Chapter 2 The raccoon

After spending hours grinding against Balloon Monsters, Izuku wiped the sweat from his forehead and checked his status screen. His levels had increased significantly, and he couldn't help but smile at the progress he was making. Nightfall was approaching fast, the sky turning shades of deep purple and orange, but there was still an hour left before darkness completely settled.

"We should head back to the city and stay at an inn," Malty suggested, sheathing her sword with a confident smirk. "It'll be more comfortable than the dirt, and we can enjoy a proper meal."

Izuku shook his head firmly. "No. We're camping outside tonight." His voice left no room for argument. "If you don't want to rough it out here, go back to the city and get some camping equipment. We'll need it for future travels."

Malty scowled, clearly displeased with his decision, but she nodded and turned back toward the city. "Fine, fine. But don't expect me to hurry," she grumbled before walking off.

Izuku settled down, leaning against a tree as he waited. An hour passed, then two. He sighed in frustration, checking the slave mark linked to her and pulling up the map. To no surprise, she was at an inn inside the city, lounging comfortably instead of buying supplies.

"Tch. Figures," he muttered, staring at the darkening sky. She's not taking this seriously. He considered heading back to confront her but ultimately decided against it. Forget it. I'll handle things myself. Sleeping out here won't kill me.

As he laid back, a rustling sound alerted him, and a swarm of Balloon Monsters emerged from the darkness, their toothy grins snapping at him. They latched onto his arms and legs, biting down with all their might—but his defense was far too high. Their attacks barely tickled.

Izuku smirked. You're not even a threat anymore.

A thought crossed his mind, something that had been lingering in the back of his head since earlier. He grabbed a few of the surviving Balloons, wrapping his shield around them carefully, and made his way back to the slave trader's tent in town.

The slave trader, Beloukas, grinned as Izuku entered, dragging the struggling Balloon Monsters behind him. "Ah, back so soon, Shield Hero? Looking to purchase more… exotic help?" he asked, his voice oily and amused.

Izuku ignored the remark and got straight to business. "How much to put a slave mark on all of these?"

Beloukas stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Balloons, eh? Weak creatures, but easily controlled. For all of them? Just a single silver coin."

Izuku tossed the coin without hesitation. "Since there are different levels of slave marks, wouldn't it be better to increase the strength of the mark?"

Beloukas chuckled. "For these creatures? Not necessary. They're the weakest monsters around. Even the basic mark will keep them under control. However, be warned—they do evolve into larger, flying variants, but even then, the standard mark should hold."

Satisfied, Izuku looked around the shop. "What about cages? I need a few."

The slave trader gestured to a stack of cages in the corner. "Take your pick. Another silver coin for a medium-sized one."

Izuku nodded and reached out, absorbing a small cage into his shield. A notification popped up in his vision: New Shield Unlocked: Monster Storage Shield. Capacity: 3 slots.

Excited by his newfound ability, he quickly tested another. "What if I store this medium cage inside my shield? Can I take it out whenever I want?"

Izuku did so, unlocking additional storage slots for his monsters. "Nice," he muttered, feeling a sense of satisfaction growing within him.

Before leaving, he glanced at some items Beloukas had displayed. "Do you have any monster scraps? Anything useful?"

The trader grinned and presented a variety of discarded monster parts, including shells and bones. Izuku absorbed them into his shield and another notification appeared: Bonus Acquired: All controlled monsters gain a stat boost.

Izuku grinned to himself. This just keeps getting better. He also bought a sturdy backpack, absorbing it into his shield and unlocking Inventory Expansion, allowing him to carry far more than before.

"Alright," he muttered, pulling a single silver coin from his pouch and absorbing it into his shield. Another notification popped up: Bank Storage Unlocked – All coins stored safely within the shield.

A smirk crossed Izuku's face. Perfect. I won't have to worry about losing money now.

Heading back into the forest, Izuku decided to put his new tools to the test. He released the Balloon Monsters from their cages and commanded them to attack the other Balloons in the area. With his shield raised, he focused solely on defense, allowing his captured monsters to do the fighting.

To his surprise, they were effective, quickly overwhelming the wild Balloons. His strategy was working, and even better, every battle earned him more experience points. The Balloons, under his command, were also leveling up alongside him.

"This could actually work," he said to himself, pleased with his progress. "If I keep this up, I can build a monster army."

Hours passed as he continued fighting, defending his monsters and gathering materials. Eventually, fatigue set in, and he decided to take a break. Sitting down under a tree, he opened the PDF files he had scanned earlier.

Flipping through pages of text, he found several entries about medicinal herbs and their properties. He glanced around, spotting a few plants that matched the descriptions in the books. Gathering them, he noted that they might be useful for crafting potions later.

If I can get access to a library, I could scan everything and gather all the knowledge I need. The thought excited him, making him realize that he had a powerful advantage if he played his cards right.

He leaned back with a satisfied sigh, watching his monsters floating around him protectively. The night was cool, the forest alive with sounds, but for the first time since being summoned, Izuku felt… capable.

As he looked up at the night sky, his thoughts drifted to Malty, lounging in the comfort of an inn somewhere in the city. He gritted his teeth. She can stay there for all I care. I'm going to make it on my own.

The next morning

The next morning, the forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant chirping. Izuku sat near the campfire, tending to a fish he had caught earlier. He skillfully roasted it over the flames, occasionally tossing small pieces to his Balloon Monsters, who hovered around him eagerly. Their mouths opened and snapped shut with comical excitement each time he fed them.

Just as he was about to take a bite, Malty strolled into the clearing, dragging a heavy sack of camping equipment behind her. She was smirking, clearly in a good mood, her belly visibly full from the hearty breakfast she had enjoyed back in the city.

"Sorry, Hero," she said with a fake sweetness, stretching her arms dramatically. "It took longer than I thought."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Right. Let me guess—took so long because you just had to have a full-course breakfast at the inn?"

Malty shrugged, grinning smugly as she sat down and eyed the fish he was cooking. "A girl's gotta eat, right?" She noticed his Balloon Monsters bobbing happily beside him and tilted her head. "What's with them? Ohhh, I see. I guess you and the Balloons finally made a truce?"

Izuku smirked, swallowing a piece of fish. "Not exactly." He held up his shield, and with a small pulse of energy, the Balloons were sucked inside in a flash of light. "They're just my way of attacking now. So far, I can hold about ten monsters in my shield." He gestured to the shield glowing faintly. "Only got four Balloons at the moment, but they're surprisingly effective."

Malty watched in mild fascination, twirling a strand of her hair. "Wow, you must feel such a badass," she teased, laughing at him. "Shield Hero, commander of floating balls of death."

Izuku rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, princess. At least I'm making progress while you were busy stuffing your face."

Malty smirked, leaning closer with an arched brow. "Progress, huh? And here I thought you were just playing babysitter."

Izuku shot back, "At least I'm actually doing something instead of lazing around in an inn."

They exchanged a few more sharp insults, their bickering quickly escalating into an all-out verbal sparring match before Malty finally threw her hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright! Truce. You're impossible." She crossed her arms. "So… are we staying out here, or can we finally head back to the city?"

