Chapter 85 - 91: Hero of the Swords Companions (1/2)

Naofumi:”Sorry. Could you repeat that?”

Magician:”Where should we go to level up?”

It's not a hearing mistake.

What is this guy saying?

Naofumi:”hold on a second, what are you talking about?”

Magician:”Haah...Umm, away from Hero-sama, where on Cal Mira Archipelago should we go to raise our levels? That's what I'm asking. Also, what materials would you like for us to collect?”

...Uhh, the story was explained, but I still can't understand.

No, I can understand but...What should I say?

Difference in policy?

Naofumi:”We'll go together this time. I'll send a party request.”

Magician:”Understood. Hero-sama is going to a difficult place.”

Hmmm...Ren, what is your method of teaching?

What can I say, it feels like these guys are distanced from Ren.

After leaving the room, we head to the port to go demon hunting. While moving between islands I inquire again.

Naofumi:”...Could you tell me about your hunting methods with more details?”

Magicial”Sure. So–”

The story of Ren's companions is like this.

Ren's policy is to have his companions fight at places appropriate for their level. And then, as they work to increase their levels they collect demon materials, ores, and tools.

Occasionally, when a powerful demon appears they defeat it together with Ren.

Magician:”Afterwards, we are always careful to absolutely never receive any attacks from the enemies.”

It's that isn't it.

Since I have a little bit of net gaming experience, this feels like guild managing, where high level players advise low level players.

I mean, it's completely like that.

Naofumi:”What does Ren himself usually do?”

Magician:”He is able to fight alone. He is probably waiting until we get stronger.”

That's...Just an optimistic interpretation...

I understand the self-proclaimed cool guy Ren's policy.

He thinks it would be awkward to fight together with another. Or maybe difficult.

That's not his character. He is probably bad at talking with others.

And the only companions he got were from an organization he belonged to, which would only come together to defeat strong monsters during large-scale events.

Or...he was invited to a small guild by someone he knew...

Maybe after coming to this strange world he is indulging in a superiority complex.

Oh, while thinking of various scenarios about Ren's behaviour towards his companions, we have arrived at the hunting grounds.

Representative:”Shall we go?”

Naofumi:”Right, since I am a shield, I will have the enemies focus on me while you guys defeat them.”

Magician:”Eh? But won't it be dangerous to be attacked?”

Naofumi:”...Don't worry. My policy is different from Ren's, my job is to endure.”

Magician:”Okay...”

While going in first, I attract the demon's attention.

Cal Mira Island has many demons that only focus on attacking the first aggressor.

Therefore, they concentrate on the one leading the charge.

I am surrounded by 4 Yellow Beetles.

Well, in these hunting grounds everything is pretty much small fry that can't even make me itchy.

By the way, each of the islands of the Cal Mira Archipelago have their own demon ecosystem, there are still some demons native to their islands that I haven't encountered yet.

It seems that the further center you go in an island, the stronger the enemies become.

The island that I went to with Bitch's party was a big mountain, but this one is like a forest.

Magician:”Y-You sure are sturdy.”

One of Ren's companions mutters while I block an enemy attack.

Naofumi:”I guess, here. Defeat it quickly.”

Magician:”O-Okay!”

What can I say...I recall the training aid provided for novices in net games.

I think Ren's party has a good balance.

Two vanguards, and two rearguards. Those in front beat the enemies down with physical attacks using an axe or sword, while their backs are being covered with magic attacks and recovery magic.

Without a doubt it's a reliable formation.

However, the only defense plan in a melee is to avoid the enemy attacks.

While concentrating on evasion, an easy battle will take longer.

Naofumi:”For the time being, receive some of the enemy's attacks. Concentrate on attacking, because the enemies aren't dying instantly.”

While approaching the middle of the island, adventurers are becoming increasingly sparse.

Magician:”Hero of the Shield-sama fights completely differently compared to Ren-sama.”

Naofumi:”I guess.”

Certainly, compared to the other heroes, the shield's job is completely different.

Yet, I can still fight.

That reminds me, there are several things that I have analyzed and understood since coming to this abnormal world.

First of all, it is possible for the shield to fight evenly with those guys.

Next, the shield's way of fighting works on endurance, and counterattacking, it's the type of fighting that uses sure-kill skills.

It may only be the Wrath Shield, but by paying a great price, it is possible to mortaly wound the opponent.

Like the Iron Maiden, or Blutopfer. There is also Dark Burning Curse.

However,it's a pain that they can't be used without the Wrath Shield.

Iron Maiden could be used with another shield, but the prerequisite is tough, it's still useful, but...