It felt like an hour of sitting in the field. You would think they would have done something other than reading a book, but that was all they did during that time, as Frisk was getting much of the information they had learned so far.
It seems that they were summoned to a whole different world, a whole unfamiliar world that they would never believe. Frisk would never believe that once in their life they would end up in a different world. The fact that they truly believe that they are in another world thanks to a certain route that makes them believe there are other worlds out there. But that also means that Frisk is stuck in the world they were summoned to without calling anyone from their world to help.
Frisk tried to see if their phone could still reach someone, and Naofumi was surprised that they had a phone on them. Frisk was in pure disbelief that Naofumi did not have his phone when he was summoned. The fact that he just happened to walk to a library in the morning, with no phone in case something happened. Naofumi did seem embarrassed of the fact he just left his phone behind.
But it wouldn't matter anyway because the moment Frisk tried calling one of their friends their phone sounded like garbage noises. It happened for a few seconds until it stopped. They try other contacts but it would all be garbage noises. So having a phone doesn't seem like a good option anymore.
They quickly went back to the topic they were discussing.
Frisk: "To think that we would ever be in a situation like this."
Naofumi: "Yeah, sounds like an isekai topic, many otakus would have killed to be in my place right now! And the fact that I'm one of the legendary heroes who would save the world from the Waves of Calamity."
That was the reason they were summoned, a mysterious phenomenon that is said to destroy the whole world by making waves appear in different places. It is said to bring monsters to invalid homes and wreck and destroy everything in its path, ensuring that everyone and everything will be in ruins. It was unknown when these waves started to appear but it was so threatening that the people of the world could not let it do its disastrous nature. To come back the waves, they summon four holy heroes to fight the waves to give the world a chance of survival.
Naofumi: "Apparently, I have a dire responsibility, I have to fight these waves to ensure the survival of the residents of this world. But, if I need to know when the next wave will appear I would need to register for a Dragon Hourglass."
Ancient devices that can tell the time of when the waves will appear, the Dragon Hourglass can be used to tell when the next wave will occur as well as having abilities that people and heroes of this world can use. They can teleport the heroes and their party to where the waves would appear to ensure that destruction would be less damaging if the heroes take care of the boss monster first to stop a wave.
It also turns out that levels can be limited for non-heroes as once they reach level 40 they cannot level up more. There is a way to get more levels, the hourglass can be used to remove the level limit so that people can get even stronger. Just hearing about levels completely shocks Frisk as they wonder if they, being in this new world, have their LOVE limit as they know the max is 20 be removed. They shivered as they were glad to find out that Naofumi and Frisk came from different versions of Earth.
They figure that out when Naofumi decides to take a break, he asks questions that he thought they would agree on. That led to more questions as each question gave two different answers. Frisk knew about them controlling the timeline but never thought there would be different parallels on the same planet. It makes them wonder if those resets had truly reset the whole world or not.
Still, they were glad that Naofumi didn't have to experience the Level of Violence or would feel distancing himself away from future allies. It would be bad for the world if they had two genociders that would willingly kill everyone. But would that be the same for Frisk, would they be able to keep on sparring on individuals that are completely different from monsters back home? They are afraid that this time there would be no turning back if they ever reach LOVE 20.
Fortunately for Frisk, another topic seems to overcome their thoughts of LOVE.
Frisk: "Four legendary heroes, a sword, bow, spear and shield. Four heroes summoned to save the world."
From what Frisk could understand from Naofumi's reading, the Sword Hero is said to be active and powerful. Frisk could understand the value of a sword as they can make a sword out of their determination. If Frisk was being honest, they were surprised that they didn't get a sword like the legendary shield. Maybe someone else has the legendary sword, if that was the case then why Frisk was here in the first place?
The Spear Hero is said to value and protect their friends, Frisk could see Undyne as the Spear Hero as far as they know she is the only person who uses spears as weapons. Plus she does value her friends and is determined like them, but (thankfully) not like their SOUL. Now that they think about it, maybe Undyne has been summoned to this world too. The chances were slim but then again who knows for sure.
