Chapter 1 - Hijacked Summoning

Despite his better judgment, Colin screamed. Panicking as his cap peeled back from his scalp and barreled into the air, with only a moment to spare, Colin twisted his body to catch it by the brim. Promptly, he felt the breath leave his lungs as something slammed into his back. Colin whirled his head around, looking frantically about, trying his damnedest to get an idea of his surroundings before he got hit again; however, to his dismay, something stony barreled upwards, striking him in the chin. Colin felt something warm trickling down his jawline. As it was, he felt as if he was being tossed about a tornado. Quickly, he focused his gaze, looking for an out to his predicament. Like magic, it appeared. A hollow chunk of stony debris that looked like a canoe in the heat of the moment. Colin braced himself, ready to twist his body only when he was sure he would land directly within.

Colin slammed into the debris violently but grasped the jagged marble as if his life depended on it. It shook with his movements, then stilled, and Colin sat there as his improvised vessel floated upward at a steady pace. The air felt thin like he was breathing through a film. Trying to fill his lungs, Colin glanced up to see the stream's path. Streaks of light darted amid a stream of earth and water, flowing upward like a backward river. In the distance, he saw many streams just like it, all floating in an upward draft. Streams twisted upward, eventually winding around one another till they met at a head within the border of a black sun high within the dark abyss.

"What's happening?" Colin's mind grew foggy; he felt like he was in a daze, and each breath he drew became increasingly strenuous, and a fragment of light burst into his frame of view as if to answer his unspoken question. It was a window of sorts, with text displayed within.

Destruction is imminent. The world is lost. You have been granted permission to travel beyond the boundary.

Colin grunted as he tried to avoid throwing himself off the debris out of surprise. Gasping, he managed to squeeze out the words for a plea.

"Get me... out... of here..." But the window remained stationary in his vision, seemingly unaware of his attempts at communication. Colin then pressed his back to the debris, allowing it to drift closer to the center of the stream. As he guessed, here, the oxygen was more plentiful.

"What the hell?!" He shouted in frustration. Unmoving from his position, he craned his neck toward the black sun. It was clear now that the light that made its outer circle was entirely comprised of the streams, funneling into one spot within the sky only to disappear as they drifted beyond the darkness. Even the light was swallowed whole. Colin shuttered at the thought of what would happen when he got close enough to be pulled in. The only conclusion he could put together was that this was the world that the woman had talked about. It had to be. Otherwise, he couldn't make sense of it.

"Okay, let's think. I need to stop my ascent. That void seems deadly. Right now, I need an anchor!" Colin took a deep breath and stood up, carefully steadying his balance as he peaked over the edge of his marble raft. Below him was the rubble of a nation. Bits and pieces of what could have once been temples, houses, or hospitals are now only pieces of a bygone civilization. There was something amid the chaos; however, a gleam of yellow luster far along the stream caught his eye. It wasn't an anchor but a far bigger piece of rubble than the one he was practically lying within. Its size could help slow his ascent, although the stream seemed to have no trouble sweeping up large chunks of debris upward along with the rest. Regardless, he wanted more space to move around, and thus, he once again took a long breath of air and began to jump to rubble where he would have footing.

Each step caused floating stone and earthen clusters to tremble and shutter. Colin quietly slid onto the platform below him with sharp reflexes. As he got closer, he saw the remnants of a large dais still attached to a wall, carved from marble with flecks of gold speckled throughout sealed cracks. At its center was a golden hourglass with purple gems fitted into its frame, fashioned to resemble coiling dragons. Its sands ran still, unmoving even as the dais was turned on its side. Colin placed a foot on the glass, finding firm ground with the timepiece beneath his feet. A white beam suddenly shot from the ring towards the hourglass, and another window of light replaced the one previous.

A new location, Anulustrum, has been recorded.

Colin stared curiously, then began to judge the distance he made. Much to his dismay, the hourglass didn't travel any slower than the other chunks of rubble along the stream. Colin had no idea how to stop his ascent; every chunk that drifted along the stream seemed almost weightless. A hulking shadow began to drift into the light. A gigantic hunk of steel rode up beside the hourglass, and Colin approached carefully, inspecting its side as it drifted alongside him. From what he could tell, it was remnants of a ship, a boat, or a submarine of some kind. A large tear through the hull looked deep enough to nearly split the vessel. It was more than large enough for Colin to slip through. He figured he could scavenge the wreck for what it was worth. It would give him something to do as he gauged his options.

