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.
The Cardinal Heroes didn't get to fool around for too long before they had to recuperate themselves. Thankfully, there's no real damage between them other than some disheveled clothes, messed up hair, and a few scraps here and there on the two younger heroes while they were all rolling on the floor having their four-way mock fight. A hero's work is never done, especially while the Wave of Catastrophe is still fully underway.
"You know, Itsuki? I was just thinking about something." As Naofumi walks through the chapel with his newly 'recruited' pirate crew behind him, he turns to look at the Bow Hero. "You said your world stopped making comic books for superheroes because they are real. Right? How come you instantly picked up on The Incredibles reference. when we were talking?"
"Yeah. It was surprising when Pixar made a CG animated film about superheroes. But the story was a pretty refreshing take compared to what's going on in the world so it got a lot of positive attention." Itsuki shrugs his shoulders. "It was even more surprising when Pixar turned around the next year, and made a sequel that's a romantic suspense thriller."
"What? That shitty sequel with the 'Screen Slaver' they came out years later?" Naofumi's feet suddenly plant into the ground, making Malty bump into his back. The Shield Hero fully turns his body to look at Itsuki, and the motion is mimicked by both Motoyasu and Ren.
"Who's ScreenSlaver? Is that what your version of The Incredibles 2 named its main villain? Chrono Gaze was the better name." The Bow Hero lets a snort escape his nose. Seeing the confused face of all the other heroes, he goes into a bit more details to explain. "I don't know the version you guys had. But the one we got started out as a romance movie at the start where Violet got an online boyfriend, who later turns out to be Syndrome himself. And while he's manipulating Violet to exact his revenge on the supers, Chrono Gaze, a daughter of one of the heroes he killed was secretly building her own little band of vigilantes to murder Syndrome to avenge her daughter. And she even used her super power to mind control other young heroes who don't agree with her method. It was quite a ride."
"Huh... that version of The Incredibles 2 definitely wouldn't happen in my world. He got killed off by the end of the first movie." Naofumi begins to slowly nod his head along after a short pause of silence. "Well, I don't know if your version was better. But it at least sounds more interesting."
Chapter 24: A New Beginning
"All the fun and jokes aside, are you absolutely sure turning criminals into slaves to fight the wave battles is a good idea?" The smile on Itsuki's face slowly disappears as he stares at Naofumi with a stern look. "I didn't say anything before. Because I don't want that queen thinking we have problems with each other. Didn't you want to abolish slavery? I know you are only going to take criminals as slaves. What will happen if some bad nobles, or slavers oppose you and bring out your own use of slavery and paint you as some hypocrite?"
"I know what you mean. To be honest, it probably will cause me headaches later. But I was told that 'slavery', or at least the slave seal, is already widely used as a way to punish crime in this world and keep incarcerated criminals in line. And to be honest... why wouldn't they use it? It's a convenient torture device, and easy to enforce killswitch to punish bad guys." Naofumi's face looks solemn, he is obviously not happy with the decision he made. "But this world, and everything that has happened to us so far has made me desperate. We already faced two outer gods in wave battles, and I heard from a living demi-god that some demonic legion is behind this wave we are fighting. But you all saw how none of those so-called 'world leaders' took the threat seriously. I need to find people, anyone who'll fight the Burning Legion. And if hardened criminals like bandits, or pirates are going to kill and rob people... might as well turn them into cannon fodders who fight the Burning Legion. Like I told those pirates, I'm not here for the slave trade business. I only want to protect this world and save as many people as I can. If I have to force criminals to do it, so be it."
"I don't think greedy, self-serving skin merchants and aristocrats will make the distinction for you. If anything, they'll paint you as no different from them. Or at least no better from them." Ren didn't relax his crossed arms, or his narrowed eyes as he bobs his head up and down while looking at the floor.
"I know that. But what else should we do right now? I want to do things right, only use volunteers who want to fight the wave and prepare them for the battle ahead. But we don't have the time! To get to know people, or to train them up to fight legions of demons and outer gods. There's a Wave battle every month. We barely know anyone in this world. Even those who support us. Who can say the people who are 'helping' us right now are doing it for altruistic, or heroic reasons. And who is supporting us because they want to smooch off our reputation, or hero abilities for personal gain?" Naofumi throws his hands skywards in frustration. "The only people we can trust for sure are those we have total control over... because we have total control over them. I let Lautrec leave after the first Wave battle we had, thinking I was doing the right thing. And look where it got us. He came in the Third Wave and summoned his goddess! Maybe the last Wave battle we fought at Cal Mira Island was so weird because of him. If that's the case... I might have just doomed this world."
"Hey, HEY! Relax, Naofumi. Nobody is blaming you here. Itsuki and Ren are only concerned about you. Right, guys?" Motoyasu takes a step over and throws his arm around Naofumi's shoulders. He turns his face to wink at the two younger heroes. They nod back to the two older heroes. "See? We are okay, and we are all friends. Let's just do our best to prepare for wave battles. You go take down bandits, pirates, and whatever other bandits. Force them to fight the Wave to work off his crimes. I'll continue raising my children to help you. And if any of those bad merchants, or nobles try to use us... we'll just have to knock them all down and spank them hard. Like what I did to that Consevatie guy."
