The Untrusting Hero From Another World

Nine Months Since Summoning Day, Xandric, Age 116

"What are you planning?" I growl as we follow Necroli back to his secret lab. I still wanted to snap him like a twig for putting those three in that position. What if they died? That would just leave three of us, and one is off doing who knows what? Still, he stayed calm, leading us into a room with two of the three Boost Medals. I thought we weren't using these again. They're too dangerous. "What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious? You're gonna use those?"

"Says the one who threw a fit over how dangerous they are," Eliza grumbled, clearly feeling similar to me

"From what I could gather, these devices take Darkness within the hearts of your Goliaths, convert it to energy, and briefly evolve the suits. That's why using them for too long is dangerous. It can only take in so much before it begins to leak out. However, there is some left over after taking it off, making it easier to start up. Think of it like adding more water to a glass that already contains some"

"And your point is...?"

"My point is, if you can absorb that remaining Darkness energy into your suits, it may trigger a sort of pseudo-evolution. It won't be as strong as the other three, as your suit is already based off an evolved suit and Eliza's is something else entirely, but it will give you a small increase in power and tweak your suits to look more like them. Uniforms are important for marketing after all."

"You're thinking of marketing at a time like this?"

"Of course! How do you think we fund you five?" He asked, not seeming to care as the protective forcefield around the Boost Medals dropped. When we looked to him, he motioned for us to take it, "Let your suits take in the energy, just like it would Mana. The only difference is that you need to actively try." Hesitantly, we both reached for them. We saw what this thing did to Ryan. I'm a Demon, so I should be fine. But what about Eliza? I turn to her, and unlike me, she has no such qualms. Firmly gripping the medallion in her hand with enough strength to shatter it. The black and purple glow runs up her arm towards her chest, and I swiftly join in, crushing the Boost Medallion. Roars of pain filled the room as we let the Darkness into our suits. Demons are born of this vile substance, so I was fine, but Eliza was in agony. Her suit slowly changed before my eyes. The suit became much less bulky, instead creating thin layers of white plating that placed themselves on top of each other, creating extra protection without sacrificing flexibility, the crown on top changed from something traditional to a more battle crown design, wrapping around her helmet and before coming down on the sides and making a distinct snowflake pattern on the edges. Lastly, the cape changed from its typical white to a regal light blue, matching the parts of the suit beneath the armor. Next was my suit, the chitin began to change into more traditional armor, much like the others, though some pieces would still be visible as the black layered plates layered over it. My wing armor was sharpened like blades, and my helmet horns grew ever so slightly, even folding back a little

"Nobility Reborn: White Mythic Hero!"

"Demonic Rage Reborn: Black Mythic Hero!"

We both exclaim instinctively and look at ourselves. True to what we were told, we don't feel much stronger, but that was very much a side effect of our sources of power being so different. I turn to Eliza, who was merely chuckling, "Is something so funny?"

"N-No... It's just, you barely look any different!" She said, finally bursting out into her laughter. Meanwhile, I merely flexed my muscles in my new suit and joined her.

"Of course! Perfection requires no further improvement!"

"I'm glad you two are satisfied. Until the others fully recover, you will be on your own in the field," he noted, making us both turn to him with our jaws dropped.

Time Unknown, Ryan, Age 15

Another night, another dream. The Dark Dragon Warrior does this almost every night now, each time more insistent than the last. I groan, making no effort to hide my annoyance as I look around, "Listen, I don't know what else to tell you. I'm not taking it." Admittedly, the power was tempting. I was able to beat a buffed Monster Cass with ease, but the desperation in Makoto's voice was enough reason for me to decline every time. I heard no response this time, though. Instead, my ears filled with the sound of fire and screams. Turning myself around, the dreamscape turned into Eltaria, the Capital of the Human Nation of Zordonia, in ruins. The buildings were burning, the holograms that once showed news and ads flickering on and off, and the castle that loomed over it all was in ruins. Rage filled my body despite knowing this was a dream. I knew none of it was real, but the thought of it set my body on fire, "What the hell is this?!"

