Author's Note: First, I would like to apologize for the longer than normal wait time for this chapter. Due to its length, as well as the time it took to edit, this will more than likely become the new normal for the story, in which each chapter will be posted 2 - 4 days apart. Again, I do apologize for the inconvenience.
Oh, and I also added another little reference in this chapter.
Anyway, without further adieu, chapter 9!
Disclaimer: I do not own Rising of the Shield Hero or any of its characters, only my own.
"Dialogue."
"Writing."
Thoughts.
August 19, 2020
"It's been two days since my previous entry, so I'm taking this time to write before we set off in our new cart. So, just an hour ago, I managed to beat Motoyasu in a race for control over Lute Village. I obviously just gave the elder control once again after winning. There were also some strange people in cloaks who showed up, but they seemed to scare Malty, so they are good for now in my books. Speaking of books, Luther, the apothecary, and Matilda, the witch, provided us with some grimoires. I can't read this world's language for shit, but that is why Raphtalia has taken to teaching me. Also, Filo gew into some sort of large owl - like creature. I have no idea what is going on anymore, nor do I wish to figure it out."
- Private First Class Wisnieski
"Master Leo, come on, the cart is ready!" Raphtalia called out to the man. Closing his journal, he put it in its usual spot before getting out of the chair he was sitting in. Walking over, Leo did a quick inspection of the cart, making sure it was in good shape.
"Hm, they certainly did a good job at fixing this thing, I will say that." Leo commented as he checked the new and improved planks of wood fixated to the hull of the cart.
"Piu!" Filo said in response, happy to be hooked up to the cart.
Chuckling, Leo pulled himself up into the cart, a few boxes of basic goods such as potions and fabrics having been loaded up earlier so he could have something to properly trade.
As the trio began to pull out of Lute Village, Leo called out to the group of villagers near the front gate.
"Thank you all again for this! We'll come back, we promise, just don't do anything crazy until we return, alright?" He asked the crowd with high spirits. The villagers just laughed before agreeing with him. Watching Leo and his companions leave, they waved them off one last time before they disappeared down the road.
As the sun began setting off in the horizon, a single cart could be seen traveling the dirt roads of the Melromarc countryside. To many, it seemed as if it were just another trader on route to another town, but to those who knew, it was simply the shield hero and his companions, on route to another town.
As Filo kept pulling the cart, glee ever present on her face, Raphtalia had a different mindset at the moment.
"M- master Leo, can we stop for a minute? I'm not feeling so good." Raphtalia meekly complained, her face appearing slightly green.
"Yeah, no problem. Motion sickness gotcha good huh?" Leo replied as he pulled back on Filo's reins. Raphtalia simply nodded until the cart came to a complete stop. The moment it did, she quickly hopped out the back and ran over to a nearby bush. Leo could only describe the sounds as normal, having seen many people be affected by motion sickness.
After ten seconds of puking up her lunch, Raphtalia took a swig from her canteen that Leo had gotten for her from Erhard's shop when they went to collect their new gas masks. Stepping out of the bushes, she looked better, but was slightly swaying, the effect from the sickness still taking hold over her. Leo just smiled, shook his head, and jumped off the driver's seat of the cart before going to help her.
As night fell, Leo had left Raphtalia in the cart while he set up camp. Removing Filo's reins, the owl, bird, filolial, whatever, just walked around for a minute before seemingly finding a spot she liked and sat down, falling asleep. Moving on to the fire, Leo took out a piece of flint he had stored from his backpack. Taking his combat knife from Raphtalia for a moment, he struck the flint with it, sparks emerging from the strikes. After four tries, some of the sparks finally managed to heat the accumulation of twigs and small branches he had collected. With the fire going, Leo set up his sleeping bag before going to retrieve Raphtalia.
"Come on kid, up and at em." Leo said as he reached the back of the cart, climbing inside. Raising herself slightly, she allowed Leo to pick her up and carry her bridal style over to the sleeping bag. Once placed next to it, she pulled herself inside, the warm fire giving an extra sense of coziness.
"Sorry for accidentally making you do all this, Master Leo." Raphtalia apologized sadly and embarrassed a little. Shaking his head, Leo had placed his goggles on his helmet and pulled down his face mask some minutes ago, so she could once again see his entire face.
"Yeah well, this time is fine. But you'll have to work on dealing with your motion sickness alright? We're gonna be traveling by cart from now on, so we have to be in top shape for the next couple of weeks." He replied, not even a hint of frustration anywhere in his voice, only the sense of calm and caring being provided.
Smiling up at him, Raphtalia allowed him to zip up the sleeping bag before she gave her piece. "I'll do my best, sir. You can count on it." Raphtalia replied, a blush creeping on her face. Leo noticed it, however, decided not to comment as to let her rest without being embarrassed her further.
After watching her close her eyes and fall asleep, Leo stood up and strolled over to the log he had carried over to their campsite before sitting down. Reaching into a previously empty pouch on his TAC RIG, he pulled out a piece of metal with some lettering on it. Looking at the item, he thought back to when he had originally been given it.
Once the cart had been finished, the village elder had come out from a nearby building, walking up to Leo. In his hand was a small metallic object with a unique design.
"Sir Hero, on behalf of myself and my village, we would like to also reward you with this." The elder said as he gave the item to Leo. "That is a merchant's pass. If you ever wish to become a proper trader, then it should come in handy. It will exempt you from having to pay tolls throughout Melromarc, so you can travel anywhere you wish without requiring to pay money." He informed.
Nodding, Leo placed it into one of his vest pouches before looking back at the elder and replying, "Thanks, that'll definitely come in handy. I'll make sure to come back once I've collected more money, then I can continue to help in the rebuilding for this place." Shaking the elder's extended hand, Leo provided a singular nod before going over to sit in a chair and write in his journal before departure.
Smirking at the memory, Leo began to speak his thoughts to himself out loud. "Great, not only can we also travel around this place and level up, but we can also gain a lot of money through business, maybe even get a few extra allies on the way."
Before he could stand up and properly take first watch, Filo had woken up and moved closer to him, blocking his path of escape with her large amount of feathers.
Sighing, Leo began to rub her head with a smile. "Guess not then. Alright, I'll stay here and keep watch." He said as he smiled.
"Master Leo! Wake up! Master Leo!" Raphtalia shouted at the man. Opening his eyes, Leo guessed he must have fallen asleep sometime later into the night. Sitting up, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes before glancing up at Raphtalia.
"What is it Raphtalia? Is something wrong?" He asked the demi - human before taking a look around. Feeling around for Filo so he could wake her up, Leo noticed that he was only hitting air. Confused, he took one look in Filo's direction, not seeing her. Before he could comment, he heard a yawn at his lap. Taking a look down, all he saw was a naked girl with blonde hair and a wings that looked like that of an angel.
