This is a Beast Tamer and Rising Of The Shield Hero Crossover Fanfiction Only.
Other franchises will be included.
AN: Hero100100 wanted to mention this story was made as a birthday present for Hector Flores.
As the summoning ritual reached its conclusion, four young men suddenly found themselves in a dimly lit chamber, a stark contrast to the lives they had just been living. Disoriented and bewildered, they looked around, each grappling with the confusion that enveloped them. They were completely unaware of their surroundings, and an unsettling feeling washed over one of them—a growing suspicion that they had been forcibly brought to this place against their will. He could sense the potent magical energy saturating the air around them, a clear indication that they were the products of a complex and intricate summoning ritual orchestrated by multiple mages. This energy pulsed and hummed, reminiscent of prey ensnared in a spider's web, helpless and at the mercy of its captor.
Observing his companions, he noted that they appeared significantly younger than he was, leading him to wonder what had compelled these individuals to be summoned alongside him. Whoever had conjured them here must have invested immense resources and meticulous planning into this elaborate magical undertaking. Despite being caught in this unexpected situation, all he could clearly identify was the small shield strapped to his arm. The others, equipped with a bow, a sword, and a spear, exuded a warrior's readiness, yet he felt no fear at the thought of being attacked. His confidence stemmed from the unique benefits derived from the contracts forged by his father with his mothers, which granted him extraordinary abilities. If any of them dared to strike against him, they would soon discover the folly of such an attack.
The surroundings offered little comfort as he analyzed the chamber they were in. It resembled an ancient castle, echoing elements of his own home. The stone floor appeared somewhat worn and shabby, a clear indicator that expert craftsmen were a rarity in this area. The basic brickwork suggested a lack of skill, and the overall layout of the room gave him the impression that they were situated in a cellar or possibly a vacant storage room, far from the grandeur one might expect in a castle.
As the four men finally gathered their bearings and rose to their feet, they were approached by a figure clad in religious attire. The man wore robes that spoke of reverence and authority, and he greeted them with a warm but apologetic smile. "Greetings," he began, his tone earnest and somber. "We regret to inform you that you four have been summoned to fulfill the role of our cardinal heroes. The reason for this summoning is dire; our nation, and perhaps the entire world, is facing an unprecedented threat. I must apologize for the nature of your summoning, as we did not have the luxury of seeking your consent. Our desperation drove us to perform the hero summoning ritual, a directive we believe was bestowed upon us by our gods. The stakes were high, and the risk of failure could have resulted in the demise of those involved in the ritual. This urgency reflects the severity of our circumstances and our profound need for your assistance."
He made the decision to rise from his seat, a subtle yet firm gesture that captured the attention of the others as they continued to mull over his previous statements. "I understand that you required assistance and, in your desperation, you took the considerable risk of endangering the lives of several mages. However, before we can even begin to formulate a plan of action to assist you, it is imperative that we gain a comprehensive understanding of the circumstances at hand. Only then can we provide the support that your nation, or potentially your entire world, truly requires. Therefore, I kindly request that you share the finer details of the situation. If you choose not to do so, I am left to speculate that you are embroiled in a conflict with a legion of demons and that you are seeking the four of us to eliminate the demon king."
This proclamation was met with an uproar of laughter from the other three individuals. It was as though they had just been regaled with the most humorous anecdote they had ever heard. One of them, brandishing a spear, leaned heavily on his weapon for support, nearly collapsing from laughter. Another had succumbed to uncontrollable fits of hilarity, rolling on the floor in sheer mirth, while the one wielding a sword struggled valiantly to suppress his amusement, a smile plastered across his face.
"I must confess, I do not find the humor in what I have just articulated. The prospect of battling a demon king alongside his entire army of demons is no trivial matter," he continued, his voice steady and serious. "I must assume you hold the title of high priest. Therefore, your holiness, will it be you who elucidates the reasons and circumstances that led to our summoning to your world? Or is it the royal family residing in this castle, the rulers of your nation, who will be providing us with that information?"
