Rise of the Soul Hero

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***

The feast that had been thrown in honour of the four heroes was coming to an end. Andrew, who had been celebrating with Elizabeth, was saying goodbye to her for the moment. She had promised him that she would pass on all the information to the Queen, and Andrew had promised her, as he had promised Lizzie, that he would try to take fewer risks with his life. In a way, it was not just a friendly business meeting, but at the same time, it felt romantic.

Elizabeth and Andrew understood this, but Andrew already had someone in his heart whom he loved with all his heart. For this reason their farewell was very discreet. He looked after her as she mingled with the other people and left the room. But at the same time he was able to notice how, before she was almost out of sight, she turned round just for a moment to see him once more, which made Andrew feel very pleased, but at the same time he still remembered to whom he had given his heart.

Now he began to walk slowly towards his comrades. When he approached them, he smiled slightly and began to speak.

- Well, the feast is over. Now it's time to talk to Olktrei, and we're done. By the way Naofumi, there was a lot of attention to you today, especially from the young ladies, I think it was even pleasant. -

Andrei smiled slightly as he said this, and began to stare intently into the eyes of his friend, practically a brother. He in turn, for the first time in a long time, was really embarrassed. He scratched his head a little, and then he began to speak.

- Well, to be honest, I was pretty nervous. And the attention from the girls, it was quite strange, it was just that I hadn't been in contact with so many of them before. Like I said, it was quite exciting. -

Immediately after these words, a slightly embarrassed Raftalia began to speak. At the same time, she touched Naofumi's hand with her fingers.

- If you don't mind Mr Naofumi, but in my opinion, you weren't very interested in the attention of those girls. You were more interested in talking business. -

After saying that, Raftalia looked straight into Naofumi's eyes. He immediately smiled, he took her hand and with a kind smile on his face he began to speak.

- It was much more pleasant for me to talk business than to answer the questions of those young ladies. I can only be interested in one person, and that is you. Only you, especially you, can ask me any questions. -

Hearing these words, Raftalia blushed in the cheeks, and her tail began to wag slightly in different directions. Andrew, seeing this, made an even wider smile and said the words that appeared in his head.

- You're just like a sweet couple, it's cute, and funny. I may already know your future. -

Raftalia blushed even more, and Naofumi looked at Andrew with a slight smile. He leaned his right hand on Raftalia's waist and began to speak.

- Andrei, perhaps this holiday has helped me to open my eyes even more. Raftalia, I rarely tell you how beautiful you are. You know, if I wasn't such a fool, I'd probably kiss you right now. -

He touched Raftalia's cheek and then kissed her cheek gently. Raftalia herself did not resist, she was very embarrassed, but at the same time she was filled with joyful emotions. Andrei and Firo seeing this, did not hide their joy for their relatives, but at the same time, Andrei shifted his gaze to Firo and began to speak.

- Firo, how was the holiday for you? Were you able to have fun? -

After this question, Firo hugged Andrei and began to answer.

- Firo had a lot of fun and I also had a very good meal. The music was very nice, it's a pity you weren't with us. -

In response to this, Andrei stroked her on the head, after which she slightly moved away from Andrei, but it was not the end. Suddenly, from behind Firo, she was hugged by Mtoyasu. There was a smile on his face, and his eyes exuded not a certain pride this time, but instead kindness. He gently leaned his chin on Fjiro's head and with a happy face, began to speak.

- I'm very glad to hear that you liked it, Firochka, and I agree with you. I thought Andrei, that you would come to any of us and talk to us. But I noticed you weren't lonely. -

Then, Itsuki and Ren walked over to them. They were smiling and looking at Andrew in the same way, and Itsuki started to talk too.

- Yes, I saw that girl talking to you, and you looked like you knew each other, in a way, it was like you were having a romance. -

All three heroes nodded, after which Ren began to speak.

- Andrei, I'm sorry for asking, but this girl is not the one you paid for. Is she your girlfriend, or am I mistaken? -

Immediately after this question, all except Raftalia, began to look very carefully at Andrew. He, in his turn, scratched his grey, as if white hair with a slight smile, and then began to answer the question.

