By the time the sun casted it light over the forest that bordered Castle Town, it was almost lunchtime. However, it was not quite time for lunch, brunch maybe, but not lunch. This time of day of course enticed people with the smells of baked bread from the bakeries and cooked meats from the grillers, but would leave them waiting for them to open. Such was the situation in Castle Town, as people did not have kitchens in their homes. Ovens and proper fireplaces were too costly for a person to have one just to make a , they would eat out every meal, except for breakfast which was usually just a loaf of bread.
Such was the standard practice in Melromarc.
Inside of the forest, there was one that was past the point of full. So full in fact that Dragons would learn to envy such a state of depravity. However, to the person who experienced it, she was forced to lament as she finished up the meal.
Erhard was going to take me out for lunch! But I can't leave all the monster carcasses out in the open!
Maple slowly chewed on her latest balloon victim, the [Pink Balloons] who tasted like a school eraser. Since she was waiting for the armor to be finished she decided to use the morning to level up from the forest. While her growth rate had slowed dramatically since her fight against the Horned Rabbit Queen, she was still able to get a few levels.
With a flick of her hand the menu and status came up:
-{Maple: Hero of the Shield}-
Lv. 13
HP: 1215/1215
SP: 607/303
Mana: 10
-{Attributes}-
Str: 4
Agi: 1
Vit: 303
Dex: 1
Mgk: 10
Maple was by all means happy with her stats at the moment. She of course had placed all her stats into increasing Vit, but for some reason her other skills were increasing too. It seemed that her various Shields were doing the deed, but with Total Defense the increases were negligible at best.
If you account for the the buffs that being the shield hero gave, her Vit stat is essentially double the current number, meaning it is really 510. She could essentially Shield Bash 25 times and not feel any fatigue. The poor monsters in the castle's forest are literally being one shot.
"Fufufu, I'm getting powerful!" She laughed before sighing.
The fatigue from waking up early was starting to get to Maple as she gave a mighty stretch and yawn. Maple figured it was probably a good time to start making her way back to the black smith. It was nice for the man to let her stay at his house for a while until he finished the armor. He seemed at first a little concerned about her current build and how she was dividing her stats. He did seem to change his mind the day before when she forgot to remove all the balloons before coming into the shop. She grew fond remembering how they went around popping every balloon off her armor.
"Well, it's time to head back!" She cheered while raising the Shield into the sky, "Upon the rights I have usurped, [Dominion of the Horned Rabbit Queen]!"
Within a matter of seconds a small herd of Horned Rabbits surrounded the hero. They all as one bowed their heads, awaiting their first command.
"Thanks for coming everyone!" She cheered as the little girl dropped herself upon the small herd, "Now take me back home!"
Receiving their orders from the Sovereign, they moved as one towards the village. It was a really handy skill, as not only did it allow the summoning of the Horned Rabbits but all orders were followed with the given intent. Similar skills can appear in the Monarch of other species. Even King Aultcray possesses the skill, though it only affects those who want to be affected.
"WEEEEEEE!" She cried as the Rabbits went at an insane speed towards the town walls. The Rabbits knew their way around the forest which resulted in no loss in speed from dodging trees and rocks.
Some of the villages that were in the forest during this week would tell others of a bigger monster that was the new protector of the forest. A blob of solid, yet liquid that moved so quickly you only see a blur of black and white. Some said it had a hundred red eyes to allow it to see all in its territory.
However, such tales were an annoyance to the guards as on the Wall, as they were in a minor and annoyed stir. Their weapons were brought to the ready as they saw movement in the small clearing between the forest and the walls. There had only been a few times that the full garrison was called into time,however, it was formality at this point.
"I see the horde coming from the South!" called out one of the men as he quickly got out his telescope.
"And, it is the damn Shield!" Called out Captain Hardacc as he looked towards the massive brushing of trees. His mustache twinged a little from the kicked up dust.
"Uh, confirm sir. What do you want us to do?"
For the last few days the Captain had to deal with these shenanigans, and he honestly hated it. It was always the same time every day that she would come running with a horde of man-eating rabbits. The first time had to be the worst, as it looked to be almost every damn Rabbit within twenty miles joined.
He could feel his hatred to the situation rise, "Just like yesterday, we are not allowed to do nothing. The King's word was that she was not to be harmed by us, fucking bastard."
"Are you dissatisfied with the command Captain?" The guard with the spyglass asked offhandedly.
"Fuck yeah I am. He almost locked me up just for capturing some rogue Demi-Humans. What's the problem with that?"
"Maybe because they were his direct subjects?"
"Pff, they are Demi-Humans. Bastards deserve to be chain- fuck!"
Before he could finish the sun was blotted out from their view. Just as before, the Horned Rabbits all jumped over the wall, many of them almost hitting the guards stationed on the wall. For the captain, a portion of them used him as a jumping board!