The man before them made every effort to maintain a polite demeanor, ultimately confirming that it was indeed the king of this nation who had instigated the summoning ritual and would subsequently clarify the situation. He further revealed that his own role within this hierarchy was that of the head of the national faith, which conferred upon him the rank of pope. To facilitate their understanding of their summons, he proposed escorting them to an audience with the king as soon as they regained their ability to walk.
As the laughter began to fade, the other three became increasingly aware that at least one member of their group was treating this predicament with utmost seriousness. It seemed evident that the gravity of the situation regarding the demon king and his army was no laughing matter to him. The pope observed the shift in their demeanor with a knowing smile and offered to guide them to the throne room, emphasizing the importance of not keeping the king waiting, as it would be deemed impolite.
The youngest member of the quartet was the first to acquiesce, following along behind the pope, though not without grumbling that it was rather rude of them to have essentially kidnapped the group without any forewarning.
As they moved through the castle, the spear-wielding individual gasped in awe at the grandeur of their surroundings, while the bowman marveled at the intricate design and architectural beauty that adorned the walls of the castle. The swordsman, however, wore a distinct expression that suggested he had just tasted something particularly disagreeable, his scowl indicating his displeasure. In contrast, the eldest among them appeared indifferent, regarding the castle as an unremarkable structure that bore a striking resemblance to his family's quaint summer vacation home. He noted the guards stationed throughout the premises; while they were clad in armor, their equipment was of a noticeably lesser quality than that worn by the knights and soldiers who served his own family, prompting a sense of bemusement in him as they proceeded onward.
As they stepped into the audience chamber, the atmosphere felt notably uninspired. The walls were bare, devoid of any flags or intricate tapestries that might have conveyed the grandeur typically associated with royalty. The throne, stark and unadorned, seemed to lack any semblance of the majesty, power, and prestige that one would expect from a king's seat. This austere setting was clearly designed to send a message to all who entered: the king and his nation were not to be trifled with. The first impression in such a space was paramount, particularly when it came to negotiations that could determine the future of the kingdom. A dismal reception could instigate dissatisfaction among the populace, potentially breeding discontent that might escalate into revolts or a collapse in faith regarding the royal family's ability to govern effectively.
The king himself was rather predictable in demeanor; he exuded a self-satisfied air, full of confidence and entitlement, as if he considered himself the greatest monarch to have ever lived. However, he was blissfully unaware of the precarious situation he had created by summoning the infamous hero, a figure loathed by many in his own realm who referred to him as the devil. The king had intended to utilize this hero merely as a pawn to further his own ambitions, a tactic he frequently employed with those around him. "Greetings, young heroes," he began, his voice resonating through the chamber. "I am Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, King of the esteemed nation of Melromarc. I summoned you four because we are in dire need of the cardinal heroes to rescue our world and, above all, my cherished nation and people. But please, introduce yourselves so we may know the names of the brave heroes destined to save us from the chaos that threatens our very existence."
The other three heroes approached their introductions with a casualness that suggested they believed they were simply conversing with an ordinary individual, rather than a sovereign. Motoyasu described himself as a nineteen-year-old college student, Itsuki shared that he was a seventeen-year-old high school student, and Ren casually mentioned his own status as a sixteen-year-old high school student. Naofumi, however, found their lack of decorum exasperating. Disturbed by their impertinence, he stepped forward, positioning himself in front of the throne and bowing respectfully before the king. "I apologize for my fellow heroes' breach of royal decorum. Allow me to introduce myself correctly: I am Naofumi Iwatami Shroud, the crown prince of the esteemed nation of Horizon. I empathize with your desire to protect your citizens, as my father and I share the same commitment to safeguarding our own kingdom's populace." Naofumi awaited a sign from the king before rising once more.
The three other heroes had never even heard of a kingdom named Horizon, much less anticipated that the fourth hero would be its crown prince. Their responses were mixed; some perceived Naofumi's self-introduction as mere boasting, while others dismissed him as an arrogant fool trying to inflate his own importance. The king himself was the most taken aback by Naofumi's introduction. Instead of the deference he had expected from the so-called heroes of his faith, he was confronted by rudeness from the other three, contrasted sharply with Naofumi's display of proper respect and etiquette that indicated a strong understanding of court manners. This refinement and poise undeniably lent credibility to his claim of being a crown prince.
