Chapter 1: The Monster and the Whale
Chapter Text
Chapter 1: The Monster and the Whale
Despair. That was the only emotion Subaru Natsuki could feel at the moment.
To say that his week was bad would be the biggest understatement in four centuries. He had embarrassed Emilia in the Royal Selection, he was beaten to a pulp by that knight, Julius, and he failed to save those he cared for. Twice.
He couldn’t save everyone from the Beast of the End. He couldn’t stop the Witch Cult’s massacre that would befall Irlam Village. He couldn’t prevent the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelguese Romanee-Conti, from slaughtering everyone he cared for.
He couldn’t even save Rem.
Subaru had died twice. Both times he was frozen to death, surrounded by dead bodies. But not this time. He was determined to save everyone, no matter what it took.
But he couldn’t even do that.
When he asked for assistance from the camp he was staying in, Crusch Karsten simply wrote him off as a madman. Her burning remark was still lingering in Subaru’s mind.
“You adamantly believe that your rant is true, that is nothing short of madness.”
When he begged for help from the camp that was employing his otherworldly brother, Priscilla Barielle kicked him in the face. Her insult was still prevalent in his memories.
“What you just displayed was neither loyalty nor devotion. It’s something more filthy, like a dog’s dependence, or a pig’s greed.”
When he spoke with the lady of the knight who beat him, all she did was trick him into giving her information.
“If ya want to convince someone you’re righteous, you’ve gotta show somethin’ to merit it. And I see no such thing in you.”
Out of options, there was only one more thing he could do.
“Hey, Rem?”
“Yes, Subaru-kun?”
Rem. The beautiful, sweet maid. All Subaru could see now in her place was the borken, bloodied doll hanging in the air of that dreaded cave. He shuddered everytime he thought of it.
His voice mirrored his despair. “Let’s head back to Crusch’s manor, okay?”
He tried his best to smile, but even Rem could see it was off. However, she believed in her hero. Giving a small nod, she took his hand, and the two headed back.
While walking back, all Subaru could think of was how he failed everyone. He failed Emilia by breaking her promise. He failed everyone in the mansion by letting them die.
He was a failure.
“Subaru-kun, we’re here.”
Snapping him out of his self-loathing, Subaru looked around before he indulged his idea.
“Can you please head inside Rem? I’ll catch up with you as soon as I can,” he smiled weakly.
“Oh, uh, of course,” she responded curtly.
“Thank you.” He watched as Rem headed back inside the manor, and with her gone, Subaru could finally act on impulse. He went around the front lawn of the Karsten estate, and headed to the back, which led to the stables. Inside, he was greeted by an assortment of ground dragons.
“I think you’ll do nicely,” he said, patting the sleek head of a black ground dragon.
The ground dragon let out a playful growl as Subaru opened the pen and saddled up the creature. Once that was finished, he reluctantly mounted the beast, and headed out.
The dragon obeyed it’s rider, and they both left the mansion as fast as possible, without even looking back. The last thing Subaru heard was a surprised “Hey!” from one of the guards, but was met with no resistance.
After a few minutes, he had left the capital city of Lugnica behind.
And he had left Rem behind.
The sky was dark, as the sun had set just minutes ago.
Subaru was still riding the ground dragon, which he had now named Patrasche. The dragon had long since slowed down, as she could feel her rider’s mental exhaustion.
Subaru was exhausted from all the thinking and self-reflection he had done. After thinking and planning for so long, Subaru had finally realized what he needed to do.
He had given up.
He realized how truly weak he was. He was no hero. He couldn’t even protect himself against some measly Wolgrams, how could he protect an entire village from the Witch Cult, let alone without any help? The answer was quite simple.
He couldn’t.
So, in a sad, last-ditch attempt, he stole one of Crusch’s ground dragons and decided to ride off to whatever oblivion he deserved.
At least Rem is safe.
Subaru felt a few seconds of relief when that thought crossed his mind, but that was quickly drowned out by his depression and self-loathing.
It had been only until a large shadow crept over Subaru that he snapped out of it, albeit temporarily. Being out in the Lifaus Highway, there was only one thing tall enough to do that.
Flugel’s Tree.
Seeing the large tree in all its glory, Subaru decided to dismount in front of it. He figured this place was as good as any to drown in his misery.
Getting off of Patrasche, Subaru walked up to the tree and placed his hand on it. He walked around it curiously, and looked up. The tree was so tall that it’s branches seemed to pierce the heavens themselves.
All that did was make Subaru feel even more insignificant.
That had been the tipping point.
The depression, the self-loathing, the feeling of weakness, all of it, had accumulated inside him for so long, that it was seeing this tree that broke him.
“AAARRRGGGHHH!!!”
CRACK!
In his anger, Subaru punched the tree, which surprisingly, didn’t break his hand. Instead it seemed a piece of the tree cracked.
What the hell…?
Subaru’s confusion had only increased when he felt the wood. It felt different from the rest of the tree. It felt smoother.
It’s fake?
Subaru did an even more thorough investigation and realised that an arm's-length portion of the wood, and about roughly his height, was simply fake. Lifting it up, and out of the way, he discovered what was essentially a secret compartment inside the giant tree.
And inside that compartment lay a chest.
Subaru kneeled down and inspected the chest. It was dusty, but other than that, it didn’t seem to have been affected by any of the elements for who knows how long.
Subaru was curious enough that he decided to open the chest.
And what was inside was weird.
The contents of the chest consisted of odd clothing and gear. For starters, was an odd-shaped silver shield, with a green gem in the middle. Second off, there was a red orb, slightly larger than the size of a fist. Next, a long sword with a golden handle. After that, there was some sort of submachine gun. There was also a short katana which had an unknown dialect written on it’s handle. There was also a wooden staff with carvings and metal on it, topped with an emerald. In terms of clothes, there was a white-button shirt, a green long-sleeved jacket, an orange scarf, a black cloak, a brown belt, a pair of black pants, and a pair of brown boots.
However none of that was as bizarre as the item that was on the top of everything else and in the center of the chest. It was an envelope, with three words that made Subaru go, Okay, seriously. What the fuck?
“To Subaru Natsuki”.
Reluctantly, Subaru picked up the envelope and ripped it open. Inside, there was a letter. And the contents of that letter were easily the most bizarre thing inside that chest.
Dear Subaru,
If you’re reading this and have no idea what’s going on, that probably means you’ve been reincarnated. Again. In that case, it probably means that you’re pretty weak and defenseless. Again. Luckily, we’re here for you. Each one of us has poured their magic and skills into a special item of our choosing that, once touched, will allow you to use our abilities. It should help you survive in this insane world of yours, so, you’re welcome. Oh, we also kept your clothes from your old traveling days in here, as well as that staff you won at that festival that one time, not that you remember. But anywho, we’re not really good with good-byes, so we’ll leave you to it. Good luck on your adventure!
Sincerely, Ainz, Kazuma, Tanya, Naofumi, and Seiya.
P.S., If we do happen to cross paths again, let’s all go out for chicken wings.
Subaru was dumbfounded. Not only had he apparently come to this world before, but he had made such an impact that a bunch of strangers decided to leave some all-powerful weapons behind just for him? If the letter clearly didn’t state his name, he wouldn’t have believed it.
Actually, he still didn’t believe it. After today’s events, he was shown that not all people give things away purley out of goodwill. So, he decided to test it.
Dragging the chest out from the compartment in the tree and out into the open field, Subaru figured that if this was just a prank, then there was a good chance that it could be rigged to explode or something. So, letting it blow up in the open rather than a confined space would minimize the damage done to him.
“Stand back, Patrasche,” Subaru commanded. The ground dragon reluctantly obeyed.
Now was the moment of truth. Subaru breathed in and out, and once he was mentally prepared, he placed both his hands on all five of the artifacts.
And nothing happened.
Son of a bitch, I knew- Hey, wait a minute-
Suddenly, all five of the artifacts started glowing brightly and changing shape. They lunged at Subaru, and dug deep inside him, and suddenly Subaru felt something that he never felt before.
Power.
In an instant, a wave of energy surged inside of him, and power started flowing out of him. It was a spectacle of colors, like a rainbow of fire, bursting through the sky, bright enough for people to see from miles around.
Inside that flame, Subaru burned the brightest. He felt like you could do anything and everything, like he had reached the peak of humanity, like he was a god. He had felt clarity like never before, as if he had aged a dozen lifetimes, like he had reached nirvana.
And suddenly, after a few moments, it stopped. The flames died down, and Subaru was back to his old self, no even better than his old self. He had improved. He had become clamer, wiser, and more mature in just a matter of minutes. He felt tranquil.
Unfortunately, that didn’t last for long.
Patrasche was panicking. “Grahh! Grahh!” She was shaking and growling, as if in a fit of panic.
“Woah, hey, girl, it’s me! Calm down, calm down!” Subaru raised his arms to try and calm her down, but to no avail.
That’s when he heard it.
“AWOOOOO…”
Subaru looked around to try and figure out what made that noise, but all he could see was empty plains, a giant tree, and a large, encroaching shadow…
Wait a minute.
Subaru looked up, and he saw it. It was massive, flying in the air as if it was swimming, with it’s white skin, a titanic maw, a halo on the top of its head, and a horn as the cherry on top.
It was the White Whale.
“AAHHHH!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT?!” Subaru was full-on panicking. Never in his life did he see anything that large, and it was still hard to wrap his head around something like that. He was truly seeing an eldritch abomination.
All the White Whale saw was an easy meal.
Diving down to the ground, the White Whale’s attack snapped Subaru out of his panicked stupor, as he started thinking. “Shit, shit, shit, what do I do? What should I do?!”
That’s when a realization hit his head.
Wait, I have powers now, maybe one of these will be able to help me?
Subaru started racking around his brain, trying to figure out which one of his many newly acquired spells should he use. The White Whale was getting closer. The clock was ticking.
Think, think, think… Come on, time is running out. “Dimensional Lock”? No. “Phoenix Drive”? Nah. “Chimera Viper Shield”? What the hell even is that? Okay, fuck it, I’m picking this one.
Running towards where the chest was, Subaru grabs the wooden staff, holds it from the end like a sword, and aims for the monster.
“AAAWWOOO!!!”
“REALITY SLASH!”
With a swing from his staff, a bright white curve of energy left him and headed straight for the White Whale, which had now nearly touched down to it’s dinner. Subaru closed his eyes, and braced himself for a really bad death.
SHING! CRASH! BADOOM! BOOM!
But, it never came. Opening one eye, Subaru saw that the creature was no longer in front of him. All that was in front of him was his trusty ground dragon.
Where’d it go?
Opening both his eyes and relaxing, Subaru scanned the area for any sign of the whale. He turned his head to the right, and that’s when he saw the monster.
Or, at least half of it. The other half was on his left side.
Holy shit, I sliced that thing in half!
Indeed, with one slash, one of the Three Great Mabeasts, was slain. The Terror of the Fog, the White Whale, was dead. Killed by none other than Subaru Natsuki.
Subaru was ecstatic. He collapsed onto his knees on the realization of what he just did.
That move probably also consumed a ton of mana from me, Subaru thought. I don’t think I would have been able to do that with my old Gate.
But now, one thing was for sure: Subaru now had the power to save everyone. Emilia, Beatrice, Ram, Petra, the villagers, everyone.
But he still needed a plan.
Shit, if just one attack was powerful enough to do this, I really need to be more careful with what I pick. But I don't have the time to be careful. I need to find a way to get rid of the Witch Cult, without turning all of the Mathers domain into a wasteland.
Yes, for as powerful as Subaru was, he would still need some help.
Luckily, help arrived, with a scream.
“WHAT THE HELL?!”
Subaru turned his head around to see who made that exclamation, and as soon as he recognized that person, his eyes widened with joy and relief.
Behind Subaru was a dragon-drawn carriage being rode by an ashen-haired merchant in a green outfit, with blue eyes. Behind him was an entire caravan of merchants.
It was as if an angel answered Subaru’s prayers.
“Otto? Holy crap, Otto! Man, am I glad to see you!”
While Subaru did remember Otto from one of his previous loops, Otto had no idea who in the Od’s name the man standing next to the White Whale’s corpse was. And that freaked him out.
“W-who are you? And h-how do you know me?” the frightened merchant stuttered.
“Huh? Oh, oh, right. Ahem, my name is Subaru Natsuki, and I’d like to hire you. All of you.”
That last line caught the attention of all the merchants, who left their carriages to examine the now dead White Whale.
Now that Subaru had everyone’s attention, he got started. “I’d like to hire all of you to help me evacuate an entire village’s worth of people away from certain doom. In exchange, I’m willing to buy all of your items at full market price.”
That caught most of the merchant’s off guard. It sounded too good to be true. So, naturally, there were some skeptics. “How do we know you can pay?”
Subaru was expecting someone to ask that, so he was prepared. “I am an employee of the Margrave Roswaal L. Mathers. Since it will be his people you’ll be evacuating, that will definitely land you in the Margrave’s good graces. So, who wants in?”
With that last bit of incentive, all of the merchants agreed to the deal, in a unanimous nod of heads.
“Great! We leave immediately for Irlam Village in the Mathers domain. Time is of the essence.”
With that last bit said, all of the merchants went back to their carriages to leave. Subaru was about to board Otto’s cart, when he remembered something important. Oh, right.
Subaru turned around and grabbed the chest which contained his “travelling clothes”, right before putting the emerald staff in there along with the letter and envelope.
With the chest inside Otto’s cart, and Patrasche riding alongside Ottos’ ground dragon, Frufoo, Subaru was ready. “Let’s go!” he cheerfully exclaimed. For once in a long time, he believed that the future was bright.
Meanwhile, in the capital of Lugnica, history was about to happen.
In the Throne Room, the Council of Wisemen, including Miklotov McMahon and Bordeaux Zellgef, were having a meeting, along with the Captain of the Royal Guard, Marcos Gildark, a select few nobles, and finally, a group of knights and servants.
The topic of the moment, as it had been for the past few days, concerned the Royal Selection. And, just like in the past few days, it devolved into a bunch of shouting matches.
Some of the nobles were arguing that a “gutter-rat” like Felt shouldn’t participate, while others yelled that a “half-devil” like Emilia shouldn’t participate. All the while, Marcos tried to keep everyone on topic, while Miklotov and Bordeaux tried to help him.
However, all of the fighting would stop when one maid saw something.
“Look!” she yelled, pointing at the Dragon Tablet. Everyone in the room turned to see what she was shouting about, when they saw it.
The Dragon Tablet was able to see the future, along with reporting news of epic proportions. It had predicted that the Emilia Camp would have been wiped out by The Witch’s Cult, but that had changed. A blinding light had replaced that prophecy with a new announcement. Everyone in the room was waiting with anticipation to read it.
And read it they did.
“The Great Sage, Subaru “Flugel” Natsuki, has slain the White Whale.”
And with that one sentence, the whole room burst into chaos.
Author’s Note: Leave any questions in the comments. I’ll answer them in the next chapter!
- Ernalore.
Chapter 2: Master and Servant
Summary:
With the help of Otto Suwen, Subaru travels back to Irlam Village to execute his evacuation plan and defeat the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. Meanwhile, back at the Capital, everyone from the nobility, to the knights, top even the Council of Elders is freaking out over the fact that the Great Sage is none other than the boy they have been laughing at for the past week. Cross-posted on Fanfiction.net. If you want me to read you questions and comments, leave them after reading!
Chapter Text
Chapter 2: Master and Servant
“Natsuki-san, we’ll be approaching Irlam Village soon.”
Opening his eyes, Subaru looked towards the speaker. “Ah, thanks, Otto.” The merchant in turn nodded, seeing that his client would soon be ready.
For the majority of the trip to the village, whenever Subaru wasn’t deep in thought with his eyes closed, he would seemingly be staring into space, or so Otto thought. But Subaru knew better.
He wasn’t staring, we was reading.
While riding towards the village, Subaru discovered a little icon at the bottom-right corner of his vision. By focusing on it, showed him a menu with almost everything he could ask for: List of magical abilities, descriptions and how to use them, how much mana they cost, recharge time, a health, mana, and spirit bar, stats, inventory, instructions, tips, and more. It was truly interesting.
One of the more interesting features was the fact that Subaru could add members to his party, as well as view his allies and opponent’s levels. Looking towards Otto and using his abilities to analyze him, he saw that the merchant was somehow at Level 39.
This guy is tougher than he looks.
Deciding it would be a good idea to keep tabs on him, Subaru added him to his party, and was now able to see all of Otto’s stats, just like he could see his own.
Seems just like a video game.
However, Subaru knew better. Through his trials and tribulations, he learned that this world was anything but a fantasy video game. It was real. Real and cruel. He would just have to make sure that nothing would stand in his way anymore.
“Natsuki-san, we’re here.”
Subaru closed his status screen, returning his vision to normal, and got up. Leaving the chest in the cart, but grabbing the staff, Subaru jumped out to see Irlam Village still standing.
“All right, guess it’s showtime.”
“All right! Can I have everyone’s attention, please!”
It had now been about ten minutes since Subaru and the merchants arrived, and since then, everyone in the village had come out to investigate what was going on.
“Everyone, listen up! There’s trouble in the forest, so while I go take care of it, I need you to evacuate the village with these merchants!”
“Why? What’s going on?” asked one of the villagers.
“Isn’t it obvious? It’s the Witch Cult!”
Panic quickly spread among the locals. With that one sentence, the entire village started muttering and yelling in fear. And fear can lead to some nasty things being said.
“It’s because of that half-elf!”
“Yeah, our lord supports her, so the Cult has come to kill us!”
Normally, Subaru would have yelled in anger to the villagers for blaming a sweet girl like Emilia, but he just couldn’t. It seemed that not only did his physical strength greatly improve from absorbing the contents of the chest, but so did his mind. He could understand the villagers worries and fears, and empathize with them. He couldn’t just yell at people to make them understand. He made that mistake in the capital. He would need to reason with them.
“HEY! I know you’re all scared, but you need to believe me! Yes, the Witch Cult is here, but that means you need to leave here faster! It won’t do you any good staying here!”
“Subaru is right!” yelled Milde, the village head. “He helped us before and he is helping us now! We need to listen to him! Now who is with me?”
With the head of the village agreeing with Subaru, the rest of the villagers’ opinions swayed in his favor. Within the minute, all of the village started to get ready to leave.
“Subaru!” Looking to where his name was announced, the nasty-eyed boy saw a bunch of the village brats running towards him. The kids that were slaughtered last time he saw them.
Putting on a soft smile, Subaru asked, “Oh, hey, guys. What are you doing here?”
“We came to ask if you’re coming with us?” asked Cain.
“Sorry, but I gotta go fight those nasty cutlists. Don’t worry, though,” kneeling down to their level, Subaru pumped his fist in confidence. “I’ll make it. I’m strong, ya know?”
“Okay, but be careful,” asked Mild, as all the kids left to go back to their parents.
Huh, weird, Subaru thought to himself. I didn’t see Petra with them.
With the evacuation well under-way, Subaru looked around one last time to make sure everything was fine before heading to the forest to find some cultists.
Ahhh, I’m getting butterflies in my stomach! Even with all this power, I still feel like I’ll screw up!
Looking around a bit more, Subaru saw something odd. One of the merchants, a guy named Ketty, was fiddling around with one of the empty carriages.
“Hey, dude? You good?”
Turning around, Subaru could see the odd look on the man’s face. “Ah, yes, everything is fine here-”
PLUNK!
Before he could even finish, a familiar-looking dagger fell from his vest and onto the floor of the wagon. A type of dagger Subaru was all-too familiar with.
A Witch Cult dagger.
Before Subaru could even connect the dots on why one of the merchants would have something like that with them, Ketty had already pushed him to the ground and ran.
“Out of my way!”
Quickly reacting, Subaru turned his staff’s end towards the now-fleeing With Cultist.
“Rope Shield!”
With that incantation, the bottom of Subaru’s staff turned into a long piece of rope, one which he proceeded to throw towards the cultist. Fortunately, with Subaru’s new high luck stat, he was able to wrap the rope around the man’s legs, causing him to trip.
Man, am I glad I studied up on those abilities!
With those extra seconds, Subaru rushed towards the cultist and pinned him down.
Otto rushed towards Subaru after seeing the latter trip one of the merchants to the ground.
“Natsuki-san! What happened?”
“This guy’s a Witch Cultist, Otto!”
Otto’s face immediately paled. If the man who killed the White Whale was saying it, then it had to be true.
“Check his cargo for anything dangerous,” Subaru ordered.
“Y-yes, of course!” Otto responded weakly, rushing off to complete his task.
Now that Subaru had tied up his captive with rope, he lifted the man up so he could speak to him face-to face. “All right, what are you planning?”
“It’s you!” The cultist rambled, with a mad grin on his face. “It really is you!”
Subaru didn’t have time for this. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“You’re him! You’re Pride!” the cultist yelled.
Subaru’s eyes widened in response. He remembered when Petelgeuse called him that in the previous loop. His scowl grew deeper. “All right, smartass. I don’t have time for this shit, so I’m gonna have to resort to ‘Plan B’. Dominate!”
The spell “Dominate” was one of the new spells Subaru learned while on his ride towards the village. It essentially allows the user to manipulate the subject into telling them everything and anything, without a hint of lying. It was essentially brainwashing, though far more potent than what Felix tried to do to him back in the Karsten manor.
“Natsuki-san!” yelled Otto, carrying a brown bag. “I found a sack full of fire stones!”
“Good work Otto. Now, keep going with the evacuation, and get everyone out of here!”
“Where should we go?” he asked.
“Anywhere! Anywhere is safer than here! Now go!”
“Y-yes!” yelped Otto, as he left to finish his job.
“Now,” growled Subaru, turning towards the captured cultist, “you’re going to tell me everything I want to know, and maybe I’ll give you a quick and painless death.”
The Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti was having a good day.
As his Gospel dictated, the Ordeal would commence today to see if the half-elf was worthy of becoming the Witch’s vessel, thus fulfilling the Witch Cult’s greatest dream.
With his Fingers and dozens of loyal followers, they would overtake this village and its inhabitants, march up to the manor, test the girl, and finally see his love prevail.
Now, it was only a matter of time before the Ordeal would commence…
However, someone was coming out of the forest.
It was a boy with a villainous glare, short black hair, and odd clothes, carrying a wooden staff with a green crystal on top, and a large sack.
The boy also had an intense aura around him. One of love. One recognized by Sloth and his followers. That was the reason they were all so calm.
He was one of them.
“Welcome, believer in love… I have been expecting you.” The green haired man gestured towards the staff-wielding boy. “In the Witch Cult, I am the Sin Archbishop representing the sin of Sloth… Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti. TES!”
Putting the sack down, the boy responded. “Oh, great Archbishop, it is an honor to be here on this fateful day!”
The madman smiled at the boy’s diligence. “Ah, yes, yes, it is! And it seems that you also happen to be loved, as well! You wouldn’t happen to be Pride, would you?”
The black-haired boy responded with a grin and a bow. “Right you are! In the Witch Cult, I am the Sin Archbishop representing the sin of Pride… Subaru Natsuki!”
Sloth was practically squirming with excitement upon hearing the boy’s response. “Excellent! Excellent! Then you have received the Gospel, have you not?”
And just like that, as if on cue, the boy pulled out a small black book from inside his tracksuit.
“Wonderful! Just wonderful! Then we can begin the Ordeal at last!”
“Wait just one moment, Archbishop Romanee-Conti…” the boy spoke in a calm demeanor. “Since this is a joint-operation, and I have only just got here, I would like to view how many followers we have with us today. Specifically, all those with you right now.”
“Hmm…? Yes, I believe that is acceptable, Archbishop Natsuki.” With his approval, all of the remaining Witch Cultists and Fingers came out of the cave, and bowed deeply towards Pride.
“Is this all of them?” Pride asked.
“Yes, all of the others are in the forest, awaiting my signal.” Sloth confirmed.
“Very well, then I would like to say a prayer before we begin. ” the black-haired boy said. “Fly!” Suddenly, the boy was over twenty feet above the ground, much to the surprise of the Archbishop and his followers.
Up in the air, the boy pointed his staff towards them and started praying. All around him, red and green lights appeared and his eyes turned yellow. “Lord, hear my prayer, and grant my desire. Bring down the hammer of your wrath from Heaven.”
With his prayer complete, an aquamarine blast erupted from his staff, shooting out a small yellow light towards the group. The yellow light split into multiple fast-moving projectiles, each one of them aiming for an individual cultist.
BOOMSHRA! BOOMSHRA! BOOMSHRA!
Upon landing, each one of the bullets exploded like dynamite, taking a cultist with them. None of the projectiles missed their targets. All except one.
Using his Authority of Sloth, Petelgeuse was barely able to shield himself from the blast. That didn’t mean he wasn’t grazed, however. Blood was all over his face, and anger was written alongside it. He stared intently at the man who caused all of this as he descended from the air.
“What… have… you… DONE?!”
As Subaru descended from the sky, he was glad that all of the bluffing paid off in the end.
Still, it felt kinda weird having to pray for that specific attack. Oh, well. At least it was effective.
He was also glad that he could now see the Unseen Hands, for whatever reason. But he didn’t care. With only him and Sloth left, he could place all the cards down on the table.
“What… have… you… DONE?!”
“You still haven’t figured it out, have ya?”
Petelgeuse was looking at Subaru, trying to discern what the heck he was talking about.
“I’m saying, I’m not Pride! You and the rest of your idiots fell for it!” he gloated.
Sloth was now pissed. Someone drenched in the Witch’s love would dare do something like this? Unthinkable! But it did not matter.
“Fine, then! The Ordeal shall proceed as planned, without them. And without you!”
“Sorry, not gonna happen.”
“Huh?”
“I’m saying that the rest of your cultists are dead. I managed to pick them off one by one in the forest before I came here. I even took down your Fingers, so as soon as I finish you off, you won’t be able to come back! Like, ever. You’re the only one left.”
Now he was furious. To learn that some nobody managed to get the jump on him was the epitome of bullshit. But for him to find out about his Fingers. That was sheer madness. “How? How did you learn about my Fingers?!”
“Huh? Oh, that was easy. After I caught one of them pretending to be a merchant, I interrogated him and made him answer all of my questions. He told me about your Fingers and where the rest of his buddies we’re located. Don’t bother trying to jump to his body now, he’s dead. If you don’t believe me, this Gospel I have actually belonged to him. So, there’s some proof for you.”
Slowly but surely, it all started to click for him. If the boy wasn’t insane or lying, then everything he said was true, meaning he was the only one left. But that didn’t matter. He would complete the Ordeal, no matter what it took.
“AUTHORITY OF SLOTH! UNSEEN HAND!” In an instant, Petelgeuse bent backwards and summoned ten of his ethereal arms from his back.
“Yeah, no, not falling for that shit again. Napalm!”
Suddenly, a column of flames appeared beside Sloth, and engulfed him in the fire.
“YEEAAARGH…!!! MY BRAIN TREMBLES!”
Subaru was disgusted with the nonsense the Archbishop was spouting, but he knew he needed to continue. Reading Sloth’s stats, Subaru saw that the Archbishop was at Level 78. If he screwed this up, there was a chance that he could escape.
And Subaru could not let that happen. There were lives at stake.
The Japanese teenager proceeded to use every fire-based attack he had time to read, all the while dodging and avoiding Petelgeuse’s Unseen Hands.
“Fireball! Maximum Inferno! Hell’s Fire!”
The process kept on going, and going, ad-nauseum, until finally the fires died down. All that was left of Petelgeuse was a head, torso, and arm. But he was quite alive.
“Subaru… Natsuki…”
“I’m not done with you yet,” Subaru said, as he approached the half-burned man, holding a sack. “See this? This sack contains some fire stones your Finger planned to use to bomb a carriage full of children. Well, guess what? I’m gonna use it on you.”
The Archbishop’s eyes, or whatever was left of them, widened at the realization of what he was saying. Subaru continued talking as he put down the sack. “These babies should go off in, oh, I don’t know… a minute? Should give you enough time to reminisce about your life, or whatever.”
“Grugh…”
Standing up, Subaru grabbed his staff and looked behind him. “Well, this is where we part ways, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti. I’d say it was pleasure, but I’d be lying. See you!” And with that, Subaru Natsuki ran as far as he could.
Petelgeuse knew that this was the end of the line. But if he was going down, he was taking the false Pride with him. With the last of his strength he could muster, he summoned four giant Unseen Hands, and directed them at the boy.
“SUBARU NATSUKI!”
Turning his head around one last time, Subaru could see the four purple arms reaching for him. “Oh, you gotta be kidding me. Haste!”
“Haste” was a spell that buffed the user’s speed. With that incantation, Subaru’s pace quickened, easily out running the Unseen Hands.
The last thing Petelgeuse saw was the smoke coming out of the fire stones in the sack.
PIBOOM!
Subaru kept running, and running, praying that the spell would make him fast enough to avoid the blast radius. He could feel the heat of the blast creeping up on him, as he jumped over tree roots, until finally, he made it out of the forest.
“Oh, thank God, I thought I was gonna die…”
However, before Subaru could react, two things quickly approached him.
The first was a black wiggly thing that made its way inside Subaru’s body. He could feel something squirming inside him, but it was soon gone.
Subaru had acquired the Authority of Sloth, the second of his Authorities. The “Unseen Hand” was now the “Invisible Providence”.
The second thing was a spirit. A Great Spirit. He was attracted to the boy with the staff, and upon seeing who it was he felt great joy.
Petelgeuse was finally reunited with his master.
Feeling his mana quickly depleting, Geuse made his way inside the green crystal on the top of his staff. It was a mana crystal, designed for housing spirits.
Once all that was over, Subaru heard a familiar voice.
“Barusu!”
Subaru lifted his head to see the pink-haired maid he knew too well running towards him.
“What the hell is going on?! Why were there explosions coming from the forest?!”
“Oh, those? Yeah, that was me. I was busy exterminating Witch Cultists…”
“What?!” yelled Ram, both confused and upset.
“Look, you can chew me out later, okay? Right now, I need to go back, and pick up Rem…”
“Rem? Where is she? Where is my little sister?!”
“Will you relax? She’s safe in the capital,” Subaru explained. “I’ll go get her now.”
“And how exactly will you get there?” Ram asked sarcastically.
At the Karsten manor, Rem was ready to leave with her things. Upon learning that Subaru had run off with one of Crusch’s ground dragons after bad-mouthing all of them, they were naturally pretty pissed. Rem was lucky all they did was kick her out and not wage war against the entirety of the Emilia Camp. They could certainly win if they felt like it.
Now walking out the front door, she was wondering how she would get back home, only to see some sort of portal of red and black open up, with a familiar figure coming out, carrying a staff.
“Subaru-kun!” she cried in joy, running towards him and hugging him.
“Hey, Rem. Sorry I left you behind. I just needed to do this on my own.”
“It’s alright. Rem trusts that you were successful, yes?”
“Yep. Mission accomplished. Everyone has been saved. Are you ready to return home?”
“Yes! Most definitely!” she chirped.
And with that, the two of them walked through the gate, unknown to all but a certain knight.
“Wh-wha…?” Felix had seen the whole interaction, including the fact that Subaru came out of an unfamiliar portal. But he couldn’t think about it now. There were far more urgent matters.
“Felix!” called out an old man.
Turning around, the Blue saw it was the Sword Demon. “Myew?”
“Crusch-sama is calling us right away.”
“R-right! Let’s go!” Felix followed behind Wilhelm, but he couldn’t think. His mind was still focused on what he had just witnessed earlier.
“Everyone, please, calm down!” begged Miklotov, as for the past few hours now, there was a massive panic inside the Throne Room. Everyone, from the nobility to the kings, was horrified at the implications that the boy the entire kingdom made fun of was actually one of the Heroes.
“Good,” he sighed, seeing that everyone had listened and settled down. “Now, the first thing we should probably do is inform the Royal Candidates and the knights about--”
But before he could get another word out, a knight pointed and yelled once more. “Look!”
Turning around, Miklotov and the other members of the Council saw that yet another message had now been written on the Dragon Tablet, causing yet another uproar.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me,” groaned Bordeaux.
“The Great Sage, Subaru “Flugel” Natsuki, has defeated the Witch Cult’s Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelguese Romanee-Conti.”
Everyone, Miklotov included, knew that this was going to be a long night.
Author’s Note: Hey, guys! Thanks for reading! And now, I’ll answer questions and comments from the last chapter!
TheGenesis: I have no idea if the pairings are weird, or not. This is my first time writing, so I don’t know how to do the pairing thing. I just tried to make Emilia, Rem, and Satella interested in Subaru, I have no idea if it worked or not. Could you please tell me?
Avisato: Yes, Subaru can use all of the abilities of the other characters, not just the ones seen in “Isekai Quartet”. He can still gain new powers (Authorities), but I don’t think I’ll let the Legendary Shield absorb new materials and unlock new shields that aren’t canon. No, this isn’t a Gary Stu power trip, the White Whale was just that weak.
notanyone19: I love “Subaru is the Sage” fanfics, too. Do you know any good ones?
WarGlory: Aside from more mental clarity, there will be no major side effects from gaining their powers, but just because there’s no mental issue, doesn't mean that there won’t be any challenges. Anyway, here’s the next chapter you were waiting for.
Br0ber531: Yes, Subary will get the Sloth Witch Factor, you just read him getting it. No, there won’t be any upgrade to it, he’s already strong enough as it is. I'll also be giving him the Pride Witch Factor, yes. It’ll probably just be giving Subnbaru temporary invincibility. I’ll try to make some of the chapters longer, if I can, but most of them will stay the same length. I like them to be consistent.
Kiszony531: No, Subaru won’t get his past memories after absorbing the Sloth Witch Factor. And yes, Invisible Providence will remain the same as in the anime. Also yes, Subaru will eventually get the Pride Witch Factor. I just got my account on Archive of Our Own set up, so I will be posting it there. No, I’m not going to drop this, I've worked too hard on it.
RoyalGuard0909: Oh yeah, Crusch will freak out when she receives the news. And Julius will feel really bad for what he did. But no, just because Subaru now has Anz’s powers, doesn't mean he’ll be able to resurrect the dead. Ainz could do it using the Wand of Resurrection, something Subaru doesn't have. He’ll still have to use Return by Death.
Look2021: I agree, it was a good start! Thank you.
Guest: Ta-da, you got a new chapter! And don’t worry, you’ll see a more detailed reaction from the Council of Elders and the knights, eventually.
Atrolox: Already added Subaru to the character tags. Also, thanks for the praise!
Guest: Yes, Subaru will save Geuse rather than kill him.
Warlock of Vainglory: Your comment might have been a joke, but I’ve actually considered it. The first story would be Subaru saving everyone, and then I considered making a sequel where it would be a bunch of slice-of-life stuff, including chicken wings.
Animox: Already added Subaru to the character tags. And as for pairings, I was considering not spoiling it, but I’ve already gone and done it. You’re welcome.
Nautilus05: Oh yeah, those jaws are gonna be so slacking. But sorry, Subaru will need to forgive those who crossed him, he’ll need all the help he can get. Alos, I have read “Subaru’s Lust In Another World”, make more chapters please.
Anonymous: Yeah, originally I just wanted it to be either Ainz’s or Naofumi’s powers, but then I was like, “Why not?” and gave him all of the Isekai Quartet’s powers. And the fear from the Crusch, Priscilla, and Anastasia will indeed flow like wine. As for the question if Subaru will encounter any of his past friends…? Sort of. You’ll have to wait and see.
worrierfierce: I have never played Genshin Impact, so I have no idea what you’re talking about. But yes, I do believe it was a good idea to integrate Otto into the plan.
CryingAlex: Yes, Sagebaru is indeed nice.
Adonis Urresta: Los que no conoces son Tanya von Degurechaff, de "Youjo Senki: Saga of Tanya the Evil" y Seiya Ryuuguuin, de "Cautious Hero: The Hero is Overpowered But Overly Cautious". Además, no, Subaru no sabía el nombre del árbol de Flugel, yo, como narrador, sí. Sí, Subaru tendrá exactamente los mismos poderes que todos los demás. Además, también, no, dado que la Tabla del Dragón literalmente escribió que Subaru mató a la Ballena Blanca, nadie puede robar el crédito.
A. J Savage: I’m glad you found it interesting, and now you know what happened next!
Badwholemilk: This is posted online, so I don’t know what you mean by “book”.
Shirosaki Kizuro: The reason Subaru was surprised by seeing the White Whale was because this was the third loop. In the canon, he would have come across the White Whale in that loop, along with Rem and Otto.
Elsa best girl: You got more. I’m glad that you’re interested in what happens next.
prabhjiv: It was an insanely good start. Yes, this fanfic will continue, and you’re welcome for the chapter.
Childline: Yes, he has all of Ainz’s, Naofumi’s, Seiya’s, Tanya’s, and Kazuma’s abilities. But since you asked nicely, I’ll give you a list of every new power Subaru uses in each chapter, starting with the ones from this and the previous chapter.
“Reality Slash”: An ability used by Ainz Ooal Gown from “Overlord”. Basically, it’s an attack that slashes space itself. These attacks can cleave through the very fabric of space, rendering any form of magical defense worthless. So, yeah, the White Whale didn’t stand a chance.
“Status Magic”: It’s the ability used by Naofumi Iwatani in “The Rising of the Shield Hero”. This system allows the user to view their skills and magic, notifies them when they have a new ability, and shows them when they level up. But that last part might be worthless to Subaru, now that he's on par with both Reinhard and Satella.
“Rope Shield”: An ability used by Naofumi. It turns the Legendary Shield into one made of rope, then the user can use the rope any way they see fit. In my story’s version, Subaru’s staff will act as the Legendary Shield, changing whenever he needs it to.
“Luck”: This is a stat that was used by Kazuma Satou in “KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on this Wonderful World”. Because of Kazuma’s high luck stat, Subaru can now use it to make things easier for him. Not that he needs it when he literally has an ability that allows him to try again and again, am I right?
“Dominate”: A spell that, when used on a person, they are unable to lie. That way, the person can be manipulated to the caster’s will, essentially being a form of mind control. This spell was used by Ainz.
“Fly/Flight”: Used by both Seiya and Ainz. It literally gives a person the ability to fly.
“Prayer/Blessing/Gospel Magic”: An ability used by Tanya. Praying to Being X, the user’s eyes turn gold, and give them the capability of casting high tier powerful explosive spells. In the story, Subaru uses his staff as Tanya would use her submachine gun.
“Napalm”: A spell used by Ainz. It creates a column of fire next to their target, before eventually engulfing them in flames.
“Fireball”: A spell used by both Kazuma and Ainz. It allows a user to shoot out a big ball of fire that burns their target. Pretty self-explanatory.
“Maximum Inferno”: Used by Seiya. A smaller, fire-based attack that causes explosions.
“Hell’s Fire”: Used by Seiya. Creates a small nuclear-like explosion made of fire.
“Haste”: A spell used to buff a person’s speed, making them move faster. Used by Ainz.
“Gate”: It summons a portal that can be used by a large number of people over long distances. Considered to be the highest form of teleportation magic. Used by Ainz.
Moving on from that, will Subaru stay with Emilia? While yes, eventually Subaru will leave for the Pleiades Watchtower with Beatrice and one other person, and meet Shaula, but he’ll still be a member of the Emilia Camp. For the next question, no, Ram isn’t the one to move the villagers to the Sanctuary, it will be Otto, and he’s taking all the villagers. Will Subaru be immortal? I don’t know. In terms of strength, Subaru is now an equal to both Reinhard and Satella's level, essentially making the three of them god-like.
PROPLAYERFL: Here’s the next chapter you’ve been waiting for.
HaydosMivill-Offical: Here’s the more you couldn't wait for. Also, I’ve read “A Shooting Star”, and it was nice. I want more chapters of that, please.
Fanficcrazin543: That was a lot of yeses. Here’s the next chapter you wanted.
Improsadas: Technically, literature is a form of art, so I guess you are correct.
stingrasher: This is the best O.P. Subaru you’ve ever read? Dang. Hope you’re excited for next time. But I do have to admit that the last scene was pure gold, I loved writing it. Also, I’ve read both “The Sun Princess” and “The Silver Queen”. More Priscilla, please.
EndertheDark_0326: Yes, this will be a fun ride. I’m going to post weekly. No, Subaru can’t resurrect people, since Ainz had to use the Wand of Resurrection to do that, plus it would get rid of any stakes in the story. Yes, I am fully aware that having Ainz’s power pretty much takes care of every villain in the world. I know in the canon, Ram took half the villagers to the Sanctuary, but the reason for it here was because Subaru doesn't know all of his powers, so he would want to avoid them getting hit in the crossfire.
Host Layers: Glad you found it good. I will continue it.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Me alegra que hayas encontrado mi trabajo bueno. Verás al sabio en toda su gloria, de hecho.
DiscordedNotes: I actually never thought of that until you mentioned it. But now that you mentioned it, I see it nearly everywhere! Hope you’re glad that my version of the Great Sage isn't just a “plot point”.
Dodanim1: Happy that you freaking liked it, as I will continue it!
twistedonffn: Yes, Roswaal will get what he deserves. That’s being beaten senseless. Also, I really liked “Revenge of the Teased” and “Subaru and Flugel vs The World”.
Im The Person: Thanks for thinking that this start was great. Yes, those three Candidates are doomed, and full-on panicking. Yeah, no, Roswaal is dead in the water. Yes, he will help Geuse instead of killing him. Also, I really liked “Sealed”, please make more.
kemarahymoten: Subaru will eventually love Satella, once he finds out the truth.
reinhardt53: Mighty interesting, indeed. Hope you’ll investigate further.
GrumpyOnue: I’m not sure if this would qualify as “crack” or not. Yes, he will definitely save Satella. You’ll definitely get to see more.
Steinfield: You’ve got more Strongbaru in your life!
Legendaryray5: Diamond, huh? That’s a new one. Thanks!
KingLAO2964: Oh, yeah. Lugnica is gonna be in total shambles now.
Earlynickname: Glad you have no doubts that this is epic.
Well, that’s all for now. See y’all next week!
- Ernalore.
Chapter 3: A Place Called the Sanctuary
Summary:
After successfully taking down the Sloth Faction, Otto informs Subaru, Emilia, Ram, and the rest of the members of the Emilia Camp that a portion of them will have to go to the Sanctuary to free the villagers. Once arriving there, Subaru meets Echidna, the Witch of Greed. Meanwhile, the three Royal Candidates that rejected Subaru's pleas for help are given a rude awakening. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 3: A Place Called the Sanctuary
Upon returning to the scene of the crime, Subaru Natsuki had one question: What will he do with all of the Witch Cultist corpses?
Burning them would probably be a bad idea. The smell would be horrendous and probably bad for the environment, plus it could run the risk of starting a plague in the village.
Letting them rot would be an even worse idea. What would happen if someone stumbled across them one day? That would open up a new can of worms.
So, he decided to relax a bit by reading his vision-menu thingy. It brought him a small comfort to know that with all these new powers, he was ranked at Level 100.
Might as well check out some of my other powers… Let's see… "Magic Arrow", "Iceball", "Lightning", wait… "Summon Undead"? What the heck is that?
Focusing on that specific spell, more details appeared for it, including its description, how to perform it, materials needed, and various other notes.
"In order to summon any permanent Undead, the use of a corpse is required," he read. Huh, well isn't that just convenient?
Heading back into the forest, Subaru spotted some of the regular cultist goons that he slew in secret. Interestingly enough, the Japanese teenager wasn't revolted by the bodies.
Last time he saw a massacre, he screamed and puked his guts out. But now, nothing. He wondered for a bit if it was due to some sort of passive skill, or if he felt no remorse for what he did. Shaking his head, he told himself it didn't matter, and that he had more important tasks.
Welp, let's test this out.
"Create Low Tier Undead. Skeleton Warrior!"
With that, Subaru chanted the chant, and with it, a shadowy purple liquid surrounded the dead cultists, being absorbed inside their bodies. Within seconds of being inside, the corpses started to move, and transform. Upon completion, they now looked like skeletons, wearing their ripped purple clothes as scarfs and trousers, but now also equipped with red shoulder pads, knee-high brown boots, forearm guards, a sword and a shield.
Whoa! It made them weapons out of nothing. So cool!
Upon noticing that they were just standing there, Subaru felt compelled to say something. "Um, go and form a perimeter around the forest, but attack no one."
Upon receiving their orders, the Skeleton Warriors rattled in response, and ran off.
"Maybe I should have given them more specific orders. Oh, well. I'll just go turn the next batch."
Upon turning a few groups of cultists into skeletons, Subaru eventually came across one of the Witch Cultists that served as Petelgeuses' Fingers.
I guess these guys were technically higher-ranking than the regular goons, so I guess it makes sense to turn them into something else besides plain skeletons.
However, it was also true that he didn't want to create something too powerful, lest they turn against him, so he needed to figure out a nice balance.
Reading his summoning options once more, Subaru got an idea.
"Ah, I got it! Create Low Tier Undead. Elder Lich!"
Once more the process started over again. However, this time instead of turning into a Skeleton Warrior, the corpse of the Finger retained most of its skin, becoming pale, and it's fingernails grew longer. It's robes turned from purple to blue, gained a light-blue orb necklace, a yellow sash, and red eyes, to compliment it's undead nature, along with its lack of a nose.
"What is your bidding, Master?"
Damn! Talk about respect! "Okay, listen up. There are some Skeleton Warriors in the village. I want you to supervise them and keep track of them. Also, there will be more undead coming soon. I want you to look after all of them until I get back. Is that clear?"
"It shall be done, Master."
"Great, thanks."
With that, the Elder Lich floated off and out of the forest. Subaru nodded in approval, and headed off to turn more corpses into undead.
Subaru continued to trek the forest, creating more and more undead. Any ordinary Witch Cultist would become a Skeleton Warrior, while any Finger would become an Elder Lich. By the end of it, Subaru had amassed a small army consisting of dozens of Skeleton Warriors, and exactly nine Elder Liches.
Upon leaving the forest, Subaru encountered the last corpse.
It was Ketty, the cultist who posed as a merchant.
Since Ketty was a Finger, Subaru turned him to the tenth and final Elder Lich. But since he oh so graciously gave Subaru vital information, he would also reward him.
Upon his completed transformation, Subaru spoke with him.
"What is your name?"
"I have no name, Master."
"Well then, I give you the name of Ketty. Also, I'm making you in charge of the rest of the Elder Liches and Skeleton Warriors. You will also obey any orders I give you, or of anyone I give permission to. Is that clear?"
"It shall be done, Master," nodded the newly-named Elder Lich.
"All right, cool."
"Barusu!"
As soon as Subaru was done giving orders to his new subordinate, Ram returned to witness everything. From her perspective, all Barusu had done since returning was destroying half the forest, and turning multiple corpses into undead monsters. Sure, he brought back her little sister safe and sound, but those details meant nothing to an angry Ram.
"Oh, hey, Ram. Don't worry about them, they're with me."
"Ram doesn't care! You're coming with Ram back to the mansion, and explaining yourself to everyone. Emilia-sama, sister, everyone!"
"Okay, okay, fine, sheesh. Everyone, listen up. One third of you, come with me and establish a perimeter around the manor. The rest of you, stay here and establish a perimeter around the village. If anyone suspicious arrives, capture them, unharmed, and bring them to me."
Upon reaching the steps of the Mathers mansion, Subaru knocked on the door and waited with Ram. Much to his surprise, a familiar little girl with reddish-brown hair opened up.
"Subaru-sama?"
"Woah, Petra, is that you? No wonder I didn't see you during the evacuation with the other brats. What are you doing here?"
"Oh! Uh, while you were away, Rosawaal-sama hired a few new maids," she replied shyly.
"Oh, really? Who else?"
"That would be me," a voice behind the door replied.
"You must be Subaru-sama." The speaker revealed herself to be a taller maid, with golden hair and emerald eyes, and a smile full of sharp teeth. "I am the current head maid of the Mathers Family, Frederica Baumann."
While Subaru was surprised by the scary teeth, he kept that to himself. No need to make a fool of himself a second time. "Nice to meet you, Frederica."
Frederica smiled, before it turned into slight concern. "By the way," she asked, pointing her finger. "Would they happen to be with you?"
Subaru turned around to see who she was referring to, only to be greeted upon by dozens of his Skeleton Warriors, and three of his Elder Liches, way too close for comfort. "Huh? Oh, yeah, those guys are with me. Guys, do the thing."
In response, the undead started to form a perimeter around the mansion, all while Subaru and Ram made their way inside, led by the two new maids.
Inside one of the many living rooms of the Mathers mansion, Emilia, Beatrice, Rem, and Puck were silently waiting for the rest of the maids to arrive with Subaru, each with different emotions brimming inside.
Emilia was conflicted. She was disappointed in Subaru for breaking yet another promise and coming back, but she was also grateful that she saved the mansion and the villagers from the Witch Cult's attack.
Beatrice was also concerned. According to what Ram had told them, Subaru now held immense power. Could he really be "That Person" that her mother spoke of?
Rem was nervous. She had heard of what her sister spoke of, and she saw Subaru's new capabilities firsthand, but still didn't know what to think.
Puck was also a wreck. Not only had the promise-breaker that hurt his daughter come back, but he was now a legitimate threat, to boot. He was now uncertain if he could win if things got violent.
All four of their thoughts were interrupted when the door opened up, and Subaru, along with Ram, Petra, and Frederica, came in.
The silence was palatable. Every moment of it made the atmosphere more intense.
Subaru decided to speak first.
"I'm sorry I came back, but I had no choice. No one I told about the threat would come help. They left you all to die."
"And how exactly did you acquire these new powers, I wonder?" interrogated the Great Spirit.
"Oh, those? Well, I-"
Knock, knock.
Turning around, the group heard a knock on the door.
"Oh, that's probably for me," Subaru explained. "Wait right here, I'll be right back."
Leaving the room, Emilia, Rem, Beatrice and Puck returned to their thoughts.
Walking down the stairs, Subaru could hear the constant knocking coming from the front doors of the mansion.
Knock, knock.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm coming, I'm coming, I heard you the first time, sheesh."
Opening the door, Subaru was surprised to see Ketty, with two Skeleton Warriors, holding a familiar-looking frightened merchant.
"Master," Ketty answered. "We found this one entering the village on some ground dragons. He claims to have business with you."
"Oh, Otto, hi! Thanks, guys, you can let him go, he's my friend. Come in, dude."
Responding to their master, the Skeleton Warriors unhanded Otto, who in turn rushed inside, bawling his eyes out. "Natsuki-saaan! How could you make such scary things?!"
"Well, you did see me take down the White Whale. This was actually pretty easy in comparison."
Otto, who was still trying to prevent himself from wetting his pants, tried to figure out Subaru's insane logic, but gave up. "Okay, yeah. Fair enough."
Climbing up the stairs, Subaru continued his conversation with the ashen-haired man. "So, I take it that you came back to tell me that everyone is ready to return home."
Scratching the back of his head, Otto answered. "Uh, kinda. Well, there's sort of a problem, you see."
"Problem? What problem?"
"Uh, it's best if I explained the situation with everyone else present."
"Oh, uh, okay." Subaru responded awkwardly, as they both continued climbing up the stairs.
"The Sanctuary?" Frederica asked.
Otto nodded meekly. "Yes. Apparently, the villagers and the rest of the merchants aren't allowed to leave until the barrier is brought down. Rosawaal-sama tried to bring it down himself, but he was severely injured. That's why he requested I fetch Emilia-sama, Ram-san, and Natsuki-san."
Upon hearing his name, Subaru got suspicious. He wondered how Roswaal knew he was here, but eventually he wrote it off. Otto probably told him. Yeah, that was it.
Upon finishing his story, the rest of the group was deep in thought. For Frederica, Ram and Rem, the Sanctuary was the place that held their dear brother and friend, Garfiel, imprisoned. For Beatrice, the Sanctuary was the place that held the body of her deceased mother, Echidna.
For Emilia, Subaru, and Puck, this place meant little, if nothing at all.
But that didn't mean they weren't going to do nothing at all.
"Okay!" exclaimed Subaru, standing up. "So, we just head to this "Sanctuary" place and free the people trapped inside, and all's well that ends well, right?"
Ram, snapping out of her thoughts, nodded. "Yes. I shall prepare the carriage immediately." Leaving, she also grabbed Otto by the cheek. "You're helping me, merchant boy."
"Okay, okay! Just stop pulling, please!"
"Do you really have to go?" asked Petra, pulling on Subaru's leg.
"Sorry, Petra. Orders are orders. But don't worry, I'll be back before you know it!"
"Yay!" she exclaimed, smiling brightly, as she wrapped a white handkerchief around Subaru's wrist. "This will keep you safe on your trip!"
"Aww, thanks!" cooed Subaru towards the little maid. "I promise I won't take it off!"
"Oh, before you leave," Frederica said, fishing for something from her pocket. "Emilia-sama, take this. And Subaru-sama, if you encounter a fellow by the name of Garfiel, tell him that you know me," she said, handing a blue crystal to Emilia.
"Okay…" responded Subaru, a little weirded out.
With the carriage prepared, all that were left were good-byes.
"So, here's the deal. You guys are going to follow the maids' orders as if they were my own," Subaru said, pointing to Rem, Petra and Frederica. "Understood?"
"Yes, master," responded all ten of the Elder Liches.
"Okay, these guys are ready for you," Subaru announced looking at Rem.
"Thank you, Subaru-kun," the blue oni replied with a smile.
"Are you sure this is a good idea, in fact?" asked Beatirce. She had also decided to send-off the group headed toward the Sanctuary.
"What, did my little Beako want to boss some of them around as well?" teased Subaru.
"What?! No- that's not- I mean… Oh, just go already, I suppose!" yelled the drill loli, all flustered.
With that, Subaru, Emilia, Ram, and Otto all headed off to the Sanctuary.
The ride towards the Sanctuary started off quiet. Ram was busy with Otto, and Patrasche had Otto's ground dragon, Frufoo, to keep her company.
That left Subaru inside the carriage with Emilia.
It was quiet, and awkward. The two of them really hadn't spoken since their fight back in the capital, and neither of them knew what to say to the other.
So Subaru decided to go first.
"I'm sorry."
Emilia turned her head towards him and let out a "Huh?"
"I'm sorry!" Subaru then let it all out of the floodgates. "I shouldn't have picked a fight with Julius, I shouldn't have broken your promise and snuck inside, I shouldn't have said all of those things that made you feel sad for someone like me!"
The half-elf was silent.
"You were right, everyone was right. I'm a lying, promise-breaker. I talk big, and complain like a pro! Everything I ever did was to make myself feel like I mattered, but in the end, I'm just a coward. A waste of space. The lowest of the low. I hate myself for what I've done."
"..."
"So, when this is over… I'll leave, if that's what you wish for."
It was now Emilia's turn to speak. "Subaru, you dunderhead! I never wanted you to leave! I just didn't want to receive special treatment from you! Why can't you treat me like a normal girl?!"
"Because you're not normal! You're Emilia, one of the best people I know! Everything I do for you, is because I want you to validate me! Because I care about you guys, because I-"
Because I… what, exactly? Subaru thought to himself.
In all this time, Subaru never knew why he was fighting. At first, he thought it was because it was his destiny, that he was a summoned hero. Then, he believed it to be a moral obligation, one that came with his power. But now, he fought… for what reason?
Why did he always fight for her? Why did he want to make Emilia smile?
Emilia on the other hand, was now stunned into silence. She didn't know that this was what Subaru truly thought of himself. But she couldn't let up.
Finding her voice once more, she continued, "I don't understand the things that you speak of. Of how to validate you."
"That's okay," Subaru reassured her. "I'll wait for as long as you want, Emilia. Until then, until I get a response, maybe I can just be your friend?"
"A… friend? I never had one of those before."
"Then, I'll be your first."
With that one sentence, the Royal Candidate had her faith in Subaru restored. "All right, Subaru," she said, with a smile. "Let's be friends."
And for the first time in a long time, Subaru smiled a real smile.
However, the happiness was cut short. The blue crystal Frederica gave Emilia started to shine brightly, greatly confusing the duo.
"Huh…?"
"What the…?"
Before either of them could say anything, the light became brighter, and brighter.
"Okay, I'm getting a bad feeling about this!" Giving his hand, Subaru commanded, "Emilia-tan, hand it here!" to which the half-elf obliged.
"Okay, if this thing starts to heat up, I'm throwing it out the window, got it? Emilia…?"
Turning around, the Japanese teenager saw that the reason the silver-haired woman wasn't responding was that shen was unconscious. Something which fueled his fear even further.
"EMILIA!"
And with that, a flash of light engulfed the whole carriage.
Subaru suddenly found himself in the middle of a forest, with only his staff on one hand, and the blue crystal in his other.
"What the Hell…?"
Looking around, all the nasty-eyed boy could see were some trees, and… a little girl. She had pink hair, blue eyes, pointed ears, and a white robe.
Upon seeing that she was spotted, she ran.
"Hey, wait up!"
Grabbing his staff, Subaru gave chase towards the little girl, but she was quick. Subaru was having a hard time catching up to her when suddenly… all of the trees were gone, and all that was left was a stone path, leading up to a single stone building in ruin.
Holding on tighter to his staff, Subaru stood tall and walked inside.
"Hello? Is anyone there?" All the while Subaru had one question.
What is this place?
"I see. So, that is the root of your desire? How very interesting."
Alarmed, Subaru turned around to confront the feminine voice, only to find that his surroundings had changed. The ruined tomb was gone, and all that was left was a sunny, grassy field, with various voices and whispers entering his ears.
"Oh, did I startle you?"
Hearing that voice once more, Subaru turned around to find a hill. And on that hill, there was a table covered by an umbrella. And under that umbrella, there sat a woman of black and white.
"It had been quite a while since I spoke with anyone, so perhaps I was too eager. My name is Echidna, or perhaps you know me better as the Witch of Greed?"
Silently, Subaru regained his bearing, and decided to ask some questions. "What is this place?"
"This is merely my Castle of Dreams. You weren't actually moved. Think of it as an illusion. You were merely invited to my tea party," answered the Witch of Greed.
"Tea party?"
"Well, are you just going to stand there, or are you going to come take a seat?"
"All right, all right, I'm coming!" groaned Subaru, as he walked up the hill and took a seat. Grabbing a cup of tea and sipping on it, he asked, "So why did you abduct me?"
"I was fascinated by you," answered the white-haired woman. "You possess immense power and other worldly knowledge, something I crave, along with two Witch Factors. Plus, you remind me of someone I met a long time ago."
"So, you brought me here just to talk?"
"In a sense," she replied, leaning in closer. "I want to make a deal with you."
"A deal? What kind?"
"The root of your desire is to gather information. That is also the root of my desire. You want to know everything I know, and I want to know everything you know."
Subaru narrowed his eyes when he heard her reasoning. The way she talked reminded him of the way Anastasia spoke, and he didn't want to make the same mistake twice.
Putting down the tea cup, Subaru spoke, "All right, I'm interested. But on two conditions: One, I ask the first question. And two, there are some things that I have that are extremely private, so I'm afraid I won't be able to answer everything."
"That's fair. I'll simply give you information that is equal to the information you give me. I believe it's called… the law of equivalent exchange?" she smiled. "Regardless, I accept your terms. So, what is the first thing you want to know?"
"What are these… Which Factors you spoke of?"
"What is the reason you summoned us?" questioned Crusch Karsten, who was currently standing next to both Anastasia Hoshin and Priscilla Barielle.
Inside the Throne Room, an emergency meeting was being held. In it, three of the five Camps were present, along with two members of the Council of Elders, and Captain Marcos.
At the side of the Throne Room, Wilhelm van Astrea, Felix Argyle, Julius Juukulius, Ricardo Welkin, Aldebran and Schult were also present, as they were all deemed to be the most trustworthy confidants in each of their Camps.
The only Camp that wasn't present at the moment were Felt's, as she and Reinhard had already left to attend some meetings in another city.
"Very well, you are all entitled to the answer," spoke Miklotov. "However, I ask that you keep this confidential, at least until we have the full-report available to the public."
"..."
"Last night, the Dragon Tablet reported that the White Whale was slain."
With that one sentence, the whole room paled. Especially the Crusch Camp, as they were planning to kill it. You could practically hear Wilhelm clench his teeth. Upon hearing what had happened, Felix's eyes widened in shock, as the gears in his head started turning.
Did he truly dyo it?
"Not only that, but earlier today the Dragon Tablet also reported that the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, was slain by the same individual," continued Miklotov.
That one sentence cemented the Blue's fears.
"And who is responsible for this?" asked Priscilla, yawning in boredom.
"Well, that's the disturbing part…" sighed Bordeaux.
"Aw, c'mon it can't be tha' bad!" chirped the merchant princess. "Who is this hero?"
"It was none other than the Great Sage…"
"..."
"Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki."
The entire room fell into silence.
Anastasia was right. It wasn't that bad.
It was far, far worse.
Author's Note: Hey, y'all! I appreciate you stopping by and reading my work! And now, it's time to answer some previous answers from the last chapter!
Majin Othinus: No, I'm not adding Shaula into the pairing. Subaru created her with Daphne's help, technically making her his daughter. Don't be gross.
Tim Ngu: Thank you for deeming my work "awesome."
CryingAlex: Thanks for the praise. Here's the new chapter you wanted.
myarkbroob: I also love Subaru being the Sage. Got any good material?
Andy: Subaru Speedrunning? You're probably right, but I hope not.
N0rtom: While I would love to be more descriptive, unfortunately it takes forever to write these, and it's very tiresome. But thanks for the compliments, anyway.
Guest: Yeah, I would love to see people wondering why Subaru let Julius beat him.
Guest #2: Yeah, I'll try to focus on the knights' reactions, but no promises.
Fana4tiik: Yeah, Emilia is a good person, she just has it rough.
beginning321: Oh yeah, the candidates and the knights are definitely thinking that it was all a test. They'll think the real reason he came to them was to be the judge of their character. No guarantees, but I'll try to write some more from their point of view.
Anonymous: Yeah, it is pretty ironic that Subaru managed to do such monumental tasks in a single day, when it would take others years to do the same thing. Geuse and Shaula will definitely be saved. Yeah, the reactions to Subaru killing the Great Rabbit will be good, if i can write them properly, that is. Hopefully, I can.
Look2021: Yes, I too thought it was a good chapter.
RyuutoShura: I'm glad you liked my chapter, here's more, you glutton.
suryanshtiwari8858: Thanks for the compliments, here's more.
TheGenesis: I fixed it! Thanks for telling me how relationships work.
stingrasher: Yeah, I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to make Subaru's relationship work. Subaru will still work with the Emilia Camp, but I always figured that he knew t hat he loved Emilia, who knows? Oh, also, I've read "The King and his Three Wives", and I want more, along with the other two, of course.
R-king 93: I'm glad you deemed my chapter to be "awesome".
Wilber Beato Quispe: Gracias por los elogios. Eventualmente verás las reacciones de todos los que le dieron la espalda a Subaru.
Maximum Rhapsody: There will be some new enemies Subaru will have to deal with in the future, but the Witch Cult is his main target, for now. Don't worry, Subaru won't be unbeatable, he'll still lose. I have considered making an Isekai Quartet story, as well as a WHDAAA story. Maybe I'll do them once this series is done.
Im The Person: Yeah, I'm gonna shower Geuse with a lot of love. Also, he's going to play a major role in at least one arc, maybe two. And yeah, Roswaal is a dead man. As are the three Candidates, or at least they think they are. Also, I'm still trying to figure out how to make Subaru's love life work out. By the way, can I borrow the book titles Beatrice read in "Sealed"? You know, the ones about necromancy, illusions, and all that good stuff?
WarlockofVainglory: Yeah, the reunion between Geuse, Flugel, and Emilia will be… interesting, to say the least. No spoilers, though.
Deathenglegamers1144: Thanks for the compliment.
Blue Beluga: Sorry about feeling cheated. I'll try to make the story longer, and the end notes a bit shorter. Anyways, thanks for enjoying my power fantasy.
Adonis Urresta: Sí, Subaru es prácticamente un dios ahora. Meili definitivamente se unirá al elenco principal, pero no Elsa. Y en cuanto a cómo Subaru conoció a los otros miembros del Isekai Quartet, la respuesta se revelará en el futuro, pero por ahora, use su imaginación. Sí, Subaru arreglará el mundo y la Dragon Tablet informará con gran detalle. Me alegra que pienses que este es uno de los cinco mejores trabajos de Re: Zero que hayas leído.
Inv0ke: The other Candidates didn't know that the Dragon Tablet predicted the future. The only ones who did know were the Council of Elders, and they weren't gonna help.
Childline: Yes, this version of Subaru will be a lot smarter. While I know you don't want Subaru to forgive the other Candidates, he'll have to work together with them if he wants to survive. But he'll definitely be on good terms with Felt, Emilia, and Al. Wilhelm is gonna be mostly silent on the topic of the White Whale, but Felix will definitely be itching for Subaru to slip up. While no, Shaula won't be in a relationship I will try to focus on her. But yeah, Arc 4 is gonna be super short. Garfiel will quickly respect Subaru, Elsa and the Great Rabbit are a joke, and using his intuition, Subaru will help Emilia with overcoming the Trials, and he will save Beatrice from her isolation.
KazeelBaYz: Rem is indeed back inaction, and totally not in a coma. Sloth is gone, and Geuse is saved. And Felix will definitely freak out after seeing Subaru open up a portal, as will everyone in the Throne Room. Satella being a heroine is gonna be tricky. But Subaru will save Beatrice from the Forbidden Library, and he will save Shaula from the Watchtower. I'm glad to see that you're excited.
The Heretic Slayer 69: Glad you like this so far.
SmilingIceCube: Don't worry about how Subaru will deal with Regulus and Pandora, I have my ways. They may be tough, but the bigger they are, the harder they fall.
EndertheDark_0326: Don't worry, Petra is safe. For now. I hope you enjoy the rest. I was also thinking of making Felix get enraged, but I might end up having to can that.
Steinfield: Oh yeah, the strained relationship with the other Camps will be a pretty big plotline, and one that I actually enjoyed writing. You'll love it.
Rerto_Sunrise: I have no idea what "BenutButter" is.
And for all those who were wondering, here are this week's powers used by Subaru:
"Magic Arrow": Allows the user to shoot out piercing arrows made of mana. Since Subaru is so powerful, he can shoot out ten of them. Used by Ainz.
"Iceball": Lets the user shoot out a big ball of ice which freezes its targets. Used by Ainz.
"Lightning": Shoots a straight line of lightning from the caster's fingers. Used by Ainz.
"Summon Undead": Summons any type of undead, as long as there is a corpse to use. The main types of Undead Subaru will summon will be Low Tier Undead, such as Skeleton Warriors and Elder Liches. This ability was used by Ainz.
And that concludes everything I have to say for now. See ya next time!
- Ernalore.
Chapter 4: The Trials
Summary:
After finishing his conversation with the Witches of Sin, Subaru returns back to reality and exits the Tomb, only to find Otto unconscious, and a blond demihuman boy ready to pick a fight. Subaru easily best the boy, named Garfiel, who, along with Ram, bring everyone into the Sanctuary. Once inside, Roswaal informs everyone that Emilia will have to take the Trials in order to liberate the Sanctuary, while Subaru sees through Roswaal's ploy. Now, he, along with Otto, Garfiel, Ryuzu, and a reluctant Puck, have to work together to save everyone. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 4: The Trials
"Is that everything you wish to know?" asked the Witch of Greed.
"Yeah, that's all I was curious about. Thanks for all the help, ladies," Subaru answered, waving his hand towards Echidna and the other five Witches behind her.
It had now been a few hours in Echidna's Castle of Dreams, but to the outside world, it had only been a few minutes. Echidna was fascinated by Subaru, and he, in turn, wanted to know everything she had to offer that could help him.
So, they struck a deal.
Subaru would explain all of his newfound abilities, his powers, his magic, his knowledge from another world, his goals, his fears, everything. All, that is, with one exception.
And Echidna, fulfilling her end of the deal, would answer every and any question Subaru asked. And there were plenty of questions.
The white-haired woman explained everything. She spoke of how she and the other Witches' souls resided here, she spoke of the creation of the Sanctuary, the Trials, the Apostles, her goals for immortality, her contract with Beatrice, and she even spoke of the others.
Upon mentioning the others, Subaru asked to see them. And she delivered.
He met Typhon and spoke of justice. He debated Minerva in the field of healing. He learned from Daphne that she created the Mabeasts, not Satella. He was fascinated by the history of the group, spoken to him by Carmilla. He even understood the power dynamics of the Witches from Sekhmet, Authorities and Witch Factors included.
Needless to say, both parties were satisfied with the arrangement.
It was now time for Subaru to leave. "Well, thanks for the gross tea and cookies, I'll be heading out," he said, standing up and heading for the portal Echidna created.
"Oh, one more thing," she added.
"Yeah?"
"If you plan to liberate the Sanctuary, you'll have to get through that idiot, Garf. He's afraid of the outside world, so if you manage to convince him, you'll have a powerful ally."
"Understood, thank you for your time. Good luck to you all!"
The six Witches proceeded to give Subaru sweet farewells, thanking him for his time, and wishing him success for the future.
"What a truly fascinating individual."
Upon regaining consciousness, Subaru looked around and saw he was still in the Tomb.
Judging from the sun outside, it's only been a few minutes.
Standing up, Subaru grabbed his staff and walked out, lifting his hand to avoid the sun. Once his eyes adjusted, however, he saw the dragon carriage he came in out in the field, with a passed-out Otto in the dirt.
"EMILIA-TAN! OTTO!"
Dropping his staff, the Japanese boy ran towards Patrasche and Frufoo, only for a figure to jump down, sending dirt everywhere, and blocking Subaru's path.
"Yer a fast one, aintcha? My amazin' self didn't even get a chance to grab ya."
In front of Subaru now stood a boy with blond hair, a mouth full of teeth, and a bad attitude.
"Oh, well. I'll just kick yer ass, and take yer stick as a trophy, 'stead."
The boy started to charge towards Subaru, while Subaru himself was thinking about what he should do, his mind going a hundred miles a minute.
Should I blast him with something? No, he didn't hurt Otto, he probably thinks we're intruders- I shouldn't use lethal force with him. I'll just go easy on him.
Dropping his staff, Subaru chanted "Mimicry!" and "Haste!" allowing him to copy the fighter's skills perfectly, while also hitting him with speed and efficiency. It also didn't hurt that "Auto-Dodge", a skill that allowed Subaru to avoid nearly any strike.
In other words, the blond dumbass had no chance in hell to hit Subaru.
The fight began with the boy striking with his right fist, which Subaru immediately dodged, turned, and proceeded to copy the move, socking the guy in the face.
Next, with his speed, Subaru went from behind to avoid the kid's counter-attack, while hitting him in the back. That second attack snapped the boy out of his trance from the first punch, making him turn around and clobber Subaru, who managed to dodge by a hair.
Holy shit, this guy's fast!
Returning the favor, Subaru once again puched one of the guy's cheeks, before following it with a multi-attack to the blond boy's chest, until the kid had enough and got out of the way.
Ramming his fist straight to Subaru's face, Subaru dodged, while also delivering a blow that the kid dodged, as the two continued to fight on equal footing.
Eventually, the boy smacked Subaru away, who skidded on the dirt. Standing up, the Japanese teenager saw that the blond boy was beginning to charge at him.
Leaving himself open for an attack, Subaru decided that it was time to end this, using a new move he had learned from the Witches of Sin.
Come on, come on… closer, closer…
The boy ran faster and faster, until finally he leaped towards Subaru, ready to end him
"AAAHHH!"
Fell for it!
Inside Subaru's body, something dark shined brightly coiled out, as the world turned black and white for the nasty-eyed boy. "GRAAHHH!"
POW!
And from inside his body, a purple arm came out and uppercutted the boy, sending him flying back a couple of meters, as his expression was that of one who realized he was tricked.
There, that should do it, Subaru thought to himself, feeling sick. Wait a minute...
Looking up from where he was vomiting, Subaru saw that the blond boy had stood back up, and was limping towards him, as if ready for more.
"You've gotta be kidding me…" groaned Subaru. "Just how tough are you, blondie?"
Suddenly, something clicked for Subaru.
Blond hair and green eyes. That's how Echidna described…
He closed his eyes and shouted, "WE KNOW FREDERICA!"
"N'why did dat name just come outta yer filthy mouth?" he muttered.
"I knew it! You're Frederica's brother! You're Garfiel!" Subaru exclaimed in joy. He was glad that he hadn't gone overboard and accidentally killed the boy.
Garfiel fell to his knees and answered, "Yeah, she's my sis. What's that gotta do with anythin'?"
Before Subaru could respond, someone else appeared from the forest.
"Garf!"
"Ram?"
"GARF! WHAT HAPPENED TO YOU?!" the pink-haired maid cried, seeing her friend's state.
"Oh, um, Ram? That would be my fault." answered Subaru.
Looking straight at the black-haired boy, Ram gave him the death glare of a lifetime. "First, you get teleported and go missing, causing Emilia-sama to faint during the whole ordeal. Then, I tell the merchant boy to stay put while I went to get help, and what I come back to is you, Barusu, beating Garf here senseless? Am I right about that?"
"You call what I did to him a senseless beating?! Didn't you see what he tried to do to me?! Hell, look at what he did to Otto!" yelled the Suabru, pointing at the fainted merchant.
"Oy, I didn' touch 'im. He jus' fainted when I scared him. It was actually too easy."
"Very well, then. No harm, no foul. Barusu, you will be punished later," said Ram, as she proceeded to kick Otto awake. "Get up, you useless, good-for-nothing merchant."
"Oww… I thought I was gonna die…" groaned, said good-for-nothing merchant.
After that round of explanations, Otto had the dragons direct the cart towards the village inside the Sanctuary. While that happened, Emilia proceeded to wake up, happy that Subaru was back. Meanwhile, Garfiel kept looking at Subaru, making him extremely uncomfortable. Upon parking the dragon carriage, the group walked into the village.
"Are you sure you're okay?" asked Subaru, with concern in his voice.
However, Emilia had nothing but annoyance in hers. "Yes, Subaru, I'm fine."
"Here's where the clown's bein' treated. He tried to forcefully bring down the barrier, but no-go." Garfiel explained, pointing to one of the buildings.
"Huh, this place must have done a number on him if he's bedridden as you say," Subaru mused. "Well, let's go in and say 'hi'."
Ram opened the door, and the three of them walked in on a smiling Roswaal.
"Ah, Subaru-kun, you've fiiiiinally made it. I take it that if you're heeeeere, Emila-sama is here as well, no?" And, as if on cue, Emilia followed Subaru inside.
After closing the door, Subaru examined the margrave. "Wow, Ros-chi, you look like crap. Here, let me fix you up…"
Roswaal raised his eyebrow at Subaru's proposal.
Approaching Roswaal, Subaru started. "Heal…" Subaru chanted, as he poured mana into his employer. But that's when his eyes widened. He felt no injuries.
He's faking it.
Subaru immediately retracted his hands and stepped away. "Uh, sorry, guess my training with Felix back at the Capital wasn't all it was cracked up to be…" he lied.
Roswaal still kept his eye on Subaru, but decided to play along.
"So, uh, what do you need from us?" asked Subaru, still trying to brush off what he just did.
"Well, as you can seeeee, no one is able to leave the Sanctuary until the baaaaarrier is lifted. That is where Emilia-sama cooooomes in."
"She's going to take the Trial."
"As astute as ever, Suuuuubaru-kun."
Emilia contemplated it for a bit. "Well, if it helps others, then I suppose I'll do it."
Hours had passed since the meeting. The sun had set, and the Trial was about to begin. Subaru, Garfiel, Emilia, and Otto were present, as the Tomb was glowing a bright blue. Soon enough, a short, pink-haired half-elf in black robes carrying a staff arrived.
"Greetings. I am Ryuzu Blima. I shall be overlooking the Trial of young Emilia."
Due to his meeting with Echidna, Subaru was now familiar with the multiple Ryuzus running around the Sanctuary. Still, he kept his smile. "Hi there, I'm Subaru Natsuki."
"It's about time to start. Are you ready, young Emilia?" asked the pink loli.
"Mm-hm. Wish me luck," she said, with a smile.
"You'll do great, Emilia-tan."
With a hum and a nod, Emilia proceeded to walk into the Witch's Tomb, which now shined brighter than before, accepting her to take the Trial.
With her gone, Subaru turned around to leave, only to be met by Garfiel.
Garfiel remained silent for a few seconds, causing Subaru to panic. Oh shit, does he want revenge? Think, think! I know! I'll apologize and kiss his ass!
"Look, if it's about what happened earlier, I'm so-"
Before Subaru could continue, the blond demihuman fell down to one knee.
"Teach me."
It took a minute for Subaru to figure out what just happened. "Wait, what?"
"I said teach me!" yelled Garfiel, jumping up. "Come on! Ya gotta 'ave some super-secret technique! My amazin' self wants t'be jus' like ya! So please, teach me! I'm beggin' ya!"
"All right, all right, fine, whatever! Henceforth, you're officially my student, or whatever!"
"Hell yeah!" the blond demihuman boy cheered. "Thank you, Sensei!"
"Don't call me that."
"Okay, how abou' Cap'n?"
"Yeah, sure, why not? Listen, I gotta go…" Subaru explained, prying Garfiel off of him.
"Hey, Natsuki-san! Where are you going? I thought you would stay here and support Emilia-sama!" asked Otto, as he watched Subaru leave.
"I wish I could, but I gotta talk to Ros-chi about something."
Back inside the cabin, there were now three people. The sorcerer, the pink maid, and the boy.
"My, my. I didn't think you'd cooooome to visit little old meeeee out of your own free will. I'm flaaaaattered."
However, Subaru had that look in his eye which showed he was having none of that today. "Ram, could you please leave us? We need to talk. Alone."
The oni looked towards her master, who nodded. Ram then bowed, and left the two of them.
Once alone, Subaru started to talk. "I know you're not injured. What's going on?"
"I too, am curious about what happened to you. I didn't know you were any good at healing."
"Yeah, I've got a lot of new tricks up my sleeve," said Subaru. "In fact, If you don't start talking, I'm gonna use one now."
Roswaal looked at him with a small smirk. "Hmph, do your worst."
"Dominate!"
With that one word, Roswaal no longer had control of his body. He was at Subaru's will.
"Now, you're going to tell me everything you know," the boy snarled.
Subaru was now running through the forest. His head was a buzzing, screaming well of thoughts. But the biggest one repeated itself ad nauseum:
What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?
Back in the cabin, Subaru commanded Roswaal to tell him everything. And everything he did.
He told him about his plan to resurrect his teacher. He told him how he had been following the Tome of Wisdom for 400 years. He told him about the assassins coming to the mansion. He told him about his plan to lure the Great Rabbit here. He told him about how he used Emilia to have Subaru dancing in the palm of his hand. He even knew about Subaru's looping.
Now Subaru knew everything. And that terrified him.
He knew if he tried to warn the mansion, Elsa and Meili would kill everyone, as Roswaal ordered. He knew if he left Emilia alone, she would mentally break without him. He knew if he tried to take the Trials himself, he would be playing into the mage's hand. If he did nothing, the Great Rabbit would arrive and kill everyone. There was no way out.
Just like back in the capital, Subaru was drowning in despair. He didn't know what to do.
And that terrified him.
"AIIEEEE…!"
Snapping him out of his thoughts, Subaru ran towards the source of the scream. He knew who it belonged to As he kept running, he stepped out of the clearing, and saw the Witch's Tomb.
"EMILIA!"
Subaru was no longer thinking straight. All he could think of was saving Emilia, but the darkest corners of his mind kept whispering to him that it was futile.
"Natsuki-san! Stop!"
"Hey! Whaddya don'?!"
Otto and Garfiel saw Subaru running like a crazed madman, and proceeded to block him from entering the Tomb, while Ryuzu gave him a concerned look.
"You have to let me in there!"
"Hell naw, man!"
"No, you don't understand!"
"Don' understan' wha'?!"
"WERE ALL GONNA DIE!"
WHAM!
Subaru was now silent. He felt a blow right to his face. His knees giving out, Subaru collapsed to the ground and looked up.
The punch came none other than the green merchant himself, Otto.
"Now… I'm going to ask you once, Natsuki-san. What did you discuss with Margrave Roswaal?"
Otto, Garfiel, and Ryuzu all looked at Subaru with horror in their eyes.
He had told them everything. The attack coming to the mansion, the Great Rabbit's arrival to the Sanctuary, the fact that one little slip-up could result in untold amounts of deaths, everything.
And by the end of it, Subaru had tears in his eyes.
"I can't do it. It's an impossible scenario to win," he continued, looking at each of them. "No matter what I do, I can't save everyone. I'm sorry." He looked away, with shame in his eyes.
"Natsuki-san."
Subaru looked up, and saw the look in Otto's eyes.
BAM!
But what he didn't see was Otto's fist coming down on him.
"Listen here, Subaru Natsuki! You know, for as powerful as you are, you're pretty dumb, aren't you? A lot of what you said bothered me, but what peeved me off the most was your mentality of doing it all by yourself! And all that just to impress a girl?!"
"Impress a girl? What are you talking about…"
That's when it hit him. Back in the carriage, when Emilia asked why he did all this, he never gave her a proper answer. He thought how he didn't know it.
But now, he did know it.
He loved Emilia.
He had loved her ever since he sobbed into her lap during his first week at the mansion. He wanted to fight for her, to make her smile, not because that's what fate decided, or out of some moral obligation, it was because he loved her, plain as that.
So… why didn't I tell her?
The answer to that also came easily.
He was afraid. After everything he had done, after all the deaths and trauma, his judgement had been warped. He viewed everyone as owing him a favor they didn't even know, combined with his insecurities, it created that loathsome boy everyone looked down upon in the Capital.
Then, when he gained power beyond his imagination, the guilt he felt when he realized what he had done during the Royal Selection ate away at him. It made him feel that he didn't deserve anyone, so that's why his mind suppressed any feelings he felt towards Emilia.
But not anymore. He knew why he was fighting.
"It's Emilia-sama, you idiot! Who else?!" Otto continued. "The first thing you did when you realized there was a problem was think of how you would solve it by yourself! You're capable of taking down the White Whale, but you can't ask for help?! What kind of person are you?!"
"What?" Subaru stuttered. "W-what are you saying?"
"I'm saying, you shouldn't stress over something like this by yourself over something stupid like your manly pride! Let us help you! Let your friends help you!"
"F-friends?"
"What, you've never had a friend before?" Otto asked, looking down on him.
"No, not really."
"Well, guess what? You now have one, and I am here to help you."
Subaru was stunned into silence. There was someone who was willing to help him? Tears of joy mixed with disbelief fell from his eyes. He wasn't alone. Wiping them, Subaru looked up at those who were willing to help him.
With newfound determination, he stared at Otto, Garfiel, and Ryuzu.
"Okay, let's come up with a plan."
The first thing Emilia noticed when she opened her eyes was that she was on a bed.
The second was that Subaru was next to her.
"S-subaru? What happened?"
"Well, Emilia-tan, from what I heard, you must have seen something terrifying to scream as loud as you did. After that, Ryuzu-san had to pull you out of the Tomb. Hence, why you're on a bed right now. You were actually out cold for the entire night. So… good morning."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Hey, someone once told me that a single 'thank you' was worth more than a million sorries."
"Right. Thank you."
"Hey, besides you can still take the Trail again tonight. So for now, rest. I'll still be here when you wake."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Satisfied, Emilia placed her head down on the pillow, and proceeded to drift off once more.
Once she was asleep once more, Subaru approached her, his hands nearing her neck, as if to strangle her. But before he could, Subaru felt cold. Ice started to form on his fingertips.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you," a cheery voice warned him.
"It was the only way I knew you would come out," Subaru explained, pulling his hands away.
Suddenly, as if out of thin air, a cat-like spirit appeared. It was the Beast of the End.
"And why did you need me to come out?" Puck asked, his tone was ice-cold.
But Subaru's tone was colder. He knew a Level 78 Spirit stood no chance against him. "I need your help, Puck. And if you refuse... I might just have to kill you."
Roswaal was alone in his bed, contemplating what had happened to him earlier.
Subaru-kun controlled my mind and forced me to tell him everything about my plan. How? How did he do that?! No matter. Teacher's gift has instructed me what to do. All I need to do is carry out my objective, and the looping boy shall be mine.
But before Roswaal could continue to dwell on his thoughts, the door to his room slammed open. Roswaal looked up to see who would dare enter his room unannounced.
Who dared, was everyone's favorite tracksuit-wearing boy.
"Roswaal, let's make a bet!"
Author's Note: Howdy to all of you! Thanks for reading! Now it's time for everybody's favorite portion of our program… responding to comments!
Guest #1: If by "the last part" you're referring to the moment the Royal Candidates realized they screwed up, then I'll try my best, but no promises.
Guest #2: Subaru will be able to take down Regulus, but he'll die first. Plus, he'll need some help. But no, it won't be Reinhard. And as for Pandora, he'll take care of her, too.
The chosen one: Glad you loved the chapter, here's more.
Guest #3: Sylphy will play a minor role in the story, but she'll remain single.
Waiz: Glad you found a story that suits your needs. See you later!
Guest #4: Julius will have about half a chapter to feel bad about what he did.
CrimsonKnight050: Priscilla is capable of being scared, yes. I find it interesting that Crusch could consider the White Whale's death as a "warning shot". No, Juliuys will still be in the Anastasia Camp, but he might be ousted by the Royal Knights, and he'll try to make an apology. And in case they were wondering if the Dragon Tablet malfunctioned, all the corpses and scorched earth should be enough to show the world what Subaru is capable of. They'll be glad to know that Subaru is the forgiving type.
Anonymous: Yeah, no one is getting an explanation for how Subaru became that powerful. Actually, yes, Subaru will eventually play along with everyone's idea that he was just pretending that he was a weakling from the start. Sasuga, Subaru-sama!
Look2021: Yes, it was a great chapter. I put a lot of work into it.
Sagebaru FTW: The reason I didn't write Subaru confessing his love in the last chapter was because in this chapter he realizes that he truly loves her. Since Rem never gave him that pep talk, he never figured out how to properly say it, and, as seen in this chapter, he just repressed the idea of love because he still thinks he's unworthy of it. Also, sorry if this stuff is inaccurate to the source material, I'm only human. Plus, I'm still an amatuer writer, so my thoughts can't always be correctly conveyed to speech. Despite that, thanks for saying that you'll respect other people's opinions. I appreciate that.
Guest #5: I have no idea what this drama with Childline is, but thanks for defending my honor, I guess. Thanks for apologizing beforehand, at least that's worth something.
Guest #6: I still have no idea what's going on, therefore I ain't touching it.
worrierfierce: Arc 4 is pretty much gonna be the same as in canon but with no suffering, however, there will be a couple of major differences. Don't worry, once Arc 4 is over, the canon divergence will really skyrocket, just needed to get everyone together.
CryingAlex: I will try to have Kazuma's "Steal" implemented somewhere, yes.
R-king 93: Thanks for the awesome complement.
DiscordedNotes: I'm pretty sure Crusch believed that the Divine Dragon would save the Royal Family because they embodied Lugnica in some sort of nationalist sense, plus the reason she wants to get rid of Volcanica is because she believes he let Fourier die.
KazeelBaYz: I have no idea what Adonis Urresta did wrong, but if it's about the WHDAAA thing, he's referring to my potential future work, so I'll allow him to stay. That being said, all hell has broken loose, indeed.
NibiruVonJohan: No, Elsa, Frederica, and Shaula aren't gonna gun it for Subaru, glad you understand that. Surprisingly enough, the way you described the relationship with the other Camps is exactly how I'm planning to write it.
Adonis Urresta: Odio decírtelo, pero pasarán un par de capítulos antes de que Subaru acabe con el Gran Conejo. Además, gracias por entender todo el asunto de Elsa, y si te estás preguntando qué enemigos podrían derrotar a Subaru, solo mira los que lograron derrotar a Reinhard. Y sobre el proyecto WHDAAA, podría trabajar en eso una vez que esta serie esté completa, pero podría hacer algunos one-shots mientras trabajo en esto.
Maximum Rhapsody: We might see some power-ups with the rest of the cast to use against the bad guys. As for Ram's horn, I'll try to find a way for Subaru to fix it.
WarlockofVainglory: While it is true that Roswaal is a dead man, his plan could still technically work. If Subaru took the Trials in Emilia's place, she would be broken, if he tried to save the Mansion on his own, he wouldn't make it back to the Sanctuary in time, etc. It could still work, just not as well. There are just a lot of factors in there.
Marshall0-56: Thanks for the excellent comment!
Steinfield: Unfortunately, Subaru will not take the Trials, not even the first one. Echidna never gave him permission. Thanks for praising my work, though.
stingrasher: I read about what happened to you on Discord. You have my sincerest condolences. If it makes you feel any better, I really loved your work, I'm sorry to hear that it was bashed like that. Take as much time as you need, your fans will be waiting. On a happier note, your comment on Otto made me chuckle. Please take care.
The Heretic Slayer 69: No, I'm not adding anyone else to Subaru's love life, three is enough. Everyone else has their pairings, anyhow.
Im The Person: Sorry to tell you this, but Subaru won't kill Roswaal. If he did, Emilia's campaign would be sunk. Remember, Subaru doesn't know of his status. Oh, and thanks for letting me borrow your book titles! Can I please be in your multiverse?
14DF: Para ser honesto, el Consejo de Sabios simplemente volvería a llamar a los Candidatos para darles la noticia. Además, gracias por comprender que todos tienen su propio derecho sobre qué personaje termina con qué otro personaje siempre y cuando nadie sea acosado. Y oye, no te avergüences de tu español, ¡todos los idiomas son bienvenidos aquí! ¡Es por eso que estoy escribiendo esta sección en español, después de todo! ¡Para hacerte sentir cómodo en tu propia piel!
kermarahymoten: Unfortunately, Subaru will need to work together with the other Candidates if anyone has a remote chance of survival. No more rejections here.
BasicDemolition: While I won't change what I wrote, I will still explain my reasoning behind it. Subaru was subconsciously denying that he loved Emilia, as he still believed that he didn't deserve her, and since Rem never cheered him up, he never realized it. Hope that clears things up. Anyways, thanks for deeming my writing good, overall.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Si bien tu idea fue buena, Subaru no usará la pausa en el tiempo para matar a la Gran Liebre. Utilizará algo más ... explosivo. Pero usará el movimiento de matar a Stronoff en otro lugar solo en un ... oponente más digno.
pokemonrot337: I was thinking of making Julius depressed, but denial is good, too.
Childline: Sorry that you hate cliffhangers so much. While it is true that Subaru will leave for a bit, he's still a member of the Emilia Camp, but he will still be fixing the world. While it would be fun seeing Puck get slapped around, this is still realistic, so I'll try to maintain some form of dignity. Geuse will be coming around the same time as Shaula, and as for Felix… I'm not touching him for now. Glad you had fun, though.
The Knightrider: I will take your advice and try to lengthen the dialogue, thanks. Also, I'm trying to make the second "I love you" more impactful by getting rid of the first one. And as for Shaula, Subaru will find out that he created her, Books of the Dead do exist here. But she will still be loved, just not romantically. That said, I liked "Re:Mission Impossible", so please update it, if possible. Get it?
BorderLand: Oh, the theories surrounding Subaru are gonna be really good. But, you're right about Rem accepting it, Satella being happy, and how writing Emilia will be tricky.
Guest #7: Yeah, Subaru will definitely appreciate his new powers.
Guest #8: Hearing how Subaru killed the Great Rabbit will send everyone into a panic.
Razinarchive786: Unfortunately, the Dragon Tablet will be reporting when villains are defeated, no other achievements or reconnections with old friends.
Thunderfox: The slime thing was a typo, I meant to write "some", I've already corrected the error. Let's just keep that joke as our little secret, okay?
legendaryRay5: What are you hiding?
Now, for the new powers Subaru used this week, they were:
"Mimicry": A skill that allows a person to mimic or copy someone else's skills perfectly for up to three minutes, all for the cost of 1/15th of their mana. Used by Seiya.
"Auto-Dodge": A skill that allows a person to dodge any attack. Used by Kazuma.
"Heal": Heals the user or an ally. Can also purify the Undead. Used by Kazuma.
Well, that's all we have for this week! See you later, alligators!
- Ernalore
Chapter 5: Straight Bet
Summary:
With Subaru and Roswaal's bet underway, the Japanese teenager, with the help of Garfiel, Otto, Ryuzu, and their newest allies, Puck, Ram, and Emilia, all prepare for the final countdown. Meanwhile, the other Royal Candidates, along with their allies, all wallow in their misery while also fearing the potential repercussions of possibly infuriating the Great Sage. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 5: Straight Bet
It was almost noon at the Karsten estate, and inside her office, all the green-haired Royal Candidate could think of was how she and her Camp royally fucked up.
According to the Dragon Tablet, the person who was beaten by one of their own Royal Guards, the person she let down so horribly and insulted, was none other than the Great Sage.
Now, there was only one question for Crusch Karsten: Why?
Why would he go to such great lengths to hide his identity? Why would he make a fool of himself and let himself get beaten to a pulp? Why would he act like a madman when he begged her to eliminate the Witch Cult when he could have done it so easily?
Then, an answer dawned on her.
This was a test.
The Great Sage was known to be someone of great intellect and status. And from what Felix reported, he was someone who wielded powers beyond anyone's wildest imaginations. Everyone would try to earn his favor, even the most undeserving.
So, of course he would disguise himself. He even decided to work for the Royal Candidate with the biggest disadvantage, to see how people would treat him.
He even gave each Royal Candidate a chance to boost their standing in the Royal Selection, in the form of killing a Sin Archbishop, and each one of them turned him down horribly, something that would cause any normal person to be infuriated.
Crusch started to wonder if the White Whale's death was merely him giving off a warning shot.
At this point, she didn't even care about the insults he threw at her Camp, or the fact that he stole one of their ground dragons, hell, he could keep it for all she cared. If it meant not having to go up against a monster like Subaru Natsuki, then so be it.
The cabin door swung open, and out came Subaru, with a smile plastered on his face.
"Did it work?" asked Otto.
"Like a charm."
The 'charm' Subaru was referring to was the bet he just made with Roswaal, betting both of their dreams on the line. The conditions were as follows: If Subaru was able to save both the Sanctuary and the mansion in this loop, then Roswaal would throw away his book, and devote himself to making Emilia queen, just like Subaru.
Of course, Roswaal wouldn't just sit back and let everything happen. He would also participate, fulfilling the instructions left to him by his teacher. After all, he was still quite upset with the stunt Subaru pulled, using that "Dominate" spell.
"Ar' right, what's the next part?" asked Garfiel.
"Roswaal is going to play all of his cards, so we need to get rid of as many of them as possible. We need to convince Ram to help us."
"That sounds like a plan," nodded Ryuzu.
"Great. Otto, you're with me. Garfiel, find Ram, and when you do, meet us by the village. Ryuzu-san, could you please check up on Emilia-tan for me?" asked Subaru.
"Anything for the savior of the Sanctuary."
"I'm not the savior of this place yet, so I'm just asking as a friend."
"That works too," Ryuzu said, before heading off.
Inside Anastasia Hoshin's mind, the gears were turning.
She had wondered what the Great Sage was thinking, getting beaten and tricked like that. But the more she thought of it, the more she realized that it was a trap.
It was a trap to see what kind of people were in her Camp.
It was her knight that beat the ever-living hell out of Subaru Natsuki. And it was the merchant princess herself that tricked him and made fun of him. They were the architects of their own demise, this reveal that he was the Great Sage was just the catalyst.
She could imagine it now: The citizens would know that it was her who tricked one of the three Heroes, and the Hoshin Trading Company would go out of business because of it, while the Juukulius household would be offered up on a silver platter in an attempt of forgiveness.
Why? Why did she trick him? Because he seemed like an easy target?
As the gears in her mind kept turning, another gulp of alcohol went down her throat.
Once more, Emilia woke up inside the bed in her cabin, looking around Subaru was nowhere to be seen.
Subaru, you liar.
"Hey, now, he may be a liar, but he does care about your well-being at heart."
Looking up, Emilia could see her contracted Spirit. "Oh, good morning Puck."
"For now, at least," Puck whispered to himself.
"Huh?"
"Listen," he continued, scratching his head. "There's something important I need to do, and I'll be gone for a while. Maybe even for the rest of your life."
"What are you saying, Puck?" asked the half-elf, her voice laced with worry.
"Sigh… I'm breaking my contract with you, Lia. It needs to be done, so the seal on your memories can be lifted. What you'll see will be confusing, and terrifying, but it needs to be done. Just know that I did it for you."
Emilia's eyes widened at what she was hearing. The crystal hanging around her neck started to crack, sending her into a further panic.
"Puck, wait-!" she tried to grab him, but he was already fading away into mana.
"Lia, I love you."
BWANG!
And just like that, the Great Spirit dissipated into hundreds of tiny green lights of mana.
Suddenly, Emilia's head started flooding with memories long forgotten.
"Geuse… Mother Fortuna… Arch… Puck… Subaru…"
Thinking she had been lied to and betrayed, Emilia now felt truly alone.
The emotion Priscilla Barielle was feeling at the moment was fear.
Pure, genuine, untapped, and sheer fear.
Out of all the Royal Candidates, she was the one that turned down Subaru Natsuki the worst. She literally kicked him in the face, then declared war against the Emilia Camp.
She wondered if the deaths of the White Whale and Sloth were simply him throwing some sort of temper-tantrum, a demonstration of the power she would go up against when declaring war, or maybe a warning to leave his Camp the hell alone.
She decided that it would be best if she didn't do anything, and prayed that the Great Sage forgot her threat, or at the very least, cared enough for Al that he would leave them alone.
For now, all she could do was send scouts to his last known location.
"Ya done in there?"
Walking out of the Witch's Tomb, Subaru approached Garfiel with a smile on his face. "Yeah, it's done." Dropping a piece of a sharp rock, Subaru signaled to Garfiel that it was time to go.
Walking alongside him, the boy punched his arms together. "All right, let's go find Ram and Brotto."
Hearing that, Subaru looked at Garfiel with a perplexed expression. "Did you just use the word "brother" and the name "Otto" together, as some sort of pun?"
"Welp, this is th' sorta thin' that prolly brings dudes like us closer together, and afta the shit we'll be thru, I guess we can say that we'll be brothers-in-arms, or somethin'."
"Huh, I never saw it that way." Subaru kept thinking of that as they continued walking.
Patting Subaru's arm, Garfiel got his attention. "Yo, heads up, we're here."
Looking up towards the village, Subaru could see Ram and Otto, just as planned.
Using his "Status Magic", Subaru eyed everyone's level who was currently with him. Otto was at Level 39, Garfiel was at Level 65, and Ram was at…
She was at Level 91.
The first time Subaru saw it, back at the Mathers domain, he must have thought it was a glitch, but when he checked again at the Sanctuary, sure enough, her level was still the same.
Was Ram secretly some sort of god? Subaru couldn't figure it out.
Regardless, these were the facts: She was more powerful than Puck and Roswaal, so it would stand to reason that she and the Great Spirit would be able to take down the Margrave.
He needed her on his side.
"What is it you wish to speak of, Barusu? Ram's time is precious."
Wasting no time, Subaru jumped right in. "We need your help, Ram."
Ram snorted, but Subaru continued. "If I know you as well as I do, then you should know the type of shady character Roswaal is."
The pink maid raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "What are you saying?"
"Roswaal's "Tome of Wisdom" has ordered him to lure the Great Rabbit here, while also sending assassins back at the mansion to kill everyone, Rem included."
Ram's eyes widened in shock. She was aware that her master would do anything if it meant getting closer to his goal, but sacrificing her little sister is where she drew the line.
"Very well, but if I'm going to help you, I want something in return."
"Name it."
"Once this is over, I beg of you, please, spare my foolish lord."
"What?! Are you crazy?! He's the one causing all of this!"
"No, he's not! It's that damn book the Witch gave his ancestor! It's the root of all evil! With it gone, he'll come back to me."
All Subaru could come up with was a mild "Huh?"
"The truth is… even though I hated him once, my intention now is to save him from the delusions of this Witch because… I love him."
With that confession, both Subaru and Otto were stunned into silence.
Garfiel, not so much.
"HUUUH?!"
"It's true! I care about him, and wish to save him!"
Shaking his head out of his stupor, Otto decided to speak. "Uh, Ram-san? Are you crazy? You are aware of what he's doing, right?!"
"First off, it's Ram-sama to you, merchant boy. And second, I still wish to save him. So please…" turning towards Subaru, Ram gave a bow. "Please, have mercy! I know of what you're capable of, I've seen the power you possess myself, so please spare the man I love!"
Ram wasn't stupid. Despite pretending not to be impressed, she was terrified by what Subaru was capable of. If he could create massive explosions that shook the earth, as well as bring corpses to life, she knew she had no chance to save her master in a one-on-one fight.
All she could do was hope to appeal to Subaru's better nature.
For a full minute, Subaru was silent. But after that minute, he made his decision.
"Fine."
Ram looked up to him with hope in her eyes.
"Don't get me wrong, I still hate that clown, and I'll probably never forgive him for what he's done, but if he's worth that much to you… you got yourself a deal."
"Thank you, Barusu. No. Thank you, Subaru."
"You're welcome."
"Well, that went better than expected," chimed Otto, clapping his hands.
"Hey, look, Granny's back."
Upon hearing Garfiel's words, Subaru and Otto turned to see the pink-haired half-elf, running towards them. But something was off.
"Oh, hey, Ryuzu-san? What's up? You look a bit pale," asked Subaru.
"Young Su, I'm afraid that young Emilia has gone missing."
Outside the office of their mistress, Wilhelm and Felix both felt like crap.
Wilhelm had lost his chance to avenge his wife. Did Subaru Natsuki take his chance away as punishment? Maybe if he decided to help the boy, he would have run into the monster, and finally be able to avenge his beloved.
But "if" was a dangerous word. It bogged a man down into nothingness, and there was no greater example at the moment than one very depressed Wilhelm van Astrea.
Felix Argyle, on the other hand, felt anger. Anger pointed toward a certain boy.
He believed that his lady deserved the throne. He believed that the death of the White Whale would cement his liege's victory. Then, out of nowhere, some random foreigner defeats the beast on his own, and steals the well-deserved credit from Crusch.
Was this petty revenge, or something greater? Neither Wilhelm nor Felix knew.
And that's what scared them the most.
Inside the cold walls of the Witch's Tomb, Emilia was crying her eyes out.
They left me… they hate me… they're liars all of them…
Left alone with her thoughts, all Emilia could do was wallow in her misery. Puck left her behind.
Her family in Elior Forest left her behind.
Subaru left her behind.
She had no one. They all hated her. She was a burden to all. No one wanted to be around her-
"I thought I might find you here."
Opening her drenched eyes, the silver-haired girl wiped her tears away, and looked up to see a smiling boy in an orange-and-black outfit.
"What are you doing here?" she asked bitterly.
"Well, this place is dark, and people rarely come here," Subaru explained, sitting down next to her. "I'd say that's a good place to find someone who's trying to hide."
The half-elf refused to speak to the Japanese boy. A deep silence enveloped them for a few moments, before Subaru decided to break it.
"Puck left you, didn't he?"
"Everyone leaves me behind."
"Not everyone. I'm still here."
"Why?"
There was silence once more, before Subaru found the right words to say.
"Do you remember what I told you on our way here?"
The amethyst-eyed girl didn't respond.
"I told you that we could be friends. I also told you that I would wait until you gave me a response of validation. I'm still here. And I won't be leaving anytime soon."
"Liar."
"Huh?"
"Subaru, you liar!" Emilia yelled at him. "You promised me that you would stay with me until I woke up! But when I did… you weren't there!"
"Wait, is this what's all about?"
"Let me finish! You broke my promise to stay with me! You left me behind! You hate me!"
"What? Emilia, no I don't hate you. I… I love you."
"LIAR!"
"Liar?! Let me ask you this, Emilia! What kind of person would slay the White frickin' Whale just to get to you! What kind of person would go up against an army's worth of Witch Cultists, and take down the freakin' Sin Archbishop of Sloth, just to save a girl?!"
"Wha…?"
"What kind of person would go up against the world's most powerful magician, take on dozens of Mabeasts, and fight some of the scariest assassins out there, for your sake!"
"For… me?"
"Yes! It was for you, Emilia-tan, it was always for you! No sane man does all that crap for their own personal glory! They do that to save someone they love!"
"You're a liar!"
"Yes, I am a liar. I'm a dirty, lying, promise-breaker. But there is one truth in this universe: I love you, Emilia. I loved you ever since you gave me your lap to cry on and to tell me that everything would be all right. I love your voice, your pale skin. I love that beautiful silver hair of yours. I love those purple jewels you have for your eyes. Just being around you makes my heart race."
Hearing all the amazing things Subaru listed off, the half-elf began to cry.
"Emilia, I love you."
"I… I don't believe you."
"Then I'll make you believe me." Grabbing her shoulders, Subaru had made his decision. Emilia's eyes made contact with him. "If you don't want this… then dodge."
And before she could protest, thier lips touched.
Even with their eyes closed, they imagined that the whole world was now one big mesh of bright, radiant colors. Their bodies felt the gentle warmth of one another. The kiss itself lasted for only a few seconds, but to them, that felt like an eternity.
After they parted, Emilia's eyes opened up to see a smiling Subaru. "You can do this. Your reason to keep walking, to keep on living, is there. I will always be on your side, Emilia-tan. Even if it takes all your life to decide, I'll never stop loving you."
With tears of joy threatening to escape her, Emilia closed her eyes, and smiled. "Yeah."
And with that, the silver-haired half-elf found her reason to keep on living.
Inside the Juukulius household, a certain purple-haired knight was drinking his misery away.
In the span of a single week, his life was practically over. It started with beating a boy. A boy who otherwise would have been murdered by his fellow knights. So, he played the villain. A little too well. He was punished and placed under house arrest. He could live with that.
Then, seemingly out of nowhere, all the available Royal Candidates in the Capital, their knights, including himself, and their most trusted confidants were called to the Royal Castle by the Council of Elders, and learned the horrible, horrible truth.
The man Julius beat was none other than the Great Sage, one of his childhood heroes.
And, if the Dragon Tablet was to be believed, he had slain the White Whale and Sloth.
Julius couldn't believe it. He refused to. It only got worse for him when he learned that his mistress had tricked and belittled the Great Sage, after learning that he was asking for help in defeating Sloth. Then the more Julius thought, the worse it got.
What would happen if he were to return? Would he destroy the Capital in revenge? Would he want Julius and his family dead? Would he go on to destroy every monster and villain until there was nothing left? Would he be so bitter as to destroy the world itself?