The air was bountiful aboard the wreck. Like the hourglass, the ship was riding close to the stream. Light, however, was not as plentiful. Colin used the floating window that partially obscured his vision like a lantern; it illuminated nothing beyond what was inches in front of him, but it would do. Colin donned his cap, letting the snug feeling of its embrace grace his brow again, only to notice how bizarre the scenery was, with the ship turned on its side. Cabin windows lined the floor, and to his right, caged light fixtures were dotted about with torn pipework. The only sound was that of his shoes against the ship's hull. It wasn't long before Colin discovered a hatch nearly falling off its hinge. The fissure had cut through the ship's left side hull, arcing through the sheet metal above Colin and clipping into the room before him. The hatch was smashed in, with the door frame severed from the top down. The material had to be tough, akin to a titanium alloy, yet it looked like torn foil. He pressed his hand to the door, which creaked effortlessly at his slightest touch.

The room was filled with dust that quickly kicked into the atmosphere upon Colin's arrival, dying the room in a white film. Most of the room was trashed, with beds splintered and tossed about. Lifting a mattress, Colin stared grimly at his find. The body of what he assumed to be the ship's crew member lay beneath, now nothing but bone. Colin crouched down, sifting through the fallen soldier's uniform. Not even dog tags remained. All he could find was a small pin or badge. The silver pin bore the coat of arms, depicting two koi fish swimming around a quartz star, lettering he couldn't recognize dotted that hung below the frame like a nameplate. Colin slipped it in his pocket and kept walking. Over time, he would learn that the ship was empty, with not even a scrap left behind. Sliding down to the hull with his back against a wall, Colin racked his brain, desperately trying to devise a solution to his predicament.

"That window," Colin thought, staring at the hovering light board. He cleared his throat and spoke clearly.

"I want to travel beyond the boundary," he said. The previous window disappeared, and a new message appeared in its place.

Detecting an opening nearby. Immediate evacuation is recommended. Would you like to begin the transfer process?

The window asked for confirmation, and Colin didn't hesitate to accept.

"Wish you could have told me about this menu beforehand," Colin said to no one in particular. There was too much happening all at once; even now, his mind was in a daze, trying to piece together everything. The add-on of this computer magic didn't help matters.

"Weave an end to this story, huh? But what exactly needs tending to?" Colin grimly inquired. "This can't be all that's left, right?" Muttering this, Colin felt light engulf his being once more.

"What happened to you, Juno?"

Colin found himself sitting on a stone floor. A spell circle was carved into the stone at his feet. It shined with an incandescent iridescence. This time, the cold sensation was accompanied by the sound of people. He heard voices in praise, shouting, "It was a success!"

"What's happening?" someone spoke up. Colin turned to see four individuals coming to their feet, each holding ornate artifacts.

"A shield, a spear, a sword, and a bow." Colin calmly took in his surroundings. The chamber he sat in was the site of a ritual. The scent of incense was still fresh on Colin's nose. Robed men and women clasped their hands in awe, marveling at the sight of them.

"Sorcerers?" Colin mumbled as his hair stood on end. The young man with the shield shook his shield with a puzzled look. Another one of the men spoke up, exerting a commanding tone.

"Where are we?" the young man with the sword stepped forward.

"Brave heroes! Please save our world!" a robed man with a circlet upon his brow pleaded with them.

"What?!" the four of them shouted in unison. Despite sitting in the center of the room, Colin did his best to blend into the background.

"What do you mean by that," said the young man with the bow, although judging by appearance, two of them looked to be teenagers more so than men.

"Our story is a long one. We've just completed an ancient ceremony to summon the four heroes." The man's eyes trailed off, and the other robed sorcerers followed. Colin shifted uncomfortably under their gaze.

"W-who might you be?" the man's voice shook with uncertainty. Colin, quickly reading the mood of the room, sat up and cleared his throat. Racking his brain to create a persona based on Juno's description of the heroes, he proceeded.

