Chapter 21: Turtle Power
It was a windy day in the streets of Siltvelt. Adults and children alike were all rushing to their homes as a storm approached. Everyone, except for a group of cloaked individuals. They garnered weird looks from the retreating crowd, but no one bothered to stop them.
The group continued their trip through the streets until they reached a large building. The manor of the town's lord. The guards readied their spears, but the lord himself stepped outside and invited the group inside.
"It's an honor to finally meet you, my lord. Apologies for the rough evening earlier. We still have yet to find the culprit." The lord sighed.
He was a rather small old man, with a turtle shell on his back and a large snake as a tail. He walked around with a cane and was attended by a single platypus, dressed as a detective, fedora and all. He would usually have more and be in his beast form when meeting unknown people. But it was the shield hero, thus the smaller escort.
This plan seemed to work as he noticed the cautious shield hero ease up and finally remove his hood. Entering the house with his companions. Naofumi followed the Genmu and his attendant into the study of the lord.
"I hope that this is worth my time," Naofumi muttered, visibly irritated as he crossed his arms.
"I can assure you, my lord. I am here to fully support you in any way I can."
Naofumi scoffed. "Alright, gramps. I'll humor you."
/~/
One Hour Earlier
After a very eventful dinner, the castle went into panic mode and put the castle under a complete lockdown. No one gets in; no one gets out.
Despite the pleas to stay with his party. The castle split them up anyway on the grounds of "security reasons." All this did, however, increase the suspicion Naofumi had for Siltvelt. Not to mention his annoyance towards the leadership for defying or ignoring his wishes time and time again.
Once this was all over, Naofumi would immediately head back to Melromarc and not look back. At least there, people made their intentions on wanting to murder him clear.
"Guess it's not a bad time to start working on my power-up methods."
Naofumi Iwatani: Level 44
Job Level (Defense): 6
Spells:
Heal: III
Boost: I
Status looking good.
Chimera Viper Shield (awakened) 18/30 SR 4
equip bonus: antidote compounding up, poison resistance (medium), skill: "Change Shield" equip effect: poison snake fang (strong), long hook
mastery level: 100
Item enchant lvl 9: piercing resistance 23%
Status enchantment: magic defense 20
Spirit Enchant: (Dragon Spirit) Defense 50, Fire Resistance Up
"I need more gems," Naofumi murmured.
The difficulty of Itsuki's method is that it only took certain gems depending on the rarity of the weapon. And the Ryute mine only had a bit. Thankfully, Fitoria's method gave him some. So he was slowly accumulating enough over time, but not fast enough.
Everything else was more straightforward. He finally got to SR after weeks of failure. He lost a few days ago before finally making it. And he was intent on staying there for the time being. Refinement and Item enchantment were the opposite, still going strong, with small adjustments here and there. After that, Naofumi refused to touch them until he had enough energy to take that risk and potentially make it back.
With the status enchant remaining untouched, he finally got a spirit to enchant. That one took the longest for him to unlock, due to the killing requirement. He used it on some fodder enemies here and there. But after defeating the dragons. Luckily, one of them died, and he got one of their spirits. And how much of a blessing that was. 20 to defense and a boost to fire boost is a great enchant to have.
Last but not least.
Item Encyclopedia
New Entries Acquired!
Thunder Dragon Scales: 10% Lightning Damage Reduction
Boar Charger: 1% Stamina Boost
Like the other methods, he didn't get much for the encyclopedia. Just two new entries, one from an irrelevant enemy and the other thanks to some scales from Draco. With that, Naofumi closed his status window and picked up a shield hanging on the wall.
"Alright then. Let's see what this shield does then."
Weapon Copy Successful
Shield of the Beast King
Locked: Level Requirement: 75
"Guess not then."
Tossing the shield aside, Naofumi lay back on the bed. He was only there for a second before a knock came from the door. But when he opened it, there was no one to be seen. Both guards denied knocking themselves. They even claimed no one was there to knock in the first place. With that, Naofumi slammed the door in their face and sighed.
"Took you long enough." Naofumi scoffed.
As I turned towards the bed. Raphtalia appeared as the golden light on her faded away.
"Sorry, Naofumi. Some people stop for food."
/~/
"You're telling Sakura a shrimp fried this rice?!"
"I don't think that's how that works."
"Now with that attitude, Keel!"
/~/
"So yeah, that took a bit." Raphtalia groaned.
"Doesn't matter. Did you do as I asked?"
"Yep. The area was scouted thoroughly. The castle gate is sealed shut, the council and that bird are running amok, and Ake was put in a stable. I think you can guess why."
"Any possible leads?"
"Apart from that minotaur, none. He seemed devoted to protecting the "real" shield hero's image."
