Author's Note: Welcome back readers! Quick side note, someone pointed out that towards the end of the last chapter, I misspelled a word. After going back, I quickly became sad, but fixed it nonetheless. Anyway… welcome to chapter three of From Soldier to Savior. I hope you all enjoy it. Also, do any of you know the Metro series? Imagine Aultcray, but with Colonel Miller's voice. Similar, isn't it? Welp, without further adieu, chapter 3!

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

"Dialogue."

"Writing."

Thoughts.

*BANG* *BANG* *BANG* "Shield Demon, open up! NOW!" A voice suddenly cried out. *BANG* *BANG* "Don't make us break down this door!"

Leo awoke with a start at the yelling. He quickly shook his head to try and quickly clear his vision. What the?! Crap, I overslept! Guess my idea about the poison was wrong after all. Once he managed to clear his vision, he looked around and spotted a candle mount on the wall. He quickly tore the candle mount off and began slamming it against the window bars in a futile attempt to break out. After a few hits, and the candle mount snapping in two, Leo gave up, with seemingly no other hope for escape.

"Ok, ok! I surrender, just give me a minute and I'll come out!" He called out. Moving the furniture out of the door's path, he opened it. Instead of being greeted by one or two guards, it looked like a whole squad or more had shown up!

No doubt the princesses doing. Should've left in the night. Damn I'm an idiot! Leo silently berated himself. The knights quickly seized him by the arms.

"The king has requested your presence, fiend. You're coming with us to the castle." The head knight spoke. Leo simply glared at him before silently following the knights. Once they arrived at the castle, the knights pushed him through the main doors leading into the throne room, causing Leo to stumble, but not fall. The second he regained his composure, he looked up and saw Myne standing behind Motoyasu, clinging to him as if her life depended on it. The other heroes were staring at him in disgust, anger, hatred, and emotions he couldn't even begin to fathom.

Leo was staring directly at Myne however, his face full of hatred, not only for her, but for himself. I fell directly into their trap. Breath Leo, breath… remember your training. Remain calm, assess the situation, find a solution. Leo's face immediately began to soften, not out of grace, but in an attempt to help himself calm down.

The king was the first to address him. "You filth! You dare show your face around here, especially after what you've done?!" Leo just stared, trying to figure out what kind of accusation the king was throwing his way. He did not have to think for long however, since it was filled in for him. "Myne, I apologize dear. Please, tell us your testimony once more."

Myne began to make horrendous crying sounds before she began to talk, "I- it happened last night. Although he told me he didn't drink, he- he came barging in, drunk beyond belief. He stunk of alcohol and said, "The night is still young, so why not make it one to remember?" He quickly grabbed hold of me and threw off my clothing. I- I tried to stop him, but he was too strong! I was lucky to have escaped and run into Motoyasu when I did…"

So THAT was her plan. It wasn't to kill me at all, it was to make my life a living hell! But, if one were to take ONE good look into her story, there are so many holes in it that anyone with a brain can figure it out! Leo stared at the other heroes, resolve fixed in his eyes. "You three cannot possibly believe this liar! There are many holes within her story that any normal person can see how much of fake she is! For one, if I were drunk, I would not be able to stand and speak like I am now. I would be on the ground, having a massive hangover! Two, I barricaded myself within my own room to make sure something like THIS didn't occur in the first place! Three, look at her! Does she have any bruises? Any signs of being attacked?! Or, better yet, check out the rooms! Besides me barricading the door, they should be spotless! No sign of forced entry or attack!" Leo said as he finished his own testimony.

"Be quiet you raping bastard! You dare speak ill about her after all you've done?!" Motoyasu shouted in response. Leo glared at him, as if his eyes were calling him an idiot. At the same time however, Ren looked like he was thinking about what Leo had said, using that knowledge to fill the gaps in Myne's story. He seemed doubtful, but not entirely convinced at the same time.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, a knight came forth with what looked to be purple undergarments. "Your majesty, we found these in the Shield Heroes room strewn across his bed." The knight reported.