Izuku shook his head. "No, we're staying here." He pointed his fork at her. "We don't have enough money to waste on luxuries like inns. We need to be smart about our spending. Out here, we can live off the land for free."

Malty groaned dramatically. "Ugh. Fine. But you're doing all the work," she said with a wicked grin. "You'll set up the tents, cook for me, and if I don't like it, I won't eat it. And if I don't eat it, you have to pay for my meals when we get back to the city. Deal?"

Izuku scowled. "Fine. But in return, you're helping me gather supplies. Herbs, materials—anything we can use to make potions or sell. No slacking."

Malty sighed, waving him off. "Yeah, yeah, deal. But you better not screw up my meals."

With an agreement in place, Izuku got to work, grabbing the camping equipment Malty had brought. He absorbed the tent, cookware, and other essentials into his shield, and his interface flashed with multiple new unlocks.

New Shields Acquired:

Tent Shield: Allows placement of a tent directly from the shield, increasing proficiency in setting up camp and providing minor comfort bonuses.

Cooking Utensil Shield: Enhances cooking ability and efficiency. Grants the ability to summon basic cooking utensils instantly.

Sleeping Bag Shield: Increases comfort when resting, granting slight health and stamina recovery boosts overnight.

Flint Shield: Allows instant fire-starting when needed.

Izuku's face lit up in satisfaction. "This is great. We're getting more self-sufficient by the minute."

Malty watched as he tested the new abilities, her eyes flickering with intrigue. "Well, look at you. Cooking and camping, living the survivalist dream." She leaned against a tree with a smirk. "Maybe I should start calling you the 'Camper Hero.'"

Ignoring her, Izuku focused on his tasks. "Once we have a stable camp, we'll start collecting herbs. I saw some useful plants nearby that could be used to make potions."

Malty perked up at that. "Potions, huh? Those could sell for a good price. And with that book you picked up, we could even make holy water. It's always in demand." She tapped her chin. "We'll need a portable distillery for that, though. And a way to recharge your magic, since making those things will drain a lot of MP."

Izuku nodded, taking mental notes. "First, let's focus on gathering supplies. Then we'll think about expanding."

"Fine by me, as long as you do the heavy lifting," Malty said with a grin. "But don't expect me to carry anything. I'm here for the strategic side of things."

Izuku rolled his eyes. "Yeah, strategic. Right."

With their roles settled, Izuku and Malty got to work efficiently. Izuku used his new Tent Shield, setting up camp in record time, creating a snug little base that felt secure despite the dangers lurking in the wilderness. He utilized his Cooking Utensil Shield, preparing a decent meal with the fish he caught earlier using makeshift traps of string and sticks. The Balloons floated nearby, bobbing eagerly as they shared the food, each bite strengthening their bond as Izuku watched them carefully, evaluating their potential in combat.

Once they finished their meal, they set off to gather herbs and other useful materials from the surrounding forest. Malty, surprisingly focused, took the lead in spotting valuable plants. "Over there," she said, pointing at a cluster of herbs nestled between tree roots. "That one's worth something."

Izuku followed her direction, plucking the herbs carefully. His shield's passive gathering bonus ensured that anything he collected was of higher quality, making them more valuable in the market. Malty smirked at the efficiency of the process. "Guess your shield isn't completely useless after all," she teased.

After gathering a decent haul of herbs, they made their way back to the city to purchase a proper herbalist kit and a cheap herbalism book. Izuku, still wary of his tarnished reputation, opted to stay outside, leaning against a wall while Malty handled the negotiation.

A while later, she returned, tossing the kit into his arms with a victorious grin. "Got it for half the price. You're welcome, Hero."

Izuku examined the kit, nodding in approval. "Nice work."

"I know," Malty replied smugly.

With their new tools in hand, they continued grinding experience by hunting more Balloon Monsters and even a few wild rabbits they stumbled upon. Thanks to the Balloons aiding in battle, Malty found herself exerting far less energy. She smirked as she parried a rabbit's wild charge and countered with a swift slash. "I have to admit, your floating death squad actually makes things easier. Maybe you're not as useless as I thought."

Izuku rolled his eyes, blocking an incoming attack with ease. "Wow, such high praise," he muttered sarcastically.

By the time the sun started dipping below the horizon, their inventory was filled with herbs, monster drops, and a few health potions they had scavenged from slain monsters.

Back at camp, Izuku inspected the haul carefully. He opened the herbalist kit and decided to put his newfound knowledge to the test. He began grinding and mixing ingredients, meticulously following the instructions in the book while referencing his smartphone for additional tips. Malty, sitting nearby and watching with a skeptical expression, occasionally glanced up from polishing her sword.

"Are you seriously going to try and make potions?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

Izuku nodded. "Yeah. Let's see if this kit is better, or if my shield can do it more efficiently."

After experimenting for a while, he absorbed the herbalist kit into his shield. A new notification popped up:
New Shield Unlocked: Herbalist Tool Shield – Grants minor bonuses to potion crafting and increases ingredient potency.

He withdrew the shield and got to work again, this time with even better results. Malty watched in mild amazement as he worked seamlessly, his hands moving with surprising dexterity as he prepared ingredients.

"You sure you weren't some kind of alchemist back in your world?" she asked, half-joking.

Izuku smiled faintly. "No, but I read a lot. Helps when you're trying to survive in a world like this."

Soon after, he set up the fire pit again and retrieved the fish he had caught earlier. Sprinkling a bit of salt onto the skewered fish, he handed one to Malty. She stared at it with a doubtful expression. "It's just a stick with a fish on it. How good can it be?"

"Just try it," Izuku said, exasperated.

Malty took a small, hesitant bite, and her eyes widened instantly. Her lips curled into an involuntary hum of pleasure as she savored the flavor. The outside was crispy, the inside juicy and tender, with just the right amount of salt bringing out the fish's natural taste.

"How the hell did you make this taste so good?" she muttered, looking at the stick in disbelief.

Izuku smirked, enjoying the rare moment of her speechlessness. "It's all about technique. And maybe a little magic."

She grumbled, reluctantly devouring the fish as she hummed in delight. "Alright, I'll admit it… this is pretty damn good."

Izuku couldn't help but laugh. "Glad you think so. Tomorrow, I'll cook the rabbit we caught earlier. I'll make a stew with some vegetables."

At the mention of stew, Malty's stomach audibly growled. She crossed her arms, looking away in mild embarrassment. "Fine, but we're buying vegetables tomorrow. I refuse to eat just meat all the time."

Izuku smirked, chewing on his last bit of fish. "We had a great day today, right?" she asked with a coy smile, leaning back against the log by the fire.

He looked at her, nodding slightly. "Yeah, we did. But don't get too comfortable—this is just the beginning. We still need to get stronger."

Malty stretched lazily, looking at the stars above. "Yeah, yeah, I get it." She turned back to him, tilting her head. "So, got any ideas?"

Izuku poked at the fire thoughtfully. "We should move somewhere else. The monsters here are too easy now. If we want to get stronger, we need to find better beasts to tame."