His eyes went wide immediately before he slowly turned his head to Raphtalia. He now understood what she had been staring at him for. Slowly standing up, Leo just went over to the cart to grab a blanket and cover the poor child up, his mind exploding with questions.
What the hell?! Where did Filo go? Why is there a young CHILD of all things in her place?! Leo thought, the answers to those questions seemingly nowhere to be found. Returning to the girl, he quickly wrapped her in the blanket before taking a step back, trying to clear his mind and think.
Before he could process any of his thoughts however, the blonde girl woke up and stood, looking around before spotting the pair staring at her.
"Good morning Master!" The mysterious girl said with a large smile.
"Uh, who are you kid?" Leo and Raphtalia both stated at the same time, their eyes still wide in shock at the entire situation.
"Master, don't you know? It's me, Filo! Also, can I have something to eat? I'm hungry." The girl, now known as their bird Filo complained.
It's just like I wrote in my journal. I do not want to even try and figure this world out anymore, as the entire thing just continues to get more and more strange each day. Leo thought before unconsciously going to make breakfast, his mind slowly clearing up so he could finally think straight.
Once breakfast had been made, which consisted of some scrambled eggs and salted beef, which Filo had eaten in less time than it had taken to put it on her plate, she transformed back into her filolial form so she could be re - hooked to the cart. Leo and Raphtalia quickly learned their lesson to have Filo take off the blanket next time, as the one she had before ripped to shreds upon changing.
"Well crap, didn't think that one through did I." Leo said as they started making their way back to Castle Town. Raphtalia nodded slowly as she tried to keep her motion sickness at bay. Leo, upon seeing her reaction to the cart once again, handed her a good quality healing pill, hoping it would do the trick as they continued onward to back Beloukas for some answers.
As the castle wall appeared on the horizon, Leo finalized a plan of action for when they entered the city.
"So, here's what we are going to do. We are going to enter the main city, and, without stopping, make our way quickly to Beloukas to get some answers. Filo, you are not to change out of your filolial form, and you are to not talk whatsoever while we're in the town, am I understood?" Leo stated firmly, his voice indicating no room for argument.
"Yes master! I'll do my best!" Filo replied happily, causing Leo to facepalm.
Oh for the love of God, what have I gotten myself into… Leo thought as the cart continued on its way to one of the open gates of castle town. Upon reaching the gate, their cart was stopped for a quick examination by some of the castle's knights. Upon seeing that the cart was owned by the Shield Hero, their faces scrunched in disgust, while their heads began sweating nervously, having been told of Raphtalia's weapons capabilities. Once the cart had been cleared they were allowed to enter. Leaving the cart where all others were stored for traveling merchants, the trio departed, making their way to the inner circle of the town.
Taking the fastest route to Beloukas' tent as possible, the people who managed to see Leo were surprised when they saw Filo, having never seen a filolial of that magnitude before. After a four minute trip throughout the town, the trio had finally managed to make it to the circus tent.
"Hey, Beloukas, we have some questions for you." Leo announced as he made his way inside, Filo and Raphtalia close behind.
"Ah, Sir Hero, how may I- oh my, what a beast!" Beloukas said as soon as he noticed Foli's owl form.
"Yes, that. What can you tell us about our filolial having grown from normal to owl?" Leo asked, his posture screaming for Beloukas to get straight to the point.
Walking around Filo to observe her, Beloukas eventually gave them an answer. "My my, Sir Hero, why, you have a royal filolial! My goodness, I've only heard about them!" The slave trader said. "You know, if you wish, you can sell this one for over one hundred gold pie-" Beloukas started before being interrupted.
"No dice. Just tell us what you mean by a "royal filolial." Leo stated as he crossed his arms, Raphtalia doing the same just behind him.
"Well, in that case, then what I mean is that filolials have a queen or king leading each flock. Your filolial is female, yes? In that case, then you have a queen." The slave merchant informed.
"Is that so?" Leo asked before looking towards Raphtalia. "Seems like we lucked out after all."
"Quite, good sir. Now, if your wish to properly tame the beast, then it requires a higher level crest. I could do it for you for say… twenty five silver." Beloukas then informed the two, his smile never faltering.
"Make it fifteen and we'll have a deal." Leo bargained with the tuxedo man.
"Twenty silver Sir Hero. I can make another package deal for the crest AND the information." Beloukas replied, actually glad to have a bargaining match.
"Fine, deal. Here, take it, we have no time to lose." Leo gave in as he handed Beloukas the twenty silver that was agreed upon. Smiling, Beloukas walked back a few feet before extending his arm and beginning an incantation. As the process began, a purple light beamed from below Filo, encasing her in some sort of strange circular prison.
Filo began to instantaneously panic as she tried to slam herself against the purple ring, trying to escape to no effect. After ten seconds of the glow occurring, a purple crest appeared on Filo's chest as she cried out in pain. Leo, thanks to his helmet, managed to dim the sound of the shouting, while Raphtalia winced. A few seconds after the crest had been formed, the purple ring disappeared, and Filo sat on the ground, a mixture of frustration and annoyance pointed at Leo with some tears in her eyes from the pain.
"And there you have it, one high level crest for the filolial." Beloukas then stated after a moment of silence.
With a sigh, Leo said something he slightly regretted. "I'll be honest with you Beloukas, if it wasn't for you, I don't know what I would have done up to this point. I can't believe I'm saying it, but, thank you for all your help."
"Why, your welcome Sir Shield Hero. All I ask is that you come back soon. Business seems to boom with your presence." Beloukas stated charmingly before walking to the back, leaving the trio alone once again.
"Alright, we're done here. Filo, change forms, we're heading to Erhard's next since he's just down the street from here, as well as since the tailor is further down that same way. So, since his shop is between us and the tailor, might as well make a pit stop, maybe see if we can get some metals to finally make some ammo for the Glock." Leo stated, his happiness shooting through the roof at the prospect of finally being able to make some bullets for his gun.
Raphtalia gave Filo, who had transformed into her human form, her camo jacket so as to be able to walk around in public. Once the trio had left the tent and made their way down the alleyway, they quickly managed to get to Erhard's place, which was only a few stores down.
"Remember, no transforming. Let's make this quick, because we seriously need to get Filo some proper clothing. But first, bullets." Leo said as he opened the door. Once the three got inside, they saw Erhard just walking in from the back of his shop, a sandwich on his store counter.
Looking up, Erhard's day was made better upon seeing the… trio? Erhard just seemed confused as to why Leo now had a child with him.
"Welcome back kid. What's with the child? Did something happen between you two?" Erhard asked, half serious and half joking. He began to laugh a bit when he saw Leo and Raphalia look at each other for a moment before looking away, Raphtalia blushing a little while Leo's mask hid his face.
Getting over the slight embarrassment, Leo rolled his eyes and scoffed at Erhard's antics. "Yeah yeah, laugh it up old man. But no, she's not. I'm going to tell you something only a few people know, so you have to keep this secret, alright?" He asked the blacksmith, seriousness lacing his words.
