Chapter Text
Chapter 1:
A/N: HELLO! READ ME!
Hello, I am Appah, the original writer of the Rising of the Apprentice Heroes. Nice to see you guys again. I know it's been a while, and I am sorry for jumping off the face of the Earth. No heads up and no warnings. Well let me tell you what's up and what this is.
So I recently had some... problems, stuff that I won't go into, but to sum up in that time I orphaned my old account and took a much needed break from writing and stuff. Well now I am about to begin college and I am right now doing a bit of a rewrite.
Now for all those who read onward, and have read the old story you might notice that it looks a lot like the old story. Well that's because I copied over the chapters and rewrote some of the scenes and did a spell check for them. So while most of it may be the same it will have some differences. So while it may be small, it is something.
Anyways, for now I am back and I hope to be around for a while.
Be sure to comment and leave kudos because those are some of the best things I love to see. Also remember if you bookmark this story, write something funny I do read those from time to time and seeing a little something makes me smile.
NOW! I left the old Authors Notes in tact and will do so for the next few chapters. I hope you all have a good day and I will see you later
Good morning/afternoon/evening whatever! It is I, Appah, am here with the reboot of Rising of the Four(Five) Heroes!
So for all of you who took part in nominating your favorite characters to be part of this, thank you! Sadly I couldn’t put in all of them, with a space for only 4 characters. So I picked on four things, if they were from the same world(I’m sorry but none from the same world), one nomination per person, if I knew the character, and out of those I picked based on if I was somewhat confident enough I could write them. Now! Here are the results in order of how much sense it would be for them to be teleported!
The Apprentice Bard Hero: Ibuki from Danganronpa! Honestly, I want good things for Ibuki, who doesn’t. It’s Ibuki. So, I have made MULTIPLE ways for her to get sent to the Shield Hero world. Where is she taken from? Pre-Despair? During Despair? During Danganronpa 2 Goodbye Despair? After Despair?! You’ll just have to read, but it comes fast, so don’t worry! So thank you Animus_Melodiam!
Next! Apprentice Monster Tamer Hero: Now, this one was an easy choice, between her and anyone from the Pokemon world, only because I’ve seen every episode of this series, congrats to Wolfpix for nominating Lucy Heartfillia, from Fairy Tail! Reason being, I can see her getting caught up in something, trying to hide by reading, and then getting slapped by an Isekai stick. That and I don’t play Pokemon games… I know some of you are judging me for not playing Pokemon, and you have every right to, and before you say Ash. No, I refuse to put a kid who never ages in this.
Next was a bit of a hard one, the Apprentice Mage Hero, now this was between three characters, one being Wolfpix who won the Monster Tamer selection. Now, the choice was hard, between Megumin from Konosuba, Mustang from FMA:B and Akko from Little Witch Academia, which was hard, since Akko is so bad at magic and Megumin is doing something stupid as well! Because you know, IT’S KONOSUBA! So I had to debate, but in the end it went to Mustang, since I know the PERFECT moment when to take him from cannon to get him to the Shield Hero world so congrats to HYPERCONCENTRATED_BACON, for the character!
LASTLY THE BRAWLER HERO! This one was hard, I don’t want to have someone win two spots, EVEN IF I KNOW THE CHARACTER! So sadly, no Shizuo Heiwajima! No Hiyori! Also sadly, I don’t play enough Honkai Impact 3rd, so no Fu Hua, even though from what I learned, she’s pretty badass. This one goes out to DoctorTouch, for non intentionally nominating someone who’d make sense. No it isn’t Shirou(From what I can’t say! Fate? Log Horizon?! NO GAME NO LIFE?!) Instead, it made me think, hey what is white? Then I also thought what is a good fighter? The thoughts came together to make me remember the name “Shirone,” also known as Koneko from High School DxD. So congrats, you somehow made me think of this.
For our final list! HERE ARE YOUR HEROES, in accordance with age!
Mordred: Apprentice Knight Hero(However old she is when she first gets mentioned in Arthurian Legend)
Roy Mustang(29): Apprentice Mage Hero
Lucy Heartfillia(18): Apprentice Monster Tamer Hero
Abigail Wilts(18): Apprentice Gun Hero(es)
Ibuki Mioda(17): Apprentice Bard Hero
Shaun Sarto(16): Apprentice Gun Hero(es)
Koneko Toujou(15): Apprentice Brawler Hero
Ruby Rose(15): Apprentice Reaper Hero
Klee(9): Apprentice Bomber Hero
Now! Let’s get going!
P.S. THIS IS IMPORTANT! READ ME! Just because this has a DxD tag and character in it, doesn’t mean it will have smut, if anything the most you’ll get is some making out and implied stuff, but nothing explicit, now if I were to make smut, it would be somewhere else, not here.
Okay, NOW! Let’s get this rolling! Lights! Cameras! ACTION!
“We did it! The summoning was a success!” a man in robes spoke. Excitement in his voice seeing the four newly summoned heroes that were before them.
“Oh brave heroes, please save our world!” another man in robes said, presumably the leader of the robed men..
The four in the circle were in a confused state, not understanding where they were or why and how they got there.
“The story behind it is long and complicated. But suffice to say that, you are the four Cardinal Heroes. And you were summoned using an ancient ritual,” explained the man. “Our world is in a most fragile state and teeters on the brink of destruction. So we beg you, oh great heroes, please lend us your aid!”
The hero in a green tracksuit and a shield attached to his arm, Naofumi Iwatani, didn’t see anything wrong with the possibility of hearing them out. As for the other heroes.
“Forget it,” the boy in blue, Ren Amaki, quickly shot the idea down. Then the green eyed blond in a greenish yellow uniform, Itsuki Kawasumi, followed up. And like the others, the one in a red jacket and with long blond hair also joined, Motoyatsu Kitamura.
“You brought us here without our consent. Don’t you feel the least guilty about it?” Ren asked, pointing his blade at the leader.
“Not to mention, if you throw us out as we restore peace, we’d have done all that work for nothing,” Itsuki added.
“How willing are you to accommodate our request? Depending on your answer, we may end up as enemies rather than allies,” Motoyatsu said.
“Good sirs, before I say anymore, we’d like you to have an audience with the king of Melromarc. You can negotiate your reward with him directly, so please,” the leader of the robed men said, gesturing to the door.
“Alright, fine,” the sword hero accepted.
“I suppose we’ll consider your offer,” Itsuki followed suit.
“Sure. Doesn’t matter who we talk to, our demands won't change,” and like last time Motoyatsu agreed with the other two. That left Naofumi there who followed suit, though less of wanting a reward or something from the king and more of staying there would do him no good.
The robed men and the heroes made their way to the door, leaving the dimly lit room. But when the last person exited the circle where the heroes had been summoned, the room lit up, and not because someone with a candle walked on by.
“What the?!” one of the robed men.
The blue hero, Ren, turned his head to the leader, “What is happening? Is this normal?”
“No! Whatever is happening should not be,” the leader spoke. He turned to Naofumi with a glare, who was also in awe and surprise at what was happening. “You, Shield Hero! You were the last to leave it, what did you do?!” he demanded to know.
Naofumi quickly put his hands up in defense, “I didn’t do anything! Honest!” he replied, not understanding why he was the one being accused, he just got here and was still processing all that was happening.
“Liar!” one of the robed men yelled.
“AHH!” a sudden yell was heard, eyes brought back to the circle. Then a loud crash of something metallic hitting something.
Stuck in the ceiling was a sword and a set of armor that seemed to have someone stuck inside it. Then the suit fell, planting on the ground with whoever inside it didn’t seem conscious. An orange gem embedded at the center of the armor was hidden in the rubble of the stone beneath them.
Then another person got shot out of the circle, but instead of the sealing it was the right wall. A small girl with black hair and red tips wearing all black, her clothes almost having a gothic look. Laying next to the girl was a scythe embedded into the wall. A silver gem on the heel of the blade.
Next was a man in a blue overcoat, pants, and black boots, his hands were covered in gloves with a circle with something inside it, but it wasn’t visible enough for it to be seen properly due to the hole in them and the still wet blood coming from them. At his hip was a metal rod, no, a wand, it was gold and silver, a dusty gray colored gem was at the very bottom of it.
Soon a small girl with snow white hair and in a white and pink school uniform soon came out, flying and hitting the same part as the person in the armor, and like the one in the armor, she soon fell right on top of the body. On her hands were two silver gloves with a dark black gem embedded on each of them.
Another was shot out, well not another more like two. Both being shot in the same direction. One a boy with messy black hair and glasses and the other a girl with long brown hair, both wore clothes similar to the first four and both wearing blue facemasks. In the boy’s hands was a sort of flintlock pistol in each and in the girl’s hand was a bayonet blade. The dark purple gem was split into four even parts, on each armament they had on them.