All of this thinking made Julius' head hurt.
He decided that he would drink 'till he passed out tonight. Again.
The sun was beginning to set, and the group of Otto, Garfiel, and Ram, alongside Ryuzu Arma and Ryuzu Shima, were waiting outside of the Tomb.
Pointing towards the movement he noticed, Otto exclaimed, "Look! They're coming out!"
Outside of the Tomb, Emilia and Subaru walked out to notice the welcoming committee.
"Uh, Subaru? Are they with you?"
"Correction, Emilia-tan: They're with you. These are just some of the people willing to believe in and help you. All I did was round them up."
"Nice goin', Cap'n," Garfiel chuckled. "Now if you'll excuse me…"
"Hey, were you going?"
"Imma 'bout ta leave th' Sanctuary fer the first time 'n my life, and reunite with my sis, who I haven't seen 'n years. Meanwhile, ya took down the White Whale. Ya gotta have some kinda super-mentality to do something, like that. So, I wanna be at least half the man y'are for this occasion."
With their conversation over, Garfiel climbed up the stairs, and entered the glowing ruin to start the Trial of the Past.
Within the confines of his cabin, Roswaal L. Mathers had taken off his bandages, and finally put back on his iconic jester-like outfit.
Applying the last of his make-up, he thought to himself.
I will win this bet, Subaru Natsuki. And when I do, you will help me revive Teacher. This I swear.
Getting up from his seat, Roswaal opened the door to his cabin as quietly as he could, and started to make his way towards the building, where he would be able to complete his weather-altering spell.
Now if I remember correctly, the crystal housing Ryuzu should be that way…
"So, you already knew about the existence of the four Ryuzu clones in the Sanctuary with their own unique personalities?" asked Ryuzu Shima.
"Yeah, Echidna told me about your clone army yesterday when I stumbled into the Tomb," Subaru explained. "She even told how the original Ryuzu Meyer sacrificed herself to stop that Warlock of Melancholy guy, Hector, was it? She also told me about Sphinx-"
"Hey, guys, look, he's coming out!" announced Otto.
The blue lights of the Tomb died down, and Garfiel walked out with the biggest smile on his face. He had succeeded in facing the past he ran from.
"Hey, where's Ram?" asked the young demi-human.
"I gave her the blue crystal housing our secret weapon, and she went off to face Roswaal."
"Arright, then. Imma gonna go grab ma Twin Shields. I'll meet ya back here once I'm done."
With that, Subaru gave him a nod, and proceeded to look towards Emilia.
"I'll be going now," she said, turning towards Subaru.
"Sure, watch out for cars and boys!" he joked.
Humming in agreement, Emilia smiled, and walked into the Trial.
"Ryuzu-sans, could you please look after her?"
"Of course, young Su," both Ryuzus responded.
"Yo, I'm back."
Looking towards Garfiel, now armed with his Twin Shields, Subaru smiled as he grabbed his emerald staff from Otto. "Okay, guys, listen up. We will be facing off against an army of Mabeasts, along with two of the most deadly assassins in the world. Think you're up for it?"
"With the slayer of the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth on our side, they should be afraid of us!" joked Otto.
"All right, let's do this," turning towards the empty field, Subaru lifted his staff and chanted, "Gate."
In an instant, a red and black portal opened up, ready to receive its passengers. "Ladies first," Subaru joked, mockingly bowing.
"Speaking of ladies, Cap'n..." said Garfiel, as he approached the portal. "I saw what ya did in th' Tomb… y'know, when ya got… desperate?"
Subaru took a moment to understand what his golden-haired friend meant. Suddenly, Subaru's face became bright pink when he finally connected the dots. "Oh, crap! You weren't supposed to see that!"
Garfiel burst out laughing, while Otto was confused. "Shut up! Just get in there!" Subaru yelled, as he pushed the two boys into the portal, following soon after.
Looking around the walls, Emilia read the words of encouragement Subaru wrote. She read them all with a smile. "Subaru, you dummy."
Looking over everything he wrote, she quickly figured out that was the reason he wasn't there when she woke up. "I swear, I'm never ever going to forgive you until you apologize."
Immediately, the half-elf's surroundings became warped and started to change. The walls turned into trees, and the ceiling became a sky-blue.
"Hi there. I certainly have had a lot of visitors lately."
Turning around, Emilia saw the source of the voice speaking to her. It was a woman of white, wearing a dress of black. The Witch of Greed, Echidna. And she was not happy.
"Awfully bold of you to stroll in here after that disgraceful display before. Even I'm surprised."
Echidna kept going with her onslaught of insults. "You loose woman, who kisses up to the first man to comfort you when you're sobbing in despair… You shameless fool, who keeps soiling the world that is mine, alone… You utterly selfish hedonist, who loves the you he's forgiven… Well why don't you say something… witch's daughter?"
With Echidna done talking, Emilia pointed to the sky, mimicking one boy who proclaimed his love for her, and announced, "My name is simply Emilia! I am the Frozen Witch, born in Elior Forest!"
Pointing towards Echidna, she smiled. "I won't give in to the malice of a fellow witch. I'm quite an insufferable woman, after all!"
Author's Note: Y'all know my name, and y'all know my game: Reading your comments!
Nova Sudana: Here's the next chapter.
stingrasher: While threatening Puck is fun, most of what goes down will be very similar. On a more important note, enjoy your break, before you come back with Crusch!
Fred Ray: I am following the anime, which would explain the lack of depth, but I am still inexperienced. I will transition to the light novels once that part is finished, though.
ChrisRedfield: Emilia, Rem, and Satella are enough. No more women.
Guest #1: Subaru will use "Greater Teleportation", but he'll still need to take down the bad guys first. He'll be using "Gate" to save the Sanctuary, however.
R-king 93: Thank you for the awesome compliment!
OreosAreYummy: Here's your update, it updates every week.
worreirfierce: The thing is that, despite the fact that Subaru is powerful now, his self-esteem is still low, so of course he would still be scared. But I get it.
A. J Savage: Lovely comment.
Maximum Rhapsody: Rem's speech will be similar, because let's face it, you can't improve perfection, and there will be no more girls for Subaru. But, there will be other couples, like the RoyalCandidates and their knights, and especially Otto and Frederica.
QuotezFun4Me: I actually seriously considered implementing your idea of Wilhelm knowing about the Legendary Shield, but the more I thought of it, the less sense it made, like story-wise, and with just plain logic. Sorry, man, they can't all be winners.
Elsa best girl: The reason I rushed the Echidna tea party was because I wanted to play the build-up to meeting the Witches as a joke. Sadly, it bombed. And Ram, the reason she didn't seem to react to anything crazy Subaru did is because she never reacts to anything, unless her sister or Roswaal is involved. And as for the length of the story, while it is fast for the reader, for me, as a writer, it takes literal hours just to write this.
BasicDemolition: Thanks for the understanding, and yes, I really like how Subaru just casually threatened Puck. I'll keep up the good work!
Childline: I actually never considered having Subaru tell Roswaal to call off Elsa and Meili, I probably should have done that. Oh well, too late now. Also, no, Subaru can't make himself immortal, nor can he make Beatrice mortal. The reason Subaru isn't thinking clearly at the moment is because of his low self-esteem. He literally just learned that Roswaal has been trying to abuse Subaru's trump card, the one thing he believes gives him any worth. I know that Arc 4 is relatively the same, but trust me, once we're done with that, everything will go off the rails.
WarlockofVainglory: Every Subaru needs an Otto to beat some sense into them.
Im The Person: Yeah, Roswaal is a dead man. Hey, thanks for adding me into your multiverse. I also read "Under the Stars" that genuinely made me cry. Nice.
Fanficcrazin543: Subaru will use teleportation spells like Ainz, but not for combat.
Infinite the Celestian: I haven't written about Subaru's meeting with Satella, so I have no idea how that's gonna play out. Oh, I'm also a huge fan of your work. I've read "The Warlock's Punishment", "Re:Starting life 400 years ago from Zero", "The Journey of Pride", and "The End". Please make more of the first and second one, I'm begging you!
Wilber Beato Quispe: "Autor-sama", ¿eh? Eso es un gran elogio. Y no te preocupes, aunque parezca una eternidad, todavía te veré la semana que viene.
ExoticIdiot: We're gonna see high-tier spells for worthy opponents. Also, the reason Subaru wasn't scared of Puck was because he was cocky and power-tripping.
KazeelBaYz: I have no idea what "space up" means.
Supbruh!: "Ernalore-sama"? That's some pretty high praise! Also, I'm super embarrassed that I made that typo, so I already fixed it. Please don't tell anyone. And don't worry about being a Spanish-speaker, everyone is welcome here.
Idiotwriter: Yes, Subaru will make a contract with Beatrice.
BumpDrafting: I have no idea how to work Discord, so even if I did want you to beta-read, I don't know how to send it to you. On another note, would your other username happen to be "BigSmokeYeet"? You know, the guy who wrote "Return by Death Revealed" "RE:Thoughts" "It was all an ACT" "Subaru's Goodbye" and "RE:Scout"?
Mahdi: While it would make sense to leave the original question in my work, some of them are so long that they would be longer than the story itself. Sorry. But now that you mentioned Reinhard's mother, I'll definitely have Subaru save her.
Monty: Glad that you love it and that you're giving me kudos on my work.
There were no new powers used today, so that's it! Until next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 6: Assassins and Magicians
Summary:
Subaru, Otto and Garfiel arrive to the manor to save Rem, Frederica, Petra, and Beatrice from Elsa and Meili. Meanwhile, Emilia completes the Trials, while Ram and Puck fight off Roswaal. All while that is happening, Reinhard, Felt, and Old Man Rom return to the Royal Captial, where the Wiseman Miklotov has some important revelations to tell them, along with a new mission for the Sword Saint. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 6: Assassins and Magicians
It was the middle of the night, and Petra kept running down the hallway.
It began when one of the Elder Liches alerted everyone of incoming Mabeasts. Once everyone's guard was up, that's when the woman in black came in and started her attack. Frederica told the little maid to run, while she and Rem held off the madwoman.
She was running out of breath. Her heart rate was elevated, and she was worried sick for her coworkers. But she couldn't do anything. She was just a helpless little girl.
As she kept panicking, Petra suddenly stopped and right noticed that a gate of blood and shadows was forming in front of her.
She had never seen such a thing, and feared the worst. "P-please… Sub-baru… help us…" she pleaded, looking on in horror, until finally, she closed her eyes and braced herself.
"Okay."
Opening her eyes, the little redhead looked up to see her hero smiling confidently, along with the friendly merchant, and a blond boy who oddly resembled Frederica coming out of the portal.
"So, what seems to be the problem?"
Rem backflipped away from Elsa's blades, while the Bowel Hunter continued to look for an opening. "I wonder what colors your bowels will be?" asked the assassin.
"Enough of ramblings! As a maid of Roswaal-sama, I shall punish you!" Rem screamed, throwing her Morningstar at the black-haired woman.
Elsa dodged, all the while throwing one of her blades towards Frederica's shoulders, hitting her target.
"Frederica!"
"I'm fine…" she grunted, looking towards her opponent.
"I have to say, I was quite surprised when my client failed to mention all of the undead you kept around here," Elsa commented. "But it doesn't matter. I still have to kill my targets: Two maids, or in this case, three. And a shut-in Spirit."
"Ey! Bitch 'n black!"
Elsa turned around to see who called to her, while Rem and Frederica were surprised to hear that voice. It was none other than the Shield of the Sanctuary, Garfiel Tinsel.
"Garf?!"
"Big sis, is that you? Whoa, yer huge! I guess I should call ya 'big bro'".
"Excuse me, but what is the meaning of this?" interrupted Elsa.
"Oh, yeah. Cap'n wanted me ta kick yer ass." turning towards his allies, Garfiel called towards them. "Yo, big sis, Rem, find Otto n' Petra, n' get outta here!"
"But what about you?"
"Don' worry 'bout my amazing self! I'll be able ta beat 'er if you're not in my way. Now go!" Turning towards the assassin, the demi-human growled, "Listen up, lady. Th' girl I like just admitted she likes th' shitty clown, and that put me 'n a bad mood! Hope ya like it rough!"
The blue oni and the beast maid looked at each other and nodded, proceeding to run down the hallway and away from the fight.
"I am the Bowel Hunter, Elsa Granhiert."
"My amazing self is Garfiel Tinsel, the Shield of the Sanctuary!"
The snow, the trees, everything was gone. The sky was cracking, as Emilia stood in front of the obviously annoyed Witch of Greed, Echidna.
"Your trial is now over. However egotistical its ending may be, it has definitely settled your past," Echidna spoke. "Keep using your mother's sacrifice as an excuse for your resolve to see your selfish wish through to the very end."
"Say whatever you want. I'm used to your insults by now."
"Two trials remain. I'd like to say I look forward to how pathetically you struggle…"
"Huh? Wait, there are two more trials?" interrupted Emilia. "Two more? So three in all?"
"The remaining trials…" continued Echidna. "I doubt they will pose a challenge to you."
"Really?"
"Now that you're fighting back, they'll be a very poor fit," explained the Witch, but she still wasn't done talking. "In a sense, you've abandoned all thought.
"That's super mean."
"Well, I hate you."
"But I don't hate you nearly as much." With their conversation over, both Emilia and echidna faded away, as the rest of the false reality collapsed.
"Felt-sama, we have arrived," whispered Reinhard, waking his mistress up.
"Ugh, it's about damn time," yawned the Royal Candidate.
It had now been a few days since they were called back to the Royal Capital by the Council of Elders. Apparently, there was something so important that they needed to say, they sent a messenger to Flanders, and cut Felt's campaign short.
Getting out of the carriage, Felt groaned, "All right, let's go see what was so important that these coots have to say to us, that they dragged us all the way back here…"
"Well, whatever it must be," suggested Old Man Rom. "It must be extremely important."
"Ketty, where are all of the undead?" asked Subaru, now in the main hall.
"All but I are busy with the creatures outside, Master," answered the Elder Lich.
"All right, the second they're all dead, I want you to refocus your attacks on the woman in black."
"Understood, Master."
"Subaru-kun!"
Turning around, the nasty-eyed boy saw Rem and Frederica running towards him.
"Hey, guys. Missed me?"
"This is no time for jokes, Subaru-sama. What is going on?" asked Frederica.
"Roswaal sent these assassins to try to control me, but I'm not gonna let that happen," he explained. "I want the two of you to take Petra and Otto, and run to the village."
"What are you going to do?"
"I'm going to go find Beako. She's on the target list, and I'm not leaving her."
"I won't allow your wish to come true. Being offered a husk of you after your wish was realized would mean nothing. Receiving you in a broken state would not satisfy me," said Ram.
Standing in front of her was her master, Roswaal L. Mathers.
"Well, how very greedy of you. But do you believe you can defeat me now?"
"No, I'm sure I can't. My understanding of your power is second only to your teacher's."
"Then how, exactly, do you intend to achieve your goal?" he asked, as he summoned multicolored balls of fire in his hands.
"I cannot win alone," she explains as she pulls out a blue mana crystal.
"If it's two against one, I guess we have the advantage?" asked a cheery voice from inside the crystal. That voice was one Roswaal recognized. One he was afraid of.
"So this is the main reason you agreed to Subaru-kun's plan?!"
"I told you, Roswaal-sama. I'm going to take you away from the Witch's delusions," she said with a smile, as her allied Great Spirit started to take form right in front of them.
"Come on, come on, let's go, let's go!" yelled the ashen-haired merchant.
Otto and the three maids kept running through the courtyard and away from the mansion, striking down any Mabeast the undead.
"There! I can see the road- Uh, oh."
The group suddenly stopped when they saw a giant hippo-looking Mabeast, known as a Wagpig, was blocking their path, with a familiar-looking girl in front of them.
"Meili-chan?" asked Petra, not believing what her eyes were showing her.
"Petra-chan! Hi! I've missed you so much!"
"Petra, do you happen to know this girl?" asked Frederica.
"Of course we know each other! We played together in the village! And to honor our friendship, your death will be quick and painless!"
"Uh, thanks…?" asked a confused Petra.
"Petra-chan. Otto-sama. Keep running. Rem and I will handle this," spoke the blonde maid, her tone now deadly serious.
"Are you crazy?!" yelled Otto. "How are the two of you gonna beat that thing?!"
"We don't have to," Rem curtly responded, gripping her weapon. "We just have to keep it busy until the two of you are safe.
Looking towards the two maids, then back at Petra, Otto nodded. "Fine. But the two of you better get out of this alive. For Natsuki-san's sake."
"Oh, we will," Frederica smiled confidently, as her arms transformed into claws.
"Go, Rock Piggie!" yelled Meili, pointing at her two targets.
"WAAUGH!" Obeying its master, the giant Mabeast proceeded to attack, letting out it's battle cry, all the while the two maids charged at the monster as well, letting out theirs.
""YAAHHH!""
The skies started to disappear once more, as Emilia jumped off the cliff and dived towards the lake. As she fell, she came closer, and closer to the lake until finally… she could see her own reflection.
Well, look at that, she thought to herself.
Diving into the water, her thoughts still remained on her reflection. She had always covered up mirrors and avoided bodies of water, so she had never truly seen her face until now.
I look less like Mother Fortuna than I thought. Too bad.
And with her final thoughts, she closed her eyes, as the reality around her crumpled.
She had completed the Second Trial.
Walking through the halls of the castle, Felt, Reinhard, and Old man Rom were wondering what the topic was, when suddenly, they were approached by a nobleman.
"Ahh, Reinhard-san, could you please tell Subaru-sama that I am willing to back Emilia-sama in her bid in the Royal Selection?" he asked, with an award-winning smile.
"Uh… sure?"
"Great! Thank you so much!" the nobleman cheered, as he skipped along, happily.
"Uh… what the fuck was that?" asked Felt.
"I have no idea," answered the Sword Saint. "Also, language, m'lady."
"Seriously? Gramps, can you believe this guy?"
"Listen to the fancy man, kiddo."
"What do you want, in fact?" asked the 400-year-old spirit.
Standing in front of her was that boy she found oh so irritating. Somehow, he managed to find her room once more. While that was strange, the strangest thing that happened at the moment was what he said next.
"I want you, Beatrice."
The drill-haired loli looked up from her book. If she was surprised, she hid it well.
"I know about your mother. I know how she asked you to guard this library until "That Person" arrived. I know that you have been waiting for 400 years. Alone."
Beatrice looked up to Subaru, with hope in her eyes, as she asked the question.
"Are you… "That Person"?"
"Beatrice, there is no 'That Person'. What your mother asked of you was just a cruel experiment to see if you had free will. She wanted you to choose for yourself-"
"No! You're lying!" Lifting her hand, a strong gust of wind appeared, trying to blow the Japanese teenager out of the Forbidden Library.
But Subaru Natsuki would not yield.
"I'm not lying, and you know it! She abandoned you, Beatrice! She left you to rot in this library. Which is why I have come for you. I want you to see the outside world, be a part of it. With me."
"But… you'll leave Betty, just like everyone else! Mother, Ryuzu, Altair, Geuse, Flugel… compared to a Great Spirit, the life of a human is just a single moment."
"Then I'll engrave that single moment into your soul!"
Beatrice started to cry, but the Japanese teenager continued.
"I know I'm not going to live forever, Beako. One day, one of these adventures will do me in for good. But until that happens, I will make sure that Subaru Natsuki was one hell of a man to remember! And I'll make sure to leave so many descendants behind, that you'll never be alone again. So please, Beako, choose me."
Beatrice was silent, for a moment, until she asked…
"Why?"
"..."
"You're already as powerful as you are now! So, why… would you want… me…?"
"I love you, Beako. I care about you, and I want to see you happy. "
With tears in her eyes, the Great Spirit looked up to the man.
"You were the one who believed me when I was cursed. You were the one who always let me come here when I was in trouble. And to be honest… I've always wanted a little sister."
"But… you already love the half-elf!"
"My heart is big enough for many people! And besides, love comes in many shapes and forms. The love between family, between friends, between lovers… the point is that neither of you trump the other, you're both number one in my heart… for different reasons."
"..."
"Without you, I'd be too sad to go on living. There is no forever, Beatrice. The future you're so afraid of will come sooner or later. So, let's face it together. Besides… isn't that the reason you always face that door?!"
Beatrice stared down at the black book in her hand. Eventually, her gaze moved up to look towards Subaru. "Will you always be there with me, for as long as your human life lasts? Will you always be there with me? To compliment me, to tell me I'm cute, to feed me tasty sweets?"
"I will, Beako. I will compliment you when you do a great job, I'll tell you that you're the cutest little sister in the world, and I'll feed you the tastiest sweets money can buy!"
"..."
"Together with you, Beako… we're gonna change the world."
For a moment, the wind kept howling, but then… the magic died down.
She had made her choice.
"Betty has decided. You are "That Person". Let us form a contract."
Roswaal could feel the Great Spirit's frost cooling down the fire magic surrounding him as it blew into his face, but there was little he could do about it. All he could do was cover his face until it was done.
Once the winds died down, the court mage could see that pillars of ice had formed all around him, each one having reflections of Ram, all of them running in different directions.
"Petty tricks!" he exclaimed, as he used his flames to destroy each ice pillar, one by one. He kept going with his progress, until he saw a giant shadow loom over him.
"Where are you looking?" the booming voice asked.
The clown's eyes widened in fear as he knew who, or what that voice belonged to. "It can't be…" Looking up, his jaw fell as he saw the silhouette of something that truly frightened him.
The silhouette of the Beast of the End.
However, the shadows quickly faded away, revealing it to be a diversion. "Surprise! I just got bigger, that's all!" exclaimed the giant Puck, as he launched two giant shards of ice towards the clown.
The margrave punched away the giant ice shards, and proceeded to create a giant beam of fire that dissipated the Great Spirit away. The effect was so great, that the ground surrounding him was also scorched, leaving a field of fire and ice in his wake. Looking around him, Roswaal could not see any more oncoming threats, until…
CRINK!
Turning around, the jester saw his maid bursting through the ice behind him, and charging towards him. "EEERRRGGGHHH!"
Unable to prepare a defense against her, the clown prepared to feel pain, but it never came.
"Wh-what…" Turning around, confused, he saw the red oni falling to the ground, coughing up blood, and holding something of his. "That's-"
"As far as I'm concerned," said a bleeding Ram, holding up the Tome of Wisdom. "This is the root of all evil."
Roswaal tried to stop her, but she had already tossed it into the fire. "Now, at last…" she smiled, closing her eyes as the flames engulfed her body.
Inside Echidna's Castle of Dreams, two people were present and speaking to one another. They were the silver-haired half-elf, Emilia, and a woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
"Just go out that door, and your trial will be complete," said the Witch of Wrath, as she pointed towards the black door.
Emilia walked up to the door and touched it, but before opening, she spoke. "Hey, Witch… If you see Echidna, could you tell her something for me?"
"What?" asked Minerva.
"Next time we meet, let's have a tea party. With you and the other Witches, if possible."
Minerva gasped, before recomposing herself, and saying with a smile, "Sure, I'll tell her."
And with their conversation over, Emilia opened the door, and completed the Third Trial.
Opening the doors to the Throne Room, Reinhard seemed to be both confused and flustered, while Felt was annoyed, and bordering on pissed.
"Okay, what the hell is going on around here?!" yelled Felt. "First, you ask us to come back here immediately, then, out of the blue, knights and noblemen are asking us for my Big Bro's mercy and for his favor?! I wanna know what the hell happened while we were gone!"
"Ah, Reinhard and Felt-sama, you're right on time," spoke Mikltov.
"Miklotov-sama, as my lady asked, what has happened?"
"Well, prepare yourselves, as this will be very hard to take in…" the old man groaned.
Rem crashed into the dirt, while Frederica was hyperventilating. Their battle with the Wagpig was long, and even with the help of the undead, they couldn't bring down Meili's monster. It was too well-armored for anything blunt to penetrate it.
Meanwhile, all of the Elder Liches were busy burning away the rest of the Mabeasts, leaving the two maids without reinforcements. Even if they showed up in the next five minutes, the chances of survival for the maids was dwindling. There were fewer and fewer Skeleton Warriors, as the giant Mabeast kept crushing them before they could fight back.
Soon, there wouldn't be any to protect the two maids.
"It has been an honor fighting alongside you, Rem." said a bloodied Frederica.
"Likewise, Frederica."
Before the two of them could continue fighting, a bright blue light appeared in front of them, eventually taking the shape of a man and a short girl, much to the maids' surprises.
"Well, Beako? Whaddya think? That one's called "Greater Teleportation"."
"If you named it, then it's horrendous, I suppose," answered the blonde loli.
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Could you please fly up there and grab Meili?" asked Subaru.
"Very well. Murak, I suppose." Using her magic, Beatrice floated up, and caught a dazed Meili, who was very surprised to see teleportation magic.
Upon being grabbed, the blue-haired girl snapped back into her senses. "Hey, what are you doing?!" yelled the little assassin.
"Getting you out of the crossfire, I suppose! Now!" she yelled.
"All right, let's do this. Hey, come and get me you oversized hippo!" yelled Subaru, grabbing the Wagpig's attention and ire.
"WAAUGH!" The creature ran straight for the black-haired boy, opening its mouth to let out its roar, and to potentially eat the boy. That was a fatal mistake.
Within seconds, Subaru raised his hand and aimed it at the creature's mouth. "Gotcha. Now, eat this! Chain Dragon Lightning!"
Immediately, a lightning bolt in the form of a dragon rushed inside the monster's mouth, frying it from the inside, and turning its skin into ash.
"WAA-" the Wagpig was no more.
Both Rem and Frederica were stunned at Subaru's display of power. Meili was terrified of the implications of going up against someone that powerful.
Beatrice was the only one wearing a smile full of pride. She had chosen wisely.
Turning around, Subaru looked towards the others and said, "Now, let's see if Garfiel needs any help taking down Elsa, shall we?"
Reinhard, Felt, and Old Man Rom were stunned. They literally had no idea how to respond. They wanted to believe it was some sort of joke, but it was literally written in the Dragon Tablet.
In the short time they were gone, the White Whale and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth were slain.
And it was done by the Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki.
Not only that, but apparently, when he asked the three Camps in the city for help, each one of them rejected him horribly, insulted him, and even physically assaulted him.
Now all of the nobles and knights sucking up to the Felt Camp made sense.
They were afraid of Subaru Natsuki's wrath.
The little girl and the old giant had no idea what to say. The Sword Saint, however…
"Wait, I thought that the Great Sage's name was Shaula."
"That's what we thought, as well," groaned Miklotov. "Apparently, our history books were wrong. It truly does make me wonder what else we could be wrong about… Perhaps "Shaula" was simply an alias… so that when he does appear before us, we wouldn't even know it."
Snapping out of her stupor, Felt asked, "So what now?"
Rubbing his beard, the Wiseman answered, "Well, now, all the available Royal Candidates and their Camps will be arriving here soon, along with the rest of the Council. Once that is done, we will formally discuss how we continue from here and probably send some scouts…"
"Ya serious?"
"Excuse me?"
"You have probably managed to piss off one of the three Heroes," explained Rom. "Sending some weak scouts to where he is would probably be a terrible idea."
"Hmmm… you're right. Very well, this requires a slight change of plans," turning towards the Sword Saint, Mikltov said, "Reinhard-san, if I may ask, I am under the assumption that you and Subaru Natsuki are friends. Is that correct?"
"Yes, sir."
"Excellent. Then I have a mission for you," Miklotov's voice changed from that of an old man to that of a commanding authority figure, as he addressed the Sword Saint. "Reinhard van Astrea, once the following meeting is over, your mission is as follows: You are to investigate the deaths of the White Whale, and the Sin Archbishop of Sloth. Question anyone who was a witness to these events, and once you're done… bring Subaru Natsuki here at once."
Author's Note: Hey guys, glad you read all that. Here are some more comments!
Rayz: I'm not subscribed to the theory that Minerva is Emilia's mother, sorry. I'm also not gonna focus on Emilia's biological parents, I'm gonna focus more on Geuse and Fortuna.
Craftverk: The reason people aren't theorizing the possibility that the Great Sage could have amnesia is because of his request to the Candidates in dealing with Sloth, which could be theorized as foresight, and in his dealing with such threats, something only a person with knowledge that they could do that would be able to accomplish. And no, I'm not gonna be doing any crossovers, at least for now.
Guest #1: Subaru will be experimenting with his powers, and he will be using them to the fullest potential in future Arcs, including Naofumi's Legendary Shield.
Fred Ray: "The only golden rule is that there are no golden rules". That's actually a nice quote. Thanks for telling me that my writing is improving, it means a lot to me.
Guest #2: While yes, the Great Rabbit will die, Roswaal will lose, and Omega will escape, some of your predictions are off. Ram will not get her horn back yet, Elsa and Meili won't become maids, and Subaru won't be returning to the Royal Capital anytime soon.
Anonymous: Sasuga, Subaru-sama, indeed! Jokes aside, Subaru will escape from the Council and the Candidate's grapes, not that he'll know that he was being hunted. Glad you liked the moments with the Candidates, those were really fun to write.
Max: Of course Roswaal is crazy, he dresses up as a clown that beat him up, has stolen the bodies of his descendants, and has been simping for a dead Witch for 400 years.
Waiz: Glad you're with me, I'll be keeping it up!
R-king 93: Calling the last chapter meaningful? Nice. I'll be keeping up the good work.
Minhaz25: The reason Subaru was panicking in the fourth chapter was because his self-esteem was still abysmal. Also, as powerful as Subaru is now, he's more suited for taking down big brutes, as most of his magic would destroy everything around him in the crossfire, allies included, so he needs to think strategically. But trust me, once this Arc is over, creative mode will basically be unlocked. Also, I'm glad you appreciate my dedication to answering all of these comments. On another note, I read your work, and your second chapter is especially delectable! Please keep making more of those!
Grifith Moses: Subaru's reaction to all of the crazy ideas the Candidates will have of him will go from dread, to anger, to disappointment, to tired, and finally, he'll just accept it.
XXxxxadisxxxXX: I have no idea how to do pacing, but I'm still glad you enjoyed it.
A. J Savage: I'm trying to make Subaru's love life here a tad bit realistic. Just a tad. So still, I repeat what I have constantly said: No. More. Women.
Irvash: Yes, I'm planning to add Authorities into Subaru's arsenal. I might also add some canon spells, I don't know. Oh, also I read "Re:Human", and I loved it. Would it be cool with you if I made a remastered version and published it? Pretty please?
Im The Person: Well, you've seen Beatrice's interaction, hope you liked it. And yes, that Skeleton Warrior army has indeed come in handy. Interestingly enough, I will have Julius grovel before Subaru, but by the time that happens, Subaru couldn't care less. Yes, it will be impossible for Priscilla, Anastasia, and Crusch to win now. Also, thanks for adding me to your multiverse of madness, I can't wait to read it!
noronamark: I have been summarizing the events of Arc 4, but it's still hard to write, so I might not be able to get more reactions out of the candidates for now. The contract with Beatrice is pretty much the same, because you can't fix perfection, but I might have Subaru take down Elsa after Garfiel wears her down a bit, so thanks for the suggestion.
kingkari: Well, you've seen Subaru form a contract with Beatrice, hope you liked it. Oh, and I read "Natsuki Subaru: Hero Of The Stars", very cute. Is it crack, though?
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, las Candidatas se van a sorprender mucho cuando se enteren de la desaparición del Gran Conejo, tal vez incluso con un poco de miedo.
The Knightrider: Yeah, there's gonna be like three Arcs worth of content before we even get to the Priestella fight. And as for relationships, I wasn't gonna go in full detail with them, just like a passing mention about them in the epilogue when the series ends. But yeah, the story is still gonna mainly focus on Sagebaru.
BigSmokeYeet: Glad we got that identity matter resolved. I'll keep going with the story.
Nova Sudana: Thanks for the compliment, here's the continuation!
Childline: Yeah, I'm probably gonna show Felt's and Reinhard's reactions to Subaru being a hero in the next chapter. Ram will get her horn, eventually, but not for a long time. And as for Subaru meeting Satella, I will implement your suggestion of Ainz's ability to detect Return by Death, but in learning the whole reason why, he'll have to raid the Pleiades Watchtower. But I guarantee that Satella will be freed, eventually.
Exoticidiot: While, yes, Subaru is Level 100, anything that is above Level 60 can still technically hurt him, including Puck. He'll still need to be careful.
KazeelBayz: Yes, Subaru's relationship with Julius will be fixed. How? By slapping Julius so hard that a tooth comes flying out, and then asking him to be his friend, of course!
spoder9: Oh, the future Arcs are gonna be way out there.
NoobDecimator17825: The reason Ram asked Subaru to spare Roswaal was that even though he wouldn't kill him, it doesn't mean he couldn't do worse.
Mahdi: Yeah, Subaru's definitely gonna save Theresia van Astrea.
Steinfield: Yeah, Subaru's new powers are gonna rock the world.
Two new powers have been documented in this chapter, and those are:
"Greater Teleportation": A spell that allows instantaneous transportation without restriction to distance. Used by Ainz.
"Chain Dragon Lightning": A spell that shoots dragon-shaped lightning towards the target, and other nearby enemies. Used by Ainz.
Well, that's all for now. Thank you for reading another chapter. See you in the next one!
- Ernalore
Chapter 7: Explosion Magic
Summary:
Elsa and Meili have been captured, and the final battle against the Great Rabbit takes place. The Emilia Camp is helping all the villagers back in the Mathers domain, while the rest of the Camps are with the Council of Elders, officially discussing what had happened, as two villains walk through the Lifaus Highway. Unbeknownst to three parties, something massive shall happen that shall set off a massive chain reaction, with huge consequences. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 7: Explosion Magic
"Master, all of the creatures have been eliminated," uttered one of the Elder Liches.
"Great. I want all ten of you to enter the mansion, and surround the woman in black. She'll be the one with the blades. But don't harm the blond-haired boy. He's an ally."
"Understood, Master."
"Natsuki-san!"
"Subaru-sama!"
Subaru turned to see both Otto and Petra running towards the group, with relieved faces.
"Didn't I tell the two of you to get out of here?!" scolded Frederica.
"I'm sorry, Frederica nee-sama! I just couldn't bear leaving you! It's all my fault!" cried Petra, as she hugged her senior maid.
"Well… I guess I'll reprimand you later."
"Subaru-kun, what are you planning to do?" asked Rem.
"I need to make sure all the loose ends have been tied here before I head back to the Sanctuary," he explained, gesturing to the group. "Let's go."
Inside the deepest part of the Witch's Tomb, Emilia was now fact-to-face with a glass coffin. And inside that coffin was the body of a woman.
"Who is this?" she asked herself. "This should be Echidna's grave…"
Further inspecting the coffin, she noticed that coming from the body was an interconnected web of blue symbols, supposedly some form of magic, which reached up to the ceiling.
Knowing what to do, the half-elf raised her arm, and with a face of determination, brought her fist down to the glass coffin. "Hya!"
KRING!
The glass shattered, and with it, the web of magic, and the symbol of the butterfly, were gone.
The magic barrier was lifted. Emilia had freed the Sanctuary.
Inside the capital of Lugnica, the Throne Room was the host for yet another meeting.
This one involved the Council of Wisemen, including McMahon and Zellgeff, the Captain of the Royal Guard, Marcos Gildark, and four out of the five Camps of the Royal Selection.
Members included Felt, Reinhard van Astrea, Old Man Rom, Crusch Karsten, Felix Argyle, Wilhelm van Astrea, Anastasia Hoshin, Julius Juukulius, Priscilla Barielle, and her attendant Al.
The topic, of course, was the revelation that the Great Sage was none other than Subaru Natsuki, the boy that was beaten senseless, and made fun of by nearly everyone.
For Crusch, Anastasia, and Priscilla, the reveal was troubling. Each one of them had rejected his cry for help, and now that he had defeated two different calamities, they wondered if he would try to destroy them as an act of revenge.
It was especially disheartening for their attendants. Felix had seen his teleportation magic the day he picked up Rem, and Julius was having an anxiety attack over the idea that he had brutalized one of the three great heroes from 400 years ago.
Needless to say, everyone was quite ready to begin this meeting.
KLING! KLANG! KLING! KLANG! SHUNK!
With every hit and miss, Garfiel Tinsel and Elsa Granhiert were slowly getting more and more serious, and their wounds were getting more and more deeper.
They were so focused on each other, that they didn't notice the outsiders surrounding the two of them in what was essentially a killing circle, until it was too late.
That was so, until eventually…
"Elsa."
Stopping from their attacks, both the Bowel Hunter and the Shield of the Sanctuary looked around each other, just then noticing the group of undead that trapped them.
The black-haired woman turned around to see who called her name, and who she found was the black-haired boy, and with him was the shut-in Spirit, the blue-haired maid, the beast maid, the little red-haired girl, the green merchant… and Meili.
"It's over Elsa. All of your Mabeasts and your partner have been defeated. Surrender, now."
It was over. She had failed. If she tried to escape now, then Mama would punish her. She could go out trying to take them down, but if Meili was involved…
Elsa knew what to do.
She dropped her two blades, placed her hands behind her head, and surrendered.
"You two, detain her in the dungeon," ordered Frederica, pointing at two of the Elder Liches.
Bowing in respect, the Elder Liches proceeded to restrain Elsa, and escort her down to the Roswaal estate's dungeon.
"I didn't know we had a dungeon here," commented Subaru.
"There's a lot you don't know, I suppose," replied a snarky loli.
"All right, all right, you don't have to keep knocking me down a peg, or three."
"Subaru-kun, I believe you have a prior engagement to attend?"
"Oh, shit, right! Thanks, Rem! All right, Beako, let's go. Gate!" exclaimed Subaru, as he summoned yet another portal to his desired destination.
"You're right, I suppose. Let's go… Subaru," said Beatrice, shyly.
The nasty-eyed boy turned to see the spirit holding his hand.
"What, I suppose?"
"You just used my name."
Out in the Lifaus Highway, right next to Flugel's Tree, lay the rotting corpse of the White Whale, split cleanly in half down the middle. But it wasn't alone.
Next to the giant corpse, were a man with white hair, and a grimy kid with unkempt hair.
"Look how they massacred my boy, tsu!" cried the dirty child.
"Does it look like I care?" yawned the white-clothed man, looking bored. "I was commanded by my Gospel to head out in the middle of nowhere to meet with you, of all people, and to fight a returning army. But, would you look at that?! There is no army to fight! All we ended up doing is coming here to mourn the loss of your damn pet! This was a clear waste of my precious time, and a violation of my rights!"
"Okay, okay, I get it! What does your Gospel say now, tsu?"
"It's telling me to take my wives and go to my mansion in Flanders. There, I shall meet with that disgusting meat-woman and that zombie brute I killed fourteen years ago. What about you?"
"It's telling me to lay low until next year, then meet up with my brother, the lady wrapped in bandages, and the former Sword Saint in Priestella," Looking towards his companion, the kid asked, "Say, since the two of us are out here already, wanna head back together, tsu?"
The white-haired man reluctantly nodded, and the two individuals started to head out.
The wind howled as more and more snow piled into the Sanctuary.
Puck quickly figured out that Roswaal had activated the spell long before the battle had started. The Spirit turned to see the magician cradling an injured Ram in his arms, his eyes devoid of life.
"You know, Roswaal, you're really strong," commented Puck. "You're so powerful, that you're equal to one of the Four Great Spirits in a fight. But you're still human. You'll never be as powerful as that devil."
And with those final words, the Great Spirit of Fire flew off to an unknown location.
Roswaal was now alone. He had lost his Tome of Wisdom. He had lost his teacher's gift. He had lost the thing that had guided him for the last 400 years, the thing that gave his life meaning.
Now only one question lingered in his mind.
What do I do now?
Looking down, he saw the red-haired oni he was cradling in his arms.
"Oh, that's right. Ram." Placing his arm over her head, he started to heal her.
It was Roswaal Mathers' first true decision in 400 years.
"... he told me the truth, and despite that, I believe that his ramblings were nothing short of madness. After that, he left," confessed Crusch, biting her lip.
The Council of Elders had decided that since three different Camps had allegedly mistreated the Great Sage, this meeting would be used to get the facts straight, get the accurate information so badly needed to the Felt Camp, and also give this out to the public when the meeting was over.
Hearing what his friend, Felix, did hurt Reinhard. But it hurt even more knowing that his grandfather didn't intervene, as he was afraid that siding with the boy would antagonize his mistress, his best bet at accomplishing his goal. A goal that was now impossible.
With the Crusch Camp's confessions complete, it was now time to move on to the next Camp.
Emilia had left the building that had housed the original Ryuzu Meyer inside the crystal.
After conquering the Trials, the villagers came to thank her, but the celebration was cut short when it started snowing.
She created a shelter using ice magic to protect the villagers, and proceeded to look for anyone who might still be out there. Investigating, the amethyst-eyed girl ran into the army of Ryuzu clones and Ryuzu Shima, but not the one she knew.
Unknown to her and everyone else, Echidna had successfully high-jacked that clone's body, and taking a crystal housing the six other Witches' souls, escaped the Sanctuary.
But even if she knew, Emilia wouldn't care. Her top priority was searching for Ram and Roswaal.
Come on, where are they?
After telling the remaining Ryuzu clones to head to the Witch's Tomb, she was now searching for the other two people left in the Sanctuary.
And only just now did she find them.
"Roswaal!" Sliding using her ice, Emilia tried to approach them faster so they could hear her. But it didn't work. One was unconscious, while the other wasn't listening.
"Hey, come on! Snap out of it!" she yelled.
Looking toward her with his lifeless eyes, and using the last bit of his strength, Roswaal spoke, "Leave me. You've won. Go. Save yourself. But leave me here to die."
"No! I refuse to leave you behind!"
"HISS…"
Turning around, Emilia saw multiple eyes surrounding them from inside the frozen forest.
The Great Rabbit had arrived.
The white bunnies started approaching them, but Emilia shot her ice at a few of them, making the rest of them back off for a bit, buying her some time.
SLAP!
The Margrave's cheek turned pink from the impact of that hit, and his eyes seemed to regain some of their luster, as he looked up towards Emilia.
"Listen to me, you idiot. You may wish to die, but that doesn't mean I'll allow it. There are people who need you here and now. Ram needs you here and now."
Looking down towards Ram, Roswaal remembered what his maid told him while in the middle of their battle. He remembered her confession.
Roswaal may have lost his own will to live. But if he couldn't live for himself, then maybe he could live for others… Yes, they could be his reason to live.
That's when his memory of the bet he made with Subaru re-emerged. The bet made it that, if he lost, he would devote himself to making Emilia queen for real.
Those were two people who were counting on him. Who needed him alive.
It was enough to regain the clown a bit of his zeal. For now.
"You're right," he said, looking up towards the half-elf.
Nodding, Emilia waited for him to stand up. "Let's go."
Roswaal stood, and nodding in agreement, carried Ram with him to the shelter.
The silver-haired girl and the clown ran through the wind and snow, while the horde of man-eating rabbits followed them.
Eventually, the two of them made it back to the Witch's Tomb. Roswaal made his way inside the shelter with the unconscious Ram, while Emilia stayed in the staircase to fight off the rabbits.
She fired El Huma after El Huma towards the Great Rabbit, but it was hopeless. She was running out of mana, and there were too many of them.
Whatever happens, I'm not going down without a fight!
Bracing herself for the oncoming hordes, Emilia prepared some massive Ul Humas, when suddenly, a portal opened up.
Turning around, the half-elf saw two individuals holding hands come out of the portal. A boy in bizarre clothes carrying a staff, and a young blonde girl.
"... I tricked 'im into givin' me info, and then I just left 'im ta rot."
Anastasia Hoshin was the next Candidate to be called as a witness, after her knight, Julius. Old Man Rom furrowed his brows, and grumbled something about how greed and money would definitely make someone do that, along with the stupid sense of knightly duty. Still, he felt bad.
With the two Camp confessions out of the way, it was now time for Priscilla and her Camp.
Emilia was shocked. "Subaru?!"
"Hey, Emilia-tan, you can step back and leave the rest to me now."
"Subaru! Focus your attention over here for now, I suppose!" scolded Beatrice, pulling at her contractor. "Save that for later, I suppose… S-Subaru."
"Oh, yeah, right!" Subaru said, as he turned towards the villagers. "Everyone listen! The Great Rabbit is here and you gotta get outta here! This portal here will get you all to the Mathers domain and to my associates! They'll take care of you! You'll be fine! Now go! Live!"
Per Subaru's orders, the villagers started to evacuate. One by one, they jumped into the portal, until there were only five individuals left.
"Emilia-tan! Get Ram and Roswaal out of here!"
"No! I'm not leaving you behind!"
"Don't worry," he said with a smile. "With Beako by my side, I'll be fine. Trust me."
Emilia nodded, deciding to trust Subaru. Grabbing Roswaal and Ram, the three of them jumped through the portal, leaving Subaru and Beatrice alone with the rabbits.
"So, this is the Great Rabbit, huh?"
"Yes it is, in fact. One of the three Great Mabeasts. Are you scared?"
"Please, I took down the White Whale a few days ago. And besides, with you backing me, I've got nothing to fear! Fly!"
Grabbing a hold of the blonde girl, Subaru chanted his spell and took to the air.
"What's the plan?" the tsundere Spirit asked.
"We need to lure these things out into the open and trap them. Luckily, I happen to be the greatest monster bait ever!" answered her contractor with confidence.
Flying down a bit lower, Subaru yelled, "Hey, you rabbits! Guess what?! I can Return by-"
In an instant, all of time stopped. The world got darker, and closer, as the shadows appeared once more. Subaru knew what was coming as he breached for impact. First, a purple claw appeared behind Subaru, clenching his heart, and then …
"I love you."
What…?
Now, that caught Subaru Natsuki off-guard.
"Hrrk!"
In an instant, time resumed. The hand and shadows were gone.
"The smell on you increased, I suppose! What did you do?!"
"It doesn't matter what I did! Are they following us?"
"Yes, in fact."
The increase of miasma drove all of the rabbits crazy, and all of them instantly started to follow the flying boy and Spirit hoping to take a bite of both.
Subaru kept flying and flying, until eventually he made it to the empty field. "There it is!" he pointed. "Are all of the rabbits underneath us?"
"Yes, in fact."
"Okay, good. What I'm going to do is fly near them, and when I do that, I want you to fire a bunch of El Minyas at them, turning them into a barrier. Got it?"
"You got it, I suppose!"
"Great, let's do this!" Subaru dived down through the air, and flew close to the rabbits, allowing them to chase him, while Beatrice executed Subaru's plan.
"El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya! El Minya!"
After flying around in full-circle, all of the rabbits were now pinned inside the barrier of crystals. With their work done, Subaru floated down and let go of Beatrice.
"What are you going to do now?" asked the keeper of the Forbidden Library.
"I'm not going to give those things a chance to escape, so I'm going to use one of my most powerful attacks on them," he explained as he held his staff high. "Stand back and watch!"
Immediately, the skies became dark, the wind below even stronger, and streams of black and blue energy started to form towards the emerald on Subaru's staff. Multiple, large red circles of magic appeared, all of them above the rabbits, stacked on top of one another.
"Darkness, blacker than black, darker than dark, merge with my deep crimson, I beseech thee! The time of awakening has come. From the boundaries of righteousness, come, oh justice, fallen upon the infallible boundary, appear now as an intangible distortion!"
The wind kept blowing, purple lines reminiscent of the Unseen Hands rapidly encircled the duo, balls of white had now appeared, along with multi-colored stars, and Subaru's chant left Beatrice with both a sense of fear and awe in her heart.
"Dance, dance, dance! Transform my torrent of power into a destructive force, on without equal! Return all of creation to cinders, and rise from the abyss! Grant your humble servant the most powerful attack ever known! Grant your humble servant the ultimate attack spell!"
The crystal on the staff glowed bright with multiple colors, as Subaru called upon the name of the spell, finalizing his attack.
"EXPLOOOOOOSION!"
KRRSHHHH!
In an instant, a great wall of fire fell upon the Great Rabbit, incinerating every single one of the foul rodents, and causing the earth to shake like never seen before. The explosion could be seen for miles, and the crater it left would be a permanent reminder of what had occurred.
Outside of the Sanctuary, a pink half-elf could be seen. However, what made this one so different from all the other ones was the fact that she carried with her a crystal containing the souls of the Witches of Sin, and that she was possessed by the Witch of Greed, Echidna.
This was Echidna's new vessel, Omega.
As she held her crystal she gloated, "It appears that Roswaal will miss the chance to resurrect me. Too bad that loose woman freed me first," she looked out at the distance, until she spoke to herself again. "Subaru Natsuki, we shall meet again. Ehehehehe… ahahahahaha-!"
KRRSHHHH!
Before she could finish her maniacal laughing, a large pillar of fire appeared, and the wind from the explosion knocked her down, effectively ruining her monologuing.
"OH, COME ON! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!" she shrieked in both annoyance and panic.
Back at the Mathers domain, Emilia, along with Otto, Garfiel, and the maids and remaining undead, helped the villagers get adjusted back to their homes.
That was, until…
KRRSHHHH!
From the distance, everyone could see a massive pillar of fire and light strike down on where the Sanctuary was, sending powerful winds towards the Mathers domain. Some Skeleton Warriors were nearly blown away, while young children started crying, and some of the elderly screamed something about the second "Day of Red Earth and Sky".
Once the explosion had died down, Garfiel was the first to ask the serious question.
"OI, WHAT TH' FUCK WUZZAT?!"
"I don't know," answered Emilia. "But if Subaru did that, then he's in big trouble!"
Out in the middle of nowhere, the two individuals who found the White Whale's corpse were walking through the fields, not out of companionship, but more out of convenience.
At the time, everything was quiet, not a single one of them let out a peep. But then…
KRRSHHHH!
A pillar of light erupted far away from them, but the sound from the explosion travelled so far out, that the wind generated by it managed to knock away the scrawny kid, while greatly annoying the white-haired man.
"Holy moly!" exclaimed the dirty child, with stars in his eyes. "That was awesome! It must have taken a whole lot of effort! Hey, do you think whoever caused that is Gourmet enough, tsu?"
"I still don't care," sighed the man. "If whoever did that ever tried that again on my perfect self, or on anything I own… well… I'll eviscerate them!"
"... and after mineself threatened to have the half-elf's Camp destroyed, I had Al throw him out."
The final statement was being recorded from Priscilla Barielle, and to be honest, everyone was now both angry at what the Royal Candidates had done, hating themselves for not doing anything to fix it, and afraid of the repercussions they would now face.
Felt was especially pissed at what Priscilla had done. She goaded the guy who saved her life into licking her foot, and then kicked him, and then threatened the girl he liked?! It was only because of the Sword Saint's constant reminders of protocol and etiquette that she hadn't flown off the rails already and beat the fuck out of every single bitch there.
As for everyone else, every single moment that this was happening was agonizing for them, but also they were secretly glad that this meeting would soon be over, and then they could all go home, and wallow in their own self-pity.
But before everyone was allowed to leave… the ground started to shake.
KRRSHHHH!
"EARTHQUAKE!"
The shaking round, combined with the bright light coming from the windows, had effectively knocked everyone down.
It was done. The Great Rabbit was no more.
Subaru and Beatrice had won.
And immediately after that, Subaru collapsed from exhaustion.
"What was that, in fact?!" Beatrice yelled, turning towards her incapacitated contractor for answers.
"Well, you see… that attack used a lot of mana, and also added the fact that I haven't slept in three whole days… this was bound to happen eventually…" he sighed.
"Not that!" exclaimed the loli. "I meant the-"
"Master Flugel..."
""Huh?"" both Subaru and Beatrice exclaimed.
Looking towards the source of the voice, the two of them noticed that the crystal on top of Subaru's staff was glowing a bright green.
"Master Flugel… go to the Pleiades Watchtower… find Shaula…"
"What the heck…?" questioned Subaru. But Beatrice recognized that voice in the crystal.
"Guese…?"
"Felt-sama, are you all right?" asked Reinahrd.
Inside the Throne Room, everyone had now recovered from the earthquake, with knights picking up their fallen mistresses, and comrades helping one another, to recover from what just had happened. It was a miracle the castle didn't even collapse on them.
But before the meeting could even continue, let alone end, the Dragon Tablet started to shine once more, indicating that there was now more news, and sending everyone into a panic once more. A panic that was rightly justified, after reading what was in it.
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, with the help of his contracted Spirit, Beatrice, the Great Spirit of Yin, has slain the Great Rabbit."
"No…" whispered Crusch, under her breath, as she read the new message over and over again.
"ALL RIGHT, THAT'S IT!" yelled Bordeaux Zellgef. "I believe it's time."
"You're right, Bordeaux," Miklotov answered. He then turned towards Reinhard and spoke. "Reinhard van Astrea, go now. Find where the White Whale's corpse is, and study it. Ask anyone who was there for specific details. Then, go to where the Sin Archbishop of Sloth was defeated, and examine the surrounding area. Ask any witnesses there for everything. Find where the Great Rabbit, and mostly likely where the source of the earthquake, is, and inspect the whole place. I want you to question everyone who was there as well. I want to know everything about Subaru Natsuki, who this "Beatrice" is, what this man is capable of, everything. Go speak with the Emilia Camp if you have to. Once you have done all of that, find Subaru Natsuki, and bring him here. By. Any. Means. Necessary! This meeting is over!"
Author's Note: That was awesome! The new chapter I mean, not the new "Spider-Man" movie that came out. What, who said that? Not me! Okay, comments time!
Raymond: I was considering making Mimi's and Garfiel's relationship a thing, but I think Ram and Garfiel make a better pairing.
Guest #1: Subaru needs the Seven Deadly Witch Factors with him to open Satella's Seal.
Rayz: I don't know who Emilia's biological parents are, so I'm not very confident in talking about them. Besides, I wanna focus more on Geuse and Fortuna.
Waiz: If there was a clash between the Sword Saint and the Great Sage, the world would end. So no, I'm not gonna have them fight one another.
WarlockofVainglory: Subaru's interaction with Reinhard will still be a long way away.
Nat su 31: What you wrote was nice, I think I might add it in.
Dat-boi-waddup: I actually considered making Subaru do everything by himself, like some sort of one-man-army, but I dropped it, since it wasn't good, story-wise.
Infinite the Celestian: My Discord username is Ernalore#8663. I would love to pass some ideas through you, including a crossover between your work and WHDAAA. Also, the confrontation between Subaru and Reinhard won't happen the way you expect it.
R-king 93: Thanks for the awesome compliment. I worked really hard on this one.
Deathenglegamers1144: Thank you for the good response. Also, nice profile picture.
OreosAreYummy: Sorry, I still have no idea how to do pacing and character reflections, so this stuff being good was pure luck. Still glad you look forward to the next one.
QuotezFun4Me: Sorry to burst your bubble, but there won't be any wacky shenanigans, since the scene has already been written. But I'll gladly take other suggestions.
zero-nightmare22: Supongo que ahora soy comerciante. Aquí está su próxima solución.
fakerweldi: While I didn't kill Elsa, she's still going to prison. But because of your comment, I'm actually considering giving her parole.
KazeelBaYz: Yes, Beako is in the gang. Up next, Shaula shall be reduced!
palik: Yes, Shaula will be saved. But question, what does "Papy" mean? Like "father"?
A. J Savage: Read three more chapters, then you get to see Shaula.
Im The Person: While the Skeleton Warrior army can't reform, Subaru can still make more of them, provided he has enough corpses. When it comes to Reinhard and Subaru, I'm planning to make a communication error that will have some terrifying consequences.
Childline: Yes, Beako has been saved. Well, you saw Felt even angrier, hope you're happy. And no, Subaru still can't make himself immortal, at least, not unless he wants to change his race. I'm using the Wiki pages for these powers. Yeah, the end of this chapter is the powder keg that ignited a fire, which will feature a bunch of dead peeps.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, Reinhard tendrá reacciones aún mayores cuando vaya en persona. Me alegro de poder hacer tu semana.
Craftverk: While I did find it weird how many comments were the same, your explanation actually makes sense. Thanks for clearing it up.
Monty: Yeah, most of the following fights are gonna be pretty easy.
EndertheDark_0326: Yes, Subaru does know the spell "Control Amnesia". He won't erase Roswaal's memories, but he will definitely erase a certain Sin Archbishop's memories.
King_LAO2964: Thank you for the excellent complement.
Max: First time being responded to?
Olr: Well, you saw how they dealt with the Great Rabbit issue, so yeah, Beatrice is definitely a lot stronger this time around.
As for new magical powers, here's what I have:
"Explosion": Summons forth a devastatingly large incineration. Incantations are recommended, but not necessary. Used by both Kazuma and Ainz.
And that's all I have for today! If anyone has any ideas, comment in my reviews, and if you wanna work together, check out my Discord. If anyone has any cool fan art you wanna send my way, I'll post it in the next chapter, so until then, see you later!
- Ernalore
Chapter 8: Goodbye and Farewell
Summary:
The nightmare of the Sanctuary is finally over. Roswaal has now been leashed, and the Emilia Camp and return to business as usual. That is, all for one... Subaru. He and Beatrice now have to go to the Pleiades Watchtower, as instructed by the voice in the crystal. With one more companion, Meili, the three of them say their good-byes and head out. Unknown to them, a certain Sword Saint is hot on their trail... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 8: Goodbye and Farewell
POW!
Skittering through the floor from the power of that punch, Roswaal eventually hit one of the walls and came to a crashing halt. Garfiel, on the other hand, looked proud of his handiwork.
SLAP!
Petra's towel landed on the clown's face so hard, Subaru almost thought his neck snapped.
BOOF!
And finally, Otto grabbed him by the neck, and punched him square in the nose. If the Japanese boy was being honest, he was pretty sure that Otto's puch hurt the most.
Within one of the living rooms of the Roswaal Mansion, the lord of now said manor was resting his head on his most trusted maid, Ram. Despite the sensation, his face was still pink and puffy, as he was only beaten senseless by everyone else just a few moments ago.
"Okay, now that everyone's had their fun, it's time to get to business," said Subaru, with an adorable Beatrice sitting on his lap. "Though, I thought you'd be pissed, Ram."
"For what? Roswaal-sama's foolish plan, or the fact that you all brutalized him?"
"Okay, never mind," Subaru corrected himself. "Now, on the topic at hand…"
"C'mon, Cap'n, ya can't seriously tell me that ya forgive this guy…" said Garfiel.
"I'm not forgiving him. But without him, Emilia's campaign is dead in the water. Besides, I have myself a bit of insurance to make sure he never pulls a stunt like this again," turning towards the clown, Subaru continued. "Well, Ros-chi, got something to show to the class?"
Nodding, Roswaal got up from Ram's lap, and stood up, taking off his shirt. Underneath it was now a blue seal of magic. "If I am to ever harm any of you again…" he explained. "This contract shall burn my soul and body. That was the deal I made with Subaru."
"Wait, so if Subaru-kun lost, then he would have this seal on him?" asked Rem.
"Yes," answered Roswaal. "And should he have failed to uphold the contract, his body would be burned, and his soul would be destroyed, with no chance of reincarnation."
Jesus Christ, that's morbid as fuck, Subaru grimaced to himself.
"There, are you all happy now?" Subaru asked, turning towards all the residents of the mansion.
Most of them nodded in agreement, however, there was still one person not convinced.
It was Emilia.
"It's not enough," she said. "I want you to apologize. To all of us."
"An apology… yes… that would be appropriate…" the clown said, through the pain.
Bowing down, Roswaal did his best to give a sincere apology. "I am very, truly sorry for putting all your lives at risk. I shall never do it again. Please forgive me."
"Good."
Changing the topic, Subaru stood up. "Well, with all that said and done, I believe we all have work to do. Come on, Beako."
"Wait, where are you two going?" asked Emilia.
"The Forbidden Library," Beatrice answered.
And with that, all the members of the Emilia Camp went back to work.
Inside the Forbidden Library, Beatrice had pulled out a book from one of the many shelves. That book contained a map of the world, including the location of the Pleiades Watchtower.
The place that the voice in the crystal told them to go.
"There," she said, pointing at the map. "The Auguria Sand Dunes, in fact. We should be able to use your new teleportation magic to get there, I suppose."
Eyeing the map was also Beatrice's contractor, Subaru Natsuki.
"Yeah, I don't think so."
The Great Spirit looked at the boy and asked, "Why not?"
"In order to use "Gate", I have to know where I want to go," he explained. "Since I have no idea what the hell the "Pleiades Watchtower" is, let alone what it looks like, it wouldn't be feasible for us to use it. And that doesn't even factor in the problem with the Great Sage."
"What about the Great Sage?"
"It's in this passage," he answered, pointing at the passage in the book. "Apparently, he attacks anyone who gets too close to the Watchtower. It would be probably better if we just went to it the old-fashioned way, just so we can know what to expect, rather than have him jump us once we're done teleporting."
"But how are we supposed to cross the dunes, in fact?" the drill-haired loli asked. "It's supposedly infested with Mabeasts. Even if we managed to destroy them all with your new-found powers, it would only alert the Great Sage to our position, I suppose!"
"You're right. If we want to cross the dunes normally, we'll need something that will be able to neutralize Mabeasts. Something quiet and efficient. Something like…"
Subaru trailed off when he started to connect the dots in his head. Standing up, he made his way to the door, something that his contracted Spirit noticed.
"Where are you going, in fact?"
"I have an idea. One that, if successful, will be able to get rid of two of our problems in one-fell swoop," he explained, as a smile crept onto the teenager's face.
Down in the dungeon of the Roswaal Mansion, Elsa Granhiert, one of the world's deadliest assassins waited.
Though, technically, it wasn't a dungeon. It was more of a basement with multiple rooms and beds, though not as luxurious as the guest bedrooms, or even the ones for the staff.
Despite that, Elsa felt like she was being tortured with boredom. To pass the time, she wondered. She wondered how Meili was doing. She wondered what would happen once Mama figured out what had happened to them. She wondered what would happen to her.
However, she didn't have to wait for long, as someone finally opened the door.
It was that boy with the black hair, weird clothes, and the nasty eyes.
Closing the door behind him, he sat down on the chair, while Elsa sat on her bed.
"So, have you come to mock me?" she hissed.
"I came to make a deal with you, Elsa."
This got the Bowel Hunter's attention. "Oh? And what exactly does that entail?"
"You should know that a letter has been sent, and some knights will come to arrest you, and mostly likely take you away to some high-security prison, right?"
Elsa nodded.
"Well, if you agree to this deal, Meili will go free."
"And why should I do that?"
"First off, if you truly had nothing to lose, then you wouldn't have surrendered. You're clearly afraid of something, or someone, and I'm guessing you're trying to protect Meili from them."
Elsa's eyes widened, as Subaru smiled, knowing that his theory was correct.
"Listen, my contracted Spirit and I are leaving here tomorrow, and I'm willing to bring Meili with me. I can protect her. I can even give her a normal childhood. What do you say?"
The Bowel Hunter thought about it for a moment. She knew that escape was impossible, either from the knights or the undead. And since she failed this mission, even death would be a preferable alternative than going back to a disappointed Mama.
Then, she thought of Meili. She was still a child. She would not survive in prison, and she personally knew how scared she was of Mama. If there was a chance for her to get out of all this, then Elsa would have to take it right this second.
Looking back towards Subaru, she gave her answer.
"All right, pretty boy. You've got yourself a deal."
Meili was worried. She had been locked inside this room for at least a day now. She was wondering what would happen now to her and her sister.
Are they going to torture me for information? she wondered.
Looking up from her bed, she saw her door open, and coming inside was the person who had fried her Wagpig, Subaru Natsuki.
He took a seat at the desk near her, and started talking. "So… hi." he began awkwardly. "Look, I know you're pretty upset about us capturing you and whatnot, but…"
Meili wasn't convinced. He wanted something from her, and she could tell.
"I want to help you, Meili."
That surprised her. No one ever wanted to help her. She looked up at him.
"A letter has already been sent to the capital. They know we have Elsa here, and a bunch of knights are coming to take her away, but before that happens… Elsa made a deal."
This intrigued the blue-haired assassin. Did Elsa sell me out?
"The deal is as follows: Elsa will willingly be taken away by the knights, and won't try to escape, as long as I swear to take care of you."
Now the little girl was confused.
"But it doesn't have to be like that, Meili. I don't want to take care of you because of a deal I made behind your back. I want to take care of you because I believe it's the right thing to do! And I believe that you're capable of being a good person! So please… please, let me help you."
Scooting off the bed, Meili walked up to the boy. His face was down to the floor, but as she got closer, she could see that his face was full of sadness.
"Elsa… really asked that of you?"
Subaru's eyes were now looking straight into hers. "Well, to be more exact, I asked that of her. And she agreed. She said that, as her last act as your big sister, would be to set you free. To give you the chance to live a normal, and happy life."
Meili was shocked into silence. It was hard to wrap her head around the fact that Elsa would just give up her freedom for someone like her. But if this was true, then…
Approaching the Japanese teenager, Meili hugged him and said, "Okay, then. I trust you, Onii-chan. You better take care of me."
In response, Subaru wrapped his arms around her as well. "I promise, Meili. I will protect you. I will care for you. No matter what."
And for once in her life, Meili Portroute truly believed in someone.
"Come on," Subaru gestured. "Let's go visit Elsa… one last time."
Opening the door to Elsa's room, Subaru let Meili in.
"Elsa?" she asked, meekly.
"Ah, Meili," Elsa smiled softly, as the little girl approached her.
"Is it true, did you-?"
"Yes. I took the deal. My life is over. But perhaps… yours can truly begin now."
As the little girl embraced her sister-figure and cried, Elsa looked up to the Japanese teenager, and gave him a look that roughly read: "Hurt her, and I will escape prison to personally gut you."
To which, the nasty-eyed boy gave the responding glance of: "I promise to keep my promise. I will never break my promise. I will never be a lying, promise-breaker, ever again."
Inside her room, Emilia was now studying, as if nothing from the past week ever happened.
She had forgiven Subaru for what happened at the Royal Selection. The events with the Witch Cult and the Sanctuary were behind them. Sure, she may have lost Puck, but she now had more people that she could rely on. She could rely on them, and she could rely on Subaru.
She and Subaru even kissed…
Upon immediately thinking of what had happened, her face became flushed with red, as she realised what the implications of that meant-
Knock, knock.
Snapping herself out of her embarrassment, the silver-haired half-elf turned around and addressed the person behind the door. "Come in."
And lo and behold, it was none other than the person she was thinking of, Subaru.
Something that didn't help her embarrassment.
"Hey, uh, I wanted to talk to you. Sorry if this is a bad time…" he started.
"Oh, no it isn't!" she interrupted him. "Uh, in fact, there is something that I wanted to talk to you about, too…" she said, gesturing for him to sit on the bed.
Sitting down on the bed, Subaru was slightly relieved. "Oh, okay, well, you go first, then."
Sitting down next to him, Emilia was quiet for a bit before she started.
"You know how you said you loved me?" the amethyst-eyed asked.
Subaru nodded.
"Well, um… that makes me really, really happy… But I wanted to have a proper talk. About… well… the baby I'm carrying in my belly!"
Subaru was silent for a moment.
Then, he was shocked and flabbergasted. "Wait, what?!"
"I d-don't know if it's a boy or a girl, but I know we have to take good care of it. So, I knew I had to talk to the father… I just want to-"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a minute! Emilia-tan, how did this happen?!"
"Well, when a boy and a girl kiss, it makes a baby, right?"
For a few moments, Subaru was silent, until he yelled, "DAMN IT, PUCK! YOU SUCK AT PARENTING! I HATE YOU!"
"Wait, what are you saying?" asked Emilia, confused. "Babies don't come with kissing?"
"No, they don't," Subaru explained. "Jeez, you almost gave me a heart attack. Do me a favor, Emilia-tan? Study up on some biology while I'm gone, okay? Maybe get Frederica to loan you some romance novels? Or better yet, I'll have one of the Elder Liches teach it to you, along with actual Royal Selection material–"
"Wait, when you're gone?"
"Huh?"
"You just said… that you'll be gone."
Subaru paused for a moment before he realized his mistake. "Oh. I guess it accidentally slipped. But yeah, I'll be leaving. Tomorrow morning, actually."
The room was silent for a full minute, before Emilia started to tear up. "Will you be gone forever? Did something happen that doesn't make you want to be with me anymore?!"
"What? No! This isn't your fault! If anything… it's mine."
"Huh?"
"Remember how I acted in the Royal Selection? I was placing you on a pedestal, doing the exact thing that you didn't want me to do. I was trying to project my flaws and insecurities onto others. What we had was unhealthy. It was codependency."
Emilia was silent.
"And then I found that staff, and all those other items… and they helped me save all of you, but… I think they did more than that. They made me more understanding, wiser, smarter, calmer… they helped me get perspective, helped me improve. But it's not enough."
Standing up, Subaru continued. "I have no idea where this came from, but I do have a clue. Maybe I'll get some answers, and maybe… maybe it'll help me become a better person. One who is worthy to stand alongside you."
"But… you already are," she whimpered, with tears threatening to spill.
"Hey, don't worry," he said, wiping her tears away. "I'll be back in a month or two. But this… this is something I need to do without you. But I promise, I'll come back to you."
"You promise?"
"I promise."
Closing the door to Emilia's room, Subaru was relieved that it went… not as he was expecting, but he sure was glad it wasn't as bad as he had feared.
Once the door was shut, he turned around to see that someone was right in front of him.
"Oh, Rem! I didn't see you there! I was just-"
"Rem heard everything, Subaru-kun."
For a moment there was silence. Until… "Oh. Then you know I-"
But before Subaru could continue, Rem dashed towards him, connecting her lips with his.
It only lasted for five seconds, but to Subaru, it felt as if time slowed to a crawl, he let the feeling of her warm, pillowy lips overtake him, until he finally snapped out of it, and pushed her away.
He looked at her in confusion and silence, until he asked…
"Rem… why?"
"Well, Subaru-kun would be leaving soon, so I-"
"No, I mean… Why me?"
The blue oni was silent for a moment before responding. "Well, I love you."
The Japanese teenager was silent.
"I have always loved you, ever since you saved me that night in the forest."
"But if you heard everything, then you know that I-"
"Love Emilia-sama? Yes, I do. But even then, I still love you. I love how you make sure that everyone is all right. I love how you try your best to make everyone happy. I love how you can always look at the bright side of things. I love how you look and act. I even love how you smell."
Subaru was still silent as he heard everything the maid told him.
"You are my hero, Subaru-kun. And if my hero says that he needs to leave to be the best he can be, then I believe him. Because I love him."
Where Rem saw a great hero, Subaru saw all of his failures. The only thing that was going through his mind at the time was Rem's confession in the last loop.
"Live… Love… you…"
He remembered everything that had transpired in those last two loops. How he let everyone die. How he let Rem die. How he only managed to save everyone just because he decided to give up, and just because he accidentally stumbled across a trump card, like the loser he was.
Subaru wanted to say something, anything, but his throat dried up. His mind knew that now was not the time. There was work that needed to be done. But he still needed to respond!
So, he decided on a compromise.
"Rem. We'll talk about this when I come back. Sound fair?"
"Making a maiden wait for an answer? That is too cruel, Subaru-kun!" Rem joked.
"Whoa, whoa, I didn't mean it like that!"
As he tried to explain himself, he could see that Rem was giggling, and in his heart, that made him feel a little better, as he laughed alongside her.
It was the dawn of a new day. Specifically, the day that Subaru, Beatrice, and Meili would be heading for the Pleiades Watchtower.
Their carriage with Patrasche had been prepared, and they had all the supplies they would need. From money to food, from water to sleeping gear, they were ready.
All they needed to do now was say their final good-byes. And to wait for Subaru.
"What is taking so long, in fact? We're burning daylight, I suppose!"
"Did I just hear you use a Subaru-ism?"
Looking up, both the blue-haired assassin and the Great Spirit were impressed by what they saw. Subaru was no longer wearing his signature tracksuit, but rather, the outfit he found inside the chest. He wore all of it, the white-button shirt, green long-sleeved jacket, orange scarf, black cloak, brown belt, black pants, and brown boots.
"I figured if I was gonna travel, I might as well dress the part, right?" he asked. Along with his new outfit, he was carrying his staff of metal, wood and crystal.
"I think you look dashing!" complimented Emilia.
"I think you fit the role of a travelling nomad perfectly, Barusu."
"To be honest, I can't tell if that was an insult, Ram," Subaru sighed.
"Well, Rem believes that you are handsome, Subaru-kun!"
"Gee, thanks, Rem!"
"Ahem," interrupted the young assassin. "Hate to break it, buuut we gotta get going!"
"Oh, yeah, you're right." said Subaru, as he turned to say his final good-byes.
For Petra, he gave a big hug to the teary-eyed girl.
For Frederica, Ram, and Ryuzu, he gave his coworkers a respectful bow.
For his bros Otto and Garfiel, he gave them each a fist-bump.
Roswaal got absolutely nothing, as he should.
And finally, for Emilia and Rem, the two loves of his life, he hugged them both so much that if he hugged them any longer, he would have second thoughts about leaving.
Once he was done with everyone's good-bye, he relinquished his control of his undead army to the residents of the Roswaal Mansion, and hopped onto the ground-dragon carriage.
"Ride like the wind, Patrasche!"
And with that, Subaru's mission to the Pleiades Watchtower began.
Reinhard kept his guard up as he looked around the village.
It had now been three days since he was sent by the Council of Elders to investigate the deaths of three different calamities, and to be honest, he had no idea what to make of it.
When he was getting ready to leave, Felt asked him to be careful and to make sure that Subaru was brought back as safely and humanely as possible, but that seemed to become more and more of a pipe dream as his investigation continued.
From his examination of the White Whale's corpse, the creature appeared to have been sliced in half with one clean strike, something a few local merchants confirmed to be the case, as they witnessed what they described as "a giant wind blade" struck the beast.
Then there was the case of Sloth. He saw that a battle had clearly occurred in the forest, there were far too many explosion marks left to be a coincidence, however, there were no corpses anywhere. What he did see, however, we're a surplus number of undead.
But they weren't the sort of mindless undead that would kill the living. No, these seemed to merely guard the Mathers domain from hostile intruders, and he even saw some of them helping the local villagers. It was bizarre.
Heck, even the local village was interesting, in its own right. Apparently, it was two different communities, one being the local Irlam Village, the other being demi-humans from a place called the Sanctuary, in the forest of Kremaldy. Multiple new buildings were being built, all with the help of the humans, demi-humans, and the undead.
According to them, they were forced to evacuate the Sanctuary when the Great Rabbit arrived. They reported that a black-haired boy opened up a portal that instantly transported them to Irlam Village, something that sounded completely doable, since in Felix's confession, Subaru used that to pick up the maid, Rem, from the Karsten estate.
Not only that, but he also received a letter asking that one of the Royal Knights come and retrieve a captured Elsa Grahiert. The Sword Saint could only imagine how the Emilia Camp managed to capture the infamous Bowel Hunter, but he had a good guess, one named Subaru.
Walking up towards the front doors of the Roswaal mansion, Reinhard hoped that the Emilia Camp would at least have some concrete information for this case. Once he was done there, he would have to find where the Great Rabbit was killed, and investigate that area. Not that it would be that hard, since all of the locals were pointing towards the Sanctuary, as they kept calling it the "Second Day of Red Earth and Sky".
Hopefully, when that was done, he would be able to talk to Subaru, and convince him to come peacefully back to the Royal Capital.
If he resisted, however… well, then he'd know why everyone calls Reinhard a monster.
It had now been two days since Suabru, Beatrice and Meili had left, and, as expected, the mansion was deathly quiet.
The undead kept guarding the Mathers domain, the maids kept cleaning, Roswaal and Otto kept working on the paperwork, and Emilia kept studying.
In the main foyer of the estate, Frederica was sweeping dust for the hall, when she heard something that grabbed her attention.
Knock, knock.
Heading over to the door, she opened it to see that a surprising visitor had arrived.
Said visitor was a fair amount taller than her, with red hair and blue eyes, a uniform of the Royal Guard, and on his side was the legendary sword, Reid.
This visitor was none other than the Sword Saint himself, Reinhard van Astrea.
"Greetings, Reinhard-sama. I am the head maid of the Roswaal Mansion, my name is Frederica Baumann. What do I owe the pleasure of?" she asked.
"I have come to retrieve the Bowel Hunter from your hands… and one other thing."
"Hmm?" she hummed. The beast-maid was intrigued by what else could be as important as delivering one of the most wanted criminals to justice.
"I was sent to find and locate the Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki."
Frederica froze on what she had just heard, dropping her broom.
"May I ask, where is Subaru-sama?"
And just like that, Frederica Baumann fell to the floor and fainted.
"Frederica-san? Hello?"
Author's Note: And that's the end of that! Now it's time for all the comments!
Cloud: In my story, Subaru and Satella were engaged before everything went down.
Waiz: No, the Council of Elders can't order Subaru around. He's too powerful.
Guest #1: While "Reality Slash" might work on Regulus, I'm gonna use something else to kill him. He'll be very angry when both his rights and his life end up cancelled.
Fred Ray: The next few chapters are gonna be between Arc 4 and Arc 5. Also, the reason I don't use the web novel translations for my work is because I want the most accurate accounts of the story, which to me are the light novels and the anime.
Danny: I'll need more details besides, "It's unrealistic". Also, the whole thing with Volcanica and the Witch of Nature, I have no idea what you're talking about.
Max: The Spider-Man movie was all right, just like my last chapter. Heyo!
Raymond: I think I'm done talking about relationships for the time being.
Guest #2: Yes, this is good.
Reinhard: Yes, Theresia will be saved. I won't tell you how, that's a spoiler.
OreosAreYummy: Yeah, Subaru, the Emilia Camp, and the other Camps meeting up will be a while away, but his interaction with Julius is gonna be pretty good.
Deathenglegamers1144: Glad you liked the chapter, despite how short it was.
CrysisWar1234: I never thought of it as a thermonuclear bomb, but that makes sense.
Grifith Moses: Yes, Subaru will adopt Meili. She's the best daughter.
Infinite the Celestian: Yeah, Subaru annihilating the Great Rabbit with "Explosion" was pretty perfect. Also, thanks for adding me on Discord. Glad to be your friend, man.
Im The Person: Elsa getting captured might lead to some story potential, maybe, but not for now. Yeah, and pretty much everyone will regret every decision they ever made. Oh, and thanks for being my friend on Discord. It's an honor.
Maximum Rhapsody: In terms of power, Subaru is now equal to Satella and Reinhard. And yes, now that the Sanctuary is over, things will change radically.
Childline: When I said changing races, I meant Subaru would have to do that if he wanted to be immortal, not that he could actually do it, despite the story potential that comes with it. Glad to see you're enjoying the chapters so far, though.
WarlockofVainglory: Yeah, Reinhard will totally miss his chance to talk to Subaru.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Si bien sería divertido, Elsa no vendrá con Meili. Además, si Reinhard y Subaru pelearan, el mundo podría terminar, así que eso es un no.
Nautilus05: Yeah, the people who wronged Subaru will be suffering. Also, I'm a big fan of your works. Would it be cool if I used "The Merchants of Sin" in a WHDAAA spin-off?
A. J Savage: Actually, yeah. Reinhard won't be able to make it to Subaru in time.
parbhjiv: Glad you like my story.
R-king 93: I'm amazed that you called it "beautiful". That's awesome!
Centering: Glad you loved the chapter.
KingLAO2964: Thanks for the amazing compliment on my work.
KazeelBaYz: I hate to disappoint, but Rem and Emilia aren't heading to the Pleiades Watchtower. However, at least, we have Beako and Meili.
palik: Yup, Subaru's gonna adopt Shaula.
Steinfield: Yeah, once they learn Subaru can cause natural disasters with a single spell, everyone's legs will turn into jelly.
Guest #3: While it's a shame I didn't write about Beako dragging Subaru back, I'm glad you liked Omega's reaction to the explosion.
KannasMirror: Actually, you're close. Every time Reinhard almost catches Subaru, he'll do something by mistake that makes him evade capture. However, there will be no fireman carry. Not that Subaru would need one.
Memorysoul: Yeah, Subaru did basically fire off a nuke. Also, I read "Re:Sister from another world", that was some good stuff. Will you make more?
Monty: My Discord is Ernalore#8663. Feel free to give me a friend request.
Mahdi: No, Subaru won't go off on another rant. He'll just let the knights' and nobles' fears, shame, and guilt slowly eat away at their souls, like any good villain would.
Anyway, no powers this time around, so we're almost over. If you guys have any fan art or memes of my story, post the links in the comments, I'll make sure to post them in the next chapter. See you all in the New Year!
- Ernalore
Chapter 9: Road to Nowhere
Summary:
While Subaru, Beatrice and Meili make their way to the Pleiades Watchtower, Reinhard has a moment to speak to the Emilia Camp. Subaru's status as the Great Sage is revealed, and after placing the Bowel Hunter into custody, the Sword Saint is now in hot pursuit of his target. The question is, will he be able to intercept Subaru first, or will Subaru be able to make it to the Watchtower in time? Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 9: Road to Nowhere
The clip-clopping of Patrache's feet could be heard in the distance as the dragon-drawn carriage sped up towards its destination. It had been a few days now since Subaru and his party left for the Pleiades Watchtower, and for the most part, the only thing that could be heard was the carriage moving, or the ground-dragon's huffs. Everyone else was dead quiet.
Something that annoyed Subaru greatly.
Meili wasn't very talkative, and Beatrice only spoke when she was answering a question, or when someone else was doing something, but she never started the conversation.
Well, the nasty-eyed boy figured he had nothing better to do than to break the ice.
"Sooo, Meili," he started, "How did someone like you end up working as an assassin? And at such a young age, too. I figured that you'd be in school, or something."
The blue-haired girl looked up at him but remained silent.
The Japanese teenager's face morphed into a pout. "Y'know, a conversation only works when both parties are talking, right?" he cracked.
Giving off the biggest grin, Meili spoke. "Weeell, there really isn't that much to talk about. I had a Divine Protection that allows me to control Mabeasts, and Elsa figured it was a useful tool. Thaaat's the end of that."
"You can drop the mask, child," the drill-loli said. "Betty can tell that you elongate your words when you are hiding something. You can't fool either of us, in fact."
Subaru looked toward his contracted Spirit, then back at the blue-haired girl. Eventually, Meili's smile dropped, and she said something in a hushed tone.
"If I tell you, will you still care for me?"
"Meili, let me get something straight with you," Subaru said, approaching the former assassin. "There is nothing you can't tell us. Even if it's some of the worst things imaginable, we won't stop caring about you. Hell, I cared about you both before and after I learned you worked with Elsa, so that's gotta mean something, okay? So, do you trust us?"
Meili was unsure of what to say. She looked at the other two occupants in the cart, before taking a deep breath, and whispering something so quiet that only the three of them would ever hear.
"Okay, Onii-chan. I trust you."
"Are you all right, Frederica-san?" asked the merchant, holding up the maid.
"I'm fine now. Thank you, Otto-sama," smiled the blonde.
It had now been less than an hour since Reinhard had arrived at the manor, and during that time, the Camp had to focus on making sure the senior maid woke up, thus ignoring the Sword Saint for the time being.
Thankfully, Frederica was now awake, but hiding her nervousness.
"Anyway, Reinhard, what brings you here?" asked Emilia.
Inside one of the many living rooms of the estate, a meeting had now begun between the members of the Emilia Camp, and the Sword Saint himself, Reinhard van Astrea.
Upon the request of the Sword Saint himself, every available member of the Emilia Camp was in attendance for this meeting, as he believed they had a right to hear this, as well.
Emilia, Rem, and Petra were all equally confused. They had no idea what would make the top knight of the Royal Guard want to come all the way out here.
Ram, Roswaal, Ryuzu, and Otto were also confused, but still wore their poker faces.
Garfiel, however, was on the verge of gushing when he realized that one of the legendary heroes of his childhood was breathing the same air as he was.
The only person who truly knew what was going on was Frederica.
"Before I begin, I have to ask a question," spoke Reinhard. "Do you know what happened after the events of the Royal Selection in the capital?"
"I'm afraid you're goooooing to have to be mooooore specific, Reinhard-sama."
"Very well, then," the redhead spoke. He waited a few seconds before continuing. "The White Whale's corpse was found sliced in half near Flugel's Tree."
The group was shocked into silence. That is with the exception of two individuals.
"Oh yeah, I saw Natsuki-san killing it with a few other merchants," chimed Otto.
"Yeah, ya did mention he did dat back at th' Sanctuary," said Garfiel.
The rest of the Emilia camp turned their heads toward the two boys.
"Did it not occur to you two idiots that perhaps it would have been best to inform us?!" scolded Ram. She may have appeared annoyed, but she was panicking on the inside.
Emilia thought about it for a second, but then she remembered how Subaru killed the White Whale to get to her. I thought he was exaggerating!
"There's more."
Everyone turned their attention away from the two idiots and back to the Sword Saint.
"There were also reports that Subaru-sama had eradicated dozens of Witch Cultists, and also defeated the Sin Archbishop of Sloth," the knight continued.
"I can confirm that," spoke Ram. "I saw Barusu turn their corpses into undead."
Emilia nodded, having also been there, and hearing Subaru confirm it himself.
"Also, we received word that he had slain the Great Rabbit, as well."
Emilia piped up. "Oh, yeah! That's right! He and Beatrice both killed them all!"
"Then if the Dragon Tablet was telling the truth about that, then..." Reinhard trailed off.
The rest of the camp returned their attention towards him. "What is it, Reinhard?" asked Emilia.
Looking up, Reinhard spoke. "There was one more thing the Dragon Tablet said."
Here it comes, through Frederica. She knew what he was about to say.
"It said that Suabru Natsuki is indeed the Great Sage, Flugel."
It was cold. It was raining. She cried out for someone, but no one was there. She was in her basket, with no one to comfort her. No one, except for the Mabeasts.
For as long as she could remember, she was with Mabeasts. She was raised by them, they fed her, they cared for her, and she was happy. They were her family.
Then Elsa came along.
She slaughtered all of her Mabeasts, her family, and took her away. She took her to Mama.
Her training took place in the blink of an eye. She was killed over and over again. She was turned into frogs, worms, snakes, and after every single time… she thanked Mama.
It was when she was on missions with Elsa when she was truly happy. She was taught how to read, how to do her hair, how to deal with Mama, and as long as she imitated Elsa, she would be safe. She would be happy.
She killed, sure, but she enjoyed it. She never needed friends.
Meili had a new family, and she was happy.
If only it were that easy.
Sometimes, Meili wondered if she would be truly happy once she was truly dead.
The entirety of the Emilia Camp was silent at what the Sword Saint just said.
But their minds were screaming at them.
Rem was amazed at her hero. It's only natural for Subaru-kun to be this amazing!
Petra and Emilia were both having similar thoughts. While Petra was the same as Rem, Emilia could only think that Subaru, a man who apparently was responsible for sealing away the Witch of Envy, was in love with her, a silver-haired half-elf.
It truly boggles the mind.
Ram was horrified at the implications. I have been insulting the Great Sage non-stop…
Otto and Ryuzu were also amazed by what they heard. Subaru? The Great Sage? It would certainly explain the man's power. But while they were a bit afraid, they knew Subaru was too kind-hearted to ever be a serious threat. Kind of like Reinhard.
Roswaal wasn't surprised anymore. If he truly is the Great Sage, then it's no wonder he was able to go against my Tome of Wisdom. I never stood a chance.
Garfiel was ecstatic. Cap'n is the greatest hero ever!
The only person who wasn't shocked by the news, other than Roswaal, was Frederica.
"...which is why it is imperative that I bring him to the Capital."
Snapping herself and the others out of their surprise, Emilia looked towards Reinhard. "Wait, I didn't hear that last part. Could you repeat that?"
"Emilia-sama, one of the kingdom's knights brutally beat one of the three heroes, and, on top of that, three different Camps refused to help him with the subjugation of Sloth, while also psychologically tormenting him. To avoid further antagonization, the Council of Elders have sent me to escort him to the capital. So, please, tell me where I can find Subaru-sama."
"Oh! Uh, he left a few days ago with Beatrice and Meili-chan for the Pleiades Watchtower."
"I see. Thank you, Emilia-sama. I shall take the Bowel Hunter off your hands, then, and be on my way to retrieve Subaru-sama."
Out in the desert, a ground dragon carriage was still, as the rider had decided a break was appropriate. Said rider was sitting on a rock, thinking, and overall, feeling disgusted.
Subaru was disgusted. Disgusted at himself, disgusted at the world, just disgusted.
Meili had told him everything. She told him how cruel and unforgiving Meili's "Mother" was, and how she would punish her "children", by either killing them or transforming them into chunks of meat. She even turned Meili into a bunch of frogs on multiple occasions!
It was no wonder that Elsa wanted Subaru to protect Meili.
Even among the Sin Archbishops, Lust was a special kind of evil. She was the type of person that would manipulate people, ridicule them for their morals, all the while she would go on and explain how great she is, all the while bastardizing the concept of "love".
Subaru hated her. Subaru hated how the world allowed a monster like that to exist. But most of all, Subaru hated himself for not finding Meili earlier, just to keep her away from that… thing.
Subaru had decided that Capella Emerada Lugnica would die.
He now had the power to do something about it. As soon as he was finished with the Watchtower, he would track down Capella, and deliver one of his most devastating magical attacks to wipe her off the face of the earth.
But now was not the time.
Now, he had a child he needed to comfort.
Turning around he saw the blue-haired assassin sitting near the carriage, enjoying her break, as well. Using her Divine Protection to keep away the Mabeasts was hard work, after all.
Walking towards her, Subaru spoke. "Hey, Meili, do you wanna talk?"
Looking up towards the nasty-eyed boy, the little girl asked, "Is this about Mama?"
"Don't call her that."
"Huh?"
"She lost the right to call herself your mother the second she hurt you," Subaru spoke, kneeling down to Meili's eye level. "What she did to you was wrong. And if I ever find her… I promise, I will never let her lay a single finger on you ever again."
Meili looked up at the Japanese teenager with a sense of awe. No one had ever tried to defy Ma- Capella. But if anyone would… he seemed like the most likely candidate.
Elsa had made the right choice.
Approaching the two was Beatrice, who had come back to report what she had found.
"We are almost there, in fact."
Snapping out of his thoughts, Subaru looked over at Beatrice to see her and Meili trying to get his attention. "You said something?"
"I said, "we are almost there", I suppose," she repeated, pointing over the hill.
Getting up from where he was, Subaru walked up to one of the sandy dunes, and when he reached the top… he saw it. A white pillar in the middle of an ocean of sand.
The Pleiades Watchtower.
Reinhard could not believe it. He still didn't want to believe it, and yet, there it was.
The crater that remained as the only reminder that the Great Rabbit had ever existed.
Just like Emilia and her allies said, there was a battle between Subaru, Beatrice, and the Great Rabbit, here at the Sanctuary. Investigating the area, he noticed that the entire earth around the area had been cracked, and such a devastating attack would probably have negative consequences to the surrounding villages wildlife for a while.
Subaru Natsuki was, indeed, a monster, just like Reinhard van Astrea.
Reinhard shook his head. Subaru was not a monster. He had accomplished things that Reinhard was supposed to do, as the protector of the people, and yet, the only notable thing he ever did was steal the title of Sword Saint from his beloved grandmother.
Getting back up and walking towards his ground dragon, he noticed the Bowel Hunter. Despite wearing handcuffs that, along with the fact that multiple Divine Protections were keeping her from trying anything funny, she was smiling.
"Is there something that amuses you?" asked the redhead.
"I am glad I made the right choice," she cooed.
That simply confused the knight.
"When I was fighting, the man offered me the chance to surrender," the black-haired woman explained. "Seeing and hearing the onslaught that man has caused, I am glad that I made the correct choice. There are some fates worse than death, y'know?"
The Sword Saint did not know how to respond to the Bowel Hunter.
"HOW THE HELL ARE WE SUPPOSED TO GET PAST THAT?!" yelled Subaru.
The carriage was no longer moving, and Subaru was screaming his head off.
Patrasche was no longer able to go further, as an invisible force field of some kind was preventing them from entering the Auguria Sand Dunes.
"Stop that incessant shrieking, I suppose. Be grateful that no Mabeasts are nearby, in fact," said an annoyed Beatrice exiting the carriage.
"Okay, new plan. I'm gonna fly around and see if there's another way to get in," explained Subaru. "I want you and Meili to get inside the carriage if anything dangerous comes close."
"Please, we can handle aaanything this place throws at us!" joked Meili.
With everyone done talking, Subaru chanted "Fly" and lifted himself off the ground.
"Okay, now… let's see what we got here…" he muttered. Looking down at the dunes, he could see sand, and multiple of the local Mabeasts. "Geez, these guys are ugly."
"Well, they're probably gonna be a problem when we get through the forcefield. Might as well take care of them now." Raising both his hands to the sky, Subaru yelled, "Meteor Strike!"
In an instant, a shadow loomed over the sand dunes. The local Mabeasts looked up to see what could have possibly blocked out the sun, only to witness… a large rock, larger than twenty men, engulfed in smoke and fire, hurtling towards them.
Concentrating as best as he could, Subaru directed the meteor as far away from the carriage as best as he could, while also targeting as many of the Mabeasts as possible.
BDOOM!
As soon as the meteorite touched the ground, smoke and dirt washed through the dunes, burning away thousands of Mabeasts, and turning the ground into fire and brimstone.
The monstrous Hungry Horse Kings, Courtesan Bears, Sand Earthworms, among countless other terrifying Mabeasts, were now all gone, reduced to atoms.
Proud of his handiwork, Subaru left the area and descended back down to the cart where he could see an angry Beako and a surprised Meili.
"JUST WHAT DID YOU DO, I SUPPOSE?!" yelled the blonde Spirit.
"I just got rid of all the Mabeasts in the area, no need to…" Before Subaru could continue defending his actions, he turned around to see something interesting.
"Hey, Beako, can you see what I see?"
"Hm?" Looking towards where her contractor was looking, Beatrice's eyes widened as she could also see the phenomenon. "Yes, in fact…"
In front of them, was now the visible force field. It was twisting and bending, essentially making it impossible for anyone to get past it.
"Well, no wonder we couldn't get through!" exclaimed the black-haired boy. "All this time, we weren't able to find the door! Beako, Meili, get back onto the cart!"
Looking at her contractor getting towards the carriage, Beatrice asked, "What are you doing?!"
"The dust is only going to last for a bit of time, so we need to get through here as quickly as possible," he explained, grabbing the ground dragons reins.
Despite the fact that what he did was extremely reckless, the Great Spirit knew that he was right. "Fine, I suppose." Grabbing Meili, Beatrice entered the cart, signaling Subaru to proceed.
"Giddyup, Patrasche!"
BDOOM!
Far away from the Auguria Sand Dunes, a small puff of smoke seemed to appear from the horizon. Soon after, the ground vibrated, indicating a massive explosion.
For most people, the source of the shaking ground would be the sort of thing to avoid.
But Reinhard van Astrea was not like most people.
After receiving Elsa Granhiert from the Emilia Camp, Reinhard escorted the assassin back to the capital, where she would be detained. Afterwards, he would leave to head to the Pleiades Watchtower, in order to intercept Subaru Natsuki, as he was instructed.
All the explosion did was confirm that he was there.
Using his multiple Divine Protections, the Sword Saint rushed towards the source of the explosion at superhuman speeds, hoping that he would be able to make it in time.
The dust and smoke was still prevalent as the black ground dragon ran towards the tower.
Despite that, Subaru was still able to see the Watchtower as perfectly as he could before he bombarded the dunes. All his bombing did was allow him to get closer to it.
It actually amazed Subaru how well his spur-of-the-moment thinking had paid off.
Sure, he may have destroyed the local area, but some things were still intact, like that funny-looking rock over there, so it wasn't a total loss.
We're gonna make it, we're gonna make it… Subaru thought to himself cheerfully.
Upon further inspection, Subaru could see some of the finer details of the Watchtower. It was all-white, and had two massive pillars on either side. The tower itself seems to get smaller as it gets higher and higher, but despite that it still was able to hold multiple columns and chambers. And the tower was so tall, that he couldn't even see the top of it, which was hiding in the clouds.
The Japanese teenager was so amazed by the architecture, that he almost didn't notice the little yellow dot that went through the clouds, and was heading towards him.
Wait, is that thing getting bigger…?
Before Subaru could react, the yellow bolt of light continued at Subaru with intense speed, and, once reaching its target, completely fried Subaru's head in an instant.
THWIP!
And with that, Subaru Natsuki was dead.
Waking up from the darkness, Subaru's temperature dropped as he realized what that familiar sensation he felt just recently was. He looked around the area, and saw that he had passed that funny rock, one that he had passed only a few minutes ago. He gulped at the implication of that.
I died again.
Checking out his surroundings, Subaru knew he had less than a minute before he died again.
"Beako! Meili! We got trouble!"
Hearing the voice of their driver, the two lolis headed towards him. "What is it?"
"The Great Sage is shooting at us! I need the two of you to steer Patrasche and navigate while I make sure he doesn't blow our heads off!"
""Got it!""
Standing up, Subaru gave the two girls the reins, while he got ready for the sniper's next move.
It didn't take too long.
The same yellow needle appeared again, once more aiming for the dragon-carriage.
"Air Strike Shield!"
Immediately, a shield made from an ethereal green energy formed, taking the hit.
PTANG!
As soon as the needle hit the shield, it dissipated.
CRASH!
But the shield itself also broke into a dozen pieces.
"Air Strike Shield! Secondary Shield!"
Subaru wasn't taking any chances, so he summoned two more of the floating shields and got ready for the sniper's next move. The process kept going for quite a while. The sniper would hit the shields, the shields would break, Subaru would summon more shields, rinse and repeat.
"Beako! Any sign of the front door?!"
"I see the entrance, in fact!" she yells, pointing towards a mausoleum-like entryway, with stairs.
"Onii-chan! A sandstorm's coming!"
Hearing Meili's warning, Subaru trunks around to see that, indeed, a large cloud of dust was heading towards them. "Well, at least we won't have to worry about the force-field anymore!"
Running towards the Watchtower with speeds that created clouds of dust in his wake, Reinhard could see Subaru's carriage in the distance.
Good, I'm not too late.
He still had a chance. He still had a chance to bring Subaru in, and do good. He would be able to repay the world for the sins he committed, for murdering his grandmother, for being a monster, even if this was a small gesture of forgiveness.
But most importantly of all, he would be able to talk to Subaru once more.
He wanted to talk to Subaru, and to apologize for what everyone had done. He knew that Subaru was just like him, a monster capable of destroying everything in their path, and because of that Reinhard did not feel alone. But he was still worried.
He still remembered how their last conversation ended. How Reinhard should have "minded his own damn business". He knew that Subaru was annoyed with him, but for some strange reason, that made him happy. His friend was angry at him for being Reinahrd, not the Sword Saint.
He wanted that to continue, even if it meant that Subaru would forever hate him.
Snapping out of his thoughts, the redheaded knight zoomed in on a small speck.
To most, the thing in the distance would be nothing more than a little black speck.
But to Reinhard, he could see the ground dragon-carriage in full detail. He could also see Subaru summoning various green shield-like objects that kept coming and going, blocking the yellow needle-like projectiles from hitting the cart.
However, while watching the details, the Swords Saint realized he was unable to move.
Looking around, he saw that the ashes and dust had settled, which prevented him from seeing the force-field, effectively trapping him.
It was no wonder he wasn't able to make it to the tower the last time he was sent, back when the Royal Family was still alive, but succumbing to the illness.
Yet even more people Reinhard failed.
Looking around, he saw that his speed caused some of the dust to settle, so, using his unparalleled strength, he fanned the area, essentially creating an artificial dust storm.
There, that should be able to buy me some time. Seeing that his handiwork was done, the redhead turned around to see that Subaru's carriage was getting closer to the Watchtower.
Running as fast as he could, and turning through every twist and turn of the force-field, Reinhard was able to get through it to reach the-
THWIP!
Getting out of the way, Reinhard saw that the sniper was now targeting him, and, to make matters worse, the artificial duststorm he created had now passed him, effectively blocking his view of Subaru and his surroundings.
Focusing his attention on his assailant, Reinhard dodged every single one of the glowing needles, all the while waiting for the dust to settle.
Come on, time is running out...
His vision begins to clear up, and as the dust finally settles, he sees that Subaru and his group are at the top of the stairs to the entrance to the watchtower.
Reinhard kept running towards them, dodging the needles of energy along the way, hoping that he could make it just in the nick of time.
"SUBARU!" He yelled, but Subaru couldn't hear him.
The doors to the entrance began to close, and Reinhard couldn't follow his friend any further.
He had failed.
He had failed his father when his mother fell asleep, and never woke up.
He had failed his grandfather when he killed his grandmother.
He had failed the Royal Family when he didn't make it to the Watchtower.
And now… he had failed the one person who ever truly saw him as a friend.
"SUBARU!"
Author's Note: Hey, guys! Happy New Year! Thanks for reading all the way to the end! And now, it's time for everyone's favorite section: The comments!
Hikaru: Louanna will probably wake up before Arc 5 or after Arc 6. Reinhard's happiness will have to take a backseat to Subaru's adventures. Sorry.
Fred Ray: Yes, in my last delicious chapter, Frederica did pass out when she learned that Subaru was the Great Sage. I'll keep up the good work, like you say!
Ryan: I actually prefer Subaru with his hair up, but since there are no visuals, you can use your imagination to make him have his hair down, if you want.
Waiz: Thank you for the good comment.
Mebius: No, Volcanica won't visit Lugnica. No, he doesn't have a human form.
Danny: I have read your comment and I understand. However, I'm pretty sure that I will leave the idea of potential relationships alone for the time being.
alankordel958: Yes, Kazuma left him Chunchumaru, but inside said katana, were all of Kazuma's skills and magic, including the Explosion spell from two chapters ago.
NPwall: Nice comment.
Deathenglegamers1144: Glad you gave my story a 9.5/10 review.
Im The Person: Yeah, the next few chapters will be about the Pleiades Watchtower, so have fun with all those new characters. Shaula, Reid, Louis, and Volcanica will totally appear. And hey, you saw the Emilia Camp's reactions to Subaru's status, so there.
palik: Yeah, good point. No adoption for Shaula, since she's technically already his daughter. The Emilia Camp drama is out of the way, and Subaru will definitely experience his past life, but nothing involving the Isekai Quartet. That is a mystery for another day.
R-king 93: Thanks for the awesome comment.
.peto: I have no idea if "naisu" means "nice". Please send help.
A. J Savage: No, Shalua won't court Subaru. No, there will be no reference of Subaru's otherworldly friends until the end of the series, which is still pretty far away.
KingLAO2964: I will be definitely doing a WHDAAA spin-off in the future.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Lamentablemente, no habrá una batalla épica entre el Gran Sabio y el Santo de la Espada. Además, no creo que Subaru se encuentre con Satella, al menos no personalmente. Lo siento. Pero bueno, al menos Shaula se salvará.
suryanshtiwari8858: Thanks for the nice comment, yes, I will continue.
WarlockofVainglory: Yeah, Frederica fainting was nice. As we're everyone else's reactions. In terms of reviving Echidna, I do have an idea… but it will take some time.
BigSmokeYeet: Send a friend request at Discord, Ernalore#8663, then we can discuss it.
KazeelBaYz: The bomb was indeed dropped by Reinhard. And don't worry, the only time Shaula was ever hostile was in this chapter, and now that's over.
reinhardt53: Thank you for the incredible comment.
KannasMirror: Reinhard will now have to go back and report his failings, so yeah, no fireman carry. While yes, Subaru is more mature, there will still be a trauma conga-line, it will just be shorter and have less deaths than normal.
Whyat: Nah, Reinhard would never have a panic attack. But now that Subaru had successfully made it to the tower, Reinahrd will definitely be depressed.
Guest: While Subaru will not lose his memories, he will have to fight Regulus, eventually.
Mahdi: Reinhard won't be leaving the country for the time being, and neither will Subaru, so they don't have to deal with the Reinhard Law at the moment.
HufflepuffKat: Yeah, Reinhard will be sad. But still, in terms of power, he and Subaru are now equals, so, in a fight, the only option would be a tie.
Now, it's been a while since I've done one of these, but it's time to show off the new powers Subaru used in this week's chapter!
"Meteor Strike": The ability to summon a small meteorite to crush enemies below. This attack is capable of eliminating thousands. Used by Seiya.
"Air Strike Shield": A skill that creates a green translucent shield that can be used to block attacks. It can also be maneuvered and used as a weapon at high speeds. The durability is that of tempered glass, but will shatter like normal glass once broken.
"Secondary Shield": Able to summon a second shield of any kind, but usually those are Air Strike Shields. Both Shield abilities were used by Naofumi.
That's all I have this time around! Thanks for reading!
- Ernalore
Chapter 10: The Pleiades Watchtower
Summary:
Subaru's party have made it to the Pleiades Watchtower and have encountered Shaula, who tells them that if they have any hope of escaping, they will have to pass the three Trials. Meanwhile, Reinhard has come back to the Capital, and now has to report to everyone that he failed his mission. All the while, a certain book with something lurking inside awaits Subaru. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 10: The Pleiades Watchtower
"Reinhard van Astrea, you may begin your report," Mikltov said.
At the moment, Reinhard was reporting to the Council of Elders in the Throne Room, with four of the five Royal Selection Camps present. Of those who were in attendance, the most noteworthy were the Sword Saint, Felt, Old Man Rom, the other three Royal Candidates, their respective knights and attendants, and the redhead's grandfather, Wilhelm.
All of them, with the exception of Felt and Rom, were wearing grim faces.
"My investigation first brought me to the Lifaus Highway, where several merchants had reported they had seen Subaru Natsuki slay the White Whale with a single blow. My Divine Protections deemed their claims to be true," began Reinhard. "I investigated the area myself and found the corpse of the Great Mabeast, cleany sliced in half down the middle."
Upon hearing that, the entire Crusch Camp winced. Wilhelm felt empty inside, wondering if the Great Sage did this as some sort of punishment for not helping, while Felix was enraged that the black-haired man would dare steal Crusch's rightful kill.
All Crusch felt was regret, regret for not listening to the nasty-eyed man.
"I see, please continue, Reinhard," asked the Elder.
"Master! You're back!"
"HEY, GET OFF ME!"
Subaru was having a weird day, to say the least. First, he and his party had to get through an invisible force-field just to get anywhere near the Watchtower. Second, he needed his two lolis to get Patrasche to dodge multiple needles of light, while he used his magic to shield everyone.
