Queen Mirelia sighed as her assistant aided her into getting dressed. The meeting would begin in 30 minutes, and she needed to make sure that she was there on time. She turned her head when she heard a knock on the window and saw that it was one of the spies she sent out.

'My Queen,' the spy said. 'I have come with an update.'

'Speak,' Queen Mirelia said.

'The Four Heroes have successfully thwarted the Wave,' the spy began. 'There was very little casualties, compared to last time.'

'Good, good,' Queen Mirelia said. 'But what of the Shield Hero?'

'The Shield Hero has fared well. He has saved a Demi-Human by the name of Raphtalia from a Slave Trader. He is regarded as kind-hearted and fair. His father, however, is another story.'

Queen Mirelia lowered her head, intrigued.

'The Shield Hero has his father with him?'

'Yes. For reasons no one can explain, the Shield Hero's father was summoned here alongside him. He is protective of his son and has proven himself to be highly volatile in that regard. On two separate occasions, the Shield Hero's father has threatened the King's life after he attempted to hinder them.'

Mirelia almost lurched forward in shock. She looked towards the spy; eyes widened in surprise at the information.

'The Shield Hero's father threatened my husband?!'

'Yes. As a result of these incidents, the King's authority has weakened. Already people are starting to view him as unfit to rule. We have even heard a rumour of a potential coup.'

Queen Mirelia sighed as she took in the information, her mind left dumbstruck by the news.

'The other kingdoms are already in turmoil due to my husband summoning all four heroes behind their backs,' she said. 'If that is the case, I fear it may even give the other countries the spark to want to wage war against Melromarc. For this, I believe we may need to take a more active role in watching over the Shield Hero.'

'What are your orders, my Queen?' the spy asked. Queen Mirelia looked at the spy, her face becoming stern.

'You are to make sure that an incident such as this does not happen again,' she said. 'If it happens again, the consequences may be disastrous. Tell the Shield Hero and his father that they are not to seek vengeance against my husband. I for my part shall send my daughter to Melromarc so she may try to patch things up against them.'

The spy nodded, bowing her head respectfully.

'As you have ordered, my Queen, so shall it be done,' she said. The spy closed the window, before disappearing into the night. The Queen sighed, lowering her head.

'Oh, Shield Hero, please, have mercy on my husband…'

The Shield Party headed into town as the sun began to rise. Already there were people out and about. Most got out of their way, while murmuring to each other and pointing at them. It appeared news of the incident last night had already reached the town. Atreus had the pouch containing his reward money dangling at his hip, clinking with each step he took.

'So, what do you want to do now, lad?' Mimir asked.

'I was thinking we could go to the Apothecary,' Atreus answered. 'Might be worth buying a few medicines.'

'If you're not careful about your money, Mr. Loki, then we shall have nothing to spend,' Raphtalia said. 'You must be careful with your spending.'

'I understand, Raphtalia,' Atreus replied. 'We won't be getting gear this time, so it might be worth getting some herbs and all that.'

Atreus and Co. headed into the Apothecary, where the owner smiled and waved at him when they entered.

'Hello, Shield Hero!' he said jovially. 'Been waiting for you to come in here after the First Wave.'

'Really? What for?' Atreus said.

'Mainly to say thanks. I have some family in Riyute Village. I was told that you had saved them during the Wave. They told me to help you if I ever bumped into you again.'

'Really? What do you have for us, then?'

'Well,' the owner said, before he pulled out a worn-out looking book and placed it on the counter. 'I've heard about the medicine you've been selling. This is a book containing recipes for a wide variety of medicine. I thought they would help you in your business endeavours.'

Atreus took the book and peered inside. The book contained recipes for medicines he already knew, as well as ones he didn't know. He couldn't make out the words within the book, but most of them looked like they could sell for a good price.

'It's great,' he said, before putting the book into his pouch. 'Thank you. This will help immensely.'

'You're welcome, Shield Hero. One more thing, the owner of the Magic Shop wanted you to stop by, as well.'

'Really? What's a Magic Shop?'

