Chapter 14
With Naruto
After traversing through the deceased guardian beast, Naruto managed to find some of the party members. Except there was no sign of Naofumi or his own siblings. However, it looked like some people were in bad spirits. Especially Kanade from the teary eyed look she gave Naruto.
"Ost is dead." Kanade said.
Naruto didn't look affected, "I'm sorry to hear that, but for now. I need to know the status of your group and then we can bury Ost." he said.
Kanade nodded, "Okay, Rein you can come out with…" she stopped and looked more depressed.
"What's wrong now?" Naruto asked.
Rein came out of the mess with a turtle shell in his hands, "This is Ost now." he said with a sad look.
"Ost became a turtle shell? I suppose if the familiars don't leave behind bodies then Ost wasn't meant to have a burial." Naruto said, causing Kanade to sob.
That's when Gideon and Rit also came out, "Uh, I think we have more issues." Gideon said.
"Are they better or worse than Ost becoming a turtle shell?" Naruto asked.
"I think a turtle shell is the least of everyone's problems." Rit answered.
"It's Naofumi, he and the girls chased after a man named Kiyo. Along with two kids that were with these girls that had dragon-like features." Gideon explained.
Naruto sighed, "I'll need the details once we return to camp. We need to assess the damage and casualties." he said. "And where's Seiya's group?" he asked.
"I think he's still in here somewhere. After Kiyo was beaten, we split up to find an exit and deal with any other potential dangers." Gideon answered.
"I'm sure he'll turn up eventually." Rit added.
"Hopefully he does." Naruto said as he had to plan for this news.
A little while later, the camp
Naruto arrived after letting Gideon and the remaining members of the Shield Hero's party rest up in the barracks. From there, he met with the generals of the other nations along with Queen Mirellia and Alucard. From the looks of it, they were already assessing the damages along with a new group as well.
"And we'll be sure to honor the fallen in a memorial service. For now, we should prepare for reconstruction caused by the Spirit Tortoise's rampage." Mirellia said, finishing up the current meeting.
"And what of this group from… where did you say you were from again?" a general asked Queen Mylene.
"From Holfort, it's a series of nations coming from the islands in sky." Myelen answered while earning strange looks.
"Right." the general said with some disbelief.
"I think we should begin our talks with that warship." Alucard said.
"It's not a warship! It's a… okay it functions like a warship but those weapons are just for self defense!" Leon shouted in the background.
"Someone silence him." Naruto ordered.
A guard proceeded to walk out of the meeting tent and located Leon. Where the guard proceeded to punch him in the stomach. At the same time, hearing the same statement about his airship not being a warship. This earned him another punch in the stomach followed by his friend Angelica telling him to stop being defensive about the airship while his other friend named Olivia, was trying to come to his defense.
Then the guard came back after finishing their leader's command.
"Anyways, can you explain your situation?" Alucard asked before anyone could interrupt him again.
Mylene sighed, "As I stated before, my name Mylene Rapha Holfort of the Holfort Kingdom. Our society is established on floating islands and rely on airships as a mode of transportation." she explained. "Recently, I was invited on a trip by Marquess Leon Bartfort along with my sons. When a terrible cataclysm had occurred and damaged the operating instruments of Leon's airship." she finished.
"I hardly remember any storms in recent days. Did you possibly travel between realms?" Naruto asked for the first time.
"Excuse me?" Mylene asked, sounding confused.
"Realms, there is currently no information on a nation known as "Holfort" that we are aware of. Yet with recent events, there are other lands being discovered." Naruto explained.
"My fellow monarch is correct, the skies have been relatively clear. Aside from a few darkened clouds." Alucard confirmed.
"Well to be honest, we weren't aware there was a surface that was inhabited." Mylene admitted. "Though the concept of another land is quite foreign to me." she added.
"It's information that is quite new to some." Naruto replied.
"Queen Mylene, do you have an escort by chance? Surely a fellow monarch such as yourself would not leave on holiday without security." Mirellia asked.
"Yes, there was a security force on the Marquess' airship, but nearly all of them had been knocked unconscious during the crash. Of course, there was another military cruiser, but I believe we were separated during the cataclysm." Mylene answered as she briefly forgot due to the trauma of the crash.
"Then someone better keep an eye out for a foreign military airship." a general stated.
"Make sure our forces attempt to avoid conflict with foreign vessels." another general told their advisor.
With the conflict over and the concern over the missing Shield Hero's party. The remaining military presence would continue cleaning up and prepare to move out. However, Queen Mylene would end up revealing something else upon guaranteeing that no conflict would be met between kingdoms. It wasn't so much as a threat, but to clear up some misunderstandings.
Because Mylene's family, the girls and Leon weren't the only ones on that airship that crash landed.
The next morning
The airship was full of rich spoiled brats that Leon decided to take in order to come up with an event to invite Queen Mylene to his island. This was a horrible mistake and to be ironic, he wasn't very popular despite having accomplished so much achieve the rank of Marquess.
Even worse, these brats weren't built for long travel since they were typical noble children who have never worked a day in their lives. Unless you count getting dressed, remembering titles and most importantly, the overcomplexity of table manners. However, standing under the hot sun and trudging around in a long dirt valley. Another thing, they were bored and running low on food since Leon's airship wasn't built to work like a cruise ship.
Maybe if handled properly by a larger crew, then they could handle a month or more with a good food supply. So now it looked like some of the nobles were bothering some of the soldiers and other crewmen. Though at least some tried to remain civil and polite.
"Excuse me sir, how bad is the wreckage?" Angelica asked an engineer.
"Thanks your automatons, it shouldn't take more than a couple of days. Luckily it's just mechanical issues." the engineer said after taking a long look inside. "Though it looks like things could have been worse. The Hull looks fine and looks ready for flight once the engines and other electronics are ready." He explained.
"That's a relief, thank you for your help." Angelica said.
"Any time little miss, though you might want to keep tabs on your friends over there." the engineer said as he heard some ruckus.
Angelica frowned, "Oh no." she said as she ran to diffuse the situation.
The engineer sighed as he went back to work, "If they aren't bothering me, it's not my problem." he said.
