Reviewed in 05/21/19 for wrongly writing character names (Was writing Motoyasu as Moyatatsu)

~BANG BANG BANG~

"Royal Guard, open up!" Screaming voices came from the front door, startling Naofumi awake. He looked at the wooden door, wondering what was this full all about. He made his way to the door, nursing his stiff neck. Definitively never sleeping atop my shield like that again!

The banging on the door was stronger this time, and Naofumi opened it before whoever it was broke the door and made him pay the inn for the damage.

"Who died?" He asked the first soldier he saw. The men were outraged, eyes screaming bloody murder. The shield hero was taken aback when the soldiers aggressively stormed inside his room and tried to grab him. He might not have that much attack, but Naofumi had a fairly big physical strength status, which allowed him to shrug off the knight. "What the fuck is going on?"

The other knights pulled their swords and made a circle around him. One of them helped the captain up on his feet, the man seething with rage. The captain dusted his chest and shouted at Naofumi. "Shield Hero, you are under arrest for suspicion of sexual assault!" Once more, the captain tried to subdue Naofumi; said attempt failed as Naofumi slapped away the grabbing hands.

"What the hell are you talking about? Sexual assault? I never left my room all night long!" The hero shouted back, eyeing the knights closing their formation around him.

"Enough with your excuses! Stop resisting and present yourself to the king." The captain made hand gestures for his subordinates to suppress Naofumi. The Shield hero was rather surprised by this sudden violence against him.

"HEY HEY! Enough! I will go see the king, no need to arrest me! Let me get my stuff first!" He shouted at the armed men, the lot turning their eyes to their captain. The man nodded.

Naofumi looked around the room, eager to solve whatever misunderstanding that was happening here. He put on his boots, but strangely found his chainmail to be missing. He looked around a bit more, a bit of anguish flooding his heart.

"Hurry up, you criminal! We've no time to lose with you." The captain once more shouted at the hero, sword drawn and ready.

"I'm not finding my armor!" Naofumi spoke loudly. The men each looked at another, but spoke nothing.

"You won't worm your way out of this one, scum! If you're done, let's go!"

In the end, Naofumi had to leave with only his backpack and the clothes he was wearing.

His escort to the castle was quick, the mood during the travel rather heavy.

They rapidly entered the throne room, the place already filled with people. There were various knights and nobles inside, the king in his throne and the heroes around him. Everyone looked at him as if he had done the dirtiest crime in history. Naofumi was feeling dread churn inside his stomach, but he pushed the feeling down.

The knight captain kicked him in the back, trying to push him down. His kick connected alright; however, it was akin to kicking a stone wall. He didn't let it show, but his metal protection over his boots was putting pressure on his foot. If one looked properly, they would see that the metal was caved in.

Naofumi, on his part, felt some pressure be applied to his back. It was rather light, so he ignored it in favor of facing the situation in front of him.

"YOU FIEND! The moment my eyes settled on you, I knew you'd be nothing but trouble for our country, you scum!" King Aultocray was rather vicious with his words, making the shield hero wince and stare in confusion.

"What is going on? I don't think you have the right person for this!" Naofumi pleaded in his defense. "I went to sleep last night and now I awake up, find my armor is missing and your knights ar—" He would continue, but he spotted Malty just behind Motoyasuu. "Hey, you can ask Malty about it, she saw me off going to sleep." The shield bearer extended his hands towards his redheaded companion, yet the girl further glued herself to the Spear Hero's back.

She trembled like a leaf and was letting out tiny sobs, using her hands to cover her face from him. What is going on, Malty?

"ENOUGH! Don't pretend to be innocent!" Motoyasu shouted at him, spear in tow. The blonde put himself in front of the girl, the other heroes covering her sides just as fast. "How could you do such an atrocious act?" Naofumi would pay more attention to the Spear Hero, if he wasn't wondering what in high hells the blonde was doing with his armor.

"Hey, where did you get that chainmail?" Naofumi asked, confusion clear in his voice tone.

"What, this?" The blonde looked at his armor. "It was a gift from Malty back when we met back on the pub." The hero bragged.

The redhead took the cue and with short breaths she said words that made Naofumi's stomach sink. "A-after that, I m-met with S-sir Shield…He was d-drunk and forced m-me into our r-r-room and-d…" Tears ran alongside her eyes as she used her hands to cover her mouth. She almost fell down, were it not for the support of both Sword and Bow heroes.

