"…she big," Motoyasu muttered.

"Very," Naofumi replied as he also stared in shock.

Filo had been growing quite quickly, but she couldn't compare to his quickly Akame was growing.

Akame was nearing the size of a full-grown elephant now, but she still had the energy of a puppy. She eagerly ran around as Buddy tossed food to her.

"Her size is still pretty below average. Master Motoyasu's Beast User Spear, Monster User Spear, and Slave Owner Spear must be assisting her quick growth, but she'll definitely be much bigger by the time she is fully grown," Buddy explained.

"…think I could set up a house of some sort on her back? She sleeps on her feet anyway," Motoyasu asked.

"More of a question for Clyde or Ren," Naofumi said. He included Ren because he found out Ren was actually slightly experienced in engineering.

Ren also happened to have experience in graphic design, which explained his…unique personality. Graphic designers tended to be…energetic at random times. Also depressed, but that was a different conversation.

Motoyasu nodded as he kept watching Akame run around. "She's quick too. I don't know why the slave trader was worried about her. She is an ideal tank for any party."

"Because swampstompers tend to be very aggressive. Usually you need to sing them a song to keep them calm as you go past them," Buddy told him.

"Aggressive? Akame?" Motoyasu pet Akame on her nose. He had only seen Akame as being a gentle, adorable giant.

"Because she grew up with good influences!" Orion said as he came up in his human form.

"Out and about, Orion?" Naofumi asked questioningly, not having seen Orion leave the cave much.

"I wanted to say there won't be training for a while. Just practice your forms. My brother emerged from a Wave in Faubley. I'll be heading out there to face him and his army," Orion explained to them.

"Your brother… Is he really dangerous?" Motoyasu asked curiously.

"Overlord Draco… He is my peoples' leader. A true warrior honed by millennia of conquest." Orion chuckled awkwardly. "And before he assigned me to assist the heroes in saving our universe, I was only his secretary."

"Oh…" Motoyasu seemed a little worried to watch Orion go face him now.

"It's ok. The legendary weapons of my world also carry all of their combat experience and wisdom when transferred. It's like I've been fighting as long as he has," Orion assured him. "Humble beginnings lead to greater endings." He gestured at the slime egg Motoyasu was carrying for him. "That will hatch soon. Make another great origin story out of it."

Motoyasu looked at the slime egg and nodded. "Are you sure you don't want to be here for it? You're more of its parent than I am."

"I do wish to remain, but Overlord Draco will consume Faubley in days if I am not there to stop him." Orion snapped his fingers, and his giant metal body exited the cave to meet him. "I'll try to be quick. If you run into trouble, just call me. I promise I will hear you from anywhere in the world."

"Maybe just let him consume Faubley…" Naofumi grumbled, never having liked that place.

"Even if they are twisted, that doesn't mean they don't deserve life. Lead by example, Naofumi, and maybe someday you can change them. Any man can change people, but a good man can change the world." Orion hopped into his metal body and had it transform into a Filolial-pulled carriage.

Naofumi could just hear the wisdom in Orion's voice. It made him actually think.

"And Buddy, our leadership lessons can continue telepathically," Orion added before driving off.

Buddy chuckled as he watched Orion go. "I cannot wait, my friend."

Motoyasu blinked as he turned to Buddy. "Leadership lessons?"

"Yes, master Motoyasu. I got worried that you would leave this world once the Waves are concluded, so I wanted to be independent by that time. I even planned on leading more intelligent creatures and making my own country," Buddy replied.

Motoyasu was silent before he let out a chuckle. "You're not doing that in a chef hat. I'll see about making you a nice tux."

"I would greatly appreciate it, master Motoyasu. And if you decide to stay, my country would always be open to you." Buddy truly was ambitious now.

"Well, that gives me a reason to stick around at least." Motoyasu looked over at Akame. "…it's time I tried riding her."

"What could you even hold onto? There are no reigns her size," Raphtalia said as she came in with Filo.

