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Chapter Text

Everyone knows the story of Shield Hero by now. Naofumi is summoned to Raphtalia's World and is convicted of a crime he never performed, he jumps worlds to Glass's world and saves that world and some of it's Heroes as well... For many, that is where the story ends, but in others the story continues on from that, as the Heroes join forces, find companionship in each other, and fight increasing, impossible odds. We've all seen it before, reflected upon the multitude of Mirrors into Infinity.

But this isn't that story... For reflected upon the infinite Mirror Worlds, there exists more than just the worlds we see journeyed towards in Shield Hero… There exist some changes. There exist an infinite multitude of possibilities available for telling a story. And reflected upon one particular Mirror World… The Spear receives one of it's choices that it wished for. For instead of joining a Bus of Sinners, partaking in adventures across a City of Corporate Dystopia, one of those Sinners gets the chance to become that which she wished to become the most. Join me as we Gallop onwards and see another of these possibilities. But perhaps... the more things change, the more they stay the same...

I don't own "Rising Of The Shield Hero" or "Limbus Company" or any of their respective subsidiary medias. Please go support the Official release.

Chapter 1: IN WHICH WE WITNESS THE SUMMONING OF OUR VERY OWN DON QUIXOTE, THE RIGHTEOUS FIXER OF JUSTICE

It was a soft, rainy night. Water pattered against the lights and windows of a house that seemed as if it had long since been abandoned... Yet, the lights flickering in the moonlight told otherwise. If not that, then the loud impassioned recounting of tales ought have notified that, yes, this lighthouse had people that lived inside it...

"And yet, Aegis, the great Fixer of the Zwei Association, refuseth to let this injustice destroy his spirits and set forth against this great injustice! He stateth! 'Mine compatriots! This trial is but a stepping stone that will bring us greater heights! One day, we shall proudly engrave today's suffering unto our shields to remember this in better days! Thus this battle is far from over! Chaaaaarge!' Ooooooh, what a line! What a wonderful wonderful way to rally inspiration! And yet! The scores of enemies that lay in wait, to ambush them with cowardly dishonorable tactics looseth thousands of arrows upon them, the magnitude of arrows eclipsing our very sun!"

A girl was sitting in this very room. Her legs were up in the air, waving back and forth, parting a few pieces of her golden hair as she read over a thrilling tale, and she had read this book for perhaps the 100th time. She cheered as she read the next part.

"And yet as their shields began to break, and their resolve wavered, Aegis stepped forwards with a proud smile on his face! "Nay! We shan't give up! I shall be thy ward! Men, indeed our shields are but tools that may break and splinter, but upon this moment rely upon me and I shalt be your shield against this tyranny! Follow my lead, and thou shall be protected from our foes Arrows! The arrows may pierce my body, but never our righteous spirit!" he then proceeded to stand tall, head raised high as he stood before them, not giving up!"

The girl with Blonde hair hugged the book close to her as she closed the cover. For she knew exactly how this book ended, giggling in delight as she fell back onto her bed.

"And then, with Aegis' strong will, the Dutiful and Wonderful Fixers of Justice and the Guardians of Antilles won that battle"

She paused, dropping the book back onto a massive pile of books by her bedside...

"No matter what trial may stand in our path, we shan't ever give up... Hm-hm wise words from the great Aegis! The adventure of today remains just as exhilarating as it ever was! It hath set fire to the passion in my heart!"

She stood up from where she stood. Her room was a mess... Maybe she'd clean it afterwards. Maybe she could grab something new as well... She looked to her computer, all the piled up documents, and maybe a few more things that she'd need to handle afterwards. She grabbed the stack of papers and set it aside, as she looked at her Computer. Tri-link Online! Perhaps this might be her chance to access the veritable storm of VRMMORPG and show those who doubted her how much of a true valiant Knight she was! One that stood for the ideals of Justice and Freedom! She paused.

"No Internet Access: Please Connect To The Internet to Play / Pay 100,000 Ahn to the Y Corp Subscription plan to play without Internet Access today! " read across the screen once more perhaps for the 1000th time. She groaned in frustration, shutting her computer down and laying her VR set onto the ground, as she sat back onto her bed.

"Nay do they not understand the truth of the acts that I perform! They wish to leave me alone, but they will not quell my burning passion! One day I shall return to this world once more!"

She turned to her bookshelf...

"Perhaps another Adventurous Tale shall alleviate my woes! For the Tales of Adventures before mine never cease to ignite the flames of Determination and Passion!"

She picked up the book, and looked at its Title. That was definitely one she hadn't seen before… she'd read all of them front to back so many times… But it was a wondrous title indeed, for it was the Tale of the Four Cardinal Heroes! She opened the book pages, and read the preface. Ooooooooohhh, how wondrous, Four knights of justice and paragons of Virtue, they were summoned to another world and fought Waves of Calamity to keep the safety and freedom of all those who lived there!

She smiled with a brave grin, raising her finger to the heavens with an impassioned shout.

"I know exactly that today shall start mine adventure of true Virtue! None shall correct, and none will allow my heart to Waver, for I fight for the truest of ideals!"

She didn't even notice the Magic Circle under her feet as Don Quixote was taken right then and there.

"Ngh... What manner of..."

Don Quixote raised her head, as she stood up, clutching a few books in her hand still, and noting a noticeable heaviness under her other arm. It seemed to be a pole of some sort, so what better else than to use it as something to push her up...

W-wait. She recognized this feeling. She recognized the feel of the metal rod, her eyes raising up and finding the tip of a spear following a beautiful red tapestry down tapering into a sort of flagpole design, a red encrusted jewel in the center of the Spearhead.

No. No this wasn't possible. She had to be dreaming. Could she?

"Pinch mine cheek for surely I must be dreaming... this cannot be... have I truly gained the weapon of... a Fixer esquire?"

There was groaning all to her side, and she looked out at a number of others alongside her.

What was going on?! Were these... Fixers?! Verily was it so?! No, this couldn't be real, this had to be a dream, was it not?! Sitting in a room with a Fixer's weapon next to these strangers but with such strong presences... No this was real!

Don Quixote quivered with excitement.

"Thou must be valiant Knights just as I! Tis a marvelous day indeed! Oh, how it is such an honor to meet all of thou! I am the righteous Fixer Don Quixote and it is wonderful to make thine acquaintances!"

She was interrupted when the words of the man in front of her took her attention.

"Oh glorious Heroes! Please save our world!"

"N-n-naaaaniiiiiiiiii!"

"There are many complications in this situation but to offer as simple as we can... we have just completed an ancient ceremony and summoned you four Heroes to our Kingdom... as such we extend our welcomes to you."

Surely they jest. Surely they jest! She, a legendary hero?! It was real, no way was it real! She was being recognized as a valiant legendary Fixer! She didn't even hear anything that the others near her had said she was so focused on this and her dream! Her dream! A reality! It couldn't be possible, yet it was!

The cloaked figures, now with what Don recognized as a more feminine voice, started to talk a bit more.

"Our world teeters on the brink of destruction oh great Heroes... please lend us your strength!"

Don Quixote did not hesitate as she passionately stood up from where she had been and smiled. Though short as she was, since it seemed like the other Heroes next to here were taller than she, that did not stop her from quivering and shaking with excitement. A hero, she was! A true Hero! Like the Fixers and Tales she had only read about and heard about in tales from... from...

Wait, who had she heard them from? She had... known them hadn't she? She racked her brain, trying to focus on who it was that told her such stories, but nothing came to mind... they'd been with her since the day she was born at least she remembered as such? So why could she remember more stories being told to her from someone else? Somebody reading stories to her and adventures that she was part of? No, there was something else there too… But she couldn't remember just what?

It was a strange sensation, one that she focused on as the other heroes around her got agitated and started making demands, before Don Quixote heard the feminine voices speak up yet again.

"Please follow us, our King will discuss compensation with you in the Throne Room."

Don Quixote couldn't believe her ears, nor her heart. Truly? Justly? This was real was it not?! A throne room?! For the King and Queen?! She could serve them directly?! She had become a Fixer Aspirant just like in Tri-Link Online! From the wonderful technologies of I Corp and Y Corp?! Verily so, she had returned to the veil of being a Fixer! Could she truly believe their words? The Spear at her side told her otherwise, but just in case, she pinched her cheeks. She felt pain. No this was real. She couldn't believe it!

They made their way up the stairs of the hallways and corridors, Don Quixote positively bouncing with each step as she giggled and happily skipped along. Things were starting to look up for her.

They stepped out into a grand Court Room, Don Quixote's jaw dropping to the floor as she gasped at all the Royal Knights lined up awaiting their commands from the King! There were so many of them there! All with such valiant armors, and all of them holding themselves like the Epitomes of Justice they were!

"V-Verily so, th-these Knight Esquires... and the Royal Family themselves..."

Don Quixote couldn't contain her excitement as the King made a motion, and turned to the group.

Don smiled as she raised her spear up into the heavens, with a flourish, and wobbled a little bit as if the spear was a bit too heavy for her, as she turned to face the King. Something about introducing herself? She would, but… she didn't remember her name? She looked at the King confused, as she tried to remember. She held her chin in thought… Then, she looked at her… right! Her Shoes! Her shoes would tell her! …Wait, why did she know that?

"A-Allow me to be the first to introduce mineself!"

She looked at the bottom of her shoes, and there it was! Her name! …Was it her name? It felt like her name though!

"... Don Quixote… thou may know my name as Don Quixote… and my trusty steed, Rocinante!"

…Rocinante? Why did she know that name had more meaning to it? Was that… it was the name under her shoes? Her shoes had the name Rocinante on them, and engraved underneath that was her name though, so maybe it was so? Her steed, Rocinante, her shoes! It was all making sense… to a degree.

The boy with the bow to her side shook his head as he looked at her. Did he not believe her veritable dream?

"Great, a LARPer."

The other boys beside her nodded.

"Yep... this is going to be a long game."

Don Quixote listened excitedly and vehemently as the King began their explanations.

From what she could gather... the waves of Calamity appeared bringing about the end of times. They would wash over until the World was consumed by chaos. Unless they could repel the waves, the world as they knew it would end. With what they had gathered, the waves appeared in intervals across the world... and to the Kingdom's knowledge, the rest of the World was falling as they spoke. Don nodded once more. She heard something about the others talking about compensation or something but she paused as she looked at the Knights armor again, and with a bit of curiosity to her step walked over to one of the Knights and peered at her own reflection in the armor. As well as what the Knight seemed to be using. Such valiant Knights, such wondrous luster to their armor, it was exactly like out of that game she played! Was it even a game though, it all felt so real!

"MISS QUIXOTE IF YOU WOULD KINDLY PAY ATTENTION!"

Don quickly turned around with a whirl and a blush on her face as she stopped looking at the Knight.

"Apologies King-esquire, it shan't happen again!"

"Very good."

There was more explanation and the one named Naofumi seemed to be lost as it was explained more and more before...

"Now, please confirm your status and give yourselves an objective evaluation."

Don remembered this part! In Tri-Link, there was... yes there it was! She took her hand and reached out to tap the gear, and there it appeared her menu with all her stats!

Name: Don Quixote (S(!* 7($%^!*14A-!( *#*!%*N() *(CH*& #$!O*& $*)

Class: Spear Hero (L1)

Equipment: Basic Spear (Legendary Weapon)

Equip: Other-worldly Clothes (Common)

Equip: Other-Worldly Regalia (Common)

Equip: Rocinante (Legendary)

Skills:

La Sangre De Sancho (Locked: L ???)

(?) (Locked: Level ALN LIWDNLL DIJHW)

Magic: (?) (Locked: Level AHPW POD IHAOW L)

Status: (?) (Locked: AO IWP AWDPIJNAL)

HP: 30

ST: 15

SP: 45

ATK: 10

MAG: 10

DEF: 0

RES: 0

SPD: 6

RESISTANCES: 

Slash: x1

Pierce: x0.5

Blunt: x2

SUPPORT: 

Skills Deal +10% more damage in a Won Clash

1 Ally with the most SP deals +10% Pierce damage

What manner was this? She had… one skill? And why were her skills locked? Did she not inherit them from Tri-Link? Alas it would appear she had more training to do if she wished to learn them then! She turned back and used the gear again to close the menu... the other boys seemed super upset about something as they moaned about being such a low level and something before the messy haired boy spoke up about something with partying with each other.

"If I could interject."

That was the King as Don's attention was brought back to the thrones.

"The four of you should journey separately, as the Legendary Weapons you possess will interfere with one another should you form a party..."

Lo and behold a notice appeared in front of Don's vision as she noted how yes, pairing with the others would be a detriment to their Legendary Weapons.

But that wouldn't stop her! The King commented about finding party members as they Journeyed, and that was all that she needed to hear. Something about a feast later on with a selection of Adventurers from what they could muster from their forces already out and keeping peace where it was necessary. Such valiant Adventurers risking life and limb to keep this country safe! She couldn't wait to meet them all!

This was truly a dream come true, surely! This was the best day of her life!

Don Quixote couldn't place it, but she was confused… and she didn't know why her entire party consisted entirely of women! Were they Fixers Aspirant like herself? The sword boy and the Bow boy had a set of valiant Fixers behind them, and while she wouldn't doubt her Fixer Allies behind her, she was still confused why they were all still female…

There was nobody following the Shield though! She felt bad, and was about to offer a compromise, when somebody did it for her! How valiant of the Fixer in her party! With that out of the way, she led her group of compatriots out of the Throne Room. First things first though…

"Forsooth! Thou must introduce your titles to me! Allow me to start! "

Don Quixote raised her hand with a smile, as she grinned.

"My name is Quixote! Or Don Quixote! Don as a signifier of mine nobility!"

She didn't know where that part had come from… she remembered it vaguely that it was important, but… how come she didn't remember that part? Regardless, she shouted it to the heavens with an impassioned voice as the two that followed after her clapped with grins, and introduced themselves.

She learns their names, and is intrigued by their introductions. Lesty who had red hair and appeared to be the Daughter of a Nobleman, and there's Elena an orange-haired girl who was the daughter of a Merchant. And from what they tell her, they are both quite skilled in Trade, Magic and other weapons, a most generous showing of sword skills from Elena allows Don Quixote to quiver in excitement.

They go shopping, Don Quixote herself getting some armor and a few new weapons as she takes the silver coins she'd received from the King and gets them all attire worthy of a Fixer! They visit a Weapons Shop, and though Don Quixote herself does not get any weapons, she can not help but admire their craftsmanship. They are all worthy weapons of a Fixer, and like herself, they would find their ends in the bodies of evil and injustice! How righteous indeed! She couldn't wait to eventually afford something so grand! For now the Spear she held would serve her well!

As they left with a new armored Jacket for Don Quixote, she then remembers something! She quickly grabs the bag that had been hanging from her shoulder, before digging about inside it.

"What are those Ms Quixote?"

Lesty asked her as she fumbled around in her bag before bringing out a massive amount of Memorabilia Pins! There's a plethora and multitude of them and Don Quixote can't help but smile as she starts attending to herself and starting to stick them onto the newest Coat of Arms that she had.

"A Fixer Aspirant such as myself, I have collected the Attire for every Color Fixer that I might lay mine hands upon! Each one imbues me with the power of the Fixer that came before me! And with their Noble aspirations I very well could become a Color Fixer myself!"

A curious pop up appeared every time Don Quixote put on a Pin to her jacket.

Pins will increase with gained levels, and Skills will unlock for each unique Pin acquired!

Otherworldly Pin of the Black Silence: +1% Combo Damage. (Skill: Allas Workshop / Lock: Level: ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Blue Reverberation: +1% Slashing Damage. (Skill: Reverb / Lock: Level: ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Purple tear: +1% Counter Damage (Skill: Snake Stance / Lock: Level: ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Vermillion Cross: +1% Blunt Damage (Skill: Vermillion Flame / Lock: Level ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Ochre Temperance: +1% Fire Damage (Skill: Tao Tie / Lock: Level ???)
Otherworldy Pin of the Indigo Hunter: +1% Pierce Damage (Skill: Harpoon / Lock: Level ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Grass Maiden: ???
Otherworldly Pin of the Crimson Night: +5% Bleed Damage (Skill: ???)
Otherworldly Pin of the Red Mist: ? (Skill: Spear / Lock: *^&%$%^)
Otherworldly Pin of Reindeer Man and The Red Sack: ? ???
Otherworldly Pin of the White Moon: ( %#R&^%? / Skill: !*&^%$^!)

Once she was done with attaching every piece of memorabilia, she turned towards her companions and smiled, offering two towards them.

"Thou shalt need some from mine own collection! Do not fret, for they are of a significant power, and shall aide thou in the times to come! Forsooth! Let us journey on! For we fight monsters, do we not?!"

Her two companions nodded, and they were off…

"Ho! Gallop on Rocinante!"

Don Quixote had no problems with these "balloons" as they were so affectionately called by her Fixer friends. From what they said, they were quite a nuisance but easy to take care of... Then they should not be a problem, and they would be smitten by her Lance!

"Onwards Rocinante! Tis my time to shine!"

Don Quixote rushed them with her spear, popping one and letting it's tattered pieces flutter down, before landing on her spear. Don Quixote smiled as she raised it up and fashioned the scraps of balloon rubber into a pin and attaching it to her spear, before the spear glowed and it disappeared entirely… Her spear's flag changed form as it became more tattered and balloony and a pop up appeared in her vision.

Blue Balloon Pin Applied! Orange Balloon Pin applied! Red balloon pin applied!

Red Pin: Damage up 1%
Blue Pin: Damage up 1%
Orange Pin: Damage up 1%

Her allies didn't lay a finger on any of the balloons ahead of her, but Don Quixote figured it must be them saving their strength. Maybe for stronger enemies? Lo, they would be needed at such a time! She would not question her compatriots tactics as she popped more and more balloons with vigorous justice until the whole area was clear. And with that field cleared she would go on to the next, despite her allies cries that it was too much for one measly set of 30 minutes... It was getting late by the time that Don Quixote had finished clearing them out… She'd grown so many levels in that time, having reached the illustrious Level 7 after purging so many balloons!

"And so we shall close the chapter today! For we have rid this forest of the menace of Balloons that plague it!"

Her two friends cheered for her claiming victory over the balloons before heading back into town… A good night's rest would do them all wonders…

As they all settled in for the night, Don Quixote herself couldn't help but look at the full moon above longingly… Today was an accomplished day of adventuring and she was proud of having rid that Forest of Balloons, but… so why then did she feel like something was missing?

She absent mindedly sat down at her desk, before remembering…
Oh right! Her letters!

