I watch Sensei open the door and steps back into the classroom. After a few seconds,

"Subaru. Please come with me."

Yes…He calls me to come.

I follow my alien-sensei to a different room with a basic office table and a window on one side. We seat ourselves on either side of the table.

"The reason I wish to speak with you privately is because I want to get to know you – and the Witch of Envy."

"!"

"I understand you may not be allowed to speak openly of her. However, if you completely trust me, please tell me in detail how you had those tragic experiences."

"Right…I do remember you said your people had experiences with such entities in the past."

"Correct. Also, your future self described her in detail on your tablet. Take as long as you need. Even if five minutes pass and you decide not to tell me, you are free to go. I will hold nothing against you."

A few minutes have gone by. Questions came to me. I need to know Gulielmus' intentions.

"Sensei, why do you wish to know the Witch of Envy and the more private experiences of me?"

"Because I wish to fine-tune how I will train you. It may be necessary to involve her to ensure no unnecessary stress on your relationships. Also, I sense you had experienced great pains in your life and wish to aid healing them. I guess in a way, I want to atone for my people's absence from guiding your world."

"I see."

Couple more minutes passed. Thoughts are going through my head as I debate internally if I should let this person into that part of my life. Well…he was able to communicate with me without triggering her. He never pried about her publically. Demonstrated time spells cannot stop him. Most importantly, never looks down on us even though his overwhelming strength gives him the "right" to. Well…I'll give it a shot.

"I die and…" Everything immediately freezes and a dark shadow comes out of one side of the room. That got her attention all right. But before she could do any real harm,

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Satella. Or…should I call you the Witch of Envy?"

"!" x2

The Witch is stunned by Gulielmus' sudden speech, movement, and eye contact with her within this frozen pocket of time. A second later, she launches hundreds of Unseen Hands at Sensei! They do grab him…but he is unaffected by them. A moment later, a powerful glow flashes out of Gulielmus and disintegrates all the Hands! He then proceeds to quickly grab the Witch of Envy by the throat, pinning her against a yellowish force field he forms.

"Sensei?!"

"It's alright, Subaru. Please be calm. Now, now. There's no need for hostilities. I only wish to talk with you and Subaru and get to know the both of you a little better."

The Witch of Envy struggles violently for a bit longer in Sensei's grip. She tries using her powerful Authorities on Gulielmus but to no avail. Eventually, she finally surrenders and calms down in probably realizing Sensei is just that much stronger than her. Amazingly, not a single scratch is seen in the surrounding room. What a surreal sight!

"Now, I am going to let go of you. Can I trust you will not raise hostilities against anyone here?"

The Witch of Envy nods "Yes."

"Good."

Sensei lets go of her. She just stands there, maintaining eye contact with him.

"Please take a seat."

Sensei with his mind, pulls up an empty seat next to me. The Witch of Envy, or "Satella", gently takes her offered seat. He then seats himself back on the other side of the desk.

"Now, Subaru. Please continue."

After a moment, I turn to look at Satella. The obscuring shadow she first appeared with withdrew, revealing her face that looks too much like Emilia's. For the first time in our encounters, she carries a look of pleading vulnerability as if saying, "Please…don't" instead of the usual look of obsession or romantic concern.

"Sorry Satella, but I came here to get stronger to protect everyone. But I'll find a way to include you somehow."

She responds with a downcast look as she tilts her head down to face her lap.

"As I said before Sensei, I die and go back in time set by Satella here. During my failed time loops, I experienced tragedies like Rem killing me, watching Emilia's heart get crushed, getting eaten by vicious rabbits, getting burned alive, witnessing the corpses of my friends!"

Tears are coming to my eyes as I recount the memories that still stings like hell. I can see in the corner of my eye, Satella is trembling upon hearing my words.

"To Satella's credit though, Return by Death has allowed me to save as much of everyone I cherish as I can."

Her trembling stops and looks my way with tears in her eyes as if to say "Subaru…"

"I see. Arigatō Subaru…Satella, do you have any thoughts?"

"…Why…don't…you…just…kill me now?" We hear her say this dangerous line under her breath.

"!" x2

"And why would I do that, Satella?"