"WooHoo!" cried the one Hardacc hated more than anyone in this awful world.
"Fucking Shield!"
That cry went to deaf ears as Maple flew to the other side of the wall. Her little mob of rabbits kept moving, hopping from building to building in a small mob of white. That first day, looked upon the horde with terror, now they were more worned out of the situation, annoyed that it keeps happening, marveled of the powers that the Heroes can wield.
The colony of white rabbits finally arrived at their destination, standing at attention in front of the blacksmith shop. Maple turned back over and shined her minions a smile, "Thank you! I will be sure to bring carrots next time!"
With the dismissal by their liege the rabbits soon hopped in all direction, looking like a flurry of cloud running along the ground.
Maple watched until the last one left her site before turning towards the door, a small chipper in her step. With a small push she opened the door, a small bell ringing as she entered the shop.
"Finished the morning grind?" Erhard called out as Maple slowly approached the counter.
"Yup!" After a few clicks on the user display a small pile of goods were dumped onto the table between them.
"The magic of the Heroes is amazing," Was about all Erhard could admit as he quickly stuffed the series of pelts and goods into their respective packages.
They had found out about this function on the first day Maple had gone on her farming trip after the ordeal. Somehow, she was now able to collect more loot than just the bones that she was getting earlier. Hell, she could even put any item into this space. The only limit seemed to not be by weight but the total number of items.
After sorting out the new items and wrapping up his current project, Erhard turned to Maple, "Alright, ready to go get some lunch?"
"I would love that!"
As Erhard flipped the sign to close and both started to make their way towards an outside eatery, the smith couldn't help but smile as he saw her happiness. He knew things could have been worse off, and this week was good for Maple.
"So do you want a Greko or Bread on a Stick?" Erhard asked as they joined a small line for the meals.
"Uh, I guess I'll take the bread. Had a little too much to eat earlier."
"You still eatin' them Monsters?"
"Yup."
"Maple, Maple," Erhard shook his head hearing her little explanation, "You should not be eating Monsters so readily. Most of them need to be treated to even be eaten properly."
"But they are so tasty!" She pouted in response.
"..."Erhard could not handle the Shield's strongest weapon, "Fine, just don't make it well known."
"I'll try!" in an instant Maple went from frown to a smile that seemed to outshine the sun itself.
After a bit both got their lunch: bread on a stick for Maple and a Greko for Erhard. The Greko was a dish quite similar to a Gyro; mainly made up of a mix of meats from several beasts, greens, and a white sauce served in a pita like bun. The hero who introduced the recipe was feeling homesick and was wanting some food from his homeland. However, he never found any lamb. Or tomatoes. Or cucumber. Hell, they did not even have lettuce!
As for the bread on a stick, it was just donut holes on a stick with a catchier name.
It did not take long for them to finish their meals. Of course Maple basically swallowed hers whole, while Erhard simply ate fast and precise. It was simply a mainstay from his previous occupation in the military and never kicked the habit.
The streets were now becoming more active with people going for their own lunches. As for our two people, well Erhard had an idea.
"So, how about we get you some supplies? You gonna be leaving soon." He answered with a small smile.
"Yeah… but I don't want to have to go." Maple complained while the two started walking, "I'm really going to miss going out for lunch with you and the cute rabbits in the forest after I leave."
"Honestly, I couldn't say why." The man answered while scratching his head, "You are a Hero and the King is only the husband of our Queen. Hell, you could probably just leave to Shieldfreeden or Siltvelt and no one would be able to do anything."
"Is that so…" Maple fell silent as she thought about things. Honestly she was not the kind of person to just run away. Still the thought felt tempting.
"Well, think about it like this." The man commented with a smile, "Being an adventurer without aim kind of sucks, so with these you can explore the kingdom and probably meet people. If you do enough things, the people will probably fall in love with you."
"Is that so, then I guess I will do it!" Maple cheered as they went into a small store. The front of it hangs a pair of scales that signified being a general trader.
The old man inside the place simply smiled towards the group who came inside, "Welcome to Adventring Trinkets and Binkets, I'm Binket. Is there anything you two be- Erhard?"
"Hey there Binket, been a while." The smith said with a slight wave while getting up to the counter.
"Been a while? Pff, been almost a decade."
"Well I found something a little more safe, being an old man you probably know the feeling."
"I do, I do," The old man did a small motion with his biceps, "I'm not nearly as strong as I was. Still, last time I heard you were running a shop near the edge of town. Brought your one here to prepare her on an adventure?"
"W-whoa, she's not my daughter." The smith almost had a heart attack as he heard that.
"Well what else would she be," The man gave a small laugh while turning to Maple, "What do you say girl? This guy your papa?"
