A quiet night in the woods was Daniel Carter's favorite way to unwind. With the warm glow of the campfire and the cool rustling of leaves, the 24-year-old inventor felt at peace. His life had been anything but ordinary since stumbling upon the artifact that now adorned his wrist: a sleek, black-and-silver bracelet of alien design, its surface etched with glowing, shifting patterns. Daniel didn't know where it came from, only that it changed his life forever.
The bracelet housed an immense pocket dimension, capable of storing anything he could imagine. What's more, it had a built-in crafting system that allowed him to create advanced technology—weapons, vehicles, tools—all with a few materials and some ingenuity. Over the last three years, he'd built a thriving business supplying cutting-edge tech to militaries and private companies. To many, he was a prodigy, a genius. To himself, he was just a guy with a very lucky find.
Sitting by the fire, Daniel flipped through an old book he had picked up from a secondhand shop. It was a worn-out fairy tale about heroes summoned to another world to save it from destruction. The tale told of four legendary heroes—the Sword Hero, Spear Hero, Bow Hero, and Shield Hero—each wielding a unique weapon. But there was a curious note at the beginning:
"There are rare instances when the summoning spell calls forth a Fifth Hero, one of unpredictable power and unknown origin."
Daniel chuckled. "A fifth hero, huh? Sounds like an author got lazy with the plot." He turned the page, only to stop as a warm, golden light began to emanate from the bracelet.
"What the—?"
Before he could react, the light engulfed him entirely, blinding him. The sound of the crackling fire vanished, replaced by a chorus of voices murmuring in awe. When the light faded, Daniel found himself standing in a grand, ornate chamber surrounded by four other young men, all equally confused.
"Where... am I?" he muttered.
The four others were dressed in modern clothing, just like him, their expressions ranging from shock to annoyance. In front of them stood a group of robed figures, their faces alight with joy and relief.
"Heroes!" cried the man at the center of the group, an older gentleman with a long white beard and intricate golden robes. "You have answered our call. Not four, but five heroes have been summoned to save our world in its time of peril."
The young man on Daniel's left, a tall guy with spiky blond hair, glared at the robed man. "What do you mean, summoned? I was in the middle of a game!"
"And I was about to ace my final exams!" added another, shorter guy with glasses.
The third spoke up, his tone calmer but no less irritated. "This better not be some prank. Teleportation isn't a thing."
Daniel glanced at the fourth man, who had been silent, and then down at himself. His bracelet had stopped glowing, but it felt warm, almost as if it had been activated in some way.
"Forgive us, great heroes," the robed man said, bowing deeply. "We had no choice but to summon you. Our world is on the brink of destruction. Waves of monsters ravage our lands, and only the legendary heroes can stop them."
"Waves of monsters?" Daniel repeated, frowning. This was starting to sound suspiciously like the book he had just been reading.
The robed man gestured to each of them. "You have been chosen as the Sword Hero, the Spear Hero, the Bow Hero, the Shield Hero… and the Fifth Hero, whose powers are unique and unknown." His gaze lingered on Daniel, his expression curious but hopeful.
The other four heroes exchanged glances, their skepticism palpable.
"Look, I don't care about your world or your monsters," the blond guy said, crossing his arms. "I didn't agree to any of this."
"Neither did I," said the guy with glasses. "Send us back. Now."
The robed man's face fell. "I… I'm afraid that is impossible. The summoning spell cannot be undone until the Waves are stopped."
Daniel stayed silent, observing the scene. He had read enough fantasy novels to know where this was going. The heroes would argue, reluctantly agree to help, and then embark on a grand quest. But he wasn't just some character in a story. He had questions—lots of them.
The man in golden robes gestured toward a grand set of doors at the far end of the chamber. "Please, come with us to the castle. The king awaits and will explain everything in detail."
The blond guy groaned but started walking toward the doors. "Fine. Let's get this over with."
The others followed, muttering under their breath. Daniel hesitated, glancing at his bracelet. It had been his greatest tool, his secret weapon. Now, in this strange new world, he had no idea what it would do. But one thing was certain: he wasn't about to let anyone push him around.
"Looks like I'm in this whether I like it or not," he murmured, stepping forward to join the others.
And so began the tale of the Fifth Hero, the one whose power was unlike any other—a power born not of magic, but of technology beyond this world.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The five heroes were escorted into the grand throne room of the kingdom of Melromarc. The room was vast, with high vaulted ceilings and walls adorned with tapestries depicting past battles. At the far end sat King Aultcray Melromarc XXXII on an ornate golden throne. He was a tall man with graying hair and a stern expression, dressed in royal regalia that sparkled in the torchlight.
