Rising Of The Shield Hero Web Novel ver

Something Called a Slave

One, two, three...
Two weeks and only 40 silver coins.
I gathered a bit more than what I had thrown at that bastard spear hero, it seemed.
This was all pointless.
The places I could go with my attack power was extremely limited.
But I did try going into the forest once since I wouldn't take any damage.

---

Was that a Red Balloon?
When I struck it with my bare hands, I received a shock similar to hitting a can.
Even after 30 minutes of whaling on it, the monster wasn't getting any closer to dying.
I had enough and left the forest.
Basically, I couldn't fight any monsters beyond what was found in this grassland.

---

By the way, after two weeks I was now at level 4.
Though I don't know how much those other bastard heroes have leveled.
The Red Balloon was still relentlessly biting my arm, trying to sever it.
Had it already been a week since I went into the forest?
Maybe I should give it another shot.
BANG!*

"Hah..."

Nope. My attack power was still too low.
Since I couldn't deal any damage, I couldn't defeat any monsters.
And since I couldn't defeat anything, I received 0 experience points.
And with 0 experience points, I couldn't raise my attack power.
What a detestable loop.

---

From the tavern, I was walking through a back alleyway which led into the meadows.
However, today was a tad different compared to all the other days up until now.

"Looks like you're facing quite a predicament."
"?"

A strange man wearing a tailcoat and a hat, which looks to be made of silk, stopped me.
This eccentric gentleman was wearing - how should I say this? - a pair of super obese sunglasses.
He really is a weird guy.
He left the impression that deviated away from the medieval theme.
It's best to simply ignore him.

"'I don't have enough manpower.'"

Bull's eye!
A direct hit right into my weak spot.

"'I can't defeat any monsters.'"

He was the type that continued making unwanted conversations.

"If that's the case, then I have something just for you, kind sir."
"And here's where you're gonna advertise some companionship service to me, right?"

I don't have the time or luxury to babysit some loser who's only after my money.

"Companion? No no, I'm not providing such an inconvenient substitute."
"Huh... Then what are you providing?"

That man swiftly came closer and asked.

"Are you interested?"
"Don't get too close to me! It's disgusting."
"Fu fu fu, I like the look in your eyes. Good, I'll tell you!"

The weird gentleman teasingly shouted while waving his cane.

"A slave, of course."
"A slave?"
"Yes, a slave."
So slave trade exists in this world. Wow.

"Why would I want a slave?"
"In order to have a person who's both competent and loyal."

Twitch...

"We cast a curse that will castigate the slave to death should they ever betray you."
"Huh..."

Very interesting.
Die for disobedience. Someone who wouldn't foolishly think about taking advantage of me was exactly what I needed.
I had low attack power, so I wanted party members. But they were all disloyal money mongers.
Therefore, I couldn't afford to keep them around.
But slaves will never betray you. Because betrayal means death.