"Really now? If so, then you can count on me kid. What is it?" Leo asked, leaning closer to get in on the secret. Before Leo could inform him, Filo spoke up after eyeing Erhard's sandwich.
"Master, can I have a snack? I'm hungry." Filo complained.
Turning his attention to the kid, Erhard said, "Hey, if you're hungry, you can have a bite, I don't mind." The blacksmith quickly regretted his decision at Filo's response.
"Really? Thank you!" Filo responded before taking off Raphtalia's jacket and transforming. Upon grabbing the sandwich with her beak, she quickly ate the entire thing whole.
"Filo! What did I say about NO TRANSFORMING?!" Leo shouted at her in frustration. Sighing, he picked up Raphtalia's camo jacket before passing it to her and saying, "Good thing we didn't lose this. At least that message of removing what she had on before transforming seemed to get through to her."
Erhard was just staring in shock from behind his counter, looking at the owl - like filolial that just transformed inside his shop.
Leo sighed before informing Erhard about the current situation. "That," he said pointing to Filo, "is what I was going to tell you about."
Recomposing himself, Erhard just placed his head into his hands before leaning on the desk, looking unamused. "So what's the story this time kid." He asked Leo, his unamused face holding strong.
"Well, before coming here, we went to Beloukas to get some answers. Luckily, we did. He informed us that Filo here is a class of filolial known as "Royal Filolial." So, as you saw, they can transform into humans as well. We somehow got the short end of the straw and got one that transformed into a child. And one that's barely willing to listen apparently." Leo explained, annoyed at the fact that Filo had blatantly ignored his order of not transforming.
Raphtalia then butted in, informing Erhard of some of their plan. "We need clothing for her that won't rip and tear during transformation, so we're going to head to the tailor next. What we weren't accounting for is her nearly shredding my jacket. Do you have anything that we could use temporarily until we get what we need?" She asked him, hoping that he had anything for use until they got Filo her actual clothing.
"Yeah, I actually do." Erhard stated before reaching below his counter, pulling out a pink dress. "Another customer left this here by accident. Just, make sure she doesn't rip it up, as I'm sure said customer may want to try and get it back eventually." He finished before handing it to Raphtalia.
With the dress in hand, Raphtalia had Filo change out of her filolial form and gave her the new clothes. Surprisingly, it fit almost perfectly. While that was happening, Leo had something else he wanted to bring up with Erhard.
"So, you know that gun that we showed you?" Leo asked, to which Erhard nodded. "Well, I unlocked a shield that allows me to make bullets for them, but I need something called light metal. Got any?" He then asked the burly blacksmith.
"Yeah, how much are you looking for?" Erhard asked so he could get an appropriate cost.
Leo shrugged before telling him. "My shield says that it takes one gram of light metal to make five bullets. So, if my math is correct, how about we go ahead and say around… fifteen grams, which can make us seventy five bullets."
Rubbing his chin, Erhard nodded. "Alright then, fifteen grams will cost twenty five silver, considering how much light metal I actually have." He replied, taking out the requested amount from below his counter.
Placing the money on the counter, Leo took the fifteen grams and put it into his backpack, while Erhard took the money and put it into a larger pouch.
"Pleasure doing business as always Erhard, and thanks for the dress for Filo. We'll make sure to return it." Leo said with a nod. Turning to the others, he motioned for them to get going.
Leaving the shop, the group quickly made their way to the tailor in hopes of getting Filo some clothes. With it only being a few stores away, they arrived with little time having passed.
Entering the building, Leo called out for the tailor when she wasn't seen. "Hello? Miss? We require your services once more!"
After some shuffling was heard towards the back, the tailor, who was now wearing a name tag that read "Marie" came out.
"Ah, your back!" She exclaimed, looking back and forth between him and Raphtalia. Upon noticing Filo, she nearly squealed in excitement. "Oh. My. Goodness! She's so cute! Is she an angel? She has those wings, so she must be." The hyperactive tailor exclaimed.
Once her comment was heard, Filo turned to Leo who had gone over and sat on a cushioned chair. "Master, am I cute?" Filo asked him.
Leo shrugged before responding, "Eh, I guess so." His simple response slightly annoyed Marie.
Leaning closer to Leo from her position next to Filo, she lightly scolded him. "A father shouldn't talk like that about their daughter. It's important for little girls like her to get compliments, so they can grow up and become even cuter."
Leo stifled a small snicker at the explanation. "Well, it's a good thing I'm not her father then." That statement caused Marie to pout a little.
"Master, if you're not my father, then who are you?" Filo asked in genuine interest.
"You can think of me as either your owner or your fireteam leader." Leo replied with an expressionless tone.
"Then what about Raphtalia? Who is she?" Filo then asked. Raphtalia, confident in what Leo was going to answer, just smiled sweetly.
"Hm, the more I think about it, before all this, she was something akin to a daughter, and then more along the lines of a subordinate. Now? I'm actually unsure overall. She's still my subordinate in rank and all, but there is something else there, I just can't place my finger on the exact word." Leo replied. As he finished his sentence, Raphtalia's smile faltered a bit, her hope dwindling a little when he listed everything but what she actually wanted him to say.
"Anyway, we're getting too far off topic from what we originally came here for. Do you, by any chance, have clothes that won't rip into pieces when Filo here transforms?"Leo asked Marie, hoping for a yes, or even a maybe.
"Well, I could make it, but I would need magic thread to do so. You do have magic thread, right?" Marie asked the man.
"Magic thread? What's that?" Leo asked, a perplexed facial expression taking hold of him.
"Why, magic thread is thread that's made out of the user's own mana. It allows clothes to be created that won't be destroyed by anything that the wearer does, such as a transformation." Marie informed. "So, if you get some and bring it to me, I will make you the cutest outfit you have ever seen in your entire life!" She exclaimed, her pose making her look like a supervillian.
"A- alright then, we'll go get some. Have a nice day ma'am." Leo said before waving Raphtalia and Filo over to leave. As they left, Marie couldn't help but fantasize about what kind of dress she was going to make Filo.
Crossing the street, they made their way to Matilda's shop to ask a few questions on magic thread, since she was their source of information on anything magic related.
Entering the magic shop, Leo saw Matilda restocking some books on one of the shelves. Calling out to her, he managed to quickly gain her attention.
"Hello again Miss Matilda. I had some questions that I was hoping you could answer." Leo informed the older woman.
"Magic thread huh? Well, if you're wondering how to make some, you could do it here. Unfortunately, not as of right now, as the magic gemstone used in my spinning wheel broke. I have another on the way already, however, it will take a few days to get here." Matilda informed the trio.
Filo, who had begun to step on the tips of her toes, saw the crystal ball before catching everyone's attention when exclaiming, "Wow! What does this thing do, Master?"