She grabbed an inkwell and paper, before quickly beginning to write. Multiple Letters... She needed to finish writing to all of the, and she could barely contain her excitement!

"To… the most magnificent Fixers… of the Cinq / Zwei / Shi / Liu… My friends, I hath not wrote to you in a while, but I have begun my journey to becoming a Fixer such as thou! I still… remember thy tales between every breath… of mine existence…And I… aspire to be… a righteous Fixer of justice… just as thyself. Today… I hath started… by eradicating a forest of horrendous balloon creatures… tomorrow, I shall gallop onwards… with Rocinante… and we shall find more injustices… and evils… to right once more! Your friend, Don Quixote!"

She smiled sweetly as she folded the papers into letters, and leaving it on the window sill of her room, and sitting down on the bed to catch some sleep… she… did not know why, but she didn't want to take off her shoes, so she would leave them on as the tight grip of sleep befell her… When she awoke to a loud banging on the door and desperate cries, the letter she had written and left on the Window sill was gone…

Don Quixote could hardly believe her ears.

No, she could hardly believe what was said, because it couldn't be true. A Hero, summoned alongside her, commiting such an atrocity?! It was unheard of! The Adventurer Myne had come to her room and told of an altercation that had happened to her. As the only female Hero, she trusted only her apparently... Not that she could blame the Adventurer for trusting a Fixer such as her!

But lo and behold, the tales she spoke of were so dastardly and cruel!

It was an injustice at large, and Don Quixote could hardly believe her ears as she escorted the dame Myne to the Throne Room, keeping her protected with her lance. Verily so, this could not stand! To assault a woman with such fervor, to force themselves onto her, and force her into such a state! Nay, she would not let it stand! She saw the other heroes were gathered there themselves, with only one missing… the perpetrator in question. They waited there until he was brought in rags and chain, and Don Quixote's own instincts shot in, as she raised her spear, and raised it towards the Shield Hero in question. She didn't even hear what any of the others had to say, as she scowled.

"Answer me heathen! Why would thou assault one of your own Fixer Aspirants?!"

"Assault?! What's going on?! Why are you attacking me like this?"

"Dost thou know not of your own crimes?! How truly despicable! And here I thought thou might be a worthy Fixer Aspirant as myself! No, you are worse than that! King-Esquire, allow me to strike him down here and now for such treachery!"

"That will not be necessary Miss Quixote. As much as it angers me so, we cannot allow a Legendary Hero to die lest tragedy befall the world..."

She was asked to stand down by the King, and so Don Quixote would. But she could barely contain her anger at such an atrocity being committed...

The Trial proceeded as went, but Don Quixote couldn't help shake the feeling of intense hatred from the Shield Hero as he glared at her. But she returned it in kind as she pointed her lance… every fiber of her being wanted to just skewer him then and there for such an injustice, and her desire for his blood… Then he suddenly backed off? And then he deemed it unnecessary as he just accepted that things were not going his way… Why? Eventually the Shield Hero stormed out leaving the rest of everyone there. Would he not even try once to defend his Honor? Was he such a deplorable being that he wouldn't even try to defend himself?!

Maybe... Once things were done, she would have the chance to Duel him for his sake of Honor... The King turned to her a grateful expression on his face.

"Ahem. Miss Quixote. I appreciate you having my daughter's safety at the forefront of your concerns for the trial… I am sure you must be upset with the Shield Hero, but even he cannot die for this world… I must also... If it would trouble you so-"

Don didn't need to listen twice, as she nodded.

"Thou wishes to ask me of a Contract not unlike that of the Zwei Association, do you not! Then it would please me! Do not worry King-Esquire~! Thou need not worry of payment or compensation, as is the Duty of a Fixer of Justice as myself to protect those who cannot! I shall protect your daughter with my life~!"

The King nodded, and dismissed them, as Don Quixote started on her way with a smile and a gallop to her step. Truly she couldn't be wrong with this!

She didn't notice the gazes of the Sword and Bow heroes either… As they simply turned and left with their parties. Truly this was a glorious start to Don Quixote's day! She had made friends, and she was now a Fixer Aspirant! And she would fight to protect this world, just like the Zwei and Cinq before her~ No, even better, she might even become a Color Fixer in this world! How illustrious!

She motioned for her party of Fixers to follow after her as they continued on their way into the rest of the Forest, and she would continue on with an impassioned cry. Their Adventure was only just beginning after all! Today would mark the day that she truly and justly began her journey!

...

...

...

...

"So, this is where you say our shared friend was whisked off to so suddenly…? I wonder how…"

Two individuals in blue sat atop a cliffside, watching the Kingdom of Melromarc from afar. One simply in a hat and mask, the other with a multitude of weapons and cases strapped to their back. The other with weapons amassed on their person held a small tear on their eye as they read the letter in their hands.

"That matter I know not. But the will of this world is Strong, not unlike that which controls the ebb and flow of the Rivers in our time. Indeed. This world teeters on the brink of destruction, and yet, it brims teeming with life. That life which gives this Mirror a power like no other. A delicate balance that could be interrupted at any point… I wish to ask though. Do you not wish to greet your friend once more? Would your guiding hand not help her acclimate to this world better?"

"...If she is happier here than she was in The City… than what I could have ever provided her... then that is all that I ask for… maybe it is for the best that she is here than that lonely little lighthouse. Her home…"

The voice paused.

"Regardless, I will still deliver my letters and tales, but I can only guide her so much. She has to learn on her own what her path here is. What she chooses. If you could please show me the way every so often though, so that I could give her letters... and maybe one day... I would like to visit her if I were given the chance..."

"If that is your wish. Though this stage play changes, we both know that she will still have to trial against her most ultimate endeavor. Do you think she will have what it takes now that the path forwards has changed for her?"

"...I have all but the utmost faith. She was… my most dear companion after all."

"Mhm… Then we shall see what this Stage Play has to offer after all. So shall this newest Chapter unfold for you… Don Quixote."

A portal of shimmering blue and crystals appeared behind the one with the hat and mask, before the two stepped in and disappeared from that world once more. Unbeknownst to any who would watch with bated breath.

...

...

...

...

Yes. This is where begins the Child's story. I wonder what fruit it shall bear? 

Chapter Text

With her summoning to a new world, Don Quixote takes it in stride and pushes onwards to get stronger with her compatriots and a new ally in the Adventurer Myne. With the wave on the horizon, Don Quixote will need to proceed and continue onwards through her first of many trials...

I don't own "Rising Of The Shield Hero" or "Limbus Company" and any of their subsidiary medias. Please go support the Official release.

Elena didn't know how to feel at first about this new "Spear Hero" that they were following.
Regardless of that fact, at first, she was excited. She knew that the Spear hero was strong, and she always was a big fan of the Spear's tales of Heroism, and she knew from the start that she wanted to be in the Spear Hero's party. She found at least two others who wanted to be in the Spear's party as well, but one of them left for the Shield Hero's party, before they went off to go adventuring…

Well, when she entered the throne room that day and finally got to first meet the actual "Spear Hero" she was disappointed that it wasn't a hot guy. The short little girl in front of her who spoke with such gusto, while she certainly seemed strong… from her introductions with this "Don Quixote" Elena could safely say that, at best, Don Quixote was innocently Naive, though still with the best interests of everyone in their party at heart… At worst she was a complete and utter lunatic. Constantly raving and ranting about things like Virtues of a Fixer, or the Value of being a Knight. She wanted to join this party so she could take it easy, and since the Spear Hero was told to be the strongest of the Heroes, her job would be quite easy, that's who she went with... Now, sure it was easy, but she also didn't expect it to be so… boring. Sure her life was normally pretty monotonous, but now… it was much more so.

Day in and Day out, on their "Adventures" Don Quixote would tell them about one of the "Fixers" she knew. The virtues of their adventures, and how great and mighty the Fixer was in the face of seemingly impossible odds… She was getting quite tired with just how MANY tales Don Quixote had… When they weren't listening to Don Quixote's stories, The Princess would point out a camp of Monsters, or whatever, and Don Quixote would rush forwards without hesitation to vanquish them. Terrible thing it was that their Leader was so headstrong… But her passion showed through with each one, and Elena couldn't help but smile just a bit more sincerely with each encounter. Don Quixote was strong, and was genuinely determined to be a legendary Hero it seemed…

It was just a monotonous day with Don Quixote telling another of her stories as they sat around a Campfire, when the strangest thing happened… She was taken aback that day, when they had set up camp and they were sharing small talk and folkstories with each other… And then Don Quixote asked them a question.

"I have not had much time inbetween my stories of Valiant Fixers that hath come before me, but I must ask! Dame Myne, Dame Lesty and Dame Elena. I truly and verily must know, dost thou carry a dream, my fellow Fixer-Esquires?"

It wasn't something she expected to hear. Elena was caught quite off guard when Don Quixote asked her that question that night and it seemed that Lesty was also caught off guard… Though Elena had to think about it.

Did she… have to carry a dream? She had never considered that… What did she dream for besides just living out her life and moseying about comfortably… When she had first joined this party, she would've readily admitted that she was just here to take it easy… if all she did was just inherit the Family Business and trade… she would've been fine with that… But now that Don Quixote genuinely seemed to want to know her answer… What would she do then? Did she even have an answer? She was interrupted from her thoughts as Don Quixote smiled and raised an impassioned finger to the sky.

"Verily… I do! To become a Fixer Extraordinaire! One that does not hesitate to save those in need, to protect that which is dear to everyone! To fight with the grace of a Cinq Association Fixer! To protect with all the unwavering focus of a Zwei Association Fixer! To strike and fight with the passion of a Liu Association Fixer! That is my dream!"

It was certainly a lofty dream as Elena mused to herself what Don Quixote had just said… It was entirely juvenile for her to have such a childish dream like becoming the greatest… Hero? Was that what a Fixer was?

But… maybe it wasn't such a bad dream. Elena definitely had more to consider, but… She'd definitely need to think about it.

Don Quixote sat in thought looking across the fields as she considered her allies… She'd taken the contract to protect Myne, and so that was what she had done. Myne was… curious. Did she or did she not want to become a Fixer…? She was an Adventurer like the others, and she was very supportive of her, but she did not actively want to engage in fighting alongside her and the other party members… Perhaps it was as a result of them being charged with protecting her? Or was she upset in some capacity? She'd been strangely inconsistent some days with Don Quixote… She seemed very nice though~! She smiled and entertained her stories, pointed Don Quixote towards the direction of Injustice and terrible things that were happening, and even if Don Quixote did not understand it, she could entirely understand the want to dispose of monsters and creatures and the like! So far nobody would dare touch them, for her spear would smite any that stood in her way!

Then there were the other two girls… Lesty and Elena. Elena was very inconsistent with her work, doing the bare minimum of work required of her, but it did seem like she genuinely wanted to improve… Lesty on the other hand, was the same way, but it appeared that she was just lazily going about the motions instead of wanting genuine improvement. They were still Fixer Aspirants though, and Don Quixote would not just let them rot away like this! She needed to teach them the ways of being a Fixer!

As such, Don Quixote took it upon herself to do most of the fighting for them to truly show them how a Fixer should behave!

And behold, a mighty monster had appeared before them! Don Quixote raised her spear in challenge as… someone behind her screamed in fear? Or was it excitement? The sounds were always so similar… She couldn't tell the difference really. No matter the reason Don Quixote charged forwards with gusto as the Monster grumbled and roared in disapproval. A massive towering Imp-Like Creature with multiple broken weapons hanging from it's neck and a massive singular eyeball… It seemed to be protecting the Eyeball quite heavily so it seems this monster's weakspot was thusly there! It also seems they'd woken it up, and she wouldn't hesitate!

She started to run forwards with her lance raised high. The monster growled, picking up a massive boulder from by where it stood and tossing it at her. She threw her lance forwards with an impassioned smile.

"Behold! Piercing Thrust!"

A new skill she'd gotten after defeating a bunch of small rabbit-like creatures plaguing a small river! Her spear glowed blue before she was carried on by her own momentum and her lance pierced into the Rock, before it shattered to pieces! The monster ahead of her looked upset as it stomped it's foot into the ground before approaching and aiming a slam down with it's massive hand… The giant ahead of her easily dwarfed all the others, but it wouldn't prove an issue! The hand slammed into the ground as Don Quixote dodged to the side, before slamming the point of her spear into it's hand.

It cried out in pain as it pulled it's hand back, Don Quixote letting out a hardened snicker.

"Just as I foresaw~ Now an opportunity presents itself!"

She started running again thrusting her spear into it's leg causing it to tremble and fall over before she aimed her spear at it's head.

"And now the finishing-"

She wasn't able to finish as the large Creature threw out it's other hand slamming into Don Quixote with a smack, and throwing her backwards. The sound of shattering glass could be heard in Don Quixote's ears as she saw the STAGGER! meter above her Health Bar appear, notifying her that, this Creature had hit her quite hard! She skidded to a halt, coughing as her Stagger bar slowly recovered, and she pushed herself back up to her feet.

"Miss Quixote!"

Elena and Lesty ran over to where she was, Elena's hand glowing green as Don Quixote brushed them off.

Malty was a little behind but she didn't seem worried at all… Don Quixote could only smile at how caring her compatriots were proving to be!

"W-worry not…A true hero need be able to overcome hardship… This is nothing!"

Once the Stagger bar turned yellow again, she charged forwards once more. She saw the Monster rear back it's hand again, and dodged to the right as it slammed it's hand down again. This time, she skewered it's hand and held on as it raised it's hand back up. Once there, she took her lance, and started flying upwards as the Enemy before her threw her up. She only had one chance at this…

"And so I declare!"

Don Quixote skewered the newest enemy straight into the eye…

"A fervorous end to this bout!"

She kept staring ahead of her as the blood from the monster's eye flowed down her lance and the monster cried out in pain. It wiggled and wobbled as she held her lance firmly in it's Eye Socket watching as it slowly fell over. She watched as the creature fell down, it's Red Skin a signifier of how evil it had once been, before finally she dismounted from the eye and landed on the ground as the Monster behind her fell back and collapsed. It faded to black, before disappearing entirely in a puff of black smoke like in Tri-Link Online, leaving behind the spoils of war. She smiled turning to her allies with a broad grin, and a raise of her lance.

"We lay claim to another victory today my compatriots!"

There were some cheers from her comrades. Don Quixote would proceed to grab the objects from the Monster, before allowing her Spear to fashion more new pins from the Materials that were underneath her.

Unlocked: Hinox Tooth Banner (Skill: Commandeer / Inflict 2 Stacks of Bleed Status each attack for 2 minutes. Bleeding Targets increase damage dealt by +1%)
Unlocked: Hinox Nail Spear (+1% Bleed damage.)
Unlocked: Red Hinox Horn Spear (Skill: Spear Chop / On Inflicting Bleed, increase damage dealt by bleed by +2%)

Don Quixote had grown quite a few levels, now being at Level 10 after the EXP from the most recent enemy she had just felled. They were victorious once more, and she couldn't be happier!

"Miss Quixote, should we stop here for the day? I'm getting tired from how long we've travelled today…"

"Nay, the ways of Justice shan't be stopped now! Though..."

Don Quixote mused to herself as she heard Lesty's words, wondering how long they actually had gone in the span of just a single day… She couldn't exactly place it, but she would have to find a way to get back to the Capital sooner or later…

"Is something the matter Don Quixote?"

She pondered to herself as Malty walked over and asked something about what she was thinking.

"Mine comrades, it pleases me that thou art concerned for me… I am just thinking is all. Thou King Esquire stated that the Wave happens in a month from now. While I am confident in our ability to fight, I would like to know exactly when and where this Wave of Calamity is happening…"

She listened as Malty told her about the Dragon's Hourglass and how she could register there. Something something Sands of Time and whatever. Don Quixote smiled and started marching back down the road with her lance raised.

"Oh, you haven't registered at the Dragon Hourglass yet? You can get all that information there! We just need to go to the Church, and they'll let you register there to fight in the Wave!"

"Thank you for your kind information Dame Myne~! Then our next Adventure is set! We shall journey onwards towards this "Church" you speak of, and we shall register my Lance so that we can combat the Wave!"

As they continued marching back towards the Capital, midway through the road she heard screaming.

Don Quixote raised her head in alarm, as did the other members of her party, before they saw the source of the screaming. A simple looking village girl had arrived, and was quick to see their adventuring party, as she waved at them.

"Please! Please help! Bandits! Bandits have attacked my village!"

The village girl fell over, tripping over a set of fallen branches as she desperately ran at them to try and get their help. Don Quixote paused as the other members in her party looked at her warily. Were they not impassioned by this act of villainism?! Where was their heroic spirit? Where was their sense of justice?! Don Quixote didn't need to be told twice as she helped the girl up and quickly dusted her off.

"Demoiselle, pray tell, where art these Bandits? Thou must tell me, wherefore they hide and whence they came? I declare upon my name, Don Quixote, that I shall smite these bandits for your Village!"

Lesty though, raised a question as she walked over and smiled with a sweet smile.

"Eheh, yes we shall… Uh, first though, what price will you offer for these Bandits? I'm sure the Adventurer's Guild would handsomely handle this problem for you if you paid them nicely!"

The girl frowned as she lowered her head.

"Uh… well our village is pretty poor… and we don't have enough to really pay for proper protection from the Guild or from the Knights, so…"

Myne yawned, but was interrupted as Don Quixote stepped in once again.

"Fie on thee Lesty! A Fixer doth not dole out justice based on promise of capital. We shall vanquish these villains for thou and no bandits shall ever think of invading thou again!"

…Why did that sound so familiar…? Don Quixote looked confused at her hands as she heard those words echo in her head, the teachings in her head reinforcing what she said, but… hadn't she said those words before? Or at least heard them before? But where?

She couldn't ruminate on those thoughts though! Shrugging them aside, she barreld forwards as she motioned for Lesty, Myne, and Elena to follow after her as Don Quixote raised her lance up high.

"Wait miss Quixote what about my Protection?!"

"Nay, shan't they fear for we are righteous Fixers of Justice! You shall still be protected dutifully as long as we stay nearby! Gallop on! Rocinante shall justly and truly guide my lance!"

They ran forwards past the fields and towards the village itself… And once they had made their way into the Village… the smell of burnt wood and coals permeated the air. All of the Villagers were… gone it appeared, though maybe they fled and got somewhere safely. All that was left was the presence of a bunch of thuggish looking brutes with axes and Swords of various size and make. Some looked shoddily made or hastily repaired… and others just looked like they were there to do whatever they desired! Truly the most reprehensible of thugs! With such lecherous and treacherous faces, they needed to be punished here and now!

