The Useless Shield

by Dr.Cats

Izuku Midoriya, summoned as the Shield Hero, is betrayed and framed by the kingdom, only to discover that Malty, the cunning princess, was also double-crossed by the church. Forced into an uneasy alliance, they must navigate betrayal, clear Izuku's name, claim Malty's throne, and survive the deadly Waves. Izuku/Malty

1. Chapter 1 Heroes summoning

Chapter 1 hero summoning

Malty S. Melromarc lounged elegantly on a cushioned chaise in the sunlit parlor, savoring the delicate pastries served by her loyal servants. Each bite of the flaky, golden layers filled her mouth with buttery richness, accented by the sweetness of fresh jam. She dabbed the corners of her lips with a silk napkin, feeling utterly satisfied as she glanced at her polished nails.

Once finished, she rose, her red hair cascading down her back like a fiery crown. The upcoming hero summoning filled her heart with glee. Tomorrow, the shield hero would arrive, and she would have the perfect opportunity to enact her plans. Framing him would be easy—she'd ensure he bore the brunt of her cunning machinations. Her lips curled into a smirk as she strolled down the grand marble hallway, her heeled shoes clicking against the polished floor.

As she passed the grand dining hall, a familiar voice caught her attention. She paused, curiosity piqued, and peeked around the corner. There, sitting among his closest advisors and lackeys, was the Pope of the Three Heroes Church. They were drinking fine wine from ornate goblets, laughing boisterously. Their voices carried over the clinking of their glasses, every word dripping with unfiltered arrogance.

The Pope raised his cup. "To our plan! Soon, the shield hero will be nothing but a disgrace to the kingdom, and that red-haired brat will get exactly what she deserves."

Malty froze, her stomach twisting. Her smirk vanished, replaced by a cold, hard glare.

"That red-haired slut really thinks we're going to make her queen!" another man jeered, his words met with roaring laughter.

Malty's hands clenched into fists. Her nails dug into her palms as rage bubbled beneath her composed exterior. She fought the urge to storm in and blast them to ashes with a fireball, her magic crackling faintly at her fingertips. But she stopped herself, biting the inside of her cheek to maintain control. Attacking the Pope and his inner circle would be outright treason, and she wasn't foolish enough to invite punishment upon herself.

Instead, her lips curved into a twisted smile. Oh, you think you've won, you pompous old fool? You dare to mock me? To undermine me? I will be queen, no matter what it takes.

Turning on her heel, Malty retreated to her quarters, her mind racing with thoughts of vengeance. The grand halls felt stifling as she walked briskly, her anger simmering beneath the surface. She had always known the church to be a nest of vipers, but this betrayal stung deeper than any insult. They had promised her the crown, had assured her she would ascend to power. Now, they plotted to discard her like a broken pawn.

Entering her chambers, Malty slammed the door shut and paced across the room. Her crimson eyes burned with determination as she muttered under her breath. "Fine. If they won't hand me the throne, I'll take it myself. Let them think they've won. I'll destroy their little plans piece by piece."

Her gaze fell on the intricate bell on her bedside table. She grabbed it and rang sharply, summoning one of her servants. A young maid entered, her head bowed low.

"Bring me one of my slaves," Malty commanded coldly, her voice dripping with malice. "Now."

The servant hesitated for a moment before nodding quickly and scurrying away. Moments later, she returned, dragging a small, trembling demi-human girl into the room. The girl had wide, terrified eyes, her petite frame quivering as she looked up at Malty.

Malty's gaze swept over the girl with disdain. "Pathetic little thing," she sneered, stepping closer. She reached for the ornate whip mounted on the wall, its handle encrusted with gemstones that glinted in the dim light. Testing its strength, she snapped it through the air, the sound echoing sharply in the room.

"Let's see if this helps me blow off some steam," Malty muttered, a cruel smile spreading across her face.

The girl whimpered, tears streaming down her face as Malty lashed out. The whip cracked against her delicate skin, leaving angry red welts that quickly began to bleed. Each scream from the girl was music to Malty's ears. Her laughter filled the room, each whip strike feeding her twisted satisfaction.

"Stop crying!" Malty snapped, her voice venomous. "You're staining my floors with your filth. Useless, wretched thing."

The girl collapsed to the ground, her small body convulsing with sobs. Malty rolled her eyes, tossing the whip aside as if it were nothing more than a toy. "Clean this mess up," she barked at the servant. "And take that thing out of my sight."

The maid hurried to obey, dragging the broken girl out of the room. Malty flopped onto her silk-covered bed, a smug expression on her face. "Much better," she murmured, feeling the rage in her chest subside. She stared up at the ornate ceiling, her mind already concocting her next move.

They think they can use me and cast me aside? No, I'll show them. I'll tear apart their precious church if I have to. I will be queen.

Malty sat up abruptly, a glint of inspiration lighting her crimson eyes. She tapped a manicured nail against her lips, a cunning smile spreading across her face as a new plan began to take shape. If the church wanted to undermine her, she would undermine them right back—but not through brute force. No, she would strike them with subtlety, using the tools at her disposal.

Her thoughts turned to the Shield Hero. The perfect scapegoat. They've already set him up for failure. Treated as the weakest, the most despised, he'll find no allies in this kingdom. No one… except me. She grinned at her reflection in the gilded mirror across the room, her face glowing with malicious delight.

"Yes," she murmured, leaning closer to the mirror. Her reflection seemed to echo her deviousness, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows on her sharp features. "I'll be the only one who shows him kindness. The only one who lends him a hand when the world spits on him. He'll be desperate for someone to trust—anyone." She giggled, covering her mouth with her hand, as if savoring the delicious irony. "And when he does, I'll use him. Mold him. He'll be nothing more than a tool for me to reach the throne."

She sat back, her mind racing with the possibilities. "They want to crown me the fool? Fine. I'll play their fool. I'll request funds from Father and the church, pretending to be the dutiful pawn in their little game. I'll use those coins to 'help' the Shield Hero. Build his trust, make him rely on me." Her smile widened as she whispered to herself, "He'll never see it coming."

Turning to the small desk by her bedside, Malty retrieved a quill and parchment, dipping the quill into a bottle of ink with deliberate precision. She began to write, the scratching of the quill against the parchment filling the room.

"Dearest Father," she murmured aloud as she wrote, "I require additional funds to fulfill my responsibilities during the hero summoning. It is, of course, in the kingdom's best interest that the summoned heroes are properly supported. I humbly request an increase in my stipend for these noble duties."

She finished the letter with a flourish, sealing it with her personal crest. Moving on to the next parchment, she drafted a similar letter to the church, masking her true intentions behind flowery language.

"To the esteemed leaders of the Three Heroes Church," she read aloud, mocking the reverence with which she addressed them. "Your wisdom and guidance are unparalleled. As a loyal servant of the church, I seek your blessing in my efforts to assist the summoned heroes. A small contribution to their success would greatly honor your noble institution."

Sealing the second letter, she sat back with a triumphant smile. "Such fools. They'll believe anything if it comes wrapped in flattery and false piety."

Her thoughts wandered again to the Pope, and her grin faltered, replaced by a look of pure venom. She imagined him standing on a scaffold, his head forced into the groove of a guillotine. The blade hovered above, glinting in the sunlight, and her heart raced with anticipation.

"Oh, how I'd love to watch you squirm," she muttered, her voice dripping with malice. Her fingers traced idle patterns on the desk as the scene unfolded in her mind. She imagined the Pope's cries for mercy, his face pale and drenched with sweat, the congregation looking on in silent judgment.

"And then…" She giggled, her eyes alight with unholy glee. "The blade falls."

She pictured the sharp edge slicing cleanly through flesh and bone, the dull thud as his head landed in a basket below. The image filled her with euphoric satisfaction, and she couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up from her throat.

"Your pompous sermons," she sneered at the imagined corpse. "Your smug, self-righteous face… reduced to nothing but a bloody stump. Fitting for a man who thought himself untouchable."

The laughter subsided, but the smile lingered. Malty rose from her chair, standing before the mirror once more. Her reflection stared back, radiating confidence and malice in equal measure. She tilted her head, smoothing a stray lock of fiery hair.

"They think they can cross me. That they can't steal what's mine." - She leaned closer, her eyes gleaming like a predator's. "But I'll show them. I'll show them all. I'm going to be queen."

Her voice rose with conviction as she stepped back, spinning dramatically before collapsing onto her bed with a satisfied sigh. "The Shield Hero, the church, the kingdom, they'll all fall into place. And when they do…" She closed her eyes, a contented smile spreading across her face. "The throne will be mine."

The servants outside her door, hearing her laughter and murmurs, exchanged uneasy glances but said nothing. They knew better than to question her.

Currently in an American College campus.

Izuku Midoriya, now 18 years old, sat in the corner of the university library, his green eyes scanning the pages of a worn fantasy novel. The smell of old paper and leather bindings surrounded him, creating a sense of comfort he hadn't felt in years. It wasn't the life he had once dreamed of, not even close, but it was a life he was learning to accept.

The dream of becoming a hero was far behind him now. He had tried, truly tried, to follow that path. He had trained relentlessly, studied hero tactics, and even risked his life during the entrance exam for U.A. 's hero course. But his efforts had ended in near disaster. Quirkless and inexperienced, he had barely survived the trial, narrowly avoiding a fatal accident. The humiliation and pain that followed had been the final nail in the coffin for his aspirations.

"Maybe it just wasn't meant to be," he whispered to himself, turning another page.

America was supposed to be a fresh start. After Japan's fall, caused by the death of its number one hero and the societal collapse that followed, his father, Hisashi, had managed to secure a way out for their family. The chaos that overtook Japan made it clear they needed to leave. Heroes still operated in America, though not with the same idolized status they once held. Inko, his mother, had agreed immediately, though her heart ached to leave behind everything they'd ever known.

Izuku sighed, his thoughts drifting to the past. His old life in Japan felt like a distant memory. Kacchan, his childhood bully, was gone now, a victim of the chaos that swept through their homeland. Though their relationship had been complicated at best, Izuku felt a hollow ache at the thought of his death. He couldn't help but wonder if things could have been different.

Shaking his head, he pushed the thoughts aside. Focus on the present, he told himself. He had a new path now. He was studying to become a doctor, hoping to make a difference in the world in a way that didn't require superpowers or flashy costumes.

His mother had been his unwavering support throughout it all. Inko had worked tirelessly to help them settle into their new life in the United States. They lived in a modest apartment near the campus, and though their lives were far from glamorous, they were safe. That was more than he could have asked for after the chaos they'd escaped.

Izuku's lips quirked into a small smile as he read another paragraph. He'd always loved fantasy novels, the idea of ordinary people rising to greatness in worlds filled with magic and danger spoke to him on a deeply personal level. Though he no longer aspired to be a hero, the stories still stirred something within him, a longing for purpose and meaning.

As he turned another page, the library's quiet hum was interrupted by the distant sound of laughter. A group of students passed by, their voices lively and carefree. Izuku glanced up briefly, a pang of envy flickering in his chest. He'd always struggled with social interactions, and his introverted nature had only deepened after the events in Japan.

Still, he wasn't completely alone. He had made a few acquaintances in his pre-med classes, students who admired his diligence and often came to him for help. It was enough to keep him grounded.

"Hey, Midoriya!" a familiar voice called softly, breaking his train of thought.

Izuku looked up to see Julia, one of his classmates, peeking around a bookshelf. Her blonde hair was pulled into a loose ponytail, and she carried a stack of textbooks in her arms.

"Oh, hi, Julia," he replied, offering her a polite smile.