Leo looked on in shock at how far these people were willing to try and make him fall. But that shock was there for barely a moment before he smirked and spoke up, "Hang on just a minute. She said that I came to her room, yet those were found in mine? Even after I barricaded myself before I went to sleep? Well? Which is it Myne? Your room, or mine? Itsuki, Ren, you two cannot be believing this!"

Ren's expression did not change, however, his eyes showed heavy doubt about the situation. Yet, he did nothing. Itsuki looked as if he was contemplating Leo's words as well, but followed suit and also did nothing. Motoyasu, well, he just looked like he was having a good time "protecting" Myne from the big bad soldier. The king, compared to all others in the room, looked ready to burst, but managed to keep his composure. "Due to your status as hero, you cannot be put to death, as rape in this country is a capital offence. Not only that, but you are required to fight the waves, so imprisoning you is not an option either. However, news of your crime, along with what has transpired here today is spreading throughout the capitol. All the townsfolk shall know of what you have done. That shall be your punishment."

Leo released a breath he did not realize that he was holding. "Fine then, if you wish to bring me down, then so be it. I'm a soldier, so I fight for the people. Just know that, when hell comes knocking on your doorstep, don't expect any help from me." With that, he got up and began to walk out of the throne room. Before he left however, he stopped, turned around, and with an intense voice that felt as if it shook the entire room, cried out, "I will show you what happens when you fight an unwavering resolve! Us Poles do not sit on our asses. We. Will. Fight!" And with that, he left, heading out to the main street.

As he made his way through the streets of the capitol, he received angry glares from all around him. Many whispered, others turned away. Leo did not care for any of their thoughts however, for he knew the truth. And he did not need any of their help, he already had someone he could rely on.

Upon entering the shop once more, Leo saw a large man running his way with a fist ready to attack. Focusing in on his training, he managed to dodge out of the way, albeit barely, and quickly stood up, taking a fighting stance.

"You too huh? You also believe that I committed such a crime? Well, do you?" Leo asked, frustrated.

It took a moment, but Erhard released a sigh and lowered his arms. "I guess not. You did tell me something was going to happen, so I guess I believe you." Erhard said while crossing his arms. "So, you came by for your stuff huh? In that case, let me go get it for you." He said before going to the back room. Soon after, he came out with all of Leo's equipment. "Just like you said. Added the best enchantments I could to it, take a look."

Picking up his vest and helmet, Leo's status menu popped up and registered the newly enchanted armor.

Tactical Vest

Fire Resistance (High), Wind Resistance (High), Earth Resistance (Medium), Shock Resistance (Medium), Water Resistance (Low), [Autonomous Repair]

Equipment Bonus: Defense Up

Tactical Helmet

Wind Resistance (High), Earth Resistance (Medium), [Autonomous Repair]

Equipment Bonus: Defense Up

Putting on his newly upgraded gear, Leo thanked Erhard for all his help and paid the three hundred fifty silver required. "No problem shield bro, just don't die out there, ok?" Erhard requested.

"Yeah, no problem. Now, onto the bigger issue at hand. Not only do I have to deal with people avoiding me like the plague, but nobody is willing to party up with me, or at least I doubt they are." Leo sadly told him.

Silence filled the room for a minute until Erhard finally broke it. "You know, there is one way to get party members." Erhard claimed, stroking his beard.

It took a second for the idea to click, but nonetheless, Leo understood what he was saying. "No, you don't mean… owning a slave, do you?"

Erhard solemnly nodded. "Sorry Leo, but unless you're willing to try and convince someone to join you, getting a slave will be the quickest and easiest way."

Leo sighed, but it seemed he had no other choice. "Fine," He stated firmly, "Where can I get some?"

Erhard just kept his solemn face, not willing to look Leo in the eye. "Some alleyways down from here, there's a tent and a man named Beloukas. He should be able to get you what you need."

Upon entering the tent, Leo immediately recognized the smell of death.

