The sky was once again slowly changing from blue to orange, and people in the streets slowly died down as Naofumi and Frisk headed towards a circus tent. Their expressions still darkened as they could not help but recall the last time the two were there.
It was during the night of the third day when Naofumi and Frisk found the tent, a short man welcomed the two and asked if they were here to buy slaves. Frisk at the time, managed to understand a few sentences of the third day and was able to pick up the word "slaves" as their body went stiff and unleashed a bit of murder intention. Naofumi expressed a horrified, and enraged expression.
If they had paid attention to Chara, they would have seen their face showing a smiling murderous expression. Chara wanted nothing more than to take control of Frisk's body and kill the man in front of them.
The man enjoyed seeing the faces the two were making and smiling at the rage they gave him.
It was like the man found new potential customers as he began to speak with Naofumi, he immediately saw the gem on the Book Shield. He told Naofumi that he had heard rumors of the Shield Hero not being present during the summoning but it seems the Shield Hero was really in Melromarc.
Naofumi began to get nervous as Frisk prepared to protect Naofumi until they could reach a safe point to load back before coming to the tent. But the man told them, which only Naofumi understood at the time, that he was not going to turn in his potential customers. The man even said he had some information that would either benefit or help the Shield Hero as demi-humans look up to him.
Naofumi was not sure if he should trust the man, but it seemed the man had ways to get Naofumi to at least allow him to explain the information. This led them to follow the man in the tent where they saw the very thing that made them enraged in the first place. Demi-humans, beastmen, all in cages, all not in perfect health, some suffering, some looking like they lost all hope.
Naofumi without hesitation lifted the man from the ground as his expression looked even more furious. Frisk immediately grips the handle of the magic sword, looking all ready to gain an increase of LOVE from the short man. But it seemed to encourage the short man as he grinned, not at all affected by the increased rage.
But it seems the man had managed to be spared as he explained what would happen if he were to die. For example, where would all the free slaves go as there were more than 50 slaves in the tent? Naofumi and Frisk would doubt the secret place would hold all the slaves unless they knew another place within Melromarc to hide them.
His family associates with slavery which means the man's family would go after them if they found out who killed him. And that he has contact if they need any specific slaves they want to purchase. He also lists other reasons why they would request his service which cause the two to regrettably hold back any rage or murderous intentions as they ask about what he knew.
The information he had was about a village called Lurolona Village, they had learned about the village from Erhard but not everything as he hadn't been able to learn more about what happened to the survivors. When the short man spoke about the raid that happened, the men, women, and children were captured and sold into slavery. Some were still in Melromarc, while some were in a place called Zeltoble.
Naofumi asked if some of the survivors were currently in the tent but the man said he hadn't got any slaves that were from the destroyed village. But he did ask if they would be willing to pay for him to get the slaves from the nobles then he would. It was like the man was trying to get Naofumi and Frisk to buy or at least consider getting a slave.
The two gave each other a look while giving a glance at Chara, their expression knowing that if they brought slaves then it would make them no better as they are in control of their lives. But they knew it would be better than to let them suffer in cages. So, in the end, they brought slaves that Frisk paid for as they did not mind if it meant helping the slaves. But only a few as they could not hide that many within the tent.
At least until they can find or make a suitable hiding spot.
To their regret and disappointment, they were listed under Naofumi and Frisk as both had to put their blood in for the slave seal to work. A seal traps those to be under the control of whoever owns them, it has restrictions that prevent them from attacking or killing their master. Even to the point of killing them with a painful shock. It can be removed but it seems it would cost extra as they need the remaining money to free more slaves.
Once the ritual of the slave seal was complete Naofumi paid a little extra for the ink as he did not want the man to keep his or Frisk's blood in case some kind of curse magic existed in the world. Which unlocked him into the Slave User Series, which provided maturation and status adjustments for any slaves.
It made Naofumi uneasy as the shields provided his slaves boosts whenever he had slaves in his party.
Naofumi did ask the short man to see if he could get the slaves from Lurolona Village, anyone and whatever number he managed to get and if possible get a list of locations of where the slaves could be. The man smiles creepily at Naofumi as he will do what he asks, he bids the two farewells and knows they will come back for more.
