A/N: This is the first of many changes that I shall make to this Fanfiction. So I'll ask that you be patient

The Fifth Hero

Following the tumultuous events of the Second Wave, the Kingdom of Melromarc was awash with joyous celebrations. At the grand royal castle, the Heroes and their companions were being feted with an elaborate victory party, with the King himself offering personal congratulations to the Bow, Sword, and Spear heroes. Meanwhile, Naofumi sat alone, cursing his presence at the celebration but aware that he had no choice if he wanted to secure his promised payment.

As the other guests ignored him, the Shield Hero scrolled through his assist menu and discovered a teleportation feature for registered members to the Wave, recognizing its potential value for the upcoming battles. He also observed the Knight Captain boasting to a group of young noblewomen about defeating a massive monster, even though he had abandoned Naofumi and arrived too late to assist the other heroes. Meanwhile, the assembled crowd of nobles praised the Heroes for their role in limiting the number of casualties.

Motoyasu found himself surrounded by a group of noblewomen, all vying for his attention and asking personal questions about his love life. But their conversation was quickly cut short by a possessive Myne, who couldn't bear to share Motoyasu's company with anyone else.

Despite Myne's efforts, Motoyasu's eyes were drawn to Raphtalia as she strolled through the crowd. He attempted to approach her, but Myne intercepted him and whispered something into his ear unnoticed by Raphtalia and Naofumi.

Meanwhile, Raphtalia was eager to share the festivities with Naofumi, urging him to try some of the delectable food on offer. But Naofumi was too preoccupied with the upcoming Wave to indulge and instead focused his attention on studying the support menu with laser-like precision.

Despite Naofumi's initial objections, Raphtalia persists and brings over a slice of cake, urging him to indulge. However, their peaceful moment is suddenly interrupted by a furious Motoyasu, who throws off his glove and challenges Naofumi to a duel. The room falls silent in shock and anticipation as Motoyasu accuses Naofumi of morally wrong behavior by keeping Raphtalia as his slave.

Naofumi calmly defends his actions, pointing out that slavery is legal in Melromarc and that Raphtalia chose to become his companion of her own free will. However, Motoyasu argues that as Heroes from another world, they must uphold moral standards and not engage in slavery.

Ren and Itsuki, who are also present, are taken aback by this revelation and express their disgust towards Naofumi for having a slave as a party member. The tension in the room is palpable as the Heroes' differing beliefs and moral standards clash.

As Naofumi questions what he stands to gain from winning the duel, Motoyasu takes a moment to respond before offering nothing in return. Naofumi, uninterested in a duel without any meaningful reward, attempts to leave with Raphtalia but is stopped by a guard.

Suddenly, King Aultcary appears, looking thoroughly disgusted. Having overheard the conversation, he accuses Naofumi of being rotten to the core and orders him to participate in the duel regardless. When Raphtalia tries to explain that she chose to follow Naofumi of her own free will, she is brutally seized, bound, gagged, and dragged away by Melromarc soldiers.

The King argues that Raphtalia has been coerced into defending her master through the Slave Crest, ignoring her protests that she genuinely wants to be by Naofumi's side. The situation reaches an unbearable tension as the fate of Naofumi and Raphtalia hangs in the balance.

Enraged by the unjust treatment of Raphtalia, Naofumi attempts to take her back by force, but finds himself surrounded by a wall of guards, all with their swords drawn. Faced with no other choice, Naofumi reluctantly agrees to the duel but demands that Raphtalia be returned to him once the duel is over.

Myne, always eager to taunt the Shield Hero, reminds Naofumi and the crowd that as a Shield Hero, he is unable to attack, prompting the audience to sneer and laugh at his expense. With the crowd clearly favoring Motoyasu, and with another painful reminder that he can only use his shield, Naofumi is escorted to the courtyard where he meets his opponent, the Spear Hero.

Unbeknownst to anyone, a man had been watching the unfolding events from the shadows. From the roof of the arena, he now stood with his weapon in hand and his companion by his side, keenly observing the fight that lay before him. Motoyasu, a warrior who boasted a staggering twenty-two levels above Naofumi, taunted his opponent with a tale of the all-penetrating Spear and the unbreakable Shield, wondering which was truly stronger. Naofumi, however, remained unfazed by the jabs and refused to surrender. With his Light Metal Shield, he deftly blocked all incoming strikes, proving his mettle and declaring victory as soon as Motoyasu failed to penetrate his defense. Even when the Spear Hero unleashed his most powerful attack, Chaos Spear, Naofumi remained unscathed. With Motoyasu left helpless during the cooldown phase, Naofumi took advantage of the opportunity and launched a counter-attack.

