Biggest thanks for Ace-Triad for fixing my SPAG problems, and Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
Cross posted on AO3, for anyone who prefer that site.
It's barely been a month, but it feels like a lifetime ago when Sir Oersted left the walls of Gallia. He was nothing more than a young knight freshly graduated from his training, eager to go on a quest for his knightly duties. He had no idea how cruel the world around him was under the glory of Gallia City, or how cruel people can be under the glamor of the expansive suits, make-up, and perfumes the nobles he served constantly wore. Now, he feels like he almost wasted his life after losing his best friend, and then his mentor (well... mentor in miracle casting, and he did teach Oersted a lot of valuable life lessons) Master Uranus. Now that he's back to his home, the strong walls of Gallia city look more like a tombstone to him from a distance.
"Sir Oersted! I was worried about you!" A somewhat familiar voice rocks the young knight out of his reveries. He looks forward, and sees the sole survivor of Graile's Four Heroes' Church, Brother Demetrius runs towards him. He wonders how a young acolyte learnt of his arrival, considering he returned to Gallia alone with no fanfare, technically failed his quest of escorting Princess Malty and Lord Shield Hero to safety. But then, he sees Princess Alethea riding towards him from the gate of Gallia city and has his answers. He wrote a letter, and sent it ahead of him before departing from Lord Shield Hero's retinue to return, thinking his betrothal must have worried sick for him. It seems like Brother Demetrius was either with Princess Alethea at the time, or has been taken into her retinue to accompany her. The young acolyte's face is desperate, with only a sliver of hope in his eyes. "Is it true? Did Master Uranus also..."
"I'm sorry, Brother Demetrius. Master Uranus fell in his line of duty protecting Lord Shield Hero when we were captured at the capital. His soul is with the Chief God now." Brother Demetrius hangs his head low, and begins to make the sign of the four holy heroes in front of his chest. He looks sad, but accepts the outcome. Clearly expected this before he received his answer. "I'm sorry. I am a knight, I should be the first one to go in our line of duty. I... shouldn't be the only survivor on this ill prepared quest."
"You are not, Sir Oersted." Another voice, one Oersted is much more familiar with, brings his attention away from his regret. Looking ahead, he recognized the knight leading Princess Alethea's possession as the man raised his face guard. He's much more used to his superior's feathered hat, so he never associated Sir Chevalier as someone wearing full armor. But there is no mistaking his voice and his face, even if his voice sounds more hollow than usual, and his face is much paler than before. His superior did survive the ailment he caught when they were investigating the cult Oersted's mentor was killed by. "I also survived. But it's truly a shame to know both Straighbow, and Master Uranus fall in their line of duty. They will be dearly missed."
Princess Alethea gives a faint twitch on her steed, not exactly befit the graceful appearance she needs to maintain as a princess. But she is no doubt assaulted by waves of conflicted emotion when finally sees him with her own eyes after so much has happened. She jumps down from her steed, nearly tripping over herself without anyone by her side helping her. But she brushes away her maid's attempt to hold her, pulls up the edge of her frilly dress and runs over to Sir Oersted. "You have finally returned, my knight! Now we can have our wedding, and you will not have to risk yourself on such foolish, and dangerous errands!"
Chapter 7: Shield Hero's Biggest Fan
Sir Oersted feels his voice caught in his throat. He is but a mere knight who fights wars and protects his liege, not a major player in The Game like her father, and her many potential betrothals. But even he understands the expectation for Princess Alethea. As the daughter of Prince Joseph, she would be expected to wed the scion of an important great house to forge alliance for her father. Yet, Prince Joseph allowed her to pursue a marriage for love in spite of his own political aspiration. And out of all the young nobles, or heroes in the world, Alethea chose him, a young, idealistic knight who has no idea how the world worked. It's not so much as an honor to have Prince Joseph's blessing to marry Princess Alethea, as it's a miracle that the two of them were allowed to be together. He should follow Alethea's every whim for the rest of his life to make her happy.
Yet... Sir Oersted found he could not. Not after all he witnessed, and experienced in the short time when he was unknowingly escorting both the first princess of House Melromarc, and the Shield Hero. Too many people, who were not blessed to have an easy life, or even the talent or training like he did to raise their social class still suffer. From the horrors of their world, from overly ambitious men who cared not the lives of those beneath them... and an endless legion of demons ready to invade their world. He could not avert his eyes, and pretend it's not his duty to protect these people. "I would love nothing more than to hang up my sword, and make you the happiest woman in the world, my princess. But... I am sorry. I can not do so now."
"Is that so? Do you not love me, as I loved you? Sir Oersted?" Princess Alethea's body freezes on the spot for a brief moment, her face looks like someone physically slapped her. She turns her eyes away from the young knight, making him feel ashamed of himself. "I understand your aspiration to protect our people, my brave knight. That's why I fell for you. But could you not... put yourself in unspeakable danger like you did with Lord Shield Hero? You could still protect our people here with me, in Gallia. Our walls are strong, and our men are even stronger. Not even the savage Siltvelt army brought down our city in The Great War. Surely, you could stay with me, where you can do your duty, and still keep yourself safe to not break my heart?"