"Oy! Who are you?! The hell are ya doing messing with us, this is our turf now!"

Don Quixote would have none of it, as she pointed her lance forwards.

"Thou shall stop your villainous acts right now! Hear me, for mine name is Don Quixote! Let my name be burned into your wills, for my name will be the last you hear!"

She pointed her spear forwards with gusto, earning some pained winces and gasps from a couple of the Bandits ahead of them.

"OH SHIT that's the Legendary Spear!"

"How did she get here?! I thought she was still in the Capital!"

"Who cares, it's a buncha girls! Should be easy pickings, so let's get em!"

"Her shoes look like they'd fetch a nice price too! Let's go boys!"

Not heeding her warning a bunch of the Bandits started to step forwards meeting Don Quixote's challenge… And she wouldn't hesitate as she raised her lance…!

No, that wasn't right! This wasn't right at all!

The girls behind Don Quixote could only look on in dread as Don Quixote engaged the rest of the Bandits...

... It wasn't meant to be like this was it?

At first it had gone well. Don had gone first and started jousting with their weapons, throwing swords and axes aside as she kept barreling forwards...

And then, when one of them had been beaten enough they couldn't fight anymore...

She was insane! She was truly and utterly insane! Lesty couldn't believe her eyes when Don Quixote announced her bold declaration of justice, kept charging forwards, and utterly skewered the poor bandit who had been knocked over in the chest! Turning around, she then pulled her lance from them and plastered another one into the wall! With a cry of pain, the Bandit fell from where he was after Don Quixote removed her lance. The bandits wisened up and started to inch back away from Don Quixote after seeing that display, but for Don Quixote's own party members, Lesty included…

"W-W-W-What the hell Don Quixote?!"

Don Quixote turned around to where Lesty was and gave her a curious look. Don's confused expression perfectly contrasted Lesty's own queasy and uncertain expression as they all looked at the two bodies ahead, blood seeping from their fresh wounds. It didn't help that either due to ignorance or cluelessness, Don had splatters of blood across her face painting her expression far darker than she likely intended.

"Huh? Does the sound and sight of blood make thou queasy miss Lesty?"

Lesty shook her head as she waved her arms.

"Yes! Knights of Melromarc don't just wantonly kill Bandits willy nilly! We arrest them and rid them of their weapons so they can face justice at the Capital! Wh-What do you think… Ugh I think I'm going to be sick…"

Don Quixote looked at the two bandits, and her own bloody lance, as she held her chin in thought.

"Truly? But that goes against Code 20 Subsection 80 Paragraph 6 of Zwei Association Fixer code... if the offending party brought forth property or bodily damage to a designated zone of protection and shows wanton carelessness for lives at stake, then thou art clear to engage. but If that art the case, thou has the most confusing rules in place… would it not be better to punish them for their crimes here and now? They hath burnt many parts of this village's houses to ash and cinder, and they have consolidated their money and valuables in the bags they hold across their shoulders…"

Myne also stepped forwards with a disapproving look on her face… though clearly trying to hold in her disgust for the sight of the blood around them.
"Lesty is right, these are still citizens of Melromarc, we can't just wantonly kill them, even with just cause Miss Quixote. I'm sure you can just apprehend the rest, right?"

Don Quixote looked confused once more, and sighed, before stepping back and starting to charge once more, though non-lethally this time... She would go on letting the Bandits come forwards to surrender… and knocking out the others who didn't. Don Quixote didn't know if she particularly liked that or not, and her lance was quivering either due to her uncertainty or her impatience. She licked some of the blood off her face, and sat down with the others as they waited. Elena eventually offered to help clean off the blood on Don's face...

A few hours later and a message to the capital later, the Bandits were all apprehended and were now being escorted by the Knights of Melromarc. Two of them stood by idly as they wrapped the wounded bandits in bandages, and nodding to Don Quixote.

"You're lucky. Those first two you wounded have a very high bounty for several charges of Sexual and Physical Assault. You'll receive their bounty, but please pay more mind next time."

Don Quixote shook her head.

"Pay the members of mine party in my stead. I shall not accept payment or recompense from a deed such as this, as is my duty as a Fixer!"

Her party received their payment of Silver, though again at the Knight's insistence Don Quixote plainly refused to take the money, before they moved on. Though not without some hesitance as Don Quixote looked back at the Knights.

"Surely they shall be handled justly and with force, yes?"

Elena nodded, allowing Don Quixote to ease her worries.

"They're the Knights of Melromarc. They'll make sure those Bandits get their due justice miss Quixote."

"Then let us gallop onwards! I shall trust your words wholeheartedly!"

Don Quixote declared that with yet another impassioned shout as she guided the others with her.

"Wooooooahhhhhhh! So this is the Church you speak of Miss Myne?"

Don Quixote was taken in by the sights of the massive hall and chambers of the church they found themselves in. The Dragon's Hourglass (at least she thought that was what was in front of her) was massive and the sand flowed down with such a mesmerizing gleam. Don didn't even realize it as the Dragon Hourglass synchronized with her Weapon a blue beam shooting from the hourglass and meeting her own weapon. A timer appeared above her head giving her a rough time for exactly when they were to expect the wave, and with a nod, started on her way.

"Wait a moment please, dear Holy Spear Hero."

Don Quixote paused turning towards who had addressed her, and one of the Nuns stood there, holding a vial of what appeared to be sand.

"The other Holy Heroes asked for this, and I was beseeched to offer it towards you as well, as a thanks for being here to save our world. This is Sand from the Dragon Hourglass. It replenishes itself so you need not worry about it being drained infinitely if it were to break. But I do wish you would take this with you on your journey."

Don Quixote smiled, taking the vial and offering it to her Spear as it glowed and vanished. The red flag hanging from her spear turned a different color, gaining a more sandy color and changing shape, until she had a different lance. Don Quixote's mouth dropped as she gazed at the wonderfully intricate spear.

Portal Spear unlocked!

Teleport (Level 35) Skill unlocked!

Don Quixote smiled as she paraded around with the Spear before returning back to her Comrades.

"This is wonderful! Fie, this is better than even W Corp's WARP trains!"

Confused looks entered their expressions as Don Quixote motioned with her Spear.

"Come! Let us Gallop on! This Spear can allow us to return at any point! Adventure does not wait, and we can journey late into the night! Verily so!"

As Don Quixote went out the door, Lesty groaned, leaning on Myne's shoulder.

"Ugh, does she ever get tired, that little girl."

"I don't know… we shouldn't keep the Spear Hero waiting though. If they said that we can return at any point, I'm sure nothing bad could happen."

5 hours later…

The sun had set, and Don Quixote was profusely apologizing to her comrades as they finally hit the town gates. They'd gone for a long time, raising by another level so that Don Quixote was now Level 15, but she'd forgotten that the Skill lock icon meant she couldn't use the Portal Spear, so now here they all were walking their way back into town.

"I need a bath... and a bed... oh, that was a lot of monster fighting..."

"Too much for one day..."

Don Quixote turned to her compatriots who all looked exhausted... They'd run into a large pack of Giant Salamanders on the road, and it took much more than just Don Quixote to fend them off... While the magic spells from the three in her party did much to support her fight, they still did a lot of damage to Don Quixote herself, though her armor was worse for wear the pins were still around. They checked into a Hotel as Lesty Myne and Elena found their rooms for the night.

Don Quixote sat at the window sill, looking out towards the stars and smiling... She was happy right now for the moment... Living a dream, living her lifelong dream. A flutter at the door, and Don Quixote paused. That meant...

She looked to the floor.

...

...

A letter!

...

...

She didn't hesitate as she ran over and hastily opened the letter.

Dear Don Quixote, who dreameth of becoming a great Fixer.

It pleases me to hear that thou starts your journey to becoming a Fixer most amazing.

Keep on your journey. Persevere and enlighten thyself until thou truly understandest the virtues. Then thou shalt become a Fixer most brave, most magnificent!

Thus, thou shalt never give up. I shall await your next letter with a smile.

-Your friend, The Fixer of the Cinq.

She couldn't believe it! Her friends were still writing letters to her!

Wait, if she opened the door she could catch them and see them couldn't she? She raced to the door and opened it, only to be met with the uneasy silence of the Hallway of the Inn they were staying at. The gentle breeze of the open doors downstairs, and the gentle clacking of the mugs and dishes downstairs told her that she'd missed them... How... unfortunate.

But it was proof enough! She really truly justly was on her way to becoming a Fixer most magnificent! A noble cause recognized by the Cinq Association Fixer she wrote to! It was real, and she couldn't believe it!

She sat by the window once more, holding the letter dearly to her heart as she softly hummed a tune in her head, and looked back out to the window. Truly, a wonderful start to her journey. Nothing could possibly drag her down today!

"To dream... the impossible dream... to fight... the unbeatable fooooeeee..."

For any of you curious where Don Quixote's stats are right now:

Don Quixote's Current Status: Level 10

Stats:
HP: 43
Stagger: 22
Str: 25
Mag: 3
Skl: 10
Spd: 15
Luk: 1
Def: 0
Res: 0

Spears and Pins Unlocked:

Orange, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink Balloon Spear
Green, Blue, Red, Black Slime Spear
Goblin Fang Spear
Moblin Horn Spear
Hinox Horn Spear
Hinox Nail Spear
Portal Spear (Locked)
Le Sangre De Sancho (Locked)

Hinox Banner
Goblin Banner
Moblin Banner
Slime Banner
Balloon Banner

Otherworldy Fixer Pins

Chapter Text

I don't own “Rising Of The Shield Hero” or “Limbus Company” and any of their subsidiary medias. Please go support the Official release.

Don Quixote was restless. She couldn’t help it as she sat by the window looking out into the city. By now most of her comrades had gone to sleep, and now here she was waiting for the day to rise once more. 

But it couldn’t stand. Her comrades or not, she couldn’t wait for day to rise! She needed to fight, she needed to deal out justice! To sit idly by while the forces of Evil did their own bidding, this was truly a shame! 

She put on some of her clothes, and jumped out the window, landing on the city streets as she looked out into the dark of the night… She could see clearest in the Night, and she felt more at ease now that the moon was shining at her behest. She let out a breath of relief before starting on her way down the streets. The slight hustle and bustle of the City streets even in the nighttime excited her as she walked down the streets. The buzz of activity, it was ripe for the call of Justice! She needed to advance and take this opportunity at once! 

She didn’t even bother hiding herself with the massive spear in her hands as she travelled into the depths of the city on the prowl for what might come out. The night wind rushed against her hair and the sound of her footsteps resounded with each step of righteous intent she made. The Knights on guard didn’t bat her an eye as they saw her walking on her way, and many of the late night Citizens actually greeted her, or simply stayed away from her path. 

It couldn’t have been this quite, could it? There had to be villainy across this place somewhere. With so many Alleys and so many passages, there was bound to be somewhere she might discover that might have a bit of injustice she could combat… Would her comrades approve of this? Well, maybe, but she didn’t need their permission for anything! Rocinante would guide her lance anyways. 

She stepped out into the light as she walked down the stone streets, and turning a corner towards the Magical Market square, she was met with a terrible sight, truly! 

A girl was being assaulted in the middle of the night, how terrible! Verily a Fixer wouldn’t wait for inaction as she burst forwards with gusto. This was as clear as day as you could get! 

The man ahead of her seemed surprised at her arrival, before stepping forwards, claiming he was in the right as he chastised the girl in front of her. The girl was still on her butt, with a cracked Crystal Ball under her feet… She simply wouldn’t believe it, the evidence was right there! Heck, she’d even seen him raising his hand against her. This was as cut and dry as it could be! 

Before he could raise an opposing voice, She raised her hand, and threw her glove into the man’s face, raising her lance. 

“Thou art a cur and a scumbag! To assault a woman and break her property, that is of the utmost indignities! Dost thou have no honor, no shame! 

The man seemed almost outraged at first, as he stepped up to the short woman threateningly. 

“Oy, is that a challenge lassy? This girly owes me a loda cash for breaking the ball I was gonna buy! I was just gonna take it form her, but now… well, she broke it, and I was gonna take my property… but you think just cause you got some fancy Spear replica, you think you can beat me and tell me what ta do???” 

Before Don Quixote raised her lance, not having a bit of it. . 

“This is mine own Lance, one that shall smite all Evil that comes into contact with it! And my glove, which has struck thine cheek, marks thou as an evil to smite! For to throw down thy gauntlet is a dignified and honorable declaration of intent to duel! That is what the Cinq code says as according to Fixer Weekly Number 7, and 'Tis an indispensable part of a duel's etiquette. Now, dost thou accept my request to duel thou in this maiden’s honor, or will thou take the Cowards way out?” 

The man stammered out a response as he stood himself up, drawing a shortsword, before looking back at Don Quixote. 

“That girly’s got a lotta nerve taking from me! So If you’re so insisten’ on payin her debt to me, I’ll entertain ya in a duel.” 

Don Quixote didn’t hesitate once his declaration of a duel was settled as she planted her spear. 

“Thusly, we shall engage! We fight until the other cannot fight or until one of us is dead! Those are the rules of engagement as decided by the Cinq Association! Allez!”

At the declaration to start, the two started immediately. 

She thrust her spear forwards catching his sword flick at being caught off guard before swiftly moving in and clocking him in the chin. 

The brute got up and cracked his chin before pulling back and attempting a few thrusts with his sword. While a few hit, Don followed up with a swipe from her Spear and made contact with his arms, and was satisfied to hear as he was staggered backwards… She waited as he picked himself up coughing and growling. Once he had recovered though, she followed up by thrusting forwards once again and pierced his arm and knee both with one final thrust. The battle was over just like that, though debatedly she had wasted much of her time on such a simple-minded thug as this one… Perhaps no better than a Rat, but if he was doing small bits of damage to her, she definitely needed to get stronger…

But she would not sit idly while injustices like this served to incapacitate the common folk… She hefted her spear back onto her shoulder and stepped towards the girl she had just saved from whatever form of entrapment the man had in store for her. The girl in question looked at her with stars in her eyes, as she smiled. Don Quixote took note that she was quite average, almost as tall as she was and yet just a bit taller… She wore a green witches hat with semi-red and brunette hair... she would shake her head and take Don Quixote’s hand. 

“That was awesome! Thanks for helping, You’re an adventurer right?! My name’s Rino… I’ve been trying to become an Adventurer, but I usually don’t have enough funds to really get started, but I recently was able to get a Crystal Ball… Then this guy comes along saying that it was his first since he laid his eyes on it and was going to pay for it some time this week or whatever, but still to deal with him so quickly…”

Don quixote smiled, as she simply shook Rino’s hand, and smiled. 

“Dame Rino, tis a lovely name for a maiden as thou! My name is Don Quixote! A righteous Fixer of Justice!”

She pointed her lance to the Moon. 

“I fight for a dream, a Dream that I will one day become the most valiant Fixer, the most just and most revered for I shall be a Fixer that fights truly and justly with all that a Fixer can muster!” 

She smiled and started off, as Rino took in the words that Don Quixote just said…

I thank thee for your admiration, but I must not dally, for I am certain more in this City needs righting!” 

Rino waved as Don Quixote took up her arms and left… but as she was about to round the corner, Rino paused as her thoughts came back to her…
Wait. 

Did she just say her name… was the same name as that girl who was summoned to fight the Waves?! The strange yellow haired girl who acted much like a Knight in a Theatre play would?! No way, that was her just now?! Rino waved her hands trying to flag down Don Quixote but it was kinda late… 

“Waiiiit!” 

Leaving behind the poor sap who had just gotten his butt kicked by Don Quixote, and a sharp hiss form his mouth as he yelled out at the two girls chasing each other, and yet not. 

“OY YOU TWO LASSES JUST GONNA LEAVE ME HERE?!” 

Two Knights stepped forwards… 

“On the contrary…” 

Rino looked all around the city to no avail as Don Quixote went about patrolling the rest of the night away, passing by Knights and other Adventurers up that late before pulling back to the Inn the rest of her compatriots were staying at. She passed every Adventurer's Guild, Receptionist Desk, even looked into what traveling parties were in town at the time. So far, she hadn't had any luck... Nobody could tell her where a Yellow Haired Knight with a Massive Riding Lance was staying the night... you'd think a girl like that would be more obvious to see! 

She pressed on though, as she held her magic tome and the rest of her equipment closely to her body, waiting to see where the next place she might check would be... she had checked most of the lower class areas, so maybe she needed to look in the upper areas? She knew it was a longshot for her since she was a Commoner, but she needed to find that Hero, the Spear Hero who had saved her skin with such gusto... a Hero like that, she had to join their adventuring party! She just had to! 

She peeked her head around a corner...

There she was! 

Don Quixote didn't look too bothered as she strolled back to the inn as day broke, and she saw her Adventuring compatriots slowly rising themselves from their beds and rest, as she smiled at them with a glorious passion at her victory that previous night. Her face was quivering with excitement at such a successful bout, and she strolled forwards back into the Inn they were staying in. 

There was much hustle and bustle as Don Quixote strapped her travelling bags to her back, watching as the rest of the girls grabbed their own things, before she soon stepped forwards, planting her foot and spear into the doorway with a smile as she nodded at the small group. 

“Good morrow! Hmhm, tis' another bright day indeed! Shall we go on a merry stroll to the next Village?“

There were no complaints, either from them being too tired, or not hearing what she had said as Don Quixote smiled and raised her lance. 

“Then we shall be off!” 

With the small group now finally on their way, making their slow way out of the Inn's doors as Don Quixote led the charge onwards down the street, It was then that Don Quixote was interrupted by that Rino girl once again. She came running down the street, as she huffed out a puff of breath, trying hard not to fall over. 

“I… finally… found you….” 

Don tilted her head curiously, before RIno looked at her, stars in her eyes once again. 

“Please let me join your party Miss Spear Heroine!” 

It didn’t take long after that for Don Quixote to add her to her main party list, consisting mostly of herself, Lesty and Elena with Myne as a surrogate member due to her being a VIP that Don Quixote was protecting.

The Party composition was looking quite strong, Don Quixote would say so herself. 

She had little knowledge on what they truly excelled at with them not sharing much outside of what they wanted to, and she was fine with that, but she was also thrilled to find out at some point. Truly the powers of Fixers and their wide array of abilities knew no bounds! Even her fellow Hero esquires would be able to perform such amazing abilities… She held onto a sliver of hope that maybe the Shield Hero might be able to redeem himself, but perhaps not. A villain was a villain was it not? She couldn’t make sense of why he would reduce himself to such a pitiful level though… A question for another time! 