Malty feels skeptical that things would be as easy as the Spear Hero described. Although Ren seems to be genuinely convinced by his suggestion. He unhooks his arms in front of his chest, looks up, and thoughtfully rubs his chin. "History is written by the victors. So long as we can make sure we are stronger than these bad slavers and nobles who want to profit off slave trading, people will make up reasons to glorify our actions for later."
"So that's it? We are just going to give up, and adopt a 'might makes right' attitude to our actions?!" Itsuki turns his head around to look at the Sword Hero. Malty looks at his hand, and realizes his nails are starting to dig into the flesh of his palm. "Wouldn't that make us into super powered bullies who are no better than the people we fight against?"
"Naofumi isn't wrong. The same magical seal used on slaves is the same one used on prisoners. Be it from war, or from incarceration. It's to make sure they can't hurt other honest, innocent people. And his method of using enslaved bandits or other unsavory types to fight in the war isn't anything new either. It's widely used by both sides during The Great War. At least he didn't pretend to free slaves, only to turn around, give them the worst, flimsy equipment to send out in the first wave to die like Siltvelt did." Malty steps in before the discussion could blow out into a full argument between the heroes. "As for Itsuki's worry about you honored heroes turning into bullies... I don't think you need to worry about this yet. The truth is, a lot of people in high position on Medea already have the 'Might makes Right' belief. Be them openly preaching it like in Siltvelt, or secretly believing and practicing them while speaking the opposite ideology like a number of certain unsavory types of nobles of our nation. You can't speak things like honor, or virtue to them and hope to convince them of the error of their ways. The only way to have them fall in line after you is through the only language they speak: overwhelming and absolute power. And I don't only mean personal power, although it helps. Master Naofumi, and all of you need the power of a strong group of followers to let others know that there'll be dire consequences to fight against you, or try to exploit you."
The Bow Hero doesn't look happy at this revelation. But he seems to be convinced by Malty's explanation as he nods his head, and falls into silence comparable to the Sword Hero. Naofumi doesn't seem content to leave Itsuki looking discouraged, and possibly having a grudge against him. So he further clarified. "Don't get me wrong, Itsuki. I appreciate you voice your concern. I'm not a perfect man, I make mistakes. Sometimes, very severe mistakes that get people killed. That's why I want you to be honest with me even when you disagree with my decisions. Maybe through our debate, we can find better solutions to the problem at hand. But like I said, I'm desperate right now. That's why I choose to enslave criminals to fight the Wave. I have no doubt I would eventually step out of the line one day and become just like those greedy slave traders, and self-serving nobles. if there's too many people enabling me and singing my praises, but not enough to criticize my actions. That's why I want you... or anyone else who doesn't think like me to always be honest, and tell me when I do something wrong."
"I'll hold you to this promise." The Bow Hero nods his head, seemingly content with their conversation for now. They continue their walk afterwards. As they step down the stairs of the chapel, they see the two filorial birds Naofumi raised after the mess with the Three Heroes' Church waiting for him on the street. Both have fully grown into their fully puffed up, monarch glory, but have not yet gained the ability to turn into their humanoid forms yet. However, they are not alone. In front of them, Firo who has also grown back to her monarch form is snapping her beak at Lial and Lori. The orange feathered Lial squeaks back at Firo, while Lori backs off from their squabbling.
"FIRO! Stop that! These are your younger sisters!" Seeing Firo and Lial almost starting to fight each other, Naofumi quickly holds his hands up and flies down the last few steps towards them. He holds his arms out, doing his best to separate the two fighting filorial monarchs. He might have been weakened due to the queen's machination, but so was Firo, and Lial was born after the whole affair. So he's still capable of holding them back at his arm's length. "Families should love and support each other, not fight each other!"
"Listen to Naofumi-sama, Firo. He's always right." Firo turns her (almost nonexistent) neck around to stare at Sato. She's a bird, who has very different facial features as a human. Yet Malty still feels the incredulousness coming from Firo like she could hardly believe what the Throwing Weapon Hero is saying. Did he try to have them fight before Naofumi stepped in? Malty wouldn't put it past this insane fool. Regardless, he didn't pay much attention to Firo afterwards. He looks at Naofumi with a very flattering face. "What are we going to do now, Naofumi-sama? Are we going to go make some money? Or are we going to take down some bandits?"
"Yes. We are going to take down a group of bandits I'm well acquainted with. They are camped near the city of Trumpet, at Whiterun County to the south. And they have some pretty strong people. They should be a major help in future Wave battles." Naofumi told his annoying fan the truth of what he planned to do without trying to hide anything. Malty privately questions the wisdom of him being honest to everyone, his psychotic fan included. Then again, as a fellow hero who hasn't made enough (political) mistakes to have himself labeled as a heretic, rogue, or fake hero yet, there's nothing stopping Sato from simply following Naofumi.