- The guess is good, but this girl is just my friend, no matter how our closeness looks. It's just, we've known each other for a decent amount of time, and I can call her a friend. My girlfriend's name is Lizzie, and maybe someday you'll see her. -

Everyone nodded and started chatting amongst themselves. Firo, who was still in Motayasu's embrace, didn't seem to mind in the slightest, but on the contrary, she was calm and lightly held onto his hands. But even this little idyll was interrupted by Naofumi's question.

- Andrei, when did you meet someone? I don't remember you going out while we were travelling. -

Andrei winked slightly at Naofumi and so that the other characters wouldn't suspect anything, he started talking again.

- Oh Naofumi, you've always had a good memory. I introduced you and Elizabeth to you after the race with Motayasu at that village, remember? -

Andrew winked at his mate again. He didn't think about it for a long time, but remembering the events from Andrei's story about being saved by a shadow, he lightly tapped his forehead with the palm of his hand and started to speak.

- Damn right, I'd forgotten, you two had a good chat, and given her job, you probably saw each other a lot. I'm really forgetting something. But that's okay, it happens to everybody. -

Everyone nodded again, and then Motayasu started talking to Naofumi.

- You know, Naofumi, we're all human. No one can keep everything in their head, sooner or later memories can fade, even I get stupid and forget something important. -

Hearing these words, Naofumi shrugged his shoulders and began to speak as well.

- You know Motayasu, you're not so stupid, you're not so stupid, you're a good person to talk to when you're calm. And it's nice to know that you can admit that you're imperfect. -

Motayasu nodded appreciatively and the idyll between the two of them resumed.

* * *

Andrei was the first to be summoned to Olktrei's audience. He, in turn, wondered very much why they had been summoned separately instead of all at once. But at the same time, he theorised that perhaps Olktrei really wanted to talk about Andrei's own powers.

If that proved to be the case, Andrei decided to play the fool who'd been born with all this stuff and just couldn't remember his past, while still looking like an intelligent and polite person. At least, as much as possible. It was with these thoughts in mind that he entered the throne room. It was the same as the first time, but there were some differences.

The difference was where the king was this time. Instead of his usual place on the throne, he took a seat on a chair in the middle of the room next to a small, round table, which could fit at most two people, on the table itself, there was a chessboard on which stood the pieces, and next to the board, a bottle of wine and two glasses, the king himself, immediately saw Andrew and with a businesslike smile, began to speak.

- You have come, young man, I hope you enjoyed the holiday, and now I hope you will give me some time. You and I have a business conversation. By the way, I hope you know how to play chess. I haven't had a worthy opponent in a long time. -

Immediately after these words, Andrew with quick steps came to the table and sat down on the chair prepared for him, but before that, he made a slight bow. Having sat down at the table, he saw how Olktrei filled both glasses with wine, and then he handed one of them to Andrew, who in his turn made a slight smile and took the glass, then put it next to him and began to speak.

- I thank you, Your Highness. It would be an honour to speak to you, and to play chess. But also, let us not forget why you have summoned me. There's something you want to know. -

Olctrae took a small sip of wine, then made a move with his white chess. Once he had done all that, he looked directly into Andrei's eyes and began to answer.

- Yes, I'm not wrong, you're obviously a pretty smart guy, though you can be a little hot-headed. I was like that when I was young, trying to protect everyone and being bloodthirsty towards my enemies. But you're right, we need to talk, but first, make a move with your pieces. -

Andrei nodded and made a move with his knight. He thought for a while, and then he made a knight move, but in a different part of the board. They both took a small sip of wine and only then did Olctrae continue to speak.

- I want to talk to you about your power. About who you really are. And what your true goals are. -

He took a bishop's step and another sip, while continuing to look at Andrei. He smiled a little and took a small sip, and then, having thought out his moves, he made a move with another horse and with that, he ate the enemy bishop. But because of this, the horse was not in a favourable position.

Olktrey, seeing this, first smiled a sly smile, but after a few seconds, on his face, appeared thoughtful look. Andrei took advantage of this moment and began to answer Olktrei's questions.