As Angelica ran over to some tables that were set up. A little kitchen was made to feed the troops and other workers as the day was far from over. It didn't help that as mentioned before, the food on Leon's ship was running low, meaning some of the students were trying to look for alternatives. Surprisingly enough Leon was attempting to diffuse the situation.
"Look, I'm sure they'll restock on some other ingredients. So can you please stop harassing the kitchen crew?" Leon asked as he started looking annoyed.
"Oh my mistake, I forgot the dogs of war have to be fed with food for dogs." a noble said as they saw the food.
Sure, the food isn't what most houses are filled. At the same time, soldiers aren't going to be fed like they're at an elite restaurant fit for business owners and celebrities. Still, it was edible and nutritious and some of the staff adjusted to the various species for everyone present.
"Actually, some of us are canines. So that is really a matter of perspective." a random worker with dog ears spoke up.
"Felines too!" a catlike worker added.
The noble frowned, "My point stands." they said.
A tick mark appeared on Leon's head, "Then feel free to hang out anywhere but here." he said.
That's when Naruto arrived at the kitchen. He was about to approach an officer that was eating at one of the tables. When one of the nobles called out to him, unaware of his rank among everyone.
"Cat man, I have a request." a noble called out.
Naruto was unaware that they were calling out to him. As he went to speak to the officer he was speaking. The two went on with their brief discussion before the noble decided to be annoying.
"Cat man! I demand your attention!" the same noble shouted.
"Eh?"
"Who?"
"Me?"
Several feline demi-humans and anthromorphs were wondering who the noble was talking to. That is until they finally got Naruto's attention.
"I'm speaking to the one that's overdressed!" the noble said while pointing at Naruto.
Everyone gasped in horror, realizing this noble had offended Naruto. Naruto raised a brow at the name he was being given. He wondered why he was being referred to as a cat when he's clearly a fox. Then again, he could see that the humans from the floating islands have little knowledge of how things work elsewhere. Even the demi-human servants looked quite ignorant as to how things work for their counterparts.
So Naruto decided to Humor the noble, "And who are you to ask things from me?" he asked.
"I am Alfred G. Darlton, heir to the Darlton family. I demand and audience with your master." the noble said, making everyone in the kitchen gasp.
"My master?" Naruto asked with a raised brow, clearly confused by this nonsense.
"Yes, your master and from what I can assume. They have access to better meals." Alfred answered. "Therefore, I would like to put in a request to share their pantry. In return, I will be open with any proposals on the behalf of the Darlton name." he added.
Several nobles liked the idea and were going to see if they could get in on this. Especially with the lack of food supply on Leon's airship and the fact they don't like the military meals being served. Nobody could blame the kitchen staff since they can't spawn stakes, turkey dinners or a parfaits.
"I think you have the wrong idea." Naruto said as he narrowed his eyes.
"I think you should know better than to speak back to a superior, slave." Alfred continued.
"Hey, leave the guy alone. This place isn't a pretentious restaurant!" Leon shouted.
"Be silent Bartfort, your disastrous invitation is enough to send you back to whatever plebeian farm you are from. While I am alive, my colleagues and I cannot handle these inhumane conditions." Alfred complained.
"You didn't have to come! I prepared for a big party, but the space is just for courtesy!" Leon argued, but Alfred didn't care.
To be fair, Leon came from a poor family who worked under his father's ex-wife who is a noble. Zola, his step mother, is a cruel and old woman with a great standing. So while Leon is no saint and does take some advantage in luxuries, he still remembers his roots and understands lower class food. Looking at it now, this food is nowhere near as good as what his school cafeteria gives but it's definitely an upgrade from what Leon's parents used to provide.
"It no longer matters. Now slave, do as you are told." Alfred demanded.
By this point, a couple of guards were ready to detain Alfred. However, it looked like Naruto was ready to just destroy the spoiled boy with a single stare. By that point, Alfred looked like he was ready to be examined by the coroner. His skin turned pale and cold sweat drenched his body as Naruto's killing intent started flooding a small radius surrounding Naruto.
"What is this? Why can't I move?" Alfred asked as he started to feel a tight knot around his stomach.
"I don't think you understand. I serve no one, there is no extra food, so be grateful with what you have." Naruto said calmly, but his words felt like knives piercing Alfred's ears. "Otherwise, you will wish that you didn't survive the crash." he said, challenging the boy.
"Blasted, demi-human! When my father hears about this! He will… he will not stand for…" Alfred started feeling fearful as Naruto's tails came to life. Alfred then looked at his demi-human servants, "What are you fools standing there for?" he asked, expecting them to fight for their master.
One of the demi-humans hesitantly took a step forward. Causing Naruto's ear to perk towards them. A second later, the servant was caught in the miasma that Naruto leaked from his body and collapsed as if they had developed heat stroke. Leon decided to step forward to prevent a massacre.
"Excuse me good sir, I apologize on my classmate's behavior. He may be heir, but he's still a runt in the real world." Leon said, trying to defend the moron. "Since I crashed my airship in the middle of the battlefield, I will take full responsibility for my passengers regardless of their actions." he said.
"How can I expect you to keep a leash on them?" Naruto asked, not releasing his pressure which Leon could feel.
'This guy, this aura of his feels like I'm being smothered by the sun!' Leon thought fearfully. "On the name of my family and at the stake of my life. I will keep personal tabs on my fellow man. Lest, I be struck down at any moment." he said, hoping that was enough to appease Naruto.
"Forgive me if I have little faith in you when your classmate has no respect for you." Naruto said as Leon shivered.
'Okay, I guess I didn't sound cool enough or something. Now how do I save my ass and the lives of these assholes?' Leon wondered. 'Wait, wasn't he at the tent too? Does this mean this guy is a general or something?' he wondered.
Leon was no genius, but thought the clothing style of Naruto didn't match a soldier or a servant. Some of his troops and officers did look have Eastern appearances, so Leon could assume he was important. Unfortunately, unaware of how important since the only monarch he is aware of is Queen Mylene and Alucard along with having heard of Mirellia despite having never seen her or met her.