Filo really liked Raphtalia it seemed. She was always following her, nuzzling her, and…sticking her head under Raphtalia's skirt… Behavior Naofumi had no idea the origin of.

"Her scales are big enough to get a good grip on. Like handles," Motoyasu explained. He ran to Akame and jumped onto her back, grabbing onto two large, sturdy scales. "Like this!"

Akame seemed to already be letting Motoyasu steer her. She was a natural at having a rider it would seem.

"Swampstompers are naturally intelligent creatures. I'm not surprised at how well you two already work together," Buddy commented as he watched.

"She puts winged dragons to shame! This is what it truly feels to ride a dragon!" Motoyasu said giddily.

"Grah!" Akame said excitedly in response.

Naofumi was just amazed Filo and Akame got along. He knew they had an instinctual hatred towards each other. He watched as Raphtalia rode Filo over so she could run around with Akame.

"They grew up together. They trust each other," Buddy said like he had read Naofumi's mind. "Other dragons and Filolials are still probably going to be rough with each other."

A villager from the nearby Riyute Village suddenly ran up. "Shield Hero! Spear Hero! Lord Hats! Something is wrong! The knights and the Bow Hero are causing trouble in Riyute!"

Naofumi blinked in surprise. Not at the situation, but that Buddy was the only one who had his name memorized by the villagers.

Motoyasu had Akame jump the fence, Raphtalia and Filo following close behind. "Probably that Bitch tricking Itsuki again. We should handle this, Naofumi."

Naofumi nodded in agreement as he took over controlling Filo. "Filo, are you ok with me riding you?"

"Weh!" Filo said in approval. She preferred Raphtalia, but she liked Naofumi too.

With that, they went to check on Riyute.


Bitch herself was currently giving her speech to the people, though most of the men there were just ogling her in her bikini armor. She held up whatever paperwork came with her speech. "Due to his efforts in the previous Wave, the Bow Hero, Itsuki has been appointed the new lord of this region. To assist with the rebuilding efforts, there will be a toll put in place. Fifty silvers for entering and exiting the village."

Ren was passing by and ended up being there first. He checked his pockets. With how much he had been paying Clyde, he was already short on silvers. He could feel his right eye twitching. "I won't be able to meet Naofumi and Motoyasu here anymore."

"That price is absurd…" Éclair agreed. Her father was lord of a region, so she knew at least that this toll was absurd.

Naofumi and Motoyasu came up with their parties.

"What a load of shit!" Naofumi jumped off of Filo to land right in front of Itsuki, making the jump over the crowd easily thanks to his training with Orion.

Itsuki stumbled back in surprise, not expecting the Shield Hero to be so agile. "It's just for repairs. You can't consider it justice to leave this village in ruins just because you couldn't protect it."

"Do you even know how much it costs to live in the inns here, Itsuki?" Naofumi asked in an annoyed tone. "One silver, food included. You're charging one-hundred times that just to make a round trip in and out of the village. Is that really just?"

Itsuki thought about it for a bit. "It's just until the village is repaired. One week tops."

"You really think that's an excuse?" Motoyasu jumped over next, right as the crowd started audibly agreeing with Naofumi.

"It was the Shield and Spear Heroes who were here during the Wave! They deserve to be lords of this land more than you do!" Someone shouted in annoyance.

Ren walked through the crowd, unable to do the same over-the-top jump. "That man's right. We only fought one boss, Itsuki. Naofumi and Motoyasu kept deaths to a zero. They deserve more from this village than you ever will."

"If we didn't beat the boss, the Wave wouldn't have ended, Ren! And if you didn't cause trouble during the party, then maybe you'd be given land too!" Itsuki snapped at him.

"I caused trouble at the party!?" Ren snapped back in pure frustration.

"If you just released Wyndia in the first place, we wouldn't have needed to fight! She stayed by your side anyway!" Itsuki told him.

"You all dare oppose a royal decree!?" Bitch screamed, interrupting everyone talking. She then got interrupted herself as the queen's Shadows suddenly appeared in front of her. She was forced to accept a scroll from the Shadows and read it. "…all of the heroes will race for the right to be the lord of this village!"