"YOU ArE GoiNG TO TRAIN MY LOVE hERe TO HeIGhTS whERE I mAY NOT BE NeeDED ANYMORE! I ThouGHT I CAN ATONE fOr MY past SINS BY HELPING MY beLOVED SUBARU! BuT I bRiNG ONly mORe PAIN eVen TO HIM!"

Now Satella has an endless flow of tears coming out of her.

"Subaru still regards you, did he not?"

"Nani?"

Sensei gets up from his seat and walks over to Satella. He lowers himself until he is at eye level with her.

Looking straight into her eyes, Sensei gently repeats himself.

"Subaru still regards you, did…he…not?"

Satella stops crying for a moment as if to acknowledge Sensei's question, but remains quiet. There's still a clear look in her face that says, "I'm worthless."

"Well…whether you accept it or not, the fact remains Subaru does regard you. Additionally, you are remorseful of your actions that bring pain. I believe you have hope because of so. With that said," Sensei walks back over to his seat.

"I will share with you my plans for Subaru. The specialized Sorato training I intend for him is telepathy. The experiences he endured may have brought horrific pain – but they also laid the foundation for a strong mental fortitude. I wish to strengthen this further to the point he will be able to develop his own telepathic powers – powers that will stay with him wherever he goes. Thus, he will be able to read the thoughts and emotions of others in time of need. But more importantly, be better able to regulate the emotional and physical pain he goes through as he faces the Witch Cult. It will give him the added benefit of freely, but privately, contacting you whenever he wants to chat with you."

Satella is stunned by Sensei's words. She looks as if she just heard a message of welcomed salvation. These words of salvation apply to me too. Telepathy training, huh?

"Now I would like to ask the both of you: I know this is sudden and I apologize if it is; but Subaru, do you want to share your memories with Satella? And Satella, do you want to have his memories so you will know exactly what he's been through? If you both accept, it will be painful no doubt. But it will help in building a stronger understanding between both of you."

I don't know what to think of Sensei's offer. Honestly, this whole meeting has been feeling too good to be true compared to everything I've gone through. I mean, we are actually having a full in-depth conversation with Satella? With the Witch of Envy?! And she's been showing this vulnerable, broken side of her I never thought was there!

But I've also been feeling this bottomless amount of love for Satella that I still can't explain. Sensei could have just outright kill her but did not. He has not given me any reason not to trust him. Accepting his help may just tell me the answers I've been searching for.

Plus, if I can talk to Satella on more even terms, it will help me get a much better baring on my world. I was going to give my answer when,

"I will accept Subaru's memories." Satella answers trembling but with resolve. I'm honestly moved by this.

"Arigatō, Satella. Subaru?"

"Yes. I will share my memories."

"Excellent. Please allow me a moment."

Sensei comes over to our side of the desk and lowers himself to our eye level. He then reaches out to our heads with his thumbs placed on our foreheads and his fingers gently wrap around our heads.

"Please remain relaxed as I copy Subaru's memories over."

As Sensei does his process, I briefly relive the painful memories of my failed time loops and fight the urge to flinch out of his hand.

When the process finished, Sensei lets go of our heads. I look over to Satella…and she is in a mixed state of shock and deep remorse. She looks up and turns to me with tears flowing down her cheeks.

Moments later, she comes over to me and hugs me tightly. "I'm sorry, Subaru!"

I instinctively return her embrace while she cries in my shoulder.

Despite the pain and the surreal experience I just when through in the last 20 or so minutes, I feel…incredibly warm…and free right now. Almost as much as when I talked to my "parents" in Echidna's Tomb.

Sensei gave us a good amount of time embracing one another until he finally speaks up,

"It brings me great joy and pride to see you two like this. Satella clearly shows she deeply cares about your wellbeing, Subaru. However, there are others I wish to talk to."

"Oh, sorry Sensei. Satella, are you okay for now?"

She nods, "yes".

"Satella, before you go, I wish to know: What am I to you?"

"You are someone who has Subaru's best interest in mind – and someone who can bring great healing where we can't."

"I'm glad you think that way of me. There will be more meetings like this so look forward to them. Until next time, take care Satella."

