Hey guys! This is my first story so please be gentle with me, try to not flame me too hard but constructive criticism is Ok

I was inspired by the works of MementoMori115 and I kinda ripped off the introduction section of his story Called The-One-Way-Road-to-Ruin I recommend you guys check it out, Sadly it seems it's been inactive for a while :(

However, I still liked his idea and if he had continued it, I believed it would have become a great story.

I also was inspired by the works of RobinRounds another author who I also kinda ripped off, her introduction towards her story Some Gifts for the Shield Hero The section in which She wrote about Naofumi being summoned and some parts after that.

But don't worry, that is the only thing of theirs I plan on ripping off (and if RobinRounds or MementoMori115 are in fact reading this, sorry for ripping off your Intros, they're just really good). And also in the word of another great author Omnisaurus who once wrote "you know what they say: imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Unless you completely copy someone else's work and claim that it is your own. Then that's being an asshole." Who I also think you guys should check out.

Anyways, if you guys are confused by the first chapter, It's basically Me rewriting Their Intros (RobinRounds) (MementoMori115) to make sense with the story I'm trying to write and then me following the Anime Rising of the Shield Hero

So, why a crossover with Rising of the Shield Hero and A Certain Magical Index? Well this is because I thought it would be a really interesting scenario in which Accelerator is the one summoned instead of Naofumi, because in some ways Accelerator is like Naofumi after being betrayed and Also how I thought that there should be more stories about Accelerator in general, and I think that Rising of the Shield hero was a good crossover Idea.

Also to note, this chapter will be the only time I will copy someone else's work for this story, and I will mostly follow the Anime to continue writing, The English Dub if anyone is wondering.

Anyways, enjoy the story.

[Edited 12/31/19]

Chapter one

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Game settings/Magic

[Rage Shield]

Start

He was born with a burden, a curse. The stigma of having power. He was so strong that no one could stand beside him, no one could be his equal, no one to call a friend. He had the ultimate power. Even if the apocalypse came in the form of a great explosion, he would still remain.

But for all the protection his power provided him with, he could never use it to save another. His power was meant to keep him safe... isolated. Cut off from everyone else.

All his power ever did was get him, enemies. People who feared his power tried to put him down. People who sought his title would challenge him. None were able to stand against him. So he decided; 'if they won't stop challenging me because of my power, then maybe they'll stop if I become so powerful that they wouldn't dare challenge me. Maybe they'll stop if I were to become a god.'

It was with this in mind that he was chosen to take part in an experiment. A test to see if he could evolve to a higher existence. He was tasked with slaughtering 20,000 clones of the level 5 esper Railgun. According to the calculations made by Tree Diagram, if he was able to kill them all, then he would successfully shift to a level 6 esper. And that would make him the strongest person in the world without question.

Maybe then, he would be free from his curse. Maybe then, he would finally be able to make friends.

But it all came crashing down one fateful night. The night that the weakest level 0, challenged him, the strongest level 5. The outcome of such a battle should have been obvious. He should have been able to utterly one-sidedly annihilate the puny whelp who dared to stand against him.

But that was not the case...

Against all odds, the level 0 had managed to best him, defeat him in one on one combat. And with that, the boy's title of strongest esper was shattered.

Now the challengers came crawling out of the woodwork. All of them now certain, that if a level 0 could beat him, then they could as well.

And so it was that all of his hard work, the countless clones he had killed, the time wasted on that sick experiment, it was all for nothing.

He wasn't exactly sure how he should feel. Sure, he was now annoyed by the countless attacks he had to endure from wannabe espers who wanted his title, but they were more of a slight nuisance.

That was of course until the night it appeared.

(-)

The teen known as Accelerator was heading back to his apartment, a bag of food from the local convenience store slung over his shoulder. He had pale skin, moppy white hair, and red eyes. He had a small frame and looked as if a slight breeze might be enough to knock him over. But despite his appearance, he was still the strongest level 5 esper in Academy City.

As he made his way home, along the empty streets of academy city, he couldn't help but notices something that was on the ground he walked.

he picked it up as interest took over. "The Hell?… The weapons of the four saints?" He turned the book over in his hands, examining the ragged cover. "What's a novel doing in the middle of the street? Somebody forgot it or what?"

The book looked decades old, slightly dusty, and the colors of the book's cover were more than a little faded. "Jeez. Who the hell leaves a book here?" he muttered. The cover looked interesting enough to take a peek. It wasn't like he had anything better to do. Besides, the mystic looking symbols on the front looked sort-of neat.

"Is it a fantasy novel?" The first pages were an introduction to a typical fantasy setting. "It's the kind that starts out by talking about the end of the world..." he tried not to sound disappointed and failed.

The book spouted the usual cliché lines about summoning heroes, how the heroes had to be from another world, and how each hero got their own special legendary weapon. It even had the usual special four items. In this case a sword, spear, bow, and shield. "A Shield?" He pondered, "Shields aren't exactly weapons..." It seemed a nice enough idea for an introduction. Simple, easy to follow. Browsing a few pages of the book couldn't hurt…

And so he read, "So the weapons follow game logic?" And read, as he continued, he started to feel boredom creep up

But right as he got to the middle of the book, the pages became an irritating white. All of them blank as if they had been freshly made.

"Oh," He paused, "No wonder this book was left here. It's wasn't even finished" He flipped ahead, to settle his curiosity. But there was only the one missing chapter.

To his frustration, the rest of the pages were just as disappointingly empty. It was enough to bring on a blinding headache.

A very blinding headache.

"What the hell…..Why do…. I feel this way?"

He fell forwards, as he was about to use his abilities to keep him standing only to fail as

he couldn't calculate anything at the moment his head just kept hurting

(-)

As Accelerator open his eye he now found himself on his back in a room made of stone, lit by torches, and filled with people in armor and robes. Most of whom were talking excitedly to themselves.

One man in robes stepped forward, a band of gold around his head and his hands clasped in prayer. "O' Four Saint Heroes of old!" He beseeched, "please help save our world!"

As Accelerator lied on the floor he looked at the weight on his arm, only to find a shield that was now locked onto his left arm,

'Fucking Hell' he thought to himself as he was getting up now, not having a fucking clue of what the hell was going on it was then

He looked behind him, only to see other people with actually normal clothes alongside him but were too busy to be amazed to notice what was going on too. Accelerator took a moment to glance at the glowing geometric patterns beneath him, the altar nearby was glowing softly as well.
The leader in robes continued his approach, still keeping his hands in prayer. "While I'm certain you are all very taken aback by your circumstances, time runs short of all of us." Accelerator eyes narrowed as he recognized the tactic; strike while they are off guard. Something more likely to make those who you are appealing to more pliable.

"Within our country of Melromarc, " the lead priest continued, "vicious demons in large numbers have crawled out from a materialized dimensional crack, and are exposing everyone to great danger! Our country's knights and adventurers barely managed to eliminate the first wave of demons, but the hourglass is already indicating the next wave of calamities will soon be upon us."

