Rising Of The Shield Hero Web Novel ver

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The next morning.

After breakfast, we 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 us. We headed out with excitement fluttering in our hearts.

"Welcome, Heroes."

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...

We bowed in greeting.

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

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

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

Eh? They got to choose who they were going to follow themselves? That was surprising, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Obviously they would favor their own citizens over a bunch of strangers.

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

Ren: 5 followers.
Motoyasu: 4 followers.
Itsuki: 3 followers.
Me: None at all!?

"Wait a minute, Your Majesty!"

What the hell!? This was just too cruel!

The king didn't seem quite sure how to respond.

"H-Hrm. To be frank, I never imagined something like this could happen."
"He isn't very popular, is he?"

Even the minister threw me under the bus, a shocked expression on his face.

Just then, a robed man whispered something to the king.

"I see. So there was that kind of rumor..."
"Did something happen?"

Motoyasu delicately tried to break the tension, but it was too late. It felt like I was back in elementary school being excluded by the other kids during gym class all over again. This wasn't the kind of thing that's supposed to happen when you come to another world!

"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."
"What!?"
"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? No, more importantly, what was with that bogus legend in the first place? Even if I wasn't as well informed as the others, I was still a Hero, wasn't I!? Who cared if shields sucked in a few shitty games? This wasn't a game, it was reality!

"C'mon on, Ren! You've got five followers, can't you spare one or two?"

Ren's followers (men included) shrank back behind him like frightened children, while Ren himself simply sighed and scratched his head.

"Well, I can't say I'm a fan of company. I'll leave behind anybody that doesn't think they can keep up with me."

However, even in the face of such cold words from their lord, none of Ren's followers so much as moved a muscle.