This is a Beast Tamer and Rising Of The Shield Hero Crossover Fanfiction Only.
Other franchises will be included.
Naofumi revealed that his expertise as a beast tamer proved invaluable in the realm of negotiations and communication. Ensuring that the creatures comprehended his intentions while maintaining their allure was of utmost importance. Interestingly, one of his elder sisters happened to be the offspring of one of his mothers and hailed from a lineage of esteemed heroes. However, she possessed a rather brute-like nature, resorting to violence before seeking answers. This peculiar trait earned her the title of the most headstrong individual Naofumi had ever encountered, ultimately leading to his designation as the crown prince.
"If my father hadn't united the world and if there were other nations, and if my older sister had become Queen, our world would have been engulfed in perpetual warfare. She has a habit of speaking her mind without any filters, regardless of how hurtful or angry her words may make others feel. As a result, my father constantly had to address the numerous complaints about the fights she instigated and the people she managed to anger. It's as if she believes violence is the only solution to every problem, just like the age-old saying goes: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
As Naofumi savored each bite of his meal, he couldn't help but notice that the waitress was treating him differently. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that the food was once again tainted with the same poison as his last meal. It seemed that whoever was responsible for cooking or serving this food had a sinister plan to end his life. But strangely enough, the poison didn't affect the taste. In fact, it added a delightful and exotic seasoning to the dish.
Turning to Myne, Naofumi explained the reason behind his actions. "You see, Myne, I need to assess your strength and abilities so that we can equip you with the appropriate armor and weapon. After we finish breakfast, we'll engage in some monster hunting to test your skills. With the materials we gather from them, we can purchase the necessary items. I never intended to use the silver coins given to us by the king. I only accepted them because the other three heroes truly needed the money. If I had declined, they would have suffered as well. As for this poisoned food I'm consuming, I strongly advise against trying it. Someone has added a rather nasty poison to it."
Myne stared at him in disbelief, her eyes wide with shock. She couldn't fathom how he could consume such questionable food and still be alive. Curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn't help but ask him how it was possible. With a confident smile, he explained that his father and mothers had bestowed upon him a multitude of skills. One of these remarkable abilities granted him complete immunity to any negative status effects, including poisoning. It didn't matter what he ate or drank; he would never suffer any ill effects. "To me and my siblings, poison is merely another seasoning," he chuckled. "My father used to jest that in ancient times, royalty often succumbed to poison. But if they had possessed this skill, it would have rendered such attempts meaningless. Paralysis, control, and any negative status effects are instantly nullified for me. And, as luck would have it, I possess another skill that allows me to perceive the true nature of anything or anyone I encounter."
Myne's anxiety grew, and she couldn't help but ask Naofumi if he truly knew her true identity. Without hesitation, Naofumi calmly replied that she was none other than Princess Malty Melromarc. It was evident to him, as he could easily see the strength radiating from her. However, determining her fighting prowess and skill level was a different story altogether. That's why they needed to embark on a quest to battle and defeat monsters. By doing so, Naofumi could acquire the perfect gear tailored to her strengths and abilities. Not only would they sell the monster parts to fund their endeavor, but Naofumi himself would also benefit from using some of those parts to enhance his own strength.
The princess had a special request for him - she wanted to be called Myne when they were in public. It was her way of escaping the monotonous and tedious life she led. By adopting a new name, she found solace and made many friends along the way. Some nights were filled with laughter and enjoyment, leaving him curious about the nature of their relationships. She chuckled and confessed that technically, they were her lovers, but all of them were women. She wanted to avoid any complications that could arise from an unplanned pregnancy outside of marriage. Despite this, she still managed to have a great time without worrying about the consequences of becoming a mother. It was a situation that would bring nothing but trouble for her, the man responsible, and the potential child.
As she took a sip from her mug, a smile graced her lips as she looked at Naofumi. "You know, Naofumi, most people have this misconception that being a princess is all about lavish parties, extravagant dresses, and a life of luxury. But let me tell you, that couldn't be further from the truth. As a princess, I had to dedicate myself to studying, training, and undertaking tasks that most commoners wouldn't even consider. I had to learn about every aspect of ruling a nation, preparing myself to become its future leader. And if, by some small chance, that becomes a reality, I would be burdened with the immense responsibility and duty to govern and manage this nation."