"You too, Gulielmus."

She then turns to face me, "Bye my love!"

"Bye, Satella." I respond with a heartfelt wave.

In the next blind of an eye, the Witch of Envy disappears and time resumed again.

"Apologies Subaru, I should not have rush your moment with her since time was frozen around us."

"It's okay, Sensei. She seems grateful to have that kind of time spent with us."

"Yes. So it would seem. Are you ready to rejoin your friends?"

"Hai."

"Alright then. Let's go. I'll follow you into class so I can call my next set of individuals."

Thus, the alien-sensei and I walk back to class.

"That was quick! Did everything go alright, Subaru?" Emilia is the first to say something as I come to my class seat. I just realized only 5 minutes of real time passed.

"Yeah…everything's fine. Sensei and I just had a good brief conversation about some of the things I went through."

"Mmmhh? I hope you're not keeping secrets from me, Subaru." Oh come on, Emilia-tan!

As I was trying to think of a reply, Sensei interrupts,

"The next individuals I wish to speak with are Kazuma and Chris."


"!" x2

Nani?! Am I in trouble? And what does he want with Chris?! Wait…why am I thinking like this? He did say he only wants to know us better. Plus, Subaru seems fine, maybe even refreshed, coming back here. Yeah…everything should be okay…I hope?

"Yes, Sensei." x2

We follow the alien into the next room. Chris and I take seats opposite a desk from Sensei.

"Now the reason I have both of you here is because I have concluded that Chris is indeed the Goddess Eris. Both of you are making consistent efforts in keeping this fact a secret. I wish to know why."

Shit

Chris replies first, "Sensei, I like to know first how you've came to that conclusion."

"No problem, Chris. Back on Day 2, Kazuma gave thanks to the Goddess Eris for her contribution and you showed elevated reactions despite your efforts to not reveal yourself (Crap! Sorry Eris!). Kirito also probably made the same observation and inquired about it during Kazuma's interview.

Additionally, I can detect the faint energy signatures of a goddess in you that are comparable to Aqua's.

People are going to catch onto your secret overtime, Eris. If you wish to keep your identity private, I need to know your reasons so I can support you."

"Uuuuu…I figured keeping my identity a secret for two years maybe asking too much." And Chris replies dejected.

"Sensei if you don't mind, I'd like to answer for Eris-sama here."

"I don't mind. Whenever you're ready, Kazuma."

"There are several reasons. The first that comes to mind is she wants to have a normal relaxed friendship with Darkness without the stifling relationship between a goddess and a devotee. The second is if people know Chris is Eris in my world, she would not have the incognito she needs to retrieve the divine relics scattered in it. And the third reason: because Aqua will give her hell if she knows as they are on competitive terms. Well…at least that's how Aqua sees it. Does that cover everything, Eris-sama?"

"Yes, Assistant-kun. Thank you."

"I see. Well, I believe I can help address all three issues. Care to hear them out?"

"Okay, shoot." I respond intrigued.

"For the first issue, we can come up with several means of conveying Eris' relational needs to Darkness. Should Eris reveal herself and Darkness does not respond well to Eris' verbal request for a relaxed friendship, I can establish a telepathic connection between the two so Eris can convey the deepest of her emotions words just cannot carry. Even if that doesn't work, I'll be here supporting and talking Eris through every means we can think of. In the end, I believe you will enjoy the best of friendships when there are no more secrets between Eris and Darkness.

For the second issue, we can talk and study over the energy signatures of these divine relics so we can develop means of tracking them down discreetly with greater accuracy. Also, my Sorato training combined with learning magical arts from the other worlds should give us plenty of options of how you can maintain stealth and agility anywhere you go. Maybe consider a new art where you can transform into an invisible ghost at will or consider learning Tet's abilities as a god as I see him able to phase in and out of space freely.

For the third issue, Admiral Olivia and I have been discussing in private on how we can deal with Aqua. I have ideas of how I can discipline her. Her pride issue is not as bad as Priscilla, but it is still an element I can't ignore. If you do decide to reveal your identity, please do it while Admiral Olivia and I are present.

By the way, why is Aqua competing against you Chris?"