"It's enough Malty, don't talk anymore." Motoyasu spoke to her before turning to Naofumi and staring him down. "I never thought you would do such a thing, how could you?!"

Ren shook his head sideways. "Getting ahead and thinking of yourself greater than people just because you're a hero? Disgusting!"

"I knew you were different from us, but I never imagined it would be in this way…" Itsuki spoke.

"WHY THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN SUMMONED AS A HERO?" Motoyasu once more shouted at Naofumi.

What is this? Why am I being insulted like this? What did I do to deserve this?

Naofumi was looking straight at the heroes, and one thing called his attention. Malty had stopped sobbing rather quickly and her hands shifted a few centimeters, allowing her face to be in his view. His stomach sunk deeper, if such a thing was possible. He felt as if something was boiling inside of him, seeing the redhead pull one of her eyelids and show him her tongue as if to say "Sucker!".

I have been set up.

It hit him full force. Every time she mentioned him, it was always "Sir Shield" or "Shield Hero", never ever his name. She would spout Moyatatsu's name as if it was honey on her mouth. The many small details of his short time in this otherworldly country came crashing down upon him. The king never liked him, the royalty around him looked at him as if looking at trash, even his fellow heroes thought him to be bellow them. And now this.

Had he not discovered his [Currency-Holder Shield], would he also have been stolen his money? His armor was right in front of him, fitting snugly into this spear-yielding bastard.

"Did you want money and gear so fucking bad that you had to set me up like this?" He questioned the blonde. The others came and talked him down.

"Man, you really are a nuisance." Ren sighed. "Motoyasu was given enough for his party, same as us. Did you used to do this kind of thing before? Bet you did this to your friends all the time before coming here."

Itsuki had some sort of sneer fixed in his plastic face, saying something Naofumi didn't quite managed to catch.

Motoyasu did one better though. He hugged Malty, as if to protect her from some horrible monster. "Don't waste your breath coming up with pathetic excuses, you damned RAPIST!" The word seemed to sink into Naofumi's mind, ripping at his core and soul.

He felt something stir inside his gut. A dark feeling swelling up. Why was this happening? Was it because he was the shield? Because he couldn't fight on his own? You all are going to gang up on me and kick me down to make yourselves look better? This is your justice?

Why should I fight for these people? For this world, for that matter? I didn't ask to be summoned here, you brought me by your own accord, without even considering my situation or feelings.

Naofumi looked at all the trash gathered up in this place, making sure to remember all the faces he saw. None of you really believed me, right? Your world can burn to ashes for all that I care!

"How disgusting!" Naofumi spoke loudly, gathering attention to himself. "I never asked to be called to this fucking place. Send me back to my damn world already." He snarled. The guards tried knocking him down with their spears, but they couldn't make the shield hero budge from his place.

Aultocray had a mixed expression on his face. "I would love to simply send back a hero like you, but until the next wave happens, that is impossible. All the current heroes would have to die for us to summon new ones, or so my researchers told me!" The words made the three heroes look back at the king, their surprised expressions a delight for Naofumi.

"Well well, would you look at that. If you fuckers want me out, you'll have to bail out and die as well. If the king does it, his world won't be saved. It suits you just fine, fucking retards!" Naofumi spat out, his eyes shadowed and in sadistic glee at the three's stunned expressions.

"You fiend!" The captain of the guards looked ready to attack him, his hand gestures for the surrounding units a clear sign of their intent. The man brought his sword down, the guards following by using their polearms to beat unto him. Naofumi blocked the sword blow, his shield easily stopping the fancy blade. He didn't worry about the polearms; the idiots didn't have enough power to overcome his defenses. Although they shaved a tiny amount of his health, it wasn't enough for him to even worry about.

"Go ahead and try me you fuckers! Better not underestimate the Shield Hero!" He was about to change to the [Iron Nail Shield] when Aultocray spoke out.

"Release him at once." The royal guards backed off, giving Naofumi some space. "Should you serve your purpose and fight the waves, punishment will not be imposed upon you. However, all the people in this kingdom will know of your atrocious acts! Get lost now, less I order your immediate execution!" The king said, waving Naofumi off. Many whispers broke out as the nobles around the room started commenting on the situation.

You set this up for me, fucker! I didn't do a damn thing, but you won't believe me, right?

Naofumi merely picked his heavy backpack and made his way out of castle. Outside the gates, the knights tried bulling him and taking his backpack. A quick use of the [Iron Nail Shield]'s counterattack dissuaded them of further trying to mess with him.

