[No one's POV]
Y/n, Naofumi and Diana are seen in a diner eating the food paid for by The Masked Hero himself.

Naofumi: So, Y/n.

Y/n: Hm?

Naofumi: How did it feel using the power?

Y/n: Well..it was amazing.

Diana: You really are strong, Sir Y/n.

???: Hey, look at what we have here boys.

Naofumi and Y/n looked up, seeing Three riff-raff-looking guys approached him from the alleyway. Their levels appeared as LV? in their HUD.

"Looks like we caught ourselves another customer late at night." The big guy in the middle said.

"I wonder how much money he has for us." The smallest of the three who looked like a rogue said excitedly.

While the guy looked small, he didn't look too creepy for a thief.

Naofumi: I have no interest in fighting you three.

Y/n: And we are in no mood dealing with three idiots. Now, Fuck off.

"And who says we want a fight? Is it wrong to want to talk with a fellow stranger?" The guy on the left asked, pulling out a knife from his belt. The other two also pulled out similar weapons.

"Yeah, with the equipment you're wearing, it might be more than worth it to talk for a little while!" One of the rascals said excitedly. "And then maybe you could spare us humble folk a pretty coin or two along the way!"

"Oh, and how about the girl? Maybe she can be compensation" the thrid thug said.

The three were caught off guard when Naofumi started to humorlessly chuckle.

Naofumi: *raises his shield* Seriously, you really want to waste my time with those puny things.

One of them growled and rushed forward to stab Naofumi. "Let's see you laugh when this is sticking out the other end of your-

Naofumi swung sideways. The shield slammed into the guy's wrist, knocking the knife off-course and making it stab into the ruffian's own shoulder.

"Augh!" The robber screamed in pain as he tried to pull the knife back out.

Naofumi then slammed his shield into the man's face and pushed. The ruffian fell back to the ground, but Naofumi grimaced when the actual damage he did registered as 0. It looked like it had been because of him pushing with his STR stat that the guy actually fell.

Y/n: Weak punk.

"You bastard!!" The third thug yelled, charging at Naofumi with a knife.

Y/n instinctly grabbed the man's wrist

Naofumi: I have good Defense, but no Offense ability. Without it, i can't defeat monsters.

Y/n: Which also means that you won't be able to farm experience points on your own

???: Why, hello there.

The three then turned to see a short tubby man, dressed in the garb that befitted a magician, complete with a top hat, a handle-bar moustache and round spectacles.

???: I couldn't help but overhear your little tirade. Maybe I can provide some assistance?

Naofumi stares at the short man before turning to walk away.

???: It's clear you don't have any yourself.

Y/n: Just who are you?

Beloukas: I'm Beloukas. and i have exactly what you need.

Naofumi: Is that so?

Diana: *whispers to Y/n* Should we really trust me, Sir Y/n?

Y/n: *whisper* I'm not sure as well. But Naofumi sure does have some interest to check it out. We better go to make sure he dosent get killed.

Diana: Okay..

[Timeskip]
The three then followed Beloukas to a large tent near the empty street. As they got inside, they heard some growling..

Y/n: So what is it you sell here?

Beloukas: Can't you tell just by looking at the cages? They're slaves my boy.

Y/n: *narrows his eyes* So you're a slave Trader?"

Naofumi: What would make you think I would want to own slaves?

As they went past the cages, the three then heard someone coughing. Naofumi reached and pulled a curtain to reveal that the coughing came from a raccoon demi-human girl, her clothes were dirty and she just stared at us showing no emotion.

Y/n takes notice of another of the demi-humans in a different cage next to the rain girl. This one was a small wolf girl with amber eyes, fluffy tail, black hair with winter clothing.

The wolf girl looked pale and sick like the raccoon demi-human as she stared Y/n with a odd look in her eyes.

Beloukas: Sirs, over here.

Beloukas then called them for something. Judging by that smile, probably not what Y/n and Naofumi looking for. The two heroes then went to see what it's about.

Beloukas: I recommend this for high class men such as you.

He then pulled the curtain revealing a werewolf like monster. It's cold menacing glare could kill a weak hearted person if it could.