'Mr. Loki, it's a store that sells book that teach Magic.'

'Oh? Oh, okay then. Where can I find it?'

'On the main street, you can't miss it.'

'Alright. Thanks.'

The Apothecary owner paid for Atreus's medicine, for a good price, before the trio left the store, heading over to the Magic Shop. It looked like a bookstore, at first glance. They met the owner, a pudgy, old looking woman, at the counter.

'Oh! Shield Hero! I have to thank you for saving my Grandson!' the Magic Shop Owner said.

'Who…? Oh, yeah. No problem, Ma'am,' Atreus replied, as he remembered the child he saved during the Wave. 'I was told you wanted to see me?'

'Yes. Before that, are those two with you your travelling companions?'

'Yeah. This is Raphtalia, and this is my Father, Kratos.'

Raphtalia waved in greeting, while Kratos only grunted. The Magic Shop owner nodded.

'Wait right here, please.'

She left for a moment, before coming back with a crystal ball, placing it onto the counter.

'Look into this crystal ball, Shield Hero, and I shall tell you your Magic Affinity.'

'O-okay…?'

Atreus looked into the crystal ball. Something was shining within, but he couldn't see anything in particular.

'Yes, it appears that you have an affinity for recovery and support magic,' the owner said.

'Really? Good to know,' Atreus replied. The Magic Shop Owner's eyes widened as she continued to examine his Magic Affinity.

'W-what is this?' she said. 'You have a different kind of magic within you, a foreign magic.'

'That magic is a part of me,' Atreus explained.

'Y-yes, I guess. Now it's your turn, Ms. Raphtalia.'

'Okay!'

Atreus moved away from the crystal ball, and Raphtalia looked closely within it.

'Yes, yes, it seems natural. Ms. Raphtalia, you have an affinity for light and shadow magic.'

'What do you mean by that?' Atreus asked.

'Raccoon people are said to be able to control phantoms that have both the refractive properties of light, and the indefinite properties of shadow.'

'Oh, okay, that makes sense.'

Raphtalia looked away, and the Magic Shop Owner looked towards Kratos.

'Would you like to look into the crystal ball, Mr. Kratos?' she asked.

Kratos grunted, before he went up to the crystal ball, looking into it. The witch seemed distressed as she checked his Magic Affinity.

'W-what is this?' she asked. 'There is magic within you…But like the Shield Hero's, it is a foreign magic…'

It was then that she noticed the Blades of Chaos on Kratos's back. She stared at the blades, finding herself curious.

'T-those blades, on your back. May I see them?'

Kratos grunted as he bought the Blades of Chaos out, holding them out in front of him. The witch seemed intrigued as she ran her hands gently along the blades, examining them.

'Fascinating,' she said. 'I can sense the foreign magic in these blades. The magic in both of you is so far beyond my understanding…'

'These blades are not of this realm,' Kratos replied.

'And neither are we,' Atreus said. 'Me and Father, we're…Well, we're Gods.'

'Gods? Well, that explains it, as hard as it is to believe. Still, better not babble that everywhere you go. Some here do not take kindly to that kind of boasting.'

'So, why was it you wanted to see us, really?' Raphtalia asked.

'Oh, I wanted to give you a gift. As a sign of my gratitude.'

The Magic Shop owner pulled out three books and handed them to Atreus.

'These books contain all sorts of spells,' she explained. 'I would've given you a crystal ball, but if I did, I'd put myself out of business.'

'What do you mean?' Atreus asked.

'If one is to unseal the magic within a crystal ball, they'd learn it instantly. A while ago, the country ordered a large amount of crystal balls for the Four Heroes. You didn't hear about this?'

'Nope. Most likely because of the King…'

'Well, these books aren't an easy read. But if you really apply yourself, and study hard, I'm sure you can learn several of these.'

'Oh, don't worry, I'm a quick learner,' Atreus replied, putting the books into his pouch. 'Thanks. This is a really great gift. So how many spells can we learn from these?'

'Well, the books you have are for beginners. For anything more advanced, I could probably interest you into buying additional books. I could teach you, but the Shield Hero is very busy, is he not?'