Oh god, this is worse than I ever expected… Not too soon after entering, a stubby man with a large tophat and business suit stepped out from the back. "Ah, welcome to my… shop, valued customer. Is there anything I can get you?" Beloukas asked, putting on an innocent facade.

Putting on an expressionless voice to mask his disgust, Leo replied, although reluctantly, "Yes, I am here because I was informed you sold slaves. Is that true?"

"Why yes, good sir. If you would, please follow me." Beloukas said before walking towards the back. "I would personally recommend this fine beast. It's level 75 and makes for an amazing offensive companion, if I do say so myself." He told Leo, a creepy smile glued to his face as he adjusted his bow tie.

This could really help me out. Due to its high level, it should have a VERY high attack stat. Leo began thinking. Suddenly, while Leo was weighing his options, there was a light cough coming from one of the other cages. Walking over to the source, Leo moved the cloth covering it, revealing a demi - human girl with raccoon - like ears, long, messy hair, and dull pink eyes.

The second the girl saw the fully armored Polish infantryman, she backed up against the far side of the cage, afraid of this new strong looking man.

"I'll take her." The man said in a gruff, almost aggressive voice.

The slave owner guy began to speak, "But sir, she's suffering from illness and mental disorders. Also, don't you wish to see the othe-" But the gruff man interrupted him.

"I said I'll take her."

Beloukas sighed, before giving in. "As you wish, valued customer." As Beloukas walked off to get the crest ink, the man crouched down in front of her cage, took his goggles off, and in a calming voice, completely opposite to what it was earlier, began to speak to her.

"Would you like to come with me?"

He- he's asking if I want to come with him? But why? Doesn't he just want to own a slave to have dominance over someone? The raccoon girl couldn't help but wonder curiously.

Damn, if she's here, I can only imagine what she's gone through beforehand. Like hell I'm leaving her behind, she deserves a chance at life. Leo though depressingly.

Soon, Beloukas returned with all the ingredients, placing them on a nearby table before telling Leo, "All the crest requires now is a drop of the owner's blood." He picked up a knife and held it out for Leo to take, obvious in its intended purpose.

Leo took off one of his kevlar gloves and made a small cut on his thumb, just large enough to draw blood and let the vital fluid flow off his person and into the ink like substance. After a few drops were spilled, Leo wrapped his thumb with a small band-aid and put his glove back on. Staying a few feet back, he watched as Beloukas applied the ink to the girl's chest, creating the link between master and slave. As the girl was shocked by the crest, Leo couldn't help but to look away, not wishing to watch a small girl such as herself be inflicted with such pain.

"There we go good sir, all done. This slave crest will make it impossible for her to defy your orders, harm you, lie, and more, if you wish." Beloukas said, his smile appearing almost sadistic.

Leo slowly walked up to the girl. Once in front of her, he crouched down to be on eye level with her. Even when she appeared frightened, he still asked, "What's your name kid?" When the girl did not respond, he tried again, but in a softer tone, "Hey, what's your name?"

The girl, although slow to respond, still did just that. "R- raphtalia. Sir." Leo winced at being called sir, as if she truly believed that he would make her think she was his slave.

Sighing, he stood up and offered a hand of assistance to Raphtalia. She reluctantly took it, expecting to be harshly dragged, but was surprised when she instead found herself lifted off the ground. She looked up at her new master, who placed her on his shoulders so she could sit on the top of his backpack. Her eyes immediately began to shine, and she even gave off a small smile, but quickly stopped out fear of showing signs of happiness.

Leo looked over his shoulder at the girl, making sure she was in a comfortable position before turning to Beloukas. "How much." He stated.

"Thirty silver will do, valued customer." Beloukas replied. After handing Beloukas the thirty silver, Leo walked out of the tent and into the sunlight, the girl he just saved sitting atop his shoulders.

New Companion: Raphtalia

Level 1

Placing Raphtalia down was necessary if they were to enter Erhard's shop. Upon entering, Erhard smiled at the pair. "Shield bro, welcome! And who's this little lady?"

