Chapter 36 - My SI Stash #36 - Replacing The Bow Hero by Liar (Rising of The Shield Hero) (1/2)

-Surprisingly, I ended up liking this SI Rising of the Shield Hero Fic, I've already read some of course but they ended up getting stale... As this fic is kind of new, i'm really looking forward if it holds up or not!

SI as the Bow Hero and it also contains some interesting game elements as well! ( *︾▽︾)

Sypnosis: ???

Rated: M

Words: 34K [so little, i'm scared of adding low-length stories to my stash... what if author gets thanos snapped... we'll be left with only 34K words (´.＿.｀)]

Posted on: forums.spacebattles.com/threads/replacing-the-bow-hero-rise-of-the-shield-hero-si.742174/#threadmark-category-1 (Liar)

PS: If you're not able to copy/paste the link, you have everything in here to find it, by simply searching the author and the story title. It sucks that you can't copy links on mobile (*´ー｀*)

-I'll be putting the chapter ones of all the fanfics mentioned, to give you guys a sample if you wan't more please do go to the website and support the author! (And maybe even convince them to start uploading chapters in here as well!)

Chapter 1.1 - Chapter 1.8 (author writes his stories part by part I guess, but their all chapter 1)

”O Four Saint Heroes of Old! Please help save our world!”

It's just too bad I isekai'd into The Rising of the Shield Hero.

Judging by the bow in my hand with a glimmering, golden orb at its center, I replaced the canon Bow Hero, Kawasumi Itsuki. It wasn't a case of my consciousness taking over his body either, a common trope in the isekai genre; I was here in my own body.

Wild.

A (major) part of my mind panicked. Here I was in another world just like in all the anime and manga I consumed. Unfortunately, I was an a_d_u_l_t and an actual person from the real world. I was just starting to build a life and a career. My longtime friend whom I've been crushing on just agreed to go on a date. I just won an newcomer's award for a paper I wrote thanks to my mentor. All my younger siblings were now in university too, and I needed to help my parents in supporting their education. What would happen to them? Dad wasn't getting younger either and he was just a few years shy of retirement age.

Everything I had and built up… gone.

A bitter part of me asked to all the isekai fans in the world, including myself, ”Why would it be fun to leave your life behind?”

…

But I mustn't dwell on that now.

Dad was an old soldier, and he taught me to always stay calm under fire. And, let me tell you, this whole setting was a dumpster fire and now I would be smacked dab in the middle of it. At least I knew what was to come even if I don't know which version of canon I was in. I read the entire web novel. I caught up to the light novel and manga. I've also watched all the episodes of the anime. In fact, that was probably the reason why I got s_u_c_k_e_d through the computer monitor. I opened up the anime on VRV and—BAM!—I'm here.

As the men in robes were making their spiel about the premise of the series, I took the time to take stock of the people around me. There was the Spear Hero, Kitamura Motoyasu, looking all eager to play the hero, to my right. On my left was the Sword Hero, Amaki Ren, whose eyes kept glancing at his sword. In front of me on the ground was our main protagonist, the Shield Hero, Iwatani Naofumi. To be honest, I didn't like him as a protagonist. He was a certified asshole. But… I don't blame him turning out like that with the shit he went through in canon.

I walked forward and placed my free hand on his shoulder. ”Need a hand up?”

”Huh?” He looked up to me, a bit dazed and confused still, perhaps even mesmerized by the robed men's speech. Nevertheless, he did take my hand and stood up. ”Oh, yeah, thanks.”

”I am this country's king, Aultcray XXXII of Melromarc.”

Looking up to the king on his throne, I couldn't help but blink and be impressed by the grand majesty of his personage. This was an actual king. His regal bearing was natural. Who wouldn't be wrought with a sense of purpose when this proud king humbly begged you to help save his kingdom? However, I wasn't going to let the mood suck me in. He was trash because of his discrimination against Naofumi and the demi-humans outweighing the lives and peace of the world. I wondered if he was even allowed to take on his regnal name. He was a prince consort, wasn't he? His powers invested in him were purely from the whim of the true monarch, Queen Mirellia.

