Chapter 4

The next morning

After finishing breakfast, we eagerly awaited the king's summons.

Of course, we couldn't make a ruckus in the early morning, so it was probably around 10:30 when the sun had risen a bit that we were called.

We headed to the audience chamber, our hearts racing with anticipation.

"The arrival of the hero."

As the door to the audience chamber opened, there were about twelve people gathered there, dressed in various adventurer-like attire.

There were also some dressed like knights.

Wow... the king's support is amazing.

We bowed to the king and listened to him speak.

"I gathered those who are willing to accompany the heroes as companions. It seems that everyone has a hero they wish to accompany."

If each hero has three companions, it would be evenly distributed.

"Come, future heroes. Set out with the hero you wish to serve."

Huh? You get to choose?

This was a surprise to us.

Well, thinking about it, it makes sense to prioritize the citizens over some unknown people from another world.

We were lined up in order.

The companions walked over to us and gathered in front of each of us.

Ryuen: 5

Genkou: 4

Itsuki: 3

Me: 0

"Hey, Your Majesty!"

What the heck is this! This is way too harsh.

The king was sweating coldly at my complaint.

"I, I did not expect such a situation to arise."

"You lack popularity."

The minister, with a look of exasperation, dismissed it.

A man in a robe whispered something to the king.

"Hmm, so that rumor is spreading...?"

"Is something wrong?"

Genkou asked with a subtle expression.

This is way too unfair. It feels like being left out when forming teams in elementary school.

I didn't come to another world to feel this way.

"Hmm, actually... it seems that the rumor is spreading in the castle that the Shield Hero is unfamiliar with the world's principles."

"Huh!?"

"According to the legend, heroes are said to understand the world's principles. It seems that you do not meet this condition."

Genkou nudged me with his elbow.

"Was our casual conversation from yesterday overheard?"

Do you not know similar games? Is that why I'm being left out?

What kind of legend is this?

I may not be an expert, but I am the Shield Hero!

Sure, according to other heroes, I'm the loser weapon, but this isn't a game!

"Hey, Ryuen! If you have five, can you share some?"

The companions who wanted to go with Ryuen hid behind him with sheepish eyes.

Ryuen scratched his head and looked at them.

"I don't like forming groups. Those who can't keep up will be left behind."

However, they showed no signs of moving.

"Genkou, what do you think? Isn't this unfair?"

"Well..."

Interestingly, there were more women than men.

In a way, a harem is almost forming.

"Such a bias... what a dilemma."

Itsuki, with a troubled look, showed that he couldn't reject those who admired him.

Incidentally, all of Genkou's companions were women. He must have a real knack for attracting women.

"Perhaps it would be best to divide them equally into three each... but forcing it might affect morale."

Itsuki's reasonable words were nodded at by those present.

"So, are you telling me to travel alone!?"

I'm the Shield! According to your logic, I'm the loser weapon!

How am I supposed to get stronger without companions?

"Ah, Hero, I can go with the Shield Hero."

A female companion who wanted to join Genkou raised her hand.

"Oh? Is that okay?"

"Yes."

She was a cute girl with semi-long red hair.

She was quite cute, with a slightly youthful face but a height slightly shorter than mine.

"Is there no one else who wants to join Naofumi?"

Silence... no one raised their hand.

The king sighed.

"There's no choice. Naofumi, you must recruit companions you like and replenish your group. I will increase your monthly allowance as compensation."

"Yes!"

A reasonable decision.

If they don't like me, it's best to find those who want to join me.

"Here is your advance. Heroes, take it properly."

Four money bags were distributed in front of us.

The sound of heavy coins could be heard.

A slightly larger bag was given to me.

"Naofumi, I have prepared 800 silver coins for you, and 600 for the other heroes. Use this to equip yourselves and set out on your journey."

"Understood!"

We and our companions saluted, and the audience ended.

After leaving the audience chamber, we started introducing ourselves.

"Um, Shield Hero, my name is Maim. Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you."

Maim spoke to me without any reserve.

I was a bit hesitant because of what happened, but she's my companion now.

I need to take good care of my companions. After all, I'm the loser weapon compared to other heroes.

"Let's go, Maim."

"Okay!"

Maim nodded enthusiastically and followed me.

Crossing the drawbridge that connects the castle and the town, we arrived at a beautiful town.

I had seen it briefly yesterday, but seeing it up close made me realize I was really in another world.

The town was paved with stone, with houses and hanging signs.

The delicious smell of food filled the air, and I was genuinely moved.

"What should we do now?"

"First, I want to go to a store that sells weapons and armor. With this much money, we can buy good equipment."