Malty's eyes lit up at that. "You know, that's not a bad idea. A stronger monster under our control could make a world of difference. We'll definitely need to talk to the slave trader about it—see how he captures them." She smirked, tapping her chin. "Maybe we should even look into buying a demi-human slave. Someone who can actually do something useful… or at the very least, carry our things. Even though, let's be honest, your shield is basically a walking storage shed at this point."

Izuku shot her a flat look. "Great. Now I'm a utility shed. Wonderful." He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine. We'll check with the slave trader and see what deals he can give us. But first, we should sell the medicine."

Malty nodded, already calculating their potential profits. "Given the amount of medicine we made today and the quality, we should be looking at around 30 silver pieces."

Izuku grinned. "And don't forget the pelts from the rabbits we killed, plus the Balloon Monster materials. That should net us about 60 silver pieces."

Malty's eyes gleamed with excitement. "That'll be enough to get that portable distillery we need. Holy water is always in high demand, and if we can craft it ourselves, we'll have a reliable income stream."

For the first time, she gave him a genuine smile. It wasn't laced with mockery or condescension, just a hint of appreciation. "You know," she said, studying him, "you're actually pretty resourceful. I like that about you. You're not just standing around, moping like you were before."

Izuku leaned back against a nearby tree, his expression turning distant. He stared at the flames for a long moment before speaking softly. "Honestly… when I was in my old world, I was pretty useless. I was born without a quirk, no powers, no special abilities. I wanted to be a hero, but no one believed I could do it. Not even my best friend."

Malty furrowed her brows. "Quirk? What's that?"

Izuku exhaled, looking at her. "In my world, people are born with abilities—similar to magic, but different. They call them 'quirks.' Almost everyone has one, except… people like me." He forced a bitter chuckle. "People without quirks are treated like nobodies. Weaklings. I got bullied constantly. Even my best friend—well, I thought he was my best friend—he pushed me around, called me useless."

Malty watched him closely, for once not interrupting. "What happened to him?" she asked, more out of curiosity than sympathy.

Izuku's face darkened. "He died. A few years ago, back when everything fell apart in my home country." He swallowed hard, his jaw tightening. "When Japan fell, my mom and I had to flee to America. I thought I could move on, start over… but I never forgot him. I thought if I could become a hero here, I could honor his memory."

His green eyes locked onto Malty, sharp and accusatory. "But you and the church tainted that."

Malty's smirk faded, and she shifted uncomfortably under his gaze. "Well," she said after a pause, "welcome to the real world, Hero. People are selfish. They'll use you if you let them. You were naïve to think you could just waltz into this world and play hero without getting your hands dirty."

Izuku clenched his fists, staring at the fire. "Yeah… I get that now."

Malty shrugged, her voice softer than usual. "Look, I don't care about your sob story. But if you want to get revenge,on me, on the church, whoever, you need to be smart. Use your brains and your shield. Stop whining about how things should be and start figuring out how to make them work for you."

Izuku remained silent for a moment before finally sighing. "Yeah… you're right." His voice was low, but resolute. "If I want to survive here, I need to stop thinking like the person I was back home."

Malty grinned, satisfied. "Good. Now, tomorrow's a big day. Let's get some rest, and when we hit the city, we'll start making moves."

Malty shifted uncomfortably in her sleeping bag, grumbling under her breath. The coarse fabric scratched against her skin, a far cry from the fine silk sheets and plush mattress she was accustomed to. Sleeping out here, under the stars, surrounded by dirt and bugs, was an absolute nightmare for someone of her station. She turned over, sighing in frustration.

The traps they had set around the camp ensured their safety, his shield provided a passive alert system, but despite the security, sleep still eluded her. She peeked over at Izuku and noticed him lying on his back, eyes open, staring blankly into the darkness. His breathing was steady but heavy, and his face was tense, lost in thought.

She frowned. Is he having nightmares? she wondered, but the longer she watched, the more she realized it wasn't fear or distress that plagued him, it was something else. His mind was attacking him, refusing to let him rest, and as a result, she couldn't either.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Izuku closed his eyes but didn't seem any closer to sleep. His face was tight with tension, his muscles wound up like springs ready to snap. He looked… anxious. Of course, he is, she mused. He's shouldering the weight of the world with no one to rely on except me, poor sap.

Suddenly, a devious smirk spread across her lips. Maybe I can help him unwind.

She quietly crawled over, slipping under his sleeping bag with practiced ease. She reached for the buckle of his pants, her fingers moving deftly.

Izuku's eyes shot open instantly, his emerald gaze burning with anger as he flipped open the sleeping bag and stared daggers at her. "What the hell are you doing?" he hissed, his voice low but filled with irritation.

Malty, utterly unbothered, grinned up at him, waving a delicate hand. "Relax, Hero, I was just trying to help you sleep." Her tone was teasing, laced with mischief, as if this was all perfectly normal.

His expression darkened. "Get out."

"Nope." She nestled in further, crossing her arms smugly. " Your sleeping bag is a lot more comfortable than mine. It's way better," she quipped, rolling onto her side as if she belonged there. She reached for her own sleeping bag, dragging it toward him. "Here, trade with me."

Izuku groaned, rubbing his temple. "Fine." He rolled over onto her sleeping bag, but the moment his body sank into it, he grimaced. It was stiff and unyielding, offering none of the comfort of his own. "Seriously?"

Malty snickered, clearly enjoying his discomfort. "Told you." She smirked, tapping the space beside her. "C'mon, get back in yours."

With an exasperated sigh, Izuku slid back into his own bag, and Malty immediately cuddled into it with a satisfied hum. "Mmm… wow. It's so soft. Almost as comfortable as my bed back home. Is this some kind of magic?" she mused.

Izuku flicked her forehead in annoyance. "I'm done playing your little games. What do you really want?" His voice was tired, but his eyes were sharp.

Malty tilted her head playfully, her emerald eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, you know… women have needs, and men have urges," she said coyly, tracing a finger down his chest. "And it just so happens that if I take care of my urges, you'll finally be able to sleep, and I won't have to listen to your stirring all night." She grinned wickedly. "Win-win."

Izuku's face hardened, glaring at her. "Seriously? After everything you accused me of? You think I'm going to fall for that again?"

Malty rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, please. What are they going to do? Accuse you of that again?" She leaned closer, whispering into his ear. "Besides, I really did enjoy our night together, Hero." Her warm breath sent an involuntary shiver down his spine.

Izuku swallowed, his jaw clenched. "I did too… until you stabbed me in the back."

Malty smiled slyly. "Hey, you stabbed me first,with that monster between your legs." Her eyes flickered downward suggestively, her smirk turning devilish.

He turned away, groaning. "Not funny."

Malty giggled, resting her head against his shoulder. "Oh, lighten up, Hero. We might as well make the best of our situation. Think of it this way: I'm your best bet for survival, and you're mine." She stretched her arms above her head, letting out a satisfied sigh. "So why not enjoy some perks?"

