Chapter Text
—
TWO WEEKS FOLLOWING THE EVENTS IN THE PLEIADIS WATCHTOWER…
—
As always, Subaru was enjoying his time in the Roswaal Estate (2.0) with his camp—his friends. After the dramatic—and painfully scarring—betrayal of Aldebaran, he had planned to return home to rest, recover, and steady himself before setting out again. He still meant to uncover the burden Al carried… and to force Gluttony to spit out every name it had stolen.
He had hidden Al’s seal somewhere no one would ever find it, buying himself time to breathe before the long road ahead.
For now, though, he was polishing a vase beside the newest member of the Camp: Sylphy Elmart. She had joined them hoping to follow the example of the woman who rescued her from the Archbishop of Greed—hoping, for the first time, to believe that despair wasn’t the only path left to her.
Sylphy: “Subaru-sama, you really don’t need to explain every tiny part of every chore. I’ve been doing chores for that madman for years. I think I can handle a vase.”
Subaru: “Nonsense! This is all about reclaiming the learning experience! Don’t you think it’ll be more fun to learn how to work without all the trauma baked in?”
Sylphy: “…I think you just want to hang out, Subaru-sama.”
Subaru: “Ouch! KO’d in one hit!”
He clutched his chest dramatically, making her snort.
Subaru: “Okay, okay, yes — obviously I want to spend time with our newest member. But what I said is true, too.”
He wasn’t lying. He knew all too well how something as simple as cleaning could be tainted by fear and panic — Arc 2 had taught him that much. Helping Sylphy untangle that was something he genuinely wanted… but she clearly wasn’t buying his pitch.
Subaru: “Alright, alright. How about this? We keep working together, but I stop hovering like a mother hen. Training wheels off. Deal?”
She laughed again, unable to hide her amusement that the Hero of Pristella was this much of a goofball.
Subaru: “Hey!? What was that laugh for? I was being sincere!”
Surprised by his mock injury, she scrambled to apologize.
Sylphy: “Ah! S-sorry Subaru-sama, I didn’t mean—”
Subaru: “Hey hey, it’s fine! Wow, we definitely need to work on your sarcasm. I was just teasing.”
He lifted the vase with a grin.
Subaru: “So? What’d’ya say?”
Sylphy: “Alright. I think Rem and Ram could use us in the kitchen. It’s almost lunchtime. And, um… didn’t you say you wanted to go on a… pik-nik? Pic-nik? Ah—picnic. That’s the word, right?”
Subaru: “Yes to both! And oh crap, we need to move before Nee-sama actually cuts my head off! Trust me, getting your head cut off never feels good!”
Ignoring the latest Subarism™ with practiced ease, Sylphy led the way as the two of them headed toward the kitchen.
—
Ram: “Good, it seems our resident Barusu has gotten up from his lazy behind to bring us a useful pair of hands for once.”
Rem: “Indeed sister, it seems it's a good day today.”
Subaru: “Wow, insulting me right off the bat, you guys have no mercy.”
Both maids ignored him in favour of peeling Patatos (Fuck you tatos!)
After Sylphy mediated, and an hour of work (yeesh, no modern tools and 17 mouths to feed) what could only be called an over fancy spread was ready for the picnic.
After setting everything outside, the mansion residents started to join. Those included Subaru, Beatrice, Emilia, Sylphy, Rem, Ram, Otto, Garfiel, Ferderica, Meili, Petra, Clind, Annarose, Roswaal, Ryuzu, and even Patrasche and Frufoo.
Garfiel: “Hey boss! Come check this out! My amazing self is lovin’ these little cakes!”
Subaru: “Coming right over man!”
Just as Subaru plopped down on the set out blanket and took his first bite of the — admittedly — delicious cake, the world paused.
In just a moment, it had seemed like the witch had paid him a little visit. Yet before he could question and condemn the world for his unfair fate, the world kept on moving. When he looked around in rightful anxiety, he saw he was not the only one. They were all questioning the barely noticeable yet impossible to ignore event.
Emilia: “W-what just happened?! I couldn’t move, I think? Subaru?! Are you ok?”
Subaru: “Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Did you all feel that?”
Subaru: “Shit!” He thought.
Garfiel: “Y-yeah, o’course’ my amazing self noticed!”
Otto: “What in the Od was that!?”
Rooswal: “Subaruuu~Kuuun, do yooou know what that was~? hmm?”
Subaru: “I’m not so sure, but I might…”
Subaru was quickly cut off by a sound from above, the sound of his own voice.
—
[…it there … I'm going …to..]
—
It was a voice he recognised, one in pain, filled with desperation and delusion.
—
[A convenience store, featuring a young man framed perfectly at the center.]
—
Otto: “Hey! Natsuki-san! Isn’t that you up there?”
Otto was right, it was him. The him from over a year ago, the him that died.
Annerose: “Hmph, why are we being shown onii-san? I would much rather watch Emily-chan, she’s much cooler.”
Although Subaru wanted to make a comment on how he was cool, he could not look away as he realized the implications this screen put forth.
Ryuzu: “Subaru-sama, is something the matter, you look quite drained?”
Subaru: “Hah? Oh, yeah, haha, I think I’m just shocked. The last thing I thought I’d see today is my face in the sky.”
—
[Subaru: Ah, I see. This is where they suck you in,
the boy on screen commented while looking at a graphic novel unlike anything anyone in this world had seen before.]
—
Garfiel: “Boss! Boss! What’s that you're reading there?”
Roswaal: “Indeed~ what could it be~”
Ram: “Master Roswaal, I would recommend refraining from mocking Barusu, I am afraid he might faint.”
True to her kind\mean words, Subaru felt like fainting, how could he not when the whole world (for all he knew) could see the worst (one of) and best (one of) moments of his life.
Motivated by Ram’s words of (encouragement?) he slapped his cheeks to regain his composure, and abruptly stood up to address his Camp members.
Subaru: “Look everyone, I know this is weird for you, it's weird for me too. But we can’t let this shake us, I need you all to calm down.
Looking at everyone’s now calm appearance, and Petra’s admiring gaze, he kept speaking.
Subaru: ”I need to know, did all of you feel that pause before this screen appeared in the sky?”
A collective “Ohh, it's called a screen” moved through the area as everyone answered in the affirmative.
Clind: “Affirmative”
Everyone: “Yeah” “Yes” and a “yup~” from Meili.
Subaru: “Alright, then I think we should send Ryuzu to the village to confirm they are ok and sit tight until something happens. If I’m right about this, then there is no way to stop what’s about to happen…no matter how much I definitely want to.”
He muttered that last part, but everyone heard it.
—
[He contemplates a young couple outside, before moving on to the rest of his shopping.
Subaru: Nah, not natto.
Clerk: That’ll be 363 yen.
Subaru: Oh, a grooved-edge ten.
The young man leaves the store, a tired and uncaring demeanor shaping his movements.
Reality contorts around him for a second, a low and dissonant sound accompanying the distortion, though both go unnoticed.
Subaru: I guess anyone’s eyes would be tired after holin’ up in their room gaming all day.
The boy closes his eyes off to the world, rubbing them in an attempt to push off the sleepiness– only, when he opens them again– a daytime plaza filled with clatter and activity.
Subaru: …
Subaru: What's going on?
Subaru: …
Subaru: …
Subaru: This stuff obviously isn’t fake. Which means…
Subaru: …
Subaru: …
Subaru: So does this mean..I’ve been summoned into a parallel world?!]
—
Emilia: “W-wh-what?! Subaru, is this true?”
Standing up, and moving towards her knight, Emilia held his sleeve and asked with all the genuine worry in the world.
Subaru: “Y-yeah E-Emilia-tan, it's true. Don’t worry though! It’s all in the past, nothing you need to worry about!”
Emilia: “Dummy, I was only asking because your face did this panicky thingy, and I was worried.”
