Chapter 5 - 5: Harsh Reality of The Shield (1/2)

Outside the castle gates, grassy plains extended far as the eye could see. There was a stone road (of sorts)leading off into the distance, but aside from that there wasn't so much as a trace of human civilization to be found.

The last time I had seen anything like it was when I went on a trip to Hokkaido, but even that paled in comparison to this endless blue sky, this sea of green that stretched all the way to the horizon. The only thing that kept me from running around and frolicking to my heart's content was the knowledge that if anybody saw me doing it, my stock as a hero would plummet even further than it already had.

”Just a minute, Shield Hero. This area is home to many weak monsters. We should should use this as an opportunity to warm up before things get tougher.

”Sounds good to me! This is my first time fighting, so let's do our best!”

”Yes. Please do your best.”

”Wait. Are you saying you're not going to help?”

”I will. But before that, I thought it would be good if we figure out how strong you are on your own.”

”Oh... I guess that makes sense.”

Thinking about it, Mine was probably already fairly experienced, while I had no idea what I was even capable of. If she thought the monsters here were safe for me to start with, I should trust her judgment.

We plodded through the plains for a while, until eventually we stumbled across a conspicuously orange balloon-like... something.

”Ah, there's one now. An Orange Balloon, by the looks of it. Be careful, Shield Hero... it's weak, but extremely aggressive.”

What was with that naming sense? It looked like an orange balloon, so it was called an Orange Balloon? I almost felt sorry for the thing.

”Grah!”

I could practically feel the hostility emanating from its ferocious growls and two vicious little eyes. The instant it noticed my presence, it charged right at me.

”Good luck, Shield Hero!”

”Alright!”

This was my chance to shine. I steadied my shield with my right hand, then brought it down on the Orange Balloon.

*smash*

*boing*

The spot I hit popped back up as if nothing had happened. It was surprisingly elastic! I had been sure it would burst immediately...

The Orange Balloon snarled and snapped its teeth at me.

”Woah!”

It made a solid-sounding noise, but I ignored it. Even though the Orange Balloon was gnawing on my arm, it wasn't having any effect at all. It almost felt like a faint barrier was being emitted by my shield and protecting me.

I looked at Mine without saying anything.

”You can do it!”

...Could I, though? Sure I wasn't taking any damage, but I wasn't dealing any either. I needed to change my strategy.

”ORA ORA ORA ORA ORA!”

I channeled my inner martial artist and pummeled the Orange Balloon with my fists.

Then, after five minutes...

*pop*

It finally split open.

”Haa...haa...haa...”

I heard a ping, and a message saying I had gained 1 EXP appeared. To fight so hard for one measly experience point... it didn't bode well. These guys were way tougher than I'd thought they'd be. There was a limit to what I could do with my bȧrė hands.

”Good job, Shield Hero.”

Mine was clapping, but it seemed a little forced.

Just then, I noticed the sound of footsteps somewhere in the distance slowly growing louder. I turned my head to see what it was, and saw Ren and his followers trotting along at a brisk pace. I briefly considered calling out a greeting, but I didn't have the nerve to disturb people running with such serious expressions.