Indeed, I only have a shield, so I need a weapon.

Without a weapon, I can't fight monsters, and it would be hard to catch up to them.

After all, they have weapons that grow with them.

I need to get a head start or I'll be left behind.

"Then I'll show you a good store I know."

"Can you do that?"

"Yes."

Maim skipped along and introduced me to a weapon shop.

After walking for about ten minutes from the castle, we stopped in front of a store with a large sword sign.

"This is the recommended store."

"Wow..."

Peeking inside, the walls were lined with weapons, and it looked like a proper weapon shop.

It also seemed to have a full range of armor and other equipment needed for adventures.

"Welcome."

As we entered, the shopkeeper greeted us enthusiastically. He was a muscular, stereotypical weapon shop owner. If he had been a flabby blob, it would have been disappointing, but this was good.

I really am in another world.

"Wow... this is a weapon shop, huh..."

"Ah, you're a first-time customer. Your eye for detail is different."

"Yes, she introduced me."

I pointed to Maim, who raised her hand and waved lightly.

"Thanks, miss."

"No problem. My dad's shop is famous around here."

"That's nice to hear. By the way, who is this guy with the unusual outfit?"

Indeed, my current outfit is from another world.

It might make me look like a newcomer or a weirdo.

"Can you tell, dad?"

"Then you must be the hero! Wow!"

The shopkeeper stared at me intently.

"You don't look very reliable..."

Ouch.

"You're blunt."

Well, I do look unreliable. That's why I need to get stronger.

"You'll be looked down upon if you don't equip good items."

"True..."

Ha ha ha... He seems like a straightforward and kind person.

"From what I can see... a loser?"

Click.

I felt my cheek twitch.

Why does my reputation spread so quickly?

Well, it's fine. I can't let it get to me.

"I am the Shield Hero, Iwagami Naofumi. I might be a regular customer, so please take care of me."

I introduced myself to the shopkeeper.

"Naofumi, huh? If you become a regular, that's great. Welcome!"

He's a really energetic shopkeeper.

"Hey, dad. Do you have any good equipment?"

Maim asked the shopkeeper with a flirtatious look.

"Let's see... what's your budget?"

"Hmm..."

Maim looked at me as if evaluating me.

"About 250 silver coins, I think."

Out of 800 silver coins, 250... considering the cost of lodging and hiring companions, this seems to be the going rate.

"Oh, with that budget, these would be good."

The shopkeeper leaned over the counter and brought out a few weapons on display.

"Kid, do you have a preferred weapon?"

"No, not really."

"In that case, I recommend a beginner-friendly sword."

He lined up a few swords on the counter.

"These all have a Blood Clean coating, so I recommend these."

"Blood Clean?"

"It's a coating that prevents the blade from dulling due to blood."

"Wow..."

I remember that in my world, knives would dull after cutting meat multiple times.

So, this means the blade won't dull.

It's quite a high-quality item.

"From left to right, they are iron, magic iron, magic steel, and silver iron, with increasing prices but guaranteed performance."

Is this based on the hardness of the materials used?

They feel like iron category weapons.

"There are better weapons, but with a budget of 250 silver coins, these are the best options."

That's right.

In consumer games, the weapons in the first town aren't usually very good, but this shop has a decent selection.

This world seems more like an online game. Or, since it's the reality of another world, it makes sense that a large country's weapon shop would have a good selection.

"Iron sword... huh..."

I slowly gripped the handle.

Ah, it's quite heavy.

I hadn't noticed because my shield is so light, but weapons are pretty heavy.

I'll have to fight monsters with this weapon...

Snap!

"Ouch!"

Suddenly, the iron sword flew out of my hand as if I had received a strong electric shock.

"Huh?"

The shopkeeper and Maim looked at me and the sword with puzzled expressions.

"What happened?"

I picked up the dropped sword.

There was no strange feeling.

What was that?

I thought about it and returned to my thoughts.

Snap!

"Ouch!"

I glared at the shopkeeper, thinking it was a prank, but he shook his head.

Maim couldn't have done it, but I turned to her anyway.

"It looked like it was repelled."

That's ridiculous.

I stared at my palm, and text appeared in my vision.

'Legend weapon rules, non-dedicated weapon possession detected'

What is this?

I quickly called up the help menu and found the explanation.

There it is!

'Heroes cannot use weapons in battle other than their dedicated legend weapons'

What!?

So, I can't use anything other than my shield!?

What kind of crappy game is this?

"Um, it seems I can't hold weapons because of this shield."

I smiled wryly and looked up.

"What's the principle?