Questions for later.

”Now then, Heroes, name yourselves.”

The Sword Hero stepped forward. ”My name is Amaki Ren, age sixteen. I'm a high schooler.”

”I'm Kitamura Motoyasu. Twenty-one, and a college student,” the Spear Hero said next, beaming with confidence.

The king's gaze then fell on me, believing I would be the next one to make my introduction. However, I didn't like him, so I chose to betray his expectations.

”Next is me,” the Shield Hero cheerfully stated. ”Name's Iwatani Naofumi. I'm twenty, and also a college student.”

His introduction stirred murmurs in the throne room. The various nobles that were in court began whispering to one another. Surprisingly, the Spear and Sword Hero didn't notice the commotion. Naofumi did and began appearing distressed. Now that I think about it, was his perception always so good?

Before things carried too far, I made a bold step forward and announced myself, ”Ashina Masamune. I'm twenty-five, and an adjunct professor for a university.”

”Eh? You're a professor? And that old?” I heard the Spear Hero questioned in shock.

It wasn't a complete lie. That was my age and occupation, but the name was a fabrication. Chalk that name up to video games. Silly as it must be to create a false name for myself, I found the act necessary. Rising of the Shield Hero wasn't a series where the main protagonist just blows away all conflict. Each and every Hero would someday fall into despair somehow. This new name was a geas I imposed on myself, a protective mask to help me keep my sanity one way or another in order to survive.

”Sirs Ren, Motoyasu, and Masamune,” the king addressed the three of us, pointedly ignoring Naofumi. ”I hope you come to understand the grave importance of our situation.”

The Sword Hero, because he wanted to be dramatic, scr_a_p_ed his sword against the ground as he lowered his arm. ”We understand, but surely you didn't summon us expecting we do it for free?”

”Naturally, we will reward you handsomely once the Waves are repelled,” replied an ugly-looking man next to the king. Considering the fancy clothes he was wearing and his position next to the king, I would assume he held some important position. Was he a chancellor of some sort? Perhaps an advisor conferred with the ability to speak for the monarch?

”Will you, now? Well, as long as we have your word,” the Spear Hero haughtily answered.

The Sword Hero agreed with him. ”We'll work with you provided you don't turn on us. But don't think for a moment that you can tame us.”

I refused to participate in the d_i_c_k-waving.

Chapter 1.2

I've started suspecting that we're in an odd blend of the different mediums of the series.

The robed men—clergymen of the Church of the Three Heroes, I reckon—that gave the exposition of the Waves and the Four Heroes were from the manga. The sequence of events in the manga after that was the introduction of the status screen mechanic and then being thrown into parties to start adventuring immediately. However, instead of those events, the king gave the heroes rooms with a shared parlor to let us relax for the night after we confirmed the status screen thing. That was a scene from the anime.

I suppose it would make sense that it wouldn't be that simple. Given that there are a total of four mediums for the series, I just need to rely on the broad strokes rather than the details then.

Why do I get the feeling that's what's going to kill me?

”This is shit,” I muttered, putting down the coffee I was drinking on the table.

Naofumi, sitting across from me on the couch, chuckled. ”Yeah, the food and drinks here taste different. I guess we have to get used to it.”

Given that you would add 'Cooking Hero' to your sobriquet in canon, I wasn't going to believe that you'd get used to it.

”Hey, Ashina-sensei, is that your natural hair color?” Motoyasu asked, rudely pointing to my red hair with a grin.

I raised my eyebrow at him and gestured to his own hair. ”I could ask you the same thing, you delinquent.”

He laughed off my implied question, but he didn't try pushing his anymore.

”Hey,” Naofumi called out, closing out his status screen, ”isn't this like a game?”

”You mean it is one,” Motoyasu boldly declared. ”It's exactly like Em—”

I snorted.

