The Rising of the Shield Hero Novels Series by Aneko Yusagi, アネコユサギ

Naofumi Iwatani, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction. As the Shield Hero, the weakest of the heroes, all is not as it seems. Naofumi is soon alone, penniless, and betrayed. With no one to turn to, and nowhere to run, he is left with only his shield... moreNaofumi Iwatani, an uncharismatic Otaku who spends his days on games and manga, suddenly finds himself summoned to a parallel universe! He discovers he is one of four heroes equipped with legendary weapons and tasked with saving the world from its prophesied destruction. As the Shield Hero, the weakest of the heroes, all is not as it seems. Naofumi is soon alone, penniless, and betrayed. With no one to turn to, and nowhere to run, he is left with only his shield. Now, Naofumi must rise to become the legendary Shield Hero and save the world! less

Naofumi Iwatani continues his adventure in this second volume. But his task is not yet complete and obstacles mount as the increasingly ominous waves of destruction approach. He finds a new friend and new powerful abilities that may prove to be too dangerous for the companionship. Will Naofumi live up to his role as the Shield Hero and save the world from its prophesized destruction? Or will his dark side consume him?

Naofumi Iwatani, still beset by enemies, continues to adventure and battle his way through a fantasy world—a world he was suddenly thrown into without warning. In the third volume of this epic series, he encounters new friends and foes. A powerful threat revels herself in the midst of an epic battle. A new companion with a penchant for magical birds, and tied to the royal family, appears at his side. And once again we find Naofumi plotted against, set up, and betrayed... moreNaofumi Iwatani, still beset by enemies, continues to adventure and battle his way through a fantasy world—a world he was suddenly thrown into without warning. In the third volume of this epic series, he encounters new friends and foes. A powerful threat revels herself in the midst of an epic battle. A new companion with a penchant for magical birds, and tied to the royal family, appears at his side. And once again we find Naofumi plotted against, set up, and betrayed. Will Naofumi escape his pursuers and help the poor people of this strange world? Or is he forever doomed by the aggression that threatens to overcome him from all sides—and from within? less

Naofumi is on the run. Relentlessly pursued by Motoyasu and the others, Naofumi turns to a new friend for help—but things are not as they seem. A corrupt nobleman from Raphtalia’s past returns to unleash an ancient beast. Too large and ferocious for Naofumi to handle, the party seems to have met its match when yet another mysterious character makes her debut. Soon later, the mastermind behind Naofumi’s troubles is revealed... moreNaofumi is on the run. Relentlessly pursued by Motoyasu and the others, Naofumi turns to a new friend for help—but things are not as they seem. A corrupt nobleman from Raphtalia’s past returns to unleash an ancient beast. Too large and ferocious for Naofumi to handle, the party seems to have met its match when yet another mysterious character makes her debut. Soon later, the mastermind behind Naofumi’s troubles is revealed. Enemies come out into the open as an epic battle for the fate of the heroes unfolds—just in time for the long-missing queen to arrive. The truth behind Naofumi’s betrayal, the secret of the Church of the Three Heroes, and reasons for the mounting tensions of war are finally brought to light, just as newer, deeper mysteries come to the surface! less

Naofumi is off to the Cal Mira islands, where he plans to continue leveling up. Soon after arriving he meets a mysterious young man named L Arc Berg. But how will this curious new character impact Naofumi s adventures? Surrounded by mystery and intrigue, Glass makes her second appearance. Aneko Yusagi's epic fantasy continues in volume 5!"

After their battle with Glass, Naofumi and the other heroes have a meeting with the queen and Naofumi is shocked to learn about the seven star heroes. Still reeling from this revelation, more drama unfolds on the islands before Naofumi and his party can return to Melromarc. He meets Rishia, who is betrayed by Itsuki and his party members. Naofumi sympathizes with her and invites her to join his party... moreAfter their battle with Glass, Naofumi and the other heroes have a meeting with the queen and Naofumi is shocked to learn about the seven star heroes. Still reeling from this revelation, more drama unfolds on the islands before Naofumi and his party can return to Melromarc. He meets Rishia, who is betrayed by Itsuki and his party members. Naofumi sympathizes with her and invites her to join his party. Eventually, Naofumi discovers that she has a talent for magic, but before they can develop her powers, they are needed elsewhere. A massive monster bearing the appearance of a giant tortoise must be defeated. The monster is so powerful that even the mightiest adventurers cannot defeat him—so what hope is there for Naofumi? less

Naofumi and his friends defeat the Spirit Tortoise after it rampages across the country. They leave in search of the other missing heroes and meet Ost along the way, who says she is one of the Spirit Tortoise’s servants. She tells Naofumi that the Spirit Tortoise is still alive and that someone is pulling the strings to use the tortoise to destroy the world! Can Naofumi protect those he loves from this new danger?