He walked down the streets, eyes glued on his back and whispers ran wild among the common populace. He ground his teeth, holding back a curse.

Rumors aren't this quick to spread when something just happened. It would take at least one day for everyone to know of this. They had already spread lies about me!

He examined his body. His clothes were a bit messed and scuffed, but he was in full health. At least this shield hasn't betrayed me, it's the only thing that has been faithful to me so far. He continued walking, until someone called out to him.

"Shield brat!" He recognized the voice. Turning around to meet its source, the shield hero found Erhart, the blacksmith, looking at him with arms crossed. "Rumor around has it been that you tried to rape a companion. Let me hit you once!" Naofumi looked at him, eyes dark and unwavering. Not you too, old man…

The smith grabbed ahold of the hero and cocked his arm back, ready to deliver a smashing blow. Naofumi merely looked deep into the man's eyes, daring the man to strike him. Yeah, go ahead and believe that scum. This world sucks…

The blow never came, and Naofumi was put down. His brow rose as he continued his stare down at the man. "Won't take your piece of the pie? Everyone is doing it." He shot at the man, waiting for a reaction. The smith merely sighed, eyes closed and hands crossing over his chest.

"I suddenly don't feel like doing it anymore." The shield hero took that as a cue and turned around, shifting the weight of his backpack and walking to outside the city. "Hey, what do you plan on doing?"

"The shield is weak, right? Then I don't have anytime to waste. I need to survive on my own, no one will help me so I must help myself." He continued his trek, but after a couple of steps, a leather bag smacked against him and fell on the ground, spilling some clothes and a cheap set of leather armor. "What is this, you doing charity now?"

"Take it however you see fit. They were clearance, not worth more than five copper coins." Naofumi took the extra bag. He dressed in the leather armor set and settled the green cape around his shoulders. As he finished dressing, the hero walked back to the smith.

"Here." The shield shifted and changed into the [Currency-Holder Shield]. Naofumi took the five copper coins and gave them to Erhart. "Now I don't owe you anything." He turned and left, managing to hear a distant "Return alive, kid!" from the smith.

"Aaaahhhh!" Naofumi smashed the last enemies around him, an egg-like monster and a blue mushroom. His level only rose to 3, even with him spending the entire evening hunting every single monster that came into his sight. He took a rest under the shade of a tree.

"This is too inefficient! At this rate, those three idiots will laugh and party if I die." His defense proved uncontested so far, but what if there was a monster with more attack power? He needed to level up faster and gather even more shields. He looked around his bag, wondering if there was anything to eat.

All he managed to find were some leaves inside a leather pouch. He grumbled, looking at the leaves and wondering if they were edible. He almost ate them, but the shine of his shield's gem ended up attracting his attention. He fed the leaf to the gem, a notification popping up to display a new shield.

- [Leaf Shield unlocked] -

[Leaf Shield]

+Bonus passive skill: Harvest skill(small)

"Clearance items my ass, old man." He said, looking at his shield skill tree. He immediately equipped the shield, its format just a big leaf, and looked around for a few moments. He found exactly what he had been looking for. The same leaves, a plant that was growing just under the shade of the tree.

He picked it up, careful to not break the plant more than necessary. As he held the plant in his hand, it shone lightly, becoming a tad more vivid. This place's logic is all over the place. He stuffed the medicinal herb inside the leather pouch and continued foraging. He collected a good amount of the herbs, but left enough of them around as to not mess up the ecology.

He also collected the many materials that were scattered around him, his "monster slaying rampage" from earlier left a great deal of monster corpses.

"Of course, they don't just disappear after you kill them. This is not a game, Naofumi. This is real, as real as it gets!" He said to himself.

[Blue mushroom Shield unlocked] [Eggy Shield unlocked] [Red mushroom shield unlocked] [Green mushroom unlocked] …

The notifications stacked up and Naofumi used a hunting knife to separate the monsters unto smaller bits and fed them to his shield. He could use tools just fine, but the moment his mind even thought about using it to attack, the shock ran over him and the notification about the holy agreement popped up.

He acquired a good haul from today. Various bits of balloon leather, many pieces of the monster mushrooms, the dried remains of the egg monster and their shells, and three full pouches of medicinal herbs. The sun was at its highest point when Naofumi returned to the town. Finding someone to buy all the loot wasn't hard, however…

"These are quite good herbs. Where have you find them?" The merchant asked him, examining the leaves he brought.