"You've been in here all day, haven't you?" she teased, raising an eyebrow. "You know, it's okay to take a break sometimes. Maybe grab a coffee or something?"

Izuku chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess I just got caught up in this book. It's… really good."

She smirked. "Fantasy again? You and those epic quests. Well, don't get lost in another world for too long, okay? We've got that anatomy test coming up."

"I won't," he promised. "Good luck with your studying."

As she walked away, Izuku's smile lingered. Maybe America wasn't so bad after all. There were still shadows of the past that haunted him, his failure, the fall of hero society, and the chaos in Japan, he felt like he had a chance to carve out a new life.

He closed the book and stood, stretching his legs. The library was peaceful, but the world outside was still waiting. And though he wasn't a hero in the way he once dreamed, maybe, just maybe, he could still find a way to make a difference.

Izuku pulled his phone from his pocket as it buzzed, glancing at the message from Julia.

Julia: Hey, nerd! Study group's on in the library café. Don't make me come find you.;)

Izuku chuckled softly, the corners of his mouth tugging into a smile. Julia had a knack for pulling him into things, and despite his initial awkwardness, he'd started appreciating her efforts to include him. Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he adjusted his backpack and started walking toward the café.

On his way, a faint thud drew his attention. He glanced down to see a book lying on the floor near one of the shelves. It was old, the leather cover cracked and worn, with faint, gold-embossed letters barely visible: The Record of the Four Holy Weapons.

He bent down to pick it up, his fingers brushing the dusty surface. "Huh," he murmured, running his thumb over the faded title. The book felt strange in his hands, heavier than it looked. Intrigued, he flipped it open, expecting to find a library sticker or barcode, but the inside cover was blank.

"No sticker… This must be someone's personal book," he muttered, flipping through the pages. The contents caught his eye immediately. It wasn't an ordinary book—at least, not by his standards. Detailed illustrations of fantastical weapons adorned the pages, each accompanied by descriptions of a world filled with heroes, kingdoms, and monstrous creatures. It read like one of the fantasy novels he loved, but something about it felt… different.

He snapped the book shut, glancing around to see if anyone nearby seemed to be looking for it. The aisle was empty. "Maybe someone left it here a long time ago," he reasoned, tucking the book into his backpack. Better check with the front desk, just in case.

At the library counter, he approached the librarian, a kind older woman with half-moon glasses perched on her nose. "Excuse me," he said, holding up the book, "has anyone reported a missing book? I found this on the floor."

She inspected it briefly, shaking her head. "No one's mentioned it, dear. That's not one of our books, though, it doesn't have any library markings. You can leave it here if you'd like, but if no one claims it, it might just get tossed."

Izuku hesitated. The idea of this old, fascinating book being discarded didn't sit well with him. "If it's okay, I'll hold onto it for now. If someone comes looking for it, you can let me know?"

The librarian nodded, smiling. "That's fine. Just be careful with it, it looks like an antique."

He slipped the book back into his bag, resolving to read it more thoroughly later. For now, he had to focus on Julia's study session.

The library café buzzed with quiet energy as students huddled over notes and laptops. Izuku spotted Julia easily; she was seated at a table near the corner, her usual confident grin in place as she waved him over.

"About time, Midoriya," she teased as he approached. "Thought you were gonna bail on me."

"Sorry," he replied sheepishly, setting his bag down. "I, uh, got caught up with something."

Julia raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "All right, let's get to it. Anatomy quiz is tomorrow, and I'm not letting you slack off."

For the next hour, they poured over textbooks and flashcards. Julia had a knack for breaking down complicated topics, and Izuku found himself absorbing the material more easily than he expected. She peppered him with questions, laughing when his face turned bright red under the pressure.

"Relax, Midoriya," she said, smirking as she leaned back in her chair. "You're doing fine. Better than most of the guys in class, actually."

He fumbled for words, his face growing hotter. "Th-thanks. I just—uh—I study a lot, that's all."

Julia chuckled, her blue eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're too easy to fluster, you know that? One of these days, I'm gonna toughen you up."

Despite his embarrassment, Izuku couldn't help but smile. Julia's teasing was always good-natured, and he appreciated how she made an effort to include him. It was something he wasn't used to but found himself enjoying more and more.

As the session wound down, Julia nudged his arm. "You're doing great, but don't burn yourself out, okay? Take a break now and then."

"Yeah," he said, nodding. "Thanks, Julia. For, uh… you know, helping me out."

"Anytime, nerd," she replied with a wink. "See you in class tomorrow."

Izuku packed up his things and headed back to his dorm, his mind drifting to the mysterious book in his bag. As soon as he was alone, he planned to dive into its pages and uncover the secrets it held. Something about it felt… significant, as though it had been waiting for him all along.

….

Izuku stepped off the bus and made his way home, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the quiet streets. As he approached the small apartment building he shared with his mother, he felt a familiar mix of relief and melancholy. Pushing open the door, he was greeted by the warm scent of home-cooked food and the sight of his mother, Inko, bustling around in the kitchen. She turned and smiled brightly when she saw him.

"Izuku! Welcome home," she said, her voice full of warmth. "How was your day?"

He returned the smile, rubbing the back of his neck. "It was good, Mom."

She raised an eyebrow, her smile turning sly. "Did you spend time with that Julia girl again?"

Izuku's face immediately turned red, and he stammered, "Uh… y-yeah. She's great. Really great."

Inko chuckled, clearly enjoying his reaction. "I'm so happy you're making friends, Izuku. It's been so long since I've seen you smile like this."

He nodded, trying to hide his embarrassment. "Thanks, Mom. I think I'm gonna head to my room now."

"Okay, sweetheart. Dinner will be ready soon," she called after him as he disappeared down the hallway.

Izuku closed the door to his room, leaning against it for a moment as he let out a sigh. His gaze swept over the familiar space, still adorned with posters and merchandise from his childhood. All Might's smiling face stared down at him from a dozen different angles, each one a painful reminder of what had been lost. The once-proud collection now felt like a shrine to failure.

His eyes moved to the corner of the room where a small makeshift altar stood. On it were a candle, a photo of All Might in his prime, and a folded piece of paper with hastily scrawled words: "Thank you for everything." Next to it, a small picture of Katsuki Bakugo, Kacchan, sat framed, a bittersweet token of their complicated past.

Izuku stared at the altar, his heart heavy. All Might's death had shattered Japan's hero society, and the villain who had ended his life now ruled the nation like a shadowy tyrant. Pro heroes had tried to stand against him, but every effort ended in failure, and worse, death. The villain's power was unmatched, his influence spreading like a plague. Rumors swirled that he had gone underground, possibly planning attacks on other nations to weaken hero societies worldwide.

Izuku sat on his bed, pulling out his phone. He found an old photo of himself and Kacchan, taken when they were kids. They were smiling, arms slung around each other. His vision blurred as tears welled up, and he whispered, "I'm sorry, Kacchan. I should've been stronger. I should've… done something."

His voice broke, and the tears came freely. He clutched the phone to his chest, the weight of the past crushing him. "You didn't deserve what happened. None of you did. If only I'd been a real hero…"

The memory of his question to All Might resurfaced, haunting him as it always did. Can someone without a quirk become a hero? The answer had always been unclear, and now it felt like it didn't matter. Everything had gone wrong.

He wiped his eyes, taking a deep, shaky breath to calm himself. His gaze fell on his backpack, where the strange book lay hidden. Grateful for the distraction, he pulled it out and flipped it open, immersing himself in its mysterious contents.

The Record of the Four Holy Weapons described a world unlike anything Izuku had ever read about. Kings, heroes, monsters, and legendary weapons—the book wove a tapestry of adventure and danger. He read about the Bow Hero, the Spear Hero, and the Sword Hero, each wielding incredible power to protect the land. But when he reached the section about the Shield Hero, the page was blank.

"Huh? That's weird…" he muttered, flipping back and forth. The blank page seemed deliberate, as if waiting for something to fill it.

Before he could ponder further, the book began to glow faintly. "What the—?!" Izuku exclaimed, dropping it onto his bed. The glow intensified, and he felt a strange pull, like invisible hands tugging at his very being.

His vision blurred, the world around him spinning. "W-what's happening?!" he shouted, but there was no one to answer.

Izuku blinked, his head still spinning as he took in the sight before him. He wasn't alone in the summoning circle. Three other individuals were sprawled around him, each looking as confused as he felt—at least initially. One of them, a tall, muscular man with spiky black hair, stood up first, brushing off his pants and glaring around the room. A sword rested in his hand, gleaming faintly under the flickering torchlight.

"Alright, what the hell is going on here?" the man demanded, his tone sharp and impatient.

Another figure, this one carrying a long, ornate spear, rose next. He had sandy blond hair and a cocky smirk that matched his confident posture. "Yeah, what gives? Who dragged us here?" he asked, twirling the spear effortlessly as if it weighed nothing.

The third, a slender man with sharp features and a bow slung over his shoulder, adjusted his glasses and scanned the room critically. "I hope there's a good reason for this nonsense," he said, his tone cold and dismissive. "You don't just summon people without explaining yourselves."

Izuku remained sitting, his back against the cold stone floor. Unlike the others, he didn't demand answers. He stared at the shield on his arm, ornate and shining, trying to process what had just happened. Shield Hero? Save the world? What does that even mean? His heart pounded as he tried to make sense of the situation.

The robed mages surrounding them exchanged uneasy glances before one stepped forward, staff in hand. The hooded figure's voice resonated through the chamber. "You four have been summoned here as the chosen Heroes of the Legendary Weapons. You are the Sword Hero, Spear Hero, Bow Hero, and Shield Hero."

"Chosen heroes?" the man with the sword scoffed. "No thanks. I don't remember signing up for this."

The man with the spear smirked, leaning on his weapon. "Let me guess, there's a catch. What do you want us to fight?"

The mage hesitated, then continued. "You have been summoned to repel the Waves of Catastrophe, which threaten to destroy our world."

"Waves of Catastrophe?" the bow-wielding man echoed, frowning. "What does that even mean?"

"You will face monsters of unimaginable power, ones that appear when the Waves descend upon our lands," the mage explained. "Your task is to protect our world from this threat. In return, you will be richly compensated. Treasures, fame, glory, anything you desire will be yours upon completing your mission. Once the Waves have been repelled, you will also be able to return to your respective worlds."

At the mention of treasure and compensation, the Sword, Spear, and Bow Heroes' attitudes shifted. The man with the sword cracked a grin. "So, we save your world, and we get to go home rich? Alright, sounds fair."

The spear-wielding man nodded, his smirk widening. "I could get used to being a hero if it comes with a payday like that."

The bow-wielder adjusted his glasses, his expression calculating. "Fine. But I expect a detailed explanation of what we're dealing with."

Izuku, meanwhile, remained silent. His mind was still racing, and he didn't share the arrogance or eagerness of the others. He wasn't a hero. He wasn't even close to being one. How could he possibly help anyone, let alone save a world? He stared at the mages, his mouth opening to ask a question, but before he could speak, the other three were already moving forward.

"Alright, let's get this over with," the sword-wielder said impatiently.

The mages nodded and gestured for them to follow. They were led down a spiraling stone staircase, the air growing warmer as they descended deeper into the tower. The torchlight cast long shadows on the walls, adding an eerie atmosphere to their journey.

…

Eventually, they were brought to a grand chamber with a round table at its center. The room was adorned with banners depicting the four legendary weapons, and servants quickly brought food and drink for the summoned heroes. Once everyone was seated, the Sword Hero leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms.