Garfiel: “Yeah boss! You look’ like ya were abou’ to faint.”
Otto: “Are you ok Natsuki-san? It’s already crazy that you’re apparently from beyond the great waterfall, but you don’t need to look so concerned.”
Subaru: “Y-yeah, well, I thought you guys might be mad. I never mentioned this little fan-fact about myself before.”
He was not, in fact, worried about that, he knew they would forgive him, as claiming your origin is from beyond the great waterfall is not something people believed, even when those people are your friends. He was more shocked to see this moment again, the moment it all changed for the (worst?) (better?). Regardless, he would not change a thing. Still, this did not take away all the pain this reminder brought.
Beatrice: “Hmph, it does not matter, I suppose. Since Subaru told betty already.”
Everyone: “What?!”
Garfiel: “Why’d you tell the sprite and not’us boss?!”
Otto: “Yeah! If you knew we would believe you, why didn’t you tell us?!”
Meili: “So mean onii-san~.”
Emilia: “Not right now everyone, we need to do what Subaru said. Ryuzu, could you please head over to the village to check on them?”
Subaru: “Haa~ Emilia-tan is so cute when giving out orders.”
Emilia blushed and gave a decisive “hmph”, turning away and taking a seat next to Annerose.
As Ryuzu left, they all took their seats on the large picnic blanket, watching the scene unfold. Unaware of what was about to be revealed, not only to them, but to the entire world.
—
Across the world, in a nation quite unlike this one, an emperor sat with his aides. Vincent Vollachia — Able, was sitting on a balcony in the most lavish building the fortified city of Garkla had to offer (which was not very lavish). After the end of the great disaster, the capital city of Lupagna was raised to the ground. Since it would take years for the city to regain its former glory, the emperor and his staff had no choice but to set up their headquarters in Garkla. Able was doing paper work while being guarded by Jamal Aurélie and hounded by his fiance Medium O’Connell when time stopped.
Able: “I must stay calm, I can infer this is an attack, and assuming it is affecting my staff, I may not survive…”
But before the pessimistic emperor could give into fate once more, time moved.
Abel: “Agh!”
Jamal: “What the fuck!”
Medium: “Ahh!!! What just happened!? It was so scary! Able?! Are you ok?! Do I need to beat someone up for you?!”
In true loyal Medium fashion, she immediately went for her sword and looked around in a theatrical but controlled panic.
When she found no one, she once again looked toward Able, who after confirming everyone’s safety, looked to the unusual shape in the sky.
He then addressed the two with him
Able: “it seems we have not been maliciously targeted as I had feared. Instead, there is now an unknown force that affected every citizen of this city.”
Abel: “Calm yourselves Medium O’Connell and Jamal Aurélie, there is no point in remaining shaken.”
Jamal: “Y-yes sire, what shall we do?”
Medium: “Yup! You don’t need to worry about me! Your Medium is ready for action!”
Confirming their stable condition, Able commanded Jamal to call for the Divine Generals, including: Cecilus Segmunt, who was currently traveling with Spica — the former archbishop — and the divine general Arakiya. Those he called included Olbart Dunkelkenn, Goz Ralfon, Groovy Gumlet, Yorna Mishigure, Moguro Hagane, Madelyn Eschart, Kafma Irulux, and even Zikr Osman.
Abel knew that while some would come quickly and obediently, like Kafma Irulux, Zikr Osman, Goz Ralfon, Olbart Dunkelkenn, Moguro Hagane, Groovy Gumlet, and Madelyn Eschart. There would be those that either refuse, like Yorna Mishigure, or there would be those that come from afar like Cecilus Segmunt, and Arakiya.
Regardless, he needed them all here, after all, the person that just showed up on this magical device that can only be called a metia, just so happened to be the one he found most annoying, and his bringer of disaster and victory all at the same time.
As he watched the boy leave the unusual (store?), he could not help the shock that spread across his very Od when he realized the boy he had used, trusted, and kind of befriended, just so happens to be from beyond the great waterfall.
Abel: “So this is your origin. I must say, I am surprised.”
Abel: “*Sigh*… Just what have you done now, Subaru Natsuki?”
—
Medium: “Brother! Brother! Brother! Did you see that!?”
Since it was Jamal who was given the assignment to call the Divine Generals back to the fortified city, Medium was free to cause havoc elsewhere. In other words, she was free to call on her brother — Flop O’Connell — and his wife — Taritta Shudrak.
Both of them were in a panic after the time stop event, and were trying to calm the other people in the city. The Shudrak — including Holly, Kuna, Utakata, and Mizelda — were already in the city, helping the people of Vollachia rebuild. For this reason, they all quickly joined Flop’s attempts to calm the populace.
Flop: “Everyone calm down! There is no danger! Although we don’t know the origin of this unusual display, nor what preceded it, we know it is not malicious! After all, it’s displaying a friend of the empire!”
As people got over the initial shock, Flop and Taritta turned to each other in mutual confusion.
Flop: “Taritta, do you have any clue as to why Husband-kun is being displayed in the sky?”
Taritta: “I don’t know why you would think I know, I’m just as confused as you. I don’t really know anything about magic, so this is a total mystery to me and the rest of my people.”
The Shudrak who were around all nodded in agreement. One — probably Mizelda — even shouted that brute force was the way to go, so why should they care about some stupid magic spell.
Mizelda: “Whatever it is, I don’t really care, considering we get to see our friend once more!”
Holly & Kuna & Utakata: “Yeah!!!”
It was then that the ever eager sister joined the fray.
Medium: “Brother! Brother! Brother! Did you see this!?”
Medium shouted while shaking her poor brother and pointing at the sky.
Medium: “Look! Husband-kun is from beyond the great waterfall! Isn’t that amazing!?”
Flop: “Usually I would tell you to calm down dear sister, but in truth it is an incredible discovery. To think husband-kun has such riveting origins. If only he was still here, I would ask him all about it.”
A wave of agreement swept through the town square where they were all at.
Flop: “Although, I do wonder why we are being shown this now? Why world? What else must you condemn us too?”
—
Looking at our other friends in the empire, we zoom in on the Pleiades battalion, where Hiain Yatz, the lizard man, Weitz Rogen, the tattooed man, Idra Missanga, the red haired man, and their general, Gustav Morello, the blue bodied, multi armed giant, were sitting around in the ruined capital city of Lupagna, accompanied by the rest of the battalion. The battalion numbered several thousand, and included Subaru’s allied force of mixed races and backgrounds.
Although Subaru was no longer there to lead them, after returning to Lugunica, they were still a strong unified force. Filled with people who cherished each other and showed mercy to their enemies as their commander taught them.
That was why this revelation, that their founder was from beyond the great waterfall, was such an absurd shock.
Idra: “N-no w-way…! Is Schwartz really from beyond the great waterfall?!”
Hiain: “I-it seems so! I want to say I don’t believe it, but if anyone would have such an amazing backstory it would be bro!”
Weitz: “Y-yeah! You're right! If anyone, it would be Schwartz!”
Many “ohh”s and “Ahh”s spread through the battalion sent to help rebuild the capital.
It was Gustav, ever the diligent subject, that reminded them why they were there.
Gustav: “Although I, in my capacity, am sure you are all surprised!”
He shouted with a booming voice, gaining everyone’s attention.
Gustav: “It is still our duty to his majesty and the empire to rebuild this nation to its former glory! I, in my capacity, will not allow us to rest anymore due to a reason as insignificant as an image in the sky! Get up! Or are you telling me that the battalion that that boy in the sky created is too weak to get work done!”
Battalion: “NOOO!!!”
Ever the diligent hive mind, they got up, and got back to work.
(Subaru, what have you created…)
—
[Baffled, the young man shouted with all his might as the screen zooms out, showing the entirety of Lugunica’s signature royal capital.