"Just outside town, fresh for the picking." He answered plainly. "So, how much will it go for?"

The merchant smirked, and Naofumi's face soured. "So, there is this rumor about the shield hero—" He couldn't finish his smug sentence as he was grabbed and brought over the counter.

"Yeah, about that. I sure like to talk about weapons. Did you know that while I have pathetic attacking power, I still have quite some physical strength? I wonder, if by any chance I decided to pummel you out, should I do it by punching you or bashing your face in with this shield of mine? What do you think would do the most damage?" The hero enforced his point by hoisting the man in the air with one arm. "Or maybe you would like to buy fresher produce? I got you, I got you." From under the green cloak of the hero, the merchant saw the fierce balloons chomping on him, yet doing no damage. The hero detached one of the balloons and approached the orange menace, letting it bite on the merchant's nose.

"GYAHHHHHH!" The plump man let out a disgraceful noise, his nose turning a shade of red at the bite power of the monster.

"How about it? Fresh enough for you?" The shielded hero pulled the monster away from the man's face, attaching it back on its place. He threw the merchant back inside his shop, the man falling with a dull thud. "I don't want special treatment or to close your business. I only want what is fair for my work. Do we have a deal?" The merchant rubbed his nose and nodded, putting two pieces of silver over the counter.

"Damn shield." The merchant murmured as he collected his merchandise.

"If you are up for it, tell everyone of your merchant friends what happened here. Anyone else try this bullshit on me, they are up for a nasty surprise." His piece stated, Naofumi grabbed the money and left.

This fucking place is full of guys like that. I can't spend money like it is water, I have to earn enough to finance myself. Since my shield can help me gather better loot, this will have to do for now.

Sure, Naofumi had more money safely stowed away, but he needed more. Good equipment cost a lot, and acquiring more materials for his shield would surely cost big time.

He entered a simple inn and ordered himself the cheapest meal available. The waiter didn't like him, his displeasure clear on his face, but he would not turn down money. As the shield hero ate away, his mood worsened.

Food tastes like jackshit. This world is the worst…

As he forced the food down his mouth and wondered about his next step, two men approached his table.

"Oyah, hic, it looks like our glamorous Shield Hero has no companions to share a meal with." The thin and burglar like one approached and leaned on the table, breath stinking of cheap alcohol. Not this bullshit again…

"That's right, Aniki (Sort of respectful way/title of calling someone who is or who you consider your brother). Maybe we should become his friends, what do you think?" The fat and short one blared on Naofumi's ear.

"That's right! Hahaha, we are such good people, aren't we?" They laughed together, disturbing the other patrons of the inn. The waiter looked like he wanted them gone, but the weapons on their waists dissuaded him better than any statement.

"Go away, I don't need trash burglars who can't do anything." Naofumi's statement made the two go red, angry at the shield hero. The duo pulled out their daggers, ready and more than willing to stab the hero and leave him bleeding out there.

Naofumi quietly stood up and grabbed his cup full of water. The thugs smirked, wondering if the hero would plead for his life. Oh, how wrong they were.

The cup flied and hit the fat burglar in the face, the water splashing around the table and ground. The thin one had little reaction as Naofumi bashed his shield on his guts before harshly kicking the man unconscious. The fat one had a bleeding nose, and was trying to scuttle away like a cockroach. Naofumi grabbed his ankle with a vice-like grip.

"Now where do you think you're going? Don't you know that it is polite to ask forgiveness to the patrons if you disturb them?" The hero made the fat burglar face the waiter. "Now, say the magic words."

"P-pleaseh forghive me." His smashed nose made his words sound odd.

"Good, now grab your friend and fuck off." He released the round thug, the man hurrying away after grabbing his partner.

A few moments after the duo left the inn, Naofumi settled back in his place, ignoring the other customers, and finishing his meal. He picked his now empty cup back and set it on the table. He also put a small bag filled with coin over the table. Guess they won't be needing this anytime soon.

After his less than pleasant meal, the shield hero found himself walking down a dirty alley.

"Work efficiency wasn't quite what I expected. I need a better way to increase my level, or I'm not going to last." His boots made dull sounds as leather connected to stone pavement. "You can come out now, following me around won't help you with anything." It seemed the hero had spoken to air, but from around one corner a creepy laughter resounded.

