Path of the Shaolin Tool's Hero Chapter 12, a rising of the shield hero/盾の勇者の成り上がり fanfic

Key:

'Thoughts'

"Whisper/Text/Past Conversations"

[Skills/Menu/Magic]

"Speech"

Sounds

Chapter 12 "Discussions"

"U-um…welcome to Xialin's Huô Inscription School!" Erei nervously said as he ran ahead of the party to show off the front gates. The gates were thick in width and were made of metal, causing Owen to take a small glance at it before continuing to remain silent.

The Inscription School itself was apparently decently massive according to Erei. The school is surrounded by tall walls that are patrolled by mercenaries paid by the masters who run the place.

Though in Owen's mind, it seemed more like a prison or a very walled encampment for a military force. Jìng seemed to think the same thing as she asked Erei about the walls while muttering at the sight, "I've never seen an inscription school before but this…feels more like a fortress than a school…"

"Well after the founding of Pan Bo, the Hóu of Xialin City ordered its construction to serve as an outpost to lookout for Jia armies. After the banner wars, numerous masters from different Shrine Families decided to pool in their fortune and purchase the place from Xialin. Thus they created the Huô Inscription School of Xialin!" Erei explained about the school's history.

"How…long ago…was this banner war?" Owen asked quietly. He was simply curious due to the small tidbit that Erei's great grandfather fought in the war with a really good helmet.

Jìng seemingly brightened up at Owen asking a question but quickly stopped as Owen began looking around on Horsy, watching trees and bushes.

After getting their stuff stolen, Owen hadn't been talking for the remainder of the trip so there had been an awkward silence among the party. Instead Owen began to use [Detection] through the use of the Hardwood Root Jo Staff, to see if those bandits would return once again.

"Hmm, I say this was around 60 years ago?" Erei mumbled getting a small 'aah' from Owen before shaking his head, "I can't really explain much of it to you. All I know was that it had to do with something regarding the royalty of Pan Bo and the Council of Jia."

Owen hummed before going back to silence and seeing that he wasn't going to talk any further, Jìng got off the back of the empty cart and spoke to Erei, "so how do we get in?"

Erei gave a small smile before approaching the gates and closing his right fist. Owen and Jìng watched with curiosity as Erei knocked on a section of the metal gate that had an etched symbol of the school on it.

It slid up to reveal a pair of brown eyes staring at Erei before locking in Jìng and Owen.

"Gye Erei…I see that your trip back to Xialin wasn't of too much trouble. Though those two…" the man behind the door continued to stare at the two other people outside while questioning Erei, "they aren't new students right? We're already at full capacity."

Erei shook his head as he explained the two party members to the guard, "No they're not. That man."

Erei pointed at Owen who ignored the gazes of curiosity in the doorman's eyes, "is the Shaolin Hero and Lady Xinya is his companion. They helped me out back at Xialin and they asked to bring them here so Sir Jenkins can learn Tattoo Inscription Magic."

"Hmmm…"

The guard continued to state as Jìng bowed in greeting. After a while, the party heard a sigh as the man behind the door rubbed his eyes with tiredness, "I'll go get the School Master…Erei if you brought a mere bandit-"

The man was cut off as Owen slammed his Bo Staff against the door, causing Jìng and Erei to look at him with shock. No one spoke as word as silence seemingly drowned out any other sounds, whether it came from the nature all around them or the distant voices of people talking within the school.

Crouching slightly, Owen glared at the man as he spoke in a stern voice, "Do NOT call me a bandit…"

The guard would nervously look at Owen, causing a part of Owen to feel guilty and insecure that he decided to lash out his emotions at the poor door guard. Owen took a step back and went back to using [Detection] in an attempt to push himself away from what just happened.

Internally Owen couldn't help but curse at himself.

'God dammit…'

Back to his party members, Jìng looked on worryingly about her friend's state before apologizing to the guard and explaining what happened to them on their way through Michi Forest.

The guard numbly rubbed the back of his head in understanding, "I see…I would be upset too if some bandits took my stuff and threatened the people I care about. I'll…"

"Let it go this time, hopefully the School Master can provide some advice for your friend," the guard offered before nervously taking a step back.

"Thank you, that would be much appreciated," Jìng said a bit loudly so Owen could hear. With him doing anything he can to not look at Jìng's face.

With that the guard left the gate in search of the school master. Leaving Jìng and Erei alone with Owen who did his best to ignore everyone, honestly to everyone he was acting like an ashamed child.