The screen, lingering on the zoomed out capital, suddenly began displaying another angle of the city, then switched to the Vollachian provisional capital of Garkla, Flanders, Glacia followed by other cities in Gusteko and Kararagi.]
All of them seemed to have one aspect in common, the people were on the streets, looking up at the sky.
[“The great majority of those across the Four Nations, who have the capacity for thought and reason, are witnessing this tale. The trials of the Strongest Existence–they will display the truth, and nothing but the truth, of this world.”
So announced a simple white text covering the now black screen after a booming single drum sound was made from the screens themselves.]
—
Felt: “The strongest existence, huh?! Look, I love big bro as much as anyone with a brain, but he is not the strongest in any capacity.”
So announced Felt, who was currently residing in the Astrea manor with her Camp members, which included the sword Saint, Reinhard van Astria, Ezzo Cadner the mage, the twins Grassis and Flam Remedis, the Three Musketeers, Goston, Rachins Hoffman, and Camberly, the servants Carol and her husband Grimm, and old man Rom himself.”
Rom: “Can’t blam ya there kid, last thing I heard, the boy had his leg ripped off in Pristella.”
Ezzo: “Yeah, but I don’t think we should worry about that right now. Whatever this magic is, I’ve never seen it before, nor have I heard of it. I don’t think it’s dangerous, but that moment of paused time could be an indication of yin magic — powerful yin magic. If that’s the case, there is a powerful mage involved.”
TonChinKan trio: “So we're not in danger!?”
Felt: “Agh! You guys are such cowards! There’s nothing to worry about, Rein would take care of it if that was the case. Actually, that reminds me, Rein! Could you try and slash that thing down? I don’t like that it’s breaching Bro’s privacy like that.”
Reinhard: “Of course my lady, it would be a pleasure.”
In an instant, the knight had jumped into the sky attempting to slash the phenomenon with his hand. The Sword Saint required no weapon against such an insignificant possible enemy. And yet, his attack went right through. It seemed like brute strength would not solve this issue, yet none of his divine protections seemed to work either. This did not bode danger, but confusion. As the Sword Saint realised he could not get rid of the phenomenon showing his friends face and origins.
Reinhard: “I hope you're doing all right, my friend.”
—
Felix: “Miss Crusch! Are you alright!”
Felix, also known as the kingdom’s blue, was outside in the garden of the Karsten estate when time paused. Although it was shocking and scary to be unable to move nor check on his master, he quickly got free to do just that.
Crusch: “Yes… Haa… Although I was a little shaken up, I don’t believe we are in danger. Wilhelm-san, did you sense that as well?”
Wilhelm van Astrea, who was in the vicinity, guarding his still injured lady, quickly regained his composure. After confirming everything was alright, the screen proceeded to reveal an interesting fun fact about their friend and respected ally.
Felix: “N-no way~ is Subaru-kyun really from beyond the great waterfall~?!”
Crusch: “I-it seems so! That’s quite surprising. … Did he ever mention this to any of you? Wilhelm-san, you are the closest any of us are to the young man, did he ever deem to mention this significant fact?”
Wilhelm: “No, Subaru-dono never explained his origins, though I’m not surprised. No respectable individual would believe such a story, even when told by such a virtuous man.”
Felix: “Yeah~ anyway…isn’t he pretty funny, going into the women’s bathroom and falling in the canal~ I would expect nothing less from Subaru-kyun.”
Crusch: “haha..Agh!…”
Felix: “Crusch-sama!? Don’t strain your injuries! Or else Ferris-chan won't be able to heal you!”
The royal candidate was still injured after the attack on Pristella. Unable to stand or barely move, she sat on a chair in the garden, blanket draped over her lap, having some tea with her closest subordinates — no, closest friends, and getting as comfortable as they could considering the circumstances.
Crusch: “M-maybe w-we can learn something from this viewing of sorts… I just hope Subaru-sama is alright.”
—
Across the world, in a nation called Kararagi, we spot the remaining royal candidate, Anastasia Hoshin. She was sitting with her knight, Julius Juukulius, her unofficial contracted spirit Eridna, and her mercenary team, consisting of the Pearlbaton triplets and their father figure and warrior Ricardo Welkin.
Anastasia: “So, what do’ya make of this little titbit Julius? Hmm~?”
to think the boy she both respected and found suspicious was from beyond the great waterfall. She considered how she could never find any information about the mystery known as Natsuki Subaru, passed — of course — his non-savoury appearance in the capital, where he made a fool of himself, only to end up accomplishing an unthinkable feat.
Julius: “…”
Anastasia: “Hmm~ Julius? Are ya alright?”
Julius: “Ah!? Oh, my apologies my lady. I was simply shocked by the revelation that Natsuki Subaru is from beyond the great waterfall. Not to mention this ridiculous beginning. I find it hard to believe that he had such a rough start yet ended up as our nation's greatest hero.”
Anastasia: “Ohh~ is my knight jealous? It’s not a pretty colour on you Julius~”
Julius: “W-what no! I was simply stating my confusion! After all, how did he go from an illiterate fool into the man I call my friend today? Not that I blame him for his rough start. It’s just…”
Anastasia: “what is’t”
Julius: “If he was brought to our world so suddenly, then does that mean that he acted out due to ignorance and not foolishness…? If that is the case then… I committed a truly abhorrent act against a friend…”
Anastasia: “Well, as you know I don’t remember what it is ya supposedly did. Although, I can assure you that I trust you.”
Julius: “Thank you, my lady.”
Ricardo: “Whatever it is you did, or the kid did, I’m sure it’s all good. You two are too good together to be sulking about your rough start now.”
Mimi: “Yeah! You don’t need to worry, if he is mad about what ya did, mimi will beat him up for you! But not Garf, he is too cool!”
Tivey: “Sister, please don’t speak so casually about injuring our world’s hero.”
Mimi: “Haha.”
Eridna: “Ana, I think it would be wise to call on the shinobi. If things get precarious, we will need him.”
Anastasia: "Alright alright, Juli, call the fur-ball over. We should watch this viewing together. Who knows what we might learn.”
Julius: “Right away, my lady.”
—
[Wandering about, the young man proceeds to try to save a child by screaming at the top of his lungs…it’s not very effective.
Soon after, he comes across a fruit and vegetable stand.
Subaru: I can’t read this.
Kadomon: Hey, boy. Those are some weird clothes. Are you travelling?
Subaru: What are these?
Kadomon: Those are apples. (Fuck you appas!)
Subaru: They understand me. Though, the question is…
Kadomon: Huh? What kind of money is that? You can’t use that stuff in Lugunica. That means you’re flat broke, huh? Get outta here, don’t interfere with my business!
Getting into various other predicaments, the boy is soon left sitting in an alleyway while waiting for his clothes to dry out.]
—
Back in the very capital the viewing was showing, the very same Apple (Damn you Appas!!!) salesman was watching with shock and interest.
Kadomon: “Ahh, so the kid was from beyond the great waterfall. if I’d known I would've accepted those coins. Such a rare item passed up because of my own ignorance! Damn it!”
Raksha: “Don’t worry honey, it's not that bad, I’m more worried that the young man is having such a hard time navigating our city. If I’d known, I would have done my best to help him. No child should be ripped from their home so suddenly like that.”
Kadomon: “Y-yeah, I guess you're right. It’s just that I know he ends up fine…”
Plum: “Yeah! He’s fine! He becomes a hero, right?!”
Kadomon: “Whoa whoa there little lady, you're gonna take this old man’s ears off!”
Plum: “Haha, sorry daddy. It’s just so exciting to see how it all started.”
Kadomon: “You're sounding a little too grown up there…whaa! My daughter is growing up so fast!!!”
