"Gauntlet?"
"That's right. What I mean should be clear. If I lose, I'll do whatever you want. If I win, you will do whatever I ask of you."
"I don't understand."
Fitoria tilted her head, clearly confused as to why Jason suddenly challenged her.
"After all, I was beaten up by you today, and Raphtalia and the others were threatened. If I don't take back some pride, I can't live with this frustration. As for winning or losing, it's just a bet."
Jason sighed, shook his head, and explained.
"Then why not now?"
"Because I can't beat you now. Unless I strengthen the Wrath Shield again, I'd have no chance. But each time it strengthens, the energy consumption increases. Right now, I think I've drained too much energy, and I probably wouldn't be able to resist the curse's devouring power anymore."
"That makes sense. It's better to avoid using that shield too much."
Jason and Fitoria exchanged remarks back and forth, one sentence from him, one from her.
After that, the two of them fell silent. Jason quietly waited for her reply. By common reasoning, no one would agree to such a challenge.
After all, Jason must be confident of winning at the right moment, or he wouldn't have challenged her in the first place.
But Jason was certain that Fitoria would agree, which is why he had set things up the way he did.
"If the time comes, and you can live peacefully with the other three heroes, then Fitoria will accept this gauntlet."
Clearly, this Filo Bird Queen, who has lived for countless years, is not an ordinary person.
For her, protecting the world matters above all else. So, if this challenge helps her do that, what does it matter? As long as she can ensure the world's safety, she'll pay any price.
From a certain point of view, she's pitiable.
But, as the saying goes: "Pitiable people must have something detestable about them."
"Alright, as long as the other three heroes don't trouble me."
"Deal."
They extended their right hands, shaking on the agreement. Fitoria accepted Jason's challenge.
"Now, let's head back."
With the agreement in place and the challenge accepted, Jason was ready to return.
"Wait."
But Fitoria called out to Jason once more.
"What is it?"
Before Jason could fully process what was happening, he saw Fitoria place her small hand on the armor he was wearing.
A light enveloped him, and the armor that had been shattered by Fitoria quickly began to heal.
In Jason's field of vision, next to the armor's attribute list, a bird-shaped icon appeared.
[Disciple of Hell] (Protected by the Filo Bird Queen)
Defense increase (large)Strength increase (small)Agility increase (large)Fire resistance (large)Wind resistance (large)Curse resistance (small)HP recovery (small)Magic power increase (small)Magic defense improvementMental pollution resistanceSelf-healing function
Not only had the armor been repaired, but its attributes were also significantly boosted.
"Although you seem to have a unique ability that suppresses the curse's devouring power and seals its influence, even so, it's extremely dangerous to confront something like curse power. The mental pollution resistance and curse resistance I've added, along with other effects, will help further suppress the curse's devouring influence. Of course, it would be better if you avoided using that shield altogether."
Fitoria explained.
"With my current strength, unless I face an opponent like you, I don't need to use the Wrath Shield at all. But now that you've improved my armor so much, you've given me an advantage before our battle even begins. Why?"
"Because you're a hero. You need to grow stronger to fight the Waves of Calamity."
"It's all for the sake of protecting the world, huh?"
"Yes."
"But is it really worth it?"
"I don't fully understand what you're asking. Protecting the world is my vow and responsibility, so I must fulfill it."
At that moment, they both fell silent, watching each other.
Finally, Jason broke the silence: "Let's go. It's getting late, I haven't even had dinner yet, and I'm hungry and tired."
Jason understood Fitoria's conviction, but he didn't share it. So, there wasn't much more to say.
Fitoria nodded slightly.
At this time, she didn't carry the regal aura of a queen. Her expression wasn't indifferent, nor were her eyes haughty. She looked rather cute, like a girl next door, quietly following Jason. But on her face, there was also a hint of exhaustion and relief.
When they returned, Raphtalia and the others let out sighs of relief. They had feared that Jason and Fitoria might fight again.
From that point on, things were peaceful. Everyone ate together and camped together.
Jason and the group stayed there for over a day, primarily to rest. After all, they had just fought a Tyrannosaurus rex and had a showdown with Fitoria. Even Jason was exhausted.
During this time, Fitoria also helped Filo with specialized training, teaching her things like mana recovery and combat skills.
Although Filo's level didn't increase, her practical combat skills improved significantly.
During this period, Jason began experimenting to see if Raphtalia, Jack, and the others could learn the Navy's Six Powers technique.
Each world has its own set of rules, and the power systems that form are completely different.
However, since the Navy's Six Powers are purely martial arts techniques, Jason believed they stood a chance at learning them.
If they could master the techniques, there was no doubt their combat strength would increase significantly, making them invaluable allies in future battles.
Meanwhile, in a castle on the other side of the world…
A mature woman, who had just finished bathing, slowly put on a luxurious dress with the help of her maids.
Her delicate face showed no signs of aging, and her entire demeanor exuded the majesty of someone with great authority.
Suddenly, a man dressed in black and wearing a mask appeared behind her, immediately dropping to one knee.
"Has Melty left?"
The noblewoman, aware of the man's presence, asked directly.
"Based on her current itinerary, it's likely that she'll meet the others soon," the man in black replied with his head lowered.
"Good. If anything deviates from the plan, have the guards make the necessary adjustments."
"Is it really wise to have Lady Melty contact the Shield Hero?"
"There's no other way. After all, someone foolish has strained relations with the Shield Hero, leaving me with no choice but to hope Melty can bond with him and improve their relationship."
"Should we inform Lady Melty of your true intentions?"
"No, absolutely not. If the Shield Hero learns that Melty approached him deliberately, it will only provoke his anger. Melty must not know that I sent her to approach him. Besides, as the country's first in line for the throne, she will understand what must be done when the time comes."
The noblewoman let out a long sigh after speaking, then waved her hand dismissively.
The man in black immediately vanished from the room.