- Well, the secret to my powers, hmm, there isn't one. I can't even say whether I was born with them, or whether they appeared after I was a slave to one, excuse me, a fanatic and a bastard in one person. This man is very violent, I might even say crazy, but let's not talk about that, and this may seem strange, but I have partial amnesia. As for who I am, um, I'm just Andrei Sokolov, a named brother, a friend, an assistant, and it's not clear, even to me. Whether I'm human or half human, or maybe I'm not even human at all, but someone else. Well, your last question, my goals, initially I'd like to keep them to myself. But for you, I'll reveal them. When I don't have to fight Naofumi side by side and he returns home, I plan to change many things, starting with the liberation of everyone I oppress in your country, to the point of destroying everyone who gets in my way. -

Having said all this, Andrei took a sip of wine while watching as Olktrei ate the queen of the horse. But after that, he turned his pensive gaze to Andrei, a faint sadness appearing on his face. He smoothed his beard a little and began to answer.

- Andrei, I am amazed. A man. Well, or not a man, but at the same time, you have experienced, as I have already realised a lot. Even though you can't remember your past. You've gone forward with a less than perfect man, you've righted the wrongs of those who are honoured by others. They've made so many mistakes, and yet, every single one of them, at least partially, has been corrected. You, as far as I know, have even been hurt, badly, by a sword hero's mistake. -

He took another sip of wine and continued speaking.

- Your future goals are honourable, though I don't entirely agree with them. But if it comes to pass, I pity the one who actually goes against you. Other than that, I'm still just as surprised. Your strength is almost like that of a hero, they say you can even defeat a sword hero, I wouldn't be surprised if you and Motayasu clash, you'll probably win. But on the downside, you're always going with the shield hero Naofumi. For this reason, I'd like to propose that you become a named hero under my command. Even if it's a lie, you're so strong that the others won't notice the deception. In addition, with this title, with the glory you will receive, with my full patronage, you will be able to avenge everything and everyone who tormented you. The one who left you with those striped scars on your face and cut off your finger. That man doesn't deserve to live, whoever he is. But the choice is entirely yours. -

After these words, Olktrei took another sip and waited to see what move Andrei would make. At the same time, waiting for his answer. Andrei froze for a few seconds, realising what Olktrei had said. But, quickly pulling himself together, he also took a sip of wine and began to do what he had in mind. He took his bishop and beat that very queen with it, bringing the enemy king to the checkmate. Having done this, Andrew smiled slightly and began to speak.

- This is a very serious, and strong proposal. To be honest, before Naofumi was able to become a mere friend and not a brother, perhaps then, yes, then I would have spit on all my principles and ties, whatever they were, but now, everything is different. I have to give up, despite my inner hatred for that man, I will stay with those I call family. Even though you hate Naofumi, I see him as a hero, a hero who really wants to save the world, no matter what, no matter how much it hurts, no matter how scared he is, no matter how much slop is thrown at him, he keeps going. He is the one who lit the fire of aspiration in me, he is the one who pulled me out of the darkness. He showed me what true friendship is and how strong and boundless it is. It is for this reason that I have to withdraw, and by the way, even if you try to evade the attack, you will be mated. So it's not just a move, it's checkmate. -

Having said that, he finished the wine from his glass, then, he gently touched the chess piece of the king on the side of Olktrei, then, just as gently, put it down, Olktrei himself, made a heavy sigh, on his face was not hidden sadness, and a small smile, was just as sad. He looked directly into Andrei's eyes and began to speak.

- It was a great game, but please think again with your answer. But before that, let me tell you my story. - Seeing Andrei's nod, he began to tell. - I was young, a little older than you. I was a hero, a star hero of the staff. A young strategist who wanted to protect everyone I cared about, all so well, until a long-time shield hero, and beastmen, did too much damage. The former, was a coward, and didn't want to help, and the latter, attacked, robbing me of my sister. For her, especially her, I was willing to do anything. And when I couldn't protect her, they stole her and then killed her, and for that, I took revenge, revenge so that everything was stained with blood, and for that, the weapon gave up on me, I lost it forever. Now, at this time, sometimes I think I may have taken too many lives, but now, if something happens to my current family, I'm not afraid to let it happen again. And I know who you're fighting so hard for. Your sister and the one you love in your heart. Are you willing to let Naofumi get cold feet when you need his help, are you willing to let him get away with it? How will you behave if your loved ones get hurt, that's why I'm asking you to be a hero, a hero to me and everyone you can protect. -

During all this time, Andrew didn't know what to say, even now, he was trying to think it over, different emotions were running through him. His fingers were clenching his own feet, his eyes were unblinking and at any moment they might glaze over.

