'..... it hurts.... it hurts sooo bad..... IT FUCKING HURTS!!!!!'

That's all I could think as I lay there staring at ceiling of a room not my own. 'My body hurts like a bitch and Iiiiiiiiiiiiii want to die. Well whatever, let's look over the notifications i got when I got knocked out.'

I open up my hud and look for the latest notifications and- "JESUS CH- *cough cough cough* shit I shouldn't have done that. But bro what the fuck is with this?! Over 50 notification?! Nimbus! I know you're bitch ass is listening, summarize these for me. I ain't got the time nor the energy to deal with this shit. "

N: you just woke up. Why do you gotta be an insufferable bitch?

"Hmph! Don't push my buttons and just tell me twerpo." I huff angrily.

N: I'm not a twerpo anymore, but we'll get to that later. You wanted a notification summary did you not? A vast majority of those are notifications of the spirits having killed Medeas other pawns and corrupt officials. They didn't stand a chance honestly... you got some achievements related to that, titles as well. But the main titles are "campione" "spirit whisperer"
"Spirit gods disciple" "world's most righteous" "the strongest hero" "destined destroyer" "was i ever human?" and "demigod of magic" so that's fun. As for the other things, you absorbed Medeas fragment and broke the level cap on yourself, You gained ancient knowledge from her which I know you'll LOVE, You significantly weakened her, you received the blessing of the spirit kings, the next wave is in 4 months (likely cause Medea needs time to recover greatly) and you have become so powerful you've broken some sacred rule and are now no longer allowed to directly participate in the waves... probably for the best considering the other heroes are now way behind you and you could easily one shot the wave boss. Instead you've got a new task as a hero! You must train the other heroes and help them break the level cap. But on the bright side, you'll have more time to manage the tower! You'll need to speak to the spirit god and the 'astrals' about what you're to do, but they gave strict instructions about that wave thing. And before you ask, you were out for 10 days. Remarkable considering the damage you took, from a fragment of a goddess no less! As for the other heroes.... they're all on castle arrest till things are sorted out. Probably for the best considering the state they're in.

".... how are they? They all lost all their party members and nearly died with the exception of Itsuki... Rishia is still alive right?!" I'm scared of the answer honestly. She's always been a weak link.

N: she's fine. As for them well... they stopped thinking it was a game that's for sure. Motoyasu was a broken down mess. The death of Myne and his party hit him the hardest. He had gone completely cationic from shock after his near death experience and loss of harem. No one could fix him and even Naofumi tried to snap him out of it, even filo couldn't fix him. But Glass came and did something that got him right back on his feet. He's been training and studying hard since. Ten was the second worse. Having lost his arm and seeing his party die protecting him must've picked at old wounds. He drank himself into a drunken stupor daily muttering about how weak he was. Once again nobody could do anything. Wyndia had had enough of his moping when she heard him blame you and naofumi when he was trying to get him back on track. She beat him senseless screaming about how pathetic and disgusting he is and how she couldn't believe a useless fool like him was supposed to be a hero! And how she couldn't believe a fake hero loser like him killed her father and sold her into slavery. She got so furious she had to be pried away kicking and screaming and sobbing. He went back to normal not long afterwards. Itsuki was mostly fine but he was crying about the injustice of the gods. He just needed a pep talk from Rishia and L'arc and he bounced back. The 3 of them are working hard while they wait for you to recover. Naofumi has been teaching them how he's survived for so long. Like about basic survival skills and household things. Nikolav has been teaching everyone magic and strategy alongside Glass. They've been making use of the simulations in the tower and business is great! People enjoy our facilities and lots of people come to learn and train in order to help with the waves and such. The queen insisted on a "nobility tax" where nobility have to pay with money instead of points. This was advocated by nobles who wanted to use the tower but couldn't earn points and Nikolav agreed saying "it's a smart way to turn a profit. We can charge extra for private uses of facilities and they couldn't replicate any of it at all if they tried." While laughing like a mad man. Well he's not wrong. Even if they managed to figure out how it worked they wouldn't understand why it worked the way it does. Nor would they ever have the proper magics to make it work.

