The Shield Heroine of Shinzo
ESKK: The second chapter so let's get this party started.
(Start Yakumo Dreamscape Unknown Location)
Yakumo found herself in what looked to be a cliff area with a fog covering the area. As she walked through the area, she noted that her outfit had been changed. It seemed she was wearing cloths made from the world she had found herself in. As she walked through the fog, she heard the sound of waves pushing against the rocks and seagulls flying in the sky.
Looking around the area Yakumo heard the sound of a ball hitting the rocks. Looking to the source Yakumo saw the ball bouncing her way until it hit her leg. Picking it up Yakumo then saw the source was a child with animal ears and a tail. At first Yakumo thought it was an Enteran but despite this Yakumo offered the ball to the little girl.
She didn't know why she did it nor did she really care. All she cared about was returning to the girl what rightfully belonged to her. Soon Yakumo felt a familiar pull at her consciousness as she began to find herself drawn out of this scene outside to the waking world.
(The Waking World Melromarc Castle)
Yakumo woke early the next morning as dawn's light filtered into the bed chambers she was taken to last night after the feast for the successful summoning of the four heroes. Sitting up slowly from the incredibly soft bed she looked down at the silk like purple nightgown the maid had given her last night. She softly ran her hands over the soft and smooth fabric grateful for a fresh change of clothing.
Back on Entera Yakumo was used to being feared and hated by the Enterans. Sometimes they displayed false kindness to her and every time she fell for it. It was a bitter reality for herself at the time but Mushra, Kutal, and Sago had given her true kindness as well.
Standing and sliding out of bed, she let herself go through some of her usual routines. She knew that her and her fellow heroes were supposed to set out on their journeys to get stronger and develop their [Legendary Armaments] to actually be able to save the world. What that entailed exactly, she didn't know. The other three seemed to have a better idea than she did with the games that they played that seemed to have been at least based on this world.
Thinking that gave her a solid starting point for the day. She had spent a good bit of time asking the king some questions about the world they had been summoned in, getting an idea of the region and some of the general politics.
The country they had been summoned to was called Melromarc, and the nearest major countries that bordered them were Faubley, Zeltoble, Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden. Faubley was a world superpower and the place the queen currently was on a diplomatic envoy with leaders of several other countries to discuss the Waves. Zeltoble was a mercenary country that was known as an economic hub, where it was said that a country's worth of gold flowed every day. Siltvelt and Shieldfreeden were similar countries with different cultures, but they were both countries of what she was told were called demi-humans. Demi-humans were people that had animal features, which immediately brought to mind pictures of Enterans to Yakumo's mind but could also cover people that were more animals than human. Melromarc had also relatively recently resolved a war with Siltvelt roughly two decades ago, where the King had established himself as a Hero of Magic and Warfare, the Wise Sage King. Looking over to her folded clothing Yakumo sighed to herself and figured she might as well try to greet the day with her old smile.
(Later at the Throne Room)
Once more the Four Heroes were in the Throne Room filled with Nobles as standing before them were a large group of Adventurers. There were twelve in all and were undoubtedly the Adventurers who would be aiding the Heroes on their quest. "We have gathered the greatest warriors in the land. These brave souls will fight at your side during the Waves' incursion." Aultcray said as he introduced the adventurers as they were all ready. "Now then, our future champions, it is time to begin your journey!" the King declared to the Heroes, before he turned to the adventurers, "Brave adventurers, go and select the Cardinal Hero you wish to join!"
As ordered, the twelve march forward to the Cardinal Heroes. Not being able to choose their new comrades came as a surprise for Yakumo while Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki remained calm for some odd reason. Probably better this way since they won't have to force someone to join them against their will. As the adventurers approached the four heroes Yakumo had quickly realized a huge problem going on.
Five people stood before Ren.
Four stood in front of Motoyasu.
Three stood before Itsuki.
But none stood before Yakumo. Aultcray was even surprised by this as he wondered if he would have to personally step in to assist Yakumo. "I did not expect anything like this." Aultcray said as he looked towards the girl.