This went on until Andrei was able to pull himself together. Then, he took a calming breath and looking at Olctrey, he began to speak.

- Your Highness, even now, having learnt all this truth. Your reasons for hating beastmen. Even now, I cannot accept your offer. I'm sure I can help everyone even without becoming your hero, and Naofumi, he won't chicken out and give up like the past shield hero. He's not like that, I know that, I know him and his goals. Please give him a chance, and then, he'll impress you as much as he can. -

Saying this, Andrei held out an outstretched palm in front of him. Olctrae looked at it, and his hand reached for it. He hesitated and wanted to take it, to agree, but another thing happened. He gently covered Andrei's palm and took it aside, then, took a heavy breath and began to speak.

- I'm sorry Andrei, but it seems I'm not strong enough to forgive. But listen to me, if you change your mind, you can come to me. You'd better go now, your mates are probably worried about you, but when you get out, call Naofumi. I need to talk to him too. -

After these words, Andrew got up from the table and with a heavy heart, he went outside the room. There, he was immediately met by Naofumi, Raftalia and Firo. They immediately noticed that Andrei was obviously tired, for this reason, Naofumi lightly patted Andrei's shoulder and began to speak.

- Andrei, it's okay, you look tired. Did he do something? -

In response, Andrei shook his head negatively and making a small smile on his face, he began to speak.

- I'm fine, I'm just a little tired, it was a hard but informative conversation, now he's calling you, so you better go. -

After saying that, Andrew patted Naofumi on the shoulder and walked towards Raftalia, Naofumi himself was worried about his friend. He wanted to ask what had happened there, what the conversation between Andrew and Olktrei had been about. But the answer, in speed and found it himself.

* * *

As Naofumi entered the throne room, he saw Olktrei sitting at a small, round table. In his left hand was an empty wine glass, and on the table, a half-filled bottle and a chessboard. His gaze was directed towards them, but he himself, was very downcast, and his eyes, exuded sadness, even though they were like glass.

Naofumi felt sad for Olktrei, but at the same time, remembering all the anger, he walked closer and a satisfied smirk appeared on his face. Olctraeus looked at him and frowned, then spoke.

- Showing up, finally, though, hmm, not so pleasant. I wish I could send you away. But, knowing your whining nature, you'd slam the door like a girl. And then you'll curse at me. -

Naofumi gave him a scornful look, then pushed back one of the chairs and sat down at the table. Olktrei wrinkled his nose at that and said.

- I didn't invite you to this table. What the hell do you think you're doing? -

Naofumi only looked at Olctrae once more and at the other glass next to him. But then, he started to look into Olktrei's eyes and at the same time, he started to speak.

- You're pathetic. You know, if I were a creep like you, I'd take this moment and I'd end you and then your bitch of a daughter. But lucky for you, I'm not, and I don't care what you say. I got another question for you. What did you say to Andrei to make him so tired and sad? -

Olktrei set the glass down, then took the whole bottle and sipped from it, then turned his gaze to Naofumi and began to speak.

- What's it to you puppy, it shouldn't concern you what I talked to him about. It's my business, do you understand, you cheeky puppy. -

Naofumi, hearing these words, wanted to jump up from the table and hit Olktrei in the face. But he let Olktrei take another sip of his drink, and only then did he continue speaking.

- Don't forget that this puppy, with the help of his power, single-handedly killed the wave boss. So you'd better stop making a big deal out of yourself, old man. -

In response to this, Olctrae laughed, and after he calmed down, he took a rather large sip of wine, after which, he began to speak.

- Yes, you do have more strength than the other heroes. You know, at first I wanted to ask you to explain how you got such powers, but now I realise that without Andrei and the others in your team, you wouldn't even be able to return to your normal state. So, now, I'm not really afraid of you, shield boy. A small, scowling dog who can only bark. -

Naofumi's teeth gritted against each other and his fists clenched to the point of bone pain. But looking at the shield, he calmed himself down again and began to give his answer.

- Go to hell, you old geezer. You're a pathetic king, a drunkard, a liar and a schemer. But you know, I wonder what you said to Andrei. Answer me while I'm still kind, but believe me, I can barely contain myself from smearing your face. -

Olktrei looked indifferent while listening to this, he finished the contents of the bottle and started to give his answer.