Leaning down towards Filo, Matilda gave an explanation of the orb. "This, my dear, is a crystal ball. It can be used to measure a person's magical affinity. Here, place your hand on it little one, let's see what you have." The older lady said. With a her hand upon the crystal ball, and with the same incantation as used last time, Filo's magical affinities were quickly brought forth to Matilda.
"Why, you seem to have a high affinity for wind magic. Make sure to have her focus on that Sir Leopold." Matilda informed them.
"Sure thing Miss. Anyway, is there a way we can quickly get you a new gemstone?" Leo asked, waiting for the witch to think.
After a minute of thinking, the witch couldn't find one. With that, she quickly told them, "No, not that I can think of off the top of my mind. Sorry Sir Hero, but you're just going to have to wait."
With a sigh, Leo just nodded, told Matilda a quick thank you and left, his companions in tow. If they have to wait, might as well get some money.
Stepping outside, the trio went over to where they had stored their cart. Removing the pink dress, Filo transformed into her filolial form before being hooked up to said cart. Once all was said and done, they were on the road once more. Once night fell, they set up camp, quickly ate dinner, and slept, with Leo keeping watch once again. When day broke, they cleaned up the site and continued on their way.
As the trio traveled on a cliff so they could reach a nearby town, Filo had begun to sing a little song to pass the time. Raphtalia was in the driver's seat, her motion sickness no longer having any effect on her, while Leo sat in the back, checking over the goods they planned to sell.
"It's a good thing Lute's village elder gave us this trade pass. Since we can't get Filo any proper clothes for her ability, trading and making money will be our main priority. Since we can level up on the way as well, so we can kill two birds with one stone." Leo commented, providing his thoughts on their current plans.
Before Raphtalia could respond, Filo spoke up first. "Master look. There's someone running up ahead!" She called out.
"Go ahead and pull up next to him and match his speed Filo. Let's ask him what he's doing here." Leo ordered, with Filo doing just that.
As their cart pulled up next to the man, he slowed down until coming to a full stop, gasping for air as if he had run a marathon.
"Is everything ok sir?" Raphtalia asked the man below.
The man seemed a little on edge, panicky if you will. "Please, I beg you, give me a ride in your carriage! I have medicine that I must get to my sick mother! Please! Our village is just past the mountain." The man exclaimed. He almost looked like he was willing to get on his hands and knees and start begging.
"That won't be a problem sir. Master Leo here can help take you." Raphtalia replied, waving Leo up to the front.
"Filo, come on, we're giving this man a ride. Full speed alright? Just don't break the cart." Leo said. As filo confirmed his order with a nod, Leo waved the man to hop inside.
"Oh thank you, thank you good sir!" The man said once he was helped into the carriage.
Nodding towards Raphtalia, she whipped the reins, alerting Filo to run. She did just that, with Leo and the man holding into the carriage's structure for the fast and bumpy ride. As they continued going, a man with a spear stood next to a gate.
"Hey, you have to pay the toll to pass through here!" The man shouted at the incoming carriage.
Leo simply gave Raphtalia their merchant pass, to which she held it up for the man to see. Once he caught sight of it, the man quickly opened the gates so as to not have them destroyed by the giant owl creature. Once they passed, the spear man sighed in relief before closing the gates once more.
Finally reaching the village around four minutes later, the unknown man quickly hopped off the cart before running to a nearby house, Leo in hot pursuit while Raphtalia remained with Filo in the carriage. Upon slamming the door open, he followed the man into the bedroom, finding an old woman laying in bed, her body completely covered by its blankets.
"Mother, I managed to get you the medicine." The man simply stated. The old woman turned before a cough caught her.
"Sir, how about you go boil some water for now, I'll give her the medicine, ok?" Leo asked as he placed a hand sympathetically on the man's shoulder. The man simply nodded and gave Leo the vial of medicine before walking into the main room. Switching to his Small Medicinal Shield III, Leo placed the medicine to the gem, allowing it to become a potion of higher quality medicine using a skill known as potion enhancement. Once that was done, Leo leaned over the old woman and helped her sit up, giving her the chance to drink the vial.
Upon finishing the vial of medicine, the old woman seemed to literally glow as it took effect. Not a moment later, the man from earlier walked into the room with a cup of warm water on a tray. He was a bit surprised when he saw his mother sitting up.
"Mother, you're alright? Did the medicine help already?" The man asked, curious about why she was sitting up.
"Yes my son. The pain left almost immediately upon drinking the potion you provided." His mom replied. Turning to the man in the weird clothes, she thanked him for his help.
"No problem ma'am. It was the least I could do." Leo said graciously. After exiting the house, Leo climbed into the back of the cart once more, and the trio soon set off as the man simply waved at their departure.
As the group continued on to the next town, they set up a small side market on the street with an abundance of different items to sell, from some foods, to fabrics, and even some potions Leo had learned to make. While this was occurring, a lady had come up to them asking for any healing items for her sick father. Upon hearing the news, Leo personally went with the blonde female with a good quality universal antibiotic potion he had gotten by combining the pill with different ingredients to make a liquid version. After helping the old man, the sun had begun to set, in which the group had packed up shop and went to a nearby village instead to stay the night. After placing their carriage in a safe spot, Filo had transformed into her human form and put on the pink dress. Stepping inside and ordering a room, they managed to get one with two beds.
Once Leo had removed his backpack, he took out the magic grimoire in hopes of learning any new spells. As he was looking through it, he could feel Filo lean on his back and looking over his shoulder to get a better view. Raphtalia, upon seeing Filo's interaction, quickly joined them to try and figure out how to read and learn spells. After a few minutes, Leo swore he could feel the tension in the room grow between them. When they woke up the next day, Filo, who hasn't had proper training like Raphtalia yet, was still asleep, but in her royal filolial form instead. Leo simply rubbed his head, annoyed at the fact that he now had to wake up a bird that could easily weigh over one hundred and thirty six kilograms.
Before the trio had finally gotten back on the road, a short man in a red outfit came over to the group before introducing himself.
"Hello sir! My name is Hickwaal, and I couldn't help but notice how you're the last carriage out of town." He said pleasantly as he watched Leo and Raphtalia load the carriage with some goods.
"Ok, and? Is there something you need sir?" Leo asked before facing Raphtalia. "Go ahead and finish loading this stuff up, I'll talk to him." He told her.
"Ok then, just be quick. We have more money to earn, and you really need to get to level thirty soon." Raphtalia said before going over and lifting one of the last few boxes.
Waving Hickwaal to come closer so they could talk, Leo began their proper conversation. "Well then, Mr. Hickwaal, why come to us? No wait, if I had to guess, I would say that you need a ride, huh?" Leo half guessed half figured, raising an eyebrow. His goggles were placed on his helmet, so green eyes were staring intently into Hickwaal's brown, searching for any malicious intent.
