01x01 - The Shield Hero

[bunniefuu]

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI] What a weird dream.

[NAOFUMI] My name is Naofumi Iwatani.

I'm a college sophomore with slight otaku tendencies.

[NAOFUMI] Bright one today.

[NAOFUMI] I'd brought my kid brother back in line

when he started breaking bad,

so I had earned the privilege of living at home,

allowance included.

With no need for a part-time job,

I got to indulge my otaku side.

[WOMAN A] Oh, hi!

[WOMAN B] Hey, did you see that guy over there?

I did. He was so cute.

[NAOFUMI] That said, I certainly wasn't

one of those so-called shut-ins.

When my spending money ran out,

I went to the library to browse through light novels.

I was a completely normal nerd

leading a completely normal life.

[NAOFUMI] Damn. What the hell?

[NAOFUMI] Until I picked up this book.

[NAOFUMI] The Four Cardinal Weapons ?

Huh... Let's see...

"In order to save the world

from the Waves of Apocalyptic Catastrophe,

four heroes will be summoned from another world."

Seems like pretty standard light novel stuff.

"Each hero wields a distinctive w*apon:

A sword, a spear, a bow, or a shield."

Yeah, but a shield's not really a w*apon,

it's more like armor.

Anyway, where's the heroine in this thing?

I doubt it's this princess; she seems kinda bitchy.

Yeah, well...

At least these hero guys

look pretty damn cool and impressive.

I guess all four of them are the main protagonists.

Spotlights on sword, spear, and bow.

Even the shield hero gets--

Where's the rest of the...?

[gasps]

[screams]

[HEAD PRIEST A] Fantastic! The summoning was a success!

[NAOFUMI] What the--?!

Brave heroes, won't you please save our world from pure evil?

[HEROES] What?!

[NAOFUMI] Who are these guys?

And, uh, where am I?

[NAOFUMI grunts]

What the hell's this?

A shield?

[HEAD PRIEST A] Please, O brave heroes,

our world is in dire need of saving.

Is this for real?

What do you mean it's in need of saving?

The story behind it all is long and complicated,

but suffice it to say that you are the Four Cardinal Heroes,

and you were summoned here using an ancient ritual.

[NAOFUMI] "Cardinal," huh?

So he thinks the four of us are what, heroes of legend?

Our world is in a most fragile state,

and teeters on the brink of destruction.

So we beg you, O brave heroes, please lend us your aid.

I guess I could at least hear you guys out.

[REN] Forget it.

I also refuse.

You can send us back to our homeworld, right?

Do that and maybe we'll talk.

You brought the four of us here without our consent.

Don't you feel the least bit guilty about it?

Not to mention, if you throw us out as soon as we restore peace,

we'd have done all that work for nothing.

[MOTOYASU] How willing are you to accommodate our requests?

Depending on your answer,

we may end up as your enemies instead of your allies.

[NAOFUMI] What's with these guys?

They're not only taking all this in stride,

they've already started demanding respect and rewards.

Good sirs, before I say any more, we'd like you to have

an audience with the king of Melromarc.

You can negotiate your rewards with him directly, so please.

[REN] All right, fine.

[ITSUKI] I suppose we'll consider their offer.

Sure.

Doesn't matter who we talk to, our demands won't change.

[NAOFUMI] Yeesh! Could these guys be any more smug?

[ITSUKI] Wow, look. This really is another world, huh?

[MOTOYASU] Sure is.

Even the air feels different.

It's like how you'd expect to see it described

in some kind of travel brochure.

Does that mean you've never traveled

outside of Japan before?

Judging by the breeze, I'd say this place has

a fairly standard Mediterranean climate.

Uh. Uh, yeah, sure. That's what I meant.

I just couldn't remember the word for it.

[AULTCRAY] So you young men

are the Four Cardinal Heroes of ancient legend?

This is the land of Melromarc, and I am her king,

Aultcray Melromarc the nd.

Welcome, brave heroes. Please identify yourselves.

[REN] Ren Amaki.

I'm a high school student, and I'm years old.

[MOTOYASU] I'm Motoyasu Kitamura. College student, .

[ITSUKI] I suppose I'm up next.

Itsuki Kawasumi, still in high school, and I'm .

Guess that leaves me. My name is--

[AULTCRAY] Good. Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki.

Yo, King! Aren't you forgetting someone?

Uh... Oh, yes, forgive me.

Hey, you can't just say "Yo, King."

You have to address him with a little respect.

[NAOFUMI] So what then? "His Majesty"?

[MOTOYASU] That might be too formal...