By the end of it Yakumo stood alone with no party members by her side. "Ok hold up why doesn't Yakumo-chan have a party?" Motoyasu asked finding this to be wrong.
"She's not very popular, is she?" The kings attendant muttered as he saw Yakumo was the only one without a party. But before Yakumo could question them, a man in robes bent down and whispered into the king's ear.
"It would appear," the king began once he received words from the man. "That there are rumors about that among the four summoned heroes the shield hero knows the least about this world." Aultcray said as this surprised the group here.
"Is that a problem, your majesty?" Yakumo asked concern clear in her voice.
"The legends say that the four heroes are summoned with an understanding of our land." Aultcray explained why this was a problem to the girl. "People are wondering if you will truly be able to fulfill the conditions set out in the legends." The king explained as he knew this was an issue.
"It seems someone was apparently eavesdropping last night, eh Yakumo-chan." Motoyasu said as he saw the issue going on.
"Seems that way." Yakumo responded before directing her attention back to Aultcray. "I understand your majesty I suppose I'll just have to make do." Yakumo said as she still had Hakuba on her side. However, a part of her found it strange, more like a convenient excuse than the actual reason. After all, even if that's what the legends said, she was still summoned as a hero. It would make no sense to restrict one of the people tasked with saving the world. Yakumo had been forced to develop a sixth sense for Enterrans seeking to cause her harm on her journey.
Her words surprised Aultcray as the way she spoke reminded him to much of one other. 'Don't worry brother I understand I'll just make do.' A phantom from his past echoed as another woman stood in Yakumo's place.
During this Motoyasu turned to look at Ren and had an idea. "Hey Ren, you've got five followers." Motoyasu began before gesturing towards Yakumo. "Think you could convince one of them to follow Yakumo-chan instead?" Motoyasu asked as he didn't want Yakumo going off alone.
Yakumo watched the five adventurers suddenly huddle behind Reb, almost as if they were afraid to be sent off with her. Ren meanwhile looked kind of conflicted and scratched the back of his head, perplexed. Letting out a sigh, he glanced towards his party to be. "I'm more of a loner, myself. So, if you can't cut it, I'm leaving you behind." Ren said as he glared over to his party.
This in turn caused the people before him just stood straighter and saluted him. "Understood, Sir Ren!" they all chimed in response.
Motoyasu made a disgruntled face, before looking towards Itsuki, then turning to his own party. "Since Itsuki has a fair amount of three followers, it wouldn't be fair to ask him." He began, looking between all four relatively beautiful women gathered with him. He made a bit of a face, almost as if he didn't want to give one of them up, but really didn't want to leave Yakumo alone. "Would any of you lovely ladies be willing to accompany Yakumo-chan?" Motoyasu asked as he was worried for Yakumo. "If only until she can get some more party members, then I'll be more than willing to welcome you back with open arms if you'd prefer!" Motoyasu said as Yakumo looked surprised by this.
"Honestly Motoyasu you don't have to do that." Yakumo said assuring Motoyasu that she'll be fine. "After all; I'm used to being alone." Yakumo said her voice showing that trauma and isolation had long taken its toll on her.
'If I had not left you alone…, would you have been alive… Lucina?' Aultcray mused to himself before he sighed a bit. If it were Lucina as the Shield Hero would Aultcray be able to bury his hatred for the Shield? He wasn't sure and with this thought process he did not wish to see someone who looked like his sister suffer her fate. Aultcray was about to call in a few knights to accompany Yakumo when a red head with her hair in a ponytail raised her hand.
Yakumo saw how the crimson locks framed her face and from this she felt her sixth sense go off. It was like her entire look was a venomous one making her hesitant to accept her in. As for her clothing, she wore a relatively simple if nice quality purple pencil dress with white shoulder covers, and on top of that she wore simple but again good quality leather armor and boots. Completing the entire adventurer ensemble, she had a simple longsword strapped to her hip. Overall, she looked like a beautiful woman, probably somewhere between 18 and 20 years old.
