Author's Note: Wow. Just wow. You guys blew my expectations out of the park! Within the first day of uploading chapter 1, it gained 196 views, 12 followers, and even a review! Unbelievable! You guys are truly fantastic! I appreciate all of you who took time out of your day to read the first chapter of my story, even if it is not that great. But yeah, thank you all so much. Also for those of you who are wondering what Leo's nationality is and haven't figured it out, he is Polish.

Oh, and some things I would like to point out to those from the reviews -

Drmcgraw186: Yes, I know guns already exist, however, Leo doesn't know that. All he knows is the medieval setting he has been placed in, so he thinks he has the only gun. And compared to the 18th century one's Faubrey has, his is a technological masterpiece.

Abbade01: You'll just have to wait and see…

Anyway, without further adieu, enjoy chapter 2!

Disclaimer: I do not own Rising of the Shield Hero or any of its characters, only my own.

"Dialogue."

"Writings."

Thoughts.

August 5, 2020

"Today is the day we get our companions and go on a classic style adventure, similar to that of those old fairy - tales. I'm actually quite excited! No virus affecting the world, no lockdown, no CO making us do marches at 0 - dark - thirty. The air is so much cleaner than that of home. I still can't believe that this is what the Roman's lives were like. Out of all of these things however, I do worry for Klementyna. She is probably worried about my disappearance. I do miss her a lot. Her smile. Her eyes. Her ability to have an optimistic personality in almost any situation. If only I read the book while we were both at the desk…"

- Private First Class Wisnieski

Completing his journal entry for the day, Leo stood up and went over to where he placed his equipment the previous night. After taking a few minutes to put on his vest, helmet, and other equipment, alongside his backpack, his thoughts went back to the princesses betrayal that was listed in the book.

We're getting our companions today, I wonder if the traitorous princess will be involved in the process. Hopefully not, but she did seem quite conniving in the book. I just hope that I'll get someone I can trust to help me. Suddenly, a knock at his door brought him back to the real world. "Sir hero, the king is requesting the presence of all four cardinal heroes to the main throne room, I dare say." An unknown voice called out.

After taking a moment to check all of his equipment, Leo mentally prepared himself for the day ahead. He opened the door and stepped out, a big smile plastered on his face. "Lead the way, ma'am." Leo told her as he began following the maid to the throne room. Upon entering, he noticed that the other heroes were already there.

As he walked up to the group, Ren turned at the noise of the new arrivals. "Finally, what took you so long? You missed breakfast." He spoke, condescendingly.

Leo rubbed the back of his neck before responding, "Sorry, I was just getting everything ready for the day. And I had a snack from my bag, so I'm good to go." Ren scoffed at the answer before facing the king again. Taking a look around, Leo noticed one figure, a red - headed female that looked awfully similar to that of the one in the portrait he saw yesterday. Either she was the same person, or they were coincidentally lookalikes. Once they had made momentary eye contact though, he swore he saw her wink at him. That action alone seemed to make him disgusted, as he turned back to the king in a heartbeat.

If that's the princess, then this could be worse than I originally thought. If not, then I have nothing to fear, but if so, and she joins my party, then I will have to keep my eye on her. She certainly looks like she fits the bill of conniving.

The king's booming voice took hold over the room and caught Leo's attention. "Sir heroes, today your companions shall be joining you on your adventures to combat the waves. As discussed, we have chosen only the finest and bravest adventurers in the lands. Adventurers, choose the hero you desire to follow."

Leo watched the adventurers trickle from the crowd as they had begun to form their respective parties. After taking a moment to assess the numbers, he quickly realized that Motoyasu had four companions, while Ren had five, and Itsuki had three, which left him with zero.

Leo took a step forward and addressed the king as if he were his Commanding Officer. "Your majesty, I presume a mistake of some sort has been made. None of the adventurers seem to be willing to party up with me."