Raksha: “I thought you just said to lower our voices!? Haa… what am I to do with you?”
with a fondness reserved only for her husband and daughter, Raksha set up their apple (fuck you appas!) stand in a way that would allow them to sit in comfort as they watched the story of their nation's hero unfold. And if they were hoping that business might just boom after this little viewing, no one had to know.
—
[After a bit of complaining, a cell phone was pulled out.
This too seems ineffective, but any thoughts about it or about being summoned by a cute girl are soon stopped when others enter the featured alley.
Camberley: What are you talking about?
Rachins: If you don’t wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you got!]
—
Since he was already close by, it took only a couple of minutes for Halibel, the wolf-man and shinobi, to grace the Anastasia Camp with his loud presence.
Halibel: “Hey there! So ya’ called me Anabo? I suppos’ this viewing of Su-san is pretty crazy hah?”
Anastasia: “How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that…Haa…no matter, I wanted to suggest we watch this together since we never know what might happen.”
Halibel: “Sure sure, I'll watch it with ya’ Anabo, seems fun, I already learned somethin’ cool from it anyway. To think Su-san was from beyond the great waterfall all along. No wonder he’s such a wonder!”
Ricardo: “Yup, seems the Mini-Boss really is special!”
After a bit more small talk, the entirety of the Anastasia Camp set up in a room with a balcony on ground level to watch the story of a lifetime.
—
besides the Camps we know well, there were others of status watching this story unfold, such as the council of Wiseman, which included the wise and patient Miklotov McMahon, a bearded and white haired man with dark kind eyes, the serious, (and in my opinion, rude) Bordeaux Zergev, with his big dark blue bushy eyebrows, accompanied by the head of the Royal guard Marcos Gildark, with a square shaped head and green hair and short beard.
They were within the council chambers, talking over the recent events in Vollachia, when time stopped, kept moving, and a magical phenomenon, known to us as a screen, appeared within the council chambers. It was double sided and showed the same imagery on both ends. One end pointing towards the wisemen, and the other towards the exit door leading to the hall.
Miklotov: “Everyone! You must calm down!”
The wisemen shouted to the audience chamber filled with nobility. That nobility included the merchant Russell Fellow, who stepped towards the council.
Russell: “I agree, panic will do us no good. Wisemen, could I request permission to investigate this magical phenomenon? I believe this is an apt opportunity, as our outside sources tell us all other parallel phenomena are much too high for us to reach. This might be our only opportunity to investigate the source of this magical phenomena.”
As the well connected merchant he was, Russell was already aware of the situation currently overtaking the four nations.
Bordeaux: “*cough* *cough* Indeed, assemble a team in collaboration with sir Gildark. We cannot afford to waste time. Sir Gildark! Send one of your men to fetch the Sword Saint, and go work with Russell Fellow to find the source of this attack!”
Marcos: “Yes, highness.”
The nobility quickly dispersed, leaving only the knights of the capital. Those knights were tasked with protecting the Wiseman, and investigating with Russell.
On the side, two Wiseman had a conversation.
Bordeaux: “Miklotov, did you know of the boy’s origin?”
Miklotov: “Not at all, though I hope this revelation does not ruin the young man's reputation. As you know, his status as a hero is — in part — the reason for the people's support in the current ruling system. We cannot afford for anything untoward to destabilise our people's view of their hero.”
Bordeaux: “Ha! In that case it's too late, the fool is already making a fool of himself. Does he have no common sense?”
Miklotov: “Be patient my friend, the boy is in an unfamiliar land in a foreign world, it is only natural he would be unable to navigate our capital.”
After a little back-and-forth between our hero’s supporter and his biggest hater, the two agreed to watch with stoic faces in hopes of inspiring calm within their ranks.
—
Back in Vollachia, in an unnamed village, a young couple were sitting on a bench outside their cabin together as they watched the revelation that the man they both met in dramatic passing was in fact an other-worlder.
Todd: “So that guy really was weird, no wonder I found him so unsettling.”
Todd had met Subaru while the young hero was in Vollachia, and although at first the shinobi turned soldier felt a basic need to rid himself of a threat, he later learned that he truly disliked this black haired child that knew nothing about the truths of the world and trusted others too easily.
Katya: “I-I c-can’t believe that boy had such u-unusual origins, but I suppose it explains his unusual behaviour, culture shock and all. A-Although, I do wonder if Rem-san knew about this. She seemed to find him just a-as confusing as I did, maybe knowing this w-will put her mind a-at e-ease.”
Todd: “I don’t know about that, but as long as I don’t have to bother myself with him ever again.”
Katya: “W-Wow, you really don’t like h-him, d-do you!?”
Todd: “…It’s nothing so dramatic, I simply don’t like how trusting the idiot is. Look, he clearly expects to be handed some sort of reward. He was always so trusting, it bothered me.”
Although Todd Fang would never admit, someone, especially someone so weak, was able to get under his skin, there was one person he trusted enough to share his concerns with. That person was his wife Katya. The only person Todd was able to love was the woman who could not walk, and would therefore never hurt him. It was this twisted relationship that bore their mutual love and trust in each other.
Todd: “How that trusting child ever survived is beyond me.”
A little calmer, Katya replied.
Katya: “Agreed, he seems to be completely clueless about everything, while having no brute force to compensate for his lacking skills.”
Todd: “I don’t care, as long as we are left out of it. Let’s head back inside Katya, there is no reason to bother ourselves with other people’s lives and past.”
Katya: “You go ahead, I think I’ll stay and watch, it's not like we had anything to do today.”
Todd felt nothing but apathy at this suggestion, deciding to sit by his love without letting that scary brat ruin his day.
Todd: “Well, not like I’ve got anything better to do.”
—
Back in Lugunica, at an unspecified location within Flanders, three influential individuals were meeting with each other to discuss the new alliances between the dragon kingdom of Lugunica, and the Sword Wolf Empire of Vollachia. Those individuals included the pig demihuman Doltero Amule, who was responsible for most of the underground governing of the earth dragon capital, Toto, who was responsible for the red light district, and Manfred, who was in charge of the gambling districts, and was an avid worshiper of the witch of pride Typhon.
After the initial shock of the revelation everyone in the four kingdoms was going through, one thing was for sure, the three leaders of Flanders wanted to meet this mystery known as Natsuki Subaru.
Doltero: “Hmm… I’m sure you have all heard about this boy before, have you not?”
Manfred: “Indeed, what an interesting individual, it's one thing for there to be an individual from beyond the great waterfall, but for that person to be the hero of our world, truly mysterious. Do you think he was sent here to become a hero? He sure seems to think so.”
Toto: “I think we should meet him and ask, Doltero, could you contact the Felt Camp and ask for a meeting?”
Doltero: “Stop acting like greedy pigs, we don’t know why this is happening, nor what it means. Regardless, we will not be the only people hoping for a meeting with the boy after this. It would be a difficult thing to set up, especially for the meaningless purpose of satiating our greedy curiosity.”
Toto: “Yeah yeah, true, lets watch then, might as well, right?”
After confirming their three-way agreement, the three sent for a seating arrangement to be made on the brothel house balcony.
Toto: “No place like a brothel to get comfortable.”
—
At the same time, across the world in the only remaining direction, we see the kingdom of Gusteko. In the church of Od Laguna, there is an archbishop, unlike that of the witch’s cult, She is a kind, if not eccentric old woman, large and jovial, with pale-almost white-skin.
Tiriena was the current archbishop of the Gusteken Church — after her father — that worshiped Od Laguna and all spirits. And just like the rest of the world, she was quite shocked to see the young man on screen. Although she had heard about the young hero of Lugunica, the boy on screen had not yet announced his name, as such, she had not yet made the connection.
Tiriena: “And what in Od is this?! I must speak to his holiness at once!”
Attendent: “Then you must send a letter requesting audience, my lady.”
