LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 8 – The Heroes Arrive
It wasn’t long after my first failed summoning, that the king’s attendants had managed to put together another group of mages ready to enact the spell.
I wasted no time in re-etching the runes on the floor and even personally took the time to verify these sorcerers were of the correct affinities. Three water blessings, one fire, and one thunder. This time, I would succeed and claim my reward.
“Sorcerers, begin flowing mana into the circle at the prescribed rates, 1/8 fire, 3/4 water, and 1/8 thunder.”
“Oh great world of Terra, heed my calls for guidance and justice, bend the cosmos to your will and deliver onto thee an answer in our darkest times. Brength fourth the great champions of legend to enact your will for all, HERO SUMMONING!”
In an instant, the same, brilliant, bright orb rose above the circle, black lighting coursing through it’s interior. Spell stable, phase 1 passed without issue. The void coalesced to form an image of a floating, blue and green ball in the cosmos, phase 2 complete with target locked. Finally, the brilliant golden light column shot out, phase 3 complete, failure of spell is impossible now.
Unlike last time, the golden column of light began the final phase of the summoning process.
Materialisation.
The light split into four distinct, humanoid shapes, then slowly faded away into nothing. I could hardly contain the grin growing across my face, but what lay before us in the middle of the runic circle, spouting very confused facial expressions, were the four summoned heroes from the spell. Knowing how to proceed, I kneeled before them and began the Kingdom’s introduction.
“Welcome, great heroes! We have summoned and called upon your might so that you may save the Kingdom of Solara from the coming war with the heretics of Valoria, our neighbouring country. It is believed they have already fallen to the influences of the Demon Lord and will invade our poor kingdom before the year is over. Please, we beg of you to lend us your power!”
Silence befell the room, as the four, unsuspecting summonies gradually adjusted to their surroundings. After a pause, one of them finally broke the silence with a loud, thunderous shout.
“HELL YA!!! I can’t believe it, but is this ACTUALLY an ISEKAI??!!?!?!? Holy fuck I can’t believe this is real. Hey, mister fancy king guy person, this isn’t a prank, right? Like, I actually get to do awesome fantasy shit like cast magic spells and kill demons ya? Ahh this is gonna be so fucking sweet!”
It was if my entire presence and introduction was ignored by the man, and what vulgar language to be using in front of royalty. But whatever, what would happen with these heroes was of little concern to me. My lord already had preparations in mind for how to handle them at a later date.
The man who had spoken so rudely, spouted blond hair tied crudely into a high ponytail. Complimenting his unique hair colouring was a glowing face free of any imperfections. Needless to say, his looks matched his confidence to so brazenly speak towards authority without fear.
The other three men also had unique characteristics about them. Still sitting on the ground, one had plain brown hair with an average build. They would easily pass as a commoner in the kingdom. The next wore very long, black hair, lips of the same colouring, and metal bits protruding from his nose? Very weird indeed.
The last man looked to be the oldest of the four, with his hair a soft, subtle blue I’d never seen before on a human. He also wore glasses and gave the impression of a very snobbish individual.
“Silence!” roared the king.
“You are before royalty. While I understand you come from another world which may have different mannerisms than us, you will do your best to respect our laws while here. Do I make myself clear?”
The vulgar man merely smirked and offered a slight bow with his response.
“Why of course, your kingsmanship.”
“Acceptable, now, Advisor Daemonium, please begin the process of appraising their skills. Once recorded, take them to the royal armory so they can be fitted with the appropriate gear they desire.”
“Your will be done my liege. Heroes, follow me.”
With no resistance, all four of the heroes began walking with me out of the summoning chambers and into the castle area proper. I led them through the royal hallways and into the military wing where we had already prepared sorcerers, mythic quality equipment, and refreshments for the heroes. Along the way, I could see they were taking in the abnormal scenery, with eyes gawking every time they saw a castle maid, or royal guardsman.
“Alright champions, please remain here while the royal mages cast their appraisal spell. The details will become visible once their spell is complete.”