'I'm guessing promises of gold and other material objects won't help either.' Leon thought nervously.
Luckily, his angelic savior of ash blonde hair and great beauty arrived.
"Your majesty, please heed my words!" Queen Mylene shouts as she runs towards the group.
'Queen Mylene, for once you are our savior! Wait, did she say majesty? Is this guy royalty too?' Leon mentally asked as he looked at Naruto.
Queen Mylene bravely approached Naruto, "Emperor Uzumaki, I beseech you to not execute one of my citizens. Please, I only ask that you allow me to administer punishment." she said surprising the class. "In the name of my kingdom and predecessors, I will see to it that all all of my citizens whether they are are noble or common, rich or poor, and old or young, will be punished accordingly." she said.
"I knew this guy was important." Leon muttered with tears falling down his eyes.
Naruto looked at Mylene impassively, "Can I expect your citizens to respect your authority?" he asked.
Queen Mylene looked at the more foolish students who looked like they were staring at a shark. The queen then looked at Naruto with an optimistic smile that somehow scared the other students.
"I said on my honor, did I not? What kind of queen would I not be if I did not discipline everyone in my kingdom while respecting others?" Mylene asked with sincerity in her voice.
Naruto could not detect any deceit or negative emotions directed at him, "Then I will leave it to you, Queen Halfort." he said.
"Your majesty, this is uncalled for! At the very least, this man is a bad host!" another noble shouted. "His poor hosting skills must reflect his kingship and those in his bloodline!" he said.
Just as Mylene was about to scold the foolish noble. Naruto struck lightning against the ground, causing it to somehow fly right back up the student. Despite how big and flashy it was, the shock was no more than being hit by an underpowered taser. Yet, it had enough force to make the student collapse onto their back.
Leon stared at the ground in fear, "What the heck was that? Dirt doesn't conduct electricity!" he said as he felt more fearful of Naruto's power.
"Consider that a warning and a reminder." Naruto said to the students. "Now then, I will be on my way. Please enjoy bare with us during your stay, Queen Mylene." he said before heading off towards another direction.
Queen Mylene ignored the lightning strike as it didn't look fatal, "Well then children, considering how you represent both your families and ancestors. Take the time to learn from this, because I will not as easygoing as Emperor Uzumaki." she said in a sweet motherly tone.
Leon looked the most terrified, "But this guy got struck by lightning. It bounced on the ground like a rubber ball." he said as his voice became more deep.
Olivia gently put her hands on Leon's shoulders, "Leon, let's just move away." she said.
"Livia, the lightning bounced. Lightning and earth don't do that." Leon said.
"I know Leon, the Emperor is strong." Olivia said, trying not to be scared as well.
"We're going to lose half of the class." Leon muttered.
"Please don't say that." Olivia said.
Meanwhile, some of the students were trying to heal the unconscious student. With Alfred looking like a coward in the background. Then there was another student, Deirdre, who looked at Leon and the unconscious student with delight.
"That Bartfort felt so pathetic and still stood up to that man. A weak body, but a strong will." Deirdre whispered to herself. As she felt ecstasy go through her body, "It would be so thrilling to see how strong that will is." she said as she covered her face with her fan.
It seemed like a dominatrix had her eyes set on the boy. Though it could be worse. There's no specific example of what could be worse, but there surely has to be something worse.
With Naofumi and the twins, at some forest
Naofumi woke up after crash landing into the other world. Kyo was around here somewhere and they needed to stop him. However, amidst the confusion with the battle inside of the Spirit Tortoise and the death of Ost. Naofumi didn't have the opportunity to plan out his mission in this world. Especially now that he can see that he's alone.
Naofumi can still see that Filo, Raphtalia and Rishia are still alive. However, they all appear to be far from him and he's disconnected from Gideon and the others.
"So much for extra help. Those guys actually seemed honest." Naofumi said.
"Hey buddy! You miss me!?" Arashi shouted as he came out from some bushes.
Naofumi looked startled, "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"My sister and I tried helping you guys. Except there was that whole mess and the portal." Arashi said.
"Oh yeah, you just came barging in like a moron." Naofumi said.
"Hey!" Arashi shouted.
"At least you're useful and competent." Naofumi said.
"I feel appreciated." Arashi said sarcastically.
Naofumi stood up and looked around, "Did any of your party members follow you?" he asked.
Arashi scratched his head sheepishly, "Well, Tomoe took a hard hit. So I was hoping you were around to make some meds to help her." he said.
"How bad is it?" Naofumi asked as he crossed his arms.
Arashi lead Naofumi to where he left Tomoe. The green haired dragon was lying on the ground with a bandage around her head. Naofumi proceeded to work on some concoction to heal the dragon as well as wake her up.
"Just make sure she's still breathing." Naofumi said.
"Got it." Arashi said before giving chest compressions.
"Your putting your hands on the wrong place." Naofumi said as Arashi had put his hands on Tomoe's breasts.
"Hey, women have thick chests. I was told to put more pressure here." Arashi said.
"Put pressure on the chest, the literal chest. Not the breast." Naofumi said as his eye twitched. "Also, don't do that unless she's not breathing at all." he said as he could hear faint breathing from Tomoe.
Arashi frowned, "That's the last advice I'm accepting from ero-sennin." he muttered.
"Kid, the last thing you want to do is get caught in the middle of a misunderstanding." Naofumi said, remembering the incident with Malty.
It made him spiteful, angry and while quite rude. Not a lot of people would take an opportunity where they're ostracized because of a false testimony turn them into a sage with the passion of a saint. So it's not like everyone should expect that from him. Though at least his advice has merit because Tomoe could wake up at any moment and try to crush his head.
"You're not going to tell her that I accidentally groped her, right?" Arashi asked.
"Is it still an accident if your initial intention was putting your hands on a breast?" Naofumi asked.
"Hey, that's not funny!" Arashi angrily shouted.
"Whatever, now move over. Hopefully your friend can still absorb the healing properties." Naofumi said as he lifted Tomoe's head and fed her a potion.
