Rise of the Soul Hero

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***

After saying goodbye to Motayasu, Andrei began to walk leisurely along the trampled path that led to the centre of the village. Andrei himself, despite the elixir he had used, still felt tired. He still couldn't get it out of his head that he could have suffocated just because there was a small scratch on the stone. He remembered that it had been fine at first, but then, the pain, stabbing and unrelenting. Realising this, Andrew thanked Motayasu, Ren and Itsuki once more, but now silently.

For the moment, Andrew walked to the very centre of the village from where they had headed for that ship. It was almost all intact now, but on the ground, the bodies of the monsters that had appeared because of the wave were still burning. But that wasn't the most important thing. At one of the houses, Naofumi was sitting, and next to him, stood Raftalia and Firo. Seeing them, Andrei smiled and accelerated his step, heading in their direction.

They in their turn, having noticed Andrei, immediately began to smile and ran to meet him. Firo hugged Andrei, after which she began to speak with a happy smile on her face.

- Brother Andrei, Firo is very happy that you are safe. I was very worried. -

In response, Andrei lightly stroked her head, and then felt an equally strong embrace on her left side. It was Raftalia, barely holding back tears, she looked into Andrei's face and began to speak.

- Why didn't you come with us, why did you have to be so heroic, they would have got out on their own. Why do you always want to help someone? -

Saying all this, Raftalia did not let Andrei go, while still looking at his face. Andrew didn't know what to say, he just listened to them with a slight smile on his face. This continued until Naofumi gently moved Firo and Raftalia away from Andrei, and then he began to speak.

- ''I'm sorry, you had to take a risk because of me. You really should have left with us, but I'm glad you reacted quickly, I hope everything went well, but where's your leather sleeveless jacket, and you're covered in soot. -

Andrei scratched his head a little, and then started to answer.

- Well, if I tell you everything from the moment I sent you into retreat, it will take a long time. But in brief, I had to get out of the fire. The ship was burning pretty badly, so it was a bit nerve-wracking, but let's not talk about that now. For the moment, the wave is over, so we can rest. -

Having said all that, Andrei walked forward slightly and leaned against the wall. Naofumi nodded at him, but decided to ask one more question.

- What about that girl, Gras. Did you defeat her, or did she escape? I'm sorry if I'm bothering you, but I need to know whether to wait for her in the next wave or not. -

After saying the last words. Naofumi stood next to Andrei and waited for an answer. Andrew, looking straight into the clear blue sky, began to answer.

- She left, we parted from her like ships at sea. But I think we'll meet her again, she won't stop until she's done with you and the rest of the heroes. And something tells me she'll turn up at the most unexpected moment. -

Naofumi nodded in agreement, and they stood like that for a while, until Raftalia decided to speak.

- Mr Naofumi, I think we should all head back to the city. We could all use some rest, and Brother Andrei needs to buy some new clothes. -

After these words, Raftalia approached Naofumi, who in turn touched her hand and with a kind smile began to answer.

- You're right Raftalia, a rest won't hurt us. We're all pretty tired after that wave, and you're right about Andrei, he can't be walking around in an old torn shirt. -

Andrei heard this and frowned a little and started to grumble.

- Who would say, you only wear barbarian armour yourself. You should change your wardrobe. And my shirt can be sewn up, then washed and will be as good as new. -

Naofumi laughed a little, and Raftalia began to speak.

- Andrei, Naofumi-san is right. This shirt can't be helped, only replaced, and don't argue. You should have picked up something more suitable a long time ago. So, as you say, let's get on with it. -

After that, Andrei sighed with feigned gravity and made a sad smile. Firo, seeing Andrei's feigned sadness, hugged him again and started talking.

- Don't worry, brother Andrei, Firo is sure that any clothes will suit you. In addition, the leather sleeveless shirt and the white shirt are easy enough to replace. I guess, right? -

She thought about it, looking at Andrei, Naofumi and Raftalia from time to time. They smiled at her and headed towards the road that led to the exit of the village. But they had no sooner taken a few steps when someone called out to them.

Turning round, they saw one of the knights. It was the captain who, during the last wave, had given the order to direct fireballs at them. They remembered him, but decided not to remind him of old grievances for now. Instead, Naofumi walked slightly forward and began to speak.