[AULTCRAY clears throat]

[AULTCRAY] "King" is fine.

All right, whatever you prefer.

I'm Naofumi Iwatani, college student, years old.

Now then, I suppose I need to explain

why we've brought you here.

[NAOFUMI] Is he ignoring me?

My beloved country of Melromarc

and the entire world surrounding it

are heading down a path to certain ruin.

[NAOFUMI] I'm still kinda pissed about how crappy

the king's treating me, but here's the story in a nutshell.

There's an old apocalyptic prophecy on this world.

It speaks of a series of incursions of destructive force.

These have come to be known as "Waves."

If the calamities wrought by the Waves are not stopped,

the world will meet its end.

Every country here has in its possession

an ancient dragon hourglass.

These devices can predict each Wave's arrival.

The first Wave washed over this country

not long before we were summoned.

Between the local knights and traveling adventurers,

they somehow managed to fend it off.

However, the subsequent Waves will become

increasingly powerful.

The sands in the hourglasses will trickle

as long as the Waves keep coming.

The second will arrive in less than a month.

[AULTCRAY] We underestimated the potency of the Waves.

Once we actually experienced the first one and barely survived,

we realized that only the Four Cardinal Heroes

could counter them.

So we followed the legend and summoned you four.

But now, we have no time to lose!

[NAOFUMI] Wait a sec.

Isn't this the exact same story as in that book?

Okay, I think we get the gist of it.

Anyway, I'm sure you didn't bring us here

thinking we'd save you for free.

Of course not.

Once you repel all the Waves,

I can assure you we shall reward you most handsomely.

Yeah?

Well, it would seem we have no choice

but to take you at your word.

Long as you don't renege, we'll work with you.

But don't think for a moment that you can tame us.

Exactly.

We won't put up with you looking down on us.

Right. What these guys said.

[NAOFUMI] Good lord, are they full of themselves.

If I can trust that we have reached

an agreeable arrangement, I would ask you brave heroes

to now check your statuses.

[NAOFUMI] Wait, what's a status?

Um, yeah...

Are you guys dense?

It should've been the very first thing you noticed

when you got here.

[NAOFUMI] Oh, put a sock in it.

Stop acting like you know everything.

Don't you see the icon in the lower right corner

of your vision?

[NAOFUMI] Huh?

[NAOFUMI] Oh, hey. Now I do.

[REN] Try focusing your attention on it.

[NAOFUMI] Uh. Like this?

[gasps]

[ITSUKI] Only "Level "?

Well, that's really disconcerting, isn't it?

Yeah, no kidding.

Who can tell if we can even fight like this?

What is all this, exactly?

[MINISTER A] It's called Status Magic,

an ability exclusive to the heroes.

So where do we go? What's the first step?

[MINISTER A] You must set out on an adventure

to develop and upgrade these legendary weapons

you have been equipped with.

You mean they weren't already maxed out when we got them?

Also, mine's not even technically a w*apon.

Can't we just wield other weapons until these are usable?

[chuckles]

Suppose we'll have to figure that out as we go.

Regardless, it looks like we've all got

a lot of training ahead of us.

[ITSUKI] We'll have to level up hard and fast.

Then once the four of us feel like we're ready,

we can form a party and--

[MINISTER A] One moment, brave heroes.

[ALL] Huh?

I neglected to mention,

you must each recruit allies and adventure separately.

[ITSUKI] And why is that?

[MINISTER A] It is said that by their very nature,

the legendary weapons repel one another.

If you try and work together,

it will apparently hinder their development.

Looks like he's telling the truth.

[NAOFUMI] And the weapons are translating all the verbal

and visual information into Japanese for us.

[AULTCRAY] Since the sun is about to set,

rest here for the night, and begin your quests tomorrow.

In the meantime, we'll gather the best of the best

to form your parties.

[ALL] Huh?

We have quarters prepared for you all.

Please, sirs, right this way.

[LOWER OFFICIAL A] I hear the Four Cardinal Heroes

have been summoned.

[LOWER OFFICIAL B] All four in Melromarc?

[LOWER OFFICIAL C] Are they sure about this?

[LOWER OFFICIAL D] Then that means the Shield Hero

is here, too.

[MOTOYASU] I guess when you're "heroes of legend"

you get special treatment.

The girl who showed us here was cute, too.

[ITSUKI] And though it did taste unusual,

our dinner was quite sumptuous.

[NAOFUMI] Doesn't this seem kinda like a video game?

That's 'cause it is a video game.

It's exactly like Emerald Online .

[NAOFUMI] Uh, never heard of it.

Huh? Seriously? It's huge!