Then a blonde girl, wearing an orange t-shirt and red skirt came out, shooting out in a manner that had her sliding on the floor and hitting the wall with enough force to crack it. Wrapped around her right arm was a long chain, and in her hand was a collar attached to it, a dark blue gem with small specks of white, almost like stars in the night sky, located itself on the collar.
The circle activated one last time, this time shooting two more people. First was a small girl in the direction of Naofumi. Not being prepared for the incoming body he was knocked down almost immediately. A small girl with pointy ears wearing a red jacket and hat. On her backpack was even a cute little fluffy rabbit plush. Then launching herself in the same direction was an older petite girl. She wore a schoolgirl’s uniform, her legs covered by black thigh highs with a bone design, one pink the other blue, her hair being a mix of black and highlights in pink, blue, and white. Her hair has been done in two horns. In her hands was a silver and gold lyre.
“Owwie…” the little girl managed to let out before joining the other four in their little nap session.
The leader of the robed men turned to one of his men, “Go to the king, inform him we will have an unexpected development. And please find someone to move these people from here and properly rest.”
The four heroes looked at the nine newly summoned people. A single thought ran through their minds.
“What the hell.”
“Tell me about it,” a small voice from the white haired girl as well as the multi-colored haired girl could be heard as they pulled themselves up.
(The Knight Hero)
Mordred was tired. Something a Servant should not normally feel. But no, she was tired. Her Master had taken her and a few of the other Servants out on a “little” grinding session. And by little she meant hours on end of farming materials!
As Mordred entered her room, she was greeted by her best friend, who she didn’t really acknowledge at the moment, wanting to lay down on the bed.
“Hmm,” one of the Servants in a white wedding outfit, red hair, and what some would jokingly call a unicorn horn, ground. Introducing Frankenstein’s Monster, Berserker class.
“Heya Fran, just got back. I don’t want to do anything.”
“Hm,” Fran let out a disappointed grunt. Mordred rolled over, looking at the head down Berserker.
Mordred wanted to protest and tell the Berserker that she was too tired to do anything, but seeing the person you spend the most time around down in the dumps after a long day of grinding materials didn’t seem like something she wanted to add. Plus, Fran could be petty at some of the worst times, so Mordred decided to not upset the Berserker too much.
“Fine! How about I get a book and I can read it to you?” she asked, which got the Berserk happy like giving a puppy a new toy to play with. “Alright, give me a sec, nothing good to read here.” she said, patting Mordred’s head as she walked past her.
And so Mordred went to their library. Hopefully she doesn’t encounter the annoying playwright.
So Mordred went to Murasaki’s Library. Hopefully she finds something good for Fran.
“Let’s see, no. Boring. Read that. That one is on Gather. Well that’s clearly smut. Nope. Na ah,” Mordred said as she looked through piles of books, throwing them behind her into the air and sloppily into a pile she made..
The Saber class Servant let out a groan. “Nothing good is ever here!” she growled.
Then something caught her eye. A shiny book. Now, Mordred won’t complain, shiny things sometimes mean it’s important or interesting.
“Maybe it’s Master’s Dairy?” she muttered to herself. It would be rude to read, definitely, but it was always something that made most of the Servants curious. What was the thought process and machinations of their orange haired Master. “Oh well, if it is, then it’s her fault for leaving it here.”
Mordred pulled the book out of the shelf, and sadly it wasn’t her Master’s diary. Instead it was some book about the “Four Heroes,” which made Mordred chuckle. So just to make sure this wasn’t some historical textbook or whatever, even with that title, she wanted to make sure she knew what she’d be reading to Fran.
The story itself. It was boring as all hell. Honestly most stories about heroes were lackluster to Mordred when she had fought in Holy Grail Wars against actual heroes. And it was odd since it only had four classes in it. Out of the four, three were the knight classes, Saber, Lancer, and Archer, and the last was an extra Shielder. An odd roster for sure. Did not help that the mere mention of a shield reminded Mordred of Mr. Goodie-Goodie Galahad and his dump shield.
Overall, 5/10, might read again. Though it worked for her purposes for Fran. Just to be sure though, Mordred kept reading on, and when she reached the part where she’d read up near the climax of the story, the pages were blank, and everything past that was blank.
“What the fuck, printing press not have enough ink- OH DWHAT THE-!” Mordred began yelling as the book lit up.
And as Murasaki went to tell the knight to be quiet, the place where she would be was empty and filled with tossed aside books.
(The Reaper Hero)
“My baby girl!” Taiyang squeezed his daughter.
“D-dad!” Ruby struggled against her father. “You’re crushing me! Y-Yang! Help!” Ruby cried, trying to get her sister’s aid, stretching out for a hand to grab, only for her to be filming the scene.
“Na, Rubes. This is just too good!” Yang managed to get out, laughing like a hyena.
“Traitor! What happened to sisters before misters! You fiend!” Ruby shouted in pain.
Taiyang let go of his youngest daughter. “I’m sorry, but you’re getting into Beacon so early, my baby girl is growing up so fast!” he said, acting as if he was shedding tears. “I don’t think I was mentally prepared enough for you to leave the nest already!”
“Gah, Dad! You’re being embarrassing!” Ruby said, waking off. “I’m going to my room to pack,” the young Reaper left a tad embarrassed of her father, but before she could forget. “And Yang, don’t you dare send that video to anyone!”
“Yeah, not going to happen,” Yang said dismissive
Ruby let out an annoyed sigh as she left for her room. The two blonds of the house could hear as she got to her room by the sound of stomping boots and Ruby tried to slam her door, only for it to fail. Then she tried again and again before loudly grunting and giving up.
The young Reaper plopped herself on her bed, face down and face in her pillow. Rolling in her bed, Ruby looked at the shelf in her room. Filled with books, little mini inventions she made at shop class, and her collection of little Grimm figures, not dolls as Yang claimed.
“Maybe I could read something, wait for them to settle down,” Ruby muttered.
Ruby walked over, looking for something to read. “Hmm, The Four Maidens, The Two Brothers, The Girl Who Fell Through The World. Wait, The Four Heroes?”
Ruby raised an eyebrow, not recognizing the title. Figuring it was a new book gifted to her by her dad, sister, or uncle. Uncle Qrow had not visited her for a while but she did remember him saying he would send her something. He was the best that way. “Well, might as well read it.”
And so, Ruby opened the book. Ruby soon realized she wasn’t a big fan of the book, especially the girl who would jump from hero to hero. Yet, Ruby couldn’t seem to put the book down. The ones that seemed to draw Ruby’s attention the most of the four heroes were the Spear and Bow guys. The Spear guy seemed to have the right idea but did not seem to question anything. Then the Bow guy just seemed like a bit of a jerk.
She was over three quarters of the way through the book and flipped to the next page, and it was empty. “Huh?” Ruby raised an eyebrow as she wondered what was up with the empty page.
Then the book lit up. “Huh?!” she let out as the light enveloped her.
The room was left empty.
(The Bomber Hero)
“Why, hello Klee,” Lisa, the Librarian of the Knights of Favonius, greeted the small and young Spark Knight. “I see you’re out. What are you up to?”
“Hello!” the young child, Klee, greeted Lisa. “Jean said I could come out of solitary confinement but also told me to get a book. She said if I can make a good book report she’d join me to blow up some fishies!”
Lisa let out a small chuckle, knowing this was the Acting Grandmaster’s way of keeping Klee busy and not blowing things up for a bit. “Well then. If you want some help I’ll gladly give you a hand.”
Klee nodded, running off downstairs to find the subject of her report. The Spark Knight hoped she could find something on bombs or anything with explosions, those were her favorite kinds of books.
Klee looked. And looked. And looked. She checked every shelf, even those annoying ones where she had to go onto her knees to look. No books on anything that’d make a big boom!
She didn’t give up though, she wanted to blow up fish with Jean. Maybe even Albedo would come along!
So Klee decided to pick the first book she laid eyes on. And she saw it, “The Four Heroes,” it had on its spine.
“What do you say Dodoco? This one?” she asked the fluffy doll her mother made her. Of course there was no response, but you never fault a child for having an imagination.
Klee sat down, placing the book down and opened it.
A couple of pages in, it became apparent to Klee she’d need help from Lisa to explain some of these things.
“Hmm, I don’t really get this, why is the girl keep going from each one of the heroes,” Klee muttered to herself, putting her hands to her head to exaggerate her frustration and confusion of the book.