She paused for a moment, her eyes filled with admiration as she spoke about her little sister. "Fortunately, my younger sister turned out to be an intellectual prodigy. She's truly amazing, surpassing my own knowledge and baffling me with her abilities. She's the one who is most likely to ascend the throne when either my mother retires or passes away. So, all the effort I put into training and studying seems to lose its significance. I'll either be forced into a political marriage to form alliances with other kingdoms, become a mere substitute in case my talented sister meets an unfortunate fate, or even have to engage in a grueling and hasty war against her to claim my right to succeed our mother and inherit the throne."
Her voice carried a hint of resignation as she concluded, "So, you see, being a princess is far from all fun and games."
Naofumi made it clear to her that being a crown prince, he had firsthand experience of the challenges that came with the title. Surprisingly, this knowledge actually contributed to his cheerful demeanor. Compared to the daily struggles he faced in his own world, battling wave after wave of monsters seemed like a delightful escape. In essence, he was genuinely thrilled to have been chosen and looked forward to the perks and abilities the shield would provide, further enhancing his already formidable defense, which most people underestimated due to his exceptional offense.
"As a master of beasts, I am bestowed with the incredible powers and abilities of any creature or individual I form an everlasting bond with. Myne, the more contracts I forge, the mightier those who enter into these pacts will become, and in turn, the stronger I shall grow, reaping the rewards of these sacred agreements. I possess the capacity to establish a minimum of a hundred contracts, and depending on the caliber of the beasts and individuals involved, this number could soar even higher. Nevertheless, these contracts must not be squandered; they must be reserved for truly formidable and exceptionally skilled beings. For this bond shall endure for a lifetime, intertwining our destinies, and we shall partake in every triumph and tribulation that comes our way, united as one."
Myne's face turned red as she realized that the way he described these contracts reminded her of marriage. Without thinking, she blurted it out loud, only to be reassured by Naofumi that there was no need to apologize or feel embarrassed. He explained that all of his mothers were actually females with whom his father had formed permanent contracts. Most of these women belonged to species that were not entirely human and were often referred to as ultimate species. It was through these contracts that his father had built meaningful relationships, eventually leading to marriage. Myne's observation was not wrong at all, which highlighted the immense value of these contracts and the need to handle them with care.
While pondering over this, a sudden realization struck him - he hadn't checked his stats in ages. Curiosity piqued, he decided to see if anything had changed since he was summoned. To his utter astonishment, he discovered that his luck stat was ten points lower than that of the average person, and to add insult to injury, Myne's luck stat was twice as high as his own. Determined to test this peculiar revelation, he invested all twenty available points into luck, boosting it to a whopping forty. Feeling a bit hungry, he ordered a delicious omelet and anxiously awaited its arrival. Surprisingly, no alarm bells rang, and there was no indication of any foul play. It seemed that he had finally unraveled the mystery that had been plaguing him.
"Guess what, Myne? You won't believe what I discovered! Turns out, there was no poison in my food after all. It was just a case of food poisoning, and luckily, my skills helped me overcome it. But here's the crazy part - even though the food tasted amazing, I kept getting sick with every bite or sip. It was either because they didn't cook it properly, especially mine, or my luck was simply horrendous. So, I decided to put my skills to use and improve my luck. And you know what? It worked like a charm! Now, I can enjoy my meals without any fear of being poisoned by my own taste buds."
Myne couldn't help but burst into laughter upon hearing this. She found it amusing that his luck was so terrible that he ended up with food poisoning. Curious about the extent of his misfortune, she asked him just how bad it was. He explained that it was half as bad as her own luck until he decided to utilize his skills. Now, his luck had reached a normal level, if not slightly better. "So, essentially, you would have fallen ill simply due to bad luck. It's ridiculously funny, but it does make sense. As I mentioned earlier, I'm a regular here, and I never would have imagined that they would ever serve poisoned food. It would completely tarnish their reputation if such a thing were to happen."