- What do you want? Speak quickly, we don't have much time. The wave wasn't easy, my comrades need rest, and you're distracting us. -

Naofumi made a frown and crossed his arms. The knight himself, hearing all this, spat on the ground and began to reply.

- I don't care if your dogs are tired or not. The king wants you and that white-haired man to come to the palace. But before you do, at least clean yourselves up, you look like ragamuffins. -

In response, both Andrei and Naofumi wanted to send the knight away. They probably would have done so if the young knight who had been on their team during the wave hadn't approached them with a quick step. He took a quick breath and then began to speak.

- Please come to the palace, it is very important. I and my comrades are asking you about it. Otherwise, the rest of us might get in trouble for the captain's less than courteous delivery of his majesty's message. -

After saying all this, the young man kneeled down, bowing to the point where his head rested on the ground. Andrew and Naofumi, seeing this, once again sighed heavily, and then, with the same heaviness, they wiped their eyelids thoughtfully, and Naofumi began to answer.

- Well, we accept his highness's invitation. But next time, I don't promise that any of us, won't cut off this captain's tongue. In the future, we ask him to be more polite. -

Naofumi smiled wryly, and Andrei looked very carefree. Raftalia and Firo looked on, and they also had small smiles. The captain himself, who hadn't started the dialogue in a very friendly way, perked up at the same second. He wanted to say something, but instead, he spat on the ground again and headed towards the houses.

The young man, seeing this, began to bow even faster, while thanking them. Andrei picked him up at the same second, and then began to speak.

- Boy, try not to be so emotional. But, and so, try to just be human, you're doing a good job. Now, you better go, your friends are probably waiting for you. -

He nodded and left. Naofumi, who was standing next to him, looked at Andrei, scratched his head slightly and began to speak.

- Well, now we have another problem. We'll have to listen to that senile old man again, and that bastard will probably be there. Oh, well, we'll get through this, but first we need to find you a new outfit. You can't go to the palace in a cut shirt. -

Andrei shrugged his shoulders a little and started to give an answer.

- Well, it's not a bad look for the occasion. I'd like to see the king's face if I actually go there in that condition. But to be honest, he'd really start grumbling about it. So, let's actually go in and get me a bloody new one. -

After these words, they all laughed and went on their way. At the exit of the village, there was a wagon in which Firo was immediately harnessed. Andrew was inside as usual, and Naofumi and Raftalia in front.

They travelled fast enough, and in a few hours they were already in the town. Before going to the palace, our dear foursome went shopping for Andrew. Naofumi didn't like to spend money, but in honour of his victory over the wave, and as a general thank you to Andrei, he bought him the promised clothes at his own expense.

It was a white cotton shirt. Stitched on the chest and sides, as if with silver threads. In addition, the fabric was made so that Andrei could not feel the heat, coming from the rather hot rays of the sun, the kingdom of Melromark. The second upgrade was a dark sleeveless waistcoat. Its edges were slightly below the waist. At the same time, on the sides and on the chest of this waistcoat, there were special fastenings for different vials, as well as for holding blades.

For the moment, Andrew was looking at a tall, wide mirror, in which was his reflection. After a little looking at himself, and spinning to the left and to the right, Andrew with a kind smile on his face began to speak.

- I guess this is my fitter. Thanks a lot Naofumi, you know, and I'm even very satisfied. Quite comfortable and high quality. But it looks like for the next holiday, I'd better not expect any gift. -

Naofumi made a slight but kind grin on his face as he replied to his friend.

- I've allocated, um, about ten gold from my blood money, so it's really a gift for a long time. Also, don't damage it, it's suitable for both combat and social events. Although knowing us, we'll probably not be attending any events for a long time, by the way, I think your Lizi will be happy to see you in something new. -

Naofumi chuckled a little, and Andrei just shook his head. Raftalia, who was looking at Andrei at that moment, made a warm smile and hugged Andrei with sisterly love. She looked him straight in the eyes and then began to speak.

- I am very happy for you, brother Andrei, you have become much stronger, and more masculine, this suit, very complementary to you, and I do not even know how to describe it. It's been a long time, and you know, I may say this a lot, but I'm glad I call you brother. -

Having said the last words, Raftalia hugged Andrei even tighter, the same in his turn hugged her and began to answer.