The two knew that they had to hide the slaves in case someone within the capital wanted to buy the slaves they brought. Which was why they had to hide them in the forest. It was difficult to lead the slaves outside the gate but they somehow managed. Naofumi and Frisk were able to treat the pain the slaves endured while providing them proper meals as they were starting to look healthy again.
Frisk knew that they and Naofumi couldn't bear having slaves under their control so they decided with Chara's approval, to go back to the slave tent during the quiet night, and steal an ink bottle that was different from what it was used for. They did it without being spotted while having to load twice after being spotted two times.
Frisk checked the ink bottle as it said "Slave Crest Remover" which got Frisk to be happy for the first time since buying the slaves. They immediately went back to the hiding spot, woke Naofumi up, and got him to absorb the ink. At first, Naofumi was already asleep, but when he saw the ink unlocking the Freedom Shield, all the tiredness he had went away in an instant.
So when the morning came, all the slaves were free from the slave seal. The former slaves were very happy for their god that came to save them and freed them from slavery. They even thanked Frisk only because they were with the Shield Hero. That just shows just how much they hated humans. But Frisk understands as the monsters back home hated their kind ever since their imprisonment and other events that led to the point of the barrier breaking.
The former slaves were hidden until the Siltvelt envoy showed up and revealed a hiding place to hide the slaves. Thanks to now knowing a safe place, they planned today to free more slaves and hide them in the place they were just at. They just hoped the small man had managed to get the slaves from the destroyed village, the more demi-humans and beastmen being free from slavery the better.
Frisk could still remember all the demi-humans and beastmen stuck in cages, all hadn't been eaten properly, taken care of, or had missing parts of their bodies. Naofumi could remember the slave trader's welcoming expression as the two were greeted by said man. "Speaking of the devil."
"Welcome back, Shield Hero and his associate. I knew you both would come back for my services."
Frisk scoffed while Naofumi immediately got to the point.
Naofumi: "Have you got what I requested?"
The short man once again smiles creepily as he lets the two enter the tent once again. As if the place hadn't gotten a shortage of slaves, unseen slaves were shown in cages where the previous slaves were before being brought.
It makes the two wonder just how many slaves the bastard had under his control.
"I must say, Sir Shield Hero, it was difficult to get what you requested. I had to explain to a few nobles that someone was willing to buy their slaves without saying it was you. It was a bit hard, but I only managed to get three slaves from the village I mentioned."
He guides them to a cage with a tarp as he removes the tarp revealing three demi-human children.
One looked very sick and broken resembled a raccoon, one with the eyes of pain and hate that resembled a dog, and the last one was directly on the verge of death, holding on to what strength she had left that resembled a weasel. Naofumi and Frisk saw demi-human children having bruises, but the three children had more than bruises, recent scars, and thin bodies, it pained them to see how much suffering they endured.
Chara: "Frisk... Save the girl!"
Chara asked as if they knew that kind of demi-human, they even said in a plea. Frisk without hesitation demands for the short man to open the cage and ask Naofumi for the strongest medicine he has which Naofumi wastes no time in giving Frisk a few. They enter the cage and immediately try to save the pink-haired demi-human.
The black and white-haired boy became defensive as he used his body to protect the dying girl, but Frisk was able to convince the boy as they showed the medicine as well and swore they wouldn't do anything to her. They understood the boy's actions, they too would have done the same if it meant dying to protect someone.
While Frisk was feeding the medicine to the dying girl, Naofumi turned to look at the short man, who smiled as if he knew Naofumi had more to say.
Naofumi: "Who did you get them from!"
He asked with coldness as he wanted nothing more than to find and kill the person who did that much damage to children. Frisk listened in and wanted to know too with the feeling of wanting to hurt and bring pain within them. The short man spoke without any hint of hesitation.
"I must warn you, the man is a noble, he is more wealthy than the rest of the nobles, he has his territory, a veteran in the previous war, his name is Idol Rabier. From what I was able to see from these demi-humans, it seems he's the cruelest of torturing his slaves."
It caused them, even Chara, to hate the name, even more when they saw two of the children either shiver, whimper, or sneer at the name. Chara expresses their hatred of the man they have never met.
Chara: "If that piece of scum has more of the children, and the survivors, then they'll all be in the condition that those three are in... Is she going to be alright?"
