As we gradually ascended the stairs, I perceived Naofumi peering outside with fascination. "I can't believe we really are in a different world..." Naofumi turned to us and appeared awkward, as he detected that we were all staring at one another, a look of tension on our faces.
Despite him being correct, I still felt the tranquility permeating the surroundings; the diminutive abodes and the birds flapping their wings around almost made me forget that we were in another world.
The journey to the castle was somewhat awkward, as no one engaged in conversation. I presumed they were still disgruntled over what I had previously said, nevertheless, I shrugged my shoulders and disregarded it.
After all, I was simply being honest. Mere moments earlier, we were still engaged in our daily lives, oblivious to the fact that we would soon be transported to a distinct world from our own.
"So these are the ancient heroes in the legends? I am Aultcray Melromarc XXXII! Heroes, we ask you for your names" the King declared, his voice brimming with dignity and authority.
"Ren Amaki, 16 year-old, Highschool student," the young man with black hair delivered.
"I'm Motoyasu Kitamura, 21 years old, university Student" the blonde man with a bad attitude stated loftily, before breaking into a smug grin.
'What a pompous ass,' I thought to myself, my irritation evident as I glanced at the smug prick.
"Then I guess I'm next! Itsuki Kawasumi, 17 year old, Highschool Student" the light brown haired guy declared, his tone confident and composed.
"Y/N Iwatani, 16 years old Highschool Student" I said, attempting to put up a mask of composure as I felt my smile become a tad strained.
"Then I guess I'm last...I am-" Naofumi spoke, his statement cut off by the king. "Ren, Motoyasu, Itsuki, and y/n," His Majesty stated, his eyes trained on our small group.
"Uhm king! don't forget about me!"Naofumi interjected, his tone desperate as he tried to regain the king's attention.
"Oh, Sorry" the king stated, turning to face Naofumi. "King? you have to be more respectful than that" Itsuki voiced, his gaze fixed on Naofumi. "Your Highness then?" Naofumi responded in turn to Itsuki.
"King is fine," the king pronounced, his tone strong and unwavering. "Whatever then, I am Naofumi Iwatani, a 20-year-old university student," Naofumi declared, his lips splitting into a subtle smile.
"Are you and y/n related?" The king inquired, his gaze steadily aimed at me. Just as Naofumi was about to respond with an affirmative, I beat him to it, retorting with a sharp, "No, we're not."
"I see...Now, I shall apprise you of the state of affairs in our country, Melromarc, and the world within which it resides, which is bound for annihilation," the king proceeded to explain, as Naofumi turned to cast a scowl in my direction.
"Did the sentiments I expressed cause offence to him?" I wondered to myself, as Naofumi shot me a frown in response. "We're not actual brothers, so why does he seem so peeved at me?" I mused, puzzled by his sour expression.
"Never mind," I said to myself, diverting my attention to the king, as he expounded on the apocalyptic prophecy.
To sum it all up, the so-called 'Waves' that ravage the world will converge in swift succession, bringing on annihilation if the damage they incur is not forestalled. In ages past, each nation has harbored this device called a 'Dragon Hourglass', which serves as an indicator of when the following waves is slated to wreak havoc.
The initial wave plagued this land prior to our summoning. Its knights and adventurers managed to hold their ground against the first wave, yet the second and third waves will be far greater and more devastating. Until they pass, the hourglass will keep turning, signaling that less than a month remains until the next wave hits.
"We were complacent, underestimating the might of the waves," the king uttered, his eyes fixed intently on me.
"Once we encountered the true horror of these inundations, we realized that only the cardinal heroes might counteract this calamity," he continued, his tone solemn.
"However, to our surprise, there happened to be an additional hero that was summoned to our aid," he divulged, his manner implying that he found my presence to be a challenge of sorts.
"Might you possibly be proposing that I am not welcome here?" I spoke up in question, with my gaze glued on the king. "That is not what I intended to imply," he responded, his tone conciliatory. "Instead, I simply expressed my astonishment at being greeted by a fifth hero," the king explained, his manner betraying his surprise.
"I understand the situation," Ren stated, striking the ground with a loud thud in an attempt to capture the king's attention. "But I hope you're not suggesting you summoned me for no reward," he remarked as he looked towards the king, his tone insistent.
"If the waves are stopped, a reward will be provided to you," a courtier stated to Ren, in response to his querying for a reward.
"In that case, all is well," Motoyasu stated, exuding a sense of assurance. "As long as I remain on your gracious side, I will continue to do it," Ren declared, his words fraught with a tinge of iciness.
"it is so for me as well," Itsuki asserted with confidence. "But don't think you can play any tricks on me," he commented, his tone confident. "Y-yes" Naofumi nodded hurriedly, a nervous flicker in his eyes.
"To place your life on the line, all for the sake of receiving a award? Don't you think that's a rather irrational thing to do?" I questioned, my expression filled with displeasure as I regarded each of them, my voice laced with derision.
"have you already forgotten what the king proclaimed a short while earlier?" I snarled, as I directed my angry gaze towards the three, including the king and my brother. "You might perish as a result of this!" I yelled, the gravity of this scenario striking me with full vigor.
"Tsk, who do you think you are?" Motoyasu inquired with irritation as he brandished the spear he held aloft. "Ever since we got here you've done nothing but piss me off!," he scoffed, the ire in his tone evident.
"I don't suppose you are irritated solely because someone younger than you has managed to deliver some sense into your head?" I responded annoyed, my patience waning in light of his impudence.
"You!" Motoyasu nearly launched a preemptive attack at me, when the king swiftly intervened by striking his hand down hard onto the armrest of his throne, gaining the attention of everyone present in the room.
"Heroes, let us avoid engaging in combat for the time being," the king stated firmly, his tone projecting a sense of urgency.
(A/N: That will be the end of chapter 3! Earlier someone asked me if y/n was going to have a love interest...Well I'm not so sure I'm not really a romance type of person)
(A/N: Idk who would you want his love interest to be? But it would definitely not be Naofumi😅 yk what I mean...)
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The Rising Of the Shield Hero X M Y/N
FanfictionThe Rising Of the Shield Hero! You and your step-brother Naofumi had never been particularly close, even as you grew up. Your mother's attention had always favored Naofumi, much to your annoyance. Despite disliking your brother, you find yourself su...
