Once the knights saw the shield hero was struggling they grumbled, and helped him to his feet and down the hall if need be. As the new group of heroes were led through the castle it quickly became clear whatever their own world was like this was nothing like this one. The narrow corridors, and the large open areas that peaked up into a smog free sky with fresh air that reminded even Cole of the wilder parts of his home. It really did seem like technology here was far behind all things considered...in exchange they had magic...weird. However as the group came into the main section of the castle they were brought into a large opulent throne room facing two large chairs. One of them was empty but a young man with short cut, and well trimmed blonde hair sat on a large red, and gold throne. He had a crown on his head signifying his place as king more than likely. What was more than odd about this particular young king...was well his age. He looked younger than all of the heroes assembled in his mid teens about sixteen years old it would seem.
"Greetings I assume you're the Four Cardinal Heroes? I am King Sanson Vincent Melromarc First of My Name. I am Lord of this country, and am one of the last surviving members of my blood line. Welcome I greet you in the name of this whole continent." King Sanson said as he spoke with a clear, and fearless tone as he looked over the group. Cole looked up towards the king from his spot in the main hall. Rin looked at him with disinterest, and boredom clearly not happy with what this was likely going to entail. More than likely she hated politicians, or their craft, or even both.
"Would you mind Introducing yourselves to me brave heroes?" he asked with a smile as Cole introduced himself quickly placing his sword on the floor point to the ground, and hands on the pommel like he saw some of his uncle's old friends do in their DnD games.
"Cole Smith, I'm from the Country of the United States of America. Age twenty one, and I am a college student studying business, or I was at least." Cole stated professionally as he awaited the next one up. Rin spoke with a brash pride, and a self important stance as she slammed her foot firmly on the ground once more,
"Stand in awe of me! I am Captain of the Rough Riders of Kansai! Rin Matsunaga! I'm 20 years old, and the baddest bitch you'll ever know! No gang in my part of Japan even has the sack to even try and fight me! Consider your pissy little demons, or whatever the hell we're fighting dead on arrival!" Rin proclaimed loudly as the king gripped his chair a little tightly as Rin gave her proclamation of ability. Either it was fear, or he was internally cringing at the Bow Hero's self importance.
As the other two heroes gave their introduction the King nodded and once again said it was a pleasure to see them.
"Now then for why you are here. You see there is an ancient prophecy that was given to us long ago that an apocalyptic event would strike this continent of ours long ago. This prophecy speaks of a series of incursions by monsters from a different world, or land that would seek to destroy everything about this world. It will bring upon us unending fear, and destruction. We have come to call them 'The Waves' in the past similar events have happened that would require the need to summon heroes the same ones who would wield weapons like yours, or possibly even the ones that you're wielding right now. Every country in our world has something called a Dragon Hourglass. These creations of ours can predict the exact, or near exact time of the arrival of the waves. The first wave shall be upon us in two weeks. We have taken it upon ourselves to summon you four. We didn't want to risk summoning you too sooner, or later for it may be disastrous either way. The sands in these hourglasses will triple with each wave, and arguably the danger level of these waves as well. The first is likely to be the easiest but we don't know what to expect. Some said we could get by without summoning you four heroes. However both my wife, and I disagreed and so did Guild Leader of The Colosseum of Zeltoble, Argyle Sundermark, recommended we call you. And he was a man who was said to have been able to take on twenty men at once during his prime so I trust his word." exposited the King as he looked down upon the heroes from his throne. A man in well made finery stepped forward.
"Of course you will not be expected to do this without pay. Melromarc itself intends to reward you handsomely between waves to keep you going, and to give you better lives. If this is an agreeable arrangement I would ask that you all check your statuses." The man said as he told them to take a look at the lower right corner of their vision which if they hadn't noticed before would be a button of a sort that would bring up a menu of their current health, and party options as well as gear, and other assorted things.
"That is your status magic, and is exclusive to you all. You may thank your predecessors for allowing us the knowledge of this." the king told the group quickly.
"The first order of business is to set out to upgrade those weapons of yours. The Spear Hero's predecessor left behind the knowledge that you may only use the weapons your given. I feel that should be helpful information.""Lastly if you will please line up in a horizontal line in front of the throne, and please space yourselves." The King said as he gestured to the guards at the door once the heroes did so. A man with silver armor, and a large black bow trapped to his back stepped in front of the heroes. He had graying brown hair, and an eye patch over his left eye. A bunch of wicked claw marks, and scars were shown on his well tanned, almost leathery, skin. His hair was gelled back, and tied into a pony tail. The armor was only a chest piece with a leather protector underneath it, and his legs were similarly garbed. His arms were left open showing off his well toned body, and muscular features. He looked at them with his eye and laughed.
"Now listen here heroes, I am Quentin Marcino. Also known as The Tiger's Claw. I am a Sniper, an advanced class. I'll be your pseudo mentor. I'll help you learn what you need to but don't expect me to baby sit you. This is all for my old rival Argyle's sake he would prefer you don't die in the back alley the first day here. You don't want my help then do it yourself, in full honesty I don't care. I'll tell you everything you need to know, and somethings maybe you shouldn't. You need to know what to ask I ain't tellin' you without you first having some sorta clue unless its important. But don't worry you ain't in this alone." commented Quentin as the door opened, and a large group of adventurers walked in. They had been ushered in by the soldiers outside in the halls while the King had explained the heroes' their duties, and the worlds happenings.
The guards called down the hall, and some less armored soldiers informed that the group in the hall should come in.
"Brave Heroes these a volunteers from the land who wished to join you on your journey, they are free to join you as you please. Be it they choose your party by choice, or they're convinced into yours you may do as you please. Fear not if you do not receive any additional fellows you will instead receive additional payments from the kingdom to make up for it. And Quentin of course is here to help you. Volunteers you may choose your heroes now."" King Sanson stated as he held his hand up into the air.
shield-hero.fandom.com/wiki/Zeltoble
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