Perhaps it was his incredible intelligence, but Accelerator already had several questions forming, some of them pulled from what he had read in the book before being tugged along twice over. 'What hourglass? How did they get us here? Can I go back? And why the fuck was I picked for this?!' He gave a solid tug to the shield attached to him. 'And how do I take this shield off?'

The robe-wearing crowd was getting more excited, more than one running out of the room. No doubt to carry some message or another. Accelerator was busy keeping an eye on the crowd, as he tried to focus on his calculation only to get a piercing pain from his head 'the fuck was that?' 'Shit do I have to stay here longer?' 'Fuck it ... I'll let the others do the talking so I could get more information.'

The other three heroes reacted in a more expected manner, shouting their disbelief in near unison, "What?!"

"To put it simply, due to various circumstances, we were able to summon you brave Heroes through an ancient spell."

"Summoned?" the spear-carrier questioned.

The head priest bowed low enough that it was a surprise he didn't tip over, "This world is currently facing a global state of crisis. Brave Ones, please lend us your might."

Accelerator finally made the connection he was not in his world he felt stupid as he didn't realize this earlier, as he connected this from what he was seeing as well as what happened before he got here. This newly acquired information only got Accelerator angrier but still, he didn't want to ruin his chance of heading back home so he stayed quiet for the information he was hoping to gain.

The apparent Spear Hero was decadently flippant, "Can I just go back?" He asked, "I already heard this kind of story before."

Accelerator frowned. What the hell was that about? What did the spear Carrying guy mean, or is he a jackass of the lowest caliber? The Bow carrier was silent like himself, perhaps he too was taking a wait and see approach to this.

"Aren't you people guilty over summoning us without our consent?" the sword holder questioned arrogantly, "We won't just fight for world peace and then return to our old world empty-handed, right?" The Bow hero started scowling at the robed men."You guys don't seem to take much consideration into our own plans, do you?" The Sword Hero continued, "Depending on what you have to offer, we might end up becoming this world's enemy instead, got it?"

Accelerator scowl deepened. As a sudden realization occurred That he was now the apparent Shield hero. The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth, "how ironic" He said in a low tone, no one hearing what he said

The robed men and the leading priest seemed a little troubled by the Sword Hero's demands. "Well first, I'd like you all to have an audience with the king. We can discuss your reward then." A pair of knights behind the crowd opened a heavy wooden door, before stepping aside to let the four of us through.

"Right." The Spear guy was on his feet and already moving for the door.

"The guy we'll be meeting changes, but I bet the story's still the same." Sword guy complained but followed.

The Bow carrier still didn't say anything but followed nonetheless.

As Accelerator walked past, he could hear the lead priest mutter, "...Guess it can't be helped."

'I'll just wait it out' He thought 'If I don't like what I hear, I'll wipe it all out' he continued to think as a smirk occurred on his face.

(-)

The corridor outside the summoning chamber was long and decorated, with multiple windows letting in a welcome flow of sunshine. Past the thick glass, a medieval-looking town stretched out to the horizon. 'Definitely a capital city, at least it's not boring' Accelerator thought

The next room was far more decorated. Tapestries, artistic pillars, fluffy rugs, and golden candle holders. A room for luxury or nobility. 'Judging by the throne in the room, the more likely a smaller audience chamber.'

An older man with a long beard and longer hair entered from a side door, he wore flowing robes with jewels sewn into the cloth and a heavy cloak over his shoulders. A golden circlet rested around his head, the window-light in the room reflecting off of the palm-sized ruby in its center. He gave one glance to the four heroes before turning to someone and asking, "Oh, are these fellows the Ancient Heroes?"

It didn't leave that great of an impression.

The newcomer took a seat on the throne, trying to look important. "I am the king of this country, Aultcray. The thirty-second ruler of Melromarc. Brave ones, please raise your heads." the King said pompously.

Accelerator felt a growing need to punch him, he felt something in the king's eyes that he didn't like

"Now then, let me explain our situation. This country, and moreover, this whole world is facing its demise." the longer the king spoke, the more it showed how much he liked the sound of his own voice. "Currently, there is a prophecy predicting the world's end. This world will be assaulted by waves of calamity which will one day turn everything to ruin. To save the world, these waves must be repelled before they can be dispersed."

'The hell?' Accelerator cursed in his mind, 'He's just repeating what we've already been told!'

"This era marks the prophesied year." The King continued, either ignoring or uncaring of the growing annoyance on the heroes' faces. "There exists a giant, ancient hourglass which continues to drip down ceaselessly. It has the ability to forecast when the waves will arrive and it began its warning a month ago. According to the legends, each wave will come in roughly one-month intervals. Initially, the residents of this country were not too concerned over the prophecy. However, as prophesied, when the hourglass had completed its first turn, a wave of disaster occurred."

When the king stopped talking he could finally see the heroes were less enraptured than he would have liked.

Just like before the one with the sword was as sharp and subtle as his weapon, "I understand your dilemma. But who gave you the right to summon us into doing manual labor for free?"

"It is one hell of a convenient story." Spear guy added.

Even the bow hero chose to speak. "... Even if that is the case, and this isn't me being selfish or anything, but if this world is going into ruin then let it be destroyed. This matter doesn't even concern us."

Accelerator really didn't give a fuck about this place, so he didn't say a thing so no attention will be drawn to himself.

"We have no obligation to help you." The sword Hero pointed out, "In the end, it'll just be fruitless labor for us. And once peace comes, you guys will just go 'sayonara' as if nothing happened. So to prevent such a sad outcome from occurring, I'd like to hear some form of insurance from you. Surely you have something to present to us, right?"

His greed was so obvious

The king sent his vassal a glance."Of course, we planned on rewarding the Brave Ones fully for their efforts. I had already made arrangements to aid your cause with money. And surely, since the Brave Heroes will be protecting our world, I have already prepared a fitting place for you Brave Ones to rest."

Accelerator was only following this till now since he didn't feel his esper abilities at the moment and was only buying time

Spear guy was smiling like an idiot, "Those are all well and good promises then."

The Sword Hero was smirking, but still trying not to look bought. "Don't think that we can be tamed with only this much though. You'll have to continue giving your cooperation if you don't want us to turn rogue."

"... That's right." The Bow Hero added.

The king stood, dramatically outstretching his arms. "Well then, Heroes. Let us hear each of your names."

'So they want are names finally then' the thought struck Accelerator

The arrogant sword hero stepped forward, "My name is Amaki Ren. Age sixteen, a high school student." At a glance, the Sword hero looked like a Black-hair brown-eyed pretty boy stereotype.

The Spear stepped forward, cocky and confident, "Next up will be yours truly. My name's Kitamura Motoyasu. Twenty-one this year, a university student." Blond hair in a ponytail, and the feel of a playboy.

Accelerator was getting annoyed with the number of pretty boys.

The Bow Hero stepped forward to next, and presented himself with a small polite bow. "It's my turn next. My name is Kawasumi Itsuki. Seventeen right now, another high school student." Again, another blond-haired pretty boy.