Jìng stepped forward, resting a hand on his armored shoulder. "Owen, that was unnecessary."

He braced himself to be reprimanded but instead found her looking at him warmly. He sighed, then sank onto the cart, while Erei busied himself petting Horsy.

"R-right... I shouldn't have taken it out on the guard. It's just... those bastards who stole from us—they're all I can think about!" Owen angrily muttered only to have Jìng's hand now on his chest, surprisingly calming him down.

Slightly blushing at the contact, he listened to Jìng as she explained to him something he should've realized.

"Owen…what matters is that we're safe," Jìng spoke and after seeing Owen paying full attention to her, she continued, "they are just supplies. You possess the Shaolin Tool's, your status as a Hero will have people who wish to help you out to save this world, that means you'll be earning items that will help you on this journey. Plus we can always get more since we still have our Mon-Coins. What matters is your life is safe, not those cooking utensils or pillows."

"Make sure to take deep breaths too, okay? It helped me calm down back home," Jìng offered a piece of advice as Owen took in her words.

Taking a deep breath as well, Owen weakly nodded after agreeing with what she was saying. This talk about the situation also made him even more conscious about the greedy and selfish parts of his personality, it made him feel even more ashamed.

"I do understand where you're coming from Owen…you're not from this world so you don't know all the dangers you can fall into," Jìng said before giving him a much brighter smile that even caused Owen to blink.

"I don't know much about this world either so let's continue watching each other's backs okay? So that way we can avoid any unnecessary troubles. This is simply a setback, that's all!" Jìng said with a much happier tone, causing Owen to go silent.

But seeing Jìng continue to smile, Owen couldn't help but be unable to stop himself from smiling.

"Yeah…you're right, once again," Owen admitted as he placed his hand on Jìng's shoulder, "thanks for being there to make me realize how idiotic I can be sometimes."

He'd only got a small chuckle from Jìng as she shook her head, "we've all got our own faults Owen, it's just a matter of realizing it and doing something about them."

Owen couldn't help but think of how wise Jìng was. Honestly if she was ever on Earth, he could see her being a therapist of some sorts. He was lucky to have met her in this world, something that Owen couldn't help but seriously thank.

"you're…amaz-" Owen was about to say earnestly but after seeing the slightly red tint on Jìng, he quickly cut himself off with embarrassment, seemingly to also forget about how they were just robbed. The two party members stayed silent as Erei looked on with amusement.

'Jeez! Could you misinterpret that as a confession!? God Owen, you're such an idiot.'

"'W-what was that?" Jìng nervously asked as she stared at Owen, causing him to gulp and begin to sweat.

'Curse my social skills!!! I thought I had solved it!'

"You're…cool. Yeah, an awesome friend!" Owen said quickly as he jumped off the cart and pet Horsy nervously. Only to find himself pulling away after seeing the amusement in Erei's expression.

He then heard a giggle come from Jìng who gave him a slightly embarrassed smile. But for her, Jìng couldn't help but also be a bit red at seeing the blushing look he was giving her.

Personally Owen was really hoping for the gate to open anytime now. Which occurred a few seconds later as the metal gates began to push itself forward, causing everyone to take a step back.

The sounds of footsteps made their way closer to the party as a woman in a much more formal and decorated outfit compared to Erei's, stepped forward. She was also accompanied by a few guards as she elegantly scanned the people in front of her school gates, her gaze stopping on Erei.

Owen couldn't help but gulp nervously at her stare this time. Recalling one of his teachers back on Earth, there were definitely some similarities in the look she was giving.

'She reminds me of my stern English teacher…'

"Erei, I'm glad you're safe," she said warmly before looking at Owen and Jìng as she then greeted the pair, "Sir Jenkins and Lady Xinya, I welcome you to our school. I am School Master Liang Yuhua, a pleasure."

…

"Why don't you try out some tea, Sir Jenkins?"

The party was currently located in the School Master's office that overlooked the majority of the entire Inscription School. The room for example had open windows that allowed Owen to look at the neatly organized school grounds that held numerous students, all of whom were walking to their dorms according to the school master.

'Is this one of those private schools Jìng is telling me about? Do they teach classes outside of magic here?'

Owen thought before recalling his outburst to the gate guard. He felt pretty crappy about the situation and apologized for his behavior when they were escorted to the office, though Erei had to go somewhere else for some reason Owen didn't know.

Right now however, Owen and Jìng sat across from Yuhua with a dark wooden table between them. There were numerous cups and small deserts laid in front of them, treats that he had never seen before.