'That's okay, I can start with the basics first, then come back for the advanced books later on. Here, payment for the books.'

'Oh, don't worry, those are free. As gratitude.'

'No. I have to pay for them. It's my way of saying thanks for your help, you know.'

'If you insist, Shield Hero. I hope we can see each other again.'

'I hope so, too.'

The trio camped outdoors, a fair distance away from Riyute Village. Atreus sat next to Raphtalia at the camp fire, holding out the book of medicine recipes that Apothecary owner gave him.

'Can't believe we've never heard of a crystal ball before,' Atreus said.

'Wonder how we never learned of this earlier,' Mimir replied.

'Most likely because of the King,' Atreus explained. 'He excluded us from this information. Most likely to try and screw us over. Just thinking about him…It makes me really angry.'

'Harness it, but do not let it control you,' Kratos said. Atreus sighed, before inching closer to Raphtalia.

'Hey, Raphtalia,' he said.

'Hmm?' Raphtalia answered.

'So, I'm trying to read this book, hoping to learn some new recipes,' Atreus explained. 'But the language here is new to me. I can't make out the words. I was hoping that maybe you could teach me?'

Raphtalia smiled and nodded.

'Alright, Mr. Loki,' she said. 'I can read a little. I don't know a lot of words, but I can help you make out quite a few of them.'

'Thanks, Raphtalia. Let's study together.'

'Okay!'

The next few days followed a pattern for the trio. During the day, Atreus and co. would help around Riyute Village, aiding Freyr and the others in rebuilding the village. In the evening, they would camp outdoors, with Raphtalia aiding Atreus in learning the language of the realm to help him study. Atreus proved to be a quick learner, already memorising the sounds and words of the language.

'Wow, Loki. You're a quick learner,' Raphtalia had commented one night.

'Yeah, I'm pretty good with languages,' Atreus answered. 'Another perk of Godhood, I guess.'

One day, while out in the fields just outside Riyute Village, Atreus and Co. had come across several monsters that remained from the previous Wave. Atreus didn't feel comfortable with leaving these monsters out in the open to rot, so he had absorbed them into his shield. He gained a brand-new shield as he did so.

Undead Legionnaire Shield conditions met

Undead Legionnaire Shield

abilities locked equip bonus: Defence 4

Atreus sighed as he examined the shield he had just unlocked, looking forlorn.

'What is it, lad?' Mimir asked.

'It's just what we suspected,' Atreus answered. 'These were Undead Legionnaires. The Shield said so.'

'So it's true then,' Mimir replied. 'Brother, those really were monsters from your homeland.'

'Yes…' Kratos said, finding himself disturbed by the revelation.

The group ventured out a little further and found another beast from the Wave. Its upper body was a human's, while below its waist was the body of a Horse. It had a long spear and shield and wore glistening silver metal armour. It laid dead on the ground, covered in blood.

'Is this the monster the other Heroes fought?' Atreus asked, kneeling beside the monster.

'It may appear so,' Mimir answered. 'Look familiar, Brother?' he asked Kratos.

'Yes,' Kratos replied. 'This is a Centaur. Another beast from my Homeland.'

'What were they like?' Raphtalia asked.

'Savage,' Kratos explained. 'Their skills in combat was nothing to scoff at, nor were their proficiency with weaponry.'

'Pretty brutal,' Atreus said.

'Indeed. But not all of them were savage beasts,' Kratos went on. 'Many Centaurs were once peaceful beasts, concerned only with wine-making and poetry. But then they were forced to take up arms to defend their lands from invaders. Their skills in battle were such that they were sought out for their skills and forced to fight in wars.'

'What do we do with the beast, Mr. Loki?' Raphtalia asked.

'Well, I don't think it'd be a good idea to just leave it here,' Atreus answered. 'I might absorb it into my shield, see what that gets me.'

Atreus and Co. butchered the dead Centaur, and Atreus absorbed the parts into his shield. After doing so, he ended up unlocking a new shield.