[ITSUKI] What are you talking about?

This isn't some online game.

It's a new console game I'm playing.

Called Dimension Web .

You're both wrong.

Everything about this place is identical

to a VRMMO called Brave Star Online .

[MOTOYASU] Let's sort this out.

First off, Ren, do you really mean an actual, literal VRMMO?

[REN] Yeah.

You guys do get what he means by that, too, right?

[ITSUKI] A sci-fi game I'm familiar with

explored the concept.

Yeah. I've read about 'em in light novels.

Now to be sure, let's compare general knowledge.

Whose face is on the , yen bill? Ready, and...

--[MOTOYASU] Gotaro Yawara. --[NAOFUMI] Hideyo Noguchi.

[ALL] Wait, who?!

[MOTOYASU] Buzzword of the year last year?!

[NAOFUMI] Favorite voice actors!

[REN] Which countries won World w*r II?

[ITSUKI] Who's the prime minister?

[ITSUKI sighs]

[ITSUKI] Only one explanation.

We're all from different versions of Japan.

Right.

And they pretty much don't sound nothing alike at all.

[NAOFUMI sighs]

So there are parallel worlds with parallel Japans?

[MOTOYASU] I thought we might just be from different eras,

but it would seem not, huh?

And I can't believe all three of you

have played video games that are so much like this world.

Why am I the only one not familiar with it?

Uh, what is it?

Oh, nothing, I just assumed it was because

you're the Shield Hero.

[MOTOYASU] Ha! You, too?

Well, yeah. I mean, it only makes sense.

Huh?! Why? Is there something wrong with the Shield?

Calm down.

As the oldest one here,

lemme bring you up to speed on the basics.

As far as I've ever seen, the "Shielder" class,

that specializes in the shield...

Uh-hm?

...is for losers, because no true gamers ever play it.

Wha--?

[NAOFUMI gasps]

No!

How 'bout in your worlds?!

Sorry, man

Shielders suck.

So what's the terrain like here?

Not sure, but it looks very similar to what I'm used to.

[ITSUKI] Each w*apon has its own ideal hunting ground. If we...

[NAOFUMI] Whatever.

If I'm too weak, I can just rely on my party.

And if I'm lucky, it might even have some girls in it.

[NAOFUMI] The shield's role should be to defend the party

and thwart enemy att*cks, right?

And while my love life back home was lacking,

here I might just meet "the one."

Heh. It'll be fine.

After all, I was chosen for this.

My success is all but assured!

Look out! I'm comin', world!

All right then.

We start questing tomorrow.

Let's head back to our rooms and get a good night's sleep.

[ITSUKI] Do you think they have baths here?

[MOTOYASU] Outdoor ones, if any at all.

[NAOFUMI] Hell yeah.

My grand adventure begins tomorrow morning!

[NOBLES whispering]

[AULTCRAY] We have gathered the greatest warriors in the land.

These brave souls will fight the Waves alongside you.

[NAOFUMI] So how's this work?

Take turns picking them for our parties?

Dang! There's a real looker here, too.

[giggles]

[gasps]

Our future champions, the time has come to begin your journey!

[NAOFUMI] What?! They're the ones who get to choose?!

[NAOFUMI] Wh--? Huh?!

Three there... Five there... Four there...?

Yo! King!

I am loath to admit it, but even I was not expecting this.

No volunteers? He must have zero charisma.

Ah. I've been made aware of an unsettling rumor.

[MOTOYASU] Has something happened, sir?

[AULTCRAY] Not exactly.

The rumor that is quickly spreading around town

is that the so-called Shield Hero is ignorant of this world.

[NAOFUMI] What?!

[AULTCRAY] Legend tells us the heroes arrive

with a firm understanding of our lands.

And the townspeople seem to think

he doesn't meet that criteria.

Someone must've been eavesdropping

on our discussion last night.

You think?

[NAOFUMI] All 'cause of a rumor?

Sure, I may not know much, but still!

Regardless, you don't need five, Ren!

How 'bout you give a couple of them to me?

I'm a loner; you're right. I don't "need" them.

Whoever cannot cut it gets left in the dust.

Motoyasu, help me out. Don't you think this is unfair?

Uh, yeah. I'm surprised my party is all girls, too.

[NAOFUMI] Clearly you're super broken up about it, jerk.

It might seem to be the most fair

if we split them up three apiece,

but if we try to force the issue,

it could destroy everybody's morale.

So, what? You're tellin' me I have to just go it alone?!

[NAOFUMI] You guys know I'm a Shielder!

The class you said was for losers?

