Turtle Power
It was a windy day in the streets of Siltvelt. Adults and children alike were all rushing to their homes as a storm approaches. —everyone, except for a group of cloaked individuals. Walking through the streets without a care in the world. They garnered weird looks from the retreating crowd.
All their looks however stopped, as they reached their lords manor. The citizen who were one weary of the group all sighed in relief as their lord invited them inside. There were still thoughts about the group, like why they were wearing cloaks. But as long as their lord trusted them, they would do the same.
"It's an honor to finally meet you, my lord. Apologies for the rough evening earlier. We still have yet to find the culprit." The lord sighed.
He was a rather small old man, with a turtle shell on his back and a large snake as a tail. He walked around with a cane and was attended by two lightly armored. He would usually have more, and be in his beast form when meeting unknown people. But it was the shield hero. And he had no reason to look intimidating. Thus, the smaller escort.
This plan seemed to work as he noticed the cautious shield hero ease up. And when they all stat down, they took off their hoods, revealing their faces to the old lord.
"I hope that this meeting will be worth our time."
"I can assure you, my lord. I am here to fully support you in any way I can."
Naofumi scoffed. "Alright, gramps. I'll humor you."
/~/
One Hour Earlier
The castle was on lockdown. After a very eventful dinner that could have led to their lords death. The castle went into panic mode and put the castle under a complete lockdown. No one gets in, no one gets out.
Despite the pleas to stay with his party. The castle split them up anyway on the grounds of "Security Reasons." All this did however was increase the suspicion Naofumi had for Siltvelt. Not to mention his annoyance towards the leader for defying his wishes. Once this was all over, Naofumi would immediately head back to Melromarc and not look back. At least there, people made their intentions on wanting to murder him clear.
"Guess it's not a bad time to start working on my power-up methods."
Naofumi Iwatani: Level 43
Job Level: 6
"Job level still at level 2. Not that I killed much on my way here in the first place. Or since I got here." Naofumi closed his status window and picked up a shield hanging on the wall.
"Let's see what this shield does then."
Shield of the Beast King 0/80 C: Locked
Level Requirement: 75
"Guess not. Alright, new shield it is."
Naofumi tossed the newest shield away and swapped to another. It was a from a snake monster. Specifically the piece that Ren brought to him after the boss was killed. He found out later that the boss of the wave was a chimera. After it was killed. Ren got the dragon head, Motoyasu got the lion head. Itsuki got the goat head, leaving Naofumi with the final part, the vipers tail.
And despite how weak it sounded compared to the others. It was his strongest shield to date. Far surpassing even the thunder dragons shield in terms of stats, and potential. The only reason why that shield was still relevant was because it had a very broken special effect. Aside from that, this new shield will replace it as Naofumi's go to for now on.
Chimera Viper Shield 0/30 C
Special equip effect: Snake venom fang (medium), Hook
"I'll have this mastered soon enough, and I have no ore to utilize yet. So most I can do is raise the rank and item enchant. Gotta get some energy first."
Naofumi went through his inventory and converted useless item he had into energy. A majority of them were just monster parts, herbs and a few crystals he mined back in Ryute. By the end of the purge. He had amassed over 37 thousand points. More than enough to start growing his new weapon.
Attempt a UC rank up for 500 energy?
Yes, {No}
Naofumi clicked yes, and the screen disappeared. A few seconds later, the screen came back with virtual confetti.
Chimera Viper Shield 0/30 UC
"Good. Lets see how far I can go."
Attempt a R rank up for 1000 energy? Yes, {No}
Naofumi clicked yes once again, and the shield came back as rare. Confident, Naofumi uses 1500 energy for another rank up, and successfully gotten so Sr.
At this point, Naofumi was a bit too arrogant about his recent winnings, and went for a super rare plus roll. This inevitably came back to bite him, as the screen reappeared with a fro`wny face.
Chimera Viper Shield 0/30 C
"Oh fuck off. One loss and I have to start over! This system sucks."
Naofumi spent another 1500 energy to get back to an R rarity. Seeing that he still have tons of energy left, he decided to go for super rare, and won once again. Learning of the low chances of SR Plus however. Naofumi ignored going any further for now, and went over to the next method.
Attempt a +1 for 100 Energy?
{Yes}, No
Naofumi clicked yes… and it was a failure... Despite the he had a 90% chance of success.
Naofumi swore to himself that this system was stupid before he tried again. He then spent the next 3000 energy in an attempt to enchant his weapon. Soon enough, he got pissed at the odds and stopped at +4. Not daring to make another attempt at trying to raise it.
Chimera Viper Shield 0/30 SR
Item Enchant: 12% Defense Up
Mastery Level: 0
Taking a look at his new shield. Naofumi sighed in relief as it was finally over, and fell back onto his bed. He was only their for a second before a knock came from the door. But when he opened it, there was no one to be seen.