Frisk was carefully giving the dying girl medicine as it was able to keep her away from death. The girl seems like she is slowly recovering but shows signs of having her life back. The girl slowly looks at Frisk with hope returning in her eyes.
"You... You save me... Who... Who are you...?"
Her voice sounded weak, but her strength was slowly coming back. The two children watched as they couldn't contain their tears, both of them were glad their friend was slowly getting better. Frisk made sure the girl was healed enough for a conversation, when it seemed like she'd be able to speak, they spoke.
Frisk: "Frisk Dreemurr, you can say I am just a human with a special SOUL."
The moment they said that the girl's eyes widened, her red eyes glowed only a bit as if they were sensing something within Frisk. Frisk would have assumed the girl would have a SOUL like theirs but they haven't felt any determination or any magic within her soul. The moment they saw what they said, her eyes overflowed with tears.
"You're... The one... With determination, who fought alongside... The Shield Hero! ...Like the stories said! ...The red heart!"
She used a bit of her strength to look where Naofumi was as she saw the shield on his arm. Even more tears flowed out of her eyes.
She gathered the willpower to make a smile that seemed like it had not been seen in weeks. Frisk was in complete surprise as they didn't know that anyone else knew about the determination. Unless that meant something else as they do know Chara once lived in these lands.
What Frisk didn't notice was that the other two children watched as their friend, who was once on the verge of death, now looked a bit better. Both had tears as they thought after what that twisted man had done to them, their friend wouldn't be able to survive.
"You saved her... You save Rifana! Thank you!"
The black and white-haired child looked on as he carried the brown-haired child to their friend as the girl whose name is Rifana turned to see the other two. Frisk finally notices them as they give them similar medicine. They made sure to let them know that they weren't like other humans.
Rifana: "Raphtalia... Keel... It's them... The ones from the story... The Determined Human! And the Shield Hero!"
The three look back and forth to Naofumi and Frisk as their expressions lighten, but one of them, Keel, is still skeptical. But since Frisk saved Rifana, Keel was willing to believe her. Frisk was confused by what Rifana called them but Chara had something else to say.
Chara: "...It makes sense that... Rifana said that. Her race is called Uhnte Jimma, or for short, weasel demi-humans that have powerful souls, not the exact SOULs we process but more powerful than normal souls. The power to see your SOUL, and from what I have been able to recall they can temporarily be a spirit after dying."
Frisk was amazed by the ability that Chara said the girl they saved processed, even when they decided to check her stats.
* Rifana 0 ATK 0 DEF
* This demi-human can see your SOUL, even when you are not in battle.
"Is that... What my parents meant by... Seeing souls?"
Chara: "...Wait, she can see me!?"
Chara floated next to Naofumi, then around within the range they were limited to, they never let their eyes off of Rifana as she watched Chara float around. Rifana couldn't help but whisper something to Frisk.
Rifana: "Is she... The angel that said will come back... After death? The one that said will either... Free us all from the disaster that destroyed our home... Or will kill everyone within the world rather than let us suffer from the disaster."
The moment she said that Frisk immediately remembered the prophecy of the Delta Rune they heard in the Underground that said something similar about either Asriel or Chara. They now wonder if what Rifiana said would be about Chara.
Frisk watched as Chara whispered something to Naofumi as he spoke with the short man.
Naofumi: "How much are the three children? And what can you tell me about their conditions?"
"Well, the raccoon demi-human is suffering from a cold, as well as having nightmares. The dog demi-human has a bit of a reaction when being touched, even berserk to the point where you have to use the slave crest to calm them down. As for the weasel demi-human, as you saw she was on the verge of death until your friend managed to get her better just by using simple potions. I'll say... 90 silvers."
Naofumi quickly thought of what he heard about the three children and the price. The girl, Raphtalia, has a cold that will be cured but will have a difficult time helping with her nightmares. The boy, Keel, reminds him of a dog who was treated so badly it became what the abuser made it to be, so it'll be hard to heal him. As for Rifana, he was sure that thanks to Frisk, who he didn't blame at all, healing her had increased the cost she would have been due to her condition.
Still, if he and Frisk manage to heal the children from what they endured then who cares how much money would be spent? Well, they do need more to free more but Naofumi knows what he is thinking of.
Naofumi: "We'll take them. As well as a few others like before. How much do they cost?"