"Sir Motoyasu, if it pleases you, I could serve with the Shield Hero." the young woman said smiling to Motoyasu.
Giving her a bright smile, Motoyasu gave her a thumbs up. "If you're sure, then thank you very much! I hope you two get along." Motoyasu said happy that Yakumo would have some aid.
The king then stood and placed his hands behind his back, looking over everyone gathered. "Are there any others among you that would throw your lot in with Madam Yakumo?" Aultcray asked expecting someone to move and join Yakumo. But when no one moved a muscle, The king let out a heavy sigh.
"I suppose there is no way around it." Aultcray said seeing no use in forcing this issue. "Madam Yakumo, you'll have to recruit others to accompany you while you are traveling." Aultcray said before moving on to the next order of business. "Each month, I will supply all of you with the necessary funds for your journey, though in compensation for today's events, Yakumo's first payment will be higher than the others." Aultcray said and in turn Yakumo smiled to this.
"Thank you, your majesty." Yakumo said grateful for the aid. While she still felt like something was going on that she was unaware of, she couldn't argue that the king's resolution was fair.
"Procure all necessary equipment and go forth." Aultcray said and thus the four were ready to move out.
"Sir!" They all said and thus the four heroes were off on their adventure.
(Later outside of the castle)
As the groups were leaving the castle they bid farewell to Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu knowing the next time they meet might be during the Wave if not on the road. "You two take care of each other ok." Motoyasu said as he smiled at Yakumo.
"Well, I wish we could do more to also help you guys out, but I wish you luck on your journey." Itsuki said as he hoped the two girls did well by themselves.
"Until next time," Ren said as he Yakumo nodded to this.
"Oh, wait before you all go." Yakumo began and thus she got the three heroes attention. "Here." Yakumo said taking out items for the three. "Last night I snuck off to the castle kitchens and used the remaining leftovers to make snacks for everyone." Yakumo said as she offered each of the heroes the snacks.
"Wow thanks Yakumo." Itsuki said surprised by Yakumo's actions.
"It's probably not that good though, my friend Kutal would have done it better than I could." Yakumo said as she recalled her friend rest his soul.
"Its fine, thank you." Ren said as he took Yakumo's offering.
Though another thing was that Yakumo discovered a chef shield last night so now she gets a bonus when cooking.
"I will savor every bite of this, Yakumo-chan!" Motoyasu announced as he held the offered food from Yakumo.
"Now then just remember to look after your party members and they'll look after you." Yakumo said as she spoke to each of them. "Get plenty of rest and eat plenty between battles." Yakumo said speaking to Itsuko. "Try to get along with your party." She added while speaking to Ren. "And be respectful towards them and their feelings." She finished the last one on Motoyasu.
"Jeez she's sounding like a mom." Ren bemoaned but clearly, he did like the feeling.
"We'll be fine, Yakumo don't worry about us." Itsuki said as he had to admit… it felt nice to have someone care for his wellbeing. It felt even better due to the fact that Yakumo had no maliciousness that he could see.
"Don't you worry Yakumo-chan we'll be fine!" Motoyasu boasted with a grin on his face.
"I know you all be fine, but I still worry." Yakumo said and thus the three boys had one shared thought between them.
'I have to protect that smile of hers.' Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki all thought to themselves.
"Just be careful it's only the two of you from now on." Motoyasu said as he looked to the last human of Entera.
"Thank you I will." Yakumo said and thus all four Cardinal Heroes went their ways. When the three were gone Yakumo looked around for a bit. "Now where his Hakuba?" Yakumo asked and soon enough she saw the image of Hakuba floating with a pair of knights escorting him.
"Madam Yakumo I believe this belongs to you?" A knight said and thus Yakumo smiled.
"Hello Yakumo." Hakuba said happy to see Yakumo.
"Is this your companion?" The red-haired girl asked as she saw Hakuba.
"Yes… he's been with me a for a long time." Yakumo said all but hugging Hakuba around his neck. "Truly I am grateful for him." She said and thus the girl nodded before realizing something.