Centaur Shield conditions met.

Centaur Shield: ability locked: equip bonus: Change Shield, Fire Resistance, Defence 10.

Special Effect: Counterattack (high).

'Seems this new shield can let me attack,' Atreus explained. 'It has a lot of good bonuses, too, and its defence is pretty high. Looks like I'll have to level up more in order to use it, though. It might end up being my main shield by the next Wave.'

'That's great, lad,' Mimir said. 'Shall we carry on then?'

'Let's.'

3 days passed since then. Atreus and Co. were helping around the village, trying to rebuild everything. Atreus had been using a quarter of the funds he was making to help pay for the village's restoration. As he and Raphtalia were helping Freyr with fitting a wooden beam into his home, Raphtalia seemed to be looking at something in the distance and frowned. Atreus and Freyr looked up at Raphtalia, confused.

'What's up?' Atreus asked. Raphtalia appeared to squint for a moment, then her eyes widened, and she pointed.

'Loki, look!' she said. Freyr and Atreus both turned and found themselves surprised to see Okaya and his party strolling through the town. Some of the townspeople murmured amongst themselves, but most didn't pay them any mind. Atreus shifted uncomfortably when he realized that Okaya was strolling right towards him, Freyr and Raphtalia.

'What's the Bow Hero doing here?' Freyr said.

'I don't know,' Atreus replied. 'Probably nothing good from the looks of it.' He could still remember the unnerving smile and dead eyes, the thought of which sent shivers up his spine. Okaya smiled when he got closer to Atreus before he took off his glove and threw it at Atreus's feet.

'Shield Hero. I challenge you to a duel,' Okaya said.

Raphtalia raised an eyebrow, taken aback. Atreus frowned as he seemed to mutter 'Not this again…'

'I can't,' Atreus said. 'I'm kind of busy at the moment. Sorry.'

'Oh, I'm sure the Shield Hero has time for a single, quick duel,' Okaya replied calmly.

'The last person who tried forcing me into a fight had to answer to my Father,' Atreus said, glaring at Okaya. 'You really want to mess with him?'

Kratos growled as he stood between Atreus and Okaya, glaring daggers at Okaya. Okaya looked up at him, still maintaining his smile and calmness.

'Silly man,' he said. 'You can't kill me, remember? If any of us die, the Waves will only get worse. Plus, I doubt the public will take well to the Shield Hero murdering another Hero.'

Kratos growled as he gritted his teeth. Atreus sighed as he stood by Kratos's side, frowning.

'What do you even want?' he asked. 'Why have you come here?'

'It's simple,' Okaya explained. 'I've heard rumours about you recently. Rumours about your skills and prowess in battle. All I want is to test out your skills in battle. I'm sure you can agree to that?'

Atreus lowered his head as he rubbed his chin with one hand, contemplating Okaya's offer.

'What's the wager?' he asked. 'What'll you get if you win?'

'If I win,' Okaya explained. 'Then ownership of this town shall belong to me. I shall have the King officially recognize it in writing. Additionally, I shall have that girl with you as my slave.'

The townspeople murmured to one another at Okaya's proclamation, while Atreus and Raphtalia both stood shocked, their mouths hanging open. Kratos growled, barely managing to keep his anger under control.

'B-but what is gonna happen to us?' the Lord of the village. 'How are you going to run this village?'

'It's simple,' Okaya explained. 'This town needs to rebuild, right? Funds are needed to be raised. So, my proposal is this: The town shall be taxed 50 silver to leave and enter the town.'

'B-but that could ruin us!' the Lord of the village objected. 'You're demanding 100 times worth of money! A night at the Inn already costs 1 Silver piece, food included! We'd all go broke before the next day even comes!'

Several of the townspeople began to object as well, their voices overlapping each other as they started advancing on Okaya and his party, utterly furious.

'You dare to object?!'

One of Okaya's party members, a large, burly muscular man with short blondish hair, suddenly stepped forward in a rage, raising his fists to potentially strike any of the townspeople. Both his hands were fitted with metallic Gauntlets decorated with three large, razor-sharp blades attached at the knuckles on each gauntlet. Kratos quickly drew out the Blades of Chaos, prepared for a potential fight.