While Naofumi was speaking, Frisk helped the children out of their cages while one of the men who worked with the short man was setting up the slave ritual. Frisk whispers to the three children that they aren't like their previous owners and ensures they won't stay as slaves once they are away from the tent. The children looked scared, but hearing Frisk's comforting words had them steady for the ritual.
Soon the slaves were registered under Frisk while Naofumi got four more slaves registered to him. After paying, they exited the tent, freed the slaves, quickly made their way to the secret hideout, and treated their injuries. On their way there Frisk was carrying Rifana as she wasn't stable enough to stand yet.
Rifana: "Mr. Dreemurr..."
Her voice sounds tired as if she was trying so hard to stay awake, as if she felt like she was still dying.
Frisk: "Yes, Rifana?"
Rifana: "Will you... And the Shield Hero... Be able to save everyone from our village?"
Frisk looked at Naofumi while he was carrying Raphtalia and Keel, Naofumi gave Frisk a look that said he wasn't sure if the both of them were strong enough to sneak into a noble's place. But that did not stop him from showing a determined look that said he was willing to try if it meant saving more children from the man who hurt the three. Frisk turns back as they give a comforting smile.
Frisk: "We'll do whatever it takes to save whoever was taken from your village. Rifana, Raphtalia, Keel, don't you all worry about a thing. Naofumi and I will do whatever it takes to find everyone from your village."
Rifana gives Frisk a small smile as her body goes limp. Frisk checked her pulse as they were relieved that she had just fallen asleep.
Naofumi: "Seems all three of them went to sleep."
Frisk turns to see that Naofumi is right as Raphtalia and Keel, too fell asleep, but Frisk is more concerned since they heard from the short man that Raphtalia suffers from a nightmare. So there was a chance that she'd wake up from a nightmare.
Naofumi: "Frisk, Chara, do you think that we're strong enough to save the other children?"
He asks as he knows there are a few disadvantages, one, for example, Naofumi's low attack power, two is Frisk still on LV 1, three if the two of them may be enough to sneak into a territory that belongs to a noble.
Chara: "Honestly... I don't even know. If that noble is a veteran, then he won't go down that easily. Plus he could have hired guards to ensure no one goes into his estate. Much higher level than yours. There is also the fact that we'll need fast transportation to get there, as well as bringing back whoever is left alive."
The three said nothing as they made their way to the hideout and they dropped off the freed slaves. Frisk took the children to bed while Naofumi made sure that they had enough medicine to heal any lasting effects of bruises and pain. Once that was finished, Naofumi and Frisk met up to discuss what they would have to do.
Naofumi pulls out a map from his shield the two look over the map as they find the territory. He even equipped the Map Shield to ensure they pin the location properly. It is surprisingly close but will take a few hours to get there on foot.
Frisk: "If we do decide to go there, then we'll have to move right away. We could get there by the morning, maybe near the afternoon if we decided to sleep. I wonder if it is possible to rent a carriage with filolials."
Naofumi: "I think there was a rental place near the entrance. But I don't know if they are still open. Couldn't hurt to see since we are going to another place."
Frisk: "Yep, but just in case, make sure you have enough medicine. We don't know how many slaves this bastard has."
Naofumi: "Alright. Hmm... Maybe you can check the rental place to see if they are still open. I'll tell the people here to watch over the demi-humans until we come back. I can meet you at the entrance."
Frisk nodded as the two separated, Naofumi stayed at the hideout to let the demi-humans know what he and Frisk would do. The demi-humans understood and wished their god good luck to free more of their kind from the cruel humans within Melromarc.
Meanwhile, Frisk was able to find the rental place and was glad to see it still open. They went to talk to the man running and after a few minutes, they were able to rent a carriage with a filolial. Frisk could not help but feel fascinated by the filolial as they pet it. The filolial lets out a "gah" as it enjoys being petted. Frisk didn't stop as it petted the filolial as much as it could, for a while, at least until...
Naofumi: "Frisk!"
Frisk: "ACK!"
Frisk froze as they looked at Naofumi who seemed like he just arrived here. Chara just looks at Frisk as if they can relate. While Naofumi himself was amazed to see a filolial up close and could not help but pet it too. Chara was just floating around, pouting at being denied something.
Chara: "I honestly don't blame you, these adorable things deserve to be petted. But alas... I can't pet this beautiful creature!"