"Well, as goddesses, our power depends how many worshipers we have. My senpai, Aqua gives me a hard time often because I have more devote 'children' than she does."

"Mmmm…The Sorato training will allow you and Aqua to not have to depend on devotion as a primary source of power. Is that something you are okay with?"

"What?! No! I can't abandon my children just because I have another source of power! How would they feel if I did that?!"

Her response of conviction is why I like her as a main heroine so much!

"That's a good heart you have Eris. If you do learn Sorato, you still can continue your relationships with your 'children'. I do not intend to replace what is already good but enrich them instead. The benefit of having another power source is so you can focus more on the quality of your relationships and less on the quantity."

"Oh…I see."

"Also concerning Aqua, the two of you, Megumin, and Darkness: the specialized Sorato training I have in mind is turning your deep friendships into a tangible power. I dare say the fruits of such training will prove to be just as fulfilling if not more so than having devotees. Of course, those friendships must be nurtured further."

After listening to this somewhat bold statement from Gulielmus, Eris then asks,

"Sensei, aside from helping us get stronger through Sorato, what exactly do you want to see in the five of us?"

"I want to see a future where you and Aqua no longer have to childishly compete with one another and learn to appreciate each other – to enjoy each other! I want to see you and Darkness enjoy great memories just as fluidly as Darkness does with Aqua. I want to see Kazuma grow in how he loves all four of you – and it doesn't have to be the romantic kind of love. He does cares deeply about you all and I want to teach him ways how he can express that more."

…Why do I feel like crying? I'm not crying! I'm not crying!

This-This Sensei just has a way of reaching your heart! What the hell?! I'm not crying! I'm not crying! I'm not crying!

"Kazuma, are you crying?" Eris gently asks.

"No I'm not!...*sniff*…*sniff*…"

"There there…It's okay Kazuma." Eris comes over and embraces me. Well, at least I'm crying with Eris comforting me. And…is it just me or is Eris crying too?

"…*sniff*…*sniff*…Uuuuhhhh."

"WAAAHHHH-HAAAA-HAAAAA!" x2

"I DON'T KNOW WHY I'M CRYING!"

"ME NEITHER! FORGET MY IMAGE AS A GODDESS! I'M CRYING ANYWAYS!"

As Eris and I share this rare moment of tears, I realize we are crying because we feel a heavy burden is soon to be lifted off our shoulders. We felt…free.

After calming down from our moment, I mustered the strength to say my next piece to Sensei,

"Excuse us for crying so much."

"It's okay."

"Anyways, while it's great you will help us if Eris decides to reveal herself, we still need some time to think over it before letting you know. Right, Big Boss?"

"Right, Assistant-kun."

"Very well then. In the meantime, I will do my best to ensure Eris' identity remains confidential. Please come talk to me once you've decide, Eris."

"Will do, Sensei. And thank you for helping us."

"You're welcome, Eris. When both of you are ready to return to class, please say so."

We take our time wiping away our tears and making sure our faces doesn't show we were just crying.

"Okay Sensei. We're ready."

"Excellent! Let's head back."

"You two seem awfully happy. What did you guys talk about?" and Aqua greets us with this question when Chris and I returned to our seats.

"Oh…just some private matters."

"Private matters? Kazuma, I hope Sensei is not encouraging a romantic relationship between you and Chris."

"Oh, give me a break Megumin."

Just as I was going to say my next piece to her, Sensei calls out,

"The next group I wish to speak with is from Naofumi's world. I want the following individuals to follow me:

Naofumi

Raphtalia

Filo

Rishia Ivyred

Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc

And Second Princess Melty Q Melromarc"


This is a bigger group compared to the previous two he called out. This could be about the Waves I've asked about during my interview.

We head our way back into the Interview room. Sensei then sits on one side of the table while the rest of us sits opposite him.

"Thank you all for coming here. First things first, I want to know if you all feel it will be beneficial or detrimental to have the other three Holy Heroes join us. The topics we will discuss are the Waves and the perpetrator behind them."

"!" x6

So we are talking about that after all.

One of us raise her hand.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Sensei. I believe it will be to our benefit if we include the other Holy Heroes in our discussion. However and with respect, some of us may disagree with the notion."

