This is a Beast Tamer and Rising Of The Shield Hero Crossover Fanfiction Only.
Other franchises will be included.
As the feast drew to a close, the rest of the group finally grasped the reason behind his extensive sharing of knowledge and his efforts to empower them. It became clear that the ultimate adversary they were up against was none other than this formidable goddess herself. Reluctantly, they acknowledged that her divine status was not just a fancy title or a display of arrogance; she truly possessed immense power. Realizing the magnitude of the challenge ahead, they knew they had a daunting journey ahead of them to become strong enough to confront her and emerge victorious.
The room was exactly as expected, resembling something you would find in a budget motel. It consisted of a simple bed, a small table, and a chair. The bathroom was cramped, tucked away in a corner of the closet. Clearly, this place was far from being a luxurious inn, despite its reputation in the capital. As he lay on the bed, a thought crossed his mind - perhaps the other three had been assigned better rooms, while he was left with what seemed like a servant's quarters. It wouldn't be surprising, considering how the nation's church viewed him. However, it was commendable that the innkeepers didn't simply turn him away, but instead provided him with a room, however modest it may be.
Naofumi was well aware of what awaited him, so it came as no surprise. He had already informed the others through their mental connection, as he rose from his bed and prepared for the day ahead. Before leaving the room, he made sure to tidy it up as a gesture of gratitude towards the inn, although he knew they probably wouldn't even notice or acknowledge his efforts. With the room in pristine condition, he made his way to the front desk, where he handed over his key and expressed his gratitude for the accommodation. The young man behind the desk accepted the key without uttering a single word, engrossed in his work. Naofumi then headed towards the castle, determined not to be late for the important meeting that awaited him.
As he walked past the grand cathedral on his way to the castle, he couldn't help but notice the multitude of people glaring at him. It dawned on him that the Three Heroes church must be comprised mostly of the capital's inhabitants, which made perfect sense given the cathedral's colossal size. Upon reaching the castle's entrance, a knight inquired about his purpose with the royal family. However, as soon as the knight caught sight of the shield on his arm, recognition flickered in his eyes. This particular knight had been foolish enough to attempt an attack, only to be effortlessly thrown aside as if it were child's play.
"Well, well, my apologies for not recognizing you earlier. You must be the esteemed first of the cardinal heroes to grace us with your presence. I've been given the task to inform you that you should make your way to the throne room and await the arrival of the others. It seems fate has brought you together with some individuals who might join forces with you and your three companions. So, take a breather and rest assured, help is on its way to aid you in your journey towards strength."
Unexpectedly, the response he received was not what he had anticipated. It was evident from the knight's previous behavior that he was a devout follower of the Three Heroes church. However, Naofumi, being educated as a prince, displayed his resilience and diplomatic prowess by refusing to stoop to their level. "I appreciate your words, but I was wondering if it would be possible for me to explore the castle while I wait for the others to arrive?" The knight regretfully informed him that such a request couldn't be granted. He was confined to the throne room and not permitted to wander the castle halls freely.
Given the historical context of this nation's strained relations with Siltvelt, it's no surprise that they wouldn't be keen on having the Shield Hero roam freely within their borders. These two nations have been at odds for generations, and it's important to note that the Shield Hero had previously clashed with Melromarc's troops. In essence, Naofumi understood that he should have been summoned by Siltvelt, making him an adversary on their own turf. Therefore, expecting a warm and cordial reception would be nothing short of delusional.
As he entered the grand throne room, the sight of the vigilant guards lining the walls caught his attention once again. Their poised stances hinted at their readiness to strike at a moment's notice. Making his way towards the magnificent throne, he couldn't help but admire its intricate craftsmanship. The metallic details were truly awe-inspiring, although it seemed a bit ostentatious compared to the more modest throne his parents had in his own realm. The purpose of this opulent throne was clear - to showcase the wealth and prosperity of Melromarc to all who approached it. Yet, despite its lavish appearance, the designers had managed to incorporate an element of comfort into its design, evident from the plush padding. "It appears they used the hide of formidable creatures for this upholstery, and the artisan who worked on it must have possessed remarkable skill. I can barely discern the seams." Although he knew the guards could hear his observations, they chose to disregard him, maintaining their stoic silence.
If he had been younger or less mature, he might have been tempted to sit on the throne and experience its grandeur. However, he understood that such behavior would be disrespectful and go against the values his family had instilled in him. He was no longer a child, and he refused to tarnish his family's honor by acting like one. He patiently waited until the minister, who was standing beside the king, finally arrived. "Ah, I see you're already here. My apologies for the delay. The adventurers are currently in conversation with the king, and the other cardinal heroes woke up feeling hungry. They asked one of our knights to escort them to the mess hall for breakfast." So, it turned out that the other three heroes had indeed arrived on time; they were simply enjoying a meal in the knight's mess hall. Naofumi couldn't help but wish he had known this earlier. He would have asked the innkeeper if he could have packed some food to take along with him.