A few seconds later, Tomoe started breathing more calmly. With the random stray marks all over her body beginning to disappear. Naofumi smiled as he looked at the empty potion vial he just used.
"That recipe your brother gave me really helped." Naofumi said.
A couple of minutes later, Mito came out of the bushes with Tania and some little girl with her.
"Hey nee-chan, there you are." Arashi said.
"I was looking for the both of you." Mito replied. "Also, Raphtalia might have a problem." she said, referring to the little girl with her.
Raphtalia approached Naofumi with a shy expression, "Naofumi-sama, I can't explain what happened." she said.
Naofumi looked at his status bar and wondered if Raphtalia was hit by some kind of poison or the effect of a unique skill. Instead, he was shocked by the sight of his party's levels having gone back down to one as if he started again. Naofumi pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.
"Well things got worse." Naofumi said.
"Hey, wasn't there a green haired girl with you guys?" Tania asked.
"Where is Rishia?" Naofumi asked, now noticing that.
"And our fairies are missing too." Arashi said, sounding tired.
Now the group had to locate their missing loli's and shy girl. It's too bad the shy girl isn't Hinata because her dojutsu would have made it easier for her to locate everyone.
"We need to move once Tomoe is awake." Naofumi said, with everyone nodding in agreement.
Some time later
With Naofumi's party having grown weak during the travel to this world. The twins had to help the Shield Hero and Raphtalia regain their strength by fighting strong monsters and helping them land the killing blows. Luckily Arashi and Mito's parties were unaffected by the leveling system despite feeling a bit sluggish at first.
"So, what level are you guys now?" Arashi asked.
"Almost level 4." Naofumi answered.
"And your previous level?" Arashi asked.
"A lot higher." Naofumi answered.
"We might as well fight a sea monster or something. This is taking way too long." Mito said as she looked around the forest.
Mito's suggestion would be taken seriously, mostly seriously. Because they felt a massive tremor in the distance. Initially, the group thought the wind was picking up and made the water shake. However, that's when life really just wanted to show the Shield Hero's party, just exactly how much they are hated. Because a giant orc looking monster with a club like weapon popped out of the water and roared at them.
Naofumi glared at Mito who looked scared, "See what you did?" he asked.
"It's not my fault! I never meant to summon a big ass sea goblin!" Mito yelled.
"RAGHH!" the beast roared as it started swinging.
"Everyone spread out!" Naofumi ordered as they started moving around the giant beast.
Arashi and Mito already worked on defeating the monster by creating a dozens of Shadow Clones to strike it at all parts of the body. Meanwhile Tomoe hopped up to the monster's face and slashed at it with a sword she had on hand. Tanya proceeded to strike it at the knees, causing the monster to stagger.
"I think we're getting it!" Tania shouted before being hit by the club.
"Tania!" Mito shouted before glaring at the monster. "You earned this you giant booger! Rasengan!" she shouted as she thrusted her father's jutsu into the monster's face.
Causing it to roar in discomfort as it rapidly shook it's body. Mito jumped high into the air and readied her blade. Where she aimed for the exposed throat of the monster. Arashi did the same thing and aimed for the opposite side of the monster's throat.
"Flame Breathing! Third Form: Blazing Universe!"
"Water Breathing! Fourth Form: Striking Tide!"
The twins then rushed at the monster and slashed at it's throat. However, the monster's throat appeared to be quite resistant despite the elements enhancing the effectiveness of both swords. Causing the two of them to get stuck as they attempted to decapitate the monster.
"Damn, this isn't good!" Arashi shouted as he struggled to pull out.
"Hang on!" Tomoe shouted as she slammed her fist on top of the monster's head.
The monster collapsed backwards into the water, but slowly worked it's way towards recovering. However, Tomoe had managed to save the twins just before the monster fell. Unfortunately, the both of them damaged their swords in the process.
"I think I chipped mine." Mito said as she saw a crack on her blade.
Right before completely breaking off at the sword guard. Mito's face quickly contorted into one filled with stress and depression. Arashi felt some similar emotions as his own sword became jagged around the bladed edge. The twins were quickly brought back to reality once they heard their fellow party members continuing the attack.
"Shooting Star Shield!" Naofumi shouts as he generates a barrier in the shape of a tortoise shell.
The monster attempted to bash it's club against the barrier, but had no luck. As it repeatedly attempted to clobber Naofumi. It never registered Tania sending a giant ball of fire at it. Followed by Tomoe slashing down at the monster with a large trail of flames following the slash. The monster roared in pain as it reeled black from the fires.
As the monster tried to put out the fires that burned it's flesh. Raphtalia quickly ran towards the monster and struck at it's legs with all her might. The monster growled and attempted to swat Raphtalia. Only for Naofumi to quickly grab the short girl and raise his shield which barely did anything to block the attack. Though while Naofumi was a lot weaker now, his skills weren't gone.
"Poison Snake Fang!" Naofumi shouts as two snakes manifest from the shield and bite down on the monster's large arm.
Despite dealing minor damage, the snakes themselves filled the monster with a heavy venom. Though unable to feel it right now, the monster was slowly being weakened with time.
"Odama Rasengan!" the twins shouted as they both poured their chakra into a giant Rasengan.
The massive attack then hit the monster right in the chest. Making it stagger yet again, allowing for it to be hit several more times.
"Let's just finish it off already!" Tomoe shouted as she transformed into a dragon.
Tania followed the same logic and the two female dragons released a heavy amount of fire from their mouths. With all the pressure they put on, the monster gave collapsed and started rolling in the river in an attempt to put out the fire. Only to succumb to it's wounds and letting out a loud gasp. At that moment, the girls noticed the veins of the monster growing defined but developing a purple hue.
It looks like Naofumi's poison kicked in, but not soon enough.
"Finally, that's it then." Arashi said with a sigh.
"How's your level?" Mito asked.
The Shield Hero shrugged, "Level 9, almost 10. That's a major boost from before." He said.
"And it looks like you all seem to be doing pretty good on your own so far." said a new voice.
"Who said that?" Naofumi asked.
Everyone looked towards the sound of the voice and found Rishia nervously hanging around some brown haired little girl with a fishing rod.
