It was a normal day like any other in the village of Lute. Peaceful, uneventful, and with the occasional trouble from pesky mobs. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
Suddenly, the sky turned from a peaceful dawn to red and threatening. A tear then appeared, as monsters started coming from it and raining down upon the town as the townsfolk panicked and rushed towards any place for safety.
This was the Waves of Catastrophe, a force of destruction that wreaks havoc on parts of the world, creating mass death as monsters and nightmarish creatures beyond start coming out of the tear of space and reality.
No one knows where it came from, only that it needed to be stopped. So, the people had summoned 4 heroes from other worlds to combat the waves.
These 4 became the Cardinal Heroes. The Spear, the Sword, the Bow, and the Shield. Unfortunately, with time, these heroes would be manipulated and exploited by the corrupt, greedy, and evil, with one of these heroes, the Shield, being framed as a criminal for a crime he didn't commit. Right now, he is participating in the battle of Lute.
He was a young adult from Japan, with short black spiky hair and sharp green eyes. His attire was composed of a chest plate and some leather armor pieces covered by a green cape, giving him a barbarian look, but not looking a stereotypical one. The most notable thing on him was a simple shield with a green gem on the center.
His name was Naofumi Iwatani, the current hero of the shield.
Currently, he was leading a horde of monsters consisting of hornets and zombies away from a group of villagers trying to hide from the creatures in a cave he and his companion had cleared out. After getting their attention, he fights, punching a zombie in the face but dealing no damage. Cursing silently, he then bashes it with the shield, forcing it back-
-as its head was decapitated. Surprised, he saw a blur jump over and stood behind him. It was a girl who looked almost as tall as Naofumi. Her auburn hair reached to her chest and her attire was a red dress and long boots. The notable thing about her appearance was two ears protruding from her head and a raccoon tail.
This was Raphtalia, a raccoon demi-human and Naofumi's companion/slave.
"Raphtalia, what are you doing here?!" Naofumi shouted, "You're supposed to be protecting the villagers!"
"You said I was supposed to be your sword! And I will be. You saved my life, Naofumi-sama. I will fight by your side!" Her expression was a determined look.
They were surrounded by the monsters as they closed in. But they will fight. Naofumi was determined to fight, to beat this world and go home. He swore to the people who treated him like trash. And he will not let anything stand in his-
Suddenly, the monsters stopped closing them in. This confused and surprised Naofumi and Raphtalia. The creatures looked around, almost looking confused.
"What the hell…?" Naofumi watched the creatures as they turned from side to side, making him wonder what was going on. Did the three idiots do something? What's-
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Suddenly, the sound of almost inhuman breathing froze Naofumi, feeling a chill running down his spine.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
"What the hell is that…?" Naofumi wondered, "Where is that sound coming from?"
He wondered if Raphtalia heard it. Looking behind him-
He saw that Raphtalia was standing still, unmoving, not even flinching.
"Raphtalia." He called out to her. "Raphtalia." He called out to her again. "Hey, Raphtalia-"
Eyes wide he saw her expression was that of fear, not like the fear of the waves or that of the two headed dogs, but almost an animal instinct of fear.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
The sound was becoming louder, making Naofumi look around again. Wherever it's coming from, it got the monster's attention and made Raphtalia freeze in fear.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
But where? Where was it-
A screech from one of the monsters alerted both of them, thinking they were gonna attack them, but instead, they saw the other monsters turn to its direction down at the road. A figure approaching them, followed by the chilling sound.
Naofumi got a full look at its appearance. It was tall, nearly 7 feet. It was covered in a black cloak, underneath was some semblance of armor.
But what got his attention more was the head. A black cap and its face was almost skull-like with a triangle mouth. Its black lenses looked right at him.
And Naofumi froze as he stared into its eyes, as he felt something… cold, like oppressive dark tendrils coming to entrap him and devour his very existence.
He shook his head, closing his eyes to shake off the feeling. Opening them, he saw that the monsters were distracted at the moment. Realizing quickly he has a moment to take them out. But he needed Raphtalia since he couldn't damage them thanks to the shield. He turned to her. She was still frozen in fear. He grabbed her shoulders, calling her name.
"Raphtalia! Snap out of it!"
As he tries to bring her back to reality, the monsters turn their attention from Naofumi and start approaching the tall figure. As the monsters were about to attack, the figure snapped its attention, looking up.
The same for Naofumi, when he heard something. And when he looked up-
-to see a massive ball of fire coming right at them!
It was unexpected and Naofumi had no time to get to cover, but at least the shield had something useful besides being a convenient backpack.
Bringing Raphtalia close to him, he raised arm and shouted,
"SHIELD PRISON!"
A green ball encased the both of them. The ball of fire exploded on impact, devastating and destroying anything in the area.
It went on for a few moments before it stopped. Naofumi looked at Raphtalia, who was still in a trance. He began to worry, what did that black figure do to her? Unfortunately, it would have to wait. Deactivating the ability, the shield prison opened up and he observed the area.
The area was filled with flames and many of the buildings were destroyed. Some of the buildings looked somewhat intact but many others were not. However there wasn't a trace of anything there. Not even the monsters. Only a rather large fire in the area where the black figure stood. Naofumi wondered if it was hit by the-
"Hahaha! We did it! We took them all out!" A loud and arrogant voice caught his attention. Naofumi turned to its direction, glaring.
It was a knight. He had a blonde mustache and more pronounced facial features. He wore a helmet with red feathers on its backside and his armor had a red cape. He had a group of knights behind him.
"Now, let's go! The heroes need us to take care of the wave boss." As he and his men marched, he noticed Naofumi, to which he scowled and grunted, "Shield Devil. I see you survived."
Standing up, Naofumi shouted, "Great job idiot. You almost got me and my companion killed, and you blew up half the village!"
The knight merely snorted and grinned, "So? You survived. Looks like you're not as useless after all."