The king rose as they entered.
"Welcome, Heroes of Legend. You have been summoned to save our world from destruction." He gestured for them to step forward.
"Please, introduce yourselves. Tell us your name, age, and your background."
The blond guy stepped forward first, his posture confident.
"Ren Amaki. I'm 20 years old and a college student back in my world. I study engineering."
The next to speak was the bespectacled young man.
"Itsuki Kawasumi. I'm 17, still in high school, and I'm preparing for university entrance exams."
The third was a tall, muscular young man with brown hair.
"Motoyasu Kitamura. 21, university student. I'm studying business management."
When it was the Shield Hero's turn, the king made an obvious attempt to skip over him, motioning to Daniel instead. However, the Shield Hero refused to be ignored.
"I'm Naofumi Iwatani, 19 years old. I'm a college student, but I've been working part-time jobs to support myself."
His tone was sharp, making it clear he wouldn't let himself be overlooked.
The king frowned but nodded curtly, turning his attention to Daniel. The other four heroes also seemed curious as they had clearly not expected a fifth person.
Daniel stepped forward, his calm demeanor contrasting with the others.
"Daniel Carter. I'm 24, and I run my own business. I design and produce advanced technologies."
The king's eyebrows rose slightly, clearly surprised by Daniel's answer. The other heroes exchanged glances, their interest piqued.
"Five heroes," the king murmured, his voice thoughtful.
"It has been centuries since the summoning brought forth a fifth. This may be a sign of the danger we face."
King Aultcray straightened and addressed them all.
"Our world is under attack by Waves of Catastrophe. These waves bring forth hordes of monsters that ravage our lands. We barely survived the first wave, and the next will arrive in less than a month. It will be far stronger than the last."
He continued, "There are magical hourglasses in each country that count down the time until each Wave. These Waves grow more dangerous with each occurrence, and we underestimated their power during the first. Only the Legendary Heroes can stand against these threats."
His gaze swept across all five of them, lingering slightly longer on Daniel.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
The king addressed the five heroes in his deep, commanding voice. "There is one important matter I must clarify before we proceed. Your legendary weapons resonate with one another, and this resonance diminishes their strength if you remain too close to each other for extended periods. For this reason, you will not be able to train together. It is best you travel separately, form your own parties, and grow stronger individually."
The heroes exchanged glances, some curious, others frustrated. "For now, however," the king continued, "it is late. Tomorrow, I will arrange for parties of adventurers to join you and aid in your journeys. Tonight, you shall rest."
A maid entered the room and bowed. She guided the heroes down a series of grand hallways, their feet echoing against polished marble. They were led into a luxurious chamber furnished with plush beds, ornate furniture, and tapestries depicting heroic battles.
As they settled into the room, they began talking. Ren, the Sword Hero, broke the silence first. "It's weird, isn't it? We all seem to be from the same Earth, but things don't quite line up."
Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, nodded. "Yeah, for example, I remember my country's president being someone different from what Itsuki mentioned earlier."
Itsuki adjusted his glasses. "I noticed that too. Maybe we're from alternate versions of Earth?"
Naofumi frowned. "Alternate Earths? So you're saying this isn't just a summoning, but we're from different dimensions as well?"
Motoyasu chuckled. "Makes sense. Everything about this is crazy. But hey, here's something I noticed: in most games, shield classes are usually pretty weak. You're mostly just meat shields while the rest of us deal damage."
Naofumi scowled. "What's your point?"
Ren shrugged. "Just saying. If this works anything like a game, shields might have it tough."
Daniel, sitting on the edge of his bed, ignored their banter. His thoughts were elsewhere. His military experience had taught him the importance of preparation, discipline, and adaptability. That, combined with the alien artifact on his wrist, was his real edge. He didn't care about their petty remarks. They could play their game-like fantasy while he focused on surviving.
The next morning, they were escorted to a large hall, where a small crowd of adventurers had gathered. These were the people who had volunteered to aid the heroes in their quests. The king stood before the assembly, his booming voice addressing the room. "Adventurers, you have come to serve the Legendary Heroes and aid them in their mission to save our world. Step forward and choose the hero you wish to follow!"
One by one, the adventurers approached the heroes. Most were eager to join Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki. The lines for the Sword, Spear, and Bow Heroes grew quickly. When it came time for Daniel and Naofumi, however, the volunteers hesitated. They glanced at one another, whispering, but none stepped forward.