"Oh, which reminds me introduction are in order." She said walking over to Yakumo. "My name is Myne Sophia, it's an honor to fight with you." Myne said finally giving Yakumo her name.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Myne." Yakumo said giving Myne a kind smile.
"Now then I've been more or less made aware of the current situation." Hakuba said as he then looked towards Myne. "Where shall we go first?" Hakuba said and thus Myne nodded.
"Well, I suppose now would be a good time to start the tour of the village." Myne said with a smile and in turn the group nodded.
"Alright lead the way." Yakumo said and in turn they began to make their way towards the village outside of the castle.
(Later in the Village)
After crossing the drawbridge that separated the castle from the village surrounding it, Homura got her first real glimpse of the village. Cobblestone streets were lined with stone and wooden buildings, many of which were furnished with wooden signs. Many various smells, most of them delicious wafted out of several of the buildings. The streets were filled with merchants advocating their wares to passersby, the laughing of children playing and the grumbling of adults. It was all reinforcing to Yakumo that she really was in another world.
"What do you think we should do, Miss Myne?" Yakumo asked as she was curious if this would be like her journey to Shinzo only with a happier ending.
"I think it would be wise to try to get some better equipment and armor." Myne suggested which impressed Yakumo. Her idea had been similar and on top of that it seemed like Myne wasn't shy and spoke without reservation.
"I was thinking the same thing." Yakumo said as Hakuba saw it was the most logical course of action. "With all the money the king gave us, we should be able to get some good quality equipment." Yakumo added knowing that they were on the right track in preparations.
"Well, I know of a good store if you're ready to go." Myne gestured down a different road that was not much smaller than the one that led up to the castle. Yakumo and Hakuba followed after her yet during this Hakuba gave Myne an odd look almost like he was suspicious of the girl. His concern was for Yakumo and if this girl was a threat to her then Hakuba must act in order to defend his charge.
(Later)
The trio arrived at the weapon shop and saw it was more or less empty but had equipment on display. "This place gets my recommendation." Myne said as she presented the shop to Yakumo and Hakuba.
"Thank you Myne." Yakumo said with a smile on her face.
"I will remain outside with my size I highly doubt that I will be able to fit through the door." Hakuba said knowing that he was too large.
"Alright be safe, Hakuba." Yakumo said and in turn she and Myne entered the shop.
The duo then entered the shop and once inside Yakumo saw the weapons lining the walls. She gasped in shock and amazement when she saw all of the weapons here.
Just then a man walked out as he was clearly the blacksmith and shop owner here. "Welcome young ladies." The man said as Jun saw that he had scars on his head. "First time in a weapon shop, is it?" He asked noticing that A, he had never seen them before and B, they looked quiet new as well. "Well, you already know how to pick the best one." The man said to which Yakumo nodded to him.
"Thank you but honestly she brought me here." Yakumo said gesturing towards Myne who smiled and waved.
"Well then what can I do for you ladies?" The man asked and thus Yakumo got down to it.
"Well, we need armor and weapons please." Yakumo said as the man nodded.
"Well take your pick from our stocks." He said and thus Yakumo began to look over the armor on stands and weapons on the walls around the shop.
"Thank you." Yakumo said as she made her way over to the nearest bladed weapon. But when Yakumo touched one of the swords sparks flashed to life causing Yakumo to be pushed back from the sword she tried to grab. Following this up an alert flashed before Yakumo's eyes signaling that she did something she was not supposed to do in this current situation.
{Warning: Legendary Armament Contract Violation! Contact was made with an unauthorized weapon class with intent of combat.
User may only wield weapons of their assigned class for the purposes of combat.}
"Oh dear." Yakumo bemoaned as she saw that she was at an impasse. "It seems because of the Shield I can't wield any weapon other than the Shield." Yakumo said as she sighed in acceptance and defeat.
"Ouch." The shop owner said as he found that to be troublesome for the Shield Heroine.
"It's fine I'll just make do with what I have." Yakumo said assuring that she was fine.
