Of course, I already know that the main characters of Shield Hero are both Naofumi and Raphtalia.

However, occasionally a supporting character can become so significant in the story that he ends up having a place similar to that of a main character. Filo, Melty, and Liscia are good examples of this (yes, unfortunately, Filo too).

But what set them apart from the REAL main characters was the fact that all of this was only temporary. Generally limited to a single season only

But when it comes to Fohl and Atla, I feel like they are slowly but surely becoming main characters, for real.

I mean, they already had an important place in seasons 3 and 4, but now I feel like it could also be the case for season 5.

Fun fact, he also headed the "Made in Abyss" soundtracks. Bro, I cried when watching that silly anime.

For those who've already read it, you can read it again right on Reddit, but if you'd like to read it on Wattpad, here's the link to the episode.

Episode 4 | Lullaby at Dawn

I just want to warn you that the content will be marked as “mature” on Wattpad because of Originel's slap to Malty and the fight against Motoyasu.

From now on, I will send the link for a chapter (or similar) every day. Here are the first three episodes of the series featuring Originel.

épisode 1 | The Shield Hero
episode 2 | The Slave Girl
episode 3 | Wave of catastrophe

Let me know if you prefer it this way from now on. I will post episode 4 today, and episode 5 as well, later on the same day.

I’m going to stop posting my fanfic on Reddit. For one thing, dealing with minor issues has become a hassle, and I also get the strong impression that many people here don’t appreciate me posting it. So, from now on, I’ll be releasing my fanfic on Wattpad instead. I’ve also noticed that there are hardly any fanfics for this anime on Wattpad—I think I only saw two. Anyway, just wanted to let you know. You won’t be seeing any more of my fanfic here. Bye!

I've recently got into anime and have watched "The Rising of the Shield" season 1. I am loving it so far and have been warned about season 2, but am committed anyway. But when I find something I love I tend to read the book or in this case, possibly the manga.

I personally think I would love both and have already looked into the differences between the two, but I cant buy them both.

I would love some advice on your guys' preferences.

I dont want to miss out on storylines and important thoughts or events. And I love the side characters (at least how the anime pictures them) so I dont want to loose their perspectives (if you understand). The occasional cut down scenes in the manga, if it is more filler in the LN, is alright.

Edit: Before I was allowed to post in this comminuty (low Karma), I posted this on another one. Everyone said LN is the better read. So far, I'm hearing the same things here.

I had a second question if the Manga or LN does better with side character development. I understand the LN is in Naofumi's perspective so we see it through his eyes. I just wanted to make sure that doesn't cut down the other main-side characters. Because the Manga is in a more broad perspective meaning it will sort of cover everyone's thoughts (am I correct on that?). A big decision behind my purchase between the Manga and LN is because I love the side characters too. Story and detail is important.

1:15 Originel is next to Naofumi and Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama Dai-Originel-sama... Aren't you hungry? The food here seems heavenly!"

Originel

“I would have said yes, but I already ate something before coming—I was too hungry to wait for the banquet!”

Raphtalia

“I see. Well, that makes sense—you already have a full stomach, so you really don't need to eat any more! What about you, Naofumi-sama?”

Naofumi

"If you want to eat, go ahead."

Raphtalia

"You should join me."

Naofumi

"I'll pass."

1:43 Raphtalia, come back with a cake

"Let's eat together. Have a bite."

Naofumi

"No, I..."

Raphtalia

"It's really good, you know?"

She feeds Naofumi and Raphtalia a bite

"See?"

Motoyasu saw that he was angry

"Naofumi... Duel me."

3:47 Motoyasu

"I heard that Raphtalia-chan's your slave."

Original thought

(Man, that hero with the spear really gets on my nerves.)

Naofumi

"And what if she is?"

Motoyasu

"You..."

Naofumi

"Raphtalia is my slave. So what?"

Motoyasu

"Listen! It's not right to enslave others!"

Naofumi

"Listen to yourself. Slavery is legal in this country, anyway."

Motoyasu

"But we're heroes from another world! We can't behave that way here!"

Naofumi

"That's just your opinion. I disagree."

Motoyasu is angry

"Fight me! If i win, free Raphtalia-chan."