The day after her nightly duel marked the time that It had been a week since Don Quixote had been summoned to the Kingdom of Melromarc, and in that time, she’d justly and verily grown by quite a bit… though it seemed some of her compatriots were a bit upset that their “EXP curve” was slowing down as they fought off monsters in the area. Eventually it reached a point that they were getting only 2-3 Experience per monster killed, which was not… particularly good in the slightest for the rest of the girls in the party. Everyone had reached roughly level 16 to 17 by that point, and the numbers per experience gained were only increasing. 

The only odd one out was Rino who was level 12 but that could easily just be attributed to her late arrival within the group. It seemed she was acclimating well to the group as they continued onwards into the day with a gusto to their steps. At a stop for lunch though, Myne raised a curious question as they ate the food that Don Quixote had packed for them. 

“Miss Quixote, don’t you think it’s about time we moved on to newer, stronger areas in the Kingdom? I am positive that there’s bound to be stronger monsters causing injustices, plus we’ve cleared out so many monsters in these parts… please, don’t you think it’d be such an injustice to leave all those poor people out further in the Kingdom without our aide?” 

Myne spoke truly though as they sat from their long way down the road. They hadn’t strayed very far from the Capital’s inner Cities, but now that they’d gotten stronger, perhaps justice needs to be doled elsewhere in the world. 

Don Quixote smiled, as she raised her lance, and pointed it up skywards. 

“Justly, thou speaks with such truth! As Fixers we must expand our borders and horizons! We cannot just stay here, we require hardship and more places need our Protection!!! Thusly, we shall move onwards!” 

She shouted with such passion and overwhelming confidence as they moved on into the wilds of the world. Myne also smiled, as she patted Don Quixote on the back. 

“Yes, we need to spread justice! It shouldn’t be that hard of a job right girls?” 

There were some nods of agreement, as Don Quixote stood up and the rest packed up what they had to get ready once more. As they did though, Don Quixote was met with a quickened pace, and was met with the friendly face of Rino as the two walked. 

“So Miss Quixote, how did you get so strong? You handled that duel so well last night, and fought with such fierce and swift justice, it was amazing! I mean, I can usually only last a fight a little bit with support from my magic, but it’s just so… hard, I struggle with maintaining focus, and I’m still such a low level compared to so many of my friends back home… One of them’s even close to getting a Class Upgrade from what I heard!” 

Don Quixote smiled, as she held her hand and simply explained as they continued walking.

“I am only where I am by holding dearly the values of the many great Fixers before me! As a Fixer of justice myself, I hold truly their ideals and what they preached! Listen well miss Rino! Ingrain these words into your being, for they are the ideals all Fixers hold dear!”

Rino seemed a lot more attentive than the others as Don Quixote prattled off again, this time though, Rino listened with sparkles in her eyes as Don Quixote recounted her tales. 

“A Fixer must maintain a head clear of corruption, speech free of deceit, and conduct guided by clemency! Show courage in adventure, and bear pain in suffering! A true Fixer is honorable, just, and never backs down from Injustice no matter where it rears it’s head! And last, but certainly not least, a Fixer pursues their dream no matter what, even if they should perish in the chase! A true Fixer fears not their own life, but instead for the lives of those who cannot fear! For that is the way of a Fixer!”

She raised her lance with a smile. 

“FIxers before me like the great and durable Aegis of the Zwei Association! The refined and graceful Parris of the Cinq Association! The honorable Director Yujin of the Shi Association! The ironclad and stalwart Xiao of the Liu Association! Those great Fixers who hath come before me, and that I strive to be like every day!” 

She turned to Rino with a smile, as the two walked on more. 

“Shall I regale thee a tale of the Great Aegis, and how he stood firm against thousands of arrows one day to protect those behind him?! For it is a story of untold parallel and steadfast glory!” 

They had finished yet another story, and Rino couldn’t hold back her excitement. She didn’t know the Spear Hero… or rather, Heroine, would be such a dedicated story teller and recounter of knowledge! Such fantastical and amazing things that were told in her stories… She couldn’t even remember the last time she’d heard of such amazing Heroes… if the Spear Hero was from another world, what a wonderful place it must’ve been to have such amazing Heroes that risked life and limb not for glory or money, but simply to protect all those who came before them. Such  value in the Hero she followed…

She’d definitely made the right choice. It didn’t take long for her to want to try and match up with Don Quixote’s own sense of justice when they met a Monster ahead of them. Well, multiple monsters in fact. From what Don Quixote noted, these things were called “Horriblins” terrible Orc like creatures that hung from the Caves tossing spittle and rocks at whatever passed by their dens. Apparently Don Quixote and the other girls had fought these things multiple times before, so maybe it was time for her to show her own potential! 

She raised her staff, as she nodded to Don Quixote. 

“Let me prove myself as a worthy Fixer, just like you Miss Quixote!” 

Don herself seemed surprised at her action, and watched as she muttered to herself. 

“By the order in me, I command the flames of the world, Fast Fireball!” 

A fireball formed from her staff and shot forwards with a massive burst of energy. Don smiled as the Fireball struck truly as a Horriblin was staggered and fell from where it was. 

“A perfectly WANDA-FUL fireball, Rino! Forsooth, thine eyes see true!” 

She ran forwards, a smile on Rino’s face as the two started clearing out the Cave of Horriblins… 

Before long, the remains were burnt to a crisp and Don Quixote was splitting apart the materials, before taking some time to set up a small campfire and letting them sit down for a camp once more…

Don Quixote hadn’t felt this ecstatic since she’d first heard her first tale of Fixers from the letters she had gotten from the Lighthouse… or did she? Did she… hear them first from the LIghthouse? Well whatever the case was, she was excited. Her heart was beating with such fervor, it felt like her heart might have exploded... Really, it was just so exciting! She'd inspired another person to become a Fixer! The first of many of course, but it was her first! To see such heroic deeds of hers inspire another, it was just so grand! 

Regardless, she had gifted another set of pins to her newest compatriot. A lot of duplicates in her Bag had gone unattended, so perchance a set of Pins from the Black Silence would do Miss Rino well!

She didn’t know what Myne had done with her pin of the Blue Reverberation, but Lesty and Elena seemed alright with the pins as Elena had put her pin of the Ochre Temperance somewhere in her bag, and Lesty the Pin of the Vermillion Cross was hanging alongside her bag as well. 

She would have to gift Myne another copy, and of course, find a Fixer she felt would fit the newest girl Rino well! Such heroism and displays of wonderful magic just in her first day! 

But regardless, they had their pins, and that was enough for Don Quixote to know they treasured such objects from her world so dearly! Don Quixote yawned, as she idly reached into her bed... this would not do... she needed to stay awake, so maybe reading another book would do her well, her "inventory" on the stat screen was full of them after all... in fact, every single book she'd had in her Lighthouse was there! How... amazing! Truly this Spear was capable of so many things! What more might it be capable of, she wondered, what might it do for her abilities and how might it help her become a Fixer Extraordinaire... it was just so interesting... 

She shuffled through her bag once more… that was weird though, there was something in the bag that wasn't hers... she opened the bag before finding another letter? When had that gotten there? She hadn’t written to any of her friends in a while… so maybe another reply from one who hadn’t written to her? She opened the letter, finding that it was similar to what the previous letter had said…

Dearest Don Quixote, the grand one who dreameth of becoming a great Fixer.

Do not be disheartened that the Code of the Zwei is different here than what thou might be used to... Instead, seek to spread thine justice, do not be ignorant of the rules, but don't be afraid to bend them a little either to spread thine way and justice! 

And remember! I am always watching out for you Don Quixote! Keep on your journey. Persevere and enlighten thyself until thou truly understandest the virtues. Then thou shalt become a Fixer most brave, most magnificent!

Thus, thou shalt never give up. I shall await your next letter with a smile.

-Your friend, A Fixer of the Zwei.

Her friends… truly were proud of her were they not? That she was truly a Fixer now, that she was truly making a difference… That was something that couldn’t be taken away from her now. 

Chapter Text

I still do not own Limbus Company or Shield Hero. If I did, I'd probably be sitting on a Cruise ship by now. Please go support the Official releases.

Ren couldn't help but be curious as he and his comrades waited about in a field waiting for their stamina and magic to replenish before going back out to grind.

He'd heard small tales and stories of what that small Spear Hero girl had been up to as of late. He wasn't entirely impressed, but he could appreciate her effort.

The most common thing he'd heard was that she absolutely refused payments from the Adventurer's Guild... he wasn't one to judge a Player's methods, but that was just idiotic... how was she supposed to get the best gear then if she couldn't buy the Refinery Materials... Another thing surprisingly, he had heard that she wasn't accepting any men into the party… or at least the men who had attempted to join her party. Sure, she could think of most of them as lechs and pervs that was fine... but a team of all girls? That was a first if he had ever heard of one.

Reminded him of that one Pro-Russian All Girls E-Sports Team that failed hard way back when. He thought that she would at least have tried to get a Male Adventurer NPC in her party by now due to their tankier stats and higher specs into Armored Melee Classes.

Guess she was confident enough in her own abilities to carry the rest of them, huh.

His thoughts wandered again as he remembered the way she acted in front of them and the King... He couldn't help but think of the word "chuuni" as the right word to describe the Spear Hero. All she ever talked about was becoming a Knight, becoming a Fixer (whatever that was) or just stuff about tales she had heard about those people. He wasn't gonna lie, a lot of what she talked about sounded like it came out of some bad Fairytale... or one of those older JRPG games before VRMMOs became the hottest thing. 

Nevertheless, it was still important that she was doing her best to get stronger. He would've done the same after all… he needed all the levels he could get if he was going to be strong enough in this game to beat the Waves. Maybe he should probably let Aksel and Bakta get a couple levels in…

He looked at his sword, giving it a customary shake, as he looked at the Guild Notifications and Quest Marker that had just popped up in his HUD… A new quest to kill a couple Monsters huh? He could do that. He had some time to spare for some more grinding…

The sun was shining brightly on a new day for the Heroic Team of Don Quixote and her compatriots. The day could not have been any better, except for a valiant struggle of good and evil! Don Quixote was very excited for their newest compatriot, as Dame Rino was quite enthusiastic and was perhaps the most attentive of listeners for Don Quixote's own stories. For such, none of the others in her party listened to her stories with such fervor! Elena was indifferent, Myne and Lesty seemed rather bored, but Rino, oh truly Rino was quite the listener, and quite an enthusiastic one at that! And Don Quixote wouldn't stop enlightening her to the world of Fixers! 

She had regaled so many tales to the young one that she was starting to lose count… the tale of Aegis, Stalwart, Lynk, Argo, and so many others, but she wouldn't stop, she still had so many adventures to tell! Every one of her books, every one of the letter she had received... She'd received a new tale every day for the past 10 years now! 3,650 tales of pure excitement and unending tales of Heroism and Justice! How could anyone else not be excited! Plus, she still had 863 dreams to follow, and one such dream was inspiring a new generation of fixers behind her! And it seemed to be doing the part, as Rino was so enthralled with her tales of Fixers past. Or… Heroes as she called them. Were they the same thing?

Whatever the class or banner, it mattered not! She had truly inspired those to follow after her footsteps! First it was one, and soon many more would follow she was sure of it! Don Quixote looked a bit at her hands with an expression of interest as well... 

She was also very powerful with magic. Or… uh, attunement? Was that what the Fixer Weekly Magazines called it? Don Quixote knew about the Liu integrated jacket attunements allowing them to ignite the very air around them to enhance their strikes with their rising emotions, and some Zwei Fixers had resonance attuned blades that vibrated with the air to create solid walls for themselves… so was that what Rino was doing? Just like the Liu, she ignited the air around her to strike at her foes... though less passionate as those she heard tales of, the girl still had a natural attunement for such things... 

In fact, all of her compatriots used an attunement of some kind. While she'd seen Fire used more often than not, she also saw Elena use Wind and Lesty use some Lightning spells as well. She needed to run an assessment for them, but how, she wondered, how would she do it.

Speaking of which, maybe she should learn if she had an attunement for such powerful attacks… She'd seen her spear use some strange techniques, and now she was curious. What manner of Workshop had created such a weapon that was able to call upon so much and so little at the same time... And so she had requested to her comrades for a quick stop to see if she had a Attunement of some sort. Malty, upon hearing this, started going on about how she'd get one from the Capital sent immediately. Something about a Crystal ball, to quickly learn Magic… That was convenient? Though there was still part of Don Quixote that simply just wanted to learn for herself… Couldn't she learn for herself? Why wasn't there a way for her to simply just read a book and learn it that way? Did a Resonance Attunement happen through Crystal balls only? 

Regardless she was quivering with excitement.To learn of her Attunement, it was so fascinating and exciting! 

They moved forwards though the day as Don Quixote speared another horrible creature in the face. Her EXP went up, but so far her levels were once again stagnating... She had thus far observed that it was wise that she had taken this party with her on this journey! And so far, her compatriots were slowly getting better from what she could see... It seemed Myne really liked teaching them different spells! There were frequent times when Don Quixote would turn around to see Myne teaching them defensive magics and other supportive spells, and Rino was definitely getting stronger with Don Quixote's guidance as another fireball sailed over her head and smashed into another of those horrible goblin like creatures they'd been running into a bunch around these towns... Had they missed a wave or something? She noticed how the creatures in this particular area seemed so much stranger than the other Monsters she'd fought lately.

No matter, they would vanquish them all regardless! Don Quixote smiled as she charged forwards. 

While Don Quixote fought monsters ahead of them, distracted from the girls who were looking out at the fields with what could amount to bored or uninterested expressions, Rino watched with a smile, but was caught off guard when the red haired one, Myne? as she was referred to? stepped forwards, and made it clear she wasn't happy with Rino's fireball just now...

"What's the matter with you?!"

Rino looked over her head with a pause as Myne ran up to her with a concerned expression. 

"C'mon new girl, that's not how we do things here! So listen up!" 

Rino's expression turned confused even more, before Myne leaned in close to her, and smiled. 

"Listen, I get it commoner girl, you're new to this party, so let me set the rules. You're here to support the Spear, that's all you're going to have to do. If you don't like Supportive Magic, get used to it! I don't wanna see another Fireball unless I say so, because obviously I'm the best at Fire Magic! If you throw anything that could hurt miss Spear, or anything that could rob experience from me, then you're out! So if you wanna stay? If you wanna earn any money from that idiot's stupid frugal funding like the copper scrounging commoner you are, do some cool things for your own gain, well, I'm the one in charge of this party, got it? I get the final say for everything. And who knows, maybe you'll fit in if I let you?" 

Rino frowned, as she raised her hand to speak, only for Myne to grab it, and smile as she leaned forwards, lightning crackling in her hand. 

"And don't you dare let miss ignorant Spear Heroine know we said anything, or I'm going to break you little commoner girl." 

Don Quixote wiped a brow of sweat off her face as she looked over the spoils of war... more monsters dead, and readily vanquished for the protection of the village ahead of her. 

From what she could hear, they were close to a mining town named Mirso, though Myne told her to mostly ignore it as their Village Guard were competent "Fixers" who could handle themselves against Monster Waves. But, she wanted to meet them! How could Myne tell her of Fixers and not let her see them?! Myne proved to be... persuasive enough though telling Don Quixote it would be rude to interrupt a Fixer at work... But she needed to see! A true Fixer esquire! Nothing would stop her journey! 

Perchance she could get an autograph?! Or even a signed piece of memorabilia! She wasted no time, as they rented a room there at Mirso for the night, and as the day waned... soon a hard party and now everybody was asleep... At least Don Quixote thought as much from the soft snores she could hear from the rooms where everyone slept. Now was her chance! With a quiet dismounting from her bed, she crept about, and slowly made her way to Rino's room area. A soft knock, before Rino slowly awoke as Don Quixote smiled, a gleam in her eyes. It was late, but as soon as Rino saw who it was, she softly smiled as well.

"Shhhhhh! Dame Rino, now is our perfect chance! To see a true Fixer Esquire in action! Come, quickly, we must go before our compatriots awaken and note their displeasure... surely, it shall be a glorious sight!"

Rino while hesitant at first, seeing Don Quixote's genuine expression of excitement, wasted no time as they crept out of the Inn, and into the wilderness. Under the cover of the moon, Rino slowly followed after Don as the two snuck their way out of Don Quixote's window into the building, until finally they had hit the Mirso City streets. Don finally noted how the wooden structures around this little Village reminded her a lot of what was described in District 16's Backstreets... so unlike Melromarc's Capital in so many ways, it was such an interesting thing! They waved at the Guards, who simply took the pair as a set of late-night traveling adventurers on their way to the Tavern... though that wasn't the case for finding a place to drink.

They made their way into the Tavern to listen in on the conversations... There were a few things said, many a thing to be noted, before they heard something about an altercation at the Mines... An altercation? What might have transpired there? A Fixer battle perhaps?!

Don Quixote had heard enough as she and Rino started on their way once more. They started on their way towards the outskirts of Mirso's Village, towards their Mining District, before they found a Mineshaft. It was damp, cold, and there was an eerie ambience about the whole place... but Don Quixote wouldn't let it be to their detriment! They continued on, into the Mines, as they investigated the... trails of blood? What had transpired here? It was all so strange...

They continued on until they spotted where the blood trail ended, only to find... a... Bone pile? If it could even be called that, as whoever had killed this specific Monster had expertly taken everything of note from the corpse. The head was gone, there was very little left in terms of waste, and all that could be surmised about this particular monster was the heavy damage it had sustained to it's rib cage as it had been punctured clean through with a pretty small blade. Don Quixote though, smiled, as she picked up the broken piece of bone and deposited it into her bag of trinkets.

"Forsooth, I was right! Perchance a fixer of the Cinq may have travelled through here and slain this foul beast! The puncture wound here and here in this Ribcage tells of expert precision, and the minimal wear of this creature tells it was slain in no more than two strikes! A shame that we missed the fight, truly!"

Don Quixote smiled, before handing Rino the other rib with a puncture in it, as she smiled.

"Here! Thou requires an artifact as grand as mine in the face of such a Fixer battle having come to it's conclusion! Though we may have missed it, this Fixer truly had to have performed admirably, no doubt!"

They explored the cave a little more, Don Quixote taking in everything she could see and trying to figure out what might have happened... There was a line of rope leading down to the River, and a small trail of dried up blood heading that way as well... Perhaps the Fixer had been taken off guard! There were small chunks of broken armor here too! The monster may have struck back as well! Such a veritable duel! The Monster landed the first hit, but the Fixer Esquire had countered and killed the monster! But why? She didn't know who the armor belonged to, but verily so, if this were a Zwei Fixer there must have been someone they were protecting! Truly how virtuous!