Naofumi fumed internally but kept his cool. He was about to make a comment when a blur went past him and towards the knight.
The knight didn't expect a kick right in his face as he was launched towards his knights, who were shocked by the unexpected attack. The arrogant knight then slid toward their feet before he sat up and shouted in pain.
"Agh! My nose!" His hand covered his broken bloodied nose. He then looked straight to see the one who broke it.
It was Raphtalia, who stood in front of them with clear anger and wrathful aura. Naofumi was shocked. He looked behind where he last saw her. Now she looked intimidating. Before he could approach her, she spoke.
"How dare you…" she growled, teeth bare, "How dare you! You dare try to kill my master! You will pay for that!"
The knight who she kicked stood up, angry that a damned demi-human struck him, "You filthy demi-human trash! You dare strike a royal knight of Melromarc?!"
"I do!" Raphtalia shouted, now drawing her blade to fight with the knights all drawing their blades as well as raising their shields.
Before anyone could start fighting each other, Naofumi stood in between them.
"Stop!" He shouted, before turning to Raphtalia, who was snarling violently. Naofumi was honestly shocked by this, because he had never seen her this way. Ever. He wondered how much pent-up trauma did she have to get this violent? That was when he noticed her eyes.
They were glowing almost a sort of wicked orange color. He was beginning to worry.
"Raphtalia, stop." He grabbed her shoulders, getting her attention, "Listen to me, don't fight them."
"But they tried to kill you! They tried to kill me!" She shouted.
"I know." He nodded, but then had a look of resolve, "But we can't deal with them right now. We still have to get some of the survivors out of here."
She looked at him and the glow seemed to dim a bit, but flared back up when she stared back at the knight, whose nose started to heal with a healing potion.
"Raphtalia." Naofumi called her, and she turned to him, "Look at me. We have to get the people out of here or else there will be more children who will lose their parents. Do you want that to happen?"
That seemed to do the trick as the wicked orange glow in her eyes were gone in an instant when he said those words.
"N-N-No! We can't! We can't let that happen!" She looked at him with a concerned look.
Nodding, he says, "Then we need to stay focused. Can you do that?"
Slowly, she nodded. Naofumi felt somewhat relieved. She was returning to her normal self at least.
Then the knight behind them shouted, "You better keep your slave on a tight leash Shield. Or else I'll put her down."
Naofumi turned and glared at him. He knew this bastard deserved worse, but it didn't matter at the moment. So he'll take that hit from Raphtalia at least, feeling some vindication from that-
Suddenly, the atmosphere began to feel cold again.
Everyone in the vicinity felt it. Then, the fire in the area where the black figure was started to move wildly.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
And the return of the bone chilling breathing.
Naofumi watched the fire began to die down before he felt a surge of energy coming from it. Then, a shockwave, the fire instantly died out. Naofumi raised his arm and the knights raised their shields, covering themselves from it. And when they put them down, they saw it.
The black figure had somehow survived the fire ball attack. Unscathed. Naofumi was stunned while Raphtalia stood in fear with her tail in between her legs. Meanwhile the knights watched in shock and awe as the figure walked out of the flames. The figure then stopped in front of both parties. No one spoke, only the sound of distant battle and the breathing of the figure.
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
Naofumi meanwhile watched the figure attentively, trying to figure out what it is. Using his HUD, he scans the figure.
But what happened next shocked him.
Error
"What?" Naofumi was taken aback by this. He tried again.
Error
Error
Error
Naofumi was stunned, this never happened before.
Before anyone could do anything, the figure… spoke.
"Who ordered the bombing?" A dark and almost mechanical but intimidating voice.
It indeed shook a few knights who were unnerved. Nobody spoke for a few seconds, until the mustache knight stepped up and answered.
"I did." He sized the tall figure, trying to get a read on him. He only got the distinction that this person might not like him.
Naofumi watched the scene with caution as he observed the tall figure's interaction.
"I gave the order to bomb this area. It was overrun with monsters." The knight scowled at the tall figure, "If you have any complaints, I suggest you speak up."
Before anyone could reply, the oppressive and threatening sound of the portal above them got their attention.
More monsters were pouring out as giant creatures landed, ranging from a dozen creatures that ranged from insectoids to giant humanoids. The battle of Lute was just beginning.
Naofumi knew that if the wave boss wasn't defeated, the monsters would keep on coming and the wave would not be stopped. If those 3 stooges can't kill that boss, everyone is going to die.
With a grunt, the arrogant knight shouted, "This is a waste of time. Let's move out men! The heroes need us! We've delayed long enough."
As they were marching off, a voice called out, "Hey! Aren't you knights supposed to help us?!"
It was a group of the villagers that Naofumi and Raphtalia helped to safety. They had tools such as pitchforks and torches.
The arrogant knight turned to their direction, "You have the Shield Devil helping you peasants. We will deal with the wave boss." They continued their march towards the forest where the battle against the boss was taking place.
One of the people shouted, "You guys are useless! At least the Shield Hero is more useful than you are!"
The knight looked back at them with anger, "Who said that?! Which one of you peasants said that?! How dare you mock me?!"
Drawing his sword, he pointed it at the townsfolk, who looked at the knight with fear but also anger. A tense moment.
"I am the Captain of the Royal Knights. I will be treated with respect and not insulted by a mere peasant!"
"You're the one who's pathetic!" Raphtalia shouted, getting the knight's attention, "You raise your sword at the people you are sworn to protect like a coward!"
"Silence you beast!" He glared at her.
"Yeah, she's right!" One of the townsfolk agreed, with others joining.
While this was happening, Naofumi's attention had been on the tall figure. It just stood there, observing the fight that was about to occur. What was it doing?
But once he heard a loud shout, he knew something bad was about to happen.