"Well, I guess we should introduce ourselves," he said, his tone casual. "I'm Ren Amaki. I'm 21, from Japan, and I'm a college student. I'm guessing we're all from Earth?"

The Spear Hero smirked and pointed to himself. "I'm Motoyasu Kitamura. 22, also from Japan. I'm the life of the party, so don't worry, I'll keep things interesting."

The Bow Hero adjusted his glasses, speaking in a cool, detached voice. "Itsuki Kawasumi. 17. And yes, I'm from Japan as well. I was a high school student."

They all turned to Izuku, who shifted nervously in his seat, the shield on his arm feeling heavier than before. "Uh… I'm Izuku Midoriya. I'm 18, and… yeah, I'm from Japan too. I was a pre-med student."

The room fell quiet for a moment as the others took in his introduction. Ren raised an eyebrow. "Well, don't worry. Just stick behind the rest of us, and you'll be fine."

Motoyasu grinned, leaning closer. "Yeah, Shield Hero. You're the support class, right? Guess that makes sense."

Izuku felt the weight of their words but said nothing. He glanced at the shield on his arm, wondering if he was truly prepared for whatever lay ahead. How did I end up here? And how am I supposed to save a world when I couldn't even save my own?

Izuku shifted in his seat, glancing between the three other summoned heroes as curiosity gnawed at him. Their confident attitudes were intimidating, but he couldn't ignore the chance to learn more about their experiences. The moment felt right, so he hesitantly broke the silence.

"Um… can I ask you something?" he began, his voice soft but steady.

The others looked at him, their expressions curious but impatient.

"How has Japan been… you know, since everything fell apart? I mean, after the fall of Hero Society? The fight between All Might and All For One, the death of the number one hero, Overhaul creating quirk-erasing bullets, and Lemillion…" His voice cracked as he spoke faster, his memories rushing back with painful clarity. "He died trying to protect someone. The chaos that followed, the villains rising to power… Hero Society was destroyed."

The room fell silent. Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki exchanged confused glances.

Ren was the first to speak, his voice sharp and skeptical. "What are you talking about? Japan isn't destroyed."

Izuku blinked, caught off guard. "What do you mean? It is. I lived through it. The fires, the battles… All Might—he died saving us. It was everywhere in the news. There's no way you haven't heard about it."

Motoyasu frowned, leaning back in his chair. "Dude, that never happened. You sure you're okay? You sound like you've been playing way too many games or something."

"No!" Izuku's voice rose in desperation. "It's not a game! It really happened! Look, I have proof." He quickly pulled out his phone, his hands trembling as he scrolled through saved articles and images. He thrust the phone toward them, the screen displaying headlines of All Might's final battle, the devastation of Japan, and the rise of villainy.

Ren and Motoyasu leaned in, their expressions shifting from confusion to disbelief.

"That's… I've never seen any of this before," Ren muttered, his brow furrowed. "What the heck?"

Motoyasu frowned, tilting his head. "It looks real, but… it's not my Japan."

Itsuki, who had been quiet until now, adjusted his glasses and spoke in a measured tone. "Are you talking about Espers? Because in my world, we don't call them heroes. And I've never heard of an Esper named All Might."

Izuku's jaw dropped. "Esper? No, I mean heroes! Like actual pro heroes who protect people."

"Wait," Itsuki said, holding up a hand. "If your Japan is so different from ours, what if we're all from alternate versions of the same world?"

The room went quiet again as the weight of his words sank in. Ren nodded slowly. "That… could make sense. My Japan didn't have any of this 'All Might' or 'quirk-erasing bullets' stuff either."

Motoyasu scratched his head. "Okay, so we're all from different Japans? That explains why things don't add up. What about you, Shield Hero? Where were you living when you got summoned?"

"I was in America," Izuku admitted. "My mom and I moved there after Japan fell apart. It was safer."

The group exchanged glances, the pieces starting to fit together.

"Well, that's one mystery down," Itsuki said, leaning back. "But it still doesn't explain why we were summoned."

Motoyasu smirked. "Maybe because we're awesome."

Izuku shook his head. "I don't think it's just that. What about this world? You all seem to know something about it."

Ren nodded. "Yeah, it's a game I played once. It's called The Four Legendary Heroes Chronicles. But for me, it was a VR game."

Motoyasu chimed in, "For me, it was a computer game. I played it with some friends. We all competed to see who could finish it first."

Itsuki adjusted his glasses again. "It was a console game in my world. The mechanics were different, but the story was mostly the same."

Izuku frowned. "I've never heard of that game before. I… I only know about it because of this book I found, The Record of the Four Holy Weapons."

Ren looked at him, intrigued. "Wait, you had a book? Where is it?"

Izuku's face fell. "Oh no… I think I dropped it when we were summoned. Crap…"

Motoyasu chuckled. "Nice going, Shield Hero."

Izuku flushed, but Itsuki waved it off. "No use worrying about it now. So, you don't know anything about the mechanics?"

Izuku shook his head, his voice tinged with frustration and embarrassment. "No, I don't. I don't have a quirk…"

The three other heroes looked at him in confusion.

"A quirk? What's that?" Motoyasu asked, leaning forward.

"It's what gives people powers in my world," Izuku explained, fidgeting slightly. "Like superpowers. Most people are born with one."

Itsuki adjusted his glasses, his interest piqued. "Huh. That's strange. In my world, we call them espers. I'm one—I have accuracy enhancement. It makes me almost impossible to miss with my bow."

Ren frowned slightly. "That sounds useful. Especially if it works with your weapon."

Motoyasu groaned, throwing his hands up. "Seriously? That's so unfair! Why didn't I get something like that?"

Izuku felt a pang of jealousy but pushed it aside. He pulled a notebook from his backpack, flipping it open to a blank page. "Can you tell me how you all level up your weapons in this world? I'm trying to figure out how everything works."

The three heroes began to explain, each describing different mechanics for enhancing their weapons. One talked about forging, another about crafting materials, and the last about absorbing items. But as they spoke, the discussion quickly spiraled into an argument.

"That's not how it works!" Ren snapped, pointing at Motoyasu. "You can't just throw materials at your weapon and expect it to level up."

"Shows what you know, Sword Hero," Motoyasu shot back, crossing his arms. "I've been doing it that way since the start, and it works perfectly."

Itsuki rolled his eyes. "Both of you are wrong. Absorbing ores is the only method that makes sense. It's efficient and effective."

Their voices rose as they argued, cutting each other off and refusing to listen. Izuku felt a headache coming on but tried to focus. As he listened, something strange happened. His shield began to glow faintly, and symbols appeared in his vision, representing each of the methods they were describing. Without realizing it, he had subconsciously activated the shield's leveling ability and unlocked all three methods.

"Guys, stop!" Izuku finally shouted, silencing the room. "It doesn't matter who's right or wrong. Can't we just figure this out together?"

The three stared at him for a moment, then reluctantly backed down, though their expressions made it clear they still didn't agree with one another.

"Fine," Ren muttered. "But I'm sticking to what I know."

"Same here," Motoyasu added, his tone defensive.

Itsuki simply shrugged, his face unreadable. "Whatever works."

Izuku sighed, sensing the tension between them. "Alright, so… what about this world? Can you tell me anything about it?"

The three heroes exchanged glances, then began speaking in vague terms. They mentioned the different lands, regions where monsters could be fought for experience, and places to gather resources. But their knowledge was surface-level at best, focused more on practical gameplay mechanics than the actual history or lore of the world.

"It's not like that stuff matters," Motoyasu said with a grin. "What's important is finding the best grind spots and getting stronger."

Izuku frowned but said nothing. How am I supposed to understand this place if no one even knows its history? Still, he jotted down notes in his notebook, determined to make sense of it all.

As the discussion tapered off, Izuku glanced at the glowing shield on his arm. He didn't fully understand what was happening, but one thing was clear: he needed to figure out how to use this power if he was going to survive in this strange new world.

The heavy doors creaked open, and a servant entered the room. He was a tall man with a sharp, professional demeanor, his head bowed slightly as he addressed the group. "Apologies for the delay," he said politely, "but the king will see you now. He has just finished a brief conversation with his daughter."

The heroes exchanged curious glances but said nothing, following the servant as he gestured for them to proceed. As they walked through the grand halls of the castle, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls, a faint sound caught their attention. It was soft at first—a light, melodic giggle, almost childlike—followed by the unmistakable jingle of coins.

"Did you hear that?" Izuku asked quietly, glancing over his shoulder.

Motoyasu grinned. "Probably just someone counting their treasure. Maybe we'll be doing the same soon."

Ren and Itsuki gave him unimpressed looks but didn't comment further. The group continued down the corridor, the sounds fading into the distance as they approached the throne room.

…

The throne room was a grand spectacle. Ornate banners hung from the high ceilings, each bearing the sigil of the kingdom. A massive golden throne sat atop a raised dais, and behind it loomed an intricate stained glass window depicting the four legendary weapons. The king sat on the throne, an older man with a regal bearing, though his tired eyes betrayed the weight of responsibility.

The heroes were ushered forward, standing before the king as the servant stepped aside. The king surveyed them with a critical eye, nodding slightly as if assessing their worth.

"Introduce yourselves," he commanded, his voice firm but not unkind.

Ren stepped forward first, his posture confident. "I am Ren Amaki, the Sword Hero."

Motoyasu followed, flashing a charming grin. "Motoyasu Kitamura, the Spear Hero, at your service."

Itsuki adjusted his glasses, his tone calm and measured. "Itsuki Kawasumi, the Bow Hero."

Izuku took a hesitant step forward, his heart pounding. "I'm Izuku Midoriya, the—"

Before he could finish, the king raised a hand, silencing him. "Yes, yes, the Shield Hero," he said dismissively, his tone less enthusiastic than when addressing the others. "You are all here because our world is on the brink of destruction. The Waves of Catastrophe are a threat unlike any other, and without your intervention, we will surely fall."

The heroes exchanged uneasy glances as the king continued. "If you repel the waves and protect our lands, you will be handsomely rewarded. Riches beyond your wildest dreams will be yours, and once the waves are defeated, you will be allowed to return to your respective worlds."

Motoyasu's grin widened. "Sounds like a deal to me. So, what's the plan? We team up and crush these waves?"

The king shook his head. "Unfortunately, it is not that simple. You cannot gain experience if you are in the same party as one another. The power of the legendary weapons prevents it."

"What?!" Motoyasu exclaimed. "You mean we can't team up?"

The king nodded gravely. "That is correct. You must each form your own party and grow stronger independently. Adventurers from across the kingdom will arrive tomorrow to join your respective groups and aid you on your journey."

Ren frowned. "That's inconvenient, but I guess it makes sense. If we all stayed together, we'd rely too much on each other."

Itsuki crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "Fine. As long as we get competent allies, I don't see a problem with it."

Izuku, who had remained quiet, felt a knot of anxiety in his chest. I don't know anyone here. How am I supposed to form a party? He glanced at the other three heroes, who seemed far more confident in their abilities.

The king gestured for a servant to approach. "You will be provided rooms for the night. Rest well, for tomorrow marks the beginning of your journey. The fate of our world rests in your hands."

The heroes were escorted out of the throne room, their thoughts racing as they prepared for the challenges ahead. They settled in for the night. When they finally went to bed, Izuku stared at the ceiling of his room, the weight of his situation pressing down on him. No quirk, no experience, and no allies. What am I supposed to do?

The next morning, Izuku and the other heroes were brought back to the throne room. This time, it was filled with adventurers of all kinds: swordsmen, archers, mages, and more, all eager to join the legendary heroes. The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation as the king stepped forward to address the room.