"Her name's Raphtalia. She's the one I decided to buy from Beloukas. She'll need new clothes, got any?" Leo asked. "Yeah, just a second. Customer's daughter left this here on accident." Erhard responded before getting the dress. Giving it to Raphtalia, Leo told her to go change, but to make it quick.

After a few minutes, Raphtalia walked out of the changing room. "S- sorry I took so long master." She said. As Leo moved closer to her, she couldn't help but prepare herself to be hit for speaking out. Alas, that wasn't meant to be, as she soon saw him standing over her.

He placed a hand on her shoulder before stating, "That's alright Raphtalia, some of us take longer than others. Now," he said, backing up and grabbing a balloon that was stuck between his back and pack, "Attack this thing." He ordered.

Raphtalia refused to do so at first, slowly backing away in fear. "Raphtalia, that's an order. Attack. This. Balloon." He commanded once more, putting more authority into his voice. The crest activated, shocking her until she obeyed. "You're only doing more harm to yourself by not attacking. Come on and attack!" He exclaimed. She stood up, resolve filling her eyes as the crest stopped and she stood firm. She attempted to attack, but her dagger got caught in its mouth, before pushing her back. "Come on, get up Raphtalia. You can do this, just put more force behind your attack." He said encouragingly. This time, Raphtalia ran at it with all her might, successfully killing the orange balloon.

+15 XP

"Huh? We both got XP?" He said confused, picking up the balloon's remains.

"Yeah, you didn't know? If you form a party, XP is shared with your fellow party members after one of you gets a kill." Erhard said.

Leo just looked surprised, but continued to grab the scraps. If only I had known that when I was teamed up with Myne. I could be level four by now!

After absorbing the scraps, he watched Raphtalia get up before telling her that it was finally time to leave Erhards store.

While walking throughout the town in search of a restaurant, they instead found a man forcing his slaves to fill a cart. While this disgusted Leo, he knew he couldn't do anything about it, lest the knights come after him for attacking a citizen. Out of nowhere though, was the sound of an empty stomach.

"S- sorry master." Raphtalia weakly said.

"Are you hungry?" Leo asked the girl.

"No master." She simply replied, shaking her head.

He sighed, wondering just how bad her previous owners must've been to make her deny food. "C'mon, let's go. You can't fight on an empty stomach." She looked at him in astonishment, but followed anyway.

Making their way to a nearby restaurant, Leo walked inside, completely ignoring the sign as he could not read the country's language. Raphtalia on the other hand stopped after reading it.

"Uh, master?" She began.

"Yes Raphtalia? What is it?" He replied questionably.

"This place says it doesn't serve demi - humans." She told him sadly.

He contemplated this for a moment, before coming to a conclusion. "It doesn't, huh? Well then, if they have a problem with it, they can take it up with me. I said we're getting lunch, and by God you're going to get lunch." Leo said, making his way inside. As they were making their way to one of the far tables, many people began to whisper about him. Leo still did not care and called the waiter over anyway. "I'll take the cheapest meal you have, and she'll have whatever meal that kid's having." He told him.

"That'll be 13 copper." The waiter replied. Leo easily summoned a silver coin before handing it to the waiter. "Right away sir." The waiter said, walking off in haste.

After a few minutes of waiting, their meals came out. Raphtalia's even had a little white flag in the rice. "Is this, really all for me?" She asked. Leo simply smiled and nodded. As she began digging into her food, he lowered his mask to expose his mouth so that he could eat his own. At one point during their meal, Raphtalia ate so much at once that Leo had to give her his cup of water to help wash it down. Near the end of their meal, an idea flashed into Leo's mind.

"Hey Raphtalia. Watch this." He said as he picked up the discarded white flag. He dipped his gloved finger into the sauce of his meat, then quickly wiped it across the bottom half of the flag. "Not every kid's meal is complete until it has this." He showed her the flag, which now appeared almost exactly like that of Poland.

After making their way to the fields outside the city, Leo began to teach her as much as he could from his time in basic.

"First off, are you right or left handed?" He asked her.

"R- right handed sir." She responded.