Owen swiftly stopped glancing around and bowed in thanks to the School Master's offer of tea. Doing his best to look elegant and at the same time not mess up, Owen brought the cup close to his lips before taking a sip.

It didn't taste that good…but Owen didn't want to be even more disrespectful to the people that would supposedly help him learn magic. Despite doing his best to not think about it and Jìng's speech, Owen couldn't help but continue thinking about the bandits!

'I've never been robbed before…it was honestly…scary and I froze up because of it.'

He was not really a confrontational person unless he was backed into a corner and even then it brought only amusement to the bandits. How was he supposed to save the world if he would freeze up like that?

'Just what does the Wave of Calamity look like?'

"I see that you have a lot on your mind," Yuhua said calmly after seeing Owen muttering and not being a part of the conversation.

Blinking, Owen saw Jìng and the School Master looking right at him. He'd only nodded his head as the School Master took another sip of her own tea before complimenting Jìng.

"but I believe that Lady Jìng is doing a good job at assisting you ease the stress that's been placed upon you as the Shaolin Hero. You should be thankful to her for all that she's done so far."

"Eh? I-its nothing, he helped me realize that I could be more than what I was at Najin and I'm just repaying the favor," Jìng said embarrassed at the School Master's compliment.

"Do you remember how I told you to enter my office before I do?"

The two party members nodded.

"I had a talk with Erei regarding the bandits and how you managed to help him. He owes you a lot, Lady Xinya…"

Jìng simply stayed silent as Owen agreed with Yuhua's statement and also partially due to her stern glare, Owen turned to face Jìng, causing her to yelp in surprise as he bowed before her.

"Y-you don't need to do that-"

"Thank you Jìng…" Owen said simply. His mind thanked his companion for the company, the knowledge, and the assistance in battle she had provided ever since leaving Najin Village with her.

Jìng looked at Owen showing her gratitude before glancing at the school master who gave her a nod.

"You don't need to bow Owen…a simple thank you is enough."

Owen slowly got back up as the School Master gave some knowledge for the Shaolin Hero to remember, "I understand your newly discovered fear and anger towards the bandits but I want you to remember that you cannot let the issues of the world buckle you down. You must adapt and discipline yourself from the negative aspects that you carry…"

"This school is to teach those born with the element Huô to control these urges as one who doesn't lead to the rise of tyrants and monsters…"

She leaned closer to Owen as she began to stare deeply into Owen's eyes. Owen couldn't help but nervously look back as the school master continued speaking.

"Our world cannot have its Holy Hero fall in a similar path. Control your greed and anger, Owen or the Waves of Calamity will consume us all, including you," she finished as she used his name to drive her point forward. She then simply leaned back and watched as Jìng comforted Owen.

'...'

'... I'm really full of flaws huh? Do I blame it on the way my parents raise me…or is it all on me?'

Yet another question he would have to find the answer for as Owen respectfully responded back to the school master, "I…understand. Thank you for your warning, Lady Liang…"

Yuhua stared at him before reaching out and pulling on a nearby rope, Owen and Jìng turned to face the school master as a small ringing sound echoed outside the room.

Ring*

Creeeaakkk*

It didn't take too long for the door behind them to open as a man dressed in a masculine version of Yuhua's uniform entered the room.

"School Master Liang, what do you wish to tell me?"

The newcomer entered the room before walking to the group and introducing himself, "my name is Sheng, and I'm a staff member of this Inscription School. More specifically the one in charge of scroll management."

"Sir Sheng…" the school master called out, "after discussing with the Shaolin Hero and knowing more of his personality. I want you to bring us an inscription set and a few disciple and apprentice level scrolls…"

"Of course."

Owen couldn't help but blink at how fast this was all happening, and Jìng did the same.

'I expected to get kicked out…but they'll help me?'

"You're likely wondering why I am helping you? It's simple, you're a good individual. Despite the numerous flaws you have, you didn't move along when my student was getting attacked back in Xialin, so consider this as my way of thanks."

A way of saying thanks…

It felt pretty nice to help Erei out too…why had Owen never stopped to think about the gratitude of helping others in minor ways?

"Once again…thank you for this, I will do my best to take your warning seriously," Owen said before looking at Jìng.

"After this, why don't we go search for those Heart Roots and stick around Xialin to fix this bandit problem."

Jìng nodded in agreement as she shared her thoughts, "that sounds good, Owen. I'll do my best as always!"