'Stop!' Atreus said, suddenly getting in between the towns people and the blonde man. The blonde man only appeared to get more enraged and made to strike him. Okaya merely smiled as he tapped the blonde man's shoulder, making him freeze.

'Enough, Akkeri,' Okaya said. Akkeri squirmed uncomfortably as he stopped, seemingly afraid.

'Sorry, boss,' he said. 'Almost lost my cool there.'

Atreus sighed as he put his face into his hand, before turning to face Okaya.

'Could you let Father and I talk privately for a moment?' he asked.

'Of course. Take as long as you need,' Okaya replied. 'Though, I prefer you come back with an answer soon.'

Atreus led Kratos, Freyr and Raphtalia a fair distance away from the group, standing near one of the buildings. Atreus briefly glanced at Okaya before leaning in closer to them.

'I'm thinking,' Atreus said in a low voice, so as to make sure Okaya couldn't hear them. 'Maybe I should accept his duel.'

'No, I wouldn't dare try it, lad,' Mimir objected. 'He looks like a trickster. I'm afraid that he'll try something during the duel.'

'I'd say accept the duel,' Raphtalia said. 'We can't allow him to take both the town, and me away from you!'

'The duel isn't worth it!' Mimir said. 'We could force him out of the town!'

'But then he'd likely go to the King,' Atreus said. 'Then we'd have to deal with him again. And I'd rather prefer to avoid the King as much as possible.'

'But what if Okaya tries a trick, or something?' Freyr asked. 'Has one of his men cheat during the duel? I'd say it's too risky to fight.'

'But if Atreus doesn't fight,' Raphtalia said, 'then Okaya could try and take the town by force! And he will likely try to take me away as well! Please, Atreus, I cannot become a slave again!'

'And you won't,' Atreus replied. 'I won't let Okaya enslave you, not after everything you've gone through!'

'But how could we possibly set up a duel with Okaya?' Mimir asked.

'Well,' Atreus considered. 'Since we're out in Riyute Village, we won't have to worry about the King or his daughter trying anything. Maybe Freyr and Father could stand and watch by the sidelines, keeping an eye out, making sure that no foul play happens.'

'That could work,' Freyr agreed. 'You agree with that, Kratos?'

'Yes,' Kratos conceded. 'I shall make sure Okaya, and his party do not get away with any cheating.'

'Then it's decided, I guess.'

Their private discussion ended, Atreus and Co. returned to Okaya and his party. Atreus stood tall as he stared defiantly at Okaya.

'I accept your duel, Bow Hero,' he said. 'If you win, you may have ownership of Riyute Village, and of Raphtalia. But if I win, you must leave this village. For good.'

Okaya only smiled as he nodded slowly at Atreus.

'So it's agreed,' he said. 'I accept your terms, Shield Hero.'

The villagers congregated in the town centre, watching the duel that was to occur. Atreus and Okaya stood facing each other, several feet away from each other. Akkeri and the rest of Okaya's party members stood nearby, cheering their leader on. Freyr, Kratos and Raphtalia stood on the sidelines, acting as referees to the event. Freyr got in between Atreus and Okaya as he cleared his throat.

'And now for the duel between the Shield Hero and the Bow Hero,' he spoke loud and clear. 'The duel ends when one opponent is pinned, can no longer fight, or admits defeat. Now, begin!'

He stepped back and stood at Kratos's side, just as Okaya made the first move. He pulled back on the bow, smirking.

'Thunder Shoot!' he yelled before he fired a lightning bolt that flew quickly towards Atreus. Atreus raised his shield to defend himself, and grunted as the lightning bolt exploded on impact, knocking him back and nearly sending him tumbling to the ground. He gritted his teeth as he looked up at Okaya defiantly.

'Now it's time to put you in your place, Shield Hero,' Okaya said. 'Bleeding Shot!'