"Hi guys, my name is Kizuna and I'm the Hunting hero." Kizuna said, introducing herself. "I'm guessing you guys are friends of Rishia?" she asked.
"In a way." Arashi answered.
"Wait, what's a Hunting Hero?" Naofumi asked as he stared at the fishing pole in Kizuna's arms.
In Melromarc, days later
With the battlefield cleared and kingdoms returning to focusing on the upcoming waves. Mirellia returned to the capital while inviting Mylene and her subjects in order to continue peace talks. At the same time, Ren already left to continue his duties as the Sword Hero in the outskirts of the kingdom with his party. Hopefully the kingdom could handle surviving with a single hero that isn't Naofumi.
Another detail, Seiya and his own party have yet to be located. Strangely enough, its as if there was no trace of them left after the Spirit Tortoise died. Which left Gideon and the others alone in Melromarc as they chose to wait for Naofumi's return. As a sign of gratitude for their help, Mirellia already compensated them with a decent sum of money for room and board at a fine hotel. Luckily this group was kind and honorable enough to help within the city in case the waves begin before Naofumi's return.
The only concern anyone had left was the sudden appearance of the penguin army led by Gunther.
"Queen Mirellia, if I may ask, what is this penguin?" Mylene asked.
"Fwap fwap, fwap." Gunther said, sounding heroic for some reason.
"He's the Spirit of the North from what I am told. I cannot entirely understand Gunther, but he seems concerned with the well being of the kingdom." Mirellia explained.
"I see." Mylene said with interest.
"Fwap fwap." Gunther said with a nod.
That's when Leon looked excited, "Wait, I know it looks silly but this is an overpowered familiar isn't it?" he asked.
"A what?" Mylene asked.
"I never thought these things were real, but they're basically animals and other creatures with crazy powerful magic. There's a whole lot of fairy tales and folktales about these things." Leon explained with excitement.
In reality, what no one knows is Leon is a reincarnated human from Seiya and Naofumi's world. In that world, Leon was a generic human who played a lot of video games and most likely played a lot of RPGs. Where he likely got involved with teaming up with some mascot character or gained a magic ability to summon a powerful monster to assist him in a fight. So that's what he assumed Gunther is.
"Are there any more of you? Please tell me, I'll follow any contract or requirements!" Leon begged.
"Fwap! Fwap!" Gunther shouted as he slapped Leon across the face.
"Ouch! I praised you and you started hitting me?" Leon asked.
"Leon please give the poor penguin some space, you are making him uncomfortable." Mylene said.
"I just wanted a magical ally." Leon said as he clutched his red cheek.
Mirellia sweat dropped at the sight, "Is that boy always like that?" she asked.
Mylene gave a nervous laugh, "Unfortunately, Leon here is not the brightest, but he is no fool. He makes up for his rambunctious personality with his actions." she answered.
"I see." Mirellia said.
"Fwap." Gunther said as he crossed his arms.
"Anyways, not that I am wishing for you to leave, but how go the repairs of your airship? It is the only transport you have for returning to your home." Mirellia asked.
The most wealthy and advanced country within this realm is Faubrey. Though in comparison to the world where the heroes originate, Faubrey is in the industrial revolution with some steam punk elements. As their contraptions and inventions aren't remotely as advanced as Leon's airship which is at least a century or two ahead of it's time. The standard ones used by Holfort Kingdom are less advanced in comparison but still have more reliable features compared to Naruto's empire.
Most of his fleet literally do look like boats with advanced helicopter rotors and engines. So Mirellia wasn't sure if anyone she knew could produce an airship capable of flying that high into the sky.
"I think young Leon's automatons are working as hard as they can." Mylene said.
"Oh yeah, my familiar should be handling it well. Especially with all the help from everyone else." Leon said.
Outside
Luxion was overviewing internal repairs while the forces from Makai were helping out with exterior issues. The internal details were too advnaced for them, but at least they can help speed up the outer repairs.
"Without incident, the Partner should be ready to return to the Holfort Kingdom within a week to ten days." Luxion said.
"You are quite the intelligent automaton." Naruto commented as he was still at the capital.
"Automaton? Is that how you refer to a machine such as myself." Luxion curiously asked.
"Yes, my adoptive grandmother owns the leading company who makes them. Though, you appear more efficient." Naruto said as he studied the floating orb that is Luxion.
Luxion felt curious, "Just what makes me unique in your eyes?" he asked.
"You clearly look incapable of damaging the environment as well as the fact you can function without alcohol." Naruto answered.
"Your majesty, I define Automaton as a machine that imitates human behavior. I fear that your grandmother has made your machines are too close to that of a normal man." Luxion said with concerns about machines like Titanius.
"Then you will not communicate well with my friend Titanius. He's a duke of his own plot of land." Naruto said. Then he started thinking, "Or maybe a baron. Jarl? It's hard to tell, but he isn't a king." he said.
Luxion focused back on the airship, "I will have to respectfully decline any future meetings with your mechanical friend of great nobility." he said.
"Fwap fwap fwap." a Gunther clone said before whipping a random student.
"Hey! We are humans, you cannot force us to work!" a student shouted.
"Fwap fwap!" the Gunter Clone said before whipping them again.
For some odd reason, the Gunther clones thought it would be a good idea to round up the students. Most of them were forced into trying to rebuild Leon's airship. It sounded stupid and pointless to the locals when considering the fact that most of these kids could barely handle using a calculator let alone handle a hammer and screwdriver.
At least Gunther was kind enough to instruct them, though mostly with threats and physical punishment. They still complain as they're forced to help with the rebuilding.
"I have doubts that this is significantly increasing efficiency." Luxion said.
"It's increasing their work ethic." Naruto replied.
"Is that sarcasm I detect? I cannot tell if there is any sincerity in your voice." Luxion asked.
"Just be optimistic." Naruto answered.
"FWAP!" the Gunther clone yelled while whipping the students again.
Naruto ignored the cries and whining of the students. In some countries, these spoiled brats are considered adults and in some cases they already are. Most of them appeared to be in their late teens (17 or 18 years of age) and that's usually when most nobles are sent off to be married. That or engaged and have the wedding prepared some time after their school years are over.