Tiriena: “Yes, agh, so many steps…”
At her extra eccentricity, the attendant sweat dropped, both from the stress caused by the lady she serves, and the unusual screen displayed out of the window behind her lady’s desk.
After turning both the Archbishop’s and attendant’s tables around to watch the show, they both got to work.
—
In the same nation, a prince was confined in a tower as the traitor of the nation, the one who murdered his own siblings out of a mad craze, the mad prince, Vague Adgard.
Vague: “What’s all this noise? Heh? A denizen from beyond the great waterfall. Maybe things will be interesting for once in this bleak world.”
So said the mad prince, who had no idea the person he was about to watch was about to break and make his view of the world, including that of spirits.
—
looking over at Kararagi once more, a spirit of wind was contemplating the person on screen.
Zarestia: “That boy seems quite clueless, no matter, he will probably die soon. Right now I need to focus on finding my orb.”
—
Back at the city of Pristella, where the people knew the boy one screen quite well, Kiritaka Muse and Liliana Masquerade were broadcasting on the city wide metia.
Kiritaka: “Do not panic, everyone, we are not being attacked!”
Liliana: “Yeah!”
Kiritaka: “we must remain calm about this revelation about our city’s hero, as long as we do that, all will be fine!”
Liliana: “Yeah!”
Liliana: “I would recommend watching from a safe distance as we discern the phenomena’s origins!”
Liliana: “Yeah!”
After a bit more calming words, and funny interruptions, the people of Pristella were calm enough to take seats in their homes and in their public spaces to watch the story of their hero unfold.
It was especially the children, like Garfiel’s half siblings, that were particularly enjoying the comedic aspects of the film.
Fred: “Haha! Look mom! He’s so funny!”
Rafiel: “I kinda feel bad for him.”
Reala: “I’m glad you’re having fun, but don’t worry about him Rafiel, I’m sure he’ll do just fine.”
—
[???: Move it, move it!
A small, if agile, girl appears on the scene, promptly wishing luck to the poor soul before departing.
Seeing no other solution than to fight, Natsuki Subaru-–as he had just announced his name to himself-–skillfully downed two of the three muggers in less than a few seconds, while apparently having no previous fighting experience.]
—
Tiriena: “Ohh! Is this the same hero I've been hearing about?”
Attendant: “It seems so you’re Excellency.”
Tiriena: “Now I really want to speak with His Holiness. Better start that letter… where is my quill…”
—
[All is looking up…until the third thief pulls out two blades. Quickly prostrating himself and apologizing, Subaru is nonetheless kicked and soon the trio is on top of him, bashing and humiliating the man.]
—
Felt: “I-I don’t remember this! I wouldn’t just leave Big Bro like that alone!”
Carol: “Are you sure, my lady? you can be quite brash.”
flabbergasted and insulted, Felt decided to sit in mock silence. But she was no idiot, and she knew that she would not have forgotten such an event had it happened. And yet, the abandonment of her brother in everything but blood was somehow forgotten.
Ezzo: “No!!! What will people think?! Dammit!!!”
—
Flop: “Hey! Don’t hurt Husband-kun!”
Medium: “Yeah!”
—
Able: “*Sigh*… this fool never ceases to amaze me.”
—
[???: That’s enough!
Rachins: Who the hell are you?!
Donning white and purple– Silver hair, elf ears, purple eyes, pristine white skin.
To the great majority of those outside of Lugunica, it was unquestionable– The Witch had appeared at that very moment.
???: Stop now and I’ll let this slide. So just graciously give back what you stole.
Confused, the trio pointed to the direction of the runaway girl and the new arrival soon gave chase.
However, perhaps pitying the boy, magic was conjugated and fired at the three thieves. With one of them knocked out, Rachins merely had an advantage of two against one.
???: You’re right. Two against one may be unfair.
???: Two against two should make it fair, then.
A spirit came forth on the order of the “witch”, and with the prospect of facing a spiritual arts user looming, the delinquents made a swift exit.
Subaru: You saved me. Thanks.
Unaware of the local prejudices, the boy from beyond this world could only admire his saviour, even as he was interrogated for theft and began losing consciousness after attempting to stand up.
Even as the beautiful girl was asserting that she would not be helping him, much to the disbelieving amusement of her spirit, Subaru, quickly falling into a slumber, only had one thought–
Subaru: She’s even super cute when she’s mad…That’s a parallel world fantasy for you.]
—
Emilia: “W-what? What??! Subaru, what is this? I don’t remember this!”
Subaru: “…”
Although there was quite the confusion—an angry Garfiel, a furious Beatrice, an annoyed Ram, a concerned Petra, an amused Meili, and a worried Camp—Subaru couldn’t answer Emilia’s question.
For a moment, Emilia only stared at the image, heart hammering. “Is this… what he meant? When he said I saved him?” She’d heard those words from him so many times, but she’d never understood. She had no memory of it.
Subaru’s stomach sank. As the scene continued, it hit him all at once—this wasn’t a vision or illusion. They were seeing a timeline he’d erased.
Otto: “Hey, Natsuki-san, are you alright? You don’t look too good… don’t worry too much about what’s being shown, no one really cares.”
Subaru: “…”
He realized what that meant. If they were seeing the erased past, then every rule—the silence, the punishment—could trigger here too. And if that happened, everyone was already dead.
Subaru: “I think I’m doomed.”
Beatrice: “W-wh-what do you mean, I suppose?!”
A tear slid down his cheek before he could stop it. He couldn’t tell them. His only hope was that this was Witch-approved—that the time-stop meant she allowed it. Because if she hadn’t, the price would be unbearable.
Clind: “Are you alright, Subaru-sama? Confusion.”
Only Clind seemed able to move, the others frozen by his sudden outburst.
Subaru forced a smile. “You know, usually I’d say I’m fine and move on… but I don’t think I have to this time.”
Even if this world was doomed, even if every soul here would vanish when it reset, he still needed to be careful. They were his friends—his family—and he couldn’t stand the thought of hurting them, even in a world already fated to end.
Emilia: “What do you mean, Subaru? No, it doesn’t matter—just tell us if you need something, okay?”
Garfiel: “Yeah! We wanna help, boss!”
Sylphy: “Subaru-sama, it was you and Lady Emilia who taught me to ask for help when I need it. I would implore you to do the same.”
Meili: “Hmm~ hmm~ agreed~”
Subaru laughed under his breath. “I think we’re all going to die soon… Don’t panic though! I’m not completely sure! We might—at least I might—gain something amazing if we don’t die!”
He wiped at his eyes. “Truth is, I’m not crying because I fear dying. I’m crying because I fear what I might gain… and at what cost if I don’t.”
Everyone fell silent at those words until Otto grabbed him by the shoulders.
Otto: “What in the Od are you talking about, Natsuki-san?! What do you mean we might die?! What do you mean you don’t fear dying?! What do you mean you might gain something?!”
Subaru: “Calm down, Otto! I let my tongue slip. I didn’t mean to scare you. I don’t actually think we’re going to die, okay? Calm down, yeah?”
Even if this was a doomed world, he reminded himself again, he still had to be careful—not with his words, but with his intent. The Witch punished intent, not accident. If he truly meant to reveal his secret, the curse would activate. But did he even intend to tell them anymore? Everyone here was going to die regardless. Maybe intention didn’t matter now.
Otto: “So what the fuck do you mean?! Because when you say there’s danger, there usually is!!!”
Subaru: “Otto, everyone, do you see that up there?”
Everyone: “Yeah…?”
Roswaal: “I thiiink we waaant~ a mooore specific explanation than thaaat~ Subaru-kun~.”
Emilia: “I kinda want to know why I can’t remember this ever happening…?”
Subaru exhaled. “I’ll explain, but I want to say a few things first.”
After confirming everyone’s agreement, he and Otto sat down for what was going to be a difficult conversation.