With the help of his trusty Balloon monsters, which he wielded as weapons, and the vast array of Shields he had unlocked, Naofumi expertly cornered Motoyasu in their showdown. The Spear Hero was quick to call out Naofumi for his use of monsters, demanding a fair fight. However, as Motoyasu prepared to retaliate, he was caught off guard by a sudden attack from The Dog Demon Shield. The Shield Hero then used his Air Strike Shield to knock Motoyasu to the ground, leaving him winded and vulnerable to Naofumi's next move. Seizing the opportunity, Naofumi unleashed a horde of additional Balloon monsters and trapped his opponent within the confines of a Shield Prison, leaving Motoyasu at the mercy of the ravenous creatures.

The King, along with the nobles and Myne, was visibly taken aback by the Shield Hero's unwavering strength and ability to hold his ground against Motoyasu. While Ren and Itsuki seemed genuinely surprised at this unexpected turn of events, several of the nobles were quick to denounce Naofumi's tactics as dirty and underhanded, casting a palpable tension over the courtyard. It was clear that things were not unfolding as they had expected, and there was a growing sense that if the battle continued in this manner, then the odds were heavily stacked against Motoyasu.

As Naofumi prepared to launch another attack, confident in his impending victory, a sudden gust of Wind magic from Myne sent him hurtling through the air. In the chaos, an Unknown man leaped into the arena and positioned himself between the Shield and Spear Heroes, wielding a staff made of reflective glass. Without hesitation, Motoyasu unleashed a vicious Lightning Spear attack, but the Unknown man deftly redirected it back at him. With his free hand, the mysterious figure then aimed at the first princess, his lips moving in an incantation that spoke of summoning an unholy beast of flesh and bone, defeated by magic, to serve his will.

In a sudden burst of energy, a monstrous creature materializes out of thin air. Its body is that of a lion but with an additional head of a ram and a tail that bristles with fangs like that of a snake. With a mighty leap, it clears the Shield Hero and slams its massive paw into Malty, pinning her against the wall.

"And here I thought that you people honored the sanctity of a duel," the man says, his voice dripping with disdain.

The Spear Hero demands to know the stranger's identity. "Simple," the man replies with a sly grin. "He's the only one who has seen the truth of Melromarc." His companion, a wolf Demi-Human, hops down from the beast and stands beside him.

The man raises his head high and announces his name with pride. "I am Balthasar Black, the Fifth Cardinal Hero and the Magic Hero of Melromarc."

I loathe my existence. Here I am, a 21-year-old honors graduate in math and science, stuck inside a McDonald's, flipping goddamn burgers for a manager who despises me. As much as I want to smash that bastard's teeth in, I know that work is work. After nine hours of sheer misery, I finally make my way home, only to find a wrapped present sitting on my doorstep. Picking it up, I unlock the door and am immediately greeted by my two faithful dogs: Bill, a full-grown golden retriever, and Rosco, my beloved pit bull.

Making my way to my room, I tear off the wrapping, revealing a beautifully crafted leather-bound book. As I lie on my bed and begin to read it, I feel a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, life has something more in store for me than flipping burgers for the rest of my days.

The Cardinal Heroes

As I read the text aloud, my interest is immediately piqued. "In order to save the world from apocalyptic catastrophe, four heroes will be summoned from another world," I say, my voice filled with wonder. "Each hero wields a distinctive weapon - a sword, a spear, a bow, or a shield..."

I turn the page eagerly, eager to discover more. "However," I continue, my eyes scanning the words on the page. "Should the waves surface without the aid of the heroes to combat them, a fifth hero shall be called forth to protect the citizens. A hero wielding a staff with a black jewel, who has the power to call forth the monsters he's slain and a gift for magic. The Fifth Cardinal Hero, The Magic Hero."

My heart races with excitement as I realize the gravity of this revelation. The fate of the world rests in the hands of five chosen heroes, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. I can't wait to discover more about their incredible journey and the challenges they will face along the way.

The Sword Hero

The Sword Hero is a towering figure of immense strength. With unparalleled power, he wields his sword like a force of nature, channeling his destructive might to match the calamities that threaten the land. He is unwavering in his resolve, never backing down from a challenge and never considering retreat. He is the promised blade, the beacon of hope that will guide his people to victory and usher in a radiant future for all who call these lands home.

The Spear Hero

The Spear Hero is a person with a heart that knows no bounds. His love for his friends runs deep, and he would stop at nothing to ensure their safety. His unwavering loyalty fuels his every action, emboldening him to face even the most daunting of challenges. He rises time and time again, undeterred by the specter of death itself, if it means protecting those most dear to him. His unwavering spirit is a shining example of what it truly means to be a hero.