"Her Majesty is correct, Sensei. The three 'Heroes' only care about themselves and every attempt we made to unite us is always met with failure."

"I see. Tell me Naofumi: were they always like this?"

"…Now that I think about it, not always. We did wanted to form a party together at first."

"What happened then?"

"We were told working together would hinder our growth. There were people who ensured that division in my world."

"And who are they?"

"Trash and Bitch. Formally, King Aultcray and First Princess Malty."

"Mmhh…I recall from your tablet, you described Bitch as someone who would cause many problems and divisions if the invite was extended to her. She shows contempt towards the Shield Hero and is a pathological liar. Am I missing anything about her?"

"Well she makes consistent effort lying about me to the three Heroes and shows no real, genuine support during the Waves."

"Interesting…This is just my intuition. Bitch may be connected in some way to the perpetrator of the Waves. This gives me more reason to include the three Heroes in our planning."

"And does this perpetrator have a name?" asks the Queen.

"Yes. Her name is Medea Pideth Machina. She's an enemy of my people."

"Alright. Let's bring in the others." I say.

"Understood. Please allow me a few moments."

Sensei steps out of the room. Soon, he returns with Motoyasu, Ren, and Itsuki in tow. After taking their seats, Sensei begins,

"Now to begin our topic. As said to some of you already, the perpetrator behind the Waves is Medea Pideth Machina, a self-proclaimed deity and an enemy of my people. She was once a mortal that found her own path to immortality. Unfortunately, that path involves the consumption of worlds – without any regard to the lives she kills. The Waves you see now are part of her process of consumption. My people have made observations of her in the past and were planning to intervene.

Tragically, we had to abandon our pursuit as she resided in universes we couldn't touch anymore due to a Peace Treaty we made with the gods long ago – that being a story for another time."

"Medea…Pideth…Machina…Our real enemy." Ren says under his breath, "So if she can eat worlds, why does she initiate the Waves?"

"She loves to play with her food. A prime and disgusting example of a sadist."

I can see in the corner of my eye, Raphtalia is silently fuming with rage. I can guess why. Myself, Her Majesty, Melty, even the other Heroes are disgusted by Medea's description.

"So…what does Mal-I mean Bitch has to do with this?" asks Motoyasu.

"The character descriptions and actions of Bitch matches too well to Medea's, strongly suggesting a connection of some sort. While it is inconvenient she's not here so I can thoroughly study her, her absence does ensure a greater possibility of unifying everyone in this room. After all, Bitch could be a spy for Medea collecting information against me to find a way to kill me."

"So what is our plan going forward, Sensei?" I asks.

"I will proceed with the promised Sorato training for you all. However, I do have concerns. The prime one being that while Medea maybe arrogant, she may still be able to sense any Sorato usage and respond quickly. She may outright kill you even after two years of Sorato training. Right now, we don't know her full combat capabilities. Of course, I can share information – but it is outdated by one million years."

"Right. I see your point Sensei. So how do we go about collecting new information on her? I doubt she'll make herself an easy target."

"Correct, Naofumi. First, I will teach the whole class how to conceal your Sorato energy signatures. Second, we'll plan on how we can discreetly collect information through Bitch as that is our strongest lead now…are you all right Your Majesty and Second Princess?"

"Y-Yes, we'll be fine. It's just…we knew my first daughter to always be a troublemaker, but to think that she could be in league with the Waves the whole time…"

There's a clear look of shock and sorrow on both their faces. Sensei hands them both a glass of water.

"Do you two need a moment to rest?" asks Sensei.

"Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo; please escort Her Majesty and Second Princess to the room next to us. The door over there will lead you to it. It's clear to me they need you privately right now. I'll stay with everyone else here."

"Hai. Your Majesty. Melty. Please come." I offer my hand to Her Majesty then to Melty once I helped the former up.

We do as Sensei instructed and head into the next room. Once I closed the door behind me,

"Melty? Are you okay?" asks Filo as she embraces Melty.

"…*sniff*…*sniff*…"

"…How did I miss this? How did I miss this as her own Mother?! If I could have done more as the Queen, you all would not be in this tragedy."