"But now that he knows it's us. Would he actually try to kill his idol?" Naofumi sighed. "This is all one big mess."
"I'm starting to have my doubts about this place.?" Raphtalia sighed.
"It's at least better than Melromarc, right?" Keel asked.
"Surprisingly, it's worse. After the wave, we're leaving immediately."
"Then what's the plan? We can't stay in this castle if we have an unknown assassin gunning for us." Sakura questioned as she sat on the bed.
"Simple. We just leave and regroup somewhere else. Not only is it safer. But we can adapt our strategy from there."
"And what about the council?"
"I'll find a way to get them off our back for now."
"May I suggest leaving a note about going out to level?" A voice suggested.
"Yeah, something like… who said that?" Naofumi looked over at the wardrobe and nodded his head.
Understanding the gesture. Raphtalia and Keel snuck over and opened it up, only to find no one there.
"A good deduction, my lord, but I'm very good at throwing my voice. I was actually under the bed this whole time." A man rolled his way out from under the bed and flipped up. He wore black pants and a long brown trench coat. He had the tail of a beaver and the bill of a duck. His greatest feature, however, was the brown fedora stuck to his head at all times.
Naofumi took one dumbfounded look at the man before going on guard. Raphtalia moved in too. But the platypus stood there calmly.
"No need to worry, Lord Shield, the name's Zalton. After recent events. I was asked by my lord to deliver a message."
"He's speaking Melromarc?"
"That means he's been listening to our plans." Naofumi scowled.
"How did he even get in here?" Keel questioned.
"When you entered. It takes a lot more than illusion magic to lose track of me."
"Damn. I thought I wasn't followed."
"No need to sulk. Getting rid of a shadow is quite difficult. At least for the good ones."
Zalton flipped the bed, revealing several knocked-out shadows under it. Naofumi flinched in shock as he didn't notice them himself.
These guys are stealthier than I thought.
"How did you fit so many under the bed?"
"Good question. But for another time, Lady Raphtalia." Zalton tipped his hat as he stepped toward a dark corner of the room.
"Lord Genmu would like to meet with you if you have the time. But if you don't want to, he understands. Check inside of the wardrobe. There's a path that'll get you out of the castle." Zalton fully melted into the ground, leaving only a map with directions to a location. When Naofumi picked it up. It was written in Melromarc, directing him towards the Genmu's manor.
"Gotta say. That guy was weird."
"Not to mention has been following us since dinner." Naofumi pondered. If he was following them without notice, who else was? Or was he preventing others from watching him, so his lord could hold all the cards? Naofumi didn't know.
"Sakura, Bring Ake here. I'll check out this pathway he mentioned. If anyone questions you about the plans before I get back, escape yourselves." Naofumi ordered.
"But Naofumi—fine,"
"I'll be fine, Raphtalia. I'm not going to risk your lives either, so this is for the best."
"Ye-yes master."
/~/
"Would you like some tea, my lord?" The Genmu asked as he poured a cup.
"No thanks."
"Oh, I'll take some!" Sakura grabbed the cup off the table and started to drink.
"So. Why did you bring us here, Gramps?"
"I just wanted to meet with you for the first time. I'm sure you met my most diligent worker, Zalton."
"I have. And just so you know, I'm not a fan of getting spied on."
"And I apologize for that. Usually, I would never send my men out to do something so reckless. But this attempt forced my hand. Not out of maliciousness, but for the safety of your comrades."
"What do you mean?"
"Contrary to what you think, my lord. That poisoning wasn't an attempt on your life, but your companions. Nobles would do anything to have their daughters become a concubine of yours. Even means getting rid of competition." The Genmu explained.
"Seriously. Why does everyone think Sakura's sleeping with Naofumi… what?" Sakura looked around the room with the majority of the guards staring at her. Even Keel had his doubts as he joined in on the suspicious looks.
Sakura was about to defend herself. But the old Genmu cleared his throat, shifting the attention of the room to him.
"Unfortunately, Miss Sakura. News of your encounter with the noblewoman has spread. You are currently known as the shield hero's lead girl."
"Oh fuck off." Sakura was hit in the head by Raphtalia, who quickly apologized for her disrespect. The genmu was far from offended, however, and only chuckled at the comment.
"Apart from these rumors. They also want to murder the Melromarc knight for obvious reasons. That's why it was imperative to get you all out of the castle as soon as possible. Who knows what could have happened?"
"And we're supposedly supposed to trust you because of this help?"
"Naofumi," Raphtalia whispered.