"Denizens of this world, I, a hero from another world, have heard your plea and answered your summons. I bid you grant me an audience with your leadership so that I may assist you in your plight!" Colin said this with as much jolly enthusiasm as he could muster, but it seemed he would be convincing no one.

"Liar!" A robed woman cried. "Speak your true intentions, stranger! His majesty will show no mercy for anyone who would dare mock the Cardinal Heroes!" The woman pointed furiously at Colin, and her sleeve was tugged on by the man behind her.

"Look, his clothes. Perhaps there's some truth to his words." The man spoke quietly into the woman's ear, and she paused.

"It can't be..." The men and women stood in shock, and the young man with the spear spoke up to ease the tension.

"Alright, everyone, let's calm down. You said you guys were in trouble, right? Let's pick up from there." He spoke with a hardy jubilance while trying to contain his excitement.

"I didn't get torn away from my world just to hear you bicker." The young man with the sword pointed his blade towards the sorcerers as he made his declaration. "Get to the point."

"R-right, my apologies, sir hero." The sorcerer with the circlet raised a hand to the others, signaling them to step back.

"We can't talk about the full story here, but our world is on the edge of destruction. Please, heroes, lend us your strength!" The sorcerer prostrated himself, with his head to the floor.

The man with the shield spoke first,

"I guess I could..." only to be cut off by the other three heroes in unison.

"I refuse!"

"Yeah, not happening."

"You can still send us back, right?"

The man with the shield furrowed his brow.

Colin could understand hesitation as a natural reaction, but the way these three repeatedly tried to take control of the room made him want to grimace in annoyance, too. They were clearly enjoying the situation, which put him on edge.

"How shameful to prostrate yourself after dragging us here. Don't you feel any guilt after what you did?" The Sword Hero held his position firmly, now displaying outward hostility.

"Besides, if we do what you ask, you'll just send us back anyway, which will be the end of it. I hope you've prepared to compensate us after all this." The Bow Hero doubled down with The Sword hero, and The Shield Hero sighed.

"If you can't accommodate our demands, I hope you're prepared for us to be your enemies." The Spear Hero stepped forward.

Colin felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end at their declaration. Quickly, he tried to signal The Shield Hero, who looked sensible enough, to shut them up, but he only scratched his head with a questioning look.

"Sir heroes, please speak with our king! I'm sure he'll grant any wish you ask of him!" The prostrating sorcerer didn't budge. Behind him, two sorcerers opened a large set of doors, beckoning the five of them to follow.

"Hmph."

"Hah, Fine then."

"Not like it matters who we talk to in the end, but fine."

"Sure, beats waiting around anyway."

The four heroes waited for the head sorcerer to pick himself off the floor, and collectively, the five of them left the room.

The first thing Colin noticed was the temperature change. The warm breeze was refreshing after all he had been through. The Shield Hero peeked out a window as their group made their ascent.

"Whoa. Look at that~" The Shield Hero stood marveling at the scenery. Colin inched a bit closer to steal a quick glance. It was like looking at an old painting. The scenery was rustic and had a medieval feel, and despite that, it was a sprawling city bustling with much life. Colin couldn't help but be impressed at the sight.

"Guess you've never traveled outside Japan before?" said The Bow Hero.

"You're all stars for eyes," chuckled The Spear Hero. Meekly, The Shield Hero peeled away from the window.

"Ah, sorry. This is all still a first for me," laughed off The Shield Hero.

"Don't worry about that," Colin laughed. "You're not the only one."

The Spear Hero gazed quizzically at Colin. "Hey, are you alright?" Colin looked up in confusion, and The Spear Hero pointed to the right of his jaw. "You're bleeding right here."

Colin wiped his forefinger along the skin just under his jawline. He pulled his hand back with his finger stained red.

"I guess so. Does anyone have a bandage or something?" Said Colin grimly, acknowledging that he had lost his pack in the chaos. The circlet-wearing sorcerer furrowed his brow.

"I will send word to The King that you need medical treatment." He bowed with suspicion in his eyes and continued with the other heroes following close behind; The Spear Hero slowed a little, matching his pace with Colin at the back.

"Here, I've still got this on me. You can use it to wipe your face." The Spear Hero said while handing Colin a plaid handkerchief.