The Queen has clutched fists pressed against her thighs while seated, clearly in deep distress.

Raphtalia walks over and embraces her. The Queen seems to calm a little. Words are coming to my mouth. I hope they will help,

"…Your Majesty. This must be a lot to take in. I hardly can keep up with it myself. I can only imagine what you must be feeling.

Please know this: I trust you. The fact that you are this distress because you think you couldn't done more tells me you really are on my side.

Besides, this Medea probably intends for no one to know about her true nature so please…don't beat yourself up."

Her Majesty looks up to me. Tears that were flowing down her face have stopped. Looks like I'm helping. I find a seat for myself then continued,

"Sensei showed me on my golden tablet that my future self was the one who recommended inviting you and Melty. I probably figured despite the pain of this moment, having you two included in this revelation and the coming training would help way more than hurt."

"Yes…I suppose you're right, Iwatani-sama. Thank you. With a few more minutes, I'll be better."

"Me too, Iwatani-sama. Filo-chan, thank you. Your hugs always comforted me."

"Anytime, Mel-chan!"

After a few more minutes, we make our back into the interview room.

"Hey Sensei."

"Ah, Naofumi. Good to see you and everyone back."

"Likewise. We're ready to continue planning."

"Right. But first, I want to let you what we've been discussion while you were away.

My conversations with the three Heroes has revealed to me their selfish goals are driven by past hurts still not resolved. Therefore, I will adjust my training of the four of you. This will mean I will spend more time separately with each of you to ensure you are given fully tailored attention. I will be counseling you in that time."

"Oh, come on, Sensei! No need to tell Naofumi of all people the details!"

"Apologies, I thought you were okay with this." Responds Sensei to

"Well…I'm glad to see you are helping us in this way other than the training, Sensei. We could use the healing away from Bitch anyways."

"Glad you feel that way. Now then, shall we continue with our planning?"

"Sensei."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"I honestly feel this may be a good stopping point. Didn't you say you only wanted to get to know us better in these conversations? And we can always schedule a next meeting, can we not?"

"Yes…you're right Your Majesty. Apologies. I got carried away in my zeal to go after Medea. We can continue planning another time. Would next Wednesday after dinner work for you all?"

Everyone nods "yes".

"Excellent! Then this meeting is adjourned. Thank you all for your time with me."

"Arigatō, Sensei." x6

We exchange bows and head back into the classroom.


After escorting Naofumi's group back into class, I take up my "teacher's spot" in the front to address everyone.

"Min'na! Thank you all for baring with us. I see the entire morning has gone by. How about we take off for lunch and meet back here in an hour and a half?"

I spot Tanya raising her hand.

"Yes, Tanya?"

"Sensei, I couldn't help but wonder: Why did you go into stasis in the first place?"

"That's a fair question. I feel I should have covered this on Day 2. Apologies."

"It's alright, Sensei."

"Now to your question: I was placed into stasis as a mission for my people to discover any useful information past the "Great Filter" point for my people. Our calculations back then was strongly hinting we would vanish corporeally at some point within the last one million years. Once I find out everything I need, I will go back in time to report to my people.

Of course, the seven tablets were not placed with me when I went into stasis – only to be discovered when I awoke just a year ago. That added on to my initial mission, which I don't mind. If my people are truly destined to be corporeally absent forever, then I do want to pass my people's knowledge and wisdom to this time's sentient races."

"I see. Arigatō, Sensei."

"You're welcome, Tanya."

With the conversation concluded, we make our way out for lunch. I spend my time with the naval officers chatting over the interviews we've had with the Isekai students. Different opinions were shared, but we all agreed the new Isekai students have extraordinary circumstances. Eating is an option of course for me but I practice it anyways for social cohesion.

Afterwards, we return back to class where we can finally begin our two weeks of fun learning!


XXXXXXX


Author's Note: That's Chapter 11! This is one my favorite writes to date. I imagined what-if scenarios where our favorite characters get outside help of the deep kind and what would that look like. I hope you like it as much as I do. The next chapter will be more on the fun side so look forward to it!

Until next time, take care all!