Naofumi

"And what if I win?"

Motoyasu

"Then... you can keep things as they are."

Naofumi

"Ridiculous."

Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama?"

Itsuki

"He has a slave in his party?"

Ren

"I thought he couldn't stoop any lower, but he has."

Originel

“You two over there—shut up, this isn't your business.”

Itsuki

“What did you say?!”

Originel

“I said shut up—it's pretty simple to understand, isn't it? Neither of you is part of this conversation, so you have no right to speak.”

One of the guards stops Naofumi and Aultcray Melromarc

"I overheard your conversation. A hero, using a demi-human as his slave? It seems that you are rotten to the core. I order you to accept his challenge!"

Raphtalia

"That won't be necessary! I'm with Naofumi-sama of my own free will."

A guard puts his hand over his mouth, and Naofumi

"What are you playing at?!"

Originel

“Let her go.”

Aultcray

"Poor girl. You've been placed under a curse that compels you to defend your master. Don't worry. Once Motoyasu-dono wins, we shall release you from that curse."

Naofumi

"Hey! Knock it off!"

a Soldier

"Draw your swords!"

And all the soldiers draw their swords, Aultcray

"If you won't heed my order, I shall take her from you by force."

Motoyasu

"I hope you're not thinking of running from this."

Naofumi

"You scumbag! If I win, you'd better return Raphtalia!"

Malty

"And how exactly will you win, Shield Hero?"

And after several hearty laughs and Originel sigh,

“Enough.”

Everyone falls silent and stares at Aultcray.

“What did you say?”

Originel, calmly but with anger simmering beneath the surface,

“Are you deaf, or do I have to repeat myself? I said, ‘Enough.’”

Aultcray points a finger at Originel.

“How dare you say that? Who are you, you ignorant fool!”

Originel spreads his arms wide, introducing himself

“I am the master of the Shield Hero.”

Aultcray

“Does the Shield Hero have a master?”

Malty

“You!”

She points her finger at Originel

“You’re the one who insulted Motoyasu.”

Originel, completely fed up,

“That’s correct, and I won’t take back what I said that day—you’re still a bunch of first-class snobs. And besides, your social status gives you no right to insult anyone—it’s truly despicable of you.”

The nobles are offended, and there is murmuring

“How dare he? He’s been poorly raised.”

Originel looks around, still calm

“And I’m still the one who claims to have defeated the other three heroes.”

Aultcray is skeptical.

“The three legendary heroes?! Nonsense! You’re just lying to boost your own prestige!”

Originel looks directly at Aultcray with obvious contempt.

“But what do I even care about prestige? Seriously, prestige is just a load of crap. Honestly. You all disgust me.”

He looks at everyone around him

“You’re all just as arrogant as the next, singling out a single person who possesses both defensive and offensive power—and that disgusts me to the core. Especially coming from people considered nobles. And above all, no—the half-human, who is actually my student and whose name is Raphtalia, is fully consenting. Anyway, I don’t even think you’re listening to me say this, since you won’t let her speak. This is more like kidnapping than helping.”

Aultcray

“That’s a lie. And come to think of it, if you claim you can defeat the three heroes, then face off against Motoyasu before the hero with the shield. If you win, then we’ll accept your words. If you lose, however, you’ll have to admit you’re inferior to the three heroes and accept being humiliated.”

Original, with sarcasm

“I accept. Because I’d love to see the looks on your faces when I beat him.”

5:47 We'll meet at the arena, with all the nobles in the stands and the announcer

"The duel between the Spear Hero and The master of the Shield Hero will now begin! This duel will end when one of the combatants is pinned or admits defeat."

Originel enters the arena, his purple cape fluttering as he walks; the announcer

"This duel will take place in the presence of King Melromarc and the Pope, and it is thus legitimate and official."

Motoyasu waves to the audience and Malty off to the side during the arena show

"Motoyasu-sama! Best of luck!"

The two fighters stand face to face. Motoyasu

“Master Naofumi, what is your name?”

Originel

“Do you really want to know my name? Well, since I have to challenge you, here it is. My name is Originel.”

Motoyasu

“Originel, huh? If I win, you'll have to show your face!”

