The Rising of the Shield Hero Vol 07
Page 24
Another few days went by. We hunted monsters and leveled up our weapons while we collected materials. Then our vassal weapons started to vibrate.
A warning appeared in my field of view, saying that a guardian beast had reawakened.
“It looks like one of this world’s guardian beasts has started to move.”
“Yeah. But what to do about it is up to the people here. They can either kill it or let it construct its world-saving barrier.”
“But it doesn’t mean there is still isn’t a way for us to return home.”
Yes, the waves in this world would stop for a time, but the waves would continue back in our world. The timer in my field of view was still ticking, counting down to the arrival of the next wave. So it didn’t matter what choice the people of this world made. It didn’t even matter if we ran out of time. Anyway, that’s what I told myself as I killed one of those strange monsters, a Spirit Tortoise familiar.
“Either way, our chances of getting in another fight with Naofumi are lower now, right? Isn’t that a good thing?
If the Spirit Tortoise created a barrier to protect the world, then we wouldn’t have to fight anymore. And if they killed the Spirit Tortoise, then we could at least have a long period of peace. Either way was good for us, because we needed more time to grow stronger before we were forced to face Naofumi in battle again.
If we could find a way to make something like soul-healing water back in our own world, then we would stand a better chance next time. The armies fighting for and against the Spirit Tortoise were of little concern to me.
It didn’t take very long for word of the Shield Hero’s victory over the Spirit Tortoise to reach us.
“That kid. He can really pull off some impressive stuff—when he puts his mind to it, that is.”
“Indeed. Some of his actions leave a bad taste in my mouth, but there is no doubt that he is a true hero.”
We found ourselves preparing to leave this new world, as it would only be a matter of time before the Spirit Tortoise resolved our problems for us.
But then . . .
Our vassal weapons began to scream.
“What is that?” L’Arc shouted, tightening his grip on his scythe.
I spoke to my weapon.
I could see it. Someone I knew was walking through the town, just like any old day—like nothing special was happening.
I pointed at him.
Then, as if he finally understood what was happening, L’Arc nodded and readied his weapon.
The person we were following finally noticed that he was being followed, and he turned to face us in the middle of the street.
“Well, well, what are you three doing in a place like this?”
“How about you answer first?”
I knew him. He ignored the mission his vassal weapon had entrusted to him and tried to use it to rule the world. He was our enemy. He was unforgivable.
It was Kyo Ethnina, the hero of the book of the vassal weapons.
My vassal weapon was still screeching and sounding an alarm.
Then Kyo’s book sent out a light to surround us.
Suddenly, my field of vision was full of information. It said things I couldn’t believe.
Kyo had developed technology and used it to take control of the world’s guardian beast.
“You!”
“Heh. Those vassal weapons of yours won’t shut up, will they? What’s the big deal—you were going to destroy this world anyway? At least let me use it first!”
“What are you after?!”
“Why should I tell you idiots?”
The book in his hand started to shine.
“Oh? I guess it’s time then. I was hoping I could laugh at you fools for a little longer, but I guess we are out of time,” Kyo said. Then he vanished.
He must have used a teleportation skill of some kind. He did it nearly instantaneously, without broadcasting his intentions.
“Glass-chan. This is not good. That guy had taken control of this world’s Spirit Tortoise.”
“Yes. There have to be rules in battle. Fighting does not rid the world of good or evil. And his action has definitely broken the rules.”
If he thought he could use any of the energy that he took from the Spirit Tortoise, he was mistaken.
The vassal weapon in my hand warned me of the risks.
If one used another world’s guardian beast to extend the life of their own world, it would only end in destruction. If you steal another’s leg to replace a leg you’ve lost, it won’t work, and you will die.
We had to stop him. I didn’t know how to do it, but we had to stop him.
“L’Arc, Therese. Let’s go.”
“Yup!”
“Yes!”
We had a small stockpile of soul-healing water, so we’d be able to fight a little.
If we had to give our lives to stop Kyo’s treachery, we would. That was our job as possessors of the vassal weapons, even if we were from another world.
We found the road that would take us to the rampaging Spirit Tortoise and set off to do our duty.
Glass and her friends prepared for the waves.
They must defeat Kyo, but what is waiting for them when they find him?
Their story joins with the Shield Hero’s.
These are the stories of two worlds that should never have met.
The border between the worlds will begin to warp. What will the new reality mean for Glass?
The hopes of another world—one that stands against destruction—are not sufficient to stop the coming of the great waves.
The waves that will drown all that is, leaving only desolation behind.
The Rising of the Shield Hero Vol. 7
© Aneko Yusagi 2014
First published by KADOKAWA in 2014 in Japan.
English translation rights arranged by One Peace Books
under the license from KADOKAWA CORPORATION, Japan
No part of this may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher. For information contact One Peace Books. Every effort has been made to accurately present the work presented herein. The publisher and authors regret unintentional inaccuracies or omissions, and do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the translation in this book. Neither the publishers nor the artists and authors of the information presented in herein shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential or other damages.
Written by Aneko Yusagi
Character Design Seira Minami
Cover Design by Yusuke Koyama
English Edition Published by One Peace Books 2017
One Peace Books
43-32 22nd Street STE 204 Long Island City New York 11101
www.onepeacebooks.com