"Talking"
"Thinking"
[Status Magic or other reference to a system or power]
…
They both quieted and went back to their sleeping positions. Several minutes passed. Naofumi should of been thinking about what that zombie meant or who poisoned those nobles, but all he could think was how couldn't wait to kiss her again.
...
The next day Naofumi and Raphtalia had to wake up early to Filo attempting to beat their door down with Monti being the only thing that kept it from happening. She was hungry and wanted food of course. They opted for Naofumi's cooking over buying from the town. That decision was unanimous. After a rather large and drawn out breakfast, the party went to the tailor's shop. Naofumi made sure to preface that the tailor was weird and loud.
They entered the shop, but no one came to greet them. They slowly made their way through the front of the store. Eventually they found the tailor sleeping at the register. Naofumi almost regretted what he was about to do. He nudged her. No response. He shook her. Small noises. He shook her again, more violently. She stirred awake. She was dazed for a moment trying to remember where she was. She caught Monti and Filo in her eye and she was now awake.
"Ahh! The dynamic duo returns! I have both outfits done and I believe you will be more than pleased by them! ... And you are?"
"She's our mom" Monti finished
"Ahh! Good. I want as many people to witness this moment as possible!"
Raphtalia gave a look to Naofumi who just sighed in response. She was told to expect weird and loud, but she was like a barely functioning pyscho. The tailor pulled Filo to a changing room and gave her the outfit. She waited by the door squirming and humming. Jittery.
Naofumi thought to ask, "How do you have energy right now? Shouldn't you be forcing yourself just to stay awake?"
"It's fine, I have these pills from the apothecary. They give a strong sense of energy for a while then you crash for a long sleep. I use them for all my over night work."
Before he could inquire further, Filo stepped out in her new clothes. It really did look perfect on her.
"It's even better than I imagined! The soft white and flowing feel to bring out her angel-like charm! The cool blues to match her soulful eyes! And an overall loose and free look to compliment her free and active nature!"
Naofumi and Raphtalia didn't even mind the craziness right now. The results were better than expected.
"Filo you look so cute in that." Raphtalia had to compliment her.
She perked up at that, "Really? Am I cute dad?"
"Absolutely" He said without hesitation.
The tailor grabbed Monti next, "Now here are your clothes. They're a bit more involved than a dress, do you need help putting it on?"
"N-no I got it, I got it." He grabbed the clothes and went into the changing room.
Naofumi and Filo chuckled again and they let Raphtalia in on the joke. She tried to reprimand them for making fun of Monti's embarrassment, but they just kept chuckling.
Monti walked out and the chuckling stopped. Monti wore a suit, a mixture between a modern suit as Naofumi would know it and the almost Victorian style worn by the nobles of this world. It was a few shades darker than the flat purple as his wings and tail. It had two coattails that split for his tail to go through. The outfit even had a fancy white regency in place of a tie. His pants seemed more modern and not the puffy pieces the noble wore here, it had a similar look to the upper coat. There was also a long sleeved white shirt beneath. Lastly he had dress shoes, which seemed like an obvious thing, but also seemed very odd. How did these use magical thread?
"This keeps getting better! Look at him! The design harkens back to an aristocratic look, a devilish look! The similar color to his wings and tail let them seem less out of the ordinary and the overall look matches his diligent son personality!"
She took a short breath.
"Pure and free! Sly and orderly! I've achieved the apex of design! I've solved fashion! Marvel in dread at their unparalleled majesty that no one else shall ever climb to!"
Most of the party was wearing deadpanned looks, but Monti was basking in the praise, feeling somehow greater than he was before he put it on. Naofumi and Raphtalia had to hold his tail from wagging dangerously.
"Well then time to make sure, Filo, Transform"
"Right~!" In a puff of smoke she turned into her filolial form, now with a blue ribbon around her neck.
"Ah! A ribbon! Of course, it would be! As you are a gift the world should be grateful to have!"
Naofumi did his best to ignore her, "Alright Filo change back, it's Monti's turn."
She did as instructed, but Monti hesitated. Raphtalia leaned in, "What's wrong?"
"I just don't want to scare her... She's been really nice..."
'Nice' is not the word she'd use, but she understood. Monti was better now, but still had some insecurities.
"I'm sure it'll be fine, if anything she'll probably like it."
With his mother's encouragement he transformed revealing his scary presence. The cloths turned into a larger Regency that complimented his mane.