"I love you more than anyone in this world, Princess Alethea. But I have seen so much in the few weeks I accompanied Lord Shield Hero. What's more, we have met the current avatar of Alaya. She revealed that there is a legion of demons ready to invade our world: The Burning Legion." Sir Oersted's revelation makes the princess look at him once again. She isn't the only one. Every person present in her entourage is either staring at him with a dumbfounded expression, or openly gaping. "We are not dealing with a normal Wave of Catastrophe this time, my princess. As 'normal' as a world ending crisis could be. An unfathomable force is actively plotting the downfall of our very world, and we can not turn a blind eye to it hoping our walls and our warriors are strong enough to withstand the onslaught. We need to actively seek ways to stop them, before we are destroyed. That's why I can not stay with you in Gallia, my princess. Every able bodied man and woman who are trained for war must be at their very best for a chance for all of us to survive. I want you to be safe. And more importantly, if we are victorious, I want you, and everyone else to have a world, and a life to live for after this is over. So please, Princess Alethea. Wait for another year for me, till we stop our current Wave of Catastrophe, and this Burning Legion. If Chief God does not smile upon me for my safe return... I beseech you to find someone else better than me. Someone who will treat you kinder than I have. Someone who will treat you as the queen of our nation."
Princess Alethea stays silent for a brief moment, before finally nodding her head. Her eyes downcast, clearly not thrilled with the response Oersted gave her, and her own reply. But she does the right thing in the end, as she always does. "Very well, my brave Sir Oersted. I shall convince my father to postpone our wedding for a year longer. And I shall pray for you, and all of our warriors' safe return home."
Naofumi's attack took Malty by surprise. In hindsight, she should have expected the Shield Hero to completely lose it when she almost got murdered in front of his eyes. When they were fighting the Three Heroes' Church, he savagely killed Tirion Fordring, and then brutally turned his body into paste after the paladin was dead. But that happened after weeks of being pursued by the zealots, and witnessing the atrocities they committed to innocent people. So Naofumi definitely has his furious... savage side. She isn't sure if she should feel very grateful for how much her well being meant to Naofumi, or for fear of being the reason for a hero's death. Because with the young madman down on the ground, and Motoyasu pressing his own lethal attack, there is no way for the Throwing Weapon Hero to survive Naofumi's attack unless someone else jumps in at their own peril.
That's exactly what happened next, as two figures leap out of the other side of the tree line. One of them slams into Motoyasu's side, knocking the Spear Hero away. The other jumps right in front of Naofumi's giant flail and tries to hold it back with their extended arms. The person standing in front of Naofumi's attack is pushed skidding back on the ground, but manages to throw the hammer onto the ground with a twist of their body at the last moment before colliding with the Throwing Weapon Hero lying on the ground. The first thing that catches Malty's attention is their hair. White as snow for the most parts... but have some strands of black mixed in. And a pair of small, but still noticeable feline ears atop of their heads. No doubt, that's the pair of white tiger siblings Kael'thas' surviving rangers talked about. The white tiger girl might look like a doll with her slightly petite figure, delicate features and a pair of hair braids hanging over the side of her face. But the anger that's twisting her face right now makes her look more like a miniature sized demon. "How dare you try to kill Master Tairou! DIE!"
"NO! Wait, ATLA!" Both the Throwing Weapon Hero, and her (assumedly) brother screams and reaches their hands out for her. But it's too late, she had already shot herself towards the Shield Hero like a giant siege bolt leaving a ballista. Naofumi quickly pulls the chain of his [Crown Shield] back, and snaps it open into the shield configuration again. Just as the girl's fist is about to connect with his defense, he swings his arm to the side like he's slapping someone away. With a loud clunk, the girl is knocked spinning in the air without any control. Motoyasu didn't hold anything back in spite of his opponent being a delicate, young looking girl. His spear shoots forward with a spin, the same technique that killed both Roger of Ajax and Pope Balmus. If this attack connects, Malty can't see how the impulsive girl would survive. The white tiger boy runs forward with a desperate look on his face, but it's clear that everything happened too fast, and he was as late to stop this fatal attack as Ms. Mala was to stop the tomahawk from taking off Malty's head.
Once again, a figure jumped out of the trees. This one is much faster than the white tiger siblings, even faster than Mala. Malty's eyes and mind barely registered what happened as this new figure approached Motoyasu and Naofumi, and they were both lying on the ground the next moment. Raphtalia cries out in alarm, tries to run to the Shield Hero, but she's held back by a... nude woman Malty only noticed at this moment because of everything else happening. Katarina on the other hand wasn't held back, so she charged forward with the birds the Spear Hero brought with him. They didn't fare any better than the two heroes as the new fighter, a skinny looking old woman in a light brown colored Isaasian style cloth, puts them all on the ground. That must be the old woman Kael'thas' rangers were talking about.