"Haven't you guessed? This is the future if you don't win," The voice finally spoke as the spitting image of me appeared from nowhere, its eyes a pitch black void with a plastered-on grin. It didn't wear the usual armor. It was just... me, "Admit it. You've grown fond of this place, right? Why else would you be so mad inside? You don't want this, so why not take the necessary steps to make sure it doesn't happen?" I didn't have a response. The logic was sound, so why not do it? Makoto would be upset, but I'm sure she would understand. Looking behind him, there weren't just empty ruins. I saw bodies. They had no wounds, but they were completely limp, their skin pale and lifeless. I even saw familiar faces. Jaune, Kai, Makoto, Eliza, Thaddeus. I wanted to scream, but before I could, the false me pushed me down, "Like I said, just think about it..."

Nine Months Since Summoning Day, Ryan, Age 15

With a loud scream, I shoot up from my bed, immediately met by a pillow being thrown at my face and a grumpy Jaune glaring at me, "Sorry..." I mutter through my heavy breaths

"Is this going to be a constant occurrence? You know we need rest."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, and I said sorry..." I repeated, not in the mood to deal with him. Even if it wasn't real, I couldn't get his lifeless body out of my head. Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to Makoto. She was doing the best out of the three of us, only being a little sick due to being forced to eat raw fish to survive. Her healing magic practically had her already out the door, but the doctors wanted to keep her here just to be sure. Despite that, when I looked at her, all I could see was the one dead eye peering through the shattered visor of Hero Blue's helmet.

"Are you okay? You never had nightmares this bad before," she asked, sounding worried. I felt some small relief in that. If she's worrying about me. She can't be in that bad of shape. I force a smile and nod.

"No worries. It's just a phase. It'll pass," I partially lied. I do tend to have what I call 'Nightmare Seasons', but those happen around the time Mom died, and since I don't know how long it's been relative to that, I haven't had them since I arrived. She still seemed skeptical, but she nodded and went to sit back down.

"Well, the doctors said we'll be released in a few days. Xandric and Eliza are on guard in the meantime."

"I see. Well, let's hope they finish before anything happens. I don't like the idea of her fighting without us," Jaune grumbled.

"Even though she can totally kick your ass in a fight now?" I asked teasingly, prompting him to stick his tongue out at me like a child. I couldn't help but laugh. Yeah... Laugh. Ever since I met these guys, I've done things I haven't done in years, like laughing with others. I can't lose that.

Meanwhile, Aug, Age 609

I sit in the corner of our shared room. They have told us to wait until we are used to our new forms to be sent into the field, but already there is some disagreement between us. Riptar specifically was raging, throwing a table just past Lux, who easily destroyed it, "Hey, watch it!"

"We should be out there right now! Why are we cooped up like carrier pigeons?"

"Because we're not ready. You can't even pop those claws of yours in and out properly," Colagula reminded, dodging a lamp that was thrown her way.

"Can all of you shut up? I'm trying to sleep here," Fume protested with a loud yawn, "Look, you all can do what you want, but until they make a way for me to leave, I'm not involved." Riptar growled and was about to attack her, but finally, I stepped in, wrapping my new massive hand around his tiny wrist

"You do not want that fight."

"What is wrong with you people? We all agreed to volunteer so we could take down the heroes and reclaim what's ours!"

"You volunteered. What about the rest of us?" I asked, looking to the others. They all raised their hand besides me and Kagan. I then turned to him, letting go, "I did it because it got me out of prison. This island is where we belong, for our own good and theirs."

"I went to keep my sister safe. I couldn't care less about this war," Kagan hissed out, his voice being messed up due to the transformation. Riptar scoffed in response and walked out. "Where are you going?"

"To do my job. If you take issue with it, stay and hide like the cowards you are," he answered and left. The remainder of them looked at each other before following him, with only Kagan looking back to me.

"What are you waiting for? Your sister is going," I assure him, and he chases after them while Fume and I wait. There is nothing wrong with acting on your own accord. But I cannot stand how Riptar pressured them into it. Humming, I turn to Fume to express my displeasure, but she's already asleep, "Are you a Dragon or a sloth...?"

