Rise of the Soul Hero

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A week had passed since that day, Andrew had partially recovered and was able to participate in battles without much effort, but it would take time to fully recover, luckily they still had time. Raftalia was also doing well, quickly returning to the city and arriving at the church, Naofumi bought the elixir he needed. Although they tried to sell him a low quality elixir, luckily or worryingly they were helped by the Bishop of the All Church of the Three Heroes. Of course Andrew was grateful to this seemingly good man in his mind, but at the same time he realised that such people have their own goals and schemes. In addition, he had never forgotten who his tormentor Rabier was, and Rabier was a crazy fanatic of this particular faith.

They had stopped at a village where there were hot springs and decided to rest there, after which they planned to return to the city. Now Andrew was in the warm water of the spring, relaxing on one of the long stones. Next to him was Naofumi, who was also relaxing, they looked at each other and Andrei started to reply.

- I wish it was always like that, good work and then rest. You know, someday I'll write a book about our adventures. -

Naofumi hummed good-naturedly and began to answer.

- If we've changed everything by then, it'll probably be a bizzler. Only, who will be the main character in your book? -

Andrei shrugged his shoulders and began to answer.

- We will all be heroes, I will write so that the beginning of the chapter would be from one of us, so then you can tell me how it all started for you. And when the world can take care of itself, and you and Raftalia are gone, I'll probably settle down somewhere nice with Lisi. -

Naofumi patted Andrei's shoulder rather contentedly, then began to speak.

- It's a pity you can't leave with us, but when the time comes. I'm not afraid to leave this world to you, by the way, remember I told you about witches and the book I read about them, so you are a witch, with your swords, hair and scars. -

Andrei didn't deny it, he remembered reading that series of books himself. He also understood why Naofumi had introduced such similarities, because after the battle with the undead dragon he had new scars. One was quite long and large just under his chest stone. The second was at the left side of his ribs, and the third started slightly above his hip and ended at the knee of his right leg. But in spite of this Andrew was feeling his best and now he started talking again.

- Yes, I have more scars now. No ring finger on my left hand, scars on both cheeks, a burn near my right eye and the novelty of these three scars. Hmm, I'm a real looker. By the way, how much time do we have left before the wave? -

Naofumi lightly scratched his cheek and began to answer.

- Three weeks, but we're already more than ready. When we get back to the city, I'll create everything we need and we'll be already rested in all our weapons. Just as long as we don't run into the other three fools. -

Andrei nodded in agreement and began to answer.

- Yes, they are fools, but if they are taught the essence of what they have done, then maybe they will become normal. Right now, they are big fools. You know the saying or the phrase - Giants are just fools. And they're fools because they rely on their strength and don't use their brains properly. -

Naofumi nodded and began to answer.

- Good words, a good fighter is not one who swings his sword and his strength with all his might. It's the one who uses his brain and thinks of tactics. And we do have tactics, we think out every fight somehow. By the way, I haven't heard from Raftalia and Firo. -

Andrei made a sly smile and began to speak.

- Naofumi, you just want to see Raftalia's naked body. -

Naofumi blushed slightly and immediately started to answer.

- I'm really worried about them and it has nothing to do with what you said. And why would you have such thoughts all of a sudden? -

Without removing the sly smile Andrew brought his palm to himself and began to speak by curling his fingers.

- You told me yourself that you secretly fell in love with her and kiss her forehead when she sleeps. That's one thing. Secondly, you are a virgin with a young girl, who in turn is also trying to hint to you that she cares about you. And thirdly, I saw the way you looked at her when she suggested we visit these springs. -

Naofumi frowned slightly and crossed his arms before speaking.

- Don't tell a soul about our conversation. It's just our conversation, I hope we understand each other.

Andrew shrugged his shoulders and started to give his answer again.

- Okay, don't forget that I keep all secrets and I won't tell anyone anything. Well, for the moment, I'd better get out. I'll rest a little in the hotel. -

Naofumi nodded and continued to relax, while Andrei got dressed and went back to the hotel. He put his swords on his belt and went outside to a quiet place where he could train. Fortunately such a place was not far away. Andrew went to one of the back alleys and went to a dark cul-de-sac and started just quietly practising his blows on the usual air.

Everything worked out well, but some movements were difficult and brought discomfort in the new scars. It also made Andrei tired faster, but at the same time he didn't stop practising until the sun started to go down over the horizon. He immediately put his swords back at his belt and walked briskly back to the inn, hoping that Naofumi, Raftalia and Firo hadn't returned yet. Luckily for him they hadn't, so he was able to quickly get himself cleaned up and after cleaning up the dust that had settled on his jacket, he sat down on a chair while looking out the window. By this time the sun had completely hidden behind the horizon, and the moon was beginning to partially appear in the sky. Andrew could have sat like that all night, but at that moment his mates entered the room, Naofumi immediately looked in his direction, and then began to speak.