- I am glad that I have you. Without you, I could not have become what I am now. Well, for now, we should probably hurry. You know His Highness doesn't like to wait. If we're even a second late, he'll give us all a brainwashing we'll remember forever. -

Naofumi chuckled again. He shook his head slightly in agreement and began to speak.

- Well, you're right, we have to hurry. So, hands in hands, feet in hands, and follow me. The sooner we get there, the sooner we leave. But maybe we'll get something tasty. -

Everyone who heard that was surprised. Raftalia looked at Naofumi in surprise and began to speak.

- Naofumi-san, last time, you didn't want to stay long. Don't you already want to celebrate a little? Or is it just me? -

Naofumi smiled slightly after that question. He started to walk beside Raftalia, at the same time, starting to give an answer.

- Maybe, well it's just that I remember that you enjoyed the last banquet. So, we could stop by the current one too, if there is one. We'll grab you and Firo some goodies or something to eat. -

Firo jumped with joy in her eyes when she heard this, and Raftalia's cheeks flushed slightly. She wanted to say something to Naofumi, but quickly changed her mind, she gently took his hand, and then they walked the rest of the way together.

Andrew seeing this, was happy for his friends. Perhaps some part of the happiness which he was still seeking was coming. For this reason, he took Firo's hand gently and walked in the same regular way to the place they wanted to go.

* * *

When they reached the palace, the four of us stopped briefly. There were quite a lot of people at the entrance, and in the palace, quite bright - colourful lights were burning, music from flutes and violins began to be heard. Because of this, Andrew made a guess that perhaps the palace really was having a holiday.

After thinking about it for some time, he continued walking with the others. So they went to the entrance, and the people who were standing there, immediately dispersed. Looking at everyone, Andrew could catch whispers from some of these people, in addition to the stares. Either of joy, or condemnation, or maybe fear. It wasn't very clear to Andrew, he could feel what these people were feeling, but he couldn't understand anything. Naofumi, on the other hand, could understand what Andrew could not. He had long ago accepted that not everyone would be able to accept that he was not a villain, but a hero. That he really wanted to help people. He understood that, and just accepted it.

With these feelings, they walked inside, and then climbed the stairs. At the throne room, they met up with the other three heroes and King Olctraeus. He was sitting on his throne as usual, looking proudly at those around him. But when he saw Naofumi and what he thought were his servants, he immediately frowned and called them to him with a simple gesture of his hand.

Naofumi did not much like this manner of behaviour, but resigning himself to it, he approached the king as usual and began to speak.

- We have arrived, as you called, let's hurry up and blow our brains out, because not everyone is able to put up with you for a long time. So, me and Andrei, listen up. -

Olctraine frowned even more, and then began to speak.

- You know, Iwatani, you could be a little more polite. Your fate, and the fate of your slaves and comrades, is in my hands, and if you want to get down to business, I'd be happy to. But first, how about a rest. -

Naofumi was surprised to hear that. He thought for a while, but then, he started asking a question.

- What are you up to, Olctraine? I don't think you're just being generous with a holiday for us, you need something, and I'd better find out right now. -

In response to this, Olctraine smirked slightly, and Andrew felt something dark from him, as if he really wanted something from them, but at that moment, began to speak Motayasu, who in turn, stood nearby watching and listening to everything that was happening.

- I apologise for interfering in the conversation, but Naofumi, you should be more polite. You're talking to the king, and even if he has business with you, you should accept it. Whatever it is.

After saying the last words, he lowered his head slightly. Naofumi looked at him and sighed heavily, then turned towards Olktrein again. He was still watching, but when he realised that Naofumi was looking at him again, he continued speaking.

- Don't worry Motayasu, I can easily forgive Naofumi for his behaviour. In addition, he already has someone who can calm him down. Isn't that right, Andrei? -

He shifted his gaze to Andrei, waiting for a response. Andrew, despite his inner dislike for this man, decided to be polite, he made a slight bow, leaning his right hand to his chest, and then began to speak.

