Shield to Support

Party Up?

The Next Morning

After breakfast, they eagerly waited to be summoned by the king. But of course, nothing was going to happen so early in the morning. Judging from the position of the sun, it must have been around ten o'clock when they finally came to get them. They headed out with excitement fluttering in their hearts.

"Welcome, Heroes," spoke the king.

Inside the audience chamber, twelve men and women dressed like adventurers had been gathered. There were even a few that looked like honest-to-goodness knights. The king's assistance was really amazing.

The heroes bowed in greeting.

"As promised, we have gathered companions to follow you on your journey. They are all eager to make your acquaintance."

'This is perfect!' There were just enough people here for each of them to get three companions, with nobody left over.

"Now, future heroes of this country. Choose the one you wish to serve."

'What?' After thinking about it for a few seconds, it made sense. Obviously, the heroes couldn't force them to party with them.

One by one, the adventurers briskly crossed the room and gathered into groups in front of each of them. As for the final tally...

Ren: 5 followers.

Motoyasu: 4 followers.

Itsuki: 3 followers.

Naofumi: 0 followers.

"Wait a minute, Your Majesty!" Naofumi called out. 'What's going on?'

The king didn't seem quite sure how to respond. "Hm. To be frank, I never imagined something like this could happen."

"He isn't very popular, is he?" Even the minister threw him under the bus Just then, a robed man whispered something to the king.

"I see. So there was that kind of rumor..." the king replied.

"Did something happen?" Motoyasu delicately tried to break the tension, but it was too late.

Naofumi feared that he upset the people somehow. 'What the hell did I do?!'

"Apparently, a rumor has been circulating around the castle that out of all the Heroes, the Shield Hero is the least acquainted with the ways of our world and the weakest."

"What are they talking about?!" Naofumi shouted. "Except for maybe Ren and Possibly Itsuki, we have about the same level of experience being here!"

"In legend, it is written that the Heroes are ones with a deep understanding of the inner workings of this world. If I am not mistaken, that does not apply to you?

Motoyasu nudged me with his elbow. "Guess they were eavesdropping on our conversation last night, huh?"

'Wait. Was he talking about the fact that I'd never played a game like this before? That was the reason nobody wanted to join me? Hell, that bogus legend actually mentioned that? Even if I didn't have a game similar to this world doesn't make it so I can't learn the rules. Who cared if shields sucked in a few shitty games? This wasn't just a game, it was reality!' "If that's the case, why was I chosen in the first place?"

The king shrugged indifferently.

'Seriously...' He turned to the Sword Hero. At the moment, he was the closest person he considered an ally. "C'mon on, Ren! You've got five followers. Can't you convince some to help me out here?"