What now..? And that, was truly the million dollar question, wasn't it…
After waking up from a short sleep, on what had been a mostly sleepless night, Ryou lay in bed collecting his thoughts. The night before he had the strange encounter with the Shadow Maid, after what had been an enlightening conversation, he had returned to his room intent on laying down some goals. He had always worked better when he had a goal in sight, or at least some guidelines to follow, not that he couldn't improvise, he would still be for the most part, flying by the seat of his pants of course.
First thing first, he had to survive that was obvious, and to do that he had to get stronger, even if he had no idea how to go about it.
Of all Legendary Weapons, he had been given the bow, probably the hardest to master, or at least the hardest to use right off the bat. He had been a pretty decent shot in his previous world, if you could count two times as any indicator of proficiency. But there existed a colossal difference between shooting a large standing target, and a small moving one, worst yet, one month was all he had to get at least the basics down. One month before the wave. Using a bow with any mastery would take years, if he even had any talent for it. After the wave, there would only be a few months before the situation got worse, much worse.
He had to figure it out on the way, that would be the only solution as far as his weapon was concerned.
The second important thing was laying low. There were potential threats everywhere, but that realization also brought with it another problem, like everything else in this world. The heroes had everyone looking at them even Naofumi, although that one would be for different reasons. They had, according to the canon enough people with them to form a football team at all times, Ren had actually decided to use a system similar to a guild to manage everyone.
Ryou, had pondered about that particular subject for a while, there existed a very high chance that some of the adventurers were spy's in disguise, and would report the heroes movements to the King, or worse yet, to the Pope. Having experience warriors at his side would most certainly be a boon, especially since at present he was mostly useless in battle, but did that safety net outweigh the fact that his actions would be monitored?
It was a short term solution, that could bring long term problems, maybe even fatal ones.
If the events from canon were to take place, it would become inevitable that the heroes would come to trade blows with the Church of the Three Heroes, and the Pope himself. Letting those members of the Church, and the Pope have access to every bit of information about the abilities, and skills he might acquire, seemed in hindsight like a very bad idea.
There was also another fact, although this one being much less important. Ryou had never been a people's person. At one point he had a circle of friends, that would go out for drinks or just spend the night hanging out, but after his parent's incident he had stop meeting them, and eventually they had also moved on with their own lives.
He, was not so arrogant to think that he could face what was coming alone, but he also needed to learn how to survive in this world, and that wouldn't happen if he allowed himself to be pampered and cuddle, the same thing that would most likely happen to both Motoyasu and Ren.
Sure he was afraid, very much so, terrified even, this world was littered with impossible creatures that shouldn't exist, but it was something that he had to do, there would be no other choice, that much he had concluded the previous night. The wave would call for him, and if he wasn't ready by then, death would follow, and not a painless one.
So after considering everything, a decision had been made, he would go out alone into the world, he would learn, take one step at the time, and hopefully get strong enough to survive. A different choice, from what the canon Bow Hero had made, but it wasn't like he could follow Itsuki steps, since the story had mostly focused on Naofumi. Either way the story wouldn't stay the same, that was a fact, his presence alone would see to that, so it was better to focus on living.
After being summoned for breakfast, Ryou, and the others were taken to a ball room, once again the meal had far too much food, enough to feed a big family at least.
During the meal the four Heroes made small talk with each other, now that Ryou, had his head in the game he began to pay attention to the other heroes, and came up with a few observations.
Naofumi, was far too optimistic, and naive, believing in fantasy, that nothing could go wrong, a stark contrast to what his personality would become. He was basically what Ryou had been expecting at this point.
Motoyasu, was to put it simply an idiot, but a good guy overall, Ryou would venture to guess that in his world he would be the center of any party. Although the Spear Hero made no attempt to hide his lewd tendencies. Ryou himself, might have taken a couple of subtle looks towards the maids that had served them, he was only a man, and the maids were quite attractive, but subtle was something that didn't exist in Motoyasu's dictionary. He also was quite the amusing guy. All in all, Ryou wouldn't have a problem dealing with Motoyasu.