"Wait, all of us-!?" Naofumi said quickly, not having prepared for a four-way. In a way though, he was happy. Because this way, it was three good guys and Itsuki, and he was ok with those odds.

Motoyasu chuckled as he jumped back onto Akame. "That's going to be a mistake!"

Itsuki jumped onto his sleeker Knight Dragon. "You think that fat thing can challenge a dragon bred for riding? Don't trick yourself into having hope, Motoyasu!"

Naofumi hopped onto Filo, petting her head. "If you do good, Filo, I'll let you go leveling alone with Raphtalia later."

Filo seemed to perk up immediately in excitement.

That just left one outlier…

Ren didn't have a ride.

"Ren…" Rifana pulled on Ren's coat to get his attention. "How will you compete?"

Ren changed to his Calorie Sword for more stamina. "I'll run it myself."

Éclair gave Ren a look. "That sounds stupid."

"Actually it isn't… Ren's speed stat is absurd. I'd honestly say he's better on foot than everyone else it on their rides," Wyndia said. She still had a worried tone though. "The problem is his stamina."

"I just need to participate. I trust Motoyasu and Naofumi to bring home the gold." Ren gave Rifana and Wyndia a pat on the head, though he had to reach up pretty high to give Wyndia her head pats with how much taller she was than him. "I'll be fine."

Éclair still looked confused. "If you really think you can do it…"

"I'm the Sword Hero! The Shield has defense, the Spear had attack, and the Bow has range, but the Sword? The Sword is fast." Ren went to go to the starting line.

Itsuki chuckled as he looked at all of them. "A bird, a fat dragon, and a skinny Japanese student on his own two legs. You're all lame."

Ren the brought his foot up into Itsuki's crotch hard enough to fling him through the air. "…I think my legs are pretty adequate. What do you guys think?"

Motoyasu chuckled as he watched Itsuki fly. "Damn… Thank goodness I'm not an asshole, or that would have definitely been me."

"More true than you realize…" Naofumi muttered under his breath.

Bitch quickly went to check on Itsuki. "W-we need healing magic here!"

Buddy went over to use healing magic, doing his best to save Itsuki's balls with the other medics. "Don't do that again, sir Ren. Any male's genitals are too valuable to lose in petty squabbles."

"But fair game in a fight to the death, right?" Ren asked.

"Of course. Then you fry those eggs up and eat them as a sign of your dominance."

Everyone gave Buddy a look.

"I mean…am I wrong?" Buddy asked.

"Twisted is more what I would say…" Naofumi replied.

They all got into position to race after Itsuki was given time to recover.

The land's current lord stepped out to explain the rules. "Three laps! Whoever reaches the gate first after those laps wins!" He then did the wave to start them off. "Go!"

Ren bolted ahead of the pack, having the strongest start possible. His eyes seemed to glow, and the ground seemed to crack under his feet. He was the Sword Hero, and he was fast.

"Don't push yourself too hard, Ren!" Wyndia called out worriedly.

Ren didn't have time to listen. He had to be ready, because he wasn't running the race to win. He saw Bitch's men on the sides of the track, and he could hear them chanting magic. He ran up to the soldiers and stopped between them, wrapping his arms around their shoulders. "Hey, boys! Enjoying the race so far? I heard that magic could be placed stealthily in order to cheat! Have you seen any cheaters here?" He talked to them like they were casual friends he met at the bar.

Naofumi waved as he went by, the new leader of the pack. "Thanks, Ren!"

Ren waved back. "Do your best, Naofumi!" He then grinned at each of the soldiers as Motoyasu and Itsuki passed by next. "Great guy that Shield Hero is." He then bolted off to reclaim his position at the front of the pack, getting there just in time to body-block a slow-down spell meant for Filo.

Motoyasu saw this and slowed down to Ren's pace. "Are you ok, Ren-?"