The Sword and Shield Heroes seemed interesting though. The Shield Hero was liked by people with animal traits like Diona and Sucrose! That sounded the best! Though the Sword Hero did get her attention too. They were serious, but maybe she misread something or skimmed a bit too much and did not know what a few words were, but the Sword Hero seemed lonely.
The sun seemed to begin to shine down in the library in a blinding light as the sun seemed to begin to set bellow Mondstadt’s walls and the sleep Spark Knight Klee decided to power through, maybe the book would explain more, even if Klee might not understand, only to find a blank page. She was close anyways to making it to the end and big girls can read a lot! Like Jean, Lisa, and Sucrose!
“Hmm?” she tilted her head.
As she flipped through the pages the book began to light up, catching Klee’s attention making it stop.
“Lisa, what’s this?!” Klee asked.
“Hmm?” Lisa got up from behind her desk, looking at the source of the voice, only to find an empty spot. “Klee?”
(The Mage Hero)
Colonel Roy Mustang stared at the man who he once respected, the man who once held the title of Fuhrer of Amestris. The homunculus in human clothing.
He was pinned to the ground, with Bradley’s blades in his, keeping him there as Pride’s shadows moved around, making a transmutation circle around them. The lightning of the circle glowed as the circle began to activate.
“Well, Colonel Mustang. Looks like you’re our fifth,” Pride said, looking down at Mustang. “I was really hoping I wouldn’t have to resort to this,” the homunculus with the appearance of a child looked down at Roy, “but there is no choice. We have run out of time now.”
The look in Bradley’s eyes were dark, if you looked from a distance, you wouldn’t have been able to see them, only a red gleam from his once covered eye. “Whether you like it or not, we are going to force you to open the portal, prepare yourself.”
“N-no,” Mustang struggled, “I won’t do it.”
“As I said, it doesn’t matter if you want to,” Bradley said, “Pride has just assimilated an alchemist with knowledge of human transmutation,” he explained, a muffled voice could be heard from the man held up above them.
Black shadows wrapped themselves around the colonel’s throat, “He’s safely pinned, move back Wrath. Now,” Pride told the homunculus.
Taking his blades out of Mustang’s hands, Bradley walked out of the glowing transmutation circle, leaving Mustang there.
Let out a cough, the man turned homunculus turned to the man he had pinned, “I wonder. What will be taken from you in exchange?”
Those were the last words Roy Mustang heard before yelling in pain, the light from the transmutation circle glowing, letting out a tremendous amount of light that enveloped everyone.
Roy only saw white. Be it the floor or the sky, it was all white.
That was except for the black that seemed to radiate off of the human silhouette, and the door that it stood in front of. The body first had no features, no nose, no hair, no mouth, no ears.
Though it seemed to be talking to someone, not paying him any mind.
“Are you sure? You want him?” Truth asked no in particular. “Well, if you keep up your deal, I’ll allow it, this once.” Truth turned their head to Roy, no eyes looked at him but the Flame Alchemist could feel himself being watched. They said nothing, only a line appearing at its lips as it showed its teeth, smiling far wider than a normal human could.
Behind Truth was the large door. The door cracked open, revealing the black void behind it.
Roy looked in horror at the empty void. A large eye appeared, looking back at him.
The man soon disappeared from the white void.
(The Brawler Hero)
Koneko Toujou: Kuoh Academy’s Mascot, Rook under the peerage of Rias Gremory, heir of the house of Gremory, and younger sister to the Satan class devil, Sirzechs Lucifer. The small petite girl didn’t bear much emotion in her daily interactions, usually keeping a stoic face and monotone voice.
The only real exception when she got annoyed was when three idiots tried peeping in on her and the other girls, but even then, she only needed a swift punch and they’d be out like a light for at least a couple hours, depending where she hit.
What was she doing now? She was passing her time watching a livestream on DeviTube of a new MMORPG that came out.
It looked decent enough, great graphics, smooth combat, the voice acting fitting, if it wasn’t for one problem that she, and many of the streamers noticed, it was how biased the game was toward attack focused classes.
First the person she was watching chose a Shielder, which wasn’t so bad, Koneko preferred playing damage dealing classes which often left her a glass cannon, but she digressed. No, the problem was how unbalanced the game was!
First it was the ridiculous attack stat of the Shield. It was only one attack damage! Any multipliers the guy got did jack all to their attack because it was always just one!
And second was how biased the players were to the Shield players! Koneko didn’t particularly care for who were dicks to her online, it wasn’t a big deal, she’d just mute the chat. But what she was seeing was plain cruelty, if it wasn’t P.K.ers, it was just plain verbal humiliation on that chat, and since it was live the whole chat saw what was being said.
It got so bad that the streamer changed classes just to be able to do anything!
To say Koneko was peeved was an understatement.
“My, Koneko. You seem to be worked up,” a ravenette spoke from behind her. Queen of Rias’ peerage, Akeno Himejima.
“Nothing,” Koneko quickly snapped, not admitting her frustration at the game devs as she turned her phone off. “Anyways I got a pack to do, so I’ll be going now.”
“Alright, whatever you say,” Akeno said, a small smile on her face.
Walking over to a clear space of the room, Akeno extended her hands, a circle appearing beneath her. Once the circle was complete, she stepped out, gesturing for Koneko to go on.
Not wasting any time, the small teen got up and walked over to the circle. Once she got to the center she looked over to Akeno, “Tell Rias I’ll be out, see ya,” the girl said.
The red light enveloped her. And like so, she was gone.
Her pact was never fulfilled.
(The Monster Tamer Hero)
Acnologia shot himself out of the water, letting out a fierce roar. The members of the Fairy Tail guild were exhausted from their fight, but still wasn’t enough to kill him.
As the dragon loomed over them all, he drew a breath, wind coming to his mouth as magic stored itself up for a breath attack.
Those there looked up in terror at the dragon, charging up an attack that would destroy the entire island.
“There isn’t anything we can do,” a blonde mage cried to herself, hiding herself behind her hands. “Th-this is it? Are we all going to die here?”
“Defense magic users, bring out your most powerful spells,” Erza called to the other mages.
Freed clenched his fists, “I don’t have time to write an enchantment!” he said, worried for his guildmates.
Levy came to his side offering a suggestion, “Script magic has plenty of defensive spells that we can use right now,” her words were heard, getting Freed’s and the others' attention.
Calling everyone over, Lisanna yelled, “Everyone concentrate all your magic on Freed and Levy!”
“Everyone hold hands,” her older sister instructed.
The blonde in tears looked up at the pink haired dragon slayer offering her his hand, “Come on Lucy, we are not going to go out crying!” he told her. As she started to extend her hand, Natsu grabbed it.
Still with tears in her eyes, Lucy channeled all of her resolve. “Fairy Tail never gives up the fight!” she stated as Gray took her other hand.
One by one, the members of the guild took each other's hands, all the way down to Laxus and Makarov. As Laxus extended his hands to his short grandfather who was starting to cry himself.
“Okay kids,” their guild master said to them all “Let us all go home together.”
A light in the circle began to form as they channeled their magic and as Acnologia readied his attack.
He then fired. His attack was so strong that it made a light so strong that it could be seen for miles.
Once he finished the crater of what was once Tenrou Island was all that was left.
No one seemed to notice a small barefoot girl with long blonde hair hovering above the water. Nor did anyone notice that another blonde mage disappearing as the light consumed them.
(The Gun Hero(es))
Shaun looked at the books for the Nth time. Was there anything that stuck out to him? Nothing, or at least not yet.
“Seven Deadly Sins? Wait- Nagatoro? That shouldn’t be there,” he muttered to himself, taking the manga out to put it where it belonged. Though as soon as he found its spot he went back to scouring for something that stuck out to him.
“Oh, is that Hellsing?” he said to himself, surprised.
Though he wasn’t the only one in the bookstores manga section. A brown hair girl looked through, trying to find something. “They don’t have the next book yet? That sucks,” the girl muttered to herself.
Getting over her disappointment rather quickly the girl, Abigail, decided to look for something else.
In her mind she thought about the kind of thing she wanted. A comedy like Nichijou? Maybe a light novel like Another? Or how about a romance like Horimiya? Oh, Cells at Work was educational and fun at the same time.
Then her head went to a certain isekai manga that was a hot topic a year or two ago.
“Rising of the Shield Hero. I’ve heard of it… But it has an anime. But the manga is mostly better than the adaptation,” Abigail thought aloud to herself. “Plus, I know I’ll just not want to buy the manga afterwards, I’m that kind of person.”
Deciding to go with the isekai trope for her choice in what she’d be getting.
She reached out for the only copy they had.
But her hand was butted out by another person reaching for the same thing.