Ren pushed himself off from the corner of the wall he was leaning against to look cool. ”Are you disagreeing, Ashina-sensei? It's clear to me that it's much like the VRMMO—”

”Just because it looks like a game, it doesn't mean it is one,” I interrupted again.

I wanted to start rubbing my temples, but I kept a level of somberness and calm. I needed to convey the gravity of our situation. Even if I wanted to smack Motoyasu and Ren. You'd think after reading and watching these two for so long, you'd get used to their behavior. However, this wasn't fiction to me anymore. This was real. How many close calls and disasters were there in canon thanks to the thoughtless actions of the heroes sans Naofumi?

”I imagine the reason why it looks like a game is because a familiar interface like this is more intuitive for us to grasp. However, we mustn't be trapped into thinking that this world follows the strict rules of a video game. This is a real world with real people and real dangers. There will be consequences to all of our actions, and one wrong move could kill us or harm people around us.”

Motoyasu clicked his tongue. ”Way to kill the mood…”

I rolled my eyes at him as I relaxed into my chair. What would I care about killing the mood when I'm trying to prevent you from getting killed?

”No.” Naofumi sat up straight and stared straight into my eyes. He nodded his head in thanks. ”Sensei, thanks for your words. I'll be honest, I was getting too excited. I mean… we're all in another world like in all those anime and light novels. Who wouldn't be? But we just can't assume that things will go our way. After all, I would have definitely chosen a different weapon than the shield!”

With a few simple words, the tense air in the parlor disappeared. Motoyasu and Ren even chuckled. I even reevaluated Naofumi. I forgot how before that bitch made his life hell, he was an earnest and honest person.

It was just… too bad.

”I don't envy the shield. It will be difficult to be on the offensive with a weapon like that… if we were still in a game,” Ren said. His last few words indicated he took what I said to heart.

”Good luck on later levels! Only trash players choose the shield because there's no benefits to it in higher levels,” Motoyasu flippantly added.

Grimacing, I argued, ”Are you kidding? In most games, shield classes are either tanks or support. If we're talking about PvP-oriented combat, maybe it's not optimal, but we're in a scenario where we fight monsters and boss monsters in a raid. We need tanks and support to keep the three of us alive. A full DPS party only works if everyone involved has high skill. Don't tell me you and Ren are solo players who think DPS is god.”

”I…”

”Well…”

I slapped my face and gave Naofumi a wry smile. ”For what it's worth, if it wasn't for the fact that we all can't party up, I would stick you in my party.”

He returned my smile.

”Oi, sensei, you're way too harsh!” Motoyasu complained.

I pointedly ignored him.

”Oh, and one last thing.” I stood up and made sure I met each person's eyes. ”Tomorrow, the king has arranged for all of us to have party members. He's no doubt already planned who will join whom despite him basically declaring it's a last minute thing. We all know we aren't the first heroes to have been summoned, and who knows what happened to those heroes in the past. There will be people who will try to use us for their own ends. What I want from each of you is to be wary of your surroundings, and to practice discretion on who to trust. We're basically newborn babies in this world. We don't know anything here. But that doesn't mean we're helpless, alright?”

There were no good starting members of any of the heroes' party. I knew Motoyasu would eventually kick all the men from his party out, leaving behind women who would readily abandon him. I wasn't too sure about Ren's people, but I knew they died so maybe they weren't bad people. Meanwhile, Itsuki had a group of ass-kissers that fed his inferiority superiority complex. Well, it wasn't like I was planning to keep them for long.

I looked over at the other heroes to see how they took my warning. Naofumi appeared deep in thought over what I said, but I knew there was still that optimism in him so I don't know if he could put it to practice. Motoyasu looked flippant over what I said, looking more chagrined than anything else. He no doubt thought I was being an old man ruining the fun. Ren also seemed to take what I said with grace, but it was hard to read him. I'm betting he was confident he could overcome any obstacle in his way. Yeah, sure, Mr. I-Work-Alone.

”With that, I'm off to bed,” I said and walked off towards my room. It was going to be a long day tomorrow.