"Tell you what, just because you're in this pickle and you're one of the four heroes I'll give a special discount on some armor." Erhard said as he looked to Yakumo.
"You don't have to do that on my account." Yakumo said Myne was wide eyed for a moment when she heard those words.
"I insist." Erhard said as he did not wish to see a nice young lass like Yakumo to go out on her own and get hurt by varying monsters.
"Well alright then, thank you." Yakumo said seeing no way to deny the blacksmiths kindness and attempt to make a small sale with her.
(Later)
Yakumo walked in on her new set of armor it was black leather and it fit her fine. Yakumo gave herself a look over as she had to admit the armor was not for her, but it was practical.
"Hey now your starting to look like a hero." Erhard said as he and Myne smiled at Yakumo.
"If you say so." Yakumo said inspecting her armor. "How much do I owe you, Mr. Erhard?" Yakumo asked as she looked to Erhard.
"120 Silver." Erhard said which Yakumo nodded and took out the money pouch.
"Thank you." Yakumo said offering the coins to Erhard.
"Your welcome in fact I'll throw in some innerwear as thanks." Erhard said as Yakumo smiled to the man.
But Yakumo then noted the weapons again as she wanted to try something. "Mr. Erhard, can I try something really quick?" Yakumo asked as Erhard shrugged a bit.
"I suppose what are you trying?" Erhard asked and thus Yakumo focused her attention on the sword stand. Then to Erhard and Myne's surprise one of the swords began to hover in the air as Yakumo saw this.
"Wow how are you doing that?" Erhard asked shocked at what he was seeing.
"It's a power I had back in my world, one I only used sparingly." Yakumo said as she made a few mock swings with the sword with only her mind. The Shield wasn't responding to it, so this meant Yakumo wasn't actively breaking the restriction on it. As Yakumo had the weapon hovering towards her, she made sure to avoid making physical contact with it.
"That's amazing." Myne said amazed at what Yakumo can do.
Yakumo then had the sword placed back on the stand before looking to Erhard. "It seems I might be able to buy a weapon after all." Yakumo said as Erhard smiled to this.
"Well then don't mind if I offer some recommendations." Erhard said with a wide smile to the young girl before him. Since she can't touch the weapons herself Erhard would have to find one Yakumo can wield when out in battle.
"Alright once you've selected a sword we can go out into battle, Lady Hero." Myne said as Yakumo nodded ready to start a brand-new adventure, and hopefully one with a better ending then the one to Shinzo back on Entera.
(Later out in the field)
In the monster fields outside of the village Yakumo stood there with Myne and Hakuba as they prepared for battle. "I detect movement." Hakuba said and thus Yakumo saw red arrows pointing at something moving in the tall grass. Yakumo used her telekinesis to draw her sword and had it pointed at the incoming monsters, Balloons.
The sword flew out and stabbed through a few of them but since Yakumo hadn't used her power like this she was still learning. "Yakumo!" Haruka cried out when the balloons bit down on Yakumo's body. But to both Haruka and Yakumo's shock the damage was miniscule to non-existent.
Yakumo noted a green glow from her body that originated from the shield and saw what this meant. Nodding she summoned back the sword as she forced one of the balloons off of her. She used her telekinesis to force the balloons into position so her sword can stab through them.
With every enemy destroyed Yakumo saw flashes of EXP appear as she smiled as she made progress towards leveling up. Last night Yakumo had Haruka instruct her on gaming terms and had a general understanding of JRPG's so she can at least keep up with the other heroes here. Yakumo wanted to try using the Encards, but she felt it was best to wait as there was no telling what the Enteran Shield was capable of just yet.
Nearby Yakumo saw the other heroes parties doing their own training as they were grinding the balloons as much as she was. Yakumo smiled to this as the heroes noted Yakumo and waved to her happy to see she was doing well.
