Authors Note: Sup! This is actually my first fan-fiction, as a fan of Re:Zero and an aspiring writer I wanted to take a hit at making my own fanfic. Please be aware that this fanfic is mostly for fun, and I have no intentions of taking it seriously.
Chapter posting times are random, as I have to deal with irl stuff, but I'm a very quick writer, so wait time shouldn't be long.
If you enjoyed it, let me know in the comments, criticism is appreciated as I'm looking to become better at writing. Let me know what you think!
It was night time, Subaru had just completed his night trip of getting some food for his NEET habits. With some more food to last him for the night, he could get back to playing his favorite Fantasy RPG.
Subaru looked around his surroundings, giving off a big yawn as he scratched his back. "Seems like staying slouched in my room all day really did a number on me this time" his drowsy eyelids were wrinkled from staring at a screen all day.
He could personally agree that eyes would get tuckered out when staring at light for long periods of time. That's why he had to change that.
Subaru promised himself he would try restricting his gaming time by a little bit, but he knew he would forget this later regardless.
The night sky filled with stars gazed back at him, twinkling in the dead of the night, the only other illumination being the moon and the convenience store behind him.
It was a relatively normal night, the cool breeze brushed past his face and hair, only making him all the more tired. "Y'know what, maybe going to sleep early wouldn't hurt, seems like my gaming would have to wait for tomorrow" Subaru rubbed his eyelids incessantly, trying to get as much crumbs and grogginess out of his system.
Rustle rustle
Chirp chirp
"Huh?" The black haired boy's vision was immediately assaulted by the sun, he promptly placed a palm in front of his eyes, making sure his NEET vision wouldn't get blinded.
After a couple of seconds he started gazing at his environment, instead of being in front of a convenience store he was now in the middle of some lush forest.
All that surrounded him was the rustling of leaves and wildlife going about their usual routine, Subaru had to blink twice to make sure he hadn't gone insane.
"W-where..." he clenched the plastic bag as his eyes dilated.
If today couldn't get any weirder, Subaru Natsuki had been transported to that of another world. The first reaction would be shock. To have been thrown into such unfamiliar circumstances so quickly, to have been forced to abandon all your old ways of life.
A bird without its wings, a fish without water to swim in. An overwhelming sense of dread and fear would be adapted into that of the person who was dealt so poorly by fate, but Subaru didn't seem to share this sentiment.
"I've been summoned...to a parallel world!!" Subaru screamed at the top of his lungs, his plastic bag hit the ground with a thump as he gazed at what awaited him. "Hehehe, so it finally happened? I was finally chosen to fulfill the purpose of the protagonist!" Subaru pumped his fist in the air, huffing as his lips curved upwards.
It would be embarrassing if he were to be caught screaming like this, but Subaru Natsuki didn't care one bit, he was a person fated to be hero, to get a magical sword that would assist him in defeating the all powerful demon lord.
"Alright, now that I'm here uhhhh...where did they set my spawn anyway? Is this the tutorial?" Subaru asked himself inquisitively as he grabbed his plastic bag off the ground, looking more and more at the lush green maze that surrounded him.
"Let's get a move on then! Hopefully if I'm quick I can meet with the cute girl who summoned me much more faster!" Subaru put a pep in his step as he paced with a grin, he seemingly started walking in that of a random direction, his shoes stomping against the dirt path laid before him.
He didn't know exactly what he would expect, but he hoped he could find civilization sooner or later, a starter town where he would get his gear to start leveling up.
So that's what he did, he walked down the path for what seemed like hours, he gazed at the sun above him, indicating to him that it was probably mid-day.
Hours went on, that's when Subaru's enthusiasm about his new circumstances started to dwindle significantly. Perhaps I went the wrong way? The cute girl who probably summoned me here is probably worried sick, no...that can't be right, I'm headed in the right direction.
Subaru reassured himself, trying to muster the determination in his chest once more as he restarted his stroll in the forest.
All that could be heard were the crunching of leaves and dirt underneath his feet, and the sounds of wildlife around him. Now that Subaru looked at it, nothing else seemed to be out of the ordinary, just what appeared to be an ordinary forest with ordinary animals.
I haven't come across some powerful unicorn or a fairy of some type, can I really assume I was transported to a fantasy world anyways? Subaru put a hand to his chin as he contemplated his environment. He had been walking for what appeared to be an hour now, the dirt path he was on was large enough to be used as a path for transport.
Maybe if I stand on the side of the road and hold my thumb up I can hitch a ride of a carriage or something. Subaru looked behind him, there seemed to be nobody coming his way. All he could do was sigh as he continued his walk.
Subaru made his way down the dirt path, the sun before him could be seen getting lower and lower, signifying to Subaru that it was noon.
*grumble*
The sound of Subaru's stomach growled as he put a hand on it, he winced slightly. I guess I should eat those potato chips in my bag, don't want to starve on my first day in a new world. Subaru started rummaging through it as he grabbed the chips.
He opened the chips as he started eating them, retreating to his thoughts once more. Since I'm in another world, I can probably assume this is the last time I'll be eating processed food, I have these ramen noodles, but no pots or pans to cook them in. Subaru's lips curved downwards, discontent with his starting gear.
Am I sure I'm just not checking correctly? Maybe if I think I can open up some menu and I can pull up a tutorial to guide me. He immediately stopped in his tracks as he thought and thought. He swore his face went red as he tried concentrating on summoning a menu of some kind.
Juuuuust think long and hard..get rid of outside distractions. The sounds of wildlife faded as he put all his effort in his goal. Subaru had thought he got it, he opened his eyes but what greeted him was the bark of a tree.