At a critical moment, Naofumi and the others are saved by a young girl. Ost's sacrifice is enough to save them from their battle to the death with Kyo, but Kyo's able to escape to another world. Naofumi attempts to follow him, but he awakens to find himself in prison! His friends are scattered and he finds himself back at level one. How will Naofumi survive the new challenges that await him?

I will see to your punishment. Come at me! Yomogi, a female samurai, attacks Naofumi and his team. The Shield Hero, Naofumi, finds himself separated from his companions–and reduced to level one! With the help of Kizuna, one of the holy heroes from the new world, he is able to reunite with his friends. Naofumi prepares to battle their enemy Kyo, but then Yomogi attacks, declaring she is acting on Kyo's behalf... moreI will see to your punishment. Come at me! Yomogi, a female samurai, attacks Naofumi and his team. The Shield Hero, Naofumi, finds himself separated from his companions–and reduced to level one! With the help of Kizuna, one of the holy heroes from the new world, he is able to reunite with his friends. Naofumi prepares to battle their enemy Kyo, but then Yomogi attacks, declaring she is acting on Kyo's behalf. In the middle of battle, Naofumi notices something strange about her powerful weapon–but what is it? Find out in volume nine of this otherworldly revenge fantasy! less

Finishing the battle with Kyo, Naofumi and his friends return safely to their world. The queen of Melromarc wishes to reward Naofumi for saving the world from the Spirit Tortoise... moreFinishing the battle with Kyo, Naofumi and his friends return safely to their world. The queen of Melromarc wishes to reward Naofumi for saving the world from the Spirit Tortoise. "Then can I have my own land?" After thinking about what he could do for his friend and partner, Raphtalia, Naofumi decides the best thing for their future would be the establishment of their own settlement–and he decides to build it on the ruins of Raphtalia's old hometown! The start of a whole new chapter in our hero's life begins here, in volume ten of this otherworld revenge fantasy! less

Having claimed his victory at the coliseum tournament, Naofumi successfully frees the demi-human slaves to return to their village. When they arrive back at the village, Naofumi receives news on the whereabouts of Motoyasu, the Spear Hero. In order to capture him, Naofumi organizes a manhunt, but it leads him to a scene of carnage involving the Sword Hero, Motoyasu, and Bitch. "If that's all you can say to your friends that believed in you . . . You're not worthy of being called a hero... moreHaving claimed his victory at the coliseum tournament, Naofumi successfully frees the demi-human slaves to return to their village. When they arrive back at the village, Naofumi receives news on the whereabouts of Motoyasu, the Spear Hero. In order to capture him, Naofumi organizes a manhunt, but it leads him to a scene of carnage involving the Sword Hero, Motoyasu, and Bitch. "If that's all you can say to your friends that believed in you . . . You're not worthy of being called a hero. You're not even worthy of being called a human!" Faced with an unchanged Sword and Spear Hero, Naofumi completely loses it! In the midst of all of this, assassins after Naofumi's life suddenly appear, and everything spirals out of control! The time to cut past ties has finally come in volume eleven of this otherworld revenge fantasy!? less

After defeating seemingly immortal invaders from another world, Naofumi finally manages to convince the Sword Hero, Ren Amaki, to reconsider his ways. Having reclaimed their peaceful day-to-day lives, Naofumi and his slaves head back to the colosseum to hone their skills in battle... moreAfter defeating seemingly immortal invaders from another world, Naofumi finally manages to convince the Sword Hero, Ren Amaki, to reconsider his ways. Having reclaimed their peaceful day-to-day lives, Naofumi and his slaves head back to the colosseum to hone their skills in battle. But once there, they are confronted by an unbelievable sight: the Bow Hero has assumed an alias and is completely absorbed in earning fight purses in blind pursuit of his own sense of justice! With the Bow Hero being manipulated by the wicked Witch and consumed by a curse, will Naofumi be able to bring him to his senses?! Will the quest to reform the heroes finally come to a conclusion?! Find out in volume twelve of this otherworldly revenge fantasy! less