(Later on, during the afternoon)
After a while Yakumo decided to take a break and began feeding the monster parts into the Shield. When she did that, she unlocked the Balloon Shield. This increased the number of shields she had by one, but it was still a good start. The sun was beginning to set as the trio had spent all day training by grinding the balloons to increase Yakumo's level. From what Hakuba had told Yakumo in this sort of setting the higher your level the more powerful you become. The higher your level the better equipment you can utilize when in battle.
"Wow there's no limit to how much it can absorb." Myne said as she held some of the monster parts. "That must be one of the legendary weapons power." Myne said as Yakumo nodded to this.
"It seems that way." Yakumo said as she smiled at the shield. She dispensed the monster part mainly so she can share it with the other Heroes when she found them.
"From my scans its thanks to that Shield that you suffered no injuries from those creatures." Hakuba said as he hovered new the two girls. This meant Hakuba did not need to worry about Yakumo making any suicide attempts in the near future. Plus, with her in a country of humans like her Hakuba had already noted a significant increase in his charge's mental well-being.
"What's this?" Yakumo asked when she noted a glow from the gem of the shield. Soon energy particles began to form together until it merged into a card similar to an Encard. "An Encard?" Yakumo asked as she took the card in her hand and saw the image of the balloon monster inside the card.
{Information: Feeding defeated monsters to the Shield shall produce Beast Cards} {Beast Cards provide a variety of aid and abilities when used with the Enteran Shield. Try different Cards and watch the results.}
"Well, this will certainly come in handy." Yakumo said as she stood up. "Can you hold on to this Hakuba?" Yakumo asked as Hakuba nodded.
"Of course, Yakumo." Hakuba said as Yakumo added the card with the other Encards Hakuba was holding for her inside his pod. Myne watched the pod with close intent but went unnoticed by Yakumo, Hakuba on the other hand detected Myne's look.
"Well, this should be enough for the day." Yakumo said feeling they made a lot of progress today. "We best head back." Yakumo said and Myne nodded in agreement to Yakumo.
"Leady the way, Lady Hero." Myne said as she then followed Yakumo and Hakuba back to town.
(Scene Break later Erhard's shop)
The pair arrived back at the shop as it was now nighttime. "We're back." Yakumo greeted as she entered the weapon shop and saw Erhard working there.
"Welcome back you two." Erhard said as he smiled at the pair. Erhard wasn't sure why, but Yakumo seemed to be radiating when interacting with others almost like she had not been around people in a long time. "So, I'm guessing your already ready for some new gear." Erhard said smiling to Yakumo.
"Just Myne for now." Yakumo said as she smiled at her current equipment. "This current equipment is more then enough right now." Yakumo said as she felt it would be rude to just sell the armor back to Erhard after he had given her a discount on it. That's not even factoring in the inner wear he threw in and the discounted sword she got. "Though I still feel bad about exploiting these discounts." Yakumo said but Erhard sighed to this.
"Knock it off little lady, just take the kindness for what it is." Erhard said as he swore Yakumo was too kind for this world. "Just cause your being nice and sweet doesn't mean I'll give a discount for it." Erhard joked as Yakumo smiled to the older man.
"I wouldn't dare, but it's just not in me to be cruel or exploitive." Yakumo said as she recalled the last time, she had been vengeful and cruel. It was during the battle against the Dark King when her friends had been killed by him.
"Well in any case you'll certainly be much stronger decked out with better equipment." Erhard said as Yakumo nodded to the blacksmith.
"That's the plan." Yakumo said thankful for this man's help on this journey. "Do you have any recommendations I can look at?" Yakumo asked as Myne was digging through one of the shelves.
"You trying to haggle already?" Erhard asked as he smirked at Yakumo.
"I wouldn't know where to begin." Yakumo admitted as she scratched the back of her head sheepishly while giving off a nervous laugh. Just then Myne placed her choice in gear on the table as Yakumo was wide eyed at that. "That… looks expensive." Yakumo admitted surprised at the pile of armor and the sword amongst the pile. "Mr. Erhard how much is all of that?" Yakumo asked looking nervously over to Erhard.