Y/n: Talk about dangerous.

Beloukas: he's at level 75.

Naofumi: How much do you want for it?

Beloukas: It's highly capable in battle and fairly rare... how does 20 gold pieces sound ?

Y/n: Showing us your most expensive slave knowing full well we can't afford it?

Beloukas: Indeed, you are going to become some of my best customers, I've got a nose for these things, so i'm gonna make sure you develop a keen eye, if you catch my drift good sirs. Well now, since you've seen my best, let me ask you a question. Exactly what kind of slave are you looking for?

The Masked Hero then thinks back to the wolf girl he saw earlier and looks back.. with that, he spoke to the slave trader.

Y/n: What's with her? The Wolf demi-human in the cage.

Beloukas: This is a wild Wolf demi-human. Her class is well known for their immense speed, agility and surge strikes.

Y/n then walks back to the cage where the demi-human sat in. He kneeled down to be at her level.

Y/n: *To the wolf girl* May i get your name?

The demi-human stared at y/n a bit hesitant, but sensing that he poses no threat, she speaks..

Tanaka: I'm Tanaka.

Y/n: It's a pleasure to meet you, Tanaka.

Beloukas: So, is this the one you wish to have? Cause she is heavily ill after her last master "disciplined" her.

Y/n growled silently at the thought of what this one had to endure from her former master. It's even worse that the demi-humans are treated like shit in this world. Looking at her and the slave trader, he gave him his answer.

Y/n: Yes.

The Masked Hero stepped back as Beloukas opened the lock to her cage. Tanaka shyly gets out of the cage as she finally gets a chance to stand at her own two feet after so long. she felt a bit wobbly and nearly fell if Y/n didn't catch her. She looked up to him smiling warmly at her.

Y/n: I got you.

Y/n ruffles her head, which in turn made the wolf girl blush, nuzzle her head on his chest, and her tail to wag back and forth.

Beloukas: Okay then.

[Timeskip]
Tanaka and the raccoon girl, that Naofumi decided to have stand in front of the slave trader as he holds up two brushes. There were also two small bowls with ink in it, as the slave trader told them to drop some of their blood into it for the slave pack to work. Y/n and Naofumi did just as that as Beloukas decided to mark the raccoon girl first.

Beloukas: let's begin.

He then raised Naofumi's brush and dipped it in the mixture, he held her with one hand, then made a circle on the raccoon girl's chest, causing the girl started screaming from the pain.

Y/n: *a bit worried* Is she gonna be fine?

Beloukas: There's nothing to worry about, the pain will disappear soon, that slave crest on their chest makes it impossible for her to defy you.

Tanaka was a bit hesitant with the slave crest being placed on her. However, the Masked Hero decided to offer assistance by holding onto Tanaka from behind in a warm embrace.

Y/n: I know that you won't like it, but it'll be over quick. If you like, I could be with you while he places it, okay?

Tanaka nodded and tried to put on a brave face as Beloukas then proceeded to draw the slave crest on her chest, linking her with Y/n. Next thing in front of Y/n's view, his stats screen popped up with Tanaka's Stats being shown:

[Y/n]
Lv. 13

The UI popped up
<CONTRACT>
Acquired slave companion: Tanaka

[Tanaka]
Demi-Human: A+
Lv. 1
Exp: 0/20
Max HP: 120
Max MP: 50

[Violation Conditions]
Refuse Order
Attack Master

[Party Member Settings]
Speech Allowed
Auto Attack

Naofumi: Huh, set as companion.

Beloukas: There you go sirs, she's all yours.

Y/n: 30 silvers per demi-human, right?

Y/n then throw a mid-large bag with silvers at him. The slave trader then counted the money before leaning towards the masked hero.

Beloukas: There's two extra here.

Y/n: That's your commission. I'm pretty sure you were going to ask about it anyway.

Beloukas: Well, You certainly know your stuff.

Naofumi: *to the raccoon girl* Well, I guess we should know her name right? Well, tell us your name?

The girl started coughing again, and Y/n noticed Naofumi started to get angry. He steps in before anymore yelling comes out.