She gasped and Monti prepared himself.
"Why did you not tell me about this! His lion body and head, that majestic mane! It matches the aristocratic look even more! The whole theme goes together even better! How could anyone choose to serve anyone else!"
He gave Raphtalia a look and she gave him a smile back. She was right. While he can be scary, even the stubborn would accept him if he met them in his human form first and got to know them.
Naofumi had to practically pry her off the kids. Even after he paid her, she wanted to keep talking about their superior aethstic. They eventually escaped. Once they left, they only had to show off the cloths to Erhart and the witch and then begin their journies again. At both stops there was only praise for their looks, but Naofumi and the witch locked eyes at one point. It was a silent battle. A battle that Naofumi lost as he turned his head.
...
-Roads of Melromarc-
...
Once they had left again and were back on the road, they all settled into their roles comfortably. Naofumi would stay in the cart to brew up medicine with [Tele-communications] on, Raphtalia would lead the cart, Filo would pull it, and Monti would fly high above the cart to scout. He'd never really got the chance to fly that much before and so was having a blast. Filo would get jealous, but Monti did his part as a good big brother to promise to take her on a flight once they made camp.
In the evenings they'd study their grimoires.
Raphtalia was coming along the best. She was already able to cast [Hide Mirage] and turn herself invisible for nearly 30 seconds. She seemed to have a strong grasp of magic and she was likely to learn a second spell before anyone else in the party learned their first. That was to say nothing about the fact she had three grimories to study, while Naofumi had two and Monti and Filo had only one.
Monti was the next best currently. While he still could not cast a proper spell, he was able to use what he learned from his grimoire and the natural instincts he gained to wield the lightning his body produced. With this he began to create his first monster exclusive spell [Blightning]. Which was a bolt of lightning, but was still not very strong. However it could stun a foe and best of all, the spell required his parabolic venom. The results were a fast jolt of lightning that both stunned and potentially paralysed a target, slowing them on two fronts at once. He still wasn't satisfied with the offensive power, but Naofumi deemed it a useful ability.
Filo was next. She was closer to learning actual spells than Monti, but couldn't pull off any kind of spell currently, monster exclusive ones included. She was still working on that fast wind movement ability, but not yet mastered it. Once she did, her [High Quick] would totally outshine Monti's spell in her mind. She also stopped reading her book before everyone else each night out of boredom. So she was probably the most talented one, but her attitude slowed her progress.
And sadly and in dead last was Naofumi himself. He was just as diligent as Monti and could read about as fast a Raphtalia, but he lacked the natural animal instincts of the other three. Trying to wrap his head around wielding mana was so foreign to him that nothing seemed to help. He received encouragement and bad instruction from each of his party members, but it kinda hurt what little pride he had to be outshined by his family. As the 'father' he was expected to lead the family and he was tripping over something the rest found easy. Then there was the obvious part, that he was the eldest person here by more than a decade. It could very well be his frustration that held him back.
Over the next few days
Upon seeing a town Monti let them know and went down to the cart to transform back before they entered the town. Naofumi also switched to his [Book Shield] to hide his identity. As promised the Merchant's pass cleared Naofumi of the toll and they entered easily. Filo and Monti eyed the place curiously. After the cart came to rest where Naofumi wanted it, Filo transformed into her human form. This grabbed the attention of many of the people. This was not part of Naofumi's plan, but in retrospect would work wonders in getting attention immediately.
Business boomed. People wanted to know about Filo and a few wanted to know about Monti, but Naofumi would not say more than that they were his children. He sold far more medicine than he expected. Nearly 40 bottles, even at three silver a piece. A few people he'd give administer the potion personally, if it looked like it needed the boost. At different points throughout the day either Raphtalia or Naofumi would take the money and Monti would take Filo to play with Raphtalia's ball in town. It seemed almost regular. Like nothing special at all. And that gave Naofumi a grin.
The following day on the road Monti saw something.
"Dad. I see someone running on the road. He's looks exhausted."
"Might be an emergency... Stop him for me, we'll be there in a moment"
When he arrived he already saw Monti's and realized his oversight. The man was freaking out. Monti stopped him by landing in front of the man in his full form. The guy thought he was gonna die. Naofumi and Monti both received a look from Raphtalia.
"Sir! Please! Let me get a ride! We may escape it!"
"Calm down" Naofumi said in a low voice. "He isn't going to hurt you. Monti."