I motioned for the casters to begin, and they all chanted the Appraisal spell in unison.
“World reveal onto me the secrets within, show me all that lies inside, Appraisal!”
In front of each of the heroes, appeared their status in a holographic, grey box. As expected, they were exceptional compared to the average human for being only level 1. What’s more, they even spouted titles, further proving they would grow into powerful figures for the kingdom. Thus, we recorded the status for them.
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Name: Haru Speargin Level: 1 Rank:
Race: Human HP: 44/44 MP: 33/33
Age: 22
Profession: Spear Hero
Status: Strength: 30 Defence: 10
Magic: 10 Dexterity: 10
Skill Proficiencies: [Fire Affinity] [Spear Master] [Reflexes] [Enhanced Growth] [God’s Protection] [Determination]
Titles: Spear Hero – Blessed with great skill in the art of wielding spears. Holder of this title may use their blessing to exert their authority and ignore a target’s defensive parameters for 1 attack daily.
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Name: Kyle Bowgert Level: 1 Rank:
Race: Human HP: 30/30 MP: 45/45
Age: 24
Profession: Bow Hero
Status: Strength: 7 Defence: 5
Magic: 8 Dexterity: 40
Skill Proficiencies: [Wind Affinity] [Bow Master] [Reflexes] [Enhanced Growth] [God’s Protection] [Sharp Eyes] [True Sight] [Enhanced Hearing]
Titles: Bow Hero – Blessed with great skill in the art of wielding bows and all ranged weapons. Holder of this title may use their blessing to guarantee their attack strikes their intended target, regardless of distance. Does not ignore defensive status of target. Useable once daily.
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Name: Samuel Swords Level: 1 Rank:
Race: Human HP: 50/50 MP: 25/25
Age: 22
Profession: Sword Hero
Status: Strength: 25 Defence: 10
Magic: 5 Dexterity: 20
Skill Proficiencies: [Thunder Affinity] [Sword Master] [Reflexes] [Enhanced Growth] [God’s Protection] [Blurred Movement] [Parry Master]
Titles: Sword Hero – Blessed with great skill in the art of wielding swords. Holder of this title may use their blessing once daily to guarantee three rapid strikes hit their target(s). Defensive parameters are reduced by half for all struck targets.
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Name: Miles Magus Level: 1 Rank:
Race: Human HP: 15/15 MP: 100/100
Age: 27
Profession: Mage Hero
Status: Strength: 3 Defence: 1
Magic: 54 Dexterity: 2
Skill Proficiencies: [All Magic] [Magic Master] [Fast Casting] [Enhanced Growth] [God’s Protection] [Parallel Casting] [Magic Creation]
Titles: Magic Hero – Blessed with great skill in the art of manipulating mana to their will. Holder of this title may create 1 unique spell to be cast at will without MP. Only 1 spell may be created at a time and can only be cast once monthly. Some restrictions apply.
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As expected of the summoned heroes, each and every one of them had a status sum of 60, literally twice the expected value of the average human at level 1. In addition, their blessings and titles were extremely powerful, although I did find it rather humorous their names literally included their proficiencies.
“Absolutely amazing summoned heroes! Your status values are truly exceptional amongst men. Now, the kingdom would like to present to each of you a gift, mythical treasures truly befitting of your excellence.”
I motioned for some of the attendants to grab the respective equipment we had already prepared. Based on the palace’s research, there was also the potential for a Hammer Hero, Brawling Hero, Knife Hero, Axe hero, and Shield Hero, but neither of those were selected from the summoning spell. But seriously, a Shield Hero? What a rather imprudent idea. How could someone with only a shield, possibly be considered a hero?
After receiving their gifts, the next step was for the heroes to join King Solar and Princess Emilia for a dinner banquet to celebrate their arrival. So, without ado, after seeing they were all dressed in proper attire, I led them to the dinning hall.
As we left the treasury and proceeded towards the dinning hall, the heroes were talking amongst themselves. All of them seemed to be excited about the experience of being summoned and were eagerly looking forward to getting stronger and slaying the demon lord.