Y/n: Yo, Naofumi!

Naofumi: WHAT!?

Y/n: First off, don't fucking scream in my face. Second, yelling at her would do shit to help anything. Let me handle getting her name, okay?

Naofumi: Fine, but hurry up.

Y/n leaned over to the raccoon girl and he gives her a pat on the head.

Y/n: *calmly* Forgive my comrade. We had some trouble in the kingdom before coming here. I promise thatbwe won't hurt you. My name is Y/n and my partners over there is Naofumi, Tanaka and Diana. Now would you please tell us your name?

Raphtalia: I'm called raphtalia.

Y/n: Raphtalia huh? Your name sure is beautiful.

Raphtalia: th- thanks mister.

Tanaka watched and starts to growl silently a bit in jealousy.

Y/n: How about we get out of here? Come, grab my hand.

Raphtalia slowly grabs his hand and they get up. Tanaka walked towards her new master and held onto him.

Y/n: Ready to go as well?

Tanaka nods as Y/n and the group began to head out.

Beloukas: I'll be looking forward to your next visit. We're always open. *laughs* So the Shield and Masked Heroes chose those two. I'm getting goosebumps thinking about it.

[Outside]
The group of five were then outside walking in the street. Tanaka started to yawn, which Y/n takes notice.

Y/n: Feeling tired, Tanaka?

The wolf girl nodded as Y/n then got on one knee and gestures for Tanaka to get on his back. She complies and climbed onto him, wrapping her small arms around his neck. Y/n got up, carrying the demi-human and thought of the late night.

Y/n: Let's head back to the Inn we were at last time. It'll be better than sleeping outside.

Naofumi: Yeah. Even though, people would still give us dirty looks.

Y/n: If they try attacking us, don't hesitate to fight back. They won't play fair, then neither should we.

[Somewhere else]

A hooded Stranger walked down a long dark corridor, his coat waving with each step as the torches adorned on the wall let off dim lights. As he arrived at the end of the hall, he walked into a large room, a large chandelier hanging from the roof with blue fire floating there instead of candles, lines of books decorating the walls in shelves and in the middle was a large round table, sitting at said table was a man with a ribbon in his hair wearing a black dress shirt and slacks with a ribbon in his hair, he wore a dark yet calm expression.

Leaning against a bookshelf was another man with combed over hair in a red turtleneck and leather jacket with matching trousers.

Finally sitting on a windowsill was a man in a black vest over a blue sleeveless shirt with boots and jeans, his blonde hair struck up and wild like his expression.

"My masters." The Stranger spoke up with a bow, getting the three men's' attention.

Ah, Calibur, you're back." The one in the turtleneck said, throwing the book over his shoulder as the one at the table caught it. "You're ready for your next task?

"Yes master Legeiel, though the Golem Megid failed in my last attempt, but I am now prepared for this new Swordsman." The Stranger now budded Calibur said.

"Excellent, then let's pick out your next book." Legeiel grinned.

"Actually Legeiel, I believe it's my turn." The one at the table, Storious, said.

He walked past the two towards one of the Bookshelves where the Alter Ride Books laid.

"Hmm, how about....this one."

Storious picked out one and walked back to Calibur, handing him the book.

Calibur looked down at the book and smirked, taking it and flicked it open.

[ARI KA KIRIGIRISU!]

Soon enough two Megid with bodies similar to Golem's emerged, though their upper bodies were colored and shaped differently. One was grey and held an Ant motif while the other was green with orange accents, holding a grasshopper motif.

[The next morning]
Y/n was sleeping in their room with Tanaka and Diana snuggling onto his sides. The Masked Hero then began to groan awake and tried getting up, only to feeling heavy for some reason.

Y/n: Ughh...w-what.

He looks down to see Diana and Tanaka sleeping on top of him. The wolf demi-human groans and rubbed her eyes.

Y/n: Nice to see you are awake.

Tanaka: *unsure what to say* I-i umm..

Y/n reached forward and ruffled her hair and scratches her wolf ears lightly, making her blush and growl in a gentle way. He looked to Diana who is now waking up.