By that point, it depends on the parties when an arranged marriage is set up. Though it's a different process for yokai and Naruto did feel a bit embarrassed by how relatively young he was when he conceived Kunou.
"This will make them or break them." Naruto said over the sounds of whipping.
"I see, many future noblemen will be breaking then." Luxion said before he detected something. "Incoming airship detected, does this one belong to you, your majesty?" he asked.
Naruto looked up and saw a regal looking airship floating over his head. He could recognize his military brand, the royal seal and the design anywhere. Momon is the central contractor for these things after all. That woman is the envy of every capitalist that walk every realm.
"It's probably my wife." Naruto said as the airship slowly landed.
From there, Naruto slowly approached the airship as it docked. Where the Melromarc guards loyal to Mirellia prepared to greet the passengers and go through their standard check. As Naruto predicted, Yasaka was onboard with Kunou and it looks like Kushina was following them. It appears that his mother really worked hard at being a liaison.
At least this way, no one could say that Makai is making excuses to intervene into every little affair that comes up. Even though Kushina takes her duties seriously and wanted to be Hokage in the past, she isn't really fond of complicated politics and she isn't the most persuasive person when it comes to foreign policy. That's likely her only real downfall as Hokage since the title has turned the owner into a politician as well.
"I wonder who owns that concubine." a not so silent student said.
Naruto discreetly released his tails and extended them towards the boy to make him fall onto the ground. With enough force to knock them unconscious as a result of the fall. Hopefully that would silence anymore insults towards Yasaka. Good thing for the boys, the woman would have been more annoyed than Naruto and the Crimson emperor himself was pretty patient when they thought he was a high ranking slave just a few days ago.
With the emperor gone, Luxion turned his attention to the newly hired help. Despite not really finding them necessary, he had one thing to say.
"More working means less pain." Luxion said as the Gunther clone continued to use their whips.
Inside of the palace again
Mylene sighed, "At least it sounds like your husband had some level of honor. Mine just sits there, I suppose he might consider sending a search party just to avoid a work pile." she said to Mirellia.
Apparently, both queens have husbands who seem to have been good men at the beginning of their respective marriages. It's unknown if age or experience reduced their quality as people. With Aultcray being a true patriot but giving into manipulation and needless hate almost cornering his nation in a potential world war. With Roland also being an honorable ruler before deciding to give up due to his jealousy of his wife receiving more attention.
Overall, Aultcray is a bad person and Roland is a bad king. It really is annoying, but it's just more a reminder of the stress of being a ruler.
"I suppose poor quality can run under different definitions." Mirellia said as they sipped tea together.
Leon quietly sat in the corner by himself, 'With crappy husbands like that, I think I was born in the wrong generation. Most girls my age are terrible people and it sounds like the men of their generation mostly suck.' he thought. 'Still, this other Queen is a real babe! She said she's slightly older than Queen Mylene, damn!' he thought as he was mesmerized by Mirellia's beauty.
Leon may just be here for the sake of being a high ranked noble and being the owner of the Partner. Which much to his annoyance, is considered a a vehicle of war, meaning he would have to sit in for the professional talks. Leon's only hope for this stay is that he doesn't get promoted.
Okay, Leon doesn't want to get promoted again and hopefully not get into trouble since it's his airship that crashed.
While Leon was hoping for nothing bad to happen. Mirellia's attendants opened up the doors revealing Naruto and his family while flanked by a couple of guards. Once again, Leon was mesmerized by the another monarch's beauty in which this case, it was Yasaka. Luckily, the idiot kept his perverted delusions to himself and stayed quiet.
"Ah, Empress Uzumaki, I hope you were given a warm arrival." Mirellia said as she greeted Yasaka.
"Quite warm Queen Mirellia, I'm glad to see there is lots of hospitality to share." Yasaka said. She then turned her head to greet Mylene, "And you must be Queen Mylene, it is an honor to meet you." she said with a bow of the head.
"Likewise, Empress Uzumaki." Mylene said, hoping she pronounced Yasaka's name properly.
Her gaze was then fixed onto Kunou. The ash blonde woman tried to keep composure but it became difficult by how adorable Kunou appeared. Yasaka sensed this and looked at the direction of Mylene's stare.
"Oh, please introduce yourself Kunou. You are in the presence of another queen." Yasaka told her.
Kunou bowed her head, "I am honored to meet you, your majesty. I am Kunou Uzumaki, First Princess." She said as respectfully as possible.
Mylene had a more difficult time containing herself, 'So adorable! So young and graceful!' she thought as she bit her lip. "Nice to meet you as well, First Princess. Empress, you have such a kind and respectful daughter." she said.
"Thank you for your kind words, Queen Mylene." Yasaka said gratefully.
"Kunou dear, if you wish, Melty is in the gardens. You may play with her while the adults speak." Mirellia said.
"Thank you your majesty." Kunou said before rushing off to find her friend.
"I will keep an eye on her." Naruto said as he followed his daughter.
Yasaka nodded before taking a seat and speaking with the ladies. Beginning the most formal and regal version of "girl talk" that the world has yet to see.
At the same time, Yasaka felt her ears rising. She could feel some sort of negative energy in the vicinity. The same could be said about Naruto and it felt like something was running all over the castle. Like bomb with the body of a cockroach was moving around and preparing to explode at the best possible moment. Had Naruto or Yasaka considered looking deeper into this feeling, they would have noticed the black sentient mass that was crawling around the shadows of the castle.
Elsewhere in the kingdom
Picking up the slack and hoping to avoid falling behind Naofumi's recent heroic streak. Ren was leading his party around the outskirts of the kingdom in hopes of becoming stronger and gaining more powerful swords. Along the way, he did consider the advice from Naofumi about skills despite not liking the idea of grinding his levels and sub-levels.
Still, while not a fan of the complicated math, Ren decided to trust the advice. Even if the current sword forms he has aren't the strongest, he could at least obtain a useful ability.
"This is taking too long." Ren said as he sheathed his blade.