The Bow Hero is said that they would never tolerate injustice, just thinking of the word makes Frisk wonder if maybe, just maybe Clover's disappearance would be a plot twist just to be summoned as the Bow Hero. Clover does process the SOUL of Justice, and they try to bring justice to their friends when they see the missing poster. Still, it would be a miracle to see that Clover is alright. Plus Clover can make a bow out of their justice in case their gun was unavailable to them.
Lastly the Shield Hero, nothing, Naofumi told Frisk the moment he got to the Shield Hero it was all blank, he couldn't find anything about the shield. Naofumi theorized that he was meant to fill the role of the Shield Hero. It makes sense, Naofumi is here right now with the legendary shield. But if he was being honest he wondered if the Shield Hero is more than just protecting, Naofumi knew it meant more but he wasn't sure what it meant.
Frisk took the time to think about it, looking at Naofumi's shield they couldn't help but be reminded of Fred. The SOUL of Kindness, they've used a frying pan not only as a weapon but also as a shield. Just seeing the green gem makes Frisk wonder if Naofumi's role was to show kindness to everyone he faces as well protecting them as their shield.
Frisk: "Well, if you want my option, I can say that being the Shield Hero is to ensure no one would be in mortal peril, to give kindness to everyone who would someday be important to you. To let them know that no matter what you would always be their shield to protect."
That seemed to bring a small smile to Naofumi as he took a look at his shield, he couldn't help but feel grim after learning what he could about the legendary shield. Even if the words he heard from Frisk had been encouraging, he still couldn't help but see the huge flaw of his weapon.
Naofumi: "You believe I can save not only the world, but the people too with this shield despite me having a low attack power."
Without him realizing it, Frisk stood up as the balloon jumped to their shoulder, they placed a hand on Naofumi's shoulder. Naofumi was wondering if Frisk was comforting him.
Frisk: "Naofumi, just because you're the Shield Hero doesn't mean you are attackless. Tell me, was there even a shield that couldn't do much damage? Does your world have an inspiring person who wields a shield that not only defends but attacks as well?"
Naofumi looked off guard at Frisk's question, but he looked back only to remember that he does know someone, well someone who is fictional. But if he was being honest, that fictional character was so badass that even if his weapon is a shield he can still be the strongest person in the world. Now Naofumi was feeling more determined than ever.
Naofumi: "You're right Frisk! There is an inspiring person from my world. If he can be the strongest hero in that fictional world... A fictional world that could actually exist! Then who says I couldn't be the same? Sure I have limits but that won't fully stop me from reaching my potential!"
Frisk sighed in relief seeing the grim expression that was on Naofumi's face was gone as a determined look was shown.
Frisk: "I'm glad you no longer look down. Honestly, I wish the same could be said to me, I don't have a sword, spear, or bow, yet I was brought here. What is my purpose here? Was I meant to be here at all?"
Now Frisk has the grim expression that was on Naofumi's face, they did not know why they were brought here. Was there even a goal for them to be there other than just being a person who was caught in this situation? Naofumi saw this and decided to help Frisk as it would be nice for him to let them.
Naofumi: "Frisk, if I am being honest with myself. I doubt I would survive in this world even if I have a high defense stat. Maybe you were brought here to help me to ensure the survival of this world. Who knows, maybe we can get a reward for our efforts to fight the waves. Maybe even finding a way home. If I am honest, I would miss my family, I bet you feel the same too."
Frisk couldn't help but think about the friends and family they made back home. As much as he wanted to go home, they knew that there was nothing they could do. They focus on what Naofumi said as they know he was right, maybe they are here to help the Shield Hero. Maybe give the world more of a chance to be saved. Soon their expression was replaced with a determined one.
Frisk: "Thanks, Naofumi. I think I needed to hear that. It's just I've never been that far away from everyone before."
Naofumi: "I understand, Frisk. I have never been that far from my own family before. But honestly, it's good to have someone to let you know it will be okay. That's what you did for me, and I wanted to return the favor. We could be a party, we can have each other's backs, we can be strong together."