Without a party, how am I supposed to grow any stronger?!

[MYNE] Sir Hero!

[BOTH] Uh?

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI] It's her!

[MYNE] Would you kindly allow me to switch parties

and join the Shield Hero?

Are you sure?

I am!

[NAOFUMI] Wha--? For real?

She's actually gonna join my party?

[AULTCRAY] Are there any others who would be willing

to join Master Naofumi on his quest?

[AULTCRAY] Ah, well, so be it.

We shall have to take other measures, then.

Master Naofumi, you will have to recruit for your party yourself.

Uh. Oh, uh, right!

[AULTCRAY] Every month, we shall provide each hero

with the funds they require.

This one time, however,

Master Naofumi's payment will be higher than the others.

Here are your initial w*r chests.

Accept them with our thanks.

[MINISTER A] Shield Hero receives silver coins

while the rest of you each receive silver.

Procure all necessary equipment and set forth!

[ALL] Sir!

[MOTOYASU] Later, Naofumi!

Take good care of her now, you hear me?

They said we can't help you directly,

but I can at least wish you best of luck with your recruiting.

Until next time. So long.

Uh, bye!

I beg your pardon, Shield Hero, sir.

Let me introduce myself. My name is Myne Suphia.

It's an honor to fight with you.

I'm Naofumi Iwatani. Nice to meet you.

My pleasure!

[NAOFUMI] She's so friendly.

Open and warm.

I mean, she chose to join me when no one else would.

Gotta keep her safe, no matter what!

Guess we should be going, huh, Miss, um... Myne?

Yes, Sir Hero.

To start, I'll show you around the village.

[NAOFUMI] I caught a glimpse last night,

but seeing it up close really drives home

how different this world is.

[MYNE] Well, Sir Hero? What shall we do next?

[NAOFUMI] Hmm, let's see here...

First place we should visit is a shop

that sells weapons and armor.

That makes sense.

With all that silver, I bet you can buy some nice stuff.

I'll take you to a shop I trust.

They should have everything you need.

All right. That sounds great!

Oh, good. Follow me!

[NAOFUMI] So cute.

Nothin' beats havin' a girl in your party, eh?

This place gets my highest recommendation.

Wow. A real-life weapons shop.

Welcome, good sir.

So, first time in a weapons shop, is it?

Well, you already know how to pick the best one.

Thanks. But actually, she brought me here.

[ERHARDT] Hmm?

You do look familiar, miss. Have we met?

Sure! I've been in here before.

Your shop is rather renowned, after all.

[ERHARDT] Aw, sweet of ya to say so.

Anyhow, who's your companion here with the funny outfit?

Uh...

[MYNE] You mean you can't tell, sir?

No.

Are you tryin' to tell me he's one of them heroes?

A shield. So, guess that means you must be the dud.

[NAOFUMI chuckles nervously]

[NAOFUMI] Why are these dumb rumors about me

spreading like wildfire?

Whatever. I can't let that get me down.

I am indeed the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani.

Pleased to meet you!

[ERHARDT] Naofumi, huh?

Well, if you become a regular,

I won't give two hoots what you wield.

All right, kid. Good to meet ya!

[MYNE giggles]

Now that that's out of the way,

could you provide Sir Hero with his equipment needs?

Our budget is... around silver.

[ERHARDT] Left to right, that's iron, magic iron,

magic steel, and silver iron in ascending order of price.

All quality swords, guaranteed.

[NAOFUMI] Wow. With one of these, even I could-- Ah!

Wait. What the--?!

[NAOFUMI yells]

What the heck is going on?

I have no idea.

It looked like they just flew out of your hand.

Yeah, but why?

Huh?

[NAOFUMI] "Rule Violation"? What the hell?

How do I fight with just a shield?

It appears that besides this shield,

I'm not allowed to use any other weapons.

How does that work, then?

[ERHARDT] Hmm...

At a glance, it's like any other small shield.

Does this thing not come off ya?

[NAOFUMI] I can move it around my body,

but I can't find a way to remove it.

[ERHARDT] That's strange.

I can sense a great amount of power in here,

but my appraisal magic doesn't really tell me much more.

Ah...

[ERHARDT] Uh, thanks for showing me

something interesting, anyway.

Wanna buy some armor?

Hey. Now you're starting to look the part, at least.

Yeah, thank you.

[MYNE] How much do you want for it?

Hero's discount. A hundred twenty silver.

[MYNE] And the buy-back price?

Well, let's see, if it's still in mostly new condition,

I'd offer you silver.

Buy-back price?

Once you grow strong enough,

you really won't need this armor anymore.