"Adventurers!" the king's voice boomed. "Today, you will pledge your loyalty to one of the Four Heroes. Choose wisely, for your fate will be tied to theirs as they repel the Waves of Catastrophe and protect our world!"

The adventurers nodded, and one by one, they began selecting which hero they would follow. Izuku watched nervously as groups formed around the Sword, Spear, and Bow Heroes. Ren quickly attracted a strong, well-rounded team, including a tank, a healer, and skilled DPS fighters. Itsuki, with his calm demeanor, garnered a group of strategic adventurers who seemed experienced and versatile. Motoyasu, to no one's surprise, was surrounded by a group of women, most of whom seemed enamored with his charm.

Izuku waited patiently, his shield strapped to his arm, hoping that at least one or two adventurers would come forward. But as the room began to thin out, no one stepped toward him. He glanced around nervously, realizing that he was being completely ignored.

The king's stern voice cut through the awkward silence. "It seems the rumors of the Shield Hero's incompetence have spread throughout the kingdom," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "No one wishes to join him."

Izuku's stomach sank, his mind racing. Rumors? About me? But I haven't even done anything yet! His thoughts shifted to the conversation from the night before. Could someone have been spying on them? He clenched his fists, his face a mix of frustration and confusion.

Before despair could fully set in, a voice rang out from the crowd. "I'll join the Shield Hero."

The adventurers parted, revealing a young woman with fiery red hair and a confident smile. She stepped forward with grace, her piercing eyes meeting Izuku's. "My name is Myne," she said sweetly. "I'd be honored to fight alongside you, Shield Hero."

Izuku's eyes widened, and he felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling. "Thank you! Thank you so much! I promise I won't let you down."

Myne took a subtle step back, waving a hand in front of her. "No need for the waterworks," she said with a chuckle. "Let's just focus on getting stronger together."

The king, observing the exchange, nodded. "Since the Shield Hero has fewer party members, he will receive additional funding. The Sword, Spear, and Bow Heroes will each receive 600 silver pieces. The Shield Hero will be given 800."

The other heroes grumbled but didn't object outright. Izuku, clutching the pouch of silver handed to him, felt a glimmer of hope. At least he wouldn't be starting completely empty-handed.

….

Once outside the throne room, the heroes began discussing their next moves. It was clear that they had no intention of sticking together, each eager to pursue their own path.

"We'll split up from here," Ren said bluntly. "It's better if we gain experience in different areas."

Motoyasu grinned, his entourage of women giggling behind him. "Makes sense. No point in stepping on each other's toes."

Itsuki adjusted his glasses, nodding. "Agreed. We'll see each other again during the next wave."

Before they left, Izuku hesitated. "Um, do you think… maybe we could meet up later? Just to talk about what we've learned? I think it'd be good to share information."

The other three exchanged glances before Ren shrugged. "Fine. Meet us at the bar in the market district after a few hours. Don't expect much, though."

"Yeah," Motoyasu added with a smirk. "Try not to get lost, Shield Hero."

Izuku nodded, clutching his pouch of silver and glancing at Myne, who gave him a reassuring smile. Despite everything, he felt a flicker of hope. With Myne by his side and the silver in his pouch, he resolved to give it his all, no matter the challenges ahead.

Izuku listened attentively as Myne explained their next destination: a blacksmith named Erhard. "He's one of the best in town," she said, flashing him a charming smile. "You're going to need his help if you want to get started."

When they arrived, the shop smelled of hot metal and wood smoke, the walls lined with swords, spears, shields, and armor of all shapes and sizes. A burly man with a scruffy beard and a rough demeanor stood behind the counter, hammering away at a piece of glowing metal. He glanced up when they entered.

"Customers, huh? Name's Erhard. What're you looking for?"

Izuku stepped forward nervously. "Um, I'm the Shield Hero. I was hoping to get some equipment."

Erhard raised an eyebrow. "Shield Hero, eh? Alright, let's see what you can handle." He pulled out a variety of weapons, laying them on the counter. "Try these."

Izuku hesitated but reached for a small sword. The moment his fingers touched the hilt, a spark of electricity surged through him, causing him to yelp and drop the weapon. A notification appeared in his vision: Invalid Weapon.

Erhard chuckled. "Guess you're stuck with shields, huh? Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

While Izuku nursed his hand, Myne wandered over to the armor display. Her eyes sparkled as she picked out a set of sleek, shiny armor, the kind that looked more ornamental than practical. "This will do nicely," she said, holding it up for Izuku to see.

He frowned, his stomach twisting. "That looks really expensive…"

Myne leaned in close, her red hair brushing against his cheek as she placed a finger under his chin. Her voice dropped to a whisper. "Come on, Shield Hero. Don't I deserve the best if I'm going to protect you?"

Izuku's face turned bright red. "Uh… w-well… maybe we can look for a discount?"

Myne giggled and stepped back as Izuku tried his hand at haggling. It was a skill he'd picked up during his childhood when he'd saved up every yen he could to buy All Might merchandise. After some back-and-forth, he managed to get the armor for 400 silver pieces—half his budget. It wasn't ideal, but Myne's insistence was hard to argue against.

Once Myne had her armor, she suggested Izuku get some for himself. "You're the Shield Hero. You need to be tanky."

Izuku shook his head. "I think I'll be fine for now. Let's save the rest of the money for other things."

…

They headed out of town to a nearby field to hunt monsters. Myne explained that he needed to defeat them on his own to gain experience. The monsters, small orange creatures with comically oversized mouths, floated lazily in the air like balloons.

"These are Balloon Monsters," Myne said, crossing her arms. "They're weak, so you should be able to handle them."

Izuku nodded, stepping forward nervously. The first few encounters were awkward, with him fumbling to block and counter the monsters' weak attacks. It took hours, but he eventually managed to defeat several of them. Each time one was defeated, its remains were absorbed into his shield, unlocking new bonus effects and abilities.

A notification appeared after one battle: New Shield Unlocked: Balloon Shield.

Izuku glanced at the glowing text. "So… my shield can copy things I absorb? That's kind of cool."

By the time they finished, the sun was beginning to set. Though he had barely gained any XP, Izuku felt a small sense of accomplishment. Myne clapped her hands. "Not bad for your first day. Let's head back to town."

…

Later that evening, Izuku met up with the other heroes at a bustling bar. The atmosphere was lively, adventurers and townsfolk alike enjoying food and drink. Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki sat at a table, each flanked by their respective parties. Izuku joined them hesitantly, his exhaustion evident.

"So, how'd it go?" Ren asked, sipping from a tankard. "What kind of XP did you grind?"

Izuku scratched the back of his neck. "Uh… not much. I only fought Balloon Monsters."

The three of them exchanged knowing looks before bursting into laughter. "Balloon Monsters?" Motoyasu snorted. "That's beginner-level stuff, Shield Hero."

"I didn't have much choice," Izuku muttered. "And I couldn't even use any weapons. I tried, but—"

Ren smirked, cutting off Izuku's confused ramblings. "Why would you even try to use a weapon? You're the Shield Hero. Shields are your only option."

Izuku furrowed his brows, trying to process everything. "But… all I can do is defend. How am I supposed to—"

Motoyasu interjected with a chuckle, "At least copy some shields, dude. That'll help you get better stats."

"Copy shields?" Izuku tilted his head, confused. "I can do that?"

"Of course," Itsuki said, adjusting his glasses. "If you find a shield and hold it in your other hand, your Legendary Shield can copy it and gain its abilities. It's a basic feature of the legendary weapons."

To demonstrate, Ren held up his sword, which suddenly transformed into a sleek katana with glowing edges. "See? It's not just shields. Our weapons can transform into different forms as we unlock new abilities."

"That's crazy," Izuku said, eyes wide.

"Crazy useful," Motoyasu added with a grin. "Also, when you defeat monsters, you'll get drops—items like materials, potions, and herbs. They'll show up in your inventory menu."

Izuku quickly opened his own inventory, a translucent interface appearing before him. Sure enough, there were items listed from the Balloon Monsters he'd defeated earlier: Minor Herbs and Wire Drops. His face lit up with excitement. "This is amazing! I'm going back to the blacksmith to see if I can copy some shields."

The other heroes chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Have fun, Shield Hero," Ren said, waving him off.

Myne yawned delicately, stretching her arms. "I'm feeling a little tired," she said. "I'll head back to the inn and wait for you there. We can have dinner when you return."

"Alright," Izuku said with a smile. "I'll be back soon."

….

Izuku hurried to the blacksmith's shop, bursting through the door with a wide grin. Erhard looked up from his work, raising an eyebrow. "Back already, Shield Hero?"

"Yeah," Izuku said eagerly, glancing at the shields displayed on the walls. "I learned a cool new trick, wanna see?"

Erhard crossed his arms, watching skeptically as Izuku grabbed the most expensive-looking shield in the shop. With a quick thought, his Legendary Shield glowed faintly, and a notification appeared: New Shield Copied: Steel Tower Shield.

Izuku's grin widened as he checked the stats, which were significantly better than his starting shield. "It worked!" he exclaimed.

The blacksmith's jaw dropped, and he scowled. "What the hell did you just do?"

Izuku flinched at Erhard's tone and quickly explained, "I can copy shields using my Legendary Shield. It's part of its ability. I… I feel bad about doing it for free, though. How about I pay you 200 silver to let me copy the rest of the shields in your shop?"

Erhard grumbled, scratching his beard. "Fine, but you'd better promise to come back here if you want a new shield made. I don't want you running off to someone else after this."

"Deal," Izuku said, nodding earnestly. "I'll always come to you for shields."

With the agreement settled, Izuku spent the next several minutes copying the shields in the shop, his inventory filling up with a variety of options. By the time he left, he was practically bouncing with excitement. He thought about the leveling system and how they were all trying to teach him it, and then a notification popped up. He looked at the screen seeing all the leveling up methods that they described. He smiled and jumped feeling that he's finally making progress.

….

When Izuku returned to the inn, Myne was sitting in the common room, her fiery red hair catching the flickering light of the lanterns. She was casually twirling a strand of it between her fingers, a glass of wine in her other hand. Her eyes lit up when she saw him, and a sly smile spread across her lips.

"You're back," she said, her voice warm and inviting. "Did everything go well at the blacksmith?"

Izuku nodded eagerly, his face lighting up. "Yeah! I was able to copy a bunch of shields. It's amazing how much better my options are now."

Her smile widened, and she leaned forward slightly, resting her chin on her hand. "That's wonderful, Sir Hero. You're already making such impressive progress." Her tone was sweet, but there was a playful edge to it that made his heart race.

They ordered food, and Myne poured herself another glass of wine. She took deliberate sips, her movements slow and deliberate, drawing attention to the way her body moved. As she reached for her glass, her chest jiggled subtly, and Izuku couldn't help but glance before quickly looking away, his face turning crimson.

She caught the look and giggled softly, tilting her head as she gazed at him. "What are you staring at, Shield Hero?"

Izuku's eyes widened, and he stammered, "N-nothing! I wasn't—uh—I mean—"

Her laughter was light and teasing as she leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "You're so cute when you're flustered. I think it's one of your best qualities."

He froze, unsure of how to respond, his face burning as she rested her hand lightly on his arm. She smiled, clearly enjoying his reaction, and traced a finger along the rim of her glass.

"You know," she said, her voice like silk, "it's nice to see a hero who's so humble. Most men would be bragging nonstop, but you… you're sweet. Handsome, too."