"I'll give you a 60% discount of 480 Silver it's the best I can do." Erhard said as Yakumo felt the money, she had was about to take a major blow.
"Oh dear, that will leave us with only 200 Silver left." Yakumo said as she saw the issue before looking towards Myne. "Ms. Myne can you try and downgrade the purchase a little bit? We still need to pay for room and board." Yakumo said as she knew that they had to stay within a budget.
"It will be fine, milady hero." Myne said as she smiled to Yakumo. "The stronger I am the more loot we can collect from monsters." Myne said assuring Yakumo that all was well. Myne moved towards Yakumo and hugged the girl close like an older sister with her younger sister or two close lady friends.
"I suppose." Yakumo said seeing no need to argue that. "Alright 480 Silver." Yakumo said giving the needed coins to Erhard.
"Good choice, lady hero you have a good nose for good deals." Erhard said praising Yakumo's choice.
"Thank you." Yakumo said as she then took out the bag, she brought with her. "By the way do you know any places in town that might buy these monster fragments?" Yakumo asked pulling out some of the monster fragments.
"There are shops that specialize in monster goods, they'll buy most of those things off you." Erhard said which Yakumo nodded.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Erhard." Yakumo said and thus Erhard chuckled at that girl being such a sweetheart.
(Scene Break at the Inn)
After selling most of the monster parts Yakumo and Myne arrived at the inn and were enjoying a nice meal before bed. Yakumo ate her plate as she smiled at the taste. "The food is delicious." Yakumo said with a smile on her face. "It almost reminds me of…" Yakumo trailed off as she thought about Kutal and the meals he made for their group.
"I'm glad you're enjoying your meal." Myne said as she smiled at Yakumo. Myne was currently dressed in her new armor as she smiled at Yakumo. "Are you ok thought?" Myne asked as she noted that Yakumo had grown quiet.
"Oh, uh yeah… just remembering some old friends." Yakumo said waiving it off to Myne. "It's nothing to worry about, honest." Yakumo added trying to play it off.
"Yakumo-chan!" Came the voice of Motoyasu as he was seen in the Inn. "I thought I saw Hakuba outside." Motoyasu greeted happy to see Yakumo here.
"Oh hello, Motoyasu." Yakumo greeted as Motoyasu joined the girls at the table.
"So how was your leveling?" Motoyasu asked which Yakumo smiled.
"It was very productive; I even got some monster fragments for you guys to use." Yakumo said as she offered some of her haul to Motoyasu.
"Thanks, Yakumo-chan." Motoyasu said as he fed the balloon fragment to his spear and activated the balloon spear.
"Ms. Yakumo." Itsuki greeted as he arrived as well. "Thank goodness I found you, the snacks you gave me was delicious." Itsuki said as he smiled a bit. "I passed by Ren on the way said that if I saw you to do the same." Itsuko said as Myne watched the whole exchange.
"As long as he's doing ok, that's all that matters." Yakumo said smiling to the boys. "The same goes for the rest of you." Yakumo said as she smiled to the group.
"By the way have you used the weapon copy system yet?" Motoyasu asked as he looked to Yakumo.
"No, I can't say that I have. Why?" Yakumo asked as she didn't realize she had it.
"Wait did you even try?" Itsuko asked noting something off.
"Is that a thing?" Yakumo asked and thus Motoyasu smiled to this.
"Well since you helped us discover a method to strength our weapon, we might as well return the favor." Motoyasu said as Yakumo quickly gave to Itsuko some of her haul as well. "Our weapons can copy any weapon you hold that matches up to it, so if you find a good shield you can copy it and sell the original." Motoyasu revealed and thus Yakumo looked at her Hub screen. When she did an alert popped up in her vision.
{Information: A hero can copy any weapon of the same type as his or her assigned weapon.}
When the screen revealed this Yakumo smiled to this and looked to wards Motoyasu. "Thank you, Motoyasu." Yakumo said showing her gratitude to Motoyasu.
"It was my pleasure, Yakumo-chan." Motoyasu responded as Itsuko rolled his eyes to the interaction. Yakumo then yawned as she felt the need to sleep.
