Rise of the Soul Hero

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***

The next day the trio was already outside and checked the equipment, everything was in good order. Andrei took his time cleaning his swords, checking if they were sharp enough. Raftalia and Naofumi were next to each other, Raftalia like Andrei was checking her sword and looking around, while Naofumi was watching the shield interface. Andrew realised this and was very curious about the shield's abilities, as Andrew had seen that the shield was not simple.

Naofumi had grown accustomed to Andrew and Raftalia over the time he had spent with them. Andrei has become a very good friend to him. Raftalia was like a sister, maybe even a little more than that, but he felt that Andrei was probably hiding something, not telling him the truth and maybe not fully trusting him. Naofumi realised this and didn't ask the question, he was sure that one day Andrei would tell him about these secrets. For now, he walked over to him and looked at Andrei's hands. Even though he had no ring finger on his left hand, Andrei was good with a sword, but something about those hands had changed. There was some soot on them, and there were particles on the blades that Andrei himself had cleaned up. This interested Naofumi and he decided to ask a question.

- Andrei, when did you get into some soot? Even on swords, there's soot. -

Andrei looked at Naofumi with a slight smile and started to answer him.

- Yes, something new happened. There will be a surprise, by the way, how much time is left? -

Naofumi stared at Andrei, but removed the look of interest and began to answer.

- In half an hour, it's going to be hard work. But I'm sure you and Raftalia are fully prepared for the coming battle. -

After these words, Raftalia came up to them and began to answer with a very satisfied face.

- Don't worry Naofumi-san, me and my brother Andrei can handle it, we are fast and strong, and Andrei is also very agile. In addition you are with us, we have nothing to fear. -

Naofumi didn't show it with his face, but he gently stroked her head and began to reply.

- Thank you both. You have become dear to me, I'm glad I chose you then. You're really strong. -

Raftalia blushed a little in the cheeks and lowered her head. Andrew chuckled a little as he knew that his name sister had a soft spot for Naofumi, he shook his head a little, then stood up and put his swords in their scabbards. Then he put his palm on Naofumi's shoulder and began to speak.

- Thank you for those words too, Mr Spiky Head, we won't let you down. -

After saying that, Naofumi smiled slightly and began to reply with the same joking reply.

- I understand you, you grey-haired cat, don't lose your hair. -

After these words they both laughed and patted each other on the shoulders. After that the three of them waited together to be transported to the place where the wave would happen.

When it happened, they were transported not far from the village they had helped many times before. Naofumi looked up into the sky and began to speak.

- Even though the castle isn't far away, but by the time the troops arrive, almost all the villagers will have been killed, so we should go there. -

Andrei and Raftalia supported this idea and also ran there as fast as possible. The monsters were already in full swing, and the people were fighting back. Naofumi, Andrew and Raftalia broke through there and saving people Naofumi started to speak.

- Raftalia, take these people away, Andrei and I will take care of the others, don't worry, we'll manage. -

Raftalia nodded and started to take the people to the caves to wait there. Naofumi and Andrei ran to the other part where they needed help. Andrei was spinning like a yule log and chopping monsters even faster. Naofumi protected the men with his shield and abilities.

They were doing pretty well, but the group of adventurers needed help as they were pinned against the wall. Naofumi wanted to run over there, but Andrew stopped him and started talking.

- I'll take care of this myself, you help the rest of the people. I'm just trying out something new, my little surprise. -

Naofumi agreed without any questions, Andrei immediately ran to the place and making a triangle with one sword he activated the Fire Sign ability. Sparks appeared on the tip of the sword and Andrew launched them at the pile of monsters, the sparks created a pillar of fire that burned most of the monsters, and the rest he chopped with quick sword strokes.

Shaking the blood off his blades he looked at the adventurers. They looked at him with bulging eyes, their hands were trembling and they wanted to say something, but Andrew immediately made a very serious face and began to speak.

- If you can't fight and protect people, then go away. We don't need weaklings here, but if your trousers aren't full of bricks yet, then go ahead and fight, idiots. -

The adventurers immediately gathered and went into battle, Andrei ran in the other direction as there was a need for help. There a woman and two children were in danger as several undead warriors were approaching them. With a quick dash Andrew was in close proximity and with a small jump he severed the head of one of the dead men, the others he pierced with two quick blows.

He looked at the rescued and with a small smile began to speak.

- Don't worry, everything will be fine. Me and the Shield Hero will save everyone, well now go on, the safe road is completely clear. -

The woman thanked Andrew and quickly ran with the children to safety.

After a while Andrew, Naofumi and Raftalia were already fighting side by side. People wanted to help them, but neither Naofumi nor Andrei wanted to risk them, so they fought only the three of them. This continued until fireballs flew at them. Naofumi immediately activated his shield.

When the smoke cleared the soldiers were visible, they came closer and their leader began to speak.

- It's clear, we can continue on our way. -

He wanted to leave, but at the same second Raftalia's blade was drawn towards him. She with a very serious face started to speak.

- Why did you shoot at us? You saw us here. -

She was very angry, but Naofumi and Andrei put their hands on her shoulders and Andrei began to speak.

- Don't be afraid, sister, we're fine. This fool has no brains, at this rate, he's going to get into some shit he can't wash off. -

That captain immediately wrinkled his face in hatred, and then began to leave with part of the soldiers. The rest of the soldiers and the other captain stayed behind, the captain walked forward and began to tell his subordinates.

- Close your shields, we will help the Shield Hero and his comrades. -

Andrew and Naofumi were very surprised, but the battle had to continue.

After a few hours, the battle was over. Everyone was tired, but in spite of that Andrei realised that they had done their job. The people they saved thanked them, he smiled, but there were more trials ahead of them.