Y/n: You really like to sleep next to me, don't you?

Diana: I'm sorry, Sir Y/n. But..when i see you asleep, you looked very comfortable.

Y/n: Well, I can't really blame you.

Diana: Is it truly troubling you?

Y/n: No, no. I really don't mind. Just ask next time, okay?

Diana: *smiles* Okay.

Y/n: *to Tanaka* We better get you new gear.

Tanaka: Okay.

With that, the three then headed to Erhardt's shop. Unknown to Y/n, he'll come across a similar person like himself..

[Timeskip]
Y/n and Diana arrived to see Erhardt and Naofumi there as well.

Y/n: Hey.

Erhardt: Hey there, Y/n. *notices Tanaka* Is this your new companion as well?

Y/n: You are correct. *to Naofumi* Are you getting new gear for Raphtalia?

Naofumi: Yeah. I rather not have her in rags. Won't look good for me.

Y/n gave some silver to Erhardt for Tanaka to get a new outfit and weapon. A few minutes later, She and Raphtalia started to come out in their new outfits and small weapons.

[Tanaka's first outfit and weapon]*not the katana*

Y/n: You two look pretty good.

Naofumi then secretly took out a balloon monster from the inside of his cloak.

He handed it to Y/n who at first didn't realize what was going on, but quickly catches on.

Naofumi: Alright. *looks at Raphtalia and Tanaka* Let's see you two draw your weapons.

The two demi-humans were confused at the request until Naofumi and Y/n showed off the Balloon monsters in their hands..

Y/n: This is one of the weaker monsters in this world. One hit is enough to take it down. *raises the monster in front of Tanaka*

Naofumi: *raises the monster in front of Raphtalia* We need you two to stab these.

Raphtalia: *hesitant* N-no.

Naofumi: *to Raphtalia* That's an order!

The slave crest on her chest started to glow and painfully electrocute her, forcing Raphtalia on the ground, holding her sides.

Naofumi: You're only hurting yourself by refusing. Now, do it!

Slowly, Raphtalia get up with her weapon in hand with the crest losing it's glow. She close her eyes and charged at the monster to stab it. However, it catches the blade in it's mouth and pushes her back.

Naofumi: Too weak! Put some muscle into it!

Doing just that, Raphtalia charges again and manages to impale her blade through the monster, popping her and sending her to the ground. With Tanaka, who watched Raphtalia strike her monster, she looks towards her master.

Tanaka: *looks towards Y/n* A-are you sure?

Y/n: *nods* Yes. Now, strike!

Tanaka slowly got her short sword out and charged at the monster with weapon in hand and pierced through the monsters head, making it pop like..a balloon.

Y/n: Nice.

A pop up appeared on top of Tanaka and Raphtalia's head, showing that they gained some experience. Y/n, Diana and Naofumi also saw that they got some experience points as well.

Naofumi: We got experience points too?

Erhardt: Probably because when you two formed a pact, you set these two as your companions. Oh, wait a minute, don't tell me you did that with the lady in here before?

Naofumi: *scoffs at the mention of the Bitch* Damn that woman..

Y/n and Diana felt sympathy for him, remembering that it's Myne that caused Naofumi to be like this.

Erhardt: You know, you all will not die a painless death.

Naofumi: Don't beat around the bush. Say what you really think.

He turned to walk out, but calls out to Raphtalia..

Naofumi: Come on, off your butt. Let's move.

Raphtalia: Yes, Sir. *puts sword away and runs to him*

Erhardt: *sighs and rubs head* Oh, boy. I don't know if the country's going to the dark ages or the kid's already corrupted.

[Timeskip]
The group of five were then traveling in the busy street as Naofumi looks at the remaining silvers he had.

Naofumi:

???: Hey! Get a move on!

The boys turned to see a man with a riding crop forcing two fox demi-human kids, to carry his stuff.

???: Move your asses, you stinking demis!

The smaller demi-human boy tripped onto a rock, causing him to fall and spill the stuff on the ground. This enraged the older man as he preps to whip the boy.

Jerk: You little Shit! That stuff was expensive!!

