Just a couple of minutes after I entered the room, a maid came in and took my measurements. Then, half an hour later, I was invited to the guest lounge, where the other heroes had gathered.
And within five minutes, I already regretted showing up.
We were all reading the "guide," sitting on luxurious sofas. I was curious about its contents too, but I could have easily read it back in my room.
…So, unlike ordinary weapons, legendary ones don't require regular maintenance, don't break, don't dull, and don't need special care… they can't be stolen… and even the owner can't give them away or be more than half a meter away from them, even if they wanted to…
The Weapon Manual will fill itself out as you level up, feed materials to your weapon, and defeat monsters.
The Weapon Manual is a list that describes possible transformations of the weapon.
I tapped on mine and…
…at least a hundred icons popped up, completely flooding my field of vision—some even spilled over onto the walls.
For now, they all had the same label: "Transformation unavailable."
A transformation is the ability to turn the grimoire into another form unlocked via the Grimoire Tree…
Got it…
Hmm, looks like some can only be unlocked by first unlocking previous ones and meeting the required level…
The layout of these transformations… it's just like a skill tree from an online game.
Learning new skills and evolving the weapon is essential to unlocking a character's potential…
To sum it up, the core strength of a legendary weapon lies in its ability to grant the user: skills, professions, and attributes…
To do that, I have to unlock new grimoires and claim their bonuses.
They open up by feeding various materials to the legendary weapon—metals, tools, plants, monster parts, etc.
But only in strict sequence. You can't unlock Grimoire "2" without first unlocking "1."
Once you unlock a grimoire in the development tree, you can equip it through the Status screen, but you need to meet the required level. If a grimoire requires level 10, you can only equip it after reaching that level.
If all conditions are met, the legendary grimoire will transform into the selected one when equipped. Its appearance and main parameters will change. And if you keep it in that form long enough, it will be mastered, permanently granting the owner its bonuses and special effects. Once mastered, those effects and skills become usable even without equipping that specific grimoire.
For example, if a grimoire grants the skill "Fireball" upon mastery, you'll be able to use that skill with any grimoire after it's mastered. Same with attribute bonuses.
Seriously, this is exactly like a video game.
Apparently, Akira came to the same conclusion:
"Hey, doesn't all this feel way too much like a game?" she asked.
"What are you talking about? It is a game! I know one just like it," Motoyasu boasted proudly.
"Huh?"
"You mean you haven't heard of that super famous online game?"
"Well, no… but how could there be a game even a perfect otaku like me doesn't know?"
"Ugh, noobs these days… it's called Emerald Online."
"What now? Never heard of it."
And the conversation went on in that vein. Meanwhile, I was trying to remember what happened in the light novel I read over two years ago. I could only recall it in broad strokes. I remembered the princess falsely accused the Shield Hero of rape… but how would that work now that Akira's a girl? No clue. From what I recall, the whole thing had a bunch of logical gaps. Like accusing someone without evidence. Then the Shield Hero grew bitter and rejected help even from a country that idolized him. Eventually, he buys a slave—Raphtalia—and levels up with her help.
I decided to stop trying to recall the plot and listened to the others instead:
"Seems like we came from different Japans."
"Yeah. You guys definitely aren't from my Japan."
"So parallel Japans in parallel worlds, and they're all different?"
"Maybe we're just from different time periods… but too many things don't match up."
"I've read stories like this. Soon enough we'll find out each of us was summoned for a different reason."
"I'm not into pointless chatter, but I agree—it's time we shared what we know."
Ren began in the most arrogant tone he could muster, like he was trying to prove how cool he was.
"I was heading home from school and got caught up in a murder case."
"Go on."
"I saved my childhood friend and somehow caught the killer, but after that, everything's a blur," Ren said, nervously rubbing his side.
"Next thing I knew, I was here and had no idea what was going on."
"So it was a heroic act, saving your childhood friend?" Akira smirked.
"Guess I'm next," Motoyasu said, pointing at himself.
"I had a lot of girlfriends, you know."
"Yeah, we figured."
"And when I did a bit of this, and a bit of that…"
"Let me guess. You got stabbed after being caught with two or three at once?" Ren asked with thinly veiled contempt.
Motoyasu blinked in surprise and nodded.
"Dude… girls are terrifying creatures, don't you think?" the Bow Hero added his thoughts.
"Hey! Watch it," Akira objected.
"Okay, okay, just joking," Itsuki backed off.
"Guess it's my turn. I was crossing the street after cram school… when a truck skidded."
What happened next was obvious to everyone, and the room fell into awkward silence.
When they all turned to me, I ignored them and continued reading the guide.
"Now it's the lovely lady's turn," Motoyasu said, looking at the Shield Hero—Akira.
"Alright. Sorry, guys. But honestly, all I remember is reading a suspicious book in the library."
Another moment of awkward silence, but this time for a different reason.
"But… that girl… had the shield…"
"So… same here?"