While this was unfolding, the King engaged in conversation with the adventurers, who were all well aware of a foreign royal visitor that had piqued the curiosity of many young women, some of whom happened to be among the adventurers themselves. The King needed to ensure that the situation remained under control so that his plan could proceed smoothly without any interference.
"I have summoned all of you because you are among the finest adventurers in our nation. However, I must emphasize one crucial point: you are free to choose to follow any of the three heroes - the bow hero, the sword hero, or the spear hero. But no one is allowed to join the party of the shield hero, except for Myne Sofia."
The lady adventurers were outraged by this decision and questioned why Myne was given special treatment. The King responded by warning them that failure to comply with his order would brand them as traitors to Melromarc, resulting in the execution of both them and their entire families. The other adventurers knew Myne Sofia as Malty, and therefore, they placed their trust in her. She approached one of the protesting women and assured her that there was nothing to worry about, as she had devised a plan to meet the shield hero, even if the king opposed it.
Meanwhile, the King contemplated the importance of sticking to his plan, as it was crucial for him to gradually erode the people's faith in the cardinal heroes. He continued to scheme and plot, even as he interacted with the adventurers.
As Naofumi strolled through the grand throne room, he seemed to be examining every detail with great interest. "Absolutely splendid!" he exclaimed. "I can't help but admire the remarkable architecture of this room and the extraordinary craftsmanship that went into creating this magnificent throne. It's a shame I didn't discover it earlier, I could have enjoyed a delightful breakfast at the inn. But no worries! Perhaps I'll return later and share a meal with my companions. It'll be a wonderful chance for us to strengthen our bond and learn more about each other. So, no problem at all! By the way, may I have the pleasure of knowing your name?" The minister introduced himself as Mark, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. Naofumi assured him that everything was perfectly fine and then proceeded to inquire about the captivating history behind the throne room. He showed a particular fascination for the breathtaking stained glass windows and the intricate panels that depicted significant moments from the nation's rich history.
Mark was taken aback by Naofumi's unique perspective on the room. It seemed as though Naofumi genuinely appreciated the immense effort and hard work their ancestor had put into creating such a remarkable space. "Sir Naofumi," Mark inquired, "I'm curious to know why you find the construction of this room so intriguing. It's not something that most people pay much attention to when they enter." Naofumi explained that, to him, the room spoke volumes about the values and priorities of the royal family of Melromarc. Every meticulous detail in the arrangement reflected what the royal family held dear and what they believed would leave a lasting impression on those who had the privilege of meeting them.
"The one in my family's castle has a much stronger emphasis on family and creating a welcoming atmosphere. However, I completely understand your perspective on this matter. Interestingly, the entire room exudes a sense of detached dignity. Have you ever pondered on that? I'm certain those three individuals are thoroughly enjoying their meal, while the King is likely enlightening those adventurers about the challenges that lie ahead. Personally, I believe most of them are already aware that these monster waves cannot be ignored or taken lightly. Some may be enticed by the prospect of glory and fame that comes with being part of a hero's party, while others may be driven by monetary gain or a deep sense of patriotism. I highly doubt any of them would be present here without a clear understanding of the trials they will face and the magnitude of what awaits them."
The minister had to agree that most people know and have felt the effects of the waves of calamity, but these adventurers do not have the benefit that the cardinal heroes do, they will be marching head-first into battle against the monsters that make up the waves of calamity, and they understand why, but the King more than likely is telling them what he expects from them. As the minister said this the other cardinal heroes finally made it to the throne room, to find Naofumi and this high-ranking official casually chatting. Naofumi smiled and walked over to them, asking them if they enjoyed their breakfast? Motoyasu said it was not much, Itsuki called it delicious, and Ren simply smiled and said that it is important to have this meal to truly start the day.
As they discussed their breakfast choices, Ren noticed Naofumi's silence and questioned why he wasn't participating. Naofumi hastily explained that he was in a rush to attend a crucial meeting with the king and had no time to eat breakfast. "Well, no wonder you're so grumpy. You must be feeling incredibly hungry! Don't worry, I'm sure you can grab a bite later with the other adventurers who will join us. But if you're truly starving, here, take this apple I managed to swipe from the mess hall." Ren conjured the apple out of thin air, showcasing his growing mastery of the gamer powers, which brought a smile to Itsuki's face.
As the King entered the room, Naofumi expressed his gratitude for the apple. He then turned his attention to the group of individuals who had gathered to join them in their fight against the impending waves. "Ah, it seems everyone is here," the King announced. "These brave adventurers are highly skilled and experienced, ready to assist our noble heroes. Let's organize ourselves in an orderly manner, shall we? Heroes, please line up here, and the adventurers will form a column behind you. They can choose which hero they wish to support in battle."