"Don't try to talk me out of this. As far as we know, he could have sent someone to poison the meal himself. We don't have anyone we can trust here. And putting blind faith in everyone is just going to get us killed. Yes, I'm thankful for your help getting out of the castle. But don't think for a second that we're going to stay in your manor and risk the same thing."
"Completely understandable, my lord. May I ask? Is there anything else that I can assist you with now that my first offer was rejected?"
"What's the catch?"
"Nothing at all. It was a dream of mine that I'd one day meet the almighty shield hero and join him on the front lines. But as old age gets the best of me. All I want is to help the one I devoted myself to in any way that I can. I have nothing to gain with the church of the shield. And I certainly don't need any more political power. All I want is the memory of assisting our great savior."
"...Sakura?" Naofumi looked over to Sakura. The latter of whom nodded her head, confirming no lies had been said. She always had a sense for these types of things, so Naofumi eased up a bit but still pressed on."
"If what you say is legit, then I have three requests." Naofumi held up three fingers, then put one down.
"First. I need men."
"How many?"
"Fifty. Around level 40. Level 30 is fine too."
"I can send in three squads. I'll contact the others to see if they can send any."
"Good. Second" Naofumi put another finger down.
"Funding. I'm not staying anywhere near the capital. I also need weapons and armor. Specifically shields."
"A reasonable request." Genmu ripped out his tail, much to the horror of everyone in the room. The old turtle didn't flinch, however, and just stuffed the snake into Naofumi's gem.
Genmu Shield Conditions Met
Genmu Shield Locked
Requirements: Level 55
"Apologies if that was so sudden. I can gather more shields and materials from the castle armory to help fulfill your request, my lord." The Genmu explained as his tail regrew in seconds.
Naofumi, along with the rest of his party, could only look on in disgust and shock at what they had just witnessed. Even Keel exited the room as his face started to look pale. After a few more seconds of contemplation. Naofumi put his final hand down, trying to look unfazed at the old turtle.
"And three. If you want to gain my trust further. Find out anything about who did the poisoning. Until then, we'll be doing things our way."
"If that's what you desire. I, as the representative of the Genmu, shall pledge my territory and its resources to you. If you desire anything else. Just let me know, and I'll work diligently to make it happen."
The Genmu snapped his fingers, summoning his shadow to his side.
"If you desire. I can lend you my personal shadow. I assure you that Zalton would do his job swiftly and efficiently."
"If enemies abound, or you just need a message sent. Just call out my name, and I'll be there." Zalton tipped his hat as he disappeared into a dark corner of the room.
"I'll pass for now. I'll also give this to you as a thanks." Naofumi ripped a page out of his notebook.
"What might this be, my lord?"
"Song lyric from my home world. Thanks to Ake, I translated them, and now it's yours."
"Music from the world of the shield!? What a majestic gift. Thank you, my lord!" The old man beamed with joy as he received the lyrics. Even though it was a single page with one song written. He still took so much joy in receiving it.
"Yeah, whatever. Alright, guys, let's get out of here." Naofumi got up and headed towards the door. The Genmu, however, stopped him before he left.
"What?"
"One last thing, my lord. If you're looking for more men, then may I suggest the tavern nearby?
"What about it?" Naofumi raised an eyebrow at the suggestion.
"There, some of the greatest mercenaries in Siltvelt hang out. You'll certainly be able to find the manpower you desire if you go there."
"You don't say. What's the tavern called then?"
"The Ditzy Drunk."
"I see." Naofumi ripped out another page from his book and handed it over to the guard. Before he could hear the cheers, Naofumi shut the door to the manor. Even still. The joyful noise was loud enough to be heard from the outside.
"Man, I hate those religious types."
"Hey. At least we weren't murdered. So Sakura guesses he's fine."
"Can't you tell if someone is lying? What do you mean you guess?" Keel complained.
"No. I can tell if someone is being genuine."
"That's the same thing!"
"Shut up. Genuine or not. Better to be safe than sorry. Or in this case, safe and not dead."
"You still didn't have to be so rude. He got us out of the castle at least." Raphtalia criticized.
"And that's why I gave them music lyrics. I'm sure they'll be overjoyed." Naofumi remarked. It was just some songs from an anime about cells. Nothing too interesting there.
"Now. Let's start building out force, shall we?
/~/
Mache Kun: Sheesh. The last chapter was 8 months ago, and all I can muster is a small chapter. Funnily enough, I put a notice on Village, so yeah… my bad. But thank you all for the support. 200 followers is a pretty nice milestone and a reminder that people enjoy this.
I'll do my best to ease that back into my normal story rotation. Hopefully, the next few chapters will be easier to write.
Also to Nightshadegirl's question. Every Melromarc dish. The only things unharmed were the filolial meat, griffon meat, and vegetables.