"Damnit!" The black haired boy's face wrinkled into that of a scowl as he punched the bark, he seemed to immediately regret it as he held the fist of his now red hand.
"Sssss...ow!" He winced in pain as his knuckles went white from the constant gripping of his fist. A little bit of blood painted the hand as he looked at it.
It didn't seem to be that fatal of a wound, he could just let it be and his body would patch it up in an hour. The boy steeled himself as he looked at the lush green environment.
"This place really got quiet didn't it" The nasty eyed teen looked almost chilled by the sudden silence of the forest, unless he just failed to notice, not even the occasional chirping bird could be heard.
He didn't seem to care, he continued to walk down the path, seemingly having calmed by the now quiet forest.
rustle rustle*
Subaru was brought out of his thoughts as he looked to his side by the sudden noise, it had contradicted the already quiet atmosphere, so he had now wondered what had interrupted that silence.
What appeared before him was a squirrel of some kind, it had gave him a brief look, that of curiosity before it scurried down the path Subaru was walking downwards.
"Huh, just a little animal" Subaru chuckled, relieved that the eerie silence was just brought to end by a small animal.
He shook his head, continuing once more.
So he walked, and he walked and walked and walked and walked and walked.
...
...
...
...
That of an orange hue hit the front of Subaru's head, it shined fairly well against the sweat branded on Subaru's forehead. He could only look up with tired eyes as the sun appeared to taunt him once more.
"Im really...starting to think...the game master...is...screwing with me" Subaru had baited breaths as he silently cursed whoever teleported him into such a bad spot. He was the hero dammit! Yet he was treated so poorly.
Subaru wanted to believe it, he wanted to believe he had a purpose in this new world, why else would he be here? To be toyed with? That couldn't be the case.
Maybe I should just rest. Subaru slumped down into the side of a tree, his head leaned back as his breathing evened more and more.
He started thinking about things like shelter, food and water. He looked at the crumbled bag of chips in his bag. "But I don't need to worry about those things! This game is meant to hand it to me!" Subaru threw his hands in the air in resignation.
Maybe this is just some trick, they are probably training my endurance. Subaru smirked, he wouldn't allow his summoners to get the upper hand so easily. The boy was always renowned as being stubborn.
Being the son of the all powerful Kenichi Natsuki, he was always trying to live up to his legacy, that was what had lead to Subaru's willpower and endurance.
The more he sat, the more he started to doubt his fantasies. He once again breathed in and out, wiping the sweat off his forehead as he gazed at the enveloped green.
The sun was setting in the distance, the leaves were painted an orange hue as they rustled against the now cool breeze. His surroundings were starting to grow more and more dark, if he didn't find shelter soon he would have to begrudgingly live under some rock somewhere.
"Damnit damnit damnit" Subaru scowled as his face showed that of someone who had given up. He started to contemplate if he had to work for stuff he wanted to achieve now.
"This has been a huuuge hit to my NEET habits" Subaru sighed. He could admit, him walking for the past couple of hours was good cardio, he was the type of person to do so at home anyways.
He would stay holed up in his room, exercising with his radio calisthenics before going back to reading manga and playing games all day.
Subaru thought. Maybe, just maybe, he was a little over his head, his pride had clouded his judgement and thinking. He walked so happily like he owned the place, like he was destined to be pampered. Like the world owed him his happiness.
It was like this new world was holding a middle finger, maybe this was punishment for him. "Here kid, you want your fantasy so much, have it!" And then throwing him into not heaven like he expected--but hell...
CRUNCH
Another grating sound of leaves pierced his ears, instead of investigating he just sat there once more, plagued by his less than optimistic thoughts.
Now that I think about it, this forest is a lot more quiet now, I wonder why it's so quiet all of a sudden. Subaru looked around, just another sight of the endless expanse of empty forest, no bird chirping or vermin scurrying like the past couple of hours.
But what made Subaru's pupil's dilate was not the sound of an expectant squeak of a critter, but the gaping maws of a ferocious beast.
In seconds, He was surrounded by pairs of red eyes, each holding their own tinge of unique bloodlust as they gazed at his form. Subaru didn't even have time to think as the sounds of leaves crunching pierced his ears once more as the beast made their way closer to their prey.
"T-the fuck!" Subaru promptly got up, looking at his surroundings, they seemed to be closing in from front and behind, the only openings being the dirt path at each side of him.
Subaru took a chance to inspect the beast, they looked to be your average wolf like beast, clad in black skin with teeth that could cut through flesh fairly easily. What scared him the most were their eyes, nothing else but the sea of scarlet, not even pupils.
What caught him off guard was the horn apparent on their heads. Some sort of demon creature maybe. Subaru had made the conclusion that he had just been made easy prey to a pack of vicious beast, and judging by the time, this would be their dinner.
"Crap crap crap crap!" Subaru yelled as he started his running down the dirt path, he didn't even look back, he didn't want to. He could hear the sounds of several paws hitting the ground, letting him know his pursuers were already giving chase.
Subaru didn't know how long he could outlast them, He knew that due to biology dogs were a lot faster than a human, so he wondered why he even dared try to escape.
First day in another world and I'm already about to die! Subaru screamed internally, his lungs were already parched from the constant walking he was doing today. Maybe if I'm quick, I can run into a village of some kind, yeah...that could help.
The boy had made up his mind as he ran more and more down the forest, the sounds of panting and barking behind him. Any second now one of the dogs would be able to grab a hold of his leg, from there they would tear him apart one by one, and Subaru would be mince meat.
