoken. They summoned us to help them keep this world safe.

Hearing this tale. One of us moves forward.

"Alright, we will gladly do it. As a Hero, we have to help." The red declared. He put a lot of emotion in mentioning the Hero part, but it seems I was the only one who had noticed it.

(Hero complex? or admiration?) I thought analytically.

I had been doing this for a while now. Reason? Sword Boy here isn't who I initially thought he is. In short, he's suspicious. For one, he doesn't act like the Ren I know from the novel. Not that it helps much, as my memories are all mess up.

(Heck! I can barely remember who I was like!)

If I wasn't observant enough I would have thought that he was like me. A being beyond this world. But his mannerism spoke otherwise. And my gut feeling says that he isn't like me.

So, my opinion of him is not yet complete. But if I must guess. I would say he was a 'first choice' just like Naofumi-senpai and not a backup like OG Ren, Motsuya, and Itsuka.

(I guess I am also a backup in this case.)

I have a personality problem, cause memory, and I am sure that I don't have most of Naofumi-senpai's ability. Like Animal friendly for one, I don't have that. As I remember getting mauled by a tiger. Can't remember why I was getting mauled by one though.

"Yeah, it all seems good and great... for you." Spear Guy said, twirling his spear.

"But unlike mister good guy here I am not naive enough to just help. So, what is in it for us?"

"I agree with him. This world doesn't have anything to do with us. Be it burn like hell or be flooded it won't affect us. Give us a reason for helping this world." Bow Brat gives his opinion.

Though both sound indifferent and arrogant. Both are giddy at what is happening to them right now. Summoned Heroes, now that sounds cool, doesn't it?

"Oi!" Sword Boy shouts out upon hearing the two.

"Innocent lives are at risk and you're only interested in your gains!? What kind of Heroes are you!?"

All three of us glared at the Sword Hero. The two for interrupting them and being irritating, while for me is that he is annoying. Hero complex this severe is a great deal of pain to deal with.

"Stop right there, Sword Hero. We are otherworlders. We aren't meant to be in this world in the first place and it sure as hell, not our responsibility to help this world." I spoke out my opinion about the whole thing.

"Besides, this situation is nothing but a over-glorified kidnapping and servants summon." Upon saying this, I noticed that he flinches a little when I said the servant's word.

(Hou... Well isn't this a very interesting reaction.)

With that in mind, I push the notion of servitude in his face, as he seems to dislike it, to see the situation in a much darker tone. And if possible stop him from being annoying.

"If it weren't for the fact that we are immune to any enslavement effects, thanks to our Legendary Weapons. I am very sure that they would have put a slave crest on us. Just to ensure that they have a very obedient weapon." I said this looking at his eyes. Daring him to rebuke me.

"He does have a point." Whispered Bow Brat to Spear Guy, who reluctantly nodded. Upon seeing a notification, about our immunity, confirming my words.

"And don't generalized being a Hero as saving people with the goodness of their heart. There are war Heroes, warriors that gained that title by shedding the life of another. Whether they be good or bad."

Even if I didn't say it. Sword Boy realizes what I am saying. We are War Heroes. We are meant for battle and destruction, even if my Weapon is a Shield. That didn't stop my predecessors and Naofumi-senpai from being a total badass, so I too won't stop with that limitation.

Turning to the King. I decided what I need the most right now.

"As for my condition to help. I want to have the sand of the Dragon Hourglass and High-grade holy water. The other thing is the financial support and access to the class-up ceremony." The

King shows a moment of facial anger before reigning it back. His eyes looking to the Three Heroes, his vassal, and at a certain pillar.

(Hmm... Shadows hah.) Looks like they are much active than I thought.

"The item you seek for is not for the many and thus is hard to get. Even I, as the King, can't guarantee it. While the others can be arranged."

I raise an eyebrow at this. Seems like they planned to stop me.

"The sand will give us a Space-time Transportation Skill, something that will very much help us in our endeavor. Surely this would be enough reason to get it? Or is your authority lower than those of the Church?" I said with a tone of provocation. Daring him and poking at his pride.

A hand drops on my shoulder. Looking at its owner, I saw a grinning yellow buffoon.

"I like what you have said. Hey! I will also help if I get your support! And whatever he had said."

I let out a sigh at this and adjusted my glasses.

"Eh...? Looks like you all had agreed to help. Heh, well it can't be helped. I also agreed with this notion."

"Tsk!"  The king let out. But I was the only one who had paid attention to notice it.

"I will see what I can do."

"Oh yeah? Cool. Well, as long as you'll promise us that, I don't think we'll have a problem."

"Don't think you've bought us off. As long as we aren't enemies, I'll help you out though."

(Heh. First, step secured!) I mentally shouted in victory. But still placing a block of doubt to stop me from being over myself.

A scenario where they pretend to be lacking at something and as such can't do or get what I want easily comes to mind.

(Maybe getting it with the other three would be a good idea.)

Tomorrow, I would be going there straight up after getting out of the castle. Inviting one or two of the Heroes would lighten my loads a bit and make them pretend to be all good in front of them.

"Very well then, Heroes. Tell us your names."

Before any of them can introduce themselves first. I step forward.

"Iruma Satou. 20 years old, a college student." I said my completely made name and background! As I still can't remember my actual background!

I have a reason to make myself be the first one to introduce myself. Because like hell I would be last and let this asshole of King play his way.

"All right, I'll go next. My name is Motoyasu Kitamura. I'm 21, and a college student."

I pause a little when his name was said.

(Wasn't his name Motsuya?)

Yup, my mind is jumbled up. As even his name was remembered wrong. I am sorry, Motatsu. From now on I would correctly address you with your name!

"Ok, my turn. I'm Itsuki Kawasumi. I'm 17, and still in high school."

(Itsuki and not Ituka.) I noted it down.

Seems like this would be a problem in the long run so I better prepare myself. This does explain why I think Ren is different.  It is because he isn't Ren!

Maybe I had forgotten the Sword Hero's actual name and just tab it up as Ren.

(Hm, mystery solved. Now what is your actual name, Sword Hero!)

"I am Shirou Emiya..."

I didn't hear whatever he had said after his name. As my mind had started to spiral in the thought of his name's implication.

King of Faker.