Frisk smiled at Naofumi's kindness, until they heard the last part, as much as they knew it was important to be strong, but the memories of... What they cause still lingers, even if it has been years since...
Frisk: "Y-Yeah! You're right, we are weak right now. But we can grow strong. It's just... I spare any monsters I come across. I am worried if that will affect our soon-to-be adventure."
Naofumi wasn't sure why Frisk felt that way but at the same time, he was unsure what to say.
Naofumi: "Well, if it's like the balloons you befriended. Then maybe we won't have trouble fighting them. But... I'm not sure if you ever encounter a monster who is not spareable, but if things come to that... Then we have to kill them."
As much Naofumi can somewhat understand that Frisk was not much of a level grinder, it would also mean that they are limiting themselves from getting stronger. Naofumi needs to level up to ensure that he can be strong enough to protect and defend the world and its people. But for Frisk, it is like asking them to end the world and its people.
Frisk didn't like the sound of that, they believed that every monster could be spared. They just haven't meant the rest of the monsters in this world. Frisk would be in for a surprise once they encounter more dangerous monsters of this new world. Naofumi sees the expression on Frisk's face as he decides to change the topic back.
Naofumi: "Anyway, I think there's more information about this world that I haven't read to you. Should we continue?"
Frisk could see what Naofumi was doing, and honestly, they could understand why Naofumi was changing the topic. At least it was something else than thinking about killing the monsters. Frisk noticed that the sky was beginning to turn orange as it seemed the sun was beginning to set. Frisk realized that they didn't know what time it was as it could possibly be 4 pm or 6 pm. They did not know if this world had daylight saving time.
Frisk: "I think we should move. At least find somewhere that is safe."
Naofumi seems to be thinking the same, he too noticed the sky color slowly changing. They never realized that they missed lunch, they only noticed it once they heard Frisk's stomach grumbling. Frisk's response was blush on their face with Naofumi letting out a chuckle.
Naofumi: "Unless you somehow brought food to this world I think we have to hunt food. I would be surprised if there are animals that are similar to our worlds."
Frisk: "Then it's a good thing I brought products with me before this happened."
They said as they took out a grocery bag, Naofumi was surprised that Frisk had actual food. But he noticed it was food that he was not familiar with. Frisk, noticing this began to talk.
Frisk: "You know what they say? "It's good to try new things once in a while." I'm sure you'll enjoy what we Americans have to offer."
It seems to work as Naofumi gives in, and Frisk gives him food that he has never eaten before. They ate while they were walking somewhere in this unfamiliar world. The two of them wonder if they'll ever find society or at least someone.
They soon find a road and after a minute of discussion, they would travel on the right side. Honestly, it wouldn't matter since any side would just be more walking. During that time Naofumi enjoyed the food that Frisk had, even if some of the food looked weird, he enjoyed it nevertheless. The sky was now full of orange.
Naofumi: "Do you think we'll find a town, maybe a village?"
Frisk: "At least one of them. Or else we would have to sleep outdoors tonight."
Naofumi: "Hopefully, it won't be that cold at night."
The moment Naofumi said that he got a notification that said the Foresight Shield had been mastered. His excitement was shown as he immediately switched to the Book Shield as it was the only other shield he unlocked. Naofumi wonders just how many shields he can unlock just by absorbing anything.
Naofumi: "Wait a minute... Hey Frisk, could I have some pieces of those foods?"
Frisk looked confused at Naofumi's request until they saw the new form of his shield. They immediately understood what he wanted as they gave him food pieces and Naofumi wasted no time absorbing those pieces. He even absorbed the empty boxes and wrappers.
Small Box Shield: equip bonus: +2 defense
Wrapper Shield: equip bonus: +1 defense
Food Shield: equip bonus: food quality up (low)
Trash Shield: equip bonus: garbage disposal
Naofumi was a bit surprised that the things he absorbed were able to unlock new forms of shields. But he notices how the stats of those shields are very weak as it seems the book shields are his strongest so far. Well to magic and defense but Naofumi hasn't learned any magic yet.