"ENOUGH! I have had it with you!" The knight shouted as he approached Raphtalia, about to strike her. Naofumi then stood in between the knight and Raphtalia as the former and latter glared at each other.
"I told you to keep your slave on a tight leash, Shield. Now, stand aside!"
Naofumi replied with a dark tone, "Over my dead body."
The knight grinned, "Gladly!" He raised his sword and brought it down to which Naofumi raised his shield-
The swing never came as the knight's arm went rigid. Frozen in place.
Naofumi stared in surprise and confusion. The knight was confused as well, trying to move his body. Before Naofumi could say anything, he felt a tug on his cape.
He turned and saw Raphtalia with a fearful expression.
"Raphtalia?"
She pointed.
He followed and saw the black figure with an arm outstretched. The hand was open before it clenched to a claw. He heard the knight gasp in pain.
The captain was in a vulnerable state as he struggled to move his body. Suddenly, he was dragged by an invisible force-
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
-and at the face of the black figure. Its black lenses stared into the captain's eyes, who was now trembling in fear and terror.
Everyone didn't move and watched as the black figure raised its arm, lifting the man in the air.
The atmosphere felt deathly cold as Naofumi watched the scene unfold.
"L-Let me go!" The captain was utterly terrified as the black figure stared right at him.
"I find your actions… disturbing." It spoke as the hand clenched.
Suddenly, the captain felt his throat grabbed by the black figure's invisible magic. He couldn't breathe. He struggled to say but managed to let out an order.
"K-K-Kill it!"
Five of the knights obeyed while others stayed. Five of them charged with battle cries as they raised their swords and swung it at the black figure.
They were immediately launched into the air as one of them crashed into the roof of a random building and another on a cart.
The townsfolk moved back, afraid of this black figure and his magic.
Raphtalia was the same, but Naofumi was confused. He didn't hear the figure chant when he used that magic. Like it was some sort of invisible force.
The captain now started begging, "P-Please! S-Spare me!"
"I think not." The hand was clenching slowly as the captain choked, eyes running to the back of his skull and lashing out in vain at his feeble attempts to live.
All of which were futile, as before anyone could stop the figure, an audible snap came afterwards, and the captain's arms fell limp.
For the first time in life, Naofumi had never witnessed such a cruel display of murder. He was stunned as he watched the captain's corpse fall to the ground. The figure stared at them. Some were shocked and frightened by the act and when they looked into its lenses, they felt a chill running down their spines at its skull-like face. Like it had no soul.
Everyone was silent for a few moments, until one of the knights broke it.
"Y-You bastard! You'll pay for that!" He was about to avenge his captain when a scar faced knight grabbed him by his shoulder.
"No." He looked right into the knight's eye, causing him to look at him in shock.
"But it killed-"
"And do you wish to join him?" The scar knight pointed at their former captain's corpse.
The knight tried to rebuttal but backed down when he realized he was no match.
The scar knight then looked at the black figure, as the figure did the same. Both stared at each other for a few moments before the scar knight let out some orders.
"Men, defend this village. We must help the Shield Hero and the people against the incoming monsters."
The knights shouted in agreement.
The scar knight approached Naofumi, "We will provide you with assistance."
Naofumi blinked, then nodded. There wasn't any time to give a rude reply, they had to ready their defenses.
But it seemed they wasted their time enough as now approaching their position was a horde of monsters. Many of the townsfolk panicked and some of the knights were nervous.
The scar knight shouted, "Stand your ground! Shield wall!"
The knights followed the order and formed a wall. Naofumi and Raphtalia joined next to the scar knight. This is where they would hold the line.
But they noticed the figure who murdered the captain was outside the shield wall. It turned towards the horde of monsters coming towards them. Then, the figure walked towards the horde.
Many of the knights, the townsfolk, Naofumi and Raphtalia watched in shock and confusion as the figure was walking towards the approaching and imminent doom.
"Hey!" Naofumi shouted.
The figure stopped, glancing back at Naofumi, who slightly wished he hadn't done that.
"Come here, you'll get killed out there."
The figure merely looked at him and then continued onwards.
Naofumi was about to call the figure again before sighing, "Suit yourself."
"But, Naofumi-sama!-" Raphtalia spoke out, but was cut-off.
"If that guy wants to get himself killed, so be it." Naofumi crossed his arms with a cold and uncaring expression, a staple of his after getting betrayed by his original companion.
Raphtalia was conflicted on that, but after seeing no way to convince the figure to turn back, she sighed in sadness as she was about to watch the figure get killed.
The figure stopped walking as one of the monsters, a giant, wielded a large axe. It raised its weapon and was about to bring it down on the figure.
Before it could, the figure pulled something out and into its hand. An object.
Naofumi's eyes narrowed, from a distance, he scanned the object.
Weapon: Lightsaber
"What-"
*PSSSHHHEWWW*
A long, bright crimson blade emitted from the object.
"-the-"
The figure swung the blade at the giant-
"-fuck?"
-before using its invisible force, pushing the giant's upper torso at the horde of monsters, who were crushed by the torso.
Everyone who watched the scene in front of them ranged a lot of emotions.
The black knight now started to attack the horde of monsters, delivering deadly sharp and precise swings and stabs with its weapon, following up with its power from lifting, pushing, to crushing. One of the insect monsters tried to sneak attack it, but ended up getting a hot crimson blade through its head. A zombie shambled towards it before getting crushed by a random cart to its torso.
It was a slaughter.
Meanwhile, the knights and townsfolk watched with amazement while others silently but cautiously observed.
Naofumi was honestly impressed but also very confused. Whoever this person was, or it even is a person, knows how to fight. Equipped with some magical blade, he knew it was not to be trifled with.
"But what the hell is taking those idiots? The wave is still going!"
More and more monsters seem to spawn endlessly as they head towards their location. He doubts the black knight and his laser sword can do much, even with that invisible force. At their left was a group of skeletons and two headed dogs.