Both Shaun and Abigail looked at each other. “Are you going for it?” he asked, pulling the book from the others.
Abigail gave him a nod. “Yeah, but you can have it, I don’t know what it’s about anyways,” she said, waving it off.
Shaking his head, he held out the book, “Na, don’t worry, I already know the plot, just want to get an actual copy, go ahead,” Shaun insisted, giving it to her.
“Oh, thanks,” she said, taking it.
“No problem,” he said before going back to looking.
Abigail looked at him as he pulled out a red book titled Hellsing, even heard him mutter “Bitches love cannons,” he said and chuckled looking at the cover.
“That’s from the abridged series!” Abigail on instinct said that. It wasn’t often she met someone who quoted Hellsing Abridged randomly.
That also got his attention. “That it is,” he said with a smile. “Funny series, right?” he said excitedly.
“Yeah it is,” Abigail said, chuckling to herself. “Hey, got a question for you.”
“Hmm?” he hummed.
“You said you read this, right?” she asked, holding the Shield Hero manga, which got a nod. “Mind telling me about it? I haven’t seen the anime or done much research on it, the only bit I know is from what I’ve heard from things like memes and snips from YouTube.”
Shaun got up, putting Hellsing down, “Yeah sure,” he said shrugging, taking the book from Abigail.
He explained the basic premises of the first book with them being summoned, them being from parallel worlds, the false accusation, and the raccoon girl.
“It’s a pretty good read and the story is between the grim mood Overlord has and isn’t a comedy like Konosuba,” Shaun said, flipping through the pages, ending up on a page with a blood covered Raphtalia with her first kill.
“Hey, why are the bubbles empty?” Abigail asked, looking at the book, asking the same question in Shaun’s head.
“I don’t know,” Shaun said, as he flipped through a few more pages, all of which were empty. And then, a light began to shine.
“Huh?!”
“What the hell?!” both said at the same time.
Then the book hit the ground.
(The Bard Hero)
Ibuki Mioda, Super Highschool Level Light Music Club Member, felt complete and utter despair. The sight in front of her was horrible. It almost made her burst into tears.
“This is so unfair! I keep on dying! And I have the most defense out of everyone!” Ibuki yelled out as she gripped her controller harder as she, Chiaki, Hiyoko, and Maharu looked at her, all amused at Ibuki’s actions.
“It’s your fault for pulling too much of their agro, you have to keep some on you but not all, and you are under leveled, I told you we should have kept grinding,” Chiaki said, killing the leftover monsters that got Ibuki.
What were they doing?
Playing a console game that Chiaki bought for them.
It was a fantasy game that could be played with four people at a time, with four different classes. Chiaki chose the sword, Hiyoko chose the spear, and Maharu chose the bow. That left Ibuki with the shield.
“Well it’s not my fault that killing monsters is so boring when I can’t do any damage!” Ibuki shouted out.
“I can understand your frustration Ibuki,” Chiaki nodded her head, putting her controller down on her lap. “Games that heavily favor other classes aren’t always the best kinds, they make it hard enough for defense focused players to get a start when they aren’t lucky to get good gear early game, but it gets worse when they have it in co-op and they need to rely on every class but you can’t because someone else is having such a hard time leveling due to the way the class was designed!” the usually friendly and quiet girl shouted, getting a bunch of stairs from the others. Quickly gaining her composer, she coughed into her hand. “A-anyway, it isn’t your fault Ibuki.”
“So the class is just unbalanced,” the Super Highschool Level “Light Music” Club Member, muttered to herself. “Well then I guess Ibuki will need to keep grinding and looting chests!”
“Alright, you do that,” Hiyoko said, getting from her sitting position. “I’m getting tired, so I’m going to get going.”
Letting out a yawn, Mahiru stretched her body. “Yeah, me too. I think I’m going to call it quits for today.”
Chiaki looked out of the window, seeing the sun begin to set.
“I suppose it is getting late, huh,” Chiaki said, getting up, stretching her legs.
“Alright, you guys go!” Ibuki said, fiddling with the controller. “I’m going to keep playing, going to get some more levels,” she said, hunching her back, focusing on killing monsters.
The other girls looked at one another, but Chiaki shrugged, knowing the feeling about wanting to get stronger in a game. “Alright Ibuki. Just don’t stay up too late, alright?”
“Yeah, yeah, sure,” Ibuki said offhandedly. Focused on killing monsters.
Stars illuminated the night.
It had been hours and Ibuki was tired as she finally reached her goal.
Raise her level by five.
Yes. Three hours of hard work alone made her level 26 now. Not much, but for someone who had such a miniscule attack, the rocker wouldn’t complain.
“Finally! It’s done! I think I’ll get this chest and I’ll head out,” Ibuki said, looking out the window seeing the night sky. “Yeah… definitely stayed out later then I should,” Ibuki scratched the back of her head, a tad embarrassed and ashamed in how she let time fly.
Deciding to finish by looting the chest, she walked up to it and it opened.
Nothing was in there, nothing happened for a moment as a buffering screen appeared.
“Oh, come on! No, don’t crash on me like this!” Ibuki yelled at the screen, only for it to show a cut scene of her character opening the chest. “Oh, a cut scene, this won’t be that bad. Maybe I unlocked a new quest? I should ask Chiaki.
The character opened the chest, and inside was a book. Written in English, Ibuki could only read it a little, but luckily the voice over read it out so she wouldn’t have to think. Opening the book, the voice began.
“The Legend of the Four Cardinal Heroes is known throughout the land. Heroes brought to save the world.
But who are the ones to help and aid the heroes? There are the eight vassals who shall help aid the Bow, Shield, Spear, and Sword, but there are times when that isn’t enough. Times when the world knows they won’t be able to help them.
In times like these, the eight apprentice heroes are summoned.
The Apprentice Hero of the wand, the Mage. A wise warrior, the oldest of them all, one who has mastered their arts both physical and magical. Someone who is devoted to their friends and allies but also stubborn to move, even if it may lead to actions most heinous.
The Apprentice Bomb Herp. Explosive in passion and personality, with the constant energy of a child. Someone who’s life so far is just the first spark of a large flame, destined to burn long and strong. They may be the youngest, and often rely on others for guidance, they shall do what they know is right, feel remorse for what is wrong, and aid however they can.
The Apprentice Reaper Hero. A sickle in hand used to reap the souls of the deceased. While some may say death is a cruel fate, for taking those who were loved away, but worry not. The Reaper shall escort your loved ones safely, giving them peace. A role not fitted for the faint of heart. They keep flames of the soul safe from all who dare to snuff it out, taking the hits for them. A job only for those dedicated to protecting, but tread a fine line, doing a job that may lead to a loss of faith.
The Apprentice of the collar and chain, the Apprentice Monster Tamer. They may not be the strongest, but they do not need to worry, knowing their beasts always have their backs. They may have a collar and chain like a master and a slave, but that isn’t always the case. They keep the things that dare to ravage the innocent at bay, but also give them a reason of purpose. Giving them home, food, shelter. A family. The Monster Tamer brings in the strays, giving them a name and family, all in return wishing for someone to keep them safe. They work in a partnership. One aids by protecting and the other aids in nurturing. But remember this, they are always animals first, treat them like slaves and over exert them and then they will not obey any longer.
The Knight Hero. Armed with a sword and clad in armor, they are the most experienced in combat out of them all. With enough ambitions and strength to become one of the strongest, some may say they could one day become a king. But with such strength doesn’t always mean that they are the wisest. Stubborn, hard headed, and sometimes cocky, is the Knight Hero. So be careful, the Knight, while fiercely loyal, can also rebel and bring down entire kingdoms.
In terms of pure strength, the Apprentice Brawler is by far the strongest, but has no defensive abilities. So in compensation, the Brawler is closed off, but underneath it all is a person with much care. But be their comrade, they shall fight tooth and nail to aid. Keeping their fellow hero and adventurer safe, despite their lack of defense. When they finally let their walls crumble and let the dust settle, they can fight at their full strength, but if allowed to keep their walls up, it will gradually keep the person within from properly becoming the person they were destined to be, withering away.
The Apprentice Gun Heroes, a Gemini of the other, always in sink allowing for complete trust in the other. There is a legend that their eyes are so sharp that they could see alternate versions of the world they reside in. Having the chance, they could change events anyway to meet their desires for the future all on a whim. That being said they are always acting in whatever interest would be best for the other. They are however the most inexperienced. So actions that they decided could benefit them may also result in the inadvertent harm to another.
The Bard Hero-"
The screen began to buffer again, loading as Ibuki was just getting into it.
“What?! Oh, come on! They were just at the last one!” Ibuki yelled.