Ren... Ren had been another story altogether, he had not paid much attention to the Sword Hero the day prior. But now he had, and he also tried to give him a freebie being five years his junior. It didn't work, the teen was condescending beyond belief to everyone, the type of person, Ryou had taken great strides in avoiding in his old world, and with good reason, because otherwise he wouldn't have resisted the temptation of strangling them on spot. Sure, that unlike the other two, Ren was the most collected and rational, but it was his holier-than-thou tone, present in every single statement, like everyone was beneath him, and that, Ryou couldn't stand. So the best way to deal with it was to ignore the teen, he would be out of his hair soon enough.
After reaching these conclusions, he decided to continue his plotting on how to throw the king off his back, without suspicion hopefully.
When they finished their meal, the servants had escorted them to the throne room, taking what appeared to be the scenic route, indent on showing every little thing, or at least what they had been allowed to see in Ryou opinion. By the time they reach their destination, Ryou had an half baked plan, hoping it would be enough. If the King pushed hard enough, he wouldn't be able to reject the party without arousing suspicion, and that was exactly what he wanted to avoid at all costs.
The throne room, was enormous capable of holding a couple hundred people easily, with marble white floor, walls and sculpt pillars, the other predominant colors being red and gold, the colors of Royalty. Soldiers were lined up on either side of the room, and in the throne, seated, was the King himself. On one side of the King were the wizards slash cultists that had summoned them to this world. On the other side, also lined up were a group of people, and from their clothing, they were most likely nobles.
Lining up besides Motoyasu, Ryou took a good look at the King, as he introduced himself, his voice suave yet strong. King of Melromarc, Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, or Aultcray, and Ryou finally had the name on the man behind is unofficial kidnap. He certainly looked the part, grey long hair, and beard, face full of wrinkles, dressed in one of the most fanciful grabs he had ever seen anyone the crown with the purple jewel on his head, had been the mark that clearly separated him from the rest, that, and the fact the he was the one on a throne obviously.
"Heroes, name yourselves." Ryou had to take a deep breath, that had been an order, not a question. The only people that got to order him around were his parents when they were alive, for obvious reasons, even his boss knew how to asked something politely he might add, that would always be the sign of good leadership skills. But he had to reign himself, there was an obvious cultural gap here, and he had to take that into consideration.
Taking his sword in both hands, Ren went first, "Amaki Ren, sixteen years old, high school student."
Stepping forward, spear against his shoulder, Motoyasu went next, "I'm Kitamura Motoyasu. Twenty-one, and a college student."
Realizing he was next, Ryou introduced himself, griping his bow slightly harder, "Ryou Takuma, Twenty-one years old, and soon to be unemployed I think." The truth, he didn't knew if returning to his world, would even be possible and if it was, he would be unemployed when he returned for sure, that was if time flowed the same in both worlds.
"And, Lastly my name is…" Naofumi went to introduced himself but the King cut him off.
"Ren, Motoyasu and Ryou is it?" Ryou's eyes narrowed at the obvious interruption, that had been a glaring sign of what was to come.
So those events will come to pass after all…
Naofumi, took two steps forward pointing to himself, "Hey King, aren't you forgetting me?" Ryou had to look down in order to hide the smile and hold in the snort that had threaten to escape.
Screw the cultural gap right, Naofumi… He couldn't help but to think with amusement.
The King for his part apologized, looking anything but sorry and allowed Naofumi to continue.
"My name is Iwatani Naofumi. I'm twenty, and a college student." So not counting Ren, they were all around the same age, Ryou thought. He had that suspicion, but it was interesting to know for sure, that they were all in the same age bracket.
"Now then… I suppose, I owe you an explanation…" The King continued without delay, and Naofumi looked crestfallen at the treatment. Ryou, couldn't help but to think that the Shield Hero should have been suspicious of the whole situation right there, he was after all being singled out.