And now that they finally made it inside the tower, some half-naked lady in a cape was hugging him so hard that he might need to Return by Death. Again.
"We are getting off topic, I suppose," said Beatrice. Pointing at the woman, she asked, "You there, would you happen to be the one who was shooting those light spears at us, in fact?"
Turning towards the blonde loli, she said, "That was me, yup! Sorry, if I knew that you were with my Master, then I wouldn't have used Hell's Snipe on you, yup!"
After managing to pry her off and gasping for air, Subaru decided that it was time to answer some actual questions. "Wait, if you think I'm your master… then you are…?"
Looking towards Subaru, the lady got up, struck a pose identical to the ones Subaru used, and announced, "This first-class lady is Shaula the Star-Keeper! Master Flugel's one and only student, apprentice, and self-proclaimed body pillow!"
"EWW!"
"DISGUSTING, IN FACT!"
"WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Both Meili and Beatrice looked at Shaula with various expressions, all of them ranging from confusion to outright disgust. Seriously, Meili was a child, what the hell?
But the one that felt the most disgusted by this was Subaru. He didn't know why but the idea of being romantically involved with her just felt… wrong.
But there was one thing she said that piqued Beatrices' curiosity.
"Subaru… the crystal in your staff… the voice in it also called you "Master Flugel", in fact."
"Yeah, now that you mention it…" Subaru trailed off, before looking at the woman. Since he was being suffocated, he couldn't really get a good look of her, but now that he was examining her, he saw the similarities between her outfit and Subaru's tracksuit.
Black bikini… half-black, half-orange bow-tie… necklace… knee-high black boots with orange lines… black hot pants and an orange belt… and to top it all off, a black-and-orange cloak...
"Onii-chan, you're being a peeervert…!" Meilie teased in glee.
"I was just getting a good look at her!" he yelled, trying to defend himself, immediately regretting his wording. "Actually, now that I said it out loud, it doesn't really help my case…"
"It's okay, Master!" Shaula said with a wink, "You can stare as much as you like, yep!"
Ignoring Shaula's creepy advancements, Subaru looked around the room, which seemed like a giant hall with no distinguishing features. "Say, Shaula…" he asked, "Where are we?"
"Is Master's brain rotting? We're at the ground floor of the tower, Celaeno, yup!" she exclaimed, asi if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "I'll carry your ground dragon and carriage to the green room, then we can begin the Trials, yep!"
"Wait, wait, wait, "Trials"?!" Subaru asked. "What are those?!"
"The Trials Master left behind! In order to leave the tower, you must complete all three of them, yup! Also, you can't destroy the tower, or any of the Trials, or you'll be stuck here!"
"""HUH?!"""
"The next place of interest was Irlam Village."
Priscilla, Anastasia, and Crusch all flinched when they heard that name.
"It was there, where it was reported that Subaru Natsuki defeated the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, along with dozens of Witch Cultists. My conversation with the Emilia Camp confirmed that Subaru Natsuki did indeed use multiple unknown Fire-type spells to incinerate the Archbishop, while turning the Cultists' corpses into undead slaves, all of them loyal only to him and the members of the Emilia Camp."
Now, this was a surprise to the Candidates. It was one thing to believe that Subaru was powerful enough in combat spells, but it was an entirely different thing to know that he could raise the dead, effectively making him the second known user of what they believed to be the ancient spell the Sacrament of the Immortal King, the other being Felix.
The most terrified of this notion was Priscilla. The cat boy had a difficult time raising one person from the dead, but if that boy could raise dozens of undead with ease, then he could theoretically have an unlimited number of loyal soldiers.
She was seriously regretting threatening war with the Emilia Camp.
"On a side note, it should also be known that Felix Argyle has witnessed what can best be described as a teleportation spell used by Subaru Natsuki, when he transported himself back to the Karsten Manor, to pick up one of Mather-sama's maids, Rem."
"I can confirm that that statement is true," said Felix, without his usual pep.
"Very well, then," gulped Bordeaux. "Then let's continue."
After getting Patrasche and all of the group's junk in what Shaula called the "Green Room", getting themselves rehydrated with the well on the floor, and eating some rations to quickly get energized, Subaru's party was ready to tackle the Trials, if they ever wanted to go home.
Climbing up the stairs from the next floor, "Alcyone", the boy and three girls climbed up to the next floor, Taygeta, where the First Trial was supposed to be. Upon entering the room, the group saw that the entire room was white, and virtually empty, save for a single black monolith.
"Huh. If this isn't giving me "2001: A Space Odyssey" vibes, I don't know what will," Subaru joked, as he approached the monolith. After hesitating a bit, Subaru touched the black monolith.
In an instant, the entire room was covered in a series of multicolored monoliths, all of them representing stars and constellations, sending all but Shaula into a small shock.
"Okay! For your first Trail, all you need to do is find the brightest hero Shaula destroyed!"
Meili pretended not to hear the last part the Scorpio said, while the Japanese teenager and his contracted Spirit looked around the room.
"Geez… there's gotta be hundreds of these things," the black-haired boy commented. "Almost as many of them as stars in… the night sky…" he trailed off before his eyes widened. "Stars…"
"What is it, I suppose?" asked the drill-haired girl.
"Beako, can you cast "Murak" to float me up?"
"With ease, in fact," she answered, while stretching her hand out. "Murak."
In an instant, Subaru could feel his body become weightless, as he floated up to get a better view of the monoliths. Of course… he thought to himself.
They're all stars… each one representing a different constellation…
"Rigel," he said. "The correct answer is Rigel."
"Ding, ding ding!" Shaula exclaimed. "That is correct!"
Floating back down, Subaru saw that the monoliths were all disappearing, as shelves with endless amounts of books started to take their place all around the party.
"Welcome to the Taygeta Library! Home of the Books of the Dead!"
"Afterwards, the details start to get a little blurry, but the most accurate information I have at the moment is this: Subaru Natsuki had managed to defeat Garfiel Tinsel, the Shield of the Sanctuary, in unarmed combat, forced the Great Spirit of Fire, Puck, to carry his orders the Sanctuary, while he fought off an army of Mabeasts that had encroached into the Mathers domain, with a maid, Frederica Baumann, stating that he was capable of firing lightning from his fingertips. After all the Mabeasts had been eliminated, the ringleader of the attack, Elsa Granhiert, better known as the infamous Bowel Hunter, willingly surrendered."
Everyone had mixed responses when they heard the next part.
Julius' gut sank even deeper, knowing that the Great Sage was merely pretending to be weak, thus further cementing the idea that he was merely testing them.
Anastasia quivered. If the Great Sage was capable of forcing the Great Spirit of Fire into submission, then forcing her to work for him during the negotiations would have been a piece of cake. He truly was testing them!
Crusch gulped. The Great Sage was capable of both teleportation and could create lightning from his fingertips. He was a one-man army! Possibly even stronger than Reinhard…
Felt couldn't help but smile. Of course her Big Bro would be able to take down the psycho bitch!
"Afterwards, Subaru Natsuki teleported himself and his contracted Spirit, Beatrice, the Great Spirit of Yin, back to the Sanctuary, where they both slew the Great Rabbit. Their strategy involved trapping the Great Mabeast in what can be best described as crystallized darkness, and then setting off an explosion so devastating, it was the cause of the recent earthquake. Some of the locals have even started calling it the Second Day of Red Earth and Sky."
Everyone started making an uproar when they heard that. The earthquake was caused by one person? But the more they thought of it, the more it made sense. They were all there when the Dragon Tablet announced the death of the Great Rabbit. Right after the earthquake.
"Order! Order!" barked Zellgeff. "Please continue, Reinhard."
"Very well, sir…"
Continuing up from the Taygeta floor, the party reached the next floor, Electra.
"Whoo, that was easy!" celebrated the Japanese teenager. "Are they all gonna be puzzles?"
Examining the room around them, the nasty-eyed boy noticed that it was a completely ordinary room, with the exception of a sword seated into the ground in the middle.
"Oh, I get it! It's a test of strength! Like the King Arthur story!" Subaru exclaimed, as he went up to the sword to pull it out of the floor. However, upon touching it, something happened.
"Gain his permission, by the hand of the Fool who has reached the Heavenly Sword."
"Huh?"
Out of thin air, a man in a red kimono, along with red messy hair, wearing an eyepatch, materialized and started to smile like a shark. The surprise of his sudden appearance made Subaru yelp in shock, before jumping back a bit.
"Oi, wimp. This ain't no test of strength. This is a combat trial," spat the red-haired man.
Turning around to see that his party was safe, he noticed that Shaula was on the floor, and her face was pale. "Uh, Shaula, you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."
"That's because she has seen a ghost, you."
Turning around to face the redhead, Subaru's eyes widened in shock. "Wait, you're a ghost?! Then how the hell am I supposed to fight you?!"
"Simple," the ghost replied. "If you can get me to take a single step in any direction during our fight, I'll let you pass to the next Trial."
"But… you're a ghost."
"Yeah?"
"How are you… solid?"
Upon hearing the question, the redhead's grin became larger and larger, with more sharp teeth making themselves visible. "Well, why don't ya come and find out, you?"
Striking a battle pose, Subaru spoke. "Beako, Meili. Can you please get Shaula out of here?"
"Can do!" responded the blue-haired girl.
Subaru looked back one last time to make sure that the three girls were gone, before looking back at the fighter. "All right, let's do this. My name is Subaru Natsuki. And you are?"
Pulling out a pair of chopsticks from his kimono, he said, "Hauroy Rallior."
Subaru turned his staff upside-down, using the top with the emerald as the base of his make-shift sword, gripped it, and proceeded to charge at the redhead.
"HAAA!"
Unfortunately, even with his improved swordsmanship skill, the redhead was far faster than the black-haired boy, and was able to dash towards him in an instant and thrust his chopsticks towards his chest, throwing him towards the wall.
BAM!
Subaru fell from the wall towards the floor, got up, and charged at him again. But, yet again, before he could even touch him, "Hauroy" slapped him three consecutive times in the face.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
Hitting the floor, Subaru lifted his staff to avoid the man's five overhead strikes with his chopsticks, calling out, "Small Shield!"
In an instant, part of his staff created a small metal shield, which helped with the overhead attacks, but was not big enough to use when it came to dodging his underhand attack, as it sent Subaru packing towards the wall once more.
BDOOF!
Getting back up once more, Subaru charged at him again, and this time, was met with a swift blow to the gut, sending him flying once more.
"Again," the shark-toothed maniac demanded.
Grunting and standing up, Subaru looked at the redhead. Damn it, this is just like when I fought Julius, he thought to himself. Okay, think, think. What is there that I can use to my advantage?
It took him a few seconds, but in those few seconds, the boy's smile widened as he came up with a plan to defeat the chopstick-wielder.
"Slow! Energy Drain! Haste! Flash! Perfect Unknowable!"
"Wha-!"
Before "Hauroy" could respond, he felt himself become incredibly slow and a lot weaker, while the Japanese teenager ran at him with higher speed than he did before. The redhead braced himself for the attack, but instead of feeling pain, he saw a bright light that blinded him, and when his eyes adjusted once more, the nasty-eyed boy was gone.
Where the hell did he go? I didn't scare him off, did I…?
"DIMENSION BLADE!"
In an instant, the eye-patch wearing man turned around only to see a blade of light hit his gut. It didn't hurt him, all it did was push him back a bit, but it didn't matter. The boy who hit him immediately made himself visible again, and had a smile on his face.
"What?"
"You moved."
Looking down, the redhead saw that he had indeed moved one step to the right. He lost.
"Well, damn. Guess ya pass the Trial, you."
As soon as those words were said, Subaru could hear three different sets of footsteps running up the stairs and towards the two warriors. It didn't take a genius to guess who they were.
"Subaru!"
"Onii-chan!"
"Master!"
All three girls were ecstatic to learn that he defeated the Second Trial. So much so, that they all piled onto him. Huh, I guess I really am a Lolimancer.
However, as soon as the adrenaline wore off, Subaru started to feel pain. "Hrrk!" Turns out, one of his eyes was swelling, and blood was leaking out of his forehead and nose.
"""Sorry!""" All of the girls said in unison.
"It's fine, it's fine…" he waved at them, reassuringly. "Right now, though, I could go for dinner."
"Upon be sent to both investigate his accomplishments and retrieve Subaru Natsuki, I was tasked with returning the Bowel Hunter to the Capital, which I had completed, and resumed my task of retrieving Subaru Natsuki, who I had discovered was attempting to return to the Pleiades Watchtower in the Augria Sand Dunes."
"And what happened after that?" asked McMahon.
"Making my way towards my destination, I managed to track down Subaru Natsuki not due to any of my Divine Protections, but due to the fact that he unleashed yet another devastating magic attack. Said magic attack allowed him to summon a large flaming rock to crash down onto the sand dunes, effectively wiping out thousands of dangerous Mabeasts in one-fell swoop. The result of this attack also caused the ground to turn into brimstone."
"WHAT?!" screamed the green-haired valkyrie.
"Crusch Karsten, please keep all questions to yourself until the end, please."
"O-of c-ourse…"
"Following the impact zone of the crash, I managed to find Subaru Natsuki's ground dragon carriage, and followed it, while also discovering the reason I was unable to make it to the Pleiades Watchtower on my previous mission: an invisible forcefield, that twisted and bended across space caused it impossible for anyone to make it. Thankfully, the dust storm caused by the flaming rock allowed temporary visibility of the forcefield, allowing me to navigate the area."
Crusch bit her lip at the realization. That mission Reinhard spoke of was the one where he was sent to the tower to ask the Great Sage to help cure the Royal Family.
Fouier.
Crusch kept biting her lip in anger. The Great Sage had isolated himself away from the world, and because of that, Fourier died. The valkyrie snapped her head back to attention.
"As I rushed through the area, I could see Subaru Natsuki on top of his carriage, summoning green ethereal-like shields to defend himself from a sniper on top of the Watchtower, presumably an automated defense system which used an unknown type of Yang Magic. Unfortunately, when his carriage made it to the base of the tower, the sniper switched their aim to me, and I was forced to dodge and navigate the force field simultaneously."
The rest of the Candidates gulped. Between the Mabeasts, the invisible forcefield, and the sniper, it was no wonder no one was ever able to get to the Watchtower.
"By the time I was able to evade the sniper, Subaru Natsuki and his party had made it to the steps of the entrance. I tried to call out to him, but I was unable to reach him. By the time I made it, the doors closed. I'm sorry, but I've failed my mission. The Great Sage is gone."
"Very well," spoke Miklotov. "With this report now complete, all information shall now go public, not that it will help much, given how these rumors have spread like wildfire… Regardless, I order the knights of the kingdom to spread the word that the Great Sage has gone into hiding. Let it also be known that the Great Sage has been deemed a calamity-level threat, and that if he does not willingly come back to the Capital, the wisdom of the Council of Elders has deemed it appropriate to neutralize him by any means necessary. Captain Marcos, you may get to work.
"As you wish," spoke the captain of the Royal Guard.
With the meeting having ended, everyone left the room to resume their duties. All except for two of the Councilmen, Miklotov McMahon and Bordeaux Zellgef. Miklotov was stressing out over the possibility that the Great Sage might have gone rogue, and this meeting didn't help.
Slumping in his chair, he sighed, "We can only hope now that the Great Sage is either capable of being reasoned with, or hope that he stays as far away from us as possible."
Turning towards his old confidant, Bordeaux asked, "My old friend, if I may ask, what do you think that the Great Sage is planning in his Watchtower?"
"Whatever it is, I'm certain it will go down in history, and that it's beyond our comprehension."
After defeating the redhead in combat and conquering the Second Trial, Subaru and his party decided that it was enough for one day and decided to have dinner and turn in for the evening.
In the Green Room, Subaru's wounds started to heal while he cooked for his companions, despite Beatrice's scoldings of not pushing himself that much after what he did that day. Despite that, Subaru still made dinner, while Beatrice just did her best to heal his wounds.
Dinner itself was nice and quiet, with one exception. Shaula was overjoyed at just eating a plain old dinner, which in her eyes, was a glorious feast. When asked about it, she revealed to the party that she had been living off of Mabeasts for the last 400 years.
Needless to say, the group unanimously felt pity for her. Mabeast meat was said to be disgusting, and any normal person would have gone insane. But Shaula didn't exactly qualify as a "normal person", as she was the fourth Great Mabeast, the Crimson Scorpion, a fact which would have surprised anyone else, but for Subaru's party, it wasn't too out of the ordinary.
Beatrice knew of Daphne's existence four hundred years ago, and given her age, she was wise enough to know that there were some truths in the world to be stranger than fiction. Meili wasn't really that shocked, since she had been around Mabeasts her entire life, so she figured that was why she got along so great with her "naked onee-san".
And Subaru had already died on ten different occasions, met with six dead Witches from 400 years ago, killed a giant flying whale and a horde of man-eating rabbits, and came face-to-face with a world-ending cat, so he was pretty much desensitized to this shit.
Regardless, after dinner everyone decided it was time to settle down. The sun had long since set, and anyone with human physiology was ready to go to sleep. With that being said, it did take a bit to convince the Great Spirit and the Scorpio to also sleep, since they technically didn't need it, but once all that was settled, everyone drifted off to their dreams.
Opening her eyes, Beatrice looked around to see that her contractor was missing. Jolting up and looking around some more, all she could see were the blue-haired assassin and the black ground dragon sleeping peacefully.
Which meant that her Subaru and the half-naked woman were missing.
Crawling over to the sleeping Meili, the little tsundere shook her until she awoke.
"Wake up, purple thing."
"Huh…? Subaru…?"
"No, in fact. He and the keeper of the tower are gone, I suppose."
Jolting up from her sleeping position, Meili yelled "What?!" before immediately covering her mouth, to avoid waking up Patrasche. Making sure that she wasn't awake, she leaned over to Beatrice and whispered, "Where do you think they went?"
"Don't panic, murderous child," Beatrice scolded. "Betty can sense her Subaru's presence and whereabouts via our contract, in fact."
The blonde-haired girl proceeded to close her eyes and concentrate on where her contractor was, all while a silent Meili watched her in silence. After a few seconds, she opened her eyes.
"He is downstairs, in fact. Specifically, he is in the Taygeta Library."
"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Meili asked rhetorically. "Let's go!"
"So, all of these books contain the memories of the dead?" asked the nasty-eyed boy.
"Yup, yup! Everyone who has ever died has one here!" answered the cheerful woman.
Looking around the Taygeta Library, Subaru could only imagine how many books there were. There were probably millions, which, while it would make sense, was still hard to comprehend given the fact that everyone's book would have to fit inside a single library.
It's probably just like the pocket dimension inside Beako's Forbidden Library. It's bigger on the outside than the inside, Subaru mused to himself, sagely.
"There you are, I suppose!"
Turning around, Subaru saw the annoyed owner of the voice, who was also being accompanied by a shy Meili following behind her.
"Oh, hey guys. It's about time that you guys woke up."
"What do you mean, in fact?!"
"Uh, you are aware that in about an hour, it'll be noon, right? The two of you literally slept in."
"That doesn't matter! Why would you be down here, with her, in fact?"
"Look I'm pretty sure that Shaula can be trusted by now, so…" before Subaru could come up with a snark retort, something caught Suabru's attention.
"What are you looking at, I suppose?" Beatrice's annoyance was tuned down to curiosity when she noticed that her contractor was looking at something else.
Meili and Shaula also noticed, as all three of them approached him, slowly.
But Subaru wasn't paying attention.
All alone on a shelf by itself, was a Book of the Dead. But it wasn't an ordinary Book of the Dead. It was a red Book of the Dead. All of the other ones Subaru had seen had black covers, with silver linings creating the names of each dead person.
But rather than silver, this one had gold linings for its name.
And the name written on that red cover was "Flugel", in Japanese.
Author's Note: Hey everyone! Thanks for reading this chapter, I worked super hard on it! Anyways, it's time for the comments!
SentinalSlice: That idea of yours for a new Divine Blessing was pretty funny. When it comes to Reinhard's Level, he's the same as Subaru, Level 100. And how Subaru will deal with Pandora, that is currently a work-in-progress. Thanks for the praise!
pastymasty123: You saw the Book of the Dead, of course Subaru will gain his old memories. The story of Arc 5 will happen, but it will be a bit different. Also, I never considered using Natsumi Schwartz in my story. I'll think about it.
Misaka Phenex: And how would Subaru be able to live forever? Do tell me.
Guest #1: Well, now two people are telling me to use the Natsumi Schwartz thing. I might consider it, but it'll be unlikely, as that's not the narrative I'm trying to push. Sorry.
Decker: Well, Flugel did help create Shaula, so that's just me. But my guess for why she's so affectionate was because she was never taught the different kinds of love.
Fred Ray: All right, I fixed it. The translations must have slipped me, sorry.
VeryCriticalBro: I have to admit, you are a very critical bro, indeed. But don't worry, Subaru's mental state has improved. Reinahrd's vision wasn't blocked by the dust, he just had trouble with the forcefield. Glad you at least like my jokes.
Hikaru: Sorry, but Louanna will have to wake up after my version of Arc 6.
Grifith Moses: Yeah, Subaru will definitely try to downplay his achievements, at least when he's in public. When he's with friends, he'll totally brag.
Waiz: Oh yeah, Subaru will have a major intellectual challenge later in the story. One that will require political manipulation, favors, and other non-combat tasks.
Altistair: I'm more of the guy who believes in committed relationships, not side pieces.
Im The Person: Yeah, Shaula totally made an oopsie when she killed her Master. But yeah, Subaru will totally take down Capella in the future, so just you wait for it.
ExoticIdiot: For the story, I'm gonna have Subaru confront Shaula about the fact that he can't romantically love her, but he will still love her, nonetheless.
R-king93: Thanks, I'll definitely keep up the good work.
Maximum Rhapsody: Subaru will indeed see his parents again, but I'm planning that for the end of the series. And there will be elements of crossovers later in the story.
Perch 2nd airborne: The reason Reinhard couldn't get any further was because he couldn't get past the force field. Also, I read your work, "The frozen knight". Nice.
A. J Savage: Sadly, there will be no reference to Subaru's otherworldly friends in the Pleiades Watchtower, but they will be mentioned later in the story.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, este capítulo está lejos de terminar, pero habrá muchas escenas con la dama encantadora Shaula y Louis. Eso te lo puedo garantizar.
KingLAO2964: Well, the reason Reinhard was dramatic with Subaru was because he believes everyone else either hates him or tolerates him, but not Subaru.
BorderLand: Yeah, Reinhard may be depressed, but he does have an equal. And I can guarantee that Subaru will try to help him, starting with helping his family.
KazeelBaYz: While it is true half the crew for the expedition were lolis, Subaru totally didn't have any option! Meili's relationship with Subaru will definitely be better off, and Shaula will definitely tag along with Subaru. While Reid has appeared, Volcanica will have to wait for the next chapter. The Emilia Camp will have to deal with some of the fallout later on, as will Reinhard. I also read your work, "Chaotic Situation", and I liked it.
.peto: I still don't know what "Naicu" means.
palik: Shaula is finally here! The best daughter is finally here for you all! And as for the next season of the anime, I hope it gets announced some time soon.
WarlockofVainglory: Welp, you saw some of Seiya's sword skills.
OresoAreYummy: Shaula is here, enjoy, ya gluttons.
SmilingIceCube: Meili calling Subaru "Onee-chan" instead of "Onii-chan" was a translation error on my part. Don't worry, though, I have already fixed it.
Samuel: Shaula is still Subaru's daughter, regardless of reincarnation, otherwise Satella would have no reason to love our current Subaru. Also, yes, Subaru will adopt Louis.
HufflepuffKat: Despite that, Reinhard still secretly blames himself.
Steinfeld: It's Shaula time! Whooo!
IsseixAtalanta77: I do have a plan to bring the Witches back into the world of the living, but that is still in the far future. And yes, he will definitely save both Geuse and Fortuna.
Countergaurdian234: Thanks for the awesome compliment, man!
And in terms of new abilities, we have all of these:
"One-Handed Sword": A skill that raises the proficiency of a person that wields a sword, specifically swords of the one-handed variety. Used by Kazuma.
"Small Shield": The default form for the Legendary Shield, used to block attacks. In my story, the shield forms on Subaru's staff where he needs it. Used by Naofumi.
"Slow": A spell that slows down an enemy's movements. Used by Ainz.
"Energy Drain": A spell that drains the opponent's levels, granting the user various benefits depending on the numbers of levels he drained. Used by Ainz.
"Flash": A spell that creates a bright light that blind opponents. Used by Kazuma.
"Perfect Unknowable": Makes the user invisible to the naked eye, while also erasing their traces and sounds, making it very difficult for them to be detected. Used by Ainz.
"Dimension Blade": A blade that can cut through space. Used by Seiya.
And that's it! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /qaNcB67f , you can chat with others, post fanart and memes, and I'll drop by every now and then! If you want to be my friend, my Discord username Ernalore#8663. Also, check out "A Sage, a Warlock, and an Eternal All Walk into a Bar…" It was a collaboration between me, Im The Person, and Infinite the Celestian, and we even made a WHDAAA spin-off on it, so check them out! That's all for now, I'll see you later!
- Ernalore
Chapter 11: Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki
Summary:
Inspecting the Book of the Dead closer, Subaru decides to read it. This results in the defeat of a Sin Archbishop, the subservience of the Divine Dragon, the conquest of the Pleiades Watchtower, and four hundred years worth of trauma. Once that was all said and done, the Great Sage's party head for Flanders, to restore Geuse. Little do they know, someone very evil is on their way, as well... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 11: Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki
Subaru inspected the book one last time to make sure that he wasn't making a mistake, but sure enough, he read it correctly, just like last time.
Written in gold, the name "Flugel", in Japanese, was scribed on the red Book of the Dead.
Turning towards the braided girl, he asked, "Shaula, could you tell me about your master?"
"Did you forget, silly? Master Flugel is Master Flugel!"
"Okay, new idea. Shaula, who do you think I am?"
"You're Master Flugel, the Great Sage, the smartest man in the world, and the man I love with all my heart!" Subaru took in the information the Scorpio told him, but he needed more of it.
Looking down from her direction, his gaze fell onto his contracted spirit. "Beako, you've been alive for a really long time. Is there any chance you met this 'Flugel' guy?"
"I did indeed meet him on three separate occasions, in fact," the Great Spirit answered.
"And what was he like?"
"He was headstrong, and stupid, I suppose. Always fawning over Satella. He wore a bizarre outfit, had short black hair, and a disgusting gaze, kind of like… yours…" she trailed off.
She looked up to the boy she called contractor, eyes widened, inspecting his face for any similarities, and once she was done, she only whispered a single word:
"Flugel?"
Now Subaru was panicking. One person claiming that he was some dead guy from 400 years ago would just be weird, but two people, that tends to raise some serious questions.
Looking over the two girls, he needed to make sure that he wasn't losing his mind. "Meili?"
"Don't look at me, Onii-chan. I have no idea what's going on."
With his confirmation in check, Subaru looked back at that book, then back at his party, before making a decision. There were too many questions, and he needed answers.
"All right, I'm gonna read that Book of the Dead."
"Subaru, you can't!" the Great Spirit protested.
"Well, I need to know! And besides, if it's not mine, it could give us some answers."
"All right, but we'll be here to make sure you're safe."
Nodding, Subaru turned around and picked up the red book. Taking deep breaths, he mentally prepared himself for whatever he was going to experience.
"Okay, here we go."
And Subaru opened the book.
When Subaru opened his eyes, he saw that he was standing in a swirling tunnel of blue and white. It was bright, almost giving off an aura Heaven itself would give off.
And in this hall, Subaru came face-to-face with a blonde girl.
"How delightful," she commented, revealing her sharp teeth. "You are the first person to discover the gateway to the Corridor of Memories, tsu."
"Oh, uh, sorry to intrude," Subaru apologized. "I'm Subaru Natsuki. And you are…?"
"We are the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the Satiation aspect of Gluttony…" she said, lunging towards Subaru, hand extended outward. "LOUIS ARNEB!"
Reacting to her lunge, Subaru immediately activated "Haste", and grabbed her by the arm.
"What the –?!"
"Yeah, no, not gonna let you touch me. DOMINATE!" With the Sin Archbishop now both immobilized, and under Subaru's spell, the Japanese teenager started fishing for information. "All right, kid, first question: Why did you lunge at me like that?"
Unable to lie, Louis was forced to spill the truth. "Our Authority allows us to steal the abilities of our victims, provided we know their names, and touch them, tsu."
"Give me more details."
"If we eat a persons' name, he is forgotten by the world. If we eat their memories, they become amnesiacs. If we eat both, that person falls into a coma, never to be remembered. Ever."
Subaru scowled at that information. He wanted to choke the life out of this little gremlin, but he needed more info. "Okay, why are you referring to yourself in the plural?"
"There are three Sin Archbishops of Gluttony. Myself, who represents Satiation, Roy Alphard, of the Bizarre Eating, and Ley Batenkaitos of Gourmet."
Three of them, huh? Subaru thought for a minute, thinking of what he could do to get the other two Sin Archbishops to come out of the woodwork. He needed some sort of bait.
Looking down at Louis, Subaru started to grin.
"So, you tried to steal my memories, huh?" Subaru's smirk began to become bigger, as he placed his free hand over her face. "Well, let's see how you like it? Amnesia Control!"
In an instant, Subaru's spell got to work. All the memories Louis had ever eaten were being erased, never to return. She could feel as her personality was slowly eroded away. Even if she wanted to fight back, she couldn't.
Once the spell ended, the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, was gone.
With his job finished, Subaru used "Drain Touch" to drain Louis of her mana, knocking her out cold. Standing up, the nasty-eyed boy looked around to see a white door.
It's probably an exit, Subaru guessed.
Picking up Louis, Subaru walked towards the exit, and into the light.
Inside the Throne Room, it was a quiet day for the Council of Elders.
"Good afternoon, Bordeaux."
"Afternoon to you as well, Miklotov."
"Are you enjoying another quiet day?" asked Miklototv.
"Yes," he answered. "Let me tell you, these past two days have been great. Finally, all the reports and investigations have been completed. Now, we can just relax, and-"
"LOOK!" yelled another Council member, pointing at the shining Dragon Tablet once more.
Reading the contents of the new report, Miklotov sighed, "Looks like our little vacation couldn't last forever. Seems like it's back to work for us, eh, Bordeaux?"
Bordeaux agreed, although he was doing it while swearing under his breath.
Inside the Throne Room, a new message shined on the Dragon Tablet.
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, has defeated the Sin Archbishop representing the Satiation aspect of Gluttony, Louis Arneb."
Subaru was not mentally prepared for what he saw.
The instant he went into the light, memories from four hundred years ago flooded his mind.
Satella. Petelgeuse. Daphne. Shaula. Minerva. Beatrice. Typhon. Volcanica. Carmilla. Ryuzu. Sekhmet. Puck. Echidna. Roswaal. Pandora. Reid. Hector. Farsale. Hoshin. Clind. Zarestia.
Friends. Enemies. Family. These were people Subaru knew. These people met with him. Fought against him. These were people that trusted him, allied with him, and we're willing to die for him.
Which is why what he saw inside that book was so heartbreaking.
He saw the Great Calamity. He saw how many innocent people died. He saw the Witches of Sin, his friends, all die. He saw how Beatrice was left to rot by her Mother's contract. He saw as he was forced to seal away the love of his life with the help of his friends.
All this death, all of this tragedy, was caused by him.
Subaru was the Great Sage.
Subaru was Flugel.
And that thought alone terrified him beyond all comparison.
As soon as Subaru regained consciousness, the first thing he did was scream.
"AIIEEE!"
"Subaru!"
"UUUGGGHHH!"
"Master Flugel!"
He screamed on that floor, and spasmed until he felt multiple hands trying to restrain him.
"We're here, we're here for you."
Hearing that comforting voice, Subaru's breathing slowed down, and his eyes stopped darting around in a panic. Feeling a little better, he tried to stand up.
"Bleaugh!"
Only to throw up by how sickened he was at what he saw.
As he expelled his dinner from last night, Beatrice, Shaula, and Meili all looked at him with worry and concern in their eyes. Whatever he saw, it was not for the faint of heart.
Once he was done coughing up whatever bile he had left in his mouth, Subaru looked up from his position, and saw the looks of concern all over his companions.
"S-Shaula...?"
"Yes?" she asked, with concern for her Master.
Immediately, Subaru ran up towards the Scorpio, and embraced her in a giant hug.
"SHAULA!" he screamed. "SHAULA! SHAULA SHAULA!"
"H-huh…?"
"Oh my God, my baby. My little girl. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for leaving you," he cried.
As the Great Sage hugged his daughter, Shaula herself felt a plethora of emotions. First it was surprise and shock, but it slowly morphed into happiness and love as she embraced her father.
After hugging her for so long, and crying his eyes out, Subaru let go, only to turn around and look at his little sister. "Beako…"
"I-Is… is it really you, in fact?"
With a weak smile, Subaru confirmed her answer. "It's me, Beako. It's Flugel. Your big brother is back." Kneeling down to the floor, Subaru stretched his arms out.
The instant he did, the little girl ran towards her big brother, tears in her eyes, as she embraced him, crying as harder than she ever did in her last four centuries alone.
But she was not alone anymore. And neither were Subaru or Shaula.
Piece by piece, they started to fix their broken family.
"Are you done bawling your eyes out, Onii-chan?"
"Sorry about that, Meili, I was just having an identity crisis."
It had now been twenty minutes since Subaru read his own Book of the Dead, and since then he had been profusely apologizing to Shaula and Beatrice, while hugging them, while crying.
But now that that was done, Subaru was back on his feet, and ready to finish his mission.
"Okay, let's go see Volcanica."
"Wait, what?!"
"When I read my Book of the Dead, I relieved my entire past life. That included building the Tower, creating the Trials, and asking Volcanica to serve as the final obstacle."
"That… actually makes sense."
Walking up the floors of the Pleiades Watchtower once again, Subaru couldn't help but remember all of the memories he had here.
Every time Daphne would come and visit us… every time Shaula nearly broke one of my bones… every time I would smile just by seeing Satella…
But for every happy memory, there came a sad one. The black-haired boy's mind was now filled with regret from four hundred years ago. He kept wallowing in misery as he climbed the staircase, until he eventually snapped out of it once he was on a particular floor.
Upon reaching the Electra floor once more, a certain redhead materialized once again. "Oi, you gonna fight me again, you?"
"Shut up, Reid, I know it's you. And also, fuck you for using a fake name, too."
"Ah, so Flugel finally remembers."
"Yes, I finally remember who I am."
"Wait a minute," said Meili, putting two and two together, "You're telling me that that is the first Sword Saint, Reid Astrea?"
"Yep, that perverted ghost is none other than the first Sword Saint!" Shaula confirmed.
As Subaru went past the redhead, the three girls behind him followed as far as they could before they were stopped by the ghost.
"Sorry, only Flugel beat me, so only Flugel gets to go."
Inside one of the highest floors of the Watchtower, the Divine Dragon, Volcanica, lay next to a giant pillar in the middle, as six other pillars were at the outskirts of the floor.
Volcanica laid there motionless, as he did for 400 years, waiting for someone to arrive and take the final examination, and to complete the Three Trials. Over the course of that time, his mind degraded, and now he was nothing more than an animal, listening to instinct. The only part of his brain left told him to follow the covenant of the kingdom, and that of the Great Sage.
Eventually, someone appeared to take the Final Trial. A human wielding nothing but a staff.
"Thou, who hath reached the top of the tower, step forth through the first floor, almighty petitioner. I am Volcanica. In accordance with the ancient covenant, I ask the will of thee who hath reached the summit."
"I know about the covenant, Volcanica, I was one of the two parties in agreement."
"Very well. Let the Final Trial begin."
Shifting to an active pose, the Divine Dragon proceeded to guard the pillar in the middle with more attentive movements, as he waited for his opponent to make his first move.
Inside Subaru's mind, the gears were turning. Okay, think, Subaru, think. You created this Trial, after all, you can definitely beat it. All you have to do is get past Volcanica and touch the correct handprint on the monolith. Okay, what to do… If I can't dodge him, maybe I can reason with him. If I touch the scar underneath his jaw, maybe that'll get him back to normal.
With his plan ready, Subaru got into position, and waited. He waited for the right opportunity to present itself, and once it did, he ran like crazy.
The Divine Dragon saw this and started to let loose its "Purification Breath". With its mouth open, a white and bluish light erupted from inside him that was so powerful, it killed sound itself. And that stuff was heading straight for the boy with the staff.
Subaru, however, wasn't an idiot, as he managed to dodge the attack at the last second. He knew that the dragon's breath would have turned him into a crisp, but he needed to bait the big blue dragon for his plan to work. And it worked like a charm.
"Temporal Stasis!"
As soon as the incantation left the boy's mouth, the Divine Dragon stopped moving. He couldn't move, in fact. The spell itself made sure of it. He was essentially frozen in place.
"Ha! You can't burn me to a crisp if you can't move, sucka!"
Seeing that the spell worked, Subaru immediately made for the pillar in a mad dash. While running towards there, he reminded himself to also touch the scar underneath the dragon's jaw. It was a huge risk, as it could waste away precious time, but he took the gamble, regardless.
Sprinting towards the pillar and the dragon, Subaru yelled "Air Strike Shield!" Immediately, the green floating shield appeared as Subaru jumped onto it, jumping even further up into the air, allowing him to touch the scar. And just in time, too.
The spell "Temporal Stasis" had worn off. The Divine Dragon could move again.
Letting gravity take him, Subaru aimed himself towards the black monolith in front of the pillar, where he could see six handprints. As soon as he reached the floor, he tumbled towards them, and placed his hand on the correct one.
Subaru had done it. He defeated the Divine Dragon. He conquered the Pleiades Watchtower.
"Oh, thank God that's over…" he sighed to himself. Putting his hand down from the monolith, Subaru turned around to see a huge mouth full of razor-sharp teeth in front of him. This, of course, sent Subaru into a panic.
"OH MY GOD, DON'T EAT ME!"
However, the sensation of being eaten alive never came. Opening one of his shut eyes, the Japanese teenager now saw that a pair of golden eyes was staring at him.
"Flugel, why hast thee returned?"
Feeling himself relaxed, Subaru was glad that his insane plan had worked. Looking up at the Divine Dragon, he gave a weak smile and said, "Hey, Volcanica. It's been a while."
"Indeed. Flugel, has something happened? Are thee safe?"
"Well, to be honest, I've actually been dead for the last four hundred years. I just came back to this world less than two months ago, without any memories of my past life, and once I came back to the tower, I realized just how much this world has gone to shit."
"Regardless of the state of the world, thou have successfully re-conquered your own Tower, and once again thou have become the Tower's administrator. What are mineself's orders?"
"You and Reid's soul will still be protecting the Tower, but I'm taking Shaula with me. Protect the seal, but make sure you talk to Reid every now and then. I don't want to come back here and find that I have to reset your mind again."
"As thou command, old friend."
Waiting down at the Electra floor, Beatrice, Shaula and Meili all were anxious to see Subaru again. Hopefully, he would be able to complete the Final Trial alone.
Step, step, step.
Hearing the sound of descending footsteps, all three girls looked up to see their leader, coming back down, alive and well.
"Subaru!"
"Master!"
"Onii-chan!"
All three of them rushed immediately towards him, embraced him, and made him topple to the floor under their collective weight.
"Did you do it, in fact?"
"Yup, I succeeded. Volcanica bows to my will once again."
Standing up, Subaru continued to speak. "He and Reid will stay here to guard the Tower, while the rest of us go on another mission, this time to revive Geuse."
"Geuse?"
"That's right, Meili, Geuse," Lifting up his staff, Subaru continued, "He was a Great Spirit that was my friend and ally 400 years ago. Unfortunately, something bad happened, and he needed to take refuge inside my staff's crystal for a bit. But now that I know he's in there, we can bring him back. All we need is to find a human volunteer with a spirit affinity in the nearest capital city."
"Flanders, I suppose."
"That's correct, Beako."
Shaula was ecstatic at the idea of seeing Geuse. "So we're gonna see the crybaby again?!"
"Hopefully so, however, first thing's first, you are going to need an outfit change," said Subaru, gesturing at Shaula's outfit. "No daughter of mine is going out in what is basically just a swimsuit and a cape. I refuse to let any creepos near you."
"Aw, phooey! But I like this outfit!"
Subaru knew that his apprentice would protest, so he came up with a compromise."Tell you what, you can wear it whenever we're having a casual day, not traveling, or any day where we don't have any missions. Basically, whenever I wear my tracksuit, you wear your bikini. Deal?"
"Deal!"
"Great, then let's pack up and head out!"
'Necromancy: Raising the Dead', 'Memory Wiping', 'Illusion Projection', 'Multiversal Transport', 'Forced Mutation and Evolution', 'Seals, Barriers, and Pocket Dimensions'. Good, they're all here, Subaru smiled, as he put all of the essential books from the Tower into the carriage.
At the entrance of the Pleiades Watchtower, the ground dragon carriage was being set up and things were being packed, as the Great Sage's Party was getting ready to head for Flanders.
"Maaaster! I'm done changing!"
Looking up at her now, the only word Subaru could describe Shaula was: Impressive. She was now wearing a light brown jacket with long sleeves, a black belt with a round golden buckle, long-legged khakis with a dark shade of brown, a green bow-tie on her hair, a red bow-tie on her chest, a pair of knee-high brown boots with lighter laces, and a black-and-red cloak.
The only thing that remained the same was her hairdo.
"I see you found the chest in your room I told you about."
"Yep! My regular clothes are in there! I also brought this other chest you asked for!"
Inspecting the contents of the second chest, Subaru saw a clerical cassock with a green stripe down the front, and baggy sleeves with frills. He also saw a red and black cloak, with red seams at the collar, a golden necklace with two swords as decoration, and lastly, a purple zucchetto.
These were Geuse's old clothes.
Grimacing at the reminder of what his old friend had become, Subaru pulled something out of his jacket and tossed it inside the chest before closing it again.
That something was his red Book of the Dead.
"Oh, by the way," Shaula added, "I found this girl loitering in the Green Room!"
"Awaah!"
Subaru's eyes widened as he saw that his apprentice was holding none other than the former Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, Louis Arneb.
"Oh, you found my lure, er, I mean, Louis! Good job, Shaula!"
"Do you know her?" asked the Scorpio.
"Oh, yeah, totally!" Subaru said, however, in all honesty, he completely forgot she existed for a bit. "Throw her into the cart, she's coming with us."
"Yep, yep!" she responded, throwing the blonde into the open door of the carriage. "YEET!"
"AWAAH!"
CRASH!
"Shaula! I didn't mean literally!"
"Oops."
"GAAHHH!" screeched Beatrice, from inside the carriage. "WHAT IS THIS THING, IN FACT?! IT'S PULLING AT MY DRESS! PURPLE THING, STOP LAUGHING! "
"HEY! PLAY NICE, ALL OF YOU!" Subaru shouted, inspecting the area to make sure they didn't leave anyone or anything behind. Subaru nodded as he saw his job was done.
With everything packed and everyone ready to leave, Subaru got up to the front of the cart.
Holding his staff one last time, Subaru looked at the green crystal on the top. The one which housed his old friend.
"Thank you, Geuse," he said. "Thank you for reminding me who I was. Because of you, I can now set things right. Don't worry, I'll bring you back as soon as I can."
A bright light appeared inside the crystal, before fading away again, but it still put a smile on Subaru's face. He knew his friend could hear him.
Putting down his staff, Subaru grabbed Patrasche's reins, and whipped them into motion. "Hya!"
Responding to the commands of her master, the black ground dragon started to pull, and soon enough, the party was leaving the Pleiades Watchtower behind.
Subaru came here with questions and without a purpose, and left with more than he could ask for. He left with answers, a purpose, a mission, a reason to live, and with his daughter and his friend. Now all he needed to do now was complete his mission.
And that mission would lead them to their next destination: The Ground Dragon Capital of Lugnica: The City of Flanders.
Out in the empty fields, far from any civilization, two people were traveling together.
One was tall, wearing robes to hide his multiple arms and weapons.
The other had blonde hair, red eyes, and wore a very revealing outfit.
While the giant was silent, the girl read her book, and muttered to herself.
"Flanders, huh? So this meat-bag thinks he can steal this lovely lady's property…"
The giant remained silent. The girl's grin widened into a manic smile.
"LET'S SEE HOW HE'LL LIKE IT WHEN I TURN HIM INTO A BUG! NYAHAHAHA!"
Author's Note: And that's a wrap! Now here are the comments!
pastymasty123: Actually, I do have a plan for the Authority of Lust, but it won't be shape-shifting. In terms of a redemption arc for Elsa, I have been considering it, but nothing official. And as for Subaru's new possible personality, let's go with… busy?
ZokuTheSkeleton: I can't believe you read all of my chapters in under an hour. Glad you liked the mention of the Isekai Quartet, and the cliffhangers!
Decker: I honestly have no idea how to respond to that.
Waiz: Subaru shaping the world with his powers? Hmm… interesting idea…
Fred Ray: Thank you for the good compliment, as always!
Nat su 31: I did consider having a plot where Subaru ended up in Vollachia, but I have no idea where to put it. Maybe I'll use it for a potential spin-off, who knows?
Trigger: Shaula is immortal, who could she end up with? Clind?!
Anonymous: Ley and Roy will definitely be angry at the fact that Louis has essentially been brainwashed by Subaru.
VeryCriticalBro: According to the Wiki, Reinhard can't receive a Divine Protection if he asks for it. However, now that the existence of the Divine Protection of Telepathy has been known by me, I will definitely use it in the future.
OreosAreYummy: After gaining his memories, Subaru will be slightly more cynical, manipulative, and brooding, but he will still be the same old Subaru.
NPwall: Nice comment.
A. J Savage: The reason that the council of Elders declared Subaru a threat was because he's a threat to their power. Reinhard can be controlled. Subaru can't be controlled.
Grifith Moses: Subaru will definitely adopt some children, legally speaking.
SentinalSlice: I was actually using Overlord's method of levels, rather than Shield Hero's, since it actually stops somewhere. So Level 100 is the level cap for everyone.
Im The Person: Well, now you know why Reid didn't acknowledge Subaru in the previous chapter. I was glad I added everyone's reactions to Reinhard's report, and the Council of Elders… yeah, they're gonna be a problem. Also, thanks for letting me borrow the book titles from your story as a cameo! See you next time!
Dhiraj: Done! Louis has now been adopted by Subaru!
Misaka Phenex: There are only two people who can tie with Subaru, and they are Reinhard and Satella. Let me repeat that: Not beat him, just tie with him.
plaik: Here are all the hugs and head-pats you've been waiting for. And yes, the Council of Elders has made a huge mistake. The nation literally hangs by a thread.
KazeelBaYz: Yeah, right now Crusch is not in the best state of mind. And no, since Reid doesn't have a physical body, he won't be able to leave and join Subaru and friends. Not yet, at least. I never actually considered an Emilia Camp chapter where they were waiting for him to return, but it could happen. Also, Small Shaula? Really?
petopokuspeto: "Naisincu", huh? That it's, I give up.
Fanficrazin543: Most of the Council of Elders deems Subaru a threat to the institutions already in place. Except for Bordeaux, that guy has a personal grudge.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, Subaru básicamente se ha dado a sí mismo una mejora de clase con este Libro de los Muertos. Shaula y Satella definitivamente estarán felices.
WarlockofVainglory: Glad you like the whole "Book of the Dead" plot I've got going on.
BorderLand: Now that you mentioned it, I can totally see Subaru telling everyone he was dead for the last four hundred years. Just makes him seem cooler.
worrierfierce: You want tension? Wait for the next two chapters, they're gonna be good.
BasicDemoliton: Okay, here's the full reason on why the Council of Elders dislike Subaru: First, he criticized establishments that had been standing for decades, some of which the Council liked very much. Second, because of his actions, three of the five Camps are now dead in the water, while the last two were deemed "undesirable" by the Council and the nobility. Third, because he refused their requests, the Council deemed that he couldn't be controlled by Reinhard, thus making him far more dangerous. And finally, Bordeaux hated Subaru very much, and had a lot of political power to antagonize him. Thank you for coming to my TED Talk.
R-king 93: Awesome comment.
KingLAO2964: Reid won't join the gang. For now, at least.
HufflepuffKat: Don't worry, Julius and Subaru will reconcile. They'll both admit to their faults, but the start is gonna be a little bit… bloody.
Mahdi: While it is true Subaru started out as a jerk, by the end of this story, he will be a hero who has seen too much, and is pretty much ready to retire.
Now, in terms of powers, Subaru used these new babies:
"Amnesia Control": A spell that allows the user control over a target's memories. They can erase memories, and even create new, fabricated ones. Used by Ainz.
"Drain Touch": A skill used to drain the mana of the opponent until they're unconscious, as well as give it to their allies, as a boost. Requires physical contact. Used by Kazuma.
"Temporal Stasis": A spell that prevents the target from moving, thus prevents them from attacking. However, it also prevents them from receiving any damage, too. Used by Ainz.
Thanks for reading! If you haven't already, check out my collaboration with Infinite the Celestain and Im The Person called "Watching Three Idiots Talking Smack to Each Other for Thirty Minutes", it's really funny! We even got some amazing fan art by u/Json25 on Reddit, so show him some love! Also, I now have a Discord server! The link is /37pWhBHk . If you want to be my friend, my Discord username Ernalore#8663. That's all I have for now, see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 12: Greed and Lust
Summary:
Subaru, Beatrice, Shaula, Meili, and Louis have made it to the city of Flanders, where they look around for a suitable vessel for Geuse. Unfortunately, the Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas, along with the Sin Archbishop of Lust, Capella Emerada Lugnica, along with their minion, Kurgan, are also there. Things do not go well. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 12: Greed and Lust
"To activate or deactivate the seal, the user that meets any one of those requirements need only will it so," Beatrice said, reading the part of the book about seals.
"That was sooo boring!" cried Meili. "Are we there yet?!"
"Well, good news then!" Subaru said, as he looked into the back of the carriage. "We've arrived."
The three girls dropped what they were doing, and immediately looked out the window, while Subaru and Shaula admired their destination from the front of the cart.
They had arrived in Flanders.
Four hundred years ago, the regional capital city of Flanders was blessed by the Divine Dragon Volcanica, which resulted in the place being known as the "Ground Dragon Capital" of Lugnica, something which the city truly lived up to its name.
In every street, in every corner, there was a ground dragon. Some had horns, others had tipped beaks, some walked on two legs, some walked on all four. Truly, this was a great city.
And, of course it was. This city was named by the Great Sage himself, and it was said that the Great Sage met the first Sword Saint and the Divine Dragon in that small little town.
While it was technically true that the three of them interacted in that city, the first time they met was out in the middle of nowhere. But still, the closest living settlement was Flanders, and it still is, to this day, so Subaru figured he let sleeping dogs lie.
Plus, it would be better for people to think that the three Heroes met each other on better terms, rather than learning that the Great Sage had to break up a fight between the other two idiots.
Speaking of dogs, he thought to himself, I still can't believe I named this town after "The Dog of Flanders" song on my phone. How immature was I back then?
He may have been reprimanding his past self for naming a major city something that was so cheesy, but if he was being completely honest with himself, he knew he would still do that this very day and age. It was kind of in his nature, after all.
Shaking his thoughts out of his head, Subaru had Patrasche direct themselves to the front gate. After paying the entrance fee, they entered the city and parked somewhere nice and secluded.
"Okay, you girls can come out and stretch your legs."
Bursting out of the carriage fits was Shaula, which was understandable as this was her first time in four hundred years traveling somewhere, and she was amazed at how the tiny village she once knew had now blossomed into the thriving metropolis that it was today.
But that's expected of a town Master named himself, yep!
Next was Meili, followed by Beatrice. "Fiiinally!" exclaimed the blue-haired girl. "My butt was getting sore from sitting all the time, Onii-chan!"
While what Meili said was true, she was also bored. It was fun to watch as the energetic Louis kept pulling at Beatrice's dress, causing the Great Spirit to scream at the little girl.
But when she got bored of that, the only other form of entertainment were those books that Subaru bought along with them, but she needed Beako to help her read them.
Too bad that any book that wasn't as terrifying as the one about necromancy was about as boring as the one about seals. She was glad that they had finally made it to Flanders.
After looking around for a bit, Subaru turned around to look at his team. "All right, here's the plan: I'm going to go look around for someone with a Spirit affinity so we can bring back Geuse. I want the rest of you to go ahead and have a look around the city."
"Are you sure that is a good idea, I suppose?" asked the blonde Spirit.
"Look, if you really want to help me, go ahead. Beako, you and Meili will be one team. Shaula, you go by yourself to look around. If there's any trouble, I want you to run back here. Okay?"
Saluting towards the boy, Shaula smiled "You can count on me, Master! Yep!"
"All right, I want us to be back here in two hours," he said, patting the carriage. "Louis, you're in charge of keeping Patrasche company. Can I trust you that we don't get robbed!"
"Uh-huh, uh-huh!" the sharp-toothed girl nodded furiously.
"Good girl."
Roughly an hour and a half had passed since Subaru's team had split up, and all Shaula did was walk around the local cafes and restaurants. Sure, all of that food looked delicious, but in her heart, she knew it would never equate to her Master's cooking.
Wearing these traveling clothes, no one was really staring at her, much less ogling her. Just as her Master planned. He was so smart. And kind.
As she walked around the city, she remembered the memories she had of him from four hundred years ago. The time they named a tree together. The time the Scorpio and Satella teased him. Her interactions with that crybaby, Geuse.
Geuse. Despite all the teasing she did of him, he was like a big brother to her. She missed him.
Snapping her out of her thoughts, she smelled something. It smelled just like Master, but it was different. More sinister.
Turning her head she saw the source of that foul odor. An utterly unremarkable, average man. He had golden eyes, white hair, and wore a lot of white.
And he was directly looking at Shaula, smiling.
Her fingers tensed as she prepared her magic.
"No, in fact!"
"Aww, c'mon Beako!" whined Meili, as she shook a plush animal. "It looks so pretty!"
"We are on a mission! Not only that, but we are also on a budget! And don't call me that!"
It had been an hour and a half since the party had split up, and for the majority of the time, Beatrice was looking around to find a person with a Spirit affinity, while Meili spent the most of her time browsing the market, admiring the pretty trinkets.
"How about we ask Subaru? I'm sure he'll say yes!"
"You know he'll say yes! Betty's contractor is that sort of person…"
But Meili wasn't paying attention anymore. Her eyes wandered off from the Great Spirit as she saw someone in the middle of the street. Someone she recognized.
Someone she feared.
Short golden hair with a rose attached to a ponytail, wearing nothing but hot pants, leggings, and a bikini. Her eyes were those of crimson red, staring directly at the blue-haired girl.
"Purple thing, what is eating you, I suppose?" Beako asked, shaking Meili's shoulder. Something is wrong, she thought. I smell the scent of the Witch, but Subaru isn't here.
"Mama."
"What?"
"MAMA!" she screamed, pointing to where the Cultist stood.
Beatrice looked in her direction, and saw the Witch Cultist, smiling maliciously.
Understanding what was going on, Beako started firing Minya crystals.
"Ugh, still nothing."
More than an hour and a half had passed, and Subaru still had nothing. No one he had asked in this city had any Spirit affinity. Sure, there were a couple of magic-users, but aside from that, everyone here was remarkably average.
Well, I still have half an hour left before…
Subaru's train of thought slowed down suddenly when he noticed a girl. A cute girl. She was a blonde with blue eyes, and a cute face, wearing a black-and-white dress.
But he noticed that there was something wrong with her. Her eyes were dull and lifeless. And her face had no expression on it. No smile, no frown, absolutely nothing.
That was, until she noticed that she was being stared at by Subaru. Upon noticing that, her eyes started to liven up with hope, and her lips twitched a bit.
Approaching him, the blonde said, "Are you him?"
Looking around a bit, Subaru said, "Uh, I think you might have the wrong person…"
"Are you Subaru Natsuki?"
Sucking in his breath, the Japanese teenager said, "I am him."
Upon hearing his response, the blondes' eyes widened and tears threatened to spill out. "You have to help us! This city is in danger, you're in danger!"
Donning a face of concern, the black-haired boy wanted to ask her what danger was, but –
"RUN!"
Suddenly, dozens of the citizens of Flanders were running in the opposite direction of where the nasty-eyed boy was supposed to go, and hearing their cries, he knew exactly why.
"WITCH CULTIST!"
Hearing that, the Japanese teenager ran further in the direction everyone was avoiding, and sure enough, he found his target. Standing in the middle of the street was a Witch Cultist.
But an ordinary cultist, he was not.
He stood up at at least seven feet tall, wielded two giant dark gray cleavers at his side, and was muscular beyond comparison, given how Subaru could see his frame from inside his robes.
Preparing himself for battle, Subaru grimaced. Glad I brought my staff with me.
"El Minya!" Beatrice yelled, firing another crystallized projectile.
The purple shard hit and started to crystallize her target, but said target simply shifted her shape, rendering the attack useless, just like last time.
"When will you lowly worm understand? This lovely lady is here for her daughter, and take her I shall! Now hand her over before I turn you into a bunch of frogs!"
Not liking what the crazy lady was saying, she turned towards Meili, and the little Spirit said, "Run. Find Betty's contractor, in fact. He'll know what to do."
Nodding, the blue-haired girl ran as fast as her legs could carry her.
"Your pathetic self-sacrifice won't mean much once I catch up to her!" the Sin Archbishop screeched, as one of her arms morphed into a giant claw.
"Silence, monster. In my contractor's honor, I shall stop you here and now. El Minya!"
CRACK!
Another swish of his arm, another part of the street was destroyed. Shaula was doing her best to dodge the white-haired man's attacks, but she was unable to dent him in the slightest.
"Hell's Snipe" didn't work. No physical attacks whatsoever scratched him. Heck, when she touched him, she didn't feel anything. No pulse, no temperature, nothing. As if the laws of the world didn't apply to that man.
"I have to admire your will for survival. Not only that, but you also seem to have a pretty face. In fact, if you surrender now, my satisfying existence shall give you mercy, and make you my wife!"
Shaula hated that man's ramblings. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that his face was literally untouchable, she would have given him a knuckle sandwich.
She needed to find his weakness. But how?
Master Flugel! He'll know what to do!
Dodging another one of his attacks, the Scorpio jumped to the rooftops, and ran towards the direction her master's smell was emanating from, hoping that she would make it there in time.
"It's pointless to run! Why don't you do us both a favor and surrender?"
SWISH!
"Magic Arrow!"
KLING!
As the citizens kept running in panic from the fight, the Great Sage was still busy fighting, while also making sure none of the fleeing civilians ended up getting caught in his line of fire.
The Japanese teenager kept running and dodging the giant cultist's attack all the while blasting as many spells as he knew. They needed to be low-level ones in order to prevent any damage towards the city, but he was getting frustrated at the Witch Cultist's endurace.
Fireballs, Iceballs, Lightning, and he's still trying to chop me down! Can't this guy feel pain?! I'm starting to have a hard time believing that this dude is even mortal!
Deciding that he needs to change his strategy, Subaru decided to at least get rid of the hood that the Witch Cultist was cowardly hissing underneath, to know what he's truly facing.
"Acid Arrow!"
Escaping from his palm was a bolt of caustic acid, aiming directly for the cultist's hood, and did not miss. The acid hit, and the hood strted to melt off.
"Now let's see who's under the mask… what the fuck?"
Seeing the culprits' face, the nasty-eyed boy was now confused. What Subaru saw wasn't a man, he wasn't even human. He had blue skin, pointed ears, orange eyes, black-and-white braided hair, and wore some kind of weird golden jewelry on his face.
A demi-human? But isn't the Witch Cult some sort of human-supremacist organization?
While Subaru was trying to figure out what was going on, his assailant suddenly revealed two more arms from underneath his robes, both of them wielding two more of those dark cleavers.
"Hey now, that's just cheating!"
"Onii-chan!"
Turning around, Subaru saw Meili running towards him, her face full of worry and anxiety.
"Meili! What are you doing here?! Where's Beako?!"
"She told me to run and find you while she fought Mama!"
Mama. Capella Emerada Lugnica. The Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Lust.
That name filled Subaru with rage, but he knew that now was not the time. Right now, he needed to focus on his fight with the multi-armed cultist.
"Master!"
Looking up to the rooftops, Subaru saw his apprentice running towards him, her face also filled with worry.
"Shaula, what is it?!"
"Some white-haired wack job is heading towards us! He's extremely dangerous!"
Oh no, could it be another Sin Archbishop?!
BYOOOOM!
Hearing another explosion, Subaru turned around to see his contracted Spirit running towards the group, with a giant balck dragon following behind her.
"What the hell?!" Subaru cried out. "Where did this giant-ass dragon come from?!"
"Idiot contractor!" Beatrice scolded, running towards the group. "That is Lust!"
Subaru gulped. He knew Lust could turn people into animals, but he didn't know that she could turn herself into that kind of monster.
POW! BOOM!
Hearing yet another explosion, Subaru turned to see that Shaula's assailant, a dangerous white-haired man, had reached them as well.
They were surrounded.
"There you are!" the white-haired man yelled, showing a face of rage.
Completely ignoring Subaru's party, the golden-eyed man diverted his attention to the blonde girl in the black-and-white dress, who this whole time, had not left the area.
"Do you have any idea how long it took to find you?!" he kept yelling.
"Hey, asshole!"
Turning his head around, the white-dressed individual's face morphed into even further rage. "Excuse me, but I believe this is a conversation between myself and my wife! Or do you believe that I do not have the right to speak? Is that what you're trying to do?! Take away my rights?!"
"Who the fuck are you?!"
"If you're going to ask someone their name, first you must introduce yourself. But very well, if you wish it…" The man started to bow down. "In the Witch Cult, I am the Sin Archbishop representing the Sin of Greed… Regulus Corneas!"
The dragon shrank down, and morphed into a blonde girl in a very skimpy outfit, who also proceeded to bow down. "And in the Witch Cult, this lovely lady is the Sin Archbishop representing the Sin of Lust… Capella Emerada Lugnica!"
With his question answered, Subaru's face now morphed into a grimace. He now had to deal with not one, but two more of those damn Archbishops. But his anger didn't last long, as he and his party were being cornered by the two Archbishops, and the blue multi-armed giant.
"And I've seen you've already met our loyal minion, Kurgan!" chirped Capella.
With Shaula's back facing his own, and the two short girls on his sides, the nasty-eyed boy asked, "Shaula, what are we dealing with?"
"When Greed attacked me, all he needed to do was wave his hand and the air itself turned into a projectile," she informed her Master. "And when I touched him... I felt nothing. No temperature, no heartbeat. It was like he wasn't even mortal. Like nothing affected him."
"Beako?"
"Lust has some sort of ability that allows her to shape-shift. Every time I fired a Minya at her, she would simply change her shape and cancel my attack. I believe it's her unique way of healing."
Getting the answers he needed, Subaru started to analyze the situation. Okay, so we've got three different immortal beings to deal with. A zombie, an amorphous blob, and some sort of space-time anomaly. No wonder conventional attacks don't work on them.
While the Japanese teenager strategized, Regulus himself turned his back on the group and proceeded to make his way back towards the blonde girl. "Number 184!" he yelled. "Do you think what you did was acceptable? Did you think you had the right to leave my sight?!"
"N-no…" the girl said, flinching.
"Then why would you have the gall to –"
"LEAVE HER ALONE!"
Cocking his head back, Regulus looked back at the black-haired boy who interrupted him again. "And why should I, Regulus Corneas, the most satisfying existence, do such a thing for you?!"
Coming up with the best bluff he could to prevent the man from attacking her, Subaru answered, "Because she was looking for me. She needed my help… because she was scared of you."
While Subaru was not actually sure if that was true or not, he needed to divert Greed's attention to him, rather than the girl. And besides, it wasn't entirely false. The girl did tell him that she needed help, so it was safe to assume that she was talking about him.
Regulus' frown deepened further, before he said, "So that's how it is. She left me for you."
Lifting his head up, his eyes were filled with bloodlust. "DO YOU THINK THAT YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME? THAT I NEED PITY?! DO NOT FUCKING PITY ME!"
In an instant, Greed kicked the ground, causing the loose rubble to fly directly to Subaru's face.
WHISSHH!
"MASTER!"
But before the debris could hit Subaru, Shaula dashed towards him and pushed the nasty-eyed boy out of the way, all the while taking the hit for him.
KRACK!
The last thing Subaru saw before he realized what had happened was Shaula's shocked expression, as the two halves of her body fell to the dirt, her and guts blood caked into it.
And with that, the Great Sage's apprentice, was dead.
"S-Shaula…? Shaula… SHAULAAA!"
"NAKED ONEE-CHAN!" screamed Meili, tears escaping her eyes.
"Quiet you insect!" yelled Capella, grabbing Meili, and using her Authority to transform the blue-haired girl into a cockroach, right in front of Beatrice.
"Give her back, now!" the blonde loli cried out.
"You want her that badly?" Capella asked, as she dropped the roach to the floor.
SQUISH!
"YOU CAN HAVE HER! AHAHAHAHA!"
Capella had crushed Meili under her foot, killing her.
Beatrice was teary-eyed at what had just happened to her companions, and so overcome with rage that she spent the rest of her mana firing as many Minyas as she could at Lust, unaware of what was behind her.
"EL MINYA! EL MINYA! EL MINYA! EL-"
SHUNK!
Feeling a sharp blade through her gut, the Great Spirit turned around to see Kurgan impaling her with one of his cleavers. With her blue mana dissipating out of her, she slowly turned towards her contractor, feeling sorry that in her final moments, she was useless to him.
"BEAKO! MEILI! NOOO!"
Subaru fell to his knees as he saw the last bit of his contracted Spirit leave him. He had failed. He had failed them. He failed his little sister, and his two daughters.
Immediately, Subaru's eyes went straight to those damn Witch Cultists. They killed them. He promised he would protect everyone, and they made him break his promise.
They needed to die.
No matter what it took.
"WIND BLADE!"
BRAKA-BOOM!
"DOUBLE WIND BLADE!"
PI-BOOM!
"ATOMIC SPLIT SLASH!"
FBOOM!
"PHOENIX THRUST!"
FBOOM!
Attack after attack, he hurled everything he could to make sure those Witch Cultists died a painful death, regardless of the consequences to the area around him.
He had lost all reason and understanding. All that was left was his rage.
"DIIEEE!"
Swinging his stick down once again, Subaru realized that he couldn't do anything anymore.
He had run out of mana.
When the dust settled, Subaru saw that the Sin Archbishop of Greed was still standing.
"Are you done with your temper tantrum?" he asked, in a condescending tone.
From behind the white-haired man, Subaru could see a piece of flesh become bigger and bigger, until it took the form of a blonde girl with red eyes.
The Sin Archbishop of Lust had survived.
"Glad there was still a piece of me left! Though, this lovely lady must commend you for killing Kurgan," she said, clapping her hands. "As well as for destroying the rest of this district."
Wait, what?
Looking away from the Witch Cultists, Subaru saw something that made him puke.
Everywhere he looked, there was rubble.
And dead bodies.
Looking towards where Greed was standing, Subaru could barely make out the blonde hair from the woman who was scorched to death.
It was Regulus' wife.
He killed her.
He killed all of those innocent people. He was supposed to be a Hero, but he let his rage get the better of him, and now, dozens, if not hundreds of people were dead because of him.
Subaru fell to his knees, and started crying, just like he did when Rem was tortured in front of him in that failed loop. He did this. It was him. Him. Him. Him.
With the two Witch Cultists approaching him, Subaru lifted his tear-stricken face, looked Greed directly in the eye, and said the only thing he could think of at the moment.
"Kill me."
"You want me to end you?" Regulus asked, all the while looking unimpressed.
"Do it."
"Very well," he said, approaching the Japanese teenager. In an instant, the Sin Archbishop's hand was rammed into his chest, and retracted out as fast as it was in.
SHUNK!
As the blood left Subaru while his back fell to the dirt, all he could think of was how he failed his family, along with the citizens of Flanders, and that he had nothing left to live for in this loop.
Beako, Meili, Shaula. I promised I'll do better next time.
And with that final thought, Subaru Natsuki died.
Author's Note: Oh, no. A bad ending. Anyway, here are this week's comments:
miffysit: If Volcanica and Reid went with Subaru, there would be no one left to defend the Pleiades Watchtower. Don't worry, they'll come back, eventually.
Moon knight: I was actually planning on the reverse. He would tell the Capital about his reincarnation, not the Emilia Camp. I might change it, though.
Fred Ray: Thanks for the compliments of the pacing and stuff.
ErnaloreV2: Yes, Zarestia will make an appearance. Nice username, by the way.
KingBaru: I have no idea what to say about this comment. Just… what?
Trigger: I'm not really focusing on relationships at the moment. I want to focus more on the action, comedy, and maybe a few other cool elements.
Guest #1: Yeah, me writing how Beatrice connected the dots that Subaru was Flugel due to their blatantly obvious similarities was a pretty good day for me.
ZokuTheSkeleton: Capella has proven and will still prove to be a lot of trouble.
R-king 93: Thanks for the awesome complement!
SentinelSlice: Yeah, Subaru will have a lot of past guilt to unpack.
wildshoy09: Thank you for the support!
OreosAreYummy: Yep, Capella is back, and about time, too!
NPwall: Nice comment.
KazeelBaYz: Volcanica will still be compiling all of Subaru's achievements. While Louis is seen as bait at first, she will get adopted by Subaru. Geuse will have to wait, though.
Im The Person: I didn't want to do a second Shula faint because that seemed repetitive. Plus, Reid will eventually join the crew, so Shaula will have to stop being scared of him.
A. J Savage: Yeah, writing the last chapter was a blast. The book, Volcanica, Shaula, all of it. And as for the Council of Elders…. Well, that's a surprise for later.
Haster79: I don't think I'll add Natsumi into this.
ValyTheKing: Interesting fun fact, "yeet" became a thing a few years before Subaru was summoned, which means that it's plausible that Flugel could have taught it to Shaula.
Childline: I know that you wanted Subaru to win his fight against Regulus, but that will take some time for three reasons: One, I'm the writer, and it's more fun this way. Two, I don't want Subaru using the same powers to win every time, so this one will be a lot more creative. Three, I want Subaru to think outside the box. Most of his attacks are physically catastrophic, so he doesn't need to strategize. I want to change that.
petopokuspeto: Yeah, sure, "Nieninsu", or whatever.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Si bien puede doler que ella no estuvo aquí, Satella aparecerá en el futuro. Sí, Capella está muerta. No en este capítulo, pero definitivamente en el siguiente.
BorderLand: At this point in the story, Pandora has just given up. Eventually, so will the Council of Elders, because Subaru has connections everywhere.
FatPenguin86: Yep, those books are an easter egg from Im The Person's 'Sealed'.
QuotezFun4Me: Flugel did not overwrite Subaru, Subaru just gained Flugel's memories. Subaru's new Authorities will be whatever the story needs them to be.
plaik: Yeah, the Council of Elders are dead.
BigSmokeYeet: Subaru won't lose his personality, don't worry.
Orbitis: I refuse to comment about this.
pastymasty123: Actually, yes. The reason Arc 7 won't happen in this story is because a bunch of Shudraks will try to get Subaru's genes. This will cause Vincent to publicly apologize, and have the traitors never start the coup out of fear of the Great Sage. Also, there will be a future story involving Halibel and Zarestia, yes. Oh, yeah, and I saw the channel you recommended definitely reminds me of 'Re:Human' Subaru.
HufflepuffKat: Glad you and Mahdi came to an understanding. But yeah, Volcanica was nice, and Geuse will show up in about two more chapters, so just you wait!
Binhobob: Yes, Julius was a jerk. Yes, Subaru was a jerk. Yes, the nobility were jerks. Yea, the Council of Elders were jerks. Yes, everyone was a jerk.
Cyberlink: Yes, the nobility is stupid. The French realized this, too.
Mahdi: Let's just say that everyone was wrong in that moment, for different reasons. But yeah, Reinhard will totally betray the Council of Elders to help Subaru in the future. Good thing that Subaru will unfreeze the elves and fix the slums, too.
And as for new powers that were used this week, we have:
"Acid Arrow": Fires a single bolt of caustic acid at an enemy. Used by Ainz.
"Wind Blade": Swinging his staff, Subaru can create a giant blue wave of energy that comes with extreme winds, capable of putting out a dragon's flames. Used by Seiya.
"Double Wind Blade": With two swords, or staffs, the user can create two of these energy blades. Subaru was able to move fast enough to create two of them. Used by Seiya.
"Atomic Split Slash": A large pink and blue ball of concentrated energy that, when released, can result in a nuclear explosion. Used by Seiya.
"Phoenix Thrust": A skill that envelops the user in fire, and, once they pierce their target in a quick flash, the target shatters from the inside. Used by Seiya.
And that's all we have for this week! I also created a Discord, so if you want to join, the link is /37pWhBHk . You can use it to post memes and fanart of my work, and I'll be there to chat and post announcements! If you want to be my friend, my Discord username Ernalore#8663. That's all I have for now, see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 13: Charity and Purity
Summary:
Subaru has come back from his previous loop, now armed with the foresight of the enemies waiting for him in Flanders. With the help of Shaula, Meili, and Beatrice, along with a few other allies, Subaru will make sure that the tragedy from the previous loop won't happen again. Meanwhile, in the Throne Room, yet another meeting has been organized... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 13: Charity and Purity
"To activate or deactivate the seal, the user that meets any one of those requirements need only will it so," Beatrice said, reading the part of the book about seals.
"That was sooo boring!" cried Meili. "Are we –"
"GACK!"
"Onii-chan?!"
Subaru's eyes widened as he gasped for air.
All Subaru could see was blackness. Then there was light.
His anxious breathing and panicked panting was something that had not gone unnoticed by the other passengers in the ground dragon carriage.
"Master!"
"The smell has gotten worse on him, I suppose…"
Getting off the floor of the cart, Subaru's eyes darted around as his breathing slowed down. His companions had seen the signs before. This was just like when he read his Book of the Dead.
"Master, are you all right? That awful smell just got worse…"
Standing up, and ignoring the voiced concerns of his friends, the nasty-eyed boy looked out the carriage to see that they were in the line for the entry point to Flanders.
"I really made it."
"Subaru?"
Turning around, Subaru saw the worry in their eyes, and he knew that while he would have to drop the truth, he hated himself for doing that.
"Two hours from now, the Sin Archbishops of Greed and Lust, along with one of their most powerful cultists, are going to attack the city."
Upon hearing the name "Lust", Meili's eyes widened in fear.
"How do you know that?" Beatrice asked.
Subaru was silent for a bit, before saying, "I'm sorry… I can't tell you."
"..."
"Greed has some sort of ability that prevents anyone from physically hurting him, while Lust has the ability to shape-shift into various creatures," he continued.
Looking at the people he had let down in his previous loop, he said, "I can't fight them on my own. It's too dangerous. I need your help. So please… will you help me?"
Lowering his head in front of the others, Subaru knew that he was asking for too much. That they didn't need to risk their lives for a second time, for his miserable sake. That –
SLAP!
Feeling the light sting of a slap, Subaru looked up to see none other than his contracted Spirit. "You're an idiot, I suppose!" she scolded him. "You're our leader! You don't have to ask us to help you! We'd follow you through fire and brimstone, I suppose!"
Following in her footsteps, Shaula jumped in. "Yeah! You're Master Flugel! If anyone can help those poor people and stop those meanies, it'll be you! Yep! Yep!"
"You guys… thank you," Subaru said, as tears threatened to spill. Looking toward his last party member, brown eyes met green. "Meili… would you be willing to help me? I know that you're afraid of Capella, so if you can't it's perfectly –"
"No," she said, interrupting the Japanese teenager. "I've considered it, and I want to help you stop that monster. So please… let me help you!"
Subaru looked at her for a bit, before letting out a small, "Okay."
Looking towards the city, the black-haired boy remembered how horribly things went in the previous loop. I promise… I won't let that happen to you guys again.
Opening the door, the mayor of Flanders didn't expect to find someone in his office, much less some kid with scary eyes wearing nomad clothes and wielding a staff.
"Who are you?!" the mayor asked. "And how did you get in here?! I demand an answer!"
"Listen to me, your city is in danger," the boy said, brushing aside the mayor's questions. "Two Sin Archbishops are going to attack the commercial district of Flanders."
"Don't ignore my question!" the mayor yelled. "Who the hell are you?! I demand to know!"
"Okay, fine. My name is Subaru Natsuki. There, happy? Now can we –"
"Wait," the mayor said. "Did you say you're Subaru Natsuki?"
"Uh, yeah?"
Falling to his knees, the mayor said, "You're the Great Sage?! Please forgive me!"
"Wait a minute, how the hell do you know I'm the Great Sage?!"
"Are you serious?" the mayor asked. "You've been the talk of the kingdom for the last few weeks! Everyone knows how you disposed of three different calamities!"
"Okay, whatever, that doesn't matter," the Great Sage said. "What matters is that you quietly evacuate the residents of the commercial district. The Witch Cult is going to attack that area, and I need to be sure that no lives are in danger. Can you do that?"
"Yes, of course!" the mayor said, looking up. "Your wish is my command!"
"Okay, thanks," the Great Sage said, walking out of the mayor's office.
Leaving the town hall, Subaru proceeded to meet up with the rest of his group.
It's a good thing that the mayor believed me. The local authorities should be able to clear out the civilians from the area before the battle begins.
But now there was another matter to deal with: In less than two hours, three different monsters would wreak havoc upon the city, and the Japanese teenager had no idea how to stop them.
The biggest problem is Regulus. It was like the laws of time and space ignored him. How am I supposed to beat that? C'mon, Subaru, think. The constellation Regulus is known as the "lion" and the "little king". Maybe his wife can tell us something…
"Okay, guys, listen up. In some part of the market district, there's a blonde girl wearing a black-and-white dress," Subaru explained. "She is Greed's wife, and our only lead. We have to find her and talk with her."
"""Got it!"""
Looking around the market, Subaru tried his best to find the blonde woman. Which, truth be told, wasn't the hardest thing to do. She was the only person who wasn't evacuating.
There she is.
Approaching her, Subaru waved, "Hi there. Can I talk to you?"
Turning her head, the black-haired boy was saddened by her face, which lacked any expression. Her eyes were lifeless and dead, while her mouth did not move. She was like a doll.
"I know that you're looking for someone. I know that you need help."
Upon hearing those words, her eyes started to shine with hope, and her face twitched to life.
"Are you Subaru Natsuki?" she asked, "Can you help us?"
"I am Subaru Natsuki," he answered. "While I don't know if I can help, I sure as hell will try."
"Hmm…" Beatrice hummed, as she stepped forth and examined the girl. "Betty feels a connection inside of her, plus the slight smell of Greed upon her."
Turning his head from his contracted Spirit to the girl, Subaru started to make the connections.
"Little King". A king needs a kingdom, and citizens to stabilize his power. Power. His power gave him the ability to not need a beating heart. He also has his wife, who was obviously valuable to him to go find her. And there's some sort of connection between the two of them. No way…
"LION'S HEART!"
Four different pairs of eyes started at Subaru as he made his exclamation, wondering what the hell he was talking about. Sensing their confusion, Subaru turned to the blonde and explained.
"Regulus has no heartbeat, that's how he's able to use his powers without hurting himself. He must have stashed it inside his wife! Dammit, he's a scumbag!"
"I'm not his only wife."
Turning his head back around, Subaru let out a small "Huh?"
"That monster has dozens of wives. His heart could be inside any one of us."
Placing his hands on her shoulders, Subaru's expression turned grim. "Show us where they are." Seeing the girl nod, the Great Sage and his party followed her.
Inside the mansion of Regulus Corneas, Subaru and his allies were sneaking through from bedroom to bedroom, freeing as many women as they could. All of them were of similar height, wearing the exact same outfit, and had similar facial appearances.
Clearly he had a type.
Once all fifty-two wives were gathered, Meili looked in both directions down the hall, making sure that they were not being watched, and closed the door behind them.
Behind said door was Subaru, Meili, Shaula, Beatrice, and fifty-three women. With the blue-haired assassin signaling that the coast was clear, Subaru turned towards the women, and began to speak to them.
"Listen up, we're here to rescue you and to kill the Sin Archbishop of Greed. We've already figured out Regulus' ability," he said. "He places his heart inside one of you so that his power doesn't hurt him, effectively making him both indestructible and immortal."
Stepping forward, one of the wives, one with orange hair and green eyes, spoke, "If it means getting rid of that monster, we'll gladly give our lives."
"Nope. Not gonna happen," said Subaru, crossing his arms. "Your lives have value, and I refuse to sacrifice you just to get rid of him."
"There is an alternative, I suppose," piped Beatrice, raising her hand.
"Go on."
"Betty's Forbidden Library exists inside a pocket dimension, in fact. Since it exists on another plane of existence, if we put the wives in there, it would, theoretically, be the same as essentially making them disappear from the world, I suppose."
"Okay, then, we're doing that! Gate!"
Immediately, a familiar-looking red and black portal opened up. Giving them a reassuring smile, Subaru said, "Don't worry, this is perfectly harmless. Consider it your divorce paper."
A few seconds passed and no one moved. Then, a red-headed girl approached the portal, placed her hand inside to test it, and went in. Soon after her, one by one, every other girl hurried towards the gate, some of them running, with smiles on their faces.
"We can never thank you enough," bowed the blonde girl.
"No problem, uh…"
"Dear Husband named me Number 184."
"Don't call him that," Subaru said, internally cringing. "That bastard doesn't get the privilege of being called your husband. Now, please, tell me… what is your real name?"
"It's… it's Sylphy."
Sweeping the halls of the Roswaal mansion with her broom, Petra was humming to herself, as she was having an overall good week, let alone a good day.
The idea that Subaru was a legendary hero was still fresh in her mind, as it was in everyone else's. She couldn't wait for him to come back, and… "Huh?"
Looking up from where she was cleaning, Petra saw the same black and red portal that Subaru used the night she rescued her that night. Knowing that only one person could create such a thing, Petra was overjoyed to see that Subaru had returned.
However, her joy fell as she saw a woman come out of the portal.
And then another one. And another one. Another one. Another…
Finally, out of the portal came a familiar face. "The Forbidden Library is here, in fact. Please line up in an orderly fashion and make room for everyone, I suppose. Oh, hello, maid."
"Beatrice-sama?!" Petra asked. "Who are all these women?! A-are t-they Subaru's –"
"Betty's contractor does not have a harem," the loli said in a deadpan manner, knowing full-well what the little redhead was thinking. "This is a rescue mission, in fact."
"Oh," the maid said, her face red. "Well, then I guess it's okay…"
Popping his head out of the portal, Subaru said, "Okay, that's the last of them. Oh, hey, Petra."
Nodding, the blonde loli went through the portal as it closed up.
"Huh?" was the only thing that came out of Petra's mouth.
"Okay, Beako. Cut the connection."
"It's done, I suppose. The Forbidden Library has been cut off from the rest of the world."
"Great. We've got thirty minutes left before all three of them start their rampages. Does everyone remember the plan?"
"""Yes."""
The "plan" Subaru came up with was as follows: Beatrice would intercept Kurgan and try and stop him, while Meili and Shaula would bait Capella to follow them, as would Subaru do for Regulus. When all three Witch Cultists were in the same place, the three girls would get out of the cross-fire, and Subaru would be able to go all-out since there would be no risk of civilian life.
"Are you sure you want to do this, Meili?" asked Subaru, knowing full-well that the blue-haired girl volunteered to be the bait to lure the Sin Archbishop of Lust.
"If I don't stand up to her now, I'll never get the chance again," said Meili, before smiling. "Besides, I've got you and Naked Onee-chan by my side, so there's nothing to worry about!"
"Okay then," smiled the nasty-eyed boy, standing up, and giving a face of determination. "Let's go fight some filthy Witch Cultists!"
The Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas, was not having a good day.
Sure, his day started out perfect, as it should have. But then when he called for his lovely wife, Number 184, she did not respond. Deciding to go find her himself, the white-haired man made the most horrifying discovery.
All of his wives had gone missing.
Immediately taking to the streets, the golden-eyed man would make sure that whoever had kidnapped his family would pay with their lives. They would regret messing with –
"HEY, ASSHOLE!"
Turning his head around, Regulus Corneas saw the source of that unnecessary and wildly inaccurate insult. It came from a black haired-boy with nasty eyes, wielding some kind of staff.
"IF YOU WANNA KNOW WHERE YOUR WIVES WENT, FOLLOW ME!" he yelled, and proceeded to run away in the opposite direction.
I've found him, he thought to himself. It just made sense. That maggot had something to do with his wives' disappearance. Very well, if that's the game you wish to play, then play along I shall.
Walking towards the direction the black haired man went, Regulus Corneas was listing all of the horrible things he would do to that man. Little did he know…
The Sin Archbishop of Lust, Capella Emerada Lugnica, was not having a good day.
Her Gospel had instructed her to go to Flanders with her minion, Kurgan, to find one of her missing children. She had been in the city for two hours now, and still no sign of her. Where could that little brat be hiding? she thought to herself.
"HEY MAMA! GUESS WHAT? I QUIT!"
Darting her head up to the rooftops, Capella saw her prize, but she was not alone. Along with her Meili, there was some other woman with a weird hairdo.
"NANANANANA! YOU CAN'T CATCH ME!" mocked Meili, sticking her tongue out and making faces. Soon after that, the taller woman picked her up and proceeded to jump from rooftop to rooftop away from the Sin Archbishop of Lust.
Her eyes twitching, Capella was about to burst a blood vessel.
JUST WHO DOES THAT LITTLE FLY THINK SHE IS?!
Changing her body into that of a dragon, Capella stomped her way through the town, following her traitorous child, listing all of the horrible things she would do. How little she knew…
"EL MINYA!" Firing another Minya crystal, Beatrice kept her opponent on her toes.
Just as her contractor explained, Kurgan would have four arms that wielded giant dark cleavers, and that it would be best to disarm him. However, little did he know that in actuality, the warrior possessed eight arms. The Great Spirit had to find out the hard way.
Every time she kept firing a Minya, the giant would dodge. Any Minya that hit his clothing, he would immediately rip off. The only clothes he was now wearing were his black loincloth, black and golden bracers on his forearms, and various other golden jewelry that covered his body.
"BEAKO!"
Turning around for a second, the blonde loli could see her contractor running towards her, with a very angry Sin Archbishop of Greed right behind him.
"RAWWWRR!"
Looking in the other direction, the tsundere spirit saw Shaula carrying Meili, with a giant black dragon following them, stomping the ground as it moved.
Subaru saw the giant black dragon following behind his two allies, and thought to himself, I've seen her dragon form before, but even now, I still think it looks ridiculous!
With all three girls together, they each faced each other's backs, waiting for Subaru to fulfill the next step of his plan: Getting his allies out of harm's way.
"Shield Prison!"
In an instant, a green glow appeared underneath the girls' feet, when suddenly, multiple green shields and chains appeared and enclosed them inside an orb.
"You really think this little cage will keep this lovely lady out?! Pathetic!" screeched the large dragon, as one of her claws started to shrink in order to fit through the cracks.
Meili backed away from the opening, as her heart started racing. She'll kill them, she thought to herself, tears in her eyes. She'll turn me into a bunch of frogs, and she'll –
"OW! WHAT THE FUCK?!"
Capella removed her claw from the Shield Prison, as she grabbed her snout, the pain of a bunch of Magic Arrows hitting it caused her to wince in pain, and look towards the very angry-looking boy who fired them.
"Get the fuck away from my daughter, YOU BITCH!" the Great Sage hissed.
"Oh? You're the one Meili has fallen with?" Lust asked, ignoring the pain. "Very well. I'll kill you first, and then move on to the rest of your little family —! Ow! Again, what the fuck?!"
"Huh?" Subaru said. He didn't fire another magic attack at her.
Then, he saw it. Or, more accurately, he saw her.
Louis was biting Capella's dragon arm.
"RRRR…!"
"GET IT OFF ME, GET IT OFF ME!" screeched the giant dragon, getting more and more annoyed, until she grabbed the sharp-toothed girl and flung her toward Subaru.
"Wheee…!"
"Gotcha!" Subaru exclaimed, floating up high enough to grab Louis. "What the hell are you doing here?! Didn't I tell you to keep an eye on Patrasche?!"
"Protect… Papa!"
"Wait… You… came here to protect me?"
"Mm-hmm!" she nodded happily.
"Oh, so she's one of your genetic defects?" Lust sneered. "I'll kill her, too! Along with you!"
"Oh no you don't, Lust! This prick kidnapped all my wives! I get to kill him!" Greed yelled.
Good, they're fighting one another. Backing away from the two Archbishops, and dodging the attacks of the eight-armed monster, Subaru ran down the marketplace, far away from the squabbling cultists, and especially far away from the Shield Prison containing all his friends.
All that while still holding Louis in one of his arms.
"Hey, I have an idea!" he yelled, grabbing all three's attention. "Whoever gets to me first can do whatever they want! Torture me, murder me, whatever, I won't resist! COME AND GET ME!"
All three With Cultists looked at one another, before immediately running towards Subaru. Regulus used his Authority to dash forward, but was pulled back by Kurgan, while Capella tried to make herself smaller so she could get to Subaru faster.
Closer… closer… come on, a little closer…
Even with all three of them fighting one another, the three Witch Cultists sped down the street in a matter of seconds, until finally, they were right on top of Subaru. Literally. Capella tried to fly towards him, but was being slowed down by Regulus and Kurgan grabbing onto her feet.
Perfect! They're right above me. It's now or never!
Lifting one of his staff-holding arm straight into the air, Subaru yelled the incantation needed for his trump card, and the one that would kill three immortal beings in one fell swoop.
"BLACK HOLE!"
Before the three monsters could touch him, all the colors of the world had inverted, and a well of gravity had conquered them. The wind around them blew, black lighting appeared out of nowhere, the ground itself was being lifted into the air, and the world itself became gray.
"Hold on tight, Louis! Greater Teleportation!"
Before the Witch Cultists could have a chance to figure out what was going on, their target had disappeared from in front of them in a blue hue, then reappeared behind the Shield Prison he created. Subaru was not stupid enough to get caught in the gravitational pull of a Black Hole.
"You hurt my family, along with so many innocents," Subaru hissed, in a cold tone. "Now… REPENT AND SUFFER FOR EVERYTHING YOU'VE DONE, AS YOU YOU'RE CRUSHED UNDER THE WEIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS!"
Capella, in her dragon form, was the first one to go. In front of her was a small black orb that even light, something that did not have weight, could not escape. So what chance did a large dragon that weighed multiple tons have?
"SUBARU… NATSUKIIIII!" were her last words, as she was sucked into oblivion.
Next was Kurgan. He had attempted to ground himself by stabbing the ground with his cleavers, but the ground itself was also sucked into the vortex, as well.
Finally was Regulus. He had activated his Authority, and started to escape. It was working. And it would have actually worked, too, if it wasn't for the fact that he had his five-second time limit.
With his wives, Regulus Corneas would be able to place his heart in any one of them, effectively making him immortal. But now that he was cut away from them, he was an ordinary human. He felt his heart hurt, and kept hurting, until he eventually died.
Regulus' last thoughts were of his first wife.
With all three of them sucked in and collapsing under their own weight, the black hole vanished. The three Witch Cultists were gone, reduced to nothing.
Well, almost nothing.
The two Witch Factors had escaped unscathed, and, just like last time, chose the Great Sage as their new host. The Authority of Greed's "Stillness of an Object's Time" became "Cor Leonis" and the Authority of Lust's "Variation and Change" became "Love Heals All".
With the threat now gone, the Shield Prison dissipated, freeing all three girls inside.
"""SUBARU!"""
And giving Subaru Natsuki a hurt rib cage by how hard four different girls hugged him.
Inside the Throne Room, the Council of Elders was holding yet another meeting, and yet again this one was about both the country's recent and current state of affairs.
With the Royal Selection's continuation, and the high likelihood that the Great Sage had gone rouge, things were a bit hectic. The people of Lugnica were fully aware now of the Great Sage's treatment, along with the fact that three of the Camps had rejected his cry for help and belittled him, making those three Camps plummet. Interestingly enough, now the first place runner was the Emilia Camp, with the Felt camp being in second, thanks to the backing of the Sword Saint.
Along with the Council of Elders, the four Camps were also present at the meeting.
"Why have you summoned us here?" Priscilla Barielle asked, looking more tired than usual.
"We have summoned you here, as the Dragon Tablet stated that the Great Sage has defeated another Sin Archbishop, the one representing Gluttony," Mikltotov explained.
Everyone's eyes widened at the news. Subaru Natsuki had done it again.
Crusch, who had as much sleep as the others, was about to ask a question. However, she was never able to, as the Dragon Tablet had started shining, having spoken once again.
Reading the news, Miklotov sighed as he knew that now he would have to calm down the panicking Candidates, and that another sleepless night awaited all of them.
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, with the help of his contracted Spirit, Beatrice, the Great Spirit of Yin, his apprentice, Shaula the Starkeeper, and Meili Portroute, the Mabeast User, have slain the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Greed, Regulus Corneas, and the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop of Lust, Capella Emerada Lugnica."
Author's Note: I felt compelled to sing "Dumb Ways to Die" due to how much Regulus and Capella messed up in the previous chapter. Anywho, time for the comments!
JKingSniper: Yes, my work did start out with a message from the main characters of the Isekai Quartet. I hope you stick around to read the rest of the story.
Fred Ray: I never said Shaula had blonde hair. You just misread it.
pastymasty123: I have thought about doing weird episodic things, but never things that had to do with gender. But anyway, nice "Futurama" reference.
Guest #1: I might use "The Goal of All Life is Death" on Pandora, but not on the Sin Archbishops. Greed and Lust are dead, and the others have other fates in store.
Le Guest: Thanks for the positivity. It was a real confidence-booster.
R-king 93: I hope you enjoyed Regulus and Capella's punishment.
Waiz: Well, I gave you the next chapter. Hope it's plenty action-packed for you.
Craftverk: The first idea for punishment seems to have taken direct inspiration from "Drake and Josh". For your second idea… I don't know what to say.
Jetvac Jesse: Okay, I can take your criticism with stride. But what really interests me are your username and profile picture. They're just so… amusing. But aside from that, I have read some of your work. It's pretty good, so keep it up!
Skyllz: I don't really like using spells I have previously used, since I don't want the story to become repetitive. But, hey, at least Subaru used his brain for this chapter.
Grifith Moses: I might write some more details about the aftermath of the Flanders incident, but all of that will have to wait for some future chapter.
weirdo70750: I hope the next link works, but the new chapter is here, so I hope you like Subaru's master plan! Also, the Authorities will mostly be similar to their originals, but there will be some major changes for a few of them.
A. J Savage: Geuse is gonna be walking like a normal human being for this story. But as for flashbacks involving Flugel, I prefer to keep that vague. Might make some, though.
Deathenglegmaers1144: I only used the French Revolution as a joke for the comments, but now that I think of it more, it could actually work.
Im The Person: Thanks for the positivity and always loving my work.
ZokuTheSkeleton: Of course it was sad, this is Re: Zero.
LeviathanFall: Even the most powerful weapon has its flaws. Namely, its user.
OreosAreYummy: To be honest, everyone is split on the previous chapter. They either appreciate that Subaru is human, like you, or they think it was heavily flawed.
vladbucur1997: While your criticisms didn't really hurt me, it's still nice of you to make sure to reassure me that everyone makes mistakes. Thank you for that.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Esa fue una de las interpretaciones más perspicaces de este capítulo hasta el momento. Gracias por eso. Espero que disfruten este capítulo.
waifutabae: Okay, here's the truth. I couldn't make the two chapters into one, so I just had the previous chapter act as the initial conflict, with some extra filler.
narwastu13: Ever since I saw the Overlord anime, I always thought of "Reality Slash" as just a really big blade. I had no idea it could counter Regulus. My bad.
KazeelBaYz: Sorry to break it to you, but Subaru's checkpoint gave him a two hour head-start. While your optimism is cute, the other two Gluttonies are dead.
WarlockofVainglory: Yeah, I really like writing the part where Subaru looked around and saw the damage he caused. Also, visualizing Meili getting crushed hurts, as well.
ExoticIdiot: Well, he did use "Black Hole", so… you're welcome.
BigSmokeYeet: You have the right to feel disappointed, not gonna lie.
plaik: Oh, look! Shaula's alive! Almost as if her death never happened!
petopokuspeto: Najesu? I'm guessing whoever's behind the keyboard is an Ewok.
EndertheDark: I'm saving all the instant-death spells for someone special.
excalibur: I have no idea how to respond to that.
Memorysoul: You and VinHD15, both.
fauxGodling: You know, you're right. Subaru has only died twice in my story, so it would make sense that some of you forgot about that. Still, glad you liked the chapter.
Guest #2: Subaru dealing with collateral damage was nice. Yeah, the Sin Archbishops definitely lost the element of surprise with the last chapter. I don't know what the theme of my story is, but if you have any guesses, feel free to write them in the comments.
HufflepuffKat: You want a real showtime? Wait for the next two chapters!
hlglh: I have no idea what that symbol is. Is it a heart?
VinHD15: You and Memorysoul, both.
In terms of powers, we have this:
"Shield Prison": Creates a round cage of shields and chains that can be used for the protection of allies, or the imprisonment of enemies. Used by Naofumi.
"Black Hole": An orb that sucks everything inside it, crushing it. It is so powerful, that even color is sucked in, temporarily turning everything gray. Used by Ainz.
Anyway, that's all I have for now. Be sure to be on the look-out for some future work of mine, along with a few collaborations. If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /tAMFZZAZ , you can post memes and fan art there. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore#88663. Anyway, that's all I have to write about today. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you guys very soon!
- Ernalore
Chapter 14: Father and Daughter
Summary:
With the battle in Flanders over, Subaru is finally able to bring back Geuse. With his new follower, the Great Sage, along with Beatrice, Meili, Shaula, Louis, and Sylphy all head back to the Roswaal Mansion. Meanwhile, Reinhard finally makes contact with Subaru, and tells him everything that has happened while he was away... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net
Chapter Text
Chapter 14: Father and Daughter
With the defeat of the Witch Cult in Flanders, the town was naturally overjoyed. The fact that the Great Sage and his party had slain not only two Sin Archbishops, but also Vollachia's Strongest Warrior, was enough for the city to throw a massive celebration.
But Subaru was not in the mood to celebrate. While, yes he was glad that all of Greed's wives would be returned to their families, after he had handed all the women to the proper authorities.
Over the next few hours, the officials of Flanders helped identify the girls, while Subaru used his magic to reunite daughters with their parents and sisters with their siblings, all with the exception of Sylphy, who had nowhere else to go.
So, the blonde decided to join Subaru and his party.
Now, while he had no problem with that, he still had other business to attend to.
Now inside the town hall of Flanders, the mayor was willing to offer up any reward the black-haired boy asked for, and asked for a reward he did.
A volunteer with a Spirit affinity.
"Master, the volunteer is here," announced Shaula.
"Good, send them in."
Obeying her Master's command, Shaula showed the way to the final finger.
Entering the room was the volunteer, and Subaru was stunned, to say the least.
The volunteer was a male, slightly taller than Subaru, five foot eleven by his count, and thin. He had dark green hair tied in a small ponytail, with lively brown eyes and a gentle smile.
It was the exact same body Geuse had four hundred years ago.
At first, Subaru was both suspicious and disgusted. Was it some sort of sick joke Pandora was pulling on him? Eventually, however, he reasoned with himself.
He probably just happens to look like Geuse. Heck, Emilia and Satella look identical to each other, and I resemble my past self to a tee, so that's probably it. Yeah, that's all…
Gesturing for the volunteer to sit down, Subaru proceeded to explain to him what would happen. That his body would no longer be his, and that his subconscious would learn horrible truths from four centuries ago. In essence, the man before him would be gone.
Yet, despite that, the man accepted.
"You save my hometown. You save countless innocent lives from those monsters. I am merely a peasant, with no future or family. It would be an honor to serve the Great Sage."
The Japanese teenager internally chuckled at the idea that he was some kind of benevolent hero, but regardless, he looked up to the man and extended his hand.
"The honor would be all mine. Now, let's get started."
Opening his eyes, the green-haired man stood up from his seat.
Looking around where he was, he saw three little girls in the room with him. One of them had blue hair and green eyes, while the other had blonde hair and wore an elegant pink dress, and the third also had blonde hair, but wore a white dress.
"Beatrice-sama…" the man whispered.
Turning away from the blue-haired girl and the other blonde, the blonde loli looked towards the now-awake man, and started to tear up.
"Geuse…?"
Immediately, she ran towards the man, hugging him, and crying his name over and over again.
"Geuse! Geuse! Geuse!"
Hugging the crying girl back, the man started to cry himself, before looking towards the blue-haired girl. "Oh, hello, I don't believe we've met…"
"My name is Meili, mister, and that over there is Louis. Dad told me that I could trust you."
"Dad…?"
Opening the door, three more people entered the room, a man and a woman. "Really, Meili? "Dad"? I knew I was good, but not that good…" the man teased.
Immediately, Petelgeuse recognized who that man was.
"FLUGEL-SAMA!"
"Oh, hey!" the brown-haired spoke. "The crybaby is awake!"
Ignoring Shuala's tease, Geuse immediately got down to the floor and onto his knees. "I'm sorry!" he yelled "I failed you in every possible manner, Master! Please-"
"Geuse."
Looking up from where he was kneeling, Geuse looked to see his Master's expression. It was one of pain and sorrow. Yet, despite that he spoke. "Please stand up."
Before he could respond, Subaru continued. "You didn't fail me, I failed you. I was a horrible person, thinking that you could handle all of that on your own, without me…"
"Master…" he said, standing up.
"Geuse…" the black-haired boy asked. "What the hell happened while I was gone?"
Subaru was in the outskirts of Flanders, far away from the town hall, near some of the grasslands, thinking and rethinking what Geuse had told him.
Geuse had told him everything. How the Witch of Vainglory and the Sin Archbishop of Greed attacked Elior Forest, attempting to get to the seal. He told him of how in order to fight them off, he took the Authority of Sloth. He told him how he accidentally killed Fortuna, was driven mad, and that Pandora then took him away.
All Subaru could feel right now was rage. Pandora had turned his humanitarian group into a legion of international terrorists. One of his most devout followers was the cause of countless deaths because of her.
And worst of all, she hurt Emilia. She made her watch her aunt die, then taunted her for it.
"DAMN IT!" he yelled, launching his staff, firing a small projectile which exploded into a yellow blast, followed by a plume of aquamarine smoke the second it reached a nearby hill.
POW-BOOM!
Huffing in anger, Subaru still had the image of that platinum-haired bitch in his mind.
"I thought I might find you here."
Turning around, the Japanese teenager saw none other than Geuse. Only this time, rather than wearing simple peasant clothing, he was wearing the Witch Cult outfit that Subaru brought with him inside the second chest from the Watchtower.
"Whenever you were angry or frustrated," Geuse continued. "You would always turn to self-destructive habits. I'm glad to see that now you aren't hurting yourself, at least."
Subaru gave a sarcastic laugh, but decided to change the conversation, knowing full-well where it would eventually head. "Where are the others?"
"Beatrice-sama, Shaula, Sylphy-san, Louis and… Meili are getting your ground dragon carriage and meeting us here," the Great Spirit explained. "I'm quite surprised that you opened up your heart like that. With those two children, I mean."
"If you're referring to Meili, it wouldn't be the first time," Subaru said. "After all, I did create Shaula with magic, so that makes her technically my daughter, as well."
"Yes, I know how you feel about her," the green-haired man said with a chuckle.
"Yeah. Speaking of daughters… have you figured out what you'll say to Emilia?"
As soon as her name was mentioned, Geuse grimaced. His eyes were covered by shadow, and he hated himself. "She will surely hate me for sure."
"No, she won't."
"I killed Fortuna. I killed the closest person she had to a mother."
"She'll forgive you."
"BUT SHE SHOULDN'T!" yelled Geuse. "SHE SHOULD HATE ME, CONDEMN ME FOR MY CRIMES! AS SHOULD YOU! WHY AREN'T YOU PUNISHING ME?!"
SLAP!
The Great Spirit raised his hand to his cheek, feeling the hot pain from it. Looking at the man who slapped him, Geuse saw his Master wearing a disturbing scowl.
"Listen to me, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti," he said in a low tone. "I have seen the massacres the Witch Cult has committed. The burned children, the beheaded villagers, all of it. I have seen the suffering that has been caused by the Sin Archbishop of Sloth."
"S-so then why…"
"Because Sloth is already dead. I burned that broken shell of a man until there was nothing left but ashes," he spoke in anger. "And let me make something very clear: HE WAS NOT YOU."
"But Fortuna –"
"Pandora tricked you, you said it yourself. If anyone is to blame, it's her."
Geuse stayed silent. His face was barely visible, but his saddened expression was still there.
"And if you still feel bad… then atone."
Geuse then looked up to his Master, with tears in his eyes, surprised by what he said.
"Do not think that you can only atone through your death. There are people who care about you. People who will grieve for you when you die. People who would go to great lengths just to save you. People… like me."
"..."
"So atone by helping me. Atone by helping me fix my mistakes, and right the wrongs I did. Help me… and embrace the family who loves you."
Geuse was silent for a moment, before he steeled his resolve. "Very well. Then let me renew my vow," standing up, he continued. "I will be your follower once more, Master. Wherever you go, I will go with you. Even if the whole world is against you, I will fight for you, Flugel-sama."
"All right. Then I guess the first order of business is to head back to our base of operations," Subaru said, as he pointed to the carriage that was approaching them. "Using "Gate", we should be back home right away, which should reunite you with Emilia-tan much faster."
As the two walked towards the others, Subaru continued. "Oh, and don't worry about the whole "Finger" thing. I killed the ones that worked for you in the Witch Cult and turned them into Elder Liches, so they should be able to renew the contract with you."
"That is fine," Geuse spoke. "I have no love for those zealots."
Nodding, the two men headed toward the gates of the city, where their group was waiting for them. Getting into the carriage, Subaru took the reins and said, "Gate," opening up yet another portal, and having Patrasche ride through it.
And with that, the Great Sage and his party were gone.
Something Reinhard would learn the hard way when he arrived a few minutes later.
Looking out the window one more time, Emilia sighed as it had been a month now, and there was still no sign of Subaru, Beatrice, or Meili.
Heading back to her desk to continue her studying, her mind still wandered off to that black-haired boy, despite her attempts to suppress the thoughts.