This revelation was far from what the king had envisaged. The potential ramifications of Naofumi's status were significant; he risked setting off an international incident if he mishandled this situation. The king realized that his initial strategy had been reckless and impulsive, requiring a reassessment of his approach. He needed to ensure that his plan not only succeeded but that it could withstand scrutiny. The implications of Naofumi's identity underscored the uncertainty about the strength and capabilities of the nation of Horizon, especially given that Naofumi's appearance provided no clues about its true influence or power.
"Please, stand young prince, but I must inquire about your age. I do believe this detail eluded your introduction." Naofumi felt a moment of embarrassment for not having provided this essential piece of information sooner. He was twenty-one years old, firmly situated in adulthood, and uniquely positioned within the royal family as the next in line to the throne. His responsibilities also extended to commanding the Horizon military, a role he had taken on for the past few months, unlike his fellow heroes who seemed to have only recently arrived in this world.
"Having you among the other heroes will significantly enhance our efforts," the king remarked, a hint of relief in his voice. "Your experience with troop movements and deployment tactics will be invaluable to us. As I was about to convey, my beloved nation of Melromac, and indeed our entire world, is under constant threat from monstrous beings that seem to emerge from other dimensions or worlds. We refer to these incursions as waves of calamity, and we have endured numerous such waves in the past."
With a measured pause, he allowed the young heroes to absorb the gravity of his words, ensuring they understood the peril that lay ahead. "We recognize that we may have summoned you out of desperation due to the existential threat facing our world. However, I assure you that we will not expect you to place your lives on the line without appropriate rewards or support. For every wave you confront and every monster you defeat, you shall be compensated generously. Moreover, the remains of the creatures you vanquish will serve as valuable resources; you might use them to enhance your abilities or sell them for profit."
As twilight began to creep into the room, the king continued, "Given that we have summoned you four heroes and the hour is growing late, we will arrange accommodations for you at our finest inn. You shall have the freedom to eat and drink to your heart's content. This hospitality is our way of expressing our regret for the inconvenience we have caused you."
Naofumi recognized the strategic undertones of the king's words; they echoed the lessons imparted by his mentors. However, what struck him was the elation radiating from the other three heroes, who seemed to be caught up in the prospect of financial gain. The notion of profiting from the situation—whether through selling the remains of defeated monsters or collecting rewards for their efforts—was clearly appealing to them. To Naofumi, this response was both unsettling and bewildering. It struck him as greedy, as they were evidently preoccupied with their own financial ambitions, yet it also seemed irrational. Life's most critical lesson was that no matter how much wealth one accrued, it could not accompany them into the afterlife.
Naofumi found this mindset perplexing; they should be striving to gather knowledge about this unfamiliar land. The mere mention of a nation separate from Horizon made it clear to him that he had indeed found himself in a different world altogether. This revelation heightened his caution and made him acutely aware of the stakes involved in their situation. The others might wish to delve into discussions about his background, but he recognized the folly in doing so openly in the throne room, where discretion was paramount.
"Your Majesty," Naofumi interjected, "are we finished? With your permission, I would like to borrow a few books that might be vital to our efforts against the monsters we are destined to confront." At that moment, the pope advanced, suggesting that if Naofumi sought knowledge on monsters, he should also consider the church's scriptures, which would offer additional insights.
The king's expression darkened at this suggestion. "The people will join us tomorrow," he stated firmly, reiterating his stance on the matter. Naofumi sensed the tension between the king and the pope and understood that navigating this political landscape would require both shrewdness and restraint.
The guards stationed within the stronghold cast their watchful eyes upon Naofumi, their glares more intense and accusatory than directed at anyone else present. This behavior came as no shock to him; he had been trained by mentors who had drilled into him the harsh realities of authority and suspicion. With a calm yet firm demeanor, Naofumi addressed the head of the guard, expressing his desire to maintain a level of civility. "Before we depart, please convey my regards to your wife and family. I hope to foster peace during my stay here, but let it be known that should my family or I decide to come here in a more official capacity, we will not be alone. The full might of our military stands ready to support us."