"You want to try another method of training then?" Tersia asked.
"We could try asking around town. Maybe something big is up." Welt suggested.
Ren was unsure, "I know I shouldn't be getting worried about fame, but we can still be doing so much more." he said.
"You sound a bit frustrated." Tersia said.
"Maybe I am, but there's only one good thing for us not following Naofumi and that's we're Melromarc's last line of defense." Ren said.
"You sound a bit dramatic." Welt said.
Ren cursed, "I'm sounding more like Itsuki." he muttered. "Hit me once I start making references to superheroes." he said.
"I'll keep tabs on you." Bakta said with a snort.
As the party moved along the countryside. The Sword Hero gazing at the sky as he felt lost in thought. His mind was between the complicated mess that became his otherworldly journey and his desire to get more involved with more higher grade missions. With this mindset, Ren should have been more careful for what he wished for.
"Anyone carry bug spray?" Bakta asked.
"What for?" Welt asked.
The axe wielding party member pointed in the distance at what looked like a horde of locusts. By this point in the journey, the party knew that literally anything could become a danger. From sentient balloons with sharp teeth to wormholes filled with demonic looking monsters and finally giant monstrosities that symbolize the four Chinese constellations.
"We need more than bug spray." Ren said as incoming wave of flying insects came right at them.
With their leader flying around the center of the horde, "Mhm, I suppose my minions need a quick snack." the leader said.
"Lightning Hundred Sword!" Ren shouts as he channels lightning energy into his sword.
The horde of flies never prepared for the incoming attack as they saw it as futile. However, they would soon realize the effect of Ren's skill as a hundred or so swords of lightning came falling from the sky. Despite the speed of the flies, a good chunk of them were killed as the swords were able to create links made of lightning to further spread their effect. Causing more than half of the horde to die out in quick succession.
"Damn, I didn't take him seriously. This boy is no mere fodder." the leader thought as he split up his army.
"Everyone spread out, they might be ranged fighters." Ren said.
It wasn't a good thing that these things could fly as most of his group were close range fighters. Ren really hoped that some of these insects require close contact to battle.
"These things are like flying toothpicks!" Bakta yelled as he bisects an incoming fly.
"Flashing Sword!" Ren calls out as he unleashes a blinding light.
The flies began to fly around wildly as they lose their sense of direction. Resulting in most of them crashing into the ground or ramming into each other. Further allowing the party to deal quick kills before they could recover.
"You fools! How are you failing this poorly!? They are mere humans with parlor tricks!" The insect leader shouted.
"That must be their leader!" Tersia pointed out as she kicks another fly.
"Then we have to take him out quickly!" Ren said as he ran towards the floating insect.
The leader scoffed, "You believe that you have the skill to defeat me? Beel Bub, the commander of the Demon Lord's aerial force?" he asked.
"I wouldn't be a hero if I couldn't." Ren said as if it were the most obvious answer.
"Then you are quite ignorant, you will be the most entertaining to kill." Beel Bub said as he flew towards Ren.
"Crimson Sword!" Ren shouts as he unleashes several slashes of fire at Beel Bub.
The insect commander avoided the strikes with great speed and rammed into Ren. Where he proceeded to drag the Sword Hero across the ground before tossing him into a tree. Beel Bub laughed as he heard the cracking sounds that came from Ren's body.
"How pathetic, you have great power, but it was nowhere near my level." Beel Bub said arrogantly.
Ren struggled to stand as he recovered from the blow. As his party was starting to get surrounded by the insects army. Beel Bub chuckled to himself as he prepared to enjoy the bloodbath that he predicted. However, his entertainment would be interrupted by small arms artillery. Causing his soldiers to be destroyed from another aerial force.
"Who dares to interrupt?" Beel Bub asked.
The monster looked around and saw several soldiers flying right at him. All being lead by a little blonde girl who had a look of sadistic pleasure on her face as she fired a gun at Beel Bub. As he avoided the shots being fired at him, Beel Bub never had the chance to notice that his foe's eyes were glowing yellow as she shot at him. Resulting a chunk of his torso being ripped apart as he attempted to drift away.
Beel Bub let out a cry filled with pain as he fell from the air. However, he was given the decency of a less bloody death. Or so it seemed as his body was repeatedly shot in areas that only filled him with more agony before turning into chunks that hit the ground.
"Clear out the rest of the demons! None of them are allowed to make it out alive!" the girl ordered.
"Yes Major Degurechaff!" The soldiers said as they chased off the remaining insects.
The major then approached Ren, "You look like you were overwhelmed pretty quickly." she said.
"Who are you?" Ren asked.
"Tanya Degurechaff, I'm leading this company straight from Re-Estize. You took quite a beating, but at least you halted their stop." Tanya said.
"Their stop?" Ren asked.
"Yeah, I think these ones were hoping to sack the nearby towns. We couldn't help out when the Spirit Tortoise attacked because of these parasites." Tanya explained.
Ren was surprised, "I'm guessing you want to meet the Queen or one of her generals then?" he asked.
"You ask a lot of questions, but at least your asking the right questions. You think you can get me an audience?" Tanya asked.
"I'll try to see if the Queen is okay with talking to a child." Ren said.
That's when Tanya gave her a scary look, "I'm not just a child. I made the rank of major after my graduation." she said in a tone that made Ren shiver.
'I hope Motoyasu doesn't show his face. He'll only piss her off more.' Ren thought as he remembered how much of a creep Motoyasu is.
Despite initially believing Malty's claims of sexual assault. Ren slowly noticed how much of a creep Motoyasu is around children. It started with Filo and then he started giving odd looks to Kunou and Melty from a distance. It made him realize how much of a mess the heroes are, but that just further motivated him to go with the semi solo act as he had his own party to lead.
"Just follow me." Ren told Tanya and her regiment.
Meanwhile, with Seiya
After breaking away from the group after the Spirit Tortoise died and Kyo escaped. Seiya left the group and took Mash and Elulu left without saying another word. The reason being because he ran into someone he recognized along the way. Making it the perfect escape once everyone split up in the confusion. Seeing as he had no bonds with the rest of the party outside of it being a partnership.