He told her he loved her. Something she was fully-convinced could never happen to a silver-haired half-elf like her. Yet, despite that, he was willing to wait for an answer, and during that time, he would be her friend.
Placing her fingers on her lips, she reminisced on her first kiss. Sure, she may have embarrassed herself to Subaru, but that didn't scare him off.
And now that Ram taught her where babies actually came from-
"Emilia-sama!"
"Euugh?!" Emilia was surprised by Rem's sudden intrusion, but she quickly recomposed herself, immediately stomping out her lewd thoughts. "Yes, what is it?"
"Subaru-kun has returned!"
Getting up from her desk, the Royal Candidate followed the maid down the stairs and into one of the many meeting rooms of the manor, where Ram, Petra, Frederica, Garfiel, Otto, Roswaal, and Ryuzu were already waiting for them.
"Oh, you all came to greet them?"
"Course w' would! My amazin' self made sure o' it!" Garfield cheered.
"Look, here they come!" pointed Otto.
And as if on cue, the doors opened up. Coming into the room were Subaru, Beatrice, Meili… a cloak-wearing girl with green eyes and a bizarre hairdo, and two blonde girls.
The group was silent for a bit, until the amethyst-eyed girl decided to start. "Subaru, you're back! How was the trip?"
"Emilia… there's someone I'd like for you to meet."
"Hm? Who?" she asked, looking around. "Is it the ladies who are with you?"
"While, yes, I'd like you to meet Shaula, Louis, and Sylphy, there's actually someone else." Turning around, the Japanese teenager announced, "Okay, you can come in, Geuse."
Upon hearing that name, Emilia's eyes widened, not believing what she was hearing. But sure enough, a figure came from the door, one she was all-too familiar with.
There, in front of her, was Geuse. The man she considered her father. Seeing him again was just a pipe dream for her, but there he was, looking exactly like he did one hundred years ago.
Roswaal was amazed. The man he considered a brother was now back in his life.
Rem stayed still. While the fact that he wore Witch Cultist clothing was a bit unsettling for her, if her hero trusted him, then Rem would trust him, as well.
The others stayed silent. They could understand from the atmosphere that the two of them knew one another, and decided to stay quiet, out of respect.
"Geuse..."
"Hello, Emilia-sama. You've grown up to be a fine young woman," he said, putting on a weak smile. "Your mother would be so proud of you – Oof!"
In a flash, Emilia ran towards him and hugged him, sobbing. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! If I just listened to you that day, Mother Fortuna would still be alive! She died because of me!"
"But Emilia-sama, there was nothing you could do!" He said, letting her go. "You were only a young child, facing an unkillable monster! If anyone is at fault it's –"
"ME! I'M THE ONE WHO DID IT!" she screeched. "SO WHY? WHY DON'T YOU HATE ME?!"
"BECAUSE YOU LOOK JUST LIKE FORTUNA!"
"W-what…?"
"Because you look just like her! From your amethyst eyes, to your silver hair, down to the way you dress! You even wear her old hairpin!" he explained, pointing out every detail. "I could never hate the daughter of the woman I love, I could never hate my own daughter!"
The room became silent once more, but not for long.
"Even if we are not related by blood, you are my family! You, Fortuna... you are the people I vowed to protect, those I will care for and love unconditionally. That is why… I could never hate you. Because you will always be my little girl."
Emilia was stunned into silence. Geuse had seen the change on her face when he spoke, and realized that he might have overstepped his boundaries. "I'm sorry… I know that I could never be a suitable replacement for your-"
"Thank you."
"What?"
"It's better to hear thank you than sorry. That's what you taught me."
"Ah, I had forgotten, Emilia-sama. Thank you."
"Can I… hug you?"
"Of course."
Emilia and Geuse each other in a second hug. Only this time, rather than it being a rush of emotions, it was a warm embrace, one of safety and comfort… one only a family could do. Tears left both their cheeks, and light sobs could be heard by everyone in the room.
"Father…"
"It's all right, I'm here… Emilia."
Subaru could feel a tear threatening to leave his eye. This scene reminded him of his parents, and that he would probably never get a chance to hug them again. But it also reminded him that he had people who cared about him in this world, and that gave him a small amount of comfort.
Frederica and Garfiel also teared up. As siblings, they knew what it was like to lose family, they themselves lost their own mother at a young age, which made them grow apart. It was only through Subaru's efforts that the two of them reunited.
Ram and Rem, while not as emotional as the blonde siblings, could also understand what it felt like to lose the only family they had. Both of them were secretly glad to have the other.
Petra and Meili, as the young children they were, couldn't help but also tear up.
Bearrice, Shaula, and Roswaal, while not crying, felt a plethora of emotions on the inside. They were glad that Geuse was back with them, and glad that he could find such joy once more.
Otto and Ryuzu also felt their own emotions during that scene. Otto remembered back to his days with his siblings, and how he missed them. Meanwhile, Ryuzu had watched the blonde demi-humans grow, and to her, they were like her grandchildren.
Even Sylphy and Louis, who were not as close to the group as the rest of the Camp, couldn't help but feel their emotions tug at them.
All in all, everyone felt some sort of emotion when watching the Great Spirit and the half-elf reconcile after all this time. To them, it was just proof that family was one of the strongest ideals in the world, and this scene gave them a little bit of hope that things would be better in the future.
Inside the Astrea manor, Reinhard was depressed.
He had failed. He had failed to reach Subaru for a second time.
And now, the Council of Elders were planning to spin what happened around in some way to turn him against the kingdom, or worse, and there was nothing he could do about it.
All the power in the world, and he felt so weak and useless.
Getting up from the couch, Reinhard figured the best way to punish himself was to go over all of the Divine Protections he had, all while telling himself he didn't deserve them.
Divine Protection of Wind Evasion, he thought to himself, in a glum tone. So much for making me run faster. If I just left earlier, I could have intercepted him…
Divine Protection of Clothing, he continued. At least I will be able to find some nice funeral clothes for Subaru's corpse once the Council figures out how to kill him.
The Sword Saint could feel himself being sick. If he could just find a way to contact Subaru, maybe he would be able to warn him of what was going on, but no.
He just had to be doomed to die.
Just like his grandmother.
Divine Protection of Telepathy… wait, what? Reinhard did a double take as he felt that blessing within him, as he searched for a definition. "Enables the user to tell other people their thoughts telepathically. Used to tell friends certain thoughts…"
Reinhard slowly started to smile, as he found a small ray of hope.
It had now been an hour since Emilia and Geuse reconciled, and everyone was glad to have Subaru and company back, and they enjoyed chatting with one another until the late evening.
Geuse, Shaula, Sylphy and Louis were introduced to the Emilia Camp, and Subaru explained to them that he knew the two of them four hundred years ago, back when he was the Great Sage, one of them was rescued from Greed, and the last was Witch Cult bait.
Surprisingly, the Emilia Camp took it pretty well. As Subaru soon found out, Reinhard had arrived at the Roswaal Mansion and told them how the Dragon Tablet recorded all of the deeds Subaru performed over the last month, essentially having his identity gone public.
Despite that, Emilia still felt a bit uncomfortable after learning that Subaru was technically older than her father, but after he explained to her that he was the Great Sage in his past life, she felt a little better. Rem, on the other hand, didn't care as she still loved Subaru unconditionally.
Speaking of Rem, when she saw how Subaru treated Louis, she started scolding him, telling the black-haired boy that he should treat his children nicely, as she started doting on the blonde girl, as if Rem was her mother.
Because of that, Emilia started doting on Meili, trying to convince the Japanese teenager that she would make a better mother than Rem ever could, both of which disgusted Ram.
Eventually, Subaru gave in and decided to adopt Louis along with Meili.
Once everyone was accustomed to one another, and with Geuse, Shaula, Sylphy, and Louis becoming official members of the Emilia Camp, Subaru went on to tell them his traveling tales.
Emilia and Geuse were quite happy to hear that Subaru killed the Sin Archbishop of Greed, as he was one of the people responsible for the attack on Elior Forest one hundred years ago.
Frederica felt relieved that such a dangerous pervert was dealt with, and happy that her new maid apprentice, Sylphy, would not have to live in fear of him ever again.
Garfiel and Otto were amazed at the re-telling of how Subaru bested Reid Astrea in a sword duel, along with taking on Kurgan, one of the strongest warriors in Vollachia.
Roswaal and Ram were amazed at how Subaru defeated the Trials of the Pleiades Watchtower, including going toe-to-toe with the Divine Dragon Volcanica, and earning his respect.
Petra was more than happy to hear that Meili was now finally free from her old assassin life, since the Sin Archbishop of Lust was finally killed, and Meili became Subaru's adoptive daughter, despite it not being official yet.
All in all, everyone was enjoying the evening.
Subaru was on the couch, along with Emilia, enjoying his drink, and watching as everyone else was enjoying the party, when…
"SUBARU!"
A sudden voice appeared in his head, causing him to spill his drink.
Looking around, Subaru saw that no one called him. He was about to write the whole thing off as nothing, when the same voice started calling him again.
"Subaru? Are you there? Please respond!"
Getting annoyed at the voice, Subaru activated his "Message" spell, a spell that allowed him to communicate with others via telepathy, and decided to confront the voice.
"If you're a telemarketer, beat it!"
"Subaru, is that you? Thank goodness, I finally found you!"
"Wait a minute, Reinhard?!"
"Yes, Subaru, it's me, Reinhard! Where are you?"
"Umm… I'm at the Roswaal Manor…? Why?"
"Don't move! I'll be on my way!"
"WAIT, WAIT, WAIT!" Subaru yelled, however, by the time he did that, Reinhard had cut the connection, making Subaru yell that last part out loud.
Everyone looked at Subaru like he was crazy, which was fair. Given their point of view, he just started yelling for no reason.
"Uhh, Subaru?" Emilia asked. "What was that about?"
"Well…" he said, scratching the back of his head. "Reinhard might be coming to visit. Again."
It had been less than an hour since Subaru's little outburst, and sure enough, in the twilight of the evening, came a knock on the door, belonging to one Reinhard van Astrea.
"SUBARU!" he yelled in relief, as he slammed open the living room doors.
"Hey, Reinhard, what's up?" he said, giving him a friendly wave.
"I'M SO GLAD I FOUND YOU! YOU CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN YOUR ABSENCE!" the redhead cried out, as he squeezed the nasty-eyed boy in a big bear hug.
"Reinhard… can't… breathe…"
"Oh, I am so sorry!" he said, immediately letting go of his friend.
"It's fine," he said, gasping for air. As he was clearing his throat, he asked, "But what do you mean? What happened while I was gone?
Reinhard looked solemnly before saying, "Well… you might want to sit down for this…"
Subaru, along with the rest of the Emilia Camp in the room, could not believe what they heard.
The Council of Elders wanted Subaru dead.
Looking up to Reinhard with a grim face, Subaru asked, "So, are you gonna turn me in?"
"No, quite the opposite," the Sword Saint said, as he kneeled down in front of Subaru. "Great Sage, while I cannot pledge my fealty, I would like to offer my assistance in any matter you desire, to stop the Council's machinations. As long as your desire does not conflict with Felt-sama's, I, the Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea, shall be your most humble servant."
"Please stand up," Subaru said. "What I seek are not servants, but friends. And you have already been deemed worthy of that."
"Very well, then," the redhead said, standing up. "What do you want me to do?"
"Inform the Council of Elders that you have "found" me, and have them set up a meeting between me and the five Camps in one week," Subaru said, a finger on his chin, planning.
"It shall be done," Reinhard said, as he left the room, along with the rest of the Camp.
"So, they want a calamity-level threat?" Subaru chuckled, as he was all alone, wearing an evil smile. "All right, then. I'll give them a calamity-level threat…"
Author's Notes: Next week's chapter is gonna be good. Anyway, here are this week's comments for last week's chapter! Crazy, right?
Craftverk: I have no idea what "Fort Boyard" is.
ErnaloreV2: Theresia will show up later, trust me.
Another guest: That would be an interesting topic to point up. The fact that one of the royals was a Sin Archbishop might possibly help Subaru's case.
Guest #1: While it is true that Pandora could potentially disable Subaru and prevent her own death, I know the reason she won't do it. The reason is because –
Im The Person: Well, you got your meeting between Reinhard and Subaru, I hope you like it. Now, in the next chapter, we'll show his meeting with everyone else!
Fred Ray: I'm glad you found the last chapter hilarious! Also, I did some research, and as it turns out, the Earth would go through a process called "spaghettification" where it would be stretched out, if it ever went into a black hole!
VeryCriticalBro: While yes, I have considered showing Subaru becoming more heartless, the more human aspects of his powers would still keep him in check. Plus, he now has a support group and friends, so he should be okay. For now, at least.
divyanshkundu8: I have considered doing a WHDAAA spin-off of this, but I would use the cast of my story, which would include Geuse, Shuala, and Meili. I think it would be fun seeing the Candidates realize the man they were scared of was just a hot mess.
weirdo70750: Actually, the method I used to kill Capella was directly inspired from Re:Start, I hope you're not mad at me. Still, Regulus' death was pretty fun, and I'm glad you found Subaru's strategic mind so awesome!
ZokuTheSkeleton: I'm glad you found my work so funny.
R-king 93: Awesome comment, as always.
ImDaze: I'm trying to write as much dialogue as I can, but some of this stuff is really hard to write. Still, glad you found this chapter to be so great!
OreosAreYummy: "Real mistakes are what make Subaru Subaru", huh? Those are some pretty wise words. Might even say they are… "sage" words? I'm not sorry.
petopokuspeto: "Nahjins"? Isn't that a race of demi-humans in some anime?
A. J Savage: That would be an interesting thought, Capella surviving. Still, if that did happen, then some future plot-points would have become null and void.
Childline: To answer your question, only Louis was defeated. Lye and Roy are still out there. But you are right, that leaves Pride, Wrath, Gluttony, Melancholy, and Vainglory. However, I will be including some extra bosses, but no spoilers!
vladbucur1997: Thank you for being a decent human being. Also, I'm pretty sure being crushed into a singularity was painful enough for the bad guys, you sadist.
KazeelBaYz: I'm glad you're gushing over all the cool parts, like Meili taunting Lust, Petra's interactions, the way the bad guys died, the Royal Candidates suffering, all of it. You guys and your great responses are the reason I keep on writing.
WarlockofVainglory: Yeah, the next few chapters are really going to showcase a lot of team effort. I'm also very glad that you laughed at the Petra part, it made me glad to add it in. Well, you've seen the return of the Emilia Camp now, hope you're happy.
NPwall: Nice comment.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, la muerte de los dos peores arzobispos del pecado fue muy divertida. Y la gran reunión tendrá lugar en el próximo capítulo, ¡así que prepárate! Además, felicitaciones por ser la primera persona en comentar la semana pasada.
wildshoy09: Glad that you support my work. The next chapter will be about Subaru returning to the Capital, so I hope you're ready for that!
JKingSniper: I do have something special planned for Ram in the future.
Meiliholic: Beautiful name and profile picture. Also, I'm getting the creeping suspicion that everyone will start calling Regulus a "space-time anomaly".
VinHD15: Yeah, the Council of Elders will be flipping out for a while. Also, interestingly enough, I have considered making Subaru king by the end of the story.
hlglh: I'm going to assume that those symbols are hearts.
Idiotwriter: Capella's death by black hole was actually a reference to Re:Start, another Sage-related story. Go check it out, it's super good!
HufflepuffKat: Well, you saw Reinhard speak, now it's the Council's turn!
Supbruh!: Actually, I've been using the Wiki for references, and Capella's last name was spelled the way I wrote it. Also, nice Star Wars meme about the Council, at least that's where I think it came from. and calling me "Ernalore-sama"? I am honored.
Guest #2: Wow, you actually guessed this chapter correctly. Subaru did bring back Geuse, and he was planning on chilling back at the mansion, but fate had other plans. But yeah, all that's left is Pandora and the remaining Witch Cultists.
NightmareYandere: I never actually thought of including any of the Ten Swords of Power into the story, maybe I will as a side-story. And as for the other Camps, yeah, with the exception of the Felt Camp, the rest are high on copium.
shiroraven: Unfortunately, Volcanica is busy with Reid protecting the Pleiades Watchtower, so he can't carry Subaru and his squad to the Capital. However, he will come back in a future chapter, and maybe he'll do it then, who knows?
There was only one new power this week, and it was:
"Message": A magical spell that allows the user to talk to their targeted person through telepathy, regardless of the distance. Can't be used for groups. Used by Ainz.
And that's all! If you want to be my friend, my Discord username is Ernalore#8663. If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /zhrbhkVA , where we post memes and fan art! Thanks, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 15: The Electric Boogaloo
Summary:
Subaru, along with Emilia, Roswaal, Beatrice, Shaula, Meili, and Geuse, have arrived to the Capital, where their hidden ally, Reinhard, along with Felt, the prominent members of the Crusch, Anastasia, and Prisiclla Camps are waiting, along with the Council of Elders. It's time for the Great Sage to show all those who have wronged him what a true calamity-level threat is... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 15: The Royal Selection 2: Electric Boogaloo
The Great Sage's Party, which consisted of Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, Beatrice, Shaula, Meili Portroute, and Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, were currently on their way to the royal capital, along with Emilia, and her sponsor, Roswaal L. Mathers.
Naturally, since Emilia and Roswaal were the prominent members of the Emilia Camp, they rode in a different ground dragon carriage, despite the others being part of their Camp.
This was fine by Subaru, however. Riding with Patrasche was letting him think about what was going to happen, a plan that would require a sheer amount of self-restraint and luck.
When he explained to everyone in the Emilia Camp what went down the last time he was in the Capital, they were really up in arms. Shaula wanted to fry every single one of those bastards with Hell's Snipes, while Meili wanted to feed them to her Mabeasts.
While it was true that Subaru's original plan was to eviscerate the Council of Elders, was reminded by Reinhard that it would be best not to sink to their level, while Subaru also reminded himself that he needed the old coots alive, if any of his long-term scheming had a chance.
So, he came up with a new strategy. One slightly-less violent.
Still, the fact that remained, that his plan had too many variables, and plenty of things could still go wrong. Most of the information came from Reinhard, and everything before the meeting had to be set up by the Sword Saint. So, of course Subaru was nervous. Thankfully, reading his Status Magic on the way helped to calm his nerves.
It also didn't hurt that he would list off each skill and spell he had, and then, as a mental exercise, plan the deaths of the Council of Elders and the Royal Candidates.
"Dimensional Lock"… trap them in the Throne Room so they can't escape, then strangle them all… "Phoenix Drive"… pierce all of them with fire and then watch them explode… "Chimera Viper Shield"… poison them and then dangle the antidote in front of them as they die…
"Flugel-sama, we're here," Geuse spoke.
Snapping his head back into attention, Subaru looked out the window and saw the front gates, and further beyond, there was the Castle.
He had come back to the Royal Capital.
"All right," Subaru sighed. "It's showtime."
Inside the Throne Room, the most prominent members of all four Camps were waiting, along with the Council of Elders, and the Captain of the Royal Guard.
And everyone had butterflies in their stomach.
The Crusch Camp, consisting of Crusch Karsten, Felix Argyle, and Wilhelm van Astrea, had their guard up. They had rejected Subaru Natsuki's plea for help, and as they believed, he killed the White Whale in retaliation, knowing full-well that they were trying to kill it.
The Anastasia Camp, consisting of Anastasia Hoshin and Juluis Juukulius was on edge. The knight had beaten up the Great Sage, while the mistress had tricked him and left him in the dust. If all the death and destruction was his way to blow off steam, then they couldn't imagine what he would do to them.
The Priscilla Camp, consisting of Priscilla Barielle and Alderberan, kept their emotions in check. The Vollachian Matriarch knew that no pig was capable of such power, and believed she may have been too quick to judge Subaru Natsuki. Meanwhile, her attendant, Al, hoped that he could appeal to his and his bro's comradery, in hope that he wouldn't seek revenge.
The most positive of the four groups, however, was the Felt Camp, consisting of Felt and Reinhard van Astrea. The blonde princess was happy that her friend was one of the three heroes, but was still upset at what the other Camps had done to him. Meanwhile, Reinhard was standing happily, waiting for Subaru's plan to be put into motion.
Opening up the doors, the four Camps were shaken out of their funk once the young butler of the castle opened the doors and began to make his announcement.
"The Royal Selection Candidate, Emilia-sama, along with her sponsor, Roswaal L. Mathers have arrived! Presenting them now!" the boy yelled.
Entering the Throne Room were the silver-haired half-elf, and the Court Mage, who made a direct beeline for the side of the room, where the other Camps were located.
"Big Sis!" waved the youngest candidate.
"Oh, hello, Felt!" smiled Emilia.
Seeing that the Emilia Camp had not opened up with hostility was a relief to everyone one else in the room, as they are now preparing for their next, and final arrivals.
"Julius, may I speak to you?" Reinhard asked.
"Sure," Julius let out a grim chuckle, "This might be the last time you ever get to talk to me."
"I doubt Subaru would execute you."
"And how can you be so sure?!" the purple-haired knight hissed.
"Well… you could always appeal to his better nature," the redhead answered.
"His what?"
"You heard me," Reinhard smiled. "His better nature. He is one of the three Heroes, after all. He wouldn't be if he was without mercy. All you have to do is find it."
"And how should I do that?"
"That, I cannot help you with," Reinhard said, turning away.
Julius watched as his friend left to join his lady, the thought of what he said still in his mind.
"My lieges!" the butler yelled. "The heroes, the Great Sage and his party have arrived!"
Upon hearing the announcement, everyone turned their heads and readied themselves.
"Presenting the Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, his contracted Spirit, Beatrice, the Great Spirit of Yin, the Great Sage's apprentice, Shaula the Starkeeper, the Mabeast User, Meili Potroute, the Great Sage's most devout follower, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti!"
While most of the names were expected, a few raised their eyebrows at the mention of the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, but they kept quiet, for now.
Now entering the Throne Room were Subaru Natsuki, wearing his traveling outfit, and holding his staff, Shaula, who was also wearing her traveling outfit, Meili and Beatrice, in their regular clothing, and finally Geuse, in his Witch Cultist outfit.
They entered and kept walking, until they were in the center of the room, where they could address everyone. The doors closed, and the meeting began.
No one said a word.
Crusch stared at him analytically. The Great Sage did nothing. He didn't display any of his power, he didn't arrive with his army of undead slaves, he simply walked into the room as any normal person would. But there was that look on his face…
He's planning something… she grimaced.
No one said anything, until finally, a purple-haired knight stepped away from the group and proceeded to walk towards them. Everyone's eyes widened as they saw what he was attempting to do. Subaru looked towards the man that was walking up to him.
Ah, step one has shown itself, Subaru internally smiled.
Julius Juukulius may have kept a straight face, but he was a wreck on the inside. He beat down one of the Heroes he looked up to, and told him to know his place. He believed him to be irredeemably powerless, and wrote him off, but a few days later, that had blown up in his face. He and his lady were now hated by the Capital for what they had done, and they now feared punishment from the Great Sage.
But the Greatest Knight would not allow that. He would sacrifice himself to spare his lady.
Reinhard said he had a better nature… Julius thought grimly, while not letting his mask slip. Perhaps if I'm lucky enough, my death will be enough to satiate him…
Finally standing in front of Subaru Natsuki, the man he beat, Julius Juukulius went down to his knees, placed his hands on the floor, and groveled.
"Great Sage, please forgive me. I conducted myself in a manner that was unbecoming of a knight. Every action I did was for nothing but my own petty self-righteous feelings. I was wrapped in my own emotions, it was all my fault. So please…" looking up to Subaru, he begged, "do not take your anger out on my lady or anyone else in the kingdom! Please!"
The entire hall was silent. The black-haired boy looked down directly at the knight before him. Slowly, he lifted up his hand, and with impressive speed –
SLAP!
The force Subaru used was so powerful, that it knocked one of Julius's teeth out. He had made sure it was powerful enough to be the most painful thing he ever felt, far more painful than anything Subaru ever felt in their duel, but not powerful enough to kill him.
The entire throne room was quiet, waiting for the Great Sage's judgment, until…
"Don't grovel," he spoke.
Looking up, the purple-haired knight was confused. "Wh-what…?"
"I SAID DON'T GROVEL!" he yelled, his voice full of rage. "IF THERE'S ONE THING I CAN'T STAND, IT'S PEOPLE GROVELING! SO DON'T GROVEL!"
Immediately, the Greatest Knight shot up from where he was groveling, and looked directly at the Great Sage's fearsome eyes.
Everyone was quiet, and afraid of what would happen to him. But surprisingly…
"All right, I'm done," said Subaru, acting casually, and breaking character.
"W-what?" asked Julius, this time even more confused.
"It was just an act," Subaru explained. "I assure you, that was not some petty revenge for what you did to me that day. I'm not even mad at you. But I did need to slap some sense into you."
"But…"
"Look, you were right. I was acting like an entitled asshole. All you wanted to do was set me straight, and the only way you knew how was to act like the bad guy. You did nothing wrong."
"But I hurt you!" Julius exclaimed.
"And I hurt you back", Subaru responded, pointing at the loose tooth and blood on the floor. "That makes us even in my book. Now, we can start over."
"Start over? How?"
"You could be my friend."
"Friend…?"
"When I first met Reinhard, I didn't see him as the Sword Saint. All I saw was just Reinhard, my friend. And I don't see you as the Greatest Knight. I see you as just Julius. So if you really want to repent, then please, see me not as the Great Sage, but as just Subaru, your friend."
At that moment, Subaru's eyes had softened, and he gave a smile, a genuine smile. Julius, in his part, no longer saw him as some lowly butler, or even as the Great Sage out for revenge, he just saw Subaru, a person who wanted to be his friend. And that alone broke the dam for him.
Julius fell to his knees, grabbed Subaru by the waist, pulled him in, and proceeded to cry. It started out as a whimper, before it eventually became full-blown sobbing.
Subaru, while he was freaking out on the inside, decided to play it calm, and on his part, held him closer, and stroked his hair. "There, there, it's all right… Let it all out…"
This was not part of the plan! Subaru screamed within himself.
Emilia was happy to know that Subaru had truly risen above his arrogance from that fateful day, and that he was befriending as many people as he could.
Reinhard was happy to see the two of them getting along. He smiled, knowing full-well that he was the one who suggested Julis to appeal to Subaru's better nature, as per the Great Sage's instructions. Felt looked at her knight's growing smile, and started to smile herself.
Felix looked at how Julius was being comforted by Subaru. If he was capable of forgiving him like that, then maybe there was a chance that the two of them could be friends. But thinking about it more, Felix figured that what had happened with the White Whale, that the idea of friendship was just a pipe dream. Or was it? For once in his life, Felix was uncertain.
Al saw what Subaru was doing, and thought that maybe there was a chance that his lady might escape his Bros' wrath. That is, if he considered him a friend...
Five minutes had now passed since Julius cried his eyes out, and only just now had he finally calmed down. Plus another five minutes were gone as Felix took that time to heal Julius' bruised face and to reattach his loose tooth. That slap really did a number on his face.
"I apologize for my emotional outburst," he told the rest of the audience, but on the inside, he felt better than he had for a long time.
"Now that that drama is out of the way," Subaru said, looking towards the leaders of the Camps. "While it is true that you hurt me…"
All three ladies flinched at his gaze.
"... I honestly don't care. Or, more accurately, I have bigger fish to fry than you," he said, as he turned his head and stared down the Council of Elders. "A trusted confidant in this room of mine has told me that you were planning on making me look like an enemy of the people."
One of the members, Miklotov McMahon, immediately snapped into attention. He knew what Bordeaux was trying to do, so he immediately spoke, hoping to calm the Great Sage down. "Ah, yes, right you are. Rest assured, the culprit has been found and dealt with."
"What are you doing?!" whispered Bordeaux.
"Silence, you fool, I'm trying to keep our heads!" Miklotov whispered back.
Subaru knew that the old man was lying through his teeth, but played dumb. He needed to for his plan to work. "Oh, really? Well, that's excellent news, then."
Miklotov breathed a sigh of relief, as he believed the Great Sage bought his lie. "Anyways, moving on… we have received reports of the defeat of multiple Sin Archbishops and Great Mabeasts. You are responsible for those deeds, correct?"
"They were a combined effort of all of my party, as well as the rest of the Emilia Camp."
"Then the credit goes to…?"
"All the credit goes to the Emilia Camp. The multiple members of my party, including myself, the Great Sage, are affiliated with the Emilia Camp. All of our achievements are hers," commanded the nasty-eyed boy.
Crusch, Anastasia, and Priscilla all grimaced. The way the Great Sage worded his sentence made it so that everything he did was for the half-elf. He may not be holding a grudge against them, but he was certainly making it harder for them to obtain the throne.
"Regardless, you were present during all of those battles, and a reward is appropriate. Along with three thousand holy coins, we are prepared to offer you two more rewards…"
"Okay, then. The first one is about your name."
"Our name?" Mikltotv asked, puzzled.
"Yes. Aside from the "Council of Elders", you go by the "Sage Council". Is that right?"
"Well, yes."
"Well, don't. I find it offensive. Call yourselves the "Wise Men", but the word "Sage" is mine."
"Very well. And your second reward?"
"You guys owe me a favor," Subaru said, pointing up a single finger.
"A favor?"
"Yes. One favor that I will be able to cash in whenever I want. Is that clear?"
"Yes, we understand," agreed Miklotov. Bordeaux and a few other members of the Council still disliked Subaru Natsuki, but at the moment, there was nothing for them to do. They were still counting themselves lucky that the Great Sage wasn't here for revenge.
"Good. Now then, if that's all, thank you for your time, and –"
"Wait a second!"
Gotcha, Subaru smiled, as he knew that voice. The voice belonged to Bordeaux Zellgef.
It seemed the old fool was still holding on to his pride, and trying to find anything that would allow him to incriminate the Great Sage, just as Subaru planned.
"That man with you," he said, pointing at a certain green-haired man. "His name is Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, is it not?"
Subaru knew exactly where this was going. "What's your point?"
"Isn't that the same name as the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing Sloth?" The rest of the room was surprised to hear that, and the gears in their heads started turning.
Upon hearing that title, Geuse flinched, something that everyone else noticed.
"Hey, yeah!" Felix yelled, surprising everyone else. "I thought those clothes looked familiar! Subaru-kyun, what is a dirty Witch Cutlist doing here, nyan?!"
Upon hearing the meat of the conversation, and the others' demands for explanations, Bordeaux also took his own stance. "Yes, oh Great Sage! Explain yourself this instant!" he said, in a mocking tone, thinking that he had won.
Pretty soon, anyone who had a bone to pick with the black-haired boy started to yell at him, demanding an explanation. Too many people were talking. It was so loud, until…
"Hehehehe…."
Everyone's attention diverted to the source of that laughter, to the Great Sage himself.
"AHAHAHAHA!" he laughed, almost hysterically. "You're really picking on him, really?! He didn't do anything to you! If you want someone to be mad at, blame me!"
"Natsuki-kun, what are you saying?" asked Anastasia.
Subaru's smile fell, as he knew full well what would happen if he continued.
He didn't care.
But that didn't mean he wouldn't play it safe. "What I'm about to say does not leave this room."
Everyone looked at one another before nodding. Agreeing to his terms, they all had their ears open, and waiting for a response.
No turning back, Subaru thought to himself.
"I, Subaru Natsuki, created the Witch Cult."
"WHAT?!"
"EXPLAIN YOURSELF!"
Everyone's reactions ranged from shock to pure outrage. The Japanese teenager waited for them to all calm down, before he gave them an explanation.
"Four hundred years ago, I created the Witch Cult as a humanitarian group designed to help people, but this isn't what I wanted!" he explained. "Nearly two hundred years ago, the Radical Faction was created by Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory. The two sides clashed, my Moderate Faction was destroyed, and now Pandora has essentially hijacked my organization."
Plenty of people flinched when they heard of the existence of another Witch… but no one seemed to notice when a certain helmet-wearing knight flinched upon her mention.
"Then what do you plan to do about it?" asked Crusch.
"What am I going to do? Here's what I'm going to do: I'm going to keep killing Witch Cultists and Sin Archbishops. I'm going to take their power and make it my own. And once I'm done with them, I'm going to kill Pandora herself. But in order to do that… I'm going to need your help."
"What?"
"You heard me. Now that I've come back, Pandora will know that a bunch of her puppets are gone. And she's going to come and kill me. But she's not going to stop there. She's going to kill every single person that's heard of her, and she's going to kill all of you by association."
Everyone was quiet at the idea that they had now become the targets of a Witch.
"That doesn't matter," Bordeaux sneered. "We have the Sword Saint!"
"Correction: I have the Sword Saint," Subaru smiled, revealing his trump card. "My good friend Reinhard here is the one who sold you guys out. Now I know all your dirty little secrets…"
Upon hearing that, the Council of Elders, along with the Camps, paled. The Sword Saint turning against them? Unthinkable! It couldn't be true! Could it?
"Y-you're lying!" Bordeaux said, pointing a finger at Subaru.
"I'm afraid it's the truth, I no longer listen to you," Reinhard said. "I have made a deal with the Great Sage. As long as he doesn't harm my lady, I shall follow his command."
The room couldn't believe what he said.
"YOU TRAITOR!" Bordeaux screeched.
"Oh, get off your high ground dragon, you were just a bad employer," Subaru chastised him. "Besides, even if Reinhard is on my side… it won't matter against a monster like Pandora."
"Wh-what?" Crusch asked, fearfully.
"You heard me," Subaru said. "I have the literal Sword Saint, the Divine Dragon, the first Sword Saint, multiple Great Spirits, some of the most powerful magic users, my all-powerful children, the strongest melee fighters, hopefully the six Witches of the Deadly Sins, and then there's me, a literal living arsenal… and even that won't be enough to face Pandora."
"I-Is she really that powerful?" Prisiclla asked, uncharacteristically afraid.
"Yes," he answered grimly. "Which is why we need an alliance. Pandora poses a far greater threat than the Witch of Envy ever could be. This is no longer about the Royal Selection. This is about the literal fate of the world. Either we all work together… or we all die together.
"..."
"It's your choice."
For a moment, everyone was quiet. The idea that the world could be in danger yet again was a lot to take in. Many people were not sure of what to do or say. That was until…
"I'll help ya, Big Bro."
Everyone turned to see who spoke first. It was none other than the youngest Candidate, Felt.
The next person to agree was none other than her knight, Reinhard van Astra. "Since my liege deems it worthy, then it shall be an honor to fight alongside you, Subaru."
Julius tapped his lieges' shoulder, trying to signal her to take the offer. "Fine, fine, ya win, Juli," she whispered, before turning towards the black-haired boy. "I, Anastasia Hoshin, am willing ta fight with ya, as does th' Iron Fang an' th' Juukulius household."
"Don't you dare touch mineself, fool," Priscilla hissed at Al, as she knew he would try to mimic Julius. "Very well, I will play along with you. Mineself finds this rather… amusing."
Crusch Karsten was conflicted. On the one hand, she was still mad that Subaru Natsuki had killed the White Whale, and he had just shown his devious mind by boxing in all of the Candidates, and somehow managing to convince the Sword Saint to join him.
But on the other hand, if this Pandora was that serious of a threat, she had no choice. "Okay," she sighed. "The Crusch Camp will also be a part of this alliance." Felix and Wilhelm, while not the biggest Subaru fan, agreed to stand with their lady's decision.
Subaru looked over to the one person who hadn't said anything this entire time, Emilia. "You already know my answer, dummy," she smiled. "The Emilia Camp, alongside the Great Sage's Party, would be more than happy to fight with you."
Looking all around him, Subaru felt a little bit of hope. "Thank you, guys. Really, you have no idea how much this means to me. I guess all that's left now is… a name?"
"You pick one," said Emilia.
"Are you sure about that one?" he asked, looking towards the half-elf.
"You are kind of our leader, even if the Candidates are above you," she explained. "Plus, you know more about this than anyone else here, so it only seems appropriate."
"All right then, if you say so…" Subaru placed his hand on his chin and contemplated a name, before answering with "How about "The Adventurers"?"
"Adventurers?"
"Yeah. Back where I came from, there were stories of heroes of different races and backgrounds, all coming together, all of them with a reason to do the jobs or fight the battles no one else could. And since we'll be doing some seriously dangerous work, things worthy of going down in history, I'd figure that the term is appropriate for this situation."
Everyone looked around one another, and they all seemed to like the name.
"Very well then," Miklotov spoke up. "The Council of Elders has approved of this… "Adventurer's Alliance", and the Royal Guard shall provide assistance in any way they can."
And just like that, I have successfully made myself commander of all five of the Royal Selection Camps, Subaru smiled to himself, seeing that his plan went off without a hitch.
"All right!" cheered Subaru. "Well then, I'm off!"
Of all the things that had happened in the meeting, that was the only thing that had caught Miklotov off-guard. "Where are you going?" he asked.
"Aside from the looming threat of Pandora and the Witch Cult, along with every other enemy coming out of the woodwork, there's still plenty that needs to be done. Inventions and methods of the modern world need to be made, slaves need to be freed, strategies need to be thought out, logos need to be made, licenses and names need to be trade-marked, adoption papers need to be filed, a Royal Selection that I want my Emilia-tan to win, that kind of stuff."
"No way, Master!" yelled Shaula, tugging at his arm. "That's too much work for one person to do alone! And besides, you need a break, yep! Plus, you almost died on that last adventure!"
"Do I have to?" Subaru complained.
"Subaru, since the start of the Royal Selection, you've been dealing with one threat after another, and with barely any sleep! It's important for a growing boy to have proper rest!" Emilia scolded him. "Plus, the last time you worked yourself to death, you ended up crying in my lap!"
"Shh, okay, okay!" he said, begging for Emilia to not accidentally destroy the persona everyone else in the Throne Room had of him. "I'll take a break, but I get to choose, okay?!"
Everyone in the Emilia Camp nodded in agreement, including the Scorpio and the half-elf.
Seeing no way out, Subaru looked around for a solution to appease his comrades, and one that would allow him to work at the same time.
Okay, let's see… the first thing on the agenda would be to gain the trust of the other Camp members… so… what can I do that can help this shaky alliance… I've got it!
"Okay then, ahem… Reinhard, Julius, Felix, Al… you wanna go out for drinks tonight?"
Author's Notes: Ah, yes, political manipulations. Everyone got played like the cheap kazoos they are. I hope you all enjoyed the Super Bowl! I was just there for the guac. Also, Happy Valentine's Day! Here is my gift to all my lovely fans: The comments!
Craftverk: Sorry, but this has already been written by the time you commented your Russian roulette idea to me. And as for my WHDAAA spin-off, it would show the Cast watching the first two original Arcs, then it would diverge to my story.
pastymasty123: I might have Al and Subaru reminisce in another chapter.
ErnaloreV2: Thank you for the amazing comment.
DatGuy1st: You don't have to wait anymore. It's here!
Waiz: Glad you've caught up on all my chapters! Yeah, Subaru and Reinhard pretty much sent the message to the Council. I hope you enjoyed this new chapter.
Fred Ray: Ah, yes, spaghettification. I'm actually planning to have Garfiel and Frederica head to Priestella and meet their mother and half-siblings, so that should be interesting.
Grifith Moses: Well, he really didn't have any monster persona, since his normal one is threatening enough. But other than that, yeah, your prediction of him breaking his character was spot-on. Adoptions will have to wait, though.
Guest #1: Sorry, but like I said before, Volcanica is staying at the Pleiades Watchtower for a while. But hey, at least the Council was knocked down a peg, especially Bordeaux who tried to incriminate Subaru, only to get blackmailed in return.
Guest #2: I honestly have no idea when Subaru was summoned, so I have no idea what pop culture references he would say. But yeah, while he wouldn't use any magic, he would still have a sort of "persona" for them.
JKingSniper: Glad you find my series to be so fun.
palik: Theresia will be saved at the same time Fortuan will be. Volcanica and Reid are busy, but they'll be back later. Well, since in the series, Ainz never left his new world, I assumed that "Gate" only worked within the set reality. And besides, I have a future Authority that will allow Subaru to hop from reality to reality.
weirdo70750: Wow, your prediction for what Subaru was going to do was actually the closest one. Good for you! I also snuck in a cool reference, try to find it!
QuotezFun4Me: Sorry to disappoint you, but I decided to make Subaru appear humble and not flaunt his status, unlike Ainz. But yeah, now that Geuse is back, Emilia should be able to learn what it actually means to be a leader.
NPWall: Nice comment.
OreosAreYummy: Glad you found Reinhard nearly hugging Subaru to death. Also, I made a good call adding Louis. Anyway, I hope that you enjoyed this chapter.
Scattershot98: Yes, I subscribe to the theory that Sirius is Fortuna, and thus, I will have it written that she is saved. I hope you enjoyed Reinhard telling the Council that he has switched allegiances, that would definitely make Subaru look all-powerful.
A. J Savage: Reinhard hard would never kill Subaru, they're friends! Sorry about the lack of a bombastic Megamind-style entrance, I wanted it to be more dignified. But still, I think the ending was pretty good. Yes, I will have the gang save Fortuna.
Childline: Glad you love the character-driven chapters the best. I might add Sylphy to some more wacky adventures, we'll see. And as for the Council of Elders, the truth is, Bordeaux was the main instigator for the hate-train. Plus, his stupid pride may have given him some major oversight. Subaru has pretty much boxed-in all of the Candidates to do his bidding. His army is getting even larger!
petopokuspeto: So you can speak normally! Another note, neintsu.
vladbucur1997: I hope you're satisfied with this chapter. Also, in my last chapter, I never said that the process of spaghettification was non-lethal.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Me alegra que hayas encontrado mi último capítulo tan satisfactorio. Pero sí, espero que hayas disfrutado viendo al Consejo amenazado.
BigSmokeYeet: Don't worry, he's still the same old Subaru.
NovaSudanaPutra: Thank you for wishing me good health. I'm sorry I couldn't give you the world-ending disaster you wanted. Have some political manipulations, instead.
R-king 93: Great comment.
KazeelBaYz: Glad you liked the previous reunion! Well, Subaru still needs the Council alive if anything is to get done, so he would make sure Shuala didn't do anything reckless, and Satella is still trapped within the Seal, so she can't come out.
wildshoy09: Glad to see that you're supporting me and my new chapters. I don't know why you would try to join the Reactionist server, but good luck with that.
King_LAO2964: Welp, you saw the Camps' reactions. Hope you enjoyed them.
MemorySoul: I hope you enjoyed Subaru's evil machinations.
Oofbot: Don't worry, the worst is yet to come.
Ampsivarius: Bordeaux has the second-most power in the Council, second only to Miklotov, and since he hates Subaru with a burning passion, he would do anything to take him down. At least Miklotov was smart enough to try and appease the Great Sage.
Halleyscomento8: Lovely, thank you for the support!
umexbutter: Thanks for the wonderful comment and emoticon!
hlglh: Yay, more hearts!
shiroraven: Whoa, what?
HufflepuffKat: Reinhard and Subaru, the team that kicks Council butt!
Mahdi: While it is true that some of Regulus' wives were Witch Cultists, I just assumed that they all died before Subaru showed up. Subaru will be able to visit his home and parents, but that's far into the future.
Monty: Oh, I was wondering where you went. But yeah, I'm hoping that my publishing remains consistent, even if the semester is back in full-throttle.
InsoniaSuprema: Um fã português, hein? Isso é novo. Fico feliz que você goste da minha história, e eu vou te avisar se eu fizer um spin-off de WHDAAA.
In terms of new powers, there were three that were mentioned in the forest chapter, but never got an explanation, so they're getting them now:
"Dimensional Lock": A magical spell that renders an enemy's teleportation magic and transfer magic as unusable, and essentially useless. Used by Ainz.
"Phoenix Drive": Engulfs the user in fire, and causes the enemy target that is touched to experience cracked burns, with a massive explosion at the end. Used by Seiya.
"Chimera Viper Shield": Snakes from the shield / staff can bite and give the target a lethal venom. It also gives the user some poison resistance. Used by Naofumi.
And that's all! If you want to join my Discord, the link is /zhrbhkVA, you can post memes and fan art there. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore#8663. Also, check out our new collab, "Subaru Suffers While Trying to Have a Phone Call with His Parents". That is all I have to say, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 16: Guys' Night Out
Summary:
It has been four months since the founding of the Adventurers Alliance, and Subaru, along with Reinhard, Julius, Felix, Al, Garfiel, Geuse, and Otto have all gone out to the Capital to party, while Emilia, Felt, Crusch, Anastasia, Priscilla, Beatrice, Rem, and Shuala hang out at the Astrea manor. Unfortunately, someone is hunting down Subaru... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net
Chapter Text
Chapter 16: Guys' Night Out
"...And that's everything that happened this month," Subaru said, finishing his re-telling.
In front of Subaru was none other than Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter, who, at the moment, was sitting on the other side of her cell, acting as civil as ever.
"... I see. And how is Meili?" Elsa asked.
"With Capella now dead, she's been the happiest I have ever seen her," Subaru answered honestly. "I even got all of the paperwork done, so now I'm her legal guardian."
"That's good to hear," the Bowel Hunter hummed. "I guess our deal was the right call."
"Yup," the Great Sage smiled. "I've been getting reports that you've been nice and civil here. That's good to hear. Keep this up, and I might recommend to the judge to let you out on parole."
"That would be nice…" the black-haired woman smiled.
"All right, time's up. This visit's over," a knight said, walking in.
"All right, all right, I'm going," Suabru said, getting up. "See you next time, Elsa."
"I'll look forward to it, Great Sage."
Nodding, the nasty-eyed boy left the Bowel Hunter's cell, and walked out of the building, all the while thinking about all the eventful things that have happened to him recently.
It had now been four months since the second Royal Selection meeting and the founding of the Adventurers Alliance, and during those four months, Subaru Natsuki was busy.
As he promised, he got to work right away. With the help of his alliance, he raided multiple hideouts of the Witch Cult, but still no Sin Archbishops. He also traveled to Gusteko to dismantle whatever was left of Lust's criminal organization. He and his team even raided various cartels and freed dozens of slaves, and provided them with homes and jobs in Irlam Village.
In terms of non-fighting ventures, he used the reward money from the Council of Elders to tear down the Slums, and rebuild new buildings and homes for all of the residents, much to Felt and Old Man Rom's joy. He also wrote several essays about the benefits of modern science, including topics such as crop rotations and vaccinations, in an attempt to start an age of enlightenment in Lugnica, along with creating several new inventions to help improve life.
For the Royal Selection, he campaigned for Emilia, and even gained allies in the form Annerose Miload and Clind. Both Clind and Subaru were pleasantly surprised when they learned that the other was alive, much to the confusion of everyone else. Eventually, Subaru had to explain that Clind was actually a centuries-old Great Spirit, much to the shock of Frederica and Annerose.
Needless to say, happy to see Flugel again, Clind begged Annerose for the two of them to move to the Roswaal Mansion, which she agreed to, seeing how cute Emilia was.
Other new people Subaru had met included the Suwen family, who came to visit Otto after learning he was friends with the Great Sage. They even managed to convince Subaru to place pressure on Picoutatte to end Otto's exile, along with making the girl who forced Otto to be exiled come clean with her crimes, and write a written apology.
Needless to say, Subaru's life was pretty sweet at the moment.
Then came the incident with Vollachia.
With Subaru being the Great Sage, there had been hundreds of marriage proposals from the lowest counts, to the most decorated of archbishops from every country all over the world, all of them asking for either their, or their daughters', or their sisters' hand in marriage, and that didn't even include the creepy fan letters, but this incident involving Vollachia took the cake.
When the news of Subaru Natsuki being the Great Sage reached the rest of the countries, members from the all-female Shudrak Clan crossed the border between Vollachia and Lugnica, broke into the Roswaal Mansion, and attempted to force themselves upon Subaru, in an effort to have the Great Sage pass his "all-powerful" genes onto their children.
Ugh… Subaru shuddered as he remembered one of the women grabbing at his pants.
It took Emperor Vincent Vollachia renewing the non-aggression pact with Lugnica, along with Subaru begging the rightfully enraged Emilia and Rem not to have all the female warriors executed, from having this turn into an international scandal.
Unfortunately, by the end of it, Subaru did end up having to fight Cecilus Segmunt in a proxy duel, where he barely managed to get out of there without a single scratch. That was, until all of the other Divine Generals wanted to test their mettle against the Great Sage.
It also didn't help that Yorna Mishigure kept asking to marry Subaru, much to his dismay.
However, once it was over, Vincent, Cecilus, the other Divine Generals, and the Shudrak women all went back home to Vollachia, and Subaru was able to get back to work.
On the bright side of the whole ordeal, he at least got to meet the merchant duo, Flop O'Connell and Medium O'Connell, allowing him to sell some of his inventions to Vollachia.
When not doing any important work, however, he was still busy. He finally got the necessary paperwork completed, and now, Meili, along with Louis and Shaula were officially his adopted children, and he would play and dote on them whenever he had free time.
When not spending time with them, he would either be on a date with Emilia or Rem, both of them trying to woo him. Under the watchful gaze of Geuse and Ram, of course.
Every now and then, he would also do some fun things with Petra and the other local village brats, like show off some cool magic, or tell them stories from his homeland and pass them off as epic legends of yore, or show them a cool invention he brought along.
In truth, every waking moment of the Great Sage's life was one form of work or another. With one exception, that is...
"Are you ready to head out?"
It was night at the Royal Capital, and now wearing his signature black-and-orange tracksuit, after leaving his traveling clothes and staff behind at the Roswaal Mansion, Subaru looked over his entourage for the night.
They consisted of Reinhard, Julius, Felix, Al, Geuse, Otto, and Garfiel, all of them in their normal outfits, all of them ready.
"Ready ta party when y'are, Cap'n."
This one night Subaru got off was the same night as always: "Guys' Night Out".
The first time it happened was the night the second Royal Selection meeting ended. Shaula and Emilia insisted that Subaru take a break, and reluctantly, he chose to have drinks with the knights of the other Royal Candidates.
Ever since that night, there would be a monthly tradition: On the mensiversary, that means once a month, of the founding of the Adventurers Alliance, Subaru would meet up with the other guys in the Royal Capital, so they could all tour the city, get drunk, and party 'till they dropped.
However, the drinking part was mostly for everyone but Subaru and Reinhard, as it turned out that Reinhard's multiple Divine Protections prevented him from getting drunk, and Subaru had a skill called "Alcohol Immunity", so he also couldn't get drunk. Despite that, the two of them decided to act as the chaperones for everyone else, who would be hung over by the end of it.
During that time as well, Subaru went to visit Elsa in her cell, and give her updates on how everything was going, especially Meili. Once he finished, he would leave and head out to the street where the rest of his entourage would be waiting for him.
In their first outing, the group only consisted of the Great Sage, the Sword Saint, the Greatest Knight, the Blue, and Priscilla's jester. In the following months, they had also invited Ricardo, Tivey, Hetaro, Wilhelm, and Heinkel, who had ended up joining Priscilla's Camp, in an attempt for everyone to get to know one another.
While it was fun partying with the members of the Iron Fang, everyone kind of regretted hanging out with the older Astrea men. They would keep to themselves and sometimes eye Reinhard, and all in all, they just soured the mood.
This time around, however, the Head of Internal Affairs, the Shield of the Sanctuary, and the Hand of Orion would be the ones joining the festivities.
"Okay then!" cheered Subaru, lifting a fist into the air. "Let's go!"
Inside the Astrea mansion, eight women were currently having their "Girls' Night Out". The woman consisted of Emilia, Felt, Crusch, Anastasia, Priscilla, Shaula, Beatrice, and Rem.
Just like the boys in their Camps, the girls also loved their monthly girl time. While the first time around it was only the Candidates, they also had other guests from time to time, such as Ram, Frederica, Meili, Petra, and Annerose.
This time around, the extra guests consisted of Beatrice, who was there because her Subaru was also in the Capital, Rem, who's turn it was to be the maid attending the silver-haired half-elf this time around, and Shaula, who was now wearing her regular bikini-outfit and hot pants.
"Really? That's what ya usually wear?" asked Felt, who was eyeing the Scorpio's interesting fashion choice. It was definitely a lot more eye-catching than the clothes she wore during the meeting, to put it in one way.
"Yep! Master Flugel had me change to the other one, he said something about how no daughter of his would dress like that while on business," she explained, stretching her arms. "But since he's wearing his casual clothes now, I get to do so as well, yep!"
"Okaayyy…" said the crimson-eyed Candidate, trying to change the subject.
"Well then, since we're all here, I suggest we begin this evening's "Girls' Night Out"!" Crusch announced as she grabbed some cookies from a tray.
"Ya said it, sista!" agreed Anastasia, as she turned towards the amethyst-eyed girl and the blue-haired maid. "So, ar' there any boys y'all like?"
"Hey, Pete-san, can I ask you a question?"
"Of course, Al-san."
"How is it that you can walk around the streets, without getting mobbed due to… you know…"
"The way I dress?" asked Petelgeuse.
"Yeah, that."
"Well, due to the fact that I am under the protection of Flugel-sama, no one dares to harm me. Some of the locals have gone so far as to call me, 'the Good Witch Cultist'."
"Huh, that's really interesting."
Such conversations were held between the various men of the various Camps, all of them trying to know one another better. In the shopping district of the Capital, the gang was lively, and was enjoying each other's company, all that was except for one person.
Subaru was quiet. While he put on a happy face, he actually wasn't in the mood for celebrating. When no one was looking his smile would drop, and he would look towards Reinhard.
In fact, all he did the entire night was eye Reinhard, as if he wanted to get him alone and tell him something. But he never got the opportunity to. Reinhard never noticed as he was too busy paying attention to the buildings, as if he was looking, or waiting, for something.
Or, more accurately, for someone, to show themselves.
Was there someone watching them?
That didn't matter to Subaru.
Swallowing his fears and self-doubt, the black-haired boy tapped his friend's shoulder. "Reinhard… there's something I wanna tell you."
"Hmm?"
"It's about…"
Suddenly, as if time froze, Subaru could not move, and the world felt silent. There was something that was wrong, and the Japanese teenager could feel it.
Turning towards the street, Subaru saw a black shadow, one with the shape of a woman. Approaching the Japanese teenager, the shadow gained an appearance, that of a woman who had white hair and black clothes, and she gave the nasty-eyed boy a sense of dread.
Taking a closer look, Subaru saw that the woman had glowing eyes, indicating that she was not a human. He felt a sense of violence and hostility directed towards himself, and soon found that he could not move. He could not breathe.
Subaru immediately knew who was standing in front of him
Tia?
But something was wrong. Her clothes were a different color, and while she always had a murderous aura, this one was different. This one was directed towards Subaru, someone she considered a friend, and who was now looking at him like he was a disgusting bug, almost as if the woman in front of him was not the Tia he knew.
The Great Sage was afraid.
"Die."
Opening the door, one of the maids of the Astrea estate appeared. "Pardon the interruption, but there is a guest who claims to have business with one of you in the room."
Looking at one another, the girls had no idea what she was talking about. With few options, Felt decided to let the mysterious guest inside, which the maid complied with.
"Okay, you can come on in."
Entering the room was a woman with white hair and a beautiful face. She also wore white clothes, which Anastasia immediately recognized as Kararagian.
"Who are you?" asked Emilia.
"For now, you can just call me Tia."
The girls all looked at each other, trying to figure out if any of them knew this girl, but what she said next completely threw everyone out for a loop.
"I don't want to kill anyone for the time being so long as you simply return what you have stolen from me." Turning towards the girls of the Emilia Camp, specifically Rem, Tia says, "Respond carefully. "Yes" is the only answer I want to hear. Give me back my Light Sphere."
FWOOSH!
A strong blade of wind blew past Rem and lacerated the wall behind her. The other girls stood up, ready to defend themselves if things got violent, as Rem said, "I definitely didn't steal anything from you, nor do I know what a "Light Sphere" is."
Tia was not convinced. "I warned you." Her anger finally exploded, but before she could release her Wind Magic –
"EVERYONE! PROTECT THE NON-COMBATANTS!" yelled Crusch, grabbing Felt before she ducked behind one of the pieces of furniture.
Everyone else followed suit and avoided the strong winds which devastated the entire room. The walls, the doors, and the furniture everyone ducked behind were all obliterated by the blades of wind, while the occupants of the room remained safe.
"I don't wanna die, I don't wanna die…" Shaula kept repeating.
"Calm down, in fact," Beatrice interrupted her. "Look, she's only destroying the walls, but the rest of us are unscathed. She's bluffing, I suppose."
"You're right," the red-eyed princess said, standing up immediately.
"PRIS! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" screamed Anastasia.
"Quiet, you fool!" she said, shutting the merchant princess. "Hmph, you don't have the gall to hurt us, do you?" Priscilla mocked Tia, calling out her bluff.
The others looked at the Vollachian Matriarch as if she had some kind of death wish, but then… the winds died down, and the room stopped being destroyed.
All their worries left as soon as they saw Tia sigh, and start to pout.
"Die."
An invisible gust of wind immediately flew towards the Great Sage, but luckily for Subaru, Reinhard grabbed him before the wind hit its target and vaporize him.
CRASH!
The others turned around to see what had made that noise and saw that a nearby stand was destroyed. Looking between the Sword Saint holding the black-haired boy and the white haired woman with a face of clear murderous intent, everyone immediately put two and two together.
"CAP'N!"
"NATSUKI-SAN!"
"FLUGEL-SAMA!"
The white-haired woman continued to repeat the word "die" over and over while firing deadly gusts of wind at Reinhard and Subaru. Eventually, the Japanese teenager snapped out of his funk, and jumped out of the knight's grasp, and onto the road.
"Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die. Die."
Subaru ran and kept dodging the woman's wind, while firing some of his own magic back at her. During the fight Subaru analyzed the woman's movements and realized something.
She's only aiming for me.
Turning his head back towards the group, he yelled "Guys! She's only after me! Get the civilians and non-combatants out of here while I buy you guys some time!"
"Got it, nya!"
Seeing everyone else run to evacuate the civilians, Subaru looked back to the woman. "Tia, it's me, Flugel!" he called out. "What the hell are you doing?!"
"Die."
Dodging another Wind attack, Subaru continued, "I DON'T WANT TO HURT YOU!"
"Die."
"All right, then…" Subaru said, charging up his magic. "You leave me no choice."
Inside the destroyed room of the Astrea manor, the girls all stared at the white-haired woman, which caused her face to turn red with embarrassment.
"Stop looking at me like I'm crazy! She is a thief and I know it!"
Emilia turned towards Rem and asked, "Rem, did you… steal this "Light Sphere" thing she's talking about?" with sincerity in her eyes.
"No, Emilia-sama! I never stole anything from Tia-sama!" she defended herself.
"My Divine Protection shows me that you are indeed not lying," confirmed Crusch.
Tia was confused. "B-b-but you smell the same as the thief!"
Most of the girls looked at Tia with confusion and doubt on their faces, but Beatrice decided to cut to the chase. "If you want us to help you, you have some explaining to do, I suppose."
"Okay, fine. I guess it's fair since I wrecked your room," sighed Tia.
"That's an understatement," joked Felt.
"Okay, well… here goes," Tia said, sitting down. "My full name is Zarestia, the Great Spirit of Wind. A young oni woman stole my Light Sphere, the source of my power, so I guess since both Rem and the oni smelled the same, I…"
"Accused my Master's favorite maid?" suggested Shaula. While Rem blushed at the comment, the rest of the group was more focus on the fact that the Great Spirit of Murder was here.
"Yeah, that. Sorry. But about my Light Sphere: It's an extremely dangerous item. While I have it, I turn into a ruthless murderer, so when I get it back, I'm gonna have to stay far away from civilization. Meaning whoever has it, will be overcome by bloodlust."
The majority of the girls grimaced at the idea of a ruthless killing machine. Meanwhile, some like Anastasia and Priscilla, were fascinated. They had heard the stories of the Most Beautiful Reaper, and to know how and why she killed was a huge revelation.
"So, an oni woman stole the Light Sphere, got it," Anastasia summarized. "The question is: Why come here? It's a pretty big world, ya know."
"That's the thing," spoke the Great Spirit. "I tracked down the oni here via smell. But since Rem-san is also here, I must have gotten confused."
"But why would she want to steal it in the first place?" asked Emilia.
"Don't expect the answer to come to you!" scolded the Vollachian Matriarch. "Think. Why would someone want to steal such a powerful weapon?"
"To kill someone."
"Very good. Now, maid, tell me, what is it that you hate the most in the world?"
Rem's answer was simple and curt. "Witch Cultists, Priscilla-sama."
"But there are no Witch Cultists in the Capital, right?" asked Felt, worryingly. "Right?"
"Rem is not sure. The only Witch's stench I smelled in the Capital came from… Subaru-kun…"
"It's done, Subaru!" yelled Julius.
While Subaru was busy fighting and keeping the white-haired woman busy, the others got to work. Otto, Felix, and Geuse evacuated everyone from the area, while Reinhard, Julius, Garfiel and Al raided a nearby weapons shop to defend themselves.
"All right, guys!" Subaru yelled back. "Let them loose!"
Responding on his command, both the Sword Saint and Greatest Knight leaped into the air and swung their borrowed swords towards the assailant, who had started to use Wind magic to fly while fighting the Great Sage.
"AL CLARISTA!" Julius used one of his most powerful attacks in an attempt to stop the flying woman, but was unable to as she dodged, causing him to crash in one of the nearby buildings. Reinhard meanwhile, was able to land multiple direct hits, but was unable to continue after his sword crumpled after a few of those hits.
"Damn it," Subaru cursed. "We can't fight her with all of these buildings next to us!"
"Neva say neva, Cap'n! RAAHHH!" Garfiel yelled as he bounced from bullying to building, until he eventually jumped high enough to grab onto the woman and start punching her with the gauntlets he borrowed from the weapons shop.
POW!
TOSS!
CRASH!
...That was, until, the black-clothed lady grabbed him and tossed him down onto the street.
Rem's eyes widened at the realization. Turning towards her hero's contracted Spirit with concern, she asked, "Beatrice-sama, can you feel Subaru-kun?"
"Yes, I can, maid. He's alive… but…" the blonde loli's eyes widened as she kept feeling her link, with regards to her contractor's condition. "Oh, no."
"Beatrice, what is it?" Emilia asked, full of worry. From the tsudnere's tone, the half-elf knew something bad was probably happening right now.
"We need to hurry, in fact!" yelled the Great Spirit, standing up from the floor. "Betty's Subaru's heart rate is beating fast! He's fighting a powerful enemy!"
"It must be the thief!" Zarestia exclaimed.
"Then that means that Geuse and the others are in trouble, too!" cried the half-elf.
"Well we can't just sit around here!" yelled Felt. "We gotta go help them!"
"Then I'm coming with you!" declared Crusch, grabbing a sword from the wall.
"Don't worry, Master! We're coming for you, yep!"
Lowering himself down with his flight skill, Subaru was thinking. Otto, Felix, and Geuse were busy trying to re-arm Reinhard and set a perimeter, meanwhile, Garfiel was still unconscious on the street, leaving Al and Julius as his only support.
We need a new strategy! None of us can use our most powerful attacks without someone or something getting in the crossfire. So what do we do?
"Die."
Immediately, Subaru snapped out of his thoughts when he heard that ominous voice. Turning his head up, Subaru saw that the white-haired girl was making a dive-bomb towards the ground.
Shit, is she heading for me?!
The black-clothed woman's altitude kept dropping, while Subaru noticed that her position was a bit away from her, something he deemed noteworthy, considering she was his only target.
Where the hell is she even trying to go?! Okay, let's see, judging from her flight trajectory and following the line, her target is…
Turning his head towards the lady's intended target, Subaru saw it was the helmeted knight.
"AL, LOOK OUT! SHE'S AIMING FOR YOU!"
Before the one-armed knight could even respond, however, two different objects were closing in on him at a fast pace. The white-haired woman was trying to kill him, while the other was Subaru trying to get him out of the way.
SLASH!
But Subaru was too slow. In an instant, the black-clothed lady released a blade of wind onto the unsuspecting man. His head separated from his body, and Aldebaran was dead.
Except he wasn't.
Before Subaru could scream in horror, space twisted all around the area, as his psyche, spirit, and body were spinned around as if in a washing machine, and…
Subaru was once again running towards a not-dead Al.
What the hell…? He thought to himself.
Subaru fell down to the floor of the street and puked up all the food and drink he had for the evening. He was greedily gulping for air, trying not to drown on his own bile.
He could hear his name being yelled, with flashes of green and purple rushing towards him, but he couldn't tell who it was. There was only one thing he was focusing on.
Al died. He died right in front of him.
But he was right there, alive.
But then…
SLASH!
Al's head got chopped off of his body again, right in front of Subaru again. But then, all of time twisted around Subaru like a washing machine. Again.
Subaru was running towards a living, breathing, Al. Again.
Is this… an Authority?
Author's Notes: Oh, no! A cliffhanger! Don't worry, though, the conclusion to this Arc is in the next chapter! Anyways, let's now look over the comments!
Decker: I plan on making a WHDAAA spin-off called "Tales from the Multiverse", where the Cast, including an awake Subaru, his parents, and Meili, watch alternate realities (different fanfics). I'll start posting it once this series is over, later this year.
Fred Ray: Thank you for the great praise.
Craftverk: I had a few ideas in a WHDAAA-like scenario where the Cast could watch how sadistic Subaru is capable of being, but no punishment ideas. Not yet, at least.
tappeifake: Satella will not be killed off, she will be saved.
pastymasty123: Yeah, the Council trying to justify their behavior towards Subaru would be amusing to watch. I never really meant for it to roll out of control like that, though. Also, I never played "Far Cry 4", so I have no idea what you're talking about.
wildshoy09: I'm pretty sure Subaru would be called a genius equal to Hoshin when he shows all the wonders of the modern world to Lugnica. And thanks for the support.
petopokuspeto: Naaaaaahjs, indeed.
weirdo70750: By "modern inventions" I meant vaccines and new agricultural techniques, not guns. The reference to poison was from an episode of "The Rising of the Shield Hero", where Naofumi poisoned a guard and used the antidote as leverage.
ZokuTheSkeleton: Bro Night is halfway over, though.
The Knightrider: I never had any plans for adding Melty, but if I do, I'll ship her with Subaru. Glad you liked my previous chapter, and everyone's humbling.
Grifith Moses: I actually wrote a script about Subaru reuniting with the Witches, so that's a go. As for the WHDAAA spin-off, let me finish the original series first, at least.
palik: Yeah, that's kinda the idea. I will be using one of Ainz's instant-death spells on Pandora. He just needed a way to get everyone on his leash, and nothing screams manipulation like demonizing someone and turning them into a scapegoat.
Commander Cost: While it is true that Pandora could rewrite everything so that Subaru isn't powerful anymore, she won't do it. Why? That's a spoiler. Interestingly enough, I have considered dumping an enemy off the Great Waterfall, but not Pandora.
Scattershot98: I'm glad you loved my chapter so much. And the idea that the Council could end up being… "casualties"... while fun, is completely tame. The better idea would be to force them into retirement, and have them realize no one ever needed them.
narawastu13: While it is true that Reality Slash might be useful, I don't want to spam the same moves over and over again. Variety is the spice of life, after all.
NightSoro: While it is true that Reinhard and Satella are more powerful than Reinhard, my Subaru still needed to hype her up to maintain order for his shaky alliance.
Duoliss: Great comment.
Childline: Glad you enjoyed my chapter so much. Don't worry, the Council will get knocked down a peg once more. The reason Subaru didn't bring up Satella is because he has very few trustworthy allies at the moment, so he needs to play it safe. As for the Astreas, Subaru will fix that broken family. Happy to see you loved my improvement.
Deathenglegamers1144: Actually, I wrote Julius' and Subaru's lines for this story first, but then used them for the collab fic, and then changed them a bit, so they wouldn't be identical to each other. I'm honestly more surprised that more people didn't notice.
Alejandro Badillo Delgado: Es teóricamente posible que Ainz pueda rivalizar con Pandora, pero no sé sobre el resto. Parte de tu diálogo podría haber sido cortado.
Wilber Beato Quispe: La bruja de la envidia aparecerá muy pronto, aunque tengo que completar algunos arcos más. Pero créeme, valdrá la pena la espera.
vladbucur1997: I'm glad to see that your prediction came true.
R-king 93: Awesome comment.
KazeelBaYz: The inventions Subaru will create are ones that fall under the idea of helping people, whether they be technological advancements, or otherwise. However, I doubt he would make anything that would change the aesthetic of the world. But regardless, I'm glad you like my previous chapter. Hope you like this one, too!
OreosAreYummy: I think Priscilla will be less in the spotlight now, mainly because there will be new characters to focus on, but it'll be good, trust me.
A. J Savage: Glad you loved seeing Subaru act mature. Also, yes, I have been getting some flack for calling the alliance the "Adventurers Alliance", but I'm sticking to it.
hlglh: Yay, more hearts! That means you like it, right?
InsoniaSuprema: Estou feliz em ver que tenho alguns voos internacionais. Há uma frase que diz: "Fale baixinho e carregue um grande bastão". Subaru seguirá essa filosofia.
Whyhat: While it is true that Subaru forgave Julius, he was still petty enough that he wanted him to suffer. Good thing he did it in the most dignified manner possible.
MeAnIntellectial: I mean, technically, Vincent did visit Subaru in this chapter, but I'm guessing this isn't what you wanted, isn't it?
HufflepuffKat: The Witches of Sin will be involved in Subaru's misadventures, yes. I'm glad you are so enthusiastic about all the fun that will be happening in the future.
In terms of new skills, we have a small one, but still important, called:
"Alcohol Immunity": Alcohol has no adverse effects on the user. Used by Naofumi.
And that's all I have for this week! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /a9WUuDgz . You can post memes and fanart there, and I'll drop by every now and then to do announcements. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore#8663. That's all the spelling I have the energy for, I'll see you next week!
- Ernalore
Chapter 17: Girls' Night Out
Summary:
With the two groups converging together, and the introduction of a new player, the Zarestia incident gets resolved quickly. Once that is done, Subaru confronts Al about the nature of his Authority and history. Once that is done and almost everyone has left, Reinhard, alone, finally hears what the Great Sage wanted to tell him. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 17: Girls' Night Out
Subaru fell down to the floor of the street and puked up all the food and drink he had for the evening. He was greedily gulping for air, trying not to drown on his own bile.
He could hear his name being yelled, with flashes of green and purple rushing towards him, but he couldn't tell who it was. There was only one thing he was focusing on.
Al died. He died right in front of him.
But he was right there, alive.
But then…
SLASH!
Al's head got chopped off of his body again, right in front of Subaru again. But then, all of time twisted around Subaru like a washing machine. Again.
Subaru was running towards a living, breathing, Al. Again.
Is this… an Authority?
All Subaru knew was he had seen this before.
Blade of wind.
Al's head.
Space twisted.
Time flew.
Again.
And again.
And again.
Over and over, Subaru would try to calm his nerves and get to Al before it was too late. Over, and over, he would be too slow. Over and over, he would die. Over and over, he came back.
He didn't know how long this had been going on for.
A few seconds?
Minutes?
Hours?
Days?
Weeks?
Months?
Years?
Decades?
Centuries?
He didn't know.
Time was an illusion, a pathetic joke in this spinning hell, where Al was the torturer, and he and Tia were the ones being tortured. He could not escape it.
So, he decided to break it.
The first few times it happened, Subaru rushed over to Al to save him, only to have everything reset on him at the last minute. He tried being faster, moving in different directions, but every time, he was too slow to stop what seemed to be set in stone.
Eventually, the nasty-eyed boy realized the only way to save Al was to stop the white-haired woman. During the next loop, he aimed his arm towards the black-clothed lady.
"OBSIDIAN SWORD!"
Out of thin air, a giant black sword that gave off black lightning appeared, locking onto its target, and blasted straight for the target.
SHUNK!
The sword took the brunt of the wind blades' attack, becoming brittle, and shattering. However, it served its purpose well, buying time for it's master to get towards his friend.
"AL! GET DOWN!" running towards the helmeted knight like a maniac, the black-haired boy grabbed him and threw him off to the side of the street, thus breaking the time loop.
The Japanese teenager was panting and gasping for air, but he was actually relieved inside. I did it. I actually did it, Subaru thought to himself. His smile quickly went away, however, when he turned around and saw that his obsidian sword was now gone.
In its place was the yellow-eyed girl, her aura full of murderous intent, on one hand, she had a white ball, and on the other hand, a bit of wind magic ready to kill Subaru.
Subaru couldn't move. He was both physically and mentally drained from whatever hell loop Al had thrown him into, making him a perfect target for Zarestia.
Well, guess this is the end of this loop, he thought to himself, as he closed his eyes and prepared himself for the sensation of losing his head one more.
But that sensation never came.
KLINK.
The gust of wind meant to kill Subaru was blocked by something with the sound of steel. Opening his eyes, the Great Sage saw that standing between him and the murderous lady was a demi-human. He looked like a wolf with black fur, and wore a black-and purple kimono.
"That's enough," he said.
Running towards the direction where all the civilians were fleeing, the ladies of the Adventurers Alliance, alongside Zarestia, were preparing for the worst-case scenario.
If what Tia-sama was saying is true, then Subaru-kun is the one in the most danger! Rem thought to herself, as she carried her morningstar, ready for battle.
Her thoughts were quickly suppressed, when she saw the non-combatants of the male group.
"Otto! Geuse!" yelled Emilia, getting their attention. "What's going on over there?"
"Emilia-sama, they're getting their butts kicked! None of them can use their more powerful attacks without destroying the whole district-" before Otto could continue, he noticed that the scary white-haired woman was also following the group.
"Emilia-sama," the merchant asked, pointing a finger at the Great Spirit of Wind. "What is she doing here?! She's the one who attacked us!"
"No she's not, I suppose!" scolded Beatrice. "The one you're fighting is an impostor who stole her powers. Zarestia is trying to help us, in fact!"
"Zarestia?" Geuse questioned. "As in the Great Spirit of Wind and Murder, Zarestia?"
"That's not important right now!" exclaimed Rem. "What can we do?"
"I know." interjected Crusch. "Felt-sama, Anastasia-sama, Otto-san, Geuse-san. Get to the closest exit of the city and warn the civilians. The rest of us will lure the imposter towards the gate, and finish her off once we're out of the city!"
""Understood!"" responded both men, and following their instructions, they left the group, followed by the merchant princess and the red-eyed girl.
"Zarestia-sama!" the green-haired woman called. "If this oni has taken your powers, then perhaps she has your weaknesses, as well! What are they?"
"I don't think I have any!" Zarestia remarked. "But okay, let me think… wait, I got it!"
The woman wearing the black kimono and the wolf human fought one another, each one effortlessly blocking the other's attack, while everyone else looked in awe.
"Uh, Reinhard, who is that guy?" asked Subaru.
"I'm not sure," the redhead responded. "But judging by his species, as well as his skills, it would be safe to assume that he is Halibel, the Admirer, the strongest warrior in Kararagi."
While everyone else watched the fight, the Japanese teenager turned his head towards Aldebaran. "Hey, uh, Al? What exactly was that?"
"Well, um…" Al started looking around, as if trying to change the subject, when –
"MASTER!"
The Great Sage in question, alongside everyone who was not fighting right now, turned to see several of their female comrades running towards them, carrying bottles of alcohol.
"Emilia-tan, what's going on –? Wait, why are there two –"
"Just shut up and listen, fool!" Priscilla shouted. "We need you to use that Witch's stench on you to lure the fake Tia out of the city, and into the open! Do you think you can do that?"
"Uh, yeah, sure, !" he answered, surprised by the attitude.
I still might feel off thanks to whatever-the-hell Al pulled out of his ass, but I still need to help! the nasty eyed boy thought. Turning towards the Shield of the Sanctuary, Subaru asked, "Garfiel, you think you can throw me into the air?"
"Sure thin', Cap'n!" he smiled, grabbing Subaru.
Before being launched, the Japanese teenager turned towards everyone else and yelled, "Listen up, guys! I'm about to do something incredibly stupid, so I won't be able to fight. I need you guys to block whatever attacks that crazy bitch throws at me! Understand?"
Giving a nod of approval, Julius spoke. "Good luck, friend."
Giving a weak smile, Subaru turned towards the blond boy and yelled, "Throw me, Garfiel!"
"Up ya go!" yelled the demi-human boy, throwing his boss into the air, which grabbed the attention of both the wolf man and the white-haired lady.
"Hey! Crazy bitch! Guess what?! I can Return by-"
Immediately, time had stopped, and Subaru was frozen. The dark purple shadows appeared, and the shadowy hands of the Witch of Envy appeared, grabbing at his heart.
"I love you."
I know, Subaru thought grimly.
GRAB!
"Gahh!"
And as soon as they appeared, they disappeared, leaving Subaru alone, gasping for air. Time started back up once again, only this time there was one change.
"DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE! DIE!" The Witch's miasma had now increased on Subaru, which in turn, caused the black-clothed lady to focus all her attacks on him.
The girls' plan was now in effect. Subaru was now running on the rooftops towards the edge of the city, while everyone else would prevent the woman's attacks from hitting him.
"Okay, the gate has been opened. Is that everyone?" Anastasia asked.
"Yeah, that's everyone in my area," confirmed Felt.
"Our area has also been cleared of civilians," reported Otto, who was with Geuse.
"Good, then that just leaves…" before the purple-haired merchant could continue, the sound of a knight's running feet took hold of everyone's attention.
"Felix! What's going on?" yelled the blonde princess.
"TAKE COVER!" screamed the catboy, running like a maniac. "THEY'RE ON THEIR WAY!"
Listening to the Blue's orders, all of the non-combatants hid behind the alleyways, waiting for the rest of their allies to get through the city's gate. And it all started with Subaru.
The tracksuit-wearing boy was running from rooftop to rooftop, shouting obscenities at the flying woman who was throwing wind magic at him, while everyone else, including a second white-haired woman, followed behind the two, all of them holding bottles of alcohol.
Needless to say, it was weird.
Reaching the final houses, Subaru finally made it towards the wall of the city. With no more houses to jump onto, Subaru activated his "Flight" ability to continue the chase.
"Na-na-na-na-na! You can't get me!" he continued to taunt the murderous woman, hoping that she would follow him once he got over the wall.
Meanwhile, everyone else ran through the city's gate, following behind the flying boy. Once they made it out tino the open field, they got ready and put their plan into action.
Reinhard leaped into the air and yelled "Subaru! Lure her down to the ground! Make sure she's in the center of the circle!" before falling back down.
Looking down towards the field, Subaru saw the trap waiting in place for her, and following the Sword Saint's instructions, he deactivated his power, and started to fall.
The woman started to descend down to follow him, but her speed was no match for the speed gravity was pulling down the black-haired boy.
Subaru needed to time this correctly. If he stopped falling too early, the fake Tia would kill him. If he kept falling indefinitely, he would die the same way he did when he killed himself to save Rem, as a splatter on the ground.
Five meters… four… three… two…
Seeing how much space was between him and the ground, Subaru immediately turned on his magic again, and proceeded to float down the last few feet.
Seeing that the white-haired woman was heading down towards them fast, everyone who had a bottle prepared to throw it at her, and waited. They waited, and waited, for what seemed like an eternity, when in reality it was a few seconds, until…
"NOW!"
Just when the yellow-eyed lady was about to dive-bomb herself into Subaru, the rest of the Adventurers threw the bottles at her, shattering them, and covering her in alcohol.
KRAK!
The dark Tia stopped moving. She could not move, no matter how hard she tried. The sharp scent of alcohol hit her nose, and she started screaming. Her body lost its form, and started coming off, as if it was ice melting, gone was the impostor Zarestia.
And in front of everyone now was a young woman with brown pigtails, tired blue eyes, and two pink horns coming out of her skull.
She was an oni, just like Ram and Rem.
Gone were her powers, but that didn't mean she was defenseless. She still had her oni strength and magic, and with her horns out, she was still powerful.
Beatrice knew of that fact. Immediately, before the oni lady could react, Beako slapped the Light Ball out of her hand, grabbed her wrist, and drained her mana. Before she even knew what was happening, she felt the sensation of fire and lightning all over her body.
Subaru remembered when his contracted Spirit did that to him, so he almost felt bad for the girl.
Almost.
Soon enough, her mana was drained, and she collapsed onto the greasy field.
Immediately noticing the Light Sphere, Subaru ripped off a part of Julius' cape and used it to wrap up the object of power, to make sure that nobody else would touch it.
"Hey!" yelled an annoyed Julius.
"Shut up, you can get yourself a new one!"
"Hey, Tia, it's been a while?" Subaru said, now having heard the full story. "I was meaning to visit you, four hundred years ago, but I died, so I never really got the chance."
"Honestly, Flugel, you thought that fake was me?! Did you really think I would stoop low enough to kill you? Dummy…" Zarestia pouted. "But… it's good to see you back."
It had now been a good twenty minutes since Beatrice drained the mana from the crazy oni woman, and since then, everyone had finally met up to figure out what the full story was, while the local authorities arrested the oni and surveyed the property damage.
The target of the oni's bloodlust seemed to be solely Subaru and Al, making civilian casualties non-existent, but it was nothing short of a miracle that no one was killed in the cross-fire.
"I believe I should probably introduce myself to everyone," said the wolf demi-human, biting on a golden kiseru in his teeth. "I'm the Eternal Playboy of Kararagi, Halibel."
"So you were the one I sensed before the attack," Reinhard realized.
"What exactly were you doing here?" asked Shaula.
"There was a report five months ago stating that the Great Spirit Zarestia had left her lair and was heading towards Lugnica," the shinobi explained. "So, I was assigned to track her down and stop her if things got out of hand. I didn't think there would be two Zarestias."
"Well, what's done is done," said Reinhard. "The Royal Knights have arrested the brown-haired woman, and she is going to be treated for psychiatric help. Now that everything is in order, you and the real Zarestia shall be able to return back to Kararagi."
"Speaking of everything being in order, may I have my Light Sphere back?" asked Zarestia.
"Oh, right." realized Subaru. Holding out the light ball, he asked. "Hey, Hal-san, do you happen to have a bag?" before the white-haired Spirit could get her hands back on her prize.
"Sure thing, Su-san, here." responded Halibel, giving him the bag.
Subaru placed the cloth-covered orb inside the bag, then said, "Give it back to her when you reach Kararagi. We don't want her going all murder-boner on us here."
"Fiiiiine, fair enough," sighed Zarestia. "But did you really have to call it that?! Dumb Baru."
"Oh, one more thing, you sure the two of you don't want to join my Camp?" Subaru asked. "I know for a fact that we could use all the able-bodied fighters available."
"While I appreciate the offer, Flugel," Tia said, "I don't really want to meddle in your human politics. And I'm pretty sure Kararagi doesn't want their prized warrior going to Lugnica."
"Wll, fair enough. But before you go," Subaru continued, "Do you think you two would be able to come back if the Adventurers Alliance ever needed your help? Or even join it? We have made an alliance with Vollachia, so doing one with Kararagi wouldn't be that much of a stretch. Like, maybe a favor of some sorts, since we helped resolve this incident?"
"A favor? For a friend like you, Su-san? Anything," smiled the Admirer. Turning towards his traveling partner, who had also nodded, he asked, "Welp, ready to go home, beautiful woman?"
"Don't call me that, or I will castrate you, Mutt."
And just like that, the Eternal Playboy and the Most Beautiful Reaper left, leaving the local authorities and the Adventurers Alliance to clean up the mess.
After everyone had their witness statements filled out, the Adventures decided to call it a night. But before they did that, they figured it would be a good idea to freshen up and get their stuff back from the Astrea mansion.
Inside one of the empty rooms, Subaru and Al were sitting alone.
"So I'm guessing that what I experienced during the fight was not supposed to happen?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Al played dumb.
"I saw you die," Subaru stated bluntly. "I saw your head get chopped off over and over again. So, let's try this again: I'm guessing that was not supposed to happen, correct?"
The helmeted knight sighed, before giving in.
"Yeah, that never happened before," confirmed Al. "What the hell exactly happened?"
"I have a theory… but you're not gonna like it."
"Talk."
Turning his head towards his friend, Subaru spoke. "You're Pride. You have the missing Witch Factor. I have one similar to you… so I guess our two Authorities don't mix well."
Slumping into the couch, Al muttered, "Well, that explains a lot…"
The two of them were silent for a moment, before the Japanese teenager asked, "It was Pandora, wasn't it? I saw how you freaked out in the castle."
Al sighed, "It was that obvious, huh?"
"Yeah, it took a bit of deductive reasoning," he explained. "Stride Vollachia was the last wielder, but he died forty years ago. So, it would stand to reason that Pandora held onto his Authority, and gave it to someone a few decades later. And that someone… was you."
"Well, you got me," Al muttered. "Are you gonna turn me in?"
"You've given me no indication you're a part of the Witch Cult," Subaru said. "Plus, I think it's important to hear both sides of the story before jumping to conclusions."
"All right…" he muttered, as he prepared to relive the unpleasant memories. "During my early years in this new world… I was haunted by Witches. Not the nice ones, either. Pandora and her Sin Archbishops were egging me on to join the Witch Cult… She made an example of my friends… I still refused, but she gave me that damn power regardless… I had to learn the hard way how it works… The memories still haunt me to this day…"
"..."
"Eventually, I found myself in Vollachia as a Sword Slave, wondering if my time on Earth was real or not… one day, the Princess was holding a tournament… and for some reason, she chose me in despite the fact I was a complete loser… and the rest, as they say, is history."
Subaru took everything in. His behavior now made sense. His cheery personality was just a mask he wore to hide his insecurities… just like Subaru's.
Patting his friend on the back, Subaru thought to himself, I'm so sorry, man. If only I could get rid of the thing that was causing you so much grief…
Suddenly, Subaru felt the essence of the Authority of Greed, Cor Leonis, beckon him. No, he was wrong, it felt like Cor Leonis, the two of them were similar, but…
Huh? That's weird…
Subaru remembered when he experimented with the power a few weeks ago. He learned that the power allowed him to take on the burdens of others, while also lighting them up as dots for him to find, simple, really. But this was… different.
It pulled for something, but he couldn't reach it. Something was in the way.
Looking toward his helmeted friend, he asked, "Hey, Al… let's say, hypothetically speaking… if I could… remove your Authority… would you… let me?"
"Oh, God, please yes. Bro, if you can, do it."
And just like that, it was his.
The Authority of Greed just used its "Capture Mode".
The Pride Witch Factor was now in Subaru's body. Al's "Territory" had now become Subaru's "Invincible", allowing him to be temporarily indestructible. For about five seconds.
"Uh, Al?"
"Yeah…?"
"I might have just… removed your Authority…?"
"REALLY?!" the helmeted knight exclaimed, as he jumped into the air and started dancing around the room. "I'm no longer cursed! Hooray – OW, FUCK!"
"Uh, you good?"
"I just stubbed my toe on the damn chair," he grunted. "Oh God, it's bleeding."
"Okay, okay, calm down," Subaru said, "I can use my Authority of Lust to heal you, I just need to make direct contact with your face…"
"Uh, that's not a good idea."
"Why?"
"It's just not a good idea."
"Look, if you're self-conscious about your face, don't worry. As your brother from the same world, I swear, that the secret of your face is safe with me," he swore, with his hand up.
"Ugh… fine. Just get it over with," Al grumbled, taking off his helmet.
Subaru took one look at Al's face, and all he said was "Whoa."
It was like looking into a broken mirror.
"Are you…?"
"Yeah."
"That… explains so much."
"Yeah, I know."
"Okay, then. I'll make this as quick as possible."
Activating his Authority of Lust, Subaru's fingers lost their skeletal structure, turning more into writhing tentacles than actual fingers, as he placed his hand on Al's face.
Using "Love Heals All", Subaru removed all the wounds, old and new, from Aldebaran.
"There's it's done. I also healed up any and all scars on you, as well as –"
"WHAT THE SHIT?!" yelled Al, as he saw that his missing arm was now back. "Did you do this to me?" he asked, getting into Subaru's personal space once more.
"Uh, yeah!" he squeaked, and started panicking. "My power allows me to heal you the best way possible, essentially making you the best you you can be! I even experimented with Geuse's body, and made it so his body would last as long as an elf's! However, if you want me to remove it, I can chop your arm off again –"
"NO!" Al yelled. Realizing what he did, the knight with the familiar face sat down and re-composed himself. "I mean, it's fine the way it is. Thank you."
"Oh, well, you're welcome," voiced the tracksuit-wearing boy. "So… what should I call you?"
Putting his helmet back on, the two-armed knight said, "I left my old life behind me. From now on, you're Subaru, the one and only Great Sage. And me? Just call me Al."
It had now been thirty minutes after midnight, and by that time, Al, along with Priscilla, Anastasia, Julius, Crusch, and Felix, had all gone home. The rest of the Emilia Camp was busy packing their things for the journey home, while Felt went to bed.
After finishing up with Al, Subaru walked down the hallways of the Astrea Manor, looking to talk to Reinhard alone, when he opened the door to a certain sleeping blonde.
Huh…?
Approaching her closer, Subaru saw that she had beautiful blonde hair, and…
"You're not supposed to be in here."
Turning around in surprise Subaru exclaimed, "Reinhard! Jesus Christ, you're stealthy as fuck!" Realizing that he was probably in someone's bedroom, he said, "Sorry, I didn't mean to –"
"It's fine," the Sword Saint reassured the Great Sage. "The others have almost finished packing. How about the two of us have a nice drink by the fireplace before you leave?"
"Yeah, that would be nice, actually," the black-haired boy said, as the two of them walked out of the room. "So, not to be rude or anything, but who is she…?"
"My mother," the redhead answered bluntly, as he opened the door to the living room with the fireplace and the drinks. "She has been in a coma since I was two."
"Oh, God, I am so sorry…"
"It's fine," the knight said, as he offered Subaru a drink, which he accepted.
Sitting down on the couch which was next to the one Reinhard was sitting on, both of them in front of the fireplace, Subaru said, "But still, your mother…"
"What we did was quite interesting," said Reinhard, attempting to change the subject with small talk. "Both the Great Spirit of Murder, and the strongest warrior in all of Kararagi. Not only that, but you managed to give back our friend's arm, Subaru. Impressive work."
"Yeah, sure whatever," Subaru was getting a little anxious at this point, as he suddenly remembered what he was going to say before this night's events took place. "Listen Reinhard, there's something I've been meaning to tell you this entire evening. It's really important."
Sensing his serious tone, he asked, "Really? What is it?"
"I need your help with something, but the implications of it could be really dangerous. The only other people who know about this are Geuse, Shaula, and Beako. So, I have to ask: Can I trust you? I need to trust you, not as the Sword Saint, but as my friend, Reinhard."
"Subaru, whatever it is, you can trust me. I swear that whatever you say won't leave this room."
Sighing to himself, Subaru said, "Okay then, here goes."
"..."
"I plan to free Satella."
Author's Note: And that's the end of that! Next time, we'll have an all-new story, but for now, it's time to read the comments! They're some good ones here!
Craftverk: At the moment, I have six more chapters in the works. However, as I post new ones, I'll also be writing new ones, so I don't have an exact number for you.
Weirdman: I am fully aware that I placed Subaru in one of the worst positions in Al's loop, that's why he escaped it early on, so he wouldn't go insane.
Jesus T: Some situations that the Cast from "Tales from the Multiverse" would face include the fact that Subaru is from another world, Return by Death, Emilia's past, Subaru's capabilities for evil, how Theresia truly died, the fact that Satella loves Subaru, the fact that Rem tried to kill Subaru, how Subaru is capable of amassing powerful allies, how Subaru is the Great Sage, Stride Vollachia's existence, Hector's existence, Subaru's potential future offspring, Echidna's sociopathy, Subaru's connections to the Witches of Sin, the fact that multiple Subarus have existence through time, who Shaula is, what would happen if Subaru joined another Camp, how some events take place in the future, how Subaru is capable of changing history, what would happen if Subaru arrived to in the past, the genius-level intellect Subaru possesses, how Elsa could have been redeemed, the similarities between Subaru and Al, how Subaru could have been a Royal Candidate, how Subaru is really lucky with the ladies, and Pandora's true goal. Don't worry, I'm not planning on abandoning the story once I start it. I'm also glad you enjoyed the part with the Shudrak Clan and the fight between Cecilus and Subaru.
R-king 93: Awesome comment.
Childline: While it is true that Zarestia will ally with Subaru, she won't be joining the Emilia Camp. I'm glad you liked the interactions with Elsa and the expositional dialogue. I promise to add more dialogue in my future chapters.
Boran sahan: I'm saving Ainz's "True Death" for Pandora. Plus, if Subaru constantly spammed "True Death", the story would be pretty boring, wouldn't it?
weirdo70750: Technically, Subaru still can't talk about Return by Death, but I guess Al could. Glad everything else was resolved, though.
Scattershot98: No, the fake Tia wasn't a Spirit created by Pandora, it was just the oni, Reize! Subaru can't smell the Witch's Miasma, so he never suspected Al of being an Authority-wielder. Glad you're hyped for "Tales from the Multiverse"!
petopokuspeto: I'm gonna assume "Nahesh" has positive connotations.
OreosAreYummy: Glad you liked all my reveals and throwbacks!
Jpx0999: Don't worry, any potential conflict Subaru and Al with their Authorities had has been washed away thanks to the mess that was this and the last chapter.
Deathenglegamers1144: Hector will appear soon enough, I'm actually planning to take him down along with the Black Serpent, and possibly Pandora.
ZokuTheSkeleton: Indeed.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Me alegro que te haya gustado el capítulo anterior, ¡especialmente las porciones de Zarestia! Espero que hayas disfrutado mucho de esto.
A. J Savage: Shaula has the mind of a child, so she's bound to act like one every now and then. And as for the fight with Zarestia, I didn't want them to outright kill her, since I'm planning to have her return in future chapters.
wildhsoy09: Yeah, "Tales from the Multiverse" will also explore Subaru's love life, including alternate realities where he's engaged to Priscilla, or contracted to Echidna.
KazeelBaYz: Ha, ha, very funny Re:Forgotten joke there. Don't worry, no one is getting that treatment. I hope you enjoy this Zarestia thing, though!
FlegelUchiha: Si bien sería divertido para Subaru interactuar con un esqueleto parlante, dudo que suceda, ya que no estaba planeando que los conociera.
InsoniaSuprema: Assim que a série principal terminar, pretendo fazer uma série episódica em torno de "The Otherworldly Sage", então talvez tenha que fazer referências a histórias completas. Detalhes sobre WHDAAA estão no primeiro comentário.
umexbutter: "Eleven second death loop". Heh, that's funny.
hlglh: Yay! More hearts!
In terms of powers, we have a normal new one and the debuts of two all-original Authorities, as well as a classic fanfic favorite Authority:
"Obsidian Sword": Creates a sword that locks onto its target and hones in like a missile. While it can be used as an offensive tool, it can also be used as a defensive tool. If the sword takes too much damage, however, it will shatter. Used by Ainz.
"Capture Mode": While the Authority of Greed still has Cor Leonis like it did in the canon, it also comes with a new trick. "Capture Mode" allows Subaru to take the abilities and Authorities of other people, as long as they consent to it.
"Love Heals All": His Authority of Lust allows Subaru to heal all wounds, both physical and mental from his target, essentially making his target the best person they can be. His fingers require direct contact with the person's bare face, however, and once he gets that, his skeletal structure disappears, and his fingers turn into writhing tentacles.
"Invincible": Subaru's version of the Authority of Pride grants him temporary invincibility, for about five seconds. Once it's used however, it takes him thirty seconds to recharge before he can use it again. Yes, it is the primary ability from "The King of Pride". hollowsong16, please don't sue me.
And that's it! If you want to join my Discord, the link is /a9WUuDgz . You can post fan art and memes there, as well as chat with everyone else. I also drop by every now and then to make important announcements and chat with you all! Check out some of my other works if you feel like it, and post your comments so they can be read! I would also like to thank Im The Person for helping me rewrite some major parts of this chapter and the story in general. That's all I have for now, I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 18: Party at Priestella's
Summary:
Six months have passed since the Zarestia incident, making it a full year since Subaru arrived to the new world! He, along with Emilia, Beatrice, Garfiel, Frederica, Ram, Geuse, and Otto have gone to the city of Priestella to party with the rest of the Adventurers Alliance. With political secrets, family drama, and someone crashing the party, will the good times roll? Or will the heads roll? Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 18: Party at Priestella's
"Subaru! Stop treating Beako-chan like that!" scolded Emilia, faking a motherly tone, as her's, along with a second ground dragon carriage make their way towards the Water Gate City.
"Sorry, Emilia-tan!" chuckled the nasty-eyed boy.
It had now been six months since the Zarestia incident, and a whole year since Subaru had arrived to the new world. With that, everyone was now a year older, and a year more experienced.
After the Zarestia incident, Subaru got back to work, especially working on his Authorities. In fact, after the whole fiasco with Al, he decided to experiment on his upgraded Authority of Greed a little more.
Using Louis as his guinea pig, he learned that in order to remove Authorities, he needed the consent of the person, which he had to learn the hard way, when he had to teach Louis how to speak properly, just so that she could consent to give away her Authority.
The good news was that he was able to acquire a part of the Authority of Gluttony, making his experiments a success, and before Louis could accidentally erase anyone.
The bad news was that he still lacked the two other pieces of the Authority of Gluttony, rendering his basically useless until he kills Lye Batenkaitos and Roy Alphard.
But that could wait.
And at the moment, a group of the Emilia Camp was heading towards Priestella, as they, and the rest of the Adventurers Alliance, was invited by the Anastasia Camp.
In the first carriage, ridden by Patrasche, were Subaru, Emilia, Beatrice, and Otto. Meanwhile, in the second one, ridden by Frufoo, consisted of Geuse, Garfiel, Ram, and Frederica.
While Meili, Shaula, Louis, Rem, and even Petra wanted to tag along as well, but Subaru had to slowly explain to them that they lost rock-paper-scissors to the others, so they would have to hold down the fort, and help Sylphy and Ryuzu keep an eye on Roswaal.
Once he promised he'd be back with souvenirs, they begrudgingly accepted.
Subaru was now back to wearing his traveling clothes, dubbed by commoners as, "The Great Sage's Robes", along with his staff, while Geuse decided to wear a black suit and jacket with a red and black cloak, while keeping his double-sworded golden necklace.
After the incident with Zarestia, he believed that it would be best if he wore a different outfit on formal occasions rather than his normal Archbishop outfit.
But he still kept that outfit within the trunk of the carriage, of course.
Opening the window to the carriage, Otto announced, "Natsuki-san, Emilia-sama, open your windows! We're almost here!"
Listening to Otto's command, Subaru opened both windows, and saw that Garfiel and Geuse did the same in their carriage.
And boy, howdy, were they all glad that they did.
They were now entering the Blue Metropolis, the regional capital, Priestella.
Everywhere the group looked, there were streams and canals of crystal-clear water, probably because it was illegal to litter. All the buildings were bright, colorful, and dome-shaped, while the towers surrounding the city were the tallest pieces of architecture they could see.
Wow, it's a lot different than the village I visited 400 years ago, Subaru thought to himself.
"All right, first order of business," he said, "let's check into our hotel."
"Here are the keys to your rooms," said the hotel manager of the Water Plumage Inn.
Receiving the keys, Frederica smiled, "Thank you kindly."
"Well, I have some business to attend to," announced Otto, having finished checking his luggage in. "The rest of you go have fun or meet up with the other Camps, or whatever."
"Oi, Ram, sis, I wanna explore d'is place! Le's go!" Garfiel shouted.
"Very well, Garf."
"I'm only going to make sure you don't do anything stupid," Ram jabbed.
"I know where Anastasia and the other Candidates are having brunch right now!" Emilia said.
"Great." Looking down at his contracted Spirit, Subaru asked, "Hey, Beako, you wanna go to brunch with Emilia-tan? It's girls only, so I can't go."
"Very well, I suppose," the blonde loli huffed, exiting the building with the half-elf.
The only people left were Subaru and Geuse. "And then there were two."
"I'll go with you, Master."
"Of course you will…"
Stepping out of the hotel, Subaru and Geuse ran into some members of two of their rival Camps, all of which they were familiar with, or at least, Subaru was.
The first person was someone with purple hair and a monocle, the second was a woman with brown hair and blue eyes, the third was one of the thugs who tried to mug Subaru, and the last person was the Sword Saint.
"Ah, Subaru, Geuse-san."
"Yo, Reinhard! Who are you hanging out with?"
"Ah, Subaru, Geuse-san. I'm merely exchanging pleasantries with Joshua-san, Reize-san, and Rachins-san," waved Reinhard.
Subaru had met Joshua two weeks earlier, when Anastsia invited the Emilia Camp to Pristella. Joshua wouldn't stop apologizing about his brother's actions, which Subaru tried to wave off as nothing, much to both Emilia's and Anastsia's amusement.
"Whoa, hey, I know you!" exclaimed Subaru pointing at Chin. "You're one of the guys that tried to rob me! Where are your buddies at?"
Immediately, the blue-haired hoodlum fell to his knees and bowed. "I'm so sorry! I didn't know you were the Great Sage! Honest!"
"Relax, I'm not gonna haunt you," joked Subaru. "But seriously, why are you here?"
"Rachins-san and his associates are members of the Felt Camp, Subaru," explained Reinhard.
"Oh, okay, that checks out then," Turning towards the last person in the group, the black-haired boy asked, "And how are you doing, Reize?"
"Fine, Subaru-sama. Thank you," she bowed. After she was arrested, Reinhard learned that Reize's home village was destroyed by the Witch Cult, just like Ram's and Rem's. Because of that, she stole Zarestia's Light Sphere to get revenge only to have it drive her insane. After a bit of convincing on the Sword Saint's part, Reize agreed to join the Felt Camp, once she was done with her several hours of community service, of course.
"And where are all of you heading?" asked Geuse.
"We are merely going to visit the Crusch Camp, would you care to join us?"
"Eh, maybe later," shrugged the Japanese teenager. "Geuse and I were thinking of touring around the place. It's changed a lot since last I was here."
"Very well, then," said Joshua. "Enjoy your trip."
"Thanks, you too."
As the two of them walked away, Subaru couldn't help but think of what he said to Reinhard six months prior… the night the Zarestia incident was resolved…
"What?" he asked.
"You heard me," Subaru answered back.
"You want to free Satella?" Reinhard asked. "The Witch of Envy? The being responsible for destroying half the world four hundred years ago? The one you sealed?"
"Okay, let's get one thing straight," the black haired boy said. "Satella and the Witch of Envy are two different people. Well, two different personalities fighting over the same body. The original personality is Satella, and the evil one is the Witch of Envy."
"How do you know this?" he asked. "Those sound like fairly intimate details."
"Uh, well…"
"CAP'N!" Garfiel yelled from down the hall. "WE'RE LEAVIN'!"
"I'M ON MY WAY!" he called back, before turning back to Reinhard. "Look, you don't have to answer now, just give it some time. Let me know when you have an answer."
"..."
"Reinhard?"
"Very well," he said. "I trust you."
"Flugel-sama?"
"Huh?"
"You spaced out," Geuse said.
"Oh, so I did."
"What were you thinking about?"
"The future," he answered honestly, from a certain point of view. "Come on, let's go."
"So, where to next?" asked Subaru. It had been a few hours since they last ran into any of the other Camp members, and the black-haired boy was getting bored.
"I'm not certain, Master." sighed Geuse. "Perhaps we should visit –"
"Hi there!"
""YAAHHH!""
"Oops, sorry didn't mean to scare you! My bad!" joked the short lady.
Immediately, Subaru recognized who he was speaking to. "Hey, I know you! You're that bard that came to the Roswaal Mansion! You're Liliana Masquerade!"
"And I know you! You're the butler who wasn't actually a butler!" pointed Liliana.
"You know her, Master?"
"Yeah, this little diva sang us a ballad about the Sword Demon a while back ago," explained Subaru. "How are you doing these days?"
"These days I'm associated with one of the big-shots here in the city. But it's nothing compared to what I've heard about you! From butler to Great Sage in under a month? They're gonna be writing songs about you! Heck, I've written one! Wanna hear it?"
"Sure, why not? We've got time to kill?"
"Great! Now, ahem!"
"..."
"He is the Great Sage! The greatest that ever lived!
Taking on world-ending threats, now that's one crazy kid!
From Mabeast, to Archbishop, he's beaten every foe!
You've gotta admit, he puts on one hell of a show!"
"He is the Great Sage! One no warrior can ever beat!
Not even Reid Astrea can touch him, even if he did cheat!
He's friends with Volcanica, the Divine Dragon in blue!
Whenever you're in trouble, he'll come to save you!"
"He is the Great Sage! The one who'll never die!
No villain can kill him, no matter how hard they try!
The White Whale! The Great Rabbit! Greed and Lust!
They all tried, and he turned them to dust!"
"He is the Great Sage! With powers beyond belief!
The way he speaks causes all Councilmembers grief!
He has power! And status! And knowledge galore!
And so many marriage requests that make the Vollachian Emperor jealous!
Hahaha! He is the Great Sage! We've all seen him fly!
And summon a flaming rock to come crashing down from the sky!
He has black hair, scary eyes, and a beautiful head!
And about a thousand different ways to have you dead!"
"Get struck by lightning, how frightening, get pierced!
The way he uses magic is so scary and yet, so fierce!
He can burn you, he can churn you, he can upset and upturn you!
Or find a million, billion, trillion different other ways to hurt you!"
"Some say he's great with kids!
Some say he's a god!
If you ask the Shudrak women, they'll say he's got a great rod!
Some say it's best to leave him to his biz!
But everyone can agree on one thing!
He's! One! Awesome! Wiz!"
"..."
"Well? Whaddya think?"
"..."
Subaru and Geuse then tried their best to give a positive review.
With the sun now reaching the horizon, Subaru and Geuse made their way back to the hotel, when they encountered two more familiar faces.
"Oh, Felix, Wilhelm."
"Subaru-dono."
"I take it that your lady's brunch has ended?"
"Subaru-kyun, their brunch ended hours ago," Felix said. "Heck, dinner will start in an hour!"
"Sorry, Geuse and I were busy listening to a bard, and whatnot."
"Well, that doesn't matter, anyway!" Changing the subject, the cat demi-human asked, "Hey, you wanna see Reinhard-kyun fight Garfiel?"
"Really? Where?!"
"They're at the garden with Julius-kyun and a few others."
"Alright! Hey, Wilhelm, Geuse, wanna come?"
"That's all right, I'd rather not, Subaru-dono," Wilhelm answered, half-hearted.
Arriving at the garden with Felix, Subaru saw that, along with Reinhard, Garfiel, and Julius, the only other people to join them were Ricardo, head of the Iron Fang, along with Gaston and Camberley, the other two thugs that tried to mug Subaru.