"Now you die!" The white tiger girl manages to land on her feet after a few stumbles. She looks ready to kill as she lunges for Naofumi once again, but she is held back by the person Malty didn't expect. The crazy young man who is likely the current Throwing Weapon Hero of Zeltoble. It's so wonderful to know that this insane man didn't want to harm the Shield Hero, and only wanted Malty's head. The white tiger girl struggles for a brief moment against the (probable) Throwing Weapon Hero, before looking back and notices who is restraining her. Her body instantly goes still. "Ma-Master Tairou? What's going on? Why won't you let me deal with him? He tried to kill you!"
"This is all a big misunderstanding, Atla! We aren't trying to kill Naofumi-Sama. We are trying to help him. Remember?" Seeing the girl calm down, the now named Throwing Weapon Hero releases his hold and raises his opened hands up in an appealing manner in front of Atla's face. "He's the only chance to save this world. That's why all of us need to help him achieve his full potential faster, and avoid the few pitfalls."
The white tiger girl doesn't look happy by Tairou's explanation. In fact, she begins to argue with him. But Malty didn't pay much, if any attention to what they were saying. It's probably more insane rambling, just like Fuckboy. She didn't even pay much attention to Naofumi and Motoyasu slowly crawling up from the ground. No, the princess turned slave has her full attention to Mala, as she takes small and measured steps towards the old (possible) Issasian woman. The old woman also seemed to notice Mala's presence as she slowly turned around to regard this new approaching figure. Mala is the first to speak. "Master Elrasla Grilaroc of Techniques? I believe this is the first time we met."
"It's been a long time since someone called me by my name at first glance. Even my own family calls me 'Granny' these days." The now named old woman slightly tilts her head to the side. Looking half bewildered, half thoughtful as if trying to remember any possible connection she might have shared with Mala. After a few moments, a look of comprehension appears on her face as her slightly twisted eyebrows relax. "Ah. You must be that kitten raised by Rav, aren't you? Is that fucker still alive? Back then, she wouldn't stop boasting about how this one apprentice she had was better than all of mine combined together. I swear! The nerves!"
"I have not seen Master Ravana of Strength for over thirty years now. She isn't exactly someone sentimental. So she left for her own travels after she completed my training, and hasn't even written to me since." Mala's voice is respectful, much more so when she talked with Malty's mother. In fact, Malty only saw Mala talk to her father this way. The (possible) Issassian woman narrows her eyes for a brief moment as she looks at Mala's dangling arms. She suddenly moves right in front of Mala, closes her eyes and places her palm on Mala's chest. Malty's body twitches on instinct to see someone who easily beaten Naofumi, Motoyasu and all of their companions get this close to her former maid. But the old woman doesn't seem to do any harm to Mala.
"Your arms... The bones are broken, so are your Ki veins in your arms. What did you do to ruin your body like this? Trying to hold back a gate by yourself?" The old woman frowns at Mala, the former maid's silence was apparently enough of a response for her. "Damn. Why did you do that? Surely Rav would have told you why that's dumb. Even I... or Rav herself would not have tried something like this."
"We all have something we have to do, even if they are unwise. Master Elrasla. I'm sure you would have done the same thing for your own children." The old woman turns her gaze towards Malty, who Mala is still blocking with her own body. The old woman simply nods her head in silence without saying anything.
"I'm so sorry something like this happened, Naofumi-sama!" The Throwing Weapon Hero runs over to Naofumi and helps the Shield Hero stand. After that, he takes a step back and begins bowing down to the thoroughly annoyed looking Naofumi. "I don't know what came over Sadina... or Atla, for that matter. I only wished to help you reach your rightful achievement earlier and easier. And they should have been your most faithful allies!"
Naofumi Iwatani feels thoroughly annoyed at the situation he found himself in. Because of course, the person who falsely accused him for being a pedophile, whose companions have tried to kill himself and worse, his companions and friends only 'has the best intentions', and supposedly 'wanted to help him'. He's pretty sure he doesn't need enemies, if this is how his allies act all the time. The Shield Hero knows that he is being both very rude, and very petty at ignoring this Sato guy's apologies, and letting him keep bowing down to display his remorse and embarrassment. And his psychotic... girlfriend? That white tiger girl is glaring at him for completely ignoring Sato's apologies. But the fucker tried to kill Malty! Naofumi feels justified for being a bit petty here, just like Raphtalia when she renamed a certain reincarnate 'Fuckboy'.
"I can't believe what you did, Big Sister Sadina! How can you try to kill innocent people just like that? Because you believed the words of a madman! If the world works like this, Master Naofumi would have been condemned when he was accused of raping Big Sister Malty!" Speaking of Raphtalia, she's not having a good time either as she glares at and goes off on her former guardian. Naofumi tries to imagine what it feels like to reunite with someone he used to be close to, only for his former friend, or family member to kill his new friends. And then he realized that he can't even imagine how Raphtalia would feel. He wasn't that close to his parents with how much they favored Takeru. And he wasn't that close with his younger brother either till the last few months before he ended up in this world. The only one who he really had a connection with in his own world was his only friend Yuugo, and he can't imagine someone as good natured, and passionate at helping people as Yuugo try to kill someone. This world and its people are messed up.