Chara cried as they wanted nothing more than to pet a filolial, Frisk immediately snapped back to reality. They turn to Naofumi who stops petting as he turns to Frisk.
Naofumi: "Guess we have transportation, I let Erhard know that we'll be going somewhere further in Melromarc as I wasn't comfortable with letting him know what we're doing."
While he does trust Erhard, he does not want to let him know that they are planning on invading a noble's home. A noble that has high status but not as much as the king of Melromarc.
Frisk: "I see. Well, if there isn't anything else then we should be going. Maybe we'll make a plan along the way."
After double checking in case the two forgot something, the two left the Castle Town to the route where the Rabier Territory is located. The two were amazed by the speed the filolial was doing.
Naofumi: "Hmm... Perhaps we'll be able to get there during the night. Although we will have to give the filolial a rest in case they are tired. And us just in case."
Frisk: "No kidding. Plus, if we do come across monsters along the way, it will be good to level up a bit more just in case. Well for you, but perhaps I'll be able to get... EXP."
They sounded a bit concerned but made sure Naofumi didn't hear their expression as the sun seemed like it was about to disappear. Frisk looked at the road as they could not help but recall the first day they arrived in this world. The path they took was similar but on a different route, they wondered if it was going to be different once they were further on the road.
Chara: "Hey Naofumi, I just realized you took a while to meet us at the gate to the Castle Town. Did something happen?"
Naofumi: "Ah! Not long after Frisk left, one of the demi-humans informed me that Raphtalia woke up from a nightmare. For some reason out of anyone who was there to comfort her, I was able to. However, now I am getting worried because who knows if that was just one of the nightmares she's been having, she could have more during her sleep."
Chara: "...We could turn back, but since we are a bit away from the Castle Town, she'll have to have someone else calm her down. I understand why you felt that way Naofumi, I too have taken care of kids who suffer from nightmares. If you ever need advice, don't hesitate to ask me."
Naofumi: "Thanks Chara."
Then it was pure silence, nobody spoke as everyone was doing their own thing. Naofumi checks his invisible menu, Frisk views their surroundings, and Chara tells Frisk what they can recall.
Frisk: "So, unlike back home, you were able to use the ability to sense other SOUL users around?"
Chara: "Yep, I tried to see if there was a chance that someone else with a SOUL was in this world in the past, but sadly it was only me. Although I do wonder if it will be the same for you."
Frisk didn't say anything as they began to focus on their SOUL, to let the SOUL find and connect with another SOUL. They can recall the first time they tried this ability without realizing it. It was used when the six humans were no longer inside of Frisk, which made Frisk worried if they had fully gone to the afterlife despite Chara saying they deserved their rest after what they had all been through.
They felt a connection that guided them back to the Ruins where they found all six of them with Asriel with them all. Back to the golden flowers they first saw when they landed after falling into the Underground.
It turns out that the six humans were able to do the ability as well, mainly because they all sense Frisk coming back to where every one of them fell to the exact spot.
Anyways, Frisk was focusing their SOUL to see if it could connect, if possible, to feel another SOUL in this world.
Frisk at first, showed the look of disappointment, because they had not felt the SOULs of their friends, either that means they're not in this world, or were beyond far from where they are. But they suddenly felt something as they concentrated more to see what they felt.
After a moment of their mind deep in thought, they felt a building connection but were immediately cut off as if either the user of the SOUL was that far away or the SOUL of the user lost its entire trait. Frisk snaps back to reality after sensing the cut connection.
Chara: "So?"
Frisk: "Someone has a SOUL. But it is either very far away or lost its SOUL trait. Someone can lose their soul trait as it can be regained. Although... Chara, I have a question. And I want you to answer honestly."
Chara seems to be a bit concerned as if Frisk was a step closer to figuring something out. This caused Frisk to be even more suspicious as they immediately got to the point.
Frisk: "Who is Fitoria? They had a SAVE file before I overwrote it. And... Did you try—"
Chara glared at Frisk as if they were too disgusted by suggesting the plan they'd made that caused Asriel to die would happen once again.
Chara: "No! After what happened with Asriel, I did not want to do something like that again. But, yes, I do know Fitoria. She is my goddaughter, she was the daughter of my best friend in this world... Mamoru."