Two Days Later, Eliza, Age 15

Xandric and I walked along the streets, looking for something to do. We had already eaten some surprisingly good food. Due to the emphasis on tourism, you can eat practically any dish from every nation here, and with the robots working alongside people to maximize efficiency, you barely have to wait five minutes, "Phew! That was good. I didn't think fried worm could actually taste that good."

"You have strange tastes, Eliza," Xandric groaned, seeming uneasy. We had gone around helping people with small tasks, a missing tiger here, a fried hologram there. But we both knew we were just doing it because we felt a unique tension. As we walked, a deformed man with knife-shaped ears and bladed teeth approached us. He wore a checkered suit and a small cape.

"Excuse me, young lady. You wouldn't happen to be one of the Heroes, would you?" I turn to him, looking shocked. He was right, and ever since Dai Shi, I've made no effort to hide it, but I haven't been going around announcing it either. My shock must have been enough confirmation as his massive maw formed a grin, "Good, I'm Benjamin House. I run the Nosferatu in this city. Would you please come with me?"

"Nosferatu?" I repeated, clearly surprised. Obviously, I had heard of them, but it's rare for them to make themselves known. I look to Xandric and nod my head before following the man in the checkered suit.

"Forgive me for asking, but... what exactly is a Nosferatu?"

"Ah, yes, you're a demon, so you've never met. You Demons each look different, correct. Vampires are similar but... more extreme. For whatever reason, our physical appearance and capabilities change. We classify these abnormalities into different species or clans or whatever you wish to call them. Nosferatu look, well... like me," he answered before leading us into an abandoned building on the edge of the city. Logically, I'd assume this was a trap, but no, he stomped on the ground, flipping a piece of loose wood to reveal a staircase. Still, we followed, and before us lay a sprawling underground cavern, one that must have been the size of Broodwing City itself. Water from the city sewers came down like waterfalls into massive cauldrons before being dumped out as clear as the ocean, completely purified, Nosferatu, Yara-Ma-Yah-Who and Asanbosam children played just as they would above ground, Jubokko trees planted their roots firmly around the city, their limbs stretching out to purchase any blood they may need, "Welcome to the true Broodwing City. Above is mainly for tourists and those of us lucky enough to pass for them."

"You're forced to live down here?" Xandric asked, clearly holding back his disgust. Obviously, I felt similarly. Just because they're a bit different doesn't mean they should be forced to hide.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Oh, don't get the wrong idea. You'll begin to sound like your friend in red," House warned. "This came first, then that tourist trap was built topside. We could go up. But well, how can I frame this? It's like either of you leaving your country for another. It's unfamiliar to us." As we walked, House greeted everyone we crossed before arriving at a fairly large building. It wasn't very flashy, being a massive stone structure with several windows but no glass. The only thing of note was a large sign saying 'Bureau of Underground Intelligence'. Despite its plain outside appearance, the inside was loaded with monitors, recorders, and trackers. Nothing was unmonitored. I didn't realize something like this existed.

"What is this place?" Xandric asked as we stared in amazement. While magic was more my expertise, I did share some of my father's technological curiosity. Hence why I spent so long in the labs. But all of this? The more I saw, the more I was disgusted.

"You're spying on everyone? Across the entire island?" I asked, gritting my teeth at the clear invasion of privacy

"Not just this island, my friend. Now don't go getting your panties in a twist. If you're so mad about it, I can explain it all later. For now..." he turned on a massive central monitor, dismissing my concerns. I could see why, though, as what it showed stunned me to silence. A village, unlike anything I've ever seen, in flames. Demon bodies littered the ground, all mostly unharmed save for one fatal blow. The one standing in each of the videos shown was a Hell Hero. "Our agents on the Dark Island recorded this. I intend to show the kings, but I want your input first." He then zoomed in, revealing a small light entering a crystal.

"No... No way! We stopped that!"

"Stopped what?"

"The Soul Stone they had! We destroyed it, but... wait, if there were still pieces left, it could still be used. However, without my staff to amplify it..."

"They need to kill, removing the soul from the body to suck it up," Xandric finished, and the wave of guilt came over me. I feel lightheaded. The people in Dai Shi had their souls stolen, but they could still be saved. What about them? They had to die just to have their souls taken. Maybe they should've just kept the staff. Ryan and the others could beat them. It's all my faul-

BONK!