"Why yes actually. You see, I'm an accessory merchant and current president of the Hickwaal company. I was informed by the merchant's guild that I have a client who ordered some jewelry, so I am trying to make it on time. And since you are the last carriage out of town, I was wondering if you could help me get there?" Hickwaal asked Leo, hoping his story would help him get a ride.
Thinking for a moment, Leo gave in. "Fine, but since this ride isn't over a life or death situation, you'll be paying us for the taxi, understood?" Leo informed him with a commanding tone, not allowing any room for bargaining.
"Yes sir, I understand. Thank you. If we make it over without much issue, I'll pay three hundred silver, is that fine?" Hickwaal asked. Leo confirmed with a nod before walking back over to the carriage, Hickwaal following him.
"Hey Raphtalia!" Leo called out. "We're getting another passenger, says he's an accessory merchant. We're giving him a ride to the next town over, alright?" He informed the raccoon driver.
"Sounds good Master Leo. Alright Filo, let's go." Raphtalia replied before ordering Filo. And with that, they were on their way. As time went by, Leo took this time to craft some bullets to replace the ones Raphtalia had shot during the wave, as well as the duel.
"I can't believe I didn't realize it earlier. You're the Savior of the Heavenly Fowl, aren't you?" Hickwaal asked Leo, bringing him out of his concentration.
"Savior of the Heavenly Fowl? What do you mean?" Leo asked the man in confusion.
"You mean you didn't know? You have quite the reputation amongst merchants. In a carriage drawn by the God of domesticated birds, our savior travels and heals the sick." Hickwaal informed the confused soldier.
"Is that so?" Leo asked, leaning back against the seat of the carriage.
"Wait, did he just call me a god?" Filo turned and asked Leo. Before anything else could happen, Raphtalia was the one to talk back.
"Filo! What did Master Leo say? Do not talk in your filolial form when others are nearby!" Raphtalia scolded as soft as she could, to which Filo merely apologized in a glum tone. Hickwaal on the other hand seemed surprised at their carriages workbird.
"Wait, it can talk?! My word, it truly is a God!" He exclaimed, shock and surprise taking hold of the merchant's voice and actions. Before Leo could respond, it was Raphtalia who shouted something towards the two in the back.
"Master Leo, look ahead. We have what looks to be a gang blocking our path!" She informed him. Coming to the driver's seat, Leo saw around fifteen or so people blocking his path, most male, but a few females as well.
"Alright, you can hold it right there!" Said the bandit at the front.
"Great, now we have to deal with this." Leo sighed. "If this turns out to be about you specifically, you're paying extra, got it?" Leo told Hickwaal, at which he nodded.
The bandit in the slightly tattered red shirt was the next person to speak up from the group. "Why, that's quite an odd bird stranger. We heard that a merchant who specializes in accessories was coming this way. You best come out of there!" The man called out to Hickwaal.
Hm, if that's the case, then I have to interrogate Hickwaal about it afterwards. Leo thought. His train of thought was broken once the next person from the group, a man in a green coat began to talk.
"If you hand him over quietly and without issue, then we can promise that you'll be able to walk away with your lives." He mockingly threatened.
If I had to guess, then these people truly think we are scared of them. Even though we're outnumbered, we sure as hell aren't outgunned. Leo thought once more. It was the next comment that made his blood boil.
"Wow, look at that girl. She seems pretty hot for a demi - human." The green coat man laughed. "Alright boys, looks like we're gonna have quite a bit of fun tonight!"
Raphtalia just leaned forward before addressing Leo. "Sir, permission to engage and eliminate?" She simply asked, her fists tightening on the reins.
"Hold for right now, let's see what they have first, then we can attack." Leo said, holding her back slightly. She nodded at the order.
"Don't even try to think you can take us on! We have someone who received a class up, so he's more than capable of taking you down without flinching!" The man with the green coat exclaimed. Once he moved out of the way, a man who looked eerily similar to Ren, just a bit older, stepped forward, a katana in hand.
Once more, Leo's mind went into thought. Class upgrade? Hm, maybe Hickwaal also knows something about that.
"Sir, now do I have permission to engage?" Raphtalia asked Leo eagerly, a smile drawn onto her face.
"Permission granted. Capture." Leo said, stating what he wanted her to do.
"Sir." She stated before beginning an incantation. "As source of thy power, I order thee. Decipher the laws of nature and conceal me under the guise of the forest. Hide Mirage!" Raphtalia exclaimed, raising her hand in the air. All of a sudden, to Leo's surprise, she vanished, more than likely going invisible. At the same time, Leo saw Filo shoot a wind spell at the gang, disorienting them. Within mere seconds, due to Raphtalia's speed, the bandits were disarmed. Afterwards, they soon found themselves quickly tied up with their backs against each other, forming a circle.
Beginning his interrogation session, Leo asked a simple question. "Alright, who told you about my client being with me?" He asked, his tone stone cold and emotionless.
"S- some other trader paid us a lot of money to mug the guy who was riding with you. We don't know what his name was, only that he was willing to pay a lot, we swear!" The man in the green coat said.
"Hm, so one of my own sold me out? That definitely cannot slide. I'll inform the guild as soon as I can." Hickwaal commented.
"Alright, and Hickwaal, like I said, you owe us for this." Leo informed him, reminding him of their deal from earlier.
"Yes yes of course. We can discuss compensation once we arrive at our destination. However, as for these people…" Hickwaal trailed off.
"Wait a minute. You, boy in the weird color outfit, you're the shield hero, aren't ya?" Green coat asked Leo. "Hehe, kinda obvious since you only have that shield, as well as how dumb your clothes look." He mocked and continued.
"Let me guess, when we turn you in, you'll just say that you were some adventurers who ran into the shield hero, and he forced you to give up all your stuff, huh?" Leo guessed accurately, as if he already knew their plans.
"You know, for as dumb as your clothes are, you're pretty smart. And you can bet that the guards will be willing to take our word over yours any day of the week." Tattered red shirt informed Leo, making him frown.
Shrugging, Leo just let out a sigh before turning to Raphtalia. "Raphtalia." He simply said.
"Sir." She replied, a wicked smile slowly growing on her face.
"Kill them." He told her.
"Gladly." She simply replied. Once the order was given, she removed her sword from its scabbard. The bandits immediately panicked and squirmed, hoping to escape their bloody fate.
It was tattered red shirt who spoke for the bandits now. "B- but you're the Savior of the Heavenly Fowl, not to mention the shield hero too! You can't just kill people!" He exclaimed, fear obvious as sweat rolled down his bald head.
"Oh, but you can?" Leo shot back. "Why should we let you live? Not only have you probably killed and stolen from innocent people, but the moment you threatened Raphtalia here, was the moment you forfeited your life privileges." After that statement, he saw one of the females begin to literally cry in fear, followed by five of the male bandits.
With red shirt panicking too hard, green coat spoke up next. "W- wait! Please! We'll give you anything! Just please, don't kill us!" He begged the man who right now had seemingly endless power.