So, he calls his companion, "Raphtalia, with me!" He left the shield wall as he headed towards the group of monsters.
"Yes!" She nods, joining him.
The townsfolk and knights watched the Shield Hero and his companion take on the monsters at their left.
"You and the rest stay here, we'll help the Shield Hero!" A man with a beard holding an axe told the townsfolk as he and 6 people joined him to assist Naofumi.
The people wouldn't go down without a fight.
Meanwhile…
While the battle of Lute is taking place, in the forest, things weren't going so well.
"Go Motoyasu-sama!" A feminine voice cheered.
She had a semi-long wavy crimson hair and tied up ponytail, green eyes, and a youthful face. Her battle armor that looked like it offered no protection on her upper chest, being slightly revealing, but the addition of a skirt and armored boots.
This was Princess Malty Melromarc.
As she cheered, a voice shouted.
"Lightning spear!"
The spell hit its mark, destroying a zombie that shambled directly at it.
The one who shouted this spell was a young man with long blond hair tied on a ponytail. He wore a sleeveless tunic underneath with silver armor on some parts of his body with red and gold details and a white cape. He wielded a spear with a red gem.
This was Motoyasu Kitamura, the current Spear Hero.
He was currently fighting a group of zombies while whipping his weapon around like a parade stick with some twirls and unnecessary moves, trying to look cool in the process. After downing the last zombie, he looked back to his party who did nothing but cheer in the distance.
"Thanks girls!"
Then a zombie suddenly jumped from a bush behind him.
"Motoyasu-sama, look out!" One of his companions, a girl in wizard clothing, shouted.
He turned a bit too late, but was thankfully saved as a bolt of energy hit the zombie in the head.
Motoyasu looked at the one who shot the bolt.
It was another young man. His hair was long brown and curly with bright green eyes. His attire was sleeveless tunic with light clothing underneath. Additionally, he wears thin leather gloves, leather boots, and a green hood-like cape attached around his neck and right shoulder. He wielded a bow with a gem at the center.
Itsuki Kawasumi, the current Bow Hero.
And next to him was another young man with a sword who sliced a zombie in half.
He has short black hair and blue eyes. He wore a dark overcoat with dark armor plating placed on his chest, right shoulder, and lower areas of his legs and dark leather gloves, boots, and a dark blue scarf draped around his neck. He wielded a sword with a blue gem.
The Sword Hero, Ren Amaki.
These three were fighting in the forest trying to look for the wave boss, but were just roaming around killing any monster in their way.
"Where the hell is the wave boss?!" Motoyasu shouted.
"I don't know! I thought it was supposed to be here!" Ren swung his blade as another zombie approached him.
"Well, maybe it has a requirement." Itsuki said.
"Like what?" Ren raised a brow.
"Possibly killing as many monsters as we can?" Itsuki shrugged as he let out another arrow.
Before anyone could put in their own comment, a loud monstrous roar got their attention.
*RAAAAAAAHHHHHH!…*
"…what was that?" One of Ren's companions spoke.
"Could be the wave boss." Ren held up his sword.
The ground shook as heavy footsteps followed by trees falling were heard in the distance.
As the sounds of something big approaching them.
Motoyasu gripped his spear tightly as sweat dropped from his face as he grit his teeth in anticipation. Some of his companions looked frightened.
Ren's eyes looked around, trying to find the source. His companions had their weapons and one of them nervously gulped.
Itsuki pulled the string of his bow, an energy shaped bolt, as he readied himself for a fight and his group were up for the challenge.
Everyone was ready for the unexpected guest to join them. But it wasn't what they were expecting-
-as the trees in front of them were thrown over them. And what they saw was one of the most monstrous creatures they've ever seen.
"W-What the hell is that?!" Motoyasu cried out.
It was a big monster, possibly 10 meters in height. It had a pale hide, immense horns that sprouted from its head and four large tusks with large arms and four long claws, short but strong legs and three toes, and an elongated tail. Its mouth was large with sharp teeth. And its eyes were black like a shark's. It flared its nostrils before letting out a roar.
*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!*
"By the gods!" One of the heroes' companions screamed.
The heroes frantically scanned the creature.
[[Boss Name: Bull Rancor]]
Lvl 75
"WHAT THE HELL?! IT'S A HIGHER LEVEL THAN US!" Motoyasu shouted as the creature stared at them like they were its next meal. And maybe they were.
"I-Is that the wave boss?" Itsuki looks at it in fear as he never expected such a hideous beast.
"T-That doesn't make sense! It was supposed to be a chimera!" Ren shook his head in denial.
In the game of his world, Bravestar Online, he predicted that the first boss they would face was a chimera. It would be easy enough to defeat since three of them and their companions were here.
So what changed?! He thought this world followed the rules of the game.
But unbeknownst to the heroes, the creature's attention wasn't on them, for it had sensed a much darker aura coming from the town of Lute. It was potent, almost evil. And it did not like it.
With a loud roar, the heroes and their parties prepared to fight, the Rancor ran past them as it plowed through the trees, heading for the town.
"It's heading for Lute!" Welt, Ren's companion, pointed.
"After it!" Motoyasu shouted. Everyone followed the creature while one of them was honestly confused.
Malty heard from Motoyasu that the second wave boss would be a chimera since due to his experiences in playing a game similar to this world (he tried to explain video games to her) it would be somewhat easy to defeat. Same with the other heroes thanks to the spies within their parties.
She didn't like the implications of this. Whatever it is, they had to take it down, otherwise it could ruin her plans.
Back at Lute…
As the fighting continued, the knights and townsfolk now began to fight back against a small group of monsters, managing to hold the line with Naofumi and Raphtalia's assistance.
"Airstrike Shield!" A shield appeared in thin air before being launched towards a skeleton, pushing it back as Raphtalia slashed its torso, killing it.