"Yep…"
"So, you guys seem to know the rules and systems of this world pretty well?" Akira asked nervously.
"Yeah."
"I played the game religiously."
"More or less."
"I have some experience."
"Can you teach me how to fight and stuff? In my world, we didn't have games like this," she asked, with big puppy eyes.
"Alright, Brother Motoyasu will teach you the basics at least," Motoyasu said, clearly charmed. "So, first off, in Emerald Online, Shielders… that's the class that uses shields as their main weapon."
"Uh-huh," Akira listened intently.
"You'll have it easy early on thanks to high defense, but later the incoming damage skyrockets."
"I see…"
"So your loser class will never reach high levels," Motoyasu finished with a hint of sadness.
"NOOOOOOO!!!"
"Funny," I said with a slight smile. Everyone turned to look at me. "There were no games like this in my world either. But in the ones we did have, shield users were called 'Tanks.' And yeah, they had a tough time leveling up. Not very useful against regular mobs either." At first, Akira's eyes lit up with hope, but as I went on, it faded. "BUT! In most cases, they end up being the most maxed-out characters."
"How's that?!" Motoyasu was shocked.
"That makes no sense!" Itsuki protested.
"Agreed…" Ren nodded.
"Why not? It makes perfect sense. Unlike your so-called 'loser' classes, tanks aren't efficient against mobs, surebut try fighting a boss without a good tank and healer. That's a pain. So people help them level up. They become the core of the party…"
"Pfft… nonsense," Motoyasu cut me off. I looked at him, irritated. That was the last straw.
"Interrupt me again," I growled, "and I'll shove that spear of yours so deep you'll taste it. Am I clear?"
"Whoa, man…"
Whatever he was about to say was cut short as I grabbed him by the throat, lifted him, and started choking him a little.
"Wrong answer. Try again."
"Pluto, stop…" Ren tried to play the hero, but when I looked at him, his words caught in his throat. People have said my stare is terrifying—even more so in this body, with these eyes.
"Got it," Motoyasu croaked, his face turning purple. I set him down and adjusted his jacket.
"Pluto, you're the only one who hasn't shared your story," Akira said, trying to lighten the mood with a nervous smile.
I had no intention of revealing how I got here—or that I'd read about them in the novel. Maybe I'll tell Akira someday, but I don't trust the others at all. I also didn't feel like lying. But I didn't have to lie—I could just tell them what happened in the game right before I ended up here… let them draw their own conclusions. Yeah, that works.
"It's simple. I was ambushed by a hostile group. We couldn't settle things peacefully," it was a guild, actually, but that counts as a group. "There were over forty of them. I killed about half… maybe more. Wasn't counting. They won't forget it anytime soon." Of course they wouldn'ttwo epics dropped from those idiots. My smile made the other heroes visibly uneasy. "My subordinates didn't make it in time." I looked each of the guys in the eye, still smiling. "I can describe it in detail if you're curious."
"No need," Motoyasu croaked.
"Yeah."
"We get it, Pluto-sama."
"Dinner should be soon," I said, glancing out the window. "Before that, let me give you a warning. Don't treat this world like a game. If you die, you won't respawn. At least not here. Maybe you'll return to your world. But before you get excited, think: is that really a good thing? Ren and Motoyasu will be buried in steel. Itsuki will be feeding pigeons his guts. Only Akira might actually survive. That's if death here isn't permanent."
"Brave heroes, please come to the dining hall," came a maid's voice from the hall.
"On our way," I replied and followed her to the dining room.
After a hearty meal, we went to our rooms. I spent a couple more hours browsing the Status menu, then took off my shirt and went to sleep.
I was awakened by a persistent knock on the door.
"Hero-sama, your outfit is ready."
"Come in," I said, opening the door and letting the maid inside. She stopped just inside the room, frozen like she'd stopped breathing.
"Is something wrong?"
"E-everything's fine, Hero-sama," she stammered. She carefully placed the outfit on the table by the bed, clearly avoiding eye contact. I glanced down and realized what startled her. Morning wood. And let's just say… I may have overdone it a bit in the character editor.
"D-do you need anything else?"
"Yes. Where can I take a bath or shower?" She looked surprised, then went to one of the many doors in the room and opened it. Behind it was a fairly large bathroom.
"Thank you. You're dismissed."
"M-may I assist you in bathing?" she asked. Or maybe it was a requestI couldn't tell.
"Thanks, but I'll manage," I replied automatically. Only after she left did I realize I probably should've said yes. The girl was kind of cute.
"Ah, there's still time."
After taking a slightly cool shower, I dried myself off and began dressing in the outfit provided.
What can I say? Top-notch craftsmanship. I really liked the suit.
Black leather boots up to the shin, with steel reinforcements on the heel and toe. Dark purple pants, a gray shirt, and a blue caftan with golden patterns. Not exactly my colors, but it looked pretty good. And really, it would be ungrateful to complain about free clothes. The others would have to buy their own gear with their hard-earned money.