Both guards denied knocking themselves. They even claimed no one was there to knock in the first place. Naofumi took the answer to his question, and slammed the door in the guards faces/.
"Took you long enough." Naofumi scoffed.
As turned towards the bed. Raphtalia appeared as the golden light on her faded away.
"Sorry Naofumi. Someone people to stop for food."
/~/
"You're telling Sakura a shrimp fried this rice?!"
"I don't think that's how that works."
"Now with that attitude Keel!"
/~/
"So yeah, that took a bit." Raphtalia groaned.
"Doesn't matter. Did you do as I asked?"
"Yep. The area scouted thoroughly. The castle gate is sealed shut, the council and that bird is running amuck, And Ake was put in a stable. I think you can guess why."
"Any possible leads?"
"Aside from that minotaur, none. He seemed devoted to protected the "real" shield heroes image."
"But now that he knows it's us. Would he actually try to kill his idol?" Naofumi sighed. "This is all one big mess."
"I'm starting to have my doubts about this place.?"
"Surprisingly, it's worse than Melromarc. After the wave we're leaving immediately."
"Then what's the plan? We can't stay in this castle if we have an unknown assassin gunning for us."
"Simple. We leave the castle, and regroup somewhere else. Not only is it safer. But we can adapt our strategy from there."
"And what about the council?"
"I'll find a way to get them off our back for now."
"May I suggest leaving a note about going out to level.
"Yeah, something like… who said that?" Naofumi looked over at the wardrobe and nodded his head.
Understanding the gesture. Raphtalia opened it up, only to find no one there.
"A good deduction my lord, but I'm very good at throwing my voice. I was actually under the bed this whole time." A man rolled his way out from under the bed and flipped up. He wore grey pants covered by a long brown trench coat. He had the tail of a beaver and wore shades that covered his face. His greatest feature was the brown fedora stuck to his head at all times.
Naofumi took one dumbfounded look at the man before going on guard. Raphtalia move in too. But the Platypus stood there calmly.
"No need to worry my lord. The names Zalton. After recent events. I was assigned by my lord to deliver you a message."
"He's speaking Melromarc?"
"That means he's been listening to our plans." Naofumi scowled.
"How did he even get in here?" Raphtalia question.
"When you entered. It takes a lot more than illusion magic to lose track of me."
"Damn. I thought I wasn't followed."
"No need to sulk. Getting rid of a shadow is quite difficult. At least for the good ones."
Zalton flipped the bed, revealing several knocked-out shadows under it. Naofumi flinched in shock as he didn't notice them himself.
"These guys are stealthier than I thought."
"Sheesh. How did you fit so many under the bed?"
"Good question. But for another time lady Raphtalia. Zalton tipped his hat as he stepped toward a dark corner in the room.
"Lord Genmu would like to meet with you if you have the time. But if you don't want to, he understands. I'd be happy to deliver any message that you might have to the council. If not, check inside of the wardrobe. There's a path that'll get you out." Zalton fully melted into the ground, leaving only a map with directions to a location. When Naofumi picked it up. It was written in Melromarc, directing him towards the Genmu's manor.
"Gotta say. That guy was weird."
"Not to mention has been following us since dinner. Be back in an hour, and bring everyone here. I'll check out this pathway he mentioned. If anyone questions you about the plans before the designated time, escape yourselves."
"But Naofumi-"
"I'll be fine Raphtalia. I won't risk your lives."
"Ye-yes master."
/~/
"Would you like some tea, my lord?" The Genmu asked as he poured a cup.
"No thanks."
"Ohh I'll take some!" Sakura grabbed the cup off the table and started to drink.
"So. Why did you bring us here gramps?"
"I just wanted to meet with you for the first time. I'm sure you met my most diligent worker Zalton?"
"I have. And just so you know, I'm not a fan of getting spied on."
"And I apologize for that. Usually I would never send my men out to do something so reckless. But this attempt forced my hand. Not out of maliciousness, but for the safety of your comrades."
"What do you mean?"
"Contrary to what you think my lord. That poisoning wasn't an attempt on your life, but your companion. Nobles, or even female councilmen would do anything to become a concubine of yours. That even means getting rid of competition."
"Seriously. Why does everyone think Sakura's sleeping with Naofumi… what?" Sakura looked around the room with majority of the guards staring at her. Even Keel had his doubts as he joined in on the suspicious looks.
Sakura was about to defend herself. But the old Genmu cleared his throat, shifting the attention of the room to him.
"It's not that lady Sakura. But news has gone out about you beating up several noblewomen. That, along with the rumor of you being our lord's main girl only made you an even bigger target.
"Oh fuck off." Sakura was hit in the head by Raphtalia who quickly apologized for her disrespect. The genmu was far from offended however, and only chuckled at the comment.