Naofumi hears the sound of heavy footsteps coming from behind. He turns around, and sees Kael'thas walking towards him, carrying the still form of Yatsuhashi behind his back. His bodyguard is taller, and much wider than the (not) elf prince, so the scene looks a little hilarious. But with how solemn Kael'thas look, and the knowledge that Yatsuhashi was electrocuted to buy time for him to escape, he really doesn't feel like laughing. The (not) elf prince carefully bent his knees to let down Yatsuhashi on the ground. Naofumi feels like his heart is dropping into his stomach, but he still asks to make sure. "What of Nazgral's raiders, Kael'thas?"
"They have given their all to ensure your safety, my king. Do not feel sad, my king. It is considered the greatest honor for us to die for our king, and their spirit will pass on to join their ancestors in the heavenly horde." The (not) elf prince shakes his head, and gives a negative answer. He looks at the scene in front of him before speaking to Sato. "Throwing Weapon Hero of Zeltoble I presume? I will be handing in an official complaint to Zeltoble's rulership for your attempt on my king's life."
"Yeah, whatever." Sato's reply to Kael'thas was surprisingly disconcerned compared to the genuine dismay he was showing Naofumi a moment earlier. "Naofumi-sama wasn't hurt, Raphtalia wasn't either. I don't know what Bitch did to get Firo's level reset and kidnapped her away from Naofumi-sama. But I brought her back. So everything is fine."
"Everything is not fine, damn it!" Any sense of shame, or guilt Naofumi might feel towards Sato disappears at his nonchalant attitude towards how his actions caused innocent people to get hurt, or get killed. And from his practical side, they lost multiple experienced fighters who could have stood with them against The Burning Legion. The Shield Hero throws his arms over his head in frustration, as he goes off on Sato. "You clearly respect me. So why are you killing people helping me?! Is this some kind of game to you? People got hurt, people got killed!"
"Like I said, Naofumi-sama. It's a huge misunderstanding. Sadina got overprotective on Raphtalia, that's all. She'll come around when she sees how made for each other you and Raphtalia are." Naofumi grinds his teeth at the sudden change in Sato's attitude again. The young man might be genuine in admiring him and want to help, but clearly he isn't listening to why Naofumi is so angry at him. "I'm very sorry your supporters got hurt and killed, but they are extras and mooks anyway. You can always get more slaves to replace them."
Did he... did he just imply what Naofumi thought he did? That he's okay with innocent people get killed because 'they aren't important' for some reason? Or that Naofumi was some kind of scum of earth that would gleefully enslave people, and throw their lives at a problem disregarding the death toll it would cause? Granted, Kael'thas and his men truly have slave seals branded on them, but that's only because Melromarc people would otherwise panic if he brings a small army of their enemies into their border. And Malty was also technically a slave, but that's only because she would be forced into marrying a known serial rapist, murderer!
"I'd be careful with him, Naofumi. He's clearly crazy... and kind of stupid." Motoyasu leans closer to Naofumi, his usually straightforward face actually looks a bit conspiring this time. He holds a hand over his mouth, and whispers quietly to Naofumi, even if his exaggerated gesture completely gives his intention away. Naofumi would tell his friend and rival (actually... are they still rivals after what happened with the Three Heroes' Church, or are they just friends now?) that Motoyasu really didn't have any reason to call out someone else for being stupid... except he completely agrees with Motoyasu this time.
"I have already gathered the most important people who will help you, Naofumi-sama." Once again, Sato completely ignores the fury... and the mounting dread Naofumi is feeling. The Throwing Weapon Hero's face turns into a flattering smile. He turns around, pointing towards his own companions, or at least party members like he's showing off an exhibition. "You already met Sadina. She's the bodyguard of Raphtalia's family. She's a much better spear user than the spear simp, especially once she gets her hero weapon. Oh, and she'll eventually join your harem as well. So you don't have to feel jealous of the spear simp at all. He can have Bitch."
Naofumi is starting to feel a little sick of how Sato is describing his own party members, and everyone else for that matter, but especially for his own companions. Does the fucker see other people like some kind of toy collections? It's reminding him of Fuckboy... actually. This is exactly how Fuckboy treats everyone around him, even if Sato isn't straight up calling everyone NPCs. By comparison, Sato's implication of him getting a harem is a much more subdued reveal, but easily as sickening. Sure, he played a bunch of harem gal games and even recommended them to his little brother Takeru. But enjoying them as a pastime escapism and wanting to live in them are very different things!
And the way this annoying little shit keeps insulting Malty! Who gave him the right to after everything she's done? "Don't keep on disrespecting Malty! I might be the Shield Hero, but I can still smash your head in!"
"Huh? What are you talking about, Naofumi-sama? I'm just calling her for who she is, and the name she's given: Bitch." The act of innocence this guy is playing is making Naofumi crack the bones in his balled up fist. He would have thrown his [Crown Shield] at this annoying guy again if Raphtalia's protector didn't butt in with her own words.