"Ow!" I yelp and rub my head, looking to Xandric, whose hand was steaming from the blow, "What was that for?"

"Get over yourself. You had no idea this would happen, and we're better off having you than not," he assured, but his voice was colder as he looked up at the screen.

"Are you not mad?"

"No, I'm not. I'm furious. But they're the ones who made this choice, not you. If this upsets you as much as it does me, aim it at them," he answered as House just watched us.

"I see. So that's what they're doing. Very well, you may leave now. I'll prepare a report and send-" his final words were cut off by the rumbling above ground. He quickly switched monitors to see four monsters. That's odd. Normally, they send one, but four? This is an issue. Still, we know what to do. Xandric and I look at each other and prepare to transform.

"Souls Combine, Heroes Unite!"

"rewoP oreH layoR!"

The world around me changed to that of a castle made of ice. Walking down the stairs towards my people, my armor appeared step by step. When I finally reached the bottom, I gave in to my instincts to pose, "Nobility Reborn: White Mythic Hero!"

"Demonic Rage Reborn: Black Mythic Hero!" The two of us called out our callsigns then hurried back up topside. The civilians were already running towards the shelters, but the monsters wasted no time. A being with crystals all over her body began reflecting what little light was available into lasers in all directions. One made of water through pieces of herself about. The smallest drop was enough to freeze civilians in place. A being of pure darkness choked everyone but the Vampires on his black smoke, and the last one, a rabid animal ripping and tearing through innocents. He was about to kill one, if not for a quick illusion by Xandric, "Enough! Identify yourselves this instant!"

The group stared dumbfounded at Xandric's decree until the spiked man stepped forward, "Wow! The traitorous prince is still here! We thought you came back, but since you clearly tricked us, we're the Warlords, and we're here to destroy your friends. You too if you won't come quietly."

"Perhaps don't go that far," the water woman insisted as she spoke up, "Forgive our friend here, your highness. He is impatient and foolish." Much to the beast's dismay, she slowly approached and kneeled before Xandric, "What he says is mostly true, however. Besides the part about destroying you, he told no lies."

"I see. Sadly, I have no intention of returning, nor will I let you harm my team," Xandric answered, and for a brief moment, I could see disappointment fill the two green splotches that made up her eyes.

"I see. Then forgive me," she regretfully responded before an ice spike shot out from her body. Xandric dodged, trying to strike her. However, his fist got caught in the blob. I tried to freeze her solid with a simple ice spell, only to have my staff shot out of my hand by a laser.

"Sorry, princess. Your fight's with me," the crystal girl said as the shadow man rushed to join the fight against Xandric. I try my best to get close and fight her hand-to-hand. While martial arts aren't exactly my area of expertise, it is something I can do while wearing the suit. Still, she easily dodged every hit before pulling one of her crystals out of her body and stabbing it into my shoulder. It didn't break the new armor, but it did glow a fiery orange before exploding, sending me flying back. I caught myself on my staff, spinning myself around before landing on top as it was stuck to the ground. Runes began to form behind me as I blasted her with every element I had. I may not be able to spawn things from thin air, but in this suit, my Mana Intake is drastically increased. I can burn it all and refuel it in under a minute.

"You want a fight? Fine, you're on, kid!" I shouted out as fire, water, lightning, and wind all rushed her while the earth held her in place. I wasn't going to just let her go, but my plans were cut off as I had to dodge a set of razor-sharp claws. I narrowly dodged the first strike before plucking my staff out of the ground to dodge the second.

"Oh, the princess too? Thaddeus is going to be hurting tonight when I send him your head!"

"Assuming it doesn't explode, you mean?" I joke to hide my fear. Everything we fight seems to explode on death, so that small comfort seemed to calm me ever so slightly. As I jumped back, throwing smaller pellets. It didn't do much to stop his advance, though. Luckily, once he got close, all I had to do was tap him, sisylaraP!" With those words, he was frozen in place and further restrained by Xandric's Shadow Soldiers. It didn't last long, though. He roared out in pain as he forced himself up, tearing through the soldiers like butter. As he stood, his armor looked like it was pulsating, repeatedly stabbing him to force him up through sheer pain. The fight would continue to rage, and while I wasn't losing, I was slowly being worn down. I need to finish this fast or I won't survive!