"Kukukuku, mighty perceptive of you, young man. You are looking extremely distressed, how about I help you?" the short man that came out from the corner was wearing a gaudy black suit with multi-colored feathers around the collar. He also had thick glasses, a walking cane and a top hat, making the perfect combination of "Stranger danger".

"One more offering to help me, guess it is my lucky day then." Naofumi eyed the man, waiting for him to say his piece. "Are you going to offer to be my comrade? I met earlier with this lovely duo of thugs, could not be happier this moment."

"Kukukuku, "comrades" you say…that is such a stupid word." The man did a presentational bow. "What I offer is much more interesting than that fickle thing called comradery. Something that would never betray you and follow your every order, my lord." The Shield Hero's brow rose at the speech. You certainly know how to sell your fish…

"Lord Shield Hero, am I right? A man with no people by his side, followed only by demons." The strangely dressed individual looked into Naofumi's eyes. Black pupils swirling with intense emotion, eyes that wished the world burned in hellfire. "Your eyes, they are the best! I like people who have those very eyes."

They ended up joining and walking together the alleys, ending up in a circus-like tent.

As the man lifted one flap of the tent and allowed the hero entry, Naofumi spoke.

"Got it, slave business huh?" the hero eyed the many beastlike people caged and with collars around their necks. Many made threatening noises as the duo approached them.

"My focus is on demi-humans, human slavery could be very troublesome, specially in a human-supremacy country such as Melromarc." They walked deeper into the slave shop, the smell becoming more nauseating as time passed. They approached one of the bigger cages, the slave owner lifting the curtains to reveal a Werewolf. The creature snarled and growled; fangs ready to render flesh into tiny strips.

"My personal recommendation, his status is wonderful, the best of the best." Naofumi focused on the werewolf, simple information being displayed above the creature's head.

Slave Werewolf lv. 75

His level is way over mine. One bite and I would be done. Trying to bait me with the good stuff, aren't you?

"As for the price range—"

"Don't bother telling it to me. You know I can't possibly buy something like this, but you showed it to me anyway." Naofumi had a smirk, eyes glued to the slave owner. Two can play the business game, don't underestimate an economics student.

"Well, yes. I knew I would love you as a customer, you just have the very best eyes for this." The fancifully dressed, shady man also smirked, showing Naofumi to another section of the tent.

"What kind of product are suited for your needs then, my lord?" They barely walked in the section and the smell that assaulted Naofumi's nose was almost enough to make him gag. Disease and death. Rotten and disgusting. He made a conscious effort to breath through his nose and quickly get used to the smell. It surely would not be the last time he would visit this place.

"Something cheap, not broken already and that is capable of fighting." He looked at the ground and spoke in a more somber tone. "Something male would be nice."

"A battle-oriented slave? Skills will be weak, but we have some in stock, would that be alright? About that rumor though—"

~CRACK~

Naofumi had his [Iron Stake Shield] equipped, the arm holding the shield banging against one of the cages, the edge of the shield bending slightly the metal bars of the cage.

"I didn't fucking do it!"

"Certainly, you are different from what was mentioned…" The slave owner said with a serious face. "Here we are, these are the cheapest options I have that are available for you. They are a troublesome bunch, but with training they can become obedient."

The smell was even more intense here. Naofumi eyed the various slaves here, not one suiting his needs.

The rabbit-man had a broken foot and looked ready to kick the bucket. The lizardman in the next cage was rabid and seemed like it would not obey any command he issued. He would rather not spend money on a useless slave. The others looked too weak or just unsuited for battle. The mole-man had big and bulky hands suited for digging, not holding a sword or spear. The rat-man over the next cage was not even moving, and the hero was pretty sure that it was dead.

Coughing called his attention, and he turned to one separate cage. Easily flipping the covering flap, he spotted a thin girl. She looked just about 10 years old, round ears settled atop her head, a bushy tail on her behind and she looked dirty as all hell. She also was the healthiest of the bunch and seemed to be the one most likely to obey his orders.

The only problem was:

She is a woman, just like that fucking bitch! He drowned the thought.

"Raise your head." He commanded. She did so, allowing him a look her face. She is just a child, how twisted is this fucking country, that this shit is legal here? "What is your name?"

She seemed hesitant in telling him.

"Don't you have one?" His voice came harsher than expected, seeing as she flinched. "R-raph-talia." At least now he had a name to which call her.