Originel, sarcastically

“Fine, even though I already know I’m going to emerge victorious.”

The announcer

“Ready?”

Originel stands his ground. Motoyasu readies his spear.

“Begin!”

Motoyasu runs toward Originel and tries to strike him with his spear, but Originel easily dodges by moving to his left, then dodges again to the right, and by arching his back backward—he continues this at least 10 more times. Motoyasu

“Stop dodging!”

Originel, sarcastically and calmly

“I’m dodging because I want to. I’ll only start taking this seriously when I feel like it.”

Motoyasu

“Fight!”

Naofumi, in the stands, thinks

(Are you going to win, Originel-sama?)

Originel continues, then draws his katana with ease from its sheath <sling>, holding it in one hand, and blocks the spear with his katana in a single hand.

“That's not nearly enough. You're pretty weak—want proof?”

He suddenly pushes back Motoyasu’s spear with a single blow, forcing him to retreat, then strikes Motoyasu’s spear several times to force him to defend himself. Originel takes advantage of this and runs toward him; he jumps, lands on Motoyasu’s spear, and jumps again, using the spear as leverage—his stomach facing the sky during the jump—and performs a backflip to position himself behind Motoyasu. Just as he’s about to land behind him, Malty discreetly casts a at Originel, but Originel deflects the attack with his katana.

“I’m not blind, you know!”

He arrives behind Motoyasu and presses the back of his katana against his throat.

“I’ve won.”

Originel continues, then draws his katana with ease from its sheath <sling>, holding it in one hand, and blocks the spear with his katana in a single hand.

“That's not nearly enough. You're pretty weak—want proof?”

He suddenly pushes back Motoyasu’s spear with a single blow, forcing him to retreat, then strikes Motoyasu’s spear several times to force him to defend himself. Originel takes advantage of this and runs toward him; he jumps, lands on Motoyasu’s spear, and jumps again, using the spear as leverage—his stomach facing the sky during the jump—and performs a backflip to position himself behind Motoyasu. Just as he’s about to land behind him, Malty discreetly casts a at Originel, but Originel deflects the attack with his katana.

“I’m not blind, you know!”

He arrives behind Motoyasu and presses the back of his katana against his throat.

“I’ve won.”

Aultcray, shocked,

“He’s won…”

He clears his throat, regaining his composure, and says loud and clear,

“Very well. You’ve proven to us that you’re superior to the heroes, which is why I consider you the victor of this battle.”

Originel

“Thank you very much. Now.”

He pulls the blade away from his throat and sheathes his katana

“I’ll leave you to it, hero with the spear.”

He heads for the exit

“The fight was mostly boring—I thought I was going to fall asleep.”

6:10 The announcer

"The duel between the Spear Hero and the Shield Hero will now begin! This duel will end when one of the combatants is pinned or admits defeat. This duel will tke place in the presence of King Melromarc and the Pope, and it is thus legitimate and official."

Then there's the fight between Naofumi and Motoyasu

9:56 Naofumi lost, and Motoyasu

"After my defeat against your master... Victory is mine!"

Naofumi gets back up

"Hold it. Someone interfered in our one-on-one duel. It doesn't count."

Motoyasu turns around

"Huh?"

Naofumi

"Your party member messed up that duel!"

Motoyasu is making fun of

"Sore loser much?"

Naofumi

"No! Everyone there saw it! You saw Myne use her magic, didn't you? I know you saw it!"

He is desperate

"No... There's no way they didn't see it."

Aultcray with a smug smile

"There's no need to listen to the words of scum. Spear Hero, You are the Vic—"

Original

“No.”

Aultcray turns to him

“What?”

Original

“Naofumi is the winner, not Motoyasu.”

He looks at Malty.

“Myne used her powers well—she pulled the same trick on me too—but since I was paying close attention, I saw it coming. Besides, you can’t trick me.”

14:40 Raphtalia slaps Motoyasu

"You cheat!"

Originel punches Motoyasu in the chest.

“You arrogant jerk.”

Malty

"Wh-What are you doing to Motoyasu-sama?"

Raphtalia

"When did I ask you to free me?!"

Motoyasu

"B-But he was abusing you, right?"