Subaru: “First, everything you’re watching right now—it’s real. It happened. End of story.”
Emilia: “B-but I don’t remember it.”
Subaru: “I know you don’t. That’s the point. No one can remember it. Only I can. Only I ever can.”
He looked down at his trembling hands. Beatrice walked over, sat on his lap, and gripped his hand tightly.
Beatrice: “Take your time, in fact.”
He nodded shakily, tried to speak—and then his throat locked. The words died before reaching air.
He swallowed, trembling harder, realizing why.
In truth, there were three reasons he couldn’t say it.
Not everyone here could be trusted.
The Witch was watching.
And the fear—years of pain branded into him—still ruled his body.
Subaru: “I want to tell you, more than anything. But I can’t. Not because I don’t trust you, or don’t want to. I do. But I need to see where this goes first, alright?”
Beatrice: “Alright, we will wait. Just promise you’ll ask for help if you need it, ok, I suppose?”
Subaru: “Trust me, if there’s one thing I’ve learned up till now—it’s that asking for help is the only solution for someone like me.”
—
Chin: “I really can’t remember any of this.”
Kan: “Yeah!”
Chin: “This must be fake!”
Felt: “Ya better hope it is! If this really happened, you’re getting the same treatment as Big Bro! You hear me!?”
Fear properly instilled in the three idiots, the Felt Camp went back to watching the screen.
—
[Subaru: “Is my head on someone’s lap?”
???: You’re awake?
Subaru: I didn’t know cute girls were this hairy…Wait that can’t be right!
Raising his head to look at the owner of the lap he was currently occupying, Subaru saw only the expression of an unusually large cat.
Getting himself off this position at a frightening speed, Subaru expressed his confusion before being met with teasing from the strange creature.]
—
Fred: “Hahahahah!!”
—
Liliana: “Haha! Seems like our resident Lolimancer has gotten himself in quite the predicament.”
Announce Liliana, who was given access to the city broadcasting device in hopes of keeping the people calm and happy.
As the people of Pristella, and those across the nations, enjoyed the humour of his precarious situation, time kept ticking toward the end.
—
Vegue: “This child really is a fool…still, funny…”
—
Able: “*Sigh*
Medium: “Haha! Husband-kun is so funny!”
Flop: “Indeed, Husband-kun was dealt a really bad hand.”
The Emperor, still seated on his balcony, was joined by the O’Connell siblings, Taritta, and Jamal, who had already sent messages out to the divine generals.”
—
[The boy apologies for inconveniencing the silver-haired maiden, but this apology is rejected on the basis of the action being born from self-interest.
Emilia: You have some idea who stole my insignia, right?
Subaru: Insignia? You mean one of those badge things that shows your affiliation?
Emilia: It has a jewel in the center, and it’s about this big.
Subaru: Sorry, but no matter how many times you ask, I have no idea.
Emilia once again began hurriedly dismissing him before swiftly making her exit, leaving both the stranger and her spirit in the alleyway.
Puck: Sorry about her. She’s so insincere. Don’t think badly of her.
Subaru: Insincere? I think this goes beyond that. She was in such a hurry to find what was stolen from her, yet she stopped to help me. And she even came up with that lame excuse for a favor so I wouldn't feel I owed her even though I’m a total stranger.
After Puck floated away, Subaru stared out of the alley as he contemplated something.
Subaru: Anyone who lives like that… is gonna end up wasting their whole life!]
—
Following the declaration by the black haired boiled screen, there were many different reactions.
—
Tiriena: “Ohh! Isn’t the insignia a sign of a royal candidate of the Dragon Kingdom? If that’s the case, that must be one of the candidates.”
Attendant: “I've never heard of that highness…”
Tiriena: “I've only heard of it in reports, but supposedly, an insignia of that kind can differentiate a dragon candidate. Meaning, if you hold it and it glows, you become a potential ruler.”
Attendant: “Sounds like a precarious system…”
Tiriena: “*Chuckle* Agreed, but you must remember, every nation works differently.”
Attendant: “Yet to lose such a device… it can only spell disaster.”
Tiriena: “Indeed.”
—
Vague: “Agh! A spirit!? What a disgusting thing to shove in my face! I thought I would be able to get quiet up here!”
—
Able: “You’re one to talk Natsuki Subaru, as the one who wastes his own life assisting others, I don’t think you have the right to judge.”
—
Zarestia: “Both of these children are wasting their time…”
—
Julius: “It seems you’ve always been the meddlesome type, haven’t you, my friend?”
—
Hiain: “Schwartz is always looking to help others! No way he would leave such a pretty lady behind without repaying his debt!”
As his brother's in arms confirmed his words, they all thought back to the cleansing — the Sparka, that their commander had subjected himself to for the simple purpose of assisting a friend.
—
Cecilus: “Hahahaha! Seems the boss’s story begins here! How riveting, how exciting, how glorious! Come Spica, Arakiya, it seems his majesty wishes to watch this tale with us! I would expect nothing less, after all, to watch such a story you need the main character!”
In true stargazer fashion, Cecilus was able to predict his summons, and twist it into his narrative, while also remaining cooperative.
Spica: “Uua, ahh uah!”
Arakiya: “*Sigh*”
—
[Subaru: Hey! Wait up!
Once again, the young lady attempted to refuse any help from the black-haired boy, but this time he was prepared.
Countering with his own reasons to help, including the famous ‘one good deed per day’ usually spoken by an idealistic noble.
At last, with the spirit’s approving opinion, the Elf accepts this otherworlder’s sudden assistance.
Unsuccessful in their attempts to find the thief time and again, the trio end up overlooking the city from a highpoint.
Only then do they think it appropriate to introduce themselves to one another…
Subaru: I’ll introduce myself first, then.
Striking his signature pose, so spoke the man of the hour–
Subaru: My name is Natsuki Subaru! Not only am I clueless, I'm also broke beyond compare! Nice to meet ya!
???: When that’s all you say, you really do sound hopeless
Puck: And I’m Puck! Nice to meet you!
???: It’s very unusual to see someone touch a spirit so casually.]
—
Tiriena: “Haha, I can be sure the Holy king is rolling in his throne.”
—
There were many around the world, mostly centering around spirit arts users and citizens of Gusteko, that could not bear to look nor accept this human’s disrespect to a being of such high regard.
Holy king: “How dare this child treat a spirit with such disrespect?! Had that spirit not taken mercy upon him, I would have sent an assassin to get rid of him myself!”
Guards: “Agreed!”
—
Vague: “Hahahaha! This child is my new favorite! I’m sure father is losing his mind seeing this showing of a spirit being treated like the ragdoll it is!”
—
Emilia: “Haa… I miss you Puck…”
—
[Following this remark laced with a small amount of surprise, Subaru proceeds to essentially tell the elf how he has no idea where he is, which in context is understandable.
The conversation progresses with Subaru being looked over by the girl, as she comments on his well kept nails and clean pristine hands, her closeness bringing a blush to the young man’s cheeks.
Subaru: U-Uh, anyways, I know your cat’s name now, but I haven’t heard your yet.
???: My name?
Subaru: Yeah.
???: I’m…*****]
—
Most who lived in Lugunica or were knowledgeable of its affairs and didn’t outright know her had guessed the identity of the girl to be the half-elf candidate to the dragon throne — Emilia. After all, there were only so many people whose characteristics were exactly like those of the Witch.
Still, it indiscriminately confused all onlookers when this magic window seemingly malfunctioned as a name was being given.
—
[???: I have no family name, you can just call me “_______”.
Subaru: I see…_______…That’s a nice name.
For some reason, this praise earned the surprise of screen Emilia?, as well as a comment by Puck on her taste, before they set off their search once again.]
—
Everyone: “Eeh?????”
—
Emilia: “Subaru, why isn’t my name being specified?”