"I wasn't really worried about that. I am worried about when the next wave will come and how the heroes training is going. I hope they're at least making an effort to get along? They must understand the severity of the waves now right? Speaking of, when is the next one?"

N: they have been trying to work together but they cannot seem to agree sometimes. Though they seem to do well. Naofumi is quite the quick thinking strategist it would seem.

"Oh? Do tell." I'm rather curious about just how good he actually is.

N: he stands in front of the boss drawing their attention and taking most of the hits. He's learned status ailment magic and to go with his healing magic. So he casts debuffs while the spear and sword hero distract the boss with Raphtalia. Filo, Theresa and Wyndia take care of the monsters after guiding the fake towns people to safety which is part of the objective. Rishia heals when necessary but mainly focuses on using magic from afar along with the projectile which she utilizes splendidly. Theresa and L'arc as well are valuable. Theresa's jewel magic allows her to fight in close and far ranges. And L'arc works well with Naofumi on the front lines.

"Thats good. Have they practiced leading large groups? They'll need to know how in the future."

N: No they have not.

"DAMMIT! It's good that they're finally getting along but they can't fight together forever. they'll need to split between countries to avoid their collapse eventually, especially since I can't fight anymore... what's to stop me from fighting actually?" I ask curious.

N: they'll kill us all. The spirits will literally kill us all.

"Thats a no from me captain. Alright then, we'll just have to uh, NOT fight I guess?.... WHY THE FUCK CAN'T I FIGHT?! THAT'S SO COUNTER PRODUCTIVE IT'S ASS AS FUCK!!!"

N: you're too strong! The other heroes gotta catch up to you. Besides that, you need to help people grow stronger.

"I DON'T WANNA! I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA I DON'T WANNA!!!!!!"

N: SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU STUPID BI-

"You're up! Lady Alyss you're up!"
I didn't realize Wyndia had come back and opened the door till she and Filo were jumping on me. With Naofumi watching alongside Raphtalia with a smile.

"I'm gone you little twerp. I've gone to hell to uh.... eat ass and smoke grass!" I pet her as she cries.

"I'm glad to see you're doing okay... but why were you screaming?" Naofumi says.

"Well.... we should get everyone together before we talk about that cause it concerns us all."

~one recap meeting with the heroes, the queen and melty later~

After explaining about what happened to malty in more detail and speaking about what Nimbus and I discussed we started to talk about possible work arounds of my newfound restrictions.

"I'm not allowed to fight directly but my party members can. I can still provide backup and directional support but I can't fight till either you guys get on my level or I get nurfed. Both are doable... but here's the thing, YOU MOTHERFUCKERS NEED TO LEARN HOW TO COMMAND AN ARMY! I mean, it's great that your finally getting along but you guys are gonna need to spread out to other countries eventually. The other countries just might collapse from the waves without you guys! So, here's what we're gonna do. Nimbus has informed me that the spirit kings have opened up.... trials, for us. If we beat the trials they'll reward us with a special material or a blessing depending on their opinion of us. I've already gotten my blessings and considering I'm more or less their contractor I've no real reason to do that. HOWEVER you guys do. The trials are like a guild raid, so you'll be tasked with commanding a group of people to victory. Nikolav will observing and talking to you guys specifically as you are going to be the leaders, it's your job to keep as many people alive as possible while defeating the spirit king. You will each do so individually. I'm going to be working with Erhard to create some power armor like mine for your weapons to absorb in order to make you stronger.... don't make those icky faces because you're gonna get stronger! It's gross. And unsettling.... And gross. Anyways I'm going to go into seclusion for a while while I try to figure out this whole seal business and make your new weapons... if you need something, bother Nikolav! I'll be back soonish so don't misbehave and for the love of god, don't make me regret this..." I give the 3 aforementioned regards a look before I poof to the vault with Nimbus.