"Sorry I should probably go to bed now." Yakumo said as Motoyasu nodded to this.
"Oh, sure sleep well." Motoyasu said as Yakumo nodded and headed up to her room. As Yakumo left Myne gave a slight glare down to the wine that Yakumo had not even touched during the meal which caused a small click of the redheads tongue.
(Later over in Yakumo's room)
Yakumo sat in her room as she had switched over to some evening wear she had purchased. After paying for the rooms and meals Yakumo had left the rest of the money with Hakuba. Yakumo trusted the robot to keep a close eye on it for her and prevent any theft. Of course, she had to come inside with her armor but there was another nifty trick she discovered.
Yakumo can apparently store things inside her Shield, Hakuba called it an inventory. He couldn't explain it but the closest he can get is that it was a hammer space for her. "This has been such a wonderful day." Yakumo said as she laid down on the bed with a bright smile on her face. She was hopeful she was happy for the first time in a long time. Yakumo wasn't sure if she had died in that library, and this was heaven, but she felt that her journey had ended and a new one began. Of course, she missed her friends and the kittens. Sago, Kutal, and Mushra… they were gone now, and Yakumo had to live on for their sake.
Yakumo then reached into her bag and pulled out the gems she brought with her from Entera. It was the gems that made up Mushrambo's power and were the source of her friends hyper forms. She missed them all and now wished they were here as well. Giving off a sad yet tired sigh Yakumo inserted the gem Kutal used into the shield first. When she did an alert popped up for her.
{Earth Lion Shield Requirements met}
{Earth Lion Shield
-Abilities Locked- Equip Bonus Defense 5 Skill "Stone Wall."}
{First Requirement Met for Great Heroic Shield. Locked}
{First Requirement Met for Dark King Shield. Locked}
Yakumo was surprised by this as she unlocked not only a new shield but the first part of two others. The first one was not to concerning but the second one made Yakumo fearful for a moment. Taking a chance Yakumo inserted Sago's gem next and a new Shield was unlocked.
{Azure Dragon Shield Requirements Met
-Abilities Locked- Equip Bonus 3 Skill "Water Prison"}
{Second Requirement Met for Great Heroic Shield. Locked}
{Second Requirement Met for Dark King Shield. Locked}
This got Yakumo even more intrigued and worried. The first two shields were good it was the third one that was making her fearful. After all the Dark King was the title of the Enteran who destroyed Shinzo. Taking Mushra's gem Yakumo held it to her forehead before she inserted it into the shield.
{Vermillion Phoenix Shield Requirements Met
-Abilities Locked- Equip Bonus 3 Skill "Blazing Wall"}
{Third Requirement Met for Great Heroic Shield. Locked}
{Third Requirement Met for Dark King Shield. Locked}
With the activation of the new shield Yakumo let off a sigh of relief as she saw that the last two shields were still locked. Looking over there data she was short a requirement for the two shields. Whatever those requirements were Yakumo was worried of what effects they may have. She laid down and looked to the shield that carried within it the powers of her friends.
"Mushra, Sago; Kutal… lets work together to defend this world." Yakumo said to the shield as she held it up in the air wondering if her friends were watching her. She hoped that one day she can see the three heroic Enterans again wherever they are in the next life.
Yakumo could hear Motoyasu and Itsuko talking outside as she moved her blankets to prepare for bed. She had an early start tomorrow seeing as she and Myne would be traveling to a nearby village to challenge a dungeon. Though she did hope that Motoyasu and Itsuki were getting along in the other room. After all, as the four heroes they needed to be united to fight the waves. Drifting off to sleep Yakumo allowed for sleep to eventually take her as her future was starting to look all the more brighter. Unknown to Yakumo this was just a prelude to a new era of suffering.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well, here you go chapter 2 sorry it took me so long, but I had other obligations. Anyway, I've already started chapter 3 so look forward to that. Anyway, you all know the drill leave a review before leaving as I again say, ja-ne.