Inevitably, there were left with naught else but the cracked crystals and the rushing water behind them. With a tired yawn, Rino motioned that it was time to go, however it seemed that both of them had enjoyed the tiny little Adventure as Don Quixote furiously started theorizing and hypothesizing who might have caused such damage to a Monster such as that... It was much larger than she was too!

Rino looked down at the bone she was given and... a strange sense of sadness hit as she looked back up to Don Quixote... she wanted to be like her... but how was she supposed to do that...? Did she belong there? Maybe as fate thought, things were... different... Myne's words rung in her head, as she followed after... for now she'd grin and bear it... she was in the Holy Spear Hero's party, she'd be fine, wouldn't she? She'd be entirely fine... as long as she could rely on the Spear. 

They both returned to the inn with a smile on their faces at the Night's Adventures, though both would likely wake up quite late in the morrow as they departed and took a short sleep for the rest of the night that they could.

With the crack of dawn, it was off back to the Capital! Myne had promised to get Don Quixote a new Crystal Ball to help her learn Magic, though Don Quixote was still a bit confused at the different systems, though if she promised such an easy way to get a Fixer Modification and get her started on her way to becoming a true Fixer, then she'd gladly take it!

Maybe she could get some new weapons too! She had enough money from raiding Bandit Camps and killing Monsters that dropped stolen Coin, or some form or another, now that she could likely afford one by her own merits! It was a joyous day indeed as she smiled at the thought and notion.

An intricate lance was in order! One that was reliable and just, like she! One that could tell the whole world of her dream, her true hermoso sueño! To be a Fixer most grand, recognized by all!

"I shall meet with thou at the "Mageeck Shop" Shortly! I must make a quick journey!"

They stepped into the Town Square, as Don Quixote very quickly made her way towards where she knew was the location of the Weapons Shop with a smile, her party following her instructions heading the opposite way towards the Magic Shop. Don could hear the snippets of conversation behind the door as she made her way to it though...

"Aye, so will you be buying any Weapons this time, or you still gonna browse for now?

Don Quixote opened the door widely as she smiled, waving.

"Hark, I extend my greetings Smith-Esquire! How fares thy Workshop?"

She paused, taking in who was ahead of her. It was the Bow Hero, her fellow Fixer in arms!
She lowered her lance from her back as the Bow Hero looked her up and down. Don Quixote simply nodded, as she stepped up to the Counter.

"And to you my fellow Fixer, how fares thy travels?"

Itsuki didn't say a word, though he simply nodded and took his leave.

"You're still acting like that? Well, can't say the Game's been too good or bad. Had a lot of luck so far with monsters to kill, but the Adventurer's Guild's been slowing down lately."

Don Quixote nodded, letting the two of them part ways, before she turned to Elhart and smiled, pouring out her well worth of money for him.

"I request a new lance from thou! A mighty Lance of fine righteous power that I might use to vanquish the evils of this world! One more powerful than the one I have here!"

There was a pause from the man, before he consulted all his stock, and bringing out a Spear for her, stating it to be made from a heavenly metal that was hard to come by... Not meant for recreational use either given how massive the spear was...

"In all honesty, I meant for it to go to a Cavalier or Great Knight, given how I can really only see this thing being used while on a Horse. 1450 Silvers, how's that sound?"

Don Quixote nodded, counting up what money she had and depositing the renumerated number for Elhart as she smiled, and took the lance in her hands. The Lance would promptly form with green surrounding her form, before replacing her basic Spears with the Meteor like design and intricate patterns. And now, instead of whatever name Elhart had written onto the side of the Lance, read the name "Sueno Impossible".

Don Quixote smiled, and turned to Elhart with a smile.

"I truly thank thee! This lance is more fabulous than I imagined! I shall return once more when I am safe from mine travels! Farewell Blacksmith-Esquire!"

She was truly happy that Lesty and Elena brought her here for their equipment the first time around. As well, that new spear seemingly unlocked a new Spear Technique for her to use!

Unlock Condition met: Meteor Thrust!

She bobbed up and down as she stepped, holding her new lance in hand with a massive grin as she slung it across her back and stepped out into the bustling street once more.

Don Quixote finally found her way back to where the rest of her party had gone, and soon enough had entered the Witch's Magic shop as the Witch introduced herself, before quickly coming over as she examined Don Quixote. This was how she learned "Magic" huh? It was so Quixote did as she was instructed, reaching her hands out to the crystal ball offered and listened closely. There were some incantations spoken, and there were some flashy visuals as Don Quixote watched all the swirling colors coalesce around her... and alot of it was red.

Red, red, like the color of the moon when the sun took it's place. Red like the world drenched in blood... The screams of something echoing in her mind, as Don Quixote staggered a little bit... There was little to question though, and as quickly as it came, with the red, the feeling left and The Witch seemed… Confused, as she looked at the Orb ahead of her. She tilted her head, before frowning.

"Your elemental alignment is all over the place Miss Quixote. I have never seen anything like it... You have an affinity for Lightning and Water, but at the same time, you don't have Water... And yet despite having an affinity to Lightning you are also weak to Water?"

She shook her head.

"None of it makes sense to me. This is the first time in years I've had a peculiarity as yours come about. However, your best Magics will be in Creation and Support Magic."

She nodded.

"That is all I can give you… I need to consult my Tomes, this is a new revelation. I have naught yet to see such a symbol before, so I must research it as best as I can… I must thank you though for providing me with such a wondrous thing to study."

The Witch would take the remaining payment from Don Quixote at her insistence at needing to be paid, but other than that, she left just as mysteriously as she came... and now Don Quixote knew magic! At least she thinks so? She held her hand out in front of her, and hearing a voice in her head, chanted a word, and soon a lightning ball appeared in her hands... This was awesome! Could she perhaps imbue her weapon with such a power as well? Truly such a wonderful power!

Her party looked happy for her, before Don Quixote smiled, and ran out the door raising her lance, much to Rino and Elena's amusement as the party slowly chased after her.

"Energetic as always, huh."

...

...

...

...

...

Princess Malty wasn't too particularly happy. Why did she have to indulge these childish fantasys... she watched slowly as Don Quixote and the other girls started attacking a bunch of flying lizards that had been bothering a regiment of Knights... well bothering in the sense they didn't really like their cries at night. And well, since they were technically monsters it was no problem getting her little Spear to do all her dirty work.

Still, it was so boring... She was slowly building up her trust with the Spear Hero, but it wasn't as quickly as she liked. Oh, if only the Spear was a guy, she'd be able to put on so much more charm and get her way more... She thought the little girl fighting for her was a guy at first given how she was, but, oh how she was proven wrong by those stupid Shadows... anyways, The Bow Hero was too young for her tastes, and the Church had that Mauld character already planted for their plans... and the Sword Hero just wasn't her type either... Ugh, how drab. She would've liked a strong and dreamy Spear Hero to chase after...

Regardless, she had her plans though. She just had to follow along with the Church to make things the way she needed them to be... if she was going to be queen, she needed the Spear completely and utterly in the palm of her hands... She was prepared though, and she knew a few of the phrases to twist that little Girl into doing her bidding now...

Lesty and Elena were definitely kindred spirits with how much Lesty seemed to complain about their job as Adventurers with Don Quixote, and Elena with how she wanted to take things easy alongside her, but that commoner girl that Don Quixote was getting super chummy with... ugh, Malty hated her already. Throwing Fireballs like she knew what it meant to command Fire! What was she, some third rate sorcerer?! She was the only one who was ever good at Fire Magic, better than her stupid sister's water Magic... she'd show them... Now, She needed to find a way to get rid of that girl before long, or else this whole entire idea with the Church was going to go up in smoke... Curse it all, this was so stupid.

The wave was going to start in a week and a few days at least... Maybe she'd be able to... no, Don would notice quickly. She had to find a way to do it while she was distracted with something...

Urgh, why was it all so unfair. She deserved to be the Spear's Right hand, not that Commoner Girl. She'd get into that Spear Hero's good graces eventually... One day.

She just had to endure it for now. Endure those stupid rules and stories that Don Quixote told, endure all the stupid adventures she had to craft for them... but at least they had one common goal. The Shield Demon was going to be a footnote in history when she became queen!

... yes, just endure it... 

...

...

Oh, how fascinating, this child... So entitled, so... bitter. And yet, so full of determination to become that which was robbed of you... I wonder, what your real self looks like when it's not blocked by the Moon?

Chapter Text

The preparations for the waves were now beginning. Don Quixote sat in excitement as she saw everything being prepared. Knights training, Weapons being struck, Workshops preparing defenses, and all the many things going in and out of the city. It was a bustling place as more and more people started to get ready. Don Quixote herself was sitting in excitement, and a bit of nervousness at the prospect... her first venture as a true Hero. Fighting a Wave of Calamity... what even was a Wave of Calamity? Was it something she could easily strike down? How many monsters would she have to defeat? What were the conditions, what were the stakes, how many people would she need to protect and fight for? All of these questions and more raced through her head as she waited. 

She sat there, idly fidgeting with a few more letters she'd gotten from her friends across the various Fixer Associations... How numerous and excitable they were! To think that they were all so excited to hear how far she had gotten, and how amazing they described her adventures to her friends, oh it was delightful! She needed to meet them in person one of these days, and she would have to see what they would say, it was just inevitable wasn't it? 

Regardless, the wave was approaching. She thought back to her compatriots... while Myne was a bit lazy and never did any work, she always did her best to cheer her on. Lesty and Elena were much the same way, but the two seemed to be quite enthused by her tales of heroism and virtue from the various Fixer studies she had read through. Though, Lesty always seemed just a tad bit underenthused each time, but she would learn to enjoy them nonetheless, and truly accept fixer code... Now, Rino! Rino was a true Fixer aspirant, just like her! Such fervor, such dedication, such studiousness, she could hardly be seen without a notebook anymore as she took notes from every monster killed and every story she told! How many times she told of the Legendary Red Mist who could cleave mountains in half! The amazing tales of the Vermilion Cross who always fought with justice and never backed down from a fight even if it meant he took all the damage for his comrades! She was truly one she could trust with anything! 

While lately it seemed that Rino was in a bit of a worse mood, Don Quixote knew that she was just tired from the studies she was partaking with studying Fixers, nothing more! 

And verily, it would seem that the Timer was counting down further and further...

The time had come to finally begin her march to the outer gates, in preparation for the Wave. 

54.

53.

52.

51…

Don Quixote watched as the Clock in the top of her vision was now larger, and was counting down as the Waves Of Calamity brought themselves upon the world. A travesty. A woeful tide of terrible things. But she was prepared. They had long since prepared for this! They'd reached Level 20, a plethora of new spells unlocked for the rest of the party, and most importantly, Don Quixote had gotten a couple new Skills as well!
Meteor Spear, and Airstrike Javelin being the two most prominent on her list of unlockable Skills at the current moment… Well that but also her most powerful technique Joust! She also still had that locked skill "Le Sangre De Sancho" on her menu, but she had 5 more levels before she could rightfully use such an ability.

But she wouldn't let that discourage her as she used her new Joust ability to knock a Lizardman off of the Horse it was currently riding. It disappeared in a puff of black and purple smoke as she twirled her lance around and planted the base into the ground with a flourish, a sign of their victory! Though she wasn't alone as she saw Lesty, Elena, and Rino joining in the festivities as well!

As they set down in preparation for the Wave, Don Quixote couldn't help but be curious as she turned to her compatriots. They seemed a bit nervous. And in fact, Rino seemed a bit scared... Don sat down as she smiled at them, looking between them all and curiously pondering her head.

"What troubles thou? Might I offer mine shoulder if thou wishes?"

Elena just shook her head, as Lesty and Rino shuddered, earning a small glance from Don Quixote. Rino was the first to answer as she gripped her Magic Staff a bit closer.

"I-it's... well, my first time fighting in a Wave. I've heard stories of where it first manifested, and I... uh, I'm a bit nervous if I'm honest."

It was a truthful answer from Rino, and Lesty just shook her head. She also seemed nervous at the prospect of fighting in the Wave... Did they doubt the other's abilities? Did they not believe fervently in the ideals of the Fixers that had come before them? Perhaps they would need a fresh reminder. Don Quixote cleared her throat as she stood before her comrades and stepped her foot onto a log.

"Mine compatriots, thou need not fret! Forsooth, though great and terrible this wave might be, it shall not fall past us!"

She pointed her fingers out towards the Horizon and the Sky falling forwards, as she grinned with that ever enthusiastic grin and a sparkle to her eyes.

"We art Fixers! We art those that slay those that would bring about the Darkness and Suffocation of Night! I have told thou before the tales of Fixers before us, and just like they that have come before us, thou need not fear death! For if we fight truly, justly, and with the dreams of our Hearts, we shall overcome even the most powerful Stars Of The City!"

Elena and the others seemed confused when Don Quixote mentioned a "Star Of The City" but Don Quixote smiled with a sparkle once more, turning to her compatriots as she raised her spear once more.

"In the words of the great Liu Association, even the brightest of Stars cannot hope to outshine the light of day! If we fight justly and accordingly, there is nothing that we cannot overcome!"

She paused in her speech when there was clapping, as Myne walked over a sweet smile on her face as she clapped for Don Quixote.

"Bravo, bravo! Such a brave and wonderful speech, I feel more confident already! You all have definitely gotten stronger, and I feel like we should let Miss Quixote handle the main fighting, don't you guys agree?"

There was a bit of muttering but ultimately there wasn't a complaint as Myne smiled and faced Don Quixote with that sweet grin yet again.

"Great! I'm sure you'll protect us against those evil-doers and monsters, won't you Miss Quixote?"

Don Quixote nodded with a vigorous smile, as the timer slowly started to count down a bit more.

Don checked her statuses again, her weapons, and her pins, adjusting each one and adjusting the pins on her compatriots as well, before the timer hit zero. With a flash of light, a large circle opened up underneath Don Quixote. That strange sensation and feeling entered her body as if she were about to enter a WARP train, before they all were gone, Don Quixote entering the fray with a confident smile.

With the disappearance of the Circle under her feet, It was strange as Don Quixote appeared next to the rest of the other heroes. Of course there were the Sword and Bow Hero parties, but there was also the Shield? She had thought the craven would have died by now, and judging by the hateful glance he was shooting the other Heroes, the Shield felt the same sentiment... But Don Quixote's expression changed as she saw that the Shield had a compatriot at his side... Had he changed his ways? Was he following in the steps of a Fixer just like herself, truly? The other Heroes immediately charged ahead through the forest fighting those strange things and creatures... Whatever was their purpose? And these things felt familiar... to the point that it was starting to weird Don Quixote out.

The Shield simply looked out to a village at his Compatriots request, and wasted no time in heading that way. Don Quixote looked out that way as well, seeing that some fires were starting to ignite around that area, and with a valorous leap to her step, raised her lance and followed after.

"Dame Myne! We must reinforce the village! Notify the Knights we must aide them in this desperate time of need! Otherwise by Zwei Contract stay here where it is safe! They will not target you up here! Elena, Lesty, Rino, To arms mine comrades! Today we shall vanquish these foul evils!"

Elena, Lesty, and Rino followed after Don Quixote with small gusts of wind magic as Don quickly jumped down the cliffside, as Myne quickly tried to protest fumbling with a Crystal Ball, but by the time she mustered the Magic Power to get a message to the Knights and her Father, Don Quixote was already gone, her steps quickly guiding her to the Burning Village.

She pouted, but otherwise did as she was "recommended" by Don Quixote, asking for aide and simply following after where they went, following the road down towards the Village...

By the time Don Quixote had arrived at the Village, the Shield Hero was busy drawing the enemies away from the Villagers, and so now was the perfect time to strike.

"We shan't ever give up, no matter the peril! Their assault pales before our burning passion! Prepared I am to take on such responsibilities! Dame Rino! Another fireball, we shall strike truly where it shall hurt them hardest!"

With a flourish of her lance, she impaled one of these "Otherworldly Zombies" with her lance, earning her a hefty exp gain as she skewered the Zombie and threw it off. A fireball soared over her head nailing the large swarm of "Dimensional Hornets" with a swath of fire and sending them careening down to the floor. There was a call from off to the side as the Shield Hero looked at her, and scoffed.

"Don't think this changes anything you dumb Chuuni!!!"

Don Quixote shook her head, waving her hands as she stood up to Naofumi with a pout, oblivious to the obvious dangers around her.

"Though thou speaks in words I doth not understand, thou art one to speak! Though thou art truly on the way to redeeming oneself if thou has found your newest Party Member with just values, thou still hath to answer to the crimes of thine King Esquire!"

Naofumi's expression darkened as he looked at Don Quixote and he stepped into her face.

"Oh yeah, and why should I go to that farce of Justice that he believes in?! His daughter framed me, and now I'm left to fight over Scraps! What's just about that?!"

Don Quixote didn't know what to say, but was interrupted by both a sword strike from the Raccoon girl as she sliced a Zombie into bits, and another magical blast from Rino as she blasted a swarm of Hornets to protect Lesty and Elena who looked disgusted with just looking at Naofumi, as she looked between the two of them.

"Miss Quixote, we can't be spending time on petty arguements if we're going to save this Village! Remember the Fixer Code!"

"Naofumi-sama, please, we need to focus on saving the Village! Don't worry about the Spear Hero...ine?"

Both Naofumi and Don Quixote scowled, but reluctantly nodded with a hesitant handshake as they prepared to defend the Village. According to Raphtalia, as she told her name to the rest of her compatriots, the Villagers were safely in an Abandoned Mineshaft up towards the Mountains... With that, they could focus solely on defending the Village... Both parties all took off on their respective attacks to defend the village as Don Quixote's Magic focused on the Skies, and Naofumi focused more on the Ground with Raphtalia.

Don Quixote smiled a bit at the successful defense of the Village. They were killing these haggard Zombies and Insects left and right, and she couldn't help but smile as they kept up the fight... But despite it all, it did feel like something was off though with this Wave, as the tears in Reality seemed to warp and bend around the skies above...

That feeling wouldn't be left unsolved though, as the Sky started to fizzle and pop with the sounds of what sounded like glass breaking.

And suddenly, they could hear... buzzing. Loud, loud buzzing that was getting worse and worse by the second. The sound was intensifying, threatening, and it was almost ear-piercingly loud, as Don tried to cover her ears to make out what the hell was going on. This wasn't being caused by the Hornets, or anything else of that matter... So what was causing that infernal noise?!

Her compatriots and even the Shield seemed confused with the Noise as well, and everyone seemed off guard as the rip in Reality above them deposited something way too familiar. Even if Don Quixote wasn't at all familiar with what was before her at all.

