Chapter 2

Maya took a slow, steadying breath. Play it safe, she told herself. Every classic isekai anime has the same rule: you don't get a ticket home until the Demon Lord is defeated or the world is saved. Pissing off the guy with the army and the gold on day one is a terrible idea.

Before she could step forward, the guy with the sword stepped up, resting his blade casually on his shoulder. "Ren Amaki. Sixteen years old. High schooler."

The spear wielder smirked, twirling his weapon. "I'm Motoyasu Kitamura. Twenty-one, college student."

"I suppose I'm next," the guy with the bow said, puffing out his chest. "Itsuki Kawasumi. Seventeen, high schooler."

Naofumi stepped forward, raising a hand. "And I'm Naofumi Iwatani. Twenty, college student."

The King's gaze passed right over Naofumi, a flicker of distaste crossing his features, before landing heavily on Maya.

Maya stepped forward, lowering her head in a graceful, respectful bow. She kept her posture perfect, hiding the heavy, metallic bulk of her gauntlet behind her back. "It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. My name is Maya Lin. I am nineteen years old, and also a college student."

King Aultcray stroked his beard, his expression softening slightly at her display of manners. "Ren, Motoyasu, Itsuki… and Maya. Very well. As for you with the Shield… I suppose you are here as well."

Maya caught Naofumi's confused, hurt expression out of the corner of her eye. What is this King's problem with the Shield? she wondered. She glanced at the other three heroes. Ren looked bored, Motoyasu looked cocky, and Itsuki looked like he was already planning his victory parade.

Complete idiots, Maya thought, suppressing a sigh. They're treating this like a vacation. I need to talk to them later and warn them to watch their backs. Who knows what these people are plotting?

"Now, to explain our plight," the King boomed, his voice echoing in the grand hall. "Melromarc, and indeed this entire world, is facing absolute destruction. The prophecy speaks of the 'Waves of Calamity'-rifts in the sky that pour forth endless hordes of monsters. If we do not repel the Waves, the world will end. We have already barely survived the first Wave. The next is less than a month away."

As the King spoke, a jolt of recognition hit Maya like a physical blow.

Wait a minute, she thought, her eyes widening. Waves of Calamity? A localized apocalyptic event that happens on a timer? I know this. I've heard this before!

Memories from her middle school days flooded back. She used to stay up late playing a massive PC MMORPG with her friends. The core mechanic of the game was defending regions from timed, server-wide invasion events called "Waves." Even the weapon she wore-a brawler's gauntlet with a skill tree system-felt suspiciously familiar to the martial artist class she used to main.

Suddenly, a soft ping chimed in her ear.

[System Alert: Please check the 'Help' menu in your status magic for crucial party mechanics.]

Maya focused her vision, navigating the glowing blue screen with her mind. She opened the Help menu and her stomach dropped.

[Warning: Legendary Weapons inherently repel one another. If two or more Cardinal Heroes operate within the same vicinity, their weapons will interfere with each other, resulting in zero Experience Points (EXP) gained for all parties involved. Heroes must separate to grow stronger.]

"Heroes," the King concluded, "tonight you shall rest in our finest guest quarters. Tomorrow, we shall gather the finest adventurers in the land to form your parties. You will need companions, for I am told the Legendary Weapons prevent you from fighting together."

"Wait, we have to split up?" Naofumi asked, finally speaking up.

"It seems to be a rule of our weapons," Ren said smoothly, already looking at his status screen. "Didn't you check your help menu, Naofumi? It's common sense."

"Yeah, get with the program, man," Motoyasu chuckled.

The King dismissed them, and a maid escorted the five heroes to a lavish lounge area with plush sofas and a roaring fireplace. As soon as the heavy wooden door clicked shut, the boys immediately started comparing notes, excitedly confirming that this world was exactly like games they had played back home.

Maya stood by the door, crossing her arms. The heavy metal of her gauntlet clinked against her chest plate. This was her chance.

Interactive Choice: How does Maya handle the conversation in the lounge?