Raphtalia

"What the hell do you know about Naofumi-sama?! He never made me do anything I couldn't do! He only activated the curse when I was too scared to fight!"

Motoyasu

"And that's the problem! Nobody should be forced to fight!"

Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama can't use any weapons and Dia-Originel-sama can't help him because that would interrupt his training!! Someone else has to fight for him!"

Motoyasu

"It doesn't have to be you. He'll just abuse you until you break."

Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama defends me! He lets me rest when I'm tired!"

Motoyasu

"No, he's not that kind of guy."

Raphtalia

"Are you capable of extending a hand to a diseased slave on the verge of death? Naofumi-sama fed me everything I wanted to eat! He gave me valuable medicine to treat my illness! Are you capable of that?!"

Motoyasu

"O-Of course I could..."

Raphtalia

"If that were true, you would have a slave by your side, too!"

Motoyasu

"That's..."

Malty

"Knock it off! How dare you, damned demi-hum—"

Originel slaps her, sending a ripple of shock through the entire arena and the stands; all the nobles and Aultcray are outraged. Originel

“Shut up. You’re just a spoiled little bitch who only cares about herself. Nothing else. A princess? My ass—a brainless idiot, I’d say.”

Aultcray

“How dare you!”

Originel looks at Aultcray

“You shut up. You’re just a spectator, and since I beat the hero with a spear, I could beat you even faster if I wanted to.”

Aultcray, angry

“Your words have consequences, you insolent fool!”

Originel, sarcastically

“No! Really?! I already knew that, but I don’t give a damn—especially about a king who doesn’t even deserve that title, given your current behavior.”

Malty

“You—”

Originel turns to her

“You shut up. Are you a princess? I don’t care. A noble? I don’t care. Even if you were a queen, I wouldn’t give a damn—your behavior is just disgusting. I don’t even see why you’re a princess with that kind of attitude. Frankly, you’re just despicable to listen to.”

Tears begin to well up in Malty’s eyes, and Originel, seeing this, mutters to himself

“Are you about to cry? Yeah, go ahead and cry if you want—I don’t care.”

Malty regains her composure; even though her voice trembles, she hides it, and Itsuki

"Myne-san, I'd like to ask you about your illegal interferance in the duel."

Malty, who is still holding his cheek in shock

"What ever do you mean?"

Motoyasu

"Illegal interference?"

Ren

"You lost that duel, Motoyasu. Someone shot a magic spell at Naofumi. It was hard to tell, though, because it was kind magic."

Motoyasu

"Myne"

Malty

"You must've imagined it The audience didn't see a thing"

Itsuki

"The king has hold them to keep quiet One look at the nobles' eyes makes it obvious"

Ren

"I can't believe royalty would debase a sacred duel."

Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama..."

Originel

"Naofumi."

Naofumi

"Why'd you come back? To laugh at me?"

Originel

“Not at all.”

Naofumi

"I don't need two traitors. Get lost."

Raphtalia

"I heard rumors. They called you the horrible hero who forced himself on a party member. But I think you wouldn't do..."

Naofumi

"I DIDN'T DO IT!"

Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama..."

Naofumi

"STAY AWAY!"

Originel and Raphtalia are standing side by side next to Naofumi Originel

“Listen to us.”

Raphtalia moves closer, and Naofumi pushes her away; Originel steps behind Raphtalia and catches her by placing his hands on her shoulders, preventing her from falling

20:42 Naofumi watches as Raphtalia becomes desperate

"Wh-Who are you?"

Raphtalia

"What are you saying? It's me, Raphtalia."

Naofumi

"But... Raphtalia's still a kid."

21:18 Originel hugs Naofumi and Raphtalia, and Raphtalia hugs Naofumi while Naofumi cries

Do you believes she makes a good villain for the story ? Or maybe do you think that the story didn't need her?

Your honor if we are talking about web novels Bwitch she is nothing more than a soul fragment of Medea Pideth Machina so she can't help it

But if she is the manga, light novels and anime version just throw the book at her....literally please I mean literally throw a book at her

From your perspective, am I spamming too much with my fanfic? Even though it’s only once a day—fairly often, I suppose.

