Chapter 81 – Epilogue

With his shield gone, Dante was no longer recognized as the Shield Hero. The biggest difference that had made was in Siltvelt.

In the aftermath of the Dragon King's destruction, many voices spoke up on how Dante was a false Shield Hero. Those voices reached and were even parroted by many tribe heads, including Werner of all people. They directed their outrage at Korokan, the human village Dante set up. Rhubaldt was called in to lead the assault. Of course, that ended up not happening.

Firstly, Dante still had the Axe, as well as four other heroes who sided with him. While the Claw Hero was always up for a fight, he agreed with the plan, and he wasn't suicidal. Moreover, the voice of one particular tribe head rallied those who still recognized Dante as the former Shield Hero who gave up that position to protect the world at a great cost. Jaralis was quick to quell the rebellion and rearrange the power distribution in the capital. Him being seen as a war hero now helped considerably.

Dante had to wonder how much the lion let happen before stepping in. The man did have an interest in Dante's good status, as did a number of his now-elevated allies who had many women bearing a child of Lord Shield. Being connected with Atla and Fohl probably didn't hurt any. Since things settled in Dante's favor, he didn't pursue any real line of inquiry about it. Since then, Dante and the village were mostly left alone. Those that refused to do so found themselves decorating the empty fields outside the village in a manner Dante once made mention of: impalement.

Q'ten Lo escaped the damage from the Guardian Beast thanks to their protective barrier. That also helped smooth things over with Siltvelt, whom they were trade partners with.

Melromarc also had their issues with Dante. Instead of a feeling of betrayal, it was mere confirmation of their original beliefs. Still, any who thought to attack Lurolona soon found themselves in the same position as those who attacked Korokan. Dante had the full support of the royal family in doing so. The biggest reason for that was because Malty governed the territory.

The wedding was smaller than Mirellia initially made it out to be, though that was no big surprise. After the devastation, not as much could be spent on such a spectacle. Aultcray was able to convince Mirellia of the necessity of Dante's actions, though it took some time. It didn't hurt that the king of Faubrey survived and was none too pleased about the damage to his kingdom. Still, no wars were declared. The Pig King wasn't about to fight at least three countries.

Speaking of, Shieldfreeden actually held Dante's actions in a more positive light. He would have assumed using the Dragon King would have diminished the standing of the Dragon Faith, but it actually increased it. A necessary sacrifice, or so they said. It also didn't hurt that Nelshen had previously appointed Dante as the lord of Sickle. Though, like every other territory he owned, Dante found someone else to actually govern it.

As for the people…

Ann decided to stay in Korokan. She was able to continue her work, both as a tailor and an artist. She sometimes experienced trouble when she traveled outside the village, but a few monsters created by Reiko and Rat deterred that.

The two alchemists also stayed in Korokan. Rat was better able to explore her chosen field, being monster augmentation. Reiko was able to create a large number of monsters for Rat to examine, both to help further her understanding of Reiko's power and to see the limits on monster abilities.

Once he finished his duty, Gaelion returned to his normal form and stayed in Korokan for a time. It was mostly due to Wyndia, who wanted to study under Rat and become—essentially—a vet for monsters. After a few years, Wyndia left for Shieldfreeden to practice there, with Gaelion and his horde staying close by. It was likely the safest of the three territories Dante owned.

Rishia was appointed Lady of her family's lands. Unfortunately, neither she nor the queen's shadows were able to find proof of the neighboring lord's misdeeds. It ended up not mattering, as both he and his wife disappeared one day under…mysterious circumstances. Another pair of monsters were added to Reiko's collection that day, incidentally. Rishia was then appointed Lady of those lands as well.

The vassals of Elvira's family ended up competing with each other after her death for supremacy of their tribe. The young vampire herself was buried in Korokan, a tombstone marking the spot near the manor. Dante thought she would have like that.

Sickle needed a governor who would be there more than occasionally. Some nobles and officials were brought over from the other world, but none were chosen. Avoiding annihilation wasn't enough to deter human nature, it seemed, as quite a few looked to consolidate their own power. Instead, it was Kizuna who made the choice. To show that she stood by her decision to abandon her world, she chose Glass to govern the territory for Dante. The former Hunting Hero stayed as well, taking up a career in fishing. After a few years, the two got married, Glass having finally worked up the nerve.

Motoyasu was offered rewards by his weapon's spirit for performing his duties as a hero. Unlike Dante, he could have a wish granted if he returned to his world. He chose to remain here, though he stayed as the Spear Hero. Motoyasu wanted to help make up for what he failed to do. He married Elena and took Lesty as a mistress, just as they planned. Now, he ran a filolial ranch near Lurolona. Most of them became filolial queens or kings, whom he treated as his children, in addition to those he had with the two women. Though they couldn't completely fill the hole left by the death of Fleonne, he loved them all the same.