After savoring the last morsels of their meal, settling the bill was a breeze for both of them. Thanks to the generous discount offered by the establishment, Naofumi couldn't help but suspect that it was solely because Myne was a member of the royal family. With their stomachs satisfied, they strolled towards the nearby field where monsters awaited their encounter. Seizing the perfect opportunity, Myne swiftly dispatched a peculiar round creature that hopped around like a bouncing ball. Intrigued, Naofumi carefully examined the remnants and discovered that the creature was known as a balloon, which perfectly explained its peculiar movements.
After finally uncovering the identity of the monstrous being, he resolved to utilize his exceptional skills as a beast tamer. By forging a temporary contract with one of them, he gained an all-encompassing understanding of the creature, including its skills and abilities. Witnessing this revelation, he formed a pact with twenty more creatures and dispatched them to hunt monsters independently, while Myne and Naofumi dealt with the persistent balloon assailants. However, upon the return of the creatures with the remnants of the slain monsters, an unforeseen consequence arose due to the abundance of monster parts. A substantial pack of wolves, evidently enticed by the scent of blood on the balloons provided by Naofumi, unexpectedly appeared.
There were at least ten wolves in the pack, but one of them stood out as the clear leader. This particular wolf appeared more ferocious and aged compared to the others. Surprised by what he witnessed, Naofumi watched as Myne reached into her backpack and pulled out something unexpected - the vassal weapon that belonged to the king. It didn't make sense for Myne to possess it, as it should either be in the king's possession or stored in the castle treasury. Naofumi couldn't help but wonder if she had taken it without permission. As Myne wielded the staff and unleashed powerful spells to eliminate the wolves, Naofumi had to step in and deal with the leader of the pack. Despite being struck by Myne's spells, the monstrous wolf still attempted to make a meal out of her.
With utmost precision, he collected the lifeless bodies of the wolves, knowing exactly which parts could be sold and which could fuel his shield, unlocking new forms for his cardinal weapon. Engrossed in his task, he absentmindedly inquired of Myne, not bothering to look at her, why she possessed the king's vassal weapon. At that moment, a mixture of nervousness and amusement danced across Myne's face as she realized he had discovered the truth about her staff. "Ever since the last wave, my father hasn't been able to use the staff at all. It was just gathering dust in the castle treasury. So, I took it upon myself to borrow it. Of course, my mother found out, but she allowed me to keep it as long as my father remained oblivious to its absence. That's when I had a replica made and swapped it with the real one."
Naofumi was taken aback when he learned that Altcray could no longer wield the staff. This revelation implied that she was not under the influence of the goddess of calamity's soul fragment. This realization brought a sense of relief to Naofumi, who had always been wary of her betraying or putting him in danger. With this newfound peace of mind, they proceeded to examine the bodies of the deceased wolves. While Naofumi was in the process of butchering one, a lone balloon remained nearby. Unlike its aggressive counterparts, this particular balloon affectionately rubbed against Naofumi's leg. It appeared that Naofumi had unintentionally acquired a pet balloon.
Naofumi scooped up the balloon, which emitted a joyful coo, and contemplated naming it Bowser as his new pet. However, upon closer inspection, he realized that the balloon was actually a girl. Feeling a bit embarrassed, he quickly changed his mind and decided to name her Bowsette instead. Myne couldn't help but smile as she witnessed this heartwarming interaction between Naofumi and the balloon. It was evident that his love for friendly creatures ran deep, making it easier for them to connect with him. As she observed him more closely, Myne found herself falling for Naofumi even more. His strength, bravery, kindness, and intelligence made him an irresistible man in her eyes.
As they commenced feeding the gem in the center of the small shield with various monster parts, a mesmerizing glow began to emanate from it. In no time, they had successfully unlocked and even mastered numerous new shields, each with its own unique abilities. Once a shield was mastered, its power could be harnessed regardless of its physical form.
To add a touch of excitement, they decided to spend the remaining hours gathering healing herbs and rocks, which they curiously fed to the shield. Surprisingly, the outcome was no different from when they fed it monster body parts.