Leo sighed. "Ok, a few things I want to point out before anything else. One, I am not your master, and you are not my slave. We are equals, so do not be afraid to speak your mind. Two, you don't have to be afraid of me, as I won't do anything that will intentionally cause you harm. All I ask is that you trust me, ok?"

Upon hearing that, Raphtalia's demeanor slightly improved, as she stood more confidently in his presence and nodded in acknowledgement. "Ok, now, take that dagger and hold it with two hands facing away from you, like this." They spent the next hour getting Raphtalia trained on how to properly wield a blade. Afterwards, they spent time on stances, practicing thrusts and slashes, and training her reflexes. After these tiring events, they decided that it was time to set up camp.

Once Leo had caught some fish and roasted them over the fire, he gave two out of the three to Raphtalia to eat, which she happily took. He just smiled as he began to eat his own fish. That is, until he heard her coughing. Reaching into his backpack, he found what he had been looking for: a pill to treat a cold. He passed it over to her, and after she took it out of his hands, she studied it for a moment.

"It's a pill. Portable medicine in a capsule. That one there is used to treat common colds." Leo explained.

"Oooohhh." Raphtalia said before attempting to swallow the pill. Key word being attempting, as it got stuck in her throat. Leo hastily gave her his canteen, to which she began gulping down water until the pill went down. It was then that Leo realized something. Taking out another pill, he had his shield absorb it.

Small Medicinal Shield

Simple Pill Recipe

Equip Bonus: Medicine Efficiency Up

Staring at this new shield almost caused him to facepalm. God, I truly am an idiot, aren't I? He then took out more items from his pack, which included a flare, a spare night-vision scope, an MRE, more medical pills, a radio, binoculars, and a weapon repair kit. One by one, he began to have his shield absorb the items.

Illumination Shield

+12 DEF, +7 MDEF, +9 AGI

Equip Bonus: 'Engulfing Light' (Level 8)

Night Owl Shield

+14 DEF, +10 MDEF, Vision Up

Equip Bonus: Increased Sight in Darkness

Meal Preparation Shield

Equip Bonus: Cooking Up

Small Medicinal Shield II

Advanced Pill Recipe

Equip Bonus: Medicine Efficiency Up

Radio Shield

Equip Bonus: Increased Communication With Party

Eagle Eye Shield

Equip Bonus: Increase Enemy Acquisition Distance

Smithing Shield

+15 DEF, +13 MDEF

Equip Bonus: Repair Up

"Sir?" Raphtalia asked, dragging Leo out of his thoughts. "Who are you?"

Leo immediately responded with a smirk, "I'm the Shield Hero kid."

Raphtalia's face quickly changed to one of amazement. "Shield Hero? As in, the four cardinal heroes?!" She asked. At this, she seemed to be beaming with happiness. He nodded, confirming her question. "Wow. Wait, so what do I call you then?!" She asked excitedly. Leo placed his goggles over his helmet, exposing his entire face.

"Well, my name is Leopold Wisnieski. You can call me Leo if you want kid."

Leo was sitting by the fire, creating more advanced universal pills to help treat Raphtalia's sickness. In the midst of creating his fourth one however, Raphtalia suddenly jumped up, screaming something about her parents being dead. Whatever he was working on no longer mattered to Leo at the moment, for he quickly moved over to Raphtalia and began to hug her, trying calming her down.

"Shh, shh, it's ok. I'm right here kid, everything's fine." He began to rub her hair in an attempt to help calm her down, and in his softest voice, he spoke to her. "Everything's alright kid. There's nothing to fear. Everything's going to be alright…" He held her crying form until she eventually fell asleep once more, never letting go. That was fine to Leo though, as he was not going to let go. He was going to show that he would never leave her side… I will protect her will all my might. For the sake of my Fatherland, Even at the cost of losing my life or blood. So help me God!

Author's Note: Wow! over 4,000 words! Now that was probably the toughest chapter I've written so far. We see Raphtalia's training begin, her nightmare, and the vow that Leo has made. Anyway, see you all in chapter 4! Until next time, stay safe!