The buffering screen stopped and was soon replaced by a new loading screen, a white background as twelve images popped up.
On the top were the four class pictures from her gaming session with the others, but underneath them were eight new pictures. A wand, a chain, a helmet, a glove, a lyre, a detonator, a scythe, and a pair of guns. As the screen finished loading the room began to be enveloped by a light.
“Huh? What the hell?!” Ibuki swore as the light became blinding.
As the light began to die down, the room became empty.
The door opened, a janitor looking around the place. “Damn ultimate pains in the ass,” he muttered as he kept working.
All eyes looked at the people as some managed to pull themselves together, some more dazed than others.
“Shield Hero, what have you done?! Who are these people?!” one of the robbed men yelled at Naofumi.
“Hey! I told you I didn’t do anything, I don’t know why you think I did something, but I honestly have no idea!” Naofumi yelled back, angry that he was being accused of something he had no idea what happened.
“Ugh… it might be the headache from looking at a screen in the dark or me hitting my head on the ground, but Ibuki doesn’t feel that good,” the multicolored haired girl grounded, dusting herself off. “Hey, where am I?’
The one dressed in a blue uniform began patting himself down, as if looking for something, “No idea,” he said, “I’m assuming it’s similar for you all?”
All eyes went to the others, the small girl trying to help the one in armor out of the ground they were stuck in. The girl in orange and the boy with the face mask trying to wake up the girl with bayonet blades.
The small girl seemed to be trying to help the girl get her scythe out of the wall, both struggling, much to the older girl’s annoyance.
“Eh hem,” the man with his head uncovered coughed into his hand. “W-while your appearance was very unexpected I think we can help, please follow us. Our king would like to meet you.”
“Your king?” a few of them muttered, some raising eyebrows.
“I’ll go,” an annoyed voice from the one in armor said, placing her sword on her shoulder. “Only to meet the bastard that took me here.”
“Hey watch it,” Ruby shot Mordred a glare, “There is a kid here,” she indicated to Klee, who looked confused about what the word meant. “Though I do have to agree, I want to see why we’re here,” she said, awkwardly fidgeting with the new looking scythe.
Letting out an annoyed groan, Roy Mustang nodded, “Yes, it seems that would be the easiest way to get answers,” he said. His tone was more angry than annoyed. Looking over at the others, “I suggest you follow too, there might be something useful for us.”
Naofumi couldn’t help but smile a little, thinking about how much more willing these guys were to meet the king then those he was summoned with. Though as he looked around he noticed how two of the eight seemed to be freaking out, the two in blue masks, especially the boy. Naofumi couldn’t pick up on most of what he said, but he heard something about Shield Hero, which perked his interests.
“Wow…” Naofumi looked out the window. Seeing the vast new world he was in, taking in a deep breath, “This really is a different world, even the air around here smells different!” he said in amazement.
Stopping right behind him, the punk girl looked out and also took a deep breath, “Wow! It does…” she said amazed. “It looks so much like Four Heroes Story… talk about Isekai. Freaky.” she whispered only loud enough to barely be able to be heard by Naofumi, thinking back to the game she was playing.
“Don’t tell me you guys haven’t been outside of Japan before?” Itsuki asked both Naofumi and Ibuki. Him, Ren, and Motoyasu both literally and figuratively looking down at the two of them.
“Judging by the breeze, I’d say this is your fairly standard Mediterranean climate,” Ren said.
“Y-yeah, I knew that. Just forgot the words is all,” Naofumi replied, not making anyone believe him.
Motoyasu turned to the others, raising an eyebrow, “What about you all? Ever been outside of Japan before?”
“Japan?” a couple of them asked, confused.
“Bold of you to assume we’re Japanese Mr. Ponytail,” Shaun shot at Motoyasu. A snicker coming from the girl next to him. “Though, I can't say I’ve been to a castle like this…”
“Meh, I’ve seen better,” Mordred said. Walking on ahead of the group, “Keep moving, I am still debating on trying to wreck this place or not.”
“H-hey, let’s not do anything crazy,” Lucy said, trying to keep some form of peace.
“Shut it blondie!”
Shaun and Abigail watched the interaction between the one in armor and the one with the chain and collar. “Um… they seem interesting,” both of them said at the same time. “Ha! Jinx! Owe me a soda! Hey! Jinx! Double jinx! Triple jinx!” they said, trying to one up the other. “Hey come on!” they shouted.
The sound of giggling seemed to stop the two of them from continuing their jinx war, the two turned and saw the silver eyed reaper giggling at them. “Wow, I haven’t seen that before!” Ruby said, looking at Shaun and Abigail, her Scythe resting on her shoulder. “Um.. Hey, I’m Ruby. This is weird, huh?”
Both Abigail and Shaun looked at one another and then at Ruby, “Yeah,” Shaun said, "I'm Shaun by the way,” he introduced himself with a handshake and Ruby accepted.
“And I’m Abigail,” Abigail said, “And that’s an understatement if I’ve ever heard one,” she said, looking outside.
Ruby winced, “Yeah… but maybe we can get some answers! Let’s not fall behind, okay?” Ruby said, smiling at them as she began running in place to try and catch up with the others, a trail of rose petals falling behind her as she caught up behind the others, leaving Abigail and Shaun shocked.
“Was that…”
“Ruby Rose?”
“Thought so…”
As the thirteen newly summoned individuals filled into the throne room, all of them looked around, some amazed, others for the nearest exit. Though all of them had questions, especially the nine unintentionally summoned.
“Greeting Heroes and company!” an old man sat on the throne, a long gray beard and dressed in royal garbs under his purple robe with white fur around the edges. “I’ve been made aware of the incident that has occurred, and for that you have my humblest apologies. I am Aultcray Melromarc XXXII, king of Melromarc. Now if you would, please let me know your names.”
Stepping forward, Ren went first. “Ren Amaki, I’m a high school student, and I’m 16 years old.”
Next was Motoyasu, “I’m Motoyasu Kitamura, college student, 21.”
“I suppose I’m up next. Itsuki Kawasumi, still in high school, and I’m 17.”
“And I’m Naofumi Iwatani, a college student as well, 20.”
Standing up next, Roy took center stage. “Colonel Roy Mustang, State Alchemist of Amestris, I am 29.”
“State Alchemist?” Motoyasu raised an eyebrow, “Think he’s cosplaying and playing a bit of roleplay?”
“Probably,” Ren said, whispering over to him.
Moving on, the punk girl went next, “Yo, I’m Ibuki Mioda! Seventeen, and I’m the Super Highschool Level Light Music Club Member at Hope’s Peak High School!”
“Hope’s Peak? Super Highschool Level Light Music Club Member?” Itsuki asked, confused about her words, “Forgetting the second part, I’ve never heard of it.”
“Huh?!” Ibuki acted in shock, “How do you not know?! It's like the most elite school in the world!”
“Yeah… never heard of it,” Motoyasu said, scratching the back of her head. “Anyone else?”
“It’s pretty much a school for people with super talents! Like you don’t go to them, they go to you kinda deal,” Ibuki said, twirling her fingers before pointing to Motoyasu.
“So it’s a school people with talents,” Ren surmised, “and I’m assuming that means you are skilled at playing light music?”
There was a moment of silence before Ibuki said anything, “Yeah. Among other things.”
Taking a step up closer to Abigail, Shaun whispered to the girl, “Do you know Danganronpa?” he asked and got a nod from Abigail, “Do you think that she’s pre, during, or post despair?”
“Don’t know, but we can find out later,” Abigail said in a hurried whisper, “Now shush, it’s our turn.”
“Oh, is it?!” Shaun said in a bit of a surprise, looking around, “Um… Hi! I’m Shaun Sarto, 16, and I’m still in high school.”
“Hey, Abigail Wilts, I just turned 18, and same as this guy,” she said, pointing at Shaun.
“I guess I’ll go next,” Lucy stepped up. “I’m Lucy Heartfillia, I’m also 18, and I’m a member of the Fairy Tail guild.”
“What now?” Ren raised an eyebrow. He did not really fault people for playing into their character but everyone else was being sincere right now so now was not the time for little acts. “Another roleplayer?”
“Probably…” Itsuki muttered.
A fit of giggles seemed to stop their whispers as Klee got to be center of attention, “Yay! It’s my turn! I'm Klee! I’m 9 years old, and I’m the Spark Knight of the Knights of Favonius!”
“Excuse me but did that little girl say she’s a knight?” Lucy asked, a little concerned.
“I’ve met a boy who joined the military at 12, but still this seems a tad young,” Mustang spoke out, receiving a few horrified looks at him. “What? Not like anyone forced the kid.”