After they were summoned to another world, the other three heroes persist in behaving as if they are playing a game. But the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, finally convinces them to change their ways and make them face reality. Later, after a journey riddled with difficulties, Naofumi and crew finally arrive in Q’ten Lo, a country that has made repeated attempts on Raphtalia’s life... moreAfter they were summoned to another world, the other three heroes persist in behaving as if they are playing a game. But the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, finally convinces them to change their ways and make them face reality. Later, after a journey riddled with difficulties, Naofumi and crew finally arrive in Q’ten Lo, a country that has made repeated attempts on Raphtalia’s life. They initially infiltrate the country with the intention of making its inhabitants pay for its tyrannical actions, but it turns out that even its own citizens are suffering as a result of incompetent rulers. “We’ll start by bringing assistance from Siltvelt to the town, and then it’s a charge to victory!” They start a rebellion to overthrow the government. But right in the middle of it, Naofumi and his crew’s abilities are nullified by mysterious weapons designed for use against the heroes! What will their fate be?! What will become of their raid on this uncharted land?! Find out in volume thirteen of this otherworldly revenge fantasy! less

The Heavenly Emperor of Q’ten Lo is after Raphtalia’s life! To ensure her saftey, Naofumi must team up with the country’s revolutionaries to overthrow him! But when they go about fixing the problems of the country’s misrule, it drives the emperor even further into a corner. Nevertheless, Naofumi decides to add fuel to the fire by capturing the country’s former capital! But he learns that someone is pulling the strings from behind the curtain. “Whatever... moreThe Heavenly Emperor of Q’ten Lo is after Raphtalia’s life! To ensure her saftey, Naofumi must team up with the country’s revolutionaries to overthrow him! But when they go about fixing the problems of the country’s misrule, it drives the emperor even further into a corner. Nevertheless, Naofumi decides to add fuel to the fire by capturing the country’s former capital! But he learns that someone is pulling the strings from behind the curtain. “Whatever. Our only choice is to keep pushing forward. There’s no stopping now.”Just before Naofumi’s party reaches the former capital, they come face to face with the emperor’s ultimate line of defense: Sadeena’s sister?! Faced with Q’ten Lo thrown into chaos by family feuds, what will Naofumi do?! Lead its people to revolution!? Join the battle in volume fourteen of this otherworldly revenge fantasy! less

After the successful revolt in Q’ten Lo, Naofumi returns to his village headquarters. Meanwhile, things in Melromarc continue to deteriorate, so he sets out to restore public order before strengthening his village residents. Now, with more allies than ever, Naofumi is faced with deciding who will participate in the battle against the Phoenix. Not everyone agrees with his choices. “I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to protect all of you... moreAfter the successful revolt in Q’ten Lo, Naofumi returns to his village headquarters. Meanwhile, things in Melromarc continue to deteriorate, so he sets out to restore public order before strengthening his village residents. Now, with more allies than ever, Naofumi is faced with deciding who will participate in the battle against the Phoenix. Not everyone agrees with his choices. “I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to protect all of you. Knowing that, if you’re not confident you can make it back alive, then don’t come!”A difference of opinion causes friends to butt heads, but their bonds only grow stronger as a result. And then the day that everyone has so painstakingly prepared for arrives—the Phoenix finally appears! But a completely unexpected turn of events awaits. Naofumi is doomed to experience unthinkable grief in volume fifteen of this otherworldly fantasy! less

After traveling to Faubrey to meet the country's seven star hero, Naofumi finds himself faced with Takt, the Whip Hero. It was this same Takt, along with his disdainful attitude, that ultimately caused the death of Atla in the battle against the Phoenix. Fueled by rage, Naofumi tries to fight Takt, but Takt steals the shield that Naofumi thought was permanently attached to his arm. With his defenses weakened, Naofumi suffers a critical injury and finds himself in a mysterious, unfamiliar world... moreAfter traveling to Faubrey to meet the country's seven star hero, Naofumi finds himself faced with Takt, the Whip Hero. It was this same Takt, along with his disdainful attitude, that ultimately caused the death of Atla in the battle against the Phoenix. Fueled by rage, Naofumi tries to fight Takt, but Takt steals the shield that Naofumi thought was permanently attached to his arm. With his defenses weakened, Naofumi suffers a critical injury and finds himself in a mysterious, unfamiliar world. There, he finds a reassuring ally waiting for him. But once again, Naofumi is forced to make an impossibly difficult decision. "It really was more baggage than anyone should be forced to carry. But actually, I couldn't say I minded." Naofumi's rise to glory continues in volume sixteen of this otherworldly fantasy! less