"I must admit, even I was not expecting this sort of outcome." The king replied. Before he could respond further, one of his advisors stepped up and whispered something into his ear. Whatever it was, Leo couldn't help but notice the quick smirk that grew on the king's face before it all too suddenly disappeared. "It appears that a rumor has been spreading throughout the city. It tells that the Shield Hero knows little about our world. Legends say that all four of the cardinal heroes arrive with extensive knowledge of our lands. Shield Hero, what say you?"

Leo looked at him and was about to answer, but instead, sighed, having no counter argument. However, he did pick up on Motoyasu's comment of, "Someone must've been spying on our meeting last night." With nothing to retort, Leo just stepped back into line, but not before hearing those dreaded words.

"I'll join your party Sir Shield Hero." Said a female voice. Facing the source, he saw that it was none other than the potential princess.

Damn, this just couldn't get any worse. Ok, I'll have to deal with it for now, lest she actually kill me. Just have to keep an eye on her is all. Leo rubbed the back of his head, doing his best to feign surprise. "Well, I uh, thank you miss…"

"Myne Sophia. You may just call me Myne though." Said the now known Myne.

"Alright well, welcome to the team Miss Sophia." Leo responded. He gave her a quick nod before turning back to king Aultcray.

King Aultcray addressed them one final time. "Alright then. Each month, we shall provide you heroes with funds you require. Here are your funds to help you begin your adventures. Sir Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Ren shall be provided a base sum of 600 silvers. Since sir Leopold must acquire his own adventures, he shall be receiving a base sum of 800 silvers. Now sir heroes, begin your adventure and save our lands!"

The other three heroes provided a quick nod and vocal acknowledgment, while Leo provided another two fingered salute before following the others out.

At the base of the castle, they couldn't help but notice how the area was designed. This place is bustling with people, almost like that of medieval Europe. Not really a surprise, seeing as how this should be the capital. Just tread lightly and everything will be alright. With a quick feel check for his pistol, he smiled again. At least I have this ready for emergencies.

"Aright, well, this is it. Good luck to you guys. Hopefully we'll see each other again." Itsuki said once they reached the bottom of the staircase leading to the castle. The others just nodded and finally went their separate ways.

"So, Myne, we should probably begin leveling up as soon as possible. Know any spots that can help?" Leo asked.

"Just outside the castle, Sir Shield Hero. There should be a lot of low leveled monsters." Myne replied.

"Alright then, let's get to it, no time to waste."

On their way out of the main town, Leo took the time to look at the shops and remember their relative location, as they could be useful eventually. Not only that, but he saw something which disgusted him to the core. Is- is that person WHIPPING A CHILD?! His fists tightened in anger, as the sight forced him to remember his old history class, and how the Polish were treated throughout World War II and the Cold War. Before he could get anywhere however, Myne grabbed his arm and put on an innocent smile.

"Sir Shield Hero, it's as you said, we should level up as soon as possible. There's no time to waste before the next Wave hits, after all." She told him, bringing his arm into an uncomfortable position. He sighed, he'll have to ask later.

After making their way past the outer wall and into the fields, Leo and Myne found an unoccupied spot. Almost immediately upon arriving, orange balloons began appearing from the tall grass and bushes.

Orange Balloon

Level: 1

"Alright, Myne, take out the larger group with your sword. I'll get the individuals and stragglers." Leo ordered.

"As you wish, Sir Shield Hero!" Myne responded. As Myne went to kill the balloons with her sword, Leo put his training to use. After catching one balloon that went to get him, Leo caught it and began punching it, almost to no avail due to his low attack stat. After punching the balloon over 15 times, he finally got a notification on his menu.

+3 XP

It was then Leo realized just how much effort he would be putting into farming. Crap, at this rate, it'll take me forever to level up. I really need to use a weapon, but shooting them would be a waste of bullets, and I don't have my knife. I guess punching will have to do for now.

They spent the next few hours farming orange balloons, with Myne eventually getting to level 5, while Leo managed to get to level 2.

Sweaty and panting heavily, Leo took a drink from his canteen before going over to pick up all the pieces of the balloons. After adding them to his shield, a new notification popped up on his menu.