The King, proceed to explained the motivations behind their summoning. It all had been knowledge that Ryou already possessed both from canon, and from the Shadow Maid.
"We underestimated how terrible the waves were, and only realized it after we experienced one, that only the four heroes could save this world." Furrowing his eyebrows in though, Ryou had to wonder, if that had really been the case. The first wave had hit Raphtalia's village, and from what he understood the village had been mostly composed of Demi-humans, given Aultcray's hatred towards the species, he probably had considered it a blessing in disguise.
"And so we followed the legend, and summoned you four." Behind your wife's back you mean, what a great man you are… Ryou, couldn't help but to add mentally, even if the atmosphere in the room was one of complete seriousness.
"We understand what is going on now. But you can't expect us to save your world for free." Ryou had to question the thought process of the Sword Hero, just because they were herald has saviors, in reality their power at the moment was a very flimsily thing, yet he had been ready to make demands on the spot.
"Of course, after you defeat the waves, you shall all be rewarded most generously." The man that had been standing besides Aultcray, most likely some form of adviser, confirmed.
"Will we now? Well if we have your word then, I'm good." Motoyasu concluded, and Ryou had to once again question his 'comrades' thought process, before remembering that they believed that this world was in fact a game, and then their demands made a lot more sense. The only reason to take on a quest, was the reward, normally.
"We'll work with you people, but don't think for a second that you can control us." More than you already will be, you mean..? Okay, so maybe, just maybe, Ryou might had taken a slightly antagonistically approach where Ren was concerned, but it was deserved, in his mind.
"We have an agreement then." The King declared.
"Well yes, but we are all level one, we can't really fight like this can we?" Motoyasu questioned, and it was apparent the the Spear Hero actually had a brain.
Well he had let the others take the lead, but this was has good of a opening has any, "We need to go out into the world, and get stronger right?" Ryou questioned.
"Indeed Yuusha-sama…" the adviser confirmed, before continuing, "...you must all leave on a adventure, this will allow you to develop the legendary weapons in your possession." That brought up another thing, that Ryou hadn't thought about. The upgrade system for the Legendary weapons. They had been different for each one, but later Naofumi discovered that they could all be used. There had been the one, where one gave the weapon monsters loot to unlock other weapons, there had also been the one that allowed to copy other identical weapons, he couldn't remember the others .
Another thing to look into I suppose… Ryou added mentally to the ongoing list of things he had to figure out.
"So they aren't maxed out right now?" Naofumi questioned, scratching his head. His statement made no sense at all, if they all thought that this was a game, what kind of games had they been playing, that allowed the beginners weapon, legendary or not, to come maxed out right off the bat…
"Besides mine isn't even what you would call a weapon, so shouldn't we all form a party". The shield hero proposed, but the adviser shot the idea down immediately.
"I'm sorry Yuusha-sama, but each and every one of you will have to recruit, and adventure separately from each other. The legendary weapons repel each other when in close proximity."
A pop-up window appeared in front of Ryou's face explaining, exactly that. When in close proximity the weapons would incur a penalty in the experience gained, depending on the distance it would even nullify experience gained altogether. Ryou had to question the logic behind that, sure that system had been meant to incentive the heroes to develop separately, and learn things by themselves without having the others influencing one another, but on the other hand, wouldn't it be beneficial for them to be allowed to work together? That would call for teamwork, and that had been something plaguing the story from moment one. There was probably a greater purpose for that system, but for the life of him, Ryou couldn't figure it out.
"Its almost noon now, go wait, and after lunch you will come back too meet the adventurers that I chose yesterday to join you on your travels".
Well here we go… "Excuse me your Highness, but if possible, I would like to travel alone." This made everyone in the room look at him in confusion, besides Aultcray who looked only slightly surprised by his request.
"Why would you request something like that? I guarantee that the people chosen are battle proved warriors of this country, the best of the best, they will not hinder you in any way." Aultcray affirmed, and Ryou forced a small smile on his face trying to look has apologetic has he could even though his fists were slightly clenched.