Monti transformed back into his human form, calming the man considerably, but not entirely.
"Sorry about that. I told him to stop you so I could see what you were in such great need of... Wait I know you."
"Ah, yes. I bought this medicine from you yesterday. I needed it for my mother, she used to be so strong despite her age, but this sickness has her at death's door. Please give me a ride! I need to return with the medicine as soon as possible."
Judging by how far away from town this man was, he'd of had to run nearly the whole time afterwards. He was desperate indeed.
"Alright, this is what's going to happen. Monti stay with your mother. Filo you're coming with me. You. I'll take you there and even do what I can to help, but I'll need 1 silver in payment."
"B-but I spent it all on this medicine..."
"I'm a merchant, I sell things. Just give me something worth a silver and we'll call it all good."
The man nodded. Naofumi unhooked Filo from the cart and pulled the man onto Filo. In a mad dash they blitzed down the road, reminding Raphtalia and Monti how truly fast she was without the cart, even with two passengers.
after a moment Monti asked, "So... do we read or what?"
Raphtalia smiled a plan forming, "Actually there was something I'd been meaning to ask you, but not with those two around..."
Monti wasn't worried, but simply curious. "And what was that"
"I want you to give me a ride! I wanna know what flying is like." Raphtalia let her kid side out for a moment. She had been wanting to ask this ever since her and Monti reconciled, but thought that asking it in front of Naofumi would make him see her as a kid. Now with him gone though? It was the perfect chance.
"We can't go too far away from the cart, but I need to know the feeling."
Monti obliged. The two flew around for nearly an hour. He did loops, barrel rows and dives, the same things Filo liked. Raphtalia cheering all the while. Her approval boosting him further.
...
-Meanwhile with Naofumi and Filo-
...
Following the man's directions they arrivedat his home in just over 40 minutes. At Filo's great speed it would of taken him most of a day to reach his home alone. As soon as they dismounted Filo transformed back, but the man never noticed as he and Naofumi raced in the house. He called for his mother and heard no response. They feared the worst. She was found in her bed, she had heard them, but hadn't the strength to speak. Naofumi looked her over and turned to the man.
"Give me the medicine. I need cold rags at the ready."
The man complied, running to get the rags. Once he was gone he placed his hand under the woman's head and lifted it so he could give her the medicine.
"Dad..." Filo could tell there was some amount of deceit in what he told the man. Despite her childishness, she really was a sharp one.
"It's okay Filo. She just looks too far for my medicine alone. My shield gives me bonuses if I'm the one giving the medicine though... It may make the difference."
He began administering the medicine. The old lady began to glow for a brief moment, then it faded. She opened her eyes and looked around the room a moment. She leaned forward into an upright sitting position. Naofumi tried to tell her to slow done, but she forced herself up completely overpowering his pull. Her son walked in the room the next instant and nearly dropped the rags.
"M-mother!? Don't get up, lay down!" He protested
"Don't raise your voice to me! I'm fine!" She scolded
Naofumi intervened "He's right. While the medicine should of helped you tremendously, you are still very hot from the fever. Use the cool rags to gradually lower it over the next few hours. Change them the moment they warm up. Do that and you'll be fine by morning."
She thought quietly for a moment, "Understood. Thank you... Who are you exactly?"
"He's the merchant I bought the medicine from. He listened to my plees and gave me a ride back home."
She looked at him with a little irritation, "Then where is your thanks?"
"A-ah yes, thank you very much" He said with a deep bow.
"I appreciate the thanks, but I need to return to my cart. If I could get my payment, we'll be off."
The man quickly nodded and left the room. The old lady turned to Naofumi with a sly smile.
"Yes I imagine the shield hero has more important things to do than dote on me."
Naofumi flinched and turned to her.
"Worry not. I simple heard you mention some bonus your shield gave you, I have no intention of telling anyone anything. That includes my bumbling son."
"I appreciate that." He went to leave and stopped. "Y'know I'm new to the whole parenting thing myself, but your son seemed to have a good heart and is willing to do some pretty harsh things for you."
"Well thank for that, but don't misunderstand me. I know he has become a good man, but take it from someone up there in years; There's never a point in your life that you can't do better or be more."
Naofumi nodded and left, Filo behind him waving goodbye to her. On the way out Filo mentioned that she was a good person and Naofumi wondered what would prompt her to say that. Outside the man gave Naofumi a sack including some vegetables, a few strips of dried meat, several rolls of parchment, and a few copper coins.