- Oh, you're sitting there, who are you watching? -

Andrei smiled and started to answer.

- The moon, it was just starting to appear in the sky. Nobody wants to keep me company? -

Naofumi immediately said he was sleepy, Firo was already sitting on the bed lightly and covered himself with a blanket, and Raftalia smiled slightly and started to answer.

- I'm sorry brother Andrei, but I'm already sleepy too. Let's better watch the scenery together next time. Yes, and you'd better go to bed. -

Andrei immediately pretended to yawn and stretched his arms upwards and started to answer.

- Yes, I think you're right. I'll sleep, and I'll be as good as new in the morning. So good night to you, too. -

They nodded to each other and went in different directions, but instead of falling asleep Andrew closed his eyes slightly and watched everything that was going on. After a while, Raftalia got up from her bed, and after a while Firo got up as well. Andrei immediately wondered where they were going. He got up carefully and, putting on his clothes and putting his swords at his belt as usual, quietly followed the nocturnal animals like himself.

He followed them to one of the roads leading to the mountain, watching and listening to Raftalia talking to herself and blushing. Firo, on the other hand, was slightly to the other side and humming some sort of song to herself. This went on until they both bumped into each other and Andrew was quietly watching this behind one of the boulders. He heard their brief conversation of reasons why they had come here and couldn't hold back the laughter they immediately heard. He decided not to hide any longer and stepped out from behind the boulder, whereupon Raftalia, who had seen him, began to speak.

- Brother Andrew, what are you doing here? -

Without removing his smile Andrei began to answer.

- I didn't sleep. Then I saw you going somewhere, so I decided to follow you quietly. In case something happens, and I'm here to help you. By the way, the things you need are right next to each other. -

Raftalia and Firo looked at Andrei attentively, and then Firo asked a question she had.

- Brother Andrew, did you hear what we were talking about with sister Raftalia? -

Andrei just nodded and they both blushed, Raftalia wanted to say something, but Andrei stopped her and started talking.

- Don't worry, I won't tell Naofumi about it. But you also don't tell him that I didn't rest at the proper hour, he's still worried about my condition. I hope we understand each other? -

Firo began to nod her head happily, and Raftalia with a kind smile on her face began to reply.

- 'Of course brother, just be careful. We're worried about you too. -

Andrei nodded gratefully and went the other way. So he reached the forest and began to walk through its shadows, there were no monsters to his surprise, but he felt something strange, as if someone was watching him. Andrew stopped because of this and carefully looked at the branches and noticed a thin figure in a cloak. Despite the darkness, Andrei immediately recognised the one who was sitting in the tree. He smiled slightly and began to speak.

- Good evening Elizabeth, it's good to see you again. -

The shadow was surprised when she heard that she had been revealed, but then with a small, barely noticeable smile she jumped down and stood next to Andrew. She looked at Andrei and began to speak.

- Hello Andrei Sokolov, you've changed, not much, but as if you've become even more masculine than you were. As far as I know, you've found someone you can help and be there for in times of need. -

Andrew remembered his old words and the feeling he had when he first met Elizabeth, but he nodded slightly and began to speak.

- It's true, I have found my love, whatever it may be. You know, I fell in love with you too, Elizabeth, when you saved me. But now, I feel more sympathy, and I'm not refusing to say I'll help you in your hour of need. -

In spite of Andrew's words, Elizabeth's cheeks flushed slightly and she began to answer.

- I am happy for you Andrei, you are a good and kind man, so do many other people who know about you. And I almost forgot, Mistress decided to give a message to you personally. -

Andrei was surprised and decided to ask.

- Are you sure? I'm just Naofumi's mate, maybe it's better to give him all the information? -

Elisabeth shook her head negatively and then began to speak.

- No, Madam told me to give the message to you. The hero of the Shield is Naofumi. He will be spoken to by another shadow at the right moments. You will be spoken to by me and only me. Now I'll get to the message. -

Andrew nodded without further ado and Elizabeth began to speak.

- The mistress sends word that she continues to send you help in the form of shadows, that is me and two of my companions, as well as the mistress sends word that she will return as soon as possible and correct the situation of the shield hero for the better. Also on your way back to the city you will meet a confidant of the lady, she asks you not to reveal what you have heard to your comrades. She's sure you're a man of honour, Andrei, and I think the same of you. And from me personally, and this is more of a request. -

Andrei looked carefully at the mask and decided to ask.

- What kind of a request is it, Elizabeth? -

She also looked at him carefully and began to speak.

- Don't take too many risks like with that dragon, I don't want to see a valiant man die, that's all for now, goodbye. I hope next time we meet in a less dark environment. -

They both nodded to each other and went their separate ways.