Without the two knowing, the Legendary Shield vibrates when Chara says the name. Naofumi senses the shield and hears the name as he turns to Chara.
Naofumi: "Mamoru? Was he my predecessor?"
For a moment, Chara seemed like they did not want to speak. But they let out a sigh as they turned to Naofumi.
Chara: "Yes, he was. Mamoru Shirono, the Shield Hero was summoned to fight the waves. The founder of Siltvelt, formally known as Siltran. He was my best friend, closer to the friendship Asriel and I shared, but still my best friend."
They floated outside the carriage as they looked up.
Chara: "He was the greatest person I could have ever met, another human who I got to meet in a physical body. A person who went through so much before meeting me."
They look back to Naofumi.
Chara: "The reality of your shield carries much more burden than you think. Mamoru was a leader, he was the greatest Shield hero that only I would know. He was able to attack and develop a great relationship with everyone he protected. Never willing to give up no matter if the situation seems very impossible. You can say you'll be ever greater than him if you match up to his strength, which I believe you will."
Naofumi felt a bit of concern, he was not sure if he could live up to the praises that Chara had mentioned of his predecessor.
Chara: "But even with the legendary weapon, the responsibility of a holy hero could easily be tampered with if being with irritated people. Mamoru has faced many enemies, enemies that already existed before he was even summoned. He was lucky he was able to get the hang of things as he only has a shield and a weak nation to look after."
"But thanks to his kindness, he was able to befriend the people he protected. Even people who were also summoned liked him or people from other worlds. Filolia, R'yne, Holn, Natalie, Fitoria, and me, he has no shortage of friends. Friends who are willing to fight the next-door nation, our enemy, to protect our home."
"He taught the demi-humans and beastmen how to fight, he led the weak nation to the nation that still exists. Ever after... We will never forget how his friendship has impacted our lives. Especially mine."
The way Chara said that it was like no matter how many years have gone by, Chara will never forget how Mamoru was to them. And it also seems like...
Naofumi: "Was he... Did the enemy nation..."
Chara did speak for a moment, it was like they were going through a huge amount of pain until they said...
Chara: "He and the previous... Ancient Bow Hero was killed by someone dangerous, someone that NO ONE could have predicted, someone who isn't like any other PAWN from THEM, who was within the shadow of the enemy nation. Someone who will always be there, ready to kill a hero if they have the chance to kill. Someone who is a part of PULLING THE STRINGS!"
They said the last sentence to the shield, which the shield reacted by silencing Chara to prevent them from saying anything else that could be very important. Naofumi immediately reacted by punching the shield as it stopped whatever it was doing to Chara.
Naofumi: "If there are enemies out there who are willing to kill my predecessor and eventually me, then I have the right to know who these individuals are pulling the strings."
Once again, the shield didn't glow or react. Naofumi now seems a bit irritated by its lack of response.
Naofumi: "So, are you saying that I should be extremely careful of my life."
He turns back to Chara who seems more frustrated with the shield.
Chara: "Yes, just because you have a high defense attribute, that does not mean you are going to be invisible to everything. Even with the Shield Mode of the green SOUL, you cannot block everything with you expecting to simply block or reflect any attacks. There are even defense-ignoring or defense-rating attacks that can make your biggest advantage to your biggest weakness."
That completely shocks Naofumi as he had not thought that there would be anything that could truly hurt him. But now hearing Chara, he felt even more worried, there could already be someone who could easily attack him despite his high defense. And if that was the case, then how can he survive in this world if it is not just fighting the waves?
Chara: "Naofumi, despite everything I've seen. I believe that you can accomplish so much. Sure, you are not Mamoru, but you are the Shield Hero who was chosen. You are your person, even if people have their options or expectations of you, I know deep down that do what the other Shield Heroes accomplish, what Mamoru accomplished. Just in your very own way. You're the new Shield Hero, it's your story that you are creating."
That caused Naofumi to let go of any doubt that he had. The encouragement from Chara seems to have filled him with more determination to do what he should be doing.
Naofumi: "Frisk, could you help me with my soul? I want to ensure that nothing can stop us from rescuing those kids."
Frisk looked at Chara as they gave them an encouraging smile. Frisk nodded as they instructed Naofumi on the final steps of unlocking his soul. His determination boosted his effort to ensure that he'll do what it takes to protect those he cares for and who are under his protection.
