Chapter 6 - The Adventure Continues

The Reimagining of the Bow Hero

Chapter 6 – The Adventure Continues

Author's Note: None today!

After finishing a scrumptious breakfast, the four of us were anxiously awaiting the king's calling. I was excited to finally acquire some members to add to my party, and then we could go adventuring and explore this new world!

Three hours passed, and nothing happened. As we sat around, fidgeting with our legendary weapons, a court scribe announced to us.

"The King is requesting your audience. Please, follow me to the throne room."

As soon as those words left his mouth, the four of us sprinted down the hall, through a few corridors and bolted towards the throne room. Two guards courteously bowed and swung open the door.

What lay before our eyes were a group of twelve strangers, who looked like a group of people who were late to the renaissance fair. Some were clad in armor, some wore plain leather plates, and some had no armor whatsoever.

I motioned to the others to bow towards the king, respectfully awaiting his announcement.

"As we discussed the day before, I have searched far and wide for companions to join your parties." The king spoke in an authoritative manner. "Only the best of the best answered the call, and here they are to assist you on your journeys."

Seeing the people standing before me, they seemed like they were a pretty big deal. At this point, any help would be greatly appreciated, considering the only thing I had was the clothes on my back, that were apparently "Other-Worldly".

"Now then, gathered adventurers, please choose the Legendary Hero with whom you will travel with."

They got to pick who they would travel with? Now that was odd. I'd never heard about that before. That's like playing Pokémon and not being able to pick your own starter. Well, whatever. Beggars can't be choosers, so I hope I get lucky and team up with some powerful companions.

The adventurers walked abreast towards us, and I stood tall hoping to attract a few. They lined up single file behind their intended hero.

Ren got five people.

Motoyasu got four people.

I got three people. Meh, not the best, but it's doable.

At least I wasn't Naofumi. What horrible luck he had.

Naofumi stood there, all alone. Absolutely nobody picked him.

"King," Naofumi cried. "How c-could I not have a single companion! How is this fair!"

"Well, I wasn't quite anticipating something like this to occur." The king calmly replied.

"He's not very popular, I would assume." A man dressed in a purple tunic spoke. "It seems that rumors have emerged indicating that you are incompetent and do not know much about our world?"

"What?" Naofumi said in disbelief. "How could that be?"

Hearing enough, I decided to step up. I truly felt bad for Naofumi, and I let my kindness get the better of me.

"Naofumi, do you want one of my companions?"

"Really? You'd really give me one of your companions?"

"Sure thing!" I spoke. "Usually when I play games, I don't like having large parties, so three people including myself would be more than enough."

In most games, experience point penalties incurred when too many people were in a party. Having three people would most likely benefit my development. Who knew how slow it would take Ren and Motoyasu to develop with their gargantuan groups?

"Thanks so much, bro! I'll never forget this."

I turned to my group.

"Which one of you would be willing to join the Shield Hero's party?"

Not a single person budged.

"I'll ask again, which one of you would be willing to join the Shield Hero's party?"

Still, no one moved.

"Welp, it seems you're out of luck." I empathetically spoke. "I tried my best, but no one would join you."

"Ren! Give me one of your five!" Naofumi pleaded.

"I'm more of a loner, so if you can't cut it, I'll leave you behind."

"Motoyasu! Isn't this super unfair?"

"Well, about that…"

Everybody could tell that something was a bit off about Motoyasu' s party. There was not a single man in it. Man, his womanizing really caught up to him.

"I would suggest splitting our companions evenly, with us getting three each." I consoled. "But, lamentably, it seems none of our partners will budge, and no amount of pleading will change that. I wish you the best of luck, Naofumi."

The other two quickly nodded in agreement.

As Naofumi began to ramble in anger, a pretty redhead walked up to Naofumi.

"Sir, I could serve the Shield Hero." One of Motoyasu' s women volunteered.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am definitely sure."

"Will anyone else volunteer and join Naofumi' s party?" The king questioned.

No one moved. It seemed that Naofumi would be stuck with one party member.

"Well," the king spoke. "This is unfortunate. You will have to recruit others to travel alongside you. Each month, you will be provided with funds for your journeys. Due to his unfortunate circumstances, Naofumi will receive 800 silver, while the rest of you heroes will receive 600 silver."

Four men trotted out, and bowed respectfully towards us, bags of coins in their hands. I bowed in return, graciously acquiring the money in the process.

"Your Majesty," I bowed. "We greatly appreciate your generosity. Words alone cannot express our gratitude."

"There is no need to thank me." The king quickly responded. "It was the least I could do to assist you heroes. Now, let the journey commence!"

The other heroes followed suit, and quickly exited the audience chamber. As soon as we were out, we began making our introductions.

My three companions were named Rojeel, Welst and Eda. Rojeel was the man with the iron breastplate, Welst was the magenta-haired woman donning a cloak, and Eda was the blonde woman.

"Nice to meet you all," I introduced myself. "My name is Satoshi Sera, and I am 24 years old. Without further ado, let us head into town and purchase some supplies."

"Naofumi," I turned to the shield hero. "Would you and your companion like to go shopping with us."

"Yeah! Sure thing!"

"Alright then!" I exclaimed. "Let's head out!"

Chapter 7 out tomorrow!