The 7 people who assisted Naofumi were holding on their own with Raphtalia providing her assistance when they almost got hit or injured. She then slashed a two headed dog as it whined in pain before dying.
As this was happening, Naofumi turned his attention to the spectacle.
And he was amazed.
The black knight, using its power, lifted a giant monster before throwing it to another giant monster. Then, it threw its blade at a line of zombies, decapitating them. It crushed a skeleton's rib cage before launching its skull at a hornet. The sword flew back and returned to its owner, who followed up with bisecting a zombie as it raised its sword, its upper torso fell.
It was impressive that the knight showed no signs of exhaustion or even looked tired.
Meanwhile, a young knight was struck by a zombie's sword as he let out a painful shout. The zombie raised its sword, about to cut the boy down-
-when Raphtalia swooped in time, cutting its head off, saving the young knight's life.
He stared in surprise at his savior, who was looking for any enemies that were close.
"T-Thanks!" He sent his gratitude.
Raphtalia nodded with a smile before returning to her cold and determined expression as she continued her fight.
After losing her parents when the first wave hit, her life has been nothing short but pain and trauma. Tortured by a cruel noble, watching her friends and people suffer as they are sold to slavery and treated like animals, she couldn't have imagined anything better or have any hope after that.
But that all changed when she met her savior. Naofumi. He took her in when she was in a cage, fed her, cleaned up for her (Though he was always annoyed when she peed herself in bed), and gave her weapons and warm clothes. It was thanks to him that she might be able to live again. And after learning that he was the Shield Hero, one of the Holy Heroes who were sent to protect the world and free slaves from evil humans, and her childhood friend's idol, she believes that maybe they can save people and prevent the suffering of more children losing their parents.
She vowed that she would fight by his side. She would be his sword. She knew he held so much pain and distrust, so she would help him through it, and fight for him. And should anyone ever hurt him…
A villager screamed as three zombies were about to pounce on him when Raphtalia dashed in, slashing them in half.
"They will die." She promised to herself.
A zombie was shambling towards her. Before she lands a strike, suddenly a light crimson blade stabs the zombie's head, killing it instantly.
Raphtalia was cut off in surprise-
-before looking at the hilt of the blade and a gloved arm as the bright sword was pulled out the corpse's skull.
She looked up to see the black knight staring down at her. They both looked at each other as something was happening unbeknownst to her.
The knight was looking at her, down to her soul, feeling some sort of potential within. He felt the pain, the anger, she was passionate and loyal. Deep within her was something powerful however. Whatever it was, it got his attention.
But he didn't have time to deal with this at the moment as he turned away from her and resumed its killing spree.
Raphtalia blinked before she let out a heavy sigh, feeling somewhat relieved but cautious as she watched the knight cut down another zombie and crushing another hornet with its invisible magic.
She didn't know what that black knight was, only that it attacked the wave's monsters, and the captain, but besides that, there were no issues. Her instincts went crazy when she felt its presence and power, like an animal's back against a wall or prey not moving a single muscle. It wasn't like the three headed dog that killed her parents or the cruel noble with the whip. This dark knight… it was something else.
But she didn't have time to think about it. None of them did.
*RAAAAAAAHHHHHH!…*
A loud roar in the distance, followed by loud and heavy footsteps, and in the distance was a trail of dust.
Naofumi saw it a mile away and though he didn't see it clearly, he knew it was big. And it was coming their way.
"I have a bad feeling about this." He said.
It went through buildings, unbothered by the obstacles in its way, only that it was close to the one who had drawn its ire.
A house in front of it exploded when it made contact, and the Bull Rancor revealed itself to the villagers, knights, and warriors.
Everyone was shocked, frightened, and terrified by the large and hideously monstrous the creature was.
"What in the name of the Holy Heroes is that?!"
"What is that thing?!"
"What kind of monster is that?!"
Many of the villagers and knights clamored together as they watched the beast stare at them with its black eyes.
Naofumi and Raphtalia were shocked by this- this- whatever the thing is.
Naofumi scanned it and-
"THAT'S THE WAVE BOSS?!" Aftering scanning the creature, he found out it was a higher level than him. This "Bull Rancor" was the wave boss. The one thing that could stop the waves right now. Unfortunately, it seems the three idiots didn't deal with it, and now he has to fight it?!
But the creature was not interested in the humans or the demi-human.
It set its sights on the one who had drawn its attention.
The black knight stared at the Rancor, who glared at the knight, the one whose darkness was potent and powerful. With its purpose clear, the Rancor let out a loud roar.
*RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!*
Many of the villagers and knights covered their ears, even Naofumi and Raphtalia.
But the black knight was unmoved by the intimidation display.
"So, you are the one I must slay." The knight tilted his head.
The Rancor responded by slamming its claws to the ground, causing many around the area to fall to the ground while others managed to hold themselves up. Naofumi watched the creature's expression morph into a beastial rage as it charged at the black knight.
Raphtalia shouted, "Watch out!"
Instead of evading, the knight outstretched his arm and the Rancor was hit by a blast of the invisible force, staggering it but quickly getting its bearings and resumed its charge. The knight lifted a random cart before throwing it at the Rancor, but it merely back handed it, unperturbed. The beast was finally on him and brought its left hand down. The knight sidestepped as the ground shook, then it stabbed the arm with its blade. The Rancor roared in pain before pulling its arm back. Angered that this being had wounded it, the beast spun around to hit the knight with its tail. The knight jumped high in the air before landing on the Rancor's back. Then, it swung its blade, attacking the beast's back.
The Rancor roared in fury and pain as it tried to get the knight off its back, but to no avail. The knight then uses its power, forcing the Rancor to smash into something.
Some of the villagers and knights who were still fighting the horde of monsters watched the battle between the black knight and the hideous beast.
Naofumi watched as the creature smashed into a building before pulling itself out and about to fall on its back to crush the knight.