Izuku exhaled, forcing himself to calm down. "You really have no shame, do you?"

"Nope," she said cheerfully, nestling deeper into the sleeping bag. "And you'll sleep better if you stop fighting it. Just close your eyes and let me work my magic." She winked.

Izuku rolled his eyes and turned onto his side, facing away from her. "You're impossible."

"And yet, here I am," she teased, poking his back lightly before snuggling in comfortably.

Despite his frustration, exhaustion was creeping in, and for the first time in two nights, Izuku felt his eyelids grow heavy. Maybe she was right, maybe he did need to stop fighting everything so much and just deal with it.

Malty grinned to herself as she listened to his breathing steady, pleased with herself. He's falling right into my hands.

An hour passed, and neither of them had fallen asleep. Both lay in their sleeping bags, staring at the ceiling of their tent in frustrated silence, the tension in the air so thick it felt suffocating. Finally, at the breaking point, they both screamed out in frustration at the same time.

"This is ridiculous!" Malty groaned, tossing in her sleeping bag and kicking at the air. "Why the hell can't I sleep?!"

Izuku, equally exasperated, ran a hand through his messy green hair. "Maybe it's because someone decided to make my life hell!" he snapped, pointing an accusing finger at her.

Malty turned on her side and jabbed a finger back at him. "Oh no, this is your fault, Shield Hero! My body's all messed up thanks to you!"

Izuku scoffed, glaring at her. "Yeah? Well, maybe if you hadn't betrayed me and tried to ruin my life, we wouldn't be in this situation."

Malty rolled her eyes with a smirk, her lips curving wickedly. "Please. I don't want to be your girlfriend, Hero. I don't want anything to do with you personally. All I want is the throne... and maybe what's in between your legs every once in a while." She winked. "You're my little toy, got it?"

Izuku sat up, his face contorted in disbelief. "Oh my god, what is wrong with you?!"

She shot back just as fast. "What's wrong with you? You can't sleep either, can you?"

He groaned, pressing his palms against his face. "I'm trying to sleep, Malty, but you make it impossible." He turned his head to her, glaring. "And don't pretend you're any better. You've been tossing and turning for the past hour."

Malty huffed. "Fine, fine! You're right! I can't sleep, and it's all because of this stupid situation." She sat up and crossed her arms. "I'm a princess, and I'm stuck in a tent with you, trying to keep you from getting murdered by the church. And you still don't trust me."

Izuku was about to retort when she suddenly lifted her shirt slightly, revealing the slave mark etched onto her stomach. Her crimson hair cascaded down as she leaned closer, a dark challenge flashing in her green eyes. "Ask me a question, dumb-dumb. I dare you."

He clenched his fists, looking at the mark, then back at her eyes. "Fine. If I sleep with you... would you betray me again?"

Malty's expression didn't falter. "No," she said simply, and the mark remained dormant.

Izuku frowned. "Damn it..." He looked away, but before he could say anything, Malty suddenly flipped him over, mounting him with an effortless, predatory grace.

"See?" she smirked down at him, her hands resting on his chest. "I'm the only reason you're still alive, Hero. And yet you keep pushing me away." Her eyes roamed over his flustered face before her lips curled into something wicked. "Are you sure you're not interested?" She leaned in close, her hand sliding down his side before resting teasingly on his groin. "Because your body seems pretty interested to me."

Izuku stiffened under her touch, glaring daggers at her. "Get. Off."

Malty giggled, her tone dripping with seduction. "Oh, come on. Was it really that good, Hero? Did the 'Red Maiden' make you feel like a real hero with your little... hero's welcome?" She bit her lower lip suggestively, enjoying the way his face turned a shade darker.

"Shut your mouth before I make you," he growled, his patience hanging by a thread.

Malty leaned in closer, her breath warm against his ear. "That's what I want to see. Make me shut up then," she purred, opening her mouth wide and extending her long tongue teasingly. "You know exactly what I want."

Izuku's face burned red, his body stiff as his frustration reached its peak. His breathing grew heavier, and his hands twitched at his sides, his anger threatening to boil over.

"Fine," he growled, his emerald eyes burning with a mix of irritation and something else entirely. "You want it so bad? I'll give it to you."

Malty's lips curled into a wicked smile. "That's what I want to hear," she purred, her eyes half-lidded with challenge. She opened her mouth wide, extending her long, teasing tongue. "Make me shut up, Hero. You know what I want."

Izuku's entire body tensed, his patience fraying, his control slipping. His eyes darkened with something deeper, anger, frustration, and an undeniable desire that burned beneath it all. Without another word, he grabbed the back of her head, his grip rough, forcing her lips onto his in a deep, hungry kiss. His body pressed down against hers, pinning her beneath his weight as his hands roamed, grasping at her waist with a possessive grip.

Malty moaned into his mouth, her nails digging into his shoulders, urging him on. He pulled away briefly, his breath ragged, staring down at her with an intensity that made her shiver. "You want it so bad?" he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Fine. You'll get it."

His hands moved with deliberate force, tracing every curve of her body as he claimed her lips again with an almost desperate need. Malty arched against him, a victorious smirk playing on her lips even as she melted into his touch.

This wasn't just lust; it was frustration, control, and a battle neither of them was willing to lose. Izuku poured every ounce of anger and need into his movements, taking what she was offering while keeping a firm grip on the lingering bitterness inside him.

As their bodies pressed together, the tension that had kept them awake began to shift into something else entirely, something neither of them could deny anymore.

lemon warning:

Malty yelped as Izuku grabbed her head, slamming his cock deep into her throat in one brutal thrust. Her eyes teared up, never having taken someone at this pace before. He was relentless, a beast in heat, too far gone to care about her comfort. She gagged around him, her throat constricting, trying to force him out.

But he was too strong, holding her in place as he pistoned in and out, using her mouth like a fuck toy. His free hand reached down, palming her damp panties with a rough squeeze.

"Look at you," he growled,"getting wet from being throat fucked like a cheap whore." The crude words made her whimper around him, her body responding despite herself.

As much as he was being aggressive, it was exactly what she needed. The pain mingled with pleasure, blurring the lines until she couldn't tell them apart.

Izuku kept thrusting, faster and harder than before. Malty reached down to touch herself, desperate for friction, but he batted her hands away.

"Focus on my cock first," he commanded, his thrusts hitting the back of her throat."Then you can play with your needy little cunt."He wasn't lying. The angle of his thrusts was hitting her deeper than before, making her gag and choke around him.

He kept going, oblivious to her struggles. Her hands clutched at his thighs, trying to push him back, to give herself some space, but he was relentless. Tears streamed down her face as she sputtered and gagged, unable to breathe.

He looked down at her, her face a mess of spit and snot and tears, and laughed."What's wrong?" he taunted,"Isn't this what you wanted?"

Izuku kept thrusting, faster and harder than before.

Izuku's thrusts became erratic, his cock twitching as he neared his release."Fuck, I'm gonna..."he panted, before burying himself to the hilt in her throat with a cry. His seed pulsed down her throat, hot and bitter, and she had no choice but to swallow it or choke on it. He pulled out with a pop, a string of spittle connecting his still hard cock to her abused lips.