You don't wanna get ripped off when you come to sell it back.

Makes sense, I guess.

All right. We'll take it.

Excellent! I'll throw in some innerwear to show my thanks!

So! Where shall we head to next, Sir Hero?

Off to do battle?

Uh, yeah!

[NAOFUMI] Time to level up!

My adventure finally begins!

[NAOFUMI] Whoa...

[rustling]

[MYNE] Wow, there's no limit to how much it can absorb.

[MYNE] That must be part of a legendary w*apon's power.

[NAOFUMI] Yeah.

And it must be why I don't feel pain when I'm bitten, either.

But before I can upgrade to a better shield,

it looks like I am gonna need a lot more fodder.

[MYNE] Oh, I see.

By the way, are these orange balloon fragments

worth anything?

Can we sell them?

[MYNE] Yes. But at most,

they'll likely only fetch one copper coin each.

[NAOFUMI] Seeing how Ren destroyed them,

they must be really weak.

Guess that's all they're worth.

That should be enough shield fodder for now.

The nice thing is as I level up, my shield should evolve, too.

Let's call it a day then.

We should stop back in at the weapons shop.

If we can buy some new equipment for me,

we'll get even farther tomorrow.

[NAOFUMI] Heh. Sounds fair enough.

[ERHARDT] Gear for the lady, hm?

You'll certainly be much stronger decked out

with some good equipment.

Right?

This might get expensive,

so I suppose I should start haggling now.

Really? Seems our hero fancies himself a comedian.

Eighty percent off.

Dolt! Twenty extra!

[NAOFUMI] Why's it going up?! Eighty-nine off!

[ERHARDT] Anyone who tries to haggle

before even seeing the goods deserves to pay double!

[NAOFUMI] Yeah, yeah! Ninety percent off!

[ERHARDT] Ugh! Twenty-nine percent more!

[NAOFUMI] Stop raising it! A hundred percent off!

[ERHARDT] Then I'm just givin' it away!

[NAOFUMI] Free works for me!

[MYNE giggles]

[NAOFUMI, ERHARDT] Uh?

So, how much is all that at % off?

Four hundred eighty silver, with a discount.

That's the best I can offer.

[NAOFUMI] That'll leave us with, uh, silver?

Uh. Hey, Myne, would you mind downgrading just a bit?

I don't know how much inns and other expenses cost yet.

[MYNE] Oh, we'll be fine, Sir Hero.

The stronger I am,

the more loot we can collect from monsters, right?

This'll keep us going.

[NAOFUMI] There's the otherworld trope I've been waiting for!

Yeah, fine. Whatever you say, milady!

All right, shopkeeper, we'll take these!

[ERHARDT] Thanks a ton, young hero!

Gotta say, you have a real nose for good deals.

[MYNE] Thank you, Sir Hero.

By the way, do you know of any places around town

that'll buy these fragments?

There are shops that specialize in monster goods.

They'll buy most of those things off of ya.

Great, thank you.

[NAOFUMI] Oh, man!

The food at the castle was delicious, too,

but a pub is where you experience

real otherworld cuisine!

[MYNE giggles]

I'm so glad you're enjoying your meal.

[NAOFUMI] The meadow we fought in today was over here, right?

[MYNE] Yep!

Tomorrow, we'll be heading to Lafan Village,

which lies beyond this map.

And past Lafan Village, we'll find a dungeon

that's perfect for rookie adventurers.

A dungeon?

[MYNE] We won't make very much money there,

but it's an excellent spot for you to work on leveling up.

Interesting.

[MYNE] Now that I have new equipment,

and with you defending me, it should be a walk in the park.

Thank you, Myne. You've been a wealth of information.

[MYNE] No problem.

Uh, by the way, Sir Hero...

...we have all this wine here, aren't you going to drink some?

[NAOFUMI] Uh...

I'm not into alcohol.

Oh, that's too bad. This is a really fantastic vintage.

After the long day we've had, I'd love to share it with you.

[NAOFUMI] All of a sudden, she's twice as seductive! But...

I'm sorry, but I really just don't care for it.

Is that so? Well, too bad.

Heh. That's a hero for you, I suppose.

[NAOFUMI] Uh, what do you mean?

[MYNE] This country is a matriarchy.

No man who's from here would ever dare

turn down a drink offered by a woman.

[NAOFUMI] Really? Guess I'm not very good

at picking up on this kinda stuff.

Oh, don't worry, you'll learn.

I'm glad we got to discuss our plans for tomorrow.

I think I'll turn in early tonight. Is that okay?

Of course. I'll head up after I finish your wine.

