Naofumi woke up in a bed.
"Uuuuhhhh...what happened?" Naofumi asked groggily.
The memory of the duel replayed in his mind.
"Oh, that. Hehehe. Flawless victory on that dumbass." Naofumi smiled a bit.
Naofumi cleaned, got dressed, ate and went to the castle to receive his deserved reward.
As Naofumi walked through the castle without a care he could see nobles and workers looking at him with fear and anguish. He didn't care though.
Naofumi entered the throne room like he owned the place. He could see Ren and Itsuki in the room too, but Motoyasu wasn't. Likely still in the infirmary.
The king said a bunch of words that passed by Naofumi's head.
"And for your effort in the waves you shall all be rewarded. For his efforts the bow hero shall receive 3,800 silver coins.
The blonde bowman received the money on a literal silver plater. Ren did too.
"While the shield hero would receive 500 silver, despite minial efforts, however his money shall be used to treat the spear hero's grave injuries."
"Bullcrap! That jackass doesn't need anything more than 50 silver worth of healing potions and some healing magic!" Naofumi protested.
"Naofumi you melted his armor 'till it bonded to his skin! The burns were so bad he needed to be taken into surgery!" Ren yelled at Naofumi for the callous disregard of the damage he did to a fellow hero.
"He has high HP, high resistance and high leveled; he should have an effective healing factor at this point!" Naofumi argued.
"You nearly killed him and that's your excuse?! He'll heal!" Ren asked incredulously.
"Whatever." Naofumi rolled his eyes, getting the point. He turned around to the leave the castle.
"SHIELD HERO HALT!!" The king boomed.
Naofumi turned around with a bored expression on his face. "What?"
"Your weapons...your armor...these foreign innovations I have never seen in all my years! You will stay and answer my questions of how you aquired them!" the king announced.
Naofumi gave the king the most unamused stare he could muster.
"No."
With that, Naofumi burst off in a flash of speed. Ducking past soldiers and speeding down the halls.
"STOP HIM! DON'T LET HIM LEAVE!"
Naofumi ran past another pass, hearing the knight's footsteps. He moving as fast as he could before smashing through a window.
"HE'S MAD!!"
"HE'S GONNA KILL HIMSELF!!"
"TO THE GROUND QUICKLY!!"
Screams of panic were exchanged among some, smiles of joy among others.
Naofumi on the other hand was floating to the ground. From his arm emerged a small parachute, it was enchanted with slow descent and could easily be held by him.
After he landed on the ground he booked it out of the gates.
Naofumi kept running, not slowing down as he could feel he was being chased.
As Naofumi made it outside of the city gates. He pulled out his scooter from his inventory.
While the knights would definitely be faster then the scooter even at top speed, they were unlikely to leave the capital city as they still had jobs to do.
Naofumi rode at top speed, wanting to go back to Lute village. He wanted to see Erhard but that couldn't be done now, maybe he should of visited before going to the castle.
He arrived in the village in just 45 minutes.
After that he bought a room at an inn, relaxed a bit and absorbed somethings. He then absorbed some monsters, some bits of the Chimera boss as well butcher the manticore in his inventory.
[Inter-dimensional locust shield]
Equip bonus: 6 DEF
[Inter-dimensional bee shield]
Equip bonus: 6 AGI
[Inter-dimensional zombie shield]
Equip bonus: Inventory rot resistance (Small)
[Bee needle shield]
Equip bonus: 1 ATK
Special effect: Needle shield (Small), Bee poison (paralysis)
[Chimera meat shield]
Equip bonus: Cooking quality improvement
[Chimera bone shield]
Equip bonus: Shadow resistance (Medium)
[Chimera leather shield]
Equip bonus: 10 DEF
[Chimera viper shield]
Equip bonus: Antidote compounding up, Poison resistance (Medium)
Equip bonus: skill: Change shield
Special effect: Snake venom fang (Medium), Hook
[Manticore bone shield]
Equip bonus: 8 AGI
[Manticore meat shield]
Equip bonus: Paralysis resistance up (Medium)
[Manticore leather shield]
Equip bonus: Slashing resistance (Small)
Around noon, Naofumi was in his inn room, writing down plans for the next thing to build, as well as plans for the future. The thing he needed to build needed a lot of metal as well as intricate parts and precision. He needed to get it right or else.
After making his plans through constant trial and error, Naofumi took this chance to try practicing his magic. He had somehow managed to use the [First power] spell, likely due to the heat of the moment.
He repeatedly cast the spell on himself, trying increase stat gain, reduce magic cost and maybe reduce casting time. It was actually effective. By wearing his armor and equipping the [NI - 19 kagatsuchi shield], he had enough mana recovery to not worry about being drained.