As in that massive Village, fell men. But these weren't Men as they knew it, these Men were different. Their arms twisted and bent in ways that were unnatural and uncanny. A giant flag tattered and beaten was held above them as they landed outside the Village Walls, and simply marched. Their clothes were tattered and in rags, telling of the many battles and the war they had to fight. Their limbs, now that Don Quixote could see them more clearly, were made of insects. Like a horrible fusion of the Zombies and various Dimensional Insects they were fighting right now.

She recognized parts of the Uniform, but that was about it... She couldn't make out anything otherwise. Because emblazoned proudly on their uniforms, was a G made out of Cockroach Arms and stylized to be as elegant, yet disgusting as possible.

G Corp.

Naofumi himself looked on confusedly at the ranks of Soldiers that shambled and approached the Village with eyes of red, filled with hunger. Above their heads, there seemed to be the healthbars, but not much else.

Otherworldly… Dragonfly? Otherwordly Cockroach? What were these things?

Don Quixote didn't even bother as she raised her lance, and aimed it at the approaching Soldiers.

"Halt! Who are thou, and why dost thou approach this village?!"

The mutters from the Soldiers was tense, before their "Captain" approached, large mandibles formed above their head, and with massive mandibles...

"...Food... you... have food here... I can smell it... give it to us... Please..."

"We need... food... to keep fighting... this endless war..."

The Captain raised his hand, as he looked at the small entourage.

"...I'm simply Samson. Manager of this Regiment of Soldiers... In the name of G Corp, give us your food, and we might spare your lives in this War."

How inconsolably cruel! To simply take without asking! To take without giving back! All in the name of their Wing?! Or were they so greedy that they didn't care about their morals and the righteous ideas of Fixers! Naofumi was also disgusted, not just because of their Bug-Like appendages, but also due to how non-chalant they simply just claimed the food here... They didn't work for it, they couldn't just take it without paying. And what the hell were they talking about a War? Both of them though, realized the same thing. They were from the Wave... so of course, they needed to kill these monsters, no matter how meek and feeble they were looking. Don Quixote didn't back down, nor did Naofumi as they made their defiance clear. With a simple gesture of brandishing their weapons, they made their intent clear. The Manager, sighed, as he opened his arms.

"So be it."

He opened his mouth.

And the most ear curdling, blood letting scream emerged from his mouth as he uttered three simple words. The sound that emerged from his mouth could only be described as ear grating, as it resounded far, far far past everyone in that vicinity.

"CONSUME THEM ALL!"

Even the Sword and Bow heroes could hear it... And with it, so too did the Chimera they fought. The Chimera, empowered by those words, snarled and jumped past them, heading into the Forest after the source of the Noise to follow it's Commands more. Ren and Itsuki gave chase, but they both feared the same thing. This was definitely Hard Mode of the Games they'd played, because that was only a Hard Mode exclusive command for the Boss!

Back to our Heroes at hand, Don could swear her ears were bleeding as she heard those words shouted at such a high volume, and everyone around her was still reeling from the auditory blast, except Naofumi who simply was a bit dazed, before he declared a skill and a giant green shield appeared in front of him blocking a good number of them from advancing. With just one attack, he'd staggered them all except Naofumi?! How powerful was this bug?! Though so many of the soldiers ahead of them seemed reluctant and unwitting, they couldn't disobey their orders, and of course Don Quixote wasted no time, as soon as she had recovered, she called for her allies to come to her aide and thrust her lance forwards.

Before long, the soldiers ahead of them were coughing weezing, but still fighting as their limbs twisted and folded to form unnatural shapes. Bludgeons and Spears made directly from their Arms and some of them even their Legs. Massive Dragonfly like wings fluttering from their bodies, and grotesque mandible like structures sometimes coming from their faces and mouths... sometimes even worms coming from their very eyes and orfices. It was entirely disgusting, but a challenge Don Quixote was willing to fight head on as she speared another one with her "Joust" skill, smashing it's head to bits.

"CRUSH THEM!"

The sounds emanating from the Crier sounded again, as Don Quixote shielded her ears once more, trying her best not to succumb to the overwhelming pressure of the decible yield of this challenge. She had to take him out first and foremost, so that the others might have a chance to actually strike back! Rino was doing her best to protect the others, but like Don Quixote, her ears were ringing, close to even bleeding as the Crier let out those intense and driving noises.

Don Quixote smashed another head into a fine pulp with the tip of her lance, as she drove her lance into another with an impassioned shout, and started making a beeline straight for the Crier. She was almost there when she was tackled by another Soldier. The Soldier was grimacing and shaking all the way, as his broken glasses shuddered and quivered. He aimed a claw down as Don Quixote narrowly dodged the strike.

The soldier looked at her with a melancholic expression as he looked at her. The child's eyes, ones which once shone with a vigorous gleam, have now been drained of any was going through the motions now... When at one point, he may have been a Sinner, just like our very own Don Quixote... but now, he simply stifled his emotions as he attacked Don Quixote again. 

"Who art thou...? Answer me heathen!!! Why doth thou attack this village?!" 

Don Quixote clashed weapons with the G Corp Soldier...(?) ahead of her with a strike of her lance, as she followed through with a piercing strike from her lance. The grotesque arm on his body seemed adept at protecting him though as it moved fluidly in front and protected him from harm, as the wings on his back fluttered with failed attempts. She clashed weapons again, faintly hearing the sounds of a ticking clock as she and the child ahead of her clashed weapons and kept fighting. 

It didn't appear as though her attempts at talking were working as the two fought. More rather, it seemed that the man in front of her was half-heartedly in this mess, only scrounging and taking what he could to survive what was perceived to be an endless fight... 

"...Lance Corporal... Gregor... just... let me eat please... it's been so long..." 

That caught Don Quixote off guard... how miserably were they being treated if this was how desperate they were acting...? 
...No matter. As dictated by the Zwei... 

Don Quixote pushed the arm of the Soldier to the side, as she frowned. 

"But why take from those less fortunate than thou?! Is it not injust to simply take and never give back? Is fighting all you think of foul villain?" 

There was no answer, just more pained grunts and attacks to try and get to whatever food they could. 

It would seem that the best option was to just put them out of their misery. 

Another soldier fell near the Child, and he shuddered as he unmotioningly muttered to himself.

"I'll work harder to make up for it…"

Don Quixote would have none of it, as she parried his strike with her lance, and twisted out of the way. There was another flash of sparks as the man in front of her sprung back on instinct from her lance, readying a strike... this might be her best chance! She moved forwards without thinking, moving to shoulder check the man with her weight and using her lance to reinforce a bit as she crashed into his side, causing him to start buckling backwards. 

"Thou leaves me no choice!"

She prepared her lance, as she thrust it forwards, hitting his shoulder.

"Ngh!"

He was staggered backwards again. He didn't even hesitate as he grabbed the limbs of the previously fallen comrade, and hastily smashed it into his own mouth eating it greedily. He healed back a bit of health, before going on to attack Don Quixote again. Don herself staggered back a little bit, but was saved with a timely wind blast from Rino as the Bug ahead of her was sent backwards into the Crier. With the Crier dazed, Don Quixote rose again, and started to rush forwards.

"DON'T GIVE UP NOW! KEEP FIGHTING!"

Don covered her ears once more, dulling the sound a bit, but was unprepared as she saw the bug man ahead of her aim his pincers and slash straight at her.

Don felt her own blood trickle down her stomach as she stared down dumbfounded... She'd... been struck?! No, she had to push through. She kept fighting, as she felt the familiar sensation of blood on her stomach... this... 

There was no hesitance from the other side as he prepared himself to attack her as she sat there staggered, but a Green Shield flew out and parried the blow. He was sent backwards yet again, falling to his Knees as Naofumi kicked his face. While it only dealt one damage, it was enough to send him backwards as Naofumi simply gave Don Quixote a small nod, and the two got back to it yet again. More and more of them started pouring from the waves, but eventually the Bug men started to die off... their numbers were not as innumerable as one would think. 

The waves of Bug soldiers slowly started to wear down as Don Quixote and Naofumi dueled the two seemingly elite in charge soldiers of the current Regiment. Naofumi hitting the Crier with different shields in an attempt to keep him occupied and not yelling at them, and Don Quixote fighting the Soldier ahead of her.

And with one final strike, Don Quixote found an opportunity, as she yelled, thrusting her spear into the Bug's Heart. He twitched, his bug appendages reaching to try and attack Don Quixote once more, but finally, it seemed the limbs gave up as the Child's head lowered.

With a sad expression, the child closed his eyes.

"This… is what a war really is huh... I was wholly unqualified..."

And with that last utterance of words, her spear detached itself from his chest as Don Quixote kicked him off. All that was left was the Crier, as he scowled... if it could even be called that. There was no hesitance as he opened his mouth, before Don Quixote chanted the words, and sent a red javelin straight at his mouth. The Crier let out a shriek of pain as he gripped his mandibles, before roaring in fury as he approached the rest of the party. 

He clashed, throwing a wild swing of his arms that met with a shield from Naofumi, before he was promptly kicked in the face by Rapthalia as the Crier staggered backwards again. A blast of magic from Rino, and the finally came Don Quixote who followed up the blast of fire with her own cry of magic, swinging her spear with fervor as the final strike made it's mark. 

"Airstrike Javelin!"

She repeated the phrase a couple times, sending javelin after javelin after... 

The javelins all struck true, hitting the Crier's mouth, arms, body, and everywhere that could fit a Spear, as the Crier fell backwards into the corpses of his own men as Raphtalia and Rino turned and finished off the rest of the Bug Men... Elena and Lesty finished healing Don Quixote's wounds from afar as Don Quixote slowly stood up taking in the handiwork of what was ahead of them. Naofumi also looked at them, and smirked, just a bit.

"Heh, not bad Chuuni."

She still didn't know what that meant, but pouted all the same as she crossed her arms.

"I am not this "Chuuni" you speak of, I am a Fixer Aspirant of Justice!"

A chuckle was earned from that exchange, as Naofumi bent down to start extracting parts from the Crier's body ahead of them. Don Quixote nodded, as she bent down letting her Spear absorb the fallen Soldier who she had fought against... what was his name? Gregor? A sad expression faced her as she bent down, and a banner fashioned itself from his corpse.


UNLOCKED: G Corp Remnant's Service Flag 

+15% Regen Rate

+15% Stagger Recovery

Skill: Forced Survival
When Staggered, heal 1% of HP and 5 Stagger Resist at the Start of the next Combat Phase.

Unlocked: G Corp Memoriam Pin
+10% Healing from Healing Sources

...the fruits of their labor... maybe if things were different, that one Soldier... they could have been friends. Maybe... that was not the world she lived in though, as she looked down at the rest of the Fallen Soldiers that had fallen before them as Naofumi got to absorbing them into his shield. 

Though it remained to be seen, the clean up was effective enough and there was naught to do with the bodies besides such anyways... though vile the method was, they were Heroes, and their Weapons granted them many things... this included... But all of that aside, they remained victorious! They had proven themselves as Fixers today, herself, Rino, Lesty, Elena, all of them had banded together and defended this Village from evil doers, verily so! Don Quixote felt a bit more accomplished as the Bug bodies around them slowly started to disintegrate once Naofumi had absorbed enough of them, as their energy slowly started rising back into the Wave. The Wave was getting weaker and weaker, all that was left... was that Stupid Chimera as Ren and Itsuki cornered the Beast to attempt attacking it once more.

Though a few monsters were left to roam about the Village, they could easily be cleaned up in the aftermath...

Don Quixote smiled as she came to her compatriots and they all shared a smile as they celebrated their first true wave finally defeated... The other girls had at least finally recovered their hearing now after the Crier's attacks, and things were looking good.

"Naofumi-Sama look out!"

Well, they would have started looking good if all of the parties were not interrupted from their celebrations when a massive Fireball started to head their way.

Chapter Text

Ren and Itsuki looked between each other as Ren parried a claw strike from the Chimera. Quarter health... finally. Whatever that Chuuni had done to get rid of that Enemy that was buffing everything seemed to be working... But they really could use her high attack stat right now.

"Ren, watch your left!"

Of course, Itsuki was playing quite well for Ren as the two dodged and weaved, sometimes parrying the strikes of the Chimera.

Ren got concerned when the Stats of the Chimera seemingly doubled out of nowhere, receiving some sort of buff with that Cry from across the treeline into the Village that was being attacked... Now, it seemed like those Stat buffs had worn off, and judging from how much they were doing, it was enough that they should have the Chimera dead within the Wave Timer.

Itsuki hit it with another blast of arrows from his Bow, and the Chimera let out a groan of frustration, as it snapped and tried to bite at the two Heroes still. Their parties fired off occasional spells or strikes with their weapons, but down to the wire with how feral the Chimera was getting, it was up to Itsuki and Ren.

It was a hard fought fight, but they'd get there in the end...

If only they could've gotten it done quicker, they should've done that with a strategy... but knowing the Chuuni Spear she'd just have easily run off doing something else, they were down Two Heroes, so they needed to pick up all the slack that they could. Just a couple more strikes. The final phase was upon them though as it's eyes started to glow yellow... last phase, Ren kept his sword focused on the Chimera... It would attack them with 2 slash attacks and follow it up with a Blunt attack from the Ram head... it was a piece of cake to dodge before, what was going to stop him now? 

Elsewhere...

"Naofumi-Sama look out!"

The cry was heard by all parties as Naofumi quickly threw his shield in front of Raphtalia and shouted. While what he said was unheard by Don Quixote, a large prison of Green Shields appeared around him protecting him and Raphtalia. Rino looked concerningly at the large fireball as Don Quixote simply looked at it and smiled. There was no hesitation, only quick thinking as Don Quixote blasted forwards. 

This Fireball was heading straight for her, yet she wasn't fazed in the slightest.

Who fired off that Fireball?! Such cowardly tactics! The wanton destruction! Did they not care for the people's lives?! Did they know that the people were evacuated?! Would they have made such a move with the people still inside it?! Whoever it was, there was no doubt in her mind… how villainous! Such a bold move to attack a village like this in such a bold manner!

Don Quixote didn't even spare it a second thought as her spear glowed and she burst forwards with gusto.

Was she going to just stand there and let it happen? No, she couldn't let it just happen! This wasn't going to happen while she was helpless to stop it! She had to do something! She raised her lance high, as she felt her confidence and determination building. She wasn't just going to let something as frugal as a fireball get in her way. She wasn't going to just back down now. Was she selfish for feeling this way? Maybe, but it was something she'd embrace wholeheartedly! For with Justice at her side, there was nothing she couldn't accomplish!

"Though there remain so few enemies here… Nay, this injustice shan't stand! Guide my lance Rocinante!"

Her lance turned bloody red, though it seemed incomplete... There were parts of it wanting to be released, and many bits that were trying to break through... However incomplete the Spear was, it was still mighty powreful. Though it was rough and incomplete, Don Quixote nonetheless stepped forwards raising her lance high as she jumped forwards. Don Quixote's lance impacted right into the center of the massive orb of Fire, dissipating the ball as she fell to the ground. The lance around her disappeared returning to it's normal form as she stood back up facing those that would dare attack the village. There was a large party of approaching knights who looked dumbstruck as they came into the Town. One Knight was particularly furious, but also that fury soon turned to dread when he realized just who was in the Village.

"Thou dares attack me and mine compatriots?! Who art thou, where is thou Association head?!"

Of the Knights gathered there in that squadron, none dared to speak up, though their Captain finally hesitantly stepped forwards.

"M-mine apologies oh Holy Spear Heroine, I-I didn't know you and your party were-"

He didn't get the chance to finish as Don Quixote's Spear found it's way into his face. Her face contorted with a bit of rage in her expression. Raphtalia and Naofumi seemed like they wanted to say something or do something about this display, but Don Quixote seemed like she had it handled as she withdrew the lance, gazing at him furiously.

"Thou darest try to pilfer the valuables of others? Assaulting their homes and attempting to destroy their livelihoods! This behavior can only be seen as wholehearted villainy! Repent for thou actions!"

Don Quixote sprinted forwards, and caught the Knight Captain with her spear's butte end, the blunted end of her spear's handle catching the Knight Captain and knocking him into the floor, completely knocked out caught in the frisky swing. The rest of the Knights looked hesitantly at Don Quixote as she simply turned to them, and pointed her lance at the remaining Zombies, Hornets and other various Otherworldly creatures roaming about the Village.

"Thou art Fixers, Knights truly, art thou not?! The forces of evil must be uprooted with haste in order to raise the banner of justice high! Do not wait for me, take action and follow my stead!"

She quickly turned around and with a startling burst of speed, rammed her spear straight into the throat of a massive zombie that had stealthily made it's way to their position. The Zombie struggled, it's large girth throwing debris all over the place, but Don Quixote held firm as her Lance eventually faded, and returned to it's regular meteoric metal as the Zombie groaned again... Don Quixote held on as the giant zombie under her flailed about, her grip on her lance remaining firm as always, before the beast made one more futile attempt to hold onto it's head, as it fell backwards, dead.  Don Quixote landed with a smile at her party members, before spinning her spear around... She then started running forwards into the fray of approaching zombies that threatened their formations yet again, as the rest of her party started to shoot down Hornets and everything inbetween. There was a loud growl as another pair of huge Giants of Zombies approached the Village, causing many of the gathered Knights to form up into a Phalanx Position around Don and Naofumi... though Don Quixote wasn't one to hunker down and stop there, as she raised her lance high, catapulting herself off of one of the Knight's shields and driving her lance straight into another of the massive giant's skulls. The other giant took a bit to register the impact before Don Quixote turned around, and a glowing red lance found it's impact with it's head. 

She cried another few times, Meteor Spears raining like hot knives through butter in the formations of the Zombies that shambled forwards... the straightforwards hordes that they used forming the perfect target practice for Don Quixote as she kept up the pressure, tossing more and more spears into the ground, each one disappearing with the next one she summoned. 

Naofumi shook his head, as he observed it all going down.

"This girl's crazy..."

More and more zombies kept approaching, but with a stalwart line, they were able to keep them away from the Abandoned Mine shaft with the rest of the Villagers, and before long, finally, they had finished the wave.

...

Ren and Itsuki finally landed the final killing blow, destroying the Chimera completely as finally the Wave shattered and was gone. The corpse started to disappear, black smoke heading into the sky... and just as it had appeared the strange red sky and tears in reality disappeared, and the world was as it was once more. With a rousing victory cry, everyone was in celebrations for the end of the Wave. Knights and Soldiers cheered with joy at the conclusion and Villagers exited to the sounds of thunderous sweet silence unplagued by monster noises.