As the afternoon sun cast its warm glow, Naofumi took a moment to organize his inventory and securely placed Bowsette within it. He was well aware that her presence could attract unwanted attention if he were to walk around with her. However, Myne kindly offered to carry their beloved pet in her arms instead. Perhaps, they could even treat Bowsette to something delightful to eat once they returned to the Capital.
As they made their way towards the capital, Naofumi couldn't help but notice that they had gained five levels by defeating the wolves. These levels were significantly higher than what they usually earned, granting them a bonus in experience points. Additionally, they had gained another five levels from the hunting party of balloons that Naofumi had sent to hunt monsters independently. It appeared that they had encountered some balloons who were not too pleased about taking orders from a human. Naofumi, thanks to his gamer powers, deduced that the balloon who had stood up for him was most likely the one he had named Bowsette.
Upon entering the capital, Myne and Naofumi were greeted with a heartwarming sight. Myne looked absolutely adorable as she carried the balloon, treating it like a precious little bundle of joy. This scene filled Naofumi's mind with a mixture of emotions, making it difficult for him to focus on anything else.
Naofumi was well aware that his other attributes were off the charts, with stats reaching the hundreds. However, his luck was abysmally low, which he found rather disheartening. In an attempt to rectify this unfortunate situation, he made a conscious decision to allocate every single stat point he acquired from leveling up into Luck, ultimately raising it to a respectable fifty. As he strolled towards one of the vendors who specialized in purchasing monster parts from adventurers, a mischievous grin spread across his face. Naofumi wisely allowed Myne to take charge of the negotiations and trade with the vendor, fully aware that his own involvement would only lead to unfavorable outcomes, thanks to the church's teachings. It turned out to be a brilliant move on his part. Myne, with her cunning and undeniable beauty, effortlessly utilized her charm to secure the best possible prices for each and every monster part they sold. The duo ended up making a fortune, surpassing anything the king had ever bestowed upon them. The shield they had unlocked not only enhanced their butchering skills, resulting in higher quality monster parts, but also granted them access to additional shields that improved the quality of plants they harvested, taught them the art of potion-making, and even bestowed upon them the invaluable ability to enhance the quality of minerals they collected.
Once they establish a strong bond with the blacksmith, they will have the advantage of requesting a discount on future armor and weapon purchases by providing him with these exceptional materials. With Myne's education from the royal academy, Naofumi not only gains a valuable ally but also someone who possesses extensive knowledge of laws and regulations. Surprisingly, what he feared the most turned out to be a fortunate turn of events when Malty was not under the control of the wicked goddess. However, this raises the question of who the goddess has possessed instead. Could it be Malty's sister, mother, or someone else entirely? Naofumi must uncover the truth sooner or later, but for now, he must prioritize the needs of his party.
Myne had a clear understanding of Naofumi's thoughts, but instead of mentioning it, she wore a smile and expressed that although they were capable, they might require the assistance of others. She suggested adding a new member to their party, acknowledging that as much as she desired his undivided attention, she couldn't be selfish. "As the Shield Hero, demihumans would be the most loyal companions beside me. So, it seems we should consider recruiting a few demihumans for our party. However, before we have to return to the castle and you go back to that small room in the Inn, I would really like to acquire better gear and enhance our levels."
Interestingly enough, Naofumi's primary worry revolved around the possibility of his older sisters unexpectedly appearing in their current world. It was quite amusing, really. Thanks to the unique abilities possessed by him and his siblings, they had the uncanny ability to effortlessly travel to different realms. Therefore, there was a chance that his sisters might show up, and if they did, they would vehemently oppose any romantic involvement he pursued. As a matter of fact, Naofumi had never been able to establish a romantic relationship due to their interference. It was highly probable that their combined power was suppressing his luck, which explained why he seemed to have such terrible fortune.
They had to make their way to the equipment shop next, which was owned by a remarkably skilled and powerful blacksmith. Both of his uncles couldn't stop singing praises about this man, as he was undeniably one of the finest blacksmiths around. Myne approached the counter and decided to introduce the new customer to the shop's owner, who was responsible for crafting all the exceptional gear being sold. "Naofumi, meet Erhard. He's a master blacksmith, and I personally visit his shop regularly because I've never found equipment better than what he creates. Erhard, this is Naofumi Iwatami Shroud, also known as the Shield Hero."