"And, I believe your words your Highness, but that is the problem. Am I not suppose to be a hero? If that is so, then I should go out into the world and experience it for myself, see it with my own eyes, and learn. Unless I experience the adversities it as to offer, I wont be able to perform my role adequately." That had been Ryou's game plan, to use his position has hero, and to question his efficiency. These people would want their heroes has strong as possible, that would raise the chances of actually surviving the waves.
"And do you believe, having strong comrades will stop you from experiencing these adversities?" The King questioned, and Ryou had detect a small amount of mockery in the man's words, most likely questioning his naivety. Ryou, had to restrain his anger before continuing. It rang true, after all it would be naive to think that just because you had help, that the world would be nice enough not throw shit at you. But Ryou knew that personally, the world would always throw crap at you, from the moment you were born, until the moment you died.
"Stop them? No, but make them less troubling? Then yes, the adventurers that your Highness chose, have experience about this world, and its ways that I, do not yet possess. I want to learn for myself, and then choose my comrades accordingly. I acknowledge, that this course of action, might be a mistake on my part, and if that comes to pass, I will swallow my pride, and properly apologize for my arrogance." Ryou claimed, bowing for good measure. That might had been going over board, but throwing a little humbleness would probably make him seem manageable, and easier to control.
"When that time comes, we will still be extending our hand to you, Yuusha-sama, you are after all one the Legendary Heroes, but if this is your wish, so be it". The King finally declared, and Ryou had to hold in the breath of relief that threaten to come out, even if the man had taken his return as a certainty.
Not on your life, you condescending prick…
Come what may, this had been his choice, his first true own choice, since arriving on this world, and he would live with it, even if it turned out to be a mistake. The king had allowed it far too easily, and that most likely meant his spy theory was out.
"You… You, are one of those crazy hardcore players aren't you?" His musings were interrupted, and Ryou couldn't stop the small laugh that escaped his mouth, both at Motoyasu's question, and at the irony.
Even if the context was different, Motoyasu had nailed it without even trying. Back in his teen years, when he still played a lot of video games, mostly RPG's, if the game had hardcore mode, he would play on it, the thrill of risk versus reward was a real addiction at the time. The irony was that now, Ryou would be playing the biggest, and scariest hardcore game ever, with the highest of risks, and the reward being the chance to live.
"You do realize that its far more efficient to level in a party... Right?" Ren, more stated then questioned, throwing a sideways glance at him.
And cue the condescending one…
"I was always a solo kind of player, so..." Ryou explained, Ren for his part just tsked before…
"Don't fall to much behind then, or we will have to pick up the slack." Ryou, decided that it would be for the best, to ignore that one entirely.
"Hey, you know that there might be some cute girls in those groups right? Are you alright with losing that opportunity?" Motoyasu asked, in what could hardly be called a whisper.
Goddammit Motoyasu, is that everything you think about… Ryou thought with a sigh.
"He is right you know? There might be a really cute one!" That statement prompted Ryou, to send a look of disbelief towards the speaker.
Really Naofumi!? Really..! But unfortunately Ryou, couldn't actually voice his disbelief, however...
"Be careful not to get wrapped around a cute one's finger, some woman are nothing but trouble." Ryou replied in a low voice, and that, had been as far has he had been willing to go for his fellow hero, not that it would change much if anything, but there had been a need to say something at least.
"Pfff that's blasphemy speech right there Ryou!" And Motoyasu voice was back to is standard volume, for all the world to hear, but before the mentioned Hero could share a couple of less than nice words, Aultcray spoke.
"You will at the very least, stay for the meeting after lunch, there are also other things that I want to bestow upon you heroes." Again with the ordering, but Ryou couldn't exactly refuse that, he had gotten his way after all.
"Of course your Highness, and I thank you for your generosity". Another slight bow, and there it was, at last, a small pleased smile on Aultcray's face.