The Bow Hero

The Bow Hero embodies the very essence of justice and honor. He is driven by an unyielding desire to right the wrongs of the world and create a safer, more just society for all. With unwavering dedication, he serves the people, using his skills to help those in need and alleviate their troubles. His body and soul are wholly devoted to the cause, and he takes on the mantle of a righteous judge, ensuring that justice is served and the correct decisions are made. He is a beacon of hope in a world that often seems lost, and his unwavering commitment to his principles is an inspiration to all who know him.

The Shield Hero

The Shield Hero is a master of strategic thinking and support. While his fellow heroes charged into battle, he dedicated himself to analyzing the situation and ensuring that his allies were always out of harm's way. His unwavering commitment to keeping the fight manageable and preventing danger before it could arise made him an indispensable asset to his team. He truly embodied the spirit of a shield, standing resolute and unyielding in the face of danger. Of all the heroes, he possessed the greatest steel determination, a will that could not be broken by any obstacle. His tactical brilliance and unshakeable resolve made him a true hero in every sense of the word.

The Magic Hero

...

"You have got to be kidding me," I mutter incredulously as I flip through the empty pages of the book. After reaching the end and finding nothing, I stand up, ready to toss it away in frustration. But suddenly, my vision is engulfed in a blinding light, leaving me momentarily stunned and disoriented.

No-One's Pov

On the tranquil shores of a small coastal village just outside Melromarc, two Demi-Human fishermen were hauling their boat ashore when one of them spotted a body lying on the sand.

"Tai, look!" the Goat Demi-Human exclaimed, sprinting towards the figure.

As they drew closer, they noticed that the man was holding a staff adorned with a black jewel and was dressed in peculiar garb, unlike anything they had seen before.

"Is he...?" Tai, the Wolf Demi-Human, began to ask.

"No, thankfully he's still breathing. Come on, your house is nearby," the Goat Demi-Human interrupted, carefully picking up the stranger and carrying him into their village.

Balthazar's Pov

My eyes fluttered weakly open as I surveyed my unfamiliar surroundings. I found myself lying in a strange bed inside a house that was not my own. As I attempted to sit up, a hand gently pressed against my chest, halting my movement.

"Easy there, hun," a female voice, unfamiliar to me, spoke up.

Turning my head toward the source of the voice, I was taken aback by what I saw. A woman with bluish-white hair, donning a pair of dog ears atop her head, stood before me. She appeared equally surprised by my sudden movement.

"Are you alright?" she asked, concern etched on her features.

"I... I think so," I replied uncertainly.

"Where am I?" I inquired, still feeling disoriented.

"Rurorona Village, just outside Melromarc," she answered with a reassuring smile.

"Melromarc?" I silently pondered before being interrupted by the dog woman's question, "What's your name?"

"My name is Balthasar Black. Who are you and how did I end up here?" I inquired, eager for answers.

"I'm Marianna Morningstar, and my husband Tai found you washed up on the shores," she explained. As I sat up, I felt something in my hand.

To my surprise, I held a silver staff with a black jewel, just like the weapon I had read about in a book.

"You had that when Tai and Malcolm found you. None of us could remove it from your grip," Marrianna added. My attention was then drawn to an icon in the bottom right corner of my vision, which made me widen my eyes in astonishment as a game-like menu popped up.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Name: Baltazar Black
Race: Dragonoid
Class: Legendary Magic Hero
Level: 1
EXP: 0/60
Skill Points: 0

Stats:
- HP: 150
- MP: 200
- Physical Attack: 10
- Magic Attack: 60
- Physical Defence: 50
- Magic Defence: 60

Elemental Status:
- Fire Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Electricity Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Water Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Light Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Wind Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Ice Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Earth Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
- Darkness Attack: 5, Resistance: 5
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What's the matter?" Marianna asked, sensing my distress.

"I'm not sure, but I don't think I'm in my world," I replied, my attention still focused on the strange game stats that had appeared before me.

"Are you having trouble with your status magic?" Marianna inquired, her concern deepening.

"I don't think so, because it says that I'm the Legendary Magic Hero," I explained, causing Marrianna's eyes to widen in surprise.

"Like the Four Cardinal Heroes?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Like the Sword, Spear, Shield, and Bow?" I added, my mind racing with possibilities.

As I considered my situation, it dawned on me that I might be the only one capable of fighting off the looming threat that the book had warned about. Alone. Armed with nothing but a stick. My heart sank at the thought, realizing that my life as I knew it was over. But, I couldn't give up now. I steeled myself for the challenges ahead, knowing that I had to find a way to survive in this new world, no matter what it took.

I would Like to start by saying I Absolutely love The Rising Of The Shield Hero. Every bit of it. So It has been a massive debate on what type of hero to choose, it was down to three choices, The Club Hero, The Talon/Claw Hero, and The Magic Hero. so I chose the Magic hero

Please Vote and feel free to leave a Comment. I do enjoy any form of feedback

Live Long, Have Fun, and Never Make Sense

Because

What Fun Is There In Making Sense