"Oh, I'll be more than happy to reward the Shield Hero a little, if he stays away from Raphtalia. He's cute enough." The crazy nudist who tried to kill Naofumi smirks at him. She moves her right leg forward, and bends it slightly to the left. A gesture that seemed to better hide her private. But considering she didn't bother at all till this point, it's clearly a gesture of seduction instead. Of course, that's ignoring all the scraps and dirt she has all over her body after her battle with Theresa. So she's doing it instinctively, and she's some kind of man eater? Naofumi can't imagine why this... crazy woman is supposed to be so important to him. He'd be very happy that she stays in another country from him... preferably in chains (but NOT having a slave seal because that's fucked up) or maybe a straitjacket so she can't go around killing people, thank you very much!
"And here are one of your most loyal, and powerful companions besides Raphtalia and Firo. Fohl and Atla. Atla will be one of your most loyal companions, who would even jump in front of an attack to die for you. Fohl on the other hand... he might be a bit paranoid towards you at first, but that's only because he worries for his little sister! He'll come around once when he realizes you have no ulterior motives towards his younger sister." The white tiger girl actually shoots Naofumi a death glare at that introduction, while her elder brother actually gives a cordial... and somewhat apologetic looking nod to Naofumi. Motoyasu really was right! This guy really is a colossal idiot for not noticing the companions he's introducing is acting exactly opposite from his words. Well... maybe the brother Fohl isn't ready to jump in front of a bullet for Naofumi like Yatsuhashi just did with the crazy nude woman. But he definitely looks much friendlier than his younger sister.
"And last but certainly not the least... Granny, the only master of the Hengen Musou style martial arts." Sato holds his arms up at the old woman, like he is showing off the most important exhibition in some auction. Naofumi feels his eyebrow raising at the Japanese name used. Granted... the very idea of 'martial arts' usually tends to get associated with Asian origins, but he didn't expect an actual Japanese name. Since apparently, the only 'Japanese' country of this world belongs to a demi-human nation, and the skinny, old woman is clearly a pure human. He tries to ignore such trivia for the more important part. "She will be the biggest reason you, and your companions, are stronger than the three stooges and their bands of idiots."
Naofumi feels like someone should probably clap their hands with this supposedly dramatic reveal. But all he hears are squawks of imaginary crows flying over their heads. He crosses his arms, and asks the most important question. "Okay... that's interesting... But why would I fight Larry, Curly and Moe? Are those three comedians some kind of big name nobles in this world?"
"Wha- Who? OH NO!" The Throwing Weapon Hero somehow looks completely dumbfounded by Naofumi's question, after a brief pause, he shakes his head and points his finger at Motoyasu. "Not those Three Stooges! I meant him! These three idiots who were summoned together with you, but are too useless to do anything productive. At least till' you beat them into submission, whip them into shape and have them follow your lead!"
"Who gave you that idea? I wouldn't fight my friends! I'd be killed by the Three Heroes' Church if they didn't come help me." Naofumi tears his eyes from the crazy guy looking at Motoyasu. "We are friends now, right? Or are we still rivals like you said?"
"Yeah. Of course we are friends." Motoyasu apparently decided to prove it physically, as he opens his arms up... and gives Naofumi a back crushing hug. The Shield Hero can feel his breath caught in his chest even with his high defense rating. Even with [Crow Shield] still active, he apparently still can't make up for over thirty levels of difference. "And yeah. We still compete to be the better hero. But that's because we are trying to help as many people as possible! None of us can afford to slack off! And the best way is of course, competing to be the best!"
"You really shouldn't be this humble, Naofumi-sama. To even place the three stooges near the same level... no, the same country as you is an insult to your achievement!" As always, Naofumi's idiotic self proclaimed 'biggest fan' completely ignored his own words. Now he understands why Mr. Incredible had no patience for his own 'biggest fan'. After waving his hands dismissively at Motoyasu, Sato holds his arms up for the Granny martial artist once again. "The Hengen Musou style will be one of the greatest bedrock of your success, alongside your slave maturation bonus. They'll ensure everyone from your core party is stronger than these useless, so-called 'heroes'."
"What 'slavery maturation' bonus? I have no such thing." Naofumi's question seems to instantly take away all the wind in Sato's sail. He isn't even trying to intentionally start a fight with the other guy. He is merely confused at what his supposed 'biggest fan' is talking about. "I have no such thing. And even if I do, I don't put people in slavery in exchange for some power boost."
Okay... maybe the last point was more than a bit hypocritical from him. Considering all of his Siltvelt retinue are under the bound of slavery. But that's only because Melromarc would not let them enter their territory otherwise. Is he happy about it? No. And he imagines that'll cause him a major headache and worse later when he tries to abolish slavery. But for now, that's what he is forced to do.
"Oh... you haven't found that out now? I'm sure it's Bitch's fault somehow!" The annoying fanboy whips his head to shoot death glare at Malty once again. What the hell is this fucker's problem with Malty? With the amount of vitriol, you'd think she kicked him in the balls or something (and he'd totally deserve it too with what he has done so far). He clearly has no idea how uncomfortable he is making Naofumi (and probably everyone else) feel, as he actually walks closer to Naofumi, a flattering smile on his face, hands waving away gestures to explain. "You can unlock a slavery form of your weapon if you absorb magical ink and Raphtalia's hair together. It'll give a stats bonus for every level she gains. And eventually it'll build up high enough that she'll eat the three stooges for breakfast..."