"That should be a sliver coin in value. I hope that's fine."
"It's fine, let's go Filo"
"Kay~!" She transforms again and the man's brain finally caught up to him.
"Wait, what!? She was your filolial?"
Naofumi said nothing, just flashed him a smirk and mounted Filo. In the next instant they were off.
"..."
"What an odd pair." The mother was at the door, commentating.
"M-mother please return inside, you may worsen."
"Boy! I'll...! Thank you for your worry, but I'm fine."
...
-Back at the cart-
...
The four met back up about 50 minutes later. Naofumi let them know it all worked out and Monti kept his mothers and his aerial play time to himself.
The next few days they did much the same traveling from village to village, Selling medicine, occasionally having to administer it himself, slaying monsters along the way.
Within that time Naofumi had taken what the tailor said and made some supplements and nutritional tablets. And of course he fed them to his shield
.
[Calorie Shield]
[Ability: Vigor] Increase natural stamina slightly
.
[Energy Shield]
+5 sp
.
He also mastered the [Meteor Shield] that he could finally equip, the [Chimera Meat Shield], the [Crystal Ore Shield], the [Cauldron Shield], the [Monster Egg Shield], and the [Nue Tiger Shield].
In addition he unlocked new [Mastery Bonuses], both from his new mastered shields and from meeting the level thresholds.
Those being
.
[Manufaturing Essentials]: [Iron Shield] + [Carpenter Shield] + [Crystal Ore Shield] + [Beaker Shield] + [Mortar Shield]
When creating an item of any kind, additional conveniences are given. Example: when making a potion, a bottle will be created to contain it.
.
[Master Chef]: [Egg Shield] + [Chimera Meat Shield] + [Monster Egg Shield] + [Sky Egg Shield] + [Cauldron Shield]
Gain cooking recipes automatically based on level.
.
[Diagnose]: [Medicine Shield] + [Medicine Shield ll] + [Herbal Shield] + [Herbal Shield ll] + [Blue Mush Shield] + [Green Mush Shield] + [Beaker Shield] + [Mortar Shield] + [Glass Lens Shield]
Learn the nature of a sickness or illness when using [Inspect].
.
[Assigned Spikes]: [Spiked Shield] + [Animal Needle Shield] or [Spiked Shield] + [Interdemitional Bee Shield].
When bashing with [Spiked Shield] equipped; you may choose to also use additional damage or paralysis poison.
.
[Preserve]: [Storage Shield] + [Storage Shield ll] + [Interdemitional Zombie Shield]
All perishable goods within [Inventory] last longer the higher your rot resistance.
.
[Two-Way Calling]: [Satillite Shield] + [Map Shield]
As long as an party member is within the range of [Minimap] they can initiate [Tele-communications].
.
Naofumi wasn't the only one to improve in this time. Monti couldn't learn [Thunder Bolt] for some reason, but was able to use what he learned to master [Blightning]. Filo nearly mastered [High Quick] and she learned [Fast Tornado]. Lastly Raphtalia seemed to really understand her light and shadow affinities and how they work. As she said; light magic adds something such as producing light, while shadow magic takes something away like a debuff. So it almost seemed logical that the marriage of the two would be illusions, something that replaces. They sort of understood her, but not entirely. She learned [Fast Bind] and [Fast Light] in that time.
Naofumi on the other hand continued to learn magic theory, but still could not cast a spell. If Naofumi didn't advance his shields, he'd be really frustersated right now.
...
-Melromarc Embassy in Faubrey-
...
The queen wasn't busy at the moment. She had a rare moment to relax and rest her head, but the all too familiar presence had her turn to greet her shadow.
"What news?"
"Nothing overtly terrible this time my queen"
The queen smiled, "Thankfully, so?"
"The shield hero has made good on his plans. He has traveled around selling medicine at half the price and more than double the quality. It has helped the people considerably. So much so that they've gone and given him a name."
"But is the title of the shield hero not distinct enough?"
"He hides his hero status, leaving his shield in a masked form while in public."
"Unfortunate, but that reveal at a later date will help to fix his image... Is this posing a challenge to tracking him?"
"Tracking him is still quite easy with those distinct monsters, but shadowing him is proving hard on the roads. His chimera regularly flies high above to scout, forcing us to hang further back."
"Clever. To think he'd tame a wave beast so entirely it simply does whatever is ordered of it."