Although drinking alone gets so lonely.

[NAOFUMI] Uh, hey, Myne?

[MYNE] Huh?

Thanks again for joining up with a Shield Hero who can't fight.

I declined tonight,

but I swear I'll make it up to you someday.

[giggles] It's totally fine, I mean it.

I'll see you in the morning, Sir Hero, Pleasant dreams.

Yeah, g'night.

[NAOFUMI] Hmm... Two hundred silver coins left.

Two rooms at copper each per night,

and meals for two at five copper each...

That leaves a little over silver.

Acting like such a stereotypical Japanese tourist,

stashing money like this.

Holy crap, though. What a day.

[NAOFUMI] I wonder how it truly feels to k*ll a monster.

Today I just ran around popping balloons.

But still, I really am in another world!

[laughs]

[MOTOYASU] Man, I leveled up quite a bit today.

[ITSUKI] I won't let you outdo me twice!

[MOTOYASU] Ha, ha! We'll see about that!

[NAOFUMI] Is that Motoyasu and Itsuki?

[NAOFUMI] Time for bed.

Off to an early start and all.

[NAOFUMI yawns]

Okay! Downstairs for some breakfast and then head out!

Huh?

Gone... It's gone!

The silver, the chain mail, and even my old clothes

that I was keeping for when I get to go back home!

No way... I was robbed in my sleep?!

Myne, open up!

All our money and equipment's been stolen!

You still asleep in there?

Wake up! We're in serious trouble!

You guys're knights from the castle, right?

I'm glad you're here. Listen, I'm--

[KNIGHT A] The Shield Hero, yes?

Yeah, that's right.

The king has issued a summons for you, boy.

You're to come with us.

What?

[NAOFUMI] Ow, jeez!

The hell's goin' on here?

Myne, hey! Are you okay?

What's wrong?

Yo, King!

While I was sleeping, all of the money and equipment I had

other than this shield was stolen from my room!

Please, sir, find the thief and--

Silence, you filth!

What's this about?

Myne, I'm sorry to ask, my dear,

but would you mind repeating your testimony for us again?

[MYNE] It-It happened last night.

The Shield Hero forced his way into my room;

he was stinking drunk!

He grabbed me and pinned me down!

Huh?!

[MYNE] He said something like, "The night is still young."

And then the next thing I knew,

he was tearing all my clothes off!

[NAOFUMI] What?

[MYNE] Somehow, I managed to escape!

I ran down the hall for help.

I found Sir Motoyasu,

who happened to be staying at the same inn!

[growls]

[NAOFUMI] What the hell?

[MOTOYASU] If she hadn't asked me to wait until dawn

and call the knights, I would've gladly cut you down myself!

What are you talking about?!

I went straight to bed after dinner last night,

and I don't drink!

Wait, that's my chain mail that you're wearing.

You thieving bastard, give it back!

Ha. Who are you calling a thief?

Myne gave this armor to me as a special gift

when I met her at the pub yesterday.

[NAOFUMI gasps]

[AULTCRAY] To think the Cardinal Shield Hero

would commit the greatest sin in this country.

[NAOFUMI] Sin?

In Melromarc, even attempted sexual as*ault on a woman

is punishable by death!

[AULTCRAY] If you weren't a hero,

you'd be ex*cuted at once!

ex*cuted?!

I promise you, I'm the one being wronged to you, not her.

I didn't do it.

And If you're so convinced I did, then show me some proof!

[NAOFUMI gasps]

[KNIGHT B] When we performed a search

of the Shield Hero's room, we, um...

We found this, sir, strewn across his bed.

[gasps]

You animal!

[AULTCRAY] The proof seems rather undeniable.

[NAOFUMI] How so?!

That thing wasn't there when I woke up!

What a terrible shame.

I worried something bad might happen,

but hoped you knew better.

Guess he thinks a hero can do whatever the hell he wants

and get away with it.

[NAOFUMI] That's not even the least bit true, I swear!

[MOTOYASU] This world is not some

consequence-free playground for you!

Know your place, scoundrel!

[NAOFUMI] What the hell is this?

Why is this happening?

Myne... Why?!

Why would you lie like that? We're supposed to be a party!

[MYNE giggles]

[NAOFUMI gasps]

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI] I see.

Joining me was just a ruse so she could destroy me right here.

It was all a lie!

When she smiled at me, or acted kind... Fake!

You liar! You tricked me!

It was a setup from the very beginning!

I'm scared, Sir Motoyasu!

Shut your mouth, you criminal!

Up yours, pretty boy!

You did all this to steal my money and equipment!