"Hey there, young one! It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I must say, that shield of yours has caught my eye. However, being one of the esteemed cardinal heroes, I understand you might have reservations about letting me examine it. Perhaps we can strike a deal? I've just finished crafting some remarkable armor with exceptional mana conductivity. On top of that, I've also created an array of brand-new swords and other weapons. So, don't hesitate to let me know what you're in need of. Once you've made your selection, I'll personally tailor the armor to ensure the utmost comfort. You see, as a dedicated blacksmith, it's my utmost priority to ensure my customers feel at ease while wearing the armor I provide."
Naofumi chuckled and expressed his belief that satisfied customers would likely become repeat customers. "Speaking of which, if you take a moment to examine my shield, would you consider offering a small discount on other shield types? By the way, I happen to have a fantastic book here that can teach you how to create an array of shields you've never even imagined. It could greatly expand the variety of shields you can offer for sale. As for myself, I require armor that provides both mobility and mana conductivity. Unfortunately, I won't be purchasing any weapons for myself, but I do intend to buy some armor and a sword with mana conductivity for the lovely lady accompanying me. Once Myne finishes selecting her desired items, I'll gladly hand you the book while she tries on her new armor."
While engaged in conversation, Myne swiftly selected a sword and a set of armor for herself. Luckily, they fit her perfectly. However, to be absolutely certain, she decided to try them on. As promised, Naofumi handed him the book and said, "Erhard, I happen to excel at slaying monsters. If I provide you with the necessary materials to craft these shields, would you be willing to only charge me for the labor?" Erhard agreed to give him a fifty percent discount on all purchases if he received high-quality materials. However, he made it clear that he couldn't go any lower, as he still had a business to run despite his desire to assist the four cardinal heroes.
That made perfect sense to him. He had no intention of exploiting his generosity, so he and Myne planned to continue their monster-hunting expedition in the afternoon. He assured Naofumi that he would be able to return later and provide him with the materials they collected. Naofumi need not worry about the quality, as it would be top-notch. Myne, recognizing Naofumi's magical abilities, decided to select leather armor that would enhance his mana recovery and conductivity. She wanted to ensure that the armor was both sturdy and flexible, allowing Naofumi to defend himself if monsters got too close. Above all, she didn't want him to perish, especially now that she realized he was the perfect match for her. Despite their limited acquaintance, Naofumi's trust in her to handle negotiations with the vendors only deepened her love for him.
After paying for his items, Naofumi quickly realized that the supposed discount had already been applied to the total sales amount. He decided not to negotiate further, understanding that the man needed to make a profit to support himself. Naofumi wasn't selfish and considered the seller's livelihood. However, he did express interest in purchasing the two shields on display. Erhard was delighted to have a customer who wasn't like the typical difficult ones he had to deal with. He appreciated Naofumi's business acumen and fair approach to making a deal. In fact, Erhard was more than willing to offer him a generous fifty percent discount. This was the kind of customer Erhard hoped would come back for future purchases.
After equipping their armor and packing their belongings, they expressed their gratitude to Erhard before embarking on their mission. Their objective was to follow Naofumi's instructions and gather materials by slaying more monsters. Erhard couldn't help but acknowledge that if this individual remained true to his word, he would no longer face any difficulties in obtaining leather and other necessary resources for crafting. In fact, Erhard contemplated sharing information about a mine overrun by monsters during the previous wave. Perhaps, with Naofumi's assistance, they could restore its functionality, ultimately reducing the cost of metals and greatly benefiting Erhard.
While Myne and Naofumi continued their relentless slaughter of balloons and wolves, Naofumi couldn't help but notice a peculiar similarity between the staff Myne wielded and his own shield. Intrigued, he suggested that they experiment by feeding some of the monster materials to her staff once they were finished with the killing spree. Myne eagerly agreed, finding the idea quite amusing.