Don Quixote couldn't help but feel immensely satisfied as she walked into the Forest and met back up with the other Heroes who had killed that Chimera. Itsuki and Ren approached, as Itsuki offered Don Quixote a bag with various Monster Parts, and a soft smile. The two seemed quite satisfied with the outcome of the wave, as well as quite happy with how things were going... Itsuki seemed most happy, as he sat with pride over the kill, balancing a pair of new arrows in his fingers.

"Hey, you did good Quixote. Whatever monster you killed that was buffing the rest of the Wave Monsters, really helped us out."

None of what they really said made too much sense to Don Quixote, and she didn't even pay it any mind as she shook her head, and offered the two a smile as well. Was this a game to the two? Was this not just them acting as Fixers? She would have to correct them in kind, as she was just doing as any other Fixer would...

"I did nothing special, I simply just acted as any righteous fixer would. To defend the innocent and protect their livelihoods, that is what I am! For I am a Fixer, just like thou strives to be!"

While the two wouldn't exactly say that regardless, they were appreciative that with all the stops down, she still had her priorities straight with the Game. She was... still a stupid chuuni though. And she wouldn't stop speaking with those antiquated linguistics. Ren nodded as well, before the two would go on and hand Naofumi some stuff from the Wave Boss as well, before heading off back towards the Castle.

Naofumi himself, had a bit of a newfound appreciation for Don Quixote... despite everything, her heart was at least in the right place... She still screwed him over, and she was still insufferable... But she wasn't Malty... he hated Malty with all his guts, and she was going to pay for what she'd done... but Don Quixote wasn't... so bad, was she?

Don Quixote quivered with excitement as she patrolled the Village to find everything safe and sound, before finally returning back to her comrades and party members... Rino Elena and Lesty were currently recovering, looking much better than before, though not without some hiccups as Lesty sat pouting, trying her best to nurse her ears.

"Ack ack ack, stupid disgusting bug people, my ears still hurt..."

Though as soon as Don Quixote stepped within their presence they smiled as things started to wind down. Don Quixote offered a couple health potions to them as they all healed up, but finally they were approached by the Knight Captain from earlier. Though Don Quixote did not seem to want to discuss anything with them, they still had an important announcement as he stepped towards her and bowed.

"Though I have disgraced you with my actions, it is still my duty to notify you of what my King desires... and by the King's wishes, he would like to extend an invitation for you and your party to attend a Royal Banquet in service of the conclusion of the Wave of Calamity."

Lesty and Elena perked up at the idea, as Rino looked surprised, and Don Quixote smiled, readily taking up her spear, as she motioned to her compatriots. Don Quixote turned to them, as she motioned for them to follow, and they took off back towards the Capital City of Melromarc to partake in the festivities of the Castle. A Wave of Calamity concluded, and Don Quixote's first endeavor as a Fixer! She could confidently say that this was a successful venture as her compatriots followed behind.

A good day, it was. A very good day... Nothing could bring her down today, nothing at all!

...

Don Quixote walked up alongside Lesty as she peered over her shoulder, an inquisitive eyebrow on her constant shaking of her ears and dress, as Don Quixote looked at her. 

"Art thou alright dame Lesty?" 

Lesty yelped in surprise, as she turned around, only to face Don Quixote again, breathing a sigh of relief and nodding. 

"Y-yeah, I'm fine... just... uh..." 

She shook her head. 

"...Those weren't... people were they? That we killed? They were just bugs right...?" 

Don Quixote smiled, putting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. 

"Nonsense! If they were human, they lost it long ago... those bugs we faced were simply creations of the Wave, nothing more, no? It would not make any sense if we were to strike down our fellow man, would that not be correct? We art Fixers truly, nothing shall sway our hearts!" 

She smiled, as Lesty, chuckled a little, and stretched her arms up. 

"Well... yeah... those stupid bugs made a mess of everything though... and my ears hurt..." 

Don Quixote nodded fervently, before pulling out a small poultice of medicine from her bag, and holding it out towards Lesty, still smiling. "I... received some of these from the Shield... Wouldst thou care if I applied these to thine ears? If they hurt that badly then..." 

Lesty nodded slowly, before lowering her head back as Don Quixote got started. "If... if it's from you, then I... I trust you at least a little bit." 

....

Night approached as Don Quixote and the rest of her Party approached the Palace. Things seemed to already be in full swing as Don Quixote approached and was witness to all of Melromarc's nobility present. There were flowing gowns, pretty suits, and all sorts of wonderful things there, including foods and drinks that Don Quixote couldn't even dream of in a lifetime! While... not nearly as great as some of the other places she'd heard of, she had always wanted to try that HamHamPangPang place that was the rave of the City in many of it's Districts, she would not complain as they stepped forth into the Banquet. While it seemed odd that they were in their adventurer's Garb, it seemed all the rest of the Hero Parties had done such as well. Guess it helped them stand out.

Don Quixote found herself with the other heroes and the King shortly as he smiled.

"I must say I am thoroughly impressed with your performance in the Wave. Thanks to your efforts as well as the rest of the Heroes here, we experienced no casualties whatsoever. It was truly a remarkable job you have done."

Don Quixote smiled, accepting his smile with gratitude, as he would dismiss the other two, before finally turning to Don Quixote, and extending his hand, allowing Don to shake it as he congratulated her.

"As well, Miss Quixote... I cannot thank you enough for accepting my Contract to protect my Daughter. My family is the world to me, and you've kept her safe despite your perilous travels across our Kingdom, for that I cannot express enough how grateful I am that she has such a virtuous and powerful member of our Heroes protecting her."

Don Quixote nodded her head, as she let go of his hand, and proclaimed with a smile, finger pointing out into the night sky.

"Worry not, King Esquire! For so long as your daughter remains in my care, then I shall protect with each and every ounce of strength that I have!"

Don Quixote didn't even hesitate as she stated those words, with a smile on her face plastered all the way through. The King seemed quite satisfied with this notion as she was dismissed and she joined her other compatriots in their festivities and merry making for the conclusion of one of the Waves.

Now that Don Quixote had some time to herself though with her teammates, while Lesty was clearly enjoying herself with this whole entire thing, the same couldn't be said of Elena and Rino, with Elena looking bored, and Rino looking quite uncomfortable with the whole entire situation... Don Quixote sat down with them, as she considered the situation, and cleared her throat.

"Ahem, dame Elena, dame Rino... art thou alright?"

Elena just shook her head, more than ready to voice her complaints as she rolled a glass of wine boredly.

"Not particularly interested... These parties always bored me to death, since there's nothing to do."

Rino also seemed ready to interject, a small stammer exiting her lips, before Don Quixote nodded. A "hmm hmm" later, and Don Quixote could at least somewhat understand.

"I see... mine teachings have reached truly! Thou truly follows the ideals of Fixers truly! Dame Rino, dame Elena, it pleases mine heart that thou truly follows the ideals of Fixers past as thou shows now! We shan't sit idle while more people suffer under the gaze of these Waves of Calamity!"

Elena cleared her throat as she looked at Don Quixote with a markedly confused expression.

"Ah, uh miss Quixote, that's not what I..."

Of course, Don Quixote ignored her as she made her way towards the door.

"Come mine compatriots! Injustice waits for none to quell! We must continue on with the utmost haste!"

She made it to the Stairs, when she was stopped by a hand on her shoulder. Don Quixote seemed confused at first, as she turned her head to see who had stopped her... Only to see a confusing puff of red hair as... Wait was that Myne?!

Myne was crying into Don Quixote's shoulder... (despite how much shorter Don was compared to Myne) as she looked up at her in the most heartbreaking eyes she could muster, sobbing a bit.

"Oh, miss Quixote it's terrible! I've received the most terrible news... The Shield Hero, he's reached new lows! He's...

He's made that poor Raccoon girl his slave."

Time seemed to stop. Don Quixote barely registered what was said afterwards. The words echoed in her mind.

The Shield Hero... had enslaved somebody?

...

No... that couldn't be. Don Quixote replayed all of what she had seen in the Village multiple times. She thought back to what the girl had said. Everything that had been done... No, it wasn't true... how could he...? She felt her spear start to quiver and shake, as her brow furrowed... This... it was an injustice, truly... how could she let it stand... No, this wasn't right... how could he... after all he had been through, was he so desperate that he would...

Did his debauchery have no bounds?! Did he have no honor?!

No. She wouldn't let it stand at all.

"NAOFUMI!"

She spoke that name with venom and malice, as she stomped forwards. Naofumi turned towards her, confused as he stepped into the middle of the steps of the Royal Palace, and Don Quixote's shout was loud for any and all attending that Banquet to hear. With that declaration, she would take off her gauntlet, and throw it straight into Naofumi's cheek. Naofumi held his cheek lightly as he stared at Don Quixote, as she raised her ungloved hand, and pointed her finger directly at him.

"I cannot forgive thee, knave, thou who holler bout injustices with nary a care for the world! Thou who would enslave the free will of an innocent Girl! Doth thou not hold truly the ideals of a Fixer?! Was everything thou hath told me in that Village a lie?! Thou may have a compatriot, but was it by her own free will?! Answer me craven!"

Something was happening just behind her, and she thought she could hear the voice of Raphtalia behind her the poor slave girl, but she was focused on what Naofumi would say. That hateful gaze, that gaze that peered and burned straight into her soul. He was serious after all... then truly, he was despicable!

To enslave the free will of another, to entrap them in the bounds of service with contract, and to give them no chance of freedom? Truly, utterly horrendous! She listened to the King, and his Daughter, as they declared that they were on Don Quixote's side, and for the two, by Royal Decree, stated how this Duel would take place. This was how things were going to have to be now.

Don Quixote and Naofumi stared at each other, sparks glowing between them as they both stared at each other with that same hateful gaze... Rage and anger building between them, and with the boiling pot approaching it's maximum limit.

"Well, if it's going to be like that... Fine then you stupid Chuuni wannabe, let's duel."

This was going to be a duel to remember, that's for sure.

...

...

It was night, once more. A small rift in the world remained open, shattered patterns of blue mixing with the tear in reality behind them... not allowing naught but two to enter or exit. But they were not malignant, no, rather they had much to say...

Our Blue haired fixer sat on the cliff side, overlooking the palace of Melromarc with a soft expression. At her side, once more, was the man in blue, with that strange gaudy mask on his face once more. Both seemed rather... excited, and happy as they observed teh celebrations in the palace happening in the name of the defeated Wave.

The Blue fixer nodded at the presence of the Masked Blue man, finishing a pen of letter, as she dotted her "name"... she turned back looking out past the horizon. Looking at the rather nostalgic looking castle, she sighs, reaching into her bag, and pulling out a envelope once more, stamping it, before finally a trail of blue and white wisping from it's edge as she blows on it. Her breath carries it away some ways, as the letter blows away... Into the wind, to find itself at Don Quixote's window sill once more when the morning comes. The man in mask nods, as he leans on his cane, watching as well. 

"...and thus concludes this tale of their first Wave of Calamity... what shall happen next in this thrilling tale, in the path towards our Dream, I do wonder... and so it continues the story of the Lost Dreamer, Don Quixote..."

Chapter Text

My, how curious. Do you think you could answer a question for me? A Shield, all alone in it's huddled little corner. All alone in a world that hates it for simply existing. 

What becomes of a Shield, neglected and discarded from the Sword it protects? 

What happens when that Shield has nothing left to protect? Scorned by that which wields it, betrayed by those closest to it?

Does a Shield have a purpose if it cannot protect something in earnest? 

Do you have a purpose, if you cannot protect even her...? What would your purpose be if you can't even save a single life? 

...

Her fault?

Ah. I see now. Unclouded by your gaze... Such hate. Such fervor. Such... Wrath. 

Flames of Wrath, burning so intensely. Burning so brightly, it consumes everything you see. You see nothing but the smoke and fire of the flames you caused, for the one you wish to burn. 

So much anger. So much resentment. Hate for those who wronged you. Hate for the one who refuses to raise his hands in protest. Hate for the one who lies to you. Hate... for the one who made this lie, made you who you are now.

Wrath. Burning brightly with fervor, So willing to stand up to a Slothful King. So willing to destroy the ambitions of a Prideful Princess. So willing to never let anything betray your trust again... And yet... so willing to consume those around you. She trusts you does she not? So why not trust her in turn? 

Do you not trust those around you? 

Or are you afraid she'll betray you too? Do you not see her for who she is? 

Ah, yes, that's it. You're afraid she might stab your back when you least expect it. When you see her face, all you see is her. All the abuse, all the hardship. All you see is her again, right?

Yes? Am I not wrong?

Ah, I see... are you just deflecting then? Is the object of your obsession not right there? Why not make her suffer, instead of participate in this farce of a duel? 

A dreamer who is not what she seems. Is that what you wish? Just to strike her down? Don't you want to prove to them you weren't worth the trouble of throwing away?

Do you not hate them with all your passion? For taking away the only thing giving you light in this world? Do you not hate her? For even the idea she might turn away from your embrace?

You hear your heart's desire don't you?

What will you do with your endless, boundless flames of Wrath o' Shield?

"...I dunno who you are, but shut up already and let me focus." 

...

...

...

...Such a shame. And here I was thinking we were having such a wonderful conversation.

Wind magic trailed from Malty's fingertips as she went over the plan in her head again. This was going to be an easy thing to win... Once she got that stupid Slave Demi out of the way, then it would only be a matter of time before the Shield was dead and they'd be free to do whatever they wanted. 

Don Quixote was also plenty strong. She had defeated a Wave Boss Monster all on her own, from what she had heard. But... this was just a guarantee. In case she failed...

Yes. She couldn't risk her ascendance now. Not when it was so close... the Pope was going to be present, which meant that she couldn't screw this up...

Don Quixote sat there, letting her emotions calm a small bit as she paced back and forth. Her teammates were supporting her in this endeavor, the King was supporting her in this endeavor... but part of her was a bit hesitant. That girl she was fighting for, it sounded like she wanted to say something... There was a lot here that she wasn't understanding... And most importantly, why was the Shield being this way? Why resort to such treacherous acts like Slavery in order to find a companion...

Don Quixote measured her lance, tilting between left and right, as she paced in the chamber that was currently being used to keep her and Naofumi separated for the duel. Weapons littered the wall to her right, likely a number of them used by many Heroes of old and legend before her... She smiled, knowing that the might of those heroes shone upon her mighty duel with the Shield. 

But as she sat idly, more and more thoughts entered her head... The Shield. Weren't he and that Slave Girl fighting with each other so well? They didn't give off the vibe as master and slave, more like partners... so why then...?

He had enslaved a girl.

That was the most prominent thing that stuck out in her mind. But… well, things were certainly different.

The King had straight up confirmed that Slavery was legal against... Demi-Humans here in this Country, but that didn't make it right. What separated a Human from a Demi-Human? Why were they seen as below humans? Was there such a difference? Why was it legal for one to enslave the other... did they hate each other that much...? Would it not be better to band together in these waves?

Was it so... hard...? 

R̵̻͗é̵̟m̶̟̿e̷̫͑m̴̫͝b̸͍͆ë̸̝́r̷̙̒.̸̮͝ ̶̠̉A̷̟͌s̵̘͠ ̸̥́l̴̺̔o̵̤͝n̸̖͝ĝ̴͖ ̶͕̾a̷̡͂s̵̟͘ ̴̰̀L̴̡̊a̸̗̿ ̸̟̾M̴̦̈́a̸̼͠n̵͙͛c̶̘͂h̸̲̑ȁ̷͚ĺ̴̝a̴͎͘n̵͗ͅd̸̮̍ ̴̮̆ṣ̷̾u̷͖͋ȑ̴̗v̸̙̊i̷̭͠v̴͎̔e̵͚̽s̵͕̈,̷̟͗ ̴̝̓w̶̞̔e̴̪͑'̶̢̍l̵͔̕ľ̶̳ ̶̥̆ḇ̷͠ë̷̘ ̵͈͛t̶̙̑h̶͍̚e̴̯̒ ̸̥̃p̶͚̾r̸͉͊i̵̱̋d̴͖͆e̶̤̕ ̶͎͋a̵̫̒n̶̲͂d̴̹̾ ̵͇̐j̶͎̅ó̶͎y̵̖̋ ̸̳͗ò̵͕f̵̣́ ̸̤̚a̶̻̐ļ̶͐l̴͖͂ ̶̲͋B̷͎̓l̶͈̉ö̷̧́o̶̧͠d̴̝̚f̴͕̂ĭ̷͖e̵̪̐n̵̫͋d̶̡͛ŝ̷̠.̷̙͆ ̴̨̀B̴̪͘e̸̗̾c̷͎̆a̸͇͌u̷͚̚s̴̰̑e̵͔̓ ̵̥́w̴̮̚e̶̬͊'̴͔̚l̸̮͘l̴͇͗ ̴̱̍b̴͎̀e̷͔͘ ̷̦̄t̵̪͒h̵͓̀ë̸͖́ ̶̬̍l̸͈̀ȉ̷̳v̴̄ͅị̸̔n̵̠̚g̶͕͌ ̵͚̈p̵̩͋r̴͓̒o̶̯̽ǒ̶̱f̶̡͠ ̶͖͑t̵̺̉h̸͉̽ǎ̶̝t̵̝͘…̷̮͐ ̵̰̔ẘ̴̢e̶̻̒ ̶̙̚n̴͇͂ȩ̷́e̶͚̍d̶̦̈ ̷̅͜n̷̹͝ō̵͚t̶͙̋ ̶͉͝k̵͍͐i̵̡͒l̸̮̽l̷̘̏—̵̢͠n̷̦̈́ė̸̫e̸̤͑d̴̩̅ ̸̗͠n̵̪̂o̸̰͛t̶͇̿ ̷̠̇c̸̞͛o̶̳̕n̴͓̿s̶͍̅ǘ̷̥m̸̪͋è̷̯ ̸̛̺b̴̕͜ḻ̶̀ò̸̜o̵̺͊d̵͓̒ ̷͕̍t̷͖̕o̴͊͜ ̴̙̎c̸̢̅õ̵̞ě̸̡ẍ̶̩i̴̞̍s̴̳̃t̴͇̆ ̸̠̀a̷̱̓l̵͍̈o̴̢͌n̵̨̒g̶̜͌s̷͚̉i̶͖̚d̶̻͘e̷̞̓ ̶̟̒ḩ̴̚ū̴̼m̸̘̄å̸̩ń̴̖s̵͍̆.̸̟͝ ̵̡͛T̷͈͋ḫ̶͋a̶̧̍ţ̵̈́ ̷̠̅w̸̲͝é̵͚ ̵͇̈́n̴̻̓e̷̤͝e̵̤̒d̴̝̋ ̶̼̚n̸͕͌ŏ̶̯t̷̥͐ ̴̮̉b̸̻̎e̵̬̋ ̶̧̈́d̷̬̈́é̸̥f̸͕̔i̷̝̓n̷̘̂ẻ̶͓d̶̰͠ ̵͈͋b̵̞̈́y̵͖͑ ̵̼̋o̷̡̕ṷ̸͊r̸͔̂ ̵̋͜ṅ̶͖a̶̧̛t̴̡͆ủ̴̢r̷̮̽e̸̥͂.̵͍̋ ̴͎͐

...Why did it all feel so similar...?

