The fall of the Halberd Hero

Before seeing the port, i could tell that we had arrived by the strong stench. Industrial machineries, welding some sort of new ship, while others were busy fixing up their motors.

Though, it was clear that none of them had the intention, or showed signs, of returning from any fishing trips. They were all mortified of the waves and the destruction they bring.

Most were relieved since there was a hero in the city to protect them, yet what if the waves arrive and I'm still stuck out at sea?

If we fail, not only will our lives be in danger, but also the villagers who rely on my strength against the waves. Also, we will be at a natural disadvantage at sea, since we're pretty much screwed once the ship gets damaged, which I cant really prevent at my current level.

There has to be another way…

Though, interrupting my racing thoughts, Elisa approaches me.

Before she or I could say anything, she bowed down, prompting me to take a step back.

"Listen, Yu. I have an idea but it could be dangerous." This piqued my interest, though I felt awkward at the way she made a big deal out of it.

"Every time you summon the crystalline halberd, there's this frost storm, right?", she continued.

Continuing, she bows even deeper, „H-How about we use that ability to freeze the water to run on it, get to his sister through the party tracker, and get her back without having to risk getting caught in the waves?"

This idea was prompted by a small detail, that Reginald had added while we were walking: He knew exactly where his sister was at all times, due to them forming a party beforehand.

Finally, this was the reason for his erratic behavior… it's because he knew exactly how fucked Meredith was, and she likely did as well.

And since we were travelling together for the time being anyways, our parties linked, allowing us to also see Meredith's whereabouts. This would also alert Meredith herself, noticing the halberd hero joining the party.

She could probably guess what was going on.

'Then again, walking on water is too uncertain of a variable,…. Yet we have no other choice.'

"Elisa, tell me more about your plan.", I asked curiously, betting on this as our last resort.

"Simple, I go on your back and you piggyback us both to the ship. Once there, we can use the teleport function of the waves, allowing us to make a safe return after also bunching her crew members into the sub-party."

Although I knew Elisa wasn't stupid, I was surprised to hear such a plan come out of her mouth. And although I had no prior knowledge of a teleportation function during the waves, I could trust her with how much her mother must have taught her.

There was only a single problem:

"Then what about you? The frost storm also affects you, so staying too long in it could harm you."

Then, all of a sudden, Elisa stepped back in a flustered fashion, touching her finger tips in front of her chest.

"I-I can handle it, okay?", she said, not convincing any of us.

But before I could offer to just go on my own instead, she jumped on my back and activated some sort of wight leightening buff.

She then whispered in my ear, "No matter where or how many will die on the way, I will follow you no matter what.", causing a shiver to run down my spine… It seemed like this way was inevitable.

So, taking a few steps towards shore, the old man stumbles after me,

"And what about me?!", he asked desperately.

Smirking, Elisa replies, "You can stay here on shore with Reggy boy and just wait."

Letting out a disappointed sigh, Bran finally crumbles after being sympathetically held at the shoulder by Reginald.

"Please! Get my sister back safe, yeh two!", he shouted, filling my heart with purpose.

I couldn't fail this again. Not after last time. So putting all of my faith into the weapon in my hand, the vibrant transformation begins once again, causing my body to growl in response.

And as I felt my lungs pumping and my ribcage being stuffed, the cold sensation of a brewing storm hits my skin, just as predicted.

'[Unique Passive skill: Freezing temperatures]'

So, coming into contact with the harsh waves, they shock into a frozen state, sturdy enough not to break under my weight.

It was time to take the leap of faith, this was it. I could feel my heart race as I took the first step on the crackling ice, slowly turning into a slow walk until I felt confident enough to run.

Until finally, grabbing Elisa tighter by the legs, we dash towards Meredith.

.

.

Back on shore, Old man Bran and Reginald were just about to go get another drink, already having been acquainted through their shared interest in booze.

"So? What's your sister like? She must be incredible to already command a ship at her age."

"Anything but, old lad. She's a fool for blindly followin' our father.", he answered, letting his gaze wander to his cup.

"Can you blame her? It's normal for children to try and take up their parent's work. The bond between a child and its caregiver is truly something special, that can't be taken for granted, you see."

"Yeh're right, partly. Ah admire 'er will, yet she is a real fool for continuin', despite our mother's worries. Ah just wish we could go back t' simpler times, yeh know."

Smiling warmly, Bran nods his head in agreement. Though, he twitched when a loud noise suddenly shot from the pub entrance.

.

As the door slammed open, an intimidating young man walks in, accompanied by three others.

Following the three with curious eyes, Bran recognises them immediately based on the weapon the man was wielding: This is the mace heroes party.

But what were they doing here?

Looking back to Reginald, he nods and motions the old man to do what he wants. To Reginald, the drink was more important than some idle drama.

So, Bran stands up and moves to the bar, that was in listening range to the party of the mace hero. If an opportunity like this made itself, he was sure not to waste it.

As the four were settling down on the cramped table, their leader let out a long sigh.

"Are you all prepared? We don't have long before the waves finally arrive.", he said, pushing his authority in the group. -So this was the famous Shinichi Tanaka, the mace hero who was famous for his bravery and strength.

Just looking at him made the old man feel safe, as if he could depend on this person.

'Well, compared to Yukiko, he really gave off the vibe of a hero, while also already having a record of successful achievements under his belt. Not to mention his age, that was the highest out of the summoned heroes, contrasting Yukiko, who was the youngest.'

.

.

Stopping himself, a bitter feeling comes up, 'What if… he was the one to take up my request? Would he have been able to save my son?'

He didn't like these thoughts, but he found it important to have them. Yukiko was a hero, yes, but that doesn't mean she is a good person or someone he could trust.

He decided to keep listening in on the conversation, only picking up the few noteworthy sentences they spouted.

All of a sudden, though, one of them shot up from their seat, telling the others that they needed to go to the toilet real quick.

Pretending as if he didn't hear anything, Bran kept on sipping on his drink, that had already been emptied.

Then, as the person walks by the bar, a cold wind following her, she suddenly grabs the old man by the collar.

He was incredibly surprised, this action also arousing the attention of Reginald, who now saw his friend being held up, as if he was a stray pup.

"And who are you? Awfully interested in our conversation, aren't you?", the woman asked with a cold look, that made a shiver run down Bran's spine.

Though before he could answer, Tanaka stood up as well and helped the old man down, dusting off his coat.

Immediately after, he turned to his stoic partner, announcing that this was inappropriate to do to an elder.

"I'm incredibly sorry for her rude behaviour, respected elder.", he said, though he was also suspicious of Bran.

"Are you perhaps worried about the waves? Please do not worry, the king has already tasked us with protecting this city, so there shouldn't be any trouble coming your way.", he added shortly after, causing the old man to huff a sigh of relief.

Though after thinking it over, a question remained in his head,

'He got tasked to protect this city? I don't remember Yukiko ever getting direct missions from the king himself.'

Something was wrong about this situation, what was he really doing here?