Despite what this annoying fanboy had said and done so far, Naofumi is tempted by his proposal. Considering how easily Granny put Motoyasu and himself down, she's clearly the real deal. Not to mention Mala's endorsement. He really doesn't care much about some dick measuring competition Sato is suggesting he has with his fellow heroes and friends. And he'd jump off the tokyo first before he puts Raphtalia through more mental trauma for some stat boost. But if learning this whatever kungfu is going to give them such a strong power boost, surely it'll give them a better chance to save more lives? That's what he thought, until Mala opens her mouth to object. "It's really not a good idea for heroes to learn the Hengen Musou style-"
"SHUT UP!" Sato immediately jumps on his feet as he turns around to glare daggers and scream at Malty's former maid. "You think I'm blind, or stupid to not see you protecting Bitch? I don't recognize a nobody like you. But you are clearly her lackey, trying to weaken Naofumi-sama and then lead him to his doom!"
"Let Rav's little kitten finish. I want to hear what she has to say." The Throwing Weapon Hero gives the old martial art master a puzzled look. But he clearly respects the old woman, so he calms down and goes quiet. Relatively. His face settles into that of a smug smirk that increasingly reminds Naofumi of Fuckboy.
"You seem to have this false notion that Hengen Musou is a martial arts fighting style, Lord Throwing Weapon Hero." Mala's tone and words are respectful, but her sight is clearly fixed on Granny rather than Sato. "But it's more accurate to say Hengen Musou is an enhancement method, meant to provide the power behind one's already developed fighting style. Which is where the name came from: Hengen Musou, Peerless Change."
Naofumi feels like he is closer to figuring out the meaning behind Mala's words, but not entirely when the white tiger warrior continues. "The same kind of power is already provided to the heroes. And to a lesser extent, their followers for how fast they gain level compared to other people. What they need right now the most, is making sure their skills don't get left behind so much that they can't even control their own bodies. A highly empowered hero unable to control their power is the same as a three year old strong enough to wield a warhammer, or destructive spells with no mind to use it safely. They'll be a walking hazard to everyone around them. And in that regard, Hengen Musou is distinctively lacking."
"Interesting stance you are taking here, girl. I did not expect the kitten taught by that brudish bird brain Rav would be this insightful." Granny smirks at Mala's explanation, clearly satisfied with Mala's words. So she does agree with Mala's reasoning, and it makes Naofumi feel a little ashamed. Wasn't this a lesson that Zellus had physically beaten into all of their heads during the training they had before the Third Wave? Power without proper control is useless other than mowing down mooks like you are playing a Musou game from Koei Tecmo.
And now he went back to the starting point, craving power again after the mess Three Heroes' Church started. This... this is exactly what happened in the past with Yuugo, wasn't it? His only friend did his best to help motivate Naofumi to achieve something in life rather than settle for an easy one. And he threw it right back in his friend's face at the first sign of trouble. It made the Shield Hero realize that he still has a long way to go, a lot of changes he needs to make to himself to truly live up to his title he's given.
"Master Ravana prefers using overwhelming strength to beat down her opponent, but she is no mere brute like people assume. She is always in perfect control of her own body, and her strength in battle. And knows how much power she needs to apply to her opponent to not waste any of them. 'Perfect strength can submit any skill', just like 'Perfect skill can subvert any strength'." Once again, Mala gives Granny a bow to show her respect. "But I have not finished explaining why Hengen Musou is not a good pursuit for the heroes and their followers yet, Master Elrasla. The path of a martial artist, especially one that focuses on inner enhancement like Hengen Musou, requires a whole life's dedication. You need to slowly build up your ki reserve over most, if not your entire life to do it right. And that's not the luxury we have with the Wave of Catastrophe already started. The only other way to have your ki build up fast enough is for a master of Hengen Musou style, like Master Elrasla, or Master Ravana help enlarge your ki veins, or pass their own ki to you. Both have disadvantages, and would leave your own ki reserve too impure to properly utilize Hengen Musou."
"Bullshit! As I thought! You are spouting bullshit for your mistress Bitch, aren't you?! You are trying to stop Naofumi-sama from gaining the power he is owed!" Once again, Naofumi's crazy and annoying fanboy jumps on his feet to throw accusations before Granny even has a chance to say anything. "You keep saying this Ravana person, like she's someone who supposedly taught you the style. Like this makes you some kind of expert. But I know for a fact that Granny is the only user of Hengen Musou style and you are lying to stop Naofumi-sama from getting the training he needed!"
His patience is really starting to wear thin with this fool. But to the Shield Hero's surprise, someone else shut his psychotic fanboy before he said anything. And that someone happens to be the Granny herself. "No, the kitten is completely correct in Hengen Musou style's shortcomings. It seems like that bird brain Rav taught her well. The heroes, and their companions would fare better if they picked a different style that focused on the technique that already fit their developing fighting habits."