Okaya's bow glowed as he pulled back, then let go, sending a barrage of crimson red coloured arrows. Atreus blocked one with his shield, parried the next, but got hit in the shoulder with the third one, causing the rest of the arrows to hit him all over his body. He grunted in pain as blood burst out of the wounds, the force of the arrows sending him to the ground. Raphtalia gasped as she watched Atreus tumble, bloodied from the wounds on his body. Atreus writhed for a moment, immense pain racking his body. He gritted his teeth as he forced himself to his feet despite the pain. He glared at Okaya, defiant as ever, before he broke out into a run and charged at him, yelling a battle cry.

'Arrow Shot!' Okaya yelled, before he fired into the air, sending a large group of arrows raining down on Atreus. Atreus kept his shield over his head, ignoring the pain as a few of the arrows hit him before he pulled back his fist and punched Okaya in the gut hard. Okaya stumbled backwards, coughing, before suddenly clutching his side in pain.

'O-Okaya, how-?' Akkeri said, before his eyes widened in surprise. Okaya turned and revealed a Balloon gnawing relentlessly on his side, making Okaya grit his teeth and groan in pain as he struggled to pull it off.

'A Balloon? W-what's…?'

Atreus pulled his cloak away, revealing several Balloons that were gnawing on his body, smirking. Okaya frowned, pulling the Balloon off his side and crushing it in his hand, making it burst.

'What are you planning, Shield Hero?' he demanded.

'Even if my attack is low,' Atreus said confidentially, 'even if I can't win, I'm gonna hurt you as much as I can.'

He threw one Balloon at Okaya, who angrily shot at it in mid-air, making it pop.

'You pathetic weakling,' Okaya said. 'Twin Shot!'

Okaya pulled back on his bow and fired, sending two arrows flying at Atreus. Atreus parried both arrows before changing to the Two-headed Black Dog Shield and charging. Okaya pulled back on the arrow, gritting his teeth.

'No you don't! Shining Arrow!'

Okaya fired a single arrow that flew at Atreus, before splitting into several more, raining down on him. Atreus grunted as he tanked the arrows before he blocked one with his shield. The heads on the Two-headed Black Dog Shield came to life, barking and growling as their necks suddenly expanded, biting on Okaya's arm. Okaya grunted as he tried to pull away, enraged.

'Get off of me!' he said as he finally managed to break free, before jumping back.

'Air Strike Shield!' Atreus said as he launched a giant shield at Okaya, hitting him square in the gut. Okaya wheezed as he was struck, tumbling to the ground.

'Shield Prison!' Atreus shouted as he threw several Balloons at Okaya. The Balloons and Okaya were both encased into the large green ball. The Shield Prison rolled and jumped a little as the Balloons began gnawing on Okaya.

'S-stop that!' Okaya could be heard saying from within. 'That hurts!'

'Guess Loki's got Okaya on his knees,' Raphtalia said to which Freyr and Kratos grunted in agreement.

'Hey! No fair!' Akkeri said, seeming about to charge and attack Atreus. 'Let him out you cowardly cheat!'

'Do you have no respect for the purity of a duel?!' another of Okaya's party, a handsome looking man with flowing brown hair and ocean blue eyes said. Atreus ignored them both as the Shield Prison disappeared, leaving Okaya kneeling on the ground.

'Hey, Okaya!' Atreus called as he began stepping closer to Okaya. 'I thought I heard you say you were gonna put me in my place? Where'd the bravado go, Bow Hero? Maybe I am a cowardly cheat. Maybe you should admit defeat…Or I should have a Balloon rearrange that pretty face of yours!'

'Thunder Shoot!' Okaya yelled as he suddenly fired another lightning bolt at Atreus. Atreus blocked it with his shield, and this time was strong enough to keep standing. Okaya quickly pulled back, yelled 'Wind Arrow!', and fired an arrow coated in a gust of wind in one fell swoop. The Wind Arrow hit Atreus in the chest, making him yell in pain as the force was strong enough to send him flying away. He fell to the ground and gritted his teeth as he struggled to get back to his feet, his whole body bruised, bloodied and dirtied.