"Thanks… you seem pretty laid back about all this."

"You mean the summoning?" asked The Spear Hero.

"Yeah, I'm still a little shaken myself." In response, The Spear Hero smirked smugly and jabbed a thumb towards himself.

"No problem, I know a lot about this game. It's not that hard once you get the hang of it." The Spear Hero said this with a smile. Colin almost expected his teeth to shine. As he went to hand back the handkerchief, The Spear Hero shook his head.

"You can hold onto it till you get that patched up." Signaling an end to their conversation, the sorcerer leading them spoke.

"This way to the throne room, heroes."

"So these kids are the Holy Heroes." The King announced boldly, only sparing Colin a curious glance at most. Stepping into the throne room emphasized the difference in decor between it and the rest of the castle. Much of the room was made of material similar to the ritual room. However, the place was furnished top to bottom in fine silks and gold or gilded furniture. The King, an older-looking fellow with a gray beard, spared no expense in appearance. His attire comprised a long purple, white, and gold robe with purple gemstones fitted in buttons and fastening straps. A gold crown sat atop his head, a gigantic golden necklace fastened a purple cloak to his shoulders, and several expensive-looking rings adorned his fingers.

"My name is Aultcray Melromarc XXXII. You may address me as 'Your Majesty.' Now then, present yourselves and state your names!" After The King spoke, a balding man bent down to whisper something in his ear, and once again, Aultcray shifted his gaze to Colin, who stood attentively. The first to step forward was The Sword Hero.

"My name is Ren Amaki. I'm 16 years old and a high school student."

The Spear Hero followed close behind, flourishing his polearm before leaning on it and standing upright.

"Name's Motoyasu Kitamura. I'm 21 and a college student." Then Itsuki stepped forward with practiced elegance.

"I'm Itsuki Kawasumi. I'm 17 and also a high school student."

As the heroes stepped into the sunlight, Colin got a better look at their features. Ren wore dark clothing over a blue shirt. He had sharp features, black hair, blue eyes, and a resting frown. The guy came off as aloof yet didn't seem to have too many issues with playing the part of a hero. Motoyasu was dressed in a laid-back manner, with his light clothing and his blond hair tied back in a ponytail. He wore a red overshirt, a white shirt underneath, and a silver necklace. He had orange-amber eyes and long eyelashes with objectively handsome features. Itsuki looked prim and proper. His eyes were mossy gold, and his permed, wavy blond hair practically shined. He wore a school uniform that was a dark, greenish shade of yellow. It looked like it belonged to a school for wealthier families. The Shield Hero attempted to step forward, but The King cleared his throat.

"Ren, Motoyasu and Itsuki, then."

"I'm sorry, king?" The Shield Hero spoke up momentarily, interrupting Aultcray. Colin didn't miss the glare that The King shot the hero nor the hero's annoyed frown.

"Ah yes, my apologies, and you are?" The King gestured for him to speak, and Itsuki chastised The Shield Hero.

"You can't just address him as King. You've got to address him properly," said Itsuki. The Shield hero swallowed his rebuttal and proceeded with his introduction.

"My name's Naofumi Iwatani. I'm 20 years old and a college student." Naofumi had black hair like Ren's, with green eyes instead of blue. His hair looked messy like he had just rolled out of bed. Still, his appearance wasn't bad; it seemed natural. He wore a green hoodie with a black shirt and slacks for his attire.

"Very good, Mr. Naofumi." The King's comment made Naofumi look visibly annoyed. The King's eyes wandered to the right of the room.

"I suppose we can't forget about you now. State your name, adventurer." The King gestured to Colin, and Itsuki raised a hand.

"You may speak," he said.

"Your Majesty, if I may, is he not also a hero? He was summoned like the rest of us." Aultcray stroked his beard curiously.

"A hero, you say?" The crowd of nobles within the throne room began to murmur amongst themselves.

"Is that true?" spoke The King, addressing Colin.

"I suppose it is Your Majesty. Although I must confess, I don't know about the specifics regarding my situation. Can there not be more than four heroes?" The King looked gravely upon Colin like he had said something foolish.

"In all my time, I've not known of a Cardinal Hero outside the Four Cardinal Heroes." Aultcray gestured to his aide, who strode down from the throne, making his way to Colin.