"It's a simple stat reduce spell. I'm fine. I'm doing this for you and Naofumi, you know. Don't let me down!" Ren pulled out a potion meant for clearing negative status effects, downing it before bolting off again.

Motoyasu chuckled as he gave a light tug on Akame's scales to tell her she could speed up again.

Ren was still leading the pack, but he was running out of stamina.

Thankfully, they had just entered the third and final lap.

Naofumi narrowed his eyes when he saw a set of pits form in the path, Ren not having been fast enough to stop it this time. He prepared to have Filo jump it, but then, as expected, Ren pulled something off.

Ren changed is sword. "Resilient Sword! Swordmaster Guard!" He dropped over the hole to act as a bridge, his technique giving him a split second of damage immunity needed for the other three racers to get over.

"Ren-!" Ren's party all cried out in worry at the same time.

As for the racers, they didn't have time to worry about Ren.

Naofumi and Motoyasu were really close to having a tie, and Itsuki was left in their dust.

A speed-up spell was prepared by Bitch's men, aimed at Itsuki's dragon, but a cloud of dust blocked him off at the last second by what seemed to be pure convenience.

Naofumi and Motoyasu crossed the finish line at the same time, giving each other a giddy smile as they did and both thinking about thanking Ren later.

One of Bitch's men came out with a crystal ball that Naofumi remembered was for recording. "We'll check the last few seconds to see who won."

Naofumi blinked, not even remembering one of those being at the race last time.

Bitch came over, already fuming about how her cheating hadn't helped Itsuki win. She then fumed even more when she saw the footage.

Naofumi and Motoyasu were definitely about to pass at the exact same time, but then the cloud of dust that had blocked the speed-up spell blew past them and cleared, showing a very amped-up Ren under the dust.

In the slowmo, Ren looked at the finish line in contemplation. He then stepped over the finish line instead of through it and looked over at the crystal ball, realizing it was recording. He struck a peace sign and did a few dorky poses before pulling out a bagel from his pocket and eating it. He then sped off right as Naofumi and Motoyasu passed the finish line.

Everyone turned to Ren with a look of absolute disbelief, Ren now sitting on the nearest bench and eating a second bagel. "Have any of you seen Sonic X? No? Then don't judge me. I've dreamed of that moment."

Naofumi and Motoyasu were still stunned, but then they actually started laughing their asses off.

"That was unfair! You two cheated!" Bitch said quickly at Naofumi and Motoyasu.

"Technically Ren won though," Naofumi pointed out.

"He was disqualified the second he used speed-up magic!" Bitch claimed.

Ren shrugged. "I wasn't the one who used it, but that's fair. What about the holes your men put in the track?"

"What are you talking about? Do you have any proof!?"

Buddy came over with the Shadows. "All over the track actually. There are traces of magic that isn't registered to any Hero or their party. Your men happen to have the correct magic types though."

Bitch looked over at the Shadows. "Are you going to believe this filthy animal!?"

"He is correct. We checked it ourselves. Foul play has been detected from the Bow Hero's party," the head Shadow said before turning to Buddy. "And this animal would make a perfect Shadow."

Motoyasu gave Buddy a "what the fuck" kind of look.

Buddy shrugged. "I'm mingling."

Itsuki stormed over. "I let you beat me because even I was against that toll. Don't let it go to your head."

"That's a load of bullshit…" Naofumi grumbled, knowing Itsuki had truly done his best.

Ren switched to his Greed Sword for a moment before it allowed him to generate ice. He then switched off of it when he had a block of ice. He handed it to Itsuki with a smile. "For your dick."

Itsuki blushed furiously as he took the ice. "I'll get you next time!" He then stormed off, using the ice when out of sight.

Ren took in a deep breath before collapsing back. "…I'm tired."

"I'll bet. Thanks, Ren." Naofumi immediately helped him up.

"Just cook me another one of your amazing meals, and we'll call it even…" Ren said tiredly.

"I can cook too," Motoyasu offered.

Everyone gave Motoyasu a look.