"Hmm, maybe Uncle." She answered before shaking her head rapidly, "But he's not a relative! Erhard has just been taking care of me!"
"Oh? Well still that leaves a question," The old man looked to Erhard with a stern gaze one would give a delinquent, "Why is she here? The adventuring life isn't kind to women, let alone young men."
Erhard simply shook his head, "You probably know it already, but it's unavoidable for her."
Old Man Binket could only shake his head, "So the rumors are true, you know me selling stuff to her will make me blacklist by the ecclesiarch right? One wrong move and I'll have a fire lit under my feet."
"And I will be on the same pyre."
The two men stared at one another, and Maple noticed a coldness seep into the room. She did not hesitate to open her mouth, as she was not going to always rely on Erhard.
"Uh, Mr. Binket!" She started, instantly drawing both eyes to her, "Can you please help me. I don't know much and I've only been doing the monsters around the area. I uh, want help in my coming task, please."
Binket took another look over the girl, his eyes appraising her for anything. What he saw before him was not the monster the clergy advertised but instead a little girl asking him to sell her stuff.
"You know, I'll probably die soon anyways." The man laughed a little to himself before getting out a small small notepad, "I guess you want an adventurer's kit, but anything else you thinking?"
And like that the two began working. Maple was quite oblivious to what was happening, but if she did she would probably feel really bad. He was mostly selling her at prices that were well below retail value, at a price point that even heroes with discounts would gawk at.
In the end, it boiled down that these people wanted to help her. With great risk comes greater allegiance and fellowship. It was not just these men but those who worked with Maple in the past few weeks. The tanner who accepted her rabbit pelts tended to ignore the large bite marks that were left on them and bought them at premium. The cooks would add a little extra to her portions.
These were people who would not sell to her to the faithful. They were some who would rip her off, for their fear of the Crown and Church simply outweighed helping the little girl. Erhard knew that, and so he chose a friend who sold him products for years on end. With the cuteness of Maple, he was sure they would get a willing seller.
"I can get all this to your place by morning, but…" He turned to the girl, "Maple, wasn't it, where are you going anyways?"
"Uh, the uh, Swamp of Oragauhst I think. Did I say it right?" She said almost confusingly.
"No, you said it right." he gave a short laugh while checking out some logs, "You know I know a guy whose heading that way. You can probably just hitch a ride with him."
"Really, I mean you are still sticking your neck out for us." Erhard said with a small sweat coming down his cheek.
"I'm just doing my part." He made a quick motion with his hand, "Now that will get her over there, but definitely isn't going to get her back. You should probably buy her a beast since she'll be carrying a bunch of stuff back for sure!"
Erhard rubbed his neck at the idea, "I guess so, but who knows whose selling them now."
"Hmph, it's not my place to say what those bastards do. Anyway, I'll tell him to meet you guys at the gate tomorrow with your supplies!" The Old Man laughed as the two exited the building.
With that the two of them traveled down the street, questions were taking shape in her mind. Though, with the way Erhard seemed to have been worrying she decided to hold back on the question.
Erhard led both of them through the alleys walking with the confidence of a local. After taking a sharp turn Maple could see a gathering of tents poked through the cluster of buildings with signage stating it was the circus.
"Uh, where are we going?" Maple curiosity grew as the tents got closer.
"To get you a Beast to hopefully ride and serve you." He quickly replied as he continued to look forward, "Whatever you do, do not go wander off with any of the men. If I had a choice I would take you to another merchant, but most births and layings happen in the spring."
"Alright?"
With that the two finally arrived at the front of the tent. A rather large man was standing upfront with a pair of hounds to his side. He didn't make a move though as Erhard opened the front of the tent, soon bringing them into the main place of the tent.
In an instant Maple quickly look around and was reminded of some kind of pet store. That is, if pet stores were portable, no lights, and stink to the high heavens. All about her animals and monsters stood tall looking out at her. Even a few Horned Rabbits were there, standing ready to receive orders from her. What caught her eye, though, was the large pile of eggs sitting at the center of the room.
"Oh, enjoying the view of my collection. It is quite complete I assure you that."
Maple looked up to see a rather pugy looking man. He looked quite the part of a ringleader with a tall top hat and ruffled looking suit. The way he looked at her and smiled though…
"We are here simply to buy a beast for Maple. Nothing else Beloukas."
"Hehe, let us see about that." The little man who was about as tall as Maple simply laughed to himself, "I do have a few beasts for you all to look at, if that interests you."
Erhard stared at the little man for the moment, "Alright, if just to show her what she can get."
"Excellent excellent you will not regret it!" The little man quickly waddled away with his hands pointing at different animals that were in the cages.
What was in the tent was quite surprising for Maple. Each Beast was like a prehistoric dinosaur or a massive version of something from earth. Ranging from large fluffy birds to low level lizards twice the size of a komodo dragon.