I could only hope that scene won't happen.

Chapter 1.3

Rather than sleeping, I took the opportunity to begin sorting my thoughts on the day.

Despite my misgivings on being subjected into becoming an isekai protagonist, it was irrelevant. I was here, and I had a duty. I was to be the Bow Hero and defend the world from the Waves of Calamity. There was no point in denying it or running away from it. I was conscripted, plain and simple. However, that didn't mean I couldn't take actions of my own, but, before I act, I needed to decipher what my priorities should be. From there I could determine my goals.

Priority 1: Prevent the end of the world threatened by the Waves of Calamity.

Priority 2: Live.

Priority 3: Never lose sight of my values.

Priority 4: Find a way to go home or, if unable, send word to my family that I'm fine.

Each priority required strength if I wanted to achieve them, and by that I mean more than just raising stats and leveling up. I needed more information of just about everything in this world. Books needed to be read, people to talk to, etc. However, perhaps most of all I needed the strength of character to not fall into oppressing others and justify it with might. How many times have I read in isekai where the main character started growing more and more despicable as he indulged in his hedonism?

But where do I even begin…?

Even the simple goal of making sure Naofumi, as the Shield Hero, wouldn't be mistreated would spiral into several dozen steps and actors that needed to be completed or overcome. First of all, the two main actors involved in that are the monarch and the Church of the Three Heroes. They were cemented institutions in the country and it would be difficult to topple even just one of them. Toppling the king would be simple since what all that needed to be done was to welcome back the queen who would take back the power she gave to her husband. However, the king was nothing in comparison to the Church of the Three Heroes who looked down on the Shield Hero and demi-humans. Their teachings were the reason why widespread racism against demi-humans was so common here. Beyond those two things, there was another actor too. Don't even get me started on Malty. She was a wild card and her one reliable trait was that she would always do what would benefit her and screw someone else over.

Sigh…

There was much to do.

For now, I should stick to my priorities. All I could do until I get stronger and form more connections with others to have some semblance of influence was to make sure Naofumi know he had my support. I also needed to utilize my age, experience, and position as a teacher to gain his and the other two heroes' trust and steer them in a direction that would prevent calamities. On some level, I knew it was manipulation, but I genuinely didn't want any of them to spiral into despair like they did in canon.

One thing I know what I could do for that was to have their respect. I needed to be the Bow Hero.

And therein lied my problem.

I should've been the Spear or Sword Hero instead, things would've been alright. I dabbled with fencing in college before so I could grow to learn how to use a sword properly. I even knew a bit of spear techniques thanks to some martial arts I used to practice in my teens. If there was one thing I was confident about, it was my capacity to learn if I put the effort into it. But the bow? I never even shot a proper bow before! And I doubt I had time to learn before the next Wave. I didn't have Itsuki's psychic ability to have perfect accuracy.

Luckily, there might be a solution.

Focusing with my mind, I opened the weapon tree screen of the Legendary Bow. It was much like the screen shown in the anime as it utilized hexagons and other pseudo-futuristic aesthetics. Several later bows seemed to be locked and their names showed as question marks. Furthermore, the menu even showed why they were restricted, and told me what I might possibly need to unlock them. The most common cause of several of them were level requirements. Some restrictions required the absorption of items, but the specific items in question were left in question marks as well. This hinted what I suspected. I might learn more of what I need if I gathered more information about the world.

Interestingly enough, the weapon tree path originated on a hex that read: [Archery of the Arcane]. It was already unlocked and it was what provided me with the base form of the Legendary Bow, aptly named ”Basic Bow.” To describe it in terms of a video game, the [Archer of the Arcane] weapon tree path was just one way to ”build” my ”Bow Hero” class.

Of course, this implied there were other paths, and I suspected there was. Because right there next to the hex of the [Archer of the Arcane] was a locked hex reading:

???? of the ?????????????

Requirements:

Taken at Lv. 1

Absorption of [Otherworld Item]

(Warning! Unlocking path increases restriction requirements!)