"OH! Good choice! I see you are finally starting to build your slave army! Yeah. This world's armies are useless against the Waves, and only your empowered slaves can be trusted!" Naofumi takes a brief pause, and then he stares at his self-proclaimed 'biggest fan' with a look that's as annoyed as it looks forlorn. It's rather ironic that he was just talking with Bow Hero about listening to different opinions rather than having people unconditionally enable him, only to turn around and bump into his biggest chearring courtier. "But if you take the bandit out, you are going to deprive yourself of a renewable source of income. You could repeatedly harvest them for all their riches if you leave them alone. Hmm... I know! How about you enslave them like you wanted to, but you don't tell anyone about it? And let them stay in their bandit camp where they can continue to gather riches for you? You'll get a group of fighters loyal to you, and you get to keep this source of income!"
Malty can't tell if the Throwing Weapon Hero is too stupid to live, or simply too brilliant to be understood. She knew a number of people (her mother included) consider her to be a manipulative and shameless schemer, but even she didn't consider such a deviously genius way to use a group of refugee turned bandits. Of course, that's only the case if she doesn't care at all about the people of her nation, and only wishes to exploit them in the most efficient way possible. Obviously, Naofumi's fellow heroes don't agree with this method. The Spear Hero looks confused, he probably didn't understand Sato's plan at all. The Sword Hero shifts his feet anxiously, while the Bow Hero stares intensely at Naofumi. "You aren't going to run a bandit protection racket, are you?"
"Shut up! You stupid idiots! How dare you question Naofumi-sama's decisions! He is always right with his superior intelligence!" Like Malty expected, the Throwing Weapon Hero instantly began jumping up and down his feet, pointing his finger and hurling insults at the Cardinal Heroes. Motoyasu looks even more confused as he cocks his head sideways, looking like a wild filorial who suddenly sees a large bundle of light in front of his eyes. Itsuki returns Naofumi's annoying fan with a dry look. As for Ren... he simply looks at Sato like the insane fool is something he peeled off the bottom of his armored boots. "All you three stooges are just jealous that Naofumi-sama achieved better things from you and is better than you! Don't listen to anything they tell you, Naofumi-sama. They are only good to be your obedient henchmen."
"Ah. So all we are ever good for is to listen to Naofumi and do what he wants us to, huh?" Itsuki crosses his arms, his eyes twitch at the Throwing Weapon Hero's words. "Guess he didn't need our help to rescue him from the Three Heroes' Church either."
"Yes, you clearly don't care about Naofumi as much as you say if you were too busy stealing his 'canon companions' than helping him fight the Three Heroes' Church." Ren also adds his own barbs aimed at the insane 'hero'.
"Of course, he doesn't! He's the one who rescued all you three ungrateful idiots from Three Heroes' Church, and the one who did all the work killing their Pope. All of you useless fools and Bitch would have been killed if not for Naofumi-sama! I know Naofumi-sama didn't need the help from any of you, or even me taking down those incompetent evil clowns from the Three Heroes' Church! That's why I did the right thing by gathering his companions for him, so he can have actual competent help sooner." Naofumi's insane fanboy rambles, clearly not realizing the irony in his own words since he obviously didn't live through the event.
The Shield Hero didn't say anything. He simply stares back silently at the Throwing Weapon Hero without any expression on his face. Naofumi is probably stunned by the irony of encountering the exact type of person he wants to avoid from his earlier conversation with his fellow heroes. As for Malty, she sees a good opportunity to rebuke the insane fool, and have a bit of fun of her own. She smiles at the Shield Hero's psychotic supporter, while hooking her index finger at herself. "So if Master Naofumi is always in the right, does that mean you were wrong about me? Because as you know, Master Naofumi trusts me explicitly."
The face of the Throwing Weapon Hero turns purple almost in an instance, as his head seems to blow a few layers larger. Malty doesn't know what personal grudge an otherworld interloper could have against her (other than the fact that both himself, and Fuckboy have revealed that the novel they read apparently portrayed her like some evil queen stereotype, as if she'd ever act that stupid and lacking even the most basic survival instinct). But she has to admit, it's fun to tease and mess the idiot up with his own words. After audibly grinding his own teeth for a while, he finally manages to squeeze some words through. "...Naofumi-sama is clearly an even bigger badass than I realized if he was able to tame you and bring you in line, Bitch. But make no mistakes, I know you are irredeemably evil, and are just waiting for your chance to stab him in the back. And when you do, I'll be waiting there to chop your head off."
"Do you even know where bandits would be getting their loot from?" Naofumi pushes past, and stands over Malty. The princess turned adventurer can't see his face, but she imagines it must look grim with how stern his voice sounds.
"Who knows?" Malty could distinctly hear the unsaid 'who cares' behind Tairou Sato's nonchalant, almost flippant voice. "They probably get them from some corrupted nobles, or fat merchants. Nothing you should worry about if they come to you in the end."