But the knight quickly jumped off as the Rancor fell on its back and rolled on its belly before standing up and roaring at the knight.
"Clumsy beast." The knight mocked the Rancor, who responded with swings of its arms, trying to kill this human. Each swing was close but did not hit its mark. Frustrated, it raised both arms and smashed ground, trying to destroy this black knight.
Naofumi would've watched the battle continue but one of the villagers called out for him.
"Shield Hero!"
He turned his attention to a group of villagers surrounded by zombies, some of which were injured. Meanwhile Raphtalia was cutting down anything that was close to the group, but it was obvious that she looked like she was gonna tire herself, judging by the panting and pauses. The knights were holding on their own, but they lost of their knights to a giant which had crushed him underneath its enormous axe.
Naofumi then ran to the giant before shouting-
"Shield bash!"
-and bashing the leg of the giant, who focused its attention on the shield as he cautiously moved backwards, ducking when the axe almost claimed his head and sidestepping when it hit the ground. Thankfully, the villagers helped by throwing pitchforks, spears, and torches at the giant, distracting it and giving Raphtalia the chance to take it down by stabbing it in the head. The giant fell to its knees and face first to the ground.
Pulling her sword out, Raphtalia joined her master's side.
"Naofumi-sama, I don't think we can hold out for much longer." She said with a grim tone as she catches her breath, taking a moment of reprieve.
"Yeah." Naofumi agreed. The fight was taking its toll on them. Many of the villagers and some of the knights were becoming exhausted and others were injured or killed. The wave just poured on in more monsters without end. Since the three idiots couldn't kill the wave boss, the wave would just continue until everyone was dead. That couldn't happen. They have to kill the wave boss. Now.
"Raphtalia, with me!" With a determined look and sharp focus, Naofumi ran in the direction of the fight between the black knight and Rancor.
"Okay!" Following her master, she prepared herself internally to face the wave boss. It may not be the one who killed her parents, but this creature was spawned from the very thing that killed them. She will avenge them and those who gave up their lives in this battle.
As both of them made their way to the fight as the sounds of roars and swings of the lightsaber were heard the louder they approached. They made it to an open area surrounded by buildings and houses-
-and the Bull Rancor with burning scars all over its body, two of its tusks were broken and missing a finger on its left hand, and its right eye was gone, leaking black blood.
Naofumi scanned and checked its HP. The Rancor's health bar was half. Surprised, he turned his attention to the black knight.
Not even a scratch. The black knight was in perfect condition. Pointing its blade, the knight dared the beast to attack.
The Bull Rancor cautiously watched the black knight. It couldn't land a single hit on this human. It frustrated the beast as it growled and snarled. It knew that this battle would result in its death, so it let out a loud roar.
*RRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!*
Naofumi and Raphtalia covered their ears, the latter of which gritted her teeth so hard she was worried that she would break them.
The black knight was unbothered by the mind numbing attack, but realized that it wasn't an attack as the knight watched all the monsters of the wave turn to the direction of the roar from every area and corner of Lute.
Suddenly, every monster that was attacking the villagers and knights heard the call and set their attention to the Rancor.
It was a call for help. It was getting desperate. More monsters started falling from the sky.
This was gonna be annoying. And bad.
In the distance, the three heroes and their companions watched as more monsters started coming out from the wave.
"That isn't good." Motoyasu commented.
"Understatement of the century." Ren scowled at him.
"Let's go. We're wasting time." Itsuki said as he ran ahead of them joined by his companions.
"Hey, wait for me!" Motoyasu ran, followed by his party.
Shaking his head, Ren was last to follow with his team.
Back at the open area, the Rancor's left remaining eye glowed purple and its muscles were enlarging. Naofumi noticed that its health bar was regenerating. Sweat drops from his face, he knows there will be more and more monsters coming out of the rift if the boss isn't killed. They have to end it. Now.
"Raphtalia, are you ready?" He asked his companion.
With a nod and a determined expression, Naofumi and Raphtalia ran towards the Rancor with their weapons drawn. The knight was about to attack but it tilted its head, dodging an arrow aimed at him. Turning its attention to a large group of monsters, the knight was now going to destroy these annoyances.
Raphtalia let out a war cry and jumped, slashing at the right side of its face, but instead her sword bounced, surprising the demi-human. She landed on her feet when the Rancor looked down at her before roaring, raising its right arm to crush the pest. She dodged before trying to put in any damage on the beast, but was getting the same results.
Naofumi meanwhile used his ability, "Airstrike shield!"
The ability launched towards the Rancor, hitting in the chest while chipping its health by a margin. Cursing at the low damage he did, he ran and dodged the attacks as the Rancor was trying to kill him, rolling and evading a stomp from its foot. As he prepared to use his bash, the creature's movements were suddenly fast as he barely jumped out a fist slam.
Laying on the floor, he was back on his knees when the Rancor was charging at him like a bull.
"Shield Prison!" He shouted as he was inside a green dome.
The Rancor hit its head on the dome and fell on its ass. Shaking off the disorientation, the beast raised both hands in the air before slamming down at the dome. Naofumi grunted in pain as he held on. The Rancor slammed again, and again, and again, and again before resorting to crushing it with its bare claws. The dome was being forced into itself as the Rancor roared in anger. Naofumi could feel the weight being pushed on him, but he would not give in.
Then, Raphtalia jumped on its back before trying to slash and stab its back.
"Come on!" It was no use. She was becoming worried as she watched the Rancor crushing Naofumi's ability, with some cracks showing.
This was not good, there had to be a weakness, anything she could-
Her eyes were drawn to an unhealed part of the Rancor's back. Taking the opportunity, she raised her sword and stabbed it.