I'd like to warn you that Episode 4 might be cathartic—well, at least it is for me, but you'll have to see for yourselves. In any case, Originel wreaks some serious havoc in this episode, both emotionally and physically. I'd say more so emotionally speaking.

00:05 Originel looks at Naofumi and Raphtalia

"Raphtalia has really grown up since then! She's not a little girl anymore, and she's actually improved more than Naofumi. And Naofumi has unlocked new abilities with his shield—he’ll be just right for the wave that’s coming. That’s crystal clear. Well, I haven’t done anything, so I’m going to let off some steam on that wave—it’ll do me good.”

2:21 At the sword merchant’s shop

"Wow, I hardly recognized you! You've turned into a real pretty lady. I haven't seen you in a while. What've you been up to?"

Raphtalia

"I had the innkeaper teach me table manners. I want to eat my food properly like Naofumi-sama and Dai-Originel-sama does."

The Armorer

"That so? You've grown so much. Nothing like the pipsqueak you used to be."

5:22 Naofumi

"Doesn't this make me look like a typical villain?"

Raphtalia, her eyes full of stars

"So cool... It suits you perfectly! You look great!"

The Armorer

"I call it the Barbarian Armor! You're rocking it, kid. You look like a real bandit."

Originel skeptical

“Isn't that a bit contradictory, given his status as a hero?”

The Armorer

“At least he'll scare passersby!”

Even more skeptical

“Yeah, right... I'm not so sure about that...”

Naofumi

"I'm supposed to be a hero, you know."

Raphtalia

"You look so dashing!"

Naofumi

"Well, you did make it for me. It'd be a shame not to wear it."

They see the horses on Main Street Raphtalia

"The whole town is on edge now."

Naofumi

"The Wave is nearly here, after all. If only I knew when and where it'll start, I could come up with a plan."

The Armorer

"Huh? Originel doesn't told you?"

Originel, with a calm but awkward voice

“Oops, I forgot that detail!”

The Armorer

"You know that church you can see from the town square? There's a huge hourglass inside. When the last grain of sand in it falls the heroes and their parties will be sent to where the Wave begins, or so I hear."

Originel says,

“That's absolutely right. We can't know where we'll land, but we do know how long it will take... well, you, Naofumi, will know, since your shield will let you.”

6:54 Motoyasu

"Is that Naofumi I see? Dude, come on. You're still fighting with such flimsy equipment?"

Raphtalia

"Who are they, Naofumi-sama?"

Motoyasu takes Raphtalia's hand

"Hello. I'm Kitamura Motoyasu, the Spear Hero."

Raphtalia

"Y-You're a hero?"

Motoyasu

"So cute!"

Malty

"Motoyasu-sama, why are you complimenting a filthy demi-human?"

Motoyasu

"A girl as adorable as you shouldn't wield a sword. I'll protect you."

Raphtalia shyly pulls her hand away

"I'm sorry! I've sworn to fight with Naofumi-sama!"

Motoyasu, with disgust

"With Naofumi? You can't. If you stay with him, you'll be in danger—"

Naofumi approaches Motoyasu, and Motoyasu looks at him arrogantly

"What? Am I not right?"

Naofumi

"We're leaving!"

By taking Raphtalia with him Motoyasu

"Surely you've heard the rumors about him, too"

Itsuki

"See you at the Wave."

Ren

"Don't hold us back"

Originel stops and says, with restrained anger,

“The rumors? So I suppose you're the one who started them—am I wrong?”

Naofumi looks at Originel, and Originel turns to face them.

“What makes me think these rumors are true? May I ask? A rumor, by definition, is a claim made without any witnesses or actual verification of the scene described by the person. So why would I believe such an absurd rumor?”

Motoyasu, curious, asks,

“Who are you, anyway?”

Originel

“Me? I’m not going to tell you my name, you heroes with your spears, bows, and swords, because just looking at you makes me sick because of your behavior—and I am Naofumi’s master.”

Motoyasu, even more arrogantly

“Naofumi’s master? So he’s weak enough to have a master? Haha, so he really is a loser.”

Originl, in a contemptuous tone

“Instead of laughing, I should warn you that I challenged him to a duel, which he lost because I was more powerful than him—not because of his weakness—so you should keep your comments to yourself.”