"Nobles or merchants who have money and connections to get guards and get them the best equipment for fighting, or peasants who could only arm themselves with farming tools and wear the cloth on their back. Which one do you think is the more likely victim?" The tone of Naofumi's voice grows more severe. Malty still can't see Naofumi's face since she's not about to step into his line of sight when he clearly sounds furious. But she can see the reaction from the two white tiger siblings followed behind the Throwing Weapon Hero. The brother looks about as passive as he usually is, but the sister... she looks ready to explode with her barely contained red face of anger.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about that, Naofumi-sama. You aren't at fault. Anyone who can't defend themselves only has themselves to blame. I'm sure nobody will trace these bandits' involvement back to you. Everyone in this world except you and your supporters are stupid." Once again, Malty can't tell what Naofumi's face looks like. But he must be looking rather upset judging from the way that his psychotic fan completely missed his main point. As for the other heroes, Motoyasu still looks like a confused baby bird. Ren and Itsuki's faces only grow more and more twisted in what seems to be a mix of contempt and confusion. "And even if someone does figure it out, it's no problem for you. Because we all know you aren't trying to be a hero."
"I'm going to take care of the bandit group in Whiterun. If you aren't going to help, get out of my way." Naofumi's voice is bland, almost tasteless. It's the same voice he used right before trying to strangle the Throwing Weapon Hero the night during the Fourth Wave fight. He didn't have any time to attempt physical harm on Sato this time. It's hard to tell if he would have held himself back, but Firo suddenly tackles him from the side before he has a chance to do anything else. Malty briefly wonders how the idiot managed to tame the gluttonous devil bird so much that she's willing to attack Naofumi to save him. Because Firo was one of Naofumi's most loyal companions in spite of her lack of morals. She nearly murdered Raphtalia when they were captured by Fuckboy outside of the capital. Because Raphtalia was forced by Fuckboy to use her illusion magic to trick them. But then, she realizes Firo isn't trying to attack Naofumi, she's furiously rubbing herself against him, while having her beak closed around his shoulder. "No, you can't come with me, Firo. They'll murder you if you return to Melromarc, remember?"
"You are talking about that crazy, evil noble woman with gray hair, aren't you? Naofumi-sama? Don't worry! I'll go kill her and her family with my party. And then Firo will return back to you. Don't worry, the queen is wise unlike her useless and stupid husband. She'll realize you are the one she has to rely on once I take care of those bad nobles trying to hurt you." The Throwing Weapon Hero almost instantly turns around on his heels and begins to walk away. Malty wonders if the idiot even knows where to go to find Mordred and her family. She also distinctly remembers the Throwing Weapon Hero made some promises (as in he broke some wind with his mouth) about making up with Mordred and her family for openly attacking her during the Fourth Wave battle. But then again, the way he spoke sounded unnatural at the time, so he clearly was just repeating some lines others taught him without intention to follow them through. Malty is not surprised. Regardless, Naofumi probably wanted to stop him judging by how he reached his hand towards Sato. Unfortunately, he is still being pinned on the ground by Firo's body to do anything. Fortunately for him, someone from Sato's own party stops him.
"Stop. Master Sato. I don't want my sister to murder one of the most powerful Melromarc noble families." Fohl spread his arms to the side. He stands in front of Sato, stopping him from walking away. "Killing one of the most ancient, and noble families of this world is a serious offense. You might escape the death penalty thanks to your hero status. But not for my sister. If you don't stop this foolishness right now, I'll have to stop you and let you sit on the decision for a little."
Fohl's voice is solemn and steadfast. The young white tiger clearly put a lot of thought into his decision, and is determined to do what he has to. By contrast, Tairou Sato's voice is flippant, nonchalant. Like a young child speaking of things he obviously has now real understanding of. "Get out of my way, Fohl. I know you are suspicious about Naofumi-sama because of your petty grudge against slavery. But he meant what's best for you and your sister. We need to repay his kindness, even if we have to sacrifice ourselves. Your sister understands this, she's even willing to die for Naofumi-sama."
"But I don't want to die for this ungrateful hypocrite, Master Tairou!" Atla's frustrated scream makes both Fohl and Sato jump on their feet. The little white tiger girl stares at the completely dumbfounded Throwing Weapon Hero with equal part longing, and frustration. "Why are you so... so devoted to this thankless jerk, Master Tairou? You've been nothing but loyal and helpful to him, and he never appreciates you! I hate seeing how you do so much for him, and he treats you like trash! We don't need the Shield Hero. You are a hero yourself, Master Tairou! If the Shield Hero doesn't appreciate what you are trying to do, that's his loss! We should be growing stronger ourselves and save the world our way!"
"No, no, NO! You are confused, Atla. You are one of the most loyal companions of Naofumi-sama. Even more than Raphtalia! You would have died for him against Houou, not Raphtalia. Because you wanted to repay him for saving your life and curing your disease..." Abject horror appears on Sato's usually carefree face. He turns around and forgets all about Fohl as he runs in front of Atla, kneels down in front of her and grabs her shoulders with his hand.
"I don't know what is supposed to happen, Master Tairou. But that trash didn't do anything you said. You did. You are the one who found my brother and I, saved us from slavery, and cured my ailment! Everything I did, I did for you, not the Shield Hero." Once again, Malty is never surprised at finding out how someone could say the word Hero and make it sound dirty. Regardless, the horror on Sato's face grows more severe as it's mixed with what seems to be a belated realization as his eyes lose focus on Atla's face and wanders away. Like he is finally starting to use that brain thingy everyone has, and needs to survive.