"Huff huff huff" my heart is beating like crazy, my lungs feel like they could explode, my arms and legs feel like they would fall off at any second now! Shit shit shit I'm doomed!
Subaru knew at this moment he would have to fight back, this was challenged when a dog from the side of him lunged at him. Its attack based on the intent of killing him. It's gaping maw was only seconds from his throat when.
"GOTCHA!"
wwwwrrr...ARRRR!
The beast grunted in pain as Subaru dodged its attack, grabbing it by its torso and flinging it behind him, it's body managing to hit two of his pursuers.
Shit I did it, I'm not through yet thought. Subaru looked back to see the dogs that were knocked got up and started running for him once more.
I need to lose them, if I keep running in a straight line they would catch me eventually. Subaru made up his mind as his feet twisted to change direction, bolting into the forest beside him.
This was a huge gamble, but if Subaru hoped to survive he would have to improvise.
Subaru zig zagged from trees, the beast behind him started gaining distance away from him. Seems like I'm slowing them down. Subaru had a look of relief as he circled another tree.
The sun in the distance was now barely peeking from the horizon, glints of light peeled through the sides of the trees, Subaru would be completely plunged in darkness soon, he would need to find shelter and a place with light soon.
"How the hell am I meant to avoid this" Subaru bit his molars as he went deeper into the forest. Maybe this was a bad idea. Subaru said with a grimace as he looked behind him--the dirt path was now nowhere to be seen.
Maybe this is what those dogs wanted me to do, to have me lean off course so they could corner me. Subaru noticed the barking of the dogs had turned minuscule in number as Subaru approached a small river.
"A-Ah! Water!" He had a face of pure joy, ever since he was summoned, he never got to quench his thirst, so he was very lucky to come across a river.
"Th-they must've gotten over me and left..." Subaru looked to his surroundings, the once chaotic chase was now met with silence. It seemed as though the beast had given up on him.
At least I could get some water. Subaru made a scooping gesture with his two hands as he got a handful of water, sipping it with his mouth
"Ahhhh that's the spot" Subaru made sure to be gentle with the water, if he didn't the mud at the bottom would mix and he would be drinking dirt water.
The river was so satisfying, Subaru sat on his butt as he quenched his thirst. "Phew, I could've died--good thing I escaped" Subaru slowly pumped his fist in exhaustion and relief, maybe luck was on his side this time.
"Damn, it's pitch black out here now" Subaru was almost unnerved about how quiet and dark the forest now was, if there were any wildlife, they were all sleep now.
Alright, I managed to escape those demon dogs or whatever, I should probably get a move on if they decide to pursue me again. Subaru got up, he seemingly pointed to a random direction as he decided he would continue his walk.
Should get some shelter, maybe a cave or something. Subaru jumped over the small river as he started making his way into the forest again.
I should probably follow the current, where there is water, there are people. Subaru's knowledge on biology and the medieval ages proved him well.
Back during medieval times the sources of civilization usual meant large bodies of water like rivers or lakes, people need water to survive, so they would probably make their home near places with water.
So he walked again, it got darker and darker.
...
...
...
...
Every now and then, when Subaru was tired he would take another drink from the river he was following, Subaru could probably use a snack. But all of his food required a stove to cook.
Subaru thought back to his unfamiliar circumstances. So I got summoned to another world, but in the middle of some forest? Whoever summoned me here probably likes to see me suffer. Subaru grimaced once again at the thought.
He didn't notice, but he started getting increasingly tired. Combined with the time he spent awake in his pass world and the one here, Subaru was almost awake for a day and a half.
He had to increasingly blink to wet his eyes, he couldn't risk getting tired here, especially not at the dead of night in some random forest.
Not when those demon beast could come for me again.
He walked and walked and walked and walked and walked.
I'm tired, I'm so so tired, I want to sleep, but I'm so scared. It took all the strength in his body for him to take a step, he knew at some point he would completely pass out in the middle of this forest, and then those demon beast would come to bite his head off while he was sleep.
I guess that wouldn't particularly be a painless death...
AWOOOOOO!!!!
"!!!" Subaru immediately turned his head to the ear piercing sound that shook the forest. No...no not them again, how did they find me? I thought I lost them.
He could once again hear the rustling of leaves, it meant the dogs hunting him had come back for round two.
"Don't you see I'm tired? Let me get some sympathy you rabid dogs!" Subaru screamed in frustration, not at all caring that he was driving more and more beast to his location.
He was too tired to think properly, he would probably make a rash decision sooner or later that would get him killed.
He ruffled his head full of black hair as he steeled himself once more, the growling of the dogs got closer and closer as they surrounded their prey.
Alright, I'm ready, come and get me you bastards! Subaru immediately turned and started running down the stream once more, the dogs yet again gave chase. You want your dinner? Well you aren't having it.
GRRRROWL!!
They barked as they ran closely behind. Subaru started planning while he ran from the dogs on his tail.
Alright alright think, I'm obviously not standing a chance against them alone, so finding shelter where they can't find it or reach me is the obvious choice. Subaru put a palm to his fist as he looked behind him.
What appeared to be 10 demon beast following him. God my legs hurt, I've already been walking all day dammit!
Subaru once again cursed his current situation.
HOWWWWLLL!!!
Subaru didn't expect to see the homing attack of a nearby demon beast. "Get away from me you dog!"
The dog's attack was stopped when Subaru upper cut it, hitting its jaw causing it to hit the bark of a tree with a powerful thud. "Haaah...haaah" Subaru ran while looking back at the damage he caused, he wanted to stop, to get some air, but he had to survive.
Subaru looked at the river beside him, the water looking just as tempting as before.