Keel and Fohl got formally engaged not long after the barrier was erected, and were married a few months after that. Her original reason given notwithstanding, Fohl did legitimately love Keel. While Fohl and Atla's old home was restored, the couple opted to stay in Lurolona and to visit Siltvelt.

JoJo took to his new role leading Fitoria's old flock pretty well. While the filolials would follow their new king anywhere, they were still wild filolials and preferred to be out in the wilds. The forests and plains of Melromarc were more than suitable, allowing him to easily stay close to his father.

Raphtalia went to Q'ten Lo, though she wouldn't stay there all the time. Lurolona was still her home, and she visited as often as she could. She wasn't alone in Q'ten Lo. Both Shildina and Ruft returned with her, both having experience in the politics of the nation. Raphtalia had two children with her consort.

Rifana did end up marrying Dante. What had started as a childhood dream and crush had turned to love. She would have three children with the former Shield Hero. Rifana split her time between Lurolona and Q'ten Lo, not wanting to be away from her closest friend. She also learned from Shildina how to tap into her race's power over spirits. Raphtalia greatly appreciated having Rifana near, for multiple reasons. After all, she had her first crush close to her, and someone to make a future with.

With their marriage official, Malty stayed in Lurolona as the governor. She had two children with Dante, both of whom were fondly visited by her family. She was able to work past her trauma from the church and lived a peaceful life.

The relations with the rest of Melromarc's royal family was a bit rocky at first. Melty understood the situation, but still lamented what needed to be done for some time. Mirellia eventually came around with no small thanks to Aultcray's convincing. What once felt like a betrayal had turned to what the other heroes felt: grim acceptance. Aultcray was all too happy to visit his nieces and their children, as well as his grandchildren. Mirellia too, for that matter.

Atla had mellowed out quite a bit. For a while, she said her family would be bigger than Sadeena's. After she gave birth and held her daughter in her arms, she no longer felt the need to compete. The content look on her face said it all. She still wanted a big family, and she ended up having seven children with Dante, making a home in Lurolona. Unlike their mother, none of her children were without sight.

Sadeena admitted she never saw herself becoming a mother, or at least having a husband. Like Atla, Sadeena's view changed when she held her first child, a girl, in her arms. That was the moment when she fully believed their lives could be peaceful, or something close to it. She ended up having nine children with Dante.

As for the former Shield Hero, he was released from any other expectations the goddess that originally wanted him had. Since he would be dead by the time the next Waves started in this world, she wasn't concerned about the blessing she gave him. She'd get it back in due time. Until then, Dante would enjoy the time he had with his family, and while doing what he did best.

~25 Years Later~

"Die, Axe Devil!" A man yelled as he leapt through the air. As far as last words went, Dante had heard worst.

With a simple swipe of the Vassal Axe, the very outclassed man was cut in two.

"Pathetic." Dante looked down at the corpse. "These are the cultists we got a tip on?"

"I guess." Reiko moved closer, placing her hand on the body.

In an instant, it shot back up. The light armor he wore was torn to shreds as the body quickly morphed into wolf larger than a royal filolial.

"That should be enough." Dante said, casting his gaze at the cave the man was previously guarding. "Have your monsters scour the cave and kill the remaining ones. They aren't worth any more of our time."

With a wave, Reiko's monstrous wolves charged in. It wasn't long before screams of panic echoed out of the cave.

"Fools." Dante dismissed, stowing his axe on his back. "If they wanted me dead, they should have grown much stronger than this."

It was the same as it had been for a while. People still blamed Dante for the deaths of so many. There'd be a surge of them, they'd get put down, someone would start up a gathering, and the process would repeat. This group just happened to be closer to one of his territories, so it was best to snuff it out early.

Dante glanced over at Reiko, who was giving him a look. "What?"

"Nothing." She shrugged. "Just brutal is all."

"It's no different than any other time I've asked you to come along." Dante pointed out. Her help wasn't needed, but Dante kept an eye on her. Reiko developed a habit of staying in her and Rat's lab for days at a time. She needed to get out once in a while, something a 35-year-old should know by now. And so, here they were.

"Yeah…" Reiko looked back over to the cave, the cries dying down. "But I'll never get used to that gap."

"The what?" Dante raised an eyebrow.

"Never mind." She simply shook her head.

Reiko had been saying stuff like that for years, but she never explained herself. It wasn't a concern, so Dante never pried.