Itsuki glared at Mustang, yelling “That’s your concern?!”Roy shrugged, not saying anything.
“Mind if I go now?” Koneko asked, looking at everyone. “ Name’s Koneko Toujou, 15 and I’m a high schooler. What does it do?”
“Oh my God, she’s adorable!” Motoyasu cheered, wanting to run to the small girl and scoop her up. The only thing stopping him was a feeling of dread he got when he even humored the idea.
“I’ll go next, I’m Ruby Rose, I’m 15 as well, and I just got boosted to go to Beacon. So… yeah.”
Roy looked around, everyone but Shaun and Abigail seemed to not know what Beacon was. Said two people seemed to be their damned hardest to hide their inner fanboy and fangirl squeal.
All eyes then turned to the last person who had yet to introduce themself, Mordred. “Saber, my age doesn’t concern you, I’m just a knight, that’s it.”
"Saber?” Abigail raised an eyebrow. There was a theme here and she and Shaun were the only ones not fitting in. Oh please let him be right. “LIke… the Servant Saber?” she asked, an awkward laughter coming out. Praying she was right.
Mordred eyes went a little wide, since the girl in front of her knew what she was. She nodded. “I’m a Servant of the sword.”
“Wow, your parents must not have been that creative with names,” Motoyasu said, he only stopped when Mordred looked his way, making him stop before she went to look at Abigail.
“You know them?” Ibuki asked, who was standing next to Abigail.
“I think I have an idea…” Abigail said, which seemed to get Mordred’s attention. The Saber
After a quick debriefing of what was originally meant to happen by being told of the Waves of Calamity which brought destruction whenever they occurred and how the Four Cardinal Heroes were summoned as a way to fight back against them.
Unfortunately nothing was known about the sudden arrival of the nine extra summoned individuals. There were however questions relating to the new armaments that they could not be away for a few seconds.
[Abigail Wilts: Apprentice Gun Hero]
[Shaun Sarto: Apprentice Gun Hero]
[Mordred: Apprentice Knight Hero]
[Koneko Toujou: Apprentice Brawler Hero]
[Lucy Heartfilia: Apprentice Beast Tamer Hero]
[Ruby Rose: Apprentice Reaper Hero]
[Klee: Apprentice Bomber Hero]
[Roy Mustang: Apprentice Mage Hero]
[Ibuki Mioda: Apprentice Bard Hero]
Each of the nine extra summoned individuals were heroes, or apprentices of some kind. Why or how was still in the air, but for now it at least allowed the mages, king, and those around them to know what to do from there for now.
They would have to help defend the country from the Waves of Calamity and defeat them to grow stronger, and when that was done they would be allowed to return to their home worlds. To say there were some cries of anger and confusion from the group was an understatement.
Klee seemed to not entirely understand the predicament they were in, but could at least tell by the scowl on Roy’s face and the fact Mordred was literally shaking and growling at the king made it clear to everyone to both not touch the Saber and the mood of the situation.
There was some optimism in the group however, Ruby trying her best to see the bright side, hoping that there must have been a reason for them to have been summoned. There were also those who had little reaction like Lucy who seemed to be keeping to herself.
In some sort of way to try and defuse tension, the king offered them a feast for them to eat before he would send them out to grow stronger in the world. A way for them to get to know one another, so the Heroes could find who they worked best with.
Abigail and Shaun sat next to one another, both of them sending each other side eye glances and then looking at the people around them. They were not alone, as while everyone seemed to be eating, with the exception of a brooding Mordred and Klee who was happily eating, everyone seemed to be looking at one another.
“Alright! I can’t take it anymore!” someone shouted. Motoyasu clapped his hands together as he looked around the table. “I don’t like the silence! Why don’t we go around the table and say what we were doing before we got here!” He laughed, trying to get a conversation rolling.
“Hmm, an ice breaker, huh? I suppose that’ll be a good idea,” Roy said, tapping the table. “Well since it was your idea, why don’t you go first, Mr. Kitamura.”
“U-um…” Motoyasu scratched the back of his head, “Well it’s a bit embarrassing, but… you see there is this girl who liked me,” he began. “You see I started seeing her.”
“Bad breakup?” Ibuki asked, shoving a piece of meat in her mouth.
“It keeps going… then there was this other girl, very shy and the like.”
“Oh! Not taking rejection well. Yikes,” Abigail said, snapping a finger.
“Will you stop interrupting!” Motoyasu pleaded, “Now… I did not reject her.”
“You double timed them, they found out, and they both got you?” Ren budded in at last, Motoyasu was about to tell him off for interrupting only to lower his head and nod. Seeing the depressed look on the Spear Hero’s face, Ren gave his back a pat and apologized. “Well if it makes you feel any better I got stabbed by this serial killer who was in the area who tried to kill my friend. I think they caught the guy, everything was really fuzzy near the end.”
“At least got to go out heroically, I got hit by a truck,” Itsuki said, and got a cringe from the group.
“Ouch, getting hit by infamous Truck-Kun, sorry to hear dude,” Abigail offered her condolences and got a few chuckles from those who understood the joke, while confusing others.
“Glad I fit the stereotype,” Itsuka said, a little annoyed at his back death. “What about you Naofumi? How’d you end up kicking the bucket?”
Naofumi’s eyes widened and he seemed to sit up as he registered Itsuki’s words. “Kick the bucket? Sorry, but I was in the library when I found a book that glowed and suddenly I was here.”
“Really?” Motoyasu said, feeling a little annoyed that the last of the Cardinal Heroes ended up not having to go through the pain of death like the rest of them.
“Sorry I didn’t die,” Naofumi shrugged.
“Well you’re not alone with reading a book,” surprising everyone Mordred budded in and began her story. “I just got back from getting some stuff for my Master's with a few others and my friend asked me to read to them before the day was over. So I went to my work’s library and found a book. Some cheap stories about this Saber, Lancer, Archer, and Shielder, like you idiots, and next thing I know I got sent here and stuck in a ceiling.”
“Oh! Oh! Same here!” Klee said, jumping in her seat. “Master Jean sent us to the Knights of Favonius Library and I found this biiiig book!” Klee extended her arms to emphasize the point, unintentionally being the cutest thing in the room and stealing hearts. “It was also about Heroes and-and the Waves of… of Catastrophe.”
“Calamity,” Roy corrected. Seeing it was his turn “Well… I suppose I can share some details,” he thought as he tapped his chin. “So I got involved in taking down this… let’s say it’s a big event that happened in my country that would hurt a lot of people. Well… in an attempt to stop it I got sent to this other plane of existence and I think I met what is essentially God and next thing I know I’m here.”
“Wait, you’re saying you met God?” Ibuki asked.
“Hmm, I don’t think they're God. This little twerp I know told me about them, called them Truth. Something about one is all and is one or something like that. Look, all I know is that I was sacrificed for something, woke up in a world of white with a literally blank individual, they smiled at me, and now I’m here,” Roy said exasperated. “I’d rather be back home, but I don’t have any options here. What about you, Mrs. Mioda?”
“Just call me Ibuki!” the Ultimate Student said with a grin, “Anyways! I was playing this video game with some of my classmates, I chose the Shielder character and dude, the game was so unbalanced! I had great defense and everything but no attack!” Ibuki cried. “Took me hours to level up, I tell ya! Hours! Well at some point I was doing this quest by myself, since it got late, and after some cutscene I hit a wall, gotta say, top three weirdest things to happen around me.”
“Well gotta say, hard to beat getting sent to another world.” Ruby chuckled.
“I don’t know… I mean my classmate, this super lucky guy, he planted a bomb in a school gymnasium and some weird hijinks got three upperclassmen expelled, destroyed the gym, and somehow only got suspended!”
“What the hell! How does that even happen?!” Mordred shouted.
“He is really lucky… oh, I also think he mentioned something to do with laxatives or something, don’t know what that was for,” Ibuki shrugged, not paying much attention to the cringed and shocked looks around her.
Getting over the topic quickly, the devil in the room went next, “I was watching a video game with a pretty similar setting to this world on my phone,” Koneko said, playing with a pea on her plate. “Well I was headed out for… a job and when I was about to leave I got sent here.”
“That’s rough buddy,” Shaun said. “Abigail and I were just looking around in a bookstore and when we picked up a manga we got sent here, nothing grand.”
“Wow, a lot of us got sent here with books,” Ruby said, scratching her cheek. “I was sent here the same way. By a book I mean, I just got back from the police station after stopping a robbery and then getting accepted into Beacon. I then went to my room, saw a book and… you know the rest…”
“Magic glowing book sending you who knows where?” Koneko said, and Ruby nodded. “Relatable.”