Malty immediately pushed him away, coughing and sputtering, her makeup running down her face in black rivers. Izuku just laughed, the sound cruel and mocking."I'm going to sleep now," he said, rolling over with a yawn.

But before he could close his eyes, she was on him, straddling his hips in one swift motion. He barely had time to register the wet heat engulfing him before she was setting a brutal pace, bouncing on his cock like her life depended on it.

"Fucking slut!"Izuku shouted, knocking her off him and onto the floor. He was on her in an instant, pinning her down and slamming into her, the force of his thrusts making the ground beneath them shake.

He moved faster and harder than before, his fingers finding her throat and squeezing."You'll, never, become, queen," he snarled into her ear,"but, you'll, make, a, perfect, whore."He punctuated each word with a sharp thrust, his teeth sinking into the soft skin of her neck hard enough to bruise. Malty could only gasp and moan in response, her body overwhelmed by the sensation. Shecould feel herself climbing towards release, her body tightening like a bowstring. But just before she could fall over the edge, Izuku pulled out, leaving her aching and empty.

Izuku stopped, looming over her with a cruel smile."Beg for it," he demanded, his hand wrapping around his shaft and stroking it lazily."Come on, I know you want it."Malty whimpered, her hips twitching up towards him, chasing the friction she needed. When he didn't move, she let out a frustrated sound, her hands moving between her own legs to rub at her aching clit.

"Please,"she whimpered, her voice breaking on the word."Please, I need it. I need you."She was too far gone to care about her pride, too desperate for release to beg for anything but the promise of his cock. Izuku's smile widened at her submission, and he didn't hesitate, slamming back into her with a punishing thrust. Her back arched off the floor at the sudden intrusion, her walls fluttering and clenching around him.

He flipped her over, yanking her hips up and back in one smooth motion. Without hesitation, he pushed back inside her, burying himself to the hilt in one brutal thrust.

"Fuck, you're so tight," he grunted, his fingers digging into the flesh of her hips hard enough to bruise. He started thrusting, his pace setting the rhythm until Malty was panting and mewling, her fingers scrabbling for purchase against the rough ground.

He was relentless, chasing his own release now, his hand coming up to tangle in her hair and yank her head back. The added angle had him hitting places inside her she didn't know could feel, and she saw stars, her body tightening, coiling, preparing for the inevitable. With a shout, they came together, Malty's scream lost somewhere between pleasure and pain as he filled her with his seed.

She collapsed face-first into the sleeping bag, her body spent and satisfied. Izuku stood over her, admiring the sight of his seed leaking out of her well-fucked cunt. He grinned as she mumbled,

"I'm finally satisfied, now let's get some sleep."But before she could get another word out, something hard and insistent was pressing against her asshole. His hand, slick with their combined juices, pushed forward, breaching her tight ring of muscle. The sudden intrusion made her gasp, her body stiffening in shock.

"What are you doing?"she whimpered, trying to pull away. But he held her in place, his grip unyielding as he pushed in deeper, inch by excruciating inch. It burned, the unfamiliar sensation stretching her in ways she had never been stretched before. He didn't stop until he was buried to the hilt, his balls pressed against her sensitive clit.

"Didn't you say you wanted this?"Izuku snarled in her ear as he pushed forward, burying himself in her ass with one brutal thrust."Well here it is, you filthy whore. I'm giving you exactly what you want. "Without waiting for an answer, he started moving, his pace furious and relentless. The sound of flesh pounding against flesh echoed throughout the small tent, punctuated by his harsh breathing and her strangled cries.

His hands came down on her ass, slapping hard against the already abused skin. Each strike sent a jolt of pain through her, but it was quickly followed by a rush of pleasure, her walls clenching around him like a vise. He could feel her, trying to milk him, to pull him in deeper, and it only fueled his rage. He sped up, his thrusts becoming erratic as he chased his release, not caring about hers anymore.

Malty was already climaxing by the time he flipped her over, her body writhing beneath him. Her eyes were glazed, her tongue lolling out of her mouth as she made unintelligible noises of pleasure. Izuku laughed at the sight, drinking in every moment of her ecstasy. He didn't stop, not even when he had her legs pinned behind her head, folded almost in half. If anything, the new angle just allowed him to go deeper, hitting spots inside her she didn't even know existed.

Her eyes rolled back, her body going rigid as another orgasm washed over her. He rode her through it, his own release building in the pit of his stomach. With one final thrust, he buried himself to the hilt and came, his seed filling her in hot, thick collapsed on top of her, both of them panting and sweaty, unable to move.

But after a minute, he pushed himself up, a cruel smile twisting his lips. He grabbed her legs, bending them back until her knees touched her ears, and pushed back inside her with a groan. Malty was too sensitive, her pussy twitching and clenching around him, trying to force him out. It only made him grip her legs harder, his thrusts becoming erratic as he chased his release.

"Fucking whore," he panted, his hips slapping against hers with brutal force. "You love this, don't you? Love being used like a fuck doll?"He punctuated each word with a sharp thrust, his cock hitting her cervix with each stroke. She could only moan in response, her body overloading on sensation.

"Answer me," Izuku snarled, slapping her across the face."Tell me you love it. Tell me you want to be my fuck doll."The sharp sting of his palm against her cheek made Malty gasp, her eyes flying open to meet his. They were dark, almost black, with lust and something else, something wild.

"Yes," she panted, her voice hoarse,"Yes, I want it. I want to be your toy, your slut."Her hands scrabbled at his back, nails digging into his skin hard enough to draw blood."A slut like you has no honor," he spat, his thrusts becoming brutal, punishing. He yanked one leg higher, nearly doubling her in half. Malty screamed, a gush of fluid soaking his cock as another orgasm tore through her.

Malty was incoherent, babbling words of devotion and surrender as Izuku used her, his insults only spurring him on. Her pussy was like a vice around him, gripping and milking, demanding his seed. With one final, brutal thrust, he buried himself to the hilt, his cock pulsing as he filled her with his release.

"Take it, you filthy whore," he growled, his hips jerking erratically as he pumped her full."Take every last drop."Atlast, he collapsed on top of her, both of them a sweaty, panting mess. They lay there for a long moment, neither able to move. Slowly, their heartbeats settled, their breathing evened. Without a word, Izuku pulled out of her, his softening member slipping free with a gush of combined fluids. He flopped onto the sleeping bag beside her, his eyes already drifting closed.

End of lemon

The morning sun filtered through the gaps in the tent, casting a golden glow across the makeshift camp. Izuku stirred awake, feeling the soreness in his muscles—a reminder of the night before. He blinked groggily, his eyes adjusting to the sight of Malty already fully dressed, sitting by the fire with a smug smile.

For a long moment, there was nothing but awkward silence as Izuku sat up, rubbing his face. He felt a wave of shame creeping over him—he had let his anger and frustration get the better of him last night, letting lust take over in the heat of the moment. Damn it, he thought bitterly. I shouldn't have let her get to me like that.