"You've got a deal. So, here's how this will go. We want all the goods you have. Don't worry, you can still have clothes, beds, and the basics like food and water, as we aren't malicious bandits, but we do want everything of value that you've stolen from others. It can either be sold or maybe even returned to its owners if possible. Whatever you made yourselves though, I'll let you keep. I doubt it, but you probably have families." Leo commanded them as he went over and forced them to their feet.
Following the bandits to their hideout turned out to be one of the best decisions yet. Not only was it more of a fortress than a hideout, but they had plenty of valuable stuff from all the people they had robbed. When the bandit group had entered, a few of the males and both females ran to their respective housing areas, where their spouses were waiting for them. One of the females, the one who had begun to cry at the notion of being killed, even had some children waiting.
Huh, I guess some of them do have families here. Good thing I didn't kill them, that would just tarnish my image more then. Leo thought, feeling a little guilty about wanting to outright kill the people beforehand. Once everyone who lived at the hideout stepped out the front, the man stood on the back of his carriage before saying something.
"Alright, remember what we agreed upon. I'll let you keep your personal items, food, water, everything required to survive and such. In turn, you're going to give me everything of value that you've stolen from others. Hopefully we can get some of it back to either their owners, or their families." Leo said in a booming voice to the crowd.
Within minutes, a train of sorts had been made, with different items of value, such as jewels, expensive clothes, and weapons, which Leo let Raphtalia load up instead, coming forth from the front gate. For Leo, it was a quiet process: Grab, load, stack, repeat. For the bandits and those that lived with them, it was the longest hour of their life. The one thing they had to give the shield hero credit for though, was that at least he wasn't taking all their stuff. Maybe if someone else was chosen to be the shield hero, that would have been a very high possibility.
Once all the goods were loaded, Leo turned to address the crowd a final time. "Ok, everyone, listen here. While I personally condemn most of you for having probably murdered innocent people, you should be glad that, from what I saw when I initially got here, there were some truly decent things. The families I saw here show that you aren't heartless bastards. It shows me that some of you are doing this for your family and that you don't have any other choice. So, here's my proposition." Leo said before giving the closest person a crate. "Here is some food that you can grow to become self sustaining. All I ask is that you use that food and become good, honest, hard working people. If I were you, I would thank those who have families here, because, let's be honest, if I didn't see that, I doubt I would have been as merciful as I was." Leo stated, concluding his small speech.
Most of the crowd, upon hearing no more words, immediately turned to those who had families and thanked them, telling them that they were heroes today. The large group of bandits then went inside, where upon opening the crate, saw dozens and dozens of different seeds. Smiling in excitement and joy, some of them honestly thought that it was time to turn over a new leaf.
After watching the group go back inside of their fort like structure, Leo and Hickwaal once again sat in the back, with Raphtalia in the driver's seat, and Filo pulling the cart.
"Alright Hickwaal," Leo began, leaning back, "How are you going to compensate for the issue that we had just faced?"
After thinking for a moment, the man in red gave his answer. "Well, I can offer everything I know, as well as all my connections I've made over the years, if that will suffice."
Rubbing his chin, Leo had to ask. "Connections? What sort of connections are we talking about? Merchant? Informant? Or more?" He asked, leaning forward.
"All sorts of connections, Sir Shield Hero. They are all at your disposal if you wish." Hickwaal told him. As he went on into further detail about who he had connections with, Leo could only smile in delight before writing down all the information in his journal.
All of this really is helpful indeed Hickwaal. I guess you really were worth the trouble. Leo thought, as he continued writing down names, places, and other information. After logging everything down, Hickwaal went into detail about how to infuse mana into gemstones to create magical accessories.
This information really is critical. I'll have to try my hand at that gem infusing.
"Hey Hickwaal," Leo began, interrupting the man in one of his stories, "When we get to the next town, can you show me how to do all that stuff with the gems?" He asked.
Stroking his triangular beard, Hickwaal took a moment to respond. "Why, of course. Like I said, all my information is for you to have."
Nodding, Leo leaned back in the cart. Closing his eyes, he decided to get some sleep, as they still had some time left before reaching the upcoming town.
After a few hours of Hickwaal showing Leo the effects of mana infused gems, as well as how to make such items, which Leo found surprisingly easy to do so, the two had found themselves at a restaurant to meet one of Hickwaal's connections. After talking to the older merchant for a few minutes, Leo had asked about the other three heroes, and what they had been up to. Rumors of Motoyasu spread that he had gone east and helped a famine stricken village with some sort of magic seed. Ren had apparently gone south east to level up. Some rumors include that he had slain a dragon. However, once they got to Itsuki, the rumors were all over the place, with some stating he had gone to the mountains, with others detailing dungeons, while more said he went to another country to help a resistance movement. Leo nodded after processing all the information, thanked him, and turned to leave. Before he could, Hickwaal stopped him and handed him an envelope with an official seal and told him to head to the nearby mines and show the envelope to his contact, Arthur. Walking out into the streets, Leo met up with Raphtalia, who had gone to buy food, while on the way to the carriage.
"Alright Raphtalia, we got some new information, as well as a way to possibly get Filo those clothes." Leo informed her. Once he got a nod of acknowledgement, they, along with Filo's help, loaded up the cart. Soon enough, they were off. After a short, silent trip, in which Leo studied from the magic grimoire, or at least tried to, they quickly found themselves at the mines. Heading down, it was easy to find Arthur due to the fact that he was barking orders to some of the other miners.
"Excuse me sir, do you happen to be Arthur by any chance?" Leo asked the man.
"Yes sir I am. What do you need, stranger?" Arthur confirmed before asking.
Leo held up the envelope that Hickwaal had provided them. After opening and reading it, Arthur's eyes went wide.
"Ok, now this is surprising. You say that Hickwaal actually gave this to you?" Arthur asked. Leo provided him a singular nod in response. "Well then, if it's a gemstone you want, then that can be arranged. What are you looking for exactly?" He asked Leo.
"The gemstone that can be used to make magic thread. Is that possible?" Leo asked, to which Arthur quickly provided him an answer, as well as a warning.
"Yes it is, Sir Hero, but the access to it has been cut off by a large monster in the mines by the ruins. If you wish to get it, you must be careful." Arthur told him.
Rubbing his chin, Leo informed Arthur, "Well, that sounds similar to a situation we've been in before. Don't worry, we'll be careful. Thanks for the warning." Leo said with a nod before walking back to the carriage.
"Raphtalia, Filo, pack it up. We got the information we need about the mana crystal. Raphtalia, it's a similar situation to Lute's mine, however, I have a bad feeling about this one." Leo told the two as he climbed into the driver's seat.
"Master Leo, if you want to, we can go back and get Miss Matilda to come with us. If it's as dangerous as you say, then we should see if we can get her help. She does know more about the crystal itself after all." Raphtalia suggested.