Accelerator was now annoyed as the way they acted was pointless

Accelerator didn't step forward, nor did he bow. "Accelerator"

The King ignored the introduction. Accelerator recognized the snub for what it was. 'The hell was that?' He was angered as he usually didn't give others the time of day but here he was now going out of his way but for what?

"Hmm. So your names are Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki, yes?" The king's subtlety could be replaced by world war two sturmtiger with a silencer and still be just as effective.

Accelerator was mad, yes but he just let it go for now he needs more time.

"Now then, everyone please confirm your own status." the king requested, "As a matter of fact, I would like you all to visually check yourselves. "

Motoyasu panicked, "What, how?" they asked.

Itsuki looked at the king and timidly asked for guidance. "How do I check my status?"

Ren was more than a little shocked, "What the hell guys. You guys didn't even notice that much after coming to this world?"

Motoyasu was more than a little chafed by the question, "How should I know!" he blustered, "What was there for me to notice? Your face?"

Ren cradled his face in his hand, "Whatever, just look. Do you see an icon in the corner of your vision?"

Itsuki was as verbose as ever. "Oh."

"Focus your mind on it and you'll see," Ren instructed.

All of them focused even Accelerator as he was now curious of this new knowledge, and before their eyes, the little market expanded into a screen displaying a summary of information

{Accelerator}

Occupation: Hero of the Shield

Level: 1

Attack: 10

Defense: 75

Agility: 30

Health: 100

All stats without skill

Equipment: Small Shield (legendary Armament), Parallel Worlds Clothes

Skills: None

Unique Skill: Vector Manipulation {Off}

Magic: N/A

The Screen had other details, personal information, even a chart showing the distribution of stats. The Chart showed that both defense and magical power were touching the edge of the chart. No surprise, the attack stat was absolutely abysmal. He didn't give a shit about that at the moment as the main thing that caught his eye was his esper ability was Off?

As he then tried to focus on his Esper ability while the status screen was still there. Something else came up

Would you like to turn on Unique Skill: Vector Manipulation On?

Yes or No

A smile appeared on his face as he focused on his answer Yes

"Level 1 huh... this doesn't look very reassuring." Ren's ego and mouth had to be tied together somehow.

"Right, I don't even know if it's possible to fight like this." Motoyasu quipped.

"That's exactly what I thought." Itsuki added.

The king noticed the amazed looks the heroes gave the status screen. "Tools like these don't exist in the Brave Ones' world? This Status magic can be used by everyone in this world, helping to improve ourselves."

Ren tried to play it off, adding to his jackass points. "Is that so? So then, what should we do now? Our current values seem rather troubling."

"From now on, you Brave Heroes will need to venture forth so that you may hone and strengthen both yourselves as well as your legendary armaments."

"Strengthen? Does that mean that our starting equipment isn't strong enough?"

"Yes, the legendary weapon of each summoned Hero has their own special method of enchantment. By doing so they can become very powerful."

"Legend this, legend that." Motoyasu whirled his spear around like a cheerleader spinning a baton. "It's fine not to change weapons as long as it can function properly as a weapon, right?"

Accelerator was getting tired of the less than subtle snubs. It was already tempting to teach them what a real strong person is.

"That doesn't matter right now, so we can leave it for later. More importantly, what we need is to improve our own abilities, right?" Itsuki questioned. "So are we going to form a party with the four of us?"

'The idea does have some merit after I can gain more power from this can't I?'Accelerator thought, however The king just had to cut in.

"Brave Heroes, please hold for a moment."

'Ah what the hell now' As things were getting interesting

"Each of you brave heroes, will need to recruit your own companions and begin your adventures separately." The king stated.

, "And the reason for that is?" He heard one of the others say

"According to legend, it's said that the legendary weapons will reject each other should you Brave Heroes band together. The magic of the armaments interfere with the growth of both the owners and the weapons."

"I don't get it," Itsuki replied, "so if we act together we can not increase our power?"

Accelerator boosted wits were rapidly growing. 'Whatever or whoever made these weapons… What's their game? Why make them grow stronger but interfere with one another? Why do they have all these game mechanics? This feels more like something is trying to force us to move in a specific way.'

The Heroes shared an uneasy glance.

Then the screens reappeared, this time showing a message rather than the status screen.

Attention:

If those who possess the legendary weapons worked together on a united front, a repulsing reaction will occur. Therefore, let us move individually as much as possible.

Accelerator eyes widened. "Us? What does it mean 'Us'? Is this Shield aware?" The message was dismissed like the status, but the feeling of unease it created was harder to banish. "Someone is playing a game with me as one of the pieces."

The King walked before the Heroes, all smiles and cheer. "Between improving ourselves and recruiting comrades. I wonder which should be done first?" He clapped a hand on Ren and Motoyasu shoulders, smiling at Itsuki, "Allow me to prepare your comrades. At any rate, the sun is already beginning to set. Brave Ones, please take your time and rest for the day. You may depart for your journey tomorrow. During that time I shall make arrangements and scout for talented individuals who can accompany you on your destiny."

The three liked heroes were just as cheerful, thinking about how much fun they were going to have. "Thank you very much."

Still ignoring the other Accelerator decided to give courtesy and let everyone live a few days longer or maybe, even more, depending on if he allowed it after all he got his abilities back as he allowed himself to be led to the rooms prepared by the king.

Accelerator didn't care, where he was. He knew he will get what he wants when it's all over. But at the moment he was just sitting down laying on the bed nonchalantly as he owns the place.

He would be more grateful if he didn't have to share the room with three jackasses. As he laid down he opened up the status screen once more. As the other heroes were busy examining their weapons and the knowledge given to them by the screens. Where the Spear, Sword, and Bow Heroes all took their time learning about the weapons, Accelerator was focusing on how the game worked.

As he looked at the Shield he wanted to know more about it as he was just curious. Information prompt, and what can best be described as a tree of branching paths. There were hundreds of different depictions of shields, each covered with the unmistakable image of a lock.

Small Shield (Legendary Armament)

The Legendary Shield is one of the Four Legendary Weapons. The person which possesses this weapon is called the 'Hero of the Shield'. The Legendary Shield gives its user great defensive power and can evolve and transform to become stronger however the user cannot equip any other weapons. It has a special jewel in the middle which can transform the Shield under specific conditions.

"Transform?" he muttered, 'Wait? Conditions? What conditions?' he gazed at the display of shields. "I wonder..." Just like everything else with the mental display, all it took was a bit of focus in the right spot to access the information desired.

Form (Type): Tower Shield (Silver)
Requirements: Weapon Copy – Tower Shield, Absorbing Silver Ore
Bonus: Defense +50
Special Effect(s): Total Cover

Accelerator honestly didn't care he just wanted to see how things were going to turn out as he continued 'What the fuck does it mean by 'weapon copy'? And what the hell does it mean 'absorbing'? Does it have to be so goddamn vague?' he glanced at his fellow heroes, each of them just as fixated on their own screens. Or at least it looked that way, he couldn't see what they were seeing. For all, he knew Motoyasu was just staring into space.