After a while, the sun was already down, the night sky surrounded its territory, and darkness all around, except for a few lights. A bright green light shines in the carriage.
Naofumi was able to unlock his soul, the green soul, the soul of kindness. Naofumi watched as his very soul took the form of a glowing heart, appearing out of his body; he was so amazed by how real it looked.
Naofumi: "It looked exactly like your soul Frisk, except the different color."
Frisk: "Well, there are seven different SOULs that people can have. It is mainly your nature that can reveal what SOUl you processed. And because of what you showed and acted it is obvious that you have the Kindness SOUL."
Naofumi listens as he touches his chest, still feeling a heartbeat. He could assume that a heart and soul are truly different as his soul is literally out of his body, while his heart still connects to the insides that keep his body moving.
Naofumi: "You know, now that I have a unique soul, I was wondering what other souls called. You mention seven."
Frisk took out a notebook as they immediately wrote down what they knew, then showed it to Naofumi.
Frisk: "Okay so imagine a rainbow but it is split into seven different colors. Each SOUls has their very own color and meaning and what it represents. The orange SOUL is called Bravery, as long as you are brave you can achieve great things, but at the same time you can also be very reckless. The yellow SOUL is called Justice, you serve action to those who need it or deserve it, but it can also be twisted into something that is injustice. The green SOUl is as you know Kindness, you can show kindness to everyone and anybody who needs a bit of it, but it can be hard to keep on being kind, especially those with bad intentions."
Frisk stops as they allow Chara to explain the other SOULs.
Chara: "The light blue SOUL is called Patience, no matter how long or how annoying things get, you will always act calm and not jump to rapid conclusions, although anybody can be impatient from time to time. The dark blue SOUl is called Integrity, if you are honest and have strong moral principles you can have anyone's trust, but you can easily lie and avoid unanswered questions. The purple SOUL is called Perseverance, you are persistent to keep on going despite the situation seeming impossible, but if you lack the effort and willpower then it will be futile."
Naofumi, switched his shield to the notebook shield, making sure he got everything down, and understanding the six different souls. But he knew that Frisk and Chara had not mentioned the red soul, the way they skipped the first color of the rainbow could be that the red soul has a powerful meaning. Frisk decided to explain the last SOUL.
Frisk: "Finally the red SOUL, I'll be honest, we're not exactly sure what it is, or what it truly called, all we know and calling is Determination. Willpower or the very will to live, to persist even feeling like you are about to die. As long as you are determined, you can do anything, good or evil, choices are yours to make, even to have a way to SAVE. Anyone has a bit of determination, you, demi-humans, and even monsters."
Chara: "Frisk and I have the determination SOUL, in our homeworld, I had one in the past, years later after the monsters were sealed away, and Frisk has theirs many years later. There wasn't a marked history of when a determination SOUL appears but it is considered the rarest trait of all traits. It is the combination of all six SOULs, and it is said to have unlimited powers but the only power we know so far is changing SOUL traits, summoning trait weapons, the possibilities are endless."
Naofumi was stunned by what Frisk could do, making their SOUl look like his, making weapons out of their soul, does that mean he could do the same?
Naofumi: "Determination seems so OP and the fact you have it Frisk. Does that mean you are considered the strongest if you use your soul?"
Frisk: "In a way, yes. I could say that we will have a chance to save those kids thanks to my determination. If I can do the unthinkable, whatever I could come up with, I can easily do it as long as I am determined, as well as if my current skills are good enough to do what I have planned."
Naofumi: "I see..."
Naofumi had thought of copying a shield full of determination but decided to not say anything yet. He was sure whatever he copied from Frisk would be similar to his Determination Shield but he could wait before asking, at least until they finished what they had planned.
Naofumi: "Frisk, could we get started on working on my soul? I want to ensure that I can block any attacks in case we need to fight."
Frisk nodded as they wasted no time in instructing Naofumi how to use Shield Mode. At the same time, Frisk opens a magic book about dark magic which Naofumi gives them as it was one of the items he got from the Siltvelt envoy. They too want to ensure that the two would sneak in with no trouble.
They could only hope that they could achieve the rescue mission at night. Or they would have to begrudgingly wait for a whole day for it to be night again.