Frisk: "Unlock anything new?"
Naofumi: "Yes, but I doubt these new forms would help. Hmm... Could I absorb your messenger bag?"
The fact that Frisk had a leather bag with them to put away more items, they thanked Clover and Batty for telling them the information. Without any hesitation, Frisk handed their bag to Naofumi as they weren't too concerned about what they had inside. All they had was a pencil, a notebook, their phone, the device that was used to change their SOUL to the Justice SOUL, keys, money, and an extra pair of... Clothes...
Frisk: "Wait... I DID HAVE WEAPONS!"
How could Frisk forget that they used the Torn Notebook and the device as weapons? Before they could say anything, Naofumi already absorbed their bag in the shield.
Storage Shield: equip bonus: +1 attack
Equip effect: inventory
Leather Shield: equip bonus: armor damage reduced (low)
Phone Shield: equip bonus: +3 defense, time clock
Notebook Shield: equip bonus: +2 attack, +6 invulnerable
Equip effect: notebook
Device Shield: equip bonus: +4 defense, +2 dexterity
Equip effect: mini screen
Copper Shield: equip bonus: +1 defense, +1 magic defense, appraisal skill I, item drop increase (small)
Gold Shield: equip bonus: +3 defense, +3 magic defense, appraisal skill III, item drop increase (small)
Currency Shield II: equip bonus: +2 attack, money storage
If Naofumi could have been more amazed then he can be amazed as many times as he wants. He was surprised that some of the new shield forms could give him additional points for his attack. But he also noticed that the Device Shield as well as a few other unseen shield forms were not fully unlocked for him as it seems he needs to be at a higher level to unlock it.
Frisk: "Hey Naofumi, can I have my bag back?"
Naofumi snapped out of his thoughts as he saw Frisk waiting patiently for their bag, he quickly gave Frisk their bag back. Naofumi watches as Frisk takes out a notebook as it looks like they'll be holding onto it for a while. Naofumi could understand if the notebook gave them some attack power. As much as Naofumi wants to master the Book Shield he was not passing the opportunity to get additional points to his attack stat. So he switched to the Notebook Shield.
Frisk: "Guess it seems the notebook did give Naofumi some attack power."
After walking for ten minutes, they were able to reach a location, or in their view a town with a huge castle. Frisk and Naofumi looked very relieved to find civilization as they walked to the entrance. They saw two guards who were wearing armor guarding the entrance. However, it seems that they weren't paying attention to the two of them as it looked like they were very bored and sleepy. So they walk in with no trouble at all.
Naofumi: "Some security they have. Then again those... Knights? Weren't very focused on our arrival."
Frisk: "Though I feel bad for just walking in. Plus we don't know what we walk into, I mean look at their clothes."
Naofumi understood what Frisk meant because the clothes they were wearing were not similar to the citizens. The clothing they saw on the people looked a bit old-fashioned and a bit of the past. Naofumi theorized that the timeline here was centuries back before the current modern day. Frisk agreed as they assumed that this town might have a Dragon Hourglass.
Naofumi: "Do you think we should find a place to get this world's version of clothes so we don't stand out much? I can already see people taking glances at us."
Naofumi wasn't kidding, one or two people were looking at both of them as if they were foreigners.
Frisk: "Yes, but where should we go? I doubt we'll be able to understand the words here. And the fact that you have a translator, so you can pretty much understand anybody here."
They said as they looked at a sign that said... Whatever strange words it was showing. It was difficult that they couldn't understand what the people were saying and they didn't understand a single word.
Thankfully for both of them, after a few minutes of wandering around the town. They seem to find a place where they believe they can buy weapons. At least that's what Naofumi assumes, still, they went inside hoping to at least get something. Then again why else would there be a wooden sign with a sword on it?
Frisk would only hope that the gold they brought with them would be acceptable. They realize that they don't know the currency of this world. If not, then they are nearly broke with only a copper piece.
What they saw inside amazed them, weapons on display, swords, spears, bows, and even shields. A few armor, some full metal, and something with chains. But they noticed that nobody was there.