Orange Shield

+2 DEF, +1 MDEF

Equip Bonus: +2 DEF

Orange Shield II

+3 DEF, +2 MDEF

Equip Bonus: +4 DEF

"Guess it's a start. Still nothing compared to my Ballistic Shield." Leo told nobody in particular. Once he collected all the monster drops, he went over to check up on Myne. Upon seeing her, he noticed that she had gone up two levels, as well as managed to get a lot of balloon drops.

While collecting, Leo heard footsteps coming up behind him. Taking a quick glance, he saw that it was just Myne. "Sir Shield Hero, the day is getting late, so we should probably head back to town. There is an inn that I highly recommend we stay at." Myne told him.

Standing up, Leo glared at her from behind his tinted goggles and masked face. "Sure." He said, putting in a little less emotion and more wariness in his voice. She didn't seem to pick up on it however as they began to walk back, their progress completed for the day. On their way back, Leo had begun to list all of the ideas that he could think of about what could happen.

Just what is her plan? Is she going to steal all my equipment? Will she kidnap and torture me? Something else? I should probably leave my things somewhere she won't find them.

"Hey, Myne, how about you continue on, I'm going to do a little shopping for now, ok?" Leo told her, putting on an ignorant facade.

"Sure, Sir Shield Hero. Just please don't be too long, as I was planning that we celebrate your accomplishments at the inn!" She called out in response.

Jackpot. So she plans to poison me. Leo believed he finally had it all figured out, and after he saw her go a little ways on, he quickly stepped into the blacksmith's shop nearby.

Upon entering, it looked like any normal weapon's shop, with swords and shields on one side, and maces, axes, and warhammers on the other. Out from behind the counter stood a tall, bald man. His stature seemed similar to that of Leo himself, as if he worked out each day.

The man smiled as he greeted the unknown newcomer. "Ah, welcome to my shop sir! If you need a weapon, you came to the right place! Names Erhard by the way." The man announced, standing tall and proud.

"Good to meet you sir. I was just wondering if I could ask a favor of you." Suddenly, Leo took off his pack, pistol, vest, and helmet, as well as other pieces of his equipment. He also handed over his goggles and balaclava, exposing his green eyes and well tanned face. "I was wondering if you could store this somewhere safe. I'm planning on going to a party, and I don't want these to be stolen or misplaced. They're one of a kind you see, so I don't want to lose them." He said, putting on a convincing smile.

"Sure thing, I can store 'em in the backroom." Erhard responded, taking the pieces of equipment. "Hm, these don't look like anything I've seen before. You said they're one of a kind? I can see why." Erhard rubbed his chin, looking over the equipment before going to store it in the back, safe and sound. After a minute or so, Erhard returned, but not before noticing the shield on Leo's left arm.

"Say, that's a fancy looking shield you got there. Why not put it with the rest of your equipment? Looks special." Erhard asked, confusion taking a hold of his face. Leo looked at Erhard in the eyes, before checking behind him to make sure nobody else was around. He motioned for Erhard to come closer, as if he were being told a secret.

"I'm the Shield Hero. We got summoned just yesterday." Leo told him. Erhard's face went from confused to surprised in less than a second after his brain processed what Leo said.

Suddenly, Erhard exclaimed, "Sir Shield Hero! Wow, my shop has become quite popular if one of the cardinal heroes came! What do you need, sword, shield, mace, armor?" Erhard listed.

"No no, I'm fine. I was wondering if you could put on some magical defenses to my armor that you stored? If that's a thing of course, because between you and me, I feel like something bad is going to happen." Leo responded before Erhard could go further.

"Something bad? Like what Shield bro?" Erhard requested, confusion filling the room. Leo took this time to fill him in on the summoning of the heroes and his knowledge of the princesses betrayal. He then went on to tell him how he believed that said princess was currently in his party.

"Wow, so that's why you left your stuff with me." Erhard remarked.

Leo quickly nodded and replied, "I hope you understand. I also wanted to ask another favor of you. If something does happen, can I trust you to help me?"