Subaru: “My guess is because you didn’t actually give on-screen-me your name, but an alias instead.”
Beatrice: “And what was the alias, I suppose?”
Subaru: “You don’t wanna know…”
Although everyone was confused by this answer, they all decided to accept their friend's silence, and act as if it didn’t matter to them to deal with their unending curiosity.
—
[???: Hey, Subaru…Do you get the feeling that this child is lost?
A troubled Plum appears!]
—
Plum: “It’s me! It’s me! Look, look it’s me! Daddy, Mommy, look!”
Raksha: “Yes dear, we can see, you look very cute.”
At that, Plum beamed with pride.
—
[Acknowledging the hypocrisy of the following statement, Subaru comments on how they should both focus on the current objective, but is angrily dismissed in the case of him not wanting to help those in need himself. The half-elf attempts to soothe the lost child, but this seems to prove ineffective, until-
Subaru: What I have here is one grooved-edge ten-yen coin.
Performing a magic trick that left screen Plum baffled, Subaru then surrendered the relic from his home world used for the trick to cheer up the girl]
—
Plum was getting many fond looks from others in the market, who both knew her and recognised her from the screen.
Plum: “That… didn’t happen…”
Everyone looking at her for her reaction was stunned at those words. How could the girl not remember an encounter with the other-worlder? She may be a child, but she was no fool.
Kadomon: “Plum, darlin’, are you sure you don’t remember this?”
Plum: “Y-yeah! I would remember this if it happened! Everyone, this is fake, this never happened!”
Everyone: “!!!”
Quickly, Raksha made sure to pull her daughter back from the crowd before things got messy, gesturing that everything was fine, and to ignore her child’s rambling.
Raksha: “Come Plum, I know this is confusing, but we don’t want to cause confusion with anyone else.”
Plum: “W-what!? Do you not believe me mommy? I’m telling the truth!”
Raksha: “I know you’re telling the truth sweetie, I know that he was not there when you were returned to me. But we cannot cause trouble for everyone else. Look around my daughter, everyone is concerned. You don’t want to worry them, right?”
Plum: “N-no…”
Raksha: “Alright, let's sit tight then.”
Getting an agreeable nod from her husband, the family re-took their seats.
—
[As they walked together with the lost child, Subaru commented on their trio seeming like a married couple and their daughter, only for the ‘mother’ to retort with how she only saw Subaru as the older brother at most.
Soon enough, the girl found her way back to her mother, leaving Subaru and his Elf companion to get back to their objective once again.
This time, they found themselves talking on a small bridge, and Subaru once again gave the ol’ “1 good deed per day” to justify his interest in helping.]
—
Todd: “This child is ridiculous, what kind of twisted place does he come from to make him act this way?”
Todd asked with genuine confusion and zero malice.
Katya: “I don’t know, but I can be sure it’s twisted.”
Answered his wife with just as much confusion.
Both citizens of the Sword Wolf Empire could not comprehend such altruistic behaviour as normal nor sane.
—
Crusch: “ I would expect nothing less from him.”
Wilhelm: “Indeed. It seems Subaru-dono was always the virtuous kind, worthy of the knight’s title.”
—
[???: Subaru, you're the type that basically wastes your whole life, aren't you?
Subaru: You're the last one I want saying that to me.
As Subaru comments on his and his companion’s similar age, the Elf girl reveals her identity as such, provoking the boy to express his fondness of “cute” and “beautiful” elves.]
—
Many members of the nobility across the world stated their disgust at both the girl's identity, and the boy's reaction. To them, it was an act of disrespect that someone would simply put aside their world's tragic history, even under the excuse of ignorance.
—
[Followed by the girl showing her embarrassment at the compliment, Puck emerged from his hiding spot and playfully punched Subaru in the cheek, explaining his reason for such being the “opposite of anger”.]
—
Holy king: “W-wh-wha-what is happening…?!”
—
Vague: “Hahahahahahahahaha!!!!!”
—
[Suggesting that they should return to the crime scene to find more clues, Subaru and the Elf end up in front of a familiar face.
Kadomon: What? I thought I had a customer but it's just the broke kid?
Subaru: You really wanna take that attitude? Have you noticed I'm not who I was before?
Kadomon: What?
Subaru: Just look who I brought with me. I brought someone who might just become a regular!
???: Umm…Subaru, you seem to have some weird expectations of me, but I don't have any money either.
Subaru: Huh? Seriously?]
—
Bordeaux: “They are perfect for each other…”
The wiseman already disliked both of them, the girl for being the spitting image of a monster, and the boy for being a useless idiot who thought he was a hero. Each moment of ridiculous comedy fuelled his belief that these children should not hold a shred of power.
—
[Due to their lack of buying power, the apple (Fuck you appas!) merchant was readying himself to kick the boy to the curb once more, until-
???: Mister!
With Plum and Raksha’s appearance, the situation de-escalated rather quickly, and Kadomon was informed of his daughter received a helping hand from the “broke losers”.
After Plum gifts a flower to the kind Lady, Kadomon apologizes and acquiesces Subaru's request, pointing him in the direction of the Capital's slums.
Kadomon: It might be that Felt girl. You said a nimble little blonde girl, right? She's well-known in the slums. Dunno where she lives, though.]
—
Around the world, although those who had experienced the kindness of the boy on screen felt a fond feeling of vindication, seeing his kind action lead to his own victory.
—
Garfiel: “Boss’s old deeds always come back!”
—
Wilhelm: “You and your lady’s kindness are truly a sight to behold.”
—
Able: “Are moments like these what led you to be the way you are today? No, you were always like this.”
Flop: “See! You can get revenge on the world!”
Medium: “Yeah!”
—
Plum: “I still don’t remember this…”
—
[The duo arrived by sunset, bearing witness to the awful living conditions of the locals. While walking through the impoverished area, Puck comes out to give his insight and mention the limited time he has to stay corporeal.
Puck: On average, my ideal staying time is from about nine to five.
Subaru: Nine to five? You sound like a civil servant.]
—
The Flanders trio were disappointed, as they were hoping to hear more about this reference to another world.
—
[Bidding his goodbyes, Puck went to sleep for the rest of the day.
With only vague directions from the apple (never gonna happen appas!) man, the Witch look-alike resolved to ask the lesser-spirits, generating a dazzling show of soft lights around her being.]
—
Liliana: “Wow! How pretty! To think our city is graced with such a sight!”
—
True to the bard’s words, all those who had a shred of appreciation for beauty within them could not deny the majesty of the scene before them. THIS was spirit magic.
—
[Night fell, and following the directions given by the lesser spirits, Subaru tried to confirm their suspicions by asking a passerby.
Subaru: Hey, bro. Does a girl named Felt live up this way?
The man spoke of a loot house belonging to an “Old Man Rom”, before wishing them luck on their attempts to negotiate back what was stolen, finishing with a “Live Strong!”]
—
The same man who had appeared on screen was both entertained by his appearance, sharing it with those around him, and shocked to later realise that he does not remember this. His immediate assumption was that he had taken substances at the time. Although he could not remember…
—
[At last, the supposed place the thief was hiding at was reached, and though admitting that Subaru had been holding her back, the Elf girl said that she would try believing in this person she had only met a few hours ago to accomplish this task.
Subaru: Don’t come in until I say it’s alright, _______
The girl gave a confused look at the call of her name.
Subaru: …What?
???: N-Nothing. Nevermind. If you can get my insignia back, I’ll apologize.
Subaru: Excuse me…
Entering the loot house covered by shadow, Subaru reluctantly searched for anything or anyone who could be relevant to his search, only to step squarely on a pool of some gooey red substance.]
—
At that moment, the world paused. This time, it was not due to the intervention of a yin magic user. Instead, every warrior to every kid who had ever gotten a paper cut, froze at the site of the red substance announcing death.
