The Monster Hero

Ch 5: Preparations

Raphtalia: if you say so master Naofumi

With Inosuke's help, we were able to defeat the entire horde of monsters.

As we were catching our breath Naofumi asked me about Inosuke to which I answered by explaining the "summon" function of my weapon.

Raphtalia: that's a very impressive ability, Mr Ryuji

Naofumi: if you could summon monsters, why didn't you summon one to help us with the orthus?

Ryuji: a lot of them were busy dealing with the forest monsters and some of them were too big to fit in that small ledge we were on to properly help

Naofumi: I guess I can understand that reasoning

With that matter settled I climbed on to Inosuke's back.

Raphtalia: why are you getting on your monster's back?

Inosuke: *angry snort*

Ryuji: he has a name you know

Raphtalia: I'm sorry

Ryuji: it's fine. to answer your question since I summoned this guy already I might as well ride him back to the capital to save time, you guys should get on too

Naofumi: you sure?

Ryuji: yeah

Naofumi: alright

Naofumi and Raphtalia got on to Inosuke's back and we were off.

After a few minutes, we reached a hill overlooking the gate.

We decided to leave Inosuke behind so that we wouldn't cause panic and made our way to Erhard's shop.

After entering the shop we were greeted by the old man.

Erhard: Extra bro you're back!

Ryuji: *irritated* why are you still calling me "extra"?

Erhard: sorry kid about it. It's just, according to the rumors you ran away after partying with Shield bro

Ryuji: rumors?

I began to wonder about the rumor of me running away and Erhard noticed Raphtalia.

Erhard: woah is that you kid? I hardly recognized you! You've turned into a pretty little lady. I haven't seen you in a while, what have you been up to?

While the two were chatting I noticed that Naofumi got a look of confusion.

Naofumi: this whole country is full of lolicons. I understand finding little girls cute, but geez 

I glanced at Naofumi with a deadpan expression that he didn't see the change in Raphtalia, especially the height.

Naofumi: what?

I looked back at Erhard.

Ryuji: it's nothing. anyway we're here to get new equipment

Raphtalia: wow this sword feels really sharp

Erhard: that's magic iron. Do you feel like trying it out?

Ryuji: what kind of discount could you give us?

Erhard: anything if it's for the little missy

Raphtalia: really? thank you so much! While we're at it do you think you could show us some armor too?

Erhard: well, there's this...

Erhard brought out a chainmail that looked like the one Naofumi bought last time.