- Yes your highness. I have some powers that allow me to calm someone down, and I also want to apologise a little for the words I said to you last time we met. But you were wrong, too. But for the moment, we are all here at your request, and I, too, would like to know, and if I may now. For what purpose, you summoned Naofumi and I, a simple warrior who is travelling with those I care about. -

Having said this, Andrei made another bow. Olktrein, in turn, examined Andrei from head to toe. His look changed from a frown to a normal one and he began to speak.

- I accept your apology, and I am also impressed, I would not have thought that a commoner could be so well trained in manners. But as for your question, first, I insist on a rest for all the heroes. Including you, Andrei. I'll have to talk to you separately later. Your strange powers are very surprising. For now, as I said, you can go celebrate. Reward and discussion later. -

Hearing this, everyone sighed heavily, but decided it was best not to continue arguing. Naofumi looked at Olktrei once more, sensing that something was wrong. Andrew bowed once more, and then began to follow Naofumi. During the short walk, Ren joined him and began to speak.

- I'm glad to see you're doing well, I see you've bought yourself some new clothes. By the way, anything bothering you? -

In response to this, Andrei smiled slightly and began to answer.

- Everything's fine. Motayasu drove me, and by this time everything was back to normal. Naofumi bought me a new one, so to speak, to replace the old damaged one. By the way, did Olctraine talk to you before we came? -

Shrugging his shoulders, Ren began to answer Andrei's question.

- Well, we came at his call. It was supposed to be a celebration, but he asked us to wait for you. While waiting, he thanked us, and then, he started asking about you, and especially about you. -

Andrew was surprised at this, and after a short thought, he tried to understand what this curiosity of the king could be connected with. But the answer to the question came from Itsuki, who was also walking beside him.

- It seems to be related to your powers. You are stronger than any of our comrades, and you can defeat Ran. The king knows that, so he's interested. I think he wants to know how you got your strength. -

Andrew realised what he was about to say, but Naofumi beat him to it.

- The old man has been bothering me, and now he's going to get his tentacles on Andrei. It's not information, it's bullshit. -

Immediately after these words, Motayasu began to speak, who heard everything Naofumi said. But there wasn't much indignation in his words.

- Naofumi, you can restrain yourself a little. You may not trust and hate the king, but you should have some self-restraint, damn it. Have some dignity, and as for his curiosity, don't worry. He won't hurt Andrei one bit. -

In response, Naofumi looked at Motayasu with a kind of defiance and began to reply, still walking forward.

- Why do you always get involved in things that don't concern you? You should have kept your mouth shut and gone to the people to show off your strength. And don't forget who caused Andrei's scar on his face. I don't know why the fuck you're still on their side, you moron. Sooner or later, they're gonna fuck you up and you'll be like me. -

In response, Motayasu wanted to say something, but instead, he gave Naofumi the middle finger and sent him to three funny letters. Naofumi in turn didn't stay in debt, sending Motayasu into the same kind of pedestrian erotic, he made a sign from his middle finger.

This would probably have continued if Raftalia, allegedly by accident, had not stepped on Naofumi's foot, and Andrew stood between them and began to speak.

- 'Enough of you, let us forget the present problems and quarrels for the time being. We'll all deal with Olctrein later. Right now, as he told us, it is better to rest. The feast is arranged in your honour, there are people there who want to see heroes, and they will not be very pleased to see you swearing at each other and beating each other's faces. So calm down, or I'll have to use force and you'll be lying here unconscious. -

Hearing this, Naofumi and Motayasu moved away from each other, and then Motayasu began to speak.

- Okay Andrei, I'll calm down and apologise for my rudeness. Naofumi really needs to be more restrained, but I agree with you. -

Naofumi nodded slightly and began to speak.

- Okay Motayasu, I'll try to be more polite. As for what you said Andrei, that's fine. For today, let our grudges against each other be forgotten. In addition, Andrei has made friends with you, so we can be patient with you. -

The other heroes smiled slightly at this, and Itsuki began to speak.

- Um, you know Naofumi, we're often prejudiced against you because of your past. But lately, I'm starting to think that maybe you weren't lying. Oh, and how can we fight with each other when Andrei can calm someone down enough to render them unconscious with one punch. So let's actually go into the room behind that door. -

Everyone nodded to each other with kind smiles, and then they walked forward, entering the same room where the banquet was held last time. Now, everything was exactly the same, the tables were covered with all sorts of food, many people were chatting among themselves, and music was playing.