"The raccoon species are not popular, especially when compared to something like the fox species who have allure and charm. They easily suffer from panic attacks and end up doing nothing, but standing around. This one probably doesn't even have long to live." Slave merchant talked and tried to show Naofumi other products, but the hero had already decided.

"That's fine." She is really thin; her body is about to give out and she is a child. Yet, I don't have any other option. I need to raise my leveling efficiency, and there is no one willing to help me. This shitty world needs saving, so I won't be able to go home unless it is saved. "I'll take her."

"Very well."

…

…

…

"Kyahhhhhhh!"

"It is done; now she is completely yours."

Shield hero has acquired a slave.

Raphtalia has been set as a party member.

"Can I have that ink?"

"Sure."

Requirements completed!

[Slave Owner Shield unlocked]

[Slave Owner Shield]

-Passive skill: Slave growth correction(small) +5% to status

+Bonus skill: Slave body correction(small) +5% to status

Naofumi took off another cloak from his bag and let it fall over the head of the scared girl.

"Cover up." He said to her as he went closer to the Slave Dealer. "How much do I owe you?"

"Kukuku, a low-quality slave and a low-ranked curse slave crest seal. How about thirty silver?" Slave dealer had his hands joined together, rubbing them in that sort of way only weasel-like money grabbers could.

The Hero changed his shield for the [Currency-Holder Shield] and payed the required amount, plus one more. Slave Dealer seemed surprised at the act.

"There is one extra coin here, my Lord. Have you perhaps—"

"Cut the crap, you know it is your commission. Think of it as my thanks." The tall Japanese man turned and grabbed Raphatalia by her hand, the girl merely following him, and left the tent.

"I might fall in love with you if you keep showing me such eyes, Lord Shield." Slave dealer showed his sinister smile as he eyed the duo leave his shop.

"Get her some good equipment, something able to last and worth around 100 silver." Naofumi spoke to Erhart. The smith had a surprised expression, seeing the slave crest tattooed on the girl's chest.

"You…"

The smith decided to not comment on it, merely helping the girl and showing her various short swords and daggers. After they had picked something appropriate for her, came her dressed state. Seeing as she as thin as they come, the current option for her wardrobe was a red battle dress made of reinforced and durable clothes, some leather padding added for a bit more protection. Erhart separated another set of better armor and packed together, along with another two iron short swords.

He let the girl inside a dresser and came back to the counter, eyes settled on Naofumi's frame. The hero was busy looking over his menu, head going miles per hour as he concocted a plan to earn more money and levels.

"So, anything you feel like telling me about the girl?" The smith asked.

"I'm giving her a better chance in life than anything she could hope for in this shitty country. First time I'm hearing it is a human-supremacy, but by the looks of the people on the street, one doesn't take long to find out." Naofumi stated, focusing on the smith's frame. The man wryly smiled. The duo chatted for a while, until the curtain of the dresser was parted and Raphtalia came out dressed properly.

"You done? Took your sweet time with it, huh?"

"I a-apologize, m-master…" She coughed.

"Whatever, I guess…" He stopped leaning on the counter and approached the girl, lifting his green cloak. "Take out your short and kill this thing." He commanded, detaching an orange balloon from his torso.

The girl immediately flinched and backed away, scared eyes already watering. "M-m-monster!"

"Yeah, no shit. Just take your sword and stab it." He held the balloon in his hands and gave her an easy target. The girl didn't move, knees trembling.

"I d-don't want to…ouhhh." The slave crest on her chest lit up lightly, the curse punishing her for disobeying his words.

"It will only hurt if you won't fight it." He hated saying these words, but they were necessary.

Raphtalia pulled her sword, the pain immediately fading away, and with a weak trust, plunged the tip of the blade into the balloon. The monster grabbed the blade, still alive and well.

"Stronger, put your back into it." It took a few more tries, but in the end, she did kill it faster than anything he could consistently put out. "See, not so hard after all." A notification popped up, telling him that them both had earned exp from her kill.

He turned his eyes back into Raphtalia, the girl flinching from his intense look.

"Listen up! From now on, we are going to fight monsters daily. I expect you to fight accordingly," The raccoon girl looked down right terrified, tears already pooling on the corners of her eyes. "as my sword. In return, I'll be sure to protect you from any danger that comes." Her expression changed into something he couldn't recognize, maybe it was hope.

"We have much to do, and no time to waste. Let's get going." Naofumi exited the shop, waving goodbye to Erhart. "What are you doing standing there? Hurry up!"

"Y-yes!"