Why the hell does this work as a game. Accelerator would come back to this thought from time to time. He used his vast knowledge to focus on the settings as he did so, something came up

Help Menu

User Guide
Help Topics
Hints
Context Help
Glossary
Flora Encyclopedia
Fauna Encyclopedia
Using Help
Inquiry

'So it really does work as a game' Accelerator great focus turned into greater rage and frustration. If it wasn't for the presence of his roommates and not wanting to draw attention, there was no doubt the resulting destruction would have been just as legendary as the shield still locked to his arm. The moment he calmed down from his impending aneurysm, the Help Menu was figuratively torn apart. The user guide was mostly useless. 'Be a supporter', 'gather materials', and 'collect monster parts' wasn't the kind of advice or help that Accelerator was looking for. 'Who does this manual think I am? ' The Encyclopedia was equally as useless and just as locked as the shield list. 'So I have to encounter something before it gets unlocked?' The Using Help option would have been helpful from the start, but all it really explained was how to use the screens. Help Topics was just a glorified index.

The glossary was where the treasure was waiting, hidden and ripe for pillaging. 'The shield absorbs monster parts and materials with the green gem, then gains forms and powers based on what it ate.'

Accelerator glanced at the wannabe heroes, the three still inspecting their items. Itsuki was practicing with his bow, testing the draw needed. Ren was standing near the door, taking a few practice swings. Motoyasu was poking his spear-tip and was about to... no, never-mind, he was nursing a fresh cut on his fingertip.

Ren's eyes seem to catch his glance as so did the others.

"I've noticed you haven't talked much," Itsuki remarked.

Accelerator shrugged, "There is nothing to talk about" He gave a pointed look at Itsuki's bow.

"Oh yeah, I kinda forgot there were four of us, uh what you say your name was again?" Motoyasu said as he put his hand behind his head.

"Accelerator" He simply said

"What kinda name is that?" Said, Ren

"Mine, So shut the hell up." his tone was bored and seemingly light as he looked away."Besides doesn't matter anyway"

"Come on we're all in this together," Motoyasu said, snickering.

Accelerator had no expression on his face as he spoke "Well you guys could do whatever the hell you want. Once I get an audience with the king again. I'll tell him to return me home"

The Heroes all went silent,

"So you really want to go home, come on what's the point, it just a game anyway," Motoyasu said

"Huh?" Accelerator let out as he was confused with the statement
'

Ren nodded, grasping the idea like a lifeline, "It is a lot like Emerald Online."

"No, it's more like Fantasy Moon Online." Itsuki added.

Now Motoyasu looked confused, "I've never heard of those games."

"You don't play console games?" Itsuki asked with a tilt of his head.

"Console?" Ren snapped, "Emerald online is a net game!"

The Spear Hero's confusion only grew, "Wait… Do you mean those retro games? Don't you guys play any VRMMO?"

"That's just Sci-fi bullshit." Ren stated confidently, "What? Do you think this is some anime or something?" The Sword Hero wasn't very genre-savvy.

The argument continued to get progressively more heated as they bickered. Each choosing to ignore the uncomfortable topic that started it. Accelerator could only look at the three of them with Annoyed expression "Shut the hell up" he yelled to get their attention. When that didn't work, he resorted to a roar, "Will you three Shut! The! Fuck! Up!" Accelerator bellowed.

The argument died there. "You guys are acting like fucking children, shut up and think about" Accelerator Paused. "It's fucking obvious we didn't come from the same place." They paused

"What don't believe me. What country are you from?"

"Japan?" the three answered.

"What is the most popular way to play video games?"

"The Nintendo traveler just came out?" Itsuki replied.
"Net games played on a home computer rig," Ren answered.
"Total Immersion using a dive chair..." Motoyasu stated.

Accelerator didn't give them a chance to think about it and get upset again, "Who is Japan's prime minister?" he demanded.

"Yawahara Tsuyoshi Tarou."
"Odaka Enichi."
"Mitsufuji Shigeya."

Accelerator frowned, "You see now" as he continued "I don't recognize any of those names… Last question. What year was it in your world?"

"Twenty-twenty-five." Itsuki murmured.
"It was… The year was two-thousand seventy-six..."
Even Motoyasu was getting it. "twenty-one thirty-eight."

Accelerator nodded. "I thought so. They didn't just bring us from different worlds, they pulled us from different times too."

"Um...What year was it in your world?" Itsuki asked meekly.

"Twenty-Nineteen." Accelerator lied and because they didn't know any better they just took his word. As well as he didn't want to give any real information

Ren Spoke "I think it best if we should get to know each other"

Itsuki gave him a pat on the shoulder, "Sounds good to me." he said with a smile.

"Yeah, like I actually care about what your guys deal is" said Accelerator sarcastically "I'm out… you guys do what the hell you guys want, I'm leaving anyway" Said Accelerator

Ren looked at Accelerator with an angry look, Itsuki and Motoyasu had more annoyed looks.

"Suit yourself," said Itsuki

(-)

The next few hours were spent trading stories from their homelands. Each told about their cultures, about jokes and memes, moments in history and so on. Motoyasu loved telling about his antics as a womanizer, and the things he had to do while avoiding a furious boyfriend or the occasional bat wielding husband. Ren's life story was mostly angst, fitting for him and as empty as every other edgy teen story. Itsuki explained his life as a high school kid, nothing fancy, but it was a refreshing slice of life. Accelerator of course didn't take part in the conversation as he couldn't care less.

At one point Motoyasu took a trip to the bathroom, only to return with a pushcart of snacks and drinks. Accelerator, of course, took part in eating, he hadn't since he got there so it was only logical

After a few more hours of The three other hero swapping tales, the sun had finally started to set. A beautiful scarlet sunset radiated on the horizon beyond their windows.

Motoyasu had been hitting the bottles the hardest of all of them and it showed. With a drunken lurch, he dropped down beside Accelerator and tossed an arm around his fellow hero. "I feel shoo' sorry for you!" he slurred, "you're really going to miss out in being in the new world!"

Accelerator was quickly to move him the hell away.

"The hell do you care. Just worry about yourself" He spoke

"Well, it's your lost" the Spear wielder continued, "After all it is going to be so much fun" he belched, and the smell of digested booze was nauseating. "Just sayin' it sucks to be you."

" Motoyasu it's obvious he doesn't care let just stop" Itsuki protested.

Accelerator didn't care what they did as long as they didn't mess with him. "Listen to him, at least someone could read the mood" Accelerator said
Itsuki rubbed at his eyes, almost childishly, "Look. It's late. Maybe we should get some sleep, and talk about this more tomorrow?"

Ren and Motoyasu were more than happy to agree. Accelerator had to admit he felt tired

The other Heroes returned to their own beds, while Accelerator merely kicked back on his own. 'This is gonna be a long night isn't it?'

With a few polite exchanges of 'goodnights' from the others, Accelerator said nothing. the lights in the room were extinguished. Leaving Accelerator to lay in his bed, with his thoughts

It was later, that Accelerator went to sleep. He needs the energy anyway.