The next day, Naofumi went to the local mine, he was told it had been abandoned due to monstera infesting the place, however that just meant more materials for him to sell, he was going to get the metal no matter what.
Naofumi took his pickaxe, his helmet and a few weapons with him.
[Alloy pickaxe]
Mining efficiency up (Medium)
Naofumi ran through the cave, kicking up dust but leaving the common metals untouched
"He is the iron king,
He loves all hardy things,
He mines through the iron ore,
Tough~ness not seen before,
Born with a drill in hand,
Mines all across the land
Gifts us diamond rings
The boy we call the iron~"
Naofumi was singing his parody in peace until he saw something up ahead.
It looked like a giant dog with black fur, glowing red eyes and 2 heads.
He stopped and looked at it. It looked back as it began to growl.
"Weak." With that, Naofumi pulled out his claw and instantly decapitated the monster.
Luckily there was no explosion.
That was no fight, just killing a insect that was In the way.
[Two-headed black dog shield]
Equip bonus: Alert shield
Special effect: Dog bite
Naofumi continued his path down the mine until he found the end. [Mining shield] equipped, the shield hero pulverized through the stone, consistently finding ore. Dozens of meters stone were mined out by him, he supported the ceiling and walls with metal poles.
After Naofumi had mined about 2 meters tall and, 160 square meters worth of metal, gemstones and stone.
"Done."
Naofumi began making his way back up the mine, taking any valuable ores as he went.
When Naofumi returned to the inn, he borrowed a a vacant barn to build his new machine. He started out by processing the metal he bought using methods from his world. The metals included chromium, titanium, tungsten and copper and more.
He spent the rest of the night practicing his magic.
The next day, Naofumi truly began to build his machine. Spending the several hours on it.
"I need a break." he said after the 5 hour mark.
He took this time to explore the village, using his skills in parkour to navigate around the place. He then hunted some monsters.
Naofumi made a realization while fighting. His [NI - 19 kagatsuchi shield] had basically become obselete.
So he decided to build another gun. This one was going to use gun powder.
He built something similar to a double barrel shotgun that would be attached to his forearm. It was 10 - gauge, each shell was filled with 20 pellets, and the gun powder used was more explosive than the traditional version. He even managed to enchant it to make it just a bit stronger.
The gun would shoot out both barrels at same time. The trigger was placed just in his palm for easy access. On the arm-gaurd the shotgun was places on, he attached a long blade. Naofumi managed to install small magazines to the side of the gun.
The NI - 3 Ares was complete.
[NI - 3 Ares]
Equip bonus: 1 Accuracy, 2 ATK
Special effect: Shot rain, Homing shots, Selective ammunition
One thing he liked about it was that the shield would automatically create shells for itself, each shot taking 1 minute to create and a 10 shell limit, taking a max of 10 minutes to reload.
He wanted to build another magic gun, the [NI - 3 Ares] was only good for instant enemy dispatching, but had low fire rate and could possibly hurt people around him.
After an hour or 2 of work, it was finished quickly. It had 92cm long thick body. Within the chamber and barrel several magic inscriptions were layered throughout. In the front, just below the barrel rested 2 fire motors, the fire motors had a conversation rate of 1:3. The gun still created very strong fire bullets but they were larger, stronger and faster. There was a magazine that could hold around the fire bullets, a max of 30 rounds.
It took about half second to create a bullet. The round's temperature easily reached 2,400c, caliber of 10mm, muzzle velocity easily 250m/s, and high effective range. It's fire rate was around 7 rounds per second.
The [NI - 8 Takemikazuchi] was completed and absorbed.
[NI - 8 Takemikazuchi shield]
Equip bonus: 3 Accuracy, 2 ATK
Special effect: Homing shots, Bounce bullet, Super shot
Naofumi now had 2 new gun shields. The [NI - 11 Hachiman cannon] was a strong armament, however, it was too strong and destructive.
The next day Naofumi was back to building his new machine, a new vehicle.
After another 6 hour mark, it was almost complete.
Naofumi took a break, for 2 reasons to rest his mind, and update his drip.
The leather garbs Erhard gave him were only a little comfortable and didn't look even a bit attractive.
He went to a local tailor. He bought a black sleeveless open jacket which he put over a white tank top.
Beneath it he wore a special sarashi the he made himself. It had been dipped in all kinds of potions, healing potions, magic healing waters, antidotes and medicines; then enchanted. It was also more than just a cloth as it had bits and threads of metals within. He wrapped it around his waist.
[Magic sarashi]
Health recovery (Small), Magic recovery (Small)
He wore a pair of soft baggy pants.