"Now this is what I'm talking about!" His happy shout echoed in the forest.

Laid in front of him over a cloth was much more loot than what he had acquired earlier in the day. One entire day's work had been easily surpassed in a few hours in the company of Raphtalia.

Collecting loot and fighting the low-level demons was done in a cinch. He would distract and tank any incoming attacks and Raphtalia would counter while the enemies were staggered. Using this strategy, the duo had managed to advance over the fields and were inside the forest.

Naofumi looked over his many shields and chose the one most suited to his current needs. As he examined the many herbs, fruits and roots he acquired, he separated them in medicine, foodstuff and miscellaneous.

Raphtalia was over to the campfire, heating up after she having washing off the sweat and eggy monster matter that stuck on her. She looked at him, wondering if at any moment he was going to explode and hurt her, just like all her previous masters. She tried to stifle a coughing fit, and wondered if she would have to sleep on an empty stomach. Her eyes turned to the fishes cooking over the fire. Her mouth watered.

Naofumi, on his part, grabbed the rocks he collected previously from the riverbank and started his work. He began grinding the aero medicinal herb he collected over the stone, making sure to not let anything fall over. He grabbed a citrus-like yellow fruit from his loot pile and cut it in the middle, squeezing the juices over the green paste. After that, he grabbed some large leaves and crafted a cup, which he filled with water from his canteen.

Mixing the green paste and the water, stirring it for a few minutes and letting the cup rest propped close to the fire, Naofumi wondered if his test trial in compounding would be successful. He tried mixing what little he knew about medicine making from his world and the knowledge that came from the [Blue Mushroom Shield], the one that granted him the compounding skill. After a few minutes, he picked his leaf cup and examined his concoction.

[Improved common medicine]

Works better than the ordinary medicine due to combination of ingredients that increase each other's efficacy and proper methods. Capable of healing slight and normal colds. Has a tangy, enjoyable taste.

"Since this world has magic, people don't focus as intensely on bettering their livelihoods as we did. I can make a killing with this. If I get the proper tools, and remember things right, I can craft better stuff than what is currently available on the market. Considering the bonuses from the shield too, any goods that I make will be top-notch." Naofumi looked at his shield, its silly mushroom appearance betrayed the usefulness of this Legendary equipment. Now if only he could have higher damage dealing abilities.

"The money I can make by selling manufactured goods is way higher than selling just the raw materials. If the waves are as bad as they said, people are bound to be stocking in medicine and medical supplies. This can work, no doubt about it!"

~Cough cough~

He glanced back at Raphtalia. It was thanks to this girl that he gathered so much. Hell, even their short battles had raised their levels. He was sitting at level 5, while the girl was level 3. He really was thankful that he had acquired this girl's help. He looked at the medicine and back at the girl. Capable of healing common colds, huh?

The hero coughed loud, calling the attention of his slave.

"Raphtalia, drink this." He went to her and gave her the leaf cup. "Go ahead and finish those two." He pointed to two out of the four fishes currently cooking over the fire.

Raphtalia stared at him, wondering if he was serious about the food. His only answer was his turned back, focus back into his compounding. She looked at the greenish liquid inside the leaf cup for a few seconds before she obeyed the command. Her ears perked up. She was expecting that whatever this drink was, it would be bitter and weird. It had an acidic and tangy taste, far better than any medicine. It was so good she ended up chocking, having to spit the drink to free her throat.

"Ahh, that's such a waste!" Her master exclaimed, coming her way with another leaf cup filled with another batch of the concoction. She was scared he would strike her, so she rose her hands to protect her head. The hit never came, instead he almost shoved the following drink down her mouth. "Make sure to drink this one, that's an order!" She promptly grabbed the cup, hoping to not waste the tasty treat.

"Bleeaaaggghhhh…" It was bitter!

"Don't waste good medicine, damn it!" He grabbed the cup and sat by her side. Naofumi would make sure she drank the damn medicine, especially since he only used the medicinal herb and water this time.

"But it is bitter, and it hurts…" She complained, trying to dodge the cup of medicine.

"It only hurts because you're not drinking it!"

It would take another two tries, a bit of force and twenty minutes before the hero finally managed to make the raccoon girl take her remedy. She laid asleep close to the fire, wrapped up in a blanket.

He turned back to his work, trying different techniques and mixes to create better medicines. Boiling the leaves first, grinding them, straining the concoction through a clean cloth. Using the remains of the leaves and mixing them with the pulp of the citrus-like fruit to make a pill.