"Hello, Subaru," greeted the purple-haired knight. "It's been a while."
"Likewise, Julius."
"Okay, ya ready?!" yelled Garfiel, grabbing everyone's attention. Getting a nod from Reinhard, he yelled, "EVERYONE, BACK TH' FUCK UP!" to which everyone complied.
Immediately, both the Sword Saint and the Shield of the Sanctuary got into their ready positions, waiting for the Blue to throw his hand down and give off the signal.
"Begin!"
Immediately, Garfield charged at Reinhard, his fist aiming his legs, but before he could hit him, the redhead crouched to his level and simply pushed him back, and proceeded to continuously hit him. Eventually, one of the hits pushed Garfiel back to where he started.
It was over. Reinhard had won.
Collapsing onto the floor, Garfiel panted and gasped for air, while Reinhard approached him with a smile on his face. "That was really good. You almost moved me from my spot."
"Don' fuckin' patronize my amazin' self," cursed the blond demi-human.
"Really? That was a fight?" asked Subaru. "That was more like a one-sided beatdown!"
"I'm sure you know plenty about those, Subaru," joked Julius.
"Hey, Julius, want me to turn you into an undead slave?" threatened Subaru.
"I retract my previous statement."
"Yeah, you do."
"Subaru-sama, play nice with the other children," scolded Frederica, arriving at the garden. "Anyway, I was sent to inform you that dinner is ready, gentlemen."
"Is abou' time! My amazin' self's frickin' stravin'!" Garf said, smiling, and returning back to his normal, and more cheerful, demeanor.
Something that Frederica noticed. And was concerned about.
Opening the doors to the main dining room, Subaru's nose was hit with the different and delicious smells of various meats and dinner meals. His mouth started to drool and his mouth started to drool. He knew what time it was.
It was dinner time.
Grabbing a plate and some tongs, Subaru started to grab everything he deemed delicious in his eyes, ignoring everyone else who was chatting it up. Interestingly enough, he did however notice what all three of the Astrea men were doing.
Which was, to say, nothing. All of them were trying to avoid the other like the plague.
While he had seen it before during one of the guys' outings, it did interest him why they did that. So, after grabbing his dinner, Subaru sat down at the table where Reinhard was seated, but before he could ask him what was up with that…
"Hey, Big Bro!" chirped Felt. "Tell us how ya killed the White Whale!"
Immediately, all eyes turned towards Subaru, including all three of the Astrea men. Looking around the room, Subaru reluctantly decided that he would have to be the life of the party.
Shit, he thought to himself. Guess this is my life now.
"Okay, so I was at Flugel's Tree, minding my own business, when suddenly, Patrasche growled and threw a fit, and I tried to comfort her, trying to figure out what was wrong. Next thing I know, I hear a large groan and a huge shadow covers me. I turn around and I see it… the White Whale. All the White Whale saw, of course, was an easy meal."
The group slightly chuckled at Subaru's joke.
"I start panicking seeing that thing, so I run toward my staff, trying to figure out which of all my abilities to use on that monster. Time was running out, and the White Whale was approaching me. I read through all of my available abilities, none of them working. Eventually, I make it to my staff and time runs out. I pick one, close my eyes, and swing my staff."
"...Then what happened?" she asked.
"I prepared myself for a really painful death, and then heard the sounds of crashing all over me. I open one eye, and see my trusty ground dragon in front of me, and I have no idea where the White Whale went. I open both my eyes and relax, scanning the area for the monster, only to see it's right side on my right, and it's left side on my left."
"YA SPLIT THA' THIN' 'N HALF?!" yelled Garfiel, amazed. He had heard how the creature died, but not that it had died in such an awesome fashion.
"Uh, yeah, pretty much. I accidentally stumbled upon it, the big scary monster tried to eat me, I defended myself, it dies, the end," he answered honestly.
While everyone else laughed at the nonchalant tone Subaru had for taking down one of the three Great Mabeasts, a certain old man was not laughing…
It was now late at night, and the massive feast that was held had ended. Everyone was getting ready to head off to bed, while Subaru himself was heading towards the bath, but not before he noticed a familiar presence in the garden.
"Oh, Wilhelm!"
"Ah, Subaru-dono."
"What are you doing?"
"Admiring the flowers."
"Oh, do you like them?"
"No, not really. But my wife did."
"Oh, I am so sorry…" After Subaru was officially announced as the Great Sage, he no longer worked as a butler, giving him more free time to research and study. One of the books he read recently wrote about the death of the previous Sword Saint, Theresia van Astrea, Wilhelm's wife, at the jaws of the White Whale.
The monster that Subaru killed.
And who told the story to in front of everyone, just a few hours ago.
Including Wilhelm, the widower.
Without even realizing it.
Wow, I'm a dick.
"No, no, it's fine. You did nothing wrong," reassured the old butler.
"Right… so… I noticed that you and Reinhard don't get along…"
The Sword Demon turned to look at the Great Sage. "Is it that obvious?"
"Oh thank God, I thought I was seeing things!" sighed Subaru. "But seriously, yeah. You're part of a different Camp than both him and your son, during Guys' Night Out you didn't talk to him, and just today you didn't want to see him fight Garfiel or talk to him during dinner."
"So it was obvious," grumbled the old man.
"Look, from what I'm guessing, the death of the previous Sword Saint must have hurt your family badly, but that shouldn't mean that you avoid each other. You're family, you should be able to talk to each other."
"But… how? I haven't spoken to him in so long…" the old man said. "I blamed him for the death of my wife, and now that I don't have a shot at revenge on that monster anymore, what can I do? What can I say to my grandson?"
"Anything will do," Subaru answered honestly. "It's Reinhard, any positive feedback will do wonders for him. He needs you. I'm not asking this of you in the interest of the Adventurers Alliance, I'm asking you as his best friend, Hell, maybe his only real friend."
While what Subaru said was true, he himself also had a personal stake in this. Ever since he asked for Reinhard's help in freeing Satella, their relationship seemed to be shaky. While it was true that Reinhard said he would think it over, he still hadn't given Subaru an answer.
Wilhelm took a moment before responding, seeing the sincerity in the young man's eyes. Eventually, he agreed. "Very well, I shall try tomorrow at breakfast."
"Thanks, I owe you one," he said, turning to head towards the baths.
It was the next morning, and everyone was having breakfast together. Subaru looked around the room to see that both Reinhard and Wilhelm were both in the room, as well. Eyeing the Sword Demon, he gives him a nod, one that the old butler understands.
Standing up from his seat at the table, Wilhelm walked over to where his grandson was seated, and started talking to him. Good, Subaru thought to himself. They're making progress.
Too bad that didn't last for long.
"Hey, what's going on here?" questioned Heinkel Astrea, smelling of alcohol.
"I am simply speaking with my grandson," explained Wilhelm to his son, his tone sounding venomous. "Is that so wrong, my boy?"
"It is when you're talking to that monster," said Heinkel, grabbing everyone's attention.
The entire dining hall was dead quiet. Al looked toward Priscilla to stop this, but she just watched. She had a feeling that this would be interesting.
"Take it back," Wilhelm said, in a deadly tone.
"Why should I?" Heinkel rebutted. "He's been nothing but misfortune since the day he arrived. Louanna's health decreased every day since he was born, and he's such a danger to everyone they made a literal law preventing him from leaving the country –"
SLAM!
Wilhelm slammed his hand down to the table and stood up. Multiple people from several Camps were ready for this to get bloody.
"I said take it back."
"No."
"HE'S NOT A MONSTER, YOU TAKE IT BACK!" yelled Wilhelm, raising his voice.
"BUT ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU CALLED HIM WHEN MOM DIED?!"
The second those words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.
Immediately, Reinhard stood up, with a clear look of pain on his face.
"Please excuse me," was all he said before quickly dashed out of the dining room.
"Wait, Reinhard!"
Damn it, I should have seen that coming! Subaru chastised himself.
Standing up as well, the Japanese teenager followed him. "Damn it!"
"Wait, Flugel-sama! Wait for me!" cried Geuse, following behind his Master.
"Cap'n!" yelled Garfeil, as he started to run off as well, but was stopped by his sister.
"Garf, no."
"C'MON, LEMME HELP!" he pleaded.
"No! What has gotten into you?!"
"Please, let me help him."
Looking at her brother's pleading eyes, she resigned to her fate. "Fine, but I'm coming with you." Turning to see her liege giving her approval, the two golden siblings went out.
Running down the stairs and out of the hotel, Garfiel looked around in the crowd and couldn't see any of his friends anywhere. "Damn it!" he hissed. "We miss'd 'em!"
"Calm down, Garf," his sister spoke. "They can handle themselves."
"Yeah, ya right," he said, pacing around the street. " I jus… I feel so useless…"
At that, the maid's ear perked up. "Useless?"
Seeing that there was no way to avoid this conversation, Garfiel sighed. "Yeah… been feelin' tha' way since the Tia thin'... I mean… my amazon' self got his ass handed to him by tha' chick, and it made me feel so… weak."
"Wait… So… the reason you wanted to help him… all of that frustration we've been noticing lately… Was it because you were feeling useless?" Frederica asked.
"Yeah…"
"Garf… I didn't know."
"Yeah?" he said, getting mad. "Well, now ya –"
BUMP!
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Frederica said to the woman. "My brother wasn't looking, and –"
"It's quite alright," she said, sounding calm.
While a normal person would have felt relief upon hearing that, Frederica and Garfiel were anything but calm upon hearing her voice.
Looking at her, they saw it. Brown and black pants, a white shirt, and black shoes. She had golden hair and green eyes, just like Garfiel and Frederica.
But the most damning thing of all, the nail in the coffin, was the crystal necklace around her neck. Just like the ones Frederica and Garfiel have.
"Ma…?"
"Damn it, where could he have gone?" questioned Subaru. He and Geuse we're now in the middle of a square, with Reinhard nowhere to be seen.
"I'm not sure, Master," sighed the green-haired man. "Perhaps we should –"
"LOOK! UP AT THE TOWER!"
Both the Great Sage and his follower looked up to where the man was pointing, as did everyone one else in the crowd, who started to gasp in shock.
"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting you, but may I please have a moment of your time?"
Up on the tower was a woman covered in bandages, with silver hair seeping out of the top of her head. Aside from the bandages, the only thing she was wearing was a long, purple cloak. She had golden chains wrapped around her arms.
"Hello everyone!" she said cheerfully. "I am a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the sin of Wrath… Sirius Romaee-Conti!"
Everyone immediately panicked, and Subaru readied himself for battle, but one person in the crowd was more shocked than anything else.
"Fortuna-sama…?"
Author's Note: In case you're wondering, the song Liliana played can be sung in the same tune as "Welcome to the Internet" by Bo Burnham. I suggest you go back and reread that song in the same tune. Anyways, time for the comments!
Craftverk: No, I have no plans for a WHDAAA spin-off featuring Subaru's "five mysterious friends," aka the Isekai Quartet, unless it's one for "The Otherworldly Sage".
VeryCriticalBro: While I know Tappei said restoring Ram's horn was impossible, I literally have a story where a bunch of mysterious beings left powers for a version of a guy who had been dead for multiple incarnations of reality. I can write whatever I want, and Ram's horn is coming back. And, yes, changing your name would be very accurate.
OreosAreYummy: Yeah, "Invincible" is literally the King of Pride's ability, minus the intelligence and sociopathy. Also, I am going with the theory that Al is another Subaru.
Anonymous: Glad you like my story so far. Yeah, there will be more problems coming for Subaru and the gang in the future. The butterfly effect is pretty funny. I'm glad you're also hyped for "Tales from the Multiverse". I haven't watched "Made in Abyss", and I don't have any plans for any other reaction fics, but thanks for the offer.
KazeelBaYz: I mean, if the Sloth If Subaru could act all chummy with Zarestia, it stands to reason that Flugel could do it, too. Yup, Subaru just needs a few more Authorities, and he'll be unstoppable. Yeah, Subaru did reveal to Reinhard his ultimate plan. Let's hope that this plan doesn't get leaked to the rest of the population…
Deathenglegamers1144: Welp, here's Fortuna!
ZokuTheSkeletion: "Noice", indeed.
Scattershot98: I think Subaru will use a combination of his Authorities to destroy the Witch of Envy personality, while also removing the Witch Factor from Satella.
KingLAO2964: While it is true that Al would think that he is useless without his Authority, in this arc, there will be some time dedicated to him trying to get out of that mentality.
QuotezFun4Me: Lye and Roy will be easy to fight, no matter how strong they are. Subaru will give everyone a heads-up, and they have had time to work on team tactics. And yes, your guess on how Subaru will save Satella is correct.
wildshoy09: While I have no plans of having a reality where Echidna and Subaru got married in "Tales from the Multiverse", the Greed If will be featured.
petopokuspeto: Naesz.
vladbucur1997: Actually, yes. The original inspiration for my version of the Authority of Pride was inspired from "Re:Start". It's just that, as I developed it, I realized that it was easier to write the "King of Pride" version instead.
R-king93: Awesome comment.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, Subaru finalmente derramó los frijoles sobre Satella, incluido el plan para liberarla y quitarle la Autoridad. Estamos en aguas desconocidas ahora.
A. J Savage: The reason I wrote Reize as such a big threat was because I thought that since she stole the powers of a Great Spirit, she would be on the threat level of one, meaning only people like Reinhard could take her down, provided they were away from civilians. I'm glad to see that you approved of the decision of Halibel and Zarestia not to stick around, but don't worry, they'll be back soon enough. But the name of the Alliance will still remain the same, but the reason for that will come later.
Guest: Sorry, couldn't access your story via the link you provided.
Meyani: No. At least, not for now.
NightmareYandere: It looks like you have made a mistake. Jesus T was asking about an upcoming project of mine called "Tales from the Multiverse", he's not the one writing it. You must have misread that. That said, thanks for calling my stuff works of "quality".
hlglh: Oh, look, more hearts.
No new powers were used this time around, sad to say.
But that's all for now, but there will be more! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /furgu8bV . You can post memes, fan art, and your own story ideas there, and I'll show up every now and then to drop announcements and talk to you guys! If you guys want to read some more stories, you can check out my account, I have plenty of one-shots and collaborations for you all to feast on. That's all the shilling I have the energy for today, so I'll see you guys later!
- Ernalore
Chapter 19: The Start of the Storm
Summary:
Subaru is now forced to confront the empty shell that was once Emilia's mother, Sirius Romanee-Conti! Meanwhile, Garfiel and Frederica learn that there mother didn't die in that rockslide, she merely lost all of her memories! It also doesn't help that she re-married and had two more kids. And all of that is happening while the rest of the Witch Cult prepares to strike! Cross-posted on FanFicton.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 19: The Start of the Storm
Up on the tower was a woman covered in bandages, with silver hair seeping out of the top of her head. Aside from the bandages, the only thing she was wearing was a long, purple cloak, and she had golden chains wrapped around her arms.
"Hello everyone!" she said cheerfully. "I am a Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the sin of Wrath… Sirius Romaee-Conti!"
Everyone immediately panicked, and Subaru readied himself for battle, but one person in the crowd was more shocked than anything else.
"Fortuna-sama…?"
Instantly, Subaru snapped out of battle-mode when he heard what his follower just said. "Excuse me, Geuse, but could you repeat that?"
"It's h-her, Master…" the green-haired man stuttered. "It's Fortuna-sama!"
The Japanese teenager recalled the tale Geuse spoke of back in Flanders, the one where Pandora and Regulus attacked the Elior Forest, and Geuse had to take the Witch Factor of Sloth in order to defend Emilia and her mother.
Her mother died at the end of that tale, by Geuse's Unseen Hand, no less.
So it was natural that the black-haired boy would have a hard time believing him.
"Dude, there is no way that's her."
"It is her!" the Spirit retorted. "I would recognize that hair and those eyes anywhere!"
"She's been dead for the last hundred years! There's no way that's –"
"Before I begin, would anyone in the crowd happen to be my beloved Petelguese?"
The two idiots looked back up to the Sin Archbishop, surprised by what she asked, while she herself found it amusing that they were bickering amongst themselves.
"Would either of you two fine gentlemen who weren't paying attention happen to be my beloved husband, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti?"
Holy shit, Geuse was right.
"Well, since neither of you will answer, I guess I can proceed with my offering of love!"
Immediately, Subaru's, along with everyone else's eyes in the sword widened, by what the Sin Archbishop of Wrath pulled up from the balcony, covered in chains.
She had a boy as her hostage.
"This lovely boy is named Lusbel Kallard!" she explained, as she presented the chained child. "He has volunteered to be my offering just so he could protect his friend, Tina! Let's give him a round of applause for his lovely effort!"
One by one, the audience clapped. They clapped and clapped and clapped, he was such a good boy! Everyone was smiling, everyone was cheering, egging Sirius on to just drop the boy!
With her arms extended, the elven woman let go of the boy, as he fell through the air, faster, and faster, nearly hitting the ground until...
SPLAT!
The blood escaped from the little boy and seeped into the pavement. Everyone looked at the body in awe, with smiles on their faces. Even Geuse and Subaru felt they were lucky to share this lovely experience.
The red… all that red…
Wait…
Suddenly, Subaru's vision started turning red. As if something was leaking out of his head and onto his eyes. Touching his head, he felt something wet all over it.
Oh, the blood… it's mine…
Then, the world went black, for Subaru Natsuki.
"HE'S NOT A MONSTER, YOU TAKE IT BACK!" yelled Wilhelm, raising his voice.
"BUT ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU CALLED HIM WHEN MOM DIED?!"
The second those words were spoken, the entire room fell silent.
Immediately, Reinhard stood up, with a clear look of pain on his face.
"Please excuse me," was all he said before quickly dashed out of the dining room.
"Subaru…?" Emilia asked with concern.
Subaru's face looked pale, his eyes had shrunken, and the expression he wore was that of fear.
I died again.
"Flugel-sama…?" asked Geuse, trying to shake his Master out of his trance.
Standing up and grabbing everyone's attention as well, Subaru said, "I also need to be excused," and proceeded to grab his staff and rush out of the dining room, as well.
"Subaru!"
"Flugel-sama!"
Running back to the square where his last life ended, Subaru's mind was spinning.
What the hell was that?! He thought to himself. It was like some weird-ass mind control! I gotta get there before Emilia-tan's mom kills everyone…
Arriving back to the crowded square, Subaru kept thinking.
Okay, given my delay, and then my earlier arrival, she should be appearing right about… now.
"Excuse me, sorry for interrupting you, but may I please have a moment of your time?"
"OH NO, YOU DON'T!" yelled Subaru, right as he activated "Flight" and proceeded to rocket-launch himself up to the top of the tower, grabbing Sirius.
"I'M NOT LETTING YOU DROP THAT KID AGAIN!"
Fighting Sirius in the air, Subaru made sure to only use attacks that were non-fatal. After all, he didn't want Emilia to lose her mother a second time.
Unfortunately for Subaru, the SIn Archbishop of Wrath had a different idea.
"DIE, SCUM!" she yelled, increasing her anger with the Authority, causing the rest of the crowd below to go wild. Pulling out the golden chains from her cloak, she ignited them with fire and proceeded to try and fry the Great Sage.
Shit, shit, shit shit! I gotta avoid these!
Meanwhile, back down on the ground, two other people were two in the crowd, after following their ally: A silver-haired half-elf, and her father figure.
"What is going on here…?" questioned Emilia.
"I'm not sure…" trailed off Geuse.
"Geuse?"
"Kill her, kill her, kill her, kill her!" he chanted.
"Geuse, what's gotten into… you…" before she could ask any more questions, the amethyst-eyed girl felt an intense wrath towards that woman, and proceeded to chant "kill her", along with the green-haired man and the rest of the crowd.
A few minutes earlier, when Subaru left…
"Geuse, what was that?" Emilia asked.
"I have no idea," the green-haired man responded, as he stood up. "I'm sorry everyone, but we'll have to cut this breakfast short. Flugel-sama may need our help."
"I'M COMIN', TOO!" Garfiel yelled.
"Garf, are you sure?" Frederica asked.
"Hell yeah! Cap'n wouldn't hesitate ta help us! We gotta help 'im, too!"
"Very well," the older sister sighed. "We're coming too."
"All right," Emilia said, as the four of them went down the stairs and out of the hotel. "Geuse and I will go west, you and Frederica go north."
"Ya got it!"
As soon as that group left, Wilhelm also stood up.
"Where are you going?" Heinkel asked.
"I'm going to go find our grandson," Wilhelm spat. "Some of us here actually listen to the Great Sage's advice in trying to reconcile with their families.
Hearing this, Heinkel was surprised. The Great Sage was invested in their family debacle? Well, he certainly would like to have the favor of the Great Sage.
"I'm coming with you. But only you make sure the boy doesn't wreck any buildings!" he lied.
"KILL HER! KILL HER! KILL HER!" the crowd chanted, in a frenzy.
Subaru, up in the air, was looking down into the crowd, wondering what the fuck was going on, all the while still dodging Siruis' flaming meathooks.
They're all as blood thirsty as her! he exclaimed in his head. Wait, like her? Maybe she has some sort of ability that makes her some fucked-up empath! Then why am I not affected? Is it because I already know of her ability? That must be the counter!
"KILL HER! KILL HER! KILL HER!" The crowd became louder and louder, and the second time Subaru looked down at them, his heart sank.
Emilia-tan?! Geuse?! Oh no, they're part of the infected! I need a way to mitigate the damage, but how? Who could possibly… Wait, I got it!
And with that, Subaru activated his "Message" spell.
Running down the stairs and out of the hotel, Garfiel looked around in the crowd and couldn't see any of his friends anywhere. "Damn it! Cap'n's not here!" he hissed. "We musta miss'd 'im!"
"Calm down, Garf," his sister spoke. "The Sword Saint and Subaru-same both have dealt with far more dangerous threats. They can handle themselves."
"Yeah, ya right," he said, pacing around the street.
BUMP!
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" Frederica said to the woman. "My brother wasn't looking, and –"
"It's quite alright," she said, sounding calm.
While a normal person would have felt relief upon hearing that, Frederica and Garfiel were anything but calm upon hearing her voice. They had left a few minutes earlier from the hotel in hopes of finding Subaru, only to stumble across a familiar-looking woman.
Looking at her, they saw it. Brown and black pants, a white shirt, and black shoes. She had golden hair and green eyes, just like Garfiel and Frederica.
But the most damning thing of all, the nail in the coffin, was the crystal necklace around her neck. Just like the ones Frederica and Garfiel have.
"Ma…?"
Meanwhile, a few miles away from where the battle was happening, a certain red-haired knight was contemplating his miserable existence, after running away from everyone else.
Father was right. I am a monster. I have been ever since I killed Grandmother. I –
"REINHARD!"
Snapping the Sword Saint out of his sad soliloquy, Reinhard saw that up in the air, a few miles from where he was, multiple fire-based explosions were happening. Not only that, but multiple magic-based attacks of different shapes and colors were also occurring within the same area.
Reinhard recognized that odd magic.
"REINHARD!" the voice in his head repeated. "GET YOUR ASS OVER HERE! WE'VE GOT TROUBLE!"
He recognized that voice, and the tone.
Subaru was fighting someone.
Immediately, Reinhard dashed to where the battle was occurring, and thirty seconds later, arrived to see that Subaru was in the air fighting a powerful Witch Cultist, while the crowd below them were demanding blood.
"SUBARU!"
"REINHARD!" yelled Subaru.
"Suba…" before the redhead could continue, however, he felt an immense feeling of bloodlust. He couldn't explain it, he just wanted to kill, to kill Subaru.
Kill –
"REINHARD! SNAP THE FUCK OUT OF IT!"
His head back in the right frame of mind thanks to his friend's Message spell, Reinhard used his Divine Protection of Telepathy to communicate with Subaru.
"Subaru! What is going on?!"
"It's this Sin Archbishop! She's forcing her emotions onto the people below!" he mentally yelled. THE TOWER! THERE'S A KID SHE WAS USING AS A HOSTAGE! SAVE HIM!"
"WHAT ABOUT THE OTHER CIVILIANS?!"
"DON'T LET THEM KILL EACH OTHER! I'LL HANDLE THIS CRAZY BITCH!"
Immediately, the two of them got to work. Reinhard freed the boy from the chains and proceeded to do some crowd control, while Subaru was now able to lure her away and finish this without worrying about any civilians.
Jumping up to the roof of the tower, Reinhard came across the boy who was tied in chains.
"Hello there," he said, acting friendly, while also removing the chains. "My name is Reinhard van Astrea, a knight in service of Felt-sama. I'm here to rescue you."
Now freed, the boy grabbed hold of the Sword Saint and hugged him. "Thank you."
Nodding, the redhead held the boy tight as he jumped down back to the street, where the mob demanding for blood was still there.
"KILL HER! KILL HER! KILL HER! KILL HER!"
"EMILIA-SAMA! GEUSE-SAN! SNAP OUT OF IT!"
"Kill her! Kill- wha? What happened?" Emilia was the first one to return to normal.
"I believe that the Sin Archbishop's power allowed her to manipulate people's emotions, driving them to the brink of madness," explained Reinhard as he slipped people back to their senses.
"Well how come you weren't affected?" asked the half-elf, slightly annoyed.
"I was affected, it was only because of Subaru I was able to come to my senses," he answered truthfully. "He really is built differently."
"Excuse me?" the blonde woman asked.
"M-ma…?" Garfiel uttered a second time, still in disbelief.
"WE THOUGHT YOU WERE DEAD!" Frederica exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know who you are," she said.
"Don't you remember us?" Garfiel asked, tears threatening to spill out. "We're your –"
"Mommy?"
The two demi-humans turned around to the sound of the little voice, only to see a little blonde boy in a light blue outfit and an adorable little hat. With him, was an older-looking girl, presumably his sister, also wearing a similar outfit, minus the hat.
"You're funny looking, mister," the little girl said to Garfiel.
"What the fuck is this…?" Garfiel hissed under his breath.
"GARF –"
"Excuse me, may I help you?" asked a slightly chubby man with a mustache, and fancy clothes, presumably the father of those two children.
"Ah, Garek, there you are," the blonde woman said, approaching her husband.
"Everything fine, Reala?" asked Garek, as he kissed his wife's cheek.
The only reaction that came out of Frederica and Garfiel was a single "What."
Jumping from roof to roof in the city of Priestella, the Sin Archbishop and the Great Sage engaged in an epic battle. This battle, though fast, went on for so long that Subaru was able to memorize the attack patterns Sirius used for her chains.
Her next attack will be straight for… my chest!
Immediately, her deadly meat hook went straight for his chest, thinking that he foolishly left it open, only for Subaru to block it with his staff, wrap the chain around it, and pull them out of the Sin Archbishop of Wrath's hands.
"MY CHAINS!"
"FUCK YOUR CHAINS, LADY!" he yelled while grabbing onto her body. "DRAIN TOUCH!"
With one of his hands on her body, Subaru activated "Drain Touch", his skill that drains mana from the target, as long as physical contact is involved. With Sirius' mana gone, the flames on her chains died out, and her consciousness slipped in and out of existence.
With the two of them now descending from the air, the black-haired boy removed the bandages from Sirius' face, revealing her face and eyes, as Subaru placed his hand on her face and activated the Authority of Lust, removing both her Authority and her madness.
"Authority of Lust: Love Heals All".
Getting to work, the Japanese teenager removed the silver-haired woman's insanity. While he was at it, he also healed all of her injuries, all of her burns, and let her regrow everything she had lost during her time as a Witch Cultist.
Landing back onto the ground, the Sin Archbishop of Wrath, Sirius Romanee-Conti, was gone.
But Fortuna wasn't back.
Sure, she was breathing, her body had healed, and her soul was still technically in its place, but her mind was blank. No memories, no personality, no nothing. It was like she was affected with the Sleeping Beauty disease, while her body was still wide awake.
Not that Subaru was that quick to catch on.
"Hello? Hellooo…?" he asked, snapping his fingers at her. "Anyone home?"
No response, he thought to himself. She's like a zombie, almost like Kurgan.
"Subaru!"
Turning around, the nasty-eyed boy saw that three people he recognized were coming towards him. "Oh, hey, Reinhard. Were you successful?" he asked.
"Yes, thanks to your efforts. There were no casualties."
"That's good to hear," turning towards his other two companions, he asked, "Hey, Emilia-tan, what are you doing here? I saw you in the crowd, but I figured only Geuse would follow me."
Then again, that's probably because he was here in the last loop.
"Well… I was worried about you, okay?!" she confessed. "You were all quiet when Reinhard ran away, and then you followed behind him! It was sooo peculiar!"
"No one says 'peculiar' these days, Emilia-tan," he joked, before remembering the important thing he had to tell her. "Oh, yeah, You guys might wanna take a look at this…"
Subaru removed the rest of the bandages from the head of the sitting woman, fully exposing her face, and letting her long hair flow freely all the way down to her elbows.
"S-Subaru… is that…?"
"Yeah, it's her. It's your mom. The former Sin Archbishop of Wrath."
Immediately, Emilia dived down towards her mother and gave her a bear hug, while Geuse's expression was a combination of both shock and joy.
"Mother Fortuna! Mother Fortuna! Mo–"
"Emilia-tan, stop!"
Moving up from the creek of her mother's neck, Emilia asked, "What is it?"
"She's not there."
"Wh-what do you mean?"
"I mean, she's not there, mentally speaking," Subaru sadly explained. "Her body is healthy, and her soul is in her body… but her mind is blank. She can't remember anyone, or even herself."
Upon hearing that, the silver-haired girl started to tear up. From what Subaru said, her mother was basically still dead, even if her physical body was right in front of them.
"Flugel-sama, is there a way…?"
"I think so, but we'd have to leave here immediately," Subaru answered, confirming Geuse's suspicions. "But I have to warn you, there's no guarantee that it will work."
"I don't care," spoke Emilia, standing up and wiping her tears away. "Even if there is a slight chance that we can save my mother, we'll take it."
"Alright, then let's get going," turning towards the redhead, the black-haired boy asked, "Reinhard could you please carry her back to the hotel?"
"Of course," he responded, as he picked up Fortuna's body, and carried her like a princess.
As the three of them left, Subaru went back to grab his staff, while also grabbing the former Sin Archbishop of Wrath's golden chains and meathooks.
These things might be deadly, but they're way too cool to leave behind, he thought to himself.
"I hate to break it to all of you, but the Emilia Camp will have to cut the party short," explained Subaru to a room full of his allies. "We're leaving."
It had now been half an hour since the group came back to the hotel, and during that time, a few things happened before Subaru had made that announcement.
First, it was deemed a health risk to let Fortuna keep wearing those rags and that Witch Cult robe, so Geuse changed her into his black suit and all its accessories, while he reluctantly went back to wearing his normal Archbishop outfit he brought along, just in case.
After that happened, the green-haired man insisted that he would look after the silver-haired elf while the rest of the group went and informed the others.
While that was happening, he asked everyone who was still there to assemble back to the dining room, as the Emilia Camp had something important to say.
Inside the room where everybody had breakfast, the majority of the Adventurers Alliance was now being informed that the Emilia Camp would be departing from the city.
Interestingly enough, the only people who weren't present at the time were Garfiel Tinsel, Fredrica Baumann, Wilhelm van Astrea and Heinkel Astrea.
"And why is that?" inquired Crusch.
"Well, it's because –"
SLAM!
Before Subaru could answer Crusch's question, the door was slammed open, and in came a panting Heinkel. "We - gasp - got - wheeze- a - choke - problem!"
"What is it?" Crusch asked. "Where is Wilhelm?"
"He's - cough- fighting - hack - them!"
"He's fighting who, you fool?" yawned Priscilla.
"THE WITCH CULT!" Heinkel yelled. "THE WITCH CULT IS ATTACKING!"
Immediately, the atmosphere in that room became grim. "How many Cultists are there out there?" asked Anastasia, her tone dire.
"HUNDREDS! IT'S A FULL-BLOWN INVASION!"
Upon hearing how many of them there were, the entire room paled in fear. Subaru himself was the most pale, as he realized that this probably meant that the remaining two Gluttonies, along with whatever zombie warriors Pandora had risen, are now attacking.
For nearly an entire ten seconds, almost everyone was quiet.
The only words that came out of anyone came from Subaru Natsuki's mouth.
"Fuck."
"So, let's see if I have this correct: My real name was… is… Reshia Tinsel?"
Garfiel and Frederica nodded in confirmation.
At the moment, Garfiel and Frederica, along with their mother, her husband, possibly their new step-father, and their two new half-siblings, who they learned their names were Fred and Rafiel, were sitting in an outdoor cafe, trying to sort out their very complicated family history.
"And the two of you… are my children," the blonde woman asked.
They nodded once more.
"And you're saying I left this… "Sanctuary" in hopes of finding your father, Garfiel, but almost immediately after I left, I was involved in a rockslide accident, and presumed dead?"
Frederica nodded with her mother's assessment, "Yes, you even gave the two of us these crystal necklaces, the same ones like the one you're wearing at the moment, a few moments you road off to what we assumed was your… death."
"Well, I hate to break it to you, but your mother clearly survived that accident," Garek said. "She merely received memory loss from the trauma of that rock slide. I was fortunate enough to find her, and brought her back to Priestella for medical aid."
"And then the two of you married and had children?" Frederica asked.
Garek nodded in confirmation.
Standing up from the table outside the cafe, Garfiel said, "I need a minute."
"Don't you want to meet your siblings?" Reshia, now Relea, asked.
"Yeah, sure but not now…" he said, speed walking away. "I need a minute."
Standing up and bowing, Frederica said, "Please excuse us for a moment."
Jogging to catch up to her half-brother, Frederica said, "Garf, are you all right?"
Me? Alright? Yeah, perfectly fine!" he lied. "My amazon' self can jus' ask Cap'n ta whip up some magic spell ta make our Ma remember us, and everythin' will be alright! Hehehe…"
"Garf, I know you're upset…"
"OH, DO YA?!" he barked. "First, I thought our Ma was murderized by th' outside world… THEN I learn tha' she was actually livin' in Priestella, somethin' I never bothered learnin' because I was too scared ta leave th' Sanctuary! THIS IS LIKE THE TIA THIN' ALL OVER AGAIN!"
"What?"
Garfiel immediately covered his mouth when he said that.
"Garfiel… you mentioned this being like the Zarestia incident… what are you talking about?"
"I jus… I feel so useless…"
At that, the maid's ear perked up. "Useless?"
Seeing that there was no way to avoid this conversation, Garfiel sighed. "Yeah… been feelin' tha' way since the Tia thin'... I mean… my amazin' self got his ass handed to him by tha' chick, and it made me feel so… weak."
"Wait… So… the reason you wanted to help Subaru-sama… all of that frustration we've been noticing lately… Was it because you were feeling useless?" Frederica asked.
"Yeah…"
"Garf… I –"
"RUN!"
Immediately the two siblings turned around to see that was causing all of the citizens to suddenly run out of the streets in terror.
Witch Cultists.
"Sis," Garfiel growled. "Go back an' protect Ma an' th' brats."
Nodding, the older sister ran back to the cafe, as Garfiel slowly pulled out his Twin Shields, a wicked smile crossing his face, as he saw that some Cultists noticed him.
"Finally, a good excuse ta blow off some steam."
Inside the Throne Room, it was another quiet day for the Council of Elders.
"Good morning, Bordeaux."
"Mornin' to you as well, Miklotov."
"Are you ready for another quiet day?" asked Mikltotv.
"Yes," he answered. "Let me tell you, these last six months have been great. With the creation of this "Adventurers Alliance", there hasn't been a major incident caused by that damn Subaru Natsuki in months! Now I can just kick back and relax –"
"LOOK!" yelled another Council member, pointing at the shining Dragon Tablet once more.
Reading the contents of the new report, Miklotov sighed, "Looks like our little vacation couldn't last forever. Seems like it's back to work for us, eh, Bordeaux?"
Bordeaux sighed, and let out a simple, "Fuck."
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, with the help of the Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea, has defeated the Sin Archbishop of Wrath, Fortuna / Sirius Romanee-Conti."
Author's Notes: Hey, guys! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, it took a while for me to make it work! Anyways, it's time to move onto the comments section of our program!
Craftverk: Subaru isn't going to change races, it was just a hypothetical scenario on how to become immortal given the source material I was working with. But yeah, thanks for suggesting I take a break when I'm done with this series. It's been exhausting.
Fred Ray: The details about Al's Authority I got from the Wiki. And as for how he was Pride and how Sirius is Fortuna, those are two popular theories that I agree with. So yeah, a little bit of imagination, and a little bit of facts. Thanks for reading.
Raymond: Yeah, "Tales from the Multiverse" will feature hints about Emilia's past, along with everyone else's skeletons in the closets. Glad you're excited for it.
Guy Man: "Tales from the Multiverse" is a WHDAAA spin-off I'm working on, where the Cast, along with an awake Subaru, his parents, and Meili, rather than watching the original series, will watch a bunch of alternate realities (fan fictions) a month after the Sanctuary incident. I'll start posting once I'm done with my current series.
PizzaGuy: For now, Sphinx will stay right where she is.
R-king 93: Awesome comment.
KazeelBaYz: Yeah, Reize is like Rem now, as in, perfectly calm, unless there are Witch Cultists nearby, making her a rage monster. I always figured her around the twins' age, maybe a little bit older. Yeah, hopefully by the end of this Arc, the Astrea family will be fixed up. And yes, Garfiel and Frederica did stumble upon their mother, it's pretty obvious. So, since Sirius has been subdued, the Gluttony duo will appear in the next chapter, along with some more foes. Pandora and the Black Serpent will appear in a lter chapter walking with Hector, however. They won't appear now.
Tertius711: Subaru has knocked out Sirius, and he will have a plan on how to save her in the next chapter, along with restoring Ram's horn.
A. J Savage: Yeah, it will take to nearly the end of the series for the Astrea family to truly be fixed. The idea of putting Wilhelm's and Heinkel's perspectives on the spotlight is an interesting one, I'll have to consider it. I know everyone hates the name I gave the Alliance, but trust me, it will work for the ending of the series.
OreosAreYummy: You really don't need to feel anything for every little detail in my story. Sirius has appeared, you should know how Geuse is reacting to that.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Sí, es divertido que Arc 5 esté sucediendo ahora, considerando que mi Subaru ya ha hecho Arc 6. Pero de todos modos, sí, Fortuna ha aparecido. Sin embargo, Pandora aparecerá mucho más tarde.
Deathenglegamers1144: That's an interesting idea, making Liliana's song a sort of 80's cartoon theme song. Subaru will go to Gusteko in the future. I have no clue what the place actually is with the exception of the information on the Wiki.
petopokuspeto: What you just wrote implies that the gibberish you are spewing is an actual language, and that the misspelling is supposed to be cool. I'm onto you.
Malaca: Actually, no. Clind is wielder of the Melancholy Witch Factor. He literally says the word when he uses it, and his actions are the same as Hector's. Despite that, yeah, I subscribe to the theory that Al is basically a lesser version of Subaru.
No new powers were used, and any powers that did appear, such as flight magic, telepathy, and various Authorities, have already been talked about to death.
Anyways, that's all I have for now! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /NM87DAUw . You can chat with other members, post memes and fan art, and more. If you're interested in reading more, I have written plenty more, and I would also recommend the works of my friends and fellow writers, Infinite the Celestain, Im The Person, Felt Emerada Lugnica, qwerty19, and RushAlias! That's all the shilling I have the energy for, thank you guys for reading, and I'll see you all in the next chapter! Bye!
- Ernalore
Chapter 20: Battle at Priestella's
Summary:
Subaru has split up the Adventurers Alliance into four teams to help fight off the threat of the Witch Cult! Meanwhile, Garfiel and Frederica do an escort mission to get their family and the other good citizens of Priestella to the saftey of the shelters, all the while venting some family issues. And Wilhelm fights a special someone in a one-on-one duel! Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 20: Battle at Priestella's
"Okay, here's the plan," the Great Sage said, as everyone gathered around him. "There are only two remaining Sin Archbishops left, Lye Batenkaitos and Roy Alphard, both representing Gluttony. We'll split into four teams, two of them will fight the Sin Archbishops, while the rest of us will take care of the basic grunts, and help evacuate the citizens to the shelters."
It had been ten seconds since Subaru uttered "fuck", and as soon as everyone looked towards him, his brain immediately went into overdrive coming up with a plan.
"Emilia-tan, Crusch, Julius, Al, Priscilla, and Heinkel will search for one of the Gluttonies, while Felix, Ricardo, Beako, Ram, Otto, and Reize search for the other. Reinhard and I will deal with the low-level Cutlists. Felt, Anastisa, Mimi, Tivey, Hetaro, Ton, Chin, Kan, and Joshua, you focus on helping the civilians, and killing any cultists that show up."
"Why are you and Reinhard-kyun the ones taking cyare of the weaker Witch Cutlists, nyah?" Felix asked. "You're the twyo strongest ones here, nyah."
"We also happen to be the ones with the most destructive potential. If we focus on big crowds of trash mobs, we can easily wipe them out without accidentally hitting any of our allies," Subaru explained. "Besides, the groups I assigned can easily beat the Sin Archbishops, they're master-class fighters and magic users, sure, but you guys also outnumber them six to one."
"Understood, Subaru," Emilia nodded. "We'll trust you."
"Now, here's the most important thing: If you encounter either Gluttony, do not give them your name! If you do, they'll either steal your memories, make the world forget you, or put you in a coma, while adding your power to their own," Subaru warned.
"That's very disturbing…" Crusch uttered.
"But we will follow your orders, Great Sage," Julius bowed.
"Okay," the black-haired boy said, standing up. "Let's do this!"
Running as fast as she could, Frederica saw that her mother and new family weren't panicking, making her thankful that the Witch Cult hadn't yet attacked that part of the city.
"Mother!" she called out. "We have to leave!"
"Frederica? What's going on?" Reala asked. "Where's Garfiel –"
"There's no time! We need to go –"
"AIIEEE!"
"RUN!"
"WITCH CULTISTS!"
The golden maid turned towards the crowd that was running in a panic, and internally swore. The hooded bastards had made it towards the street.
"Mommy?" Fred asked. "Who are they?"
Garek paled in fear. "Witch Cultists –"
"THERE IS NO TIME!" the beast maid barked, as she grabbed the arms of her family. "We need to get you to a shelter! Now! Garf is busy holding them off on the other street!"
"But what about you?" Garek asked. "You're a maid, you can't fight them –"
"FOR THE WITCH!" scrambled one of the hooded men, as he reared his dagger upwards and charged towards the family, aiming straight for Garek's chest.
SPLAT!
… Only for him to get crushed by one of Frederica's claws.
"Just because I'm a maid doesn't mean I'm defenseless."
Fred and Rafiel's eyes widened in awe of their big sister, who at the moment, given her height and disposition, looked like some sort of goddess of war. Meanwhile, Frederica looked towards the Witch Cultists in front of her, as her other hand morphed into a claw.
"I will do anything to protect my family."
Down in the lobby of the hotel, everyone grabbed their weapons and prepared themselves.
"Okay, let's do this…" Subaru said, as he grabbed the door handle.
Leaving the hotel, the group was immediately surrounded by Witch Cultists.
"Oh, shit!" Subaru cursed. "IT'S A SURPRISE ATTACK!"
Immediately, all the people capable of combat started to attack the cultists, using swords and magic to take down as many of them as possible. However, given the nature of the ambush, someone getting hurt was certain.
"Aurgh!" That someone was Ram, as she was impaled with a dagger.
"Oh, shit, Ram!" the black-haired boy ran towards the pink maid, and extended his hand.
"Don't touch me!" she hissed in pain. "I'm fine…"
"Just let me heal you! You won't get much of a chance later," he said, as he activated his power, seeing the pink maid begrudgingly nod. "Authority of Lust: Love Heals All."
Ram immediately felt relief wash over her, as the wound left her. Opening her eyes, she saw Subaru's hand placed over her face, something which she did not really like.
"Get your disgusting fingers off of me," she growled.
"Okay, okay, I'm done," he said, removing his hand from her face.
As the two of them got up, the last Witch Cultist in the area fell to Julius' blade, allowing the four teams to split up and make their way towards the city. "Okay, guys good luck!"
As Ram left with her team, she could feel something hot on her forehead.
Running towards the city hall, Emilia and her team took down as many Witch Cultists as they could find, all the while hoping they would make it to the communication device in time.
"If we can broadcast a message to the entire city, we could potentially save more lives!" Emilia said, as she launched another icicle towards and approaching Witch Cultist.
"That could work," Crusch said, as she swung her sword down. "We can warn the rest of the civilians to take shelter, while also giving them some hope!"
"Mongrels!" Priscilla barked, "We're here."
Looking up, they saw the city hall, and made their way inside.
"Well, well, what is this, tsu?"
"Oh, no," Al gulped.
"Who are you?" Julius asked, as he raised his sword.
"We are the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the Gourmet aspect of Gluttony…" the boy said, wearing ragged clothes. "LYE BATENKAITOS!"
Suddenly, dozens of Witch Cultists surround the group.
"IT'S AN AMBUSH!"
Throwing another cultist to a wall with her tail attack, Frederica prepared herself for another attack, making sure that nothing would get past her.
It had been a few minutes since the attack began, and as she and her family tried to reunite with Garfiel, multiple civilians grouped up with them, and some of the people with weapons tried their best to help defend the group, despite the fact the blonde maid was the most competent fighter.
The training with the Great Sage seemed to be paying off.
Rounding another corner, she saw a bunch of Witch Cultists being annihilated, all with a red aura coining off the fighter. It was obvious to her it was her little brother.
"Garf!"
"Sis?! Whaddya doin' here?! You're supposed ta protect Ma and th' brats!"
"Change of plans! You're helping me escort them and the rest of the people here to one of the nearby shelters!" Frederica explained, as she bashed in the skull of another Witch Cultist.
"Fine!" the blond boy grumbled. "BUT STAY OUTTA MA WAY!"
Making their way to one of the control towers, Beatrice and their team made their way there, after getting reports that a boy with green rags all over his body was attacking the soldiers.
"We made it!" Otto panted, physically exhausted from the run.
"Lazy merchant," Ram snorted.
"I don't get much exercise, okay?!"
"Well, well, what do we have here, tsu?"
"Everyone, look!" pointed the blonde loli.
"Are you…?" Felix started, before being interrupted.
"Indeed! We are the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing the Bizarre Eating aspect of Gluttony…" the boy said, with green eyes staring at them. "ROY ALPHARD!"
Punching to death yet another Witch Cultist, Garfiel was really starting to get annoyed.
All he wanted to do was chase after Subaru that morning, along with his sister. Next thing they know, their mom wasn't actually dead, she just had amnesia, and she had started a new family here in Priestella, hence why she never came back.
Needless to say, Garfiel and Frederica had a lot of things to deal with.
And on top of that, the Witch Cult decides to invade the same day. Lucky for them, there were now a bunch of Witch Cultists they could take their family frustrations out on.
"DIE! YOU! MOTHER! FUCKERS!" Garfiel screeched, as he caved in another skull.
"GARF!" Frederica scolded her younger brother, as her claws went through another cultist's face. "Watch your language in front of the young ones!"
The blond boy looked back to see his mother, along with her husband, and his new half-siblings. Oh, and the tons of civilians they were now escorting to safety.
Oh, yeah, I kinda forgot they were with us.
"Over here!" Garek shouted, as he pointed to the entrance of the shelter. "One at a time, please do not push, there is room for everyone inside!"
As everyone made their way inside, Fred and Rafiel looked at their two older siblings, as the younger boy said, "Thank you for saving us. You're pretty cool, Onii-chan."
"I am?" Garf asked. "I mean, yeah, I am!"
"Okay, that's enough of your ego being stroked," Frederica said, as she pulled on her younger brother's ear. "We still have to defend the shelter from the rest of the Cult."
"You're right, sis," Garf said, as he readied himself. "LET'S DO THIS!"
"EL MINYA!" Beatrice cried out, as more Minya crystals launched out towards the Sin Archbishop, who dodged them with his acrobatics.
"SNAKE OF THE TWIN SWORD!" Roy yelled out, as he used his claws and daggers to create several high-speed slashes across many of his opponents.
"Ow! None of our attacks are working!" Reize shouted, getting hit by Roy.
"Since you're gonna die, might as well tell me your names, tsu!"
Blocking another one of his attacks, Ram fell to the floor, getting exhausted. She was running out of mana, and none of her physical attacks would be much helpful.
They were getting pummeled. The only reason nobody had died yet was because Felix and Beatrice kept healing everyone, only for them to get wounded all over again.
Ram internally swore. There was nothing she could do against the little gremlin as she was.
If only she was more powerful.
She needed more power.
Then… something bright and pink ignited from her forehead.
"PALM OF THE FIST KING!" yelled Lye, as he shattered Crusch's sword with his hand.
"DAMMIT!" Al sweared, as he and Julius kept slashing down as many Witch Cultists as they could. "WHERE THE FUCK IS HEINKEL?!"
"Oh, you mean the redhead, tsu?" Gluttony smiled, revealing his sharp teeth, and dodging Priscilla's sword. "I saw him run off the second I introduced myself."
"THAT PRICK!" the helmeted knight yelled, he was absolutely furious at Heinkel for pulling a stunt like that, as now they were one man short, increasing their chances of death.
But despite that, Al wasn't afraid.
Before, he would have been very afraid. Death wasn't a fun experience, and even after experiencing it so many times, it was still unpleasant. Even if he knew that he would come back thanks to his Authority, the memories would haunt him forever.
But now that he no longer had it, he knew that one mistake would be the end of him. And yet, he was perfectly fine with that. For the first time in ages, he felt truly alive. He was no longer tied down to the power of a Witch, and his sense of worth had seemingly been renewed.
He now knew who he was, and his purpose. He was Aldebaran, and he would do anything within his lifetime to make sure Priscilla lived a long happy life.
I guess you truly only live once, he smirked under his helmet.
It had now been thirty minutes since Wilhelm van Astrea sent his son, Heinkel, to warn the others. In that time, he had cut down dozens of Witch Cultists. He grunted.
In his prime, he would have already cut down at least a hundred by now.
Still, he wondered, where was everyone?
There was no way he didn't make it in time. They hadn't gone that far out when they went searching for Reinhard. Could he have gotten himself killed?
BOOM!
That's one of Subaru-dono's, he thought, recognizing that power.
Now knowing that everyone else had got his message, he could now focus more on lightening everyone's load. He proceeded to turn the corner, when –
He spotted another Witch Cultist.
However, this one was different. While female Witch Cultists were not unusual, what was unusual about this one was, rather than their signature daggers, this one held a long sword. She noticed the old butler, and then lifted the sword up towards him.
It was a challenge to a duel.
The Sword Demon was puzzled as to why a Witch Cultist would want a duel with him, but he accepted. If she was busy fighting him, she wouldn't kill innocent civilians.
He pulled out his blade and ran towards the hooded woman, leaping towards her, aiming for the top of her skull. A quick overhead strike should quickly end this –
SLASH!
…Only for his strike to be deflected effortlessly.
Then, the cultist proceeded to attack Wilhelm's shoulder, piercing him, and then kicking him back towards the street floor. She was toying with him.
All right… this might be a bit more challenging than I anticipated…
In the center of the city, multiple Witch Cultists that were trying to kill the locals were now being annihilated by the Great Sage and the Sword Saint.
"Die, false Pride!" yelled a Witch Cultist, as they tried to stab Subaru.
"I cast FUCK YOU!" the Japanese teenager yelled back, as his staff launched a turret of bright aqua marine projectiles that turned the Cultist's body Swiss cheese.
BRAKA! BRAKA! BRAKA! BRAKA!
"That's not a real spell name," Reinhard said.
"You don't know that," Subaru smiled.
Before the two of them could continue, an old man in a butler uniform skidded through the streets, with a sword in his hand, and a wound on his shoulder.
"Grandfather!"
"Wilhelm!"
Seeing who launched him, Reinhard and Subaru saw a female Witch Cultist with a long sword approaching the old man, slowly, as if knowing there was nothing he could do.
"Dad?!"
Turning around, the two of them saw Heinkel in the middle of the street.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" screeched Subaru.
"Uh, the others are taking care of the Sin Archbishop just fine!"
"Bullshit! I gave you a job and you ran!" the Japanese teenager yelled.
"Okay, fine, yes! But in my defense –! GHAA!"
Before the redhead could defend himself, the Witch Cultist kicked him in the stomach, and sent him flying towards where the Sword Demon was also laying. She then slowly walked up to where the two of them were, and lifted up her sword.
"No, no, wait! Don't kill me!" Heinkel begged, but she didn't listen –
"Haste!"
Immediately, Subaru ran towards the cultist at full speed and grabbed her arms before she could swing down her sword. The good news was, he stopped her.
The bad news was, he was barely keeping her in check.
Jesus, she's as strong as Kurgan! Maybe even stronger… Is this lady even human?! Subaru thought to himself. Wait a minute… is she a zombie, too?!
"Reinhard!" Subaru yelled over to his friend. "Her hood! Remove it! Hurry!"
"Understood!" he said, zooming over to his friend, and grabbing the cultist's hood.
Now, let's see who's under the mask…
Emilia prepared to fire another one of her specialized ice attacks towards Lye Batenkaitos, when she felt Priscilla's hand on her shoulder.
"Listen to me," she whispered. "I have a plan. Just whatever you do, don't attack him until he's landed a hit on me." Before Emilia could respond, she jumped forward.
"HAHAHA!" the Sin Archbishop laughed. While the only major injuries he had received was a wind slice from the green-haired valkyrie and a small nick from the redhead's sword, he was getting exhausted. He knew that he needed to end this quickly. "It's pointless! You're just delaying the inevitable! Just tell me your names and let me eat you, tsu!"
"You're right, dog, it is pointless," Priscilla said, dropping her Yang Sword.
Crusch was puzzled. "What are you –"
"Silence," the red-eyed princess growled, as she lifted her arms in defeat. "Tell you what, land a lethal blow on my divine self, and with my dying breath, mineself shall tell you my name."
Crusch didn't know what the Vollachinan matriarch was doing, but Emilia did. She saw the redhead wink at Lye, or more accurately, wink at her from behind Lye.
"Okay then," he smiled, as he lunged at her. "PALM OF THE FIST KING!"
KRAK!
In an instant, Priscilla's internal organs had been ruptured, and she coughed up blood. "You lose, tsu," Lye smiled. "Now, tell me your name –"
SHUNK!
"H-huh…?"
Looking down at his abdomen, Lye saw that he had been skewered by a sword-shaped icicle.
Emilia smiled, saying, "Ice Brand Arts."
Hearing those last words, Lye collapsed, and died.
"PRISCILLA!" yelled Crusch, rushing towards her.
"I'm fine, you don't have to screech like that," she said, standing up.
"But how are you fine?" questioned the green-haired woman.
"Simple, fool," she smiled, gesturing to the necklace she was wearing, now with one less gem. "Any fatal damage I take gets transferred to these gems. I used mineself as bait."
"I see…"
"You did well, half-elf," Priscilla said, looking towards Emilia. "You have a brain, after all."
Everyone looked toward the source of the suddenly strong winds, and saw that the pink maid had suddenly ignited her horn. Reize and Beatrice's eyes widened, and immediately backed away from the area, as they realized what that meant.
"Everyone…" she growled. "Get back…"
"Ram-san, we can't leave you –"
"DO IT, MERCHANT!"
Immediately, Otto and the rest of the group stayed back, afraid of Ram.
But she knew better. She knew that her more powerful form would turn her into a berserk monster until her target was eliminated, and she didn't want anyone in the crossfire.
"HA!" Roy mocked the maid. "You fool! You just got rid of your support! Now you're gonna die!"
"You're wrong…" she whispered, as a large and sadistic smile crept along her face. "Now I have no reason to hold back against you…"
Inside the Throne Room, a second message had appeared today.
"The Witch of Glaciation, Emilia, with the help of the Sun Princess, Priscilla Barille, and the Valkyrie, Crusch Karsten, has slain the the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop representing the Gourmet aspect of Gluttony, Lye Batenkaitos."
"Emilia-sama did what?" Miklotov gasped, as he read the new message.
"What is happening?" Bordeaux asked, puzzled.
"What the hell…?" Ricardo said, looking towards the massacre.
"You said it, nya…" Felix said, agreeing with the Captain of the Iron Fang.
The two of them, along with Otto, Beatrice and Reize, were now looking over the dead body of Roy Alpahrd. Or, more accurately, whatever was left of him.
Ram was relentless.
The moment her horn was released, they knew something was up. But the second she engaged him, her Wind magic increased tenfold, her strength and speed increased exponentially, too. The poor bastard never stood a chance.
Ram was sitting in a corner by herself, feeling where her horn was located. In her berserk state, she was busy making sure her allies weren't hurt, but now that there was no more danger, her mind had returned, along with the realization of what had just happened.
She couldn't believe it.
It was back.
"Another one?" Miklotov gasped, as he saw the Dragon Tablet shined for a third time that day.
"The Oni God, Ram, has slain the Witch Cult's Sin Archbishop representing the Bizarre Eating aspect of Gluttony, Roy Alphard."
"Sirs!" a young butler yelled. "The major heads of the Adventurers Alliance are supposed to be in Priestella for rest and relaxation for the week!"
"Then the city must be under attack!" Bordeaux realized.
"Send the knights right away!" Miklotov announced to Captain Marcos.
None of the Astrea men individuals were mentally prepared for what they saw.
"Mom?!"
"Theresia?!"
"Grandmother?!"
Underneath the hood of a Witch Cultist, was the former Sword Saint, Theresia van Astrea.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" screeched Subaru. "COME ON, PIN HER DOWN SO I CAN USE MY ABILITY ON HER! SHE'S SERIOUSLY STRONG!"
"Right!" Reinhard said, snapping himself back from his shock, as he went behind his grandmother and grabbed her arms, freeing Subaru to do his work.
"Authority of Lust: Love Heals All!"
Placing his hand on her face, the Japanese teenager fished around for the influence in her body that was controlling her, until he found it.
Pandora.
Removing it, he opened his eyes to see Theresia alive, but unresponsive.
Just like Fortuna.
Suddenly, Subaru felt something enter him. It felt just like when he defeated Petelgeuse, along with when he killed Regulus and Capella, and when he cured Al.
He had received a new Authority. With Louis willingly giving her Authority, and the death of the other two, Subaru was now the new holder of the Authority of Gluttony.
The Authority of Gluttony, "Devourer", had now changed to "Life's Balance."
Oh… Subaru let out a smug smile, as he read his new power's description using his Status Magic. Now this is interesting… and it'll come in super handy…
"Garf!" Ram yelled. "Where have you been?!"
"See, funny story," Garfiel said, scratching the back of his head. "Sis an' I wanted ta follow Cap'n, bu' we ran into our ma, who turns out, ain't dead…"
"Ram doesn't care!"
"Yeah, whatever," the blond demi-human growled, as he approached Subaru. "Yo, Cap'n! I got a question: Can ya make a person remember somethin' they forgot?"
"If you're asking if I can cure your mom's amnesia, no," he answered bluntly. "Your sister already asked me, but like I told her, my "Control Amnesia" spell only allows me to remove memories and create new ones, I can't recover memories a person has forgotten."
"O-oh… okay…" Garf sighed, saddened.
"Listen, the best thing you can do now is spend time with your mom," Subaru advised his friend. "Who knows? Maybe her memories will return to her naturally, and she'll remember you, but you shouldn't feel despair. She's alive, as is the rest of your family, thanks to your efforts."
"You're… you're right, Cap'n," Garf sighed. "Thanks, I needed tha'."
"Glad I could help," he smiled. "Now could you help with the city's cleanup?"
"Oh, yeah, sure!" the demi-human exclaimed, as he quickly got to work.
Subaru smiled as he looked over the city he helped save.
It was now the aftermath of the battle of Priestella, and needless to say, it was an overwhelming victory for the Adventures Alliance, thanks to everyone's efforts.
While the rest of the Camps had now started with the relief effort, the people who were the most associated with the Great Sage, had one burning question in their mind:
What to do with the brain-dead Witch Cultists?
"Subaru, you said that you had a plan to cure Fortuna, correct?" the Sword Saint asked. "Do you think that this cure would also work for my grandmother?"
"If they both died, then yes, I think this could work, Reinhard," the nasty-eyed boy said.
"What do you mean?" Emilia asked, wondering what this plan was.
"We're going to have them read their Books of the Dead," Subaru explained.
"I shall accompany you," Wilhelm said. "She is my wife."
"I'm coming, too!" Heinkel insisted. "She's my mom, too!"
"Okay, adding Geuse and Reinhard, that makes six of us," the Japanese teenager said. He then turned to the Candidates and asked, "Hey, Felt, Crusch, Anastasia, Priscilla, can you and the rest of the crew stay back here and handle the relief effort in Priestella?"
"Of courses, Big Bro!" Felt said with a smile.
"Great, thanks," heading back towards his Camp members and the Astrea men, he said, "All right, grab your clothes and other stuff, we're going back."
"Going back where?"
"Where else? To the source of all the Books of the Dead," he said with a serious look on his face. "We're going back to the Pleiades Watchtower."
Author's Notes: And that's the end of that! The next chapter will be very dialogue-oriented, but that doesn't matter right now! What matters are the comments!
Craftverk: I'm not going on vacation anytime soon, but I probably will go on a small break once this series is over, but only once this series is over. That's my personal goal.
Scattershot98: Yeah, the meathooks Subaru stole from Sirius will reappear soon, and this chapter is pretty much the conclusion of the Garfiel and Frederica family trauma power hour. And now you know the plan to restore Fortuna. I really enjoyed how Garfiel chose violence to vent his frustrations. But yeah, more Council frustrations are soon gonna arrive. I'm glad you love the absurd humor in my work, hope you keep reading!
Tertius711: Now you know how to save Fortuna.
OreosAreYummy: Here's the next one, hope you enjoy it.
petopokuspeto: So, you're basically Dr. Seuss? At this point, I give up.
Deathenglegamers1144: No, Ram and Rem's village can't be saved. Subaru has Ainz's skills, not his items, and the Resurrection Wand is an item. Sorry.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Incluso si los hermanos Gluttony murieron aquí, todavía existe la Serpiente Negra y Héctor, por lo que la derrota de Pandora tendrá que esperar un poco.
BigSmokeYeet: "Tales from the Multiverse" is my next project once I finish this series, so no, I can't release it right now, due to the fact it doesn't exist yet.
A. J Savage: Yeah, whenever Subaru ends up fighting someone, the most that battle will ever last is two chapters. But since you loved how Garfiel and Frederica were split, I'm certain you will love how this chapter split up everyone!
ZokuTheSkeleton: I mean, physically, no, Subaru is built the same as every other human. Magically and mentally, yeah, Subaru is basically an eldritch god.
wildshoy09: I mean, in "Tales from the Multiverse", Emilia and Rem will both want Subaru, and the show will be featuring multiple different women with our boy, including the other Royal Candidates, who might end up developing feelings, so… maybe?
palik: I'm not really foucing on Ainz's negation powers for two reasons: One, Subaru is human, and two, if I constantly used them, all the stakes from the story would be removed. Also, yes, I know how someone like Garf would negatively respond to trauma, that's why he dove head-first into an army of Witch Cutlists.
Noivad Neao-Nefarious Izanagi: Wow, a newcomer! Welcome! I hope you stick around and read 'till the end of the series. Love the compliments!
hlglh: Oy vay, here we go again with the hearts…
While, yes, Subaru did acquire a new power today, it won't be revealed until the next chapter. Until then, just enjoy some blue-colored lasers.
Anyways, that's all I have for this chapter! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /NM87DAUw. You can post memes and fan art there, along with discussing things with the other users. I also have other stories for you to read, if you're interested. But, yeah, that's all I have for now, see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 21: Return to the Pleiades Watchtower
Summary:
Subaru, along with Emilia, Geuse, Reinhard, Wilhelm, and Heinkel, go to the Pleiades Watchtower to find the Books of he Dead belonging to Fortuna and Theresia, in an effort to bring them back. Meanwhile, back in Priestella, Frederica, Otto, Garfiel, Ram, Al and Priscilla all have some internal conflict to deal with. And let's not forget the recent visitors the Watchtower had... Cross-posted on FanFiction.ent.
Chapter Text
Chapter 21: Return to the Pleiades Watchtower
A black and red portal opened up inside a giant hall with no distinguishing features, as several individuals walked out of it, two of them, holding two women, who to the outside, would appear as nothing more than comatose.
However, they knew better.
Geuse was carrying Fortuna, while Wilhelm carried Thereisa, both of them hoping and praying that they would be able to restore their beloved partners, and free them from the influence of the Witch Cult.
Along with them were their and the victims' relatives, Emilia, Reinahard and Heinkel.
And last, but not least, was their guide.
"Okay, everyone," Subaru said, coming out last. "Welcome to Celaeno, the ground floor of the Pleiades Watchtower."
"We're actually here…" Reinhard said, looking amazed. He was finally inside the place where he failed to make it to twice. Once, dooming the Royal Family. The second, nearly dooming his friendship with the Great Sage.
"Eh, it ain't that impressive," the Sword Saint's father, Heinkel grunted.
"That's because it's the ground floor, genius," Subaru cracked to the redheaded man. "You can leave your junk in the Green Room, then we'll get up to Alcyone and Taygeta."
"Understood, Subaru-dono."
Back in Priestella, the rest of the Adventurers Alliance was busy giving relief to the citizens, clearing any debris, and generally cleaning any collateral they caused.
As Frederica swept up the rubble, she saw the small local children playing with wooden swords, and smiled. At first, it reminded her of herself and Garfiel when they were younger.
But now, it reminded her of Fred and Rafiel, the two children her mother was now raising.
Slowly, her smile faded, as she remembered how she asked Subaru to cure her mother's amnesia, only to say that he couldn't do that. It was ironic, he was capable of so many miracles, even seemingly reviving the dead, but the one thing she wanted was deemed impossible.
"Hey."
Lifting up her head, she saw Otto, who had a sad smile.
"Hello, Otto-sama."
"Please, just call me Otto," he said. "I'm pretty sure that everyone in the Camp with the exception of you and some of the other maids views me as their personal punching bag."
"Hmmph," Frederica snorted a hit a t his claim. "I apologize."
"Don't," he said. "From what I heard, you could use some humor right about now."
"You heard?"
"Yeah, I heard Garfiel asking Natsuki-san to help cure your mother, and the following response," he said, grimly. "If you ever wanna talk about it, my door's open."
"I…" she paused for a bit, before smiling, and saying, "Thank you, Otto."
With their belongings put away, the group made their way up to the Taygeta Library floor, home to the Books of the Dead.
"Okay, we're here," Subaru announced, signaling for the group to stop.
"Why are we here?" asked Heinkel.
"I have a theory I want to put to the test," the black-haired boy explained, searching through the books. "Back in Flanders, along with Greed and Lust, there was a third person who was working for the Witch Cult. It was Kurgan."
The old butler's eyes widened at the mention of his old foe. "But he –"
"Died?" the Japanese teenager asked, knowing what the Sword Demon was gonna say. "He did. But Pandora is not one to let a good asset stay dead. She used her Authority to resurrect him, and then she controlled him, like a puppet… ah, here it is."
"What is it?" Emilia asked.
"Kurgan's Book of the Dead," the nasty-eyed boy answered, showing off a book that read the eight-armed warrior's name. "The Books of the Dead are what store the memories of the dead. If someone was to read them, they would see the memories of that dead person. However, it's not recommended they do, as they could accidentally believe that what they read was their actual life. They could accidentally think that they were the dead person in the book."
"That's a very disturbing thought," mused Wilhelm.
"Yes, but that could also work in our advantage," Subaru smiled.
"Wait, what are you saying?" Heinkel asked.
"Emilia-tan, you saw your mother die, right?"
"Y-yes," she said somberly, remembering the horrific memory.
"And Reinhard, you became the Sword Saint when your grandma died, right?"
"While it was unfortunate, it's true," the knight answered.
"And yet, both of them are right there, breathing."
Everyone nodded in agreement, and why wouldn't they? The family they believed to be dead was right there, alive, but under Pandora's control. Just like…
"Just like Kurgan."
Looking towards the Great Sage, they realized where he was going with this.
"So, in theory, if we could find their Books of the Dead, then…"
"Then we could have them read it, and restore their memories!" Emilia chirped at the realization.
"Exactly, Emilia-tan. Okay, everyone split up and looked for their Books," he said, before turning back and adding. "Oh, and don't go upstairs. I don't wanna deal with Reid right now."
"..."
"What?"
"You said that you didn't want to deal with Reid…" Reinhard said, slowly, making sure he heard that correctly. "As in… the first Sword Saint, Reid Astrea? As in, he's here?"
"I mean, I did mention that I had him in my pocket back at the second Royal Selection meeting…" Subaru said. "I assumed you all heard me."
"HE'S ALIVE?!" Heinkel yelled. "THE FIRST SWORD SAINT IS ALIVE?!"
"Okay, first off, not technically," the Great Sage explained. "He doesn't have a physical body. He's a ghost that I had guard the upper areas of the Watchtower in a combat trial. And second, no, you can't meet him. Trust me, you don't want all of your fanboying to be disillusioned by his behavior. So, my one rule is: Don't go up to Reid."
"Fine…"
"Okay, let's split up."
Looking over to where his sister and best friend were talking, Garfiel had a bit of a clam smile on his face. Something that wasn't missed by the approaching Ram.
"What are you staring at, Garf?"
"My amazin' self is watching Brotto tryin' ta flirt wit' ma sister," he said, pointing at the two of them talking. "Pretty sure he's jus' gettin' himself friendzoned, though. Wha' about you?"
"Excuse me?"
"Come on, don't play dumb," Garf growled. "Brotto told me how ya slaughtered tha' Gluttony bastard by yerself. Cap'n gave ya back yer horn, didn't he?"
"What does it matter?"
"Ya think I didn't notice how Rem always treated ya before Cap'n arrived? Ram, she treated ya like some kind of goddess, unworthy of touchin' ya wit' her filthy hands. I'm an expert in trauma, I can guess that shit is due to the fact she believes she caused ya ta lose yer horn."
"How are you an expert in trauma?"
"Lived it," he said, pointing at himself. "But seriously, ya shoul' probably talk ta her once we get back. The thin' between the two of ya? Not healthy. Ya should really talk it out."
"I…" she considered what to say, but she had nothing. She always tried her best to cheer Rem up whenever she felt depressed or inferior, but what Garfiel said just outright confirmed that she would need to bring up the subject of her horn coming back.
"Sigh… I guess you're right. For once."
Holding his beloved wife in his arms, Wilhelm van Astrea walked together with his grandson and the Great Sage, searching for her Book in this seemingly infinite library.
It was quiet. It was awkward.
Deciding to break the tension, Subaru coughed into his hand. "So… I saw that the two of you were talking at breakfast this morning, back at Priestella. Any progress?"
"..."
"Oookay then…"
"Subaru-dono."
"Yes?"
"If I may be so bold, I have a question," the Sword Demon said. "When Reinhard received my wife's Divine Protection, it was believed that my wife was eaten by the White Whale. So, my question is… why is she here? Physically, I mean."
"Oh, that's an easy one. She died, but not to the White Whale."
"What?"
"My best guess is that Pandora used the White Whale to lure your wife out into the open. There, she transferred her Divine Protection to Reinhard. Without it, she didn't stand a chance."
"She can do such a thing?!" Reinhard asked, shocked and horrified.
"Not even the strongest Divine Protection can beat the weakest Authority, so yeah."
"I see," Wilhelm said quietly, as he gritted his teeth.
He would make sure Pandora would pay.
Subaru stopped all of a sudden and looked behind him, causing the other two to stop with him. "Um, guys? Wasn't Heinkel supposed to be with us?"
"I thought he went with Emilia-samas' group," the Sword Saint answered truthfully.
"No, Geuse insisted he and Emilia-tan would find Fortuna's Book on their own, which means…" Immediately, Subaru donned a pissed-off face and stormed away. "You guys go on without me!"
That asshole… I gave them one rule. One rule!
They were gone.
Her brother and his wife. Gone, killed by Pandora.
She took Emilia to Elior Forest.
She was the only one left to be the Guardian of the Seal. She was the only one left to keep the key, her daughter, safe. She was the only one left to lead her people.
She loved Geuse. She had loved him ever since she met him, on his mission to keep the Seal secured. Even when he took different bodies, she still loved him.
Arch, her disciple. He was supposed to be the next one.
But that all changed when they came.
That bastard Regulus was unbeatable.
And that monster Pandora refused to die. Even after skewering her with ice, slashing her throat, freezing her solid, she still came back, mocking her with that smile.
The Seal. Pandora was going to have Emilia open it.
Geuse was there.
Why was there blood? Oh, right, it was hers.
All she could do now was comfort her little girl with the last breath.
Storming up the stairs to Electra, Subaru yelled, "HEINKEL ASTREA!"
Making it up to the top step, he saw Heinkel hanging out with Reid's ghost.
"Oi, Flugel!" Reid waved to his friend. "Can ya believe this guy is my descendant?"
"Heinkel, I gave you one rule," Subaru said slowly. "ONE RULE. And what did you do?"
"But he's my ancestor! I couldn't pass up the opportunity!"
"You Astreas are gonna be the death of me…" the black-haired boy groaned under his breath. "Look you got to meet your idol and see how much of a terrible role model he is, happy? Now, go downstairs and help your dad and son restore your mom. NOW."
"Okay, I'm going, sheesh…" Heinkel groaned, heading down the stairs.
"See ya!" Reid waved his descendant good-bye. "Oi, Flugel, before you go, there's something important I gotta tell you."
"Oh? And what is –" Before Subaru could continue, he looked behind him and saw that Heinkel was peeking behind the stairs. "DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO LEAVE?!"
"Eep!" the cowardly man squeaked as he ducked back down the stairs.
"Sorry about that, I'll have to talk to you later…" Subaru grumbled.
"It's fine, you," Reid sighed. "It's not like I'm going anywhere…"
Nodding, Subaru left, holding his staff like a baseball bat, ready to whack Heinkel in the head.
Why did he swing the sword?
The first time she asked, he said it was all he had.
But then she asked a second time, and he gave her a different reason.
For her. And her family.
Wilhelm. Heinkel. Reinhard. Louanna. Carol. Grimm.
Her friends and family.
But she lost all that.
The day she faced the Whale.
And that platinum-haired monster.
Wilhelm never did say those words she wanted to hear, did she?
Opening her eyes, Fortuna yelled out, "EMILIA!"
Gathering her bearings, she felt that she was wearing a black suit and pants, and when she looked around, she saw that she was sitting up against the wall of a library, and that…
"Mother Fortuna?"
Jerking her head to the side, Fortuna saw a nice young lady, and…
"Geuse?"
"Hello, Fortuna-sama," the green-haired man smiled sadly.
"Geuse! What happened? Where's Pandora?! Where's –"
"Mother."
Looking back at the young lady, the elven woman saw her even more closely. She had silver hair, just like her, and amethyst eyes, and she was wearing her hair hairpin.
"Emilia…?"
"Yes, Mother!" the half-elf replied. "It's me, your daughter!"
"What… What happened?"
"..."
"Why… are you so big?"
"The truth is… you died. Pandora used your corpse as her puppet."
At the mention of her name, the silver-haired elf's face turned into a scowl. But then hearing that she died… what had happened? How long had she been dead? Those questions caused her to tear up, knowing that she had missed her little girl growing up.
"But it's okay now!" Emilia tried to reassure her adoptive mother. "Subaru helped me and Geuse bring you back! Now we're together again!"
Looking toward the man she loved, he gave her a reassuring smile, and seeing the happy face of her daughter, she became a little bit more relaxed, and joyful, even.
"Heh, I suppose you're right…" she smiled. "It's good to be back."
Opening her eyes, Theresia cried out, "REINHARD!"
Gathering her bearings, she felt that she was wearing the outfit of a Witch Cultist, and that she was sitting up against the wall of a library, and that…
"Grandmother?"
Jerking her head to the side, Theresia saw an old gentleman, and a handsome young man…
"Grandmother, can you respond?"
Immediately, the former Sword Saint's eyes widened.
"Reinhard?"
"Yes, Grandmother, it's me," the current Sword Saint answered.
"What happened to you?" she asked. "When did you get so big?"
"You have been gone for quite a while, my love," the older gentlemen replied.
"Wilhelm?"
"Yes, it's me," the Sword Demon smiled sadly.
At this, Theresia let out a little chuckle. "Heh, you got old… what happened?"
"Well… it's a long story…"
Back in Priestella, Al finished helping out in his assigned area, when he noticed his lady walking towards him. He braced himself for her usual hits to his head, when –
"Aldeberan, mineself requires your advice."
That happened.
"Well… that's unexpected. Whaddya need, Princess?"
"Mineself need to ask you a question…" the Vollachian Matriarch said. "In the event that mineself does not win the Royal Selection… What do you think mineself should do?"
"Wait, you actually think you could lose?!" Al asked, astonished.
"Don't say such things!" she hissed. "I'm just asking in the completely hypothetical situation that the world has other plans for me, what would they be?!"
"Hmm… Well, there's still those lands you got from your former husband that you need to govern, right? You can't just abandon those. And if you really don't want to do that, you could always travel around the world. See the sights, that kind of thing."
"True, but… what about you?" she asked. "Would you stay by my side?"
"Well of course," he said, honestly. "When I first met you, I didn't want to be anywhere near you. But over time… you've grown on me. I'd follow you to the ends of this world."
"Hmph," she hummed, as she walked away, whispering, "Good answer."
Helping Fortuna through the hallway, Emilia and Geuse were explaining to her everything she had missed in the last century.
"You're running to become King?!"
"Yup! and I have made sooo many friends in my Camp!"
Looking up, the trio saw that Reinhard and Wilhelm were helping Theresia through the hallway, while explaining to her what she missed in the last decade and a half.
"YOU DID WHAT?!"
Unfortunately, it wasn't as happy as with Emilia's family.
"I admit, my treatment of him was… misguided –"
"MISGUIDED, MY ASS! YOU BLAMED OUR GRANDCHILD, A FIVE-YEAR OLD, FOR MY DEATH?! YOU'LL BE LUCKY IF I DON'T DIVORCE YOU, WILHELM!"
"Grandmother, it's fine…" Reinhard tried to reassure his grandmother, but it was in vain.
"Sweetie, please, the adults are talking."
"I see that you were successful in your endeavor," Geuse said, happily.
Theresia flinched upon seeing the silver haired half-elf and instinctively grabbed where the hilt of her sword usually was, but immediately remembered that this was one of the Candidates for the throne that Reward spoke of, Emilia, causing her to calm down.
"Indeed," the Sword Saint responded. "Where are Subaru and Father?"
And then, almost as if on cue, rushing down the stairs was Heinkel, covering his head for protection, along with a very angry Subaru, who was swinging his staff down onto his head.
"I warned you not to go up there, didn't I?!" Subaru asked rhetorically and psychotically.
"Okay, okay, I'm going, I'm going!" the redhead kept saying, until he locked eyes with Theresia. Immediately he went towards her with a smile. "Mom!"
"Don't "Mom" me, Heinkel! I know what you did to your son!"
"Wait, what? What are you mad about?"
"You and your father both blamed Reinhard for my death, WHAT DO YOU THINK I WOULD BE MAD ABOUT?! THE FUCKING WEATHER?!" she screeched, still clearly very angry.
"Finally someone comes to Rein's aid," Subaru whispered to himself.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" Theresia asked, clearly hearing that.
"Oh, right, sorry! Fortuna-san, Theresia-san, hi," Subaru said, as he pointed his finger to the sky and struck his iconic pose. "My name is Subaru Natsuki! Not only am I the Great Sage, but I'm also the one dating your daughter and I am also your grandson's best friend!"
"Excuse me?" Fortuna asked, with an icy glare.
"Wait, you're my grandson's best friend?" Theresia asked skeptically. Subaru nodded, making Theresia breathe a sigh of relief. "Well, young man, thank you for looking after my grandson. It's a shame his actual family couldn't do the job."
"Mom, I –"
"Shut up."
"Hold on, you're dating my daughter?" Fortuna asked, her tone deadly.
"Okay!" Subaru clapped his hands, hoping to change the subject before he became castrated. "Before you do anything we regret, I'm sure you have been informed of how Pandora was using you as a one of their Sin Archbishops, right?"
"Unfortunately, yes."
"Well, I wasn't able to remove your Authority of Wrath back then, but I should be able to do it now," he said, stretching out his hand to her. "Do I have your permission to remove it?"
Extending her hand, she said, "Yes, you do."
Nodding, Subaru took her hand and said, "Authority of Greed: Capture Mode", as he felt the Authority leave the body of the elf and go into his.
Fortuna's Authority of Wrath, "Life Bond", was now Subaru's "Image Search".
"Okay, it's done," he said, letting go of her hand. "Well, I'm gonna open up a portal back to Priestella, you guys go on ahead without me! I've got some stuff to do, but I'll be back!"
"Subaru, are you sure?" Emilia asked.
"Yeah, don't worry! Just grab everyone else and head back to the Roswaal Mansion! Introduce them to your mom, as well! I promise I'll be back soon!" he said reassuringly.
Walking over to Otto, Garfiel slung his arm over the green merchant. "Heya, Brotto, buddy! My amazin' self has got a question I wanna ask ya!"
"Garf! What is it?"
"What are your intentions with my sister?"
Upon hearing that, the merchant went pale. Realizing he needed to answer quickly or risk certain death, he blurted out, "FREDERICA IS THE EPITOME OF PERFECTION!"
"Wait… what?"
"I'm in love with your sister, okay?!" he whispered. "I love everything about her. I love her emerald eyes, her blonde hair, her personality, her –"
"Her demi-human heritage? Her scary teeth?"
"That doesn't matter! And if anything, her teeth are her most attractive feature!"
For a second that stunned Garfiel. He just said the flirting thing to Ram as a joke, but when he decided to confront Otto about it, he did not expect that. "All right, bro," Garfiel said. "You have ma blessing. Just don't hurt her, or I will string you from a tree."
"I would never dream of it," the green merchant smiled.
With Fortuna, Theresia, and everyone else gone, Subaru walked back up to the Electra floor.
"Hey, Flugel," Reid greeted him.
"Hey, Reid," Subaru responded with a friendly wave. "Oh, before you tell me what you wanted to talk to me about, can I do something first?"
"Yeah, sure, go for it, you."
"All right, thanks," he said, as he stretched his hand out. Fishing throughout his body, he found what he was looking for, those three pieces, turning into one.
"Authority of Gluttony: Life's Balance."
He first saw a red soul. Then, in an instant, Subaru could feel everything being created out of nothingness surrounding it: Bones, blood, muscles, nerves, skin, hair, an entirely new body.
Opening his eyes, Subaru saw that Reid Astrea's ghost was gone.
And in front of him was Reid Astrea.
"Wha?" Reid looked at himself. "Wha' did ya do, you?!"
"I gave you your body back," Subaru answered. "Or more accurately, I gave you a new one, considering that your original one has long since rotted away."
Examining himself, Reid saw that he had everything he had on his original body, even down to the cool eyepatch he wore. "This is amazing! Thanks, you!"
"Reid Astrea, I relieve you of your duty to protect the Pleiades Watchtower," he said happily. "You are free to roam the world once more. Just don't cause any more trouble, okay?"
"YA GOT IT!" the redhead exclaimed in excitement, as he rushed towards the stair and to freedom. "Oh, wait! Before I go, the thing I wanted to tell you!"
"Oh, right, what is it?"
"A small pink-haired half-elf dropped by."
"What?"
"Yeah, she was short, and had pink hair and blue eyes. Would have mistaken her for Ryuzu if it wasn't for the fact that…" Reid paused, remembering what happened to Beatrice's best friend. "Yeah… anyway, she came here along with two girls, one with black hair and nasty eyes like yours. The other girl was shorter, and with brown hair."
"Okay, did they do anything?" Subaru asked.
"Yeah, the pink one left a note for you," the redhead explained, pointing at a note near the wall. "Anyway, I'm gonna go enjoy my newfound freedom. SEE YA, SUCKA!"
As Reid left, Subaru walked towards the note, picked up the piece of paper, and read it.
GLACIER CITY ALBIS. FIND ME.
- OMEGA
Author's Notes: Hey, guys, hope you enjoyed the chapter. Now onto the comments!
Craftverk: I was thinking of going to the "My Hero Academia" and "Overlord" fandoms to write some stories after this, but nothing solid is in the works yet. I have no plans for any crossover, and I'll just mostly write whatever I come up with. We'll have to wait and see.
A. J Savage: Yeah, maybe after the next side quest I've thrown Subaru into, then we'll acknowledge some things like the return of Ram's horn, Emilia's thoughts throughout the series and her changing feelings for Subaru, and something to do with Rem.
Fred Ray: You're welcome for the chapter, as always, I'm glad you find it so relaxing to read. But honestly, I have no idea what you mean when I put too much effort in using slang for character expressions. Still, thanks for reading…
divyanshkundu8: Wait, so all the other stories lack direction? What? Anyway, glad you've been here since the fifth chapter! I'm also happy to see that some people enjoy the character development that I put into these! Thanks for all the compliments!
Deathenglegamers1144: Thanks for complimenting my "epic battle". The final showdown, in case you're wondering, is gonna be something no one sees coming. Trust me on that one. You want a teaser chapter? Nah, I'll just give you the chapters themselves!
Jpx0999: Well, here's the catch about "Create Greater Item": It doesn't have a list of what it can and can't make, so I'm just gonna play it safe and assume the Resurrection Wand is too rare of an item, I don't want all the stakes in my story removed.
Teritus711: See? I knew the Books of the Dead was a smart idea! It actually works on many levels, since it actually requires multiple components to "resurrect" someone, and it's a trade secret very few people know. I'm such a genius!
Scattershot98: Yeah, Subaru was smart enough to not let Gluttony have anything, and Frederica chose violence, too! Don't worry, Al will have a new sense of worth and a happy ending just in store for him. And as for Thereisa, while she will be on the good guys' side, she won't have her Divine Protection of the Sword Saint anymore, but she's still a formidable threat. And Subaru is just being Subaru, only meaner. Yeah, Ram is all-powerful again. And as for the new power, just scroll down to find out what it is!
petopokuspeto: So you can speak normally! Also, that's pretty threatening… But the good news is, I now know that "naijhs" is an adjective! But what does it mean?!
ZokuTheSkeleton: Glad to see you happy for Ram's horn.
Aliata: Now what? I mean, Hector and the Black Serpent still exist. Also, there's the final boss of Pandora and all of the Witch Cultists who are still out there. Oh, and they still need to free Satella. Plus, there's still all the monsters Subaru will accidentally unleash in a future chapter… oops, I said too much. But yeah, after that, happy ending. Anyway, I hope you enjoy more friend-centered chapters, because that's what you're getting! Rem seeing Ram's horn back would be an interesting storyline for me to go through with. But other than that, thanks for enjoying my story, that's all I really have to say.
Wilber Beato Quispe: Lamento decepcionarte, pero Satella tendrá que esperar. Su aparición ahora pondría en peligro la misión de Subaru. Lo siento.
plaik: Wait, you were seriously hoping for some serious emotional drama and mental damage for Garfiel and Frederica? What kind of sick monster are you, Tappei?!
hlglh: I'm glad you found my comment to be so hilarious. But, really? "Unlimited Kudos Works"? That's gotta be the most wholesome thing I have ever seen. So cute!
NightmareYandere: There, you're in the next chapter. Now get out.
Anyways, like promised, a new power. Or more accurately, two new powers:
"Life's Balance": This is Subaru's version of the Authority of Gluttony. Using it, Subaru is capable of creating empty bodies, and allowing spirits to use them as vessels. If a person has died, for instance, Subaru could recreate their body, allowing them to live once more.
"Image Search": This is Subaru's version of the Authority of Wrath. Using it, Subaru can see an image of a place in his mind. That image is the location of the threat Subaru is searching for. For example, if Subaru was looking for a certain Mabeast, and that Mabeast was in Elior Forest, then he would see an image of Elior Forest.
Anyway, that's all I have, thanks for reading! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /PxrU9de7 , you can chat with me and the other members there, while also posting memes and fan art. My username is Ernalore#8663, in case you want to be my friend, and I have more works in case you're curious! See you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 22: The Witches of Sin
Summary:
Theresia and Fortuna return with the rest of their allies back to Priestella, ready to head home. During their time back, Fortuna and Geuse's relationship comes back in full, he former Sword Saint tries to help Felt woo her grandson, and Rem learns to forgive herself. Meanwhile, Subaru goes to Gusteko to find the mysterious "Omega", and her connection to Witches long dead. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 22: The Witches of Sin
"There, tha' should do it," huffed Garfiel, as he lifted the last piece of rubble towards the designated rubble zone. "Now y'all can worry 'bout repairs an' shit."
When Subaru, along with Emilia, Geuse, and the Astrea men left for the Pleiades Watchtower, the rest of the Adventurers Alliance stayed behind to clean up the mess in Priestella.
It wasn't that hard, however. Thanks to the vital information the Great Sage gave them, the Gluttony brothers were not a problem, and the rest of the low-level Witch Cutlists fled when the majority of them were defeated, so everyone still had plenty of energy for the day.
Especially Ram.
The pink-haired oni felt like she could do anything. With her newfound strength, she helped clean up half of the city, and she didn't even break a sweat.
But that didn't mean she liked it.
Still, thanks to Garfiel's advice from earlier, she knew for a fact that running away from this sort of thing wouldn't help her. She would have to talk to Rem about it.
Elsewhere, Felt was also thinking about how her life ended up like this. It seems like pure fiction, like something out of a fairy tale, yet here she was, being a part of this story.
She was born with nothing, a gutter rat, forced to steal to live. Then, the next thing she knows, she's a Royal Candidate running for the throne, her knight is the Sword Saint, and the one weirdo who treated her with a shred of decency is the Great Sage.
But still, her very own knight.
She had heard the stories of the great Reinhard van Astrea, a man so powerful he could take on the world itself and win. But seeing him up close, that destroyed the entire legend.
He was blamed for the death of his grandmother, and resented by the rest of his family and most of his peers, and yet, despite all that, he still retained his golden heart, and did everything in his power to support Felt and make her happy.
When she first met him, she thought of him as just a dumbass. But now, she saw the goodness in his heart, his willingness to die just so others could live, the marks of a true hero… and that of just a good person. A person willing to give others a chance.
And Felt? She let her spite consume her into declaring that she would destroy the kingdom, to take everyone down with her. But was that the right call?
Subaru himself had spent the money he earned from those old bastards to bring about the end of the slums, and to actually create homes and roads for the people there, expecting nothing in return, something which Reinhard supported wholeheartedly. Perhaps she could change her goal to give those less fortunate a second chance?
That could work. Reinhard would be willing to support her, as he always had, originally out of a sense of duty, yes, but now, because he genuinely cared about her. Others might have thought of him as an idiot because of that, but Felt could see that he cared for her.
And Felt genuinely cared for Reinhard.
What is this feeling…? she thought to herself.
Perhaps it was a sense of fondness? Or perhaps, it was… love?
Shaking her head in denial, she looked towards the finishing restorations of Priestella, and whispered, "Hurry back already, my big idiot."
With the clean-up just finishing, a familiar black and red portal opened up to the city of Priestella, and out came the various members of various Camps, along with two new people.
"Oi!" the blond demi-human called out. "Cap'n's back!"
Hearing that, the people within earshot came to see the commotion, only to find that Subaru was not with the rest of the crew, and that things were hectic with the remaining crew.
"Theresia, please –"
"Don't talk to me."
Crusch was amazed to see that the former Sword Saint was back from the dead. Yet another miracle performed by Subaru Natsuki. Walking towards her, Crusch said, "Theresia-sama…"
"I'm sorry, who are you?"
"Oh, it's me, Crusch Karsten. I've grown a bit since you last saw me."
"Oh, I see. Is your father doing well?"
"He is in good health, yes."
"Lovely, now if you could please…" Theresia gestured to Crusch to move out of the way.
"Oh, yes, of course!" the green-haired woman replied, stepping aside.
Once the former Sword Saint left, Felix approached his mistress. "Was it jyust me, or did shye seem to be in a really big hurry to be somewhere, nyah?"
Looking over to a now depressed-looking Wilhelm, Crusch mused, "Hmm… to me it seems like she was in a really big hurry to get away from something… or someone…"
"Emilia-sama, good to see you back."
"Thank you Ram," the half-elf smiled. "Ram, this is my mother, Fortuna. She will be coming along with us back to the Roswaal Mansion once we're done here."
"Understood."
"Oi, Petelgeuse!" Garfiel barked. "Where th' hell is Cap'n?!"
"Flugel-sama… had to take care of something…" the green-haired man responded.
"It's fine!" Emilia tried to reassure everyone. "Subaru will head straight back to the Camp once he's done with whatever business he has to take care of!"
"Aight, if ya say so…"
The snow was coming down, as the ground dragon carriage made it to its destination. The green-haired merchant looked to his passenger and said, "Subaru-sama, we're here."
Getting up from his spot, Subaru jumped out of the carriage, and down to the road, where he saw the town waiting for him. "Thank you, Shion-san."
"Don't worry, it was an honor, Great Sage!" the half-elf chirped.
"Still, thank you," Subaru bowed. "You will always have a home at the Roswaal Mansion."
Nodding in recognition, the green-haired half-elf whipped the reins to their ground dragon, who took off, leaving the Japanese teenager behind.
Subaru was still smiling, as he always liked traveling with people, even if he could teleport at will. Talking with people like Shion and the O'Connell siblings, simple folk with interesting lives worth talking about, was always his favorite part of traveling with others.
Plus, it was always funny when people saw the Great Sage hitchhiking.
Shaking out of his happy thoughts, it was time to get serious. In front of Subaru was the southernmost city in the Holy Kingdom of Gusteko, the Glacier City, Albis.
The place where this "Omega" asked him to find them.
Pulling up the hood on his cloak, the Great Sage walked into town, making sure he drew as little attention as possible. He didn't want to attract any unwanted attention from the locals, especially from someone like the Mad Prince, or Odglass.
Plus, his hood made sure he wouldn't catch a cold.
With Patrasche running like the wind, the carriage made its way back from Priestella.
The clean-up and relief efforts came to an end in the city much quicker than expected, as it turned out, the Council of Elders had sent a garrison of knights to aid Priestella, and so, all of the Camps were able to head home within three days.
Theresia left with her grandson after announcing she would be joining the Felt Camp, not only to make up for lost time with her little "Sword Angel", but also to spite her husband and son.
Meanwhile, the Emilia Camp headed back to their base of operations, with Emilia, Fortuna, and Geuse getting a carriage all to themselves, driven by Otto, of course. Otto seemed to have been a bit annoyed that he wasn't with Frederica, much to Garfiel and Ram's amusement.
Inside the carriage, it had been quiet. The three of them had been separated for one hundred years, and now that they were back, they had no idea what to say to each other.
So, Geuse was the one to break the ice.
"Fortuna," he spoke. "I love you."
"EHH?!" the silver-haired elf exclaimed. "Where did that come from?!"
Emilia was stunned into silence by what she heard. Sure, she knew that her mother and father figures were in love with one another, but for Geuse to say it like that out of the blue, that was as Subaru would say, "so out of left-field", that it even shocked her.
"It came from my heart," he answered honestly. "I love you, and I always have. I never got to say it to you back then, so, please, let me say it to you now, while we still have the chance."
While we still have the chance… Fortuna thought grimly. She knew he was right. They never got the chance to say it to each other before Pandora arrived, but now… they were given a second chance. A second chance to say everything they never got to say.
Looking towards the green-haired man, she smiled, "Geuse. I love you, too."
"Thank you," With tears threatening to break out, Geuse smiled back. "Hey, Fortuna?"
"Yes?"
"When this is all over… When the Witch Cult is gone, Pandora is defeated, and the Royal Selection is over… would you… like to get married?"
THAT WAS SO SUDDEN! That was even more shocking to Emilia. So shocking, that her jaw literally dropped. She didn't see that coming. But thinking about it… that did sound nice.
"Sure, Geuse," Fortuna smiled. "When this is all over… let's get married."
Huh, she agreed to it really fast.
"Thank you, Fortuna," the green-haired man said, hugging the elven woman.
"Oh, wow!" Emilia said, amazed by everything happening. "That will be sooo exciting! A real wedding! I wonder… maybe Petra will be the flower girl, but who would be the ring bearer? Garfiel is too old… maybe one of the boys in the village? There is so much to plan…"
"Well, she seems on-board with it," Geuse mused.
"Of course she would want to see her parents becoming an honest couple," Fortuna joked.
Little did either of them know, while Emilia was thinking about her parent's wedding, she was also subconsciously planning her own wedding to Subaru…
Subaru's patience was running thin.
It had been three weeks since he arrived to this frozen hell, and he still found nothing on this "Omega". He honestly thought it wouldn't be that hard to find them.
At first, he figured all he would need to do was pour a couple of drinks with the locals, and they would be happy to tell him. That plan would have worked, four hundred years ago, when the locals were nice and friendly, but these days, everyone looked at everyone like they were untrustworthy, even if they knew each other.
What is this place, communist Russia? Subaru thought bitterly.
Looking around, he saw a pair of girls, one of them with brown hair, the other with black, both of them appearing to be young teenagers, according to Subaru's guess.
Doing a double-take, Subaru confirmed to himself that yes, he saw a girl with black hair and one with brown hair, just like how Reid described the ones who were accompanying this "Omega".
True, he didn't have any evidence that it was actually them. After all, brown hair was pretty common, and black, while more rare, still existed. Subaru weighed the benefits of moving his freezing ass so he could at least ask them or not.
Eh, why not? Subaru thought to himself. They're younger, so they're probably more trusting. Here's hoping they don't stare me down to death like all the adults in this hellhole.
Walking up to the two girls, Subaru smiled, "Excuse me! I'm looking for someone named "Omega". Do you happen to know where to… find… them…?"
The two girls looked at Subaru like they saw a ghost. Then, the black-haired one, with eyes almost as nasty as Subaru's, whispered, "Did you say… Omega?"
"Uh… yeah?"
Nodding her head to the other girl, the girl turned to Subaru and said, "Follow us."
Jackpot.
Following behind them, Subaru saw that the brown-haired girl with the cute eyes turned her head towards him and smiled. "I'm Colette, by the way. My friend over here is Palmyra."
"Nice to meet you both."
"We're here," Palmyra said, stopping in front of a small house.
Opening the door, Palmyra called out, "Omega, he's here."
"Send him to my room," a familiar-sounding voice called from down the hall.
Nodding to the two girls, Subaru took off his hood and hung it up, placing his staff on the wall. After that, he walked down the hall, opening the door to the room where the voice came from.
"Greetings, Subaru Natsuki," the pink-haired half-elf smiled. "It's been too long."
"Greetings, Omega," Subaru said, closing the door. "Or should I say… Echidna?"
"So…" Omega said, "You finally remember."
"Yeah, I remember everything," Subaru said, sitting down. "Which is why you reached out to me, isn't it? You knew I was looking for you."
"Of course I did. But… it's not only me you wished to speak to, is that right?"
"Yes," the black-haired boy said. "I want to speak with all of you."
"Very well, then," Omega pulled something out of her pocket. "Touch this crystal."
Agreeing, Subaru touched the crystal, and darkness overcame him.
In one of the living rooms of the Astrea manor, Theresia was currently enjoying a cup of the finest tea with her grandson's chosen liege, Felt.
In the following weeks after her resurrection, she had joined the Felt Camp to specifically avoid Wilhelm and Heinkel, while also making sure that she helps Reinhard restore whatever confidence those two had killed inside of him, but those weren't the only reasons.
She was also quite interested in the red-eyed blonde. The two of them did hit it off quite well, mostly due to the fact that Heinkel wasn't their favorite person at the moment.
After her tearful reunion with Carol and Grimm, and her less-than-stellar reunion with Rom, Miklotov and Bordeaux, she had decided to watch over the Candidate, when either Reinhard had other duties to attend to, or when she had to put her foot down and order him to rest.
Her reason? To really get to talk with the girl.
And now was her chance.
"So… from what I heard, you're one of the few people who treated my grandson with dignity."
"I wouldn't say "dignity"... more like… I'm able to be myself around him…"
"So, a feisty brat?"
"Hey, it's better than all of the fakes who try to flatter him and all the people who straight up hate him!" she hissed. "Like that prick of a dad…"
"Yes… My Heinkel is… problematic… he has been ever since my fighter-in-law fell into a deep sleep," she sighed. "But enough about him, what about you? What do you think of him?"
"Me? Well, he's nice. He has been ever since I met him… but that's not all…" she squinted under the questioning. "He's really kind, and he's willing to put up with all of my problems… I think he's a really, really, good friend."
Hearing that, Theresia's eyebrows were raised. No one used that sort of language unless they were… "Do you feel flustered when you think of him?" the former Sword Saint asked.
"Yeah, how'd ya know?"
"Does your heart start to race?"
"A little, yeah. Where are you going with this?"
"One more question: Do you miss him whenever he's gone?"
"Yeah, totally. What is it? What's wrong with me?"
Ah, I see, Theresia realized, sipping her tea. "My dear, that's called love."
"L-LOVE?!" the blonde exclaimed. "I love him?!"
"Most likely," the redhead responded. "While my courtship was highly… unorthodox… from what I could tell by Carol and her friends… Those symptoms you are experiencing currently are definitely those of romantic interest."
"Great, so I love him," she sighed. "Do you find it problematic?"
"Not at all!" she smiled. "In fact, I think I'm going to help you woo him."
"What? Why?"
"I may have risen from the dead a few weeks ago, but I still have my wits," Theresia smiled. "I see how he smiles towards you, how those are his most real smiles. You are the reason he keeps going in this life, and I'll make sure my Sword Angel has the happy life he deserves."
"Really? I am?" Felt stated. Remembering back to all her time together, she had seen him smile, those in public did seem to be slightly different from the ones she got to see when they were alone. Nodding, she had made her decision. "Okay, I'm in! Help me win your grandson over!"
Smiling, Theresia said to herself, "Oh, this is going to be fun…"
When Subaru opened his eyes once more, he was back in the Castle of Dreams. And in front of him, we're the people he thought lost to death four hundred years ago.
Echidna, Minerva, Daphne, Typhon, Carmilla, Sekhmet, he tearfully thought.
It was quiet for a moment, until the blonde Witch walked up to the nasty-eyed boy, looked him directly into the eye, reared a fist from behind her, and –
WHAM!
Punched him square in the face.
Now, if Minerva didn't have the Authority of Wrath, Subaru would feel his face bruising right about now, rather than it feeling healthier, but the message still carried the same.
She was pissed.
"You… big… IDIOT!" she screamed.
"Hi, Minerva," Subaru smiled weakly. "I missed you, too."
"That's it? THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO SAY?!" she screeched. "YOU CAUSED HALF THE WORLD'S DESTRUCTION, AND THEN YOU JUST WALTZ BACK INTO OUR LIVES FOUR HUNDRED YEARS LATER, AS IF NOTHING HAPPENED, AND YOU JUST SAY 'HI'?!"
"In my defense, I didn't know about my past life until I read my Book of the Dead…"
"SATELLA IS HATED BY THE ENTIRE WORLD BECAUSE OF YOU! ARE YOU REALLY GONNA SIT HERE AND DEFEND YOUR ACTIONS?! WELL, ARE YOU?!"
"No."
"Wait, what?"
That caught Minerva, along with the rest of the Witches, off-guard.
"You're right. I screwed up. Because of me, you all died, and my grief-filled stupidity caused untold amounts of suffering, including the suffering of my beloved," he said, tearing up, as he got down to his knees. "So, please… help me fix it. Help me atone for my sins."
For a moment, the Witches of Sin were quiet. They all remembered how Pandora managed to turn the whole world, even their own friends, against them, and used Subaru's grief and anger to end up destroying half the world. It was awful, sure, but Subaru really wasn't in the best state of mind, was he? And if he wanted to atone now, then that was a true sign of improvement.
"What do you need?" Echidna asked, sighing.
"I need a potion," Subaru explained. "I need a potion capable of curing the Sleeping Beauty disease. My skills are good, but they're crap compared to yours, Echidna."
"I see…" the white-haired woman hummed. "And what's in it for us?"
"I'll be able to bring you guys back to life."
"What?" Carmilla squeaked, amazed at Subaru's claim. "How?"
Subaru smiled at her question, getting up. "Have you ever heard of the tragedy of…"
"""OF DARTH PLAGUEIS THE WISE, WE KNOW!""" groaned every single one of the Witches.
"You guys are no fun," pouted the Japanese teenager.
"What does that stupid story from your world have to do with anything?" Minerva asked.
"Well, in the story, Darth Plagueis was able to use his world's equivalent to mana to create life."
"So?" Sekhemt sighed.
"I was able to pry Daphne's Authority out of the Gluttony triplets, and it's manifested. I can put Echidna's soul back into her original body, and I can create new bodies for the rest of you, exact replicas of your original ones. You won't have your Authorities, but you'll be able to eat, sleep, grow old… you'll be able to live full, happy lives. The lives you never got the chance to live."
For a few seconds, the group was silent. The idea of living once more was a pipe dream for them. Even Echidna, who had successfully transferred her soul this half-elf, was never able to restore herself to her original glory. Did she really have the chance now?
"Okay, I'll do it."
Looking up from where he was, Subaru saw that Minerva was the first one to agree to his deal. Looking at his beloved's best friend, he smiled. "Minerva… thank you."
"Don't get me wrong, I still haven't forgiven you," the Witch of Wrath hissed. "I'm only doing this to make sure that you go through with saving Satella. Do that, then I'll forgive you."
"I can work with that."
"It's been centuries since I've had any real food!" Daphne wriggled in joy, exposing her teeth. "And since I won't have my Authority, I won't be needing my blindfold anymore! I'm in!"
"Don't worry, Daphne. Rem is a great cook, you'll love her."
"Wait…" Typhon asked. "If I don't have my Authority anymore… how will I judge people?!"
"Well, you could grow up and pursue a career in law! That way, you'll be able to judge criminals in a less… gruesome fashion," Subaru answered the loli. "Plus, you'll be able to play with kids your own age without having to worry about hurting them!"
"Hmm… okay!" the little girl answered. "But you better free Tella!"
"You got it!" the black-haired boy lifted up his thumb in agreement.
"If Typhon is going… I'm coming with her…" Sekhmet huffed.
"I don't know if I'd be so comfortable around so many people…" the Witch of Lust mumbled.