Wait a minute, this river is a lot bigger than when I saw it. Subaru had a confused look as he surveyed the river, the dogs behind him were still hot in his trail.
Wait, if the river got bigger from last time, that might mean... Subaru was pulled out of his thoughts as he heard water crashing against itself in the distance.
What didn't meet him was more forest but a small opening to a cliff side. Subaru was greeting by a waterfall. "W-wow!" He looked at the sight, the waterfall was mesmerizing, so beautiful yet so dangerous to those who are swept by the river above.
"Ah-grk" Subaru was distracted as he yelped in pain, his face wrinkled into a pain filled expression as he observed what caused him damage. What he was met with was the sharp gummed teeth of a demon beast. It sunk its teeth into his ankle, giving another surge of pain to Subaru.
"Ah-AAAAAAHHHH!" He screamed at the top of his lungs as he tried releasing himself from its grip, but his efforts proved fruitless as it only sunk its teeth deeper.
He could hear approaching demon beast, all still in the forest behind him, in a few minutes, Subaru would be dinner. No no no no why why why why why why why why, don't kill me please, I don't want to die I don't want to die!!!
Subaru steeled himself as he readied a fist, driving it into the snout of the dog. It seems to work as the dog released its teeth, jumping back in pain. But Subaru wasn't done yet.
"Take this you bastard" he delivered a kick into its torso, making it fly back 20 feet, hitting a nearby tree.
He looked around himself once more as demon beast surrounded him, behind him was a cliff, with a waterfall that seemed to go down for a while.
Jeez, am I really gonna have to jump to escape? Subaru observed the waterfall, it didn't look survivable at all, if he fell down he would die for sure.
But dying from height seemed a lot more better than being eaten alive. If he angled his head during his fall, his death would be more painless as his skull and brain would take the most damage, killing Subaru almost instantaneously.
Subaru started to think back to his parents, a tinge of guilt overwhelmed him, he thought back to how he didn't say bye to his mom as he left. He felt guilty for always leeching off of them, for them doing so much for him for Subaru to not give anything in return.
If anything, I deserve this for being such a bad son. Subaru put his hands to his sides, looking at the surrounding beast in resignation.
Summoned here to be a hero? What a joke.
At this point, Subaru didn't know how far he was standing towards the cliff, the river beside him thrashed as it fell down the cliff side, right into the river below.
"Well, if I'm gonna die here, I'll at least go down with a fight" Subaru raised his hands into a fighting position with new found vigor.
The beast started charging him, all at once to finish Subaru off. "Come and get me!" He said, giving a war cry as they pounced onto him.
One clawed his shoulder, but Subaru punched it in the jaw, the other reached for his leg but he angled it, kicking it into its torso.
"W-aaaah!" Subaru yelped as he realized he lost his sense of balance, falling into the river next to him.
Subaru thrashed against the waves as he was pulled towards the cliff, his clothes wet and his bag filled with water now. "Hh-Aaaahgh!" He tried breathing for air, but his head was brought under the waves once more.
Breathing, drowning, breathing, drowning. No no no no. Subaru tried to scream but his throat was immediately clogged with water. All he could do was thrash about with his already tired limbs helplessly against the waves.
All of a sudden, the once thrashing waves were now gone as Subaru voiced his confusion. Huh?
What greeted him wasn't water but air hitting his back, the once heavy water that restricted his movement immensely was now gone.
"W-wuh" Subaru choked, it was till he realized he was mid air, the cliff he was on was now in the distance from above, and the water below was coming closer and closer.
"Huh...WAAAAAAH!!" Subaru screamed at the top of his lungs as he plummeted at the bottom of the waterfall.
At that point, Subaru lost consciousness.
2 months later:
"Ugh" The verdant valkyrie let out a discontent huff as she scanned the papers on her desk.
She looked out the window to her side, the capital before her was just as lively as ever. She put a palm to her chin, taking a small break from her work.
"Is lady Crusch alright Nyah?" The cat boy to his side voiced his worry, leaning down to peek at the duchess.
"I'm quite alright Ferris, work is just a bit more stressful today" She gave a faint smile, which caused Felix to perk up his ears as his lips curved downwards.
"Nyou can always rest and cyome back to do it later Nyah" He wagged his tail as he approached her, proceeding to rub her shoulders. The duchess Crusch Karsten only narrowed her eyes as she stared at the papers on her desk.
"Thanks Ferris, recruitment for the subjugation could be pretty mind numbing" She rubbed her forehead with her two hands,trying to sooth her already tired brain.
She gazed at her desk once more. Today was another day in which Crusch sought out worthy recruits for the subjugation of the white whale, there were only two months left until the Royal Selection, so she wanted to get it done as fast as possible.
To war veterans and royal knights, she even thought of reaching out to this generations sword saint, if she prepared correctly, if she got enough powerful people, she would be able to stand a chance against the while whale.
Crusch's goal was to break off the pact of the dragon, it was surely a move that would cause uproar across Lugnica.
She would bark so loudly by proclaiming that they were so weak if they relied on the dragon, that they would be more powerful if they started solving problems on their own. If she wanted to prove this, if she could put the end to a calamity that plagued the world for 400 years, people would be more inclined to believe her..
So she sat there, resuming her search for recruits. She looked all around Lugnica, she managed to hire old war veterans that survived the whale in the past, she even got the enlistment of the sword demon Wilhelm Van Astrea, who now served as a butler in her camp.
She tried looking for recruits in other countries, this served very hard since of the conflict between Gusteko and Vollachia, the only other choice was Kararagi.
"Kararagi then..." she trailed off as she started turning the papers once more.