"Asked of him, is more accurate. There is more to both of those monsters that we initially saw."
"Hm?"
"They can transform into a human like shape and speak in our language. Both the chimera and the filolial."
The queen was baffled for only a moment, "A... talking filolial..." She smiled.
"Um, my queen?"
"O-oh yes, sorry... These pets are so fantastical. I'd like to know how they came by such abilities and intelligence."
"Word of advice my queen."
"Yes, go ahead."
"When you do eventually speak to the shield hero, do not refer to them as 'pets'. We had a shadow disguised as a customer to get a closer examination of the shield hero and his party. His filolial named 'Filo' somehow saw through them the moment they were in view, but she did not call us out. The shield hero misunderstood the exchange as hostile and told the shadow to leave. He refers to the two of those monsters as his 'children'. He even bought them cloths worthy of a noble. While his own wear seems a bit lacking."
"He calls the wave beast his child as well?"
"Yes. He refers to him by the name 'Monti'. That one does whatever is asked of him, whether it be by the shield hero whom he calls father, the shield heroes former slave whom he calls mother, or that transforming filolial whom he refers to as sister..."
"To have to make pretend to have a family with monsters because everyone else is against you... He had to find comfort in someone... Are you saying that wave monster is no longer considered a threat?"
"It is my personal opinion that he is only a threat to whomever threatens the shield hero... But in a professional capacity I'd say he is still considered a threat for his origins alone."
"That seems reasonable... Is that all?"
"Yes my queen."
"You are doing well, dismissed."
...
-Another village-
...
As Naofumi and the party were packing up their supplies to live yet another village, a fellow traveling merchant approached him.
"Would you happen to be the Savior everyone is talking about?"
Naofumi turned to meet his eyes, but was a little put off when he saw the man was serious.
"Me a savior?"
"You are, correct? The savior of the heavenly fowl. I saw that large filolial and assumed..."
"Is that really what they're calling me? I charge coin like everyone else, how is that a saintly act?"
"I was told you sold medicine that could heal most injuries near instantly for only three silver and an even more powerful medicine that heals those near death for a measly ten silver. Your prices are quite generous and your medicines astounding savior."
"...What is it you want? Do you want my supplier's information I have to disappoint you and inform you I make the medicine I sell personally."
"Haha, yes most merchants that approach you are probably going to ask you that first... I however wanted to know if I could possibly get a ride to the next town. I have some supplies I'd need to bring with me and of course I'll pay."
"Would it not save you coin to wait until tomorrow and hitch a ride at a cheaper price? ... No. Because I assume the loss of coin for showing up a day late makes this the cheaper option, correct?"
"Ah, yes. You seem to get it. I have supplies with a buyer already set for it, easy money. But if I'm a day late, then he may choose another supplier and if that happens not only will I be out the money, but have a bunch of supplies I can't easily sell."
"I see... How many crates?"
"Three. All on the smaller size."
"40 silver." He said without a shred of guilt
Raphtalia wanted to yell at him, but the merchant responded too soon.
"A fair price given the demand in play. I'll be back with my supplies in a moment."
While he was gone, he was chewed out by Raphtalia. Part way through he maneuvered himself to get his arm around her. It wasn't even a hug, but she quieted considerably. Filo and Monti gave him a thumbs up. They all understood their weaknesses and how to exploit them, but they'd never do it maliciously. Before the merchant returned Monti asked if Naofumi wanted him to refrain from transforming or Filo from talking while the merchant rode with them. Naofumi considered this, but told him to act normal. He hated having to hide his hero status, but he'd not have his kids hide who they are if he could help it. Besides they were so far from the capital. News travels slow.
Once the the cart had been loaded up with the merchants wares, he climbed aboard the they set off. They were on the road for only 15 minutes before Monti stood.
"I'll start scouting." He announced to the family
"Be careful" Came Raphtalia.
The merchant watched as he leapt from the rear of the cart and flew a few feet before transforming into his full form and began to climb into the sky. The merchant turned to Naofumi making his medicine and Raphtalia leading the cart. They made no sign of anything out of the ordinary.
"Th-that... What is he?" The merchant was lost, but who could blame him.
Naofumi answered him never looking up from his work. "Our son Monti is a type of chimera called a manticore. His flight allows us to scout monsters and such from a bird's eye view."
"Astonishing..."
"Hey I'm way cooler than big brother." Filo yelled while pulling the cart.
"Did it...? Savior is the secret to your medicine hidden with these rare monsters?"