Approaching the massive, regal, gallery doors, I effortlessly pushed them open to reveal the magnificent dinning hall. The heroes were taken back seeing the massive wooden table, crystal chandeliers, and the mountain of food garnishing the silken tablecloth. Standing near the king, with her long, silver hair, pale blue dress adorned in jewels, and platinum tiara, was Princess Emilia. Not too far from her presence, was her loyal retainer, Captain of the Royal Guard, Raya. Her blond hair was tightly tied up, and matched her glisten golden plate armor, as the lighting danced around the metal’s contours. It was then I realized, only three of the heroes were with me.
Rushing ahead, was the blond, vulgar hero, who appeared to be confidently striding towards the princess without a care in the world, disregarding all mannerisms in greeting. Upon reaching her, he grabbed her hand, kissed it, then spoke.
“Why hello, you must be the princess, I could tell by your radiantly, beautiful presence. Would you care to join me later tonight? I, the spear hero, promise to show you a wonderful evenin….”
His hand was smacked away by the royal retainer.
“Hands off the princess, know your place when speaking to royalty. I will not permit you to speak or touch the princess with those mannerisms of yours.”
“Shut it bitch! I wasn’t talking to you; I was speaking to this gorge---”
In an instant, Raya expertly smashed the hero’s face in with her metal gauntlet, tripped his footing, and pinned him on the ground, with his arms behind his back. All of this accomplished in one, seamless motion.
“You will remain silent unless asked to speak, do I make myself clear to you?”
“Get off me you fucking bitch! Nobody pushes me, the fucking spear hero around! I’m better than you. When I get up, I’m going to make sure to punish you so you never cross me aga—”
*SMASH*
“Fuuuuckkk Stop it I—”
*SMASH*
“Your majesty, permission to knock this individual out for his rude behaviour?”
Princess Emelie replied with a soft voice and equally gentle smile.
“Permission granted Raya; you may render him unconscious.”
“Wait!! You ca—”
*Thunk* Raya expertly hit the spear hero behind the head, forcing him to lose consciousness. During this charade, all of the attendants, remaining heroes, the king, and myself, all looked on with shock and disappointment. The king more so, seen visibly bringing the palm of his hand to his forehead. Then, the king finally spoke after collecting his thoughts.
“Heroes, let this be a lesson to you, that even though we have summoned you for help, you will still need to act with integrity towards us. We require your aid, just as much as you will require ours.
For now, please enjoy the feast before you, for tomorrow, the royal guard will take you all into the labyrinth so that you may raise your levels and grow in strength. We will do everything within the Kingdom’s power to ensure your success, and your needs are met. Should you require anything, simply ask your assigned attendants, and they will see your request through.”
“Excuse me your majesty, but what exactly is it the kingdom requires of us? You mentioned a demon lord? And why the labyrinth?”
“All will be explained in time. While there is a demon lord influencing Valora, we cannot assault them without cause. We are collecting evidence and wish to make sure they can be crushed effortlessly. As for the labyrinth, legends say that at the bottom of each labyrinth, lies a legendary weapon capable of defeating the demon lord himself.
Currently, the kingdom is unable to clear the labyrinth, and has only progressed to the 12th floor. How deep it descends, and how dangerous it is, remains largely unknown. That is why we require the strength of the heroes to protect our kingdom.”
The man asking the question seemed satisfied with the king’s response. For as average as he looked, the bow hero appeared to have some common sense and questioned things.
As the heroes were led to their seats by their assigned attendants, a small group was sent to collect and transport the unconscious spear hero to his chambers for recovery. Offering a bow to the king, I excused myself from the pleasantries and disappeared quickly towards the chambers of the man named Daemonium. After all, I could hardly wait to begin my own personal feast. Devouring his soul in full, savoring every last bit of it’s succulent essence, the power I would receive. Ahhh, the thought was too much for a demon such as myself to bare much longer. Oh, how I was going to enjoy my time in the palace.
Demon Lord Diablos was sure to be very pleased with my efforts.