"I think Master Tairou is confused, Atla. Here's some coins I saved up. Why don't you take Master Tairou, find a small cafe or something and buy something sweet for the two of you. I'm sure you'll both feel better after." Fohl goes around the paralyzed Throwing Weapon Hero and hands a small silk bag to his younger sister. Atla seems happy, as she grabs Sato's hand and drags him away behind her. Fohl looks back to the four Cardinal Heroes as his sister and the Throwing Weapon Hero turns the corner on the street. "Once again, I'm terribly sorry for the mess Master Tairou and my sister caused. I'll have to follow them and make sure they don't do something too ridiculous... like trying to murder that noblewoman. You take care, Lord Cardinal Heroes."
"Thank you! Just so you know, I truly appreciate it!" Naofumi finally manages to shove Firo away from his face. He shouts back at Fohl's disappearing back as he looks at Firo once again. "Look, Firo. You can't go back to Whiterun with me. And I really need to take care of this issue. I have the city of Trumpet saved in my shield. I can port myself and my party over, take down the bandits, and then come right back to Stormwind before night falls to spend more time with you. Don't go around kicking people and hurting them, okay? You throwing a tantrum around without caring who you hurt was how we got into this mess."
"Not to say Firo wasn't at fault, because she absolutely was." Malty turns her body to the side to dodge a very telegraphed kick from Firo. The gluttonous devil bird didn't get a chance to make a second attempt when Lial, Naofumi's newly raised orange filorial tackles her away. "But I would like to point out that you are technically not at fault for Jaune's death, Master Naofumi. When I tried to speak to you during that farce of a trial, I knew what I was doing. If Mother didn't block my motion because of my slave status, everyone in the nobility would have known you were legally innocent in Jaune's death."
"I know I shouldn't have been legally held responsible for Jaune's death. It doesn't mean my action isn't responsible for his death. If I had taught Firo to be better, more responsible, he wouldn't have gotten killed in her rampage." Naofumi's eyes cast down, looking genuinely sad for the death of Jaune. And why wouldn't he? Out of all the people from Three Heroes' Church, Jaune was the person who was supportive of Naofumi from the start to finish just like Logarius. He even put himself on the line twice for Naofumi's sake. She could understand Naofumi's grief. Jaune was also the only other young man she ever had made a genuine connection with before Naofumi. Maybe she'll find the time to properly mourn for the loss of her first love later in her life when she is old, wrinkled, and constantly lives in memory. But right now, she needs to take care of the one who is still living.
"You're Not the only one at fault here, Master Naofumi. Remember when Filorial Bill said man raised filorials normally aren't vicious like Firo... unlike they were attacked when they were born? I'm responsible for that part of Firo. Remember when I flickered her head because she didn't like the name for her? The two of us... as Firo's parents, we share equal blame for how she turned out." Malty takes a deep breath, and tells Naofumi what she had figured out for a long time with an even tone. She would have trepidation to openly talk about such a massive mistake on her part before the whole mess with the Three Heroes' Church. Or more specifically, before the heart to heart talk she had with Naofumi at the end. But now... she doesn't fear admitting her own mistakes to Naofumi anymore. What mistakes could she still make that would be greater than hiding her true identity from him, and get him involved in that whole conspiracy with the church?
Naofumi looked more unconvinced than he was upset at her confession." Mein, no offense but I don't think you flicking Firo in the head once when she was a chick turned her violent or what Filorial Bill meant when he said 'attacked' as babies. Unless you were abusing her behind all our backs, were you?" Naofumi waited for her to shake her head before continuing." Didn't think so. And even if that was the case, you were the one who warned me consistently about Firo's behavior problem and I didn't listen when I had the chance. Now Firo is an exile and an innocent person is dead. This is on me."
"This is on us, as Firo's parents she's our responsibility like it or not." Mein argued.
"Yeah. We have to learn from everyone's mistakes, ourselves included, and be better. Or else what's the point of saving the world if we become the same thing we fight against." The Shield Hero's response once again, proves that his insane fanboy has no idea he was talking about. Or the fact that Naofumi is a very different person from the fabricated version Sato read as a novel. Because of course, real people can not be fully summarized by a predestined novel no matter how long it is.
Malty nods her head. She's grateful that the Shield Hero didn't get manipulated into thinking himself deserved the punishment that was forced onto him, in spite of her mother's best attempt. But she can understand his trepidation of becoming something he despised. Especially now that he is forced to choose a morally dubious method to stay independent from the world leaders' manipulation to fight back the wave. Before Pope Balmus died, he described Naofumi as someone who walks his own path. And perhaps his words are prophetic as Naofumi proves to be someone who would not willingly follow the path laid down by the most powerful men of this world when they are proven to be self-serving. They don't know where his own path would lead them, and she could only hope that it would be better than if he simply
The forest of northern Melromarc mountain range is cold after a flurry of heavy rain. Kyrie's cloth and armor clings on her skin like mud. But she feels colder on the inside. Right makes might, but justice alone is not enough to bring villains to justice. That's why she spent her whole life learning under her master Inquisitor Emon, and honed her skill. To punish evildoers and make sure the innocent people can live free of their foul deeds. Yet... in the end it was not enough to triumph over the Shield Hero. Just like when the manipulative bastard killed her teacher Emon, he's going to thrive and be remembered as a hero, rather than the villain he truly is.