"I can tell you 'no', but if they were the secret it'd make sense to deny it all the same."
"So they're wholly unrelated to your incredible medicines? Then I assume it's that book."
He pointed at Naofumi's shield. Naofumi half glanced at him.
"You seem to refer to it often while making those medicines, so I assumed..."
Around 40 minutes passed. In that time the merchant asked where Naofumi had traveled to recently and gave suggestions based on the answer. When asked why he'd give free advice, the man simply said he doesn't deal in potions. Before Naofumi could ask what he did deal in, Monti flew down low.
"Mom, there are about a dozen or so men standing in the road up ahead."
"Bandits?" Raphtalia asked aloud
"Likely, Monti circle around behind them. If they let us through we'll let it go." Naofumi ordered.
The unspoken part of that conversation was what to do if they do not. They would avoid killing intelligent creatures, humans obviously included. But as Naofumi told Raphtalia early on, sometimes you only get to choose who dies.
Monti did as he was told and circled around widely. Filo slowed down to a normal pace. Naofumi kept his [Book Shield] equipped to hide his status as hero, but pulled some poison from his [Inventory] in case he was needed.
Filo slowed to a stop 10 yards from the bandits. Naofumi leaned out and sorted through them. most were your garden variety bandit. three of them looked a little more interesting. One carried a huge two handed axe, he probably hits like a truck. A man who looked like he came right out of a stealth assassin game. The third seemed strong just in presence.
The second largest man there took a step forward a bagan talking.
"Whoa whoa, that's right slow it down. There's no reason to cause a scene. We have business with your guest. Come on out accessory merchant!"
"So he really hitched a ride with us because he knew he was marked." Naofumi determined
A different man spoke, "Just hand him over and we'll at least spare your lives."
Naofumi responded casually "Is that your way of saying all you'll allow us to keep is our lives?"
Naofumi wasn't scared, but needed to know the intentions of these bandits to see how roughly to treat them.
"That's about it... though... That girl is too fine to pass up, demi-human or otherwise."
Naofumi was suddenly frurious. Raphtalia stood and she and Filo readied for battle.
"Aw, cute. I like when they put up a fight."
BOOM!
Something landed. Hard. A large cloud of dust formed behind the bandits. The noise was loud enough to unnerve a few of them
"This is you last chance to avoid this." Naofumi's choice in words made it seem like an offer of mercy, but his tone of voice sounded like he really didn't mean it.
"Fool! We've got the boss with us today! He has already received a class upgrade!"
As he said that the third notable bandit took two steps forward. He was about to speak when he heard a bone chilling roar. Monti blew away the dust that shrouded him by using [Fear]. At this alone, most of the bandits dropped their weapons, but it was too late to avoid a fight. Raphtalia and Filo jumped straight at them. Filo's [Fast Tornado] knocked them around, while Raphtalia stuck all three of the notable bandits down in one blow a piece. To his credit, the boss looked like he could of taken another hit, but had the brains to stay down.
"They really were nothing special. Monti paralyze them. I got some rope here to tie them up with..."
Not even ten minutes after the first bandit opened his mouth, they were all tied together as prisoners. Naofumi looked over the bandits a moment.
"You knew this merchant was coming and targeted him, why?"
"We have nothing to say to you!" The firs bandit said.
"Yeah! we never sell out our clients!" The man with the large axe yelled.
"Thanks for letting me know that you're operating under the orders of a third party client, dumbass. Let me make this easy for you. Tell me who set you up to this and you wont die."
Monti and Filo approach the group from both sides, the groups freaked out. The first bandit yelled.
"What the hell!? You're that saint guy, right!? I can tell because of the bird! You can just kill us!"
Naofumi switched to his [Spiked Shield], "That is not a title I agreed to or live by. If you don't comply I'll have to start killing you guys until one of you snitches."
The one in assassin armor broke first, "Alright, I'll do it! Our client was another merchant. He told us this guy had fresh supplies and would be loaded today. Precious metals and gemstones. We never saw his face, but the voice was high pitched for a man. Please that's the truth!"
Naofumi turned to Filo who nodded. For whatever reason Naofumi had come to trust Filo's judgement of people. Maybe it was her animal instincts, but it had yet to be proven wrong.
"If that's the case I believe I know of whom they speak. Still... to be sold out by one of my peers. He had to understand there was a chance I'd die here." The accessory merchant pondered.