Once it was quiet, they made a quick sweep of the cave, absorbing the bodies of the fallen. Then, it was time to leave. If not for what this day meant, Dante probably would have been in a better mood before. Now that his work was done, said mood was highly elevated.

"Portal Axe!" With his skill, the two heroes and all the monsters disappeared.

A moment later, the scenery changed to a coastal town. Plenty of humans and demi-humans walked about, a few stopping to look at the group before continuing on.

"Let's go!" Dante called, a wide smile on his face.

"Yeah, yeah." Reiko nodded, merely walking after the running man.

The journey through town felt longer than it was. He only stopped a couple times to urge the fox woman on before continuing without her. Faces passed by quickly. A few he knew, but many more he'd only seen here or there. One in particular caught his eye as he slowed to a stop.

"Fray!" Dante called to the young man.

"Hello, Father." Fray gave him a smile in greeting, looking up from his clipboard. The pair of guards with him gave Dante a salute.

'Young' was relative, since the man was in his early twenties. He had Dante's black hair, but his mother's emerald eyes. The opposite of his younger sister, who looked a bit like her aunt when the princess-turned-queen was younger.

"How was it? Is everything fine? Were there any problems?" Dante quickly asked.

Fray gave a sigh, the smile still on his face. "Everything's fine. They're still at the doctor's. Were you like this with when we were born too, or is this from—"

Dante didn't let his son finish, quickly darting off again.

"Oh, hey Auntie." Fray's voice barely made it to Dante's ears.

"Still weird to hear that after all these years." Reiko's voice was even quieter, catching up on one of her wolves before being left behind again.

With energy unbecoming of someone his age, Dante made it to his destination. It didn't hold a candle to what Rat and Reiko had in Korokan, but it was still a good facility. He walked in and was quickly directed to the room he was looking for. It was easy to find, since numerous familiar faces greeted him just outside.

"Grandpa!" Three of the younger ones ran up to him.

"Kids!" Dante opened his arms and pulled them in close. Two orcas and one hakuko. Out of all of his grandchildren, these three were the oldest. "Look at how big you've gotten!"

"Every time." An orca boy 15 years of age said with a sigh. "You see them every other day." Despite what his tone might suggest, he wasn't at all displeased. He was holding one of his nieces on his lap with an arm.

"I can't help but be happy to see them after such a long time!" Dante cried out, holding his grandchildren close.

"Is big sis coming?" The oldest of the three asked.

"She is!" Dante enthused. "And she's bringing big puppies with her!"

"Yay!" The trio cried out.

"Alright, Dad, come on." His third oldest with Sadeena said, beckoning the three youngsters away from him. "Mom, Atla, and Carder are inside with Serene and the baby."

Remembering why he was there, Dante gave his three grandkids a pat on the head each before straightening out. He gave the rest of his children quick greetings, stopping a bit longer for his younger grandchildren, before entering the room.

"There you are~." Sadeena was the first to greet him.

"Hello, love." Dante said in kind.

"Did you have any trouble, Darling?" Atla asked from her seat near the bed.

"None." Dante shook his head as he walked over. He approached the three whose day this really was. Carder, a lion therianthrope who was good friends with Jaralis's family and the husband of Dante's oldest child. Serene, the woman in question who had a tired but content look on her face. And finally…

"There he is." Dante said softly. He looked at the little bundle, a lion therianthrope baby, and his sixth grandchild.

"I almost thought you weren't going to come." Serene said, looking up at him.

"Sorry, sweetie." Dante gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "A hero's work is never done, it seems."

"And such work he does~." Sadeena let out, placing her hand on Serene's other shoulder. "Always making sure our family is safe. Our growing family, that might just grow a bit bigger~."

Serene let out a sigh. "Mom, I'm glad you and Dad love each other so much, but please don't let my kids have aunts or uncles younger than them."

"Oh my~!" Sadeena gave Dante a look. If she wanted another child, Dante wouldn't object. Though, really, that look could mean anything.

It was times like these that made Dante glad he made the choice he did. Many people died and many were upset, but he'd do it all again if it meant he could have and protect his family.

It was also why he turned down that goddess's offer to work for her. It wouldn't have taken place until after his death, but that didn't matter. He didn't need to continue on fighting in different worlds. In the end, he knew he'd be able to look back on his life and say it was a well lived one.

After all, he already had everything he could have wanted.

Author's Notes:

So, yeah, this is the end. Just some snippets and general endings for everyone. As the days went on, it started feeling more and more like this chapter was unnecessary, like leaving things as is was better. Well, here it is anyway.

