I don't own Rising of the Shield Hero or Live a Live.
"Indeed... For power comes in many forms... Oh, how was I so blind? The fault was mine.A weakness deep... Within my broken heart..."
"So these are the Heroes of Legend."
The Four finally entered the throne room, after a few detours due to Oersted needing a moment to rest. Upon their arrival, they found themselves in the grand presence of the King, surrounded by a multitude of nobles. Most were pleasantly surprised to see one of the heroes among them, was clad in the knight armor. A few even speculated that he might be from their world.
As the knight scanned the room, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, reminiscent of his triumphant days in the tournament.
Being sent to rescue... the... princess.
Facing... the lord of the dark... in the...throne room...
And plunging ḥ̵̃i̷̯̊s̷͈͌ ̴͉͆ś̷̙w̴͖̏ö̶͈́r̸͈͠d̴̗͘ ̴̦̚i̶̡̕n̸͕̿t̶̪́o̴̮̔ ̸͎͛h̸͖͋i̶̥̕s̷̟͛ ̸͓̇g̴͕̀ü̴͚t̶̘͑.̸̉͜.̷͋͜.̴͖͑
Pushing those memories aside, the knight continued his observation and summoned a glimpse of that figure lurking at the corner fixated upon them. And he turned towards the king... there was something off with his gaze. At first, he believed the king was gazing directly at him. However, he soon realized that the monarch's attention was directed towards the left, fixated on the Bow and the Shield. "Why?... was he looking down at one of them?"
Before he could dwell on that, the man in front of them spoke. "I am King Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, ruler of these lands"
Without hesitation, the Knight kneeled and bowed before the king. Must to the surprise of two of the heroes and the embarrassment of the Spear Hero. "(whisping) dude? what are you doing?" the moron asked.
Knight turned the spear wielder into a side glare and told him. "This is the proper way to respect a ruler," he said firmly. As if to reinforce his point, Naofumi swiftly kneeled down, soon followed by the Bow Hero, leaving the Spear Hero awkwardly standing alone. The nobles present exchanged glances, murmuring about the disrespect exhibited by the blonde man.
With a huff of annoyance, the Spear Hero finally relented. "Fine!" he grumbled, dropping to one knee as well.
This impressed the King, who requested the knight introduce himself first. Oersted rose to his feet and spoke.
Oersted: Well, my name is Oersted, Son of Cid and Knight of the Kingdom of Lucrece... or at least I was.
This surprised the crowd, which got the king curious. "What do you mean? Surely a man of your... The King's question was cut short by Oersted's reply. "Am was a knight... because Lucrece was destroyed, brought to ruin by a demon, the Lord of Dark"
Gasps of shock echoed among the assembly. Nobles exchanged whispers rife with speculation about the demon, while guards exchanged terrified glances, and Naofumi looked in astonishment... though both Spear and Bow found the name silly and cliché.
Finally, the King raises his hand out and asks for silence. He turned to the knight and gave his sympathy. "I understand what you are going through. I have seen good knights become broken over failure to protect their homes, even discarding the notion of being a knight." He said. The knight thanks the man that the king asked others to introduce themselves.
The first was the Spear Hero who introduced himself as Kitamura Motoyasu, a 21 year old college student,
That bow hero presents himself as Kawasumi Itsuki. a 17 high school student."
Finally, it was Naofumi's turn...
"Good now, Oersted, Motoyasu, and Itsuki." the king completely interrupts and ignore Naofumi. The knight looks stunned, thinking, "Who does he think he is?"
How DAre YOU!
Everyone recoiled in shock and turned towards the knight; He gave a furious glare to the king. "You order your priests to drag men away from their homes! That you tell them to rush it! Now you have the F#ING GALL TO DISMISS HIM? FOR WHAT? FOR BEING A DEFENDER?" He shouted, echoing with fury.
The King's guards aim their weapons at the knight, only to lower them and backed in fear when the Sword Hero turns his glare to them. "Look at your defenders crumbling. Perhaps this will teach you not to take your defense for granted." He mockingly said as he prepared to unsheathe his sword.
The atmosphere shifted from disbelief to sheer horror; some in the court applauded that the knight was standing up for one of his fellow heroes, but this was going too far.
