The Rising Of the Shield Hero X M Y/N

Chapter 7: How does a metal rod turn Into a human?!

As we arrived in the wide field, I was overtaken by the pleasant atmosphere of the calm breezes and the tall grass, which brought a sense of serenity. This feeling was suddenly disrupted, however, as I spotted movement within the grass.

As we stood in the field, small, balloon-shaped creatures suddenly emerged from the grass and started racing toward us. Swiftly, we took position and began attempting to fend off the monsters. With a few strikes, I succeeded in popping a few of them, which was rather unexpected considering I had only a mental rod. Intriguingly, I was exceptionally adept at wielding that particular weapon. As a result, I had little difficulty in popping a handful of those balloon demons.

It could be due to the fact that I was skilled in the art of swordsmanship and there existed a few parallels between a sword and a metal rod, although the latter was essentially a stick of metal. While I proceeded to successfully pop a few of the odd balloon demons, I could not help but turn towards my brother Naofumi, who was having difficulty in dispatching even just one of them.

As I observed my brother struggling with those demon balloons, I was unable to restrain my laughter. Even though he was well equipped, he was having trouble with those odd balloon-looking creatures. "For heaven's sake, is he for real? With a much more potent weapon than mine, yet he can't even manage to fight off a single one?" I remarked to myself with disdain.

Naofumi is not a weak individual, that much I am certain. The only thing he is lacking is experience and appropriate battle strategies. On the contrary, a shield can be used as a deadly weapon if handled carefully and with precision.

Upon hearing my impolite remark, Naofumi shot me a disapproving look. "What exactly is your problem?" he said, letting down his guard. Unconcerned in the moment, I smirked at him, though that expression swiftly transformed into one of horror as I noticed a balloon monster rushing in his direction.

"H-hey, jackass, look out!" I yelled when I noticed the balloon-looking creature lunging toward him, drawing his attention.

Before Naofumi could even react, that damned balloon demon bit him on the arm. My heart was beating erratically. I was so overwhelmed with panic and fear that I couldn't even think straight. I raced to Naofumi's side, struck the monster with all my strength, and screamed at the top of my lungs, "You good, dumbass? Are you hurt? You aren't gonna die right?" My eyes were wide with distress.

"Are you worried about me?" Naofumi asked with a smile, which swiftly brought me back to my senses. "I am not worried! Not in the least!" I snapped with annoyance, taking a few paces backward when I was satisfied that he was uninjured. "I was concerned that you would die and leave me to battle alone!" I yelled in exasperation.

After uttering those words, I swiftly proceeded to kill the remaining balloon demon, but even after hearing my words, Naofumi kept staring at me with a smile that left me feeling strangely uneasy.

Irritated by Naofumi's continued staring, I snapped, "For crying out loud, let's just go already! It's getting dark, and we need to find a place to stay!" I expressed in a frustrated tone while turning my back on my brother, who was still sitting on the ground. Myne, who I had almost forgotten was even there, suddenly grabbed my arm and yelled, "Good idea, hero!" Oh I forgot this irritating woman was still around.

Was she hiding behind the tree all this time? I was completely aware of her futility. Why on earth did Naofumi accept her offer to accompany us in the first place?

Yet again, a feeling of utter revulsion and unease was experienced. As Myne approached me, every cell within my body was telling me that something was amiss. It was as if my innermost instincts harbored a strong sense of distrust towards her and anticipated her impending treachery.

Upon opening the door to my room, I immediately threw myself onto the bed. I had endured an incredibly lengthy day, so I was physically exhausted. Although the bed in this inn was not as comfortable as the one at the castle, it was sufficient to serve my sleeping needs.

Naofumi and Myne returned to the weapon shop once again, this time in pursuit of gear for that thing (referring to myne).  While I sought out a place for us to stay . Even though I found Naofumi's careless usage of his funds towards a lady he knew nothing about to be a rather reckless action, I eventually settled on keeping my thoughts to myself.

A profound sigh escaped me as I buried my face into my pillow. Being aware that Naofumi and Myne would not be returning anytime soon, I decided to make good use of my time and catch a brief nap.

I gradually slid into slumber, and it didn't take long for me to fall into a deep and rejuvenating sleep.

"Why on earth is it moist?" I wondered out loud in a state of confusion as I awoke from a peaceful slumber. As I gradually opened my eyes, I realized that I was no longer located at that very same inn. Rather, I had been transported to an unfamiliar locale, which consisted of an old ruin and a man with snow-white hair standing  under a colossal tree.

Right before I could say anything, the man turned to look at me with a kind and gentle expression. With a calm voice, he smiled and uttered, "I have been awaiting your arrival, my master..."

With a strict tone, I questioned, "Master? Are you utterly insane? Where on earth am I? And who are you?" The man with soft eyes and a soothing voice replied, "Oh, master, you make me laugh. Have you already forgotten? I am the metal rod which you have been carrying around."

"What?" I stared at him as if he was completely out of his mind, and I looked at my empty hand with utter astonishment. The rod had suddenly disappeared? But then again, was it possible for an inanimate metal rod to actually transmorph into a living and breathing being and not just any being but a human? 

(A/N: sorry for not being to update so soon anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter!)