Still, despite the regret simmering beneath his skin, the memory of the way Malty had moaned beneath him, the way she surrendered to his touch, stirred something primal inside him. It wasn't just lust... it was rage, release. And it felt good.

Trying to push those thoughts aside, he busied himself with the rabbit they caught the day before, cutting it into manageable chunks. The pot of boiling water, filled with freshly gathered vegetables, bubbled softly as he added the meat. He glanced up, noticing Malty watching him with a satisfied grin.

She twirled a strand of her red hair between her fingers. "So, Hero," she started, breaking the silence with a playful lilt in her voice. "Let's make a deal."

Izuku arched an eyebrow, stirring the stew without looking at her. "A deal?"

She smirked. "We're not lovers, obviously. But we both have... needs." Her emerald eyes gleamed mischievously. "Let's just say we stress-relieve together, when necessary."

Izuku exhaled sharply, feeling his face heat up slightly. "Sure. Whatever." His voice was flat, but the weight of his own frustration lingered. He felt stupid for giving in, for letting himself fall into her trap. But deep down, a dark part of him admitted that it had been satisfying. More than it should have been.

Malty grinned wider. "Well, since we're agreeing, let's get some ground rules in place." She leaned closer, resting her chin on her hand. "We both like to be, you know, dominant. And while I loved our first night," she purred, "I'll admit you were... much more forceful this time." Her fingers traced circles in the dirt absentmindedly. "But, Hero, I like to play with my prey. I like watching them swoon under my touch." She licked her lips teasingly. "And I take it you enjoy being a little more... brutal. I respect that."

Izuku scowled, glaring at her. "Your point?"

She poked his chest lightly. "The point is, if we're gonna keep scratching each other's backs, so to speak, we need to take turns." Her smirk turned devilish. "Since you were dominant this time, next time, I get to take the lead. Fair's fair."

Izuku stood up, his patience already thinning. "You get what you get," he muttered, stirring the stew aggressively. "Don't complain about it."

Malty pouted, pointing a finger at his chest. "Oh no, Hero, I always get what I want." Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned closer. "Besides, let's not forget…" She gestured down to her groin with a wicked grin. "I've still got evidence. It's not going anywhere anytime soon, and you know my father wouldn't hesitate to execute you."

Izuku stiffened for a moment, staring at her with a dark glare. "The slave mark would've gone off if you were lying."

She shrugged, crossing her arms smugly. "At the moment, sure. But now I would lie."

His jaw tightened. "Then go tell him. I don't care." He sat down, focusing on the stew, stirring it with purpose. "Do it. Get it over with."

Malty huffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "Please, Hero. Do you really think I want to tell my father? I'm lying." She pulled her shirt up slightly, showing the unactivated mark. "See? Told you. Empty threat. But you have to admit, we need each other out here."

Izuku sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine, fine. If it gets you to shut up, next time... you can be dominant."

Malty squealed in delight, clapping her hands together. "Perfect! Oh, I promise you won't regret it," she teased, her voice dripping with anticipation. "In fact, I might just make you squeal under my touch, Hero."

Izuku shot her a warning glare. "Don't push your luck."

She laughed, clearly enjoying the banter, and leaned back on her hands. "Oh, Hero, you're so easy to rile up."

An hour passed in relative peace, the stew finally ready. The delicious aroma filled the air as Izuku served it into two bowls. Malty eagerly dug in, her eyes lighting up in delight as she took her first bite. "Mmm… wow, this is amazing!" she hummed, tapping her spoon against the bowl. "Hero, you're really wasted on this whole adventuring thing. Honestly, you should quit this and open a restaurant."

Izuku gave her a sideways glance, swallowing his own bite. "It's alright."

She jabbed her spoon toward him. "No, it's not alright. It's amazing. You're a great cook, seriously."

Izuku smirked slightly, hiding the bit of pride he felt. "It's just basic stuff. Nothing special."

Malty shook her head. "Nope. When we finally take down the church and I become queen, I demand that you cook for me every night. Consider it part of my reward."

Izuku sighed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, right. Dream on, princess."

She grinned, spooning more stew into her mouth, satisfied with their conversation—and with the fact that, despite his resistance, Izuku was slowly but surely becoming hers.

Izuku adjusted his hood as Malty slipped on her enchanted ring once more, transforming into her demi-human disguise with sleek black hair, feline ears, and a matching tail swaying behind her. She glanced at him with a smirk.

"I'll take care of the distillery and selling the potions," she said confidently. "You go to the slave trader and see what you can find. Remember—get someone useful, not just cheap."

Izuku's expression darkened. "I don't care who I get, as long as they can work," he muttered, stuffing his hands into his cloak pockets and turning down the busy street toward the slave market.

….

The slave trader's tent smelled of damp straw and sweat. Izuku stepped inside, greeted by the familiar oily grin of Beloukas, the same man who had marked Malty before. He walked past rows of cages stacked haphazardly, filled with demi-human slaves of various shapes and sizes.

Izuku's gaze swept across them, his expression cold and calculating. Many were far too expensive—exotic demi-humans with shining coats of fur and impressive physiques, each one going for hundreds of silver pieces. He sighed inwardly, realizing that his limited funds wouldn't get him much.

Just as he was about to leave, his eyes landed on the cheapest option, a raccoon girl curled up in the corner of a dimly lit cage. She looked to be around his age, maybe a little younger, but her body was thin and frail, covered in faded whip marks that stretched across her arms and legs. Despite her condition, there was a flicker of defiance in her dull brown eyes as she watched him warily.

"She's only thirty silvers," Beloukas said with a casual shrug, noticing Izuku's interest. "And that's a damn good deal, if you ask me." He leaned in, lowering his voice. "She's in bad shape, sure, but here's the good news—she's never been touched, if you catch my drift." His tone turned lecherous, and Izuku's jaw clenched in disgust.

Beloukas continued, oblivious to Izuku's disdain. "Her last master? Real piece of work. Hated demi-humans, took his anger out on her regularly. I wouldn't have been surprised if he just killed her, but nope—he dumped her back here instead. But hey, at least she's a clean slate." He let out a chuckle. "She's a big one too, means she's gonna need more food than the others. Honestly, I just want her off my hands."

Izuku stared at the girl, ignoring Beloukas' disgusting commentary. The way she shrank back into the corner of the cage spoke volumes about the life she'd endured. He felt a strange pang of sympathy, but he pushed it down. I can't afford to get sentimental. I need someone who can work, and she's the best option within my budget.

"Fine," Izuku said, pulling out the silver pieces and handing them over. "I'll take her."

Beloukas grinned greedily, counting the coins before motioning to his men. "You got yourself a deal, Shield Hero." He clapped his hands, and the cage door creaked open. The raccoon girl didn't move until one of the guards yanked her out by the arm. She stumbled, eyes darting nervously between them before landing on Izuku.

Izuku sighed. "Can she walk?"

The girl wobbled slightly but nodded silently, though her ears flattened against her head. Izuku nodded back. "Alright. Get her cleaned up and dressed. I want her ready to go soon."