A return to Kizuna's world! Now the party must face a horde of traitors?! At a request for aid from Ethnobalt, Naofumi heads back to Kizuna's world. There he is safely reunited with Raphtalia, as well as other friends including L'Arc. They tell him that enemies, presumably a vanguard for the waves, have defeated the Heroes in this world and completely taken over... moreA return to Kizuna's world! Now the party must face a horde of traitors?! At a request for aid from Ethnobalt, Naofumi heads back to Kizuna's world. There he is safely reunited with Raphtalia, as well as other friends including L'Arc. They tell him that enemies, presumably a vanguard for the waves, have defeated the Heroes in this world and completely taken over. Naofumi and his party hurry to confront these foes, both to rescue the captured Kizuna and finally discover the adversary behind the waves. However, among their opponents they see a number of familiar faces! "If it's revenge you're after, I'll lend a hand! I despise all liars and traitors." Time for payback! Get ready for the seventeenth volume of this still rising otherworld fantasy! less

Naofumi obtains the mirror vassal weapon from Kizuna’s world, which can enhance abilities through food. Now Naofumi and his allies start stuffing their faces for the sake of getting stronger! But there’s a limit to how much volume they can stomach. Seeking food that can better boost their abilities in smaller servings, the party heads to a town inhabited by a famous chef... moreNaofumi obtains the mirror vassal weapon from Kizuna’s world, which can enhance abilities through food. Now Naofumi and his allies start stuffing their faces for the sake of getting stronger! But there’s a limit to how much volume they can stomach. Seeking food that can better boost their abilities in smaller servings, the party heads to a town inhabited by a famous chef. However, after a trivial comment, Naofumi finds himself facing down the chef in an all-out cooking battle!“There’s nothing fair, and no rules in this place! That means only a master of foul play and cunning will be the victor!”How will Naofumi’s cooking skills, so praised by his allies, fare in this culinary challenge amid unknown surroundings? Get ready to feast on the eighteenth volume of this still rising otherworld fantasy! less

Returning to the well of forbidden power?! Time to unleash some inner wrath! After his cooking battle escalated to open warfare, the Shield Hero Naofumi has finally obtained the truth about the Vanguards of the Waves. After the Demon Dragon takes a liking to Naofumi, she proposes heading to a castle located on the continent that she once ruled. Once there Naofumi and his party are attacked by thugs pretending to be treasure hunters, but they swiftly deal with this threat... moreReturning to the well of forbidden power?! Time to unleash some inner wrath! After his cooking battle escalated to open warfare, the Shield Hero Naofumi has finally obtained the truth about the Vanguards of the Waves. After the Demon Dragon takes a liking to Naofumi, she proposes heading to a castle located on the continent that she once ruled. Once there Naofumi and his party are attacked by thugs pretending to be treasure hunters, but they swiftly deal with this threat. However, this encounter causes a chain reaction that leads to Naofumi squaring off with S'yne's sister and Witch herself. Faced with foes wielding both holy and vassal weapons obtained by illicit means, the Demon Dragon makes an alarming suggestion--for Naofumi to unleash the power of his rage! "Never! I made a promise to myself that I would never rely on that anger--on the power of rage again." When Naofumi's rage is forcibly unleashed, what will happen to him and everyone he cares for? Find out in the nineteenth volume of this still rising otherworld fantasy! less

Naofumi and his companions have had their entire village transported to an unfamiliar location. Who should they find waiting for them . . . but the Shield Hero?! The Shield Hero Naofumi and his allies have returned home from Kizuna's world. Paying heed to S'yne's sister's warnings, Naofumi remains alert while dealing with all the reports and incidents from his absence... moreNaofumi and his companions have had their entire village transported to an unfamiliar location. Who should they find waiting for them . . . but the Shield Hero?! The Shield Hero Naofumi and his allies have returned home from Kizuna's world. Paying heed to S'yne's sister's warnings, Naofumi remains alert while dealing with all the reports and incidents from his absence. However, after returning to the village that acts as his base of operations, he is suddenly enveloped in a mysteriously blinding light--and the entire village is transported into unfamiliar surroundings! "You have to decide for yourselves whether our words are true or not. But first, tell me something. Who are you?" A youth appears in front of Naofumi and his friends--a youth claiming to be the Shield Hero! Now the curtain rises on the twentieth volume of the ever-rising otherworld fantasy! less