Motoyasu sighed softly. "Point taken." He indeed did know how to cook, but only in his world where flavors tended to need to be a lot more intense. His cooking would actually be pretty good in his own world, but here it would override someone's tongue. "I'll stick to sewing."

Wyndia, Rifana, and Éclair ran over to check on Ren.

"You keep doing stupid things to yourself…" Wyndia grumbled in annoyance.

"Because I have trust in others. I want everyone to be able to do their best," Ren told her.

Trust.

Naofumi was amazed at how powerful Ren's trust was in this world after all that had happened to him. He was happy someone could still so-openly trust now that he and Motoyasu were more jaded towards the world.

The city's lord came up and bowed his head in thanks. "Thank you, Heroes. Now we can truly get back to rebuilding our village."

"Where's the reward though?" Naofumi and Motoyasu said at the exact same time.

"Right… We'll gather the money for you…"

"No money. That would look bad on our reputation," Naofumi and Motoyasu said at the exact same time again. They gave each other an amused smirk.

"Then what can we give you-?"

"Merchant and trader licenses for all three of us," Naofumi told him before pointing at an old wagon. "And I want that for Filo.

The lord blinked in surprise before nodding with a smile. "I can do that."

"I…don't have anything to sell, Naofumi…" Ren reminded him.

"You have a background in graphic design don't you? Make art!" Naofumi told him.

"…I guess I can try…"

"And the trader pass exempts you from tolls in a lot of places," Buddy told Ren. "It's useful in that way at least!"

"And if you're willing to work with a carpenter, I have a job for you, Ren." Motoyasu nodded to Akame. "I want a living space built on her back. If you really do have engineering experience."

"Err… I have redneck engineering experience…" Ren admitted awkwardly. "Like how my Uncle Haywood made a coded can-crusher specifically for his Diet Coke addiction. That's the type of makeshift engineering I have."

"Perfect, improvisation skills. Because I don't know anyone who has a house on the back of their dragon," Motoyasu told him.

"Before that, Motoyasu…" Naofumi noticed how puffy Filo had gotten and how big Akame had gotten. "We need to sneak back into Melromarc."

"That hellhole? Why?"

"We'll need magic thread soon."


The trip back to Melromarc was easy enough. Naofumi and Motoyasu's parties would separate until it was time to camp for the night. Then they would gather up and set up a fire, and Naofumi and Buddy would take time to help Motoyasu learn to read.

Ren was with them for the first night at least, but after he got some of Naofumi's cooking, he had to be on his way again. He wanted to keep an eye on Itsuki, make sure he didn't mess more things up. Plus if he stayed a good enough distance, he could use Itsuki's EXP grinding techniques for himself.

Teaching Motoyasu to read had led to something unexpected at least.

Motoyasu squinted a lot at the pages, and Naofumi could guess what that means.

"You need reading glasses," Naofumi told Motoyasu plainly.

"…do I really?" Motoyasu asked as he kept squinting at the page. "I see everything else just fine."

"But you can't see text. You need to be able to read," Naofumi told him. "We'll pick you up some while we're in Melromarc. I'm sure Clyde will sell them to you for cheap."

Motoyasu went silent for a moment. "That Clyde guy…he doesn't sit right with me. Not in a bad way, but in the 'I'm keeping secrets to protect you' sort of way."

Naofumi nodded in agreement. "I never did trust the guy, but he gives Heroes special treatment at least. I'm sure he'll be willing to hide us when we are staying in Melromarc too."

Motoyasu laid back against Buddy's back, Buddy now asleep on his belly. "Well, I think we're all a little worn from today. I'll take first watch."

Naofumi nodded as he got into his bedroll. "Wake me if something goes wrong."

"You got it."

Raphtalia popped her head out of Filo's feathers, Filo snuggling her and not wanting to let her go. "Naofumi-! Help-!"

"Filo, Raphtalia needs to sleep. You'll hurt her like that," Naofumi told Filo.

Filo seemed to pout as she released Raphtalia.