As they prepared her, Izuku turned back to Beloukas, his curiosity piqued. "How do you tame monsters?" he asked, his tone casual but laced with interest.

Beloukas chuckled knowingly, leaning against his desk. "It's not too hard if you've got the right tools. Most monsters aren't too smart, you just need a good dose of sleeping poison to knock 'em out. Then slap a slave mark ritual on 'em while they're down, and boom—instant obedience."

Izuku nodded, his mind already flipping through the PDFs he had scanned from the castle library. He quickly scrolled through the files, finding a section detailing the ingredients and ritual required for monster subjugation.

"I see..." Izuku muttered, absorbing the information. "Do you sell the ingredients?"

Beloukas' grin widened. "Of course I do. I can put together a nice little package for ya, Shield Hero. Special price, since you're a repeat customer." He gestured to one of his assistants, who brought out a small crate filled with labeled vials and powders. "This here's your basic knockout blend—enough to subdue most smaller beasts. You'll also need a binding circle kit to make sure the mark sticks."

Izuku considered it for a moment before nodding. "I'll take it. How much?"

"Let's call it... twenty silver pieces," Beloukas said smoothly.

Izuku narrowed his eyes. "Fifteen."

Beloukas clicked his tongue. "Twenty's already a bargain."

Izuku crossed his arms. "I'll pay fifteen now, and if it works like you say, I'll come back for more. You know I have money to spend."

Beloukas sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. You drive a hard bargain, Hero." He took the fifteen silvers and slid the crate toward Izuku. "You're gonna like what you get, trust me."

Izuku grabbed the crate and turned to see the raccoon girl standing in front of him, now dressed in simple, ragged clothing. Her tail twitched nervously, and she didn't meet his eyes.

"Let's go," he said, leading her out of the tent.

As they walked through the streets, Malty appeared out of nowhere, back in her demi-human disguise, her eyes scanning the girl with curiosity. "Huh, so this is the one you picked?" she asked, tilting her head.

Izuku nodded. "She was cheap, and I think she'll be useful."

Malty smirked. "You and your bargains. I got the distillery and sold the potions. We're sitting on a nice pile of silver now."

"Good," Izuku muttered, stealing a glance at the raccoon girl. "What's your name?"

The girl hesitated, then quietly mumbled, "R-Raphtalia."

Malty's face twisted in disgust, her nose wrinkling as she eyed the raccoon girl like she was a piece of spoiled meat. "Ugh, a demi-human?" she scoffed, crossing her arms. "Not a big fan of these little creatures. It's like having a pet following us around."

Izuku shot her a tired glance. "We don't have much of a choice. We need allies."

Malty rolled her eyes dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. We're scraping the bottom of the barrel here. At least she's not one of those hairy freaks." She took a step closer to Raphtalia, grabbing the girl by the throat lightly and lifting her chin up, inspecting her like she was assessing livestock. "She'll do nicely, I guess. Looks a little sickly, though. Guess that's what we get for going cheap."

Raphtalia's ears twitched, fear flickering in her wide eyes as tears started to well up. She sniffled, trembling under Malty's grip.

Malty grinned wickedly. "Oh my gosh, she's a crier. How cute." She leaned in, pressing a finger against one of Raphtalia's teary cheeks before licking it off. "Salty," she mused, before recoiling slightly. "Ugh. Gross. She really is sickly."

Izuku scowled and stepped forward, pulling Raphtalia away from Malty's grasp gently. "Enough." He pressed his hand over Raphtalia's forehead and muttered an incantation. A soft green glow enveloped her body as the healing magic coursed through her. Slowly, the sickly pallor faded from her skin, and she blinked in surprise, standing up straighter.

"There. You're not sick anymore," Izuku said with a nod. Then, without turning his gaze away, he added sharply, "And neither is she."

Malty pouted in mock disappointment. "Aww, Hero, you really know how to ruin my fun. You really are a goody-two-shoes, aren't you?" She crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. "So, what? She's not gonna join us for our... late-night activities?"

Raphtalia's entire body stiffened, her eyes widening in horror at the implication. Tears welled up again, and she clutched her chest tightly, shaking her head in silent panic.

Izuku sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "No. She won't. Unless she wants to, which, let's be honest—she doesn't." He leveled a hard glare at Malty. "I don't force myself on women."

Malty shrugged, feigning disinterest. "Fine, fine. But you can't blame a girl for suggesting. Taking two at once, even if one of them's a demi, would've been kind of fun for you. Don't act like you didn't think about it." She flashed him a playful smirk, biting her lower lip teasingly.

Izuku turned away with an irritated grunt. "You're unbelievable."

Malty grinned wider. "And yet you keep me around."

Raphtalia wiped her eyes, watching their exchange cautiously, still unsure of where she stood with them. Izuku gave her a small reassuring nod, which did little to calm her nerves but was enough to get her walking again.

"Let's just get her some weapons and armor," Izuku said, steering the conversation back to something productive. "Something cheap that suits her style."

Malty laughed, flicking his shoulder. "Oh please, cheap is your whole aesthetic, Hero."

Izuku groaned but didn't argue as they made their way toward the blacksmith's shop.

At the Blacksmith's Shop

As they entered the bustling blacksmith's shop, Malty tossed her long black hair over her shoulder—thanks to her enchanted ring, she now appeared as a demi-human with feline ears and a swishing tail. She leaned toward Izuku with a smirk. "From now on, call me Meowlty, got it?" she whispered mischievously, tapping the side of her head.

Izuku sighed, rubbing his temple. "Seriously? Meowlty?"

She grinned. "What? It fits, doesn't it?"

Raphtalia, standing meekly behind them, glanced nervously at Malty's disguise but said nothing. She was too overwhelmed by the sheer size of the blacksmith shop, filled with racks of weapons and armor that gleamed under the forge's glow.

The blacksmith, Erhard, looked up from his workbench, raising an eyebrow as he recognized Izuku. "Back already, Shield Boy? And with a couple of new faces, I see."

Izuku gestured to the raccoon girl. "This is Raphtalia, my slave. And the cat over here," he said, motioning to Malty with a halfhearted wave, "is Meowlty."

Malty gave a playful bow. "Pleasure."

Erhard grunted, barely sparing her a glance before focusing on Raphtalia. "You sure you're treating 'em right, kid? You don't exactly give off a compassionate vibe."

Izuku crossed his arms. "They'll get what they earn. No more, no less."

The blacksmith scowled, shaking his head. "Heartless bastard," he muttered. "So, what're you looking for?"

Izuku immediately went for the cheapest gear on display—basic leather armor with minimal reinforcement and a small short sword with a dull edge. "This should be enough."

Malty, standing beside him, nodded in agreement. "It's basic, but it'll do until she proves herself worthy of better."

Raphtalia bit her lip, clutching the ragged clothes that barely covered her frame. She looked at the worn armor hesitantly, her tail twitching behind her nervously.

Izuku shoved the set into her arms without a hint of sympathy. "This equipment's worth more than you right now," he said bluntly. "You should be grateful."