'Time to end this!' Okaya said, before pulling back on his Bow again. 'Eagle Piercing Shot!'

He shot an arrow at Atreus that flew fast, looking like an ethereal eagle made of light. Atreus raised his hands to defend himself as the arrow hit him square in the chest, sending him to the ground. He writhed as pain racked his entire body, struggling to get onto even one knee, sweat beading down his forehead. Raphtalia, Kratos and Freyr all stood, looking horribly desperate to step in, but knew that they couldn't interfere. Okaya stood over Atreus, his dead eyes and malicious smile hiding the fury he held.

'Heh, pathetic,' he said calmly. 'All that, and you still couldn't beat me. I guess you really are as weak as they say. Now…I think it's time the Shield Hero knows his place.'

Atreus gritted his teeth as Okaya began shooting him with several Bleeding Shots, leaving him horribly bloodied. Atreus tried to block the arrows as best as he could, but he felt himself getting weaker and weaker. Kratos growled in anger as he watched, grabbing his axe as he prepared to step in.

'Yes, suffer,' Okaya said calmly. 'After this, I think I'm going to take Raphtalia as my slave. I reckon she would do well with satisfying my party's…Carnal desires. Wouldn't you agree? Oh, how beautiful she looks. I bet she would do nicely in my party.'

Atreus gritted his teeth as anger surged through him. He yelled as the pain racking his entire body evaporated, and he charged at Okaya, morphing into a wolf mid leap. Okaya's eyes widened as he stepped back, becoming utterly terrified.

'W-what the-?!' Okaya said, before Atreus tackled him to the ground, biting Okaya and sinking his fangs deep into him. Okaya yelled in pain as Atreus began mauling him, utterly terrified.

'G-get off of me!' Okaya shouted, trying to throw Atreus off of him. 'T-that hurts! A-alright, you win! You win! I surrender! Just stop!'

Atreus barked aggressively as he bit Okaya on the waist, before beginning to thrash him against the ground repeatedly. He finally made one final bite and tore off a considerable amount of flesh, before throwing Okaya away. Okaya fell onto the ground, groaning as he laid motionless, horrifically bloodied and maimed. Atreus morphed back into his human form, wiping the blood from his mouth with one arm.

Everyone stood with wide eyes and opened mouths, shocked at what they had just seen. Okaya's party stood staring at Atreus with a mix of fear and fury.

'It appears Okaya is no longer able to battle,' Freyr said loudly. 'This victory belongs to the Shield Hero!'

Atreus's leg's quivered as he struggled to stand tall, the pain racking his whole body. He finally collapsed when Raphtalia came over to check on him, holding onto him so that he would not fall. Okaya's party members came rushing over to Okaya, standing over him.

'Okaya!' Akkeri yelled. 'Are you okay?!'

Okaya only groaned as he tried to stand, only for the pain to force him on his knees. Two of his party members wrapped his arms around their shoulders as they supported him.

'Thank fuck,' Freyr muttered to himself. 'That Okaya guy really is a nasty piece of work, is he?'

'Yeah,' Atreus muttered back.

'You…' Okaya said towards Atreus with a short cough, glaring at him. 'H-how…How did you do that? I've never known the other heroes to be capable of morphing into an animal. How do you have such power?'

'It's a secret,' Atreus taunted, smirking despite the pain. 'Wouldn't tell ya even if you tried to force me.'

Akkeri snarled as fury came over him, storming over to Atreus.

'You cowardly cheat!' he yelled as he grabbed Atreus by the collar, raising one fist. 'How dare you harm Okaya in that way! I should put you into the ground!'

'You harm him, and it shall be the last thing you do!' Raphtalia yelled as she drew her sword, pressing the tip to Akkeri's throat. Akkeri snarled as he let go of Atreus, causing him to tumble to the ground, and turned to Raphtalia, enraged.

'And just what are you going to do, you fucking Demi-Human?!' Akkeri yelled.

Suddenly, several ninjas surrounded Okaya and Atreus's parties, causing confusion amongst the group. Atreus tilted his head confusedly.