(-)

Accelerator was the first to wake up as he looked around his surroundings

Then Motoyasu woke up and that moment died screaming a horrible death.

"Oh fuck yeah! It wasn't a dream!" The Spear Hero crowed, all bright smiles and cheer.

Itsuki and Ren were less kind about their disapproval. They grabbed the first thing they could think of and launched them at the playboy.

Itsuki tossed a pillow. Harmless and acceptable.

Ren ripped the sheath off his sword and flung The metal tube with aggravated intent.

Ren is not a morning person.

Fortunately for Motoyasu, the pillow struck first, smacking him in the face and preventing the impending concussion from being more than a bruise.

"Ow! What the hell Ren?" he complained.

"Shut up..." the Sword Hero groaned weakly, "I've got a hangover." Judging from how Itsuki was trying to bury his head under his remaining pillows and deny the day, one could reason he had one too.

Accelerator, being the only one to not drink, couldn't relate

Motoyasu was too busy poking his forehead and wincing at the bruise. "So… who wants breakfast?"

(-)

Getting breakfast was easier than expected. The moment they exited their bedroom to find food, they were greeted and then escorted by a maid. One who had likely been waiting all morning for them to get up.

The meal was served in the audience chamber. A long table had been set up then covered with fruits, pastries, some fresh bacon, and pitchers filled with juice. The meal was refreshing, there the heroes traded idle chatter about how they planned to start their adventures while Accelerator ate alone. Ren wanted to challenge powerful monsters, Itsuki wanted to go on some basic monster-hunting missions, and Motoyasu planned on getting training from anyone skilled with a spear in the castle.

At least breakfast ended on a high note.

(-)

Shortly before the noon bell tolled a servant retrieved the four, politely informing them that the king requested a meeting. The Heroes would-be companions had been gathered. Something that pleased Accelerator

'Fucking finally, now they can send me home'

The four were led through the castle, finally entering what was most likely the throne room of the castle. The king was already seated in a much more decorated throne. "I really hope that thing is gold plated."

King Aultcray was all smiles when they approached, grinning at them with childish excitement. For someone on the cusp of adulthood, it could be a pleasant look or a comforting look. But when a man most likely pushing the line of late sixty grins at younger men and looks like he's at half-mast, ready to hop out of his seat, it is unsettling at best and nauseatingly creepy at worst.

The Three heroes respectfully knelt before the king, as we had been advised. Accelerator, of course, did not. The king noticed of course but nonetheless ignored it

"As promised yesterday, I have recruited companions who will accompany you on your journey." The king announced, still putting on his kind and benevolent airs, "Everyone gathered has already decided which hero they wish to follow." The king made some poncy gesture, and a pair of servants opened the doors of the throne room, "Now then, future champions." the royal burden dramatically called, "Please set forth with the Hero to whom you shall swear your allegiance to."

The recruited companions were all standing beside their chosen hero. Just like the book five went to Ren, three to Itsuki, and four to Motoyasu. Nobody stood behind Accelerator. He felt odd about it but thought it was for the best he was going to ask to leave

"We-well. Dear me, I would never have thought such a situation could occur." The king said, "For something such as this to take place..." he looked down on Accelerator who just looked back intently, "is probably due to the Hero of the Shield currying little favor among others..."

"Actually this is for the best, And I thought it over" Said Accelerator as he paused

"Send Me Back Home, I don't care about anything here," He said

As he said that a redhead was looking at the king with a shocked look, the king trying to communicate something to her without using gestures or saying anything.

"Huh, what do you mean? I thought we got everyone's full cooperation yesterday" Said the king

"You got the other three's, but never mine," said Accelerator

"Now that being said I want to go home, now send me back" he demanded

"Well I didn't think I'd have to say this now, But that is impossible," said the king

Accelerators eyes widen, the other had the same reaction

"What did you say?" Accelerator said

"Unfortunately that's not possible...Until the catastrophe is over we can not send you back," said the King

"But you summoned us, it only logical that you can reverse it," said Accelerator as anger overtook him but he didn't show it.

"We did, but that was only possible because of the Catastrophe, Unless It is taken care of we won't be able to send you back," Said the King

"So I'm stuck here?" muttered Accelerator under his breath

"I ask for all your hero cooperation…... Please stop the Catastrophe so we may bring you home," said the king

'Fucking hell'

"Now on to your issue, Shield hero. About you not have any companions" said the King.

"Huh? What about it?... If I'm stuck here, I rather go at it without anyone anyway" Accelerator said angrily he knew he couldn't hurt anyone here as he could get blocked from getting home

"Oh I see well then," said the king as his eye is meet the Redhead with a look of worry

"Every month we shall provide the heroes with funds they required, however for this one time the shield hero's payment would be higher to correspond with this issue" Continued the King

"Now, here are your initial War Chest, Accept them with our thanks," The King said as some of the Nobles seemingly came out to hand each and every hero a pouch with currency in it.

Aultcray stood, once again with the dramatic gestures. "Heroes, you may begin your journeys!" he proclaimed.

(-)

Accelerator was not too happy about any of the things that just happened, It was his assumption he could go back anytime. Now that it is not, he had to work towards helping them.

He thought this out logically as he was now thinking. He can't do shit right now...He could only work for them at the moment, if he didn't he couldn't go home.

If he threatened them to send him back, this would only lower his chances of getting home.

"Fine then I'll wait," said Accelerator

"Either way, everyone here is nothing but ants to me" he continued as he was walking

"For now I should go on to see how to level up this shield. After all, If I can gain more power here the better" said Accelerator as he walked into what seemed the surrounding buildings. As he saw how they were market/stands that people had to sell stuff.

'I should hide my abilities for now, until they are needed. Or they will put more attention on me' he thought

"Which means," said Accelerator as he stopped at a building in front of him.

This building seemed like a weapon shop. And he knew that if he didn't get something like this it would make him seem different and that would only raise attention towards him which he didn't want.

He went inside. It was a store that sells all types of weapons and armor.

Accelerator walked in through the shop, as he was seeing the interior. Looking at the many weapons which were displayed. As he then saw a counter in the back of the store in which there was a man who had a shaved head, beard and darker skin with a well-built body.

"Interesting" spoke Accelerator

"Welcome, Good sir. First time in a weapon shop? Well, you came to the right place" said the man

"Yeah," said Accelerator

As the man looked more clearly at the young teenager. He noticed a few things

"Weird Clothes, never seen any kind like it, And a shield on your arm….. Hold on don't tell me you're one of the heroes. Everyone's been talking about" Said the man

"Yeah, Yeah. You caught me, I am the supposed Shield hero. Names Accelerator" He said

"Accelerator huh? Strange name. But doesn't matter what you wield, as long as your regular. You're always welcomed" said the Man

"Tch, give whatever equipment you got, Cheap, useful," said Accelerator

"Wait right here I'll set something up," said the man as he would set up many swords on the counter for Accelerator to view

(-)

"Left to right. that's iron, magic iron, magic steel, and silver iron. In ascending order of price, all quality swords guaranteed" said the Man as just like what he had said there were 4 swords on the counter in which he had just described. In all honesty, a sword wasn't Accelerator style but looking wasn't hurting anyone.