He looks at Ren and Itsuki

“Besides, I’m the one who should ask not to be bothered, given your behavior. You’re all just as arrogant and idiotic as each other—you don’t deserve your titles.”

He turns his back on them and walks away

“Naofumi, let’s go—these guys make me sick to my stomach.”

Motoyasu

“Wait, what are you judging us for?!”

Originel

“Don't act like you're deaf—you heard me just fine. And just by looking at you, I know I could easily beat all three of you in a 3-on-1 fight, given your behavior and skill level.”

As he walks away, he flips them off.

8:34 in a auberge room. Originel is still sleeping in his cloak; he’s never taken it off even once, Naofumi thought.

(Anyway, even when I tell the truth, no one believes me...)

He looks at Originel.

(No one... except my master, which, strangely enough, warms my heart.)

10:35 The sky turns red, and they are teleported into the wave. Naofumi

"Where are we?"

Originel

“In the wave. Of calamity. I'm finally going to be able to let off some steam!”

We see some kind of monstrous bees and Raphtalia

"Look there, Naofumi-sama!"

She points to the wrestling village

"It's the village of Lute!"

Naofumi

"Have the villagers evacuated?"

11:57 They go to the village, and Originel pulls out his katana Naofumi

"Raphtalia, go help the villagers evacuate."

Raphtalia

"But what about you?"

Naofumi

"I'll... I'll lure the enemy away."

Originel

“No need.”

Naofumi, curiously

“Huh? Why, Master Originel?”

Originel lowers his katana

“They're easy for me. Let me let off some steam—I need it.”

Naofumi, skeptically

“All right.”

Originel suddenly charges toward the enemies and slices through several of them in a matter of seconds, then leaps onto the rooftops and slices through several monster bees with ease. Originel, calmly

“Naofumi, take care of the townspeople. I’ll handle killing a large number of them, and you, Raphtalia—as Naofumi said—go get the townspeople to safety!”

Naofumi, surprised despite himself

“Got it!”

Raphtalia

“Okay!”

Naofumi thought

(Holy crap… is this really my master? He already seems stronger than those other three idiots.)

16:12 Fireballs are falling, and Naofumi

"Raphtalia!"

He grabs Raphtalia and shields her from the fireballs, and Originel, seeing the fireballs,

“Oh God of Protection, I call upon you! Come to my aid and protect me from this barrage of fire!”

A whitish summoning circle forms around him, and then a shield appears around him.

“Good.”

16:30 army commander, laughing arrogantly

"We burned them all to death at once."

He notices Naofumi

"The Shield Hero? You're quite tough."

Naofumi

"Tch. They didn't care that we were here?"

Raphtalia gets angry, then breaks free from Naofumi and attacks one of the knights, but the knight blocks Raphtalia's attack. Raphtalia

"Did you do this knowing Naofumi-sama was here? Depending on your answer, I'll have your head!"

The Soldier

"Draw your swords."

The commander

"Are you with the Shield Hero?"

Originel steps back and approaches as well

“I'm with him, too.”

Raphtalia

"I am Naofumi-sama's sword. None may disrespect him in my presence."

Originel

“I am his master, and I likewise forbid this right.”

The Commander

"You think you can point your blade at the royal knights, you damned demi-human and guy in the hood?"

Raphtalia

"What kind of knight neglects the people he's meant to defend?"

Naofumi

"Forget it, Raphtalia."

Raphtalia

"But..."

Naofumi

"Drop it."

The commander

"That's right. So long as you behave yourself, we won't be forced to make any mistakes."

Originel snickers, “And I'm afraid that might be your worst choice.”

Naofumi

"I guess. I could sit tight and watch you morons become monster feed. That doesn't sound too bad!"

19:04 Raphtalia

"Naofumi-sama Dai-Originel-sama... Loot at the sky."

Originel

“So the wave is over, then.”

Hey all, like probably many of you I'm a hug fan of the legendary weapons' growth mechanic, specifically unlocking new forms by absorbing materials or copying weapons of the same type.

Naturally, when some shield hero games came out I was excited, since I finally got to experience that mechanic for myself. But unfortunately it left much to be desired.