Nodding, Leo agreed. "Yeah, I think you're right. We'll head back and see if she's willing to help. If not, then we have no choice but to brave it ourselves."
After spending some hours going back to castle town, which was not as far as Leo had originally thought, the trio were back in the canyon on their way to the ruins. This time, they had brought the witch, Matilda, with them, just in case they required her help.
"I still can't believe that you managed to locate the gemstone in such record time. I've been here for a long time, yet I haven't seen that kind of quick find in forever." Matilda said as she complimented Leo and his group.
Smiling at the compliment, Leo called back to her from the driver's seat. "Yeah well, just because it was easy to find doesn't mean that it'll be easy to get. We got informed that a bunch of monsters call this place their home, so we gotta tread lightly once inside." He replied as they came up on some ruins built into the canyon. "Alright, we're almost there. I can see the entrance now."
Jumping off the driver's seat, Leo helped Raphtalia down, at which she then turned to help Matilda off the carriage. After Filo commented on how dark it was, Leo simply took out another flare, although he was starting to run out, and lit it, engulfing the area in a red hue as they went in.
"According to Arthur, none of the miner's, actually, scratch that, nobody at all was willing to get anywhere remotely close to the ruins after some monsters called it home. So in that case, we need to keep our heads on a swivel. Keep on the lookout, watch each other's backs, and we'll be out of here in no time." Leo said in an authoritative voice.
"Alrighty then." "Sir." "Yes master!" The others answered in sync.
As they got deeper into the ruins, Leo saw the outline of a chest. Walking up to it, they saw that it was open and empty, some text sitting next to it.
"Hm, this here is ancient writing. We hope and pray that this seed never sees the light of day. For if it does, then our twisted creation, which was to end hunger across all nations, will engulf this world with evil." Matilda read aloud.
Thinking on the text for a moment, Leo came to a suspicious conclusion. "Wait a minute, didn't we get told that Motoyasu got a magic seed to help a famine?" Raphtalia thought about it for a moment before her eyes went wide in shock.
"Wait, you don't possibly mean?" She quickly asked Leo, to which he nodded. "Dammit, that idiot probably just got all those innocent people killed." She berated.
"Nothing we can do about it for the time being. Maybe we can try and help later on, but our priorities right now is the magic threadstone." Leo said, taking the lead once again as he went further on, the others following right behind him.
Not too far into the next tunnel, Leo raised his fist, indicating for the others to hold. While Raphtalia did, Filo bumped into her, still unsure of what the signal meant, while Matilda almost spoke up as to why Leo had stopped.
"Look there, large tracks. And they're still a little fresh too." Leo stated as he pointed to the ground. "Looks like we have one big boy coming up soon." Turning around, he reinforced his earlier command. "Alright, as I said earlier, stay aware and have each other's backs, whatever is here is obvi-"
Leo never got to finish his statement, as a powerful force blew his flare out of his hand, sending it a few feet behind the group. Before he could retrieve it, a purple barrier of sorts appeared, separating Leo and Matilda from Filo and Raphtalia.
"Remain calm everyone, focus on what I taught you. Witch, what is this?" Leo ordered then asked. He never got an answer however, as he suddenly heard Raphtalia's voice.
"Wow, Master Leo truly is an idiot. He's given me all the training I need, so when the time is right, I can beat him down and leave him for dead!" That sounded like Raphtalia's voice, but that didn't sound right, like something she would never say in the first place.
"Master looks sooo yummy! I just want to gobble him up right now!" Filo's voice then said. This caused Leo to become suspicious of the what was going on.
"Damn bird, always going against my orders. I should've never got her in the first place, all she does is make things worse! She's of no use to this party whatsoever. Filo heard Leo say. At this, she began to slightly whimper and cry, her happy attitude lost. With fear taking hold of her emotions, she shrunk slightly.
Turning around to face his group, he saw Raphtalia staring at him, her face showing resolve and focus, but her eyes filling with a few tears, as if she was fighting some emotional turmoil within.
"She truly thinks I care for her? Can she be any more dumb? I never cared, as, once I get the chance, I'll just leave her all alone, abandon her here when she's not looking." Leo's voice said. Raphtalia was shaking her head, trying to convince herself that Leo would never do that. As the voices kept coming, a part of her began to doubt Leo and believe the voices. On the other hand, her mind and emotions, as well as her training, told her to hang on, that he would never do any of that. That he would always be there for her. Looking up, she began to stare at Leo's back until he turned to face her. It was at that point that she felt something wet slide down her cheeks.
Tears? Am I- truly doubting Master Leopold? No, I would never! He's been nothing but kind to me this whole time. I can see it in his eyes. He cares for me. He cares! Raphtalia thought, snapping herself out of her semi - doubtful state.
"Don't listen to the voices! They tell you the last thing you wish to hear!" Matilda exclaimed. She's seen too many friends be torn apart by such a tactic in places like these.
At that statement, Leo began to wonder. Tears? She must've heard "me" say something. What is it she heard "me" say? Is she afraid of me now? No, that look in her eyes, I can see it, the look of a soldier who trusts in their commander. One who will follow them till death. She still trusts me. Thank God… Leo's mind thought as he continued to stare at Raphtalia. Shaking his head to get his thoughts together, Leo pulled out another flare, showing it to Raphtalia. She seemed to get the same idea, as she pulled out one of the two Leo had given her some time ago in case she got lost. Pulling off the caps, Leo and Raphtalia struck the flares, bringing them to life.
Switching to his illumination shield, Leo called out, "Engulfing light!" As the bright light quickly filled the room, breaking the barriers and causing dozens of screeches to go off in the darkness ahead of them. "Raphtalia, light up the area ahead!" He shouted, throwing his flare into the darkness, Raphtalia quickly doing the same. As soon as the area was lit, the four saw a bunch of bat - like creatures squirming on the floor, more than likely due to the effect of Leo's shield.
"Filo! Blast these psychic fuckers away!" Leo ordered, anger filling his voice. How dare they try to make me turn on those I care for! Raphtalia especially!
"Yes master!" Filo said, a newfound confidence covering her words. "Fast tornado!" She exclaimed. In an instant, a large burst of wind blew the bats away into the darkness, their death, as well as their higher levels, being indicated by large amounts of notifications that filled Leo's HUD.
+3,196 XP
Level Up! x3
Leopold Wisniesky
Level 26
+4,267 XP
Level Up! x4
Raphtalia
Level 31
+4, 984 XP
Level Up! x5
Filo
Level 24
[Requirements Met]
Ballistic Shield
+100 DEF, +75 MDEF, Elemental Resistance Bonus (Small)
Equip Bonus: Projectile DEF Bonus (High), MDEF Bonus (Medium), MAG Bonus (Low), AGI Penalty (Low)
Special Equip Effect: Spartan Bash - Can stun target for 8 seconds if hit
Oh hell yeah, now we're talking. Leo thought, but before he had a chance to test his new shield, his mind went back to Raphtalia and Filo. No, that can wait. My companions, my friends, need me.