"Handsome?" Izuku blinked, his voice cracking slightly. "I-I don't think—"

"Oh, but you are," she interrupted, leaning in closer so their faces were only inches apart. "Handsome… and kind… and so, so pure." Her green eyes sparkled mischievously as she studied his face, and he felt like his heart might explode.

After dinner, Myne leaned back in her chair, stretching gracefully before giving him a knowing smile. "It's been a long day, hasn't it, Shield Hero?"

"Yeah," Izuku admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. "I didn't realize how much there is to learn."

She stood, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Well, you've been working hard, and I think you deserve a proper hero's welcome. What do you say we head upstairs? I got two separate rooms—yours is across the hall from mine."

He blinked, caught off guard. "Are you sure? I mean, I'm not really used to, uh… I don't usually—"

Her finger pressed gently against his lips, silencing him. "Come on," she purred, her voice soft and inviting. "A hero needs a hero's welcome, doesn't he? And I'd like to provide it, Sir Hero."

His heart pounded in his chest, but he managed a small smile. "Yeah… okay. That sounds great."

….

In his room, Izuku barely had time to process what was happening before Myne pushed him onto the bed with surprising strength. She climbed onto his lap, straddling him, her red hair cascading down her shoulders like a fiery waterfall. Her hands rested on his chest, and she leaned in close, her lips just a breath away from his.

His face turned a deep shade of red, and he instinctively turned his head, her lips brushing against his cheek instead. Myne paused, tilting her head as she looked down at him, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement.

"Shy, are we?" she murmured, her voice dripping with teasing affection. "You really are pure, aren't you, Shield Hero?"

"I-I just—" he stammered, his eyes darting everywhere but her face. "I've never—uh—I mean…"

She placed a finger under his chin, gently tilting his face so their eyes met. "Relax," she whispered, her tone soft and soothing. "I find it… adorable. It makes you even more charming."

Her lips brushed against his ear, her breath warm as she whispered, "Shield Hero… I need you tonight. Protect me from the cold with your warmth."

Izuku's heart felt like it was going to burst. His throat was dry, his hands shaking slightly, but he managed to meet her gaze. Her green eyes bore into his, and he felt something shift inside him—an unfamiliar but undeniable pull.

"Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Yes…"

Their lips met in a passionate kiss, her hands sliding up to cradle his face as their tongues danced together. Izuku's hands hesitated before settling on her hips, his fingers trembling as he squeezed gently. Myne smiled against his lips, finding his innocence endearing as she guided him with practiced ease.

Her movements were slow and deliberate, every shift of her body designed to draw him deeper into her spell. "That's it, Sir Hero," she whispered, her voice a tantalizing mix of encouragement and seduction. "You're doing so well."

Izuku's thoughts were a jumbled mess, his usual overthinking drowned out by the intensity of the moment. For the first time in his life, he let go of his doubts and fears, losing himself in the warmth of her touch and the softness of her lips.

Lemon warning:

Myne's hands deftly removed Izuku's shirt, revealing his pale skin and the gentle rise and fall of his chest. Her fingertips traced the contours of his muscles, tracing the lines of his lean body. She admired the strength beneath his shy exterior with a hungry gaze.

"My, my," she purred,"you're quite the specimen, aren't you, Shield Hero?"

Izuku flushed, his blush spreading down his neck and chest."N-no, I'm not—" he stammered, but Myne silenced him with another kiss.

Her lips moved from his mouth to his neck, trailing kisses down to his collarbone. She nipped at his skin, relishing the soft gasp that escaped his lips.

"Don't be so modest," she murmured, her voice muffled against his flesh."It's one of the things I adore about you."

Myne's hands moved deftly, unlatching her armor piece by piece. She cast aside each item carelessly, her focus solely on Izuku. His eyes widened as more and more of her creamy skin was revealed to his hungry gaze.

She wore little beneath the armor, a scrap of lace the only barrier between her and his touch. With a teasing smile, she unclasped her bra, freeing her breasts.

They bounced enticingly before settling into her hands."Like what you see?" she purred, leaning in close enough that he could feel her warm breath on his neck.

Izuku's only response was a breathy "Yes" before her lips claimed his again in a searing kiss. She dominated his mouth, her tongue invading deeply, thoroughly. She tasted of wine and desire, heady and intoxicating.

Izuku was lost in her kiss, his world narrowing to the feel of her soft lips, her warm tongue dominating his mouth. He barely noticed as she moved, climbing his body like the queen of the hill.

She threw a leg over his head, and suddenly his nose was buried in the soft flesh of her buttocks. He inhaled deeply, the scent of her musk filling his lungs. Before he could even process what was happening, Myne ground her pussy against his face. "Lick,"she commanded, her voice brooking no argument. "Taste me like I tasted you."

His first touch was hesitant, his tongue flicking out to trace her slit. Myne shuddered, pressing herself more firmly against him. "That's it, Sir Hero," she purred.

"Now be a good boy and eat your queen's cunt."

Myne's command echoed in Izuku's ears, and like the obedient hero he was, he did as he was told. He lapped at her pussy, his tongue exploring every fold and crevice. The taste of her arousal flooded his senses, musky and intoxicating. He buried his face deeper, inhaling her scent as he tongue-fucked her sopping cunt. His nose was pressed firmly into the soft swell of her ass, the silky fabric of her white panties brushing against his skin.

Even in the throes of passion, a small part of his mind marveled at how they stayed put, hugging her curves like a second skin.

"Yesss," Myne hissed, grinding her hips against his face."That's it, Shield Hero. Worship your queen's cunt." Her words were punctuated by soft gasps and moans, her fingers threading through his hair to hold him in place.

Myne's moans grew louder, more urgent, as Izuku's tongue worked magic on her pussy. He lapped at her, his lips sealing around her clit to suckle gently. The feeling of his nose digging into the soft globes of her ass sent shivers down her spine.

"Don't stop," she gasped, her hips bucking against his face."I'm...I'm going to... Ahhhh!" Her words dissolved into a cry of ecstasy as her orgasm crashed over her like a tidal pussy clenched, her juices flooding Izuku's eager mouth. Helapped it up greedily, not wanting to waste a single drop of her nectar.

Slowly, she came down from her high, her body going limp with satiation. She rolled off him, collapsing onto the bed beside him with a satisfied sigh.

She felt amazing, powerful, invincible even. But as quickly as the feeling came, it was replaced with a burning needed more of him, all of back onto the bed, she straddled his head once again, her ass pressing down on his face as she grinded against him. He gasped at the feeling, his hands gripping her hips, and she could feel the vibrations of his moan against her sensitive folds.

As he resumed his task, Myne's hands lowered, seeking to unburden him from his before she could reach her goal, she felt an unfamiliar sensation. Instead of his tongue diving into her aching cunt, it traced a path up to her other eyes widened, and she let out a soft gasp. It wasn't painful, more surprising, and... intriguing.

Izuku's inexperienced tongue slipped, accidentally probing the tight ring of muscle. He didn't understand what he'd done wrong, but Myne's body betrayed her reaction.A sharp inhale was quickly silenced, followed by a choked moan as she pressed her ass back, as if trying to capture his wayward muscle between her cheeks. He could feel her trembling, her juices flowing freely, coating his chin with their sweetness. The scent was intoxicating, making his head spin with desire.

Unbeknownst to Izuku, Myne was in a similar state of arousal. This was her first time, the moment she'd been dreading and anticipating in equal measure. She'd done plenty with men before, sure, but this? This was the real deal. Losing her virginity, giving her innocence to the shield hero of all people. It was daunting, exhilarating. And Goddess, did she want him to take her.

Finally managing to yank down his pants, she cried out at the unexpected burst of pleasure that wracked her body. The fabric caught on his impressive bulge for a moment before giving way, and she nearly fell face-first onto the bed, catching herself with her hands just in time.

Myne stared down at his member, her eyes widening with shock and a hint of fear. He was...monstrous. Massive and thick, standing proudly against his belly."Sweet Goddess,"she breathed,"are you sure you're the Shield Hero? Because if that's what you're using to defend the realms..." she trailed off, biting her lip as she glanced up at him through her lashes.

Taking a deep breath, she gently moved herself closer, until her wet slit brushed against the engorged head of his cock. The contact made her shudder, anticipation coiling tight in her belly. This was it. This was the moment she'd been waiting for.

Slowly, she lowered herself onto him, her body stretching wide to accommodate his impressive girth. As the head of his cock breached her virgin entrance, she bit down hard on her lip to stifle a pained cry. It Was an odd mixture of agony and ecstasy, and she could feel the wet warmth of her blood mingling with her arousal, staining the previously pristine white of her panties a deep crimson.

A smug smile crossed her face as she pictured it later - undeniable proof of her innocence taken, her purity lost to him alone. But now wasn't the time to think of that. Now, she needed to assert her dominance, to remind him just who was in charge here.

Leaning forward, she braced her hands on his chest, her nails digging into his skin hard enough to leave marks. She began to move, sliding up and down his length with increasing speed.

"That's right," Myne hissed, her teeth grazing his earlobe,"I'm going to tame you, Shield Hero. Break you in and make you mine."Her fingers traced idle patterns on his chest, her nails leaving red lines in their wake. She sucked and nibbled at his neck, sure to leave marks for all to see.

Izuku could only moan in response, his hands coming up to grip her hips hard enough to bruise.

He was lost in the sensation - the tight heat of her cunt engulfing him, her fingers and teeth leaving trails of pleasure-pain across his skin. She used him like a toy, riding him with abandon, chasing her own pleasure without a second thought for his.

"I'm close,"she panted, her hips snapping faster, harder."G-gonna cum..."Her words ended in a scream as her orgasm overtook her, her pussy clenching around his cock like a vice.

Myne didn't give him a chance to recover, instead picking up right where she left off. She rode him hard and fast, her hips slamming down onto his with enough force to make the bed creak. She knew she was close again already, but she was determined to make him fall apart first. Leaning Down, she captured his earlobe between her teeth, biting just hard enough to make him gasp. Her fingers found his nipples, pinching and twisting the sensitive buds until he was writhing beneath her.

"Who's your queen, Shield Hero?" she demanded, her voice low and dangerous."Say it. Say my name."

Izuku was beyond words at this point, lost in a haze of pleasure and pain. He could only moan and gasp in response as she worked him over, his cock twitching inside her, desperate for release.

"That's right," Myne purred, sensing his impending climax. "You're mine.

His seed filled her to the brink, her womb overflowing with his potent release. She groaned at the feeling, her pussy clenching around him, milking every last drop. Finally, she collapsed next to him, her body spent and satiated.

But as she laid there, catching her breath, she noticed something peculiar. His cock...it wasn't softening. Normally, after a release, her lovers would lose interest quickly, their members shriveling up like overcooked noodles. But not him. No, his remained hard and ready, standing at attention as if waiting for her next command.

Myne grinned, wrapping her hand around his girth and giving it a firm squeeze. He groaned at the touch, his hips jerking involuntarily.

"You really are special," she mused, trailing her fingers up and down his length,"I don't think I've ever had one last this long."

Myne shook her head with a smile

"Normally, yes. Once I've drained them, they're done for the night. But not you. No, you..." She squeezed his still hard member for emphasis,

"You're different." She leaned in close, her breath hot against his ear. "And I intend to find out just how different you are." Her fingers, slick with the combined essence of their releases, traced a path down her body until they reached her back entrance. She circled the tight ring of muscle, the unfamiliar sensation sending shivers down her spine. Then,with a deep breath, she pressed back against his tip, sinking down inch by inch.