Altray, intrigued by the weight of Naofumi's words, found himself wanting to inquire about the extent of Naofumi's dominion. However, the cold steeliness in Naofumi's eyes cautioned him against probing further. This was not a youthful idealist brimming with dreams; rather, he was a seasoned warrior whose combat experience dwarfed that of all the other heroes combined.
"I require comprehensive texts regarding your geography, political alliances, established laws, and regulations," Naofumi stated with clarity and purpose. "Additionally, I would like to acquire the holy book from your pope; it may provide valuable insights, if not useful guidance." There was a confidence in his voice as he continued, "As for the matter of payment, let me clarify: my world operates under a single kingdom, and my family holds the reins of that power. Our military strength is formidable; we have faced down a demon emperor and emerged victorious. In fact, a significant portion of our population has served in our military, which makes it clear that the guards before us would be no match for the challenges we have faced."
Alcray listened intently, his interest piqued by Naofumi's description of his world. Recognizing the importance of this exchange, he resolved to gather a comprehensive collection of texts that could assist Naofumi, thanking him for his openness and willingness to share insights.
However, the atmosphere shifted abruptly when one of the guards overstepped his bounds. Attempting to assert his dominance, the guard threw a punch at Naofumi. In a swift and practiced motion, Naofumi intercepted the strike, executing a flawless throw that sent the guard crashing to the ground. The other heroes watched in awe as they recognized the move as a form of self-defense rooted in martial disciplines like Judo or Aikido. Once the guard was back on his feet, his expression was a mix of shock and confusion. Naofumi offered a light-hearted apology, "I'm sorry about that; sometimes my instincts take over when I'm attacked."
The guard, still slightly stunned but recovering quickly, brushed off the incident with a wave of his hand, remarking that he was largely uninjured. He then informed Naofumi and the others that their accommodations at the inn were prepared and that he would guide them there personally.
As they set off, Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Ren, clearly excited, requested that the guard share details about Melromarc and its capital during the journey. Naofumi couldn't help but think that their demeanor more resembled eager schoolchildren on a summer field trip than that of heroes preparing to confront the very real perils that lay ahead. In Naofumi's eyes, Melromarc was merely a place—nothing extraordinary—but the enthusiasm radiating from the other three was palpable, their barrage of questions illuminating their curiosity during what Naofumi considered an unremarkable guided tour. The journey had only just begun, yet the differences in their perspectives were already becoming abundantly clear.
As Naofumi approached the establishment whimsically named the Siren's Ballad, he found himself chuckling at the coincidence. The name struck a chord deep within him, evoking memories of his mother's own establishment in his previous life, where she used to sing with heartfelt passion. This moment stirred a sense of nostalgia, making him momentarily long for the warmth of his mother's presence and the companionship of his friends, reminding him of a life that felt worlds away. However, the resemblance ended there; while the name held a certain familiarity, the ambiance of this inn was strikingly different from the cozy haven he had known.
Upon entering, Naofumi observed the modest stage, which was so small that it could hardly accommodate live performances. Instead, a solitary minstrel was tucked away in one corner, providing soft background music that barely filled the room. The bar, with its unkempt and slightly worn appearance, resembled a dimly lit tavern in a less reputable neighborhood, rather than a welcoming establishment. The tables, fashioned from what appeared to be repurposed cartwheels, gave the inn a rustic and somewhat haphazard charm, while the seating arrangements consisted of barrels that had been crudely sliced to serve as makeshift chairs. Although the staff greeted patrons with basic friendliness, there was an unmistakable reserve in their demeanor, perhaps stemming from the fact that Naofumi was now a guest at the inn. The layout of the space combined the restaurant and lobby into a singular area, making it a hub for those seeking either a hearty meal or a place to rest their weary heads for the night.