"If what you say is true, you should have no problem presenting your holy weapon for appraisal," The King stated. The King's aide held out a hand to Colin.

"If I may?" The balding man said. Colin raised his left hand and, for the first time, saw the ring in detail, a much different appearance from when he first donned it. It was made of a primarily gray metal that could have been similar to silver or platinum. A smaller yellow, gold-like band wrapped around the ring's center with black groves spread throughout its design, pronouncing its features. Affixed within the band's center was a spherical gem. It was clear as crystal and polished like a marble. The King's aide scrutinized the ring, placing a monocle from his pocket to his eye.

His face quickly turned white as a sheet. The balding man looked up from Colin and announced to the rest of the room.

"His story is true. This ring is classified as a holy weapon." The nobles erupted into conversation, some in outrage, some in wonder.

"I command you all to remain silent!" cried The King. The nobles were quieted almost immediately.

"...Very well, then step forward and state your name," commanded The King. He bore a foreboding expression as if Colin had walked into the room carrying a bomb. Colin felt that no self-introduction would ease the tension but tried to show his sincerity to avoid riling up the crowd.

"My name is Colin Watts. I'm 21 years old, and while I'm not currently a student, I'm a contract worker." This time, the four heroes voiced their surprise.

Motoyasu subtly asked, "You're not from Japan, are you?"

"No... I was born and raised in the state of Maine. To give you a little background." Colin tried to be forthcoming, but nonetheless, a divide was created. The other heroes looked at him with less familiarity than before.

King Aultcray spoke up, taking back control of the room.

"You're the hero of a ring, then? Interesting… well, since you are a hero, this is also something you must hear." The King then began to recount a familiar tale about a coming disaster that would bring about powerful waves of monsters. He spoke of a prophecy that detailed the end of the world. The prophecy stated that these waves would appear without end, each more oppressive than the last, until no life remained. The King talked about a device called the dragon hourglass, a timepiece that counted down each wave's arrival and whose sands began to fall about a month ago. The Kingdom underestimated the scale of The Waves and barely beat it back as a result. Lacking the power to do so alone, The Kingdom summoned the legendary heroes to end the disaster.

"It makes sense then that you'd need heroes from another world," said Itsuki. "Still, doesn't this mean you're just pushing the problem onto us? And it doesn't look like you're giving us a choice in the matter."

"Exactly," said Ren. "If this is how you people ask for favors, then why should we care what happens to this world." Ren tried to hide a blossoming smile with a frown, a gesture that didn't go unnoticed by Colin. Naofumi stepped up to chime in.

"They do have a point. After we spend our time trying to help you guys, will you do anything more than give us a pat on the back and send us off? What I really want to know is if we can get back home." The King surveyed the heroes before answering.

"I understand your concerns. Rest assured, you all will be compensated for your efforts. Not only that, but I will grant anything you may require as proper thanks." The other heroes quietly cheered amongst themselves. Despite their enthusiasm, Colin couldn't bring himself to be excited about the prospect of rewards. As The King spoke, the four heroes quickly regained their demeanor.

"I've made arrangements for your financial support as well. You needn't worry about expenses so long as you're willing to fight on our behalf. Consider it an expression of our gratitude." The heroes relaxed at The King's declaration while Colin watched patiently, betraying no emotion.

"So long as you keep your promise, I don't think we'll have any problems," Motoyasu grinned.

"Don't go thinking you've bought us off. So long as we aren't enemies, I don't mind working with you." Ren declared.

"Well, said," said Itsuki.

"Look forward to working with you," said Naofumi, half cringing as the other heroes began to puff out their chests.

"Now, heroes, you may open your status for a proper evaluation." All summoned heroes, except Ren, regarded The King's words with confusion.

"Your Majesty, my apologies, but how do we evaluate ourselves?" Itsuki was the first among them to speak up. Ren merely sighed as he gave the whole lot of them a side glance.

"Did you guys not notice it when you got here? There should be an icon in your periphery." Colin let his eyes wander until he saw a floating semi transparent icon.

"Just focus your mind, and will it open," said Ren. After a bit of fumbling, the four of the heroes managed to open up their status screens. Windows of light opened up in succession, and Colin was again greeted with another glowing message board.