The sun beamed through the window, wrapping all those in its light in a yellow hue. The cabin creaked from its age as someone twisted and turned on the bed.
"Ah-ugh" Subaru wheezed as he slowly opened his eyelids, what greeted him was the smell of burnt wood, and food of some kind.
Subaru smacked his gums as he slowly comprehended his current situation. I don't recognize this ceiling.
His tired eyes darted towards the roof above him, he only looked on in confusion. Wait, I didn't die? Wait where am I anyways?
Subaru looked around to find he was in some living room of some kind. He quickly assessed his surroundings as he brought himself up, wiping his groggy eyes.
Last thing I remember was fighting some dogs of some kind, then, then. He remembered how he met his end when he fell off a waterfall plummeting to his...
B-but I didn't die, at least I don't think I did. "D-did I survive? Did someone save me?" That was the only logical conclusion Subaru could make.
He rubbed his head, albeit still damp from the water he was thrown in. Actually, he was still wearing his tracksuit, but it was still awfully wet, so he wasn't out for long.
"Augh" Subaru grimaced with the uncomfortableness of his wet clothes.
*creak*
The sound of the door opening from behind him caused him to jump in fear, he quickly turned his head to the mysterious stranger that was now in the room with him.
"Hehe, no need t' be so scared stranger-San, it's just me" what greeted him was a tall wolf man, his mane was black and he was shrouded in black clothes, there seemed to be a smoke pipe of some kind protruding from his jaws.
A wolf man? So there are fantasy races as well. Subaru had a thoughtful expression as he gazed at the towering figure.
"Aye, don't go starin' now, I know I'm gorgeous but it's a bit creepy ya hear?" He let out a chuckle as the golden pipe switched around in his jaw.
He let out a small wheeze before bringing it out, resting it in his fingers as a puff of purple smoke filled the atmosphere. Subaru only stared slack jawed.
"O-oh sorry, just a bit jarring is all, w-where am I?" Subaru once again gazed at the cabin he was in.
The wolf man walked up to him before he began. "It t'is a pleasure to welcome you into my humblest of abode" his voice leaked a bit of sarcasm, his pipe once again entered his mouth as he awaited a response.
"O-oh, thanks" Subaru proceeded to stand up to face him fully. "Were you perhaps the one who brought me here? Last thing I remember was being chased by some dogs of some kind before I fell off a waterfall.
The wolf man's ear's twitched as he heard him. "Alright, allow me t' introduce myself first hehe"
"T' names Halibel, Halibel the Admirer" He stood proudly, flaunting his status to shock Subaru. He only cocked his head.
"N-nice to meet you Halibel, my name is Natsuki Subaru" he pointed a thumb towards himself, he was waaaay too tired to make a bigger first impression. This was the least he could do.
"Nice t' meet you, y' mind if I call ya Su-San? Rolls of t' tongue nicely" Subaru could only nod in response, earning a grin from the wolf man.
"Anyways as I was sayin', this is my home you are in kid, I brought ye' here after I saw you flauntin' around down stream heheeh!" He let out a chuckle as he took a seat on the couch, stirring the pipe in his mouth.
"Huh, so I didn't die, you must've saved me then" Subaru thanked the demi-human, if he wasn't saved then, he wondered how long he would've lasted.
"Honestly kid, ye' got a lot of guts wondering in the woods at night, you could've gotten' yourself killed if I didn't find ye" Halibel made light of Subaru's situation, causing Subaru to make an uncomfortable smile at the man's dark humor.
"So anyways" Halibel let out a puff of smoke, the aroma filled the room, of course, Subaru wasn't really accustomed to smoke, causing him to wheeze slightly.
"You are a bit deep in the woods, I can lead ye' to the nearby town not so far from here, you got parents?" Halibel eyed him up and down, taking in the boy's features.
"Parents? Well.. yes. Although I severely doubt I'll ever see them again" Subaru looked towards the ground, guilt trickled down him as he never got the chance of saying goodbye to his parents.
Now that he was in another world, the chances of seeing them again were nigh impossible.
"Y-you see, I'm not actually from around here" Halibel nodded in response. "I could tell, especially with t' weird clothes your wearing and all that" he crossed his legs, letting out another puff of smoke.
Subaru wanted to tell him, that he was from another world, but he felt like he would be deemed crazy if he were ever to do so. He gulped as he looked at the man.
"So Su-San, where did ya' come from anyway?" he smacks his gums. "Eh, if I were to explain, assume I lived under a rock all up to this point, so I have no idea either" Halibel proceeded to look up at the ceiling with a thoughtful expression.
This is my new life, I must get used to it.
"Ah, no wonder you were runnin' around in the woods at night" he let out a puff of smoke once more. Subaru started getting slightly annoyed by the continued smoke filling his lungs. But he had to be nice to the host that gave his charity to him.
"Alright Su-san, I have to be the bringer of bad news" Subaru looked at the Demi-human, his eyes dilated. Halibel didn't say anything, only looking at the bandage wrapped around Subaru's ankle.
"O-oh, my leg, I must've messed it up pretty badly Huh" a chunk of skin was gone, leaving a nasty cut. At least it's not on my back, a cut on someone's back is a warriors greatest shame.
"Yeah, by a mabeast" Halibel said, though his voice was a bit more serious, not at all laid back like before. Subaru looked towards him as the room's tension grew.
A mabeast huh? That must be what they were called then. Subaru stood there as he awaited what Halibel had to say.
"Alright Uhh" Halibel clapped his hands together as he spoke.