Seeing all this, Andrew smiled slightly and scratched his head. He looked at everyone who was around, and then, began to speak.

- Well, the holiday begins. You are waiting for yours, and we, will stay aside, although we have shown ourselves well, but not everyone is ready to accept it. But no-one minds, I'll be on my own for a while. -

Everyone silently agreed, but before Andrei walked forward, Naofumi stopped him and began to speak.

- If anything, we'll be right where we were last time. So don't worry, and try to have some fun. Last time, we didn't have much fun. -

Andrew just shrugged his shoulders, then smiled and went to one of the far tables where no one was standing. On the table itself, there was a lot of stuff. Sliced pieces of chicken, smoked boar meat. Fried fish, the smell of which Andrew liked very much, different fruits and a bottle of wine, next to which there were glasses. Seeing this, Andrei really decided to relax for such a long time.

He carefully opened the bottle of wine, then just as carefully filled one of the glasses. He took it in his right four-fingered hand, then, brought the glass to his lips. Before taking a sip, he breathed in the subtle, yet tart smell of this wine. The smell was very pleasant to Andrei, but at the same time, it reminded him of the past, the past that he tried not to remember too much. He took a small sip of the wine and then took a bite of meat with it. After doing so, he looked around and a small smile appeared on his face.

Next to Motayasu, as usual, was Malti and her friends, and Motayasu was telling them something, while they were laughing, Itsuki and Ren were arguing about something, but they looked friendly and cheerful. But next to Naofumi, Raftalia and Firo, there were quite a few people around. As Andrew noticed, Naofumi was nervous talking to these people, even though they were quite friendly. But the funny thing was that among those people, there were many young girls who were clearly trying to flirt with Naofumi. Raftalia clearly didn't like it, but she was smiling.

This amused Andrew quite a bit, and for that reason, he took another sip of wine, but a deeper one. Because of this, the glass was drained, that's why he wanted to pour some more wine, but at that moment, behind his back, a woman's voice began to speak.

- Can I stand next to you, if no one else has taken a seat. -

Hearing this Andrei turned round and started to answer.

- Of course, you can come up, I'm alone here, and I could use some company. By the way, we haven't seen each other anywhere before. -

He took a closer look at the girl and quickly examined her. A kind face, with a soft smile on her face, eyes of reddish colour, hair of lilac colour, tied in a small ponytail. She was wearing a light purple dress. But the most familiar thing about her was her smile. For this reason, Andrew decided to ask.

- Your name is not Elizabeth, but your smile is very similar to the smile of this very beautiful girl. -

The girl in turn, made a slight bow and approached Andrew, and then began to speak.

- I'm glad you recognise me. If you don't mind, I'll adjust your clothes a little, she crumpled a little at the shoulders. -

Without waiting for an answer, she gently put her hands on Andrei's shoulders and moved her face to his ear and continued speaking.

- Her Highness sends her thanks to you for helping her daughter, and she apologises for not having returned yet, for there were problems that required urgent action. But she'll be back soon to help the shield hero. -

Andrew nodded gratefully, and so that no one would notice that they were talking about something important, he gently touched her hand and began to speak.

- I thank you Elizabeth, tell her Highness that we are very grateful to her as always. But to be honest, I want to know how you are doing. And also, if you would not refuse me a dance, there is some rather appropriate music playing at the moment. -

Elizabeth's cheeks flushed slightly at this question, but with a slight smile, she let herself be held by both hands and began to answer.

- I don't think this will interfere with our conversation. In addition, you have come here for rest and some entertainment. But I also have a question, your girlfriend, if she finds out, won't she be jealous? -

In response to this, Andrew with a kind smile let out a small chuckle and began to answer.

- Don't worry Elizabeth, she will understand. Besides, we're friends, and it's just a dance, and it really won't stop us from discussing anything. -

Having said that, Andrew and Elizabeth began to move to the beat of the music. Everyone who saw it, quite interested in what was happening, and then, also began to dance. Towards the end of the action, Andrew told Elizabeth that he thought that Olctraine might be up to something. Elizabeth promised that she would pass on the information, and then she said quietly.

- Please be careful. -