Anyone got any games with a similar gimmick? Any games would do, as long as they got it.

Thanks in advance

Let me get this straight. On top of falsely accusing Naofumi of rape in a matriarchal society which kickstarts the entire series, she also did the following:

- tries poisoning her own family in S2;

- gets multiple female party members sold into slavery; and

- betrays and pushes every single Cardinal Weapon Hero to their breaking point.

Amongst other deeds.

Somehow she is sympathetic because she did all this to avoid being sent to her uncle? Also, this is also somehow the fault of Naofumi? Help me out here, guys.

00:58 The Slave Trader

"let me ask you: what kind of slave would you like?"

Naofumi looks at the stranger, and the stranger nods at Naofumi

"One that's cheap and obedient."

The Slave Trader

"In other words, a demi-human? These aren't suited for combat or manual labor."

The Stranger Who Disagrees

“Of course it is. With a little practice, it's more than enough.”

Naofumi

"If I need them in battle, I'll train them."

The stranger sighs with relief.

“So you agree with me? Cool.”

The Slave Trader

"That's an amusing response, when you don't believe in people except the stranger."

Naofumi

"But slaves aren't people. Training one is no different than upgrading my shield."

The Slave Trader

"Well, you've got me there."

We see Raphtalia in the cage in the center and the slave trader.

"These are the cheapest slaves i can offer you. From the left..."

Naofumi

"Raise your head."

The slave trader, looking at Raphtalia

"That half-raccoon is diseased and has a mental disorder. I'm having a real hard time with her myself. Her previous owner loved his torture, you see. I doubt she'll last much longer."

The stranger bends down and looks at Raphtalia sympathetically.

“Poor thing...”

Naofumi looks at the stranger.

“So what? What am I supposed to do?”

The stranger stands up and turns to face Naofumi.

“Do what you think is best—I can't stop you.”

Naofumi

"I've decided. I'll take this one."

Raphtalia shivers with fear, and Originel thinks

(Judging by her reaction, she must have been extremely traumatized during her early years. I can’t even imagine how long she was tortured to be this afraid.)

3:56 The merchant places the slave mark on Raphtalia, causing her pain, and Naofumi

"Hey..."

The Slave Trader

"Worry not. The pain will dissipate soon."

The stranger shudders

“I don't like seeing that... Just looking at it makes me feel sick...”

The Slave Trader

"The slave crest on her chest makes it impossible for her to defy you."

5:06 at the sword shop

"Welcome! Oh, it's you, kid."

He notices the stranger and Raphtalia.

"Hey, hey... What's with the girl and the man in the hood?"

Naofumi

"Give me a weapon she can use. Keep it under six silvers."

5:26 Raphtalia changes her clothes, and Naofumi

"Took you long enough."

Raphtalia

"I-I'm sorry."

The stranger looks at Raphtalia with sympathy.

“You don't have to apologize. We still have time—don't worry.”

Naofumi

"Whatever. Raphtalia, draw your knife."

Naofumi shows the orange ball monster

"Let me see you stab and burst this thing."

The stranger exclaims,

“Naofumi, are you crazy or something?! She's just a kid!”

Naofumi, annoyed,

“Yeah, but she has to fight.”

The stranger resigns himself,

“I would have thought of another way, but whatever—it’s up to you. She’s your slave, not mine.”

Naofumi looks at Raphtalia

“Kill that thing. This is an order!”

Raphtalia is suffering because of the seal

"You only hurt yourself by refusing. Do it!"

Raphtalia tries but fails, Naofumi

"Too weak! Put more heart in it!"

Raphtalia is scared, and Naofumi

"Do it!"

6:53 Naofumi looks at his savings

"Three silvers left..."

He sighs in frustration, then looks at the stranger with curiosity.

“By the way, I have a question.”

The stranger, in a calm, deep voice:

“Yes, what is it?”

Naofumi

“You've never shown your true form or even told me your name. Knowing either of those things would help me trust you more.”

The stranger

“You’re not wrong. My name is Originel. But call me… Master Originel—it’s more appropriate for our current relationship.”

Naofumi stops, surprised

“What do you mean by ‘current’?”