The beast's eye widened before roaring in pain as it stopped crushing the dome and started going ballistic as it tried to get whatever was on its back. Raphtalia held on for dear life, not letting go as she stabbed again and again, making the Rancor start attacking anything in its path. She noticed down at the road was a horde of monsters. Thinking quickly, she stabbed again, causing the Rancor to charge. It went and plowed through the horde like it was a bunch of bowling pins. Many of them were crushed and stomped. As this happened, Naofumi deactivated his ability and followed the Raphtalia as she rode on the Rancor, somehow aiming at it to destroy any monsters caught in its way.
Unfortunately, the Rancor had enough and jumped backwards. Raphtalia gasped and quickly jumped off its back as it went through another building. Landing on her back, she let out a short cry of pain, but was fine. Getting back up, she placed a hand on her back, feeling a sting of pain as she hissed.
"Raphtalia!" Naofumi called out, getting her attention.
"Naofumi-sama!" She waved a hand before approaching him.
"Are you alright?" He asked, honestly worried.
"Y-Yeah. I'm gonna feel that tomorrow." She groaned, massaging the painful area.
Grunting, he nodded, "Yeah well, we're not done yet."
Suddenly the building behind them exploded as the Rancor opened its mouth, intending to make a meal out of them.
Quickly, Naofumi grabbed Raphtalia by the waist, jumped, and outstretched his arm.
"Shield Prison!" A green ball shielded them from the creature's bite as it caught the ball in its mouth.
Now feeling annoyed, the Rancor started to open the ball by trying to crush it with its jaws. When that didn't work, it frustratedly threw it at the ground before smacking it with its elongated tail. The ball bounced and rolled, crushing any monsters in its way. It finally stopped rolling when it crashed into a shop.
Deactivating the ability, Naofumi and Raphtalia fell to the floor disoriented and dizzy. The latter soon felt her breakfast up to her throat before she puked, groaning in pain afterwards.
Naofumi placed a hand on his head, "That… hurt…"
He got up and checked on Raphtalia, avoiding a puddle of what was once her breakfast. Placing a hand on her back, she looked up with a slightly green face.
"You okay?" He asked. She nodded, letting out a burp.
"I-I'm okay." Wiping her mouth with her arm, she got up.
*RAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!*
They looked outside and saw the Rancor charging.
"RUN!" Naofumi shouted as both of them jumped out of the shop just in time as the beast destroyed it.
Pulling its head out, it finally had enough. It glared hatefully at the two, who raised their weapons at the ready. It attacked first, slamming its fists on the ground. Naofumi and Raphtalia rolled out of the way before ducking from an overhead strike. Raphtalia jumped on its arm before trying to take a shot at its remaining eye. It managed to block the strike with its hand and in a flash grabbed her.
"AHHH!" Raphtalia screamed in the grip of the Rancor as it gave a grin finally catching its prey.
"RAPHTALIA!" Naofumi shouted, he ran up to its leg before punching it, dealing no damage, but desperate to free his only companion.
The Rancor merely snorted at the attempt and smacked Naofumi with its tail onto a carriage.
"NAOFUMI!" Raphtalia cried out. Suddenly she was brought to the Rancor's face as its remaining eye stared at her.
She felt a chill running up her spine as the familiar feeling of fear finally crept back on her.
She struggled, trying to escape the grip but it was too strong. The Rancor then brought her to its mouth, now finally going to eat her. Time slowed down for her as her thoughts went rampant.
"NO! NO NO NO NO NO!" Tears ran down her face as she struggled in vain, "SOMEBODY! HELP ME! PLEASE!"
Her memories of her parents saving her life and sacrificing themselves, getting eaten by a three headed dog. Her friends and people tortured as their screams echoed down the stony halls. The noble smiled and laughed maniacally as he whipped her back. These painful memories were gonna be the last thing she was ever gonna see. No one was gonna help. She was going to die. And as she stared the mouth riddled with teeth, a voice spoke in her head.
"They killed your parents… they killed your people… and they hurt the first person who freed you, who took you in…"
She looked at the unconscious form of Naofumi, his head was bleeding.
"Are you going to allow it to happen again?"
Something was burning inside of Raphtalia. She felt angry. Angry that her parents were dead. Angry at the cruel humans who treated her and her people like animals. Angry that Naofumi was hurt.
"Are you?"
"NO!"
Suddenly, the Rancor felt its grip on her start to loosen a bit. It looked at the demi-human.
And she stared back. Wicked orange eyes stared into black ones. A raging and wrathful soul that was once innocent stared into the eyes of a monster.
The Rancor was surprised and soon felt its hand opening. This demi-human, her rage, her power…
It felt just like the black knight's.
Realizing the threat, the creature opened its mouth, now ready to bite her head off-
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
-when a crimson blade struck its arm, releasing the girl as it roared in pain.
Raphtalia fell to the ground, now feeling the rage within her start to dissipate as her eyes returned to normal. She shook her head and looked up-
*KUUUUUUUUUUH… PHUUUUUUUUUURRR…*
She saw the black knight as it stood just a few meters away.
The Rancor roared, angry that the knight had returned and interrupted its meal. Looking down at the demi-human, it opened its mouth.
Before the girl could get eaten, she was pulled away just in time, angering the Rancor as it stared at the knight in rage.
Raphtalia was in shock as she was pulled by an invisible force. She felt a hand on her shoulder. When she looked up, it was the black knight.
Stunned, she spoke, "Y-You saved me…"
"I did." The knight spoke without even looking at her.
"But, why-"
"I believe that discussion is for later, given our current predicament."
The Rancor charged and the black knight pulled Raphtalia away as the creature smashed into a stone wall.
"That thing is too strong." Raphtalia told the knight, "If we can't stop it, the waves will keep on going."
"The waves? You mean the rifts above?"
She stared at the black knight with confusion, "Yes, that's why the three heroes went ahead to stop it."
"It seems they are doing a poor job at it."
She silently agreed given the fact that the wave is still going.
"I will deal this one myself." The knight told her as it walked towards the Rancor.