Daniel's expression darkened as he watched the adventurers shuffle awkwardly, avoiding eye contact. Naofumi's frustration was even more visible. He stepped forward, glaring at the crowd. "What the hell is this? Why are we getting ignored?"
Ren crossed his arms, looking uninterested. Motoyasu shrugged. "Maybe they just don't think you're as reliable?"
Itsuki avoided eye contact, clearly uncomfortable with the situation.
Before Naofumi could argue further, a red-haired woman in the crowd stepped forward. She was strikingly beautiful and carried herself with confidence. "I will join the Shield Hero's party," she declared, her voice clear and steady.
Naofumi blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned. The king smiled approvingly. "Very well. It is good to see some adventurers willing to step up where needed."
Daniel, however, remained silent, his frustration simmering. He had received no volunteers, and his military instincts told him that this would make his journey far more difficult.
Sensing the tension, the king addressed the matter. "It is clear that some of our heroes have not received sufficient support. To ensure fairness, the Shield Hero and the Fifth Hero shall be given additional gold to compensate for their lack of party members."
The heroes were handed their money pouches. Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki each received 600 gold coins, their volunteers standing proudly beside them. Naofumi received 800 gold coins, and Daniel was given 830.
As the hall emptied, Daniel counted the coins in his bag, his mind already racing with plans. He had raw materials in his bracelet's inventory and the means to craft whatever he needed. If no one was going to help him, he'd just rely on himself as he always had.
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
After the briefing, the king dismissed the heroes, urging them to purchase supplies, train, and prepare for the coming Wave. As the others scattered into the bustling capital to explore, Daniel found himself wandering alone. He wasn't interested in the superficial chatter or bravado of the other heroes. He needed to focus.
The streets of the royal city were lively, filled with merchants hawking their wares, adventurers sharpening their blades, and citizens going about their daily lives. The medieval aesthetic was quaint, but Daniel's practical mind was already cataloging the potential resources around him. His bracelet hummed faintly on his wrist, a silent reminder that while this world might be foreign, his edge was very much intact.
After some walking, a small café caught his eye. The smell of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafted through the air. It was modest but clean, with a few wooden tables set out beneath a striped awning. Daniel decided to stop for a meal, stepping inside and taking a seat by the window.
He ordered a plate of roasted chicken with vegetables and a mug of water. While waiting for his food, he activated his bracelet, summoning its holographic interface. A faint blue glow flickered in front of him, translucent and filled with detailed menus. To anyone else, it might have looked like magic, but Daniel knew better. This was advanced alien tech, and it had served him well so far.
As he browsed through the interface, he reviewed the key features of his bracelet. It had an inventory menu, where he stored various materials, tools, and finished products. There was also a crafting menu, which allowed him to assemble items as long as he had the raw resources. To his satisfaction, the materials he had gathered back on Earth were still intact in the inventory—scrap metals, polymers, and other essentials that he had stockpiled during his time as an arms manufacturer. This would give him a huge head start.
His leveling interface was another curious feature. Unlike the others, whose weapons seemed to grant them RPG-style leveling mechanics, Daniel's class was listed as "Crafter." It suited him perfectly, though he suspected the others might sneer at the title. Let them underestimate him. He'd outsmart and outbuild them at every turn.
The waiter brought his food, and Daniel ate slowly, thinking about his next move. He needed equipment suitable for this world, especially armor. He already had modern firearms—a sleek AR-15 with a suppressor and a handgun, also silenced—stored in his inventory, along with ammunition. But if he wanted to maximize his potential, he'd need better protection. Chainmail seemed like a practical starting point, as it offered decent defense while remaining lightweight and flexible enough for mobility.
Finishing his meal, Daniel paid the waiter with a few coins and headed back out into the marketplace. Adventurer shops lined the streets, their displays filled with swords, shields, potions, and armor. Most of it was crude compared to what he could make, but he wasn't here to buy finished products. Instead, he focused on raw materials—steel ingots, leather straps, and chain links. These were far cheaper than pre-made armor, and his bracelet's crafting system would do most of the work for him.
Back in a quieter corner of the market, Daniel checked his inventory and selected the materials for a full chainmail set. With just a few taps on the holographic interface, the crafting menu displayed a blueprint for the armor. The process began, and the bracelet created the pieces within its spatial pocket. While the crafting took time, it was far faster than any blacksmith could manage.
