“Pleasure.”
She didn’t seem to be very shy, and she spoke without reservation. With all that was going on, I suppose I forgot to mention that she was the girl who agreed to come with me.
I believe in taking care of your friends, especially considering that according to everyone I’d met so far, I had been dealt a losing hand. On top of it all, Myne was a girl, and I was the Shield Hero. It would be up to me to protect her.
“Very well then. Let’s get going, shall we, Ms. Myne?”
She smiled and nodded before following me out of the room.
There was a drawbridge strung between the castle and the town. Crossing it, I got my first real view of the town.
Granted, I’d gotten a little glimpse of it from the window last night, but standing there now, in the middle of it all, I really started to feel like I’d come to a different world.
The cobblestone streets were lined with stone buildings, many of which were furnished with wooden signs. There were delicious smells wafting from many directions at once.
“What should we do?”
“I think it would be wise to try to get some better equipment and armor.”
“Good idea. With all the money the king gave us, we should be able to get some real quality stuff.”
The only equipment I had was a shield, so procuring a weapon was of paramount importance. Without one, I wouldn’t stand a chance against any monsters. I wouldn’t even be much use to my teammates without one. Regardless, the other heroes all had weapons that would level up with them. If I didn’t hit the ground running, they’d overtake me in no time.
Considering all they’d gone through to summon me here, it didn’t seem right to slack off. And besides, even if I was stuck with a weak class, Myne had still teamed up with me. I needed to do what I could—for her sake.
“Well, I know a good store if you’re ready to go.”
“I am.”
“Great.”
Weapons are important, but all you really need are friends. Myne led me down a path to the weapon store she knew. She walked as if she was skipping.
We’d been walking away from the castle for a fair amount of time when Myne finally slowed her pace and stopped before a shop. There was a large sign in the shape of a sword hanging over the wooden door.
“This is the shop I was talking about.”
“Wow.”
I stole a glimpse of the interior through the open door. There were weapons of all sorts hanging on the stone walls. It was exactly what you imagine when you think of a “weapon shop.” It looked like they also stocked armor and other goods necessary for adventuring.
“Welcome,” the owner called out to us amiably. The owner, too, was exactly the sort of guy you picture when you think of a “weapon shop.” He was leaning on the counter, and the whole scene felt like a painting. I was relieved, as I was fearing a fat, pudgy type of owner. I really was in a whole new world . . .
“So this is a weapon shop . . .”
“I see this is your first time in one. Well, you sure know how to pick ‘em.”
“Actually, my companion here told me about your store.” I pointed over at Myne, in response to which she raised a hand and waved it in greeting.
“Why, thank you very much . . . Miss . . . Hey, haven’t we met somewhere?”
“I’ve been here before, sir. Also, your shop is very well known around here.”
“Well, isn’t that kind of you. By the way, if I may ask, who is this strangely dressed friend of yours?”
I guess that only made sense. In this other world, they would think my clothes looked strange. I probably looked like a country bumpkin touring the kingdom or just a crazy person.
“I think you already know the answer to that, sir.”
“You mean . . . you’re one of the . . . the heroes? Wow!”
The man began to look me over carefully.
“He doesn’t really look that strong.”
I couldn’t believe my ears!
“Tell me how you really feel! Geez!”
But the old guy was right. I really didn’t look like I would do anyone much good. That’s why I needed to get stronger.
“Listen up, hero boy. If you don’t get yourself some decent equipment, the other adventurers will wipe the floor with you.”
“I suppose . . .”
I kind of liked the guy. He seemed honest.
“Looks like you got the short stick?”
I felt my face twitch in recognition. How did gossip spread this quickly? Whatever. I shouldn’t admit loss before I even got going.
“I am the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani. Things might get rough from here on out, so I’ve come for your assistance.” It was an aggressive way to introduce myself, but I had to convince myself, too.
“Mr. Naofumi, was it? Well then, here’s to hoping you become a regular of sorts around here. Let’s see what we can do!”
He was an amicable guy, to be sure.
Myne walked over and spoke up. “Hey, sir, don’t you have any good equipment for my friend here?”
“I’m sure that I do, but how’s your budget looking?”
“Well . . .”
Myne was looking me over in some sort of appraisal.
“We could probably spend up to 250 silver pieces.”
We only had 800 to start with, and we were preparing to spend 250 on equipment. Was that going to leave enough for inns and food and for recruiting other party members?
“That much, huh? Well then, you should start looking over here,” said the owner as he walked around the shop and pulled various weapons from their spaces on the wall.
“Tell me, kid. You have a favorite kind of weapon?”
“Not yet.”
“If so, then I’d recommend a sword that is light enough for beginners.” He proceeded to set a number of swords out on the counter. “All of these have a blood clean coating, so they’re pretty easy to handle.”
“Blood clean?”
“Gore and blood on a blade will erode the edge, making upkeep more difficult. These swords don’t have that problem.”
“Wow . . .”