I'll bet you two planned it together!

[NAOFUMI] Yeah, come to think of it...

The only thing Myne ever called me was "Sir Hero,"

but she's calling Motoyasu by name!

If that's not proof they were in it together,

I don't know what is!

Refusing to admit he's guilty

and making nonsensical accusations?

I know what you're thinking and you're right;

he doesn't deserve a shred of mercy.

[NOBLE B] I knew it.

It was a mistake to summon all four together at once.

[NOBLE C] Exactly.

They shouldn't have summoned the Shield Hero at all.

[NOBLE A] But who could've known he'd be such scum?

[NAOFUMI] Again?! It's just about the shield?!

Has to be.

Because I'm the Shield Hero. Because I'm weak.

They're trying to knock me down in some crazy attempt

to make themselves look better.

Disgusting. These people are all filthy, disgusting trash!

This country's people don't believe in me, either.

Why should I raise a finger to help them?

[NAOFUMI] Fine. I don't care anymore.

And why should I? Just send me back to my world!

Summon a new Shield Hero, or whatever you want, I'm out!

Screw this world! Seriously!

Why did I get ripped away from my home

just to go through this?!

So you're gonna run away as soon as things start to get tough?

You really are scum!

After all you've done,

how could you even think about abandoning your job?

I say let the coward run on home.

Who wants to fight alongside a r*pist? Good riddan--

[NAOFUMI] Shut up!

Now, send me back to my world this instant!

Believe me, I would like nothing more than to kick you out,

but legend says that no new heroes

may be summoned until all four

of the original Cardinal Heroes meet their end.

[gasps]

What'd he say?

That's insane...

So you're telling me I can't even go home?

[AULTCRAY] Not yet.

But there is only one way you may return home:

Fight off all the incoming Waves.

[MOTOYASU] But, sir!

Does that mean we'll have to fight alongside

a criminal like him?

[NAOFUMI] Screw you guys!

Who needs you?!

I'll figure out how to handle the Waves my way!

Don't move!

[NAOFUMI] Get the hell off me!

[KNIGHT E] Damn, he's--!

What'll it be, King?

Are you gonna have me rot in jail in-between every Wave?

There is no more time before the next Wave,

so I won't be imprisoning you.

Scum or not, you're still a hero,

and one of the only beings left who can fight them all off.

But news of your crime is already spreading

among the people.

That is your punishment.

You should never expect to be allowed

to lead a decent life in this country.

Yeah, clearly!

[coins jingle]

[BOTH gasp]

This is what you wanted, right?

Shove it up your ass!

Hey! Wait one second!

I'm the weak one, remember? I don't have a second to waste.

[NAOFUMI] And just like that, all my money, my respect,

and my trust was gone.

I lost everything.

[ERHARDT] Hey, Shield bro.

So I heard what you did to that girl you were with.

I oughtta punch you in the face!

You're against me, too?

Huh. Hang on.

What gives? I thought you were all ready to punch me.

Nah, changed my mind.

Good, you were about to lose your life there.

Hold up a second.

You won't make it very far dressed like that.

Consider this a parting gift.

How much?

Doesn't matter since you're broke,

but let's call it a clearance sale and say five copper.

[NAOFUMI] Yeah, fine.

I'll come pay you someday.

[ERHARDT] Sure, kid. Don't die.

[growls]

[yells]

[yelling]

[NAOFUMI] I finally hit Level , but I had to fight all night.

[MERCHANT A] Let's see, for these little things?

How does one copper for every pair sound?

Yeah, sure, you got yourself a deal.

[MERCHANT A] Heh. Splendid.

[MERCHANT A] Thanks, come again.

[ADVENTURER A gasps]

Welcome, sir.

[MERCHANT A gasps]

How much for all of these?

[MERCHANT A] Oh. Orange Balloons, are they?

Looks like of them by my count.

How does one copper sound for the entire lot sound?

[NAOFUMI] I heard you offer the last guy

one copper for every two.

Did I now? I don't recall that.

You must understand, I do have a business to run.

[NAOFUMI] That so?

Can I assume that these will fetch a better price, then?

They're quite lively.

[MERCHANT A screaming]

[MERCHANT A] Stop! Wait!

Look, I'm not tryin' to rip you off here.

All I'm asking of you is a fair market price.

Is it personal?

Is there maybe some reason you might have for hating me?

[MERCHANT A] Okay, fine! I give up!

Whatever you want! Get these things off of me!

Sounds like we have a deal, then, huh?

If you buy from me consistently,

I'll even give you a small discount.

Better than tryin' to fleece me, right?