- You want to know what I told Andrei. So know. I offered him a better life, a hero's life, something he could become if he left you, the whiner. You know, he actually thought about it. He wanted to take it, he clearly wanted to be a hero for his family. But because of you, he said no, of course, how could he leave knowing that you could hurt someone close to him? So he said no, but you know, I'm sure when you're gone, he'll be happy to be a hero to me. What do you say to that, Naofumi Iwatani, hero of the shield. The great saint with the heavenly bird and the two apostles. -

After saying that, Olktrei closed his eyes slightly, but still looked at Naofumi.

Naofumi, on the other hand, couldn't take it anymore. He grabbed Olktrei by his clothes and got up from the table with him, then began to speak with undisguised anger.

- You lie, old man! You're lying! Andrei must have sent you away at once, and you started threatening him. That's what this is about, isn't it? Tell me, is that it? -

But in response to that, Olctrae just smirked and began to speak.

- And which one of us is still pathetic, puppy. You can't accept the truth and you freak out and whine like a woman. There's a reason I think you're a coward and a sneak. You're a hypocrite as much as I am, playing your part while you're as sinful as the devil himself. As for your question, ask Andrei yourself. Ask him if he wanted to become a hero instead of you, someone who would be loved and honoured. Not to be feared and almost prayed for. That's what he could achieve if he listens to my suggestion. -

Naofumi was breathing hard and wanted to beat up Olktrei. But the latter, realising this, smirked and continued talking again.

- Come on, try to beat me up, come on, as you threatened, kill me if you can. But don't forget that if you do, you will become an enemy to the whole kingdom. You'll be hunted down as a true criminal, and then I'm more than sure that Andrew will bring his blades to bear on you, so go ahead, puppy, kill me if you dare. -

But instead Naofumi only let go of Olktrei and walked towards the door.

Olktrei, seeing this, took the bottle from the table and saw that there was nothing left in it, so he looked at Naofumi again and started to say to him.

- Don't come here again, you're not welcome here, puppy. Remember, sooner or later, if not you, then someone close to you will pay for your sins. And then you'll remember this conversation! -

But by this time, Naofumi had left the throne room, slamming the doors, and in response, Olktrei threw a bottle at the doors, causing a big pop and shards to scatter a good distance away.

* * *

He sat on his throne and felt a hangover, it was nice now, but in the morning, King Olctray would have a headache because of it. But right now, he was very happy about the fact that he was able to bring Naofumi to her white knees. But at the same time, he was saddened by the fact that Andrew had refused his offer. He had been thinking about it for an hour, and would probably have continued to think about it if the one who was one of the meanings of his life hadn't walked into the throne room.

It was his youngest daughter, Meltie. Seeing her, he smiled and began to speak.

- Oh, my daughter has come to me, Melti, come to me, I want to hug you. -

Meltie did so and Ockltrae hugged her, after that, he heard her voice.

- Father, you're drunk, a king shouldn't get so drunk. -

In response to this, Oaktray stroked her hair and began to reply.

- I'm sorry my little one, I did have a little too much to drink. But today was not an easy day. Andrei, the shield's assistant hero, I offered him to be a hero. But he declined. And Naofumi, the damn puppy, how dare he say anything after all he's done. -

He began to grind his teeth in anger as he said the last words, but Melti immediately hugged him and he calmed down, and she began to speak.

- Father, you must apologise to the shield hero, and he to you, don't forget, without him, it will be harder for us. -

When he heard that, he wanted to tell her that for her sake he would try to apologise to the man he hated. But at the same second, the voice of his eldest daughter.

- You know, Meltie, your father knows who to keep in touch with. And who's better off out of here. Besides, you know what that bastard tried to do to me, so let him go wherever he wants and keep his big nose out of it. You should stay out of it, too, by the way. -

Meldtie listened to this, stepped slightly towards Malti and began to reply.

- Because of that kind of thinking, you're not the first to the throne. For the moment, it's better for you to stay out of it, you've caused enough problems. -

After these words there could have been a long argument between the two sisters, but it didn't happen. Olktrei quickly got up from his seat and began to speak.

- Calm down, don't forget, you are sisters and shouldn't fight, for the sake of both of you, I can tolerate anyone, even Naofumi. But if he doesn't apologise, then neither will I, I won't try to say anything to him. That's my decision. -

Right after that, he hugged both of them.