"Don't worry, you can always hang out with me. Plus, I can guarantee you that my love life is super entertaining to watch!" the Japanese teenager responded.
"How entertaining are we talking here?"
"Three girls, and hundreds of marriage proposals."
"DEAL!"
"Wow, that was quick!" Subaru looked and saw that the last person to convince was none other than Echidna herself. "Well, whaddya say, Dona? Wanna patch things up with Beako?"
"Sigh… I suppose…" the Witch of Greed huffed. "While it will be exhausting seeing Roswaal again, I suppose it's worth it to see how my creation is doing."
"Good enough for me!" Subaru clapped. "Okay, Echidna, can you…?"
"Oh, right," she responded, as the Castle of Dreams began to crack.
Rem was lying down in her room, amazed by what she had seen days earlier.
Apparently, Subaru had resorted to her sister's horn, as he should have. Her hero truly was amazing, fixing the damage she had caused.
But then something odd happened.
Ram had a talk with her. She said how she didn't want Rem to keep praising her, to revere her, she wanted to be treated just like a sister. She said that she didn't want Rem to keep blaming herself for what had happened all of those years ago.
Rem didn't know how to react.
How long has it been? How long had it been since she smiled at the disappearance of her sister's horn? According to Ram, that feeling of joy was perfectly normal, as their parents were putting an inhuman amount of expectations onto Rem, that she shouldn't feel any guilt.
Was that possible? After so long… Could she stop feeling guilty?
Subaru said it was possible.
So long ago, Subaru told her that in his mind, Rem was better than Ram, and that she should smile with him. Subaru was a person who seemed to have all the answers of the world, who had lived for so long that he seemed to have a grasp on everything, and who's abilities made the impossible seem possible.
Rem once thought it was impossible to forgive herself.
But now, after all of this? It was very possible.
Getting up from her bed, she exited her room and went to find Ram.
She needed to tell her sister of how she had done the impossible, just like her hero.
She had forgiven herself.
Opening his eyes, Subaru was back in the room, with the pink-haired half-elf next to him.
"So," Omega smiled. "What's the plan?"
"I'm filling my end of the bargain first," Subaru answered. "We're heading back to the Sanctuary. Pack your things, we're leaving immediately. The sooner we leave this frozen hell, the better."
"Very well," Omega said. "I shall notify Colette and Palmyra."
"They're coming with us?"
"Of course," Omega said. "With the amount of new guests you'll be bringing into the Roswaal Manor, you'll need some more maids. Plus, they're fairly entertaining."
"Geez, and here I thought you grew a conscience…"
"Ha-ha."
Thirty minutes later, Subaru had grabbed his cloak and staff, while waiting outside the small house for Omega to inform her two associates that they were leaving.
Opening the door, the black-haired boy saw all three of them come out.
"Uhh… where is the ground dragon?" asked Colette.
"Don't need one," Subaru answered, as he lifted his arm. "Gate."
Seeing what was manifesting in front of them, Palmyra's eyes widened. "Wait a second… a portal of blood and shadows… ARE YOU THE GREAT SAGE?!"
"Uh, yeah? Why?"
Immediately, Colette fell down to her knees, "Oh, Great Sage, please forgive us! We had no idea we were intruding upon your domain! Please, show us mercy –"
"Hey, hey, stop that!" Subaru begged, trying not to draw attention to themselves. "It's fine, I'm not mad, and I'm not seeking revenge. Come on, let's go, we have a schedule to keep!"
"Oh, thank you for your gracious mercy…"
"Okay, stop that. It's really weird."
"Omega!" Palmyra whispered. "You never told us we raided the Sage's Tower!"
"We'll discuss this later!" Omega said, pushing the two girls into the portal. "Let's go!"
Inside the Witch's Tomb of the Sanctuary, two individuals were deep within the building, as the other two were waiting outside for the process to finish.
Wow, she hasn't aged a day, Subaru thought to himself, as he stood in front of Echidna's glass coffin. He looked down towards Omega, and asked, "Are you ready to do this?"
Nodding the half-elf said, "We are ready."
Closing his eyes, Subaru called out, "Authority of Gluttony: Life's Balance," and began.
He first saw a gray soul. He visualized a body with hair of ashen, and with golden eyes.
Then, came a pink soul. For her, she had a body with red eyes, and with pink hair.
After that was a yellow soul. Golden hair and blue eyes adorned her body.
A purple soul soon followed. She had purplish-red hair, and magenta eyes.
Next in line was a green soul. Red eyes and green hair came to his mind.
Then, finally, a white soul. All he needed to do was place the soul from the body with pink hair and cyan eyes, to the one with pure white hair, and black irises, with white pupils.
Opening his eyes, Subaru saw that there was one inactive body, that of a half-elf.
And six active ones around him.
The Witches of Sin had returned.
"Ladies…" Subaru smiled, standing up. "Welcome back to the world of the living."
Author's Notes: Hey, guys, I'm back! I have watched "Moon Knight", I have seen Oscar the fish slap Marty the zebra, I traveled the world and the seven seas, and finally, I have found something everyone has been looking for: The comments!
Craftverk: All right, so once all of those things are done, you'll start writing, right? Those obstacles aren't absolute, so I believe in you!
7570: I'm actually impressed that you have deemed my last chapter so amazing due to the fact that it featured Reid. Does that rule apply for all the chapters he's in?
OreosAreYummy: I'm glad you enjoyed my chapters. Welp, now you know what the Authority of Gluttony does. Yes, Omega time has come and gone.
A. J Savage: I mean, I do have certain scenes from everyone's perspectives, but you gotta remember, this is Subaru's story. There won't be a single chapter where he's not in it, unless there's so much going on that he wouldn't be available.
sjzyr: I don't know what parts of my dialogue you deem as "cringe". If it's all of it, sorry, that's just how I roll. Glad you found the story cute, at least.
Fred Ray: I don't think Theresia threw any slang, just regular old curse words. But still, thanks for enjoying most of my chapter, anyway.
Guest: Me alegro de que te haya encantado ver a Theresia y Fortuna unirse al equipo. Y en cuanto a cómo lidiar con Pandora... eso es un secreto. ¡Te veo la próxima semana!
petopokuspeto: I can understand how you think the character introductions were rushed, I am working with both a page and a time limit here to get these done on time. But thank God I don't have to deal with your gremlin gibberish this week!
palik: While it is true that suffering is pretty much a staple of this series, there's still a limit. But yeah, Wilhelm and Heinkel will pretty much be getting the silent treatment from Thereisa for the next six chapters or so. I hope you enjoy it, ya sadist.
Scattershot98: I mean, to Subaru, the Watchtower is basically another hub world for him, along with the Roswaal Mansion. Yeah, I have been hoping to get Otto and Frederica's relationship off the ground already. Reid's reveal and the new information of Pandora are indeed earth-shattering revelations for anyone who isn't Subaru. I also have been trying to get Priscilla and Al's relationship off the ground, too. I loved the reference to "Maury", and it actually kind of makes sense. The name "Life Bond" was actually Infinite the Celestian's idea, go support him. So, yeah, thanks for enjoying my new chapter.
Synicall: Yeah, I know most of the Authorities are basically plot armor, but there's nothing much else I can do with them since Subaru is so overpowered. And besides, I need some more things to advance the plot, so sue me! Still, glad you love my chapter.
Jpx0999: Yeah, the "Create Greater Item" thing will show up as a minor reference, but that logic you wrote actually kind of makes sense. Here's the thing about "Life's Balance": It can't create souls, it can only create empty vessels. So it's not a full-on resurrection, which I really don't want, since the story should still have stakes in it.
Tertius711: Glad you loved the way I brought back Fortuna and Theresia!
wildshoy09: Good to see that my chapter was deemed, "nice". How am I gonna create "Tales from the Multiverse"? Hmm… Well, I guess I read certain fanfics, think that it would be cool to have the Cast react to them, and bam! We have a new story.
hlglh: I'm assuming you mean Subaru's Authority of Wrath, and yeah, it's not very broken. However, it is very plot-relevant, so watch out for that.
VinHD15: Technically, no. "Creation" would indicate that he could make anything, all the Authority of Gluttony can do is make empty bodies, and some clothes, and that's it. Nothing more, nothing less. Also, I saw you lurking in the comments section of griffinguy24's "One for All and Eight for the Ninth" story. You have some good taste, my friend. Did you see my comment on his latest chapter? Chapter 44? No? Okay…
Sorry, no new powers this time around.
Anyway, that's all I really have to say! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /PxrU9de7 . You can post memes and fan art there, while also chatting with the other members. If you want to be my friend, my Discord username is Eranlore#8663. If you want to read some more stories, may I suggest "I will love you as you love me"? It's a collaboration that I, Infinite the Celestian, along with Im The Person worked on for Subaru's birthday. Check it out, it's really wholesome. Welp, that's all I have to say for today. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 23: Louanna Astrea
Summary:
With the newfound freedom of the Witches and the two missing Ryuzus, Subaru and company decide to head back to the Roswaal Mansion. Once there, Subaru and Echidna perfect a potion they deliver to the Astrea residence, while the residents of the Roswaal Mansion try their best to get along with Subaru's new guests. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 23: Louanna Astrea
Ryuzu Shima could feel a pitter-patter within the darkness, but she couldn't figure out what it was. It was soft, but it kept going, like someone was lightly tapping something.
Or someone…
Opening her eyes, the pink-haired half-elf came face to face with none other than Subaru Natsuki, who was currently slapping her face, ever so gently.
"Hey! Wake up… Oh, good, you're back."
"Young Su, what is the meaning of this?!" she barked, getting up right away.
"Okay… long story short: Your body has been possessed for almost a year now," he explained bluntly. "Luckily for you, I was able to remove the hijacker."
"Rude," a white-haired woman said.
"But accurate," the nasty-eyed boy hissed back.
"Wait a minute… Echidna-sama?" the pink-haired girl asked, as she saw the woman from the original Ryuzu's memories, when she unwittingly took the Trial.
"Yeah, that's her," Subaru sighed, as he gestured to the other girls in the tomb, who had approached to see the awoken Ryuzu. "And these are the other Witches of Sin."
Looking around the room, she now saw that there were several individuals inside. Ryuzu Shima could only stare in disbelief. She only ever saw Echidna in the Trial, but now, in front of her were all the legendary Witches of Sin, and yet…
"They all look so… normal."
"Yeah, they do," he smiled. "Heck, you wouldn't think I was the Great Sage, upon first glance."
The half-elf stared at the Japanese teenager in disbelief. "You're the Great Sage?"
"Yup, that's me," he said, before standing up. "Come on, let's go."
"Where are we going?"
"We're going to free your progenitor."
"Do you have any idea what is going on in there?" asked Colette.
"How should I know?" Palmyra retorted. The black-haired girl had seen some odd things, but this encounter where Omega somehow knew Great Sage was… by far the oddest.
"Oh, someone's coming!" the brown-haired girl exclaimed.
Out of the Tomb arrived the Great Sage, along with their friend, and… several girls they never met before.
"Hey, Omega!" waved Colette. "How did it go?"
"Excuse me?" Ryuzu asked.
"I'll take this one," Echidna said, as she approached the two girls. "Colette, Palmyra, I'm Omega. Or, more accurately, I'm the one who was controlling her body. See, my real name is Echidna, and I died four hundred years ago, and I was using Ryuzu's body here…"
"Wait, so you're the real Omega?" asked a shocked Palmyra.
"Well, Omega was an alias, but yeah, pretty much."
"Okay, you can explain to them later," Subaru said, as he grabbed Echidna's arm. "Shima, you're coming with us, the rest of you, introduce yourselves to our friends here."
Betty…
That was the thought that was going through her head as her body drifted in the darkness for the last four hundred years. Her friend. The reason she sacrificed everything.
But then…
Is that… light…?
"Really, Echidna? This is where you hid her crystal?"
Wait, that voice…
"I needed someplace secret to finish conducting my resurrection…"
ECHIDNA-SAMA?!
Opening her eyes, the original Ryuzu Meyer looked up and saw her mistress, Echidna-sama, the Great Sage, Flugel-sama, and… herself.
"Hey, Ryuzu, are you good?"
Looking up to the black-haired boy, she asked, "Flugel-sama, what is going on?"
"You did it, Ryuzu," Echidna said. "You used your Od to raise the barrier and drive Hector away. Your sacrifice saved myself, Bearice, and Roswaal. You saved the Sanctuary."
"I-I did?"
"Unfortunately… you've been sealed inside that crystal for the last four hundred years," Subaru said awkwardly. "I busted you out of there just now, in fact."
"FOUR HUNDRED YEARS?!" the half-elf screamed. "But t-then… Betty… is she –"
"Beako is just fine, heck, I contracted with her," Subaru explained. "Roswaal is also alive, as much as I hate it. Look, basically, everyone's alive, and I'm getting the gang back together."
"I see," she mused. "And who is this…?"
"Well, after your sealing Echidna believed that the best way of honoring your memory was to create a bunch of immortal clones of you," the Japanese teenager answered bluntly.
"Huh?"
"Wait, hold up, what do you mean you're all Witches?" Palmyra asked, shocked.
"We already told you, we're the former Witches of Sin," Minerva explained, exasperated. "We were basically kind of all-powerful before, as Subaru would put it… "got nerfed". Now, we're everyday people, just like you and Colette."
"Um… I was called a Witch by my village," the brown-haired girl retorted.
"Um… sorry to break it to you…" Carmilla sighed. "But it was Echidna's stupid invention that caused all of those people to die, not you."
"What do you mean my "stupid" invention? It did exactly what it was designed for."
Turning around, the group saw that Subaru, Echidna, and Ryuzu had returned, along with… a second Ryuzu. However, this newcomer was covered in Subaru's cloak.
"What happened to her?" Palmyra asked.
"As it turns out, her clothes didn't get sealed away with the original Ryuzu inside the crystal, so I gave her my cloak to cover up. I don't want people thinking I'm a pedo."
"Original Ryuzu?" Colette repeated. "So, the one Echidna was using was a copy?"
"Yeah, but a buddy of mine imprinted on that one as his grandmother, so I made sure to save her." Lifting his hand, Subaru asked, "Okay, y'all ready to head to your new home?"
With everyone nodding, Subaru chanted "Gate", and they were gone.
It had now been a few days since the Emilia Camp that went to Priestella came back without Subaru, but also with their newest addition of Fortuna, and things had been quiet.
Fortuna got along with the rest of the Emilia Camp pretty well, as she alongside Geuse helped prepare their daughter for the Royal Selection, and now everyone was simply doing their duties as they waited for Subaru to return.
Not only that, but two days prior, Otto had managed to confess his feelings to Frederica. Despite the massive teasing from Garfiel and Ram, the beast maid cried tears of joy that someone was capable of loving her, despite her demi-human heritage.
Still, Rem felt a little sad that Subaru hadn't returned yet to do that.
In the foyer, Rem was sweeping the dust away. After having that talk with her sister about how Subaru had returned her horn, the blue maid's spirit felt a little lighter. Still, she missed her hero very much, and fantasized about when he would return home and confess his feelings.
As the oni maid kept sweeping, she suddenly smelled something.
The Witch's Miasma.
Immediately, she ran toward the door, knowing who it was.
"Subaru-kun!" she exclaimed happily, opening the front door.
"Oh, hi, Rem! How's –"
"This is our new home?"
"It's so big!"
"Where's the food?"
"Would you shut up?"
"Move it!"
Unfortunately, Subaru was interrupted as several women and girls suddenly barged inside, all of them greeting the maid or talking amongst themselves.
"Wha…? Subaru-kun, who are they?!" Rem asked, flustered. "Are they…?"
"No, I do not have a harem," Subaru sighed, remembering what Beatrice told him about Petra's assumptions. "These are just some old friends of mine, they'll be crashing here."
"Rem sees."
"Subaru, is that you?" Emilia turned the corner to see the man she loved, along with a bunch of new faces. "Subaru, who are these – HUH?! Subaru, what's she doing here?!"
"Oh, hello, slut," Echidna hissed at Emilia.
"Echidna, take that back now," Subaru barked.
"What is all of this racket, I suppose?" Beatrice said, as she also turned the corner to greet her contractor. "HUH?! Mother? And all of the other Witches?! And…"
"Hello, Betty."
"R-Ryuzu…?"
"Yes, Betty, it's me, your friend," the half-elf smiled.
Immediately, the Spirit tackled her old friend, as she started crying her eyes out.
"Whaaaaat is all the hubbub?" Roswaal asked, as he turned the corner, only to drop his act when he saw all of the Witches, including… "Teacher."
Unfortunately, their reunion was cut short.
"AIIEEE!" screamed the little half-elf, as she saw the clown, triggering her PTSD.
"ROS-CHI, YOUR MAKEUP!" Subaru shouted, realizing that the Margrave's outfit and speech pattern were way too similar to Hector's, causing Ryuzu to screech in fear.
"Oh, no," Roswaal said, as he started rubbing the make-up off his face and removing his devil-like cloak. "Wait, wait! Ryuzu, it's me, it's Roswaal!"
That didn't help, as the little girl kept screaming bloody murder.
"Barusu, what the hell is this?!" Ram yelled, as she tried to make her way through the crowded foyer, seconds away from unleashing her horn and murdering everyone.
"OKAY, EVERYONE, SHUT UP!" Subaru screamed.
Everyone fell silent.
"Thank you," he breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay, Ros-chi, wear something non-triggering. Rem, please introduce our guests to everyone. Ram, take these two girls to Frederica for new maid training. Beako, please take the original Ryuzu with you and make her feel comfortable."
Everyone reluctantly nodded in agreement, seeing how Subaru brought back order.
"Wait, Subaru, where are you going?" Emilia asked.
"Echidna and I have some potions to make. Don't worry, my chastity won't be destroyed," he answered, knowing exactly what both Emilia and Echidna were thinking.
Reinhard was walking through the halls of his home at the moment, thinking about how crazy the last two weeks of his life had been.
First of all, his grandmother wasn't dead. Kind of. Second of all, it turned out that the treatment he received from his grandfather and father were wrong, and that he wasn't a monster. And the grandmother he "killed", of all people, was condemning them both and siding with him.
Once they had made it back home, she instantly hit it off with Felt, and was nice enough with the three hoodlums and Reize. And while her reaction to Old Man Rom was… off, it was certainly far less hostile than what she gave her own husband and son.
Needless to say, he had a lot to think about.
Knock, knock.
But first, he would have to answer the door.
Opening the front door, the redhead saw Subaru outside, along with his father, grandfather, and… some white-haired woman in a black dress, holding a purple bottle.
"Oh, Subaru! Can I help you?"
"Is your grandma home?"
"Yes, she is speaking with Felt-sama at the moment –"
"Perfect."
"Hi, I'm Typhon! You're one of Baru's kids, right?"
Meili looked towards the green-haired girl. Apparently, she was one of her father's friends, and was given the green light to stay here with her mom and her other friends.
"Yeah, I'm Meili Portroute Natsuki."
"Oh, then I guess you're kinda like my niece!"
"What?"
"Mm-hm!" the red-eyed girl nodded furiously, as she beamed a disarming smile. "Baru says he always saw me like a little sister, so if you're his kid, that makes me your aunt!"
Meili thought of the absurdity of a ten-year-old being her aunt, when she was technically older than the girl, but she decided to play along. If her dad trusted her, she could trust her, as well.
"Hey, are there any more friends we can play with, Meili-chan?!"
"Uh… sure?" the blue-haired girl responded. "Wanna see if Petra-chan is free?"
"Yay! Let's go!" she exclaimed, as the green-eyed girl followed behind her honorary aunt.
"What are they doing here?" Theresia asked, her voice laced with hatred.
At the moment, she was currently talking with Felt, discussing everything from politics, to how she could woo her grandson, but then came the announcement that the Great Sage had arrived for a visit, with her husband and son, no less.
"Listen… all will be explained. I just need to see your daughter-in-law," the black-haired boy said, trying to sound as calming as possible. "It's really important."
Standing up, she scowled. "Fine, but once this is over, they're leaving," she said, as she followed Felt and the rest of the Astrea men to the room that kept their sleeping beauty.
"So, anyway… I know our introduction was kind of short back at the tower –."
"I was told a bit more about you," Theresia answered curtly. "Reinhard has sung your praises quite a bit. I thank you for being his friend, Great Sage. At least some people have a soul…"
Okay… I'll shut up now, Subaru thought to himself. It seemed that Wilhelm and Heinkel just being here was actively making her mad, so it was best to to make things worse.
Opening the door, the room revealed a blonde beauty laying on a bed, forever asleep. She was none other than Reinhard's mother, Louanna Astrea.
"Okay, let's pray this works…" Subaru mumbled, as he approached the bed and opened the bottle, pouring a few drops of the nice-smelling liquid onto the eyelids of the sleeping blonde.
"What are you doing?" asked Felt.
"This is a stimulant that helps revitalize the central nervous system that both Echidna and I created," he explained. "With any luck, she'll wake up."
Hearing that, both Heinkel and Reinhard's eyes widened. Wilhelm and his son realized this was why the Great Sage had dragged them from their Camp… to reunite their last family member.
"Now what?" Heinkel asked.
"Now, we wait for a few hours," Subaru answered honestly. "In the meantime, I'd like to introduce you to Echidna, she'll be acting as your family therapist."
"Get up, you lazy giant," Ram cursed, as she kept trying to prod Sekhmet off the couch.
"Hahh… I told you to only wake me if Typhon was acting up…"
"Yes, well, I want to clean up the couch you're loitering on," the pink maid retorted.
"Do not lie to me, Oni God," the former Witch hissed. "It takes a lazy person to know another lazy person. And we both know this is the best couch in the entire mansion."
Ram did a double-take as she didn't think one of Barusu's guests would be able to see right through her. "Heh, I guess Barusu taught you well in the art of laziness."
"Please, child. He was merely my student… I'm the master of sloth."
"Now, Reinhard," Echidna said, "what happened to make you feel like that?"
"I believe it was due to having to live up to everyone's expectations, my colorless childhood, and my self-loathing for everything that happened, including my grandmother's "death", my mother's comatose state, and my grandfather's disdain towards me," he answered truthfully.
"I see," she responded, writing something down. "And your father?"
"He did not defend me when my grandfather berated me, and he also blamed me for my mother's current situation, so I suppose I hold some disdain towards him."
It had now been two hours since Echidna had started her therapy session with the Astrea family, and needless to say, it was the most fun she had in years.
And since Echidna was a sociopath, that meant it was painful for everyone else.
As it turns out, the root cause for the family's dysfunction was the fact that Reinhard was born different. He was born stronger, faster, and smarter, things that were out of his control. Because of that, the two Astrea men, in all their toxic masculinity and stupidity, didn't understand how it was possible, and thus feared him.
It also didn't help that Louanna's coma happened shortly after he was born, causing Heinkel to fall into despair and turn to alcoholism. That, combined with the fact that Theresia was the only thing that was keeping those two idiots in check, meant that once Pandora removed the former Sword Saint from the picture, they would go all-out on their Reinhard hate.
Well played, Pandora, she internally smiled. If she wanted to destroy the self-esteem of one of the most powerful people in the world, she would have done the exact same thing.
"Yo, guys, it's time," Subaru said, as he walked into the room.
"Hi there!" the blonde maid waved at her two new coworkers. "I'm Sylphy, and I'll be the one teaching you the ropes on how to be a maid here at the Roswaal Mansion!"
"Uh, question," Colette, now in a maid uniform, raised her hand. "I thought we were gonna be taught by Frederica-san. She is the head maid, isn't she?"
"She is, but at the moment she is giving a stern talking to Carmilla-san," Sylphy answered. "As it turns out, she doesn't like people watching her more… intimate moments… with Otto-sama."
"Pfft, how'd that twig manage to land her?" Palmyra, also in a maid uniform, joked.
"Hey, Otto-sama is a really nice guy!" the blonde maid scolded her. "But anyway, your first lesson, ladies, is how to cook. And the good news is, you're gonna be learning on the field."
"What how?"
"Because…" Sylphy said, as she opened the door connecting the kitchen and the dining room. "You're gonna be helping Rem-san take care of her hungriest client yet!"
Through the kitchen door, Palmyra and Colette saw that in the dining room, Rem was rushing in and serving plates to Daphne, Louis, and Shaula, who were rapidly eating them.
"""MORE, PLEASE!""" all three of the girls said, as they finished yet another platter.
"Ah, Sylphy-san, right on time! I need more hands in the kitchen to help me!" Rem cried.
Palmyra looked at the scene in horror and whispered into Colette's ear, "I thought that Subaru had removed the Authority of Gluttony from Daphne."
"I guess she was always this hungry before she became a Witch," Colette guessed.
Everyone stood around the sleeping woman, waiting for something, anything to happen, and yet… she remained still as she had for nearly two decades.
"It didn't work," Heinkel said gruffly.
"Maybe she just needs a wake-up call…" Subaru suggested, as he pulled out his flip-phone, as he found the song he was looking for in his play selection.
The Dog of Flanders.
BEEP BOOP BEEP!
BEEP BOOP BEEP!
BEEP BOOP BOOP BOOP, BOOP BEEP BOOP BEEP!
"Ugh…" the blonde woman shifted in her bed, when suddenly, she lifted one of her arms, fishing around for the source of the noise, hoping to silence it.
Louanna Astrea had now awoken from her slumber.
"Louanna!"
"Hmm?" Hearing the voice of her husband, she sat up and opened her eyes. Louanna looked around the room to see some familiar faces, along with some new ones.
"Mother?"
Her eyes zeroed in on a man, with kind blue eyes and red hair, wearing a knight's uniform. He looked far older now, but as a mother, she knew immediately who it was.
"Reinhard…?"
"So, let me see if I have this correct," the original, and now clothed, Ryuzu said, pointing at her clones. "She's Arma, that's Bilma, you are Shima, and this Delma."
"Yes, you got them right," Shima nodded.
"And the rest of the clones lack any personality?"
"Correct once again."
"I see…" Ryuzu muttered. "Well, you're all free to go."
The four clones bowed in respect to their genetic donor, as they left the Forbidden Library. Settling down in a seat, the original Ryuzu let go of her bated breath.
"How did it go, I suppose?"
"It was… confusing," the half-elf admitted. "I don't know whether I should feel honored that Echidna-sama tried to preserve my memory or offended by how easily she replaced me."
"The second one," Beatrice answered. "Betty knows how sadistic Mother truly is, in fact."
Knock, knock.
"Enter."
Opening the door to the Forbidden Library, Roswaal L. Mathers entered. But rather than wearing his normal outfit, he was now wearing his old robes from four hundred years ago. He also cleaned up all of the make-up from his face, making him look almost normal.
At least Ryuzu didn't scream in fear this time around.
"Hello, Betty, Ryuzu," he said, without a hint of his accent.
"Hello, Roswaal. Glad to see you've changed your outfit," the blonde hummed.
"Yes, I figured that it really wasn't appropriate for me to wear that outfit anymore," he said, sitting down next to the two lolis. "But the reason I came here was for some advice, actually."
"Really?"
"Yes," he said, his tone serious. "Betty, you know for the last four hundred years that I did everything I could to make sure Teacher would return. I stole the bodies of my descendants, orchestrated events, even manipulating your beloved contractor –"
"Get to the point, Roswaal."
"Right, sorry. The point is, I spent so much time trying to bring her back. And now that Subaru-kun has brought her back, I feel… empty. Every time I tried to talk to her, she would ignore me, or be busy experimenting with Subaru-kun. It's almost as if she never truly appreciated all of the effort I put into trying to revive her. What should I do?"
"That's an easy one, in fact. Live."
"Live?"
"Yes, I suppose. For the last four hundred years, you have survived, hoping that you would achieve your goal, just like me. It's time you lived for yourself, rather than for your goal."
Roswaal thought about it for a moment, and he realized she was right. Compared to how they were back in the Sanctuary, the two of them truly had become empty shells of themselves. But if Betty could snap out of that funk, there was certainly hope for him.
"I see. Any recommendations?"
"I'm currently helping Ryuzu catch up on current events over tea. Want to help?"
"I'd be delighted to," Roswaal said, truly smiling for the first time in four hundred years.
It had now been a full hour since Louanna Astrea had woken up.
After getting a bunch of hugs from both her husband and son, she started to ask questions about what she had missed, which her mother-in-law gladly informed her of.
Needless to say, she was upset.
While she was not as outright furious as Theresia, she was still disappointed in her husband's and father-in-law's actions, and approved of how Theresia decided to kick them out of the house for the time being, at least until they cleaned up their act.
But for the time being, everyone was still enjoying the reunion.
Subaru, Felt, and Echidna watched happily from the sidelines, when something interesting happened. Heinkel and Wilhelm approached Subaru, and then…
… they both got onto their knees.
"Subaru-dono, no… Subaru-sama," Wilhelm began. "You have brought my beloved wife back to me, and for that, I pledge my loyalty to you. While I still support Crusch-sama, as long as you do not go against her, I shall be your most humble servant."
"Same here," Heinkel continued. "You did something not even the Blue could do. You brought both my wife and my mom back to us, and for that, I also pledge my loyalty to you. If you wish for me to leave Priscilla's Camp, I shall obey you."
"Both of you rise," Subaru commanded. "While I do not wish for you to leave your respective Camps, there is a task I have for the both of you. Be warned, though, this task shall be far more difficult. Are you willing to take on this challenge?"
""Yes, sir.""
"Very well, then," he nodded, approving of their newfound resolve. "I will both let you know when the time comes. In the meantime, please focus on improving yourselves. Echidna will come back later this week to continue your therapy sessions. Let's go."
"Where are we going, Subaru?" Echidna asked.
"We're going Warlock hunting," he smiled.
Author's Notes: Wow, what an exciting chapter! What a dish! What a doll! But that was only the first half! Half-time is here, in the form of the comments!
Guest #1: Me alegro de que te haya gustado hasta ahora. Sin embargo, debo decir que no mucha gente vio venir las resurrecciones de las Brujas del Pecado.
Aaron-Maron: Glad you deemed my song a "masterpiece". It's actually sung to the tune of "Welcome to the Internet" by Bo Burnham. Did you sing it to the same tune?
Guest #2: There will be minor conflicts with Rem and Emilia's relationship towards Subaru, but mostly as one-off jokes, maybe one minor plot thread. If you read the tags for my story, then you know how this is going to end.
Strong John: Thanks for the compliments, and I'm glad you're excited. I actually never read "Shattered Kasaneru". But I was planning on having the cast react to the Greed If.
A. J Savage: Well, given how this is Subaru's story, I can't really give much more focus to Emilia or anyone else. As for Felt, her new plot line was a recent addition and one done on the request of my friend, Infinite the Celestian, so sorry if it felt rushed. And as for bringing back the Witches, Subaru was only able to do it once he gained all three pieces of the Authority of Gluttony, so he couldn't do it four hundred years ago. I don't know what you think his relationship is missing, let me know if you figure it out!
Scattershot98: Yeah, everyone's interactions with the Witches will be insane. And thanks for liking my idea with Felt and Reinhard. And yes, I agree, In finite has some good works. As for the review of your story, let's see… the third chapter was really good. I would love to see everyone's reaction to Carnage Subaru. Keep it up!
OreosAreYummy: Yeah, Omega's gone, and Shima is back. Satella will soon be free from the Witch of Envy personality, and the world will have an… interesting reaction to that. Well, you got the reunion between Echidna and Beako. Hope you enjoyed it.
weirdo70750: Yeah, given how this chapter went, the Roswaal Mansion is gonna be pretty chaotic. You guessed ringt, we are approaching the end. And as for Pandora appearing… well… that will be happening very soon… I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Tertius711: Welp, you saw the Emilia Camp's reactions to the Witches of Sin, hope it was everything you hoped for it to be.
Jpx0999: Yeah, your idea was pretty much dead on arrival. Subaru dying wouldn't exactly be a risk, that would just be an excuse to dump more trauma.
Commander Cost: While it is true that if a person is gravely injured, using "Life's Balance" would save them, but without the soul, the Authority would be useless. And "Image Search" can only be used to find threats, and while Subaru could see the location, if he doesn't know what he's looking at, he wouldn't be able to narrow it down. But, yeah, they're still pretty overpowered. I'm glad you will still be reading though, even if the sole reason is because Subaru now has power.
Aliata: Sorry, the closest thing you get to some chapters where everyone just relaxes is this. Despite that, the characters who were either dead or minor in the canon will now definitely have a chance to shine. Still, thanks for the compliments.
Deathenglegamers1144: Sorry, but truth be told, he was already gonna have Subaru go to Gusteko before you suggested it, since that's where Omega is in the canon. Same with the "raising the dead" thing, sort of. Thanks for the positive review.
plaik: I actually think that Emilia's mother is actually a descendant of Minerva's. Timeline-wise, she died three hundred years too early to be Emilia's mom, but the only way she could show such a deep connection was if they were related, perhaps a descendant. So that's why Fortuna didn't freak out by seeing her "sister-in-law" coming back from the dead, since Minerva wasn't related to her that way.
wildshoy09: Glad you were excited for my last chapter. Yes, "Tales from the Multiverse" will feature a story where Priscilla and Subaru are engaged. Emilia will actually be too busy wallowing in self-pity to actually crush Subaru's hand for that one.
KingLAO2964: Actually, my version goes that both Satella and the Witch of Envy personalities were rampaging due to their insanity, and only after hundreds of years of being sealed, they managed to split and regain a bit of their sanity. And as for the Reinhard/Felt thing, she's actually fifteen, and I didn't write anything morally dubious.
BigSmokeYeet: This stopped being about the original Subaru the second he opened up that box in the first chapter. No, even before that, when he stole Patrasche.
hlglh: Yay, more hearts! I've won your approval once again! And yes, Daphne won't be super hungry anymore. She can now grow up to have a normal life.
Memorysoul: Yeah, Colette and Palmyra have been dragged into something insane that they'll need to keep control of. Especially Palmyra. She'll be the biggest factor in keeping the Witches in control. Yeah, Subaru is not going to give the Witches back their Authorities he needs them, and giving them back would be catastrophic.
Kirtz: Cool, a thumbs up. That means it's good, right?
VinHD15: I see that you changed your profile picture to Itsuka Kendo. That's nice, she's an underrated character and deserves more love. While it is true that now that the Witches are back, Satella and Pandora are some of the major players left, but they aren't the only ones. No, I'm not planning on having Subaru share his power like how Izuku does in the 849 Universe. Also, who is "Marc"? See you in the comments section!
In terms of new powers, we have no new powers.
Unfortunately, that's all I have for now. If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /U9bwdMzp . You can post memes and fan art there, along with chatting with other members. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore#8663. That's all I have to say for now, and I'll see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 24: The Crisis at Elior Forest
Summary:
Subaru, Echinda, Minerva, Emilia, Fortuna, Geuse, Beatrice, and Roswaal, all prepare to head into Elior Forest to eliminate the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector. However, no plan ever survives first contact. We also get appearances from Ryuzu, Ram, Clind, Puck, Reid, and various other characters. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 24: The Crisis at Elior Forest
Walking into the doors of the Roswaal Mansion, Echidna asked, "So, what's the game plan?"
Responding, the black-haired boy said, "I'm gonna ask Minerva and Emilia to accompany us to Eliro Forest to help us unlock the seal. If anyone else who has a personal vendetta wants to join us, they're more than welcome."
"I see," the white-haired woman said. "I'll have Roswaal set up the meeting."
"Is there a reason you have called us here, Barusu?" Ram asked, annoyed as usual.
Now, all of the members of the Emilia Camp, including the new maids, the former Witches of Sin, and even Fortuna, Annerose, Clind, and the original Ryuzu Meyer were in attendance.
"It's another briefing," Subaru explained. "We'll be needing a small team of elites to head into Elior Forest to exterminate a certain… Authority wielder."
Emilia and Fortuna's eyes widened at the mention of their home.
Upon hearing what Subaru said, the former Witches of Sins' eyes widened.
Minerva was shaking in fear. "Subaru, you can't mean…"
"He is," Echidna said. "We're taking down the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector."
Roswaal, Beatrice, Ryuzu, Clind, Shaula and Geuse all flinched upon hearing that name.
For everyone else, that name did not ring a bell.
"Uh, Natsuki-san…?" Otto asked. "Who is this Warlock of Melancholy?"
Upon hearing Otto's question, Subaru looked toward the half-elf. "Emilia-tan?"
"Yes?"
"Do you remember the seal in Elior Forest that Pandora wanted you to open?"
"Yes."
"That seal contained the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector. Pandora's right-hand man in her schemes, and a being whose firepower is on par with Reid Astrea and Volcanica," the former Witch of Greed answered, in place of the Great Sage.
Upon hearing what Echidna said, the rest of the Emilia Camp paled.
"So, here's the deal," Subaru said. "We need to open up the seal, so we can kill him. That's where either Minerva or Emilia-tan come in."
"What? Why us?"
Subaru looked towards Minerva, took a deep breath, and he braced himself for the truth bomb he was about to drop on Emilia and her family.
"Four hundred years ago, I made it so that two different bloodlines were capable of seeing the key needed to free Hector, in the event that I ever became strong enough to kill him. Those families were the descendants of Minerva, and Foruna's ancestors. However, the descendants of those two bloodlines became one… and the result was Emilia."
"Wait… wh-what?"
"He's saying I'm your ancestor," Minerva said, truthfully, and with tears threatening to spill out. "That was the reason why I went to see you while you were in the Sanctuary… is it wrong for someone to want to see their family?"
"Mother Fortuna… Did you know this?!"
"I knew… some of it. I knew that my sister-in-law was the one capable of seeing the key in her family, and it was my brother in my family."
"And as for myself, Flugel-sama instructed me to watch over Elior Forest after he was gone," Geuse explained. "And I was familiar with Minerva-sama."
That was quite a bit for Emilia to take in.
"So there you have it," Subaru sighed. "We'll need one of you guys to open the Seal. Minerva, I know that you can't abide violence, so I won't blame you if –"
"I'm going."
"Wait, really? You're agreeing to this?!"
"Of course!" she said, sounding offended. "Just because I don't have my Authority anymore, doesn't mean my physical abilities are gone. I can still punch and kick people, just now, it'll hurt! Plus, it's Hector, that creep deserves all the pain in the world!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yup! Besides, you need a healer, and I was still the best Water user during our time!"
"All right, fair enough," Subaru said. "So, Emilia is the key, Minerva is our healer, and Echidna will be the bait. Is there anyone else who wants to come?"
"I'll go."
Everyone looked to see that Roswaal, who was no longer in his usual clown attire and makeup, volunteering for what could very well be a suicide mission.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes," he said firmly. "For the last four hundred years, aside from wanting my Teacher back, I have remembered the day I was humiliated by that monster. I was weak. But now, I have to prove to myself… that I am no longer the scared little boy that I used to be."
"All right," Subaru said. "Anyone else?"
"I'll go, in fact."
"Betty?" Ryuzu asked.
"For the last four hundred years, I was alone, in fact. Because of him, I lost you, Ryuzu. If it wasn't for Betty's contractor, I might have never recovered. But now, I want to make sure that he never separates any more friends, I suppose."
"Well said, Beako. What about you, Ryuzu?"
"While I would love nothing more than to see that menace defeated… I'm afraid I would be too much of a liability. I'm too weak, and I can't even fight."
"Fair enough," Subaru responded to the half-elf. "Okay, that makes a team consisting of me, Emilia-tan, Minerva, Echidna, Roswaal, Beako, Geuse and… Fortuna?"
"Of course I'll be going," the silver-haired elf huffed. "I'm her mother, I need to make sure my child is safe… besides, someone needs to make sure this goofball is safe!"
"Fortunaaa…!" Geuse whined.
"All right," he said, standing up. "Then I guess we should get ready."
"Flugel-sama, I wish to speak to you. Request."
"Hmm? Oh, hey, Clind. What is it?"
At the moment, Subaru was waiting in the living room for the rest of his team to arrive, when Clind approached him. While the two of them technically knew each other, it had been four hundred years since he and the Great Spirit discussed anything fruitful.
Until now, that is.
"I want to tell you something important. Reveal."
"Okay, what is it?"
"You are aware how Roswaal-sama and I contracted four hundred years ago in an effort to defeat Hector together? History."
"Yeah, I remember. It was a shit show. I took the combined efforts of me, Minerva, and Geuse to seal away the prick after your failed stunt."
"It was not a complete shit show. Correction."
Now that got Subaru's attention.
"What do you mean?"
"During our battle against Hector, I managed to take half of his Authority for myself. As it turns out, I was compatible and it has served me well in the last few centuries. Explanation."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"I want you to have it. You will be fighting Hector, and once you defeat him his part of his Authority will go to you. I want you to have all of it. Reason."
"Really? You're willing to do that?"
"Yes. Confirmation."
"Very well, then," Subaru said, as he placed his hand on Clind. "Authority of Greed: Capture Mode." Within moments, Subaru could feel part of an Authority within him.
"Thank you, Clind."
"You're welcome. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to return to Annerose-sama. Excuse."
While waiting for Subaru to finish up his last-minute preparations with Clind, Emilia was standing in the hallway, waiting. But she wasn't alone.
Next to her was the former Witch of Wrath, Minerva.
"So… you are my ancestor," she bluntly said.
Minerva nodded, saying, "I am."
"Back in the Trial… you said you were a Witch."
"I was. I was the former Witch of Wrath. In fact, all six of us used to be one of the former Witches of the Deadly Sins. The only reason we aren't anymore is because Subaru now has our Authorities. Does that change your opinion of me?"
"Mm… no, not really. If Subaru trusts you, then so do I."
"I see."
It was quiet for a few seconds, before –
"Do you know what happened to my parents? My real ones."
Minerva's voice was caught in her throat at the thought of answering that. But Emilia deserved the truth. "I do. When I was… dead… in the Castle of Dreams… Echidna was able to see the outside world. We may not like her, but you have to admit… She's a genius. I mean, you kinda have to be in order to contain the souls of the dead inside a building."
"You could see the outside world?"
"Yeah… and it hurt so much… watching as all that suffering happened… being unable to stop it just because I lacked a physical body…" the blonde teared up.
"It was Pandora, wasn't it?"
The blue-eyed woman stared towards the amethyst-eyed girl, shocked at her figuring it out. "Yeah… I watched… as that monster hurt them… and I couldn't do anything…"
Emilia thought for a little, before she asked, "Is that why you seemed to avoid me?"
"Hm?"
"Back in the Sanctuary, you didn't want me to look at you, and your voice sounded in pain," the Royal Candidate explained. "And when you first showed up here, you were avoiding me, almost as if you thought you didn't deserve to be around me."
"Oh… you saw right through me?"
"I was correct?"
"Pretty much, yeah," the blonde woman sighed. "I was so stupid to think I could…"
"It's fine," the half-elf said. "You said it yourself, you lacked a physical body. Only recently were you able to walk the world again, and thanks to Subaru, at that. So, I don't blame you. In fact, I won't even forgive you, because you did nothing wrong, and that's final!"
"So stubborn," Minerva gave a weak smile and sighed, "You really are my descendant."
"What were my mother and father like?"
"Your mother? She was like me, fond of elves, and had ideals that Echidna found sickening. But she was also kind and sweet, just like you. And your father, personality-wise, he was a mix of both the assertiveness of Fortuna and the kindness of Geuse. They were good people."
"Oh," Emilia hummed. "Do you think… I would have turned out better, if…?"
"Hey, no."
"What?"
"Don't think like that. Don't dwell on the what-ifs, if you do that, you'll just be a hypocrite, as you just told me to stop dwelling on my past," the former Witch of Wrath said, in a serious tone. "I mean, sure, you may have lost your biological parents, but you still have your Mother Fortuna and Father Geuse. Heck, you even have Subaru. You turned out just fine, and you have people who support you. If that isn't a family, then I don't know what is!"
"You think so?"
"Hey, you're the one running to be King, and winning. You definitely turned out right."
The silver-haired half-elf chuckled at that, and said, "Yeah. I guess you're right."
With one half of the Authority of Melancholy settling into Subaru, the black-haired boy prepared himself to head out along with his team, when…
"Barusu."
Looking up, the Japanese teenager saw none other than Ram waiting for him.
"We need to speak."
"Oh, hey, Ram, what's up?"
"You know very damn well what's up," she hissed, pointing at her forehead. "Did you know that my horn would come back when you healed me with your disgusting power?"
The nasty-eyed boy sighed, as he looked right at the pink maid's eyes. "I knew that it was a possibility. Did I actively want for your horn to return? No, not really. But, I would be lying if I didn't say I was glad you guys had some extra firepower when fighting Gluttony."
"Hmph," the pink oni grunted. "You should know that when sissy saw it, she was happy. You of all people should know what that damn horn signified to her."
"Oh… right…"
"I'm not done," she snapped. "I'm not stupid. I also knew the pain this horn caused her. Luckily, Garfiel was an expert in the ways of trauma, and helped me speak about it with Rem."
"Wait, Garfiel helped you?"
"Let me finish," she barked. "Anyway, the point is, if you hadn't returned my horn, I would never feel inclined to confront Rem about her deep-rooted issues, and my precious sister's soul would always feel a little better. So, I guess what I'm trying to say… is thank you, Subaru."
Subaru paused as he let what he heard sink into his head. Apparently, he had accidentally helped his friends, even while he was away. He had to admit, it felt kind of nice.
He smiled, and said, "You're welcome, Ram."
Ram looked up at him with a smile, for about a second before her normal scowl returned. "This never happened. Also, just because you helped me, doesn't mean I like you. Oh, and if you hurt my little sister, I will find a way to murder you. Do you understand?"
"Read you loud and clear."
Walking through the hallway, Beatrice remembered the day her life crumbled.
It was a nice sunny day in the Sanctuary, she was just being teased by Roswaal while Ryuzu watched in amusement, while her Mother was doing something important.
And then, he arrived.
He approached the Sanctuary, beat her big brother to a bloody pulp, and threatened to kill Ryuzu. If it wasn't for Mother's intervention, even more blood would have been spilt.
And then… Ryuzu made that choice. She chose to sacrifice herself to save everyone else from that half-giant. But she also chose to leave everyone else behind, including her.
And with that, Mother also left. Even if Hector didn't succeed in taking her, Pandora made sure she wouldn't survive. That was the final straw that broke Roswaal.
Her brother was as good as gone. Hell, until last year during the incident in the Sanctuary, she thought that he had truly died four hundred years ago. But even if it was her brother, he had changed so much, had done so many bad things, that he was unrecognizable.
And she… she would have forever rotted away in the Forbidden Library, waiting for a person that didn't exist… if it wasn't for her brother. Her brother who had returned from the dead.
At first, she brushed it off. It couldn't have been him, he didn't remember her. But then, during their expedition at the Pleiades Watchtower, he found his own Book of the Dead. He remembered who he was to himself, to everyone back at the Sanctuary, who he was to her.
And so, she watched. She watched as he fixed the world he broke, working nonstop, almost as if he would only ask for the world's forgiveness once he fixed everything.
He did everything he could. He even brought back Mother and Ryuzu, and now, he was asking for her help to end one of the monsters that had brought an end to her world.
Looking up from where she was walking, she saw Roswaal and Ryuzu talking to one another. When she approached them, she saw the pink-haired half-elf look right at her.
"Betty…"
"Ryuzu…"
"Please, come back alive."
Looking at her family, she nodded. She would make sure everyone came back this time.
As snow fell onto the forest floor, the ice statuses stayed still, as they always had. All was quiet, as it had been for the last hundred years.
Then, a large red and black portal opened up, with multiple people exiting.
"We're here," Subaru said, looking back towards everyone.
Fortuna left her normal outfit back at the mansion, and decided to wear her long-sleeved Witch Cultist clothes to help her keep warm, while also bringing her chains to use against Hector.
Roswaal was wearing the same outfit he wore four hundred years ago, the day he was beaten to a sorry pulp by Hector. If it wasn't for the different eye color and his extra height in his current body, you could almost mistake him for the original.
Aside from that, everyone wore their normal outfits.
"All right, let's walk over to the Seal, before we –"
"Before what?"
Subaru immediately tensed when he heard that voice. It was a voice he hadn't heard in an entire year, and frankly, he never wanted to hear it again.
Looking up, he saw floating above the party, a small gray cat.
It was none other than the Beast of the End, Puck.
"Bubby!"
"Hey, Betty," the Great Spirit said. "It's good to see you out of your room."
"Betty's Subaru helped me with that, in fact!"
"What are your plans with my sister?"
"She's not your sister anymore. If you have any complaints, take it up with your mother," Subaru hissed, as he pointed to Echidna. "What are you doing here?"
"I was waiting for Emilia to come back," he answered truthfully. "What are you doing here?"
"We're here to kill Hector," Geuse explained. "It's good to see you again, Puck."
"Kill Hector?!" Puck said, reacting poorly to the thought. "And you brought my Emilia here?!"
Before Fortuna and Geuse could say anything, Subaru beat them to it. "Emilia-tan doesn't belong to you. She doesn't belong to anyone. She's her own person, and she's capable of making decisions on her own, you little rat."
"But going up against Hector is dangerous!"
"And she's a big girl! She's killed an entire army's worth of Witch Cultists, and she even took down the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony on her own. SHE'S NOT WEAK."
"BUT –"
"Puck."
The Great Spirit of Fire looked to the source of the voice, his former contractor. The silver-haired half-elf looked straight into the eyes of her former Spirit.
"I'm doing this. You can either help me, or leave."
"... Fine, you win," Puck spat towards Subaru. "I'm coming with you. You're going to need as much fire power as we can spare against that devil."
"Great, welcome aboard," Subaru murmured.
The forest was frozen, as it had been for the last one hundred years. Standing in front of Subaru was a door that stood on its own, with a lock in its center.
It was the Seal of Eliror Forest, belonging to Hector, the Warlock of Melancholy.
Emilia remembered this place. The place where Pandora tried to trick her, and where she watched her parents seemingly die, only to return as monsters on her side.
Feeling a hand on her shoulder, she looked to see her mother smile.
She looked at everyone else, who were ready.
Nodding, she walked to the Seal with Minerva. She looked down on her hands, and focused, as she did so long ago, and saw the gray and blue key form in her hands. She lifted it up into the lock, and turned.
CLICK!
"EVERYONE, GET BACK!" Subaru shouted.
Emilia and Minerva jumped back as the two large doors opened up. They slowly cracked wide open, revealing the dark abyss of the seal, which caused everyone to tense.
Except for Subaru, who yelled, "GET OUT HERE, YOU MAGICAL SLENDERMAN!"
Slowly, a tall and slender figure sulked forward. His messy brown hair and eyes with bags underneath them made it seem like he made him seem like a sickly person, but everyone knew better. The purple hue surrounding him made the group prepare themselves..
After four hundred years of imprisonment, Hector, the Warlock of Melancholy, and Pandora's partner-in-crime, roamed the world once more.
"Ugh…" he groaned, lifting his hand towards his face. "It's sooooo bright…"
"Really, dude? It's cloudy, and snowing. There is literally the minimal amount of sun to consider it daytime," Subaru groaned. "Or are you that much of a whiny little bitch?"
"Fluuuuugel…" he drew out. "It's been sooooo long… how is Satella doing…?"
Emilia tensed at hearing that question, but Subaru seemed calm.
"That's none of your business, Hector."
"Hmmmmm… then, praaaaay tell… why haaaaaave you freed meeeeee…?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Subaru spat.
"Nooooo, it isn't…" Hector stopped himself when he looked towards the direction of the former Witch of Greed. Immediately, his eyes widened. "Echidnaaaaaa…"
Hearing the tone in his voice, Roswaal immediately became disgusted. He went in front of Echidna and hissed, "If you want her, you're gonna have to get through me."
"And you areeeee…?" the half-giant asked, before his eyes widened in realization. "Ohhhhh… you're the little plebian whooooo called himself her stuuuuudent…"
"I am her student, Devil," the Margrave growled.
"Clearly not good enough tooooo avoid being cruuuuushed by me… or maaaaaybe Echidna's teaching waaaaas just that aaaaaawful…" he said, cracking a tiny smile.
Hearing those words, Roswaal snapped.
"DAMN YOU! AL GOA!"
"ROSWAAL, WAIT, NO –"
Subaru tried to tell Roswaal to stop, but it was too late. The mage launched a fireball at the Warlock, who merley activated his own power.
"AUTHORITY OF MELANCHOLY: GRAVITY BIND!"
"EVERYONE, SCATTER!"
CRACK!
The second everyone moved out of the way, a purple forcefield, hit the floor where they were standing, cracking the ground. If they stayed any longer, their bones would have been crushed.
"GIVE HIM ALL YOU GOT!" Subaru yelled out. "DON'T GIVE HIM A CHANCE TO THINK! WATCH HIS ARMS! WHERE HE POINTS IS WHERE HE'S DIRECTING HIS ATTACK!"
Immediately, Minerva, with her incredible speed leaped towards Hector in an instant, and with her strength, she grabbed him by the head and threw him out into the open.
BOOM!
Without the Seal acting as his wall, everyone would be able to surround him from all sides.
"El Jiwald!" yelled Echidna, as several heat rays left her fingers and rocketed towards the Warlock's body.
"Rrgh!" Hector grunted in annoyance, as he was about to retaliate, however, one of Fortuna's golden chains wrapped around his neck, as the elven lady launched herself towards him using the chains' momentum, kicking him in the face before jumping back.
"So… ANNOYING!" he growled, as he launched another attack with his Authority towards Geuse. The green-haired man was able to dodge in time, and proceeded to create an Ul Dona to block the Warlock's view using earth, which he quickly destroyed.
Beatrice dodged another one of the gravity attacks set off by Hector, as Emilia leaped up from beside her and kicked the gangly man straight in the face.
The blonde loli then cried out "Murak" as she floated up and away from any accidental target, as she suddenly let down a barrage of Minya crystals towards the villain.
As that happened, Roswaal unleashed six different types of magic all fused into one, as the blast proceeded to hit the Warlock in the face, greatly annoying him.
Good, they're distracting him, Subaru thought to himself, as his smile became gleeful. Now I can use this…
Subaru knew from before that it would be nearly impossible for them to defeat Hector in a head-on fight. His Authority was second only to Regulus when it came to offense and defense.
But Subaru had a plan.
While researching his magic, he found an interesting spell by the name of "Grasp Heart". It basically allowed Subaru to crush a person's heart while outside their body, killing them instantly. However, if they resisted, it would merely stun them.
The only way Subaru could figure that the spell would work was if Hector was distracted. Hence, why he brought so many people to keep him occupied. Plus, if he could help people with their personal vendettas against the creep, win-win.
Lifting his arm towards his intended target, Subaru could feel Hector's heart in his glass. It also didn't hurt that he could see a visual representation of it within his hand, thanks to the spell.
Say good-night, you Waluigi wannabe.
"Grasp –"
"FLUGEL!"
Turning around, and accidentally canceling the spell, Subaru saw none other than Reid Astrea himself, running towards him seemingly in a panicked frenzy.
"Reid, what the hell are you doing here?!"
"BLACK WATER!" he yelled. "THAT PANDORA BITCH SICCED THE BLACK SERPENT AND IT'S NASTY-ASS POISON ON MY ME! THEY'LL BE HERE ANY MINUTE!"
"..."
"..."
"Oh, fuck."
Author's Note: Oh, no! Another cliffhanger! How could I?! I'm so evil! Mwahahaha! Anyway, let's get serious. Now, it's time for the comments!
Gold: Sorry. I know a lot of people wanted me to write that Minerva is Emilia's mom, but I think that qwerty19's timeline made more sense, at least to me.
Guest #1: Yeah, that's fair. I really don't know what else to describe the Astrea dynamic, and that was the first word that came to mind. Sorry if I offended you in any way.
palik2: Huh, I didn't know that info about Emilia's mom. While it is true that a lot of it matches Minerva, unfortunately, I already created the script for this, and I'm not planning on changing it. Besides, it still fits, just not in the way anyone expected.
Arceus: I guess it's true, but I'm still under the assumption that Emilia is 114. Also, there were a few things about Minerva that made me think… "probably not".
Bine: My personal theory is that the Witches were still able to observe the outside world even after their death, hence how they knew about people who didn't exist yet.
SomePassingBruh: Yeah, Minerva might have been a better option for a therapist if it wasn't for the fact that she would constantly yell at people. I picked Echidna because she's calm, and because there was one meme where it suggested she was also a part-time therapist. As for the whole "toxic masculinity" thing, nobody does know that word. Me, as the author, wrote it. No one thought of it or said it, only me. But yeah, I enjoyed the part where Theresia and Louanna were rightfully angry.
FCI. Arcana-paisen: The lack of Minerva and Emilia interaction was because I was saving it for this chapter. And as for the whole "Emilia's mom" theory, I never believed in it, jence why Minerva is just her ancestor in this one. For Emilia's reaction to the Witches, she doesn't know they're the Witches, with the expectation of Echidna. She just thought they were normal people Subaru invited to their home.
OreosAreYummy: Yeah,Roswaal's world has officially started to crumble now that Echidna has ignored him. So much for that 400-year investment.
A. J Savage: Well, four hundred years ago, the Authority of Gluttony was a single piece, it didn't split yet, so Subaru didn't have that problem then. The whole interaction of the cast with the Witches was mostly played off as a joke, it will get serious in a few chapters from now. And as for Ram… Well, you got your wish. And once again, I have to remind people that the only ones Subaru has the hots for are Emilia, Rem, and Satella.
Epicgamer2022: Wow, you really binged my entire series? I must be doing something right. But only in a single day? I really gotta make these chapters longer…
QuotezFun4Me: Yeah, we know that Subaru will win in the next chapter, but he will have a bit of help. And as for Subaru learning more about the Isekai Quartet… well… you'll get something close to that in one of the future chapters.
The Wolf Paladin: Yeah, Subaru has gone Warlock hunting. And yes, Clind did have the Melancholy Witch Factor, but now that you saw that he gave it to Subaru, he's now completely normal. And Subaru will be fighting Hector at half of his strength, bonus!
Deathenglegamers1144: Yeah, sorry to disappoint you with your prediction. But yeah, Hector is gonna be dead soon. Thanks for the compliment.
narwastu13: The reason Roswaal looks like Hector these days is because he wore that stuff on purpose to remember the guy who beat him up all those years ago.
Scattershot98: Yeah, I wanted the original Ryuzu to be back. And yes, I have listened to her theme song, it's cute. Well, at the moment, Palmyra and Colette are the only ones who know the true identity of the Witches, and they have no reason not to trust them. Yeah, I always planned for Otto and Frederica to get together in the end. And the Roswaal-PTSD thing for Ryuzu was actually inspired by another story. Yeah, I think I might have made a potentially dangerous mistake with Echidna being the Astrea therapist. Daphne and Meili getting along would be interesting… I really loved writing about Sekhmet and Ram's interaction, given their similar characteristics. And Carmilla… she was interesting… Yeah, Roswaal is one his way to becoming a better person, and Hector has finally appeared! And you're welcome about the review!
Jpx0999: You know, I have considered once or twice doing a chapter where Subaru just messes around with his magic, but I figured I would always do those in a sort of spin-off or something outside of the main storyline. But it would be fun.
Commander Cost: Don't worry, I'm only pulling your leg. I hope you love where the story leads to in the end, even if the confrontation with Pandora will be… anticlimactic. Yeah, since Clind gave up the Authority of Melancholy, the only Warlock Subaru is hunting right now is Hector. I hope you will enjoy all the twists and turns in the future!
palik: While, yes, there is plenty of evidence in favor of the Minerva theory, the thing is, I more believe something more on the lines in what qwerty19 worte in "Re:Start", where Emilia was born 300 years after the Great Calamity. Sorry, but that's my head canon. Plus, Minerva appears to be in her late teens… so… yeah, I'm not comfortable with that.
Craftverk: Sorry to hear about work. Anyway, I'll see you later.
Zack: Yes, Minerva and Emilia have now officially met.
HollowSeven: Look, I wrote Subaru like that in those specific instances to show that he was still human. If it doesn't float your boat, fien, but please remain respectful.
Ampsivarius: What's a wish therapist?
hlglh: Well, technically, the whole Echidna crew will only come back once Satella has been freed. But other than that, yeah, everyone is here!
VinHD15: I had no idea about the origin or the history of your backdrop. Glad to be your friend on Discord. Also, while I have watched "Moon Knight", I'm still kind of out of touch. Also, I couldn't find "Hero Course Civil War". Isn't "Yesterday Upon the Stair" the one where Izuku sees ghosts? I'll try to find them later.
Any new powers will be explained next time. Sorry, them's the breaks.
Anyways, that's all for now! If any of you guys want to join my Discord server, the link is /U9bwdMzp . You can post memes and fan art there, and I'll drop in every now and then with announcements! If you want to be my friend, Discord my username is Eranlore#8663. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 25: The Witch of Vainglory
Summary:
As Subaru and his crew continue to fight the Warlock of Melancholy, Reid arrived to inform them that Pandora had sent both the Black Serpent, and it's living venom, the Black Water, towards the group. Subaru is forced to spilt the team to survive, until finally... the Witch of Vainglory herself arrived. Revelations are revealed, secrets are spilled, and everything goes to hell. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 25: The Witch of Vainglory
Everyone stopped fighting, even Hector, when they heard what the red-haired man said. Geuse, Roswaal, Minerva, Beatrice, Echidna, Puck and Hector recognized the man as the Reid Astrea, and while Emilia and Fortuna don't personally know him, they knew exactly what the Black Serpent was, which in itself was a major concern.
It also didn't help that Subaru swore in fear.
"Well…" Hector sighed. "Guess it's tiiiiime to taaaaake my leave…"
"REID! DON'T LET HIM LEAVE!"
"Ya got it, Flugel!" yelled Reid, as he leaped toward the Warlock.
"Subaru, what about us?" Emilia asked.
"Make sure the Black Water doesn't go anywhere near the frozen village!" Subaru yelled. "Take half the group with the most physical strength, the rest of you stay and help Reid!"
""RIGHT!"" yelled the rest of the group, as they left.
The Japanese teenager saw that the redhead was currently keeping the lanky clown busy, and smiled. He knew that the two of them were on the same level of power, so even without Roswaal, Echidna and Beatrice sticking around to help, he wouldn't be going anywhere.
"Puck! You're coming with me to stop the Black Serpent!"
"What?!" the Great Spirit sputtered. "Why me?!"
"Your ice will help me guide it towards Hector," the black-haired boy explained.
"And what will be the lure?"
"Me, obviously," Subaru smirked. "I'm excellent Mabeast bait."
Flying through the air with Puck, Subaru scanned all around Elior Forest looking for the damn plague-bearing Mabeast, but with all of the trees in the area, it was for naught.
"Damn… I can't see shit… Wait! I've got it! Authority of Wrath: Image Search!"
Immediately, Subaru saw a vision of the cold forest, where the trees were frozen, and the people were ice statues. Okay, let's start looking around… he thought to himself.
Immediately, the vision in Subaru's head changed, as if he was flipping from one security camera to another. He searched throughout the whole forest, until…
Found you!
He had found the giant, black, mess of venom and curses sulking through the forest.
Okay, it's surrounded by trees, so it won't be getting here immediately, the black-haired thought. I just gotta use the other camera angles to figure out where that thing is headed!
"All right, let's see, that's Emilia-tan's group in the village, over there is a human settlement… There! The thing's heading towards the village!"
From down below, the Great Sage and the Beast of the End saw the third and last of the infamous Great Mabeasts, the Black Serpent. Or, more accurately, the giant, semi-sentient blob of poison it constantly spewed out known as the Black Water.
No one actually ever saw the real Black Serpent. Without dying, of course.
"Okay, here's the plan!" Subaru yelled towards Puck. "You're gonna create a bunch of ice walls on the left side, while I do my best to lure the motherfucker down to the right!"
"Are you crazy?! That's suicide!"
"Then just call me Seppuku!" he said, as he dive-bombed down to the ground.
CRASH!
"HEY, WANNABE GELATINOUS CUBE! GUESS WHAT?! I CAN RETURN BY –"
Time froze once more, the snow stayed in the air, and the temperature dropped even further than before. The visage of a woman in black could be seen, as she approached the man who had summoned her, her claws heading towards his heart.
"I love you."
I know. And I'm going to save you, Subaru internally thought.
GRAB!
"Yaahhhrgh!" grunted Subaru, as he felt the pain of a heart squeeze once more.
"Let's hope this works…"
"Do you see anything?" Emilia asked, as she, Geuse, Fortuna, and Minerva surrounded the frozen elves, readying themselves for any possible attack.
"There!" Minerva shouted, as she pointed far ahead of her, where she saw a black silhouette coming closer towards the tree line, with purple and green lights coming off of it being the only giveaway that it was approaching any closer.
It was the Black Water.
"All right, everyone, remember the plan!" Fortuna yelled, as she prepared her magic. The plan was that Minerva and Geuse would use their abilities to reshape the earth and drive away the Black Water, while Emilia and Fortuna would use their ice to keep it out as a secondary plan.
With trees collapsing in front of them, the Black Water appeared.
"GET READY!"
SHUNK!
SHUNK!
SHUNK!
""Huh?"" everyone said, dumbfounded. Neither Fortuna nor Emilia launched any ice at the Mabeast's poison from up high, and even if they did, it wouldn't be that large. The four of them looked up, to see none other than Puck, who was responsible for the giant ice walls.
"Don't worry, guys!" Puck waved from up in the air. "Subaru has a plan!"
"What plan?" the silver-haired half-elf asked.
"HEY, WANNABE GELATINOUS CUBE! GUESS WHAT?! I CAN RETURN BY –"
"Oh, that kind of plan," the blonde deadpanned.
"Hey, look, it's working!" Emilia pointed to the Black Water, which seemed to have suddenly gone the opposite direction, to where Subaru was.
"Wait, taunting it actually worked?" Minerva gaped.
"What do you want us to do?" Geuse asked.
"Make sure none of the Black Water splits off!" the gray cat yelled. "Subaru is luring it towards Hector, use all your abilities to make sure all of it gets there!"
"Let's hope this works…"
Immediately after Subaru said it, he saw the giant blob of death slinking towards him with incredible speed, making Subaru smile as he realized his plan worked.
"All right you B movie monster! Catch me if you can! Haste!" he yelled, as he immediately turned around running, using his magic to make him run even faster.
I need the damn thing to pick up momentum if my plan is gonna work… Subaru thought to himself, as he looked back to see the monster picking up its pace.
The nasty-eyed boy kept running and running, until he finally made it to the tree line where the Seal was located. Once there, he immediately stopped running and turned around.
Once he did that, he immediately used his "Message" spell.
"EVERYONE FIGHTING HECTOR, LISTEN UP! IN A FEW SECONDS, A PORTAL WILL SHOW UP! GET AWAY FROM IT IMMEDIATELY! THE BLACK WATER WILL BE COMING THROUGH IT TO ATTACK HECTOR! DON'T GET CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE!"
Once he was done with his message, Subaru turned towards the approaching blob of death and immediately warmed up his "Gate" and "Greater Teleportation" spells.
It now almost reached him.
"GATE!"
It lunged.
"GREATER TELEPORTATION!"
As the group continued to fight the Warlock, a portal of blood and shadows opened up.
"IT'S HERE!" Roswaal yelled, hearing Subaru's warning. "GET AWAY FROM IT!"
As Echidna, Beatrice, Reid and Roswaal immediately got out of the vicinity of the Seal, Hector merely turned towards the portal and examined it.
"Whaaaaat…?"
SPLAT!
Only to get his face splattered with Black Water.
And then his torso. And his arms. And his legs. Within seconds, the Black Water had engulfed the Warlock of Melancholy, and the two of them were now fighting to the death.
Appearing out of the blue light of Greater Teleportation, Subaru came out of nowhere, and examined the scene. Happy to see that no one he cared for got caught in the crossfire, he turned his attention to the two living calamities and activated the final part of his plan.
"Gate."
Immediately, another portal opened up right underneath the blob of poison and Hector, flushing them both down like water in a drain, and sending them towards their doom.
"Subaru!"
Looking up towards the sound of that sweet voice, Subaru saw Emilia, along with Puck and the rest of her group running towards him, as Beatrice and her group approached him.
"What did you do, I suppose?" the blonde loli asked.
"I had that Gate spell send both Hector and the Black Water beyond the Great Waterfall."
Everyone was shocked to hear that that was Subaru's plan. "Wait, really?!"
"Yup," the Great Sage smiled in pride. "Those two will freeze to death in the vacuum of space. If the lack of oxygen doesn't kill them first, that is. Well, the only thing left now, is –"
"GASP!"
Turning around the group stared in horror as Hector suddenly reappeared out of the portal, which, while exhausted, appeared to have no significant injuries whatsoever.
SHIT! Subaru internally cursed. The bastard's Authority must have protected him from both the Black Water and the vacuum of space, allowing him time to return! I have to end him now!
While everyone else stared in horror, Hector himself looked absolutely pissed. As he climbed out of the portal and back onto solid ground, he cursed, "You motherfuuuuu…"
"GRASP HEART!"
SPLAT!
Immediately, Hector's eyes widened, as he fell to his knees, choking on his own blood.
Everyone else turned around to see that Subaru had blood on his hand, from the magical heart he crushed just seconds ago. Slowly, the blood faded from his hand, as if it was never there.
Echidna… was Hector's last thought, as he died.
The Authority of Melancholy left his body and entered Subaru's.
"Gravity Bind" was now "Serpent's Tongue".
It was done.
"Finally…" Subaru sighed. "Now we can move on to…"
Subaru's breath hitched as he saw her. Everyone turned to look to where he was seeing, and immediately, their breaths hitched as well.
Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory, had appeared.
As Subaru and his allies fought Hector and the Black Water, Pandora, along with the monstrous Black Serpent slithering beside her, walked through the frozen forest, thinking back.
How did things go so wrong?
The plan was supposed to be flawless. Subaru would return once more, armed with Return by Death, to slowly, but surely, become the hero he was supposed to be.
The incident with Elsa Granhiert, and the Mabeasts in the forest went exactly as planned. Even the Royal Selection, Juluis beating him, it was all going to plan.
Then shit hit the fan.
Subaru killed the White Whale. Yes, he was supposed to do that, but he was supposed to also create an alliance with the Crusch and Anastasia Camps, not kill it by himself. And then he did the exact same thing with the Sin Archbishop of Sloth, but he did not even kill him, he merely imprisoned the Spirit inside that staff of his.
Then, the blonde demi-human didn't kill the Bowel Hunter, and Geuse mentioned the Pleiades Watchtower. Because of that, he had gained the trust of the blue-haired child faster than he was supposed to. Pandora immediately tried to correct that by sending Regulus and Capella, along with Kurgan, only for him to slay them a whole year earlier.
Then, he blabbed about her existence to the other Camps, immediately creating the Adventures Alliance, and even helping Zarestia, while also thinning out Pandora's forces.
How did things go so wrong?
Oh, right, she remembered, grimly. The box with those items. That's where it went wrong.
The Isekai Quartet.
She remembered those idiots. She remembered the previous Satella's stupid idea, from the last universe, of bringing multiple other-worlders into one location, all for the sake of them enjoying a simple high school life. Due to their shared home world, Subaru quickly befriended all of them.
Pandora made sure to destroy all traces of them and their realities, but apparently, she missed the fact that they had hidden their powers within a parallel version of Lugnica.
Now that she thought about it, it made much more sense why they were so easy to kill.
Regardless, now that she knew, she came up with a plan.
She gave up.
There was no way to defeat a Subaru with the powers of a god, much less five of them. Added to the fact that he knew Pandora existed, there was no way to salvage this shit show.
She proceeded to send her remaining forces to Priestella as she was supposed to do, letting Geuse reunited with his beloved, a small reward for his services, and she gave the final order to the remaining members of the Witch Cult to attack the Pleiades Watchtower the day the Witch of Envy was to be released.
With all of her affairs straightened out, she had the Black Serpent follow her to Elior Forest, where the two of them would greet their deaths with dignity.
That doesn't mean they wouldn't go down so easily, however.
This reality may have been lost, but she would persevere. Even if she died, the world would continue on. This reality would grow old, and die, just like all of the other ones. However, there would be one thing that would always remain.
The Witch Factors.
The Witch Factors would persevere, they would see the birth of a new universe, and when sapient life evolved once more in Lugnica, they would return to their rightful hosts.
Including hers.
This wasn't the first time Pandora was permanently slain by a Subaru, and it certainly wouldn't be the last. But she would always have a back-up plan whenever death came knocking again.
Her Witch Factor would survive. It would live through the ages, long after Subaru's death, long after the extinction of all life, and long after the birth of a new universe. It would come back, and bond with a new, young and naive version of Pandora, and return her memories, her personality, all of it, so that she would be able to resume her mission once more.
One day, it would work.
One day, Subaru would love her.
She found it fascinating what people would do for love.
Including her.
She reminisced back to her first life, her original life. Back, when she was nothing more than a village girl. Back, when she didn't have to worry about anything.
But that all changed when she came into contact with the Witch Factor.
She was only a little girl who couldn't control her powers. Every impulse and silly little request she thought of became reality. Her people viewed her as a monster. A Witch.
Eventually, she was chased out of her village. She couldn't die, but that didn't mean they couldn't hurt her. What hurt her the most, however, was the looks on her family's faces.
All alone, in a forest she cried. She had no one.
Then, he showed up.
He wasn't afraid of her. In fact, he seemed to be like her, a kindred spirit. Still, his positivity was intoxicating. He helped her get back up, taught her how to properly use her Authority, the differences between right and wrong, and how to love someone.
She loved Flugel.
But then… he died.
Old age was a bitch. She watched as the man she loved grew old, and died. She couldn't join him, even if she tried. Her immortality prevented her from aging, along with succumbing to her injuries. So, all she could do was sit next to his grave, and mourn.
She stayed there long after his grave was dust. Long after all life died out. Long after the sun swallowed the world, and blew up. Long after the universe died of heat death.
She was just floating in the void. Alone… and miserable.
A sudden explosion brought forth light into the darkness. She remembered her beloved calling this a "Big Bang". She witnessed as stars were born, and worlds were created by their gravitational pull. Eventually, gravity pulled her towards one of those new worlds.
It was barren, with nothing. Eventually, it rained and the world was full of both water and land. The air became breathable, and soon enough, in the water… there was life.
She remembered how the first fish crawled out of land, how the first dragon flapped its wings, and how the humans and demi-humans discovered fire. She watched as both evolution and history happened right in front of her. Always observing, but never interfering.
Then… a miracle happened.
She came across her beloved once more. Sure, he didn't remember her, but that didn't matter to her. He was alive, and with him, they could continue to live their lives together.
Then, one day, he slit his own throat.
She knew that her beloved would sometimes have bouts of depression, but this… she didn't know what to think of that. As she cradled her beloved's corpse, she wondered if she was not good enough for him, or if the universe was treating her life like some big joke.
She snapped.
And that's when her mission truly began.
Every time she would see her beloved, she would try her best to explain the situation to them. But that backfired. They would always deem her crazy, reject her, or try to outright kill her.
However, she kept trying.
Over the eons, over multiple universes, she learned. She saw her beloved be everything and anything, a hero, a villain, a king, a husband, a monster, a traveler, a father. She learned that he was actually from another world, that his favorite food was mayonnaise, and that he suffered from the expectations everyone placed on him due to who his father was.
She was quite ecstatic the day she learned his real name was "Subaru Natsuki".
Eventually, she also discovered that she was able to destroy universes. It required a bit more concentration than her regular reality-warping, but it was doable.
That's when she came up with her plan.
She had learned that her beloved usually appeared in every universe twice. So, for the first time around, she would cause the Great Calamity. This would be what he would call in video games the "backstory", and "world building".
Next, while waiting for his second coming, she would gather allies. She would gather the most dangerous villains around, or she would simply create them by breaking their minds.
Hector was always her favorite. He once divulged how he loved Echidna, and from there, Pandora made a deal with him that, if she succeeded, she would happily help bring Echidna to him. Even after telling him the truth behind the universe, he was willing to do anything she said, even if he did get more depressed by the revelation. Oh, well, it made him easier to control.
Once she gathered enough allies, they would be organized into a villainous league that would terrorize this world. A villainous league so terrifying and so infamous, that everyone would be afraid of them. She had to admit, the "Witch Cult" was a pretty cool name.
After that, get rid of her rivals. After seeing so many universes, she knew that her beloved was quite the catch, so she knew she had to eliminate those whores. Seal away Satella. Kill off the Witches of Sin. Turn Zarestia into a madwoman. Traumatize Emilia. Force Elsa into her servitude. Eliminate the oni twins. Erase Crusch's memories. Kill Priscilla in Vollachia. She had a contingency plan for every rival she had ever seen.
And then, finally, he would arrive. He would be summoned here under the assumption that this was all a game, and he would proceed to eliminate all of her "allies". The Great Mabeasts, the Sin Archbishops, the Witch Cult, her corpse puppets, her assassins, all gone.
Then, by the end of it, when Subaru would be deemed as a hero by the world, she would appear before him, congratulate him for "saving" the world, and then confess that she was the girl who summoned him. They would dance, kiss, and live happily ever after.
Too bad her plan failed. Again.
But that didn't matter.
She would always try again.
As she snapped out of her thoughts, she approached the clearing. Her treasured one and her allies had already killed her most trusted ally, Hector. But that did not matter. There would be a replacement Hector in the next universe. There always was.
All that mattered now was to get this over with.
She saw how her beloved's breath hitched in shock as he saw her, and how everyone else had a face of horror the moment they saw her. She always loved those looks.
Before she could open her mouth however Subaru beat her to it.
"Time Stop!"
Immediately, there was a flash of white light, and then, the entire world was frozen in time, losing their color in the process. The only person who could still move, and still retained their color, was none other than the caster, none other than Subaru.
He walked up to Pandora, slowly. His face was one of determination. He didn't cruse at her, nor even taunt his glory. He seems like he just wanted this to end as soon as possible.
How fitting. She wanted the exact same thing.
Once he reached her, he placed his handover her face, and sealed her fate.
"Delay Magic, True Death."
His had gained a purple glow, as he said, "Good-bye, Pandora."
Immediately, the Witch of Vainglory was covered in the same purple glow as time and color returned to the world. Pandora closed her eyes, and her body fell to the ground.
It was over. The Witch of Vainglory finally died.
For now, at least.
Subaru did not think this through.
The second he saw Pandora, he immediately went for the kill. He had planned this for months, figuring out a way to bypass her immortality and put her down once and for all. He couldn't give her a chance to speak, to activate her Authority. Speed was the key. One moment of hesitation, and it could be over. All of his hard work and planning, gone. So, he immediately went on the offensive, and killed her instantly, never to return.
Sorry, Wilhelm, he thought. Guess I avenged your wife for you.
He did. He avenged Theresia. He avenged Emilia. He avenged Satella, Fortuna, Geuse, Rem and Ram, the Witches, Volcanica, Reid, everyone and anyone who was ever hurt by that monster.
It was finally over. Their centuries-long battle had ended.
However, once he finished and time resumed, he made the stupid decision of looking back and smiling at his friends, showing them that everything was all right.
That was when the Black Serpent lunged at his arm.
"YAAAHHHH!"
"SUBARU!"
He was so focused on Pandora, that he somehow didn't see the literal giant serpent whose mere tongue was the size of a human leg right next to her.
The second he felt the giant monster's tongue burn his arm, all hell broke loose. Without Pandora there to control it, the fucker slid off away from him, and decided to attack whoever was closest next, but Subaru didn't let that thing hurt anyone.
"SHIELD OF RAGE!" Subaru screamed, as suddenly, the gem on his staff went from green to red. Crimson runes scattered his body, as his eyes became blood-colored. As a strong wind blew everyone away from the Black Serpent, Subaru used what little clarity he had left to scream, "REID! GET EVERYONE OUT OF RANGE!"
"WHAT ABOUT YOU?"
"FORGET ME, JUST GRAB EVERYONE ELSE!"
Nodding, the redhead, using his superhuman speed and strength, immediately grabbed everyone and ran like hell, far away from both Subaru and the Black Serpent.
"HISS…"
"Oh, no, you bastard, I'm not letting you go! SHIELD OF RAGE II!"
Immediately, Subaru's entire body was set aflame, as his one working hand turned into a black, dragon-like claw. He immediately rushed towards the Great Mabeast, burning it with his cursed flame, and using his one good arm to twist its body into a pretzel.
"SHIELD PRISON! CHANGE SHIELD!"
In an instant, the pretzeled Black Serpent was trapped within a bunch of green shields all wrapping into a ball, before suddenly, massive spikes impaled it from the inside.
"SKREEE!"
"Within this virgin of cold ore, who shall swallow even your screams in embrace, suffer in anguish as your entire body is stabbed and skewered! IRON MAIDEN!"
Out of the sudden winds and lightning that had appeared, the aforementioned Iron Maiden had appeared, flatten the imprisoned Black Serpent inside the Shield Prison into the torture device. Once inside, Subaru clenched his working fist, closing the Iron Maiden.
DING-DONG!
Once its job was complete, the Iron Maiden dispersed into green mana, as the corpse of the Black Serpent fell right into a Gate Subaru had summoned. He wouldn't let that beast's corpse fester new plagues, so he sent it past the Great Waterfall, just like the Black Water.
With his job done, the cursed flames and armor receded. The gem on his staff returned back to green, he had calmed down, and Subaru no longer felt anger.
However, he did feel extreme pain.
He suddenly collapsed to the ground, as he remembered that one of his arms was struck by the Mabeast. His anger was so focused, he couldn't feel the pain. But now that he was calm again, he was in the most pain he had ever felt in his life. Using his non-burning arm to use as much healing magic as possible, while his Authority of Lust kicked into overdrive, Subaru begged to every deity out there that he wouldn't die, that he wouldn't have to reset.
"SUBARU!"
Looking over to the sound of that scream, Subaru had seen that Emilia and the rest of his allies had come back for him, and, judging from their faces, his wounds were pretty.
"MINERVA! HEAL HIM!"
As the rest of his group crowded over him, the only thing Subaru could think of was how much this hurt. It felt like all of his flesh was falling off. It hurts, it hurts! he thought to himself.
Then, in his desperation, he called out the name of the person he believed could hear him.
"Please… save… me… SATELLA!"
Then, it all faded to black.
Author's Notes: Isn't it weird that Pandora didn't have a single speaking line in my entire series? Oh, well. Anyway, it's time for the comments!
Monty8805: I know people hate cliffhangers, but they're a solid way to make sure people come back for the rest, so sue me! Still, glad you liked the last chapter.
Strong John: Yeah, for "Tales from the Multiverse", I'm planning to to include the If Stories, including the Greed If, Kasaneru, and the Wrath If, Oboreru.
Dat-boi-waddup: Well, the only person left in the Tower is Volcanica, and as for Reid, he's an equal match to Pandora and Hector, and you just read how he was able to keep Hector occupied, even when the half-giant had that forcefield of invincible depression.
Scattershot98: Actually, Sekhmet is canonically a full giant, while in my story Hector is a half-human, half-giant. Yeah, the arguments about what's in the Seal in Elior Forest confuse me, too. Yeah, Ram isn't gonna chill for a while. She's basically a very aggressive tsundere. I will always love some good-old Puck bashing. Welp, you saw the Black Serpent's appearance, but not that of a "Black Hole". Reid will always be comic gold. Did I surprise you with the surprise Pandora? Hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Guest: Bueno, viste cómo maté a Pandora. Gracias por el cumplido.
A. J Savage: The reason Subaru wants to kill Hector is because he's a dangerous villain in league with Pandora. Also, Satella is obviously in the Seal near the Pleiades Watchtower, not the one in Elior Forest. The reason he didn't take Reinhard or Shaula was because one would make it too easy, and I honestly forgot about the other one. I'm not doing the Vollachia thing, and Pandora is already dead. It's fine if you aren't fine with the ships, just keep in mind that I'm the one that is in control of the story!
OreosAreYummy: Yeah, Reid will always be comedy gold for me. And as for Subaru's new Authority, that's a secret for a future chapter! Hope you enjoy the next one, though!
palik: Okay, so, basically, Minerva had a human descendant, whether you want it to be her own child or niece, that's up to your interpretation. That all-human family continued, until Emilia's mother married Fortuna's brother, resulting in the half-elf. So, here's your answer, in case you got confused by the genetics and the family tree.
NightBlade4892: If you are referring to "Tales from the Multiverse", I will be adding Meili, but I will not be adding Shaula, Clind, or the Witches of Sin. If you are referring to one based on this story, then I will be adding Shaula, along with Meili and possibly Louis.
Iseepandas: Thanks for the compliment, and thank you for joining my Discord. Don't worry, Rem will make a big appearance in the next chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Consistent Throws Chokes: I get the "Halo" reference. It's cute.
notanyone19: There might be a possible reset in the future. Also, that's a cute profile pic.
Shiroraven: I hope this chapter lived up to your expectations.
Jpx0999: I mean, theoretically, time would continue for a bit after the Return by Death time stop, so, if anything, Subaru would have a way to slow down time.
Deathenglegamers1144: Yep, Hector's dead. The main story isn't over yet, but what will come to the end… Subaru will get his happy ending, all right.
BigSmokeYeet: Mega oof.
hlglh: Glad you loved the chapter.
Tomodachi: Esto es increíble. Nunca pensé en las consecuencias legales de la muerte. Trataré de encontrar una manera de agregar esto a la historia. Gracias, eso es genial.
VinHD15: Yeah, the end of that last chapter was panic-inducing. Thanks for the link for the other "My Hero Academia" fic. See you in the comments of 849. Talk to you soon!
And now, as promised last week… new powers! But not Subaru's new Authority.
"Grasp Heart": A high-level spell that creates a projection of the enemy's heart. Once the user crushes said heart, the enemy's real heart will also be crushed, killing them. If the enemy resists, then they will only become stunned. Used by Ainz.
"Time Stop": A spell that stops time for a bit. No attacks can be used when time is stopped, hence why its best used along with "Delay Magic". When the spell is used, the entire world becomes black and white, with the exception of the user. Used by Ainz.
"Delay Magic": A spell that delays the casting of the next spell the caster uses. For example, if you used "True Death" after using "Delay Magic", "True Death" wouldn't be activated instantly. "Delay Magic" is best used in effect with "Time Stop", as you could cast any attack spell after "Delay Magic", so once "Time Stop" wears off, all of your attack spells would activate, and the enemy would have no time to react. Used by Ainz.
"True Death": A spell that instantly kills the opponent, and invalidates any form of resurrection, making that their final death. When used, the caster needs to be in close proximity with the opponent, almost touching them. Once chanted, the caster's hand will gain a purple and black aura, showing that they have killed their opponent. Used by Ainz.
"Shield of Rage": When the user activates it, they become covered in red runes, their eyes turn red, a powerful wind blows around them, they have increased strength, a cursed fire is lit around them, and they lose all of their reasoning. Used by Naofumi.
"Shield of Rage II": When activated, they have all the same stats like in their previous iteration, only that the user's body shifts into dragon-like armor. Used by Naofumi.
"Change Shield": When activating the Shield Prison, there is the option of having spikes come out from the inside and impale the captive. Used by Naofumi.
"Iron Maiden": If chanted, this skill would summon an Iron Maiden from the sky and float its victim into its spike. Best used with the Shield Prison. Used by Naofumi.
And that's it. If you want to join my Discord, the link is /up9w4thd . You can post memes and fan art there, if you want. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore #8663. Thanks for reading, I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 26: History Lessons
Summary:
Due to the slip of the tongue back in Elior Forest, Subaru's relationship to Satella gets exposed, and the more people who don't know without the context, the harder it would be for him to complete his mission. So, he decides to now explain everything to all of the members of the Emilia Camp. Meanwhile, Reinhard and Felt have a heartfelt discussion of their own. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 26: History Lessons
Subaru opened his eyes to see that he was laying on his bed, back in the Roswaal Mansion. Lifting up his head, he saw that he wasn't alone, as Beatrice, Echidna, and Minerva were also in the room with him.
"What happened?"
"After you somehow managed to kill Pandora," Echidna started, "The Black Serpent lunged at your arm. After that, you told us all to fall back, but not before you pulled some new trick out of nowhere. By the time we ran back to you… we saw you as a flaming rage monster, throwing the mangled corpse of that thing into an open Gate and tossing it to who knows where."
"The Great Waterfall. I sent it over the Great Waterfall, just like the Black Water."
"Yeah, and then everything went to shit," Minerva continued saying, miffed. "Your arm was turning into burnt ash, and you were screaming bloody murder from the pain. Luckily, your Authority, along with our healing magic were able to save your arm, not even a scratch. Still, the things you said while in that state of mind might have to be addressed."
"Was it that bad?"
"You begged for Satella to save you, in fact."
Upon hearing what his contracted Spirit said, the Japanese teenager's most recent memeores came flooding back. "Oh, shit…"
"The half-devil isn't taking it well," Echidna said. "Geuse is currently comforting her."
"Don't call her a half-devil," Subaru growled. "Her name is Emilia."
"Yes, well, it's only going to be a matter of time until "Emilia" blabs to the rest of the Camp," Echidna continued, "Plus, the rest of our subjugation squad has some major questions."
"Of course they do," Subaru groaned, getting out of bed. "Okay, I guess the subjugation squad will have to join my inner circle, if we'll have any chance of mitigating the flames."
"Should we inform the rest of the Camp?" the white-haired woman asked.
"No," Subaru said, as he approached the door. "Aside from everyone in the subjugation squad, the only other people who know about my personal connection to Satella are Shaula, Reinhard, and the other Witches. The less people who know, the better."
His three female companions in the room nodded in agreement, and Subaru, ready to get out of the room, opened the door. However, on the other side was none other than…
"R-Rem?"
In front of Subaru was the blue-haired maid, her eyes showing clear signs of betrayal. Her lips quivered in horror, unable to confront what she just overheard.
So, she ran.
"REM, WAIT! I CAN EXPLAIN!"
But his pleas fell on deaf ears, as she was already gone.
Having finished her Royal Candidate duties, Felt looked around the lively halls of the Astrea Mansion for a certain someone. Someone who changed her life for the better.
When she first came here, it was dull and depressing. No one here was really big on the idea of just being casual. They were all saddened workers… rather than a found-family of sorts.
However, a month after coming here… things started to change for the better. Her grandpa was there now with her. As were those three hooligans she would constantly make fun of. She had nice visitors in the form of that elderly couple. And she had friends in the form of that magic-user and those two twins, and heck, she even enjoyed the blood-filled stories of the brown-haired oni, who most would consider to be crazy, if not dangerous.
But the best part was when the grandmother and mother arrived.
The two of them brought back the soul and heart of the Astrea Mansion. Hell, she probably guessed that without them, the manor became the way it was when she arrived.
Unlike their respective husbands, they were smart, kind, and patient with her. Sure, the two men would have treated her properly, but that was only due to her status. Those two women, on the other hand, treated her as a sort of adopted daughter.
It was probably due to the fact that she had a crush on their son/grandson.
What was she trying to do again?
Oh, yes, she was looking for Reinhard. She continued looking through-out the rooms, until eventually, she looked in his bedroom. Probably should have been the first place to look.
"Oh, good afternoon, Felt-sama," the Sword Saint smiled.
"Please, just call me Felt," she replied.
"I could never do that!" he protested. "I'm your knight, and thus, I must –"
"Yeah, actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about."
Sensing the serious tone of her voice, the redhead nodded, and gestured for her to sit next to his bed. She obliged, and the two of them sat next to each other.
"What is this about?"
"Rein… what will happen to us when we lose?"
"What?"
"Don't play dumb," she said, somberly. "It's practically guaranteed that Big Sis is gonna win, given all the amazing things she and Big Bro have done. So, I'm asking the question again… what will happen to us when we lose?"
"Well… I believe the members of our Camp will go their different ways. The Remendis twins shall most likely return to their grandparents, while Reize-san will most likely end up traveling to Kararagi, eliminating Witch Cultists along the way. And as for Grandmother, she…"
"No, I mean… what will happen to the two of us?"
Reinhard looked at the Royal Candidate right in the eyes, and noticed that tears were threatening to spill out. "Felt-sama, what is this about?"
"Rein, I…" she breathed in, and out. "I love you."
Rem ran down the halls, as tears stained her cheeks, the things she wasn't supposed to hear behind closed doors repeating in her head in a constant loop.
"You begged for Satella to save you, in fact."
"Should we inform the rest of the Camp?"
"Aside from everyone in the subjugation squad, the only other people who know about my personal connection to Satella are Shaula, Reinhard, and the other Witches. The less people who know, the better."
She wanted to deny it, she really did, but she just couldn't. The person she trusted, the person she loved, had kept such a horrible secret within him. He knew the monster that had her home destroyed, the Witch of Envy, and he personally knew several Witches.
Subaru was no better than a Witch Cultist.
Or was he?
Within her mind, two sides were at war: One was saying that the Witch's Miasma on him was always a dead-giveaway of his true allegiance, but the other side was saying that he was a kind soul who would do anything to save the people he cared for, a true hero.
The decision was splitting her mind, it was physically hurting her psyche. She needed to calm down, but she didn't know how. What could she do? Who would listen to her plight?
SLAM!
"Rem-san?!" Sylphy asked, getting startled, along with Colette and Palmyra.
Bursting through the kitchen, hyperventilating, the maids all had their heads turned to the blue-haired oni, and their faces were immediately painted with panic.
"Sissy, what is going on?" Ram asked, approaching her sister.
"I… Subaru-kun… he…"
"What happened?" Frederica said, not liking where this was going.
"Subaru-kun, he's… he's…"
"Tell us!" Petra said, concerned for her older coworker.
"HE'S IN LEAGUE WITH THE WITCH!"
The two of them stayed quiet for a whole minute, as one of them processed what they heard, while the other one was waiting for a response from the first.
"What?"
"You heard me, I love you."
"I heard you, it's just simply hard to believe that someone like me would –"
"WELL, YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!" she yelled. "And don't give me any of that crap that you're a monster, or that you don't deserve love! You are the kindest, sweetest, nicest guy who deserves all the love in the world! After all, if you weren't… WHY WOULD YOU BOTHER PUTTING UP WITH ME?!"
"What?"
"You say that it's out of duty, or that you were the only one qualified, but after all the months of yelling and hitting you, you still stuck with me! Any lesser man would have quit, but you were patient, you were kind, you were caring for someone… like… me…"
With that, the dam broke. Felt slid to the floor, crying her eyes out. She knew that it was a long shot. She knew that there was a chance he wouldn't reciprocate her feelings, and she thought she prepared for it well. But as she kept talking to him, all she could think of were her own flaws, her own reasons why she was not good enough for him.
And so, she kept crying, and crying, until…
"H-huh…?"
She felt the warm embrace of a hug wrap around her.
"You seriously fucked up," Minerva said.
"Don't you think I know that?!" Subaru hissed back.
"So, what do we do now?" Echidna asked.
Sighing, Subaru said, "Well, I guess now we…"
"BARUSU!"
Turning around, Subaru immediately felt the wind around him getting stronger, as he saw a very pissed-off Ram, her horn out, displaying her full powers as the Oni God.
"What my sister said… IS IT TRUE?"
"I guess I have no choice…" Subaru sighed, looking down to the floor, his face one of defeat. Looking up he said, "Ram, get every single member of the Roswaal Manor into one of the meeting rooms. There's something important I have to say. To everyone."
Ram was still scowling, but her horn went back into her skull, as a sign of compliance. Turning around, as she walked away, she said, "I'll listen to what you have to say, Witch Cultist. However, if I don't like what I hear, I will not hesitate to kill you."
"I wouldn't expect anything less," Subaru said, his voice completely honest.
She knew that those were Reinhard's arms holding her tight. She could feel the warmth of his body, and the beat of his heart by how close they were. It was calming. Soothing.
"I'm sorry."
"Rein, it's not your –"
"It is," he said, interrupting his liege. "All those other times, you're right, they weren't my fault, they were never my fault. But this… this right here… is my fault entirely."
"W-what do you mean?"
"Perhaps a story would be the best explanation," he said, letting her go. "When my mother fell into a deep sleep and my grandmother was slain… My father and grandfather blamed me. They blamed me for existing, for being a monster, for not being human."
"..."
"And for the longest time, I believed them. I thought that my very existence was a curse. So, I did the only thing I thought was reasonable back then… I blamed everything on myself. I apologized for everything, even when I knew it wasn't my fault. I thought if I didn' show emotion, that I never spoke for myself, I wouldn't hurt anyone. I let myself be a tool for Lugnica. I focused on being the Sword Saint, rather than being Reinhard. I stopped truly being human."
"What… what changed that?"
The redhead simply turned and smiled. "You did. You were the first person in so long to treat me with anything that remotely resembled genuine kindness… and soon enough, others followed you. Subaru was one of the first people to see me as Reinhard. He and the Emilia Camp viewed me as a friend. And soon enough, so did the Adventures Alliance. And now, with the help of Mother and Grandmother, I'm learning what it means to truly live for myself."
Hearing what Reinhard said made Felt's heart flutter. A person like him, who had so many hardships to deal with, was able to come out of their shell because of her? Despite her flaws and inadequacy? She genuinely helped someone?
"And because of that… I shall stick by your side, whether you win or lose. No matter what the future holds for us, we'll be together, forever. Not out of a sense of duty, not out of honor, but because you showed me what it meant to be a human once more. To live, laugh… and love."
"Wait, Rein, do you…?"
"Yes," he said, getting closer to her. "Felt, I love you."
And with that one confirmation… the two of them kissed.
Thirty minutes later, the entirety of the Emilia Camp was in the biggest meeting room the Roswaal Mansion had to offer. Everyone was there. And I mean, everyone.
Behind Subaru's, Beatrice's, Meili's and Louis' seats on the couch were Echidna, Minerva, Daphne, Typhon, Carmilla, Sekhmet, Geuse, Shaula, and for some reason, Reid Astrea.
Facing the opposite couch in the opposite direction were Emilia and Fortuna on their respective couch, along with Rem, Ram, Frederica, Petra, Sylphy, Colette, and Palmyra behind them.
Standing at the walls on all sides were Garfiel, Otto, Roswaal, Puck, Annerose, Clind, the original Ryuzu Meyer, and her four different clones, Arma, Bilma, Shima, and Delma.
This was literally everyone who was living in the Roswaal Mansion.
And they were all about to hear the full story.
"Okay, to start, I want to thank you all for coming on such short notice," Subaru started. "Something happened earlier today that requires an explanation, hence this meeting."
"Get on with it, scum," Ram spat.
For people such as Garfiel, Otto, and Annerose, that seemed quite uncalled for. But for others, such as the maids, the context made it all the more deadly.
"All right," the black-haired boy sighed. "Earlier today, the Witch of Vainglory, and leader of the Witch Cult, Pandora, was killed by my team, along with the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector. We also managed to slay the Black Serpent and its living poison, the Black Water."
At the sound of that, most in the room sounded happy. The death of a Witch would have been a cause for celebration, but that quickly died down when everyone else was quiet, realizing that there was more to this, given Subaru's tone.
"Unfortunately, the Black Serpent struck me, and while I was healed, the pain was so great that it caused me to say… something. That something would later be overheard by one of the maids… hence, why I decided to clear the air."
"..."
"It has to do with my personal relationship to Satella."
The people in the room gave different reactions. Some, like Garfiel, were shocked at the idea, while others, such as Emilia, looked down in sadness, having their worst fears seemingly confirmed, and others, like Sekhmet, simply looked indifferent.
"It all began four hundred years ago, before the Great Calamity. I wasn't the Great Sage Flugel back then, I was simply Subaru Natsuki, a complete loser with nowhere to go. By chance, I stumbled across Elior Forest, with wounds that would have killed me, when I met… her."
Everyone immediately knew who he was referring to when he said "her".
"She saved my life, even without healing magic. While I was recovering in her home, I learned about her sad life: She was an orphan, and grew surrounded by people with very… apathetic views on life. I knew she wanted out. So, I offered my hand. I gave her light, I showed her the outside world, and I held her hand when she was all alone. I gave her everything."
Hearing that, Rem seemed to be a bit confused. A monster like that was originally just… a lonely girl? Emilia felt the same as Rem… but for different reasons.
"Eventually, after some traveling… we met Echidna and the others at the Sanctuary," he smiled, pointing behind him. "Then… I came in contact with… the Witch Factor of Envy."
"The Witch Factor of Envy?" repeated Annersoe, curious about the idea.
"The Witch Factors were nine let's say… "objects of power", the antithesis of the Od Laguna, and when a person absorbs them, they can use the powers within the Authority of the Witch Factor they took. However… a person had to be compatible to safely use them."
"And that was you… wasn't it?" Rem asked, knowing the answer.
Subaru nodded. "I was envious of how powerful the people around me were, and when I took it… it made me one of the most powerful people in the world. When someone takes the power… they're known as the Witch or Warlock of that respective Sin. They were Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Vainglory, Melancholy, and Envy. I was the Warlock of Envy."
The former Witches of Sin fondly remembered their days with their Authorities, and how they were seemingly unstoppable. Everyone else around them sunk at the implications that Subaru was basically a male Witch of Envy, and that theoretically, anyone could become like her.
"So then, why call yourself the "Great Sage" if…?" Otto asked.
"Echidna later discovered that I was compatible with all nine Authorities, essentially making me a freak of nature. Of course, I didn't take them, since they were within my friends, and the only way to absorb an Authority was to have the previous user die, and I didn't want to kill my friends. But, yeah, theoretically I could have been the exact opposite of Reinhard: He's basically an angel with all the world's blessings, while I'm the Devil with all the world's curses."
"But you're not the Devil!" Petra protested. "You're a good person!"
"I know, that's why I changed my name," Subaru explained. "To the public, I was the Great Sage, Flugel. To my friends, I was Subaru Natsuki, the Warlock of Envy."
Everyone hummed in understanding, as Subaru continued his story.
"For a few years, everything was good. I was best friends with Reid and Volcanica, I had trusted allies in my apprentice, Shaula and my follower, Geuse. I saved a bunch of villages, slayed a bunch of monsters, and my knowledge helped bring the world out of a pretty dark age. I was the hero I always wanted to be," he smiled before his face shifted into a scowl. "But…"
"But what?" Frederica asked.
"You know the saying about how every great hero needs a great villain?"
The group nodded, not liking the implications.
"Well, I had two of them. While I had good relations with most of the Authority wielders, there were two who wanted nothing more than mindless destruction and world domination. The Witch of Vainglory, Pandora, and the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector."
"..."
"Hector was pretty simple. All he wanted was Echidna, and would destroy village after village to get what he wanted. All I had to do was seal him away until I was strong enough to beat him."
"But Pandora…?" Fortuna asked, remembering the monster herself.
"Pandora was far more dangerous. Her ability to manipulate people was uncanny," he said, remembering it all. "In a matter of months, she had turned the entire population of the world against the other Witches. Typhon was drowned by the mechanism I created in Priestella. Sekhmet and Volcanica were tricked into fighting one another, and she died falling over the Great Waterfall. Carmilla was burned to death by the people she swore to protect. Daphne was trapped in a desert and starved to death. Minerva was put out of her misery by Satella after she went insane by a trap Pandora used, involving elves as bait. And Echidna… She also went off the deep end thanks to Pandora, and had to be sealed in her own tomb by Volcanica."
Geuse clenched his fist as he remembered what that monster did to his friends.
The Witches scowled as they all remembered their own deaths.
Fortuna's eyes were filled with hatred at the murderer of her family.
"But wait!" Colette said, as she suddenly remembered that the souls inhabiting Omega's body were the Witches. "You bright them back! How did you do that?"
"Wait, what?" Louis asked.
"Oh, the people we came with a few weeks ago," Palmyra explained. "Are the Witches."
"WAIT, WHAT?!" Garfiel exclaimed. "Y'ALL ARE TH' WITCHES?!"
"We are," Echidna said. "We are the former Witches of Sin. Subaru took our Authorities long after our deaths, so we can't really be called Witches anymore."
"Wait, so how are you alive?!" Sylphy asked, completely shocked.
"Oh, that was easy," Subaru said. "Before Echidna died, she collected all their souls and brought them to the Sanctuary. And just last week, I made them all new bodies for their souls to inhabit."
"Typhon…" Petra asked, feeling lied to. "Is that true?"
"It is Petra-chan," the green-haired girl said. "Do you hate me because I was a Witch?"
"No! You and Meili-chan are my best friends! I could never hate you!"
"Who knew about this?!" Meili asked, shocked.
"Oh, Roswaal, Beatrice, Geuse, Shaula, Emilia, Clind, Ryuzu, Colette, Palmyra, Reid and Puck all knew about their identities," Subaru answered, pointing to each individual in the room. "Fortuna sort of knew, but she was kept in the dark for most of it."
"You're lucky my daughter has a crush on you…" the elf grumbled.
"WAIT… YOU'RE REID ASTREA?!" Garfiel screamed.
"I sure am!" the redhead said, shining his brightest smile. "Ya want an autograph?"
"DO I?! MY AMAZIN' SELF'S YOUR BIGGEST FAN!"
"AHEM!" Minerva coughed, quite loudly. "We're getting off-track."
"Right, thanks," Subaru said. "But yeah, one by one, my friends were slaughtered. Eventually, only two of us were left. Me and Pandora. Objectively, I was stronger than her, and in a one-on-one fight, I would have bested her. If she was planning on fighting fair, that is."
"What happened?" Emilia asked, her tone serious.
"Satella," he answered, his eyes getting wet. "Pandora attacked Satella's very soul, causing her intense pain and agony. She would have died if I hadn't… I gave her my Authority."
"What? How?" Ram asked.
"It was a mix of desperation and Echidna's research. I learned that an Authority's abilities would change to reflect the user's desires. I… my desire was for her not to die. To not be hurt or injured, to live, seemingly forever. However, I played right into Pandora's hands."
"Huh?"
"Do you know what happens when a person is incompatible with an Authority?"
"..."
"They're driven mad, if they aren't killed outright. Geuse and Fortuna were prime examples of that when they held the Authorities of Sloth and Wrath, respectively."
Both the Spirit and the elf grimaced at the memories.
"Satella wasn't any different."
"..."
"Satella was kind, she was selfless and generous, and she never envied anyone, not one bit. So, when I forcefully gave her the Authority of Envy, you know what happened?" he asked, as his face became maniacal. "A split personality formed. One that was cruel, selfish, and malevolent. One that would be later known as the Witch of Envy."
"..."
"The Great Calamity was caused by me! Millions of people died because of my stupid mistake! And by the end of it, Volcanica, Reid, Shaula and I were forced to seal away our friend, the person we loved! In the end, I swore that I would save her… but the damage was already done."
"..."
