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Motoyasu lay on a luxurious bed, having regained consciousness after receiving treatment. Yet his face was still ashen, with one hand clutching his aching stomach, his eyes glazed and lifeless, as though lost in thought or sorrow.
He had already learned from his adventurer companions about the debacle during the celebration banquet.
This knowledge weighed heavily on him.
Motoyasu originally believed that, after leveling up so much in this world, he might finally be capable of challenging Jason.
To his dismay, Jason had taken him out with a single punch, leaving him no chance to resist.
This had happened even when he had teamed up with Ren and Itsuki—the three of them attacking simultaneously—yet still failing to withstand Jason.
No... calling it a challenge was incorrect.
He and Jason were not even in the same league.
"Jason, how many levels have you reached to become so terrifyingly powerful? Damn it!" Motoyasu clenched his fists, feeling an overwhelming sense of frustration.
His mindset, rooted still in gaming logic, made him relate strength directly to experience levels.
"Master Motoyasu, don't lose heart. In our eyes, you are always strong."
"That's right! With Master Motoyasu's rate of growth, you'll surely surpass the Shield Hero soon."
Two female adventurers remained at Motoyasu's bedside, offering comfort to lift his spirits.
"Thank you. I'm so grateful to have you here. I feel much better now." Motoyasu smiled again. Their constant praises might have inflated his ego excessively, distancing him from reality.
"Master Motoyasu, are you feeling better?"
"I brought some porridge. You haven't eaten dinner yet. You must be hungry. Would you like to have some?"
The female adventurers continued to express their concern.
"This life in another world... it's pretty good." Surrounded by such gentle care, Motoyasu's mood improved significantly.
Suddenly, a violent knocking at the door broke the tranquility, as if the door would soon give way.
Motoyasu became extremely irritated. He was a hero summoned from another world, chosen to save it.
To interrupt him now, and so rudely, was simply unforgivable.
"Master Motoyasu, let's see what's happening."
Noticing Motoyasu's displeasure, the adventurers quickly got up and approached the door.
"Who's out there? Stop knocking!"
"Don't you know this is the resting place of the Spear Hero, Lord Motoyasu? Stop that incessant noise; Motoyasu-sama shouldn't have to tolerate it!"
The once-gentle adventurers transformed, now sporting fierce and intimidating demeanors.
Just as they neared the door, it finally succumbed to the relentless knocking and crashed down.
"Damn it... didn't you understand us?"
"This is Lord Motoyasu's room. Are you looking to get yourself killed?"
The adventurers yelled defensively like tigresses protecting their den.
However, their bravado faded quickly when they saw a group of imposing soldiers rush in, leaving them pale with fear.
"What... what do you want?"
The adventurers stammered, fearing Motoyasu had somehow erred, and these soldiers were here to arrest him.
"Kitamura Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, yes?"
The lead soldier ignored the adventurers entirely, leading his men straight to Motoyasu.
"Spear Hero, Lord Shield Hero has instructed us to invite you for a stroll!"
The moment the lead soldier mentioned this, Motoyasu was taken aback.
Shield Hero? Jason?
Motoyasu was struggling to comprehend the situation. How did Jason manage to gain the authority to directly command the country's soldiers? What transpired during his time in a coma?
"Wait... you're telling me I have to see Jason now?" Motoyasu's mind was overwhelmed with questions, making him feel as though his head might explode.
"That's right. That's exactly what it means," the lead soldier confirmed.
"Why should Shield Hero expect Motoyasu-sama to go to him? He should come here if he wants a meeting!" protested one of the female adventurers. "Exactly! Master Motoyasu is still recovering and isn't fit for walking around."
Buoyed by the news that the soldiers were not there for an arrest but at Jason's bidding, the adventurers displayed newfound bravery, nearly scolding the soldiers outright.
However, neither the adventurers nor Motoyasu had the intimidating presence of Jason.
"In that case, I apologize, Spear Hero, but we must follow orders," the lead soldier stated, a slightly cruel smile on his face. He waved his hand, signaling his men, "All right, boys, let's lend a hand and carry the Spear Hero out!"
With that command, the soldiers surged forward, seizing Motoyasu by the hands and feet, lifting him off the bed and carrying him out.
"Let me go!" Motoyasu yelled, struggling helplessly.
"What is this madness? Such impudence!" cried the female adventurers, reaching for their weapons.
But the soldiers were faster, withdrawing their swords in unity to aim them at Motoyasu and the adventurers. The room was suddenly suffused with a deadly intent.
"Master Spear Hero, I suggest you stop resisting; otherwise, I cannot guarantee what might happen," the lead soldier warned in a threatening tone.
Staring at the sword tips so close they could feel the chill emanating from them, Motoyasu and the adventurers gulped hard and ceased their resistance.
"Excellent, take him away!" The lead soldier gestured for the weapons to be sheathed and led the way outside.
But instead of heading directly to Jason, they turned toward another nearby room, repeating the loud knocking. It was Ren who quickly answered.
"Sword Hero, Lord Shield Hero requests your presence," the lead soldier said without preamble.
Ren glanced at the soldier's stern face, then at the unceremoniously carried Motoyasu, and simply nodded. "Okay."
"Ren, why'd you agree so easily?" Motoyasu was shocked by Ren's compliance.
"It's simple. I don't want to end up like you. It's really disgraceful," Ren replied curtly before turning away, as if unable or unwilling to watch.
Motoyasu was momentarily stunned by this blunt remark.
Disgraceful? It did look quite shameful, being hoisted away by soldiers as though he'd committed a crime. If anyone saw this, it would definitely be the talk of the town by tomorrow.
People might speculate that the Spear Hero had committed some wrongdoing, leading to his capture and removal by soldiers. His reputation and image in this country could be irreparably damaged.
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