"Hmmm"

Accelerator went to grab and hold a sword, however at that moment as he held the handle an electric shock occurred, he felt no pain of course since this was reflected, however, it caused him to let go of the sword as he dropped to the place he had just picked it from.

"What the hell," said Accelerator, he didn't know what just happened so he went and picked another sword, this time with both hands, and then it happened again a blue Electric shock was created which sent the sword flying out of his hand without hurting him. Doing whatever it could to be let go

"The hell is going on?" said Accelerator

"I have no idea," said the man as he was caught by surprise as well.

'Why did this happen' thought Accelerator as he said those words something appeared in his field of vision.

CAUTION

Legendary Weapon Rule Violation Holding non-assigned weapon

"Huh?" spoke Accelerator out of surprise

"Rule violation? What the hell?" said Accelerator As another something appeared in his field of vision right after

HELP

A hero may not hold, with intent to fight, another weapon other than their assigned legendary weapon

"Damn it," said Accelerator he read all that appeared from what he had seen.

"It appears that besides this shield. I am not allowed to use any other weapons" said Accelerator explaining the situation to the man

"How does that work then?" said the man as he stepped forward to Accelerator and kneeled down to face the shield in which he held as he then used what seemed like an inspector tool for weapons as it then shined a blue mystic light which enveloped the shield's front side

"Hmmm, at a glance it just like any other small shield." continued the man as he paused "does this thing not come off you" as he kept speaking further as he pulled on the shield from Accelerator's Arm, as it did not move

"I can move it around my body, but I could not find any other way to remove it," said Accelerator as the man kept inspecting his shield

"That's strange I could sense a great amount of power here, but my appraisal magic doesn't really tell me much more," said the man as he poked at the large shining green orb in which was in the center of the Accelerator's shield

"Hmmm"

" Ah, thanks for showing me something interesting. Want to buy some armor?" said the man

(-)

"Aye looking good there," said the man as he looked at the small room which held Accelerator now changed into new clothing which was a suit of chainmail which covers his body however didn' have the same appearance of something like full iron armor

An icon flashed in the view of Accelerator

Chainmail: Raise defensive power

Use: Slice resistance

Size: Small

'Not much info' thought Accelerator

"How much" He then spoke

"Heroes discount, 120 slivers, and then buyback price, if it was still in new good condition, I'll say around 100 slivers," said the man

"I'll take it," said Accelerator

"Excellent, I'll throw in some interware to show my thanks," said the man

(-)

Accelerator purchased this armor, of course, he doesn't need it. However, he doesn't want to bring attention to himself by not wearing armor. Accelerator, before he left, asked where are good ground to gain experience, the man told him of a place in which usual beginner adventures go to do so.

Accelerator headed off with his newly acquired armor and other things.

The plains outside of the city, of the capitol in which holds the castle of the king. Is where Accelerator was now as he followed the direction of the man.

Accelerator started at the vast opening of the plains as he saw the new nature of the world he was in, quite different from academy city like he was used to.

As he continued to stare he noticed that in the grass, several red pointers appeared on top, akin to a game in which notifies the player that a monster or hostile enemy was there.

As he looked, to its direction. As he then saw a creature, Orange in color akin to looking like that of a balloon however having a more spherical shape than a balloon's oval one's, as it had large eyes which seemed to slant and a mouth which looked to have sharp teeth, however, were not and is part of the face.

There were multiple Balloon Creatures. Accelerator smiled finally he had something to release this pent up anger.

As three balloon monsters jumped from the long grass in which aim for Accelerator however right before they manage to land on him and proceed to bite. Each popped instantly as Accelerator with such speed and Accuracy punched every single one, as on impact kill the weak creature

"Pathetic really," said Accelerator as he killed them with such ease

As they popped, Accelerator gained Exp, and as they dropped their skin.

"Seems they have a drop. It may have value even if it is little" said Accelerator as he proceeded to put the drop in a pack he bought from the weapon shop which held his important items.

Accelerator then continued, as he simply punched them with little to no effort, popping them on impact.

After he continued to kill them with ease, getting bored he would use his vector manipulation to control the surrounding wind. And cut the balloon creatures with a wind blade slice popping then very easily.

Accelerator killed a good amount of the creatures as he collected the balloon skin as well as the exp. He even let the creature bite him, as he consciously was not using his reflector ability. However as he expected there was no pain, the creatures were that weak.

Accelerator Was now sitting on a large rock under a larger tree, which he was now feeding the Shield the balloon's skin, in turn, increases the level of shield and gain new features like he expected not much but still there.

(-)

It had been a few hours now, and Accelerator had returned to the city and went back to the same weapon shop once more.

He asked a few questions to the man, Such as where was a good place to stay for the night and where he could sell the balloon skin he had collected. He got those as he also purchased new things from the shop he realized he might need.

Accelerator was now walking to the inn, which the weapon shop owner told him about, as he got a room for the night and bought some dinner, he set out to eat. After dinner, he went to his room and went to bed. He decided that he would get back home no matter what, as he was the strongest.

(-)

The sun was starting to rise, in the kingdom. The soldiers started to head off from the Castle heading into the city, as they continued to run on foot, to a certain inn.

Accelerator rise from his bed waking up, as he then started to get ready to head back and start to gain more exp and fight stronger monsters.

He put on his Armour and got his pack full of stuff he needed for his trip, out.

As he stepped out of his room and closed the door. He then noticed a large number of Knight's from the castle on both ends of the hallway.

"Peculiar," said Accelerator

One of the knights stepped forward with a look of seriousness, he looked at Accelerator.

"You are the Shield hero, Correct?" said the knight

"Yes," said Accelerator

"The King has ordered a summons, boy. You are to come with us" said the Knight

"Huh?" said Accelerator

(-)

Accelerator and a large number of knights were now at the castle as they took him there. Accelerator didn't feel threatened but he knew something was up.

As they made it to the Throne room, of the Castle, Accelerator stepped in as he did so it was then one of the knights attempted to push him to the ground only to fail and be the one to fall, which occurred because of Accelerator's reflection. Which surprised the Knights,

As he did not fall to the ground, the few knights surround him with spears pointed at him.

"The Hell do you think you're doing?" Accelerator spoke not expecting that this attempt would happen.

As Accelerator looked at the sight beyond knight in front of him, in the distance. He saw the King on the throne, few nobles, soldiers, and the other heroes as well as a redhead girl.

As Accelerator continues to look, he saw the redhead girl seem to react in a scared way as she hid behind the spear hero.

"What the hell is going on?" said Accelerator

"Silence you filth!" spoke the kIng

"This is new," said Accelerator not in the least intimidated by the king at all.