Meanwhile, Xandric, Age 116

Facing down my two enemies, I could already gauge their strength. Each one was equal to Leon in power before he lost his body, and while we both could manage, they just needed to tire us down. I could already see Eliza gasping for air as she wasn't afforded time to take in more Mana. I sent a small detachment of Shadow Soldiers to help her before continuing my own battle. The water woman tried to fire frozen pieces of her body, but thanks to Kairos Sight, I could dodge each and every one with ease. The dark figure followed up her barrage with a swing from his hand, which he molded and hardened into an axe that I blocked with my spear. When I went to counterattack, though, he went into the Shadows. "You two are quite bold. But keep in mind, you are never fighting just me."

"Oh yes, your army of dead demons. You must be proud..." The Shadow Man hissed out, making no effort to hide disdain

"I didn't ask for their aid, but they happily provide it. I am honored by that," I responded as the Shadow Soldiers began to rise up. While they are all weak, they at least have some magical capabilities and are the same capable warriors they were in life. Some hurled spells while others engaged the two on the front lines. Some didn't even get to reach them before being met with shards of ice to the heart. But in the chaos, I managed to rush the water being. She was clearly the bigger threat of the two. At least, that's what I thought until I felt blades in my back. They didn't pierce my heart, but I could feel the nerves tearing as the Shadow Monster's malleable hands carved up and down my back.

"All those brains and none of you remembered something very important. Never underestimate your opponent..." The man hissed before finally pulling his fingers out of my spine. He was right, small moments of arrogance like this keep my Void at bay, but they also lead to deadly mistakes...

Meanwhile, Ryan, Age 15

Watching the news was all I needed to see. Xandric and Eliza were doing great, but it wasn't going to last forever. I rushed out of my hospital room, making my way towards the lab. If those two couldn't handle the four of them, I definitely couldn't. I guess that leech has a point, "Ryan, wait!" Makoto called out to me as she and Jaune chased me down. I slightly flexed my Draconic Presence, not enough to hurt them, but to keep them pinned for a moment, "What are you going to do? If they can't..."

"They don't have the power I did," I simply answered. She knew what I was doing, and the two began to call out, pleading with me not to do it. I couldn't tell what they were saying, though. I had to do my best to tune it out, otherwise I might start to doubt myself. The further I get from a target, the less Draconic Presence will affect them, but I keep it going for as long as I can before making it to the hidden lab. Inside was Necroli, who turned around in shock

"Ryan?! You should still be in bed! What are you-?!" He began to ask, but I simply held him down before backhanding him. That wasn't entirely necessary, but I'm still pissed for what he put us through

"Where is my Boost Medal?"

"Why do you...? Your suit is...?" he struggled to ask and stumbled to his feet, the ground cracking beneath him.

"It's not enough. I need the Dark Dragon Warrior," I answered, lightening the load off of him. Xandric and Eliza need help. So give it to me. Please." He looked at me with a softened expression, the anger from the backfist subsiding, before pressing a series of buttons on the terminal next to him. A slot opened, containing the broken Boost Medal inside one of the many white rooms

"You do realize there may be no saving you this time, right?" He asked, but I didn't respond. I didn't need to be told that. I've never expected nor wanted to be saved. If the few friends I have can live, that's enough. I entered the room and took the Boost Medal, latching it to my chest. It was still damaged from the previous battle. The Darkness won't be contained.

"Boost Up..."

The voice from the Medal was distorted, much less energetic, and more sinister as the Darkness covered me. Jaune and Makoto rushed in just in time to see the transformation, "You damned fool! What are you doing?!" Jaune called out, gritting his teeth

"Don't worry, guys. Just get some rest," I answered before the helmet fully formed.

"Good," the leech's voice said with glee, finally coming out of the Darkness. I know what he wants, but I won't let him. "Now, just give me control and I'll handle-ack!" His venomous words were cut off as I forced him down

"No. Listen up, you parasite. You're exactly right about me. I don't want them to get hurt. I want to be stronger," I admitted, sitting on top of him. He tried to speak again, but I simply applied more pressure, "But this is my body. So I'll do it my way."