"Kyrie." A quiet voice makes the inquisitor look up from the fallen log she's been sitting on. The voice of her second in command, Anadine is lacking her usual cheerfulness and youthful energy. Just like her auburn locks are now twisted together and matted by the rain and the dirt turned mud. "Our men are asking if we could return to Faubley. We have been laying low in this mountain forest for over a week now, and the Shield Hero doesn't seem to be coming back. And that's the thing. Wouldn't he have gone to Siltvelt, or Shiltfreeden after the Hero Conference at Cal Mira Island? I think we are wasting our time waiting to ambush him..."
"Is this what you thought, or what our men thought?" The way Anadine avoid Kyrie's gaze tells the older woman what her subordinate, and apprentice is thinking. She bites back the urge to make a growl at the other Faubley inquisitors. She personally trained all the junior inquisitors serving under her, but they don't share the same vision of Emon like herself and Anadine. Rather than doing everything they can to incarcerate villains that go around to harm innocent people, they are much rather enjoying their life of luxury back in the grand cathedrals back in Noble Faubley. Normally, they wouldn't dare to question her decisions due to her past series of success. But with her failure to bring down the Shield Hero, they seem to be getting bolder at questioning her decisions. "It seems like I need to remind our men what their oath required them to do."
"Don't be too hard on your men now, Kyrie." A familiar smooth, yet roguish voice catches Kyrie's attention. She stands up from the log and turns around, instantly recognizing the man who grew up like her brother. One would think a man with deep brown slicked back hair, and well trimmed mustache has no business appearing in a thick forest on a mountain that's mostly ruled by griffins. But with a thick overcoat, and traveling boots that's meant more for journeying through the rough land, the slightly older man is a blend of civilized, yet untamed.
"Reiner! I'm so glad to see you!" Kyrie takes a quick few steps forward, pulling the spy master into an embrace. Reiner reciprocated her passion, tightly wrapping his arms around her for a brief moment before parting. "What are you doing here in Melromarc? Did the nobility, or better yet, the church finally see reasons?"
"Believe me when I say I wish I could have brought you good news, Kyrie. But unfortunately, the House of Lords are doing their usual things. You know... Lord Malfoy and his allies block every motion that's negative to the Shield Hero. While Lord Potter is more interested in playing school politics than pushing for real changes. You probably don't want to know what they are saying about you in the church." Kyrie didn't stop the snarl escaping from her mouth. She expected such actions from those greedy nobles, and self-serving clerics. If they are not such treacherous creatures, they would not have conflict with her mentor Emon. They would definitely not have celebrated his passing.
"Reiner, my boy. I understand your trepidation towards both the church, and the shield aligned noble houses. But I do think you are a bit too hard on James and his fellow lords from the order of the sword. Sure, they have their own flaws and make mistakes as we all do. But they are always trying to help the downtrodden common people. Shouldn't such a deed deserve some praise, or at least consideration?" A jolly, grandfatherly voice takes Kyrie's attention away from Reiner. Behind Kyrie's foster brother, Lord Dumbledore is stepping through the thick foliage towards them. As the regent of Noble Faubley, Dumbledore's authority is only below their king Egbert. But as always, he never wears a suit or jewelry that's more fitting for a courtly noble man. Granted, his wizard robe always tends to be on the flamboyant side with bright colors that literally glittered in the eyes. But Kyrie is still willing to bet they cost much less money than most nobles spend on their hands, or feet.
"Lord Dumbledore!" Kyrie pulls away from Reiner and strides her way over in front of the Lord Regent of Faubley, and the Headmaster of Faubley's Hero Academy. She never studied in his school on account of her being induced into the church by her mentor Emon. But she knows Lord Dumbledore, and his Order of Phoenix are the few allies her late mentor had. That alone makes him trustworthy in her eyes. "I didn't think you would come find me so soon. Wasn't you at the Hero Conference at Cal Mira Island?"
"Yes, I was at the Hero Conference. And that is precisely the reason why I came to find you, the inheritor of Emon's will." As Lord Dumbledore speaks, Kyrie notices two things. First, his eyes are devoid of his usual joyful twinkles. And second, Reiner's eyes narrowed slightly at the well meaning lord regent and headmaster. "It's only the Fourth Wave, yet the Shield Hero has already sunk his hands on his fellow Cardinal Heroes. Originally, the plan was for them to be divided among different nations, so we can divide our resources to fight the Wave more evenly among the heroes, and the nations. But the Shield Hero demanded all of them to be granted the right to stay in Melromarc. Not only did the other Cardinal Heroes not fight his decision, they supported him. That kind of influence is not seen or heard of, maybe with the exception of the very first hero summoning before the Shield Hero decided to side with the Malisi."