"So now what? Do we hand them over to the patrols?" Raphtalia asked.
"That's the normal thing to do." The merchant added.
One of the other bandits started laughing "Hehe, please do. It wont do much, you're the shield hero aren't you?"
Naofumi realized he switched shields earlier against his own plan. He was still angry from their words to Raphtalia that he blundered.
"Damn... It'll be some poor adventures got assaulted by the big bad shield hero, huh?"
The whole group of bandits were smiling now, but that was about to change.
"Then to avoid all these problems... Monti. Filo. Are you two hungry?"
Monti suspected it was a bluff, but went along with it regardless. Filo could feel Naofumi's intention, but honestly could go for a bite herself. They both began to inch closer to the bandits as their struggle to free themselves was renewed with fear. A few pleaded
"C-come on! Please! Anything, but that!"
"Okay." Naofumi said casually.
Monti and Filo backed off. The bandit sat stupid for a monent trying to catch up. Naofumi decided to fill them in.
"As you said earlier, 'I'll at least spare your lives'... You understand?"
And they did. He was going to take everything of value from the bandits or else he'd have them killed. No one opposed this, even the stingiest among them prefered to live. While tied up they were marched to their hideout. From there Naofumi told them to start filling his cart. As he took their goods he'd put some of it in [Inventory]. He wanted to fill up he supply as much as possible. What ever wasn't useful he'd sell alongside his medicine in his merchant dealings.
Raphtalia, Filo and the accessory merchant stood to the side. Raphtalia felt she had to voice a complaint.
"Doesn't doing this make us the bandits? This feels unnecessary and petty..."
The merchant replied, "No, you're wrong. These bandits found a way to live, but at a steep price. A price they're all too willing to pay. This is simply a business transaction."
"I get that. I just don't like buying and selling life like that..."
"I understand, but you must admire the spirit of the savior! To make the bandits purchase their lives back, haha."
Raphtalia was a little mad, but failed to show it. "I fail to see what's admirable in this"
"Why, his ability to adapt to a situation. He could of beaten those bandits immediately, but chose to wait to evaluate the goods. He then was forced to change plans after the fight, but still managed to find a business arrangement that everyone is happy with. We are safe, the savior has more to sell and the bandits aren't dead, they're not even arrested."
Raphtalia calmed down. It was true that this was the best answer Naofumi could have reasonably reached. Filo grabbed her arm, forcing her to look down at her. Filo smiled widely at her. Almost like she was telling Raphtalia that accepting this, was the right answer.
The merchant continued "He truly is a fine example of the type of merchant we're sorely lacking these days. He'll will go far in this line of work."
Naofumi chimed in "Flattery is cheap and dragging me into your problems is costly."
"Is it payment you seek? Not a problem. I've taken quite a liking of you... How about I teach you my trade?"
"Accessory making?" Naofumi sounded disappointed
"Indeed! As a hero, you doubtless have more mana than most. The effects you could produce and the scale of those effects would be quite valuable."
Naofumi realized what kind of accessories he was talking about now. "Now that would be a fair payment."
As Naofumi went to receive another item from a bandit, he responded, "That should wor-"
Naofumi stared down at what he was receiving. It was a crudly made shoulder pad with three narrow spike adorning it. It was unmistakable, but Naofumi pulled one from his loot list to make sure. It was a match. This shoulder pad was the same the skeletons wore from Lute's wave.
"Where did you find this!? And don't you dare lie!"
The bandits turned to one of there own who was apparently the one who brought it to base. He shifted nervously as he stepped forward.
"I know you're going to call m-me a liar, but I fought a skeleton a few days back, took it's armor. I know It sounds dumb, bu-"
"I believe you. What was it doing out here? Did it attack you out of nowhere?"
"N-no sir. I'd never normally fight monsters, if I did, I wouldn't be a bandit... The thing is... It wouldn't attack me..." He finished with shame.
"That's absurd..."
Naofumi turned to Filo who gave a nod. He wasn't lying.
"What was it doing then?"
"I-it was looking for monsters to fight."
"...What?"
"I saw it fighting monsters. It'd wonder toward monsters then freak out on them. It didn't even act like I was there... Easiest EXP of my life."
That didn't contradict what he'd seen with Monti being attacked, but during the wave, they absolutely attacked people. This also didn't get him any closer to knowing how all the zombies disappeared back then.
"Am I to believe that every missing zombie has become a skeleton and is going around killing monsters all over the place until they get killed again? For what purpose? To what end?"