—
The Emperor, forgoing any propriety, stood up abruptly to shout for his friend's retreat.
Able: “Get out of there you fool, Can’t you tell when you're in danger!”
Jamal: “Oh shit, if I didn’t know the kid survived, I would be really worried right about now.”
Flop: “Run! Run husband-kun!”
Medium: “Comeoncomeoncomeon….”
Taritta: “There’s no way he’s not getting hurt, unless Emily-sama steps up to help at once.”
—
Hiain: “Damn it bro! Ya gotta run!”
Idra: “Y-yeah! Right now!”
Waitz: “Shit! Bro! Run!”
—
Zarestia: “Like I said… anyway, where is that orb…?”
—
Julius: “Not Good! If I didn’t know he survived, I would be quite concerned!”
It took only a moment for the finest night to calm himself before he realised that his friend was in fact alive and unhurt.
Anastasia: “Indeed, very concerning.”
Halibel: “Su-san is not getting out of this one unscathed, I can just tell about this kind’da stuff you know? Even though he survives.”
—
Miklotov: “Was there a report of such an incident?”
Marcos: “Not that I remember, and I would remember.”
Miklotov: “Hmm…”
—
Vague: “Ohh well, it was fun while it lasted…”
—
Holy king: “Seems the boy will die any moment, as is the fate of all who disrespect the spirits, especially those with cursed hair.”
—
[The lantern used to illuminate the building’s interior was pushed forward, revealing a bloodied severed arm.
Subaru looked up, and the former owner of the arm was lit up as well– A giant, blood pouring out of his throat and mouth.
???: Oh dear, you found that? Well, I have no choice, then. Yes, I have no choice…
Seemingly being pushed, Subaru fell to the floor, losing his lantern.]
—
Shocked gasps rang throughout the four nations, whether it be the Emilia Camp feeling the grief of the moment hit them, the shock of the wise council who could not believe their hero would fall so easily, the fear of the people of Pristella who felt indignation and disgust at this tragedy, or the people of Vollachia, including the battalion, the emperor, his generals, and the pseudo-Amazonians.
—
Doltero: “What a disgusting way to attack an innocent child, this woman is nothing but a pig.”
The pig man himself could tell the killer was a woman due to her voice, a sickly sweet voice that announced nothing but death.
Toto: “Indeed, a truly abhorrent one, although, I must say, the royal candidate must have incredibly strong healing abilities if this boy survived.”
Manfred: “I do not believe anyone could survive that kind of injury. It makes me doubt the validity of this viewing.”
—
Cecilus: “Wow boss! Rough start, but I’ll tell ya what…”
The Blue Lightning started off in a cheery tone, ending up in a low growl.
Cecilus: “If I ever meet this insignificant side character trash, I’ll serve her the same dish she served you. On my name as the Blue Lightning and main character of this world.”
Spica: “UUA!!!”
Arakiya: “For once, we agree.”
After the three shared their mutual disgust for the hidden murderer on screen, they continued their journey towards the fortified city of Garkla together.
—
Roswaal: “Hmm… why isn’t he returning already…”
looking around, Roswaal could spot the distress on his Camp members' faces. Whether it would be the tears on the half-elf’s face, the rage on the little tiger’s, the heartbreak in the spirit’s, or the clear sign of promised revenge on the oni sister’s faces, everyone’s emotions were running high. Yet all he felt was numb apathy as he started to realise that things might not be as simple as he initially thought.
Roswaal: “…”
—
There were others of course who quickly hid the graphic imagery from each other. Those people included parents blocking their children’s sight.
—
Fred: “Hah?! Mom? Why are you?”
Reala: “Rafiel! Look away now! I don’t want you exposed to any more senseless violence!”
As the obedient little girl she was, Rafiel covered her eyes and ears at once, already feeling like she had seen too much with that flash of red in the sky.
—
Raksha: “Don’t look sweetie…!”
Kadomon: “Y-yeah, damn, that’s not good…… But it's not like it happened, right? Since Plum says she doesn’t remember this happening, and neither do I? So it's fake, right?”
Muttering the first part out loud, checking on his daughter who looked close to tears, and thinking the second part, The apple salesman hoped to escape reality. (I hate you appas!)
—
Felt: “NOOO! Old Man Rom!!!”
As Felt lost all reason watching the one she saw as her father die a brutal death, that same father could do nothing but hold his daughter as she cried in despair.
Rom: “Don’t worry sprite, I’m still here…”
Rom: “But still, I can’t lie, that imagery is quite damning, it really looked like I died, eeh?”
The rest of her Camp members were either too freaked out by the imagery on screen, or we’re now too freaked out after seeing their leader’s breakdown.
—
[When he looked down to evaluate the strange feeling around his abdomen, he saw it nearly cut in two.
Subaru: Oh, crap…Is all of this my blood?
Subaru: This is bad…Very bad.
???: Subaru? What’s wrong? Subaru?
Subaru: No…Run! Hurry!]
—
Garfiel was crying, Otto was close to it, Beako was shaking with tears, Petra wanted to scream through her own, the villagers visited by Ryuzu could only weep at the sight before them, Meili could only frown, Annerose held onto to Clind, Rem held Ram’s hand as silent tears slid down her face, and Emilia was glued to the screen in horror. All the while, Subaru stared with a blank face, trying to find any information of importance in this pivotal moment he always felt had some hidden significance.
—
[A thud was heard, and the Elf girl fell to the cold hard floor, slain by the unknown criminal.
Subaru: Wait there…I’m…going to…save you…
The hands of the boy and girl intertwined under the moonlight, and as the image on the screen was getting increasingly shaky and unstable–it cut to black.]
—
Able: “Mmm?”
Flop: “W-what happened?”
Medium: “Is it over?”
Jamal: “It must have been a fluke then…”
—
Cecilus: “Somethin’ is happening, isn’t it boss…”
—
Idra: “N-no! What is this? Did Schwartz just die? But that makes no sense!!!”
Gustave: “Calm yourselves, we know Schwartz lives, there is no reason for concern.”
Although there was much doubt, there was one thing that every person in the battalion held in common, absolute and total belief in their leader.
As such, they all quickly decided that the viewing was a trick, a lie, a disgrace, and a blasphemous attempt to sully their leader’s name.
Battalion: “Yes sir!”
—
Crusch: “Subaru-san… please, real or not, please be ok…”
Felix: “Ferris-chan can’t heal you if you're dead Subaru-kyun…”
Wilhelm: “Subaru-dono… even if this is all a lie, seeing you in such a state does no good for this old man’s heart.”
—
Heinkel van Astrea, who had been watching in silence and drowning in booze, could only scoff at the sight before him, receiving a worried look from Schult.
Schult: “This is all fake, right Heinkel-san?”
Heinkel: “Yeah yeah, don’t let some stupid magic fool ya, the kid’s alive an’ well. He became a hero, didn’t’he?”
Schult: “Yeah…”
—
The council of Wiseman had already agreed that the viewing currently being displayed was fake, believing that — according to Russell — the viewing was trying to demoralise the public by killing their hero.
—
Liliana: “Ohh…”
—
[…
???: What’s the matter, boy? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.
Subaru: …Huh?
???: I asked you about the apple. The apple! Do you even have money? (Screw you Appas!)
Subaru: …WHAT!?]
—
Emilia Camp: “Heh?”
Crusch Camp: “Wha—?”
Anastasia Camp: “Agh—?”
Felt Camp: “Heh?”
Wiseman council: “Hah?”
Gusteken Church and king: “Hah?”
Pristella: “—!?”
Flanders trio: “Eh?”
Vollachia: “Hah?”
Kararagi: “Eeh—?”
Zarestia: “Hmm?”
Witch cultists: “Heh?”
Not a single person in the entire world was spared from the confusion that the next few moments on the big screen would provide.