​

The keyword there was ”path,” meaning that unlocking it might open up a whole new tree. Furthermore, all it took was the absorption of an [Otherworld Item]. When I was brought into this world, I had my clothes, keys, smartphone, and revolver. Each of these items were categorized as an [Otherworld Item] in my equipment screen.

But… the biggest concern was the first requirement. I had to take it now before I leveled up. I wondered if Itsuki had to make this choice too in canon, but chose not to do it because it was too much of a risk. Given how powerful Naofumi as the Shield Hero could become because of how he strengthened his weapon, there was a good argument to be made to just follow his build. My growth in that area would be slowed if I chose to go down this road.

However, at the same time, would there really be a path that was bad? The problem with the growth of the three heroes sans Naofumi in canon was a result of their own hubris. Later on in the web novel, they were still rather powerful forces once they started to follow Naofumi's lead after falling into and getting out of despair. Sure, they didn't get as powerful as Naofumi and Raphtalia, but they were the main characters of a Japanese isekai web novel. They literally became gods by the end.

I stared at my revolver (I'm a Texan, after all, who grew up on Westerns, Wu Xia, and anime), and wondered at the possibilities of absorbing it. I wanted to believe that if I absorbed it, I would be able to use firearms. Itsuki did it in canon, after all. Why couldn't I? But, again, was it worth the risk? I could always just learn the bow. I had a good eye. Maybe a bit of my shooting skill could transfer over to the bow. Furthermore—

F_u_c_k it.

I hated being indecisive, and I might as well take the risk. If this turned out to be a mistake, it just meant I needed to work even harder to keep up.

Jumping out of bed, I absorbed the revolver on the table by it.

Road of the Revolutionary Unlocked​

Arsenal of Ambition Unlocked​

Restriction Requirements for Other Paths Increased​

The Legendary Bow started glowing, nearly blinding me in the dark, and it began morphing. The figure of the short bow grew smaller until it fit my grip. When the light show finally ended, I soon discovered that I now held a revolver in my hand. It was black with golden and ivory-colored frames, and the golden orb of the legendary bow was on the grip without distracting my hold on the weapon.

I couldn't stop the grin on my face from widening. It was practically Christmas. I could just use the guns until I get better with the bow, and then I could try mastering both!

However, there was no time to just admire the success of my gamble. What was [Road of the Revolutionary] and [Arsenal of Ambition]?

I opened up the weapon tree screen again and found a line of hexes formed from [Road of the Revolutionary]. Frowning, I went over to the last hex available. It seemed to be that I couldn't even read the requirements because they were nothing but question marks. However, at the bottom of it read a helpful tip: ”Unlock to further open path.”

Ugh, so it was going to be like that, huh? Well, it wasn't too bad. The first hex of [Road of the Revolutionary] gave me a rather strong bonus: 25% Penetration. I wasn't sure how it worked, but, having played a few MOBAs, I assumed that I was able to penetrate through physical and magical defenses. And at 25% too? Not too shabby!

Although it was a bit too early to draw a conclusion, what I could infer so far was that this particular weapon branch specialized in true damage. If I compounded effects from it or from the [Archery of the Arcane], my damage output would be incredible!

However, that still begged the question. What was the [Arsenal of Ambition]? It was inside the hex of [Road of the Revolutionary] as the weapon unlocked.

Arsenal of Ambition (C)

Firearms Unlocked:

Revolver

Repeater Rifle

Short-Barreled Shotgun​

I blinked. Wait, what? I stared down at the revolver in my hands. Focusing my head, I repeatedly said in my mind I wanted the repeater rifle. Then, suddenly, there was the repeater. Next I thought about the short-barreled shotgun and—BAM!—there was the shotgun. Lastly, I thought back to the Basic Bow and the shotgun morphed into that first bow. I focused my mind again and I started rapidly switching between the various firearms of the Arsenal of Ambition and the Basic Bow.

This was better than I expected! And… a small detail caught my attention.