Why did her head hurt when she thought about it...?

Don Quixote stewed in her thoughts as she felt a strange pang of regret, sympathy and longing as she thought about that notion... Why was it that Humans treated all that came after them as beneath them? Why couldn't they coexist? Was it so hard? Was it so wrong? 

She was going to free the Demi-Humans... yes, that would help these feelings in her heart. These strange yet familiar feelings.

... She had to focus. She could sort out her feelings later, she had a Duel to fight!

While she may have her reservations fighting a fellow Fixer, this one was no longer a Fixer in her eyes... By Fixer code, no human being should be held against their will and enslaved with no hope of freedom. To snuff a dream like that, that just wasn't right in the slightest. Freedom was one of the truest ideals that most Fixers held and abode by, and she wasn't just going to abandon that now!

She would win this fight, by her own means!

The door behind her opened as the raucous sound of cheering resounded from the gates as she approached. She stepped into the light as she was greeted by the Citizens and Nobility of Melromarc, watching with bated breath as she stepped forth into the Arena. Across from her, was the Shield Hero... well, "Hero." Off to the sides, up in the stands was her Party, cheering her on. To their side, were the Bow and Sword Hero along with their parties... Yet again, off to the side, she saw that observing was the Pope and the King. The Pope's own presence sent shivers down her spine, for some unknown reason... And he in turn looked at her curiously... But she would ignore it for now as Naofumi turned to face her... and she would return in kind as she raised her lance.

"This Duel will take place in the presence of the King Aultcray Of The Kingdom Of Melromarc, and Pope Balamus Of The Three Heroes Church. And thusly, this Duel is legitimate and official!" The announcer at the top cried to all of the people currently present.

A tuft of red hair called out to Don Quixote from the Spectator stands, with a cry of Good Luck, but Don Quixote focused her vision as the sounds around her blurred and dulled...

A true Fixer of Justice. To follow with the right views of the Cinq Association... She would win this Duel with her own strength. With her own power. This was no different than any other fight with those who would oppose justice!

Naofumi smirked as he looked at Don Quixote, and asked her a question. 

"Hey, Don Quixote? Ever hear that story of the Immovable Object and the Unstoppable Force?"

Don Quixote tilted her head, as Naofumi grinned. 

"Well, the Unstoppable Force breaks. And the Immovable object remains standing..."

Finally, a firework going off signified the start of the Duel.

And it started, with Don Quixote taking off her glove, and throwing it into Naofumi's face. 

"As is the tradition of the Cinq Association, I announce thee as mine opponent in this Fight! Let us duel favorably and honorably!" 

The techniques came almost naturally for Don Quixote, as she raised her lance, and with naught a word to be said, charged straight at Naofumi. Naofumi seemed caught off guard by how much force went into the Strike, though remained firm as flashes of Numbers hit both of their Health Bars. She pulled back again, and with a ferocious cry struck again as the strike from her Lance caused the shield to be knocked up slightly, leaving an opportunity as she pushed in again and struck hard.

Don Quixote took note of just how much Stagger Damage she had taken from a single blocked strike against his shield, even though each Counter against her did measly single digits of damage. A battle of attrition he was trying to perform, was it? She jumped back after her strike, spinning her lance behind her hand, as she readied herself again. 

Just one use of her Joust skill might be able to end this. She charged again as she raised her lance and threw it forwards with a shout. 

Naofumi grit his teeth as he blocked another of Don Quixote's strikes... She was fast and hit like a damn truck, despite her tiny frame. His shield blocks seemed to stagger her back when he blocked, but she was very quick to follow that up with second and even third attacks... and with each strike she made, every hit she landed against him, she seemed to get faster and faster... Wait, did every strike she successfully make give her haste? Naofumi noted that some of the Skills Don Quixote used hit harder than the last few, but some of them made her faster after a clash against his own weapon... damn, if he didn't restrict her movements in time, she was just gonna out speed him! He'd have to give the chuuni credit, she was pretty damn clever with her attacks... 

Did he even have a Slowing Skill? He had Shield Prison, but he wanted to save that for a bit later... Maybe if he weathered the storm hard enough...? She definitely felt the hits when she struck his shield, so that was definitely doing something... 

He activated his new Chimera Skill, as she swung in again. A twin set of serpents on his shield formed, and after taking a hit, she was struck by the twin snakes... That did the trick! 

She was slower now! That'd help, as he kept the Chimera Shield trained on her... Each counter strike would definitely do more damage to her, that was for sure... 1 damage at a time, with the DOT Poison from his Shield, and he might just whittle her down... Potions were banned, so he'd just have to rely on his own wits for now. He braced himself as he saw her rise up, shrugging off the poison and getting ready to attack again. 

Don Quixote herself knew she had to keep him off guard as she looked for an opening... Naofumi opened his cloak as she was about to strike, when...

A balloon came out?! Don Quixote quickly pivoted when she saw the monster attempt to bite down into her, as she quickly hit it, popping it... She looked at Naofumi as he smirked, and his Cloak opened more... revealing more of the Balloon monsters.

"A foul trick, but thou shan't best me with simple tricks as that!"

Naofumi rolled his eyes, as he let the Balloons into the Arena to attempt their own attacks against Don Quixote.

"Well, how else did you expect me to attack you when my Attack Stat's at a measly 1? I have no intention to lose to you, so if you want to fight me, I'm going to use whatever I have to hurt you so I can win!"

Don Quixote popped another balloon as she came in yet again, clashing her spear against Naofumi's shield.

"Thou speaks with conviction and determination, admirable traits for a Fixer verily so, but thou still follows the path of a Corrupted Heart! And I shan't fail against such convictions as those!"

Naofumi pushed Don Quixote off as his shield swapped and activated it's ability, a pair of Dog Heads popping out and biting directly into Don Quixote's arm, as she stabbed back and threw them back off. Naofumi called out another attacking Skill as Don Quixote felt a hard shield press into her gut. A giant Green Shield formed itself infront of her, before pushing her back. Another call, and Don Quixote found herself surrounded on all sides by a massive Shield Prison with Balloons and other such things all around. She grimaced as each one bit into her, and she felt each strike sapping away at her strength.

While it wasn't looking good for her, she refused to back down... No, she wouldn't let something as simple as this wear her down... as the Shield's effects expired, she fell to the floor, chunks and bits of monster still floating down as she raised her lance, standing strong once more. She rushed forwards again, raising her spear as she struck hard. Naofumi raised his shield to his chest in attempt to block it, as Don Quixote tilted her lance up. The Spear glanced off of the Shield, heading up and striking Naofumi in the cheek. Naofumi's eyes widened as Don Quixote's momentum kept carrying her forwards, and she was sent careening into Naofumi, the two ending up in a bit of a pile as she rolled off, and her Spear clattered to the side. Don Quixote raised her fists, as she struck Naofumi hard in the arm.

Warning: The Legendary Hero cannot wield any weapon other than the Legendary Weapon he or she has been assigned!

The notification kept flashing in Don Quixote's vision as she aimed punches at Naofumi's face. Sparks of electricity flew from Don Quixote's fists each strike she made. She watched her health get drained lower and lower with each passing second, until finally Naofumi had thrown her off, and started to stand up again. Don Quixote's breath was hitching as she picked up her spear again, blood trailing from her hands and head.

She charged again, but wasn't so fortunate as Naofumi blocked her spear directly again. Her strike sent her flying back again back into that damnable prison of Shields as she was attacked again from inside.

Naofumi got back up, holding his face with a bit of a frown as he walked towards where Don Quixote was, and leaning his arm against the Shields in the Prison... He definitely hadn't been expecting blows like that from Don Quixote, but he would give her credit, she'd done a good enough job lasting this long against him. He sighed, as he stood back up, wiping some blood form his face.

"Oy... Isn't it time for you to admit defeat? Or do you wanna get embarrassed even further you damned Chuuni?"

After that last line, the Shields disappeared, as Don Quixote fell onto her knees again. She was quivering, her hands bloodied and shaking, but nonetheless, Don Quixote stood up, and she nonetheless stood strong as she faced Naofumi once more. It wasn't more than a scratch, and she knew he could only last so long, couldn't he?

"… 'Tis but a light wound… Thou art sorely mistaken… if thou truly believest that such a meager wound could best me..."

Naofumi rolled his eyes, as he prepared his shield once more.

"I dunno, you look to be bleeding pretty badly."

She stood up, still as confident as before, as she aimed her lance at Naofumi once more.

Naofumi wasn't playing fair. That much was certain. Using Monsters to attack her, using Damage Over Time and reflecting her strikes back at her, dealing Stagger Damage with each strike she made against his Shield. Every action he'd done in this duel so far had been cowardly and unfair, yet… Part of her felt bad. Every attack he made against her himself only did a single meager point of damage. Every single action he made was so that he could have a fighting chance against her… he was fighting so fervently for this maiden within his ability, this ally, that he had enslaved… but was that all there was to it? He was a craven cur, but what he said in Lute Village was giving her pause.

Not helping matters, was the blood trailing from her head and hands. While Naofumi had definitely done a number on Don Quixote, she had also done so willingly breaking the rules of the Holy Weapon to get some damage in on Naofumi... which, while effective, still left her with quite a number on her health...

She started to walk forwards... Would she be able to win this fight? She needed to win this fight, by the honor of her life as a Fixer...

She charged forwards, as Naofumi readied his shield again. Switching to the Shield with Snakes on it as Don Quixote rushed forwards and crashed hard into the shield, sending it up. She kept going, her spear piercing through Naofumi, before her speed allowed her to turn around again. 

"HAH!" 

She turned on a dime, and thrust her spear into Naofumi again. And then, turned once more, and speared into his gut yet again. Naofumi cried out in pain, with a cheer from the crowd, as she burst past... Naofumi was now bleeding from his side, but not nearly as badly as Don Quixote... she turned, leveling her spear towards Naofumi... when the snakes bit into her arm. She grimaced, throwing her arms out and throwing them off, but still wobbling a bit as she felt the poison affecting her vision once more. 

"I... won't give up! Thou will not defeat me here!" 

Naofumi, seeing how her legs were still shaking, raised his shield, switching to the Cerberus shield as he smirked... 

"Then I'll meet that challenge you damned Chuuni... Let's end this!" 

She was going to say that the duel was far from over as a response as she charged forwards after Naofumi when a Blast of Wind erupted from the stands. Naofumi was taken off guard, being sent staggering backwards by the Blast, and earning a furrowed expression from Don Quixote as she stood back up and readied an attempt to strike back at the opening that had opened for her... 

No. She wouldn't. It wasn't in the way of a Fixer. To strike her opponent when someone so obviously had interfered in a Sacred duel...

And what he said before in Lute as well...

He was framed for his injustice… was that true? She trusted her compatriots, and their words were not ones that were taken lightly as she knew that they spoke with truth, yet, She wanted to hear his side of the story now, as a fellow Fixer Esquire herself, she was supposed to hear all sides of an argument. It was not within the code of a Hana or Oufi fixer to simply just ignore one side of a Party… Part of Don Quixote wondered… Was this truly as cut and dry as the King and Princess made it out to be? The Oufi would certainly not hesitate to hear out both sides of this contract… The Princess Malty claimed that the Shield assaulted her, but was that really the case? He was a Fixer, just like her, and for a Fixer to fight this fervently in a duel he did not wish for… to rescue his own compatriot… Now that he had shown his own convictions… Don Quixote was hesitating.

After a small moment, she came to her decision. She dug her feet into the ground, Rocinante helping to stop her movements as it dug deep into the stone, causing some of it to kick up dust as she paused right in front of Naofumi and screamed out at the top of her lungs. 

"HALLLLLLLLTTTTT!"

Don Quixote screamed those words as loudly as she could, Spear pointed down, as Naofumi himself gathered himself back up, and seemed confused at her actions as Don Quixote slammed her lance's point into the ground, a sign of her surrender as she looked at the Shield Hero.

"...Do not think this fight over. I shall attempt to win by mine own honor, But... I concede."

Naofumi seemed… taken aback at those words, as he looked at Don Quixote once more. She was… giving up? Wasn't she going to take advantage of that Wind Spell that was fired off? Wasn't she going to finish him off? Why was she just giving up now?!

Don Quixote simply quivered with anger, as she yelled out to the Crowd.

"I cannot in good faith, continue a Sacred Duel as thou when someone hath tempered with the fight. I wish to win a Duel with mine own abilities. As is the doctrine of the Hana and Cinq Associations, a Fixer can only rely on their own strength in a duel such as this. As such, with outside interference, I cannot in good conscious or faith continue this duel. As such, with mine own views that this fight has been tampered with, Shield Hero Naofumi, I concede."

Don Quixote heard murmurs and mutters of uproar that the Spear would give up now, though they themselves were interrupted from their thoughts when the Sword and Bow Hero both agreed that they'd heard mutters of foul play amongst the stands. Things only seemed to dissipate from there as Don Quixote fell forwards, her hands trembling.

As she did, Elena and Rino quickly rushed forwards, Elena preparing some healing magic as Rino shook her head, looking over and helping to support Don Quixote back to her feet.

Much Later...

Don Quixote sat in a hospital bed, arm wrapped up in stitches as she hissed in pain at Elena treating the wounds... It would've been quite peaceful in that room, if it weren't for a certain red-haired princess who sat just across the way. 

"What were you doing?! You had that duel in the bag! I don't know what Wind technique you used, but you almost had it Miss Quixote!"

Don Quixote turned to Malty… or Myne… whatever she wanted to call herself, as she shook her head.

"Mine compatriot Myne, I cannot in good faith say that I was going to win that fight, it was simply even on both fronts... All duels we must accept the possibility of defeat,  I do not have the element of Wind in my Spear. As such, i have lost the fight, and I concede. My honor as a Fixer doth not allow me to continue such a fight."

Myne seemed to pout, before storming off towards the King. As she did, Lesty, Rino and Elena walked over, Lesty sighing.

"You really are dedicated to your sense of Honor, aren't you? Why are you so dedicated to it if it just drags you down…"

"Hey, if it helps… I think you looked pretty cool."

Don Quixote smiled at her comrades' sweet words, before they went on their way, leaving a confused Naofumi and Raphtalia as Naofumi talked to Ren and Itsuki about a few things… eventually only silence and occasional groans of pain from Don Quixote filled the empty Arena as they continued to carry her back to her room currently at the Palace...

"Miss Quixote, are you sure you're alright?"

Don Quixote sat in the room as Rino and Elena tended to her wounds, healing magic still healing off all of the damage done to her hands after the attacks she had performed against the Shield Hero... while the bandages were now taken off, it was still just a bit tender to the touch... Of course, Lesty and Myne were talking with each other, but other than that, most of the healing was being worked on by Rino and Elena. Rino of course was the closest as Don Quixote smiled and turned to them.

"Thou need not fret. I shall be able to return to our Adventures at a moment's notice. Though I must wonder, where shall we adventure next?"

Rino held her head in thought, as Elena smiled a bit, and looked off towards the coastline.

"Hmm, I dunno, maybe a trip to the Beach could be nice. We could also try visiting one of the nearby Hot springs towns..."

"Yeah, that would be nice! And since we're all girls, we don't need to worry about having to split apart!"

Don Quixote held her head tilting. Weren't Hot Springs like that which they talked about only available in S Corp? It was such an interesting thing though that there were Springs readily available in such a common fashion... maybe they would have to visit at some point. And of course there was the talk of Beaches like those seen in U Corp's Nest... oh, they could even... play games and the like! Sports like... uh, Beech Vollayburr! Wait, was that what it was called? Well, maybe that, and everything else!

Don Quixote couldn't help but be excited with all of the new things they spoke of... With her healing finished, they stopped to talk about a bit more of the attractions around the area, and a number of other things... Before long though, they couldn't rest as the King summoned them, and without a word Don Quixote would be on her way back out into the Throne Room... There, things were discussed for the wave, compensations were given out as much as Don Quixote wished to refuse the payments, and eventually they were back on their way... but not before a word back from the King as he waved for Don Quixote to listen.

"Oh Spear Hero... Though you were not successful in bringing the Shield Hero to justice, I still must commend your efforts and your ability to fight... as well as your willingness to keep protecting my family."

Don Quixote did not pay it any mind as she bowed her head, and smiled all the way.

"Thou need not worry about thine family, King Esquire! So long as I breath, mine contract shall never be broken! I am the Righteous Fixer of Justice, Don Quixote, and without abandon I shall keep galloping on until thy world is safe!"

The King smiled, as he dismissed Don Quixote, allowing Myne to join up with them once more, though still a bit upset as she huffed to Lesty.

"After all that trouble I went through to make sure she won the fight, she still gives up so easily like that... UGH!"

Don Quixote smiled as she turned towards her compatriots and they were given a new contract.

Myne gave Don Quixote the piece of paper, and read it out for her, as she still couldn't make out the words on the paper she was given... They needed to repair the Village of Lute after the Wave, and with the damage sustained, they'd need to tax the Village with a certain amount... Wait wasn't that Tax amount too much?

...And why name her as the new Lady? Wasn't there already a Lord in charge there?

Well, not that it mattered.

"Surely they are not villains though, are they? We defended their homes when the Wave hit, and verily so, they did not raise weapon nor hand against us... We shouldn't be asking for their money for our protection, that is not in the Fixer conduct!"

Myne was about to make her thoughts known when Don Quixote started off on her own way, on a road taking them away from Lute. Far, far away from any notions of a Filolial Race, as she smiled, gesturing to the others as she rushed off...

"We must take thine adventures elsewhere! The waves shan't await us, we must continue onwards on our journeys to become valorous fixers, shall we not? Come mine compatriots, let us go!"

They followed after her with either a beleaguered or excited expression mixing across their faces as they went on their way down the road to engage in who knows what else might have happened.

...

And thusly, with a smile on her face, the Adventure continues onwards for Don Quixote...