"Okay Nimbus... let's get to work shall we?"

~timeskip to when I've finished the final touches on the new mechs.... or not.~

Well boy howdy, guess who ruined their chances of getting my nice toys? Hmph. Those assholes don't know a damn thing about good behavior. Itsuki especially! He was so cruel to Rishia. She even tried to drown herself in the sea, and she would've if not for Naofumi and Motoyasu found her crying initially... So I decided. Nothing for them. Motoyasu hasn't yet learned his lesson, and Ren is still too greedy and ignorant. The way he whines and casts people aside... no... they don't deserve it. They have to suffer a bit more. They have to learn... but without Malty, will they still be betrayed? Hmph. Whether the goddess does or not... it doesn't matter does it? We'll just do it.... t h e h a r d w a y. If the goddess can't hurt them, then I WILL DO IT FOR HER! they need to suffer like he did. So they can understand...

Which leads us to our current predicament. The three stooges an the floor, tied up, looking sad and pathetic as naofumi's examining his knew mecha. I modeled it after Bahamut from the harem trash story "undefeated Bahamut chronicle."

"Uh, Alyss.... I can't use This! I can't use a sword.... remember?" Naofumi looks bitter at the thought.

"And neither can I. But you saw me using non staff weapons did you not? Have you not been talking to your weapons spirit as I told you to?" I'm ignoring the inquisitive looks of the boys who are now no longer pouting and just listening.

"I have but she's very adamant about the rules!" He looks exasperated.

"Well this weapon is different. The whole thing is to be absorbed even the sword. It's like a empty vessel for the spirit to inhabit. They act like an AI assistitant in an empty body, so they're still in control to an extent. They're powering everything and helping you out, the movement can even be up to them if they desire, but it's counter productive for both of you. Just ask her to absorb it and she'll see what I mean." I say as Naofumi's shield pulses. Naofumi pauses before touching the gem to the mech. The mecha disappears along with the sword.

Naofumi looks alarmed before turning to me extremely happy with the results. "I assume that you both like it? That's great news! Now we'll go to the arena and do some practical training." I beckon to Naofumi as I leave, not forgetting to untie the 3 retards who follow after us.

~at the tower arena~

I notice the Queen, Wyndia, Keel, Raphtalia, Rishia, Filo, melty, Nikolav, Damien, Grimm, Glass, L'arc, Theresa and Eclair waiting for us. "Oh hey guys! Did you need something?" I say to the group.

"Alyss-sama. We were invited to train here by Nikolav. He said you'd be here soon." Glass says behind her fan.

"Ah yeah sure. We can train in a little bit. Naofumi and I were about to do some special training with the new suit I made for him! I was gonna make some for all the heroes but I told them if they fucked up I'd revoke it... and considering how stupid they are I focused on making something extra special for naofumi and nothing for the others and sure enough, they can't even be trusted to behave for a month." I shrugged.

"It hasn't even been a month kiddo!" L'arc says.

"Really? It feels like it's been a month! Guess time is super fast in the tower huh? That just makes it the ideal place for training even more so then! Nevertheless if the three stooges can't even go a week without fucking up then why would I waste time giving them a weapon of mass destruction to fight a world ending calamity? Nah man. That's ridiculously retarded. I might give them some good stuff later if they can prove their worth it... but for now I'm giving it to him. I'm thinking of making more for my subordinates if all goes well... maybe you guys too if you'd Like! Anyways, time for super awesome training punk! Summon the great Bahamut mecha, and let the spirit of the shield merge!" I shout as I transform.

"Like this! Your turn punk! I doubt you and the spirit of the shield can change and stand the first try though! Your bond shall never be as great as ours!AHAHAHAHAHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" I laugh. Naofumi has a funny look on his face which changes smug as he immediately transforms the armor. He starts flexing his hands as the crowd looks awestruck.