Following the instructions, the quartet positioned themselves in a straight line, evoking memories of Naofumi's military training and the precise formations used during marches. With their arms outstretched, they maintained a calculated distance, allowing for ample personal space. As the king had mentioned, the adventurers started moving towards their preferred hero, just as Naofumi had anticipated. It was no surprise that they gravitated towards one of the three heroes revered by their church, although witnessing it firsthand was still quite overwhelming.
Ren despised the situation, while Itsuki fully grasped the unjust nature of it. Motoyasu struggled to hide his amusement, as he had forewarned them about this outcome. However, witnessing it unfold before their eyes was truly astonishing. It made them realize that perhaps Naofumi's words held more truth than they had initially been willing to acknowledge. "Well, I don't require as many companions, so some of you can accompany Naofumi here. Itsuki, can't you spare one or two of your own people to join him? Look at him, he's about to confront monsters all by himself. It's simply not fair."
Naofumi reassured them, emphasizing that there was no reason for them to worry or get into trouble on his behalf. He confidently stated, "My father ensured that I am fully capable of taking care of myself. Even though I may not be able to wield a sword like most soldiers here, or any other conventional weapon, I am far from defenseless. I genuinely appreciate your concern and watchfulness over me. Rest assured, I will find a way to repay your kindness in the future." Despite Naofumi's reassurances, Ren still voiced his discontent, claiming that it was unfair. However, his objections were silenced when a young woman, who had been standing among the girls behind Motoyasu, stepped forward and offered to accompany Naofumi, providing him with the assistance he needed.
As she approached Naofumi, a wide grin adorned her face. With a friendly tone, she introduced herself, eager to share the name she used during her adventures. "Greetings! I know you're the renowned shield hero, Naofumi Iwatami Shroud. From this day forward, let's join forces and work together. My name is Myne Sofia. I truly hope we can build a strong bond and save our precious world." Naofumi couldn't help but feel skeptical. His uncles had warned him about someone named Bitch, and this woman seemed to fit the description perfectly. It puzzled him because his uncles had mentioned that she only referred to him as the Shield Hero, completely disregarding his actual name. This unexpected display of kindness and friendship left Naofumi wondering if it was a cleverly disguised trap or if she genuinely meant well.
Naofumi decided to give her the benefit of the doubt and greeted her with a friendly handshake and a smile, "Nice to meet you Myne, thank you for volunteering to join me in this noble endeavor. I know how those church scriptures describe me, so I was sure nobody from Melromac would want to help me, but at the very least I hope you can help me, since you are from here, you know this land much better than I ever could." Myne simply smiled and blushed as she heard him actually give her an honest compliment.
"Naofumi, there's no need to worry. I've got your back and I'm here to help. I heard you mentioned to the minister that you missed breakfast, so how about we head to this charming little restaurant I know? We can grab a bite and take the opportunity to get to know each other better. I'm sure you must have a lot of questions, and once we're done, I can introduce you to an exceptional blacksmith who runs his own gear shop. Getting some top-notch armor will definitely make you feel safer. And if we find the time, I'd love to show you around my favorite spots in the capital."
However, Naofumi had a pressing concern. In order to eat, buy armor, and acquire other necessities, they would need money. Unfortunately, he didn't possess anything of value that could be sold to earn enough money for all the things Myne desired. This was especially troubling because those items were crucial for his future endeavors. "Alright then, Ms. Sofia will accompany the Shield Hero on his journey. But before you all depart, I must inform you that each of you will receive a small amount of silver coins to purchase your initial gear and provisions," the King announced with a smile. He then turned to Myne and added, "Since you wish to share a meal with him and foster a good working relationship, I will grant an additional five hundred silver coins to the Shield Hero. That should be more than enough for the meal and for both of you to acquire suitable gear."
Naofumi was once again taken aback by the King's casual remarks. It was no secret that the King harbored a profound animosity towards the Shield Hero, especially considering the tumultuous events that occurred during Altcray's time as a vassal to one of the heroes. Therefore, it came as a surprise when the King unexpectedly bestowed an additional five hundred coins upon him, in addition to the one thousand silver coins that each hero received.
The King's gesture may appear exceedingly generous to some, but in truth, it held little significance to him. It was merely an amount equivalent to giving each of them slightly over ten gold coins. While this sum could afford them some gear, it would only be rudimentary and likely the most inexpensive options. Alcray had no intention of providing them with enough resources to acquire high-quality gear, as it would disrupt his plans if they were capable of defending themselves. Instead, he desired for the four cardinal heroes to either fail or meet their demise at the hands of the other heroes he knew would inevitably arrive.