Naofumi: "Umm... Hello?"
"Hold on a second! I'm organizing a few things!"
A male voice called out from the back as the two otherworlders decided to wait at the counter. Naofumi was focused on looking at the strong-looking shield on the walls while Frisk was focusing on how they would manage their money problem. After a few seconds, a middle-aged man walked out, he was well-built with scars, a shaved head, and an amazing beard. He wears a white shirt underneath beige overalls, brown pants, and black gloves.
"Welcome! How can I help you this evening?"
He spoke with a cheerful tone with a nice expression, but the moment he laid eyes on them he was surprised by their clothing. But unlike the people who took glances, he was amazed by their clothes.
"Oh. You two must be foreigners."
Naofumi decided that he should do the talking as he doubted the man would understand Frisk. Frisk just decided to be silent as they showed a wave to the man, which he waved back.
Naofumi: "Hello. Yes, we are foreigners. We came from a faraway place. We just happened to wander in this country as we did not know where we would end up."
The man seems to be a bit suspicious of Naofumi's statement. Frisk thought that they would have a better explanation of that but then again how would you tell someone that they are from another world? As well having not much information about the world's civilization.
"A faraway place huh? Judging by your clothes... I'm guessing you two must be from that isolated country... Faubrey was it?"
Naofumi did not know how to respond to what he heard, but figured since this man seemed nice Naofumi was sure he would understand their situation.
Naofumi: "Actually we are from another world. You see, I was summoned as the Shield Hero."
He demonstrates as his shield transforms from the Notebook Shield to the Small Shield. The man's suspicion was immediately replaced with a mix of surprise and shock. He eyed the legendary shield on Naofumi's hands.
"You mean...! You're one of the heroes!? The four legendary heroes that were summoned today at the castle?"
Naofumi was surprised when he heard that, he felt a bit of pride in being acknowledged as one of the heroes. But then he realized what the man said.
Naofumi: "Wait, summoned at the castle?"
"You mean, you weren't summoned to the castle along with the other heroes?"
The bald man was looking very confused as Naofumi spoke as he was even more confused.
Naofumi: "No, I—I mean we appear outside of this town."
Frisk wasn't sure what the man was saying but hearing Naofumi they assumed it was about the summon. Then again they were not understanding a word the man was saying.
"Huh, guess the summoning might have messed up. Then again, the rumors didn't say that the Shield Hero was present. Although it might be because... Anyways, since you are new here and pretty much out of place, I can tell you that this is the Castle Town, and where you are currently in Melromarc."
At first, Naofumi was confused about what the man said about the summoning until he heard the name of the country.
Naofumi: "Melromarc?"
"Yep, one of the counties that you both have been summoned to. A human supremacy country, you could barely see demi-humans or beastman here."
Naofumi: "Demi-humans? Beastman?"
Frisk's expression was a surprise as they heard the words Naofumi said. If Frisk heard what they heard from Alphys was correct then the demi-humans are the human version of monsters. And the beastman is possibly the monster they know of from their world.
"Seems you don't know that much, huh, kid?"
Naofumi: "Well, we just showed up here. And as much as we want to hear the history of the world I doubt we will be able to have time as the sun is going down. And this is one of the places we could have entered."
"Ha! You are a clever one aren't you?"
Naofumi did not know if that was sincere or sarcastic. But shrug it off anyway.
"Well, with what remaining time I have left before closing the shop, I'm guessing you both are here to buy equipment."
Naofumi nodded as Frisk decided to tell Naofumi about their money situation. Naofumi was very worried about it, even if he was in shock that Frisk was loaded, it wouldn't matter if the gold Frisk brought with them was acceptable in this world. So Naofumi decided to ask the man in hopes that the gold was acceptable.
Naofumi: "Hey, since we are not sure of the currency of this world. So we were wondering if this is acceptable."
Frisk held a gold piece up for the man to see, what they saw was a surprise to them.
"My goodness! Yes, gold is acceptable here. As for your question, the money here is copper, silver, and gold. 100 copper equals a silver piece while 100 silver is equal to a gold piece. I'm very surprised your friend here has money."