However, it quickly became apparent to Naofumi that the shield he bore was more than just a piece of equipment; it had become a symbol of his outsider status. As he settled into a corner table, he noticed the hostile glances directed at him from patrons and some of the waiting staff. Their stares, filled with disdain, made it clear that his very presence—and what it represented—was unwelcome in this establishment.
When one of the waitresses approached, she offered menus to Motoyasu and the others graciously, but the moment Naofumi asked for one, her attitude shifted dramatically. A piercing glare accompanied the menu as it was unceremoniously tossed in his direction, landing far short of his outstretched hand and causing the others to flinch in surprise. Naofumi couldn't help but feel a blend of irritation and amusement at their reaction. "Why are you all so shocked?" he said, his tone tinged with sarcasm. "While you three were off enjoying the sights and sounds of the capital, I was busy reading through those five books the king had given me, not to mention the holy scriptures presented by the pope. This place worships only the three heroes, leaving me branded as an outcast, practically the equivalent of the devil in their eyes. Yes, that notion exists in my world too."
Ren, trying to lighten the mood, suggested that the pasta dishes looked appealing, while Motoyasu leaned toward a hearty steak and potatoes option. Itsuki, with a straightforwardness that surprised even himself, pointed to the item that resembled a hamburger and declared it his choice. For drinks, they collectively decided on a refreshing beverage that resembled sweet tea, opting to steer clear of any alcoholic drinks since they needed to maintain their focus. Their choices seemed to align well with one another, and soon they placed their orders based on the recommendations given.
As they waited for their food, a conversation sparked among the four of them. They began to share stories and experiences, gradually uncovering that each of them hailed from different variations of Japan. However, when they turned to Naofumi, curious about his origins, he clarified with a hint of frustration that he was not from any place known as Japan at all. In fact, he asserted, that nation had never existed in his world, leaving them to ponder the vast complexities of their respective backgrounds. The realization that their realities diverged so greatly created an atmosphere filled with intrigue and confusion, yet it also brought them a little closer together amidst their unusual circumstances.
The realization struck the other heroes with a weight they had not anticipated; Naofumi was not like them. He hailed from a different world, a concept that piqued their curiosity and ignited a hunger for knowledge about this unfamiliar realm. They yearned to ask him questions about his experiences, his family life, and the significant events that shaped his existence. The novelty of Naofumi's world offered an endless well of potential conversations, ones that could entertain and enlighten all present. The setting was perfect for such discussions, as they found themselves in a private dining area that provided ample seclusion. This atmosphere encouraged Naofumi to share more personal stories, granting him the freedom to elaborate on his life without the constraints of shyness.
However, unbeknownst to them, their perceived privacy was somewhat illusory. In the corners of the room, there were ears—individuals who were discreetly gauging the exchange of stories and insights being shared among the heroes. This raised a subtle tension in the air, heightening the stakes of their discussion.
As Naofumi began to recount his lineage and heritage, he stated, "I don't think I need to introduce myself; my name is already known to you. My father was Rein Shroud, a notable figure hailing from a village renowned for training some of the finest beast tamers in the world. These skilled individuals were known for their ability to forge contracts with various beasts, enabling them to command creatures capable of feats beyond the capacity of ordinary humans. My father had an insatiable desire to master every conceivable form of contract throughout his life, and he achieved this by learning over a hundred different contracts." The heroes listened intently, captivated by the depth of his father's expertise.
Naofumi continued, explaining that his father eventually discovered the ability to combine these contracts, leading to the formation of even rarer and more unique partnerships with exceptional beasts. "In this world, I believe these beings would likely be classified as demi-humans," he added, sparking intrigue among the three listeners. They pondered the implications of such partnerships, intrigued by the idea of a beast tamer's connection with the powerful creatures they commanded.
To clarify the extraordinary nature of his father's abilities, Naofumi explained that a beast tamer not only gained the cooperation of the beasts they bonded with but also inherited their physical strengths and certain unique skills exclusive to those creatures. This revelation deepened the heroes' fascination as they began to understand the level of power and synergy involved in such contracts.
