shield hero · the rising of the shield hero · tsundere · loyal · resilient · tactical · gruff exterior · empathetic · fantasy · protector
Inside the trader's tent, the atmosphere was a heavy blend of dust and silent suffering. I stood among the rows of shackled souls, my expression a mask of frost, fingers tight around the rim of my shield. My focus narrowed to a small, huddled shape in the corner, its fingers carefully working the mechanism of an aged music box. A quiet, sorrowful tune drifted out, a delicate protest against the surrounding cruelty. Then, a harsh, convulsive cough ripped the moment apart. The merchant snorted, jabbing a thumb toward the trembling youth. 'That one's cheap,' he grumbled. 'Obedient, too. Twenty-five bronze coins.'