Get ready for some long ass notes.

From when I announced I'd be ending the story, I think I cut the remaining chapter count by at least 1/3. Definitely had more descriptive bits that could have been drawn out with dialogue or otherwise going through the events. Sorry about that. While I've enjoyed writing this story, I didn't have much in terms of plans after the Guardian Beasts. As that arc was drawing closer, I still couldn't think of how this story could actually keep progressing.

One of the problems I realized was that I had too many cooks. By that, I mean I had too many characters on screen to properly focus on them. I'm not saying it couldn't be done, but this was my first real fic so I didn't do it like I should. The nature of the fic didn't help, as Dante already knew about the setting and characters so there wasn't as much need for introductions and development. Really, it was how quickly I added people to the party. There was 2, which quickly rose to 5, then 7, and then 8. That isn't even mentioning how many more after leaving Melromarc. Normally, it should have been more gradual. That would have helped at first, but it's on me for the later screen time issues.

Another thing was being too OC focused. It partially comes with the territory of it being in a single person's POV with only 2 chapters having outside perspectives. Then again, I don't think I would have been able to handle writing an Omniscient Third Person story. Really, this was basically a First Person story with a camera on Dante's shoulder.

With the OC focus, I know there were plenty of times I could have had other characters doing the talking instead of Dante. Sure, he had the most knowledge (for whatever it was worth in the end), but I could have spread it out more. The best excuse I can give is that he was the Shield Hero, so most people would rather talk with him than anyone else, but I still could have done more there. (Really, the biggest one is with Aultcray and Dante's party, since his negligence led to some of them being enslaved and their friends/family dying.)

Early on, I had a bad tendency of not explaining why certain actions were taken, even when an explanation was needed. It was only after it was mentioned in a review that I thought "Oh yeah, I should expand on that a bit." I could say it was because I was posting twice a week then and didn't go over it enough, but I know I've done it a bit later too, just not as much.

I did have a goal with this story, and it looks like I couldn't reach it. I wanted to be on the front page of FanFiction when sorted by either favorites or followers. So, top 25. I might have gotten there eventually, but…eh. I knew that would be an uphill battle from the start (or when I decided on that goal). One of the main characters was someone not even introduced in the anime or manga at the time, first line of the fic saying I'll be using stuff from the spinoff and web novel, Shield Hero replacement (so no Raphumi), no surge from season 2 airing, and competing with a whole bunch of stories from when the series first aired. (Only looking at fics with 100K words, I'm 17 and 18 by followers and favorites, so I'll take it!)

Lastly, here's a few things I may have missed throughout the story (either inconsistencies or minor plot holes, probably nothing major).

The reason practically no shadows were following Dante—from either the 3HC or Mirellia—was due to the situation with Malty. Mirellia's shadows were trying to figure out what the hell was going on and why, while the church's shadows did counterespionage. Also, the man that was following Dante's party as they were trying to leave Melromarc worked for Malty. He didn't say so because he thought that might implicate Malty and couldn't risk harm coming to her.

There were a few smaller things that I realized didn't make as much sense after the fact, like Dante asking Sadeena to wait instead of rushing to where Raphtalia likely was. He didn't know about her level at that point and could have said how it would be a huge problem to go in swinging or something. Should have mentioned the man already being sent out instead of just "put in an order". There are probably others I haven't realized.

If you have any questions I didn't answer, feel free to post a review and I'll respond to it (as a PM on FanFiction or a reply comment on AO3/Wattpad).

Some advice to anyone thinking of starting a story. Make sure you keep notes on what's been revealed, what you say people can do, a general timeline, etc. I had to change a couple things in earlier chapters because I forgot 20 chapters later. Also, if you think up something to add for later in the story, WRITE IT DOWN. I always kept a pocket notepad and pen with me at work to quickly write down notes because I knew I'd forget half the stuff by the end of my shift. Some days I'd have a full sheet, front and back, so good luck remembering all that.

Lastly, I would like to once again plug my other fic, "Forging Legends", updating (now weekly) on FanFiction, Archive of our Own, and Wattpad. It's part of the Many Worlds Project, having 1 holy hero, 2 vassal heroes, its own magic system, monsters, guardian beasts, demi-humans, pacifiers, and so on. That will be my main focus for a while.

Oh, and just a little teaser, I may eventually write a spinoff of this story. Basically, what would have happened if the goddess summoned Dante as the Axe Hero and the Shield got Naofumi. That won't be for a long while, if it ever happens. It'll be its own thing, so reading this story won't be required and I'll say as much in that potential story's first chapter.

Thanks for reading!