"Aside from these rumors. They also want to murder the Melromarc knight for obvious reasons. That why it was imperative to get you all out the castle as soon as possible. Who knows what could have happened."
"And we're supposedly have to trust you because of this help?"
"Naofumi." Raphtalia whispered.
"Don't try to talk me out of this. As far as we know, he could have sent someone to poison the meal himself. We don't have anyone we can trust here. And putting blind faith into everyone is just going to get us killed. Yes I'm thankful for your help on getting out the castle. But don't think for a second that we're going to stay in your manor and risk the same thing."
"Completely understandable my lord. May I asked. Is there anything else that I can assist you with now that my first offer was rejected?"
"What's the catch?"
"Nothing at all. It was a dream of mine that I'd one day meet the almighty shield hero, and join him on the frontlines. But as old age gets the best of me. All I want is to help the one I devoted myself too in any way that I can. I have nothing to gain with the church of the shield. And I certainly don't need any more political power. All I want is the memory of our great savor."
"...Sakura?" Naofumi looked over to Sakura. The ladder of whom nodded her head, confirming no lies has been said. Naofumi eased up a bit, but still pressed on."
"If what you say is legit, then I have three request." Naofumi held up three fingers, then put one down.
"First. I need men."
"How many?"
"Fifty. Around level 40. Level 30 is fine too."
"I can send in three squads. I'll contact the others to see If they can send any."
"Good. Second" Naofumi put another finger down.
"Funding. I'm not staying anywhere near the capital. I also need weapons and armor. Specifically shields."
"A reasonable request." Genmu ripped out his tail, much to the horror of everyone in the room. The old turtle didn't flinch, however, and just stuffed the snake into Naofumi's gem.
Genmu Shield Conditions Met
Genmu Shield Locked
Requirements: Level 55
"Apologizes if that was so sudden. I can gather more shields and materials from the castle armory to help fulfill your request my lord." The Genmu explained as his tail regrew in seconds.
Naofumi, along with the rest of his party could only look on is disgust and shock at what they just witnessed. Even Keel exited the room as his face started to look pale After a few more seconds of contemplation. Naofumi put his final hand down, trying to look unphased to the old turtle.
"And three. If you want to gain my trust further. Find out anything about who did the poisoning. Until then, we'll be doing things our way."
"If that's what you desire. I as the representative of the Genmu shall pledge my territory and it's resources to you. If you desire anything else. Just let me know, and I'll work diligently to make it happen."
The genmu snapped his fingers, summoning his shadow to his side. Zalton held a sack of coin of which he placed on the table in front of Naofumi.
"If you desire. I can lend you my personal shadow. I'm assure you that Zalton would do his job swiftly and efficiently."
"If enemies abound, or you just need a message sent. Just call out my name, and I'll be there." Zalton tipped his hat as he disappeared into a dark corner of the room.
"I'm... sort of fine with that. I'll also give this to you as a thanks." Naofumi ripped a page out of his notebook.
"What might this be my lord?"
"Song lyric from my home world. Thanks to Ake, I translated them and now it's yours."
"Music from the world of the shield!? What a majestic gift. Thank you, my lord!" The old man beamed with joy as he received the lyrics. Even though it was a single page with one song written. He still took so much joy in receiving it.
"Yeah, whatever. Alright guys lets get out of here." Naofumi got and went towards the door. Genmu however stopped him before he left.
"What?"
"One last thing my lord. If you're looking for more men, then may I suggest the tavern nearby."
"What about it?" Naofumi raised an eyebrow at he suggestion.
"There, some of the greatest mercenaries in Siltvelt hang out. You'll certainly be able to find the manpower you desire if you go there."
"You don't say. What's the tavern called then?"
"The Ditzy Drunk. Zalton, mind escor-?"
"No need. I'll find it myself. "Naofumi ripped out another page from his book and handed it over to the guard. Before he could he the cheers, Naofumi shut the door to the manor. Even still. The joyful noise was heard inside.
"Man, I hate those religious types."
"Hey. At least we weren't murdered. So Sakura guesses he's fine."
"Can't you tell if someone is lying? What do you mean you guess?" Keel complained.
"No. I can tell if someone is being genuine."
"That's the same thing!"
"Shut up. and Genuine or not. Better to be safe than sorry. Or in this case, Safe and not dead."
"You still didn't have to be so rude. He got us out of the castle at least." Raphtalia criticized.
"And that's why I gave them music lyrics. I'm sure they'll be overjoyed." Naofumi looked into the pouch, grinning at the amount of silver and gold that was inside.
"I can do some serious damage with his."
"We're not trying to destroy the country Naofumi." Raphtalia sighed.
"I'm not racist and all. But I have no objections to that." Ake sighed.
"Never said anything about destroying the place. It's time to see what my influence can truly do."
/~/