Naofumi: "Well, apparently my friend Frisk here came from a different version of my world. He had gold with him when he was summoned here along with me."
Hearing Naofumi's words they give the man a peace sign. But did give Naofumi a look of what they said about their gender. It wasn't insulting or anything, it was surprising.
"I see. Well, feel free to look around. Unless you both would like me to recommend you some good equipment."
Naofumi chose for the man to recommend them as if he was being honest he was still new to things so maybe having someone to offer them good gear would be best. So after Naofumi asks for the recommendation the man offers Naofumi the suit with chains.
"Well, since you are in level 1 then I recommend this to you. This is a chainmail, it can give you a good defense stat as well as a small resistance to slice attacks. I'll sell it for 120 silver pieces since you are a hero, but in case you want better armor you can sell it back for 100 silver."
A suit full of chains, it even makes a small rattle when Naofumi touches it. Naofumi even saw the effects the man said about the suit. Plus Naofumi did not understand why the price was that way, it was the same when buying and selling things in video games. It cost more than what it was selling for. Plus it seems it is the best option to get the chainmail as Naofumi wants to save money.
Naofumi: "Well, I guess I can purchase this. Which means... Hey, do you have any armor that will fit Frisk? From the looks of it the rest of the armors..."
Frisk can understand what Naofumi meant. The armor that was on display didn't seem to fit them.
"Ah, I see what you mean kid. Hold on, let me check something."
The man went into the back of the shop as once again the two waited. Frisk took the time to ask Naofumi about what he knows so far.
Frisk: "So?"
Naofumi: "Seems like we were meant to be summoned at the castle. Which means the other heroes are definitely at the castle."
Frisk: "So what's the plan after we buy our gear?"
Naofumi thought about it for a moment. But before he could answer the man came back.
"I found something for your friend here. Here, I believe these will fit you."
The man handed Frisk clothing that seemed to look cheap. A black cloak with simple black and grey clothes, a bit of leather armor, and leather shoes.
"I had these in storage in case someone else was small for the armor. It doesn't cost much as it is pretty much at clearance. Let's say... About 5 copper pieces."
Frisk inspected the clothing, they somewhat liked it but at the same time, it wasn't the color they were hoping for. Then again would the kind man have blue clothing?
Frisk: "I'll take it."
"...Umm..."
The man was very confused by what Frisk said as if all he heard was gibberish.
Naofumi: "He said he'll take it. Sorry, I forgot to mention that he isn't a holy hero like me. He is someone who got caught in the summoning so he isn't used to this world's language."
"Ah, that would explain the strange words that I heard."
Frisk blushed in embarrassment as they forgot that their language was not the same.
"Would you both like to buy weapons as well?"
That seemed to interest Naofumi but that quickly died down. The reason is that before leaving the field they were in, Naofumi found out about the legendary shield's limitations. Like not being able to use another weapon unless it was a shield. Although...
Naofumi: "Maybe an easy sword for Frisk. A good size as well as the right weight for him to lift."
"Ah, a simple sword. Got loads of them here. I'll let your friend pick up the one he wants."
The man went and placed simple swords one by one at the counter. Frisk was amazed at the swords as they looked at what sword they could have. Iron sword, wooden sword, strange sword design, even a magic sword.
Frisk: "This one."
Frisk picks up a magic sword, a light metal blade that seems to have magic energy surrounding the sword.
"Oh? The magic sword? Interesting choice, that sword can hold magic energy as you can unleash magical attacks. You can even use magic to make the blade powerful and sharper. It even has blood clean which can clean off the blood, which prevents the blade from getting rusty."
Naofumi translated the words to Frisk as they understood.
Naofumi: "So how much is the sword?"
"Well, I can say about 500 silver pieces. But since your friend here is your companion I can lower the price to 400. Does that work for you?"
Naofumi translated the price to Frisk as they thought. The magic sword does seem strong as to how it works. Plus the quality seems very high, they look at the man as they give a nod. Indicating that they are fine with the price.