Erhard rubbed the back of his head, contemplating what he should do. After a moment of thought, he stared at Leo dead in the eyes. "I'll do what I can. I can't promise much, but I can say that you're welcome here if nothing else." Erhard calmly told him. Leo smirked before extending his hand for a handshake.

Once Erhard took it, he said, "Names Leo, and thanks. I'll hold you to the promise. Oh, and one last thing. I wanted to figure out, I saw a man whipping a boy who had some sort of tail. What is all that about?"

Erhard proceeded to inform him of the whole slavery situation within the country, as well as demi - humans as a whole and their level correspondence to age. After comparing their situation to something similar that happened in Poland's history, he couldn't help but wonder just where he had been summoned to, and what other information was being kept from him.

Once his business was done, something else came to mind. Leo took out his bag of silver, before opening it and taking out a single piece. Moving it to the gem of his shield, the coin was instantly absorbed, providing him with a new shield similar to that of a treasure chest.

Currency Shield

1 Silver/250 Gold

Taken back by how that actually worked, Leo thought about taking that single silver coin out. When he did, the coin appeared in his hand, with his shield stating that he had zero silver. Immediately, he began taking portions of money out and absorbing them into his shield, his grin ever expanding on his face.

So now, even if I die, she won't get a single cent off me! Ohoho, this is even better than I imagined. Leo thought gleefully, knowing there was nothing to rob of him now except his clothes. After putting the last coin in the currency shield, he saw that it had updated.

Currency Shield II

800 Silver/500 Gold

Satisfied, Leo stepped out back into the street, heading to the nearby inn that Myne was staying at. As he was doing so though, Erhard just stood in shock at what he had just witnessed. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he went on to fulfill Leo's request of adding "magical defense," or so he said, to that strange armor of his, not noticing the pouch with Leo's pistol on the backpack.

Once Leo was inside of the inn, it was eerily similar to a local restaurant in Poland, if not a little older and more traditional looking. Locating Myne was easy, as her red hair stood out amongst the small sea of black, brown, and blonde. Walking up behind her, Leo made his presence known.

"Sorry about the long wait time Myne, just had to take care of business." Leo said, rubbing the back of his head, giving off an embarrassed vibe.

"It's no problem Sir Shield Hero! I was just ordering our meals. In fact, here they come now." Myne replied, watching as the waiter delivered their meals to the table. They both had the same thing, a steak with a side of potatoes and a glass of wine each from a bottle.

Alright, this is it. Gotta find a way to pass this up. "Actually Myne, I don't exactly drink. For one, it is highly looked down upon for soldiers to drink. Two, nobody wants their Commanding Officer to find them drunk. Three, I had a friend who drank a bit too much one time after a mission, and let's just say, she caused the barracks to not be barracks the next day. Also, I'm not really hungry. I ate something before coming over. I didn't realize that you would get both of us something to eat. Sorry." Leo apologized, hoping his bad lie would help him get out of this situation.

Myne seemed to buy it, with her stating, "Oh, that's fine I guess." Her face slowly formed into one of sadness, but if one were to look her in the eye, they would see anger.

Ugh! This is not going to plan. Not only did he not drink, but he left his equipment somewhere. He certainly is smarter than everyone else I've dealt with.

Leo simply nodded and asked the innkeeper for his room. Once he got his information, he went into his room and immediately got an idea after observing the layout. He took the dresser and moved it in front of the door, effectively blocking it from opening for anyone who wished to enter. He then checked the window, however, the bars blocking it wouldn't budge.

Ok, this is bad. No second route of escape. Either I leave in the middle of the night, or I wait it out… Leo decided to wait it out, taking the nearby nightstand and also moving it on top of the dresser to further barricade himself. Deciding that was enough to block any intruder, he made his way to the bed and fell into it, drifting off to sleep, his tired mind begging him for some rest after a long day, both physically and mentally.

Author's Note: And there you have it, chapter 2. At this point, I had spent over three hours writing, and then who knows how long more editing this chapter. Anyway, until next time. Stay safe.