Naofumi ended up using the entirety of the loot he had acquired along the day, but it was worth it. In front of him was an assortment of medicines. Although some were not as high quality as the others, he was proud of his work, especially considering the fact that it was his first time trying something like this:

[Common Cold medicine] - A full canteen (two liters)

[Improved Citrus-flavored cold medicine] – a quarter of a canteen (300mL)

[Cold preventing pill (common)] x 10 units

[Nutritional pill (common)] x 6 units

Not bad for a complete amateur, huh? I guess I owe this much to you. Naofumi looked at his shield with warm eyes. He was just about to add more wood to the fire when.

"WAAAAARRRGGHHHHHHHHHHH"

What the fuu—

Raphtalia was kicking and screaming, tears freely rolling down her face. Naofumi rushed to her side, hoping to be able to calm her down. What kind of nightmare is she having? The hero grabbed ahold of the girl and brought her into a hug, hoping it would pacify her.

"It's okay, everything is going to be fine!" He reassuringly said as he patted her head. She stopped screaming, but continued sobbing and calling for her parents. Her past as a slave must have been that bad. I'm sorry, Raphtalia, but I need a slave!

Naofumi cursed himself for having to say these words.

"Come again!" The merchant loudly announced to him. Naofumi walked down the alley, wallet 200 silver coins bigger. They had returned to the city to sell his products, the merchant from back then more than happy to get a different and more potent potion than the ones accessible in the marked. Naofumi immediately stuffed the money into [Void Bank Storage] and beckoned Raphtalia to follow him. She didn't move, eyes glued into a couple of kids playing with a ball.

"You like that ball?" She jumped, startled, but vehemently shook her head sideways.

"No! Definitively not! I don't want that ball, at all!" Her insistent negative head-shaking aside, her tail was swishing like wild.

You really want it, huh.

A rather loud noise came from the girl's belly. She blushed like mad.

"Hungry?" More negative headshaking. Why are you so insistent on denying it?

"Let's grab some food before we head out."

The duo walked until they reached the usual pub which Naofumi was used to eat while in the city. Raphtalia stopped at the door, making Naofumi return to get her.

"What's wrong?"

"Master, it says that demi-humans aren't allowed here." She pointed to a wooden sign, the words not making a lick of sense for him.

"You can read?"

"Just the bare minimum." She confirmed. He shrugged at the sign and made a head nod, commanding her to enter the inn. She followed in his footsteps, too scared to argue.

The waiter was just finishing with a patron before he spotted Naofumi and his companion. The man clicked his tongue and had a half-mind to expel the Shield Hero from his establishment. Naofumi's annoyed eyes dissuaded the man from any action that wasn't:

"Good morning, what is your order?"

Naofumi looked at Raphtalia, wondering what to feed her. She was looking at a family having a meal.

"One of your cheapest meals and whatever that kid over there is having." Raphtalia's head whipped into his direction, eyes questioning his choice. He sat on the chair and told the girl to do so too.

"Why…"

"What is it now?" He asked, glancing around to see if any unsavory figures would want to mess with him today.

"My previous master…and the one from before…all of them hated whenever I had fun or was happy…Why do you-u…" Her voice was coming short, considering she was holding back sobs. He sighed.

"Sit already and listen! I need you as my sword. You will not be a useful sword if you have no blade. Starving you out and beating you would make the purpose of acquiring you meaningless. If you're so worried about being scolded, eat the food and become a stronger sword." His offhand way made she stare at him. "Our food is about to come; do you want to be ordered to eat?"

The waiter settled their meals down and left. Naofumi promptly started eating, a scowl present in his face as he chewed the food.

Raphtalia looked at the meal in amazement, eyes sparkling and shining. Maybe she was wondering if the food would disappear if she did so much as blink.

"Is i-it really fine if I have this?" She asked again, pointing to the meal.

"Just eat the damn food!" The raccoon girl grabbed a handful of rice and shoved in her mouth, dirtying her face entirely. No table manners, but that's to be expected if you live as a slave for so long. Her ears perked up. Not that it really matters, though…

"How is it?" He glanced at her from the corner of his left eye, asking with a tone of disinterest in his voice.

"It's delicious!" Raphtalia almost squealed in happiness at the many flavors filling her mouth.

He stabbed into the thin meat in his place with his fork and brought it over his mouth. Tastes just like wet cardboard.