'Who are those guys?' Atreus asked.

'I have no fucking clue,' Freyr replied. 'But they look important, somehow.'

'W-what the hell?!' Akkeri yelled, sweating profusely. 'Is this another trick of the Shield Hero?!'

'What?! I didn't summon these people!' Atreus replied. 'I don't even know who these guys are!'

'Enough. This is no time for the Bow Hero to quarrel, and neither the Shield Hero,' one of the ninjas said. 'It is clear that the Shield Hero has won fairly and decisively. I suggest that the Bow Hero uphold his end of the bargain and leave.'

'Fuck that!' Akkeri shouted. 'There's no way in hell we are leaving! I demand a rematch! That cowardly fuck cheated! He mauled Okaya!'

'Okaya was torturing him!' Raphtalia fired back. 'No way you didn't see that! Not only that, but he was trying to take over the town, and force me into slavery!'

'I was trying to save you,' Okaya said, glaring maliciously at Raphtalia. 'The Shield Hero…The Shield Hero has forced you by his side…I know it…'

'Why would I need saving from you?!' Raphtalia yelled at Okaya. 'The Shield Hero has been nothing but kind to me! He fed me, gave me medicine, and taught me to survive! He has never abused me! I don't remember asking to be saved by a self-righteous freak!'

Okaya only chuckled, despite the pain racking his body.

'HOW DARE YOU SPEAK OF OKAYA LIKE THAT YOU WHORE!' Akkeri yelled as he suddenly attacked her, throwing a kick aimed right at her head. Kratos growled as he caught the leg with one hand, glaring at Akkeri with hate and rage in his eyes.

'Leave. Our. Home,' Kratos said, slowly and clearly, his voice filled with rage. Akkeri only snarled at him, furious.

'Enough, Akkeri,' Okaya said, smiling despite the pain. 'Fine. I suppose I shall uphold my end of the bargain and leave. This town is a wretched hive anyway. Come.'

Akkeri snarled and pulled his leg away, grumbling as he and the rest of Okaya's party left the village.

'Shield Hero,' the female ninja said. 'I would like to speak to you.'

'Who are you?' Atreus asked.

'We are spies, acting for the Queen of Melromarc,' the ninja explained. 'We have been keeping an eye on you, and the four heroes, on order from the Queen. She has requested us to send a message to you.'

'W-what is it?' Atreus groaned. 'G-get it over with. This hurts.'

'The Queen has requested that you do not seek vengeance against her husband the King of Melromarc,' the ninja explained. Atreus frowned, feeling like he had gone deaf.

'The King of Melromarc?' he replied. 'That piece of trash?'

'Yes,' The ninja answered. 'Word has begun to spread around Melromarc that the king is unfit to rule, after your father has threatened his life twice. The Queen fears that her husband's authority has weakened, putting the country at risk of a civil war. She wishes you to not retaliate against the King.'

'So wait, let me get this straight. You want us to allow that trash of a king to just walk all over us? Ever since we've arrived here he's done nothing but try to hinder us. My father only threatened him to protect me.'

'And the Queen understands your father's duty to protect you, believe me,' the ninja said. 'But she wants you to wait, until she returns. Then she shall make the King answer for his crimes. Until then, she asks that you refrain from retaliation.'

Atreus panted, then barely managed a shrug.

'O-okay,' he conceded. 'We can certainly try. But I can't promise anything, though.'

The ninja bowed her head, satisfied.

'If that is your answer,' she said. 'Then our business here is done. We shall return to the Queen to relay your message to her. I hope we may meet again.'

'Yeah. See ya,' Atreus said.

With that, the ninjas all disappeared in a puff of smoke. The villagers all surrounded Atreus and bowed respectfully.

'Thank you, Shield Hero,' the Lord said. 'For protecting our village. Now we are truly in your debt. Is there any way that we may be able to repay you?'

Atreus thought for a moment, then suddenly groaned as he clutched his side in pain.

'C-can I get some bandages, please? That'd be immensely helpful.'