[MERCHANT A] Right! Consider it done, sir!

And as much as I'd like to refuse,

the exchange of money for goods have nothing to do

with any crimes you may or may not have committed.

And one more thing.

You need to spread the word around

to all of the other merchants.

Tell 'em that any trader who messes with me

will get totally covered in bite marks.

Don't you worry. I'll tell everybody.

To a fruitful relationship.

[ERHARDT] Hm?

Huh?

Aren't these...?

New shields.

So does that mean by mastering abilities,

I get to keep them even after I upgrade to another one?

Leaf Shield, go.

It really is just like a game.

It can improve the plant's quality?

[HERBALIST A] Wow, this is really good stuff.

Where did you find these?

[NAOFUMI] In the forest right outside the castle.

Didn't you know?

Sure. But I've never seen anything of such high quality.

I was certain it was much more average.

[NAOFUMI groans]

[NAOFUMI] Since that day, nothing I eat has any flavor.

[BRIGAND A] O great Shield Hero.

We'll join your party if you want.

Yeah, that's right. Thank your lucky stars!

Okay. But how 'bout we go ahead and discuss the terms up front?

[BRIGAND B chuckles]

Sure thing!

[NAOFUMI] Your pay will be entirely performance-based.

Do you know what that means?

[BRIGAND A] Nope, not a clue!

[BRIGAND A, BRIGAND C laughing]

[NAOFUMI] It means you'll be paid according to the loot

we get on our quest.

And since I'm the leader, I'll be keeping at least %.

I'll split up the rest among you guys at my discretion.

If you do nothing of value,

then you can expect to be paid nothing.

What the hell?

That means if you get a wild hair up your ass,

you could end up keepin' it all for yourself!

[NAOFUMI] I promise to pay you if you do your job.

Assuming you can.

[BRIGAND B] Let's go get us some equipment, boss-man!

[NAOFUMI] Buy your own equipment.

I have nothing to gain by doing that for you.

[BRIGAND B] What?!

Forget the party crap and just hand over your money.

Now, see?

If you'd only said that to begin with,

you could've saved us all a whole buncha time.

Heh. Yeah, right? Who knew it'd be so easy?

[BRIGAND B gasps, screams]

[BRIGAND A] Chill out!

[BRIGAND B] sh*t!

[BRIGANDS yelling]

I have real good defense, but no offensive ability.

Without it, I can't defeat monsters.

And because of that, I can't farm experience points.

And since I can't farm,

I can never raise my offensive ability.

I'm stuck in a loop!

Damn it!

[sl*ve TRADER] Looks like you could use some help.

[chuckles]

[sl*ve TRADER] It's clear you don't have any.

What luck. I have exactly what you need.

If you're offering me party members, I'll pass.

[sl*ve TRADER] Party members? No, no.

What I'm offering you is a service

I believe you'll find far more convenient.

And what would that be?

Interested, are we?

Leave me alone.

[sl*ve TRADER laughs]

You've got that look in your eyes that I just adore.

You're every bit the man the rumors said you'd be.

Rumors, huh? So then, you know who I am?

[sl*ve TRADER] Of course I do, brave Shield Hero, sir.

If my offer interests you,

follow me and we can discuss it further.

[sl*ve TRADER] Right this way.

[NAOFUMI] So, what exactly are you offering me here?

[chuckles] Can't you tell by just looking?

They're slaves, my boy!

No way.

Yes way. I run a sl*ve-trading business!

What would make you think I'd want to own slaves?

[sl*ve TRADER] Oh, I don't know,

the fact that they can neither lie nor betray their master?

We keep all our slaves in line

by placing them under the effects of a curse.

A strong, seal-based curse.

If they misbehave, it can take their very lives.

[NAOFUMI] Hmm...

[sl*ve TRADER] Whaddaya say?

All right, show me what you've got.

I knew you had exactly what it takes

to be a most wonderful patron.

[NAOFUMI] Some of them don't look human.

I can assure you they still are, technically.

[NAOFUMI] Tell me more.

I don't know much about this world.

[sl*ve TRADER] Creatures that look mostly human but aren't

are what we refer to as "demi-humans."

They're mostly used as servants or for manual labor.

"Beastmen" are demi-humans whose appearance

lean more toward the animal side.

They're often used as bodyguards

or gambled on as participants in death matches.

[NAOFUMI] I see.

But they both fall under the same category?

[sl*ve TRADER] Indeed.

And since this country practices human supremacy,

and demi-humans are thought to be closer to monsters,

life can be quite hard for them here.

As such, they're treated as slaves.

[sl*ve coughing]