The bandits…they were planning something and Owen decided that he would stay in Xialin just a little bit longer and see what he could do to help the people here.

'I'm not gonna let those guys threaten anyone else…'

A few minutes later...

"So…uh, how is this gonna work?" Owen asked nervously as he sat down on a leaning chair. Currently he was trying to fight off the embarrassment he was in as he was shirtless, due to his armor and tunic getting in the way for the tattoo placement.

They were still in the School Master's office.

'Jìng had to go through this?'

Owen thought as he twisted his head to check up on Jìng, who glanced at him before looking away at the tea still on the table. He turned forward to see Sheng holding what appeared to be a small wooden stick with a sharp needle at the top.

"Well, first I'll be using this Tebori stick to essentially poke your skin with the holy ink," Sheng answered Owen's question casually.

Owen couldn't help but gulp as he locked eyes with Lady Liang. The school master explained that this was necessary, "you're new to our world but this is how we gain our tattoos, Sir Jenkins. It will sting and you will feel your hand be numb for a few days as your body adjusts to the tattoo inscribed onto it."

"Wait…so I won't be able to use magic right away?" Owen questioned as the school master brought out a book. In it, there were numerous drawings of arms with different types of tattoos with different lengths.

"No, not yet at least. Because you are around Level 23, we will only be able to give you a single apprentice level tattoo and two disciple level ones, if you add more tattoos of the same level, it simply improves your spells even more. Feel free to look at your hand currently as once we're done, it will be covered in tattoos. For your forearm, we'll place the tattoo on the inner forearm."

Doing just that, Owen looked down in shock at his untattooed left hand and forearm.

'My entire hand is gonna be covered!?'

"Though rest assured your fingers will not get covered by the disciple tattoos, so that you can use them in your daily activities," Yuhua finished, slightly amused at Owen's expression.

Owen scratched his cheek at that bit of news as Sheng grabbed his left arm and tied it to the arm of the chair he was sitting in.

"I-I guess, that's o-okay…"

Seeing that Owen was immensely nervous about the situation, Jìng decided to stand up and offer her hand to Owen's right one.

"You can squeeze my hand as much as you need to, Owen," Jìng gave a smile to Owen. One that he very much appreciated as he shook with fear.

"Thank you…um…how long will this take?" Owen asked the tattoo artist who gave him a blank look.

"Your Holiness…it's best if I don't say."

'oh god…this is gonna fucking suck…'

Owen tightly squeezed Jìng's hand as he watched Sheng dip the needle into a bowl of holy ink. This didn't stop Owen from asking everyone if there was some sort of numbing ointment they could place on his skin, which only got the shaking of everyone's head.

"We cannot have any other substance on your skin or else it will permanently affect how efficient the inscription tattoos will be. Now, I ask you to stay still…"

Owen could only cry internally as the needle began to poke at the skin on his hand…

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

"OW FUCK THAT HURTS!"

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

"OW OW OW!"

"Owen remember to squeeze my hand okay?"

"Y-YOU HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS!?!?"

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

"Yes, but if it makes you feel any better…the numbness only lasts for a week!"

"'W-what?"

"A week! So you won't be in pain for long!"

"..."

"Owen?"

"...y-yay…"

"Ah! Are those tears!?"

"N-no…"

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

"M-my eyes are just…sweating…"

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke* *Poke*

Owen…experienced this for six hours…

…

Rubbing his eyes, Owen felt his nerves screaming at him as he tiredly stood up with the help of Jìng.

"H-Hey Owen…I know it was scary but hey! It's all over now!" Jìng comforted, only to look at Owen with shock in his lifeless eyes.

"R-really?" Owen said emotionless before cheering in a monotone voice, "yay…"

Sheng snorted at Owen as he took a look at the numerous Juàn Xiê characters on the hero's inner forearm and hand.

Owen looked down and took in the sight of it before his eyes widened in surprise, even everyone else did as well.

On his skin, the inscribed letters began to shift in place as if they were sliding on ice. New ones began to form as a completely different chant inscribed itself into Owen's hand and forearm.

'w-what the?'

Even the school master couldn't hold her serious facade as she quickly approached Owen and examined his arm.

"Owen…are you okay?" Jìng asked nervously at the sight of what had just happened. She was wondering if any of it hurt for the Shaolin Hero.

Owen shook his hand in surprise, "n-no it didn't hurt! Well it still feels numb but the new characters didn't hurt me at all!"