Haaa, the joys of fake pleasantries… Ryou thought, also with a small smile, it had been something that had served him well, when asking something of his superiors in his old world.
A few moments later, they had been guided to another new room, smaller then the previous one, but still needlessly big, filled with tables, most likely one of the rooms used for the Royal Feasts. Soon enough the room had been filled with other people, and they weren't alone anymore.
From the clothes they were wearing, with vivacious colors, and far too elaborated details, the new arrivals were nobles. They conglomerated in groups of various size, speaking among themselves, but not even one approaching them. That suited Ryou just fine, he had no intention nor desire to entertain them.
Once again during the meal, Motoyasu, had questioned his choice of not taking anyone along, even offering one of his own members with the condition that Ryou couldn't pick a cute one. The Spear hero, had started fantasizing about his own party, full of cute girls, his very own personal harem, and unfortunately, if reality, and canon aligned that would actually come to be a thing.
After the feast, they were yet again escorted to the throne room, where the adventurers were already lined up in front of the King.
Ryou surveyed them with curiosity, until his eyes came to rest on the most interesting one.
Malty…
There had been no doubt in his mind to who she was once his eyes had found her, and he had to give up on some of his doubts about Naofumi, and Motoyasu's naivety, because his fellow heroes never stood a chance to begging with. She was attractive, very much so, with crimson red hair, emerald green eyes, and proportions to match the rest of her beauty, she truly was a sight to behold. A pleasant smile present on her face, and there was really nothing pointing to her true motives. If he didn't had his foreknowledge Ryou had to admit between her looks, and pleasant demeanor she would have fooled him too.
So entrenched was he, in his thoughts, that he didn't noticed he had been staring until her eyes meet his own, her smile growing a fraction, and then she winked at him.
Quickly adverting his eyes, Ryou felt a shiver, starting at the root of his hair, and ending on his toes, and not the good kind, the kind one would feel when on the receiving end of such a gesture from a beautiful woman.
Ohh hell no! Don't even think about it you witch!
He knew she would pick Naofumi, she would… But history had already some discrepancies, what was stopping it from changing even further?
The gesture had probably meant less then nothing, probably aimed to catch his attention, she would flirt with anything with two legs, as long as it suit her, but even that knowledge hadn't stop the feeling of horror, and dread he felt. If she decided to come with him for whatever reason... If fate decided to screw with him in such a horrible way, Ryou would make a run for it.
Screw the presents or whatever, no amount of money is worth this particular headache…
Fortunately, it was Aultcray that put an end to his fears.
"These are the warriors chosen by me, to accompany you on your journey, unfortunately Yumi no Yuusha-sama has decided to start on his own, and I shall respect that decision." Aultcray declared.
As expected, the adventurers came forward dividing themselves between Motoyasu and Ren, leaving Naofumi completely alone.
"Hey King!" Naofumi had realized what happen, and spoke with apprehension.
"I have to admit, this is something I was not expecting." Aultcray commented tone flat, and the Nobles perch on the second floor started whispering among themselves.
My ass you weren't… Ryou thought, clinking his tongue, softly.
A man came up, and whispered something in Aultcray's ear prompting Motoyasu to speak, "Did something happen?"
Frown forming on his face, Aultcray answered, "Hmm, it appears that rumors have spread around town, that the Tate no Yuusha is ignorant about most things in this world."
So rumors have spread over night, across the entire town, that Naofumi possesses no knowledge about this world..? Ryou thought with disbelief, that would have been impossible, for a town has big as Castle Town, unless someone had access to a lot of manpower, and the power to order them to very deliberately spread those rumors.
And its not like there is someone that meets those particular qualities right here in this room, right..? Taking a good look at the King Ryou couldn't help but to notice, the man actually looked more bored then worried.
It was happening just like it had in canon, a very well planned scheme to bring down Naofumi before he could rise, or rather the Shield Hero. The fact that it had been Naofumi had no weight here. Any other guy would take the fall, so long that he possessed the Legendary Shield.