It was already close to ten when I was summoned, along with the other Heroes, for a meeting with the king.
As soon as I approached, everyone greeted me with exaggerated respect.
Once we were all assembled, a herald loudly announced:
"The Honored Heroes have arrived."
The doors to the hall swung open; inside stood twelve people dressed in various adventurer-appropriate outfits.
Some of them looked like knights.
We bowed to the king and prepared to hear what he had to say.
"As promised yesterday, I have brought you companions who will accompany you on your journey. It seems those gathered here have already chosen which Hero they wish to serve."
"Now, future Heroes, please stand beside the Brave Ones you wish to follow and serve with unwavering loyalty."
Then, our soon-to-be allies approached and stood in front of each of us.
Ren — five people.
Motoyasu — four people, all women.
Itsuki — three people.
Akira — none.
Expected, I suppose. Still, I had hoped things might be different here.
"Your Majesty, JUST ONE MOMENT!" Akira snapped.
The king's face twitched, as if a wave had passed over it.
"W-well, well. My word, I never imagined such an issue might arise."
"The Shield Heroine's charisma pales in comparison to the others," the minister said with genuine surprise.
Then a man in robes whispered something into the king's ear.
"Hmm, so the rumor has already spread...?"
"What's going on?" Motoyasu asked, looking puzzled.
"Well, to be honest... word has spread through the castle that the Shield Heroine is unfamiliar with the laws of this world."
"What the hell?!" Akira exclaimed.
"According to legend, the Heroes are supposed to have deep knowledge of this world's rules. Some believe you don't meet that criterion."
Motoyasu jabbed Akira with his elbow.
"Did someone eavesdrop on our conversation or something?"
I glanced over the adventurers.
None of them dared meet my gaze.
So the rumors weren't just about the Shield Heroine… they were about me, too.
Wonderful.
Akira's eyes were already brimming with tears, her lower lip trembling. Just a little more, and she'd start crying.
I clenched my teeth hard.
But stepping in now would only make things worse.
Akira looked at the other Heroes with a desperate gaze. When her eyes met mine, my heart sank.
"What about Pluto-sama?" she asked, pointing at me and addressing the king.
"I declined companions myself," I answered quietly.
"Ren, Itsuki, Motoyasu?"
Ren scratched his head awkwardly and looked at those who had chosen him.
"I hate dragging dead weight around. If you don't have the resolve to follow me, then please, leave."
But even after such a cold statement, not one person left his side.
"Motoyasu, say something! You can't just..."
"Well... it turned out a bit uneven," he agreed, but didn't continue as he admired his harem.
Itsuki clearly showed he couldn't turn away those who had chosen him.
"I do think it would be better if we each had three companions… but forcing them could damage morale."
Everyone except me and Akira nodded at his words, as if they were perfectly reasonable.
"So I really have to go alone?! I have a shield, damn it!"
"Ah, Heroine-sama, I would like to accompany the Shield Heroine," one of Motoyasu's girls raised her hand and offered herself as Akira's companion.
"Huh? Really?" Akira blinked in surprise.
"Yes," replied the red-haired girl with shoulder-length hair.
So this is the infamous bitch princess?
Honestly, looking at her now, it's hard to believe she's the same viper described in the novel.
"Does anyone else wish to join Iwatani-dono?"
Silence…
Not a single hand was raised.
The king let out a sorrowful sigh.
"Then no one else. Unfortunately, Akira-dono, it means you'll need to discover more of your inner strength. But worry not — each of you will receive a monthly allowance, and I shall grant you an additional share."
"Alright!" the girl replied, somewhat more calmly.
"This is your budget. Brave Heroes, I urge you not to waste it foolishly."
They handed out five coin pouches, each jingling with coins.
Akira and I received slightly larger ones than the rest.
Didn't expect that, to be honest.
I'd refused companions, so I thought I'd get the same amount as everyone else.
"Akira-dono and Pluto-dono will each receive 800 silver coins. The rest of you will get 600. Use these funds to purchase equipment."
"Understood!" we responded in unison.
Both we and the adventurers saluted the king, marking the end of the audience.
Then we exited the throne room.
I was about to approach Akira to warn her about the snake smiling sweetly beside her…
When I heard a voice behind me.
"Pluto-dono, please wait a moment," said a familiar voice — the minister's.
"How may I be of service?"
"His Majesty believes your Sacred Grimoire is likely tied to books in some way. This is a pass to the royal mini-library, where you are allowed to borrow five books," he said, handing me a scroll. But when I reached for it, the bastard pulled it back.
"However, I ask that you be especially careful with them — many of the volumes there are quite valuable."
"Thank you. I'll be careful," I replied with a slight smile.
"You'll be escorted," he added, nodding to a maid standing a little ways from the exit.
Turning around, I tried to find Akira with my eyes, but she was already gone.
I cursed under my breath and followed the maid.