Little boy: I'm sorry!

He goes to whip the whimpering Kid and before he could actually hit him, his wrist was grab by none other than Y/n himself.

Y/n: I would prefer if you did not harm this child.

Jerk: Who the hell do you think you are?!

He takes out a switchblade and goes to stab him. However, Y/n intercepted the move, grabbed his hand and moved it away from him before flipping him over his shoulder while holding his right arm in a vice grip. He also ripped the knife from his hand and threw it to the side before looking down at the other man.

Y/n: That's very unwise of you.

Jerk: I thought you were suppose to be a hero.

Y/n: Of course I am, dumbass. It's just people like you really disgust me.

Jerk: *groans*

Y/n: If I catch you doing this to other demi-humans, I'll break the other one.

Jerk: The other wha-

Before he could finish, Y/n then twist his arm in sick motion, breaking it in multiple places..

The jerk scrramed in agony then got up holding his broken arm and gives the Masked Hero a murderous glare.

Jerk: I'll make you pay for this!

He then runs off, cursing him as the hero watches him from afar..

Y/n: Bastard...

Little boy: Umm..

The hero turned to the demi-human kids who looked at him in awe.

Little girl: Why did you defend us?

Y/n: I wasn't just gonna watch a kid get whipped. Demi-human or not, no one should be a slave..not as young as you two.

The two demi-human kids go to Y/n and hug his sides, thanking him for freeing them from their abuser. The Hero smiled and ruffled their heads, making the kids giggle with glee.

Y/n: Do you guys have family out here?

Little boy: *becomes saddened a bit* We do, but we were ripped away by the king's knights and put in slavery.

Y/n felt immense rage inside of his mind, though he didn't physically show it. He looks down to see two bags of gold and gems from where the jerk used to be.

He leaned down and gathers them all in the two bags before placing them on his sides.

Y/n: Ok. Let see if I can find your parents. *turns to his group* I'm gonna help them out. Are you guys gonna be alright by yourselves for a while?

Naofumi: Yeah, it's alright. We'll meet you back at the Inn.

Y/n: *nods and turns back to the kids* Let get you two some new clothing first.

Diana watched as Y/n walk away while the kids hold onto him. She couldn't help but smile at his kind action as she thought it something.

Diana: *thoughts* I'm sure that Man would make a woman happy. Maybe..if I can tell him..

[Y/n's POV]
I took the two demi-human kids with me to cmget a clothes change. At first, the cashier with a ridiculous large ass hat refused to have demi-humans in the shop, but with me threatening him by slicing his hat diagonally with my Rekka Kaenken..

He complied and allow me to pick out the kids clothing. What a nice guy. After a few minutes of picking the clothing, I gave them to the kids and allowed them to change in private. They then come out showing

*Without the sword or the book*

Y/n: You two look much better.

Little girl: Thank you, master.

Little boy: Yeah. I feel more comfy.

Y/n: Oh, wait. I forgot to get your names.

Fern: My name is Fern.

Henry: I'm Henry.

Y/n: Those are nice names. You can call me Y/n.

I then walked over to the cashier and handed him a small bag of 10 gold coins.

Y/n: Thank you for your patronage.

We then left the store as we kept walking towards the village gates. Next thing I hear was concerning voices coming our way.

???: Fern! Henry!

We looked to see a couple heading towards the kids. I can guess those must be the parents. The

Fern and Henry: Mommy! Daddy!

The kids ran towards their parents and hugged them like they never before.

Mother: *looks at Y/n* Are you the Masked Hero?

Y/n then throws one of the gold bags in the father's hands as he looked in surprise.

Father: I-i don't understand.

Y/n: Use that to go somewhere far from this King's reach. As far as I can tell, he'll stop at nothing to dispose those that goes against him.

Father: O-ok..

Mother: *with light tears* Thank tou for saving our babies.

Y/n: Anytime.

The demi-human family waved goodbye as they headed off in a wagon. Y/n waved goodbye with a smile as he decided to walk back to the Inn.