"A-And that is...?"

"Simple. You've been in my body long enough. Ever heard of a Battlizer?" I asked, grinning ear to ear as he slowly melted. With my Crimson Mind, this power would be my own

"Fine... But I'll be waiting..."

I slowly opened my eyes, looking around. Necroli, Jaune, and Makoto were all in defensive stances, as if expecting me to pounce. I knew exactly what to do. I slammed my fists together before striking a pose, "Dark Dragon Warrior- Complete!" I called out, prompting an explosion of red and black behind me. The three all began to relax, and my teammates hurried to me.

"Is that really you in there?" Makoto asked hesitantly

"I've been monitoring the Darkness leaking from the Boost Medal since you gave it to me. It seems to be altered in some way. In short, he's fine..." Necroli asked in shock. Before I could explain that I used my Crimson Mind, Makoto slapped my helmet before hugging me

"One of these days, I'm going to give you a heart attack as bad as the one you just gave me..."

"I look forward to it. I'll be back soon," I assured, hugging her back before flying out. I'm sure the hole I left will come out of my allowance, but I hurry into the city. It wasn't hard to find the battle as Shadow Soldiers and every element under the sun. Without a word, I begin casting a spell "suoiruF gninruB nuS!" I chant before summoning a massive ball of fire and throwing it down at the ground, immediately destroying the Shadow Man, even if only briefly. The group all look up to me as I land. Xandric and Eliza are both exhausted, and Xandric needs time to heal. "You guys get back. I'll handle this."

"And let you have all the fun with your new toy? As if," Eliza joked. Before I could argue, Xandric was already back up, thanks to Eliza providing some simple first aid.

"We were told to protect this city in your absence. We will not fail." These guys... stubborn even now. I simply nod, dashing at the guy made of spikes and claws before dragging him through the dirt. He tried to stab through me multiple times, but the Darkness would either harden and shield me or turn to goo, which slowed down any momentum his swings built up. The Shadow Man from before tried to help, but I easily kicked him into the crystal woman. The three of us worked together to group them all up in one spot. They were heavily fatigued despite their brave faces, but that was okay. With them all grouped together, I did what any Power Up would be in complete without

"Finishing Move!" I called out as the Darkness began to overflow and take shape. I was raised into the air as the blob shaped itself into the form of a Dragon, "Mythic Blaze!!" I called out, releasing fire from my mouth hot enough to melt solid steel. The four stumbled just in time for me to land, and we could strike our team pose, calling out "Heroes Unite!" before they exploded.

Later That Night

They forced me back into my bed after the battle, and frankly, I didn't have the energy to complain. The battle was easy, too easy. It was disturbing. Whenever the doctors were done with their examination, Necroli came in to tell me the news, "They found traces of Darkness in your system, but after a few minutes, it was flushed out. I'm impressed. Few people can get rid of it at all once it returns to the soul. Still, I would recommend being very careful about using that"

"Trust me, I know," I answered, remembering what that leech said before it melted out of my mind. If I use it for too long, it will be back. I should stick to my magic and Heroic Spirit if I can. But after that bit of information, I looked in the doorway to see all four of my teammates watching, "Hey! You know it's rude to eavesdrop, right?"

"It's even more rude to interrupt an ongoing conversation," Xandric mocked as the group walked further in, "We just wanted to say thank you for the help."

"Of course. You guys are my team. I'll do everything I can to make sure you're okay."

"Welllll, if you really mean that..." Eliza sang out, a grin crossing her face, "We're all hungry! Let's go eat!"

"Nearly died, and that's your first thought?" I asked before letting out a sigh as I felt a soft curve on my lips, "Fine. Let's go"

"Great!" Jaune exclaimed, dragging me out of bed, "I have been absolutely dying to finally see this city! I'll be sure it's worth every coin you spend," he assured. Wait... Every coin I spend? Come to think of it, Makoto's been quiet this entire exchange. Looking into her eyes, all I see is the devil here to take either my coin or my soul.

"Oh, come on! Really guys?! This is not how you treat your leader! Guys? Guys?!" I call out in desperation, but they all laugh while I'm left to dread this betrayal.