The King was sweating profusely, glancing at his General in the corner who only gave a disapproving look... didn't move a muscle, panic gripped the King. Suddenly, Naofumi put a hand on the knight's shoulder, urging him to "Calm down." Their eyes locked as everyone braced for the worst.
Oersted stared at his hand, shocked to see his sword unsheathed. Looking at his reflection, he noticed his eyes glowed yellow before returning to normal.
The Knight sheathed his weapon and a collective sigh of relief. He then directed his attention to the trembling King. "I won't tolerate disrespect towards my fellow knights or, in this case, fellow heroes," he stated. Unease rippled through the crowd, even Itsuki and Motoyasu were shaken upon seeing Oersted's fury.
The frightened King quickly offered his apologies to both men, but the knight gestured towards Naofumi, the King's expression changed as he said. "I'm very sorry for ignoring you like that. My old age is getting to me." He paused, collecting himself. "But please, do introduce yourself, oh Shield Hero."
Naofumi was finally introduced as Iwatani Naofumi another college student, albeit a year younger than Spearman.
Overall, All three share simple backgrounds as all Japanese students. Oersted wondered about this odd similarity—did the Weapon Spirits choose them for these traits to foster cooperation? Since he was the bottom 10th choice is what set him apart, but the question remains… Why?
The King cleared his throat. "Anyway, you Four possibly are wondering if we summon you to this world. he began, capturing their full attention
The King expanded the situation:
The world faces a dire threat that their prophecy called the Waves of Calamity, inter-dimensional portals that periodically unleash monsters, leaving devastation in their wake every month. Fortunately, ancient artifacts known as Dragon Hourglasses signal when these waves approach. While the knights successfully managed the first wave, the prophecy warned that subsequent waves would only grow stronger. In response, they resolved to summon heroes from other worlds to aid in their fight against this escalating menace.
By the time Aultcray was finished, the sun had begun to set. This was not what Oersted was expecting and by his looks, neither was Naofumi. But the other two were... nonchalant about it?
"Anyway, surely you didn't summon us expecting us to save you for free," Motoyasu said
"Exactly. We can't have you looking down on us." Itsuki said
Both Naofumi and Oersted gave a disapproval look towards the other two, as to say "God, these guys are so high and mighty"
One of the King's advisors then answers them, "Of course, once you repel all the Waves, we shall reward you all handsomely."
Before either idiot could respond, Naofumi asked a simple question. "Excuse me, your majesty, but, is there even a way for us to get home?"
The King turned to his other advisor beside him. "Of course, once you repel all the Waves, you won't just be rewarded; your weapons will grant you a wish to return home under favorable conditions".
This piqued their interest. "A Wish?!" They asked if even Oersted was interested. "Yes, Legend states that your weapons will reward you all by offering the opportunity to create ideal circumstances back home, or you can live here where they will be treated as heroes for the rest of their lives."
The thought left them speechless, and it would have the same effect on Oersted.. if they summoned him when he was that cocky young fool who triumphed in that tournament.
"You didn't answer his question," the knight said, stunning the king and his advisors, who immediately glared back at him. "What if I don't want to be a part of this? Maybe my people are defenseless without me, hmmm? You were able brought us here, Surely you are able to reverse it." He said, clearly testing them.
But The king and his advisors hesitated, wary of provoking him. Then the head priest spoke up. "I'm afraid there's no way to reverse the summoning. The only way back is to repel the Waves." This left Naofumi feeling uneasy. Oersted asked, "How long do these Waves last?" Worry flickered among the priest, the king, and his advisors. Itsuki pressed on, "None of you know, right?"
The priest sighed, "Not really. Our records show some lasted six months, most cases around a year, and rarely, up to two years." The four exchanged uncertain looks.
Motoyasu then spoke. "Well then, I guess we have no choice but to take your word for it."
This is followed by Itsuki: "Yeah, we will cooperate, but don't think for a moment that you can tame us."
This left both remaining heroes in a moment of contemplation. Oersted turned to the Shield hero and asked, "So, what do you think?" Naofumi blinked in surprise. "Huh? What do you mean…" he replied, but Oersted clarified, "As a knight, my duty is to protect the nobles and their lands."