"You think he used the Imperius Seal on the other heroes?" Kyrie's breath grows quicker. So does her heartbeat. While in theory everyone should be equal under the law, it is well known that summoned heroes would get much more consideration even when they break certain customs due to their interloper status, and the power they command. One of the few sure ways to have a 'hero' labeled as a heretic, rogue, or false hero is the use of the tabooed Imperius Seal. Which has the ability to overpower a hero weapon's protection and completely shatter a fellow hero's mind. If there is a sign of the Shield Hero using the evil magic created by his predecessor, this would give Kyrie the evidence she needed to finally take this scheming villain down and avenge her mentor... so justice can be served.
"Unfortunately, things are not so simple, my girl. I know the Imperius Seal more than anyone alive. It was used by Mikage Mikami to break the mind of the Hero Kazuto Kirigaya." Dumbledore's eyes slowly cast down at his own feet. As the lord regent, and the headmaster of Faubley's Hero Academy, Lord Dumbledore has many enemies. He doesn't have a lot of time, or the people he trusted to show his weakness. Yet, mentioning the Imperius Seal instantly made him drop his jolly, grandfather-like demeanor. Kyrie feels regretful that she reminded him of one of his biggest regrets in life. It makes her hate the current Shield Hero even more. Because of course, the manipulative bastard has to be a hypocrite who knows not to make the most forbidden mistake that would get his dastardly schemes easily revealed. "Which is actually much more concerning than if he had somehow recreated the Imperius Seal in less than three months he arrived in our world. It means the Shield Hero has somehow convinced his fellow Cardinal Heroes to voluntarily support him at their own disadvantage. He made the other heroes trust him."
"If the other Cardinal Heroes are willingly ignoring the atrocities he committed to support him, it means we can't rely on them to do the right thing and help us. We'll have to be prepared to fight all four Cardinal Heroes. Either after the Wave of Catastrophe is stopped... or before it reaches its apex so we have time to stop the wave ourselves." Kyrie notices Reiner turns his face around sharply to look at her. His eyes wide open for a brief moment before he schools his expression. His lips opened, looking like he wanted to say something. But he gives Lord Dumbledore a glance from the corner of his eyes, and stays quiet.
"Yes, Kyrie, my girl. That is precisely what we must do to ensure our world's survival. I see Emon has picked the right person to succeed him, and he prepared you well." Dumbledore nods his head, his eyes regaining some of its usual warmth. "Now, Kyrie, my girl. I have heard of your attempt to take the Shield Hero into custody by using an inquisitor's right for self-defense. It is a clever tactic, if I do say so myself. However... I'm afraid some of your colleagues have disagreed with your... creative application of your right as an inquisitor. Arch Vicar Lutasha in particular, have motioned to suspend your role as an inquisitor of Faubley's Four Heroes' Church. Citing you had no right to operate on Melromarc soil just like your mentor Emon..."
"That backstabbing snake! Bottom feeding rat!" Dumbledore's words make Kyrie see red in her eyes. After he blamed her mentor Emon's death on himself, she should have expected Lutasha to do something like this to her. "He's settling personal grudges when we needed him to be fair and just in a time of crisis! My mentor Lord Emon has exposed him unlawfully obtaining lands from the common people before he went to Melromarc to investigate the actions of the Shield Hero. And he's taking revenge on my mentor and myself!"
"I understand your disappointment in His Eminence. It's a shame that I have no influence on him, and the rest of the Faubley clergy. And have no way to offer you, or your late mentor any support. However, I believe I have the perfect solution for your dilemma." Lord Dumbledore turns his body halfway to the right and waves his hand, beckoning one of his escorts to step forward. The warrior steps forward, and takes off something strapped on his back.
As the fighter slowly unwraps the fabric, Kyrie's breath once again becomes hitched as she looks at the artifact slowly being revealed to her. It's an ax, but unlike most axes with metal heads and shafts made of either wood or other metal, this one is constructed of a white material. Paler than even the finest porcelain, with completely dark decorative lines. A purple crystal embedded in the head like it's naturally grown in the middle rather than slotted in later. "Is that the Star Axe?"
"Of course, Kyrie, my girl. As you probably remembered, the Star Axe has not found its new owner after the death of its previous master. And I believe you are the perfect candidate. Much like your late mentor, you are righteous, and uncompromising towards the evil of this world. And you are young enough to use this weapon to its fullest potential. I believe you will be the perfect candidate as the next Axe Hero. Plus, with your ascension to a vassal hero, you can stand against the Shield Hero as an equal, and won't be easily leashed by greedy nobles, or self-serving clerics. You have my blessing to take up the mantle, Kyrie." Lord Dumbledore passes the Star Axe into Kyrie's hand, which she receives with both hands. She can't say anything back to the honored lord regent and headmaster. Her throat is closed by both the grateful passion towards her late mentor's one true ally. "I can't stay in Melromarc and afford to draw attention. So I leave the rest of the work to you. Good luck."