"Lugnica was in shambles. When Reid died of old age, I had his soul guard the Pleiades Watchtower with Shaula and Volcanica. I instructed Geuse to keep safe the one measly Authority we managed to recover, and to watch over Hector's Seal in Elior Forest. We created an organization dedicated to helping people, and I named it after my dead friends… but after Pandora hijacked them, they would later be known as the infamous 'Witch Cult'".
Many grimaced at that fact, especially the twins. The monsters that slaughtered their village were originally created by the Great Sage as a humanitarian group? Outrageous. But then again, many things Subaru said sounded outrageous, and they were still listening.
"Four hundred years after my… death… I came back to this: My remaining allies had been scattered to the four winds, Pandora had used the Witch Factors of my dead friends to create the monsters known as the Sin Archbishops, and my group dedicating to fixing the world turned into a legion of international terrorists. I was alone… I had started right back at zero."
After listening to Subaru's sad tale, everyone had one thing on their mind: Satella wasn't truly evil, she was simply a kind person caught in the crossfire and turned into a scapegoat.
"Satella… is truly innocent," Emilia said, realizing it all.
"Yes, she is," Subaru said. "Which is why I need your help."
"Help? Why do you need our help?" Rem asked, bewildered. "From what we have seen you done, you could easily break her out of the Seal and restore her sanity all by yourself!"
"I could, but that still wouldn't change the fact that the rest of the world sees her as the incarnation of pure evil. It would take decades, maybe even longer for the hatred Pandora manufactured to truly be gone," Subaru explained, as he got onto his knees and bowed down. "So until then… please… help me."
"..."
"Help me free her from her undeserved prison. Help me give her a home and a place to belong. Help me give her friends that she can trust and confide in. Help me give her back the life she was undeservingly robbed of. Please… help me save the person I love."
For a moment, everyone was quiet, as they considered their options.
If they actually went through with this, they could potentially be put to death by the kingdom. Even if they survived, they would be hated by the entire world.
"Sigh… who else knows the truth outside of this room?" Ram asked.
"The other Royal Candidates and their knights, along with the Council of Elders, knew about the existence of Pandora and the fact that I created the Witch Cult, but the only people who actually know of Satella's innocence, outside of us, are Reinhard, Volcanica and Zarestia."
"Hmph, at least we won't die to the Sword Saint," the pink maid huffed. "Or the Divine Dragon."
"Wait, you mean…?"
"Subaru-kun, you really are persuasive," Rem smiled. "Of course we'll help you!"
"Wait, really?"
"Yes, Subaru," Emilia said, as she got up from the couch and kneeled down beside the Japanese teenager, holding his cheeks in her hands. "We'll help you save her."
While it was true, part of her wondered if she was only a replacement for Satella, she knew better. She knew that her Subaru had a large enough heart for many people, and that she was one of them. As she hugged the man she loved, she gave him the words he needed to hear.
"We'll save her together."
The kiss was perfect. More than perfect.
For both of them, that kiss, their first kiss, was everything they needed. The euphoria, the warmth, the feeling in it, they were both lost within each other. Time and space meant nothing to them. As long as they had each other, Reinhard and Felt would be content forever.
Which would explain how they were caught off-guard when someone entered the room.
"Oh, shit, am I interrupting something?"
Immediately, the kissing couple's eyes snapped open, and their heads turned, revealing that Subaru was in the room, and behind him was one of his iconic red and black portals.
"How long were you there?" Felt asked.
"I just got here to find the two of you making out," he answered honestly. "I mean, I knew my Gate would lead me to Rein's room, but… I was not expecting that. So, uh, congratulations?"
"Quite right," Reinhard said, standing up. "Why have you come here, Subaru?"
"It's time."
Reinhard's breath hitched, as he knew immediately what it was time for. It was time for his master plan to come to fruition, after an entire year of planning.
It was time to free Satella.
"Who else is coming along?" he asked, his voice serious.
"Various of the combat-oriented members of my Camp," the Great Sage spoke. "I'm also gonna go inform the other Camps and ask them to loan us some of their fighters and healers, while also cashing in some of the favors I have. I trust you can ask your grandmother to help us?"
"I can do that," the Sword Saint compiled. "Should I tell her the truth?"
"No. The only people who know are us and the Emilia Camp. The less people know, the better."
"Can I come on this mission?" Felt asked.
"No," Subaru's reply was immediate. "Far too dangerous."
"But I can still help!" she protested. "I can –"
"Felt."
The blonde girl looked up to her knight, expecting some sort of word-vomit about rules and conduct, only to see him wearing a face of… fear? Worry? No, it was concern.
He was concerned for Felt's safety.
"Please."
She was conflicted… but she trusted Reinhard. "Okay," she said.
"Very well," Subaru said, nodding at their agreement. "I'll go inform the other Camps. You inform your grandmother." And with that, he walked into the portal, leaving the two of them alone again.
"I suppose I'll go speak with Grandmother…"
"Rein."
The Sword Saint turned around, to see his liege give him the same face he gave her moments ago. The face of concern, but also with a hint of… longing?
"Please, come back alive."
Nodding, he smiled, "I will, Felt. I will."
And with that, he left the room, off to inform his grandmother, leaving Felt all alone.
"Hurry back soon… my big idiot," she whispered, as new tears began to form.
Author's Notes: Fun fact, originally, all the Candidates would be mentioned in this chapter, but that will have to wait for next week. And we all know what's going to happen next time. But for now, it's this week's comments! A lot fewer than usual, though.
Mondo: Well, you saw everyone's reactions to Subaru crying out Satella's name, I hope you enjoyed them. And yes, it is true that half of them don't know the context in that situation, hence why I had this chapter written in the first place. I'm smart like that.
jock78149: Pandora is dead, she can't join any harem.
BigSmokeYeet: Well, if you wanted something similar where Subaru keeps his personality, I would suggest the story where he contracts Volcanica.
Deathenglegamers1144: I'm glad you enjoyed my epic battle, it was really hard to write. Hector does have a funny way of speaking, doesn't he? I have actually thought of doing some sort of after story, but I think I'll focus on some new projects instead. Who knows?
A. J Savage: I think it's her ideology that if Subaru beat her fair and square, she would just give up on that reality, if it was not too far gone. I wrote parts of her backstory to be up to interpretation for reasons such as that. And that's really all the things the two of us have to talk about, there's no point in beating a dead horse anymore, is there?
Jpx0999: After Subaru frees Satella… there will be one final Arc. Get ready!
prabhjiv: The secret ingredient is lore. And the multiverse. And lots of fan fiction.
KillermanTheLonestarFan: No.
Gyrazal618: Yeah, everything's going to hell, isn't it?
hlglh: Oh, they did hear Subaru crying out to Satella. That's why this chapter exists.
AviaZaryx: Pandora, like almost any other girl, can't escape Subaru's charm.
Ampsivarius: Beautiful, huh? I figured this interpretation of Pandora would be terrifying. But yeah, about her motivation, I figured that since she, like all the Witches, is insane, she wouldn't think of the most obvious answer to win Subaru's heart. That, or what you suggested backfired on her in some previous universe.
KingVessel: Well, your interpretation of Pandora's "plan", is actually a pretty good one, too. This is kind of why I left it up to interpretation.
VinHD15: I'm pretty sure the canon Satella just wanted to atone for her crimes by having Subaru kill her, while this pandora I wrote just wanted all the Subarus to herself. But still, thanks for reading, and thanks for helping me with one of my future projects.
The two new Authorities will be revealed in the next chapter! Be patient!
And that's it! If you want to join my Discord, the link is /up9w4thd . You can chat with other members, post memes and fan art, and I'll drop in every now and then to talk to you guys. If you want to read more, I have plenty of other projects online, and many more are on the way! That's all the time I have for today, but regardless, thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 27: The Witch of Envy
Summary:
As Subaru gathers his allies, certain people have certain things to think over. Anastasia wonders what her life should truly be about, Wilhelm tries to fix his relationship with Theresia, Ram wonders why she hates Subaru so much, and Felix has something he wants to say to Crusch. However, this all has to wait... as Subaru's most important mission has begun. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 27: The Witch of Envy
Elsa was quietly sitting in her cell, like she had for nearly an entire year. Well, not all the time. She still did her daily exercises to keep fit. Plus, she got to read, so it wasn't that bad.
The point, however, was that at the moment, she was quietly sitting in her cell, when a guard opened it up. This piqued the Bowel Hunter's curiosity, as it wasn't lunch time yet, but despite that, the man was carrying something with him. Looking a little closer, she saw it was a chest.
"You're very lucky, Granhiert-san," the guard said. "You have a very powerful friend on the outside. Says you get to go out on "good behavior" or something."
He handed her the chest, and when the black-haired woman opened it, her eyes widened. It was a version of her old outfit, but with the chest window that went down to her belly button gone, and a dark gray trench coat-like jacket that she could immediately tell also served as an enchanted cloak. Oh, and it came with her favorite sets of black Kukri blades.
She immediately knew who her "powerful friend" was.
Looking up to the guard, she asked, "So, what's the job?"
The guard smiled, as the illusion of "Serpent's Tongue" faded away, revealing a certain nasty-eyed boy who kept smiling.
Out in the blooming forests of Kararagi, in a secluded part of the country, a certain white-haired woman and a wolfin with black fur were meditating, quietly.
That was, until a certain black and red portal appeared before them.
The Great Spirit and Admirer stood up and prepared for battle, but before they could react, a familiar face came out of the portal, along with a woman wearing a trench coat.
"Su-san…" Halibel said, astonished.
"Hey, Hal-san," he smiled. "Remember that favor you owe me? It's time to pay up."
"Flugel…" Zarestia spoke. "Are we doing what I think you've been planning…?"
"Yup."
"I'm in."
"Welcome aboard."
"I guess I'm in, too," Halibel sighed. "For whatever this "mission" is."
"Glad to hear it," the Great Sage smiled.
Anastasia Hoshin was lost.
As she was sitting in her office, counting her golden coins, like she always did, she suddenly had a sudden realization. Or more accurately, she thought of something that stumped her.
Will this ever be enough?
Anastasia was born poor, with dead parents and being forced to live on the streets. She had nothing but her own skills and determination. She amassed a fortune during her young life, becoming one of the richest people in the world.
But it wasn't enough.
For her, it wasn't enough. It seemed like it was never enough. So, she decided to expand to the Lugnican market, starting with negotiating a business deal with that nice man, Julius Juukulius. It was then she discovered that she was eligible to participate in the Royal Selection.
She figured that maybe a country would be able to satisfy her greed.
Then shit hit the fan. She tricked the Great Sage in his time of need, effectively killing her campaign, along with Crusch's and Priscilla's. The only reason they were still standing was because Subaru Natsuki had deemed them useful. Still, she figured that with their alliance, she could at least be appointed into a position where she could handle finances and the economy, something which suited her skills to a tee.
But… then what?
Go on to have a successful job and gain more wealth? She really couldn't imagine herself doing that all the time. Working to help others is nice, sure, but she needed something for herself to personally invest. And if she decided to just keep on expanding her business, she would be right back to square one, forever filling that empty void in her heart with cold, hard money, money that would be unable to fill that said void in her heart.
She needed something new. She needed a new thing to do. A new hobby, a new goal, something that would help her feel like her life had purpose once more. Clearly, success wasn't enough to bring her happiness. Satisfaction, sure, but not happiness.
She needed something. But what?
What would Subaru do?
Subaru always had that look in his eyes like he was on a mission, like he had a purpose. Which is because, of course he did. He was focused on eliminating Pandora, destroying the Witch Cult, bringing back order to the world. But then what?
What would happen when Subaru ran out of enemies to kill?
What would happen when Subaru finally succeeded in his mission? Anastaisa thought about it clinically. Obviously, he would do his best to have Emilia win the Royal Selection, but with how everything was going, that was practically a guarantee. So, what would he do then?
Anasatsia remembered how Subaru was surrounded by members of his Camp. They were more than allies to him, they were friends, they were family. Heck, she wouldn't be surprised if he happened to be romantically involved with the half-elf or the blue oni maid –
Wait a minute, Anastasia cut herself off.
Romance.
The purple-haired woman thought about it. It was something new, yes. She never did it before, so it would certainly be a challenge, yes. And, if it was really successful, it would result in a family, something that made people happy. And, pragmatically speaking, it was a long-term investment, and had the long-term goal of making said children become independent. Hell, with successful enough heirs, the Hoshin name would be a legacy forever!
Now, the only thing she needed was a partner.
Ricardo was automatically out. Aside from the fact that she saw him as a big brother, the two of them knew each other for ten years, so her suddenly springing this up on him would be weird at best, and damage their current relationship at worst.
None of the other members of the Fang of Iron worked either. She really didn't know any of them outside of Ricardo and the Pearlbaton triplets, plus, she needed someone who had enough political standing and economic power to make this seem normal.
Think… who 'as enough prestige an' power ta be a worthy partner for me –
"Excuse me, my lady."
Julius.
As the purple-haired knight entered her office, Anastasia finally found her match. He was strong and athletic, so a good genetic match. He had plenty of money and power, so he would be able to be seen as her equal. He was her knight, so the public would totally eat up the whole "princess and knight" angle, maybe with a dash of "office romance". And best of all, he was so chivalrous, that he couldn't possibly say "no" to her asking him out.
But right now, she knew she had to act professional. Then again, subtlety was her ally, and the sooner she got the message towards Julius, the better.
"Yes, Julius-kun…?" she asked, with a smile on her face.
The knight did a double-take before coughing into his hand and saying, "Subaru has arrived, and is requesting myself, Ricardo-san, and the Pearlbatons for a special mission."
"Oh," she said, widening her eyes. "Am I allowed ta come?"
"Sorry, Hoshin-san," Subaru said, entering the office. "I can't have civilians on this mission. Only people with combat-expertise. However, if it makes you feel better, you can hang out with Felt at the Astrea's place while we're there. We'll be there for less than a day."
"Fine, ya can go. But I expect a debriefing!"
"Deal!" Subaru smiled. "Okay, Julius, prepare everyone. I'll pick you guys up in a week!"
"Understood," the purple-haired knight bowed.
As Subaru left through one of his normal portals, Julius turned to leave, before he noticed that his lady had an interesting expression on her face. "Is everything all right, my lady?"
"Oh, I was jus' wonderin' if you woul' be interested 'n goin' out for dinner with me?"
The question seemed to surprise Julius for a second. However, he soon enough recomposed himself, and nodded. "I would be more than honored, my lady."
"It's a date!" she chirped, as Julius left the office.
Phase one complete, Anastasia smiled to herself.
It had been a week since the Emilia Camp agreed to free Satella.
It had been a busy week since then.
Subaru had immediately got to work planning. He freed Elsa from prison, along with recruiting Halibel and Zarestia for the mission. He was also considering bringing in some Divine Generals on loan from Vincent, but he eventually decided against, deeming it overkill.
After that, he informed the other four Camps that there was a "mission" that needed the outskirts of the Pleiades Watchtower to be guarded, and to bring their best fighters with them.
Reinhard was smart enough to read between the lines, and agreed to it right away.
In terms of manpower from the other Camps, Priscialla, Al, Ricardo, the Pearlbaton triplets, Julius, Wilhelm, Felix, Crusch, and Theresia also joined the Emilia Camp on the mission.
Felt, Anastasia, Heinkel, Old Man Rom, the rest of the Iron Fang mercenaries, and the other fighters in their Camps stayed behind due to either their lack of combat abilities, or due to the fact that this time around, Subaru was going with quality over quantity.
In the Emilia Camp's corner, Emilia, Rem, Ram, Beatrice, Roswaal, Garfiel, Frederica, Reid, Fortuna, Shaula, Echidna, and Minerva also came with Subaru for this mission.
Meili, Geuse, and Otto also wanted to come, but Subaru convinced them that they would be needed back at the Roswaal Mansion with Louis, Clind, Annerose, Colette, Palmyra, Sylphy, and the original Ryuzu and her multiple clones.
Plus, he needed someone to keep an eye out on the Witches who weren't gonna fight.
Typhon and Daphne wanted to fight, but without their Authorities, they were just regular kids. And besides, Sekhmet, as lazy as she was, refused to let Typhon out into the front lines. Meanwhile, Carmilla was also too shy to be around that many new people voluntarily.
So that left Echidna and Minerva as the only Witches willing to fight.
But that was alright.
Including himself, Subaru counted almost thirty top-quality swordsmen, magic users, healers, brawlers and everything in-between. And to make sure that they were even more prepared, he went out of his way to make some of them some special gear.
Subaru had a spell that was called "Create Greater Item," which allowed him to create magical equipment. Ram had received a red hood and goggles that would help with heat resistance, while Rem received a blue-and-white suit that would help make her more flexible. Meanwhile, Fortuna wore a purple jacket with a white suit, which would help her be more resistant to her chains when she lit them on fire. Everyone was given a little extra something to have an edge.
The Witch Cult wouldn't stand a chance.
Subaru wasn't dumb. He knew that Pandora's Gospels would lead the remaining Witch Cultists here, the day he decided to free the Witch of Envy. It would be her final order to all of them, her one final attack to either go big or go home.
Not that any of them would be going home.
Subaru made sure that this would end today.
As he used "Image Search" to look for Witch Cultists, Subaru saw that an entire army of them, nearly as big as the attack in Priestella, was heading straight for the Pleiades Watchtower, and that they would arrive within half an hour.
It was time to enact his plan.
The plan that the majority of the Adventurers Alliance knew was this: Subaru, along with Reinhard, Shaula, and Reid would go into the Pleiades Watchtower to help Subaru "take care of something". During that time, the Watchtower would be vulnerable to attack, and everyone else would be there to make sure nothing bad happened.
The real plan, however, was this: Subaru, along with Reinhard, Shaula, and Reid, would go into the Pleiades Watchtower to ask Volcanica to help them with freeing Satella. Once that happens, the four of them would stop the Witch of Envy's shadows from attacking, while Subaru did his thing and removed the Authority of Envy, thus saving Satella.
Looking around the desert one last time, Subaru nodded and announced, "All right, everyone, make sure that nothing dangerous makes its way in here. I'm counting on you," Turning to his comrades, he said, "All right, let's go."
And so, the Great Sage, along with two Sword Saints and a Scorpio, walked in.
As the four of them went into the Watchtower, Ram stood outside, looking at them, and pondering something from within her own head.
How did she feel about Subaru?
Now, the obvious answer would be that she hated him completely. She always spat venomous words at him, calling him lazy and a creep, regardless of his status as the Great Sage.
But, there was a part of her, in the back of her head, that always whispered that she was playing with something dangerous. That she was making things beyond her comprehension.
That voice was practically screaming at her when he first showed his powers. It became even louder when he restored her horn. And it was the loudest when her sister came in, crying that her beloved was affiliated with the Witch of Envy.
Perhaps it was the spirit of the Oni God within her, thirsting for war, and wanting to challenge one of the most powerful beings in existence to a battle to the death. Perhaps it was her nature as an older sister, wanting to protect her baby sister from the creeps and guys of the world.
Or perhaps, it was her own insecurities and inadequacies… she was told that she was a prodigy, so when she felt so… average… compared to that boy… maybe she hated him for that reason. Maybe she hated him for his abilities.
But maybe there was also a part of her that believed… Since she couldn't comprehend someone like him… How could someone like him be so powerful, yet so kind? She couldn't do that with her own sister, she always failed to make her truly happy. So how could someone like him do it with anyone, even people who were supposed to be his enemies? She couldn't understand it. So the only thing she could do was… lash out at him.
But then she remembered all of the things he did.
He saved innocent children from Mabeasts, controlled by an assassin that he ended up adopting as his own daughter. He also restored the sanity of two Sin Archbishops who committed so many horrible crimes, because he knew that deep down, they were good people. He brought back the infamous Witches to life, just because they were his friends.
That was just the type of person Subaru was. Seeing the best in everyone.
And what did Ram do, in her confusion? After saving her sister, sparing her master, restoring her horn, and possibly fixing her relationship with her sister, how does she repay him?
She hurls insults at him. She attacks him, and nearly kills him.
She knew that he was a good person, and yet, she hated him, regardless.
And yet, he still cares for her. He treats her like family.
As Subaru and his chosen allies go into the Watchtower, knowing fully-well that they could be branded for treason for what they're about to do, Ram whips out her wand in determination. Walking to her sister, she asks, "Rem, you trust… Subaru… with this, correct?"
"Yes, Nee-sama. I shall follow him through fire and brimstone."
Nodding, Ram decided she would do the same.
She would no longer listen to that voice in the back of her head. She would no longer try to hurt Subaru. She would serve him, and even if the entire world became his enemy, she would still trust him, and she would be forever loyal to him, fro everything he had done, and will do.
But, she would still tease him from time to time.
After all, what are siblings for?
Walking up the stairs to the Pleiades Watchtower, the four of them made it up to the top floor, where the Divine Dragon itself was waiting for them.
Seeing it, Reinhard van Astrea was amazed by the creature. This was what kept Lugnica safe for all those centuries, this is what everyone in Lugnica prayed to. He couldn't help but kneel down to pay his respects.
"Yo, Rein, knock it off," Subaru cut in. "You don't have to kneel. Hell, you're technically more powerful than him, so you can consider him an equal, if that helps you."
Standing up, the redhead recomposed himself. Subaru was right, the Divine Dragon, just like the other two Heroes, weren't goldy legends, they were just people, ridiculously strong people, but still people, who felt like keeping the peace of the world was just the right thing to do.
Just like him.
"Oi, giant lizard!" Reid barked, getting the blue dragon's attention. "Ya can stop starin' into space, you! Flugel sez it's time ta do the thing!"
"Oh, hello Reid, Shaula, Flugel…" Volcanica said, as he snapped back into attention, until he noticed the newcomer. "Who are thee?"
"This is my descendant, Reinhard!" the First Sword Saint said.
"Ah, thou are Reid's descendant. Welcome," he said, as he turned to the Great Sage. "Is it true? Is it time to free Satella?"
Subaru nodded. "It's time."
"Very well," the Divine Dragon nodded. "Let us proceed."
Outside of the Pleiades Watchtower, everyone was bored. While it was true they were prepared for a fight, they were still bored beyond their minds.
Wilhelm looked over to his wife, Theresia. While the family therapy sessions with Echidna helped a little, she still didn't talk to him, if given the chance.
Was this what Reinhard felt all these years?
Still, if there was one thing Wilhelm knew about himself, it was that he was persistent. He would do everything it took to make amends with his family.
Approaching his wife, who had her sword out, he prepared himself for her backlash when he tried his best to talk to her, to ask her what he could do when –
"EVERYONE, ON GUARD!" Crusch yelled.
Everyone prepared their magic and weapons upon hearing his master's yells, and he gripped his sword when he saw a certain silhouette come out of the horizon.
Witch Cultists.
Hundreds of them.
After the battle in Priestella, it seemed like the threat was gone, but this just disproved them. This must have been the largest gathering of these bastards, ever.
Wilhelm now knew why Subaru truly wanted everyone to be here.
"ATTACK!"
He would have to wait to talk to his wife later.
Hearing the sounds of battle, Subaru and his group rushed downstairs.
Making their way further down into the maze of halls, they made it onto the deepest part of the Watchtower. A place where it was pitch black, and several of the tunnels connecting the area were infested with Mabeasts.
Choosing the right paths, Subaru proceeded to break open "Door" after "Door". There were seven of them in total, and he had all seven of the Authorities of the Deadly Sins as his keys.
Vainglory and Melancholy were just personal bonuses.
Finally, after opening the final "Door", they had made it to the centermost place, the place where the miasma would drive anyone mad, including Subaru's group, had it not been him giving them some poison immunity in their gear.
It was the Evil Sealing Stone Shrine.
The place where Satella resided for the last four centuries.
Looking at his crew, he said, "Okay, this is your last chance to turn back now. If this fails, we will be branded as criminals across the world. Are you okay with that?"
"Master Flugel! We've invested four hundred years into this, we're not backing down now!" Shaula smiled, as Reid and Volcanica nodded.
"Reinhard?"
"Your judgments as the Great Sage have not failed us yet. However…" the Sword Saint spoke. "Today, I will trust your judgment as a friend, like you had asked so long ago."
Smiling, Subaru turned around and said, "Okay, let's do this."
Placing his hand on the Seal, he started pouring in mana… and it started to crack.
Gluttony… Lust… Wrath… Sloth… Pride… Greed… and finally… Envy.
With another slash of her morning star, three more cultists fell to Rem, as a fourth one got decapitated by Thereisa's sword.
"You know, when I heard that Subaru-kun resurrected you, it was so very hard to believe!" Rem said. "However, I'm still glad to see that my hero is able to do this much good!"
The redheaded swordswoman looked at the blue-haired maid and snorted. "Your hero? As in, your personal hero? Well, someone has a crush if I've ever seen one."
Rem blushed, and exclaimed, "It's more than just a simple crush!"
BAM!
Socking another incoming cultist with his Twin Shileds, Garfiel barked, "OI! WE GET IT, YA GOT TH' HOTS FOR CAP'N! DISCUSS IT OVER TEA SOME OTHER TIME!"
"Shut up, Garf," Ram scolded the beast boy. "If anything, you're more distracting."
"SHADDUP!"
As Crusch kept chopping down Witch Cultists, she saw that Felix was running towards her. She realized that he was hurt, and probably running low on mana. Then, seeing the Witch Cultist chasing behind him, she quickly cut them down, saving Felix.
"Thank you," the knight said, catching his breath. It was clear he was in bad shape. "Crusch-sama, if we die here, and just want you to know… THAT I'VE ALWAYS LOVED YOU!"
This made Crusch pause for a second.
"Wait, what?"
"It's true, Crusch-sama, I'm in love with –"
"No, I mean… NOW?! I MEAN, THIS IS THE WORST TIME TO TELL ME!"
"But, uh…"
"NO! FOCUS ON NOT DYING RIGHT NOW, THEN TELL ME!" she yelled, right before charging back into battle, leaving a very much bewildered Felix.
Meanwhile, Wilhelm kept slicing away at Witch Cultists with his double blades, but he couldn't help but overhear the various conversations going on around him.
The battle was nearly over, and as he looked over to the side where his wife was, he saw that look on her face which meant that she was certain of victory.
Mustering up his courage, he went over to her, and spoke. "Theresia –"
CRACK! BOOM!
However, that was cut short, as he, and the rest of the Adventurers Alliance, saw that the Pleiades Watchtower was cracking, as if it was about to –
"IT'S COLLAPSIN'!" Ricardo yelled. "EVERYONE! GET AWAY FROM TH' TOWER!"
As everyone ran, the Pleiades Watchtower kept on crumbling, as bits and pieces of it fell onto the ground, squashing any Witch Cultists unlucky enough to be left behind.
As they ran, the Adventures Alliance turned around, and…
They saw it.
A mass of shadows was being blocked by Reinhard, the Divine Dragon, Shaula, and Reid. Within it, they could see a figure of a woman, with long, black hair, black skin, everything. The only things that could be identified were her pointed ears, and eyes glowing purple.
The Witch of Envy had escaped.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you…"
Within the cold void of the Witch of Envy's shadows, that was the only thing Subaru heard, over and over again, on repeat, forever.
He knew it wouldn't be easy. He knew the Witch of Envy wouldn't willingly let him destroy her existence, but this was a whole other level of hard.
So this is what it means to go up against a Level 100…
As he lifted his arm, Subaru's mind scrolled through all the Authorities he had obtained, finding the one he needed. "Authority of Greed…"
"No."
KRAK!
"GHAAA!"
Black tendrils stabbed through his body, holding him down, keeping him still, so that they could love him, forever. It was almost as painful as the Black Serpent, and Subaru wanted out.
Within the inky darkness, Subaru could feel his mind losing himself. He was forgetting everything, he was forgetting what he was supposed to be doing
He needed his Authorities. HE NEEDED HIS AUTHORITIES.
Invisible Providence, Image Search, Life's Balance, Serpent's Tongue, his mind get going over his options trying to remember which one he needed when –
KRAK!
"YAAAHHH!"
The pain of the tendrils had struck again. His panicked mind immediately screamed "Authority of Vainglory: Reality Hopper", as the black tendrils kept digging into him, breaking his concentration. He activated the Authority he called out, and then…
Then, he saw them.
Flashes of other people, other worlds, he didn't know what, but he saw them.
A half-elf with silver hair on one side, and black on the other, carrying a scythe.
A woman in a black kimono, who's black hair and red eyes made her look formidable.
A beautiful undead, with brown hair and a purple dress, with magic like his.
A man, wearing an eye patch, flying into a battle of magic and science.
A monstrous toad, slaying a hero and his party members.
And finally… his home. Japan, where his parents were waiting for him.
Subaru didn't know what these were, illusions, other realities, whatever. What he knew was that they were of little consequence to what was happening right now.
Snapping out of his trance, Subaru grabbed the black tendrils that had impaled him, and started to pull on them, bringing him closer and closer towards the Witch of Envy.
"I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you…"
As he finally reached her, he removed the black veil over her head, letting it fall down out of the shadows, and onto the earth. With the hair and face he loved now showing, he smiled, as he placed one of his hands over her exposed cheek.
But he wasn't looking at her face.
He wasn't looking at her eyes.
He was looking beyond them.
He was looking at her.
Suddenly, those eyes spaced to life, as if a psyche was trying to fight for control. Tears came out of Satella's eyes as she screamed, "DO IT… NOW!"
He knew what she meant. She wanted him to end her.
But he wouldn't do that.
"Understood," Subaru smiled. "Authority of Greed: Capture Mode."
As he met the resistance of the Witch of Envy, the shadows around them died down, as the two of them fell down to the desert floor, holding tight onto one another.
"Authority of Lust: Love Heals All."
It was done. The Witch of Envy was no more.
Satella was now free.
The Authority of Envy, "Return by Death", was now "Rewind". Subaru could now loop back to the beginning of every week, and the best part, no death was required.
But that didn't matter right now.
What mattered now was Satella, who was in his arms, crying her eyes out.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I dragged you away from your world… away from your home… away from your family… and I gave you that curse of Return by Death!" she cried. Looking up at him, she asked, "So… why? Why did you save me?! WHY DON'T YOU HATE ME?!"
"There is no hate in my heart for you, Satella," he answered. "Only love."
As the two crying adults embraced one another, Reinhard, Shaula, Volcanica, and Reid watched in tearful happiness that their friend finally got their happy ending.
However, it didn't last long.
The rest of the Adventurers Alliance went to the crash site, and they saw Subaru hugging what appeared to be a carbon copy of Emilia, however they knew better. While the Emilia Camp members knew what was going on, everyone else had some questions.
And Subaru knew that they were going to need some answers.
Author's Notes: That is all for this time. Next time, though… hehehe… it shall be the beginning of the end.
Scattershot: Thanks for letting me have creative control over how Pandora died. Don't worry, the Council of Elders will get their comeuppance in the next chapter. As for Reinhard and Felt, I always like them as a couple, definitely a lot better than Felt and Subaru. The reason for Felt's reaction was because nobody outside of the Throne Room knew that Pandora was actually the mastermind of the Witch Cult, including Rem. So, when she heard that her hero was actually affiliated with the monster that destroyed her home and essentially ruined her life, yeah, it would be understandable that she was upset. She isn't the most mentally-stable character to begin with. And as for Ram, I pretty much gave you her explanation for the way she was earlier in this chapter.
Deathenglegamers1144: Thanks for the review. And as for finishing "Watching Three Idiots Talking Smack to Each Other for Thirty Minutes", Im The Person has some personal things to take care of, and then we'll finish up that series.
Mondo: Well, given the insanity that has happened to them for the last year, at this point half of the Emilia Camp would say that it was a typical Tuesday when they found out that Subaru was intimate with Satella. And yes, while it is true that Subaru could easily destroy an army of Witch Cultists, as the chapter today showed, he was busy taking care of Satella to bother with them. And as you also saw in this chapter, there will be a few more trials before we get a "happy ending". And thank you for defending my Reinahrd and Felt ship with the Lust If. That was actually a pretty clever comeback.
GammaOmegaDelta: Sasuga, Flugel-sama!
Iseepandas: Thanks, I worked really hard to make everyone's reactions to Satella feel genuine. I actually don't know if Subaru will ever discuss Return by Death with anyone besides Satella. And everyone would be lying if they said that Subaru was not affected by having his head frozen off by Puck. That kind of thing sticks with you.
A. J Savage: Well, remember, the thing is: Pandora gave up. She let Subaru kill her. If she thought that the current reality was still worth fighting for, then eyah, she wouldn't go down as easily. She's only a threat when she wants to be. And as for Subaru not stopping Rem, I think he feels uncomfortable using magic against his friends, since he could easily go on a power trip. For Ram, she has mixed feelings towards everything. On the one hand the person she knows is Barusu, regardless of his status. She's also confused by the fact that, despite everything, someone like him could still have a good heart, and even give back her horn. She may care about him, but she also cares more about her sister, hence why she didn't straight up kill Subaru when he was "revealed" to be a "Witch Cultist", even though in her mind, she would realize it was all an act. Still, despite that, everyone trusts Subaru, and the status of the Great Sage kinda comes with people not questioning you. Kinda like the Divine Dragon.
Jpx0999: Okay, here's a hint to what the Final Arc would be, without too many spoilers: Something Subaru did in this chapter comes back to bite him, reunions happen, the multiverse falls into danger, crossovers occur, and the fans all pass out in excitement.
BigSmokeYeet: Ha-ha.
KingLAO2964: Don't worry, the two of them won't progress to anything more than kissing until after the end of the Royal Selection, so, for a long time. Like, years.
Astronomer_Kid: Actually, I was considering creating an If Story for this series. The basic idea is that if the checkpoint moved to after Beatrice, Shaula, and Meili all died in Flanders, Subaru would have destroyed the entire city in his rage. After that, he would try to destroy Lugnica like some kind of Demon King, with his legion of other villainous minions, eventually having to fight Reinhard in an epic final battle. I might do it later.
VinHD15: Yeah, sure thing. After this chapter, there will only be only six chapters left, and then the series is over. So, this series will end somewhere between late June and early July. We're all in the endgame now, boys and girls.
hlglh: Lovely.
Now, like I promised, a new power, and, not two, but three new Authorities are revealed:
"Create Greater Item": This spell creates magically-made items such as armor, swords, and other weapons and equipment. It can also create more mundane items like a bed and furniture. However, whenever one of these items is used by the user, the user is limited to only five of his normal spells. That's why Subaru gave the items he created to his allies, since they don't count as "him", they could use them without consequence.
"Serpent's Tongue": This is Subaru's version of the Authority of Melancholy. It allows him to create visual and auditory illusions and hallucinations. He's able to disguise himself, make himself sound like others, and make his victims question reality, just like Mysterio! When his illusions disappear, they turn into puffs of magical smoke.
"Reality Hopper": This is Subaru's version of the Authority of Vainglory. It allows Subaru to create these swirling, blue and white portals that can take him… literally anywhere. He could go to the edges of his own world, or even another world. He could go back to Japan, an alternate version of Lugnica, any fandom you can think of, literally any reality, ever. Also, there are no limitations to how many portals he can open. However, he needs to actively think to close them, so if he is completely unaware that he opened one, it won't close until he realizes one is open. The consequence is that… something dangerous could go through the portal from the other side.
"Rewind": This is Subaru's version of the completed Authority of Envy. It allows Subaru to reset to the beginning of every week whenever he feels like it. That means, death would no longer have to be Subaru's catalyst for looping, but if he did die, he would still loop back to the beginning of the week. The drawback is that if a disaster were to appear during, let's say, Tuesday, he would only have one day to prepare, Monday, rather than the normal week "Return by Death" would give him. Also, the Authority will deactivate if Subaru dies of old age or any other natural causes, making it useless if Subaru wanted to "live" forever. If you call looping through the same week over and over again "living".
And that's it! If any of you ever want to join my Discord server, the link is /6wbZKX8Y . You can post memes and fan art there, chat with other members, and I'll drop by every now and then to update you all on my projects! If you want to be my friend, my username is Eranlore#8663. If you want to read more, there is a collaboration I'm working on with Infinite the Celestian called "Reinhard the Demigod", check it out, it's really good! Anyway, thank you for reading, and I'll see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 28: Confessions
Summary:
With Satella freed, Subaru now has to explain himself both to the Adventurers Alliance, and the Council of Elders, which includes nearly every secret Subaru had to hide coming out into the open. Oh, well, at least there's a nice surprise party for the return of Satella wating for them at the Roswaal Mansion. Meanwhile, out all over Lugnica, something terrible has happened... Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 28: Confessions
Running down the sandy hills of the Auguria Sand Dunes, the various members of the Adventurers Alliance rushed towards where the giant shadow monster had fallen and seemingly dissipated, only to find something… shocking.
Hugging Subaru in the sand was a silver-haired half-elf, wearing a black dress. Everyone looked towards Emilia, and saw that their heights, body types, all of it, were identical to one another.
It didn't take a genius to figure out who that was.
Immediately, Crusch pulled out her sword from its hilt, and started to approach. "Subaru Natsuki…" she said, in a low voice. "Step away from that Witch."
"I'm sorry, Crusch-sama," Reinhard apologized, as he stood between the Valkyrie and the reunited lovers. "I'm afraid we cannot allow any harm to befall her."
Behind him, Volcanica growled, Shaula tensed up, and Reid scowled. They would make sure that their efforts to save Satella wouldn't be wasted by a mob wanting to lynch her.
"Reinhard, what are you doing?!" Julius hissed. "That's the Witch of Envy!"
"And yet the Great Sage, the Divine Dragon, and the first Sword Saint aren't attacking her," the redhead retorted. "If anything, they seem ready to defend her from you."
"But…" Felix uttered, but before he could say anything else.
"Idiots," Priscilla jeered. "It's obvious that we are missing all of the puzzle pieces. Look around you… none of the members of the half-elf's Camp are afraid, almost as if they were expecting this. This was your plan from the very beginning, wasn't it, Great Sage?"
Subaru lifted his face up from the crook of Satella's neck, and looked directly at his allies, all of them who had looks of betrayal all over their faces. This was it. No turning back.
"Yes," he said. "This was my plan all along."
With the exception of Subaru's inner circle, the Emilia Camp, Echidna, Minerva, Halibel, Zarestia, and Priscilla, everyone else had looks ranging from complete shock to absolute horror.
"But… why?" Wilhelm said, finally snapping out of it.
"Don't worry, all will be explained in due time," Echidna smiled, walking towards Subaru and Satella. "In the meantime, I think it's best that we all head back to the Astrea manor. The rest of the Adventures Alliance are waiting for us. Aren't they, Subaru Natsuki?"
"You're right," he said, standing up. "Gate."
"All right, everyone get cleaned up, grab the other leaders, and we'll meet up in the living room," the Great Sage said. "Get your questions ready, it'll be a long day of answering them."
One by one, the members of the Adventurers Alliance reluctantly went through the portal, as Halibel whispered, "Yo, Tia, you sure we can trust Su-san?"
"Absolutely," the Great Spirit replied. "Satella's a good person."
"All right, I'll trust you…"
Subaru was right. It ended up being a long day.
Upon getting themselves cleaned up, everyone gathered into the living room. At one point, even Louanna arrived, due to the commotion her husband made about "the Witch being here".
Once everyone settled in, the door opened, and arrived, Subaru, Reinhard, and… her.
Despite being completely terrified, upon closer inspection, everyone had realized a few things. Satella wasn't some mass of monstrous shadows, incapable of love. She seemed just like Emilia, a person who, after knowing her for so long, seemed like a completely normal girl.
The silence was killing everyone, and the air could be cut with a knife.
Then, she spoke.
"Hello, everyone. My name is Satella. Just Satella," the half-elf in black said, as she bowed towards everyone, surprising them. "Thank you… for saving me."
Felt and Anastasia were especially the most shocked. From what they were told, this would have been a simple mission of defending the Tower, and yet, they brought back the infamous Witch… who was now bowing to them in gratitude? What?
"All right… who wants their question answered first?" Subaru asked.
Everyone's hands immediately shot up.
"Yes, Heinkel," Subaru pointed at Reinhard's father.
"Are you being brainwashed right now?"
"What? No!" Subaru retorted, taking offense to that. "Yes, Satella is powerful, but she can't brainwash people. Manipulate time and space, yes, but brainwashing? No."
"How do we know you're not lying?"
"Because my Divine Protection of Wind Indication would have been set off," Reinhard explained. "Even if he was being forced to lie, it would still qualify as a lie."
"Well, tha' settles tha'," Anastasia said, clapping her hands. "But a bigger question: How long did y know tha was his plan?"
"After the Zarestia Incident, Subaru told me that he was planning to free Satella," the redhead answered the merchant princess.
"Rein! Why didn't you trust me with this?!" Felt pouted.
"Yeah, actually, that was my fault," Subaru explained, pointing at himself. "I told him that the less people who knew, the better. Hell, I only told my entire Camp only last week."
"That's not something you should be proud of, Subaru-kun!" Rem exclaimed.
"I know, I know, but like I said last week, the world still sees Satella as an incarnation of pure evil. You would have looked me up for being a suspected Witch Cultist!"
"Wait…" Theresia's hand was now raised. "Who else outside of your Camp knew?"
"Well… technically speaking… outside of my Camp… the only people who knew besides Reinhard… were Reid, Volcanica, Zarestia, and the former Witches of the Deadly Sins."
"I'm sorry, who?" Halibel asked, his eyes widening.
"That would be us," Minerva said, raising her hand, and then pointing to herself and Echidna. "I'm Minerva, the former Witch of Wrath, and that's Echidna, the former Witch of Greed."
"Yo," the white-haired woman merely replied.
"Oh, that's a nice twist," Louanna chuckled.
"I'm lost, how is this funny?" Old Man Rom asked.
"Echidna was acting as the Astreas' family therapist for a few weeks now," she answered.
"That's not remotely funny!" Julius said, worryingly.
"Well, being in a coma for nearly two decades will give you a new perspective."
"Hol' up, ya also said Reid Astrea," Ricardo pointed out. "As in THE Reid Astrea?"
"Yeah, it's th' guy next ta Cap'n," Garfiel said, pointing to Reid.
Of course, that caused everyone to erupt into a crazed frenzy.
"ALL OF YOU MONGRELS, SILENCE!"
All the noise immediately died down, as everyone stared at Priscilla.
"Good, you can all follow orders like good little dogs," the Vollachina Matriarch huffed. "Now, perhaps it would be best if we started from the beginning?"
"That's a good call," Subaru said. "Satella-tan, you're up."
"Me?!" the half-elf exclaimed. "You know I'm not a good public speaker!"
"I already did the one for the Emilia Camp, it's your turn. And besides," he smiled, giving her a peck on the cheek. "... I know you can do it."
The kiss caused the former Witch of Envy to blush, but she decided to push through.
Emilia and Rem, meanwhile, stared in jealousy, wondering when they would get Subaru alone?
Sighing, Satella stepped forward and started to speak. "It all began before the Great Calamity, and before I became the Witch of Envy. Back then, I was just Satella, a half-elf who was born in Elior Forest. One day, I was in the outskirts of the forest, when I met… Subaru."
Everyone internally awed when she spoke of Subaru, but wouldn't dare to admit it.
"Back then, he wasn't the Great Sage you all knew, he was just Subaru Natsuki, an odd foreigner who had life-threatening wounds. I took him back to my home and I healed him."
"..."
"When recovering in my home, I may have spoken about my life… Mainly the fact that I was an orphan, and the villagers around me were apathetic. I was… kind of lonely. I wanted to see the outside world, but… I didn't want to do it alone."
"..."
"So, when he offered me his hand, I took it. And he… gave me everything. He gave me light, he showed me the outside world, he held my hand when I was lonely, and he kissed me when I was all alone. And for that alone, I would always love him."
For the few seconds of silence, the audience teared up a bit. To Louanna and Theresia, that sounded like an excellent romance, while to the Emilia Camp and friends who already knew the story, listening to it from this perspective couldn't prevent the tears.
Even stubborn people like Wilhelm, Heinkel, and Al weren't made of stone.
"Eventually, after traveling for a bit, we met Echidna and the others at the Sanctuary… and that's when Subaru came into contact with the Witch Factor of Envy. These Witch Factors were the antithesis of the Od Laguna, and when a person absorbed them, they could use the powers within the Authority of the Witch Factor they took. However… a person had to be compatible to safely use them. And Subaru… he could use all of them."
"WAIT, WHAT?!"
"IS THAT WHY YOU'RE SO POWERFUL!"
"Let her finish the story, please!" Subaru commanded.
"Thank you, my beloved. Anyway, as I was saying, Subaru only took the Envy Witch Factor because it was the only one that was available at the time. The rest of them, Pride, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, Lust, Vainglory, and Melancholy, were already claimed by others."
"..."
"Despite that, Subaru would go on to be known to the public as the Great Sage, while his friends knew him as the Warlock of Envy. And for a few years, life was good. We had trusted friends in Reid, Volcanica, Geuse, and even Tia, we traveled around the world, helping villages and slaying monsters. We were hailed as heroes. We even had a daughter –"
"WHAT?!"
"TELL ME THAT ISN'T TRUE!"
"Wait, wait, wait! She means Shaula! We adopted Shaula!" Subaru yelled out, trying to prevent Emilia and Rem from murdering Satella. "I've never been laid in my life!"
It took all of Ram's, Elsa's, and Zarestia's willpower not to laugh out loud.
Oh, damn, he isn't lying, Crusch realized, as her Divine Protection didn't go off.
"The point I was trying to say was that we lived a happy life," Satella said, trying to change back the subject. "But that all changed when Pandora and Hector attacked."
Everyone's laughter immediately died down when they heard that name.
"Oh, before anyone asks, yes, I managed to kill Pandora," Subaru pointed out. "Last week, in fact, along with Hector, her second-in-command, and the Black Serpent."
"Why didn't you tell us, nyah?!" Felix hissed.
"I mean, I only needed quality over quantity to take care of Hector. The fact that Pandora and the Black Serpent showed up was a complete coincidence. Speaking of which, I'm sorry, Wilhelm, but your revenge kinda won't happen."
"It's fine," the old man huffed. "I should probably cut back on the stuff, anyway."
"Cool. Anyway, back to the story. Satella?"
"Right," she nodded. "Anyway, as I was saying, Hector was easy to take care of… Pandora… She was a monster. She was able to manipulate and orchestrate events that allowed her to systematically kill off the other Witches of Sin. To kill off our friends."
Fortuna scowled, as she remembered the gory details of how she eliminated Subaru's friends. The rest of the Emilia Camp did as well. Even Shaula and Reid's faces were downcast.
"Eventually, only two of us were left. Objectively, Subaru should have been able to win. But… Pandora targeted Subaru's greatest weakness."
"What was it?" Hetaro asked.
"Me."
"Satella, no," Subaru said, pulling the half-elf close. "You aren't a weakness to me, and you aren't a burden. You're my strength, and I love you."
"Subaru… thank you."
Emilia and Rem stayed silent during the scene. They knew deep down that Subaru truly missed her, and touch starvation for four hundred years was something she did not deserve.
"Regardless if I'm someone's strength or not, the fact remains that Pandora used me to get to Subaru," Satella continued. "She attacked my very soul, and I would have died if Subaru didn't give me his Authority of Envy… but all that did was play right in Pandora's hands."
"How?" Tivey asked.
"Do you remember how I said Subaru was compatible with the Authority of Envy?"
"Yeah, so I take it that you were incompatible, or something?" Mimi asked.
"I was. Because of that, a split personality was created. One that you call the Witch of Envy."
Julius processed what he heard. "So, the Great Calamity…"
"Was orchestrated by Pandora and used Satella as a scapegoat? Yes," Subaru said.
"It was awful. My body was forced to do these horrible things, while all I could do was watch. I silently begged for someone to end it all, and by the end of it…" Satella teared up. "My friends, my daughter, the man I loved… they were forced to lock me away."
"..."
"From then on, for the last four hundred years, all I could do was watch the outside world. I saw our friends die of old age, I saw as the humanitarian group Subaru created got hijacked by Pandora and turned into a cult obsessed with worshiping me. I saw how I became the world's boogeyman, and how so many lives were made worse due to what happened."
"..."
"And then… Subaru came back. And the rest, as they say… is history."
And with the end of the story, everyone was shocked to silence.
Everything they knew about their history was wrong.
Satella wasn't a being of pure evil, she was someone the Great Sage loved dearly, who would have destroyed the whole world if it meant saving her.
And evidently, it did.
Satella had given them the rundown of what had happened four hundred years ago, the same one Subaru gave the Emilia Camp, and they were shocked to the bone.
The Royal Candidates and their knights were floored by what they heard. It also didn't help that Reinhard was fully aware of what Subaru was planning, and was actually supporting him.
Theresia didn't know whether she should have been proud that her grandson had started to think for himself, or mad that he actually went through with such an insane stunt.
"So… let me get this straight…" Felt said, pointing to Satella. "The Witch of Envy was just an alternate personality due to the fact she was incompatible with her Authority?"
"Yup."
"An'… th' ladies who accompanied ya on thi' mission… Echidna-san and Minerva-san… were also two members of th' Witches of Sin?" Anastasia continued.
"That's correct."
"But… they aren't anymore… because you have taken all nine of the Authorities for yourself… including the ones of the Sin Archbishops and Pandora," Wilhelm concluded.
"Uh-huh."
"So… now what?" Crusch asked.
"Well, now…"
Knock, knock.
"I'll get it," Reinhard said, opening the door. "Oh, uh… Subaru, it's a letter for you."
"What does it say?"
"It's from the Council of Elders… they're setting up an emergency meeting now, and they want you, along with the major heads of each Camp in attendance. "
One hour later, the Royal Candidates, their knights, along with Subaru, Satella, Shaula, Wilhelm, Theresia, Roswaal, and Reid were behind the doors of the Throne Room.
The doors opened up, and the group went into the Throne Room, coming face-to-face with the various members of the Council of Elders, Captain Marocs, and various nobles.
"Is there a reason you summoned me?" Subaru asked.
"Yes," Milklotov answered curtly. "Earlier today, we received a message from the Dragon Tablet that you had defeated the Witch of Envy. Is this true?"
Subaru looked behind Miklotov and read all of the old messages from the Dragon Tablet.
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, with the help of Emilia, the Witch of Glaciation, his contracted Spirit, Beatrice, the Great Spirit of Yin, the First Sword Saint, Reid Astrea, the former Witch of Greed, Echidna, Minerva, the former Witch of Wrath, the former Sin Archbishop of Sloth, Petelgeuse Romanee-Conti, the former Sin Archbisop of Wrath, Fortuna / Sirius Romanee-Conti, the Court Mage, Roswaal L. Mathers, and the Great Spirit of Fire, Puck, has slain the Warlock of Melancholy, Hector."
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, has slain the Witch of Vainglory, Pandora."
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natskui, has slain the Black Serpent."
"The Great Sage, Subaru "Flugel" Natsuki, with the help of the Sword Saint, Reinhard van Astrea, his apprentice, Shaula the Starkeeper, the First Sword Saint, Reid Astrea, and the Divine Dragon, Volcanica, has defeated the Witch of Envy."
Dang it, Volcanica, you just had to blab, Subaru sneered. It didn't matter. The sooner he got this over with, the sooner he would be able to get back home.
"Yes. The Witch of Envy personality is no more."
"The Witch of Envy personality?" Bordeaux asked. "What do you mean?"
"I mean that the evil personality has been destroyed, while Satella, the good personality, has been saved, and can now safely roam the world once more."
"Good personality…?" Miklotov wondered, until his eyes trailed off to one of the people who had accompanied the Great Sage and the Royal Candidates.
She was a silver-haired half-elf, with the same physical appearance as Emilia, the only difference being that she wore black rather than white. The old man wondered for a second if Emilia had decided to change her outfit, until he saw that… There were two of them.
Two silver-haired half-elves. One of them was wearing white and purple robes, clearly indicating that was Emilia, while the other one was that black dress. Almost… like… shadows…
Mikltotov's eyes widened as he finally put two and two together.
Unfortunately, most of the room hadn't picked up on that, as they were still stunned into silence by what Subaru had said. After a few seconds of processing what they had heard, Captain Marcos was the first to speak.
"What?"
"You heard me. I saved Satella. I completed my mission."
"Mission? What mission?!" Bordeaux growled.
"Of course this was going to happen…" Subaru grumbled to himself, before telling them, "I'm sorry for keeping you in the dark like this, so let me amend that: My mission, since forming the Adventurers Alliance, was to save my beloved, Satella."
Upon hearing that, the rest of the Throne Room had finally put it together. The fact that there were two half-elves, the things the Great Sage was saying… it all now made sense.
And they were not happy.
"WHAT?!"
"YOU FREED THAT DEVIL?!
"SHE'S THE LEADER OF THE CULT!"
"Okay, first off, Satella was never the leader of the Witch Cult, we already established that it was Pandora, and second, as of today, the Witch Cult has been dismantled."
Despite the fact that the Japanese teenager was using logic, the entire nobility and other denizens of the Throne Room were still getting hissy, and at that point, Reinhard had to intervene. "Gentlemen, please," the Sword Saint requested. "Let us be civil."
"Did you actually go through with this, Reinhard?!"
"Yes, I was one of the first who knew of the Great Sage's true plans, Bordeaux-sama."
"You damn brat…!"
"Do not insult my grandson!" Wilhelm hissed, something that caught Theresia off-guard.
"Your grandson admitted to conspiring with this boy to free that devil –"
BRAKKA!
Immediately, the entire Throne Room was silenced once again, as they saw the cracked hole in the wall, very close to where Bordeaux's head was. It was smoking.
"Don't call her that," the nasty-eyed boy whispered, his staff aimed at the wall.
"What?"
"I said… DON'T CALL HER THAT," he growled. "Satella is a kind person who was simply caught at the wrong place at the wrong time. If anyone's a devil… it's me."
"Ah, Subaru-sama," Miklotov spoke up. "If it's not too much to ask of you… perhaps it would be best if we knew the full context of your history? Maybe we could understand you then?"
"Fine," he said. "Get a scribe. I was planning on making all of this public, anyway."
Thirty minutes later, Miklotov, Bordeaux, Marcos, and the majority of the nobility, now looked at Subaru as if he was some sort of crackpot, with varying degrees of anger in them.
Apparently, their entire history was built on the lies orchestrated by a platinum-haired girl the Great Sage managed to kill a while back, and the reason he was eliminating all of these threats was just to make a better world for Satella to return to.
And they couldn't even imagine how Reid, who was somehow in the Throne Room, along with Volcanica, and Shaula, were actually good friends with Satella, and most of the other Witches, who were now somehow hanging out in the Roswaal Mansion.
Not only that, but even after going behind their backs with this plan, the rest of the Camps simply forgave the nasty-eyed boy after he told them his sad story about his beloved, and they weren't going to argue with them. Whatever happened at the Pleiades Watchtower must have been so insane, that they just decided to roll with it.
After sitting in his seat for a bit, pondering what he had heard, Miklotov sighed, "So, I guess this newfound public knowledge will be the true history of our kingdom?"
"Pretty much, yeah," Subaru nodded. "I mean, the only thing left now is the Royal Selection, and you guys will be able to enjoy a nice retirement. No more having to deal with my insanity, and you guys no longer putting your feet in your mouths."
"Excuse me?" Bordeaux growled.
"I mean, it was pretty obvious from the get-go how incompetent you guys were. There was the fact that there wasn't a good blow against Witch Cult until only after I showed up, your management of the slums and your treatment of demi-humans was highly unethical. Hell, you didn't even bother setting up another meeting after seeing that I literally took down the leader of the Witch Cult and the final Great Mabeast! Why… it almost seemed like you were only trying to consolidate your power, rather than trying to properly manage the government."
"Watch your tongue! We still control the kingdom!"
"And what? You're gonna try another smear campaign? Even if you guys manage to drag me down this time around, once the Royal Selection ends in a year, you guys are finished."
"Nonsense! The new ruler will still need help to rule! They'll need us!"
"Actually, no, they won't. It was unanimously agreed on by the five Royal Candidates that once one of them came to power, the Council of Elders would be disbanded," the black-haired boy corrected the old man. "What? Did you think that the meeting at Priestella was just for partying? Please, they discussed how you guys needed to go while they had brunch."
"YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO US!"
"Actually, yes, I can," Subaru smiled. "You're useless. Outdated. And frankly, dangerous. For example, I know what you have done, Bordeaux. I know your crimes. I know every dirty little secret of yours. I suggest you don't resist and give up your power, or else."
"Or else what?"
Subaru chuckled, and his teeth showed, giving him a twisted smile and glowing eyes. "Or else, one day you will have to answer for your actions…"
"W-wait, what is going on?" Bordeaux gulped, as he suddenly saw eyes, skulls, ghosts, teeth, and other horrors glitching in and out of existence as Subaru approached him.
Everyone else saw them, too. As it turned out, Subaru had activated "Serpent's Tongue", and it was causing everyone to be afraid of the black-haired devil in the room.
But Subaru didn't care. The Council of Elders had served their purpose, and it was time to either put them in their place or dispose of them. Using his illusions to make himself even more demonic, he continued with his speech towards the old farts.
"One day you will have to answer for your actions… AND GOD MAY NOT BE SO MERCIFUL."
In an instant, all the illusions and nightmarish imagery had disappeared, and the entire Throne Room was silent. With the expectation of the happily-smiling Subaru.
"Okay! Thank you all for coming, good meeting, I gotta go."
Subaru turned to leave, something that the rest of the Adventures Alliance figured was also a good idea, as they did not want to listen to more of Zellgeff's rants once he recovered from shock. Besides, after the long day they had, they deserved some rest.
As Subaru and his entourage were leaving, Satella got close to him and whispered into his ear, "I gotta say, that was kind of hot."
Smiling, Subaru asked, "Hey, Satella-tan, when you're done settling into your new room, you think the two of us can talk later tonight?"
"Hmm… sure."
Meanwhile, the rest of the Adventurers Alliance had their own problems to deal with.
"Felix…" Crusch said, in a low tone. "When we get back, you're going to explain to me what exactly went through your mind when you confessed your love to me in the middle of a battle."
"Nyah, yes, Crusch-sama," the cat boy said, downcast.
"Well, I guess I'll spend my evening throwing away most of my history books, considering how inaccurate they actually are," Julius sighed. "Perhaps Joshua would be interested in –"
"Oh, no, mister!" Anastasia said, pulling her knight down to her height. "You promised we would go on a date, and were going on a date!"
"Uhh… yes, ma'am!"
Upon saying good-bye to everyone else, and returning Halibel and Zarestia back to Kararagi, after the Great Spirit of course hugged Satella, and asked her to come visit for girl talk every now and then. Once that was done, however, Subaru opened up a Gate back to the Roswaal Mansion. It was the moment of truth.
Going through it with Satella, Emilia, Rem, Ram, Beatrice, Roswaal, Garfiel, Frederica, Shaula, Minerva, Echidna, Fortuna, Reid, and oddly enough, Elsa, they made it back to their home base, where everyone else was waiting for them.
Upon crossing through the Gate, Satella saw all of the various members of the Emilia Camp, waiting on the other side, with their eyes hopeful that the mission was successful.
Then, all of their eyes focused on her.
"Oh, hello, everyone," she smiled. "My name is –"
WHAM!
"TELLAAA!" cried Typhon, as she tackled Satella to the ground in a big hug.
"Oww… yes, Typhon, I'm back."
The evening was quite hectic, but very much enjoyable.
Upon being reunited with the other Witches, Satella was finally able to cry tears of joy seeing Minerva and Typhon again, after having to remain all calm and composed in front of the Adventures Alliance. She was even happy hearing the barrage of insults Echidna dished out. Even Carmilla, Daphne, and Sekhmet, were happy to see her.
Seeing Geuse, Shaula, Beatrice, Ryuzu, and to a lesser degree Reid, Roswaal, Clind, and Puck, was also nice. It was a shame that Volcanica was too big to be indoors.
The maids and other members of the Emilia Camp were also quite nice to meet. Both she and Sylphy boneced quite well over their shared hatred of Regulus, while she found Annerose to be one of the cutest people in the world. Of course, not as cute as Meili and Louis. She absolutely loved how her Subaru had adopted two more children.
It was a shame that Meili viewed Emilia as her mother, and Louis viewed Rem as her's.
Oh, well. She still had Shaula.
Everyone else also enjoyed reuniting with their loved ones after such a harrowing mission. Geuse cried tears of joy seeing Fortuna back, while Frederica slammed her mouth right into Otto's. Clind and Roswaal nodded to each other with respect, while Beatrice hugged Ryuzu. She actually hugged the multiple Ryuzus, in fact.
There was even a cute moment where Elsa formally apologized for trying to gut everyone in the mansion back during the Sanctuary incident. Oddly enough, Petra accepted her apology.
After dinner and a great big party with cake, night came. When everyone else went back to their rooms, Satella was out in the garden, admiring the night sky she had not seen in four hundred years, when she heard the soft grass being stepped on.
Turning her head, she saw it was none other than her beloved Subaru.
"Hey, Satella-tan."
"Hello… Subaru."
"So… how are you enjoying your newfound freedom?"
"It's nice," she chirped. "Even though there are still people who hate me, you went out of your way to find good-hearted people, so I wouldn't feel alone again."
"Well, only the best for my Satella-tan."
The two of them were quiet for a bit, trying to figure out what to say. Despite four hundred years of waiting, they never actually thought of what they would say when they got there.
"Hey… Subaru?"
"Yes?"
"Is this real?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, is this real? Or will I wake up tomorrow, back in my seal, alone and – Mmph?!"
Before she could continue her sad train of thought, Subaru had dashed towards the silver-haired half-elf and kissed her right on the lips.
Upon letting go, Subaru asked, "Does that answer your question, Satella?"
Her eyes became teary, not out of sadness, but out of joy, as she smiled, and said, "Yes."
"Satella… I love you."
"I love you, too, Subaru."
And the two of them continued to kiss under the moonlight.
Meanwhile out in the fields near the Lifaus Highway, a swirling portal of light blue and white shined brightly. But what came out of it… was out of the darkest nightmares.
Out of the portal came undead, zombies that were mindless and their flesh rotting, with weapons made only to snuff out life. "Ruhr…" they groaned. Along with them came giant insects the size of dogs and monsters no one could mistake for demi-humans.
As it turns out, there were other worlds, and all of them came with calamities of their own, ranging from renegade soldiers, to monsters, and all-powerful demon lords.
And all of them had been brought to Lugnica.
Author's Notes: We're in the endgame now, tinky-winky. The good news is, Satella is saved. The bad news is, these comments are getting shorter and shorter!
A. J Savage: I know a lot of people were disappointed with how Pandora went out. I was kind of swayed by the earlier comment saying that she would be an easy kill, and the lore I came up with as a reason why was too tantalizing to not publish, so we got that. As for the other Camps, they kinda put their trust in the Great Sage due to the fact they once accidentally pissed off the living legend, and they really didn't want to repeat that. Yes, all of Ram's character development was for you. The reason it felt like half the team didn't do anything was because I wanted the last chapter to mostly focus on Subaru and Satella. I also wanted the end of the last chapter to have everyone kinda realize they freed Satella, hence why it wasn't only Subaru and his inner circle.
Mondo: Here's this week's chapter, hope you loved it. And yes, it was pretty much a second version of "History Lessons". And as for your idea for what the "final trial" will be… yeah, you got most of it right. Also, thanks, having the Royal Candidates paired up with their knights was something I really wanted to do. And, yes, Subaru will reunite with his parents.
Deathenglegamers1144: Hope this chapter was as jolly as the last one. And as for your request for me to finish up other people's react fic, do you have any names?
BigSmokeYeet: Sure! Question is: What in specific needs an explanation?
Jpx0999: Yeah, the visions Subaru had and the power to go through dimensions is me teasing something big. And yes, this chapter was another "History Lessons".
Aliata: Top five? I'm honored! Don't worry, after this chapter, there will be one Final Arc, which will consist of five more chapters, and then the series is over, and everyone gets their happy ending. Yes, that does include Subaru's romance with Emilia, Rem, and Satella, and an epilogue. I'm glad you liked my last chapter's writing so much that it was cemented as your favorite. I also might add some scenes of Subaru, Emilia, Rem, Meili, Beatrice, and everyone else relaxing by the end of the series.
OreosAreYummy: I'm glad you're looking forward to the next chapter! And don;'t worry about the question mark and exclamation point mix-up, we all make mistakes.
hlglh: I mean, you're technically not wrong.
Tomodachi: Sí, había algunas personas a las que no les gustó lo corta que fue la batalla, pero para ser justos, los Witch Cultists eran solo carne de cañón. Y no, no iba a sacar un arma secreta no canónica para que aumentaran las tensiones. Pero tu idea de tener a Satella ayudando a decorar el Culto fue bastante buena, solo desearía haberlo pensado antes. Y sí, esto, junto con otro escándalo que ocurrirá pronto, probablemente garantizará la victoria de Felt, aunque será una elección reñida. Y creo que puedo hacer que Subaru piense en algo para ayudar a descongelar a los elfos en Elior Forest. Y sí, probablemente debería haber agregado algunas reacciones del grupo, pero estaba demasiado concentrado en la dinámica entre Subaru y Satella. Un beso hubiera sido bueno, pero estoy bastante seguro de que abrazar dijo que la Bruja de la Envidia también les habría mostrado a todos dónde estaba la lealtad de Subaru.
Meiliholic: Actually, Priscilla started to take an interest in Al after the battle in Priestella, so the set was complete when Anastasia asked Julius out on a date.
Xdcz4444: Eran varios residentes del multiverso.
Astronomer_Kid: The multiverse was always the end goal before even the story was written! Anyway, I hope you get excited for the Final Arc!
And so, we come to the end once again. If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /6wbZKX8Y . You can chat with others, post memes and fan art, and I'll drop by with announcements and chat with you all every now and then! If you want to read more, check out my other stories! Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 29: Into the Multiverse
Summary:
A month after Satella's release, Subaru has had enough. He has had it with these randomly-appearing monsters, appearing randomly all over Lugnica. So, he decides to investigate it further, only to discover that six mysterious portals have show up. Having splitting up his gang into groups of three, they all take the plunge, and go to the other side. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 29: Into the Multiverse
"Wait, so why are we out here again?" Al asked.
"I was getting reports that there was some overgrown ground dragon attacking the merchants that we're crossing near Flugel's Tree, so we're investigating it," Subaru answered.
"No, I mean, why am I here?" the helmeted knight answered.
"Oh, because I needed bait, and Priscilla was kind enough to let me borrow you."
"THAT'S IT?! THAT'S ALL YOU SEE ME AS?! BAIT?!"
"Shh."
"NO, I WON'T SHUT UP! THAT IS A –"
"No, I mean, look, you idiot!" Subaru hissed, pointing at the dust storm heading towards them.
Soon enough, the "dust storm" revealed itself to be the "oversized ground dragon", a creature that was many times larger than a normal ground dragon, with eight legs, sharp teeth, a horn on it's nose, and with so much speed that it caused dust to fly everywhere every time it ran.
"That's… not a ground dragon," Al pointed at the monster charging towards them.
"No, it is not," Subaru agreed with the former one-armed man, before lifting his staff towards the sky and chanting, "CALL GREATER THUNDER!"
BOOM!
In an instant, three enormous thunderbolts fell from the sky, before they pierced right through the monsters' chest, killing it before it had a chance to eat Subaru.
PLOP!
As the monster fell dead, Subaru couldn't help but wonder where it came from.
That was three weeks ago.
Three weeks later, Subaru couldn't even get a wink of sleep.
It was like at every waking hour of his life, someone, somewhere, was being attacked by a monster that seemingly appeared out of nowhere. It was insane.
As he was finished dispatching some three-headed dog the size of a house, he decided he had enough, and decided to use "Image Search" in hopes to figure out where they came from.
All right, let's see here… wait a minute… oh no…
Subaru immediately regretted that decision.
S LAM!
"FUUUUCK!" screamed Subaru, as he slammed his fist down onto the meeting table. He was pissed, and he had every right to be pissed.
One month.
He only got to have one month of peace after he had saved Satella. He has planned it all so carefully. He made sure the truth of what happened four hundred years ago came out to the public, so that she wouldn't be seen as a monster, and he made sure that the Council of Elders would stay out of his way. Everything was going as planned.
And then the attacks started.
From all the different corners of Lugnica, the Japanese teenager was sent to deal with monsters that had suddenly popped up. Sure, usually, it wouldn't be a problem. But the weird thing about these monsters was… that there were so many of them! And what's weirder, they weren't like anything Subaru had ever seen before. They didn't even seem like they belonged in this world.
So, he did some digging.
Over the last three weeks, the nasty-eyed boy used his abilities to eliminate as many of these things as he could, while trying to figure out where they came from. He was successful in finding four monster hotspots, almost as if the majority of them came from there.
When he used "Image Search" to see what the hell was going on, he found out something horrible. He was right about these things not being from this world.
They had come out of various portals.
In his head, he could see that a bunch of blue and white swirling portals had appeared, and out of them were coming these monsters. But when he was looking through all of the different locations, he noticed something interesting.
There were six portals.
Apparently, nothing had come out of the two of them, yet. This actually made the Great Sage curious. What was on the other side? In fact, what was on the other side of all of them?
His curiosity was too great.
"Now, is there a reason that you called us all here, or are you simply cursing us out?" Priscilla asked, as she, along with various other members of the Adventures Alliance were in the room.
In fact, the meeting consisted of Subaru, along with Beatrice, Reinhard, Wilhelm, Julius, Thereisa, Priscilla, Roswaal, Shaula, Felix, Crusch, Emilia, Rem, Ram, Reid, Elsa, Garfiel, and Satella were present. They were the only individuals the black-haired boy had available at the moment to go on such a dangerous mission.
"Sorry, I just needed to vent," Subaru weakly smiled. "The last month or so has been pretty stressful, and that was just the quickest way to calm myself. But, yes, there is actually a reason for gathering you all here. I think I found a way to solve our current crisis."
At that, everyone started to listen a lot more intently.
"... and so, that's why I called for this meeting," Subaru explained.
"Why didn't you summon anyone else?" the Sword Saint asked.
"Because, with the Royal Selection ending in eleven months, the amount of people that the Adventures Alliance could deploy was limited, and I still needed to spare people to defend Lugnica in the event that we… don't come back alive."
"Are these portals really that dangerous?" Rem asked.
"You guys saw what came out of them, right?" Subaru asked.
Most of the warriors in the room grimaced at the memories. During the last three weeks, they were called to defend the lands as the Adventurers, and what they saw attacking the nearby villages were… hard to describe, at the very least.
Giant ants. Beings of living fire. Hordes of undead. Trees capable of walking around and killing people. Beast-like creatures that would make veterans of the Demi-Human War flee in terror.
In short: Monsters.
"All right, we'll follow you into battle, Great Sage," Priscilla nodded.
"Great," Subaru sighed, opening up six different Gates. "Okay, listen up. We're splitting into six teams of two, and each of you is going to go through one of my Gates to the location of a portal I managed to track down. Once there, gather as much information as you can, and eliminate any hostiles. Also, make sure to come back alive, please."
"""Understood."""
"Okay, the first team is Priscilla, Crusch, and Emilia-tan, you guys will be heading to the portal to the south-east. Watch out for the undead, demons, giant frogs, birds, lizards, oh, and slimes."
"Understood, Subaru Natsuki," Crusch said, as the three Royal Candidates leapt into the Gate.
"Next is Roswaal, Shaula and Satella. You guys are gonna take the portal south-west from here. Nothing has come out of it yet, so you guys be extra careful. Be ready for anything."
"Shaula will handle this, yep!" the Scorpio cheered, as she, the clown and the half-elf left.
"After that, Reinhard, Reid, and Rem. You guys will be taking on the portal to the west. There are reports of trolls, ogres, goblins, basilisks, undead, and nagas, so keep your eyes out."
"You can count on us, Subaru-kun!" Rem smiled, as she and the two Sword Saints headed out.
"Wilhelm, Theresia, and Ram. You're taking the portal to the north-west. It has cyclopes, elementals, undead, giant insects, dragons, and golems, so you're all gonna have to work together. You can't have Ram carrying you the whole time."
"Hmph, fine," the redhead grumbled, as she and her husband left with the pink oni.
"And as for Felix, Julius, and Garfiel, you're taking on the portal to the north-east. We have reports of giant insects, dragons, undead, and something I like to call a… "soul eater". Basically, they're giant ghost-fish monsters, you'll know them when you see them."
"Ah…" Julius hummed unenthusiastically, as he, Felix and Garfiel left.
"What about us, I suppose?" Beatrice asked.
"We'll be taking on the portal to the east with Elsa. Nothing has come out of it, and frankly, that worries me, so, be prepared for anything," Subaru said, heading towards his respective Gate.
"Understood, in fact," the blonde loli said, following her adopted brother.
Strolling along the countryside, Wiz was humming to herself, enjoying the gift of life. Or, in her case, the gift of un-life, as she was a lich.
For the last few decades, she had been going from town to town within the Kingdom of Belzerg. It had been a long while since she had closed down her Magic Item Shop.
It seemed like ever since Kazuma Satou defeated the Devil King, there have been fewer and fewer adventurers in the following generations. While it is true that his descendants kept up the tradition, that still wasn't enough to fight the remaining monsters in the land.
So, she decided to close up shop and travel around the world, sending the lost souls in each of the towns' graveyards to the afterlife, while also exterminating the local monsters in the area.
As she walked over the hill, she saw the small dot near the horizon that was the town of Axel. It hadn't been as peaceful as it used to be, since the reason monsters avoided this place was because she and Vanir lived there, but it was still one of the most relatively peaceful places in the kingdom. Plus, she always loved to visit due to nostalgia.
As she decided to continue walking, she suddenly stopped when she heard something.
"YAAHHH!"
Turning around, she saw that on a nearby field, three nicely-dressed women, one of them with green hair and in armor, while the other one wore a red dress, and a third with white robes, were currently swinging their swords and firing various ice attacks at a horde of wannabe demons, with some weird swirling portal nearby.
Huh, you don't see that everyday.
Wiz figured that those three were probably some nobleman's daughters who thought adventuring was all fun and games, only to realize how in over their heads they were with all… this. She honestly didn't know where the portal came from.
Still, enough of these lesser demons will pose a threat for them. I should help them, the lich thought to herself. Plus, this portal has piqued my curiosity.
So, brandishing her magic, the Ice Witch prepared to attack.
The Demon Lord Ultimaeus was having a good day.
At first, he wasn't, not really. The Hero, Seiya whatever-his-surname-was, that was blasting through his armies for the last few months had raided his castle, along with his party, which consisted of a mage, a healer, and a literal goddess, armed with the weapon needed to kill him.
Ultimaeus thought he was screwed. As the Hero, Seiya, cut his arm and sliced him in half, he thought to himself that his extra life wouldn't be able to save him from the Hero. As he waited for the Hero to deliver the final blow to the "dead" Demon Lord… it never happened.
As the Demon Lord was playing dead, he heard the Hero's party celebrating his "death" and saying how they were cutting it too close to the wire, the thought suddenly struck him…
These idiots never consulted the Sage!
Ultimaeus knew about the fact that a Sage knew about his secret ability, and was willing to tell the Hero's party. But if they didn't know about it, then… that meant they never visited the Sage's village in the first place! They truly thought he was dead!
And that's when he made his move.
First, he struck his tongue through the chest of their magic caster, they called him Colt, or something, and ate him. Then, he regenerated his arm and lower body, grabbed their goddess, Ariadoa, gloated to them about his secret ability, and ate her, all while those idiots were regretting the fact that they never conferred with that Sage! It was hilarious!
But then it got even better when he got to the healer.
When the hero begged for his beloved Tiana to run, the giant toad of a Demon Lord grabbed her with his tongue, and noticed that she had another life inside of her.
He hit the jackpot!
Turns out, the healer was pregnant with the Hero's child! As Ultimaeus explained this to the Hero, he saw as the man's expression turned to horror, unable to save his beloved and child from facing the same fate as the rest of his party. All he could do was beg.
And now, it was over. He ate the healer as the Hero watched, and then finished off the Hero. Now, all of Ixphoria was his! He had won! He felt like celebrating!
So, he decided to take a walk outside of his castle. His body was already fat enough, plus, eating four and a half humans in under an hour probably wasn't helping his diet, so he decided that a nice stroll through his newly-conquered world would be nice.
And he did indeed enjoy it, until he noticed a strange swirling portal of blue and white light. He was pretty sure that it wasn't there the last time he went out for a walk, so he decided to err on the side of caution, keeping his distance, until he saw three individuals come out.
Some redheaded knight, an old butler, and a pink-haired maid.
They didn't seem too strong, but then again looks could be deceiving. The Demon Lord weighed the pros and cons of attacking and eating them. After careful consideration, he decided that he would send some of his servants after them to gauge their strength, and if they posed too much of a threat, he would take care of them himself.
Besides, a little exercise would probably help his dieting.
Crusch, Priscilla and Emilia kept swinging their swords and firing Humas at the monsters, but it was not enough. There were too many of these foul creatures, and their bigger attacks weren't working. Emilia couldn't even unleash her more powerful attacks without running the risk of accidentally skewering or freezing her rivals in the Royal Selection.
"TIME TA SAYS GOOD NIGHTS, GIRLIES!" one of the smaller, greener creatures shouted with improper grammar, as it drew its short sword. "NOW WE'S GONNA EATS YA, AND –"
"CURSED CRYSTAL PRISON!"
FWOOM!
"YAAA–"
KRINK!
Suddenly, almost out of nowhere, a snow storm appeared and surrounded the monsters, and once it was gone, massive spikes of ice were left, encasing the little bastards in an icy prison.
"Emilia-sama, did you…?" Crusch began to ask.
"No, that wasn't me…"
"Are you all right?" a new voice asked.
The Valkyrie, Vollachina matriarch and half-elf lowered their swords as they heard the voice of their savior, a woman in a purple dress with brown hair, a fine figure, and a lovely smile.
"Hi there! My name is Wiz… but you probably know me as the Ice Witch."
Out in the desert, Zesshi Zetsumei was bored out of her mind.
In the last few weeks, there were reports from her bosses in the Slane Theocracy that some sort of unknown magic was set off somewhere near their border, and in the following weeks, all of the local monsters had started to disappear.
So, of course they sent one of the strongest members of the Black Scripture to investigate.
Truth be told, Zesshi knew better. She knew exactly why they would be hesitant to send her away like this. The Slane Theocracy didn't trust her. Hell, the only reason they didn't execute a filthy half-elf like her already was because she had the blood of the God-kin pumping in her veins, and that they would lose their excuse to go to war against the Elf Country.
So, they compromised, and made her job to guard the national treasures of the Theocracy. That way they can still keep control of her, and to keep her ugly mug away from the eyes of the good, human, people of their fair nation.
Despite that, she didn't care. The only thing she desired was to go out into the world and do two things: One, get revenge on her bastard father. Two, find a warrior who is stronger than her, have them defeat her in combat, and then settle down and have a family with them.
Sure, they promised her that they would help her get revenge on her father, but so far, all they did have kept her within the confines of the country, not doing anything.
So, when she heard that she was getting special clearance to go into the outside world and investigate, she was overjoyed. Until she heard of where she was going.
The middle of nowhere, in search of who-knows-what, that did who-knows-what to a bunch of monsters nobody cares about. So in other words: Complete bullshit.
That was, until her ears perked up on something.
Ducking behind one of the nearby rocks, she peeked her head out to see what was going on, and when she did, she was amazed.
She had found some sort of swirling portal of blue and white light, and out of it had come… a maid with blue hair, and two tall, handsome redheads, one of which had a nice sword on him, while the other one had… chopsticks.
She immediately dismissed the blue-haired maid, but the two redheads… those caught her interest. Especially the younger looking one, with the fancy sword.
Readying up her war scythe, she prepared to give them the test… to see if they were worthy.
The clouds remained gray as Anson Sue flew through them.
He had survived his initial encounter with the Devil of the Rhine, and was now told by God himself to destroy that monster in the skin of a little girl. He even received power from God himself in order to achieve this goal, to eliminate Tanya von Degurechaff.
He hated having to send his wife and daughter off to the Unified States, but there were some things that just had to be done. He just hoped that his family would have a better life than they did in their fatherland. At least the Christmas gift he got from his daughter was thoughtful.
Brandishing his new submachine gun from his daughter, he and the rest of 5th Air Mage Battalion flew along the area. In twenty minutes or so, they would be flying through open waters, and they'll get the drop on Degurechaff and her battalion soon enough.
However, Anson looks down for a second and sees something that doesn't make any sense to him. A blue and white light was appearing on the ground.
He didn't know whether it's a new form of enemy anti-areal weaponry, or some magical attack, or what. It didn't seem to be firing at his men, but it was still curious.
Then, his radio buzzed to life.
"Attention," the officer on the radio spoke. "Some unknown energy signature has just been spotted in Area 42. Whichever commanding officer is in the area, please investigate. Origin is unknown, so err on the side of caution."
It didn't take a genius to figure out what the higher-ups were referring to.
"You hear them, men," Anson grunted. "Prepare to dive."
Dropping through the air, along with the rest of his men, Anson zoomed closer and closer towards the blue light, until he was able to get a clear picture of what he was seeing through his sniping scope. And what he saw was…
What the Hell?!
… a half-naked woman, a clown, and a lady in a black dress.
"Command, the 5th Air Mage Battalion has located the source of the bizarre energy readings, and has located three… strange… individuals near the source. What are our orders?"
"Detain the individuals, question them about anything involving that energy surge."
"Understood," Anson nodded. "Over and out."
It appeared that the Devil of the Rhine would live for another day.
"So, this is the place Reinhard-sama?" Rem asked, looking over to the knight. "I must admit, this desert is… somewhat underwhelming. Plus, it looks so empty. Part of me expected that there would be some monsters waiting for us as soon as we arrived.
"True…" Reinhard said, looking over the empty desert. "Though perhaps it would be best if we went back to Subaru and reported what we found to him…"
"Yes, you're probably – Wha?!"
SLASH!
Before the blue-haired oni could even react, the redheaded knight had grabbed her and ducked out of the way from a swing of what best could be described as… a war scythe.
"HEAD'S UP!" Reid bellowed. "WE GOT COMPANY!"
The war scythe was black in color, had two sharp blades on either side, but on top, it also had a third blade that resembled that of a curved spear. The theme on the weapon was insane, just like the person who was wielding it.
She was a pale woman with silver hair on one side, and black on the other. She also appeared to have heterochromia, and the outfit she wore was absolutely silly. From the way she smiled and dressed, the Sword Saint could tell that she was both deranged and dangerous.
"Huh, you managed to see my attack coming, and you were fast enough to get your little friend out of the way," she smiled, looking right at the two of them. "I'm almost impressed."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"Hmm… you appear to be strong," the half-elf said. "Do you think you're strong?"
"Well… I have been told by people that I am built differently."
"I'll take that as a yes," Zesshi said, swinging her war scythe around. "Then I challenge you to a duel. If I defeat you, you both die. If you defeat me, then I am yours."
"What?! Are you insane?!" Rem screeched. "You attacked me, I should be the one to face you! Not doing so would be a disgrace to both Roswaal-sama and Subaru–"
"I accept."
"What?!"
"Rem-san, this woman is clearly dangerous. It was only with the help of my Divine Protections that I was able to spot her. She has the skills to back up her claims," Reinhard said, with an air of seriousness. "And besides… my sword… it deemed her worthy."
Rem's eyes widened in horror as she looked down onto the sword on Reinhard's hip. It was shaking within its hilt, begging to be released. Rem knew exactly what that meant.
The Dragon Sword Reid had deemed Zesshi Zetsumie worthy.
"So, you accept?"
"Yes."
"Goody," the half-elf cheered. "Well, then, little girl, if you could be so kind as to step away? I wouldn't want you to be collateral damage. Thank you!"
Looking toward Reinhard, Reid mouthed to him, "Good luck", before running far enough that he and Rem wouldn't be accidentally hit during their duel. With the two of them gone, the two fighters looked at each other.
"Zesshi Zetsumei, current holder of the Extra Seat in the Slane Theocracy's Black Scripture."
"Reinhard van Astrea, current Sword Saint of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica."
"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS, NYA?!" Felix screamed, as he saw the sky.
One minute, both him, Julius and Garfiel found the portal that was spawning monsters. The three of them prepared for anything on the other side, and then jumped in.
But they weren't expecting… this.
The sky was red, with blue energy swirls moving through it, almost like something out of a bad drug trip. And from the sky, monsters fell as naturally as if they were the rain.
"And I thought meeting Satella in person was crazy…" Julius muttered.
"Julius-kyun, look!" the catboy pointed, snapping the purple-haired knight back into attention. "A bunch of thyose nasty monsters are heading into that city over thyere!"
Julius looked to see a bunch of zombies descending from the sky and landing onto a town that reminded him of Kararagi, due to both of them having similar architecture.
"We need to help those people!" the Greatest Knight yelled.
"HELL YEAH, WE ARE!" Garfiel yelled to the other two, right before he immediately charged into the town and straight towards a horde of zombies. "OI, YA UNDEAD FUCK-WADS! BRACE YERSELVES FER TH' SHIELD OF TH' SANCTUARY!"
"Wait, Garfiel, don't… aaand he's gone already," Julius sighed. "Whatever, that boy can probably handle himself. However, we should probably stick together, Felix."
Felix nodded, and the two of them dashed toward the city. Going through the local gate, they both saw that it was already infested with a bunch of monsters.
Striking down one of the nearby zombies, Julius looked down at the cowering civilian. "Felix, help them evacuate! I'll take care of these foul creatures!"
"Ryight!"
Slashing through more of the monsters with his sword, the knight yelled, "LISTEN, ALL OF YOU! I SHALL OCCUPY THESE CREATURES WHILE YOU ESCAPE!"
"Who are you?" one of the villagers asked.
"I am Julius Juukulius, Royal Knight of –"
WHAM!
Before the purple-haired knight could finish his sentence, he saw that the blond demi-human had punched a giant zombie that was sneaking up towards him from behind, getting punched so hard that it fell to the ground, dead.
"OI!" Garfiel growled, as he proceeded to decapitate a two-headed dog. "NOT TH' TIME FER THA' KNIGHT SHIT! GET YER HEAD IN TH' GAME! OR D'YA WANNA DIE?!"
"You're right! I apologize!"
"Jus' get back ta work!" Garfiel growled, as he tackled another monster.
Nodding, Julius sped off once more chopping down as many zombies, lizard men, and other monsters that spawned from the sky as quickly as the Spirit knight could. However –
"Mommy!"
Looking over at where that voice came from, Julius saw that a swarm of giant wasps was encircling a mother and child, and he couldn't do anything about it.
Oh, no! he cried within his head.
If he used his Spirit Arts, the civilians would be fried along with the insects, but there were too many of them for him to cut down with his sword. He wouldn't be able to kill all of them in time. He seriously doubted even Garfiel would be able to help in this situation.
What can I do?!
"ZERO-STANCE RONDO: REVERSE FOUR SEASONS!"
PEW! PEW! PEW!
B-DOOM!
Suddenly, in a display of curved yellow light, all of the giant wasps were swept away by the blast, and the mother and child were able to flee unharmed.
"What…?" Julius asked, as he got up from the blast of the shockwave.
"Julius-kyun!" Felix cried out, as he and Garfiel were running towards him.
Floating down in front of the three of them was a woman with black hair with red eyes, wearing a black kimono with silver embroidery. In her hands were a set of fans, her weapons.
"You did well to hold them off before I arrived, but you can't rest yet," the woman said to Julius, before running off. "Get up. There are others who need our help."
"Wait! Who are you?"
"Is it not obvious?" the woman asked. "I am Glass, the Fan Hero!"
Arriving at the location of the final portal, Subaru looked down at his contracted Spirit. "Okay, Beako. We don't know what's on the other side. Be ready for anything. Elsa, stay frosty."
"Naturally, I suppose."
"Understood, boss."
Nodding, Subaru gripped his staff, and walked through the portal.
The first thing Subaru saw on the other side… was trash. Lots of it. It probably didn't help that there was a dumpster next to him in this alleyway.
Wait a minute… trash? Dumpster? An alleyway?
Subaru, Beatrice and Elsa walked out of the alleyway, and overlooked some of the surrounding buildings. They weren't the normal wood-and-brick ones of Lugnica. They were made of concrete and glass. And the road… it was made of pavement.
"Subaru? What's wrong?"
Subaru dashed over to the side of a building and read, MINI STOP in perfect English. The black-haired boy took a step back as he tried to take in what was happening.
BEEP-BEEP!
"WATCH IT, DUMBASS!"
Getting out of the way of a speeding car, once the danger was gone, Subaru realized that the guy that cussed him out just spoke fluent Japanese.
He looked toward a nearby stop sign, and sure enough, it was in Japanese.
"Hey, are those three cosplaying?"
Subaru's head turned to see a couple in normal clothes look toward him, in his traveling outfit and staff and Beatrice, in her usual choice of clothes. Meanwhile, Elsa was wearing the outfit Subaru gave her, which kinda made her seem like she came out of The Matrix.
"There's probably some convention going on…"
Subaru wasn't listening to the couple, as the realization dawned on him.
"Subaru, are you all right?"
Subaru wasn't listening to Beatrice, either. The shock was too great.
He was back in Japan.
He was home.
Author's Notes: And so, the beginning of the end, begins. That came out weird. Anyway, let's ignore that verbal blunder, and let's focus on some comments, shall we?
The Wanderer: It has begun, and now you have a taste of how it has begun. Yeah, the idea for Meili, Shaula and Louise to have different mother figures was something I came up with since the start. Thanks for enjoying my story, and I hope to see you 'till the end!
I move weight: If you're referring to the description for my story, it's because at the beginning, that was his objective, and it kind of still is his objective, even now. Sure, he's not obligated, but he'll still do it, because that's just the kind of person he is.
Iseepandas: I'm glad you like my work. Oh, Subaru will talk about his inferiority complex to his dad, it'll just happen in the next chapter. And as for his problems in his past life, they mostly consisted of his mistakes during the Great Calamity and his disdain for Reid. But yeah, those powers were a real confidence-booster for him. I feel honored that this made it to your top ten favorites!
NeroAlmia: It's fine if you don't read my story. Still, thanks for congratulating me on my success. When it comes to writing the characters, I tried my best to have their personalities remain the same, despite the fact they have been thrown into such absurd situations. And as for the premise of my story, while it is true that Arc 4 was pretty similar, I intended it that way for various different reasons. But still, even if my story wasn't your cup of tea, thanks for reading it, anyway. See you around!
Deathenglegamers: Thanks for loving my chapter once more. Oh, and I sent you a PM. Let me know what you have in mind, and I'll respond in a week or so!
BigSmokeYeet: Okay, so the basic summary of the story so far is this: During the events of Arc 3, Subaru discovers a box filled with various artifacts from other other worlders. Taking said box, he becomes all-powerful, and starts making quick work of his enemies. During his adventure to the Pleiades Watchtower, he reads his own Book of the Dead, gaining his memories as Flugel, and vows to save Satella. He gathers more allies and eliminates all his enemies, until finally, he frees Satella, and saves her mind. Unfortunately, now a bunch of portals have opened up and monsters are spilling out of them, and now Subaru and friends have split up and each of them have gone through a different portal, in an attempt to figure out what's on the other side.
Scattershot98: Glad you found the last chapter to be awesome! I'm really glad the reactions to Satella's innocence worked, and the talk-down that the Council of Elders received was fun to write, including Subaru using his powers for more nefarious purposes. I will actually be diving into the dynamic of Subaru and his future wives in a future chapter. And as for what threats will come from what world… Trick question! It's all of them! All six of the "Isekai Quartet" worlds have bled into each other!
Tindle: Hey! You caught my reference! Good job! Have a cookie!
NEROANGEL0: If you're referring to the main characters of each anime, no, not yet. But I will guarantee that any interaction between Subaru and Kazuma will be wholesome.
palik: I see what you did there with that pun. And as for the final Arc, no it wasn't inspired from "Shield Hero". It was inspired by The Hottest Dog's "Special Strike" series.
Jpx0999: Actually, your guess was close. Lugnica is actually being invaded by all five of the other "Isekai Quartet" worlds, not just one of them. And yes, all of the monsters appearing will be canon, I'm not making something completely new.
Modno: 69/10? Really? Okay, in all seriousness, I will continue to post on Mondays until this series is over. After that, I'll post my new series whenever I feel like it, and whenever I start actually writing it. Oh, Crusch and Felix are definitely gonna get together. And don't worry, Subaru and his girls will get their happy ending, too.
Aliata: Yep. This is my Final Arc, kinda. I still have to complete the Royal Selection after this disaster. But anyway, it's not just zombies that are invading Lugnica, it's all sorts of different monsters, but I'm sure with my improved wiring, I can make it work, if my smooth transition between the last two chapters was anything to go by. Satella apologizing to Emilia is actually a concept I haven't thought of, but I think I can make that work. And as for the reactions of the general population… That part's a surprise.
Astronomer_Kid: If Subaru is gonna meet the Isekai Quartet, then I'm gonna have it be in private, without anyone else. But that's something for the future.
hlglh: Yeah, part of this was kinda inspired by the "Shield Hero". It'll be a while before Subaru gets some peace and quiet. The other big five aren't gonna show up just yet, but at the very least, Pandora isn't messing things up this time around.
Meiliholic: Yep, they're here, and these attacks are gonna be problematic.
Tomodachi: Bueno, es bueno saber cuál es tu clasificación cuando se trata de varios barcos en Re:Zero. Puedo ver claramente que Rem no es tu favorita.
SUJARU: Nunca he oído hablar de una historia como la que acabas de describir. Pero para ser honesta, estoy interesado. ¿Puedo por favor tener el título y el nombre del autor?
Torchperish: Glad you found my series fun to read! I hope you enjoy the Final Arc!
We have one new power. It's this:
"Call Greater Thunder": A high-level spell that can create three lighting bolts from various strands of smaller lighting bolts, which can pierce through a target. Used by Ainz.
And that's it! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /Ty2Xr4pu . You can post stuff and talk with others, so give it a try! If you want to be my friend, my Discord username is Ernalore#8663. Thanks for reading, and I'll see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 30: Parent and Child
Summary:
As several groups have to take on flying mages, Demon Lords, and crazed warriors, while others converse with friendly liches and Vassal Heroes, Subaru has a talk with his parents. The end result? Everyone returns to Lugnica with more people than they came with, and it might be the possible end of the world as everyone knows it. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 30: Parent and Child
Subaru couldn't believe it.
He was back in Japan.
"Subaru? Subaru! What has gotten into you, I suppose?!"
Snapping back to reality, Subaru saw his contracted Spirit and his hired assassin looking at him, one of them with concern, while the other was merely curious. "Oh, sorry, Beako. It's just… I never thought I would see this place ever again."
"See this place again? Is this… your home?"
"Yeah… this is Japan."
Her blue eyes widened at that answer. "This is the otherworldly Japan…"
"Let's start from the beginning," the purple-haired knight said. "My name is Julius Juukulius. I am a member of the Royal Guard of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica, and I am currently the knight in service of the Royal Candidate Anastasia Hoshin."
"Okay, my turn, nya. My nyame is Felix Argyle. I'm known as the Blue, and I'm also a knight in syervice of Lugnica, but I'm in syervice of the Royal Candidate Crusch Karsten, nya."
"Name's Garfile Tinsel, th' Shield o' th' Sanctuary, and my amazin' self's a member of Royal Candidate' Emilia's Camp. I ain't no knight, but I can kick yer ass!"
Glass didn't know if these three were lying, or insane.
After the Waves of Calamity died down, Glass had introduced herself as the Fan Hero, while these three introduced themselves as knights of a kingdom she never heard of, and Camp members of a campaign she also never heard of. Not only that, but their outfits looked nothing like the knights she was familiar with, or even the local civilians to begin with!
Something was up.
"While I do thank you for defending my people, I must ask… what are you doing here?"
Julius was the one to answer. "You see, one of our companions, the Great Sage, Subaru Natsuki, had informed us that there was increasing monster activity in various parts of Lugnica. We then discovered that various portals had mysteriously opened up, and we went through one of them to investigate. We ended up here."
A portal? Glass thought. As in they were summoned…?
"Are you perhaps from another world?"
The three guys looked at Glass quizzically before Felix asked, "What do you mean?"
"Tell me, what are the nations of your world?"
"Uh…" Julius looked confused, but complied. "Lugnica, Kararagi, Vollachia, and Gusteko. Why?"
Glass' eyes widened. There were no such countries in her world. These people were from another world. Just like the Legendary Heroes! But, wait… they didn't have the Legendary Weapons, so… how did they survive for so long?"
"Hmm… that confirms my suspicions," the black-haired woman said. "The two of you are indeed from another world. That portal must have brought you here."
"Wait, nya… there's more beyond the Great Waterfall?!" the cat boy asked, shocked.
"The Great Waterfall?"
"Yes, where we come from, if you walk far enough, you will come across the Great Waterfall," the purple knight explained. "If you fall off of it, then there's no returning from the void."
Wait, what? Their world isn't round? It's flat? Do they not have oceans? These sorts of questions rattled in Glass' brain, but she knew she had to ask better ones.
"How is it that you have survived the Waves of Calamity?"
"The what?" the Blue asked.
"The Waves of Calamity. When the sky becomes red and monsters spawn out of nowhere," Glass explained. "The thing you saw earlier. Do they not exist in your world?"
"No, I'm afraid not," the Spirit Knight answered. "The closest thing we have was the Great Calamity, where the Witch of Envy destroyed half our world four hundred years ago."
HALF THEIR WORLD?! Glass screamed in her mind. THE WAVES DON'T EVEN CAUSE THAT KIND OF DAMAGE! HOW THE HELL ARE THEY STILL ALIVE?!
"Ahem, what happened?" she asked, keeping her calm.
"Oh, well the Great Sage, the Divine Dragon, and the First Sword Saint sealed the Witch away!" Felix cheered. "That's how our world was saved, nya! They're Heroes!"
Heroes?
"You mentioned the Great Sage. Do you know him?"
"Hmm? Yes, we personally know him. He, the Dragon Volcanica, and the Sword Saint Reid Astrea are all still alive. I have seen firsthand how Subaru has defeated his enemies, from the Great Mabests like the White Whale, to the Witch of Envy herself," Julius answered.
A whale? One of those giant monsters?! He must be strong!
"How strong is this… Great Sage?"
"Hell yeah, Cap'n is super strong!" Garfiel puffed his chest with pride. "He's single-handedly managed ta kick th' ass of every evil villain and ugly-ass monster plaguin' us! I ain't got no doubt he's one o' th' strongest, if not, th' strongest hero 'n our world!"
SLAM!
The three of them were immediately caught off-guard by what had just happened. In an instant, Glass went from sitting right next to them in the grass, to bowing her entire body down.
"Please!" she said. "As the Fan Hero, I beg of you! Let me see this Great Sage! Let me tell him the plight of my people! Let me ask him to help me in saving my world from the Waves!"
The three amigos looked at one another, before…
"Very well," the Greatest Knight nodded, getting up. "While I can't promise anything, I'm sure Subaru will be reasonable enough to hear your request."
"Thank you!" Glass smiled, getting up. "Let us depart immediately!"
"Wait, what about those scary waves, nya?"
"Do not worry, the next Wave shouldn't arrive for another month or so."
"Very well," Julius smiled. "Let's go find the portal back to our world."
"Of course! Wait… you didn't leave it unguarded, did you?"
"Th' fuck ya mean?" the blonde demi-human asked.
"I mean, you left some sort of escort to guard the portal, right? You didn't leave it open while a Wave was going on, right? That would practically be inviting monsters!"
"..."
"Oh, no."
Immediately, all three of them started to do a mad sprint towards the portal.
"YOU IDIOTS!" screamed Glass, as she ran behind them.
As the trio of swordsmen and a maid walked through an apocalyptic-looking atmosphere, Theresia looked at Wilhelm before speaking up. "Wilhelm."
"Yes?" the old man asked, looking up.
"Back in the Throne Room, when Bordeaux insulted Reinhard, you defended our grandson, rather than remaining silent," the redhead said. "I'm curious to know… why?"
The Sword Demon was silent for a moment before he gave his answer. "I know that I wasn't the best father, nor a good grandfather. I can even dare say that you were my better half. But, recently, I have been thinking, how that really isn't an excuse for my actions. I've tried to think of the world outside of the sword I've known my entire life, and I've realized that, while I have damaged my relationships, I haven't completely severed them with my grief and stubbornness. I still have a chance to make things right… if you let me."
The former Sword Saint was quiet for a moment, pondering her husband's answer. Looking back at him, she said, "All right. I'll give you a chance."
"Thank you… Theresia."
"Stop talking," Ram said, pulling out her wand, and seeing the approaching monsters. "We have company."
As the three of them kept walking, Beatrice was amazed by what she saw.
Just like the Witches and Subaru's other allies from four hundred years ago, she knew that he was from another world. But this… this was beyond her wildest imaginations.
There were no ground dragons, everyone moved around in these things called "cars", but they weren't powered by magic, they used something called "engines". In fact, this whole world didn't know about the existence of magic, at least not in a legitimate sense.
It boggled her mind.
Elsa wasn't any better, as Subaru had to quickly give her a run-down of the situation, as to prevent her from freaking out from anything that was commonplace for Subaru.
Still, they focused on what Subaru was doing right now.
"Subaru, where are we going, I suppose?"
"I'm doing something I should have done a long time ago," he said, not even looking back. The blonde loli keeps following him, until they turn a corner, and she sees it.
A small, suburban house.
Subaru walks up to the house…
Knock, knock.
…and knocks.
The two of them wait for a few seconds before…
"Coming!"
… they hear the voice of a woman.
Opening the door, a woman with brown hair in a ponytail, and with nasty eyes opens the door. She eyes Beatrice and Elsa for a second, before… she looks right at Subaru… here eyes start to dilate, before she begins to cry…
"S-S-Subaru…?"
"Yeah, Mom. It's me. I'm home."
Immediately the woman dashes towards Subaru and embraces him, her tras staining her face as she cries her lungs out. Subaru merely returns the gesture by hugging her back.
"Naoko? Who is it?" another voice calls out.
A man with glasses and a haircut similar to Subaru's came out, only to have a shocked expression when he saw Subaru, right before proceeding to join in the hug, as well.
The Natsuki family was finally reunited.
"The Ice Witch?" Emilia repeated.
"Yes," Wiz answered.
"Huh, what a coincidence," the half-elf smiled. "I'm called the Witch of Glaciation!"
"Really now?"
"Hmph, quite bold of you to call yourself a Witch!" Priscilla snorted.
"Why would that be so odd?" the ditzy lich asked. "A Witch is simply a female magic user."
That caused the three Royal Candidates to blink. That was quite the different definition than the one about terrifying half-elves and renegade Authority users they were used to.
"So… what are you three young ladies doing out here?" Wiz kindly asked.
"We are here on a mission," Crusch answered. "Apparently, this portal appeared in our kingdom and was bringing monsters from this side of the gate, so we came here to investigate."
"Oh? And which kingdom would that be? Brydle? Or perhaps Norse?"
"Uhh…" the green-haired warrior stuttered a bit before answering, "Lugnica."
"Oh? Is it a new one that sprouted up a few decades ago?"
"No… it's around a thousand years old!"
"Huh, that's odd, I would have heard of it."
"Well, we've never heard of Brydle or Norse, either!" Emilia said.
"Oh, really? Now I'm really curious…" Wiz whispered to herself. "May I accompany you?"
"Excuse me?"
"May I accompany you back to this kingdom of yours?" the lich asked. "I'm quite curious to see a whole new kingdom, and you need someone to help you keep these monsters at bay! If we all go back through that portal of yours, all parties get what they want!"
"I guess…" Crusch shrugged.
"Great!" the brown-haired woman smiled. "Like I said earlier, my name is Wiz."
"Oh, my name is Emilia, this is Crusch, and that is Priscilla."
"Nice to meet you all!" the undead smiled, as they all went through the portal again.
The battle was finally over.
The winner was Reinhard van Astrea.
Zesshi Zetsumei was by far one of the most challenging opponents the Sword Saint had ever faced, clearly someone on the strength level of Halibel and Cecilus. If Subaru was here, the redhead would have guessed his friend would say she was, quote, "Level 80, or something".
But she was no match for the Dragon Sword Reid.
After twenty minutes of fighting, her war scythe became dust by Reinhard's sword, and the awesome power of the Dragon Sword defeated her, but didn't seriously injure her.
That was probably an indication of how strong she truly was.
As Rem nodded in approval, Reid exclaimed in joy, "Yeah, yer definitely my descendant!"
"Thank you, Reid-sama."
"Ah, drop the formalities, little fish."
"You're the one," the half-elf uttered.
"Huh?"
"You're the one I've been searching for," Zesshi said, getting up, and looking manic. "YOU'RE THE WARRIOR WHO BESTED ME! THE ONE WORTHY OF GIVING ME A CHILD!"
"..."
"..."
"What?"
"You heard me! You are worthy! Plant your –"
"I'm sorry, but I cannot do that," Reinhard said, looking sympathetic.
"What? Why not?" Zesshi asked, unamused.
"Unfortunately, my heart already belongs to another," Reinhard said.
"Then perhaps I can be your concubine?"
"No."
"Then how about your –"
"No."
The girl with the split hair thought for a moment before she said, "Then… Can I tag along with you? I would be more than happy to assist you in battle! I can even be your shield!"
The three of them looked at one another for a few moments, before sighing, "Okay."
"Really? You won't regret it!"
"Well, it's probably best we head back," Rem said. "The others are probably waiting for us."
"You're right, Rem-san," the Sword Saint bowed. "Come along, Zesshi-san."
Nodding, the half-elf followed them through the portal. While traveling to the other side, her heart was racing. Sure, the man she wanted may have already been taken, but she was a half-elf. If there's one thing her extended life taught her, it was patience.
And if Reinhard's son with this… other woman… was as strong as his father… she could wait.
"HAHAHA! I'M IMPRESSED, WEAKLINGS!" Ultimaeus laughed. "IT APPEARS YOU HAVE SUCCESSFULLY DISPATCHED SEVERAL OF MY MINIONS!"
In front of the Demon Lord, Thereisa, Wilhelm, and Ram stared the monster down, while surrounded by corpses of various monsters the giant toad called his minions.
"BUT NOW, YOU SHALL FIGHT ME! THE DEMON LORD, ULTIMAEUS!"
"YAAHHH!" screamed the redhead, as she jumped towards the monster, and chopped down on its head. Only, to her horror, she saw that it was ineffective.
"HAHAHA! YOU FOOL! I AM IMMUNE TO YOUR WEAPONS!" Ultimaeus laughed, as he grabbed Theresia and threw her. "PHYSICAL ATTACKS MEAN NOTHING TO ME!"