"What?" She stared in shock, "But you'll get killed!"
The knight didn't reply, instead continuing onwards.
"Wait! Who are you?" Raphtalia asked.
The knight stopped in his tracks and glanced at the girl. They stared at each other for a few moments.
Then the black knight resumed his approach as the Rancor roared as it charged towards him.
Raising his hand, the knight used a powerful force push as the creature fell on its back by the unexpected and powerful attack. Getting back up, the Rancor charged again.
Seeing as this beast stubbornly charged continuously even after getting hit by his attack, the knight decided to use his lightsaber instead. He sidestepped and threw his lightsaber at its thigh before it returned to his hand. The beast swung its arms to which he struck at them, making the creature let out some painful roars as the saber cut its hide like butter.
Meanwhile, Raphtalia ran to Naofumi, who was still unconscious.
"Naofumi-sama, wake up!" She called out to him, shaking his shoulders.
It seemed to work as Naofumi slowly opened his eyes, staring into hers.
"R-Raphtalia…?"
Raphtalia let out a sigh of relief, "You're okay… you're alright."
"Uh… what?" Naofumi raised a brow before sitting up.
"Careful, Naofumi-sama."
"Why? What's- ow!" Naofumi placed a hand on his head and, Raphtalia cringed, felt a painful sting, "What the-"
He saw blood on his hand. His mind processed for a few moments before realizing that the blood was his. And realizing what happened a few minutes ago as his eyes widened.
"Raphtalia, you're alive…?"
The girl looked at him before realizing that he thought she died, "Y-Yeah… the black knight saved me."
"The black knight?" Standing up, he checked his hp. His health was by an inch almost depleted. That tail swing almost killed him.
"Yeah, he's fighting the wave boss now."
Following that was the roar of the Rancor which got their attention. They watched as the beast was on the ground, bleeding.
Its face was riddled with cauterized scars, its left arm was gone, and its lower right side had a huge burning wound.
Naofumi and Raphtalia were shocked to see the creature in such a brutal condition. The former scanned the creature and checked its hp.
It was the same as his health, only slightly worse.
"Holy crap. That thing is almost dead." Seeing the opportunity to finally kill it, he was about to approach it when Raphtalia placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Wha- Raphtalia, what are you-"
She pointed.
He followed and saw the black knight approach the Rancor.
The beast roared in pain as it stared at the dark being hatefully. The knight raised his arm, lifting the Rancor as it roared and struggled. Raising his other arm, the beast's body was immobile except its head. And with a roar of defiance, the knight crushed the creature as it let out a painful roar, before being silenced abruptly when its neck snapped, bones crack and flesh crushed into something unrecognizable.
Naofumi and Raphtalia watched in shock and disgust at such a cruel and brutal death. What was once the Bull Rancor was now a ball of flesh and bone with black blood oozing from various parts. Suddenly, the rifts above were disappearing.
The wave boss was killed and soon the sky slowly turned back to normal blue skies. It was over.
In some corners of Lute, people cheered at defeating and surviving the Second Wave.
Naofumi let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion, taking a seat on some stone debris. They won. It was hard fought but they did it.
Raphtalia followed his actions, sitting next to him. She was honestly happy that they managed to stop the wave, with some help. She felt hopeful because they defeated the wave's monsters and saved a lot of lives.
"You didn't do too bad out there." Naofumi complimented her.
They glance at each other. It was a nice and serene moment between two people who trust each other. Two people who have been through a lot of pain and trauma. Together, they fought against almost impossible odds and won.
Raphtalia nodded. "Thank you, Naofumi-sama."
Naofumi grunted, looking in the distance. They may have stopped the waves, but there was more to come. He knew that. And after seeing the monsters and otherworldly and alien creatures that wave spat out, especially that Bull Rancor boss, Naofumi knew that the future battles were gonna be a lot more dangerous.
But for now, he would enjoy this victory. With his companion.
"Come on, let's go." Getting up, Naofumi walked down the road with Raphtalia behind him.
But that was when they noticed the black knight. He was still near the Rancor's corpse. It unnerved Naofumi after watching the knight's display of violence. His thoughts on him are a mixed bag, but he saves them, not in the mood to speak after the fight.
But Raphtalia thought differently. And she decided to give him her thanks.
"Umm…" The black knight turned to her, "T-Thanks, for saving my life."
He was silent for a few moments before he replied, "Your thanks is unnecessary."
Raphtalia was surprised, "But you saved my life. And you stopped the wave boss."
"Wave boss?"
"Yeah." Naofumi pointed at the ball of flesh and bone, "That thing you killed was the wave boss."
He stared at the knight with caution. He knew he can be a jerk at times thanks to that lying redheaded princess of a snake, but even he knew not to piss off someone who obviously is on a much more powerful scale than he is.
"Shield Hero!"
A voice called out. All three of them turned to see a group of villagers coming towards them. Many with grateful and happy expressions.
"Thank you for saving us!"
For the first time, Naofumi got gratitude instead of cruel remarks and curses. In a way, he felt… slightly happy.
Raphtalia noticed a bit of warmth in his eyes as he watched the people thank him.
"Whoa, what is that?!"
One of the villagers pointed at the fleshy ball with disgust as his face turned slightly green at the smell of death from it.
Naofumi and Raphtalia gave some sympathy when more people started to look and smell at the round corpse.
"What in the name of the holy heroes is that…?" A female villager asked.
"It's the wave boss." Naofumi said.
Everyone looked at him in shock then at the corpse.
"W-What happened to it? Why is it… this?"
Naofumi put his hands in his pockets, "It's… complicated."
"Not really." Raphtalia looked at the black knight who was staring at the horizon. In a way he looked like an epic hero who's about to start their journey.
But unbeknownst to her, the black knight was in a state of confusion as he wondered…
Why was Darth Vader here?