“Jeez, man. Is it only Me, Itsuki, Ren, and Roy, who died?! That’s so unfair!” Motoyasu threw his hands in the air.
“I don’t think I died,” Roy said, only getting ignored.
“What about you Lucy?” Ren asked, looking over to the last of the Apprentice Heroes. “You get sent here by magic book, random teleportation, or by death?”
“Um… I think death,” Lucy said, thinking back to everything that happened. “I was on an island with my guildmates, and a giant dragon appeared. We could not defeat it and the last thing I remember was it using this large attack that would’ve killed us all,” she remembered Acnologia and her final moments on Tenrou Island.
The mood seemed to sour as Lucy just seemed to look down, and soon it brought everyone else down. Ruby, being one of the closest to Lucy at the moment, gave the blonde mage’s back a rub, trying to show her condolences.
Roy tapped his finger on the table. It seemed this was not doing anyone good, what might have been bonding was more depressing when thought about it. Away from loved ones, in a new strange world. Maybe things were different in their world then his, Klee had pointy ears, that might have been something.
Looking at his hand, Roy did take note that his gloves seemed to be repaired, no blood, no holes. He then looked around and saw Lucy’s hand.
“Hmm,” he hummed. “I can do this,” he said abruptly, snapping his fingers loud enough to get everyone's attention, his hand surrounded briefly by blue lightning and suddenly a bright flash and above them the Fairy Tail emblem made of fire appeared over their head for a few seconds before it disappeared. Everyone got an eye full of the sudden flames before they went away.
“Wow!” Ruby and others gasped. The two Apprentice Gun Heroes clapped their hands together. Klee seemed to be the most excited of all.
“Wow! Roy, you didn’t say you were a mage!” Lucy said, suddenly surprised.
“Magic? No, this is just alchemy. I changed the oxygen molecules in the air to become flammable, and when I snap my ignition glove it creates a spark, setting it on fire,” Roy said. He could not help but feel some pride in the reaction he got from the group. “Back home in Amestris, I was titled the Flame Alchemist.”
“Amestris?” Ruby asked, “Which of the Kingdoms is that in? I’ve never heard of it.”
“Kingdom? It's its own country,” Roy said, confused by Ruby’s statement.
“I’ve never heard of it? Is it somewhere in Europe?” Itsuki suggested.
“No, as far as I know, there is no country called Amestris in the world,” Ren said.
“What’s Europe? I may not be the best with geography but I don’t think there is any country called that near Fiore on Earth Land,” Lucy asked, confused by the sudden name drops.
“Wait, Earth Land?” Koneko raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah, the planet?” Lucy said, starting to feel out of place.
“I’m from Remnant…” Ruby said.
Some gears seemed to be turning at the table. Everyone is starting to piece things together.
What would follow was everyone trying to get an idea of what the differences were from each other's worlds. A majority of the group seemed to be from some form of Earth. Abigail and Shaun had a pandemic going on in their world, Naofumi and Motoyasu came from pretty standard Earth as well, though Naofumi’s world seemed to be a few years ahead, but with no major changes. Itsuki was the first to show any real differences, with his world having ESPer, or superhuman abilities. Then Ren seemed to be from a world so far in the future they had full dive technology. Roy came from a world that was pretty far back, close to the 1920 or 1930s and people had the ability to learn alchemy. Ibuki’s was also pretty standard, but the heavy emphasis on her school’s importance seemed to be something noteworthy. Mordred was pretty cryptic, but did mention some magic existed in her world, not going much, if any, detail. Last of all people from Earth, Koneko did not say anything supernatural, just that it was normal.
Then there were the three others who came from non-Earth worlds. First there was Ruby, from a world filled with dangerous monsters called Grimm and those who fought them, Huntsmen, and how she was training to be one before getting summoned. Then Lucy came from a world filled with so much magic it was near impossible to know someone who had never heard or seen it. Then finally Klee, who did her best to describe things. She came from a world called Teyvat, which was ruled by the Seven Archons, seven gods who resided over a specific element, and she was from the Anemo Archon’s country, Mondstadt, and had herself a Vision, something given by the Gods for those with strong ambition.
After what seemed like going through a mountain of information, the groups of heroes decided it would be good to call it a night, thinking it would be best to get some rest before the next day when they went out and started an adventure.
The nine extra heroes walked down the hallway to the direction their rooms were. The group either walked in silence or talked with one another. The two Apprentice Heroes whispering with one another.
“So should we tell them?” Abigail whispered.
“Tell them what?” Shaun asked, looking at the group.
“That we know them from other things,” Abigail said, “I mean, I feel like that is something important we should tell them.”
Shaun took a moment and then looked at the group and then back at Abigail. “I don’t know… how would we even say that?” he asked, scratching his head.
“Well you know about this world, right? After we explain how we know this, you can explain the best way for us to go about things, how does that sound?” Abigail said, Shaun gave it some thought before sighing and giving a thumbs up before breaking away. “So… Lucy, how are things holding up?” she asked, walking next to the mage.
“Oh,” Lucy seemed to have been in thought and was startled by Abigail’s sudden appearance. “Um, good I guess. With everything happening, it’s a lot to deal with.”
Abigail nodded, “Yeah, I can imagine. But, hey, it’s not as bad as you think. Your guild mates are fine.”
Lucy seemed to stop for a moment and turn to Abigail, confused by what she just said. “What?”
“Your friends, Fairy Tail, the S-Class trials on Tenrou Island, they're safe,” Abigail said, loud enough to get everyone's attention during the conversation.
“I didn’t mention S-Class trials,” Lucy’s eyes widened at that, but Abigail shrugged.
“You didn’t,” Shaun stepped in. “Um, everyone listen up, because this does include you guys as well,” he said, “We know you all from shows, games, or books.”
“Hey! Talk being subtle,” Abigail wacked Shaun’s arm. Sighing and rubbing her head, “Okay, yes we know you from various media, we thought it would be a good idea to tell you this now and sooner rather than later.”
“How much are you talking that you know of us?” Roy was quick in recovering from hearing what Abigail said and raised an eyebrow.
“I’m assuming you were pulled into the Gate of Truth after Pride and Wrath forced you to do Human Transmutation? Well, long story short we know you from a story that follows the midget-”
“The pipsqueak?!” Roy’s reaction was quicker than anyone expected. Realizing he let that outburst slip, he coughed into his hand and recomposed himself. “Ehem, sorry.”
“No worries,” Shaun waved it off, “Well, if it makes you feel any better, you are a really loved guy by fans,” he said. “And Lucy, your guildmates in Fairy Tail are fine. If everything went well, they are in suspended animation in a spell called Fairy Sphere.”
“Fairy-what now?” Mordred asked.
“It’s a very powerful shield spell,” Abigail summed it up. “Look, the point is, that we know all about you guys.”
“Even me!?” Ibuki raised her hand, a giddy smile on her face.
“We know about the time Saionji did to Teruteru’s food,” Shaun shrugged. Abigail could not hide her laughter and commented on the scene, not going into much detail. Ibuki on the other hand had to try and hide her blush, she knew all too well about that.
“Oh! Sounds like a story,” Ruby could not help but laugh at the contagious laughter, though Ibuki’s mortified face said otherwise. “So you know about all of us.”
“In no particular order, some want to be heroes, some famous, some have family issues, some want to prove their worth, some people want to commit what to make big bombs, make new government, and find that one true friend who wants to head bang with you,” Abigail said, listing off some of everyone's basic goals.
“That’s nice and dandy that we are fiction in your world, but what’s the point in telling us this?” Mordred asked.
“There is a point to this actually,” Shaun stepped up. “You see, you guys are not the only ones we know from books, manga, and whatever.”
“Oh my-” Mordred hit her helmet. “The other Heroes?” Shaun nodded. “That king?” He nodded again. “This world?!” Shaun nodded.
“Yeah, I know this place, or at least I think I should, but the main reason I wanted to tell you is so we can prepare for tomorrow when parties get split up. Also, it gives us some time to look at our stats, because I have a strong feeling we might need to explain some things to people.”
“Oh please, like any of us needs help,” Mordred said dismissively.
“Really now?” Shaun raised an eyebrow, “Everyone find your help menu and look up restrictions,” he said to them all. It took a moment, but soon almost everyone found it. First it was himself, then Koneko, Ibuki, and Ruby, followed by Lucy, Abigail, and finally Klee, which left Mordred and Roy confused looking at their status screens.
“Where the hell is it!” Mordred shouted at her screen, tapping at air as she tried her best to find it.
“It says now that I cannot apply to new states that I have not unlocked yet, is that it?”
“No, it’s not, that’s you trying to use locked weapons,” Ruby said. “Look for a book.”
