The Super Hero (Rise of the Shield Hero)

Escape

As Akio took Naofumi out of the palace, Naofumi wouldn't stop asking questions. all ranging from, "Why did you do that back there?" to "Why the hell were you glowing?"

Akio didn't answer any questions. He had to make it to the gates of the city before he knew that they, mainly Naofumi, would be safe from any rumors that will start to spread.

Naofumi had stopped asking questions and just went along with Akio. He still didn't know what was happening or where they were going, but he had to trust Akio. He was the only one that was willing to stand up for him or even hear him out.

Akio led Naofumi out of the city and into the open fields that surrounded it. Only then did he let go of Naofumi's hand. Turning around, Akio had a face of worry and seriousness.

"Okay, I know I just dragged you out of there, but we needed to be out before anyone had a chance to stop and question us, I mean you, more."

Akio pulled his bag of coins out of his gem. Pulling out 5 gold coins, he handed them to Naofumi. "Here, take these. You don't look like you have much. Don't thank me, don't worry about repaying me. I just want you to get to the next town before anyone has a chance to do anything."

"Okay, I get that." Naofumi said, "But there's one problem," Naofumi looked at his shield, "I can't fight with this thing. It'll be way too difficult to get stronger."

Akio rubbed his chin. Of course. Not everyone will be equal terms of strength, and not everyone can get as strong as I can. If only there was a way someone could fight for him that wouldn't betray him. . .

Then, Akio got an idea. It's unethical by their standards, but not by this world.

"How about getting a slave?"

". . .a what?"

"A slave."

"I heard you!" Naofumi scoffed, "What I meant was, why?"

"Well, from what I've heard, they're cheap and obedient. So you can get one to help you fight if they join your party."

It was Naofumi's turn to rub his chin. Akio could see the conflict on his face. With his sense of morals from their old world and the need to survive and get stronger here. It was a hard choice, but they both knew there was only one real answer.

"I don't like it, but it'll have to do." Naofumi stuck out his hand. "Thank you, man. For everything."

"No problem." Akio said, shaking his hand, "Just try to get out as soon as you can. Rumors can only spread so far so fast."

Naofumi nodded and ran back into the city. Akio watched him, then when he seemed like Naofumi was a good distance away, he activated his Physical Enhancement spell and dashed away from the city at astounding speeds, far faster than any normal person should be able to go.

At the measly cost of 1.5 mana per minute, it was more than enough for Akio to get far away from the city.

Akio continued to run until the city was out of sight. To his surprise, it helped clear his mind a lot. Nothing but the open field in front of him. For just a moment, the worries of this world and the threat of death at any moment seemed to vanish.

It felt nice, to say the least. It was a breath of fresh air, literally.

How long will it take to get to the next town? I hope I have enough mana to make it.

An hour later and reapplying physical enhancement twice more, Akio make it to the next town, which was more of a small village.

Finding an inn for the night, Akio took assessment of his situation.

Okay,
1: I only have 200 silver left after buying the armour and giving money to Naofumi.
2: I've got no one to rely on but myself.
3: I have until word gets out about what happened to build a good reputation and gather good supplies.

Shouldn't be too hard, right? Akio sighed, flopping back on his bed. Man, why did today have to be this way?

With nothing better to do, Akio took a nap.