Colin Watts

Class: Ring Hero LVL 1

Weapon: Ring of Fortune (Legendary Weapon)

Armor: Other-World Clothes

Skills: None

Magic: None

The window detailed many statistics and numbers, all of which Colin couldn't understand. "Everything seems so systematic. Like the world is just one big computer program." Colin was reminded of the old computer games he used to play, and an odd sense of nostalgia overtook him.

"Level one... this is a bit troubling."

"A wave might be too much for us as we are now."

"Hey, wait, why is my attack so low?!"

"Can someone explain all this?"

Save for The Shield Hero, the heroes seemed familiar enough with their status boards. "I'll ask the others for some advice later," thought Colin.

"Are you not familiar with these things?" Aultcray spoke, addressing Noafumi. "This is called status magic. Use it to measure your strength and future growth from now on. If you find yourself struggling, feel free to ask around. This is a commonplace ability." The King sighed exasperatedly.

"I'm sorry?" Noafumi looked miffed. Colin changed the subject.

"Your Majesty, if I may, there's something that's been bothering me." Aultray raised an eyebrow but nonetheless signaled for Colin to continue.

"This is all new to me, so forgive me if I'm missing something here. But how is it that we are talking like this?"

"What do you mean?"

"It would be safe to assume you aren't speaking English, yes? We hail from different nations within different worlds. I don't even come from the same country as the other heroes. With that in mind, isn't the lack of a language barrier bizarre, to say the least?" Colin couldn't help but wonder about this when he realized he was the only one from the west. Aultcray nodded his head in understanding.

"Right, I should explain. Your legendary weapons can translate our language into something understandable and vice versa. You needn't worry about language barriers so long as you bear the mark of a hero."

Motoyasu, looking up from his window, added, "And about our stats, how are we supposed to fight exactly? Aren't these numbers a little low?"

"You must journey and polish your skills to strengthen your weapons."

"You mean these things aren't maxed out from the get-go." Ren looked down on his weapon as if it had done something bothersome.

"That is correct. The heroes must strengthen their legendary weapons by themselves. In time, they will prove stronger than any weapon by comparison." As Aultcray spoke, Motoyasu twirled about his spear like a baton.

"Can't we use different weapons while these ones level up? The wave will hit in one month, right? We'll need to raise our stats sooner rather than later."

The balding man rubbed his hands together in a fidgety manner, putting on a business smile as he addressed the heroes. "Unfortunately, that won't be possible, brave heroes. The legendary weapons, by nature, reject the use of any weaponry beyond that which you bear." Motoyasu looked disappointed.

"Wait! Isn't that kinda extreme?! All I have is a shield!" cried Noafumi, who, like Colin and his ring, suddenly felt as if a pit opened up at the bottom of their stomach.

"I assure you that any issues you have regarding your legendary weapon's functionality will be resolved the coming morrow when you form your parties and begin your journey."

"Can't the five of us just form a party?" Asked Colin. "Five heroes working together ought to be pretty strong in its own right."

"I don't mind; just don't expect me to slow down for you. If you guys can't keep up, expect to get left behind." Motoyasu chuckled at Ren's response.

"Right back at you. Let's see if you can even catch my dust."

"You're on."

"If we're grouping up, we'll need to decide party roles to keep things consistent," Itsuki chimed in.

"I'll be supporting you guys then," said Noafumi. "My defense seems high, and I'm pretty sure a shield will block most attacks."

Aultcray cleared his throat loudly, and the bald man spoke up again. "Just a moment, brave heroes. I'm afraid that won't be possible."

"How come?" Asked Noafumi.

"According to the legends, the heroes must travel separately. If the heroes party together, strengthening your weapons will become impossible." As if on cue, a window appeared before the five heroes.

Warning: The Legendary Weapons and their owners will not gain experience if they fight together.

Notice: It is preferable that the heroes remain separated when possible.

"This complicates things," frowned Itsuki.

"Worry not, I've already sent word to various villages. By tomorrow, you will all have traveling companions to accompany you on your journey. In the meantime, I suggest you rest as the night draws near. We've prepared a feast in your honor, and I believe there will be much to your liking." The King waved a few attendants to open the door, and an older-looking servant beckoned the five heroes to follow.