Naofumi was rather curious about Filo's attachment to Raphtalia, but he admitted that it did make sense. He remembered she got pretty attached to him when he was the first to see her hatch, but this time Raphtalia had been the first to see Filo hatch.

Filo would be able to talk come the morning though, and Naofumi wasn't sure he was even properly prepared this time.

Still, Naofumi settled down to sleep.


"GAH! WHO ARE YOU!?" Motoyasu screamed in panic not long after the sun came up.

Show time… Naofumi thought to himself as he stood up. He blinked in surprise when he didn't see Filo in human form first, instead seeing Akame.

Akame had black hair and crimson eyes, and instead of the expected loli bodytype, she had a mature, womanly bodytype that would make any man look. She had dark blue skin as her distinct feature, and she had a smaller version of her normal dragon tail. She was already speaking too. "Big brother! Wake up daddy!" She pointed at Buddy. "I want to show daddy my human form!"

Motoyasu put on an awkward smile. "Akame-?"

"Yes! It's me, big brother Motoyasu!" Akame shook Motoyasu's hands eagerly, her large bust seeming to sway uncontrollably from the movement.

Motoyasu felt bad for seeing her like this, but he also felt something else.

Spear of Lust Unlocked!

Equip Bonus: Strength Bonus

Special Equip Effect: Curse of Temptation, Zweite Field of Impalation (skill)

Combo: Bar Cell - Electric Fence - Field of Impalation - Zweite Field of Impalation

Motoyasu felt deep shame when he saw the new spear unlock, and he buried is face in his hands. "I haven't become a better person at all…"

Naofumi had no idea what was wrong with Motoyasu, so he went to check on Raphtalia and Filo. He indeed saw human Filo, the little girl having slid into Raphtalia's bedroll with her. "I should have expected as much. I just don't know how they are still sleeping…" He cleared his throat loudly. "RAPHTALIA! WAKE UP!"

Needless to say, it was a hectic morning.


Fitoria looked up from watching Orion fight an army of his own kind. She had been fighting in this Wave, and she was happy Orion had showed up to give her help so she could get some rest before she needed to go to another Wave. She thought he was familiar, but she couldn't place where she knew him. For now though, she had a message from one of her fellow Filolials.

The Filolial made a series of noises, doing its best to say its message.

"The strongest Dragon Queen in a while you say? Possibly a new Dragon Emperor?" Fitoria looked off at the carnage the slime golems had done to Faubley. While most would say it looks pretty bad, Fitoria thought it looked ok. She smiled as the Wave closed due to Orion's hard work. "I guess I'll kill this dragon before it grows." She changed into her Filolial Queen form and teleported away.


Fitoria seems to not like the news of Akame. Looks like that could be a problem, considering next chapter will probably be for developing Akame.

Incase people are wondering, Ren is confirmed to be the tank of his party. His HP and defense are the lowest in his party, but he tanks by taking aggro and dodging the attacks instead of taking them. His new Swordmaster's Guard is something to supplement that kit. If you've played a Xenoblade game, you probably know how the "evasiveness tank" role works. Also his engineering and graphic design side...not canon to his original character at all. The engineering side is a reference to Sword Art Online's Kirito and how he does mechatronics, and the graphic design side is a reference to how this Ren acts a lot like my classmates in my graphic design classes. I am just trying to give each hero something they can do to make money when the king is being cheap.

We're also reaching the part of the story where Naofumi needs to start cleaning up Itsuki's messes, and Itsuki...something tells me he will start getting his spotlight time after the next Wave. Sorry, Itsuki fans who want him to get his spotlight sooner, but I really want to nail down his pride. Plus...I am honestly still planning him out. He's the hardest character to write, which is why he ended up being the hero to stay under Bitch's thumb for the longest time.

I finished writing this literally an hour after the last chapter went up, but I held it back to give the last one more time. I love the reviews coming. They give me validation! Thanks again, everyone! Sorry if I haven't been getting into questions as much, but I am doing my best to suppress my ability to spit spoilers like a machine gun.