Once the armor was finished, Daniel examined it through the hologram. The chainmail gleamed faintly, each link perfectly forged and interlocked. Satisfied, he equipped it. The weight was noticeable but manageable, and it paired well with his plan to use ranged weapons to keep enemies at a distance.
Now he turned his attention to ammunition and materials for future weapon crafting. Bullets weren't cheap—raw materials like lead, brass, and gunpowder were uncommon in this world. Still, he managed to procure enough to replenish his supply. The costs were steep, but Daniel wasn't worried. His modern firearms gave him a massive advantage in hunting monsters, and he was confident he could earn back what he spent.
With his preparations underway, Daniel felt a rare flicker of excitement. The others might have their magic weapons and fantasy powers, but he had something better—technology and ingenuity. This world didn't know it yet, but it had just handed a modern war machine the keys to its future.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
While Daniel explored the bustling streets of the royal capital, weaving through the shops and gathering supplies for his own preparations, the Shield Hero, Naofumi, was having an entirely different kind of day.
Naofumi had spent the evening before adventuring with his red-haired companion, Malty. She was lively and charming, seemingly eager to help him grow stronger. Together, they had faced a few weak monsters outside the city, and though Naofumi wasn't particularly adept with combat yet, her support as a magic-user made the fights manageable. By the time they returned to the city, he was in high spirits. He had spent a good portion of his money on equipment, supplies, and even treating Malty to dinner. He wasn't used to trusting people so easily, but her cheerful demeanor made it feel natural.
Later that night, he went to sleep in his rented inn room, exhausted but content. He didn't even think to double-check that his belongings were secured.
The next morning, everything fell apart.
Naofumi awoke to find his room in complete disarray. His armor and supplies were gone, and the pouch of leftover gold he had carefully stored was missing. Panic set in as he tried to piece together what had happened, but before he could even start searching, a loud knock came at the door.
When he opened it, he was met with armed guards.
"You are to come with us, Shield Hero," one of them announced, his tone cold and unyielding.
"What? Why? What's going on?" Naofumi asked, but the guards offered no explanation. They simply escorted him out of the inn and through the streets. The curious stares of the townsfolk followed him as he was led back to the castle.
By the time he reached the throne room, Naofumi's confusion had turned into full-blown anxiety. The king, Aultcray Melromarc, sat on his throne, his expression grim. Beside him stood Malty, her eyes red as though she had been crying.
"What's going on here?" Naofumi demanded, his voice cracking. "Why are you treating me like a criminal?"
Malty stepped forward, clutching the hem of her dress as though seeking comfort. "Your Majesty," she said, her voice trembling, "last night, the Shield Hero… he… he forced himself on me. He was drunk and violent. I tried to stop him, but…" She broke into a sob, hiding her face in her hands.
The room fell silent for a moment before it erupted into murmurs. Naofumi stood frozen, the words not fully registering. "What are you talking about? That never happened!"
The king's face hardened. "Silence, Shield Hero! You have committed a grave offense against one of my subjects, and your actions bring shame to the title you bear!"
"I didn't do anything!" Naofumi yelled, his voice desperate. His eyes darted to Malty, who refused to meet his gaze. "She's lying! Why would I—"
Before he could finish, his eyes landed on Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, standing smugly to the side. Motoyasu was wearing chainmail—the same chainmail Naofumi had purchased with his own money just the day before.
"That's my armor!" Naofumi shouted, pointing at him. "He's wearing my chainmail! She stole it and gave it to him!"
Motoyasu scoffed, crossing his arms. "You're grasping at straws. You're a disgrace to the title of hero."
The king raised a hand to silence the room. "Enough! Shield Hero, while your status as a hero spares you from imprisonment, your reputation is beyond saving. The people of this kingdom will know of your crimes, and you will find no refuge among them. Be grateful I am not punishing you more harshly."
Naofumi stared at the king, then at the other heroes. Ren and Itsuki avoided his gaze, their expressions uncertain. Motoyasu stood confidently, clearly convinced of Naofumi's guilt. The betrayal cut deeper than Naofumi thought possible.
Without another word, he turned and stormed out of the throne room, his fists clenched and his face twisted with anger and despair.
Daniel, who had been standing silently in the room throughout the entire ordeal, watched the scene unfold with growing unease. The accusation felt off to him. Naofumi's reaction was raw and genuine, and Malty's sobs struck him as calculated. He didn't trust the king's judgment, nor the smug expressions of the other heroes.