With his final words, Lord Dumbledore turns around and disappears north east, presumably to return to Faubley where he continues to battle the shield-aligned noble houses to uphold the order of Noble Faubley. Kyrie's fingers brush against the cool, smooth surface of the hero weapon, Her Hero Weapon. She loses track of time as she feels herself becoming invigorated by the weapon accepting her as its new master. But then the voice of her surrogate brother catches her attention again. "You aren't thinking about going after the Shield Hero again, are you, Kyrie?"
Kyrie looks up, and notices Lord Dumbledore, and the warriors who served as his escort have all disappeared. Other than some snapped and stomped over vegetation, there's no trace of them ever been to this forest. Yet Reiner remained. And he is currently looking at her with a deep frown. "Don't worry about me, Reiner. I'm no fool. I may be a hero just like The Shield, but I need time to get used to my new hero weapon and grow my strength. But once I am well prepared... I will take the false hero in custody, and make him finally answer for all his crimes. This is what our surrogate father Lord Emon wanted, and what Lord Dumbledore also wanted."
Reiner's frown only grows deeper as he steps closer to her. "But I am worried for you, Kyrie. You are the only family I have left, I don't want to see you burn yourself out in your pursuit with justice like Emon. As for Dumbledore... I shouldn't speak unkindly of him behind his back. But he's not as well-meaning as he appears. He is also a Player on the court, he speaks things he doesn't believe in to get what he wants from other people."
"Don't worry, Reiner. Even if Lord Dumbledore has his own agenda, he gives the Star Axe to me. This alone elevated my position high enough to make my own decisions, not even he could fully control. Not saying I'm going to be ungrateful for his help, which I am. But I would not blindly follow him, if he tries to harm the innocent common people." Kyrie holds her hand up to comfort Reiner. "I see you haven't left with Lord Dumbledore and his escort. Are you going to stay with me, Reiner? You know me. I can be impulsive, and not always think my actions through. But you are always careful, and you are good at gathering information after training with the Unspeakables. I feel much more confident with you by my side."
"Of course, Kyrie. You are my sister, I'll always have your back."
End Note:
In case anyone was curious, the fake [Incredibles 2] Itsuki was talking about was a fanfiction inspired by Tom Hanks' movie [You Got Mail]. The undisputed better version of Incredibles 2, even if it sadly wasn't finished.
Too-Many-Names-Dumb-As-Door is once again, doing scheme behind everyone's back just like he did in his own novel. Nothing new here, moving along.
So after a few chapters of Naofumi actively using slavery system, we finally get the chapter where his new method kind of come to a head with his fellow heroes (well, Itsuki in this case). And let it goes on record that Naofumi using slavery in canon is NOT the reason why I don't like him as a character, but the actual execution of the part. On how Alenko bend over backwards to not only validate his action from a practical point, but also a the moral aspect.
I still can't tell if Alenko honestly thinks he could do no wrong, or knows Naofumi is doing wrong things in canon but doesn't want to admit their imaginary dream pet husbando could be wrong. The fact that LN (supposedly, I don't actually read LN) airbrushed him enslaving everyone who wants to live under his fief seems to suggest that Alenko is aware of Naofumi being in the wrong therefore eliminated his most inexecusable action. But that could have easily came from the editor from the publisher than the writer. Especially since we seen the anime adaptation further eliminating more of his jerkass attitude compared to the novel.
I have been a very vocal critic of Naofumi's use of slavery in this fandom, to the point one idiot had openly accused me of being a moral absolutist who simply don't like him because he does actions (on reddit). And just to be clear, my problem with Rising Naofumi as a character is not he do bad things, but rather Alenko constantly justify and validate his actions through forced narration magic and handwaves. I have openly said that I consider the original WN's story, and the iteration of Naofumi as the best version in spite of its bad writing quality. For the story, the lacks of detail compared to later edition (and the fact that either Alenko, or the publisher's editor haven't started their war path to whitewash Rising Naofumi's action yet) makes the plot more malleable to not create as many plot holes as later version. And as a character, this version of Naofumi actually have some bite to his barks where he actively do bad things with no care for the well being of others. It gives him a bit more of the 'I'm a villain, what you gonna do about it?' energy similar to Ali Al-Saachez from Gundam 00 (Uncle red hair is still the better character, because the narration actually treat him as a villain rather than a designated hero).
Which is why since the ending of Ambition of the Red Princess, I'm essentially having my version of Naofumi repeating his canon arc on slavery. And here at this conflict chapter gives me the chance to make his intention clear. There isn't some magical power up the slaves supposedly get to create the illusion of RotSH's slavery are 'for the slaves' own good' (because the original WN version already made it clear it's his hero weapon giving the bonus, not the slave seal). He's also not doing it out of convenience. He's using slavery as an act of desperation because he doesn't know who he can trust anymore after the whole Three Heroes Church rebellion storyline. He's limiting the slave as a punishment to force criminals to fight the waves for now, and he openly admit to Itsuki he's afraid he might taken it too far and want other people to hold him accountable for his actions.
But I'm sure that idiot who accused me of being a moral absolutist will just accuse me of being a hypocrite if he actually read my story.