"Now what?" He says to me. I'm thoughtful for a moment before I speak.

"Try walking. I'm gonna run system diagnostics to make sure all the systems are up and running and try to connect the shield spirit to the AI ports." While Naofumi walks around and talks to his party animatedly I observe his status on the special plate.

Bahamut mode ORIGIN:

Host: Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani.

AI owner: Legendary shield spirit.

I click on Bahamuts mode function.

Bahamut mecha suit.

Current mode: Origin.
Magic core: Dragon Emperor Gaelion.
Core status: Active.
Core Emotional Status: placated.
Suit function: Nominal.

Host Connection status: all clear.

AI Connection Status: Error.

Stats:

Atk: 90,000
Def: 999,999
Mana usage: doesn't matter he has me!
Divine protection:
Rage of Bahamut.
Song of Shiva.
Wings of Garuda.

Reason for protections?
Bahamut: he's a righteous man and Gaelion recognizes him as a worthy man.
Shiva: he's a kind soul. He means well and I've been meaning to bless him. He reminds me of my darling Ifrit.
Garuda: I like him. He has spunk!

"Those damn spirits I swear!" I mutter to myself trying to be quiet but apparently i was not so quiet as Mirellia and Glass looked at me with stern gazes. I ignore it and then close the tab and click on the host tab.

Host: Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani

Age: 20

Race: human?

Gender: Male

Status: Active

Lvl: 58

Contract with mecha status: Active till death~

Synchronization: 100%

Contract with AI status: Active till death as well~

"Everything looks more or less okay but..... WHY THE HELL IS HIS RACE A QUESTION MARK?! HE'S VERY CLEARLY A HUMAN! IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH THE SYSTEM OR IS IT BECAUSE THE SPIRITS ARE ASSHOLES!? GYAAAAAAAAAH!!!!" I'm practically screaming at this point and Now everyone looks concerned. Whether it's about what I said or my mental health remains UN-clear.

"Uh... please hold all questions until we're done with the trainings okay? And uh don't worry about it. I'm sure this is fine." I say not looking too sure myself as I go back to the tablet. I then click on the AI status plate.

AI: Legendary Spirit of the Shield. True name Caetuna

Connection to mecha suit: False.

Emotional status: Curious.

Synchronization: error

Status: Active.

Connection to host: True.

Communication status with host: True.

Connection to network: False.

Connection to suit: error.

Query: would you like to send the AI a request to fully connect to the the network and suit?

>Yes
No

Invitation to fully connect to network sent. Invitation received. AI Caetuna Has accepted the Invitation. Rechecking status.
.
.
.
Status update received. Information has been updated!

AI: Legendary Spirit of the Shield. True name Caetuna

Connection to mecha suit: True.

Emotional status: Curious.

Synchronization: 120%

Status: Active.

Connection to host: True.

Communication status with host: True.

Connection to network: True.

Connection to suit: Nominal.

AI Caetuna Has been briefed on the functions and is ready and eager to proceed with the training.

"Alright! We're all clear Naofumi. Can you hear Caetuna?" I say to Naofumi.
"Loud and clear... Reminds me of a Filo and Raphtalia mixture." He says.

"Yeah, Nimbus is like a mixture of Grimm, Nikolav, and Damien. They seem to take after those we trust and care for most. But then again, Nimbus has always been a hypercritical yet helpful asshole. I'm gonna need everyone to proceed to the stands while I walk Naofumi through the main functions. We're going to be training in here and I don't want you guys to get killed by accident." I say. Everyone heads quickly to the stands as I explain the how the suit works to Naofumi.