[Money Obtained: 200 gold pieces/1 gold bar/multiple jewels]

[Timeskip]*no one's POV*
Y/n was back at the Inn, as I see Naofumi and the other's eating.

Y/n: Hey.

Diana: Hello, Sir Y/n.

Naofumi: Nice to see that you're back.

Y/n: Great to be back.

He asked a waiter to bring him some good food, while tipping him a few gold coins.

???: Excuse me, current bearer of Saber...

Y/n and the others could only turn before they jumped as a roar was heard, before him was a man who was sitting on a mechanical blue colored lion.

Y/n: Whoa..

Man: *with a pleasant yet disturbing smile* Would you mind accompanying me back to my headquarters?

Tanaka: *stares in surprise* A blue... lion?!

Man: Oh yes. *jumps off the beast* He is my partner, the Lion Senki, just like the Brave Dragon is yours. I was in such a rush that I used him to close the distance to ride in on battle to come assist you. But it seems you had it handled quite well.

Y/n: I uh... huh,Wait, ride in on battle? Who are you even?

Rintaro: My name is Rintaro Shindo, a member of the Sword Of Logos squad.

He dismounted the Lion Senki, holding an open book to draw the lion back into it revealing it as a blue rimmed book of the same name.

Naofumi: Hey, that book looks like the one you have, Y/n.

Y/n: Well, what did you know..

Rintaro: As for my background, all will be explained. The more important question is who you are.

Y/n: O-Oh right, I'm Y/n Styles and you know what's going on?

Rintaro: Indeed, please do not worry about any issues..

Rintaro held his arms out to feel less threatening, despite the gesture he still had a semi-creepy smile on his face. This made Tanaka sneak onto Y/n's back due to the creepy vibes she senses from him.

Rintaro: There's no need to be defensive. I'm not here to harm, Asta. I'm not suspicious at all.

Y/n, Naofumi and the girls: Yes you are.

Rintaro: *sweatshops* A-anyway. I'm here to talk with Y/n about what happened the other day. That golem you fought is apart of a group called the Megid, monsters that are aiming to attain a great power to be able to take over the world. It's the duty of the Sword Of Logos to fight them.

Y/n: And what do you want me to do?

Rintaro: It depends. What is your current goal?

Y/n: Upon arriving in this world alongside my friend Naofumi here, to fend of the Waves of Catastrophe that appear once a month.

Rintaro: Yes. I also had my own fights with the creatures that appeared in the waves. But back to business. *to Y/n* I'm here to

Rintaro: The Sword Of Logos is different from the Four Cardinal Heroes. In most cases, for someone to become a member of the Sword Of Logos, they need to be chosen by a Holy Sword.

Rintaro explained just as everyone's eyes widened as Rintaro is now holding a sword that is the same to Asta's Rekka, but with a blue guard instead of red and a blue strip running along the middle of the blade.

Rintaro: This is Nagare, the sword of currents.

Diana: Does the chosen person feel pain and get attack by the respective elements when they first touch their Holy Sword?

Rintaro: Yes. You can say that's the entrance exam for the Sword of Logos, trail by fire as it is.

Y/n: Do we have to go now?

Rintaro: It would be most wise.

Naofumi: Are you sure that it's a void idea to go with him, Y/n?

Y/n: * looks at his Rekka Kaenken* I'm not sure. But I do want to know more about this sword, and Rintaro

Diana: We'll see you when we get back.

Y/n takes out two bags and fills them up with one  for Diana and Tanaka,, the other for Naofumi and Raphtalia.

Y/n: Here. It should help you all until i get back.

Naofumi: Neat. It'll make things a bit easier here.

Y/n: Okay. *kneels down to Tanaka* Tanaka. I'm going to be away for a while. While I'm gone, I need you to listen whatever Diana tells you to do, okay.

Tanaka: Of course.

Y/n: *ruffles her head, making Tanaka smile* Good girl.

Raphtalia: Be careful, Sir Y/n.

Y/n nodded as he and Rintaro then took of to the base of the Sword Of Logos. If he can learn more about his Seiken SworDriver, it would be a major help against the waves.

[This is where I'm ending it for now. See you in Chapter 4]