"Guess there's nothing else that needs to be said," said Ren. The four heroes exited the throne room, and The King called out to Colin.

"Colin, I'd have your ear for a moment." Colin turned back towards Aultcray as the other heroes made their leave. Colin felt all eyes fall on him.

"As I'm sure you understand, your sudden arrival is unprecedented. There's much I'd like us to discuss, but any talks will have to wait until the proper preparations have been made. With that in mind, I'll be sending a servant to retrieve you tomorrow morning. I ask that you prepare yourself earlier than the other heroes."

Colin gave a slight nod, "I understand." The arrangement was convenient, as The King was the one to initiate first contact. This way, Colin might establish a friendly relationship early. He figured it wouldn't hurt to have the support of The King as a freshly summoned hero.

Aultcray waved down a nearby maid who bowed in The King's presence. "It would seem one of our esteemed guests has sustained an injury in our care. See to it that he receives treatment immediately."

The maid gave a nod in affirmation, "At once, Your Majesty."

Watching the servant approach, Colin noticed how quiet the room had become without the others. The way the nobles all looked at him spoke volumes. They didn't know what to make of him, Colin, who was an unidentifiable variable in this crisis. Whether he would prove an ally or an enemy had yet to be seen, but they all watched with bated breath.

"Guess I'll have to win them over before it's all said and done. Well, I didn't think this would be easy." Colin lifted his hat from his head and looked Aultrcray in the eye. "Till we meet again, Your Majesty," with that, he set off after his guide.

The nobles erupted into conversation and debate, for the topic of a new potential hero sparked great interest among them. Aultcray let loose a sigh.

"What do you plan to do, Your Majesty?" asked the balding man.

"For now, we keep an eye on this supposed hero of the ring. Word about his existence is not to leave this country and send word to the nobles that they're to keep the conversation to themselves." Aultcray grimaced. "I'm still not entirely convinced about his status, but with that declaration, this is no longer something I can ignore." Aultcray narrowed his eyes, stern but not with suspicion. "And you're certain that's what the appraisal said? That the ring was a legendary weapon?"

"I'm positive. There's no mistaking that the ring bore the title of 'legendary weapon'; however, whether or not it holds any of the power that the Four Cardinal Heroes wield remains to be seen."

"A vassal hiding in obscurity, perhaps..." Aultcray muttered. "Of all the times for this to happen..."

The balding man observed the crowd as a nobleman's rosary shimmered against the brazier light. "The church will kick a fuss when they hear of this."

"I'm aware. Balmus will have to wait for the time being." Aultcray's eyes wandered off into the crowd. A pair of nobles in a friendly debate over the plausibility of a fourth hero laughed amongst themselves; they didn't seem to take the notion all that seriously; in fact, none of them did. "Perhaps this is for the best. Tomorrow, I can test his abilities and take him under my wing if he truly is a legendary hero. If not, then letting this rumor die out won't be difficult." The King smirked at the thought. "The idea of a hero at my side sounds reassuring. I'll need all the extra security I can get as it stands."

The memory of Naofumi filled his mind with great displeasure. The fact that The Shield Hero walked without restraint made his heart quiver with resentment and anxiety. "Falmus, if possible, we keep him away from the shield."

"You believe that the shield would turn the hero against us?" The bald man inquired.

"It's just a precaution. We don't know what sentiment the hero might hold for the Demi's and their cause." At The King's words, Falmus lost himself in thought.

"Then perhaps we should choose his party members. If we limit his options, he'll have less of a chance to become hostile."

The King mused. "It's not a bad strategy, but we should wait until our assessment. We might not have that option." Aultcray racked his brain for potential adventurers or mercenaries he could see traveling with a renown-less hero.

"For now, I'll summon the captain of the guard and the court magician. Would that please you, Your Majesty?"

"Uh-huh? Ah-yes, yes, that will do fine." The King waved off Falmus to his task and sat there in deep thought. He fiddled with his ring, a gold banded piece of jewelry with a large purple gem affixed to his center. He stared at the reflection of himself from within the gemstone. Something about his distorted face filled him with unease. "The Ring Hero, huh?"