And finally he wore a pair of leather boots he made himself. The soles were made of bullet-proof membrane, the leather was from the Manticore he killed, his toes and heel were secured with stainless steel.
"You know." Naofumi said looking at the boots. "This is my first time making normal clothes, why did they come out looking so good?"
His sudden talent for fashion was pushed to the side.
He began making a bracer to complete his look, in a tribute to his [Steel alloy bracer].
The arm-guard was made of stainless steel. It had a turning center that he could rotate with simple movements. On one part he put a retractable tactical blade, on the other side he put in a magic gun similar to the [NI - 19 kagatsuchi shield], only more compact. He installed the last module, which would create a 180 directional energy shield, although it has a cool down.
He copied it.
[Iwatani tactical bracer mk. 1]
Equip bonus: skill: Change shield (Magic)
Special effect: Rapid fire, Strong blade, Defense up (Small), Attack up (Small)
By equipping the both original and copied arm guards gave him a very cool look along with his new look. They would act as casual wear as well as quick armaments so defend himself
Naofumi finished his vehicle by the end of the day.
"This is perfect."
The next day, Naofumi woke up easy. Making plans for the future.
He was planning on becoming a merchant. He wanted to sell weapons, accessories, medicine, armor and more.
Naofumi was going around town buying materials and helping out. For some reason, the residents of Lute actually liked Naofumi, due to his efforts in the waves. It was refreshing to have people actually see him as a decent man again, at least without a disguise.
After buying herbs from a stall he was going back to the inn. He then saw many villagers flocking to a specific area, the center of the village.
He followed to a stupid sight. Several knights were scattered throughout the area. On a large stage like Platform stood 3 beings, one looking decent, the other 2 made his blood boil.
Motoyasu stood on top, he was wearing brand new black and red plate armor to replace the armor that got absolutely obliterated. His blonde hair seemed to become quite a bit darker and now quite shorter as it had been burned off leaving it short and messy. For some reason a good part of his face were covered in bandages, similar to Naofumi's sarashi, that were dipped in many different portions, though a peak at his exposed skin revealed that he only had light burns that would only leave light scars. He actually put those on himself. He seemed on edge, stressed and a bit distant.
In the front was Bitch, he didn't forget her name but he refused to use. She looked the same...however...her armor was a bit...different.
'OH MY GOD! I THOUGHT BIKINI ARMIR ONLY EXISTED IN THOSE TERRIBLE RPGS!! FOR ALL THAT IS HOLY PLEASE BLEACH MY EYES!!' Naofumi screamed in his head, squatting and clenching his eyes and head, trying to erase the image from his eyes.
The men in the crowd looked on with bleeding noses. The women in the crowd were either punching their partners or sons, or wondering if they could pull off the skimpy armor.
"From now on, Sir Motoyasu the spear hero will become the new lord of this land due to his efforts efforts in the waves!" the red haired whore announced, holding official papers.
The actual leader tried to speak up but a knight pointed a sword on the man's neck.
"I am Motoyasu Kitamura, pleased to make your acquaintance! I hope I can be a good lord for you good people! And the first change I'll be making is adding a village to entry and exit tax, 50 silver for both! This'll be used for the village's benefit!" Motoyasu announced.
Immediately the crowd truly paid attention and went into uproar.
"THAT'S ABSURD!!"
"YOU'LL BLEED US DRY!!"
"YOU DIDN'T EVEN HELP US!!"
"OFF THE STAGE!!"
The whole crowd protested against the Tax. Motoyasu pack pedaled, wondering if he should reduce the tax or anger these people.
"Wow, you're not just a dumbass, but you're also a greedy bastard." Naofumi's voice spoke coldly. The spear hero snapped his head to the side in fright. There stood the dripped up shield hero, glaring at him, a mere 5 feet away.
"N-N-Naofumi?!" Motoyasu stepped back in terror of his fellow hero.
"Why are you doing this Motoyasu? This village doesn't need anything more than basic repairs." Naofumi informed. "A single night in an inn here is only 1 silver, food included. You're charging 100 times that just enter and leave the village. A normal person here isn't a lucky loved hero or famous merchant, they live off 20 copper a day and their monthly earnings don't surpass 10 silver. So I ask again, what are you doing?"
"T-t-this is necessary for rebuilding the village!" Motoyasu replied quickly.
"It would be just 2 or 3 more days until it the repairs were finished without help." Naofumi pressed on.
Motoyasu couldn't come up with a retort. The crowd agreed with Naofumi.
Myne stepped in between the two heroes. "A criminal like you has no right to talk about what's right! You don't even deserve to be in Sir Motoyasu's village! Leave at once!" the bitch ordered.