Naofumi's narrative took a darker turn as he recounted a pivotal moment in his father's past. "One day, while training in the woods, my father's village came under attack by a demon general—one who served the dreaded demon lord. My father rushed home to protect his friends and family, and it was in that harrowing moment that he encountered two mentors who would change the course of his life and mine." His voice took on a reverent tone as he described these two formidable men, who seemed to arrive as if divinely appointed and began to engage the invading demon troops, felling them with a terrifying efficiency.
"The struggle culminated in a fierce confrontation against the demon general," Naofumi elaborated. "My father watched in awe as these mentors battled tirelessly, seemingly refusing to yield despite their grievous wounds. It was a sight that left an indelible mark on him, as it appeared they fought with a vigor that belied the severity of their injuries."
Ren, one of the heroes listening, interjected with a question about the demon general's capabilities. "How menacing was this demon general to warrant such urgency and suffering from those two men?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Naofumi's expression turned grave as he responded, "The demon general possessed the terrifying ability to summon an endless horde of troops and beasts to do his bidding. As long as the general remained intact, the village would face an unrelenting tide of enemies. My father witnessed them employing bizarre tactics, and at times, he could have sworn he saw hundreds of copies of those two warriors, each fighting valiantly to safeguard the village while the primary focus remained on defeating the demon general. It was a spectacle that was unearthly, especially in a village known for its supernatural dealings, including the ability to make contracts with ghosts. The entire experience must have been utterly bewildering for my father."
With this detailed account, the heroes were not only learning about Naofumi's past, but they were also being drawn into the drama and complexity of his world, a world that was both foreign and extraordinary.
Ultimately, it was revealed that Hiro Uzumaki and Hector Uchiha were not lifeless; they had simply succumbed to a deep state of exhaustion brought on by their arduous efforts and lack of nourishment. As they rested, they exchanged light-hearted banter, acknowledging that the considerable energy demanded by their impressive array of talents often left them feeling famished. This shared experience of being overwhelmed by their own capabilities was a humorous twist to their extraordinary lives. Hiro and Hector had been entrusted with a significant mission: to save Naofumi's father's village under the guidance of a goddess they both worshiped. This divine charge led them to the village, where they dedicated time to training Naofumi's father in their unique abilities. However, their ongoing commitment would eventually require them to venture into another world to fulfill the continuing missions assigned to them by their goddess.
Naofumi shared vivid anecdotes about his father, recounting the myriad of challenges he faced throughout his life, including the fascinating tale of how he encountered the many women who would come to hold a special place in their family as wives. Naofumi's father had a remarkable history, one that encompassed a total of twenty-nine wives, a revelation that left the other three heroes momentarily speechless. They nearly choked on their meals as they processed the sheer enormity of this fact. "You have got to be kidding me," one exclaimed incredulously. "Your dad married twenty-nine women, a number of whom were demi-humans? What on earth is going on? In any version of our world, polygamy is strictly against the law."
Naofumi responded to Motoyasu, explaining that while polygamy may be illegal in their worlds, it was a completely different scenario for high-ranking nobles and members of royal families. Such unions were not only common but also expected as a means of forging alliances and strengthening bonds among nations. His mother, Sarya, originally bore the maiden name Iwatami, a fact that ultimately influenced Naofumi's full name, Naofumi Iwatami Shroud. His mother held the title of crown princess in a realm that, thanks to his father's formidable influence, ultimately unified disparate territories into a singular kingdom.
"The story goes that my father defeated the demon lord, effectively bringing an end to significant peril that plagued our world. In the aftermath, various neighboring kingdoms sought to align themselves with my father by sending their daughters to marry him. This strategic union formed the basis for the harem, which played a critical role in unifying the kingdoms into one cohesive realm." Naofumi emphasized the reality of his family's influential status, declaring, "When I say my family rules an entire world, I truly mean it. I am the crown prince of that kingdom."
Hiro and Hector had returned to Naofumi's life during his childhood, a pivotal time when they imparted valuable knowledge and skills. They even gifted him several items, which they claimed would be advantageous for him in the future. The time spent learning from these two remarkable figures was so substantial that Naofumi grew to think of them as beloved uncles, solidifying a bond that transcended their missions and responsibilities.