"Wha- that... that can't be right?!" Sato clearly didn't expect Granny to agree with Mala. His eyes and mouth are both opened wide. Someone could easily shove an egg or two between his teeth. After a few moments, he shakes his head and stubbornly tries to find a reason to insist on the validity of his own argument. "NO! I know the main reason why Naofumi-sama was stronger than the rest of the losers is because of his slave maturation bonus, and because he trained with you in Hengen Musou. Maybe there's something special about him that allows him to ignore, or bypass whatever penalties... YES! That's it! He must have found a way to avoid the penalties, probably some advantage of his hero weapon. Because that's why he's so awesome! He does things other people don't do, and uses them to achieve greatness!"
"I'll have you know that I do NOT endorse heinous actions like slavery, thank you very much! I would not put my friends, and supporters through that kind of cruelty even if there is power to gain." Naofumi crosses his arms in front of his chest, and bears his teeth at his annoying fanboy. Sato turns around looking at him, and the crazy idiot dared to look dismayed. "Who the heck are you anyway? Why are you so sure of the bullshit you are talking about?"
"Oh, I'm nobody. Nobody important anyways. But as I said, I'm your biggest fan! I learnt all of your achievements, and greatness from the novel [Rising of the Shield Hero]! That's why I'm here to help you achieve the height of your power, and help you navigate some of the pitfalls you made... no! You were led into by the villains!" The eyes of Naofumi's annoying fanboy begin to twinkle. He jumps over in front of Naofumi, and grabs the Shield Hero's hand.
Naofumi can't hear the crazy idiot's flattery anymore. In fact, he can't hear, or see anything any more. With how cocksured his annoying fanboy acts, he had some suspicion on where his confidence came from. And now, he has his worst fear confirmed by Sato's own words. He has a completely opposite attitude from Fuckboy, but some of the words are the same. Both of them gained their knowledge from a novel of the same name. They clearly didn't know each other before this meeting (Naofumi can't imagine Fuckboy tolerating someone like this annoying fanboy), yet they spoke about the same thing. A novel that supposedly recorded how Naofumi's life, or how his journey on Medea was supposed to go. Which means that he isn't real. He's just some made up character made in some clearly badly written isekai power fantasy...
"Okay. Calm down, and remember to breathe, Naofumi. Everything is alright." The next thing he knows, Motoyasu's face is hovering right in front of him. Malty and Raphtalia are standing slightly to the side from him, all of them giving him a look like he's about to fade away any time. "I'm pretty upset with this fucker for dissing Malty too. But you want to tell us what got you so upset, you nearly fell over?"
"Do you remember what Fuckboy said during the trial? We are some characters from some isekai novel? This guy is saying the same thing too! That we are not real. All of us are some made up characters from some shitty, trashy, power fantasy story!" Naofumi hasn't realized that he's grabbing Motoyasu's collar so hard, he's effectively trying to strangle his friend. For once, he's thankful for his abysmal natural ATK rating to not cause him to hurt a friend out of an accident.
"Okay. That is a little upsetting (understatement of the century!)., but think of it this way. Were they true? I mean what they said. Do you want Raphtalia more than a daughter? Or do you think Malty would betray you?" Motoyasu points at Raphtalia and then Malty. Naofumi shakes his head at both of his questions in silence. "There you go! Why worry about something obviously untrue? So what if there's some other version of earth where they have someone write a story with characters that had our same names by coincidence? Haven't we figured there's countless different earths by now? And there's plenty of people we know from animes, games and novels in this world already? One of the past Spear Heroes was Son Goku, of all people! Are they all the same as the stories they came from?"
Naofumi slowly begins to calm down. Yes... Motoyasu's logic is pretty simple, but it makes sense. So what if someone from one (or several) other versions of Earth made up a story about himself, and his friends!? And it went completely different from how things actually went? It doesn't make what he went through any less real. Actually... Can he sue the author for slander (No, he can't. Because it's libel when in print), especially for Malty, if he goes to their world somehow? Well... not important compared to the threat of a demon legion over everyone's head. He'll think about it later. He must be really shaken if he's thinking these kinds of pointless thoughts now.
"Sorry for worrying everyone. I'm good now." Naofumi slowly stands up with Raphtalia and Malty's help. He turns his face towards his self-proclaimed 'biggest fan'. The idiot is also trying to get to him. Thankfully, he's separated from Naofumi by a literal wall of people that's Motoyasu's 'children'. Granny, who easily put all of them down before, doesn't look motivated to help him this time. "I think you should leave now. Because I'm not happy with what you said. And look... I appreciate you are trying to help. But stop treating this world like that novel you read so literally. Lot of things are different in real life than what written words can record."