Naofumi looked stunned. "You can't be serious," he said, shaking his head. "We should help everyone, not just the nobles. You can't just…" He trailed off as he noticed Oersted's smile. "Wait... Were you testing me?" Though Oersted didn't answer, his satisfied expression said it all. It was comforting to see. At least he had found a true hero amidst all the egos... and the demon.
"Excellent, Now that, if everybody could please confirm your statuses?" the King said, which puzzled Oersted. "Statuses? Well, I grew up in an orphanage, worked as a part-time farmer, and I was married to…"
The king halted the knight. "No, no, that's not what I meant. Does your world possessed magic?" he inquired, to which Oersted answered. "I mean, yes, You utter some arcane phrases to perform... I don't know, a fireball?" he said. The room fell silent, and some of the more scholarly attendants felt a little insulted.
The King cleared his throat. "Well yes, but there exists an ability, unique to this world, the heroes of old, called "Status Magic," no doubt you four notice upon arrival to our world." he finished... only to see Oersted, Naofumi, and Itsuki just stood there blinking.
Only Motoyasu seemed to grasp the situation. "Are you guys dense?" He smugly asked. "It should've been the very first thing you noticed when you got here."
"Oh, put a sock in it. Stop acting like you know everything." Naofumi shot back, while Motoyasu rolled his eyes. "Don't you see the icon in the lower right corner of your vision?" He replied.
"Huh?" Naofumi said, while Oersted, who already saw a small square in his view. "Is this the icon?." He asked the Blonde. "So... now what?" Motoyasu looked stumped. "Uh, I don't know. This is way different from the game," he admitted, leaving the Sword and Shield Heroes baffled.
"Game? What are you even..." said Oersted. "Questions for later" He finished in annoyance.
Itsuki responded, "I think you just press it," promoting the three focus on their icon. Oersted pressed the square, and suddenly, a window came up in front of him.
[Name: Oersted]
[LV 1]
[Race: Human]
[Class: Sword Hero]
[Equipment: Sword (locked), otherworldly clothes, otherworldly armor, royal ring]
[HP: 120]
[MP: 120]
[Soul Points: 70]
[Attack: 50]
[Magical Attack: 20]
[Defense: 20]
[Magical Defense: 20]
[Agility: 50]
The Knight was confused by this, but remembered something; this is oddly simpler than a state sheet from an RPG; in fact, various icons on this screen are basically paused screens from various video games... But further makes more questions than answers.
This whole UAI thing was akin to advanced tech, that the arcane, hell, this seems straight out from Od-10's HUD.
"Only Level 1" spoke Itsuki. "Well, that's disconcerting"
"Yeah, no kidding." Replied Motoyasu. "How can we even fight like this?"
"...weird." said a dumbfounded Naofumi
Oersted noticed that the others were staring blankly, which meant the "windows" were invisible to others. Concentrating on his own screen, he found an option for weapon. He pressed it, revealing a list of swords. To his surprise, he had other blades alongside the Holy Sword; he pressed its icon.
[Small Sword]
[Equip bonus: 3 Attack (Unlocked)]
-Default sword-
He scrolled through the blades and was stunned by a wooden training sword. When he pressed it, the sword glowed, transforming it. Leaving everyone in shock. He pulled it from its holder.
[Wooden Sword]
[Special equip effect - 0 Damage]
While equipped with this sword all damage deals 0.
[Equip bonus: 1 Agility Locked]
[Equip bonus skill: Stunt Strike Locked]
A Sword attack that has a low chance of stunning enemies
Oersted looking that the Wooden training sword. It seemed like a ordinary at first. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed the inscription: "Oers." This was his practice sword when he was just a boy.
He swung it a few times, then tapped the screen again, causing the blade to transform into a Gnome Sword.
[Equip bonus: 7 Attack/1 Agility Locked]
Common blade in Lucrece that is used by most, a plain but functional sword.
Scroll down for more; all of these play a role in his life. Yet when he presses the next one, nothing happens before he checks the list.