Izuku couldn't help himself. He'd been enjoying the show, watching her touch herself, but he needed more. Grabbing her hips, he slammed forward, burying himself to the hilt in one brutal thrust. They both cried out at the sudden intrusion, the stretch burning so good.

Myne's body was overwhelmed with sensations, her mind going blank as the intense pleasure wracked her body. But she couldn't let herself go completely, not now. She needed to regain control, to show him who was in charge here. Her hand found his throat first, squeezing just hard enough to make him gasp. His hair came next, threading between her fingers as she gave a sharp tug.

"I'm your queen,"she snarled, her nails digging into his skin hard enough to leave marks.

"And you will obey my commands." Another tug of his hair, harder this time,"Now fuck me. Fuck me hard and don't you dare stop until I'm satisfied."She punctuated her words with a squeeze of his throat and a roll of her hips, grinding down on him, her walls fluttering around his cock. Her eyes, hazy with lust, locked onto his own.

Myne didn't give him a chance to respond, instead moving her hand from his throat to his chest and pushing him back onto the bed. Her eyes glittered dangerously as she climbed on top of him, straddling his hips with ease. She didn't bother to ask permission, simply lifting her hips until the head of his cock kissed her entrance before slamming down, taking him to the hilt in one smooth motion.

He cried out at the sudden intrusion, his hands flying to her hips, trying to pull her closer, deeper.

"That's right," Myne purred, setting a brutal pace."Take what I give you. You're mine now, Shield Hero, and I'm going to use you until I've had my fill."She leaned forward, changing the angle slightly, and groaned as his cock hit that spot inside her that made stars burst behind her eyes. Her nails raked down his chest, leaving red welts in their wake.

"Myne...Queen..." Izuku groaned, his hands gripping her hips hard enough to bruise. Every nerve in his body was screaming, pleasure mixing with pain in the most delicious way. And still, she drove him higher, her hips never ceasing their relentless rhythm.

"You're mine," she snarled against his throat, sinking her teeth in deep."Mine to use, mine to own. My little pet, my plaything." She punctuated each word with a particularly hard grind of her hips, eliciting a shout from the hero beneath her.

His cock twitched inside her, the tell-tale flutter signaling his impending release. She could feel her own orgasm building, coiling tighter and tighter in her core. But she couldn't let him come yet, not until she was fully satisfied.

"Not yet,"she hissed, digging her nails into his shoulders hard enough to draw blood. "You don't get to come until I say so."

Myne knew exactly when to stop, sensing the impending release in the way his cock pulsed inside her. She lifted herself off him abruptly, his member slipping free with a obscene sound. He cried out at the sudden loss, his hands grabbing at her, trying to pull her back.

"Beg," she commanded, looking down at him imperiously." Beg for my asshole. Show me how much you want it." Her voice was cold, hard, brooking no argument. She reached up to play with her tits, twisting her nipples roughly, putting on a show. If he wanted her, he would have to work for it.

Izuku was past caring, past the point of pride. He Needed her, needed to be inside her again.

"Please," he rasped, his voice hoarse.

"Please, Queen. I need your asshole."He looked up at her through half-lidded eyes, his own glazed with lust."

Myne threw her head back in laughter, her eyes gleaming with a mix of cruelty and dark desire.

"What a good little slut you are," she purred, licking her lips.

"So desperate for your Queen's holes." - She punctuated her words with a cruel twist of her nipple, watching as he squirmed beneath her.

Leaning down, she captured his mouth in a bruising kiss, all tongues and teeth. Her fingers threaded through his hair, tugging hard as she ground herself down onto him. He moaned into her mouth, the sound muffled by her lips. She broke the kiss with a gasp, her eyes locking onto his own.

Izuku could only groan in response, his body still quaking from his release. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before she was hopping off, his cock slipping free with a wet sound. He blinked up at her through hooded eyes, confused briefly when he saw his member was still standing tall. How...? The thought was cut off as she smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye.

"Time for you to get your reward, Shield Hero," she purred, her hand already wrapping around his shaft."I'll finish you off the same way I finish all my toys."Without waiting for a response, she dropped to her knees, her mouth already watering at the sight of his impressive length.

"I've had a lot of training,"she warned him with a smirk." So brace yourself.

With that, she leaned forward and dragged her tongue up his length, from base to tip, before taking him into her mouth whole. Her hands moved with expert precision, massaging and kneading his balls as her mouth worked up and down his length. She traced patterns with her tongue, committing each of his reactions to memory. Izuku was lost in a haze of pleasure, his head thrown back against the pillows, mouth hanging open in a silent cry. His hands tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, deeper. But she just smirked around his length and popped off with a wet sound.

"This thing," she said with a laugh,

"Covers my whole face." She ran her tongue along the underside, from base to tip, before taking just the head into her mouth and sucking hard. Izuku jerked, his hips coming off the bed at the sensation. Around them, his length twitched and pulsed, the veins standing out in sharp relief against the flushed skin. Myne could taste his release, salty and bitter on her tongue. But she wasn't done with him yet.

She bobbed her head faster, her hand moving in time with her mouth. The combination was too much, and he felt his release building in the pit of his stomach. With a shout, he came, his seed filling her mouth. But she didn't swallow, instead holding it there to show him. He groaned at the sight, his member twitching and pulsing.

She grinned around his length, swallowing then giving his tip a kitten lick.

"Time to use my ultimate technique," she said with a wink.

"Brace yourself, Shield Hero. I'm about to drain you dry"

With that, she took him into her mouth again, her hand moving in tight circles around the base. She could feel him twitching, trying to come down from his high but she didn't let up, instead sucking harder, deeper, until he was squirming beneath her, begging for release.

Myne smirked, dragging her wet finger along his trembling thigh. "Every man has a weak point," she purred, her eyes glittering dangerously. "And today, you're going to learn exactly where yours is."

She didn't give him a chance to respond, instead diving back down and attacking his sensitive tip with her tongue. At the same time, her hand slid lower, one finger pressing against his twitching hole. She didn't breach him immediately, instead circling the tight ring of muscle teasingly. Izuku's breathing was ragged, his hips twitching involuntarily. Then, without warning, she pushed forward, her middle finger sliding knuckle-deep into his virgin entrance.

He let out a choked moan, his back arching off the bed at the invasion. But before he could adjust, she hit his prostate, and he went wild, thrashing beneath her like a man possessed.

Myne grinned wickedly around his length as he thrashed beneath her, his seed spurting out of him in great, hot ropes. She pulled back, letting it paint her face, marking her as his Queen in the most primal way possible.

She ran her tongue along her lips, lapping up the salty essence that clung to them.

"Didn't I tell you to brace yourself, little Shield Hero?" She teased, giving his softening cock a pat. His penis finally went limp, unable to withstand the onslaught of her attentions.

She leaned down, placing a kiss on the sensitive tip before murmuring to it

"You fought well, but you weren't a match for me."

Together, they collapsed onto the bed, their bodies intertwined as they drifted off to sleep, spent and satisfied. Even in his dreams, Izuku couldn't escape her touch, his body yearning for more even as it was overwhelmed by exhaustion.

The next morning

Izuku woke up alone in his bed, the lingering warmth of the night before a distant memory as sunlight streamed through the window. His body ached in unfamiliar ways, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Last night… Myne… The thoughts made his face flush as he replayed the tender, passionate moments they had shared.

But the peace shattered as the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway outside his room. Before he could fully process the noise, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A group of armored knights stormed in, their faces stern and unyielding.

Izuku bolted upright, clutching a blanket to cover himself, his heart racing.

"W-what's going on?!"

One of the knights pointed a gauntleted hand at him.

"Get dressed, Shield Hero. You're coming with us."

"Wait, what did I do?" Izuku asked, panic creeping into his voice. "What's this about?"

The knights didn't answer, yanking him to his feet and shoving clothes into his arms. They stood over him as he hastily dressed, barely giving him time to process the situation. The lead knight sneered as Izuku struggled to fasten his belt, his hands shaking.

Moments later, he was dragged unceremoniously through the castle halls and into the throne room. The other three heroes were already there, their expressions ranging from confusion to barely veiled disdain. Myne was there too, her face buried in Motoyasu's chest as she sobbed dramatically. The Spear Hero's arms were wrapped protectively around her, his face red with both anger and embarrassment.

"What is this about?" Izuku demanded, his voice cracking as he looked around. "Why am I here?"

The king rose from his throne, his expression cold and condemning. "Shield Hero, you stand accused of forcing yourself on Lady Myne."

Izuku's stomach dropped, and his heart felt like it stopped beating. "What?! That's not true! Last night… it was consensual! We both wanted it!"

Myne let out a wail, tears streaming down her face as she clung to Motoyasu. "I-I didn't know what to do! I was so scared! I begged him to stop, but he wouldn't listen!"

Motoyasu's face twisted in fury as he pointed his spear at Izuku. "You bastard! How dare you?!"

Izuku's voice rose in desperation. "She's lying! Everything that happened last night was consensual. Myne, tell them the truth!"

But Myne only sobbed louder, her act perfect as she shook her head. "I didn't know what to do… after it happened, I ran to Motoyasu for help…"

One of the knights stepped forward, holding up a piece of fabric stained with blood. "This was found in the Shield Hero's room."

Myne gasped theatrically. "It was my first time! I was so scared… I didn't know who else to turn to."

Izuku stared at the scene in disbelief, his mind reeling. The pieces clicked into place, and his face twisted in rage. "It was a setup… from the start, wasn't it?" His voice was low but filled with venom. "You planned this. All of it."

Ren and Itsuki exchanged uneasy glances, but Motoyasu tightened his grip on his spear. "Don't try to weasel out of this, Shield Hero. You're nothing but a coward!"

Izuku snapped, his voice echoing through the throne room. "You're all idiots! Can't you see that this is a lie? She's manipulating you!"

The king raised his hand to silence him. "Enough. Do you have any proof to refute these claims, Shield Hero?"

Izuku's fists clenched at his sides. "No… but I know the truth, and so does she." He glared at Myne, who refused to meet his gaze.

The king's expression remained cold. "Normally, such a crime would warrant execution. However, you are a necessary figure in repelling the Waves of Catastrophe. We cannot risk losing the Shield Hero, as summoning another would be impossible unless all four heroes were to perish."

Izuku's stomach churned as the king continued. "Therefore, you will not be executed. Instead, you are hereby stripped of your stipend and any royal support. You will no longer receive aid from this kingdom and are banished from adventurer parties associated with the crown. You will fend for yourself from this point forward."

Izuku's jaw tightened as the words sank in. "Fine," he spat. "I don't need any of you. I'll make it on my own."

He turned and stormed out of the throne room, his fists shaking with anger and humiliation. As he walked through the castle's grand halls, penniless and abandoned, the reality of his situation weighed heavily on him. He was alone in an unfamiliar world, betrayed and mocked by those who were supposed to be his allies.

But despite the despair threatening to consume him, a spark of determination ignited in his chest. I'll prove them wrong. I'll survive. And when I do, they'll see just how wrong they were to doubt me.

As Izuku trudged through the bustling streets, his mind was a storm of frustration and anger. The humiliation from the throne room still burned in his chest, his fists clenched tightly as he replayed the betrayal in his mind. He barely noticed the familiar voice calling his name until a strong hand grabbed him by the collar and slammed him against the wall of a nearby building.

"What the hell did you do, Shield Hero?" Erhard, the blacksmith, growled, his face inches from Izuku's. His eyes were hard, filled with a mix of anger and disappointment. "Did you really…?"

Izuku's green eyes met Erhard's with a fiery glare. "No," he spat, his voice low but full of fury. "I didn't do it. I didn't do anything wrong."