Malty feels cold and numb. At first, she didn't truly understand what the Throwing Weapon Hero was talking about. But after witnessing Naofumi's breakdown, she's quickly reminded of what Fuckboy said right before his own condamnation. On how there is supposedly a story already written for all of them, and Malty herself being the designated villain that would be against the Shield Hero time and time again. She wants to scoff at how ridiculous the idea was. That some knight, or romance novel could foretell everyone's fate in the world. Especially with how she is supposed to be such a stubborn person who would never change, and would go against the heroes, Naofumi especially, due to some petty aspirations such as revenge. She clearly no longer even the same person when she first decided to join The Game and became another player.
Yet... Malty hesitates in her mind. Has she truly changed so much that she has become another person? Yes, she had learnt some valuable lessons after two months living like a vagabond adventurer. But she is still someone who is motivated by political gains and losses. She can't trust someone like Lady Flare simply because her family, the Consevaties. Yet, she keeps Flare close to her for observation, rather than turn her away. She still can't treat other people with the same sincerity as Naofumi. Fuckboy wasn't wrong with his accusation leveled against her.
"NO! I understand I made you upset, Naofumi-sama! But you have to listen to me this time! You are in immediate danger!" The Throwing Weapon Hero is physically struggling against Motoyasu's children even as Yomi puts the blade of her scythe around his neck, ready to lob his head off if he tries something funny. Her blade is immediately slapped away by Atla, and the two of them go into a glaring contest. Sato didn't pay any attention to it, as he continued to struggle against Motoyasu's children while screaming at Naofumi. "You need to get away from Bitch! Naofumi-sama! She's going to try to kill you, over and over! A slave seal isn't going to stop her! Because she is a sadistic, petty-"
"Shut up you idiot! Her name is MALTY! And she never tried to kill me before. She isn't going to try to kill me now, or ever." Naofumi hisses at the young man while rolling his eyes. his patience is clearly wearing thin like with Emon's little apprentice. The Shield Hero didn't show any hesitation, as he reaches out with his arm, grabs Malty by her shoulder and holds her close to his chest. "She's the reason I'm even alive now! SHE SAVED MY LIFE MULTIPLE TIMES! If it wasn't for her, and her supporters' help I'd have been killed by those zealots from Three Heroes' Church a dozen times by now. Heck, When I was ready to give up and lie down dead, Malty was the one to encourage me to keep going! And what have you done so far? Other than killing people helping me for no good reason? And slandering my name, made me look like some sick, slave owning pedophile?! I don't care that I'm the Shield Hero, and you are the Throwing Weapon Hero! I'll break your nose if you keep disrespecting Malty!"
"Wah- that's... that's absurd! Why would that Bitch..." The Throwing Weapon Hero turns his face towards Malty. He actually looks confused for a brief moment, but disgust and hatred quickly fills his eyes. "WAIT! I know what's going on! Bitch must have figured out that she's just a pawn used by the Three Heroes' Church, so she pretended to help you to save her own skin! Don't trust her for a second, Naofumi-sama! She's the kind of manipulative woman that'll instantly throw you under the bus to save her own skin."
"I'm pleasantly surprised that you haven't lost your nerve with this one yet, Malty." Mala turns to look at Malty, her face is still perfectly calm looking. "I half expect you to be hopping on your feet, insulting him back at the first opportunity."
"Oh, please. After the Three Heroes' Church and that insane incarnate, this guy is nothing more than a rapid, barking mutt." Malty rolls her eyes back at her former maid. "Like Iris said. You don't bite a dog back if you get bitten by a rabid dog. And since I can't actually kill him on account of him being a vassal hero, not playing into his hand seems like the best option."
Naofumi on the other hand lets out a low growl. The Shield Hero takes a step. He looks ready to cause some physical harm to the Throwing Weapon Hero once again. But someone was ahead of them. The eyes of the vassal hero suddenly rolls into the back of his head as he falls down on the ground. Behind him, the male white tiger sibling has his fist fully extended out.
End Note:
A reminder to everyone Sir Oersted is still alive, even if he is not with the main group for this arc.
Annoying Fan, cuckholding Naofumi out of his canon companions and (fake BS) kungfu master. Of course, I wouldn't be me if I don't trash talk more about how 'Alenko did something wrong!' in my own story. To be honest, as someone who grew up on traditional Chinese kungfu/wuxia novels thanks to my father's influence, I'm VERY annoyed at how western society at large think ki building is as easy as DBZ made it look. In true, traditional Chinese novel, Videl is completely BS. Building your inner Chi would require decades of breathing and meditation regiment, and trying to take the shortcut (unless you are the main character in JinYong's novels, of course) would leave you with severe problems.
So no, Hengen Musou wouldn't be a fast track step to have everyone 'be stronger than a hero' in this story.
And since I never had a chance to properly establish in my actual story because its not easy to show something Naofumi doesn't have in my story compared to canon (especially when he's not aware of its existence in my story), he DOES NOT HAVE SLAVE MATURATION BONUS, or any kind of mechanic to get free stats on level up. That's honestly an even bigger cancer of a mechanic from canon than his Wrath Shield (and you all know how much I hate that already), and all it does is make the story cheap where he can just roll over his opposition with nothing but brute force instead of clever strategy like his battle with Motoyasu.