Sheng spoke his mind about the event, "most intriguing…never once have I seen this happen to anyone in my lifetime before!"

"That's because he possesses the Shaolin Tool's, so his magic must be more unique compared to everyone else's as a hero," Lady Liang stated after she was done observing the newly made tattoos.

"So…how will this work? I just read this out and the name of the spell within the scroll?" Owen asked as he looked at the pile of four scrolls on the table.

"Each scroll has its own chant that must be added into the one on your body. Though after you practice saying the chant, you can simply say the spell's name but the spell would be less effective," the school master answered as Jìng nodded to what she was saying.

Owen grimmanced at that thought, he wished all it took was just saying the spell name but he would need to chant it out if he wanted to make it much better.

"Can't you just write down what the characters on my body say?" Owen asked, hoping to make it easier for himself.

He'd only receive a shake from Yuhua as she explained why not, "unfortunately it is not that easy. With the tattoos on you, you must be the one to channel your magic and chant it out."

'Sounds time consuming…welp, there's nothing I can do about it but just push on forward…'

Sigh*

At least he had gotten his tattoos and all that was really needed for him was to learn how to read and chant. So getting up, Owen looked at his armor and tunic that were neatly organized thanks to Jìng.

"I guess I'll be unable to wear the vambraces for my forearm now, huh?"

Jìng nodded before reassuring Owen, "but you can count on me to watch out for you!"

Owen gave an embarrassed smile at her proclamation before picking up his tunic with a slight frown.

'My entire forearm and hand are feeling sensitive right now…can't exactly wear this without it hurting…'

"Excuse me, Lady Liang? Do you have any clothing that Owen could wear?" Jìng politely asked the school master.

"Yes, we do. When we have new students, we give them robes that leave where they got their tattoos out in the open so it doesn't come into contact with too much of their uniform. Of course once they heal up, we give them the proper uniform."

Going towards a closet, the school master pulled out a set of robes that bore the school colors.

"Here, you should put it on," she said as Owen did just that. After Owen noted how comfy it was, she gave an approving hum before turning to face her staff member.

"It's almost night, and I believe it's best we head to bed. Sheng, could you please escort these two to the school's guest room?" Yuhua asked before giving a bow to everyone.

"Of course, school master," Sheng followed while gesturing for the two party members to follow him.

…

With Jìng grabbing his armor and tunic, the pair followed the man through the school grounds. Owen noticed the lit rooms one by one extinguishing, and if he had to guess, they were the many students of the school preparing for bed.

'How many students are there? Are all Inscription Schools like this?' Owen wondered, glancing over at Jìng, who walked by his side, silent and still.

After a bit more walking, the group stopped in front of two rooms.

"You will be staying in separate dorms for the night," Sheng began, his tone surprisingly formal.

"While intercourse without the intention of procreation is accepted in Pan Bo, we prefer not to hear any... sounds echoing through the school," he finished, his gaze flickering between Owen and Jìng.

Owen blinked, his face reddening. 'You've got to be kidding me…'

He pinched the bridge of his nose, embarrassed beyond belief. "I-I… we're not like that," Owen stammered, trying to explain as calmly as he could.

Jìng's face was a picture of crimson, eyes wide in shock. "I… I…" she faltered, visibly flustered.

Owen, feeling awkward beyond measure, quickly added, "We don't have that kind of relationship. We're just working together to stop the Waves of Calamity."

Sheng looked at Owen for a long moment, clearly baffled by how swiftly he'd defended their platonic bond. He tilted his head, then slowly nodded.

"I see… Well, I assumed the two of you were in a relationship to help the Shaolin Hero cope with stress. My apologies," Sheng said, bowing.

Owen sighed in relief as Sheng excused himself. After a brief, awkward exchange of goodnights, the two went their separate ways, each retreating to their own dorms. As Owen prepared for the day ahead, thoughts of the conversation replayed in his mind until exhaustion finally claimed him, and he drifted off to sleep.

A/N: Hope y'all enjoyed this latest chapter. Owen finally got his magic even if he can't use it yet. Thankfully the support of the people around him helped him become more confident and acknowledge his flaws. We just gotta hope he doesn't forget the conversations that happened.

I've also realized that I've been going way past my 4-5k word Mark for chapters recently. So in order to lessen the stress for me and prevent getting stuck on what to write, I'm gonna try to start implementing the 4-5k word Mark.

I'm just gonna see if this will help me be able to write more chapters and fit much better in my time schedule.