“I am looking at a book!”
“Well it’s clearly the wrong book! Gah! You’re like my dad when he tries using a computer!”
“I don’t even know what a computer is,” Roy said, confused by the statement, only knowing what she said was rude to him. Turning to Shaun, “Okay, start talking.”
Shaun nodded, “Okay, so, let’s start with some skills you have now, so we can plan out who goes where.”
Yawning, Ibuki stretched as she and Abigail entered a room they were given to share. Apparently the castle staff had a bit of a rush order to make rooms ready for the extra heroes, so some of them had to bunk with others. Ibuki was fine bunking, plus it was with someone who knew the future, neat!
“Cool, they gave us pajamas,” Abigail said, holding up a nightgown that was neatly folded on her bed.
“Awsome!” Ibuki said, beginning to pull her school uniform off and get changed. Turning her head around, Ibuki turned to see Abigail, the Ultimate student undid her hair as she looked at her current roommate. “Hmm… you have a pretty nice butt.”
Abigail, who was in the middle of getting changed, seemed to freeze for a moment before she turned her head around, her eyes wide. “Excuse me what?!” she shouted.
“Ibuki’s just making observations and conversation,” Ibuki said in a sing-song voice as she pulled her nightgown down as she giggled. “So, you and Shaun seem to know a thing or two, right?” She asked, “about everyone I mean, right?” Abigail nodded. “So, Ibuki was wondering… if you could tell her about the others.”
Abigail seemed to return to her senses and her cheeks stopped feeling hot. “The others?”
“Yeah! Like why is Saber so mysterious and everything. Oh! Or how Mr. Colonel does that fire thing!” Ibuki said, plopping herself down on her bed, kicking her feet as she talked.
Abigail scratched her cheek, “Um… I don’t think I’m the one to be saying those things,” Abigail said, “I mean, I may know you guys from this stuff, but you guys don’t know each other, so it feels kinda like a breach of privacy,” Abigail explained. It felt wrong, airing out what might have been secrets that were not meant to be shared.
“Hmm, Ibuki gets it. I know I would feel weird if someone went around sharing my personal stuff. Gah, makes me feel all squirmy inside thinking about it,” she said, holding her arms as if she was shivering. “Hmm, okay… well what about Ibuki?! I mean, it’s from my world, right?! So what’s the harm in knowing a little?”
Abigail seemed to go pale, or maybe it was the lack of light, it was hard to tell.
“Um… are you sure you want to know?” Abigail asked, her voice uneasy, which did not seem to go unnoticed.
“Yeah, I mean, it's not that bad, right?” Ibuki asked. “Oh?! Is it some sort of comedy? I mean, aside from Teruteru doing some weird stuff, the class has been pretty eventful!” Ibuki said. “Oh! What about romance! I know for sure that Peko and babyface are totally sketchy!”
“You sure it’s not just him being a gangster,” Abigail jokes, though she was weighing her options, Abigail could tell the truth or lie. Hope or despair one might say. “Ibuki, um… listen, your thing, it isn’t entirely happy,” Abigail said, “Actually it gets pretty depressing.”
“I’m sure I can handle it,” Ibuki said with entirely too much optimism.
“Even with murder involved?” she asked.
“Huh?”
“Look, Ibuki, I’ll be blunt and say, something bad happens in your future, like really bad, it isn’t comedy is what I’m saying. If you want I can say what happens, but if you want me to stop, I’ll stop.”
The tone in her voice was all to clear what she was doing. Warning her. Ibuki’s smile seemed to dip.
“How bad is it?”
Ibuki gave her answer and Abigail nodded. “Want the full in depth story or the parts you're involved,” she said.
“Um… let’s go with part’s I’m involved with for now.”
Nodding her head, “Okay, well to start this off, we’ll need to introduce our main antagonist, Junko Enoshima!”
“The model?!”
“The model,” Abigail said blandly.
Yawning Shaun walked next to Ruby, who seemed to have way too much energy for this early in the morning.
“So you really had to spend another half hour explaining to Roy how the weapons work?” Ruby said, not envying the time spent on teaching older people computers.
Shaun shrugged, “It isn’t the worst, he was pretty quick on the uptake once he knew what he was doing. Actually we managed to unlock a few new weapons while we were up,” Shaun chuckled, pulling out his bayonet and switching it to the [Phone Bayonet] “It’s a phone weapon! I can call people!”
“Phone? What’s that? Like a scroll?” Ruby looked up to Shaun who nodded. Ruby couldn’t help but look amazed, “Wow… Oh! Let me see if I can do that! How’d you do it?!” she asked as she fiddled around her pocket and got her scroll out.
“Put your scroll on the gem of your weapon. You should be able to get it back from your inventory, so it isn’t lost,” he explained.
Doing as instructed, Ruby was hesitant to give her weapon her scroll. The idea of losing something she had memories saved in made her worried. Taking a quick breath, Ruby let her weapon absorb her scroll.
[Communication Series: Unlocked]
[Scroll Scythe: Locked {Not High Enough Level: 15}]
[Equip Bonus: +6 Electric Damage, Allows the User to Communicate With Others With Communication Series Weapons.]
“Huh, it’s locked till level 15!” Ruby said, distraught. Such a useful tool locked behind a level! So unfair!
“Huh, mines till level 5, weird,” Shaun said, somewhat surprised.
“Probably has something to do with the model and how advanced it is,” a voice came from behind the two made them both jump. “What it do,” Koneko greeted as she tapped on a screen being displayed just above her hand. “I had a flip phone, it gets unlocked at level 3,” she said.
“Hmm, that’s good to know,” Shaun said as he looked at his weapon and at Ruby’s new scythe. It looked super futuristic, almost like it didn’t belong here with its blue slightly glowing blade.
“Hey, what’s your number,” Koneko asked, tugging on Shaun’s arm, “I can’t use it right now, but I can still add your numbers,” she said, showing the screen that hovered just above her hand.
Ruby and Shaun looked at it and then at one another. Happy to have more contacts to their devices and able to communicate with others, both quickly added their contacts to the others device.
The three were some of the last three to appear with the other apprentice heroes, the last being Ibuki who still looked like she needed more sleep.
“Alright everyone, ready to get going,” Roy said, looking at the eight of them. “Remember what we talked about yesterday?” he asked, getting nods and confirmations from everyone. “Good, let’s get this started,” Roy said, pushing the door open to the throne room. The King, guards, adventurers and the four Cardinal Heroes standing in the center.
“Morning guys!” Ruby cheered as she walked in, her scythe resting on her shoulders as she came walking in, the other apprentice heroes followed behind her. In front of the four heroes were twelve adventurers.
“Hey Ruby! Hope you got some good sleep,” Motoyasu gave her a wink, trying to be charming, though the context she and the others were given didn’t make it charming to Ruby. “Are you ready to get started on our adventure?”
“Yeah, can’t wait,” Ruby said, a little half heartedly
Shaun gave Ruby a small pat on the back and a thumbs up, as he, Abigail, Ibuki, and Koneko stood behind Naofumi. Behind Motoyasu, Roy and Ruby stood. Behind Itsuki was Klee and Lucy. Lastly behind Ren was Saber.
“Hey, why does Naofumi get four when we have two, and Ren only gets one?” Motoyasu asked, his voice not curious but rather irritated. “Don’t you think we should split it equally?”
“Both Ibuki and Koneko don’t have high defense, that’s why they chose to be under Naofumi. Shaun and Abigail decided to go under Naofumi because they wanted to ensure that no one gets overwhelmed,” Roy explained to Motoyasu.
“We spent some time discussing who we should send with who, so don’t think we did this on the fly,” Lucy told Motoyasu, at least trying to keep things civil.
In his chair, the King had to hide his scowl. Coughing into his hands he got their attention. “Now heroes, we’ve gathered the finest heroes in the land. These brave souls will fight the Waves of Catastrophe with you,” the king announced. “Now go! Begin your journey!” he ordered them, the men and women all walked forward, going behind each hero.
In Ren’s line there were five new people in line.
In Itsuki’s there were three.
Motoyasu had three new members.
Naofumi had only one.
A red head at that, much to Shaun’s horror.
Mein Sophia, also known as Malty S. Melromarc, the bitch princess of Melromarc.
“Shit…” Shaun dragged out.
Chapter 1 of the Rewrite of The Four(Five) Extra Heroes is complete! Thank you all for the support!
Once again sorry to those who couldn’t make the cut! But that being said I’m happy that some of you wanted this! So with that I’ll begin this new story, I hope you all enjoy it! Also sorry if there are any grammar mistakes.
Now, with that being said, see you all next time! and be sure to comment!