"But what about magic?"
"HUH?"
"You said that weapons and physical attacks couldn't hurt you," Ram said, smirking, and igniting the horn in her forehead. "But you never said anything about magic-based attacks!"
In an instant, the winds blew around her, as Ram unleashed her full power as the Oni God, much to Wilhelm and Theresia's shock and amazement. Slowly, the pink-haired maid had an entire tornado behind her, and she screamed, "DIE!"
WHOOSH!
The winds cut around the Demon Lord, cutting him to bits. As he moved, the tornado followed him, cutting him to bits. "After him!" Ram yelled, as she chased after the tornado, as the two swordsmen followed behind the maid.
FWOOSH!
Soon enough, the winds died down, as Ram's attack was spent. Flopping down to the ground was the Demon Lord. The oni, along with her two companions fell to the ground, exhausted, and thankful that this battle was finally over.
Or so they thought.
"LOOK OUT!" Wilhelm yelled, pushing Theresia out of the way. "Argh!"
"Wilhelm!"
In an instant, the old man was wrapped around the Demon Lord's tongue, as the giant toad stood up, despite his injuries. "IMPRESSIVE, GIRL," the multi-armed monster smiled. "IF YOU WERE ONLY EIGHT LEVELS HIGHER, PERHAPS IT WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EVEN FIGHT."
Ram paled at what she heard. Subaru himself told her that she was Level 91.
That meant… this thing… was Level 99.
One mere Level beneath Subaru himself.
"Wilhelm!" Theresia cried.
"Forget about me!" the old man yelled. "Just don't let this thing get to Lugnica!"
"SO, THIS PLACE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PORTAL IS CALLED "LUGNICA", IS IT?" the Demon Lord smirked. "THAT IS NO NAME I HAVE EVER HEARD OF, WHICH MEANS… THIS PORTAL LEADS TO ANOTHER WORLD! HAHAHA! THIS IS WONDERFUL! THANKS TO THIS PORTAL HERE, I GET TO BE THE RULER OF NOT ONE, BUT TWO WORLDS!"
"We won't let you get through, monster!" the former Sword Saint hissed.
"OH, BUT YOU ALREADY HAVE. SEE, I SENT HALF OF MY MINIONS THROUGH TO INVESTIGATE, WHILE I SENT THE OTHER HALF TO PLAY WITH YOU! ALL I HAVE TO DO NOW IS JUMP THROUGH THE PORTAL RIGHT BEHIND ME, AND – HUH?!"
"DIIEEE!" Ram screamed, as she unleashed her most powerful Wind attack.
SLASH!
"YAAAHHH!" the Demon Lord yelled, as his arm was severed, dropping Wilhelm. Dammit, one more attack like that, and I'll spend yet another life! I only have three of them left, I can't waste them here! They can have the old man, I'm jumping through!
"GET BACK HERE!" Theresia yelled, but it was too late. He already leapt through.
"QUICK, AFTER HIM!" Ram yelled, as the three of them jumped through the portal again.
It had now been an hour since the Natuski family had reunited.
In that time, they, along with Beatrice and Elsa, made their way into the living room, where currently, Kenichi and Naoko were wrapping their heads around what Subaru said happened to him.
Looking at their son, Naoko began.
"So, let me get this straight… you were transported to another world?"
Subaru nodded his head.
"But that wasn't the first time you were transported to that world, because… it happened to you once before in some past life?" Kenichi asked.
Another nod.
"And at the moment, you have three women chasing after you… two of them look identical to each other, and one of them is responsible for destroying half of the magic-fantasy world four hundred years ago, except she's not, because you accidentally gave her a split personality?"
Yet another nod.
"And the little girl over there, Beatrice, is your adopted little sister? Who is actually the creation of some former Witch, who isn't called a Witch anymore because you took her powers? And this lady is a former assassin? Also, your best friend is an all-powerful swordsman, who is actually the descendant of some other swordsman you knew, who likes to bicker with some dragon –"
"YES, YES, YES, AND YES!" Subaru yelled, exasperated.
"Sorry, it's a lot to wrap our heads around," Naoko sighed.
"Now hold on, one more question," Keichi asked. "You haven't made a single move on any of those ladies, but you somehow have three daughters?!"
"It's called adoption, Dad," Subaru deadpanned. "Shaula was the first, and she's actually four hundred years old. Next is Louis, who is the second-oldest, age-wise. And finally is Meili, who I helped get out of her assassin life with Elsa here."
"Now hold on," Elsa said. "Meili sees me as her older sister, and you're her father."
"Yeah, and?"
"By that logic, doesn't that make you my father, too?"
The room was silent for approximately five seconds, before everyone bursted out in either disgust, laughter, or some combination of the two.
"WHAT THE FUCK?! NO!"
"PFFT- HAHAHAHA!"
"IT'S NOT FUNNY!"
"BWAHAHAHA!"
"Okay, but in all seriousness, never bring that up again, Elsa!" Subaru ordered.
Elsa nodded, as she smiled. "As you command… Daddy."
"Oh my God, kill me now!" Subaru groaned between his hands, as Naoko laughed. "It's not funny, Mom."
"Hehehe, sorry, darling," she sighed. "It's just so… wild!"
"Yeah, you're telling me," Subaru sighed, mimicking his mother. "And to think, all of that shit happened to me in less than two years. And that's not counting my past life."
"What?"
"Uh… I've been gone for like, two years. I said so in the story, remember?"
"But you've only been gone for a month and a half."
"What?"
"Yeah, you went missing a month and a half ago," Kenichi replied.
Realizing the implications, Subaru groaned as he did a double face-palm. "Great, so time moves differently in other dimensions. Why am I not surprised?"
"So… what are you doing here?" his mother asked.
"Well, you see, a couple of weeks ago, a bunch of portals showed up, and monsters started pouring out of them, so I had a bunch of my teammates go and investigate. Beako, Elsa, and I chose a random portal, and… we ended up here."
"Oh, I see. Will you be going soon?"
"I will be, we still need to figure out how to close the portals," Subaru said, standing up. "But I'm not leaving here without you guys."
""Huh?""
"Look, I know it was disrespectful to just squeak my way through school and sports when I was younger, and to have the impression that I could do anything, only to just… shut myself in, to give up," Subaru said, looking sad. "I now know that you guys still loved me after all of that, and I just want to show you that I've actually lived up to your expectations, that I have real relationships, that people look at me the same way they do you!"
"Subaru… you never needed to do all that," Kenichi said.
"No, I didn't," the black-haired boy told his parents. "But when I was summoned to that world, the first thing I did was to help someone. I guess it was kinda in my nature. And since then, I have helped so many people, the locals literally call me a Hero! I may not have needed to be amazing, but that's kind of hard to do when you guys are my parents! And I want to show all my family and friends there how I got this amazing!"
"So, you really want us to…"
"Come with me," he said, extending his hand. "Obviously, I don't mean come live with me, but come over and visit while we still have a chance. Sure, you've already met your brand-new daughter, Beatrice, but there's still a bunch of people I want you to meet, from future daughter-in-laws to your very own grandchildren, and given that time works differently here, no one will notice if you're gone for a few days. So… what do you say?"
Kenichi and Naoko looked over at each other. They knew that Subaru wouldn't return to Japan anytime soon, this other world was where he belonged. But still, it would be nice to see who Subaru is hanging out with these days, and a few days of vacation wouldn't hurt.
"Okay, let's do it," Naoko smiled.
Her son returned the smile immediately. "Thank you. Okay, you guys pack your bags and call the office to say you'll be taking a few days off, I'm gonna grab a few devices from my room so I can copy some technology for Lugnica. Second Industrial Revolution, here we come!"
Beatrice groaned at her brother's antics, while her parents simply laughed.
"This place is a dump!" Shaula said, as she observed the emptiness of the area.
"I believe that this is the countryside, Shaula," Roswaal explained.
"Well, wherever we are, I'm bored! There's no monsters to kill!" the Scorpio pouted.
"Now, Shaula, you mustn't crave violence," Satella said. "You need… to… Shaula, what is it?"
"Up there, high above us," Shaula said, pointing upwards. "We've got company."
Looking up, both the half-elf and the clown saw a bunch of men descending from them on some sort of… flying machines. They could easily identify the leader by his different contraption.
"I'll fly up and meet them half-way," Roswaal said, floating up to them. "Hello there –"
BANG!
"WHAT THE FUCK?!" Roswaal screamed, as he got grazed by a magical bullet.
"MEN!" the eyepatch-wearing leader yelled. "THAT ONE IS FLYING! THEY'RE MAGES! DETAIN THEM AT ONCE! SHOOT TO WOUND!"
THWIP!
Immediately, Shaula launched her "Hell's Snipe" at the closest flying soldier, killing them immediately, and hissing, "You can hurt the clown, but touch my mother, AND YOU'RE DEAD!"
Anson Sue merely looked down on them, and smiled. "MEN, ATTACK!"
"EL MINYA!" Satella yelled, firing her purple crystals towards the soldiers, hitting many of them and turning them into crystals, shattering as soon as they fell to the ground.
Anson flew and dodged all of the attacks of the enemy, and eyes that light that was behind them, as he thought, It must be the source of these mages' strange power! If I get a hold of it, we can use it for the Alliance! As he smiled, he made a dive-bomb for the portal.
"ROSWAAL! DON'T LET HIM –"
But it was too late. The man flew into the portal.
"Shit!" the half-elf swore. "How are the rest of the soldiers?"
"Ros and I burned the last of them, yep!" Shaula beamed.
"All right, we're going after they're boss. Follow me!"
Thirty minutes later, the Natsukis grabbed their luggage, and locked up their house. Walking past the convenience store, they went to the alley, and found the portal.
"Wow," was all Naoko said, as she looked at the mesmerizing swirls.
"Yeah, they're actually very pretty to look at," Subaru said. "You know, when they're not spewing out a bunch of evil monsters hell-bent on destroying life as we know it."
"Can we get going, in fact?"
"Sure thing, Beako!" Subaru said, as he jumped in.
As the others followed behind him into the vortex, Subaru started planning. Obviously, first thing first was getting these portals closed up, and then getting his parents a nice hotel reservation, before promptly having them meet all his friends, showing them all the tourist traps, and then…
Subaru's thoughts immediately stopped the second he stepped out to the other side of the portal. As the others stepped outside, they all saw the madness in front of them.
In front of them, Wilhelm, Ram, and Theresia were currently fighting a giant toad with red eyes, fangs, eight limbs, a giant tongue, and wearing some ridiculous purple jacket.
Meanwhile, Julius and some black-haired woman in a kimono and armed with fans were busy clearing out an army of zombies and giant wasps, while Felix was running for his life, and Garfiel was taking down some three-headed dog, all while curing like a sailor.
Priscilla and Crusch were clearing out a bunch of low-level demons, along with the help of some brown-haired lady in a purple dress who was firing giant icebergs in every direction, something Emilia was also doing with her very own magic.
Up in the sky, Roswaal was busy taking down some guy on a pair of flying skis, armed with a magical rifle, while Shaula was trying to take him down from below with "Hell's Snipe", as Satella went from person to person, helping them with the best of her abilities.
And finally, Reinhard was taking care of any straggler monsters along with the help of a half-elf with heterochromia, while Rem and Reid were taking down some much bigger targets.
It was pure chaos.
And Subaru was not amused.
"WHAT… THE HELL… IS GOING… ON?!"
Author's Notes: I swear, these comments get shorter and shorter every chapter! Oh, well, I still have a job to do, and I'll do it until the end! Onward!
Malcolm Sercy: I have no idea how you came to that conclusion, no one's drunk.
The Wanderer: Yeah, from the start I always wanted to have the big six fantasy worlds collide, but since we already have Lugnica, I added Earth. Hope you like it!
Warlock of Vainglory: Well, you saw what Subaru did now that he was home.
BigSmokeYeet: Subaru will have his happy ending… just not yet.
Deathenglegamers1144: Glad you're enjoying the multiverse. And as for your request, I might do something like "A Broken Screen", I don't know what the "Wings of Liberty" are, and I might do the ninth one, but that won't happen for a long time.
Tindle: That was a lovely poem.
Aliata: I'm glad you liked the Konosuba bit, that was cute for me to write. The reason I had Elsa travel to Japan was because I needed to evenly balance-out the teams in terms of combat power, and I didn't want any single one of Subaru's love-interests with him. Plus, her dialogue would be pretty funny. But yes, Subaru's parents will meet everyone else… as soon as this apocalypse is resolved. And don't worry, the action will end with the last chapter, the next two after that one are purely relaxation. As for Emilia's and Satella's interactions, I'm saving that for the near future. I promise that such a storyline will happen, along with Subaru spending time with his adoptive family, everyone reflecting on their lives, a lot of marriages, and so much more! I hope the future chapters are better than my last one for you! I'll see you then!
Modno: Yeah, I went with secondary characters because, one, they're underappreciated, and two, I'm saving the big protagonists for something special. And no, no one was stuck in the other worlds, it's the monsters who could come and go that's the problem.
Jpx0999: Yeah, Kazuma will have a very small interaction with Subaru, just saying.
KingVessel: Yeah, those Council members were doomed from the start. The reason there was no progress against the Witch Cult is because, let's face it, it's nigh-impossible to take those guys down unless you're Subaru or Reinhard. But the demi-human discrimination definitely is inexcusable. Yeah, Felt literally said she would be destroying the Council if she was ever elected. Also, good joke title, I might steal that.
RAGKRATIS: That is a very ominous "Halo" reference.
Tomodachi: Sí, la idea de que aparecieran personajes secundarios de diferentes programas era hacer que quiénes eran y sus interpretaciones fueran vagas. Pero tengo que admitir, la interacción de Reinhard con. Si bien Satella no salvará ninguna ciudad, ayudará a salvar el mundo, por lo que debería contar para algo. No veo a mucha gente como Rem, pero escuchar a alguien a quien no le gusta Ram es nuevo, pero puedo ver el razonamiento. Pero sí, Puck y Roswaal merecen totalmente el odio que reciben.
SUJARU: Sí, puedo ver cómo las interacciones de Satella y Syphy y el odio compartido hacia Regulus podrían ser motivos para crear un nuevo fic, alguien debería hacerlo. Y no te preocupes, Emilia y Satella estarán en términos amistosos cuando hablen.
Xdcz4444: Sí, recuerdo ese fic donde Tanya es miembro de la Royal Selection, honestamente no tenía la intención de que eso sucediera, ¡pero esto es oro!
Bruh_moment: I hate that I actually fell for that trap.
ThatRabidPotato: Originally, it was supposed to be only Beatrice, but I had the roster increased, and Elsa seemed like someone with great comedy potential. Also, note that, while I can't comment on your other comments, know that I have read them all, and I greatly appreciate you writing all of them! I thank you!
Imperius: Thanks for the great review! Love your profile picture!
Idiotwriter: Yes, these portals are completely Subaru's fault.
VinHD15: Yeah, this visit to Japan was interesting…
No new powers.
And that's it for now! Thank you so much for reading! If you want to join my Discord server, the link is /Ty2Xr4pu . You can post memes and fan art there, chat with other members, and I'll drop by every now and then! If you want to read more, check out my account. I have more stories, and I've made some collaborations with some other authors! That's all for now! Thanks for reading, and I'll see you all next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 31: It's the End of the World as We Know It
Summary:
Subaru, along with his parents and allies, comes back to see that Lugnica is in worse shape than he left it, prompting him to to a clean-up. And by "clean-up" he means "kill the Demon Lord that made him angry". Meanwhile, everyone else has to take care of the smaller fry, while also trying to figure out who the new guests are. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 31: It's the End of the World as We Know It
"WHAT… THE HELL… IS GOING… ON?!"
Immediately, everyone stopped fighting, monsters included, to look for the source of that anger, which they immediately regretted when they saw Subaru's angry expression.
"S-Subaru…" Julius began.
"Don't "Subaru" me!" the black-haired boy yelled. "You had one job! One job, and from what I'm seeing right in front of me, somehow all of you managed to fuck it up in various different ways! Now, I've got to fix this mess, and kill a bunch of monsters –"
"WHO ARE YOU, YOU INSOLENT WORM?" Ultimaeus bellowed.
"... and you just invited yourself to be killed first, frog-face," the Great Sage hissed, while lifting up his sleeves, revving up his staff, and marching towards the Demon Lord.
"Uh… Subaru?" Naoko looked concerned. "Is this normal?"
"Don't worry, Mom, I do this all the –"
WHACK!
"... TIIIIIIIIIIME…!"
As Subaru was distracted by his mother, the Demon Lord attacked him from behind, swinging his giant arm at him, and laughing him across the field.
CRASH!
"Oww…" Subaru groaned, as he got up. "Okay, asshole, you wanna play it that way? Fine. Ram, Theresia, Wilhelm, help the others. Kermit the Frog here is mine."
"VERY WELL, "HERO"... COME AT ME, THEN!"
And the two of them clashed.
Kenichi and Naoko had no idea what to expect when arriving in another world. But the idea that there was a monster-infested apocalypse going on was certainly at the bottom of the list.
"Ugh, it seems that my brother's minions managed to screw up yet again, I suppose," Beatrice sighed. "Do not worry, Mother and Father, Betty will protect you, in fact."
"Uh… thanks for that," Kenichi said. He was still wrapping his head around the whole "I have a brand-new daughter" thing Subaru dropped on them, along with the other insane crap he dropped on them, but that one was definitely a big one.
"Uh… Beako-chan?" Naoko spoke up. "Are you sure you'll be –"
"HUMAN!" a random troll yelled out, charing towards the trip. "ME EAT –"
"El Minya."
"HUH?" In an instant, the blonde Spirit shot out a couple of purple crystals towards the troll, whose skin became crystallized in an instant. "AAA–"
"Don't worry, in fact. I can handle anything."
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Out and away from the others, Subaru and the Ultimaeus were duking it out. Or, more accurately, Subaru was attacking using long-ranged magic attacks, while Ultimaeus was dodging all of them, while trying to grab Subaru with his tongue.
We're basically at a standstill, Subaru thought, before he came up with an idea. He'll probably be expecting another flashy attack! I can use that to an advantage!
Pointing right at the Demon Lord, Subaru shouted, "HELL FLAME!"
And in response, the Demon Lord jumped out of the way. But when Ultimaeus looked around, he saw no giant explosion or massive slash. Amused, he laughed, "BWAHAHA! WHERE'S YOUR ALL-POWERFUL MAGIC ATTACK?!"
"It's right in front of you."
"HUH?" Looking down right in front of him, the evildoer saw a tiny black and red fire slowly approaching him. Before he could even react, however, the tiny fire made contact…
"YAAAHHH!"
… and burst into a raging inferno, so big that it wrapped all around the giant monster, burning him to a crisp. Once the fire dissipated, the Demon Lord dropped dead.
PLOP!
Hmph, he was expecting me to pull out another giant flashy spell that he didn't even realize my tiny spell was making his way over to him, Subaru snorted. Now, to – Huh?
Before the nasty-eyed boy had a chance to leave, he saw the Demon Lord's body glowing bright yellow, and in place of the frog monster, was now a cyclops.
"What the hell?"
"BWAHAHA!" the new version of Ultimaeus laughed. "KILL ME AS MANY TIMES AS YOU WISH, BUT I'LL ONLY COME BACK STRONGER! BEHOLD! THIS NEW FROM OF MINE IS IMMUNE TO MAGIC ATTACKS! I CALL IT STAGE TWO: DEFINED DOMAIN: FIGHTER! YOU HAVE CREATED YOUR VERY OWN DOOM, MAGICIAN!"
"So, I can't use my magic huh?" Subaru smirked, lifting up his staff.
"YES, I JUST SAID –"
"That just means I gotta kick your ass the old-fashioned way," Subaru grinned, as he flipped his staff around, ready to use it as a sword, just like he did when he faced-off against Reid.
Oh shit, the Demon Lord cursed.
Rem stood in awe as she watched what was basically three demigods at work.
Even without weapons, both Reinhard was eliminating monsters with ease, wrestling them down into submission and then snapping their necks. Reid simply needed a pair of chopsticks to kill all of his opponents, and Zesshi, meanwhile, was gleefully chopping down monsters with her weapon, all the while muttering something about having children.
It was clear to Rem that she wasn't needed here.
So, she decided to leave their area and go help the others by bludgeoning any straggler monsters to death. It was actually quite easy for her, especially when she summoned her horn, and tore through a lot of them. She didn't even lose control, thanks to Subaru's training!
As she walked through the corpses of fallen monsters, she saw Elsa happily slicing apart any live ones. "Oh, hi there, Rem! Are you gonna go see your hubby's parents?"
"My… hubby's… parents?"
"Yes, Beatrice-sama should be guarding them as we speak," the Bowel Hunter said, pointing to the Great Spirit who was next to… two very familiar-looking folks.
Rem's mind immediately connected the dots, as she ran towards her beloved's parents.
WHACK! KRAK! SMACK!
With another strike and jab, Subaru's staff met the skin of the cyclops' face, knocking a few teeth out of him, before Subaru used his "Auto-Dodge" skill to leap back to safety.
"All right, I'm bored," Subaru said, as he placed his hand on the ground. "Hand-to-hand combat really isn't my specialty, so I'll have someone else do it for me. CREATE EARTH GOLEMS!"
In an instant, three golems made from the dirt surrounding Subaru came to life in the shape of men. The black-haired boy simply pointed at the Demon Lord, and they charged right at him.
Clever bastard! The cyclops Ultimaeus cursed, as he ripped the golems to shreds. He knew that any direct magic attacks wouldn't hurt me, so he created these golems to physically beat me, while still using his magical advantage! No matter, these things are weak! I just have to destroy this last one, and then I can face him head-on…
He crushed the last earth golem's head in, and watching it fall, he moved to –
Where the fuck did he go?!
The Demon Lord looked around the field, only to see that it was completely empty.
Did he run off like a coward? Ultimaeus wondered. No, he doesn't seem like the type. Wait, is he behind –
"DEADLY BACKSTAB!"
SHUNK!
"YAARGHH!"
Heh, gotcha, Subaru smirked, as he watched the monstrous villain die yet again. With this skill, I should be able to kill him with a single blow if the conditions are met. I needed him distracted to get behind him if this attack had any hope of success. Now, I just have to wait, and…
"RRHHH…" And, as if on cue, the golden light enveloped Ultimaeus once more, and as soon as it dissolved, gone was he cyclops, as it was replaced by a jet-black skeleton with long horns. "YOU BUG… HOW DARE YOU… I'LL SHOW YOU FEAR! I'LL SHOW YOU POWER! BEHOLD! I CALL THIS ONE STAGE THREE: DEFINED DOMAIN: GHOST! THIS NEW FORM OF MINE IS BOTH IMMUNE TO PHYSICAL ATTACKS AND MAGICAL ATTACKS! YOU HAVE NOTHING! YOU WILL DIE –"
"What about Authorities?"
"HUH?"
"I asked, is it immune to Authorities?" Subaru asked.
"AUTHORITIES…?" the Demon Lord growled. "WHAT THE FUCK ARE AUTHORITIES?!"
"I guess not," Subaru smirked. "This is gonna be interesting."
Those words that came out of the black-haired boy's mouth pissed Ultimaeus beyond belief. That, combined with that smug little grin on the nasty-eyed boy's face mean only one thing.
"BASTARD! YOU MOCK ME!" the jet-black skeleton yelled, as he prepared a fist to strike towards the Great Sage. "I'LL KILL YOU AND – HUH?!"
But as soon as his fist came into contact with the Japanese teenager's body, it simply went through it, as if he was a ghost. "Huh, you must be disappointed that I'm not the real one."
"REAL ONE?"
"Well yeah," the illusion smiled. "I mean, it's quite obvious that I'm not the real Subaru. But don't worry, there's more of us that you can try out!"
"Yeah! I mean, for all you know, maybe I'm the real Subaru!" a second copy said.
"Or maybe it's me!" A third Subaru appeared.
"Or perhaps me?" A fourth.
"Or me!" Fifth.
"Or me!"
"OR ME!"
"ME!"
""ME!""
"""ME!"""
Within the span of a few seconds, Ultimaeus was surrounded by dozens of copies of the same damn boy, all of them laughing and running around him. """HAHAHAHAHAHA–"""
It was driving him insane.
"DAAAMN… YOUUU!"
"ICE BRAND ARTS: ICE SOLDIERS!" Emilia yelled out, and in an instant, seven soldiers made of ice and armed with ice swords appeared, ready to fight the low-level demons.
"CURSED LIGHTNING!" Wiz screamed out, as a bolt of black lighting appeared, wiping out several of the bigger monsters that were currently charging at her.
BOOM!
"Well, we've cleared out the monsters attacking us in this area," Crusch said, wiping the sweat off her brow. "Let's take a quick breather before we go help the others."
"You can do that, I'm going to go assist your foolish knight," Priscilla said, as she brandished her sword and charged off to where Felix, Garfiel, Julius and Glass were fighting.
"Hey… Emilia?" the green-haired woman spoke up. "Is it just me, or do those two individuals Beatrice-sama is protecting look a lot like Subaru?"
"Hm? Oh, yeah, you're right. The woman has eyes just… like him…"
"Uh… Emilia?"
"I think I'm gonna go talk to my future in-laws."
"RAAHHH!" As Ultimaeus kept swimming his claws towards the dozens of fakes running around him, he kept looking for any of them which were about to –
"INVISIBLE PROVIDENCE!"
WHACK!
… do that. Any of them which were about to launch an invisible attack to his face.
Meanwhile, the real Subaru, who was running circles around the Demon Lord, along with the rest of his fakes, thanks to his Authority of Melancholy, wired for the right moment to attack the horned skeleton with the Authority of Sloth.
It'll take forever for me to beat the shit out of him like this, Subaru thought to himself. "Invisible Providence" is my only offensive Authority, but I can't overuse it without hurting myself. There has to be a way for me to bypass it… Wait, I got it!
"AUTHORITY OF LUST: LOVE HEALS ALL!"
Holding his two hands together, Subaru made his Authority of Lust go overdrive on himself, just like it did back when he got injured by the Black Serpent. With his body continuously healing the damage it was receiving he was able to finally let loose.
"AUTHORITY OF SLOTH: INVISIBLE PROVIDENCE!"
In an instant, instead of the usual single hand that came out of Subaru's chest, dozens of them came out, erasing all of the fake Subarus, and grabbing a hold of the Demon Lord.
GRAB!
"WHAT THE HELL?! AN INVISIBLE ATTACK?!"
Getting lifted up into the air, Ultimaeus was immobilized. He couldn't move. Even if he could see the unseen hands, they had him all pinned, and he couldn't move anything. Then…
KRAAAK…
"YAAHHH!"
… they started breaking him.
They started twisting his arms and legs all around, unnaturally so. Subaru remembered how Petelgeuse did that in the death loop where Rem died in his arms and Puck froze everything.
Killing Rem like that may have disgusted him, but he had to admit, it was effective.
CREAK…
"STOP! I BEG YOU! S-TO…" As Subaru began using the invisible arms to twist the Demon Lord's head around, the black skeleton squirmed and begged for his life, until…
SNAP!
… his head popped clean off, and he died yet again.
PLOP!
As the Demon Lord's corpse fell back to the ground, Subaru fell to his knees, throwing up his lunch. Using both Lust and Sloth combined may have helped in preventing any long-term effects, but it was still painful as hell to use.
Ugh… Subaru groaned, until he noticed something. Oh, what's this? My "Status Magic" vision is still open. Authority of Envy, Authority of Gluttony, Authority of Pride, Authority of… Vainglory…?
Trying to remember what his Authority of Vainglory actually did, he realized that… he never actually read what it did. He knew what Melancholy did because that's how he wanted it to manifest, but Vainglory? He never thought about it.
So, he decided to read the file on the Authority of Vainglory.
"Authority of Vainglory: Reality Hopper."
"Allows the user to create portals that can take them everywhere and anywhere."
"The portals are in the form of a swirling blue and white light, and traveling through one of them feels like a mix between going through a tunnel and walking through a door. The portals are also capable of taking a person to other worlds and alternate realities."
"There is no limit to where the portals can take someone, nor how many the user can create, nor how long the portals stay open. Considered one of the ultimate forms of transportation."
"The only limit is concentration. The user must think about using them to activate the Authority, and they need to think about turning it off to close off the portals. If, for example, the user unknowingly uses the Authority, they would not realize it until they were made aware of it, and the portals would remain open until the user concentrates to shut off the portals."
And just like that, Subaru broke.
The portals. They were all blue and white, just like the description said. He went through one of them, and he came out to Japan, in a whole other world. Then, by that logic, all of these monsters… they were from other worlds.
But when? When did he use the Authority? When was the last time –
A half-elf with silver hair on one side, and black on the other, carrying a scythe.
A woman in a black kimono, who's black hair and red eyes made her look formidable.
A beautiful undead, with brown hair and a purple dress, with magic like his.
A man, wearing an eye patch, flying into a battle of magic and science.
A monstrous toad, slaying a hero and his party members.
And finally… his home. Japan, where his parents were waiting for him.
He remembered now.
It all made sense.
The monsters started appearing three weeks ago en masse.
The week before that, he was trying to save Satella from the Witch of Envy's grasp, when the evil personality attacked him. In his panic, he accidentally activated that Authority.
He saw it now.
The warrior who was slaying monsters along with Reinhard, Rem, and Reid was the half-elf with the silver and black hair, who carried with her a war scythe.
The lady who was using strange magical fans to aid Garfiel, Julius and Felix was the woman with the black hair and the red eyes, wearing that same black kimono.
The Witch who was blasting ice everywhere, helping Emilia, Crusch and Priscilla, she was the beautiful undead Subaru saw, the one wearing a purple dress, and had brown hair.
The maniac who was dogfighting Roswaal, Shaula and Satella in the air was the eyepatch-wearing guy, a soldier who uses both magic and science as weapons of war.
The villain Ram, Wilhelm and Theresia were fighting before Subaru kept killing him, and he kept reviving himself, was the monstrous toad that slayed another summoned hero and their party.
And his parents… they were there because he opened a portal to their world.
"This… this is all my fault…" he croaked out.
His recklessness to save Satella caused all of this chaos. He created this problem.
He couldn't even go back in time and fix his mistake, because the Authority of Envy would only send him back to the beginning of the week. As in Monday. As in, this very morning.
Subaru was so wrapped up in his own guilt, that he didn't even notice the Demon Lord reviving himself for the final time, and approaching him, ready to kill the Great Sage.
BOOM! POW!
"RAM!" Roswaal yelled, as his group was bombarded by magic. "HELP US!"
"Of course, Roswaal-sama."
"What the hell is that thing?!" Theresia yelled, looking at the flying soldier.
"A bastardization of magic, obviously," the clown spat out. "The prick has been flying over us and blasting his weapon constantly. We need ground distractions if I'm to fly up."
"We shall leap towards him to help provide a distraction," Wilhelm nodded.
"All right then, we have a plan," Satella spoke. "Shaula and I will be both ground distractions and snipers. Wilhelm, Theresia and Ram will be aerial distractions. Roswaal, fight him head-on."
"Understood," Roswaal said, flying upwards. "LET'S DO THIS!"
It was a hard battle, but her teams persevered. Thanks to a combination of abilities and teamwork, Satella's team, along with Theresia's, were able to win.
As Satella and Shaula kept firing magic from the ground, Threresia, Ram and Wilhelm would leap up towards the flying soldier and strike him, distracting him as Roswaal focused on fighting the man through the air. Eventually, Roswaal was even able to damage the strange machinery on his boots, causing him to crash to the ground.
Once he was pinned to the ground, all the half-elf had to do was use her strength to toss the bastard through the portal he came out of.
"AND STAY OUT!" Satella yelled, as she kicked Anson Sue right back to where he came from. "All right," the former Witch of Envy said, exhausted. "You guys make sure that he doesn't come back, I'm gonna go see if any of the other teams need healing."
"Understood, Satella-sama," Wilhelm nodded.
Walking away from her group, Satella inspected the other teams, who were all pretty much done with their monster disposal work, when she noticed that Emilia and Rem were crowding over two people, much to the irritation of Beatrice. Upon closer inspection, she saw –
Oh my God, that's Kenichi-san and Naoko–san, she yelled within her head. She knew how her beloved's parents looked, having watched them as Subaru was growing up in Japan. Immediately, she made a beeline straight for them.
Ultimaues was pissed. He was supposed to have a good day, kill the Hero, and then rule two worlds. But no, this little shit in front of him had beaten him down to his last life.
However, he still had one more card to play.
His final life allowed him the ability to destroy all weapons within the immediate vicinity. And he figured that the only reason this maggot was so strong was because of the staff in his arms.
And since the fly was distracted, he would resurrect himself now.
Meanwhile, Subaru, one the other side of the field, was still riddled with guilt over his screw-up. He was so busy sinking in self-hatred, that he didn't notice the oncoming Demon Lord.
"YOU BASTARD…" the monster growled. "I BEGGED YOU TO STOP, AND YOU STILL PROCEED TO KILL ME… YOU ARE TRULY EVIL… SO EVIL… THAT I CAN'T LET YOU LIVE… NOW, I AM ACTIVATING MY FINAL SKILL! TO ENSURE THAT ALL WORLDS ARE SAFE FROM YOU! STAGE FOUR: DEFINE DOMAIN: CURSE!"
Looking up from where he was moping, Subaru saw that the villain had activated yet another one of his lives. Shit, he thought, grabbing his staff. I have to –
CRACKLE!
… and just like that, it was gone.
Looking down to where his hand was, Subaru's eyes widened in quiet shock as he saw his staff, from green crystal to wooden bottom, all of it, erupt and explode into millions of pieces.
His staff was gone.
The symbol of power for the Great Sage.
The sign of hope for all citizens of Lugnica.
The one clue Subaru had in finding his friends.
Reduced to atoms.
For a moment, all was quiet. Until, the Demon Lord laughed.
"HEHEHE… IT'S FINALLY DONE… YOU ARE TRULY POWERLESS… ALL WORLDS SHALL BE THANKFUL ONCE I HAVE GOTTEN RID OF YOU…"
Subaru wasn't listening to the monster's insane ranting. He was still looking down at the broken pieces of his staff. Removing his black cloak, he picked up the pieces of his staff, wrapped them within his cloak, and put them down next to the grass. Then, he got up.
He was no longer angry at himself.
He was now angry at the so-called "Demon Lord".
"NOW… DIE – AUGH!"
As Ultimaeus tried to grab Subaru, his hand was immediately filled with pain. Pulling back, he saw that the black-haired boy's body had transformed into a black armor, with spikes all over it.
"Shield of Wrath III," Subaru said, his eyes looking particularly evil.
"WHAT? NO! HOW?! I DESTROYED YOUR STAFF –"
"The staff only helped me cast certain spells and create equipment. But its biggest factor was its sentimental value. And you just destroyed it," the nasty-eyed boy hissed. "Now I'm very angry. And you… are going to die a very horrible and very final death."
Ultimaeus looked shocked, but he stood his ground. Revving up one of his fists, he yelled, "DIE!", before using all of his force to land a blow, and –
"Authority of Pride: Invincible."
KRAK!
In an instant, Subaru activated his Authority, rendering the Demon Lord's attack ineffective. The monster screamed, as he felt his bones break from the immovable object.
"DAMN YOU!" Ultimaeus screeched as he threw his other fist, only for…
"Reality Slash."
SLASH!
… that to happen.
"AIEEE!" Ultimaeus screamed in pain, as his other harm was literally severed off of his body. Immediately, he scrambled to his feet and made a run for it, past the other warriors and the corpses of the other monsters that had arrived.
"Is this everyone?" Reinhard asked, looking around.
"We are all accounted for," Beatrice confirmed. "I see my contractor's mates, his parents, your grandparents, my fellow Camp members, the other Camp members, the pervert, that annoying bastard Reid, and the three otherworlders you picked up."
"Wait, we're still missing Subaru!" Emilia realized.
"Over there!" Rem yelled. "Subaru-kun's scent is that way!"
"Quick! Let's follow it!" Satella shouted, prompting the others to follow Rem.
Then, after much running, he saw the portal he arrived from.
If I can just get through there, I'll be safe! The Demon Lord thought in relief. This world is already doomed, but I'm not gonna let this monster get through here –
"Authority of Vainglory: Reality Hopper."
VWORP!
In an instant, the blue and white portal that was spiraling and shimmering, including all of the other ones, shrank down into nothingness. The Demon Lord, who was surprised by this revelation, crashed into a nearby hill when he saw the portal disappear.
"NO… NO… BUT HOW?!"
"That would be my doing," Subaru said, flying down in front of the monster. "I accidentally opened up these portals to a bunch of other worlds, including yours. You know, I really hated myself for doing that. I was running around blind killing monsters that I didn't know how they kept popping up, only to discover that it was my fault. And don't get me started on the resorts that will follow. But the funny thing is… I'm no longer angry at myself."
"..."
"I'm angry at you."
"WHA…? WHY WOULD YOU…?"
"Aside from breaking my staff, you also threatened my world, my friends, and my family. You thought that your title of "Demon Lord" made you worthy of wreaking havoc as you wished. Now… I'll show you what true power is," he smiled sadistically.
As soon as he saw that smile, Ultimaeus dropped down to his knees. His pride was long gone, and now he was simply an animal willing to do or say anything to live.
"YOU… YOU'RE MORE THAN A DEMON LORD… YOU'RE A DEMON KING! NO, A GOD!"
"Wow… I'm flattered," Subaru hummed. "Anyways, time to die."
"PLEASE, DEMON GOD, I BEG YOU! SPARE ME! I'LL OFFER YOU ANYTHING! MY WORLD, MY ETERNAL SERVITUDE, A FUCKING BLOWJOB! PLEASE, JUST LET ME LIVE!"
But Subaru wasn't listening.
He was already casting the final spell.
"Foolish sinner, I sentence you to cast your screams unto the heavens! Within the dragon's jaw from my flesh, become an offering to the gods as you howl in pain!"
As Subaru kept chanting, he was wrapped around in a glowing purple aura of death, and his eyes were solely focused on his target, glowing red. Then, he yelled the name out.
"BLOOD SACRIFICE!"
And just like that, the purple aura disappeared. Then…
SPLAT! FSSHH…
… blood spilled, but not the Demon Lord's.
It was Subaru's.
As blood kept spraying out of Subaru's entire body, the Great Sage fell down to the ground, as his blood seeped into the earth. Meanwhile, Ultimeaus laughed.
"AHAHA! YOU COCKY LITTLE SHIT! THAT'S WHAT YOU GET!" he howled with laughter. "NOW, I'LL JUST EAT YOU TO HEAL UP, AND THEN I'LL – HUH?"
KRAKLE! SPLATTER!
As the monster laughed, the ground beneath him suddenly cracked, as blood started spilling into the air around him like geysers, and then –
BOOM!
… out of the earth, came the jaws of a red and black dragon chain of metal.
"AHHH!" As the metal dragon bit down on Ultimaeus, it lifted the giant Demon Lord into the air, as it flailed all around. As a second set of jaws opened up half of the monster's body fell down to the lower part of the throat, and then… the jaws shut.
CREAK… SHUNK!
"AAAAAAAAAHHHH–"
As it literally rained blood from up high, the dragon chain slinked back into the earth, where it splashed down into a lake of bubbling blood, taking the Demon Lord's corpse with it.
SPLASH!
It was over.
The Demon Lord was dead.
"Ugh…" Subaru groaned, as he collapsed to the grass from a lack of blood.
"SUBARU!" he heard someone cry from a distance.
Emilia-tan… he thought, as his mind drifted into darkness.
Author's Notes: And just like that, the final conflict is over. Sort of. We still have the Royal Selection. Anyway, let's go to the comments.
tsun: The Council of Elders are fully-aware that their days are numbered.
The Wanderer: Yeah, this chapter should resolve the majority of the conflicts. But also, I am fully aware of how funny that line with Elsa in the last chapter was.
Wilver Beato Q: ¡Es bueno ver que estás de vuelta! ¡Espero que te quedes para el final!
Iseepandas: Yeah, the thing with Subaru's parents was so short because i was planning on focusing on it in the chapter after this one.
Deathenglegamers1144: Yeah, you kinda can't stay in character if reality is literally breaking around you. Thanks for the reaction suggestions, but like I said before, I'm gonna focus more on my original creations.
Maximum Rhapsody: My guess is that this qualifies as "something big". There might be some more worlds that will be included after this Arc, but I'm not sure.
Modno: It seems like the majority of people liked the part with Subaru's parents and Elsa. Also, fun fact, even if the word count is short, the page count remains the same.
Jpx0999: Subaru's parents seeing him in action will be… interesting. Ironic, considering that is literally what Subaru says in the beginning of the chapter.
Aliata: Yeah, I was gonna have the otherworld shenanigans happen in the last chapter, not the one before it, that was just a prelude. While I know a lot of people wanted more Subaru with his parents, the development with Wilhelm and Reinhard was a long time coming, to be honest. I'm glad I improved in your eyes, see you next time!
Scattershot98: Yeah, Subaru isn't done until the Royal Selection is over. The public will have some turmoil over learning so many new things, that's for sure. But still, I'm glad you enjoyed the interactions with Wiz, Demon Lord, the Waves, and Japan. I hope you stick around long enough to get the answers to your questions!
Astronomer Kid: If I am going to be posting a react fic based on my own story, it will be on both and ArchiveOfOurOwn. Hypothetically speaking.
hlglh: Yep, Subaru is back in Japan! Or, was. Yeah, Satella, Shaula and Roswaal might have caused an interdimensional incident, hence why I had Subaru shut the portals after the three of them threw Anson back into his world. And as for Ainz seeing his old friend again… well, you're all gonna be in for a surprise.
Tomodachi: Si, tienes razón. El plan de Zesshi tiene muchas fallas, pero debes recordar que es un poco terca y tiene una mente unidireccional. Además, no tengo comentarios sobre todo el asunto de Ram, aparte de: Wow.
SUJARU: Claro, si estoy lo suficientemente aburrida, escribiré esa historia para ti.
Xcdz4444: Sí, sería bastante divertido ver las reacciones de Emilia y Satella ante Glass. Y en cuanto a mi posible spin-off de WHDAAA, solo tendría personajes de Re:Zero.
VinHD15: Yeah, Subaru's pretty tired at this point. And as for the super-secret project I have in the works, involving Theresia and Subaru, it might have to wait another year. I still have "Tales from the Multiverse" and "Megethos" to both start and complete.
We also have, not one, but four new powers! Take a look at them:
"Hell's Flame": A spell that shoots out a very tiny flame that latches onto its target and becomes a raging inferno that turns everything into ash. Used by Ainz.
"Create Earth Golem": Summon golems made of dirt. Used by Kazuma.
"Deadly Backstab": Kills enemies in one hit if conditions are met. Used by Kazuma.
"Blood Sacrifice": Summons a metal dragon-like death trap from the ground to crush it's target at the price of most of the user's blood. Used by Naofumi.
If you want to join my Discord Server, the link is /2CAzGhzu . You can post memes and fan art there, along with chatting with myself or others. If you want to be my friend, my username is Ernalore#8663. Thanks for reading, see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 32: Election Night
Summary:
Subaru wakes up from defeating the Demon Lord, and is immediately reprimanded for his reckless behavior. After that, the months pass, deals are made, relationships are formed, and promises are kept, all of them leading up to the end of the Royal Selection. Everyone has something final to say, and are then ready to hear the results. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 32: Election Night
When Subaru opened his eyes, he noticed that he was in his bed, back at the Roswaal Mansion. He panicked for a second, thinking that he died, and moved, only to see that his body was covered in bandages, and that Beatrice, Emilia, Rem, and Satella were sleeping next to him. "Uh… does anyone care to tell me what happened?"
Immediately, the four of them woke up after hearing the sound of his voice.
""""SUBARU!""""
"Ow, ow, ow! Careful, I'm still bandaged!" the nasty-eyed boy yelped, as he was hugged tightly.
"You idiot!" Emilia yelled. "You can't just do stuff like that!"
"Uh… do stuff like what exactly?"
"Subaru-kun… you don't remember?"
"Well, Rem, the last thing I remember was using an attack that killed both that Demon Lord guy and drained me of most of my blood, and then I passed out. Oh, and Emilia-tan's voice!"
"You were asleep for three days!" Satella shouted. "And during those three days, Felix and Minerva were doing everything they could to make sure you wouldn't die! Again!"
"Wow, really? Note to self: Never use that attack again. Or, unless absolutely necessary."
"It's not funny, I suppose! The cat said you won't be fully healed for another month!"
"Oh… I'm sorry, Beako. And I'm sorry to the rest of you, for worrying you like that," Subaru said, sobering up. "So… what about my parents? Are they okay?"
"They've been staying here along with the rest of the expedition teams and the otherworlders that stayed behind," the blue oni said. "They're really worried about you."
"Oh… well then… I should probably get up and say hi to them…"
The living room of the Roswaal Mansion was quiet, despite the fact that the majority of the residents were there, waiting quietly.
Kenichi and Naoko didn't know what to expect when they arrived in another world. It certainly wasn't watching their son cast a spell that cost him his own blood, and nearly his own life, to defeat some otherworldly Demon Lord.
At least the company was nice.
In the three days they waited for their son to recover, they were guests of Roswaal L. Mathers, an old friend of Subaru's despite the two having more of a "tsundere" relationship, if what Naoko was getting from the mage's retellings of various stories was accurate.
Still, the others were nice.
Emilia, Rem, and Satella were all lovely young women. It was clear that they were all enamored with Kenichi's son in various different ways, but the main one was that he saved all of them, and showed them that they were worth more than they thought. It was nice.
The various maids were interesting to talk to. Ram treated her future brother-in-law anywhere between an equal to a bug, but she obviously meant no harm. Petra's crush on Subaru was adorable, while Frederica was kind and professional. Sylphy was forever grateful to Subaru for saving her, while Colette and Palmyra were anywhere between treating him like a god, or so confused by his shenanigans that they became numb to them.
Garfiel and Otto seemed like they got along swimmingly. Naoko was happy to see that Subaru had friends his age, and she was grateful to them for forcing her son to take a break from this hero business every now and then to avoid becoming a workaholic.
Geuse and Fortuna were also lovely to talk to. They were the parents of Emilia, so it wouldn't be surprising that they would talk to Kenichi and Naoko. It was a sort of "meet the in-laws" sort of situation, except that in this case, it would be the parents of the couple meeting each other. It was quite obvious that Fortuna wore the pants in their relationship.
The former Witches were all… unique. Naoko didn't want to call them insane, that was rude. But after seeing their antics, it was no wonder how well Subaru got along with them. Typhon and Daphne were kids that needed more positive role models in their lives, obviously. Minerva was Satella's best friend who, while didn't approve of the half-elf's relationship, still supported her. They didn't talk much with Sekhmet and Carmilla, due to their personality quirks, but they seemed alright. Echidna, however, was someone Naoko would deem a "clingy ex", given her sheer hatred of the half-elves and her creepy infatuation with Subaru. Kenichi was secretly glad that Subaru adopted Beatrice from her, especially if Puck was anything to go off from.
Ryuzu, Annerose and Clind were interesting. It was nice to see that Beatrice had a best friend, or several, given how clones work. And Clind was also quirky, given his bizarre speech pattern, and the fact that he was four hundred years old. It was also interesting to talk to a girl like Annerose, who seemed to take the Emilia Camp's usual insanity with stride. Naoko figured that being smarter than her same-aged peers gave the blue-haired girl some advantages.
Outside of the Emilia Camp, the talks with Reinhard, Julius and Felix were interesting. Reinhard seemed to have earned Subaru's trust from the beginning, while Julius and Felix had to earn it. But still, they were all now on neutral terms. The redhead especially loved talking about his lady, who referred to Subaru as "Big Bro", while Julius spoke highly of his mistress.
The other Royal Candidates in the living room were Crusch and Priscilla. The first thing they did when talking to Subaru's parents was apologize for their behavior towards him during their first week together. But since then, they have learned to respect him.
The rest of the Astrea family was interesting to talk to. While it was distasteful how Wilhelm treated his grandson after Theresia's "death", he was indeed making progress on bettering himself, which was nice. Meanwhile, Theresia thanked Naoko and Kenichi for raising such a nice boy, who befriended her grandson when no one else would.
Reid and Elsa were both insane perverts who somehow Subaru managed to tolerate, most likely due to fear of the potential havoc they would cause if not kept in check. Subaru's parents merely smiled and nodded when they talked to them, while secretly praying to leave them alone.
Volcanica, Puck, and Patrasche were also an interesting group. Apparently, the big blue dragon was an old friend of their son, and decided to move into the Roswaal Mansion after the Pleiades Watchtower fell. Puck was basically Emilia's pet cat, who only tolerated Subaru for the sake of his half-elf. Patrasche meanwhile, Subaru apparently stole from Crusch, but the ground dragon bonded with him, and is now basically his dog. At the moment, Patrasche was in the stables, being comforted by Frufoo, while waiting for her master to get better.
And finally, Shaula, Louis and Meili. While the Natuskis found Shaulau to be interesting, given the fact that she was basically Subaru's teenage daughter, Louis and Meili were absolutely precious. Naoko especially loved feeding Louis with Rem, and was proud of her son for defending Meili from a shape-shifting monster. Both Naoko and Kenichi spent a lot of time with their grandchildren, especially comforting them after learning of their father's fate.
In fact, everyone was being comforted by someone else, as everyone was waiting for Subaru to get better, or at the very least, wake up. The damage done to his body wasn't pretty, and both Felix and Minerva said that he would be out for at least three days. At the moment, everyone was just sitting in the living room, waiting for him to wake up.
And then, they heard the door creak open.
CREAK…
Looking up from the floor they were staring at, everyone saw the Great Spirit and the oni maid came in, and then… they saw Subaru, being supported by the two half-elves.
"Hey, guys," he smiled weakly. "Sorry I gave you such a big scare –"
"""SUBARUUUU!"""
"Ow, ow! Yes, yes, I'm fine! I'm fine!" Subaru said, as he sat down on the couch. "Look, the last battle just took a lot out of me, that's all. But now I'm fine, and I'm ready to get back to… well not physical work, but you get the idea. Now, are there any questions that need to be addressed?"
Immediately, a bunch of hands shot up.
"Yes, Mom?"
"What the heck was that attack you used on that monster?!" Naoko asked, her voice full of worry. "Are the rest of your powers as self-destructive as that one?!"
"No, Mom, not all of my powers eat away at me like that one. That was a one-time thing I was testing out of desperation, but I won't use it again unless it's an absolute emergency, I can promise you that," the black-haired boy told his mother.
"Says the guy who jumped off a cliff to save a dead girl," Minerva muttered under her breath.
"Moving on… are there any other questions?"
"Yes, I have one," Crusch said. "After you passed out, we discovered that all the portals disappeared. Would you happen to know why, by any chance?"
"Ah," Subaru cringed at that question. "Well… crazy thing, actually… but the cause of the portals was, well… actually… me? Hehehe… please don't kill me."
"What?" Reinhard said, stupefied.
"Yeah, turns out, while I was removing the Witch of Envy from Satella, my body was under attack, and like a defense mechanism, my body sort of activated that power. And since I was unaware of it, I kinda ended up leaving portals to unknown worlds open… hence, how the monsters came through. I only figured out my blunder while fighting the big guy."
"..."
"..."
"""WHAT?!"""
"I know, I know, I fucked up!" Subaru exclaimed. "But please, don't take it out on Satella, she wasn't in control of her body! If you wanna blame anyone, blame me!"
"It's all right, we are blaming you," Priscilla said. "How do you plan to make amends?"
"I'll address the public and tell them the truth," Subaru said. "The reason this world was such a mess when I arrived was because of lies, cover-ups, revisionist history. I'm not gonna let that happen again just because I'm too prideful to admit that I made a mistake."
"Well, that's good to hear," Emilia said. "We should probably move on from that…"
"Yes, let's…"
"Ahh…" Subaru let out a sigh as he sat down in one of the living room couches. Talking with everyone and reassuring them that he was fine took a lot out of him.
It had been a long half hour that he had spoken with his family and friends, catching up with current events and apologizing for his insane stunt and vowing to never do such a thing ever again, unless absolutely necessary. But now he had a new topic to discuss, and it involved the three otherworlders that were seated on the opposite side of the room from him.
"Okay, so, let's start with Glass-san…" Subaru said, looking at the woman with black hair. "From what I gathered from Garfiel, Julius and Felix, you requested to come along with them in hopes of asking me to… help save your world? Did I get that right?"
"That is right, Great Sage," the Fan Hero replied. "In my world, there is an old prophecy, which speaks of a series of incursions and destructive forces, which have come to be known as the Waves of Calamity. If the calamities brought by the Waves are not stopped, my world will meet its end. And that's where the Legendary Heroes come in."
"Legendary Heroes?"
"Yes," Glass nodded. "Heroes who are summoned from other worlds, armed with the Legendary Weapons of old, ready to fight the Waves and save my world."
"So I assume that those fans of yours aren't a Legendary Weapon?"
"Correct. What I am carrying is known as a "Vassal Weapon", and their job is to assist their Legendary Hero," Glass said, her expression changing. "However… I unfortunately failed."
"Oh… what happened?"
"Sigh… It all began when I was born. I come from a race known as Spirit People, and because of that, I was denied the chance to participate in the ceremony to decide who would wield the Vassal Fan. However, the weapon turned down all over the other participants and chose me. The others became bitter with me and told me to never come back."
"I'm sorry that happened to you," the Japanese teenager apologized.
"I don't need your pity," she growled. "Sorry, old habit. Regardless, I was banished to the outskirts of the world, where they hoped that I would die to the Waves, thus having the Vassal Fan transfer to one of them. That was, until I met… her."
"Her?"
"The wielder of the Legendary Hunting Tool, Kizuna Kazayama, the Hunting Hero."
Weird name for a weapon but okay – Hold up, isn't that a Japanese name?! Holy shit, another person who got isekai'd with me and Al! No, focus on Glass' story! Think about this later!
"The two of us met when we crossed paths, both of us on our way to slay a monster called the Demon Dragon Emperor," Glass said, reminiscing. "She was the first person who was ever nice to me. We defeated the monster, made allies and life-long friends, and she gave me more warmth and love than I felt in my entire life. She made me feel like I was wanted, needed."
Subaru was afraid to ask, but he had to. "What happened?"
The Spirit Person's face immediately shifted into a scowl. "On one of our adventures, she was captured and thrown into the Infinite Labyrinth, where she still is to this day. It happened a week ago, but I couldn't even grieve about it because of the damn upcoming Wave! And without her, I honestly didn't think the other Legendary Heroes stood a chance against the Waves…"
Subaru, along with Wiz and Zesshi, felt a pang of sadness for the Fan Hero.
"But then… a miracle happened," Glass said, as she looked right at Subaru. "While I was fighting the latest Wave, alone, three remarkable individuals from another world arrived to my aid, and they told me of a Hero of their own, one who could make the impossible a reality!"
"The three of them were referring to me."
"Yes! You, the Great Sage, Subaru Natsuki!" Glass exclaimed, as she got down to the floor, and bowed. "I have seen your power firsthand! You are a god among men! I'll give you anything you desire, so, just please, I beg of you… Save Kizuna! Save my world! Save everyone!"
Subaru was silent for a moment, as he thought through the logistics. This is a completely different world we're talking about, with rules that differentiate it from Lugnica. Not only that, but I can't just ask my friends to jump in and save another world just because. Do we even have the right firepower to deal with something like this? We could possibly need a whole… army…
Looking up from the bowing Glass, Subaru saw both Wiz and Zesshi waiting for his response, silently. Looking at the lich, Subaru asked, "Hey, Wiz-san, back in your world, they had an Adventurer Guild, or a place where warriors of different varieties could meet up?"
The magic user nodded, "Mm-hm, there are Adventurer Guilds all over the world. I'm fairly certain that these days, all the various independent ones merged into an international organization, but it's been a few decades since I've visited one, so who's to say?"
"Mm-hm," the Great Sage nodded. "And what about your monster crisis?"
"Well, the Devil King was defeated a few decades ago by Kazuma Satou and his party, and since then, monster populations have been in decline," the brown-haired woman answered.
KAZUMA?! Subaru's voice screamed within his mind, before he shook it. No, it could just be a coincidence, there are more pressing matters right now.
"I see," he said, before turning to the heterochromatic half-elf. "And Zesshi-san, what about your world? How is the monster situation and the overall general politics?"
"I don't really care for any of that," Zesshi bluntly answered. "But put bluntly, my world is bad, but nothing compared to the lady there. Monster infestations, governments at each other's throats, non-human discrimination. It wouldn't be a surprise if there was a mass non-human exodus from my world to yours if you gave them the chance."
That made Subaru's thoughts go into overdrive. With these testimonies, it stood to reason that other worlds from across the multiverse also had problems to deal with, from social upheaval, to world-ending catastrophes. I wouldn't be right to just sit back and watch them turn into post-apocalyptic wastelands. But he really didn't have the firepower or jurisdiction to interfere with another universe. Unless… Subaru suddenly had an idea.
Reinhard said that Zesshi was strong enough for him to pull out Reid. Wiz knows what the concept of an Adventurer Guild is. And Glass has personally requested that I save her world. We have manpower, the means, and the authority right here…
"I have an idea…" he announced to the three otherworlders. "How would you like it… if my world's "Adventures Alliance", let's say… branched out?"
The following months that led up to the election were… interesting, to say the least.
After a few days of recovery, Subaru was able to use his powers again without the severe risk of dying, and he was able to use "Reality Hopper" to send his parents back home, but not before showing them all of the great tourist spots Lugnica had to offer, including souvenirs.
Afterwards, and once the public was completely aware of the false charges that were haunting Satella for the last four hundred years, Subaru came forward with a public apology and explained that the various monsters that appeared around two months ago were his fault.
Naturally, the public was upset. In fact, the most vocal were those against the idea of Satella having a shot at rehabilitation. While the half-elf herself didn't have any charges pressed against her, the negative reception ended up causing the Emilia Camp to sink a bit in popularity, but not as badly as when the Crusch, Anastasia, and Priscilla Camps all wronged the Great Sage.
That, plus the fact that Echidna "accidentally" blabbed that Felt was actually the missing princess of the Lugnican Royal Family, much to her dismay, along with the fact that the three other Camps had been slowly rebuilding their reputation after the initial Great Sage debacle, ended up having all of the Camps relatively equal in popularity.
At this point, the Royal Selection could be anyone's game.
On more positive events, Geuse and Fortuna finally got married, and both Emilia and Fortuna ended up adopting his surname, Romanee-Conti. Though, everyone kinda knew that it would eventually become Natsuki for the half-elf. Petra made an excellent flower girl.
Otto finally mustered up the courage to pop the question to Frederica, who responded with "yes", tears of joy, and a ring on her finger. The following month, the Suwen family sent a letter of congratulations, along with a flower basket, for the happy couple.
After Subaru completely recovered, he got back to work right away. While he had to admit that it was nice to spend some quality time with his kids, every parent had their limit. And besides, with all of the new tech he got from his visit to Japan, he was especially giddy to bring yet another age of enlightenment, along with Lugnica's first Industrial Revolution. Especially with the help of the O'Connell siblings and Shion spreading this stuff to all corners of the world.
Not only that, but with Volcanina's help, Subaru was able to melt away the ice that plagued Elior Forest. However, Subaru had to tell the blue dragon to not directly hit the forest, and rather, to aim his breath at the sky, as actually get rid of the cause of the freezing forest, and to not accidentally fry the frozen elves like microwaveable frozen-foods.
Still, the results did bare fruit, and all forty-nine surviving elves, along with how many ever Witch Cultists got caught in the cross-fire, were safely melted and reanimated. While a bit confused and disoriented at first, Emilia, Geuse, and Fortuna were able to explain everything and tell them everything that they missed for the last one hundred years.
Needless to say, they immediately all pledged their fealty to the Great Sage, afterwards.
However everything had to come to an end, eventually. And it was now the dreaded "Election Day", where all of the citizens of Lugnica would have to cast their ballots and vote on which Candidate they wanted to lead the country into a new era.
All of the most prominent figures of each Camp had arrived at the Royal Castle, and were now all waiting in their own separate rooms with most of the Camp members that came with them, waiting to be called to the Throne Room and for the results to come in.
Inside their waiting room, Priscilla and Al were waiting quietly, until…
"Aldebaran, we might not win this."
This caught the helmeted knight completely off-guard. "Hold up, Princess, are you actually doubting yourself –"
"Don't be such a fool!" she snapped. "Mineself just saying that there's a good chance we might not win this, that's all. I'm being realistic, not doubting mine divine luck."
"Well, if you're not doubting your luck, then… why?"
"I don't know," she sighed. "Mayhaps it was never the world's intention to have mineself be a King, but if not that, then… what am I supposed to do now?"
"Didn't we… have this conversation already?" Al asked. "Back in Priestella?"
"Yes, we did," Priscilla answered. "And you told me that there were still the lands I owned that needed governing, along with the possible option that traveling around the world was viable, and that… you would always be… by my side…"
The Vollachian Matriarch stood up from the couch she was sitting on, and looked directly at her companion. "Al, remove your helmet."
"Uh… okay?" the two-armed knight said, questioning this bizarre sudden request, but still complying, as he placed both his hands on his helmet, and took it off.
Priscilla's eyes widened. "You look… different."
"Yeah… remembered the Zarestia incident? When bro gave me back my arm?" Al awkwardly asked, rubbing the top of his hair. "Well, it turns out that his ability was able to "make me the best me I can be", or something like that. But basically, along with my regrowing arm, all of my scars disappeared, and I'm pretty sure he might have made me look a bit younger, too."
"That would explain why you look so much like… him," Priscilla surmised. "Are you…?"
"Yeah, we are," Al nodded. "I just kept the name "Al" and kept the helmet on so as to not confuse and or cause a general panic among the populace. But other than me arriving eighteen years earlier and basically having a different life, were the same."
"Infinite worlds, infinite possibilities, I suppose… But I still managed to snag the original."
"Actually, the original was snagged by the silver-haired lady over four hundred years ago –"
"Oh, shut up, you know what I mean!" Priscilla huffed. "But anyways, I think I know what I'm going to do now. And I know that you'll be right there with me."
"Princess?"
"You'll follow me to the ends of this world, won't you, my knight?"
Al was quiet for a moment, before smiling. "Without a doubt, Pris."
Within another waiting room, Anastasia and Julius were silently waiting, until…
"Anastasia-sama, may I ask you a question?"
"Shoot."
"Why did you ask me out to dinner?"
That question threw Anastasia for a loop. She didn't know what to say in this scenario, so she decided to do something completely unexpected: Polite honesty.
"I realized tha' money'll never fill th' hole in ma heart."
"..."
"Th' Royal Selection thin' wuz really an excuse to enrich myself more, no surprise there," she chuckled to herself. "But I kinda realized tha' all this money… it doesn't buy actual happiness. And then… it kinda hit me… aside from Ricardo and th' triplets, I kinda never had any actual relationships. So… I kinda decided ta try an' start a relationship with ya."
Julius was quiet for a second, before saying, "So… you were trying to court me?"
"Yes…?" she answered. "Is it working?"
Julius was silent for a moment, before saying, "We shall see… There is still the matter of the Royal Selection ahead of us, but after that, I wouldn't mind a second date?"
"Really?!" Anastasia exclaimed, her eyes wide with hope.
"For you? Anything, my lady."
Inside Crusch and Felix's waiting room, all was quiet, until…
"Phew… Old Man Wil is syure taking his time…"
"Felix," Crusch said, curt. "Drop the act. We need to talk."
The knight's ears dropped at the sound of that. He knew the two of them ended up not having that talk after the Satella incident since the green-haired woman was constantly swamped with paperwork, and this was pretty much the only time she was free.
Of course she would find now as the opportune time to talk to him.
"Of course, Crusch-sama."
"Good," she nodded. "Let's being with the recounting of the events that happened almost a year ago: You, for some inexplicable reason, tried to confess your feelings to me in the middle of a battlefield, despite the fact we could have died. Am I wrong?"
"No, Crusch-sama."
"Good. Now my next question: Why?"
"Well, I figured it was a gyood time, considering we might nyot have made it out alive –"
"No, not that," Crusch interrupted. "I mean… why me?"
Felix looked at his mistress with wide eyes. "Crusch, it's always been you. Ever since you saved me from my horrible father, I've always loved you," he said, without his usual mannerisms.
"But you knew that I –"
"Loved Fourier? I know," he answered. "Which is why I never said anything. I even tried my best to get the two of you together. Because I knew that your happiness would always be the most important thing to me, even if it meant that I wasn't in the picture."
"..."
"But even after all of that, I still loved you," the cat boy said, with a sigh and a smile. "So, when I saw that there was a good chance the two of us were gonna die, I was… selfish. I wanted you to at least know, and I wanted to say it, so that I would have lived a life without regrets. Because… if I died, and never told you… or if you ended up with someone else because I never told you… I would hate myself for the rest of my life."
Crusch was quiet for a moment, thinking of every moment she had spent with Felix. Their first meeting, the beginning of the Royal Selection, all of it. Now that she thought about it, the signs were kinda there, she was just so enamored with work she never noticed.
"Felix…" the Duchess said, looking at her knight. "While I don't have an answer for you right now… I'll think about what you have said here. Is that… alright with you?"
"Of course," he smiled. "Take as much time as you need, nyah."
Felt and Reinhard waited in their room, where it was silent, until…
"Hmm… it appears Grandmother is taking her time with Grandfather."
"Yeah… it would appear so…" Felt agreed.
The Felt Camp had arrived with the three of them, but after a bit of time in the waiting room, Theresia excused herself to go talk to Wilhelm, leaving the two of them alone.
"Hey… Rein?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think I would make a good King?"
"Of course!" Reinhard exclaimed. "I think you would make a great –"
"Even after all of the things I said?" she asked, teary-eyed.
"Felt… what's bothering you?"
The blonde sighed, and began to speak. "It's just… ever since Echidna blabbed about me being royalty… I just… I don't know if I can live up to that expectation… I mean, eleven months ago, Big Sis practically had this Royal Selection in the bag… but now… there's a good chance I might actually win this. And, I don't know if I can be a good King all on my own –"
"Stop that."
"Huh?"
"You seem to have made a crucial mistake," Reinhard said. "Being a King, or any kind of leader for that matter, isn't about the ability to do everything on your own. It's about knowing your ally's strengths and weaknesses, listening to their input, and being her person who can bring all of them together. I mean, look at Subaru: Sure, he has his flaws, but he is a leader. He brought so many people of different backgrounds together, had them go on various missions where their strengths would be their strongest, and he listened to us when he had something to say."
"So… you're saying I can do it…?"
"Yes, Felt, without a doubt in my mind, you can do it."
The red-eyed girl hugged her blue-eyed knight, whispering, "Thank you."
"Of course, it's my job," the redheaded knight smiled at his blonde mistress, letting her go. "And besides, you don't necessarily have to be a King."
"Huh?"
"Well, if you do win, our word would become law," the Sword Saint said, his voice sing-song. "And besides, this Royal Selection has shown to be a successful pilot…"
"What are you getting at, Rein?"
"It's actually an idea Subaru introduced me to… How would you like a democracy?"
In the final room, Emilia, Rem, and Satella were by themselves, waiting. Roswaal and Ram had come along, but they were in another room, talking to Subaru, at the moment.
It was quiet, until Satella decided to break the ice. "Emilia…" she said, looking at her mirror-perfect counterpart. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry."
Emilia looked confused. "What do you mean?"
"You having to suffer the insults and all that hatred… just because you look like me…" Satella said. "I truly wish that you didn't look like me, at least you wouldn't have been hurt."
"Stop that," the half-elf said to the other half-elf. "Yes, it's true that I didn't like my appearance for the longest time, Satella. But… Subaru told me that he loved me, how he loved my hair and my eyes, and since then… I'm glad I have them. Because they made someone happy."
"Oh, I see…" Satella whispered, as she looked downcast.
"You know, Subaru-kun loves you, too."
"Huh?" Satella asked, looking at Rem.
"He told us of how the two of you met, centuries ago," the blue-haired maid said. "He told us of how he gave you everything to make you happy, and he begged us to help him save you. If that isn't love, Rem doesn't know what is. He loves you, the same as us."
"I know," Satella sighs. "I just feel like he's just stringing me along because of his past life. Like that it's an obligation, or just guilt of causing the Great Calamity!"
"Yeah, well I sometimes thought that he loved me solely because I looked like you!" Emilia exclaimed. "But both of us know that's wrong, and so is what you're saying! He loves each of us the same, because we comforted him when he was down, because we supported him when no one else did. And because of that, he will always love us!"
The former Witch of Envy looked at the Royal Candidate and the blue oni for a bit, before surrendering with a sigh and a weak smile. "I suppose you're right. He does indeed love us."
CREAK…
The three of them looked up, and saw Subaru walking in.
"Hey, girls," he said, sounding serious. "It'll be time for the announcement to come in, so I'm going to get this over with right now: I love all three of you equally."
"Subaru…" Emilia said. "We know."
"I know it's wrong, and it's a scummy thing to do, but I just can't pick one of you! You're all the most beautiful, kind, amazing women I have ever met!"
"Subaru-kun," Rem said, trying to get him to knock it off
"And I know it would be wrong of me to just string anyone of you along, so I've been working so hard because, well, I'm so afraid of hurting you by giving you an answer. But the truth is, I can't pick one of you, so I'm going to –"
"Subaru!" Satella shouted, snapping him back to attention.
"Hm?"
"It's fine," Emilia said, reassuringly. "You don't have to pick any one of us. We aren't trying to compete with you. We're all more than happy to share."
"Wait, what?"
"All three of your daughters view each of us as a mother, even," Satella explained. "Shaula has me, Louis has Rem, and Meili has Emilia. I thought it was kinda obvious."
"Oh, well, I uh…"
"Excuse me, everyone," a young butler said. "But the ballots have been counted, and the Council of Elders requests everyone's presence in the Throne Room.
"Subaru-kun, it's obvious that the end of the Royal Selection has you stressed out," Rem said, holding his hand, and smiling. "But don't can talk about this later, if you want."
"Oh… uh… Yeah, let's…" Subaru said, as the four of them walked to the Throne Room.
Soon enough, everyone, from the Camp members, to the nobles, to even Wilhelm, Theresia, Roswaal and Ram, had arrived at the Throne Room for the big moment.
The doors opened, and the ten members of the Council of Elders walked in, and sat in their places. "Thank you all for coming," Miklotov said. "After three long years, the Royal Selection has finally concluded! We have ourselves a new King by vote of the general populace!"
There was cheering and clapping from everyone, which soon enough died down, as everyone waited patiently for Miklotov to announce the winner.
Subaru was silent, but internally, he was nervous as hell, and shaking beyond belief.
That was, until something grabbed his hand.
Looking down he saw that Emilia was holding his hand, and giving him a reassuring smile. One that translates to: Everything will be alright.
He saw that both Rem and Satella were giving him the same, reassuring smile.
Looking around the Throne Room once more, and seeing all of the friends he made along the way, Subaru smiled, knowing that his girls were right, that everything would be alright.
And for once, he was looking forward to an unknown future.
Starting right here… from square zero.
"And now… the 42nd King of the Dragon Kingdom of Lugnica is –"
Author's Notes: On a more serious note, Billy Kametz (Naofumi, young Wilhelm, White Blood Cell, and Kyouya's English voice actor) died a few days ago, and I want to dedicate this chapter to an amazing talent. You will be missed, Billy. And now, for the comments.
Intrigued Shikikan: This is one of the most interesting reviews I ever got. It's so passive-aggressive, it's kinda impressive. And I mean, Subaru is technically there.
Monty: No, this is the penultimate chapter. The story ends with the next chapter. But still, thanks for reading, I'll keep up the good work until this is finally over.
Jpx0999: Oh, there will be something about his staff in the end. And most of the abilities he lost from it are ones that required materials, like a sword, or a shield, or some rope.
Deathenglegamers1144: Thanks for reading, glad you liked the joke.
Modno: Yeah, the reason the meeting between the girls and Subaru's parents didn't happen was because there wasn't any time, and I physically can't write stuff like that. So, that's how the cliffhanger ended. Hope to see you at the finale!
GammaOmegaDelta: The joke actually came from Mirrond's "Cure to Evil", check it out.
CrysisWar1234: I mean, watching Subaru beat up a Demon Lord did kinda give me that idea, too. But yeah, the problems in the last chapter did kinda get out of control for him. Let's hope the next chapter also meets your standards.
hlglh: Thank you for the hearts!
Tomodachi: Por las cuatro cosas que comentaste: 1. Podría haber exagerado a Anson Sue porque pensé que era fuerte si era lo suficientemente fuerte como para hacer que Tanya sintiera miedo. 2. Tienes razón, Subaru es mejor que eso, pero yo, como escritor, quería crossovers interdimensionales, y así es como pensé que podría conseguirlos. 3. El monólogo interior de Naoko es lo más parecido a conocer a los suegros que estás recibiendo. 4. Supuse que la reacción de los ciudadanos a Satella ya había sucedido, Subaru solo necesita disculparse públicamente.
VinHD15: Yeah, if anything, the Demon Lord made Subaru super angry, and not scared. Don't worry, the only otherworlders who are currently alive are allies of the Adventurers Alliance. And sorry to disappoint, but this is all you're getting in terms of interactions between the Subaru Protection Squad ™ and Subaru's parents.
MemorySoul: Yeah, the gods are totally thankful for the Demon Lord's death. Hey, now that I think about it, that might be a future plot device…
ThatRabidPotato: If by "what I'll do next" you mean "future projects", I'll discuss those in the final chapter. Now that you mention it, basing a react fic around a story the characters already know might not be the best idea. The Natsukis' reactions to Subaru's love life has pretty much been covered with that one paragraph during the beginning of this chapter. And I'm glad that I helped you get familiarized with "Overlord" through Zesshi! I hope you do the same thing with the other fandoms I used!
There aren't any new powers, and I doubt there will be any anymore.
And that's it! Thanks so much for reading! If you want to join my Discord Server, the link is /PHN9dfTt . You can post memes and fan art there, along with chatting with other members, myself included. If you want to be my friend, my Discord username is Ernalore#8663. That's all for now, I'll see you next time!
- Ernalore
Chapter 33: Epilogue
Summary:
It has now been five years since the end of the Royal Selection, and Subaru leaves his job for half an hour to attend a lunch meeting. While walking to his destination, he remembers everything that has happened in the last five years, while also looking forward to the future. Thanks for reading. Cross-posted on FanFiction.net.
Chapter Text
Chapter 33: Epilogue
"Subaru-sama! The Kingdom of Hyrule has posted a request! Apparently, one of their vassals has turned against them! We also have several reports of monster infestations!"
"A coup and a monster quest?" Subaru asked, as he read his documents. "Okay, let's see who's available… Ah! We can send Crusch, Theresia and Wilhelm right away!"
"Subaru-sama! Gandalf the Gray has requested a party of adventurers to aid him on a quest to destroy a ring by tossing it… "into the Fires of Mount Doom"? Huh, that's a new one."
"An escort mission? Let's see… this sounds pretty dangerous… Hal-san and Tia are available…" he whispered to himself. "We can send him Halibel-san and Zarestia-sama!"
"Subaru-sama! Headmaster Ozpin has posted a request! Apparently, a Witch called "Salem" has attacked Beacon Academy with an army of monsters called "Grimm". He's requesting backup!"
"A Witch and an army of monsters? Yeah, that's a big threat. Send Reinhard right away!" Subaru said, before he looked at a nearby clock. "Oh, would you look at the time! Sorry, but I've got a lunch meeting in thirty minutes. Beako can handle any more requests directed to me."
"""Of course, Subaru-sama,""" his assistants bowed.
Walking out of his office and out into the street, Subaru took a breath of fresh air as he, and looked up at the blue sky, before walking to the Royal Castle for his meeting.
It had now been five years since the Royal Selection came to an end, and a lot of things had happened since that night. For starters, the Emilia Camp lost.
In fact the Felt Camp won, with twenty-five percent of the popular vote, while the Emilia Camp came into a close second place, with only twenty-four percent. While it was true that the other three Camps fixed their reputation after their initial transgressions towards the Great Sage, they really didn't have much of a chance of winning, with Crusch having eighteen percent of the vote, Anastasia with seventeen percent, and Priscilla with sixteen percent.
Even with the Emilia and Felt Camps being the only serious options, Subaru had to admit, even back then, the Emilia Camp was more likely to lose.
Given the scandal that occurred with Subaru accidentally summoning entire armies of monsters to Lugnica by mistake, of course the public would take it negatively. However, the bigger blow was the fact that the big reveal to the country of how Felt was actually a member of the Royal Family, something which pretty much guaranteed her the throne.
To this very day, Subaru was certain that the "leak" was actually Echidna being a chatterbox.
In fact, there was argument made that the Royal Selection should have been dissolved immediately and had the throne given to Felt, but there were a number of reasons against it, including, but not limited to, the fact that the Royal Selection was almost over, some thought it was a mere rumor, some old rule that the Royal Selection couldn't be canceled, and more garbage from the mouths of the old nobles that both Subaru and Felt hated with a passion.
So, Subaru and Felt decided to play by those old farts' rules. Both Camps agreed to be professional about it, and they simply had to rely on the people and their fair judgment. Something which did give Felt cold feet during the final night of the Selection.
Despite that, Felt still won, and she took it with stride, but she was still planning some big changes. Of course, they weren't her whole "tear down the Kingdom" threats she initially screamed out at the beginning of the Royal Selection, but they were close.
Originally, Felt wanted to get rid of the monarchy, and set us a "constitutional democracy", after hearing Reinhard's re-telling of the government used in Subaru's world, a concept where the rights of individuals and minorities were respected.
Plus, she really liked the idea of being called "President Felt van Astrea".
However, Subaru advised her against the idea. One, the idea of too much freedom to the wrong type of minorities might cause them to create laws and policies that the majority disagree with, he had seen it happen with the United States government back home. Not only that, but the Great Sage personally felt that it would kinda kill the whole "fantasy world" vibe.
So, they decided on a compromise.
Instead of a constitutional democracy, they would have a constitutional monarchy, where Felt would act as a non-party political head of state. So, while Felt would still technically be the King, she would not personally set public policy or choose political leaders, but rather, she would be a symbol of national unity and give her approval on certain legislation.
The people who would actually run the government, including representing the people, making new laws, and overseeing the government, now that the Council of Elders were dissolved, would be known as the "Members of Parliament". They would be commoners nominated and elected by their peers, and there would be elections to choose the members every five years.
While it was true that the nobility still had power, one of the first things Subaru and Felt did as a team was to launch nation-wide investigations into every noble, and, if found with any skeletons in their closets, would be stripped of their titles, and properly punished.
Their titles would be given to more worthy inheritors, and not only that, but there came new policies that made sure that their title would only stay the same or increase, depending on how they acted. It was also encouraged for them to marry people based on merit, and perhaps love, rather than blood nobility or title. If there was one thing both Subaru and Felt hated, it was the idea of languishing at the bottom, while fat nobles sat on top.
Not only that, but the families of these nobles were required to either complete seven years worth of service to the country, depending on their skills and talents. Whether their talents lay in politics, economics, military, or even adventuring, that was up to them to decide.
Speaking of adventuring, Subaru did manage to find himself a new gig.
After the Royal Selection, Subaru, including Glass, Wiz, Zesshi, and pretty much anyone who was available, went to Glass' world to break out Kizuna, only to discover that the cause of these so-called "Waves of Calamity" were actually the result of a multiversal conspiracy caused by a bunch of psychopaths who were lead by a what was basically a god who enjoyed eating worlds.
Subaru did not have a fun time there.
But despite that, it pretty much cemented Subaru's original idea back before the Royal Selection ended: There were an infinite number of worlds out there, all of them threatened by something, whether it be something as lowly as monsters, or as powerful as an insane god. And as such, there needed to be an army of heroes who would be capable of defending these worlds.
And so, the Multiversal Guild was born.
The idea was a simple one, it was basically a multiversal version of the Adventurers Guild from Wiz's world: Subaru would go to another world and explain to the local governments about the existence of the multiverse, and how every world is under threat from something. Then, he would persuade them to set up a connection between the two worlds, and that way, whenever one world needed help with something, they could put up a quest and heroes-for-hire from multiple other worlds would be able to team-up and take down these threats.
With Echidna's help, along with several other prodigies in magic and science from various other worlds, they were able to create a from of magic which would allow permanent versions of Subaru's "Reality Hopper" ability to be created and controlled, thus allowing people from all corners of the multiverse to go from world to world to help people, using the established bushings as the doorway between worlds.
Not only that, but this portal business ushered in a new age of political alliances, scientific enlightenment, and tourism. When Subaru first proposed the idea, various governments from various worlds all wanted in, and agreed to have official negotiations with Felt. Not only that, but the natural sharing of information between different worlds brought new ideas for various people, including Echidna, who practically salivated over the idea of new and different types of magic from the ones she was used to. And, it was also quite profitable, as various citizens loved the idea of visiting places beyond the Great Waterfall, thus birthing a thriving tourism industry.
But of course, it wasn't all work for Felt and Subaru. They still had their own personal lives.
After the new Lugnican government was established, Subaru suggested to Felt that, rather than be called "King", she should instead call herself the "Queen Regent", which basically translated to a female monarch. She accepted, as she thought it sounded cooler, and she and Reinhard ended up getting married, with the redhead becoming her "King Consort".
The wedding was quite nice, as everyone was there, including Old Man Rom, Heinkel, Louanna, Theresia, and Wilhelm, who had finally resolved their differences. Subaru was fairly certain that the Astrea women decided that by the time the wedding had rolled around, they had reprimanded their husbands long enough, and decided to forgive them and bury the hatchet.
Around last year, actually, Felt and Reinhard even had a son, named Rom, which was nice.
Subaru's love life was a bit more… active.
His wedding was quite the big event, as Emilia, Rem, and Satella insisted they all get married the same day. Of course, he surrendered, and he would never forget the day as long as he lived. Plus, his parents made sure that they got about a million photos.
But then came the honeymoon phase. Subaru was certainly glad that his abilities also granted him enhanced stamina, because he was fairly sure he could have died there.
Nine months after the fact, and sure enough, he was a father to three new little ones. Two quarter-elf girls, one named Chocorina and one named Altara, courtesy of Emilia and Satella, and one half-oni boy with blue hair, named Rigel, courtesy of Rem. A few years after the fact, Rem also ended up giving birth to a little girl with black hair, named Spica.
Little did Subaru know that he would end up having twelve children by the end of his long life, four per wife. That, included with his three adopted children, would total up to fifteen kids, something which made his parents extremely proud, while all of his guy friends, along with a certain number of his female friends, would tease him to no end about it.
But he wasn't the only one who decided to settle down.
Otto and Frederica also had a wedding not long after the Great Sage and the Queen Reagent's own weddings. The entire Suwen family arrived, including a redheaded woman Otto saved when he was younger, named Marone, who was now married to Otto's younger brother, Regin. Eden Frederica's mother, and her family from Priestella showed up for the wedding. The wedding itself was nice, if a bit quick, but that was probably due to the fact that the two newly-weds wanted to leave quickly in order to do some… things. The result of those things ended up being a baby daughter named Valentine, roughly nine months later.
Ever since Echidna flat-out rejected Roswaal, he had been doing a lot of self-reflection, which included trying to make amends with everyone. The first thing he decided to fix was his one-sided relationship, so he went out of his way to make her happy. While Rem, and several others don't approve, they were still happy for Ram, regardless. Eventually, the two of them had a quiet wedding ceremony, followed by a daughter named Vega.
After the Royal Selection, Priscilla and Al decided to travel around the world for a bit, including visiting her brother, Vincent Vollachia, before the two of them decided to tag along with Subaru on his multiversal adventures, and eventually getting married. After a bit, Priscilla decided to retire and govern over her territories, as she ended up having a daughter, named Helena, who got black hair from her father and a bad attitude from her mother, while Al continued to adventure. Every now and then, Priscilla even joins him when she is needed for a mission.
Julius and Anastasia actually ended up going on more dates after that, and the two of them also got hitched. In terms of the Hoshin Trading company, Anastasia had to step down for a bit, as she ended up having twins, a boy, named Nikolai, and a girl, named Maia. As such, her husband ended up running the company, which, combined with his duties as a Royal Knight and whenever Subaru ended up dragging him for otherworldly adventuring, made him feel like he had three different jobs, something which Subaru could relate to very much.
Crusch and Felix were a bit slower with their romance, as after the Royal Selection, Crusch took a step back from her work to re-examine her life, and realized that it was kinda empty without all her companions. So, she decided to take Felix up on his offer, and the two of them courted, which eventually led to them tying the knot. They even had a son these days, named Leo.
Shaula was overjoyed for the birth of her younger siblings, and was more than happy to babysit them when their father went on dangerous missions, along with Clind. In fact, the two of them got along quite well, due to their longevity and weird obsessions, so much so that Subaru was fairly certain that Shaula was actually crushing on Clind. His suspicions were eventually confirmed when Shaula went out on a date with Clind.
Subaru made sure to give Clind the "don't break her heart, I'll rip out yours" talk. The butler then corrected him by saying that Spirits didn't have natural hearts, and in response Subaru just threatened to drain his mana while he was conscious. Clind fully understood what not to do.
Speaking of his other daughters, Meili had grown up quite well. She was now an adult, and had a height to rival Elsa's, and a physique, to boot. Petra had also gotten taller, too, and her hair was way longer. Subaru had also seen both Meili and Petra blush around each other quite a lot. Oh, well, Petra always wanted to be a Natsuki, so that was one way to go about it.
However, he also noticed how Typhon and Annerose, who were also adults now, acted around Petra, so he felt like he should probably give Meili a heads-up and go for the kill.
Speaking of Typhon, she was now pursuing a degree in law, and aiming to be a judge. Part of Subaru's and Felt's complete overhaul of the government included mandatory and free education for all, along with university. Now, government officials would be hired through their credentials and merit, rather than bloodlines, which was great for a commoner like Typhon, as she was now one step closer to being able to judge criminals once more.
In terms of new careers, everyone who was in the Adventurers Alliance ended up joining the Multiversal Guild, along with a bunch of other newcomers from both Lugnica, and other corners of the universe. Every now and then, Emilia, Rem and Satella would also join Subaru on certain missions, especially when some of their kids started going to school.
As for the other former Witches, after Satella got married, Minerva still hung around her, but she was also working as a healer alongside Felix, both of them traveling from world to world, helping the locals that suffered from their own world-ending calamities that Subaru had to eliminate. However, she was also recently interested in getting back into the dating game, and she also dragged Carmilla along with her, who hadn't had a date in the last four hundred years.
Sekhmet didn't really have anything to do now that Typhon was an independent teenager, which was perfectly fine with her. However, Ram pretty much kicked her out of the Roswaal Mansion and told her to not laze around all day. So, she decided to head to the Capital and find Old Man Rom, who she subsequently apologized to for wiping out most of their race, leaving Rom and Sekhmet as the only living giants left in Lugnica. Rom forgave her, and the two became friends.
Daphne, as hungry as she ever was, ended up becoming a food critic, as a way to live her gluttonous lifestyle in a socially acceptable outlet. In fact, her favorite restaurant to eat at was the one Louis opened up once she became an adult, who worked as the head chef, and even hired Kadomon and his family to work there as assistant cooks and a waiting staff.
And finally, Echidna worked as the head researcher for both the Kingdom and the Multiversal Guild, using her genius, along with Subaru's and Beatrice's help, to help improve the lives of beings across the multiverse, through any field, ranging from science to magic.
Beatrice herself stuck by Subaru of course, and whenever she wasn't adventuring, or working as Subaru's secretary at the Guild, she would be doting over her nieces and nephew, and making sure that Puck wasn't doing anything stupid. Patrasche remained as Subaru's loyal steed, and loved it whenever her master's children rode her like a scaly pony.
Other people who ended up getting new jobs included Sylphy, Palmyra, and Colette, who ended up working as maids at the Royal Castle, which was led by the Head Maid, Frederica. She and Otto moved to the Capital with their daughter after Otto was offered by Felt a job as the Dragon Kingdom's very own Finance Minister, after proving his skills at the Emilia Camp. He even ended up hiring Flop, Medium and Shion for their economic savviness! Subaru was also pretty sure that Frufoo ended up becoming something akin to a house dog for the Suwens.
After the Felt Camp dissolved, Reize left for Kararagi, where she met Halibel and Zarestia, and apologized to the Great Spirit for stealing her Light Sphere. Zarestia accepted the apology, and the three of them formed a party and headed back for Lugnica, where they became some of the first, and most powerful, adventurers hired by Subaru in his Multiversal Guild.
After Louanna forgave Heinkel, he moved back to the Astrea Manor, and he returned to his duties as the Deputy Commander of the Royal Guard, but this time around, with a more positive outlook on life. And as for Wilhelm and Thereisa, once they finally settled back into the Manor, they ended up joining the Multiversal Guild as adventurers.
Ricardo, Mimi, Tivey, and Hetaro still worked for Julius and Anastasia along with the rest of their little mercenary group, but these days, the four of them were also adventuring within the Multiversal Guild, as were many other locals and otherworlders.
After Ram's and Roswaal's wedding, Garfiel decided to work on his career, specifically on becoming a Royal Knight, and he actually succeeded. He was now both a knight, and an adventurer within the Multiversal Guild, renowned for his battle prowess whenever he was teamed up with Subaru or Julius. Both he and Frederica would visit their mother and family back in Priestella every now and then. Recently, he even started dating Mimi.
Fortuna and Geuse stayed back in the Elior Forest to look after the elves there, but were always sure to visit Emilia and their grandchildren. Subaru even overheard a rumor these days from one of the local elves that the married couple were trying to give Emilia a little sister.
Ryuzu and her clones, along with any of the remaining undead Subaru had created, decided to stay back and tend to Irlam Village, which had now become a thriving community for both humans and demi-humans. Beatrice made sure to visit her best friend every now and then.
Reid and Shaula also occasionally went on missions to other worlds, as did Fortuna and Geuse, and oddly enough, even Reinhard and even Vincent Vollachia, several Divine Generals, and the Shudrak women. Subaru figured that Reinhard technically wouldn't be violating international law if the redhead never stepped out of the border to begin with. And while he couldn't figure it out, Subaru guessed that the local Vollachians were either bored with their lives, or were just very interested in checking out another world, hence why they showed up. Volcanica was content with flying around his own world, though, but he would be sure to occasionally visit his friends.
Several other former members of each Camp, including Elsa, Joshua, Gaston, Rachins, Camberley, and even Ezzo figured they might try their mettle against this whole "adventuring" thing, or they simply wished to visit other worlds. Carol and Grimm even tried their hand for a bit, but they were mostly content with staying with their grandchildren, Flam and Grassis. Even Schult and Liliana visited some other worlds, even if one of them did it to keep an eye on Helena, while the other did it to spread her music to the farthest reaches of the multiverse.
Yes, it seemed like everyone was content with their lives.
But there was one thing that always bothered Subaru.
The box.
Where did it come from? Who were those people who gave him their powers? What was that staff? It seemed like Subaru would never get the answers he was looking for, ever since that staff was destroyed by the Demon Lord.
That was… until he talked with Wiz.
After the whole "world-eating god" debacle was put behind them, and they saved Glass' world, he asked who exactly this "Kazuma Satou" guy was. And Wiz answered in spades.
Apparently, he was a guy who managed to defeat their local Devil King with a bunch of skills and spells that, oddly enough, Subaru had in his possession. Not only that, but when he stocked up Wiz's shop with merchandise, all of it sounded oddly… Japanese.
Unfortunately, Wiz told him that Kazuma apparently died of old age a long time ago, which saddened Subaru, making him believe that his search had led him to yet another dead end.
That was, until he figured out a certain loophole.
Over the years, Subaru learned that his ability, "Reality Hopper", did not only take him to other universes, but also to different dimensions, alternate timelines, anywhere. He ended up learning about this when beating up the version of himself who became the Sin Archbishop of Pride.
That was not a fun adventure.
But regardless of that, he figured out that distance and time were basically just the same thing, just from different perspectives. So, he figured out that all, theoretically, all he had to do was go to a timeline where Kazuma Satou was still in his youthful prime, before he defeated the Devil King, retired, got old and died, and he would be able to talk to him.
The others from his letter were a bit harder to find, but he ended up doing it.
Zesshi had reported to him that the Sunlight Scripture of her Slane Theocracy country was apparently wiped out by a magic caster called "Ainz Ooal Gown".
When investigating the world that brought the flying maniac Satella, Shaula, and Roswaal were forced to fight, he overheard conversations about one "Tanya von Degurechaff".
During his crusade in Glass's world, he visited yet another world which was suffering under the Waves, and said that they would have been forced to summon their own Legendary Heroes to fight off the Waves if Subaru didn't intervene, including a certain "Shield Hero".
And finally, Subaru and friends ended up getting a surprise visit from a bunch of people claiming to be gods, who thanked him for getting rid of the Demon Lord and saving the world of Ixphoria, something their summoned hero, "Seiya Ryuuguuin", couldn't do.
Over the years, he searched into every clue, made dealings and looked for information, and finally, finally, all of that searching had finally paid off this very day.
In twenty-five minutes from now, he would meet his five mysterious friends.
Walking through the streets of Lugnica and heading towards the Royal Castle with his traveling outfit, he felt giddy, but kept that to himself. He had rented out one of the rooms from Felt, and he had the cooks create a certain new dish for his special guests. He couldn't wait!
Looking around the streets, he saw that there were children playing, and that various stands now had games and junk food. Oh, there's a festival today, he realized.
Walking through the area, he admired all of the carnival games, the food stands, all of it, but when he turned his head towards one of the final game stands…
… he saw it.
No way.
In one of the game stands, a simple ball-throwing game, Subaru saw the various prizes kids could win, from plushies and toy swords, but one of the prizes he saw… was his staff.
Walking up towards the staff, he asked the carny, "Where'd you get that?"
The festival worker said, "Oh, this? I made it! I saw the Great Sage carrying it around one time he was in the Capital, so I made a replica of it! It was hard to do, too. Took a while to find the right wood, metal, crystal, to make it seem like the genuine article!"
Subaru had a hard time speaking for a moment, as he realized that this wasn't a copy, but the original itself! The implications of that meant that he was in a time loop this whole time meaning time travel of that extent is possible… Subaru shook his head, and asked his next question.
"How much for it?"
"Sorry, sir, it doesn't work like that!" the carnival worker chuckled. "If you want it, ya gotta win it! All you have to do is knock down those three bottle pyramids, and the staff's yours!"
Subaru looked toward the carnival game, and saw that there were three bottle pyramids, consisting of two on the bottom, and one on the top, each. So, nine total. He figured that with his enhanced strength, he could control the ball toss so that they would fall, and not shatter.
"Okay, I guess I'm game," he said, handing the man a bag full of copper coins.
"Very well, sir," the man smiled. "Here are your balls."
Taking the three balls into his arms, Subaru looked at the first stack of bottles, to the far right. Concentrating, he calmly exhaled, revved up his arm, aimed, and threw it.
CLATTER!
"That's one down!" the carny cheered.
Nodding, Subaru took the second ball, and did the same thing to the far left stack.
CLATTER!
"Oh, you're almost there!"
Taking the third ball, Subaru concentrated… and threw it even harder than the last two.
CLATTER!
"I… uh…" the festival employee sputtered.
"Is something the matter?" Subaru smiled. "You're acting like that wasn't supposed to happen."
"I… uh… we have a winner!" the carny weakly smiled. "Here's your prize!"
"Thanks!" the Great Sage smiled, as he took the staff, and walked away.
Heh, even in another world, the carnival games are still rigged, Subaru thought to himself. Good thing I gave that last ball a little more power, otherwise those bottles would have stayed put.
Looking down at the staff, the symbol of the Great Sage, he softly smiled. Hello again, old friend. Or, I guess from your perspective, this is the first time we're meeting…
Kazuma Satou had no idea what the fuck was going on.
It all began as a normal week for him. Wake up, realize he's broke, complain about Aqua, Megumin and Darkness, go on an adventure, try not to die, go home, rinse and repeat.
Instead, Wiz, who for some reason was looking at him like he was a long-dead friend, told Kazuma that he was invited by a powerful magician to come to a castle.
Of course he jumped at the opportunity, but now he immensely regretted it.
Why? Because he's sharing a waiting room with what he's assuming is a lich of pure evil, a Nazi loli, and two heavily-armored edgy assholes, whose only distinct features aside from their color schemes, was that one of them was carrying only a shield and the other a sword, respectively.
Everyone else also kept a poker face, much like Kazuma, but everyone's brains were working overtime wondering what they were all doing here, much like his.
Everyone was waiting here for five minutes, but with the dead silence, they might as well be here for two hours. Every single person in the room was wondering who had summoned them to this castle, and for what purpose, and the biggest question of all: Were the other four individuals in this room also summoned by the same person, and if so, why?
That was however, until the door opened.
CREAK…
Out came a maid, who's first words were, "Ainz Ooal Gown?"
"That is my name," the undead magic caster said.
"Tanya von Degurechaff?"
"Reporting," the blonde girl answered.
"Naofumi Iwatani?"
"What is it you want?" grumbled the guy with the shield.
"Seiya Ryuuguuin?"
"I neither confirm nor deny that is my name," the cautious dude said.
"Kazuma Satou?"
"Why am I last?!" griped the brown-haired kid.
"Good, you're all here," the maid said. "Your host has arrived. Please, follow me."
The five individuals got up from their seats and followed the maid, all of them having the same question in their minds: "Why are we here?"
"Right through here, please," the maid said, opening the door, gesturing for them to walk inside. "Help yourselves to the food, your host will be with you shortly."
Walking into the room, all five of them saw…
"Chicken wings?" Tanya gaped, her eyes wide. The only thing the blonde little girl had ever since she was reborn was typical Imperial cuisine, something which she barely tolerated.
"Ketchup… mayonnaise… salt and pepper, too?" Naofumi asked, remembering how Melromarc didn't really have these sorts of spices and seasonings for commoners, and especially not for people who they completely hated, like him. "How on Earth are these here?"
"I, for one, am not eating them," Seiya said. "They could be poisoned."
"Even if they were, I'd still eat them. If I still had a stomach, that is," Ainz groaned. That was one of the few things Ainz missed about being human, along with the lack of a libido.
However, something caught Kazuma off-guard. "Wait, how do we all know what these are?"
Everyone was stunned to silence, as they began to piece things together.
"That's because you're all from the same world," an unfamiliar voice answered.
Behind them, the doors opened up to reveal a man with black hair and nasty eyes, who was wearing some traveling clothes with a black cloak, and in his hand, was a wooden and metal staff, with its top being adorned by a green crystal.
"I hope I'm not late, it would be embarrassing for me to be late to the meeting I set up. But please, take a seat, and help yourselves to the food," the newcomer smiled, as he walked towards the table. "And don't worry, I can guarantee you that it isn't poisoned."
"Who… are you?" Kazuma asked.
The black-haired man looked up at all five of them, and standing tall, he then pointed his finger to the sky. "My name is Subaru Natsuki! I'm the Great Sage of this world, and I think…"
"... I think we're all going to be great friends," he smiled.
THE END
Author's Notes: The first fanfic I ever read was the Reactionist's "Watching Him Die Again and Again", and despite the many criticisms towards the author, I loved that story. It got me to read other fan fictions, and it made me imagine my own stories. However, there was one pattern I noticed with a lot of these stories: Their publishing rates were either inconsistent, or their stories were abandoned. When I started this series, I wanted to tell a story that was in my head, but I also promised myself that I would be consistent with my publication, one chapter per week, every Monday, starting on the Monday of November 8th, 2021 (WHDAAA's one-year anniversary). Thirty-three chapters later, it is now the Monday of June 20th, 2022. I did it. I kept my promise. And now, the comments.
Scattershot98: Yeah, part of me feels sad that this is the end of the story, too. But, like the old saying goes, all good things must come to an end. At least it was fun while it lasted. I was always planning to have Subaru's parents see how far their son had come, but the original plan was to actually have them move to Lugnica, but this new version is pretty good, too. Yeah, Geuse and Fortuna had some clarity in their hearts now, so they decided to go ahead and tie the knot. Wilhelm and Heinkel have now been redeemed, given that it's been five years now. I will never not make fun of Puck, he deserves it. Of course I would make sure to add Patrasche! Yeah, the humor in my story was pretty hit-or-miss, but when they were hits, they were good ones, including the interaction between Subaru and Priscilla. Yeah, I know that I enjoyed doing time-skips, but that was because I wanted to get to the "good part". I'm also pretty sorry that this final chapter was basically exposition, but I really just wanted it to focus on Subaru and his newfound friends. Of course I was planning to finish this! Didn't you read the beginning of the end? And I see you too understand the art of the cliffhanger! Hope you're glad with Felt winning! I hope you stick around for all my future stories!
Strong John: Yeah, this is the end of an era, but don't worry, I'll be back in the fall with "Tales from the Multiverse", or at least that story with a re-branded title, because as it turns out, this one was already taken. It's still gonna be a classic WHDAAA fic, but the only difference is the amount of the Cast, and what they'll be watching. Unfortunately, I might not be able to the actual If Stories, but I will definitely do some fanfics that revolve around them. Hope you're still excited, and take care!
Intrigued Shikkan: I don't really get offended by comments, that would be immature of me. But yeah, I get what you're saying about my problem of "telling" and not "showing", which is ironic, considering how much of this final chapter is literal "telling". But as for the example with the Witches of Sin, I kinda had that as a "tell" moment because I was trying to play off this big meeting as a joke, which kinda backfired. I'm not going to be remastering this series, but I will try to do more "show" rather than "tell" for "Tales from the Multiverse", and I hope you'll be there to read it, too!
jhosmhir26: Yep, this is the ending, I'm glad you liked my series. I hope you stick around for whatever future projects I have in store after going on this little hiatus.
NightBlade4892: Of course the Natsukis hate Puck. Thanks for the compliment.
Deathenglegamers1144: Good comment.
Jpx0999: Mwahaha! Yes, I used a cliffhanger! I'm so evil! Mwahahaha! But in all seriousness, yeah, I know you hate cliffhangers, but I kinda needed it to draw in people for my last hurrah. But hey, now at least everything has been wrapped up in a neat little bow. Subaru married the three loves of his life, and Felt became the ruler. Originally, I wanted it to be Subaru, but I think I prefer this new ending more. But I wasn't gonna add any plot twist like having Otto or Garfiel win because, there are limit to what kinda chaos I can sow, and I was trying to be faithful to the canon, for the most part.
palik: I know that Felt being a member of the Royal Family would possibly dissolve the Royal Selection, but I saw that it didn't happen in Re:Start, so I went with that logic.
Astronomer_Kid: I'm glad you loved this story so much. Don't worry, I'll be back with "Tales from the Multiverse" and it'll be twice as big as this one, but of the same quality!
ThatRabidPotato: You know what? That's actually a really good idea! I have been debating with myself if making a WHDAAA version of my story would be any good, but this idea of showing the Cast what would have happened if Subaru never found the box is genius! Anyway, I'm also glad that you've read the source material for the other crossovers, I hope you check out some more of them! In terms of the Royal Selection, while the Emilia Camp was originally supposed to win, I changed it. Still, I made the rules of the Royal Selection by looking at other people's interpretations, and so, despite the fact that Felt was literally royalty, the Selection would continue. Also, it was my original plan to have Lugnica become a "constitutional democracy", but instead I swapped it out to a "constitutional monarchy", so lucky you. And one more thing: While it's fine if you don't subscribe to the theory that Al is a Subaru, I would still like to defend my case by saying that there are infinite universes out there, so there is a chance that one of the many Subarus had an affinity for Earth Magic instead, along with the fact that he had the Authority of Pride, rather than Envy. Anyway, thanks for indulging me.
Tomodachi: Bien, para responder a tus preguntas: 1. Hiciste algunos puntos interesantes sobre por qué Emilia no debería convertirse en Rey, y te respeto por ello. Realmente no tengo mucho que responder en ese frente. 2. Para responder a sus preguntas sobre la debacle de "es Al Subaru", creo que Al es un Subaru que se trajo antes para cumplir la "misión" que Satella le dio, y por lo tanto, ella lo amaba. Sin embargo, después de que dejó de ser Subaru, ella dejó de amarlo y se cansó nuevamente con otro Subaru. 3. Bien, sobreestimé un poco el poder que tenía Anson Sue. Supuse que era como uno de los grandes malos de la serie, por eso lo puse en contra de la pandilla. Además, elegí a Roswaal, Shaula y Satella para luchar contra él porque Roswaal podría hacerlo en el aire, Shaula intentaría dispararle desde el suelo y Satella podría dispararle a Minyas, porque sin su autoridad, ella sería una mitad normal. Duende. 4. Tu preferencia sobre cómo debería terminar la serie es interesante, pero no creo que suceda. Aun así, un hombre puede soñar. ¡Espero verte en mi próxima serie! ¡Adiós!
Torchperish: Oh, wow! Someone who actually likes cliffhangers? Nice! Anyway, yeah, you're right, Felt won, what else is new? I'm glad you liked the Natsuki family's interactions with everyone, I personally thought they were cute. I hope you liked the finale, and will be back in the fall for my new series!
Memeorysoul: Nice comment.
Idiotwriter: Haha! My scheme worked! I snagged away the ending with a cliffhanger, and you have now come back for the final chapter!
spoder9: Oh, hey! I remember you! I'm glad you stuck around with me after everything! It's fine that you didn't comment, and thanks for enjoying my work! I hope that you enjoy the finale, and stick around for all my future projects!
And that's it! I will of course be reading the final comments for this series, but it's finally over! The end of an era! There will be one final thing I will be posting in July, but after that, I will be taking a break for the summer, and then I will be back in the fall with some more stories! But until then, thank you all so much for reading! If you want to read any more of my stories as you wait for the next big one, check out my other stories, including "Reinhard the Demigod", "Subaru Suffers While Trying to Have a Phone Call with His Parents", "The Demi-Human Liberation Front", "A Sage, a Warlock, and an Eternal All Walk into a Bar", "Subaru's Perfectionist Acid Trip", and all of the various collaborations I have done with my good friends Infinite the Celestials and Im The Person! If you want to join my Discord, the link is /PHN9dfTt , where you can post memes, talk to other members, and get announcements from me! If you want to be my friend, my Discord username is Ernalore#8663! Enjoy your summer, and see you all next time!
- Ernalore
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EndertheDark_0326 on Chapter 1 Sat 13 Nov 2021 03:11AM UTC
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