"Ye have been cursed Su-San" at that, Subaru fell to his knees, beads of sweat running down his forehead. I'm cursed? Am I gonna die, seems like I never get to catch a break.
Subaru held his head down low, Halibel only sat there looking. "I brought ye' here around 9 hours ago, so you have little around half a day left before the curse activates and ya die"
The black haired boy's heart skipped a beat as he observed the Demi-human. "I-is there anyway to stop it?"
"Well Su-San, as a shaman myself, I'm very knowledgeable on them, but I'm afraid that I'm only good at giving curses, not removin' em" Subaru stooped into his despair further.
His first day in another world, and he was already about to die. "There is a solution" he was brought out of his thoughts as he gazed at the wolf man.
"You don't happen t' be a spirit art's user do ye?" Subaru shook his head in confusion at the term.
"Spirit arts user? What's that?" Halibel grimaced as he blew out another puff of smoke, twisting the pipe in his mouth.
"Spirit arts users are very rare, so it's a gamble, if you are one you can contract wit' a spirit and they could remove the curse" Subaru nodded, taking the info in. "So if I get a spirit of some kind, they would remove the curse" Hope was slowly being restored in the boys body as his lips curved upward.
"I'm just sayin' it's a gamble, don't get your hopes up" Halibel put up his two arms as he shook them, not wanting to crush the hopes of the poor boy. Subaru nodded as a face of determination dawned his face.
Alright, I just have to get a spirit of some kind, then I won't die.
"Alright Eh, if you go outside there is a clearing, if you concentrate hard enough some spirits may surround ye, that's what I see em doin' anyways" he pointed towards the door, which Subaru started making his way towards.
"If ye don't manage to get a spirit, then I'd be happy to give ye a painless dead heheheh" this unnerved Subaru to no end. "W-what! I won't be dying today, I'll get a spirit, whatever it takes!" Subaru pumped his fist in the air. Halibel only watched in silence.
So Subaru exited the cabin with new found determination, making his way down the wooden steps as he stepped out into a clearing, only the lush green forest surrounded them. Alright, he said if I thought hard enough I could summon some spirits, alright.
Subaru walked until he was in the middle of the clearing, the morning sun beamed back down on him as he surveyed the low grass at his feet. Alright, think think think. Just summon some spirits subaru, shouldn't be so hard.
Subaru put his hands together as he closed his eyes, holding his breath as he concentrated. Alright spirits, come to me!
He opened his eyes, and what shocked him was dozens upon dozens of bright lights surrounding him. All of different color, floating around him as he looked on in shock.
"What did ya need stranger?"
"Hmph? Can he hear us?"
"What did you need?"
Subaru only blinked as he watched them converse amongst him. It worked, Subaru had summoned what appeared to be spirits, given their glowing orb like figures.
"A-Ah" he choked on his words as he watched them speak, his mouth was wide open as his legs faltered.
Is this what I think it means? Am I a spirit arts user? He looked at the dozens of spirits looking back at him, he started to get a little overwhelmed by their presence.
"H-hello!" He waved his hand at them, they only grew brighter in response.
"Nice to meet you mister"
"Are you lost?"
"You have weird clothes sir"
He took in each of their responses, before stopping at the insult. "H-hey! I think these clothes are pretty cool!" He stood his ground as he deflected the spirit's comment, they only giggled at Subaru.
"He can hear us?"
"I never came across someone who could do that"
"His affinity is probably big!"
Subaru blinked as this all but confirmed it. Subaru was a spirit arts user, and his affinity was huge by the looks of it.
Wait wait, let's not get distracted, I need to prevent my death now. Subaru steeled himself as he took in a deep breath. "Alright!"
"I have a curse on me by a mabeast attack, I was told I need a spirit if I hoped to get it removed" Subaru held his hands together as he pleaded to the spirits for help.
"P-perhaps I can" out of the colorful spirits that were in his presence one black orb stood out, it approached him until it was only inches to his face.
I guess this is a spirit. Subaru raised his head as he observed it. "You must be a rare spirit correct?" Subaru asked. Unlike the others, this one was the only one that was glowing black
The orb only grew brighter. "Yes, you are q-quite lucky, yin spirits l-like me are pretty rare, hmph!" It's tone was shy, but held something of someone wanting to be respected. The voice held something of an adolescent, actually,all the spirits here sounded like children.
"Alright, I was wondering, how exactly do I get you on my side anyways?" Subaru touched his chin with a finger in confusion, he was here, yet he didn't know how to get a spirit.
"We can form a contract, a-after that I'll be your contracted spirit!" It's voice was hesitant, though it was happy it finally was able to contract someone.
"Alright! I want to form a contract with you, I want to form a bond that last until the day we both die!" Subaru held out his hand in determination.
Subaru nodded, The yin spirit brightened in excitement. And with that, they both formed a contract, and Subaru got his first spirit.
He sat on a stump, watching as the yin spirit did her magic. "A-Alright, the thread on the curse was very easy to get rid of, so your no longer cursed" Subaru immediately widened his eyes with those words.
He was finally over the threat of imminent death, he could finally relax. He sighed in relief as he addressed the spirit.
"Thanks, that was amazing, if it wasn't for you I would've been a goner" Subaru gave the orb a smile as he scratched the back of his head. The orb brightened in response. "T-thank you, a compliment from my contractor makes me so happy!"
Subaru smiled at those words, he was sorta happy he had someone to talk to, to have someone he could get familiar with. "So um, what's your name anyways? You never told me" Subaru looked at the orb inquisitively.
"M-my name?" The light faltered a bit, before it spoke again. "Spirits don't really have names, we usually get one from our contractor"
"Ah!" Subaru stood up, he then straightened his pose, pointing a finger into the air.