As Naofumi disappeared down the corridor, Daniel made a decision. Quietly, he slipped out of the throne room and began to follow him, keeping a safe distance. Whatever was going on, Daniel intended to find out the truth.
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Daniel followed Naofumi at a distance, his footsteps quiet as he trailed the Shield Hero toward the outskirts of the city. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt compelled to intervene; maybe it was the raw anger and betrayal in Naofumi's expression, or maybe it was just Daniel's innate sense of justice kicking in. Either way, something about this whole situation didn't sit right with him, and he wanted to see where it would lead.
Eventually, they reached a training ground just outside the city walls, a barren stretch of dirt where weak monsters—small, round creatures with stubby limbs—bounced aimlessly about. Naofumi strode into the field, his shield raised, his face twisted in rage. Without hesitation, he began attacking the creatures, bashing them with his shield in a flurry of desperate, furious strikes. The monsters squealed and dissipated into bursts of light, leaving behind small scraps of loot that Naofumi ignored in his blind anger.
Daniel leaned against a tree at the edge of the field, watching silently as Naofumi vented his frustration. After a while, he pulled his AR-15 from his inventory, the familiar weight of the rifle in his hands giving him a sense of calm. He took aim at one of the creatures in the distance and fired. The suppressed crack of the shot barely broke the air, but the monster was instantly vaporized, leaving behind nothing but a faint shimmer of light.
He continued like this, methodically picking off the creatures while keeping an eye on Naofumi. The Shield Hero's movements grew slower, his strikes less forceful as exhaustion set in. Eventually, Naofumi stopped altogether, breathing heavily, his shield hanging limply at his side. It was then that he noticed Daniel, calmly reloading his rifle and taking aim at another creature.
Naofumi's eyes narrowed, and he approached, his curiosity overriding his fatigue. "Hey," he said, his tone a mix of envy and suspicion. "What the hell is that thing you're using? Some kind of crossbow? It's taking those monsters out in one shot."
Daniel lowered his weapon, turning to face Naofumi. He could see the jealousy in the other man's eyes, but there was also a spark of genuine interest. "It's not a crossbow," Daniel replied evenly. "It's a modern firearm. My artifact allows me to create weapons like this, along with other gear, as long as I have the raw materials."
Naofumi crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "That's convenient. Must be nice, having an artifact that actually does something useful. Unlike this stupid shield."
Daniel raised an eyebrow, deciding to ignore the jab. "It's not all sunshine and rainbows. Gathering materials isn't cheap, and crafting takes time. But yeah, it's effective." He paused, then added, "I also saw what happened back at the castle. That redhead set you up."
Naofumi's face darkened. "You believe me?" he asked cautiously, as if he couldn't quite trust the words.
Daniel nodded. "She was too polished, too rehearsed. And Motoyasu wearing your armor was a dead giveaway. The whole thing stinks." He hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Look, I've got some materials on me. I can craft you a full chainmail set—real steel, not that junk they sell in the shops. You won't owe me anything."
Naofumi blinked, caught off guard by the offer. "Why would you do that? What's in it for you?"
Daniel shrugged. "Because it's the right thing to do. And because I've been in the army—I know what it's like to be thrown under the bus by people you're supposed to trust. Consider it a small favor. If you want anything else in the future, we can work out a deal with raw materials."
Naofumi studied him for a long moment, clearly trying to decide if this was some kind of trick. But the promise of a free armor set was too tempting to pass up. "Alright," he said finally. "If you're serious, I won't say no."
Daniel opened his crafting menu, selecting the blueprint for a chainmail set. The bracelet's holographic interface hummed to life, displaying progress bars as the individual pieces were assembled within the artifact's spatial pocket. Less than an hour later, Daniel handed over the completed set to Naofumi—a gleaming chainmail shirt, leggings, and gauntlets, all perfectly forged.
Naofumi stared at the armor, his skepticism giving way to cautious gratitude. "This... this is incredible," he said, running his fingers over the interlocking rings. "Thanks. Really."
Daniel gave a small nod. "Don't mention it. Just keep your head down and stay out of trouble. We can stay in touch through the city's post office. They charge a small fee, but it's reliable."
Naofumi frowned, clearly unused to this kind of support, but he nodded. "Fine. We'll figure out a schedule for messages or something."
With that, the two heroes parted ways. Naofumi headed back toward the city, his new armor glinting in the afternoon sun, while Daniel stayed behind at the training grounds. For the first time in days, Naofumi felt like the universe had thrown him a small bone. And Daniel? He felt like he had just made the first move in a much larger game.