The blacksmith held his gaze for a long moment, his grip loosening slightly. He searched Izuku's face, and in that instant, he saw the truth. The boy's rage wasn't the anger of someone caught in a lie—it was the anger of someone who had been wronged. Erhard sighed, releasing him.

"Damn it," the blacksmith muttered, running a hand through his hair. He reached into his shop and pulled out a green cloak, tossing it to Izuku. "Here. Take this. It's on the house—call it a copper discount. Pay me back when you can."

Izuku caught the cloak, his anger softening as he looked at the blacksmith. "Thank you," he said sincerely, draping the cloak over his shoulders. He pulled the hood up, feeling a small sense of comfort from the gesture. "I'll pay you back. I promise."

Erhard gave him a small nod. "Go. Take care of yourself, Shield Hero."

Izuku turned and left, making his way out of the city and into the nearby forest where the Balloon Monsters roamed.

Meanwhile, back at the kingdom, Myne—now using her true name, Malty—stood with the Spear Hero and the other adventurers, a satisfied smile on her face. "I think it's time I properly introduced myself," she said sweetly. "My name is Malty S. Melromarc."

The revelation earned surprised reactions, but Malty waved them off with a charming laugh. "I just thought you should know, since we're going to be working together so closely."

As the group chatted, Malty excused herself. "I'll be right back. I need a moment." She disappeared into a nearby restroom.

Inside, a figure identical to Malty emerged from the shadows, a personal body double, her shadow in disguise. Malty smirked, brushing a strand of her red hair over her shoulder. "Alright, this is where we switch places. You have the supplies, right?"

The shadow nodded, pointing at several bags in the corner. Malty quickly shed her ornate armor, inspecting the disguise the shadow had prepared. She scowled. "This thing is too flashy for what I have planned. Burn it."

The shadow nodded again, gathering the armor as Malty rifled through the bags. She pulled out a plain ring and slipped it onto her finger. Instantly, her red hair darkened to a sleek black, and cat ears sprouted from her head, accompanied by a slender tail.

Malty grimaced, examining herself in a mirror. "Ugh, I hate looking like a demi-human," she muttered, pulling the ring off and reverting to her normal form. She then donned a leather jacket with fur lining, matching leather pants, and a curved chest piece that accentuated her figure. Throwing on a black cloak, she grabbed the bag containing the Shield Hero's stolen possessions, money, and books from the church and the kingdom's library. She checked its contents carefully.

"Perfect," she said with a wicked grin. "I'll be on my way now. Do your part, and don't get caught."

The shadow nodded once more as Malty climbed out of the window, scaling the building with ease. The shadow returned to the group, seamlessly taking Malty's place, while the real Malty headed for the forest.

The forest

Izuku was struggling to fight the Balloon Monsters, his shield barely enough to fend off their bites. His frustration mounted as each encounter dragged on, his inexperience glaringly obvious. As another Balloon lunged at him, a sudden burst of flame engulfed the creature, reducing it to ash in seconds.

He spun around, startled, and froze when he saw the figure behind him. Malty stood there, her new outfit barely concealing her identity. She lowered her hand, smoke trailing from her fingertips, and gave him a small smile. "Izuku… I can explain. I'm Malty S. Melromarc. I'm a princess."

Rage flooded Izuku's face as he realized who it was. His fists clenched, and his green eyes blazed with anger. "Explain?!" he shouted. "You set me up! You lied to everyone and ruined my life!"

Malty took a cautious step forward, her voice calm and soothing. "Please, listen. I didn't mean for things to go this far. I can help you—"

"Help me?" Izuku interrupted, his voice trembling with fury. "After what you did? Why should I believe anything you say?"

Malty's expression softened, and she reached out a hand. "Because I'm here now. I left the kingdom to find you. To make things right. You don't have to do this alone, Izuku."

Izuku hesitated, his heart warring with his head. He wanted to kill her, the memory of her betrayal was too fresh, too raw. "Why should I trust you?" he asked, his voice quieter but no less intense.

Malty stepped closer, her green eyes locking onto his. "Because I'm the only one who knows what you're up against. And if you let me, I'll prove that I'm on your side."

Izuku stared at her, his anger and confusion swirling in his mind as he tried to decide what to do next.

Malty took a deep breath, steadying herself before beginning to speak. Her tone was soft, almost pleading, as she looked into Izuku's angry, distrustful eyes.

"The situation isn't as simple as you think, Hero," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "The Three Heroes Church is the main religion in our kingdom. They don't believe in the Shield Hero. To them, the Shield Hero isn't a savior but a devil, a villain because of the actions of the previous Shield Hero. That hero went to war with the kingdom long ago."

Izuku's glare softened slightly, though his stance remained guarded. "Then why summon me at all? If they hate the Shield Hero so much, why didn't they just summon the others?"

Malty looked away, as if ashamed, though her calculated expression betrayed none of her true intentions. "They tried. They wanted to summon just three of the four heroes, but the ritual failed. The summoning doesn't work unless all four are called."

Izuku frowned, his arms crossing. "And they agreed to summon me…just so they could frame me?"

She nodded solemnly. "Yes. The church has immense power in the kingdom. They could even kill my father, the king, if they wanted to. Their original goal was to kill you outright, but they couldn't, not without starting a war with the neighboring kingdoms. Even now, this kingdom is on thin ice. The heroes were supposed to be summoned across multiple kingdoms, but only our church knew how to perform the ritual."

As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes, and her voice cracked with practiced emotion. "I'm so sorry, Hero. I didn't have a choice. The lives of our people, the safety of the kingdom…it's all so important to me. I had to go along with their plan."

Her shoulders shook as she began to cry, her sobs sounding genuine. "I even…I even gave up my innocence for the plan. But I regret it. I do. I didn't want this. I didn't want to hurt you."

Izuku stood there, his fists clenched at his sides, his mind racing. Every instinct told him not to believe her, but her words were painfully convincing. Could she really be telling the truth? Or was this just another layer to her manipulation? He felt torn, his anger warring with the faint glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, someone in this world was willing to help him.

Malty stepped closer, her green eyes shimmering with tears. "I know you don't trust me, but I know a place where we can find the truth. Please, Hero, believe me. I'll do whatever it takes to protect the kingdom and its people. Let me prove it to you."

Izuku's jaw tightened as he stared at her. He didn't know if he could trust her, but he also didn't have much of a choice. If there was a chance to uncover the truth, he had to take it. Finally, he let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. Let's confirm the truth first. Lead the way."

Malty's face lit up with a small, hopeful smile. "Thank you, Hero. I promise you won't regret this."

She led him back into the city, weaving through the narrow streets and avoiding any knights or adventurers who might recognize them. They stopped at a small, inconspicuous tent near the outskirts of the marketplace. Malty lifted the flap, motioning for Izuku to follow her inside.

As they stepped inside the dimly lit tent near the marketplace, Izuku immediately noticed the pungent smell of incense and damp wood. Malty led him deeper into the tent, where they were greeted by a short, rotund man with greasy hair and a wicked grin plastered across his face. His cackling echoed in the confined space.

"Welcome, welcome!" the man said, rubbing his hands together. "I am Beloukas, the finest slave trader in the kingdom. What can I do for you today?"

Izuku froze, his eyes widening in shock. "A…slave trader? What are we doing here?" He turned to Malty, his voice rising in disbelief. "Are you trying to sell me into slavery?!"

Malty quickly shook her head, raising her hands defensively. "No, no, nothing like that!" she said, her voice hurried. "Slave marks don't work on the Heroes. If they did, believe me, the church would've used them on you the moment you were summoned."

Beloukas nodded, his grin growing even wider. "Indeed. Legendary Heroes are immune to the slave crests. A true shame for business, but such are the rules of the world."

Izuku's tension eased slightly, though his glare didn't waver. "Then why are we here?"

Malty took a deep breath, stepping closer. "Because I'm going to become your slave."

"What?!" Izuku stared at her, utterly baffled. "Why would you do that?"

"So you can trust me," Malty replied simply, her expression serious. "With a slave mark, I can't lie to you. You'll have full control over me, and if I break my word, you'll know immediately."

Izuku frowned, his suspicion not entirely quelled. "And I'm just supposed to believe that you're doing this out of the goodness of your heart? What's stopping me from using the mark to keep you as a permanent slave?"

Malty smirked, her confidence returning. "There are laws against enslaving humans. Demi-humans are considered property in this kingdom, but enslaving a human, especially a noble like me, would mean certain death. My father wouldn't hesitate to execute you if he found out."

Izuku sneered, folding his arms. "Fine, fine. Whatever. Let's get this over with."

Beloukas chuckled, leading them into the basement of the tent. The air grew colder and mustier as they descended, the faint flicker of torches illuminating the stone walls. At the center of the room was a wooden table covered in various tools, including a bowl of ink and a crude needle.

"Let's begin," Beloukas said, motioning for Malty to stand in the center of a glowing magic circle etched into the floor. "Hero, I'll need a drop of your blood."

Izuku reluctantly extended his hand, wincing as the slaver pricked his finger and let a single drop of blood fall into the bowl of ink. Beloukas mixed the blood into the ink, his grin never faltering. "This is going to be fun."

Malty loosened her cloak and pulled her shirt aside, exposing her chest where the mark would be placed. The slaver dipped the needle into the blood-infused ink and began drawing the intricate symbol on her skin. As the process completed, a faint glow emanated from the mark, and a notification appeared in Izuku's vision: New Slave Acquired: Malty S. Melromarc.

Izuku hesitated for a moment, his hand hovering over the notification. He opened the settings, finding a command option labeled Truth Restriction. Without hesitation, he activated it and looked at Malty.

"Tell me," he said, his voice firm, "is what you said about the church true?"

"Yes," Malty replied immediately, her voice steady. The mark didn't react.

To test it further, Izuku ordered her to lie. "Say something that's not true."

Malty smirked faintly. "I'm ten feet tall—" She gasped mid-sentence as the mark glowed brightly, causing her to clutch her chest. A jolt of light seared through the symbol before subsiding.

Izuku deactivated the punishment, nodding to himself. "Alright. It works."

Izuku's mind was spinning as he stared at Malty, his emotions a tangled mess of anger, suspicion, and grudging hope. The slave mark on her chest glowed faintly, a constant reminder of the truth he sought to uncover. He steadied himself and began asking the questions that burned in his mind.

"Why was the summoning ritual a failure?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Malty straightened her posture, her expression calm and calculated. "The Three Heroes Church only intended to summon the Sword, Spear, and Bow Heroes. They consider the Shield Hero a devil due to the actions of the last Shield Hero, who went to war with the kingdom."

The mark didn't react, confirming her honesty.

Izuku frowned, pressing further. "Then why did they summon me? If they hate the Shield Hero so much, why bring me here?"

"They had no choice," she replied. "The ritual doesn't work unless all four heroes are summoned. The church knew this but agreed only under the condition that I help frame you and turn public opinion against you."

Again, the mark didn't glow, and Izuku nodded, his fists clenching. "And the church's ultimate goal? Why go to such lengths to destroy me?"

Malty hesitated but maintained her composure. "The church wants control of the kingdom. They see the Shield Hero as a threat to their power and influence. If they could eliminate you without risking a war with the other kingdoms, they would have done so already."

The answers felt rehearsed but truthful, and the mark remained inactive. Still, Izuku wasn't satisfied. He needed to dig deeper.

"Why did you accuse me of that crime?" he asked, his voice low but dangerous. "Was it really to protect your family and the kingdom?"