Naofumi and Raphtalia shared a worried look. Naofumi took a few more things and told the bandits he had no more room. They paused. He told them they could keep what little they hadn't given him. That actually made them thankful. Like he wasn't robbing them. He gave them a weird look and the party and accessory merchant left.
After they left the bandits regrouped.
"I can't believe we got robbed ourselves..."
"Still... being broke ain't as bad as letting that Chimera go to town on you."
"And we ain't even broke. We still got a little bit, right? We can recover from this!"
Their boss stepped forward, "No. We're done here."
"B-boss? You can't be serious?"
"Sure we lost, but that was a cardinal fucking hero, winning was never an option for us."
Their boss began walking away, happy just to of kept his sword. "WE are done. You lot do whatever you want."
The bandits kept yelling for him to turn back even as he walked over the ridge.
"She would of killed me in three strikes... Class upgrading at 30 was a mistake, but even beyond that... I've become so damned weak... I'm young enough to start over. Level 1 fighting will be kinda nostalgic. If you're giving me a second chance Mr. savior, I'll be a bit more thorough this time. I never wanted much, but to be at her mercy like that... never again."
...
-That evening-
...
The merchant kept his word. He shared quite a few things with Naofumi. Things like; tips on route rotations to eventually hit the same places again in a timely manner, which route aren't traversable during the rainy seasons, The location of the larger trading hubs, who to go to for specific information based on trade, and more. This man (who now gave his name as 'Hickwaal') was a fountain of knowledge and gave it surprisingly freely to Naofumi.
As promised, he gave Naofumi several lessons on how to make accessories, as well as enchanting them with magical effects. It was stricter work than Naofumi was use to and highly technical. The most beneficially part was when he was walked through the process of placing your mana into the focal point of an accessory, usually a gem. It gave Naofumi hands-on experience with using mana, actually manipulating it. He near instantly understood what he was doing wrong before when casting spells. That evening Naofumi was able to cast [Fast Heal] And [Fast Guard]. His own studies finally bearing fruit.
As they went to rest Naofumi had a short talk about the bandit incident. He heard her complain and he wanted to make sure she didn't think ill of him. She smiled lightly and placed her arm around him as she positioned herself for sleep.
"I understand why you really took exception to them." She was referring to their insinuations of having their way with her, which had Naofumi not thinking straight the rest of the encounter.
"So I'll forgive you this once." Naofumi didn't have time to say much as she quickly fell asleep.
Over the next few days, Naofumi got more into the idea of enchanting items. It'd help with the surprise he was planning with Erhart for the kids. He'd also need to buy two sets of tools for making accessories, that Hickwaal already agreed to sell him at a good price.
He also had a very odd idea he wanted to test out.
He had an idea for armor that could transform for the kids, not just cloths. The plan was to have them imbue their mana into crystal ore directly via the enchanting technique he was taught by Hickwaal, then use that imbued crystal ore in the forging of armor. It could turn out to be a waste, but there was a real chance it may work. He had plenty of crystal ore to try with.
...
Hickwaal's village
...
Hickwaal introduced Naofumi to several merchants he knew. Referring to Naofumi as the savior of the heavenly fowl.. This turned quite a few heads and the recognition of his title was apparent. He helped Naofumi gain some new connections for a time before taking Naofumi to his store. Naofumi bought the two sets of tools and promptly absorbed one of the sets
.
[Engraving Shield]
+1 fire resistance
[Ability: Fine Crafting ll] moderately increase the quality of things you craft.
.
[Enchanting Shield]
+1 mp, +1 mag, +1 mdef
[Unique Ability: Determine] When enchanting something, you may choose an effect based upon a spell you know instead.
.
He spoke with Hickwaal for a time before parting ways. Hickwaal gave Naofumi a small piece of paper allowing him to mine from one of the mines he owns the next time he ventured toward one of them. As he left Naofumi strongly considered placing all his business associates within his party so he could call them whenever, but didn't like handing out free EXP to them all. He dismissed the thought.
Their travels continued successfully for some time before receiving a letter and package from Hickwaal. He said it was herbicide and had a job for him. It sounded kinda urgent by the tone of the letter. He accepted the job and their destination changed. It was off to Lerno Village.
.
[Author's Notes]
So Bioplant next time for sure
Slowing down has me misjudging when I can get to certain events.
More info on this odd skeleton issue.
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