"THE SHIELD HERO SAVED US DURING THE WAVES!!"
"YOU DIDN'T EVEN SHOW UP!!"
"LEAVE HIM ALONE!!"
The villagers defended the shield hero. Naofumi couldn't help it, people were actually on his side for once, he tried to surpress the smile, resulting in a small grimace which he hid.
"KNIGHTS! -" Before the bitch could order anything, a set of armored cloaked individuals dropped right around her, similar to the way Naofumi appeared in front of Motoyasu.
Did a wave crossover to assassin's creed?' Naofumi thought.
They exchanged some words with the princess before giving her a scroll.
She looked it over rapidly, a stressed look on her face. She then turned back to the heroes.
"RACE!!" She yelled.
"What?"
"You will race for the ownership of this village! If we win we get ownership of the village and you will leave! If you win, you'll be the lord of the village!" Bitch announced.
"Since you're too scared that I'll beat your hero again, you'll challenge me to something you'll be able to cheat in better." Motoyasu shuddered at the memory. "OK, this is actually perfectly timed."
Naofumi leaped away to get ready.
Several minutes later, the village's had gathered around the race track, Motoyasu was just about to mount his dragon mount and the race was about to begin.
"Do you think I'll win, Myne?" Motoyasu asks, unsure.
"Of course, this is a pure bred dragon and the only thing that the shield hero is one of those pathetic filolials!"
"Yeah, yeah, you're right." Motoyasu smiled in ease.
"THE SHIELD HERO APPROACHES!!"
Everyone looked towards the direction of the approaching hero, shell shocked looks adorning their faces. Motoyasu's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
Naofumi didn't come riding on a mount, but on a mechanical vehicle. A car.
It had a similar frame and length to a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. It was completely made of a Titanium composite, the hull was completely black. Besides that, the most shocking thing was it's movement.
Rather than wheels, it had these turbine like attachments that lifted the vehicle off the ground. On the back was what looked like a plane's jet engine. The internal workings of the vehicle used a large Mystic fission engine to power the car. Finally the hull and chassis were enchanted with speed increasing abilities, Anti-gravity, Ares-dynamics, increased kinetic energy, etc.
Motoyasu just stared with gob-smacked eyes for a full minute.
"Are we gonna race or are you gonna keep staring?" Naofumi asked, rolling his eyes.
"Y...you...have a...car?" Motoyasu asks slowly.
"Yeah."
"T-t-that's not fair...can't it at least drive on land."
"Oh, that's it? Give me 40 seconds."
Naofumi got out of his car and pulled out his tools. He removed some real wheels from the back of the car, separated the turbines, put them away, put on the wheels, and touched a magic button that turned off the weightless enchantment.
Now it was a real car, on the ground and fast as hell.
With that, they got onto the starting point. Motoyasu grimaced, already expecting to lose.
"The first one to make 2 laps around the village will be the new lord of the village!" The announcer said.
"On your mark!"
They got into position.
"Get set!"
The car revved up.
"GO!!"
Naofumi's car burst off quickly, immediately leaving Motoyasu's dragon in the dust.
The dragon attempted to speed up only falter.
There was nothing stopping the car, it barely tired, it couldn't get cramps and it didn't hesitate.
Naofumi just relaxed and drove it around the village. He then felt something off, like a spell was being accumulated around. He looked around until he saw a pit form on the ground in front of him.
"Cheaters." Naofumi went around the pot hole quickly.
He got hit with more magic, more pot holes he dodged, some slowing magic which did nothing and even wind magic that barely slowed him down.
Naofumi won the race with no hitches.
"I win."
Motoyasu was sulking, laying on the ground sadly.
Bitch was on the ground trying to find a reason to call the shield demon a cheater.
"The shield hero won and will be granted lordship!"
Naofumi stepped forward. "I'm not being the new lord."
His words shell shocked the people around. "I'm not a good leader nor do I have the time to be one. The previous lord will be back in charge."
The original lord looked touched. "You truly are hero!"
Naofumi grimaced. "I just don't have the time."
"Then at least let us repay you in another way! It will take some time but we'll gather enough money by-" Naofumi raised his hand to stop the lord.
"I don't want money, that's the whole reason I did this stupid race in the first place."
"Then how about a merchant's pass! It'll make you exempt from paying entry tolls and allow you entry into the merchant's guild." the lord offered again.
"I'll take that."
Motoyasu and his possy left the village and Naofumi eventually got his Merchant's pass.
Author's notes: This and the next few chapter will be a bit boring for a while, just bear with it until the good stuff starts.