For the first time, Malty faltered. She averted her gaze, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It… it was necessary. If I hadn't done it, the church would have—"

Suddenly, the slave mark flared to life, glowing brightly as a sharp hiss filled the air. Malty gasped, clutching her chest as the magic punished her for lying. Her knees buckled, and she let out a pained groan, glaring at Izuku through gritted teeth.

"You lied," Izuku said, his voice cold. "Tell me the truth."

Malty straightened slowly, her face a mask of anger and disdain. The sweet, apologetic tone she had been using vanished, replaced by sharp honesty laced with venom. "Fine. You want the truth? Here it is. I don't care about you. I never did. My goal has always been to rule this kingdom, and framing you was just a step in that direction."

Izuku's eyes widened in shock as she continued, her voice unwavering. "The only reason you're still alive is because of me. I convinced them not to kill you outright, so you should be grateful. You wouldn't have survived without me."

His hands trembled with rage, and his voice rose. "Grateful? You ruined my life! You framed me for a crime I didn't commit, destroyed my reputation, and left me with nothing! You're a selfish, manipulative—"

"Careful, Hero," Malty interrupted, her voice sharp. "You might not like what I've done, but you don't have a choice. This world wants you dead. The church is hunting you, and no one else will stand by your side. You need me if you want to survive."

Izuku's hands clenched into fists, his green eyes blazing with defiance. "I don't need you," he spat, his voice shaking with anger. "I can figure this out on my own. I'll survive without you."

Malty raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a mocking smirk. "Oh, really? You think you can survive in this world without me? Let me remind you of something, Hero. You can't attack. Without someone like me by your side, you're as good as dead."

Izuku glared at her, his anger boiling over. He grabbed the shield strapped to his arm and began pulling at it, his frustration mounting with each futile tug. "Then I'll get rid of this damn thing!" he shouted. "If I can't attack, then what's the point?!"

Malty crossed her arms, watching him struggle with thinly veiled amusement. "Go ahead, Hero. Try all you want. That shield is bound to you. There's no getting rid of it." She stepped closer, her voice dropping to a sharp, venomous tone. "Listen, Hero. I hate the church just as much as you do. They promised me the kingdom, and guess what? They stabbed me in the back. Now, I'm going to stab them in the back. I'm going to burn them to the fucking ground."

Her words hung in the air like a dark promise, and Izuku froze, his hands still gripping the shield. He stared at her, his anger warring with unease as she continued, her voice filled with raw conviction.

"You want revenge?" she said, her green eyes locking onto his. "So do I. You want to destroy your enemies? I'll destroy them for you. But I'm not doing it out of the goodness of my heart. I want what I was promised. I want the kingdom. And if you help me get that, then I'll help you get what you want."

Izuku's breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling as he processed her words. "You're insane," he muttered. "You'd burn the world just to sit on a throne."

Malty laughed, a cold, bitter sound. "You're damn right I would. But guess what? You don't have a choice. I have resources. I have money. I have contacts who can support us. What do you have? A shield that won't let you fight and a kingdom that wants you dead."

Her words hit him like a punch to the gut, and he gritted his teeth, glaring at her. "I don't want to believe you. I don't want to trust you. But the mark didn't activate… you're telling the truth, aren't you?"

Malty's smirk softened into a dangerous smile. "Yes, Hero. I'm telling the truth. Right now, I won't betray you. We're in this together, whether you like it or not."

He stepped closer, his voice rising with fury. "Promise me. Swear to me that you won't betray me."

She met his gaze without flinching, her voice steady. "I promise. For now, I won't betray you. Our goals align, and I need you alive to achieve mine."

The slave mark on her chest remained dormant, proving her honesty. Izuku's shoulders sagged slightly, though the anger and distrust in his eyes didn't fade.

"Fine," he said through gritted teeth. "We'll work together. But don't think for a second that I trust you. The moment you try to betray me, I'll make sure you regret it."

Malty's smile widened, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, I'm trembling, Hero. Truly. But don't worry. As long as you keep up your end of the deal, I have no reason to betray you. Now, let's get moving. We have a kingdom to dismantle, a church to burn, and your enemies to crush."

Izuku glared at her one last time before turning away, his hands trembling with barely contained rage. I don't trust her, he thought. I never will. But for now, she's right. I don't have a choice.

He grabbed some of the ink pouring it in his shield, unlocking the slave shield he looked over, seeing the benefits.

Satisfied, Izuku turned to Beloukas. "Do you have a weaker version of the slave mark? One that doesn't hurt but still lets me know if she disobeys?"

The slaver frowned, scratching his chin. "A weaker mark exists, but it's rare to use on humans. It would only glow if disobeyed, no pain involved. Why do you ask?"

Izuku glanced at Malty. "I trust her for now, and since I can't keep her as a slave. If I use the weaker mark, she can still gain the benefits of the slave shield while letting her have some autonomy."

Malty tilted her head, curious. "Slave shield? What's that?"

Izuku explained, "When I added some of this ink to my shield earlier, I unlocked a new ability: Slave Shield. It boosts the stats of my slaves. If you stay marked, it'll make you stronger."

Malty nodded thoughtfully. "Interesting. Alright, I'll agree to it. But you'd better not abuse it, Hero."

Beloukas chuckled. "You're an odd pair, but I like your style. Let's apply the weaker mark."

With the process completed, Izuku felt a flicker of relief. For now, he had someone he could monitor and rely on. But the questions still loomed: could he trust Malty, even under the influence of the mark? And what other truths would he uncover about the church and this kingdom? Time would tell.

Izuku stared at his reflection in a small mirror resting against the wall of the tent. His green eyes were heavy with exhaustion but also flickered with determination. He knew he had to change. This world was cruel, harsh, and unforgiving, just like the one he'd left behind. If he wanted to survive, he couldn't remain the naïve, hopeful boy he once was. He had to be smarter. He had to be stronger.

Taking a deep breath, he turned to Malty. "I need my stuff back."

Malty smirked and tossed him his bag. "Here, Shield Hero. Everything's there."

He rummaged through it, finding his clothes, a few small items, and his smartphone. Grabbing the device, he stared at it for a moment before an idea struck him. "Let's see if this works…" he muttered, holding the phone against his shield. The shield began to glow faintly, and a notification appeared: New Shield Unlocked: Phone Shield.

He opened the new menu and realized he could now access his phone directly from the shield interface. All his apps, files, and features were available, integrated into the magical device. "This is amazing," he said softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "This changes everything."

Next, he picked up one of the books Malty had taken from the kingdom's library. He pressed it against the shield, and a glowing scan began. Moments later, the contents of the book were stored digitally as a PDF. A quick glance at the text confirmed his suspicion, it was written in a language he couldn't understand. But Izuku wasn't discouraged. Opening his phone's translation app, he began to convert the text into Japanese. The result wasn't perfect, but it was readable.

"This is going to help so much," he murmured, his mind racing with possibilities. When he had moved to America, this app had been a lifeline, and now it would serve the same purpose here. He scanned several more books, storing them in the shield for future study. With time, he knew he could learn the language and decipher the knowledge hidden within these texts.

Malty, watching him with a mixture of amusement and mild irritation, pulled out two crystal orbs and handed them to him. "These are for you, Shield Hero. They'll let you use magic. Historically, the Shield Hero has only ever been able to use support and healing magic, so I got these for you."

Izuku took the orbs hesitantly. The moment he touched them, knowledge surged into his mind, spells for healing minor wounds, and even enhancing allies' abilities. He blinked in surprise as the information settled in his thoughts. "I… I learned them instantly. That's incredible."

Malty smiled, her tone sweet but edged with something sharper. "Of course. I wouldn't let you go without the tools you need to protect me."

He nodded, feeling a small flicker of gratitude despite his lingering Anger. "Thank you."

"Now," Malty said, slipping on her ring. Her red hair darkened to black, her ears elongated into feline points, and a tail swayed behind her. She had transformed into a demi-human cat lady. "Let's go deal with some more Balloons."

Izuku followed Malty out of the tent, the cool air of the outdoors hitting his face as they returned to the field where Balloon Monsters lazily floated. Malty unsheathed her sword, her movements swift and precise as she began slashing at the creatures with ease. Meanwhile, Izuku focused on blocking and drawing the monsters' attention with his shield, his confidence slowly growing with each encounter.

After a while, Izuku noticed something strange. Despite not landing any killing blows, his experience bar had steadily risen, and he was gaining levels. Confused, he glanced at Malty. "How am I earning XP? I'm not the one defeating them."

Malty paused, wiping a bit of sweat from her brow, and let out a mocking laugh. "Oh, Hero, you really don't know anything, do you? It's because we're in a party. When your party members defeat monsters, you share the XP. It has nothing to do with your fancy little shield."

Izuku's eyes widened as the realization hit him. "Wait, so I've been missing out on experience this whole time? I could've been leveling up just by letting you fight?"

Malty smirked, her voice dripping with condescension. "Wow, you're slower than I thought. Yes, Hero, that's exactly how it works. Honestly, I was starting to wonder if you were even capable of figuring it out on your own." She laughed again, clearly enjoying his frustration. "If you weren't so clueless, we could've been making real progress by now."

Izuku scowled, his face flushing with embarrassment. "You could've told me earlier!" he snapped, his frustration boiling over.

Malty shrugged nonchalantly, twirling her sword. "Where's the fun in that? Watching you stumble around cluelessly was far more entertaining. Besides, it's not my fault you didn't ask."

His jaw clenched as he glared at her. Finally, with a low growl of annoyance, he moved closer, raising his hand and giving her a sharp slap on the rear. Malty froze mid-step, her eyes widening in shock before narrowing dangerously.

"Move," Izuku said firmly, his face set in a scowl. "You're my sword, remember? Stop talking and fight."

Malty turned her head slowly, her glare sharp enough to cut. "Oh, you're bold now, aren't you, Hero?" she hissed, her voice low and menacing. "Do that again, and I'll shove this sword somewhere you won't like."

Izuku stared her down, unflinching. "You're the one who said we have to work together, so stop wasting time. If you want to keep playing games, go ahead, but I'm not here to entertain you."

For a moment, the tension hung heavy between them. Then, Malty's lips curled into a dangerous smirk. "Fine, Hero. But don't think you can boss me around forever." She turned back to the Balloon Monsters, her movements sharp and calculated as she resumed her attacks.

Izuku sighed, turning his focus back to his role. As much as he hated her attitude, she was effective. If I want to survive this world, I'll have to deal with her, he thought grimly. But in the back of his mind, the thought lingered: I'll never let my guard down around her. Not ever.

Malty, meanwhile, couldn't help but grin to herself, her green eyes glinting with mischief. He's starting to push back, huh? This might actually get interesting. But her thoughts darkened as she eyed the next set of monsters. Enjoy your little power trip, Hero. I'll let you feel in control, for now.

Author's Notes:

Hey everyone! Just wanted to drop a quick note about the direction of this story. We'll see our broccoli boy, Izuku, walk a darker, more complex path as he navigates this cruel world. For those looking forward to spicy scenes, don't worry, there will be plenty! Our red-haired backstabber, Malty, has a drive that rivals even her ego, so expect some heated dynamics between her and Izuku.

I do plan on them developing an actual relationship over time (despite all the chaos and betrayals), but the journey will be anything but smooth. As for our favorite raccoon girl… I'm still debating if she'll join the cast. If she does, it'll be an interesting shake-up to the mix!

Thank you so much for the support. Feel free to leave a review, whether you love it or hate it. After all, Malty is a red-haired psychopath, and not everyone will be on board with her wild antics. Strap in and enjoy the ride!