The firearms of the Arsenal of Ambition were manual action firearms, meaning I needed to place ammunition into it myself, perhaps? However, Itsuki, in canon, had an infinite supply of ammunition. Maybe I was the same? But a thought came to my mind. What would happen if I used other type of ammunition by manually inserting it into either the guns or bow? Could the weapon tree further open up various other ammo variations?

I didn't know, but the only way I could find out is to get even stronger.

I closed the weapon tree screen and fell back onto my bed. There were still a lot of things I was still unsure of, but, with my priorities straightened out, I should just follow an old adage of the cowboy.

Keeping a gun on you will certainly give you peace of mind in the frontier. And, boy, another world sure is one hell of a frontier.

Chapter 1.4

Morning came, and the other three heroes found me in the dining room connected to our accommodations already halfway through my breakfast.

I waved at the sleepy trio with a playful grin. ”Good morning, you three. Slept well?”

Ren, quiet as ever, nodded and took his seat, but I could tell by his half-closed eyes that he was still half-asleep. Motoyasu simply gave me a tired smile and a small greeting, but it was covered up by a loud yawn. He, at least, looked sheepish for his sloppy manners.

Naofumi didn't look any better than the other two, but at least he had enough energy to properly answer me. ”Morning, sensei. I think all of us were a bit too excited to sleep last night…”

Murmurs and nods of agreements from Ren and Motoyasu confirmed his statement.

Maids soon arrived to place their breakfast fare in front of them, and Motoyasu gave each of them an appreciative look as they passed.

”Eat up then,” I said, taking a sip of my coffee. ”We're going to meet our parties pretty soon. Can't have them seeing us dead on our feet.”

”I hope mine is full of girls!” Motoyasu declared as he scarfed down his breakfast.

Naofumi chuckled and agreed. ”Hehe… that would be kind of nice.”

Ren didn't say a word, but one glance at him could tell from the faint blush on his cheeks that he wouldn't be opposed to the idea either. At the end of the day, despite Ren's attempt to be some lone wolf character, he was still just a sixteen-year-old kid. Ironically, he was the youngest one among us four heroes. Now that I think about it, without Itsuki to round out the ages Ren was essentially the baby of the bunch. I wondered if that would affect anything.

”Ashina-sensei, what kind of party do you hope to have?” Ren asked me politely.

I gave him a shrug. ”Honestly, just people I could trust to watch my back.”

”Eh? You're still on about that, sensei? Lighten up a little!” Motoyasu said with a chuckle.

”I agree with sensei. People who wouldn't hold me back would be ideal,” Ren replied in my stead.

Not what I meant, but I resisted the urge to lecture him. Rome wasn't built in a day. It would take a bit of time to change their perspective about this world. Frankly, I couldn't understand why they would keep to thinking like that. Sure, each one of us would be more powerful relative to the average person here, but the sights, the scents, and the feel of the world was so real to me here. I could smell the aroma of my coffee below me and could feel the comfortable plush of my chair. This was real.

How could anyone treat this like a game?

.

.

.

Immediately after the others and I finished eating, we were brought before the throne once again.

Nobles watched us with curiosity and chatted with one another on the second floor just like yesterday. Naofumi looked visibly nervous with the attention. Not that I blame him, some of the looks being sent his way were obviously derisive. However, to my surprise, Ren and Motoyasu appeared a bit fidgety as well. Despite the confident smile that was on the Spear Hero's face, there were hints of sweat rolling down his neck. Ren held his free hand closed to his leg and tried to appear unperturbed, but I could see it slightly shaking as he gripped his pants. Despite what they tried to show, I guess they were still kids.

Meanwhile, I wasn't too shaken. You get used to large crowds judgmentally staring at you after presenting a few academic papers at conferences. I even won an award once! Then I had to accept it in front of everyone later at the ceremony… I nearly puked. I was still an undergrad then.

”Holy Heroes,” the king started, silencing the chatter on the upper floor, ”we have gathered brave warriors who will fight the Waves with you all.”