"It's on the Spirit to make sure the suit functions and flys properly as well as let you know about incoming threats and the map workings. Thankfully they can do that with ease. The movement as you may have already figured, is as easy as moving your own body. That's thanks to the spirit/AI. They're connected to you and not just the mech. So if you want to move some way they'll read you and help you move. Likewise you can do it on your own but there's not likely to be a moment where you'll need to do it on your own. But you can do it just fine! You were doing it just now after all. Caetuna didn't connect when you deployed the mech after all. Flying however... you might not be able to do that on your own. So we'll start with that! Start by hovering. You should work out a sort of code or confirmation with your partner AI for when you want to fly. My trigger is literally just 'fly high!' You can use that one or make your ow-"

I'm cut off by Naofumi zooming up into the arena's airspace Flying through the set obstacles with ease, much to everyone's awe. I pull up the comms and see his exhilarated face.

A: I have to say, I'm quite jealous of how easy this is for you. I thought it would've been just me buuut then again we're both huge otaku nerds so I'm not too surprised.

N: yeah... heh heh, uh sorry for ruining your lesson plans Alyss!

A: it's fine you big dummy! I'm actually kind of happy you can do this so easily... BECAUSE THAT MEANS WE CAN GET STRAIGHT TO THE MEAT OF THINGS!

I shout as I take my blade and launch into the air. Naofumi barely has time to block with is newly summoned sword before he's knocked out of the sky and goes plummeting to the ground.

A: NYAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHA!!!!! SINCE YOU'RE SUCH A GENIUS AT THIS STUFF THEN I WON'T HOLD BACK! PREPARE FOR AN EPIC CLASH IN THE AIR! DON'T WORRY ABOUT NOT KNOWING YOUR WEAPONS, CAETUNA WILL HELP YOU! NOW GET UP! THE FIGHT ENDS WHEN SOMEONE GIVES UP OR I SAY YOU'RE READY FOR THE FIELD!

I throw my sword at Naofumi and he rolls out of the way. He vaults to his feet and throws the glad back at me as I Catch it. He's got a wicked gleam on his face. He's ready for a fight!

He flew up to meet my in combat and-
A/N: I still suck dick at writing combat scenes. I I tried to write something, ANYTHING but I could not. I ended up waiting so long trying to write this one fucking scene it was actually pathetic. So sorry, no battle scene today! Back to the story.

We fought for what felt like hours until we were exhausted. We both returned to the ground and deactivated the mechs thoroughly proud with the results. We took everyone to eat in the dining room and immediately Mirellia started to ask questions along with Glass.

"Are you going to make more?"

"Who will you be making them for?"

"How do they work?"

"What did you mean when you said that his race had a question mark?"

"Who will be receiving them if you make more?"

"STOP! You're going to break my fragile brain at this rate. But to answer your questions: yes, me, magic and science, hopefully a fluke, and my servants I've bound to eternal servitude by contract. In that order. To elaborate on why I hope his race being a question mark was a fluke he has 3 registered divine blessings given by Bahamut, Shiva, and Garuda respectively for ridiculous reasons. So for that reason he's been categorized as human with a question mark... I'm pretty sure if I checked my race it'd be cthulu noises.... don't ask." The two women nod before Mirelia speaks again.

"Well I suppose we should talk about the trials of the spirits and what they entail?"

"We should."

A/N: aaaaaaaand that's the end. I know, it's an abrupt end but I'm tired of waiting. For those who've pushed through this absolute garbage of a story to this point, I thank you dearly! I was hard pressed to give up a lot despite this being my first popular story. But seeing people still read the story made me want to push forward till the end! I'm not going to change anything or revise anything, no no no! I'm leaving it as is. Why? Well mostly because I'm Lazy as fuck. But also as an example foe future writers about what NOT to do when writing. Cause this was bad and we all know it. Let's just hope I can do better next time. Speaking of next time~ the results are in! You've all chosen option six on the pole. The name will be temporary like with reborn in another world as a songstress, and it will be going up soon. As for this story.... idk if I can do a second season of it like I kept saying I would. It's unbearably bad in my eyes and I'm just not happy with it. Maybe one day... anyways thanks for sticking with me thus far!