Raphtalia flinched at his words but nodded quietly, holding the armor close to her chest. "Y-Yes, Mister Izuku. Thank you..."

The blacksmith, who had been watching the interaction with a deepening frown, finally snapped. "Damn it, kid! You keep talking like that, you're gonna end up in hell." He slammed a heavy gauntlet onto the counter, glaring at Izuku with barely restrained irritation.

Izuku rolled his eyes, his voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm already in hell."

Malty chuckled, leaning against the counter. "Oh, come on, big guy. Don't take it too seriously. We're just making sure our little demi-human earns her keep." She flashed a sharp grin at Raphtalia. "If she works hard enough, maybe we'll even let her sleep in the tent with us."

Raphtalia's ears drooped lower, but she nodded silently, determined not to show weakness.

Izuku ignored Malty's taunts, turning his attention back to Erhard. "How much?"

Erhard grunted. "Fifty silvers."

Izuku frowned. "Forty. Take it or leave it."

The blacksmith sighed heavily, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "You're a real pain, Shield Boy. Fine. Forty." He accepted the coins and gestured for Raphtalia to step forward. "Come on, girl. Let's get this fitted right."

She hesitated before stepping up, allowing Erhard to adjust the armor pieces onto her frame. Despite the leather being old and cheap, it fit her snugly, offering some much-needed protection. The short sword was belted around her waist, feeling foreign in her trembling hands.

Izuku inspected her once she was fully dressed, nodding in approval. "It'll do. For now."

Malty tapped his shoulder with a playful pout. "Don't be too nice, Hero. You might actually make her think you care."

Izuku shot her a glare. "I don't. I just need her functional."

Erhard grumbled under his breath as he watched them, shaking his head. "You're a cold one, Shield Boy. Just don't forget, your so-called tools are still people."

Izuku ignored him, gesturing for Raphtalia to follow. "We're done here. Let's go."

Back in the Forest

The trio made their way back, the setting sun casting long shadows through the trees. The air was cool and crisp, but there was tension between them. Raphtalia followed a few steps behind, her new armor clinking softly with every movement. She gripped the dull short sword tightly, her knuckles white, nervousness etched into her face.

Izuku stopped in a clearing, glancing back at her. "Alright, you're up," he said bluntly, pointing to the nearest group of Balloon Monsters bobbing lazily in the air. "Take one out."

Raphtalia hesitated, her eyes darting between him, Malty, and the aggressive-looking Balloons. "B-But… the sword… it's too dull…" she stammered, her voice trembling.

Izuku frowned. "The sword's fine. You're just scared. Get over there and stab it."

Raphtalia whimpered, her hands shaking as she approached the Balloon. She swung the sword, but it glanced off the monster's side harmlessly. Her eyes widened in panic, and the Balloon lunged at her, latching onto her arm with its sharp teeth.

"Ahh!" she cried, stumbling back.

The slave mark on her chest glowed, sending a sharp jolt of pain through her body. She gasped, clutching her chest, tears welling up in her eyes.

Izuku didn't flinch, watching her struggle. "Keep going," he ordered coldly. "You can cry later."

Malty leaned casually against a tree, watching with an amused smirk. "Aw, poor thing. Is the little raccoon girl too weak to kill a Balloon?" she taunted. "You better try harder, or we'll find someone else who can actually do the job."

Raphtalia's lip quivered, but she forced herself to stand, gripping the sword with trembling hands. She swung again, this time with more force, and finally managed to stab the Balloon through its center. It popped with a loud bang, and she fell to her knees, panting heavily.

Izuku approached her, his expression neutral. "Not bad," he said, pulling the sword from her hands. "But this thing's barely a weapon right now."

He took out a flint and steel from his bag, holding it in his hand for a moment before placing it against his shield. A notification appeared, and the shield absorbed the items, transforming into the Sharpening Shield.

He examined the sword closely. "Give me thirty minutes," he said, sitting down and pulling out the blade. Sparks flew as he began sharpening it with the newly upgraded shield.

Raphtalia sat quietly on a nearby rock, her ears drooping as she watched him work. Despite the pain and humiliation, there was a flicker of determination in her eyes. She clenched her fists, silently vowing to get stronger.

Malty, on the other hand, was relentless. "Honestly, that was pathetic," she said, crossing her arms. "It's a miracle you even managed to kill one Balloon. You looked like you were about to wet yourself the whole time."

Raphtalia flinched, lowering her head. "I-I'll do better…"

"You better," Malty replied, her voice dripping with mockery. "Because if you don't, I'll make sure Mister Hero knows just how useless you really are."

Izuku glanced up from his work, his green eyes narrowing at Malty. "Lay off," he said sharply.

Malty pouted, shrugging nonchalantly. "What? I'm just motivating her."

"Motivate her without making her cry," Izuku said, turning back to the blade. After several minutes of sharpening, the sword gleamed under the faint light of the fire he had started. He tested the edge with his finger, nodding in satisfaction. "Here," he said, handing it back to Raphtalia. "It's good as new. Try again."

Raphtalia stood, gripping the now-sharp blade with renewed determination. She glanced at Izuku, who gave her a brief nod, and then at Malty, who smirked as if expecting her to fail again. With a deep breath, she stepped forward and charged at another Balloon.

The first swing was awkward, but it connected, slicing through the Balloon cleanly. It popped immediately, and Raphtalia blinked in surprise before a small smile spread across her face.

"I-I did it!" she said, her tail swaying slightly behind her.

Malty rolled her eyes. "Wow, you killed a Balloon. What an achievement. Someone fetch the champagne," she said sarcastically.

Izuku ignored Malty's snide remarks and gave Raphtalia a small nod. "Good. Now keep going. We're not stopping until you can handle these things without shaking like a leaf."

Raphtalia nodded, determination burning brighter in her eyes. She stepped forward again, ready for the next challenge, and though Malty's insults stung, they only fueled her resolve.

From the sidelines, Malty smirked, her green eyes glinting with amusement. "You know, Hero, for someone who says he doesn't care, you're awfully hands-on."

Izuku shot her a warning glare. "Don't start."

Malty chuckled, watching as Raphtalia continued practicing with her sword. "Fine, fine. But admit it, she's growing on you."

Izuku didn't respond, instead focusing on Raphtalia's progress. He wouldn't say it aloud, but Malty wasn't entirely wrong. Something about the girl's determination reminded him of himself. Maybe, just maybe, she'll be more than just dead weight after all.

Author's Notes:

Thank you all for your support and for taking the time to read this chapter! I really appreciate your feedback and thoughts. As for our favorite raccoon girl, I'm still undecided on whether or not to include any spicy scenes involving her. If you guys are interested, feel free to let me know—I don't mind exploring that possibility.

Malty, on the other hand, is definitely proving to be the conniving and promiscuous troublemaker we all know and (love to hate?). Poor Izuku is just trying his best to navigate through all her B.S. while figuring out how to survive in this insane world.

Thanks again for reading, and don't forget to leave a review! Let me know your thoughts—whether it's about the story, the characters, or what you'd like to see next. Your support means a lot!