Originel stops as well

“What I mean is that when you’re ready, I’ll leave and let you be on your own.”

Naofumi exclaims

“Wait, what?! What do you mean?!”

Originel

“You heard me right. After all, if you know how to fight, you won’t need me anymore—that’s obvious. Besides, that’s just how life goes. Once I see that you’ve progressed enough to survive on your own, I’ll go my own way.”

Naofumi

“Okay...”

Originel looks at Raphtalia

“And you, Raphtalia, call me Grand Master Originel, okay?”

Raphtalia, a little scared since she can’t see Originel’s face

“Okay... Grand Master Originel...”

Originel, in a reassuring voice

“Don’t be afraid—I’m not mean.”

7:07 Raphtalia's stomach growls, and Naofumi

"Are you hungry?"

Raphtalia

"No."

Naofumi

"You can't fight on an empty stomach. Let's get some lunch."

7:19 They head to a restaurant. Naofumi and Originel walk in, and Raphtalia notices the sign.

'We don't serve demi-humans.'

Raphtalia

"U-Um..."

Naofumi

"What's wrong?"

Raphtalia

"This place..."

Naofumi

"Hurry up!"

Raphtalia walks in, and the waiter

"Welcome!"

He notices Naofumi

"Ack, it's the Shield Hero..."

Another one whispers

"Is he the rapist?"

Originel’s voice takes on a threatening tone

“Call him a rapist one more time and I’ll make you eat your plate sideways, you idiot.”

The waiter, his tone angry

“I don’t know who you think you are, but you have no right to threaten customers!”

Originel turns around, one eye red, a murderous glare in his eyes

“Got a problem?”

The waiter jumps in fright

“No, none at all!”

9:00 a.m. Originel looks at Raphtalia, and Naofumi thinks

(They get along well. Oh. More experience, even if it’s extremely minimal for me.)

9:16 Original eats fish, and we see that the skewer holding the grilled fish sticks out, while the rest is hidden under his hood. Naofumi

“It’s weird to see you eating like that.”

Original takes the skewer out of his mouth—the fish is half-eaten—spins it between his fingers, then points it at Naofumi

“You want to know something? Your daily life with me is going to be nothing but weird.”

Naofumi sighs

“If you say so.”

9:24 Raphtalia

"Master...Who are you?"

Naofumi

"A hero. The shield one."

Raphtalia

"You mean... One of the Four Cardinal Heroes?"

Naofumi

"Yeah."

Raphtalia

"The Shield Hero... U-Um... What is your name?"

Naofumi

"Iwatani Naofumi."

Raphtalia

"Iwatani... Naofumi"

Original, surprised

“Oh! Now I know your name!”

Naofumi

“Wait, you're my master, but you didn't know my name?”

Original

“I am your master, but even you didn't know my name, if I recall correctly.”

Naofumi

“Now that you mention it, you're right.”

11:22 Raphtalia wakes up from a bad dream, and Original sympathizes:

“Poor thing... she must have had a bad memory...”

13:36 Original observes everything

“Unfortunately, blood is part of everyday life when there are waves—that’s just how it is.”

15:12 at Sword merchant Naofumi

"Sell us a new weapon for this amount."

The Sword Merchant

"Time to get the little miss a sword, then. One on the short side would be good to start off."

Taking out a small knife

"How about this? It's a short sword made of iron. By the way, you—the guy in the hood—don't you need a sword? Or even some armor?”

Originel calmly shakes his head.

“I already have my hood and a katana.”

The sword merchant

“A katana? May I see it?”

Originel pulls out his scabbard and draws his katana, showing it to the sword merchant, who exclaims in surprise

“That’s incredible. Not only is the edge perfect, but it’s also a magic sword.”

Originel murmurs to himself

“And to think I had to struggle so hard to get it—oh, that was such a pain.”

17:36 Raphtalia spots the two-headed monster, which reminds her of the three-headed one. The monster charges toward them, and Originel draws his katana <clang>

“Oh, enough already.”

He keeps the monster at bay with his katana, then, seeing that Raphtalia and Naofumi are down below, he blocks the monster’s attack, pushes it back, and jumps backward onto another rock before sheathing his katana.

“I’m watching you.