"Perfect! The total is 520 silvers and 5 copper."
After quickly telling Frisk of the world's currency they give the man 6 gold pieces. The man then gave Frisk their change which was 79 silver pieces and 95 copper pieces. Naofumi took the time to put on the chainmail as Frisk did the same to their clothes after Naofumi finished changing. The two put their original clothes in the shield for safekeeping.
"Pleasure doing business with you both. Come back if you need more equipment."
Naofumi: "Thank you, sir. Oh, wait, what is your name?"
The man gave Naofumi a nice smile as he said with a gentle tone.
Erhard: "The name's Erhard. What about you Shield Boy?"
Naofumi: "Heh. Naofumi Iwatani."
The man's smile went from being kind to a very serious look. It got Naofumi's attention as he was about to walk to the door with Frisk.
Erhard: "Kid, if you want to survive in this country. Then don't reveal to anyone that you're the Shield Hero. Believe me, it would be best for you and your friend if no one knows who you are. If you want to learn more then come by tomorrow. I'll explain why."
Naofumi looked very conflicted and confused, but seeing that Frisk was already out the door made Naofumi look at Erhard with a look that said that he would come back as he too left the shop.
Meanwhile, Erhard sighs as he looks at the shields he made as he rubs his head. He was very worried about the two young lads that just left.
Erhard: "Hopefully no one will know that the Shield Hero is actually here. Or else it would be difficult for both of them."
Back to Naofumi, he and Frisk continue walking down the streets, now in clothing that not many would look at them with suspicion. Naofumi couldn't help but recall what Erhard said, he quickly switched the shield back to its notebook form. Naofumi questions if Melromarc has some kind of conflict with the Shield Hero. He hadn't done anything yet, but it seemed that there was something bigger going on.
Frisk: "Oh, we should have asked the guy if there was an inn nearby. I doubt anyone would let us in the castle at this time."
Naofumi snapped out of his thoughts as he realized that they were still lost out there. He saw the sky was beginning to turn to night. As much as Naofumi wanted to go back to the shop, he guessed that Erhard would have already closed the shop as it did not seem that busy when they first entered.
Naofumi: "Well, I could ask around. Maybe someone can lead us in the right direction."
After a few minutes of Naofumi asking a few people, they arrive at a building where it was said to be an inn. The building and structure looked nice as they entered inside. They can see people eating, talking, or even drinking.
Frisk: "I wonder what kind of food this world makes."
Naofumi: "We'll find out once we get a table."
Once Naofumi talked to a waitress as she showed them to a table, he ordered food for both of them. Since he didn't know what to expect he asked for the cheapest meal. The meal was served as a plate of vegetables and meat and a kid's meal. The cost was 8 copper pieces.
Frisk: "I'll take the kid's meal. I doubt you'll be able to handle the embarrassment of eating that."
Naofumi agreed with it as he did enjoy eating vegetables. But felt a bit bad for Frisk for eating a kid's meal when they seem like a teenager. But after seeing Frisk eating a few bits, the guilt disappeared as Frisk was enjoying their meal.
After eating, the two of them decided to rent a room for the night which cost a silver piece. Once they entered their room, they felt unsafe, especially Frisk.
Frisk: "There is no lock. And I doubt this place has much security. Then again, maybe the inn has a special kind of magic that protects our stuff from being robbed."
Naofumi couldn't agree more, still, they have already rented the room, so they might as well use it.
Naofumi: "We can just put away our stuff in my shield before going to bed. Hmm... Want to hear more from the book before calling it a night?"
Frisk: "Yeah, I need to learn more before the next day. Plus... I think you had something in your mind that I don't know yet."
Naofumi sighs, he begins to explain what he hears but says it in a whisper. He didn't want anyone to overhear their conversation. After he finished explaining he went back to reading the book. This time he was more cautious and spoke quietly.
Frisk couldn't help but feel worried for their friend. They hope the book has information on why Erhard thinks that Naofumi isn't safe in Melromarc. It must be more than just being the Shield Hero, right?