Something, though, caught her eye again, and she almost jumped out of her shoes, "Is that a Turtle!?"
"Oh, so you know the old name of the Rockjob. Yes a magnificent beast whose shell is as hard as stone and bite stronger than a smith's pliers." The little man grew a devilish smile, "Would you want such a beast?"
"It reminds me so much of Syrup!" She couldn't contain the amount of excitement she had as she tried to reach into the pen.
Before she could touch the beast however Erhard quickly grabbed her hand and brought it back, "Whoa there, be a little bit careful about these things. They aren't Kittles or Drogs, but monsters far stronger than what you've seen in the Forest."
"Oh…. sorry."
The older man could only sigh, "Just be a little cautious, that's all."
Seeing the two finish up their moment the porky man quickly caught back up to speed, "Well if you are against the little one from getting an adult, how about I get her a youngster instead."
"No, you're not pulling that on me." Erhard said with a sigh, "We need an Egg, nothing else."
"Monster Egg!?" Maple basically cheered as she heard the words coming from Erhard's mouth, "You can get them here!?"
"Well it is the main selling item I have." The porkish man shook his head while laughing, "You know our business well, my good sir. Why is that?"
"I simply learned to deal with traders like you a long time ago." Erhard announced while standing upright, dwarfing both Maple and the Monster Trader, "Now are we going to get a Rockjob egg or not?"
"Hmph, you're no fun. This way." With a motion of his hand they were guided to a small rack with hundreds of eggs on them. The Monster Trader quickly opened up a tray and removed a single egg from it, "This one will be about 50 silver."
"And the Slave Sealing?"
"Hehe, you are sharp." The prokish man simply shook his head, "Another 10, which means you are up to 60 Silver Pieces in price."
Maple thought for a moment, quickly counting the coin in her head. It wouldn't be ideal, but if it means she gets a mount and a friend she should be fine.
However before she could answer, a hand rested on her shoulder, "Don't worry about paying it, think of it as a present."
"Huh? Are you sure?" Was about all Maple could respond.
"Think of it as a sending away gift. You already spent most of your money on other things like supplies and transport."
"... Alright." She could only give a slight pout at the man's genuine care for her.
"So, if you would come this way we will get the ritual done!"
After a few more minutes they left the tent. Of course there was the difficulty of trying to draw blood from Maple since her skin was so durable, but somehow they managed it. After the event, Maple quickly gave some of the leftover materials to her shield and got herself a new type!
[Slave Master Shield]
And it was not ominous at all!
Soon enough they made their way back to the shop, where the final preparations for Maple's journey were completed.
-{Maple's Complete Stats}-
Hero of the Shield
Lv. 13
HP: 1215/1215
SP: 606/303
Mana: 20/20
-{Attributes}-
Str: 4
Agi: 1
Vit: 303
Dex: 1
Mgk: 10
-{Skills}-
_Bite: High
_Poison Resistance: High
_Disease Resistance: Medium
_One Who Eats the Living: With the exception of those who are mindless, monsters under the user's level are affected by the [Fear] status effect.
_Dominion of the Horned Rabbit Queen: The User calls upon the Horned Rabbits of the area, demanding them to pay homage and carry out their in bred duty of supremacy.
_Blessings of the Shield: Increases all Raw Vitality Input by 25%, Increase Experience Gain, Lower Requirements for Skills, Experience Increase for Party Members.
_Bottomless Stomach: User's stomach can never experience being too full. All food that is eaten after this point is transformed into SP. This can go up to double SP in extra supply
_Total Defence: All Vit is doubled when calculated. Increasing Str, Agi, and Dex. Requied 3 times the points of other stats.
-{Abilities}-
_Meditation: Regen 1% of HP and SP every Second. User is unable to complete actions while this is occuring.
_Devour: User's weapon animates to attack a foe. The User's Vit is used when calculating damage for attack.
_Provacation: Choose a target, they are now forced to attack the User. Resisting the taunt causes mental damage.
_Shield Bash: User hits an enemy with their Shield, dealing 10% of their Vit as damage and forcing the target to do a Str test.
~~Omake made by editor~~
All his life Usse was told by his parents and the other elders that one day the round one will come to bring a new dynasty after the Queen. Usse could not believe that since the Queen was the greatest and strongest being that he has even known. No one has ever stopped the Queen, not even the clangers.
That all changed when the small clanger came.
The clanger was destroying the stray forces and the Queen was forced awake to combat the clanger. Ussee watched as the small clanger went and even started to EAT her Highness and eventually kill her. The round thing even took the body!
The others in the forest that saw the exchange started to tell the others. The prophecy had been foretold, the clanger with the round arm had come and she is to be honored as the new Dynasty.
All hail the Round One.