I'm sorry Naofumi, and this might make me a prick, but all things considered I'm actually glad I'm not in your shoes… Ryou decided, with a glance at the shield hero.
"Huh? What does that even mean?" Naofumi asked, indignation present on both his voice, and posture.
"Legend says, that the Heroes are always summoned with deep knowledge about this world, and apparently everyone seems to think that this is knowledge he doesn't possess." The King explained, with tone, and posture equal to someone commenting on the weather.
"Maybe someone heard our chat last night." That was Motoyasu, and although that had been true, he had it wrong, the one who had eavesdropped on their conversation wouldn't have spread those kinds of rumors, however the conversation during dinner, where Naofumi had asked questions about the games that they used to play had been heard by all the maids that had served them.
"Seriously?! Motoyasu? Ren! You guys don't need that many, lend me one at least?" Naofumi was shouting in slight desperation, and Ryou felt bad for his fellow hero, but maybe it would have been better if he had been alone from the start.
"I'm kind of a loner like Ryou, even if its rational to level in a party, those that can't keep up might as well join you." And every single adventurer behind Ren got a step closer to him, intent quite clear.
Naofumi turned to Motoyasu, and he was scratching his head looking slightly embarrassed, "Well, I'm actually surprised too, my party is full of girls, weird huh?"
That brought a thought to Ryou's head, they were all pretty cute too it almost seemed like they had heard their conversation during lunch, and moved accordingly. If that had been the case, then Ryou's paranoia hadn't been as out there as he had thought.
It was both amazing, and terrifying the true extent these people went too to set Naofumi up. Until the last moment, they had moved to screw him over, the entirety of the town, and only because he had the amazing stroke of luck to be picked by the Legendary Shield. He had done nothing wrong at all, only a twist of fate, and he had been set to fall.
There is no way, I will ever be able to trust these people…
"So you are telling me to go alone!? Ryou might get away with it, he actually as a weapon, but me, I only have this shield!" Naofumi questioned steaming.
"Yuusha-sama, would you allow me to join the Tate no Yuusha-sama?" A voice broke from the crowd of adventurers, prompting everyone to look at her. Malty had a friendly posture with a smile on her face.
"You sure?" Motoyasu asked, slightly annoyed or maybe jealous, Ryou observed
Don't worry... She will be your problem soon enough, Motoyasu, not that you'll care, I'm sure you will have quite the added benefits…
"Yes!" She looked all to happy with that answer, her smile widening even more.
"Are there any other who want to join Tate no Yuusha-sama's party?" Aultcray questioned, and nobody moved so with a sigh he continued moments later.
"It can't be helped, you will have to recruit more for yourself, in compensation your payment will be higher then the rest of the heroes, same goes for Yumi no Yuusha-sama."
Ryou was very pleased to hear that, he had a few things that he absolutely needed to buy, and it would be good to have a bigger margin in monetary terms.
"Every month we will provide the heroes with war funds, to help you in your task, and here they are." Four servants came forward with bags in there hands, they proceed to deposit those on the heroes hands.
Ryou weighted the pouch in his hand with curiosity, it was heavy, and had the metallic sound of coins clashing with each other.
"Naofumi-sama will receive eight hundred silver coins, and Ryou-sama will have access to one thousand silver coins since he will be leaving alone, the others will be awarded with six hundred each"
A pleasant surprise, a thousand silver coins sounded like a lot, but he had no clue how economics in Melromarc worked. There had been a few prices thrown around in the story, but he could only remember how much Raphtalia had cost, and that would hardly be a good indicator on how much anything was worth, being this world's equivalent to human traffic, and all.
"Use these funds on equipment, and other necessities, and set out in your journey!" Aultcray declared.
"Yes sir!" They all confirmed before leaving the confines of the castle, and out into the world.
With his face set in grave determination, Ryou couldn't help but to think... And so it begins…