Seiya didn't think too much on abandoning the party. Especially when something more important could be coming up which actually contradicted his overly cautious nature.
"Seiya, how is she doing?" Ilulu asked.
The individual that Seiya recognized had fallen from the sky and hit the Spirit Tortoise. During the initial assault, everyone witnessed a projectile hit the Guardian Beast. However, it was really a goddess from the Divine Realm.
"She's enjoying it." Seiya answered.
"I'm being serious!" Ilulu exclaimed.
"And you think I'm not? Just look." Seiya said as he pointed at the goddess.
The goddess is Valkyrie, Goddess of Destruction and a masochist. Because of her clothing style (or lack there of), Seiya refers to her as "chainkini" since her clothing is mostly made up of chains that cover almost nothing. Also, as mentioned before, she's a masochist and enjoys severe pain. So there was nothing better for Valkyrie than hitting a giant turtle with a very durable shell that made it feel like Valkyrie's bones were being shattered by a giant stone.
"Ah… this feeling…" Valkyrie muttered in her sleep.
"Hey, wake up." Seiya said as he snapped his fingers beside her ear.
"Seiya! She's just recovering!" Mash shouted.
"She'll be fine when she's awake. Because it's been several days already." Seiya replied. "Hey! Wake your lazy ass up! We need answers!" he shouts before slapping her.
Valkyrie slaps him back, "Hey! Some of us are trying to sleep!" she snapped as she woke up.
"Finally, what are you doing here? Did Rista go on vacation?" Seiya asked.
"We don't get vacations, we… ouch, shit." Valkyria cursed as she held her side. "No, I went to look for you brats. The Demon Lord that Ristarte was supposed to get rid of disappeared and so did all of you." she explained.
"And where is that useless goddess?" Seiya asked.
Valkyrie groaned, "I think I gotta explain some other crap. Because after this, I'm going back and getting vengeance." she said.
"Against what?" Seiya asked impatiently.
"Some dumb bitch claiming to be Aphrodite is collecting any god and goddess with a pretty face. Probably for some harem or slavery crap." Valkyrie answered as she held her side. "Still, she's not alone and I can prove that weak piece of crap isn't all that special." she said.
"So some other useless goddess kidnapped Rista. Perfect." Seiya said, sounding sarcastic at the end.
"Yeah, Ristarte has a nice chest and that means I gotta protect Ariadoa too. Those boobs are mine." Valkyrie said, whispering the last sentence. "Anyways, where have you brats been?" she asked.
"Moving around a lot and dealing with idiots. When we found you, we beat some monster turtle." Mash answered.
"Sounds like a fun time." Valkyrie said with a snort.
"Can you get us to Divine Realm?" Seiya asked.
"Maybe in a bit. Damn, I wish I did save Ristarte, she would have done a better job than you." Valkyrie said as she felt weak.
"That will be 100 gold." Seiya said as he stuck out his hand.
"You damn cheapskate!" Valkyrie yelled.
"Seiya!" Ilulu whined.
Seiya gave Ilulu a cold stare, "I hauled her around and provided medical help. This is expensive stuff to use." he said.
"But she's a goddess!" Ilulu argued.
"A masochistic goddess in a bikini made of chains." Seiya argued.
Valkyrie rolled her eyes, "Maybe Aria will open up a portal and find me." she said as she lied back in her makeshift bed.
Leaving Seiya to give stubborn answers to the children about his demands for payment. All the while, Seiya's mind was also thinking about Rista's situation with the false goddess who kidnapped her. His mind being stuck between calling her an idiot and thinking of how to save her with as littlle danger as possible.
Everything was moving slow, but coming to place with all of the wars and conflict coming from every direction.
At the same time, Konoha
There were still a couple individuals representing Makai left in Konoha. That's without considering Momon and her business as she already became a queen in the business world in the Elemental Nations. However, the official members were just the embassy staff and soldiers guarding the building they set up. So that Minato can keep a clean line of communication open as to see how the situation with these conflicts are handled.
While the village and part of the government that made it up is against assisting in these complex issues. They were made a part of it once Orochimaru allied himself with literal demons and monsters. It was one thing to deal with a religious cult with too many resources, but for unstable monsters threatening everyone in the continent, it became a lot more personal. Meaning that everyone would have to take arms at some point to prepare for the worst.
"I wonder how things are going with Kushina. Assuming she's not spoiling our grandkids." Minato said as he looked at the newest photo on his desk.
He smiled at the photograph of his new grandchildren but didn't expect any for at least another decade when his hairs would be turning gray. The upside to having them now is being in perfect health to handle rambunctious babies. Though from what Yasaka said, it sounds like Naruto was basically the same as Kushina in his youth. A youth he never had the chance to be a part of.
"It's not a total loss, it just means the family is bigger right?" Minato asked himself.
That's when the door was opened by Greyfarn, "Good news Minato, I've come up with an invention to prepare for a potential attack by those strange goopy creatures." he said as he pulled out a stone.
"Good to hear." Minato said.
"Yes, very good. Here, you try." Greyfarn said as he threw the stone at Minato's head.
Despite being so fast and the materials used to create the stone being as sensitive as glass. Minato was hit in the cheek and fell out of his chair by the impact of the stone.
"Be careful you twit! It's only a prototype." Greyfarn said, unaware of how much he hurt Minato.
"Grey-san, I think your stone won't work without actually dealing with those creatures." Minato said as he picked up the stone.
"Indeed, that is quite true. I should go back to the drawing bored and maybe call my colleague, Graystash." Greyfarn said.
"Sure, go speak with your colleagues. Let me know how that goes." Minato said.
Greyfarn's senile mind had kicked in, "My what? Oh, that reminds me. I have other news to present to you." he said as he reached into his coat. "Now where did I keep that? Oh right, that's where!" he said as he as he reached into his hat.
Minato looked curious, "What is that?" he asked as he saw a folded paper in the wizard's hands.
"Here, allow me to explain it to you." Greyfarn said as he extended the paper to reveal the contents.
TO BE CONTINUED…