The King sighed as he put his hand on his forehead

"Myne, I'm sorry to ask again my dear. But would you mind repeating the testimony again" said the king

As he referred to the redhead girl

As tears rolled from her eyes as she came closer to the spear hero for comfort

"It happened last night…. The shield hero forced his way into my room, he grabbed me and pinned me down" She was saying

"Huh?" spoke Accelerator, as he watched as this girl he didn't even know the name of the spoke.

"And then the next thing I knew he was tearing off all my clothes. Somehow I manage to escape, I ran down the hall for help and I found sir Motoyasu who was staying at the same inn"

"If she hadn't asked me to wait till dawn and call the knights, I would have gladly cut you down myself" spoke Motoyasu

"What the hell? I don't even know who she is, nor I have ever tried to rape anyone" said Accelerator he started to grow angry as such a made-up story was being created and being believed as true

"To think the cardinal shield hero would create the greatest sin of the country," Said the king

"In Melmerarc, even attempted sexual assault is punishable by death," said one of the king's subordinates

"If you weren't a hero, you would have been executed at once," said the king

Accelerator was not scared from the situation, he knew they wouldn't be able to kill even if they tried

"I did no such thing, in the first place… you don't even have evidence. I did such a thing" said Accelerator

It was then a knight stepped forward

"When we performed a search of the shield hero room...we Ummm we found this sir strung in front his bed," said the kneeling knight who presented purple women's sleeping attire

In which, Myne screamed

"You animal!" spoke Motoyasu

'Hold on, I brought everything from my room with me. When I left. Meaning this is just fabricated evidence' thought Accelerator

"The proof seems rather undeniable," said the king

'I'm being set up' thought Accelerator

"I never did such a thing, This is false evidence," he said

As he said this, the other heroes spoke up

`Why the hell is this happening…. All I wanted was to go home, just to finish this and go home' thought Accelerator as he looked at the site in front of him

However what caught his eye was the face of Myne who stared at him, no longer the crying face she once showed but one of lying as she stuck her tongue at him. Mocking accelerator

'Fucking bitch' thought Accelerator

The other heroes started to talk of how horrible he is for doing this.

"I knew it was a mistake to summon all four of them at once" spoke one of the nobles

"Exactly, they shouldn't have summoned the shield hero at all" spoke another

"But who could have known, he would have been such scum," said another

'Again with the shield….. It has to be, they think I am weak and want to bring me down while making themselves look better. Disgusting, these people are all just trash. These people treating me as if I am less than them. First summoning me in the first place and having the audacity to ask for my help after trapping me in their world. Why should I help them?' thought Accelerator

"I would like for you to be punished but, the legend says that unless all the heroes meet their end, we wouldn't be able to summon new heroes," said the king

"Huh?" spoke the bow hero

"That's insane," said Motoyasu

"But sir does that mean we're going to have to fight beside a criminal like him" Motoyasu continued

"Fuck this" Said Accelerator as his anger was continuing to grow

"Who needs you? I'll do this myself" Accelerator continued to speak, he pushed back all the soldiers in front of him, without touching them and with no effort, they moved backward as they felt a pressure moving them somehow.

Accelerator clenched his teeth as he realized he owes them nothing, all they ever did was trap him in this world. Why does he have to work to save them?

The soldiers started to step back and move in front of Accelerator Spear pointed right at him.

"Stand down," said one of the Knights getting back into position

"Get the hell away from me!" said Accelerator, as he controlled the vectors around him causing the wind to push them all back as they all fell on the floor

"So what it's going to be? You're going to imprison me?" Accelerator continued

"There is no time for that, scum or not you're still a hero. And one of the only beings left who could fight them all off. But news of your crime is already spreading among the people, that is your punishment. You should expect never to live a decent life in this country" Said the king

"Hero? What a joke" Spoke Accelerator as he turned to leave

"Hey wait one second!" said Motoyasu as he ran towards Accelerator who was leaving and was about to grab his arm but stopped immediately upon feeling extreme danger would approach he stopped him from moving.

"What? Don't make me waste my time" said Accelerator as he stopped but then continued to leave the room.

He left the castle

(-)

As he walked the streets, it was clear as day the people of the city were avoiding him like the plague as he continued to walk, everyone would move a great distance from him and as well avoid looking at a home.

Accelerator had made a conscious decision to not using his reflector ability, as he continued to walk always knowing he didn't want to reveal it by accident subconsciously anytime

"Hey Shield Hero," Said the Weapon shop owner

Accelerator saw this as he was walking, as he turned to face the man, he was picked up by his shirt and pushed against a wall as the other man's arm was rising above his arm.

"So I heard what you did to that girl, I should punch you in the face for what you did," the man said angrily

"I suggest you take your hand off me before you lose it," said Accelerator as he looked at the man's eyes

The man noticed this but when staring in his eyes he realized something even though he was threatened the man was a good judge of character and knew something was up.

"Wait, Hold on," Said the man he let go of Accelerator

Accelerator was confused

"What? I thought you were going to punch?" Accelerator said

"No, I changed my mind," said the man

"Good, you were about to die there if you didn't stop," said Accelerator who was about to leave

"Hold on a second," said the man

"Huh?"

Accelerator and the weapon shop owner walked off to an alley deep in between some buildings.

The weapon shop owner then extended his hand, as a green cape-like overcoat was in his hand.

"What's this?" said Accelerator

"Consider it, a parting gift," said the man

"How much?" said Accelerator not wanting to own anybody anything

"Fine, let's say it a clearance sale, and say one sliver," said the man

"Tch," said Accelerator who tossed the silver at him and took the green cape like a coat

He left as he put it on, now leaving to field in where he fought the balloon monster, the night was starting to grow dark as clouds in the sky.

Accelerator was pissed off, all of this was going on, as he saw the balloon monster which was surrounding him.

In turn, he fought all of them, defeating them all with a single punch popping on impact, he would continue all night as he fought to let as much steam off as he could, He turned lvl 3 at some point of the night as he was fighting many of the Balloon monsters, so very easily, he collected all the balloon skin they dropped.

He now was sitting under a tree, to avoid the pouring rain in which came, as he feeds some of the Balloon skin to his shield he also kept some to see if he could sell it.

He finished fighting and went back to the city to sell what he just got,

(-)

In the middle of the street was a man buying Balloon skin for a copper for each pair, as Accelerator heard this he started to approach.

As Accelerator was walking the seller saw him and out of fear backed away a bit as he took a step back he walks sideways to avoid him and left.

Accelerator was now in front of the counter,

"Welcome sir," said the vender as he then got a good look at Accelerator which he then gasped Accelerator took out a large amount of Balloon skin

"How much for all of these" Accelerator said

"Oh, orange balloons are they. Looks like 30 of them by my count, how does 2 copper sound for the entire lot." said the vender as Accelerator put the balloon skins on the counter

"Tch….. I heard you offered the last guy one copper for every two" said Accelerator

"Did I now? I don't recall that… you must understand that I do have a business to run" said the vender

"Is that so!" Said Accelerator as he grabbed the Man by his Shirt pulling him forward

"I wonder if I choke the life out of ya? if that'll change your mind" said Accelerator as the vender would see Accelerator's other hand coming for his neck.