Several men and women stood on the dais in front of the throne. Each one looked experienced in their field. I couldn't recognize any of them from canon. I wasn't too concerned about that since they were just bit characters. Of course, there was one person I did know. No other woman in any series I've ever read or watched illicit as much hatred from me than this bitch. Myne, or rather Malty S. Melromarc, stood proudly as looked from hero to the other. A part of me wanted to immediately take a shot at her and just end her here, consequences be damned, but that wouldn't help anyone. Biding my time was all I could do for now.

Our eyes suddenly met. Briefly, she gave me a charming smile. I returned it with one my own. She giggled and turned away.

Bitch.

”Now, our future champions!”

At the end of the king's proclamation. The various adventurers began taking steps forward. This was the scene where they would all choose which hero to follow. None would choose Naofumi and thus it gives the king the opportunity to oppress him by publicly showing his ”lack of charisma.” Then when Naofumi was feeling down and stressed, Myne would offer to join him and be taken in by her beauty and kindness. As for the Bow Hero, Itsuki received three adventurers and—

Wait…

Behind Motoyasu were five women, including Myne. Meanwhile, Ren had six people, a mix of men and women of varied classes. Naofumi had none as expected. However, instead of the three people I came to expect for myself like with Itsuki in canon, there was only one person. Not only did they not match any of those people I remember from canon, but they were a woman as well.

Have the butterflies already began their fluttering?

As I tried to reorganize my thoughts, I wasn't the only one that were shocked by the turn of events. Naofumi stepped forward and counted the numbers for each group and turned to the king, ”What's going on?”

”I have to admit, I wasn't expecting this,” the king said in a tone that showed how little he cared.

His adviser next to him agreed. ”No volunteers? He must have no charisma.”

Once more the nobles on the upper floor started whispering to one another. Naofumi appeared panicked and confused, unable to reconcile why he felt he was being persecuted. A man came up to the king's right and whispered something in his ear. As if it was one grand play, the king then blamed the lack of volunteers on Naofumi's part from rumors being spread about his ignorance that caused a lack of faith in him.

”Legend says the heroes come with a firm understanding of our lands. And many seem to think you don't meet that criteria,” the king told Naofumi.

Yeah, right.

”Legend is just legend,” I suddenly said with a firm tone. ”Who knows how the stories of the heroes morph and change with every generation. Hey, Amaki, Kitamura, do you two have a full understanding of the setting?”

Ren shook his head. ”I only knew the name of the kingdom when we arrived. It's why I thought it was like the VRMMO I played.”

Motoyasu chuckled. ”I… uh… skipped the story tutorial in Emerald Online. So this is all new to me too.”

I smirked and nodded gratefully at their answers. I took another step forward and gestured to the adventurers. ”Your Highness, forgive me for being rude. If these brave adventurers need any proof of our legitimacy they should look no further than our weapons. This is all the proof they need.”

With a flourish I raised the Legendary Bow above my head. As if following after me, Ren and Motoyasu both smirked and joined me with their weapons. I had a feeling they wouldn't want to be upstaged here, and nothing probably felt more heroic to them in the moment than protect one of their comrades.

King Aultcray's eyes looked cold as he stared at me. Suddenly, he smiled and nodded his head. ”You're correct. You hold the sacred weapons and that should be proof enough. Brave warriors! You've seen it for yourself. Now do you still doubt?”

Many of the adventurers in Ren and Motoyasu's group froze. They probably thought the king intended for them to leave their chosen hero and to join the Shield Hero. However… I knew differently. None of them will choose to join Naofumi. This was all nothing but a play. The only thing I changed was to further prevent questioning the legitimacy of Naofumi as the Shield Hero since I tied it to us other three heroes. In spite of my improvisation, this was but the inevitable conclusion.

”Sir Hero!” Myne raised her arm and approached Naofumi. Her green eyes shone with the morning light coming in from the windows with even a small halo forming around her head. She appeared meek and kind, her lips pouting ever so slightly as she lightly curtsied the Shield Hero. ”Would you allow me to join you?”