After dispatching twenty wolves and over a hundred balloons, it turned out that Bowsette, surprisingly, had the highest count of balloon kills as she defended Naofumi from sneak attacks. As a result, she gained a few levels. It seemed that Naofumi possessed the unique ability to multiply the experience earned by the number of people in his party. Naofumi himself gained an additional five levels, while Myne gained four and Bowsette a total of eight.
As Naofumi meticulously stored the materials in his inventory, he decided to place one of them on the gem embedded in Myne's staff. To his astonishment, the gem absorbed the material just like his shield had done before.
Myne couldn't believe her eyes when she came across a window that resembled the Status window, a privilege usually reserved for heroes with special magic abilities. She could only assume that Naofumi was somehow sharing the magic's benefits with her, which brought a smile to her face. However, her joy turned into sheer excitement when she discovered that her staff not only unlocked new forms but also granted her mastery over new abilities and spells. This realization made her even more determined to be of great help to the man she deeply cared for.
It's quite bizarre, but Bowsette actually consumed some of the monster parts that Naofumi deemed unworthy. However, Bowsette, not wanting these parts to go to waste, decided to devour them. Surprisingly, her body became more resilient and powerful as a result, unlocking a plethora of new abilities and skills. Naofumi couldn't help but marvel at his pet's transformation, noticing the significant improvement in her stats. Ultimately, he felt a sense of relief knowing that Bowsette was now stronger than ever, as the last thing he wanted was for another monster to pose a threat to his beloved companion.
They continued to spend a few more hours together, fully immersed in each other's company. However, it dawned on them that they should return and fulfill the promise that Naofumi had made with Erhard. Perhaps they could squeeze in a dinner together before parting ways. Myne cherished every moment she could spend with Naofumi, knowing that their time alone would soon be shared with new party members who would demand his attention. As they prepared to leave, Erhard couldn't contain his excitement. He was delighted with the exceptional quality of materials they had acquired. To express his gratitude, he presented Naofumi with a book on leather tanning knowledge. In a comical twist of fate, the book accidentally fell onto Naofumi's shield, instantly unlocking a plethora of skills and abilities. Erhard was astounded by this unexpected turn of events, grateful to have witnessed something so extraordinary.
It appears that Bowsette has discovered a way to transform into a dog, allowing her to masquerade as an actual canine. Meanwhile, Naofumi and Myne sat down for dinner, during which Naofumi confessed that his sisters would never approve of him dating or getting married in his world. This revelation infuriated Myne, prompting her to take matters into her own hands. Unlike any other princess in any other realm, she boldly proposed to Naofumi right then and there, much to the astonishment of the other patrons. The onlookers were so taken aback that they unintentionally dropped whatever they were holding. Despite being considered the devil by their nation's religion, the princess was overjoyed when Naofumi accepted her proposal.
The atmosphere at the table had transformed into pure joy as they celebrated their engagement and upcoming wedding. They eagerly shared their hopes and dreams for their married life, surprising the other women who were dining with their openness and sincerity. It was endearing to witness their excitement about planning their future together, and Naofumi's genuine commitment to his words left everyone pleasantly surprised. As the meal drew to a close, she couldn't bear to be apart from him any longer. With unwavering determination, she expressed her desire to make love with him, unwilling to wait another moment to explore the intense passion they both shared.
As they reveled in each other's touch and made love with an intensity that seemed to hold their very existence in the balance, an unexpected emotional and perhaps even spiritual connection blossomed between them. It felt like more than just two lovers enjoying each other's company; it felt like a blissful honeymoon. As they basked in the afterglow of their passion, their tranquility was abruptly shattered when the door to the room was forcefully kicked open. Naofumi's mind raced, wondering if his elder and younger sisters had somehow discovered their secret and come to reprimand him. However, to his surprise, it was not his sisters but a group of knights who barged in, intending to arrest him for allegedly forcing himself on Myne and taking advantage of her. The accusation seemed utterly ludicrous, especially considering that Myne, the supposed victim, had covered herself with a sheet and was now glaring at the knights, furious at them for ruining their tender moment."