Axion Sword [Locked - Lv 15 requirement]
Sword of Marvels [Locked - Lv 29 requirement]
Defender [Locked - Lv 35 requirement]
"Lv requirement? What does that mean?" he wondered, then spotted the last blade.
[Briod - Locked - Lv 50 requirement]
[Equip bonus: Unknown]
[Ability: Unknown]
The legendary sword wielded by Hasshe the hunter when he defeated the Lord of Dark long ago.
And what you used murder to the K̵̹̝̿͝͝i̷̡̧̭͉͇̺̟͖̒̌͗̀̄̓͊͘͘͠ṋ̴̥̤̰̿͗̉͒̃̇͝g̶̨͓̘̰̭̦͖̎͊͋͆̔̉͌̀͘.
Oersted panicked and quickly turned the screen off. He began panting
"Hello, earth to Oersted". He turns around and checks out the worried faces of the other heroes... Minus for that blonde idiot, who just looks annoyed. "Huh? Did you say something?" The Knight asked
"Yeah, how the hell did you get those swords? Are you cheating?" Motoyasu accused him, with the court gasp. "Is the Spear insane?" they murmured, fearing what would come next.
The knight glared at the lancer, his patience already running thin. "I was a knight, remember? I've wielded plenty of blades... Remember that... boy.
Motoyasu was furious, but Naofumi cut him off. "No fighting!" he said. Meanwhile, Itsuki was fiddling with his scene when his bow transformed into a sleek red wooden bow, catching Motoyasu's attention. "Hey, how did you do that?"
"I practiced archery at my school," Itsuki replied casually, inspecting the bow. Naofumi and Motoyasu exchanged glances before looking at the screen, both letting out disapproving sighs after a moment.
After the drama settled down. The King started to think that bringing all the four here, was a mistake.
"What now?" Naofumi grumbled, glaring at his Shield. "We're under-leveled, and pretty sure that our clothes wouldn't give much protection."
"Hey, don't worry," Motoyasu said, throwing an arm around him. "If we stick together, we'll be fine."
"Yeah, he's right," Itsuki added. "We can level up better as a team."
Seeing the arrogant duo cheering Naofumi up, brought a smile to Knight.
Unfortunately...
"Umm excuse me." said one of the advisors
The Knight sighed, "WHAT?!" His outburst startled the advisor, who quickly clarified, "Oh Brave Hero. We neglected to mention that you must each recruit allies and adventure separately." He said in a panic.
"Huh?" The Four said in unison.
Suddenly, their screen revealed a new message.
Caution
Working together with your fellow legendary weapon holders will be detrimental to your progress.
Please try to operate separately as much as possible
Naofumi began to worry, but the thought was cut short by scream from Oersted, "WHAT?!" he yelled. "What Type of f# k up system is this?"
The King and his advisors flinched in fear. The Priest quickly explained, "Please, it's not our fault! This is how the weapon operates." He desperately apologizes to the knight.
Oersted surveyed the room, noticing the visible fear among the guards, the King, and everyone else, and he hung his head in shame. Motoyasu tried to reassure him, "Hey, Oers, Look, I know we started off rocky, but we can get through this..." His words were cut off by a voice.
?: "Bold words for a boy playing hero who's never shed blood."
This enraged the Spearman. "Who said that? I am...I am..." Fear crept into his voice, catching the eyes of the remaining heroes… and freezing those who recognized the speaker.
It was the figure that Oersted saw when he entered the throne room… he was taken aback by his appearance, even Naofumi was shocked, though it was for something else. "It can't be, how is he here?" He said, clearly knowing him.
The man was a large figure clad in silver armor adorned with blue jewels and a blue cape. His horned helmet obscured his face, save for his piercing yellow eyes that left the question if he was even human.
Oersted stepped forward in front of the Spearman, and glared at the armored figure. "And you are?" he demanded.
?: Oh? How rude of me. I am Jack Garland, the general of the kingdom, the King's guard...
... and the strongest man in these lands.
Hope you all enjoy
Author Notes
- Sooo… Garland is here. And Oersted just made a great first impression.
- And for Oersted knowledge, he has some of the memories of his incarnation, so can understand… though Oersted world is retro furturic so will not understand a few things.
Hope you all enjoy
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.