"Allow me your contractor, Natsuki Subaru to give you your first name!" He had a look of total confidence as he was dead set on his new goal.
"Thank you contractor! It would be nice to have a name, so what will you call me?" At those words subaru retreated into a thoughtful gesture, a hand on his chin as he looked at the ground.
A name huh? What name is befitting that of a yin spirit. "Oh hey I know!" Subaru snapped as he pointed at the spirit.
"Your name...will be Lela!" Subaru shouted those words out loud, surprising the spirit.
"Lela? That sounds like a very nice name, there, my name will be Lela" it glowed as it circled Subaru.
"Alright Lela, today starts our new journey as partners!" With that they both started going back into the cabin so Subaru could alert Halibel on his success.
He walked into the cabin, a smile on his face as he finished his task. "Oh-ho, it is good t' see ya again su-san! How was your task?" The wolf man blew out smoke as he gazed at the black haired boy, slouching on the couch further.
"Halibel, thank you! I was able to contract a spirit and removed the curse!" Subaru pumped his fist into the air as he gestured towards the black orb floating beside him. "Meet Lela! My spirit of yin!"
"It is nice it went well Su-San! And yer' telling me I sharped my blades for nothin'" Subaru tensed as he saw the hidden blades at Halibel's sides, the wolf man let out a hearty chuckle at the sight of Subaru's fear.
"I'm just playing' with ya su-san! I knew you could do it!" He relaxed himself as he slouched further. Subaru let out a breath of relief as he went over to sit on the couch opposite of Halibel.
Subaru didn't see it, but Lela seemed to not like Halibel much for his remark on joking on hurting her contractor, so she stood guard. "Hehe, so ya removed the curse, I was actually sad when I realized yer' we're gonna die, I was gettin' well adjusted to ya Su-San!" Subaru rolled his eyes.
"Thanks Halibel, I have to say you've been a huge help to me this past day, if you never saved me, I would've been mabeast chow" Subaru didn't know it, but he was becoming more fond of the wolf man, he had a laid back demeanor that put him at ease.
"So..." Halibel twisted the golden pipe in his mouth as he gazed out of a nearby window. "I'm guessin' ye' don't have much else to go Eh?"
What? How did he read my mind? Well I guess it's pretty obvious, I was running around a forest at night, of course I would look lost. "I hate to admit it but, yeah, I don't have much place else to go, I have a lot to learn regardless" He scratched his head with unease.
"I'll tell ya ere'" Halibel leaned in closer to Subaru, which alerted him as he awaited his words. "I see lots of potential from ya' Su-san, it would be an honor to take ya in, but only under one condition"
Halibel wagged his finger, Subaru could only think of what the wolf man might add. "You'll become my student, I'll train ya in the way of the Martial arts, swords n' all that, you'll get to live here in exchange ya hear?" Subaru widened his eyes at those words.
I guess my isekai life really is getting started, I found out I'm a spirit art's user, which is rare, now I'm training behind a strong Demi human. "Yes! I'll become your student!" Subaru almost jumped from his seat in excitement, but he held himself back.
"Hehehe, I knew ya'd say that" he puffed out smoke once more. "So now that yer' my apprentice now and all that, ere's my first task"
Subaru leaned in, wondering what his first task as a student would be. "You have the rest of the day to contract 5 more spirits of t' different element, yer' affinity is all but confirmed, so it shouldn't be much of a challenge ya hear?" Subaru nodded, Halibel gave a content nod.
"A-alright!" Subaru got up and kneeled before Halibel. The sight almost shocked the wolf. "As your student, I won't fail you sensei!"
"U-uh, sure" Halibel scratched his head as he turned it, it shocked him about the display of respect given to him. He knew he was one of the most well known strongest in the country, but it still baffled him to get this respect.
He didn't even get to respond as Subaru burst back out of the cabin, going on to complete his task. Halibel could only let out a puff of purple smoke as he rested the pipe on his fingertips.
"That kid sure is somethin' eh?"
The day went on normally, Subaru went around the forest, conversing with the nearby spirits and asking them for knowledge.
"Not gonna lie, spirits are pretty cool!" Subaru held his hands on the back of his head as he strolled down a random part of the forest. Lela brightened in agreement
"So, Lela, what other magical spirit powers do I get anyways?" Subaru inquired, to which Lela quickly notified him.
"As a Spirit of yin, I am capable of using yin magic, also known as shadow magic" Subaru widened his eyes. "Yin magic is really more of slowing down opponents and blinding them, separating them from their senses" Lela informed.
Subaru seemed visibly distraught about this. So basically just debuffs, well I can admit it would be useful.
"I can speak with you telepathically as well" this gesture surprised Subaru. "Wait really? That's so cool, we can speak like this without anyone knowing." Subaru smiled as they both talked, though if someone was looking from afar they would think they weren't having a conversation at all.
"Speaking of magic, what's my affinity anyways Lela?" Subaru clapped his hands together as he asked the spirit. "Oh-oh, I can check that for you contractor" Lela motions towards Subaru's forehead, Subaru only watched with anticipation.
"Ah, it seems we are a lot more similar than I thought Contractor!" Lela glowned brightly. "You are a yin user as well, that's a very rare element to have Contractor"
Ah, so I'm basically a debuffer too, well that's alright I guess. Subaru smiled all the while.
"Oh wait, I forgot about our task!" He put a palm to his mouth in shock. "Lela! Let's get a move on!" Subaru began pacing down the dirt path, Lela followed closely behind.
Subaru was once again successful in his task, now there he stood in front of 6 orbs, spirits that swore an oath to a contract.