Turning back to his party members, he walked up to the closest one, that being Raphtalia. Before she could register what Leo was doing, he was already bringing her into a hug, his arms wrapped around her in a tight embrace.
"Whatever the voices said, don't believe them. I would never let anything happen to you Raphtalia. I promise you that at the very least." Leo said, worry evident in his voice. Raphtalia just hugged him back, silence being placed over the two for a moment. That is, until Filo came running to join the hug. Wrapping her large wings around both of them, she quickly begged Leo something.
"I'm sorry master, I promise to be good! Don't leave me here, please! I'll do everything you say, just don't abandon meeeeee!" She exclaimed. Leo just rubbed her feathers before giving an answer.
"I promise Filo. I'll never abandon you, either of you. You're my party, my friends, and I wouldn't leave you for anything in the world." Leo reassured the two, rubbing Raphtalia's head as well as Filo's feathers. "Alright, come on. We still have an objective to complete. We can discuss what we heard here later, alright?" Leo asked as the others let go of him. The both nodded cheerfully, with Matilda just chuckling at the three.
He doesn't know just how loved he is by those around him. I can even sense a small relationship blossoming between him and the raccoon girl. The witch thought as she smiled innocently.
Going over to one of the dead bats that were still in the light of the flare's, Leo put it into his shield, absorbing its body and unlocking another shield alongside his ballistic one.
Voice Gengar Shield (Bat Form)
+23 DEF, +27 MDEF, Vision Up
Equip Bonus: Sound Wave Endurance (Small)
Special Equip Effect: Megaphone
Fair enough I guess. Once Leo had finished with the bat's remains, he picked up one of the flare's, with Raphtalia taking the other, and continued down the path. "Alright, even though we're all a little shaken from those bats, we still have that large creature to take out, so focus on a group attack, don't just go in there swinging, understood?" He asked as they walked.
"Got it Master." Raphtalia responded for both of them.
"Good. And it looks like we're here." He said as they entered a large room full of blue crystals. Across from them laid the large creature whose tracks they had seen earlier.
"Seems like our creature is a nue. They are known for having sensitive hearing, so stealth attacks won't work here." The witch informed them. Once that was said, they all began thinking of any plans of attack.
"Master, what if we hurt its ears?" Filo surprisingly suggested. Out of the four of them, Leo had not thought Filo would come up with such a plan. He had to admit, she was smarter than he gave her credit for.
Tapping his chin with his index finger, Leo provided his thoughts on her idea. "You know, that may just work. But why not kill two birds with one stone? The thing looks tough, but I have an idea. Raphtalia, use your pistol for this one. Now that we can make bullets, we don't have to worry as much about saving ammo, as long as we don't go overboard with how much we use." Leo told her.
"Yes sir." She said, stepping up. Taking out the pistol, she aimed it at the nue's head. "Cover your ears everyone." She quietly commanded the others. After everyone had done as she said, she aimed the gun at the head of the beast and shot it twice. Not only did it physically hurt it, but since the loud sound of the gun was trapped in the cave with nowhere to properly escape to, it blew out the highly sensitive ears of the nue, causing blood to squirt out the side of its head. With it momentarily stunned, Leo spoke up.
"Alright, charge now! Hit it with everything you've got!" Leo ordered. Not a moment later, Raphtalia and Filo were running, Raphtalia having swapped her pistol for her sword. Filo had taken to the air, delivering a hard kick to the creature's head, lifting it off the ground. Raphtalia took this chance to give the final blow. Pushing herself forward, she lodged her sword deep into the nue's chest, stabbing through its heart, killing it.
Walking up behind them, Leo had to give them credit, he was quite surprised at how fast they had managed to kill the thing. Taking a look at his nixie watch, he saw just how much time had passed: twenty seven seconds. Damn, we're getting better and better at this stuff. I'm glad I had my gun with me when being summoned. Who knows just how difficult this world would be without it.
"Great job you guys. We're becoming quite the team huh?" Leo asked them. Their replies were quick and short, like normal.
"Yes sir Master Leo!" "Yes master!" They exclaimed, happy about their quick victory,
"Now, its finally time we get the crystal and get all the way back to the tailor. I swear, if someone told me a few weeks ago that I would be doing this for some clothes, I would've called them crazy." Leo commented before going to a crystal. Smashing his shield against one worked better than he could have thought, with many smaller crystals now littering the floor. Picking one up, he stored it in his pocket.
Turning to the others, he said, "Alright, let's leave this place." And with that, the four of them walked out of the mine and back to the wagon outside, before finally making their way back to the tailor.
All for some clothes, I swear…
Sitting down on a chair, Leo had given Filo the magic threadstone. Fifteen minutes later, Filo had begun to complain.
"I'm so tired. Master, when can I have a break?" Filo whined at Leo. Leo didn't budge, however…
"Filo, if you keep going, then we can get some dinner once your dress is made. But to do that, you have to finish this, ok?" Leo said, a bit hungry himself if he had to admit.
"Really master? Ok, I'll keep going then!" Filo exclaimed, her energy looking refreshed. Leo just rolled his eyes.
Another ten minutes went by before all the thread was created. Once done, the trio immediately made their way to the tailor to have Filo's clothes made. Handing the basket of thread to Marie, she went to the back, bringing Filo with her. In half an hour, the tailor had somehow managed to create an entire dress from the thread. Leo swore, she was either a machine, or just incredibly skilled at her job. Regardless, Filo came out of the dressing room, her outfit fitting on her perfectly.
"I'll give you credit Miss Marie, you really outdid yourself when making it." Leo complimented the tailor. Filo jumped at Leo and pulled him into a grateful hug, the man simply letting it happen. While Filo was half hugging half hanging off of Leo, Marie smiled as she went into a description of how she made the dress.
"Well, I am one of the best if I do say so myself. I used white as the base color to match her wings, and I made sure to add plenty of frills as a nod to her feathers! Also, since it complimented her blonde hair so well, I used blue for the bow, as you can see." She explained, going to detail as any clothes creator would.
"Alrighty then. Thanks for all your help Miss Marie. Come on you guys." Leo said, waving his hand to the others. Filo's crest and clothes cost over three hundred and fourty or so silver. The things I do for my party. At this rate, they're going to bleed me dry. But I wouldn't want it any other way...
Author's Note: Phew! Now that was a long write! More specifically, exactly 12,000 words! So, I originally planned for them to brave the mana thread gem cave themselves without the witch, but I ultimately planned against it, realizing just how vital knowing what the ancient tablet says in the future will be. But really though, if you have almost infinite time to get the gem, and nobody to worry about to take it from you, then you would want to bring more people along to help you, right? It was a mixed idea, but I went with Matilda in the end, as you saw. Anyway, hope you guys liked it. Stay safe. Bye!