"I'm sure I can change your mind, after all, I'm quite persuasive" He continued as the vender started to get fearful for his life.

Vender screamed,

"I ain't asking for you to buy them for me, I'm telling you to do what I am saying," said Accelerator

"Fine, fine. Just stop. Ok, I'll buy it from you please don't hurt me" said the vendor as he gave 15 copper to Accelerator as he released him and put his cloak back on.

"Spread the word to any other merchant that might want to rip me off," said Accelerator as he left

He would pass by a shop as something caught his eye through the window, which was some herbs he saw as he left to go back to the plains

(-)

Accelerator was now laying on some grass on the plain, the night now dark as he looked at the stars, he rested a bit and went to sleep knowing he would be protected with his reflection.

As the sun was now shining Accelerator took time to explore around the plains as he went into a large patch of trees.

As he was walking something caught his eyes

"Huh? Aren't these those the plants I saw" said Accelerator remembering the plants he saw through the shop's window

Accelerator went and picked one of the herbs as he then fed it to the shield thinking it had some importance as it was being sold somewhere

As the shield ate the leaf, text would emerge in his vision.

UNLOCKED

New Shields Unlocked

Orange Shield

+2 Defense

Yellow Shield

+2 Defense

Leaf Shield

+1 Gathering

This appeared in his view. He read it quickly right before it faded as something new appeared

UNLOCKED

There are shields with available skill unlocked

Small shield

HELP

Mastery Bonus

When a shield is used for a while to achieve a certain level of proficiency it will grant its wielder permanent bonuses.

"Interesting" spoke Accelerator as he read this quickly as well.

Accelerator decided to test something as he held up his shield

"Leaf Shield," He said

His steel shield with a green orb in the middle changed to that of a leaf-like shape keeping its original size maybe even increasing it, it had a light green outline and a dark green interior with the green orb still in its middle

The shield look akin to that of a leaf.

"Really is, something like a game," said Accelerator seeing the newly transformed shield

As would then pick the same type of plant he fed the shield, then green aura covered the plant he picked for a few seconds as something appeared in his view

SKILL

Foraging skill 1 Activated

Aero:*

"It seems to improve the plants quality" Continued Accelerator as he read the text quickly as it disappeared

Accelerator would pick more of the herbs as he used that skill to improve the quality to sell later.

(-)

"Wow this is really good stuff," said the Medicinal Shop Owner, as he examined the plants' Accelerator had put on the counter to sell and over the course his shield return to its original form.

Yes. Accelerator had gone back to the city and had gone to the shop he had seen the herb before.

"Where'd you find these?" Continued the Shop Owner

"No questions, only business," said Accelerator

"I see, however, I've never seen anything of such high quality. I was just curious" said the Medicinal Shop Owner

As he put down a sum of many copper coins and a few silver for the plant Accelerator had just brought him

Accelerator had left and gone to a pub in which he bought something to eat

He ate as he was on the counter bars, as he was eating as he needs the energy, three men approach him.

"Oh Great shield hero, we'll join your party. If you like" said one of the men

"Yeah that's right thank your lucky stars," said another as he put his hand on Accelerator's shoulder

"Hell no, fuck off. I don't need to waste my time with people like you" said Accelerator

The men were taken aback by this, Accelerator finished and paid already and decided to leave, however, the men still followed him even after he left the building

Accelerator was now walking through the night in the empty street the men were still following not even trying to hide.

"Forget the party crap and hand over your money," said one of the men behind

"Oh so you do have a death wish," said Accelerator

"Huh? Yeah right like you could beat us" said one of the men

"Well if your so confident let's see you try," said Accelerator As he said that one of the men rushed Accelerator with a knife, however, of course, Accelerator saw no threat, and as the knife made an impact on Accelerator's back it shattered instantly

With this Accelerator easily hit the man who tried this sending him flying.

The men got scared and ran away

"Trash," said Accelerator as he saw them run

"Looks like you could use some company," said a short, creepy-looking little man who wears a traditional circus ringmaster's tuxedo, glasses with a small chain attached, white alchemist gloves, top hat, and a bow tie. Who also has a small, old-fashioned handlebar mustache and wears a somewhat sinister grin on his face.

Accelerator looked behind him to see this man, accelerator then turned back as he was going to leave

"It's clear you don't have any. What luck I have exactly what you need" said the short man

"I'll pass, I don't need your offers," said Accelerator

"Oh what I am offering you is a service far greater than anything more convenient," said the short man

"And what is that?" said Accelerator his curiosity now peaked

"Interested are we?" said the short man

"Huh?"

"Hahaha, you got that look in your eyes that I just adore. Your exactly the person the rumors said you were" said the short man

"Rumors? So then that means you know who I am" said Accelerator

"Of course I do, shield hero. If my offer interests you. Then follow me and we could discuss it further" said the short man as he pointed to a direction

Accelerator's curiosity was touched and wanted to know what this man was offering

So he followed the short man as he was lead to a new place, as he then turned a corner to follow the men, he was lead to what looked like a carnival tent in a spacious area in the city.

They walked in.

"Right this way," said the short man lift the curtain entrance. They were now inside

"So what is it your offering anyway," said Accelerator

"Haha, Can't you tell by just looking. Their slaves my boy." said the short man

"Oh," said Accelerator not bothered by what he said, as he couldn't care less

"Yes, I run a slave-trading business," said the short man as accelerator saw behind him cages in which he assumed slaves were in.

"What's the merit to even owning a slave?" said Accelerator

"Well that simply, the fact that they can't lie or betray their master is one," said the short man

"We keep all our slaves in line. By keeping them in the effect of a curse. A strong Seal based curse, if they misbehave, it could take their very life…. So what do you say?" said the slave trader

"Hmmm"

Accelerator was in thought for a second, he thought if he leveled up to quickly attention would grow, however, if he had a slave. It can be seen as him gaining more because of this.

"Alright, let me see. What you have" said Accelerator

"I knew you had exactly what it takes to be the most wonderful patron," said the slave trader as he then started to walk deeper in his store

Accelerator followed as he looked around to see, many creatures or beings in which were in cages. Viciously looking at him.

"Some of them don't even look human," said Accelerator still walking with the slave trader

"Well I can assure you, they still are technically," said the slave trader

"tell me more. I don't know much about this world" said Accelerator

"Creatures that look mostly human but aren't are what we refer to as demihumans, there mostly used as a servant or for manual labor, beast-men are demihumans who's appearance leads more to the animal side, they are often used as bodyguards or gather to participate in deathmatches," said the slave trader

"I see, but they both fall into the same category?" said Accelerator

"Indeed and since this country practices human supremacy, demihumans are thought to be closer to monsters. Life can be quite hard for them here, as such they're treated as slaves" said the slave trader

"Interesting" spoke Accelerator but as he said this he heard coughing from a distance as he then felt curious he stepped forwards and followed the noise as he did this it lead him to a cage which was covered by a curtain.