"Rest assured, the royal family is here to assist you with any further assistance you may require. However, it is important to understand that we also have the responsibility of maintaining and supporting our kingdom. Therefore, it would be greatly appreciated if you heroes could become a little more self-reliant. Nevertheless, in case of dire emergencies, we will not hesitate to provide our help." Alcray understood the significance of his words and hoped that both the guards and his daughter, Malty, would recognize the wisdom and kindness behind them. He knew he could rely on Malty's obedience, as she had always been a dutiful daughter. With Malty as his sole companion, their plan to frame the Shield Hero for the gravest crime in their kingdom would proceed smoothly.
Motoyasu's face lit up with joy as he received the much-needed money. With this newfound wealth, he could finally upgrade his armor. However, a thought struck him like lightning - the book that Naofumi had given him. It dawned on him that he could utilize the knowledge within to create powerful weapons and eventually merge them with his cardinal weapon, amplifying its strength. Excitement filled his heart as he devised a plan. He would use the silver coins to purchase the finest armor for himself. But that wasn't all. He was determined to find a clever investment opportunity for the remaining coins, ensuring a steady income for himself. Of course, he couldn't resist the temptation of hunting monsters and selling their valuable materials. It was a win-win situation, where his wealth would grow alongside his prowess on the battlefield.
On the flip side, Ren had a different agenda. He not only wanted to purchase armor, but he also had a strong desire to acquire the knowledge of maintaining and repairing it. This way, he could save a significant amount of money in the long term. Itsuki, on the other hand, had a more conventional approach. He planned to find a secure location, similar to a bank, where he could deposit the silver coins he didn't spend on his leather armor. Since his primary weapon was the bow, he didn't feel the need for expensive metal armor. This meant he could engage in battles from a safe distance, away from the reach of any monsters. Ren and Itsuki also had a plan to utilize the books they had obtained on weapon crafting. They believed that by merging these weapons with their primary ones, it would benefit all four of them in some way or another. Although it may appear to the king that they were each driven by greed, in reality, they were working together to ensure they were fully prepared for whatever challenges lay ahead.
They all made a pact to express their gratitude to the king for his immense generosity, promising to fulfill their duties and save their world to the best of their abilities. Altcray struggled to maintain a genuine smile upon hearing this declaration. As they exited the castle, the group engaged in a conversation about their individual plans. Naofumi casually mentioned that he and Myne intended to grab breakfast, while the others revealed their intention to seek out a highly recommended blacksmith mentioned by one of the guards. Myne was taken aback by this revelation, questioning when the guards had informed them about a skilled blacksmith. Ren explained that he had learned about it during their dinner the previous night, as he happened to be dining in the same place and overheard a conversation about a talented blacksmith named Erhard.
Despite her reluctance to admit it, she had secretly hoped that by informing Naofumi about the gear shop and guiding him there, she would be able to gain a little bit of trust from the Shield Hero. This was all part of her grand plan to eventually become his wife. However, she was well aware that her sister was the preferred candidate for the throne, and rather than engaging in a power struggle, she had devised a different strategy. She intended to marry a crown prince from a much larger kingdom, one that surpassed her own in size and influence.
"Oh, I'm quite familiar with that shop," she replied, feigning nonchalance. "In fact, I've purchased numerous pieces of equipment from him in the past for my adventures. Let me tell you, his weapons and armor are of exceptional quality. I hate to admit it, but they might even surpass what our knights possess."
Naofumi was informed by his uncles about Erhard and all their accounts portrayed him as a man of integrity and compassion, undoubtedly one of the finest blacksmiths he could ever come across. It truly baffled Naofumi that the king hadn't recruited him to forge equipment for their military. However, he suspected that the king might have been swayed by the counsel of a cunning noble, whose sole motive was to receive some illicit favors in exchange for securing the appointment of their preferred candidate.
After leaving the castle, they each went their separate ways. Myne took him on a tour of her favorite spots in the city, providing him with a much more detailed guide than the knight had given them. Her guide included useful places like potion shops, magic stores, and clothing boutiques. However, the most important place mentioned was where he could sell the monster parts he had collected. This was the main source of income for adventurers, after all. Eventually, they arrived at the inn, and as soon as the waitress spotted Myne, her demeanor completely changed. Suddenly, she became incredibly sweet and kind, offering them the best table in the establishment and presenting them with menus. She even mentioned that they would receive a generous discount, just like always. This stark contrast in treatment made him feel like he was receiving the royal treatment himself. It was a truly remarkable change.
"I'm a regular here, and I've recommended this place to most of my friends from the academy and the people I meet through my quests for the adventurer's guild. So, Naofumi, let's unwind and enjoy something delicious. By the way, is there someone special waiting for you back in your world? Or perhaps, do you happen to have an arranged marriage?" Naofumi didn't beat around the bush and quickly responded that his duties as a general kept him too occupied for romance. Even if they tried to arrange a marriage for him, his protective big sisters and little sisters would never allow it unless the bride was as strong as they were.