4 girl spirits and 2 boy spirits.
"Alright, it's time to name you guys" Subaru motioned as he looked at the red orb of light, one of which was the fire spirit. "I'll name you, Hestia!"
"Master, master! That's such a good name! Alright, my new name is Hestia!" The Fire spirit jumped up and down in excitement, it gave off a cheerful and fiery personality, perfectly befitting for its element.
"Alright, now for you" Subaru motioned towards the blue spirit, one that was assumed to be water. "Alright, your name shall be Aqua!" The water spirit seemed to glow brightly, as it circled its contractor.
"Aqua it is, I'm very pleased to be named by you contractor" it's voice was calm and serene, befitting that of its element.
"For the next one! Subaru motioned towards the green spirit, one that was said to be earth. "Your name should be flint! It sounds really cool!"
The earth spirit twirled. "Aye, I like t' sound of that! Alright, my name is flint!" Its voice was deep and imposing compared to the rest of them, if it was human he wouldn't doubt they would be very strong.
Subaru once again turned to the white spirit, one befitting of wind. "Now for your name...it shall be Aella!" The wind spirit jumped up and down in happiness.
"Thank you master! That name fits me pretty well~" it's voice was calm and slow, almost soothing, Subaru liked that the spirit reminded him of his mother.
"Now for the last!" Subaru was almost done naming the spirits, now it was time to name the spirit of Yang. "Your name shall be...Lucius!"
The spirit spoke "that is but a very lovely name you have granted me, I will do my best to serve you with my life with my new name" The voice was stern and orderly, Subaru would probably look at him for a role model if he was human.
"ALRIGHT!" Subaru clapped his hands. "Now that you guys are my new contracted spirits, I want us to get to now each other, to have fun times together, to struggle together, I want us to be family. I'm pretty weak, I won't survive on my own, so I need your help, will you guys help me?"
Subaru had learned through his first night in the woods that he wasn't special, that he learned that his pride got the best of him and caused him to get hurt, he would learn, he would learn to rely on others and ask for help when he needed it, like Halibel had done for him.
The spirits all shined brightly at Subaru's profound words. They all nodded in agreement.
"I will always serve you master!"
"It would be an honor to aide you"
"I'll grow strong beside you"
"We'll both grow very strong"
"It is an honor"
"I'm so happy to be with you"
Subaru almost cried at those words, he was finally forming a family, so for now, Subaru would train with Halibel, he would get strong, whatever it takes.
"Alright"
"Lela, Hestia, Lucius, Flint, Aqua, Aella! Let's get a move on!"
And with that, contractor and spirit set out.
"Aella! Now!"
"Yes master! Al Fula!" A huge sharp piercing wind flew through the sky as it cut a mabeast in half. Subaru gave a thumbs up to the wind spirit, which it brightened.
"These mabeast really are something else" Subaru said as he had Flint cast a earth spike that impaled another.
It had been one week since Subaru arrived in this world, and now, he was training under his new master Halibel with his new spirit family.
"I have to admit, you guys have been doing pretty well lately!" Subaru said with a smile, using one of his short swords to cut through another mabeast that was rushing him.
"It's an honor"
"No need to thank me master!"
"Your t' best contractor ever!"
"It's a pleasure~"
"I'll do anything to keep you safe"
"Thank you!"
All spirits flowed around him, he had been training rigorously for the past week, waking up early like Halibel suggested and going to train with his spirits by finding mabeast that lay deep in the forest.
He personally never got to train with Halibel, and he didn't know why, he probably thought the wolf was letting him gain some synchrony with his spirits, to which Subaru was starting to get the hang of.
"Lucius! Use your spell to give me a speed boost" Subaru yelled as he started getting cornered by a group of mabeast."as you command"
With that Subaru's speed increased exponentially as he charged three mabeast, severing their heads. Subaru had to maintain the grip on the hilt of his short sword, it was a bit rusty and dull, but it could do some damage.
Subaru wasn't an expert on using a sword at all, so he was relying mostly on his spirits and magic throughout his mabeast encounters.
"Flint!" Subaru jumped on a nearby tree, pointing at another group of mabeast that lay there. "Alright! El dona!" The earth rumbles under them until a spike impaled a mabeast. "Nice job" Subaru smiled as he surveyed the corpses of the dogs under them, the spirits only shined brightly for helping their contractor.
"So that seems to be the last of them" He used his bloodied sword to poke the head of one of the corpses. It feels sorta jarring, a week ago I was far to weak to fight these things on my own, now I'm here and I managed to defeat 20 of them in just 10 minutes.
Subaru smiled as he was content on the fact he was getting a lot stronger than when he first arrived here, due to his spirits of course.
"You guys sure are strong, our synchronization was doing a lot better than last time"
"Yeah, burning those mabeast with you felt so good!" Hestia glowed brightly as Subaru looked at a few of the corpses, some were charred beyond recognition.
"You should try to be less reckless, master" his blue spirit Aqua was behind him, healing a few of his small wounds he got from the mabeast. "Heheh, sorry about that" Subaru scratched his head in shame as he could only give out a faint smile.
He then looked at his bloodied tracksuit, not from his blood no, but from the mabeast. "I should really get cleaned up Huh?" Subaru became more aware of the mess he looked. "Halibel isn't gonna be so proud when I come covered in blood and mud in his nice clean cabin Huh?"
"I would have to agree" Lucius replied.
"Y-yeah, you should get yourself cleaned up soon" Lela entered the conversation, worried about her master's appearance.
"I have an idea~" Aella cut back in with her smooth voice, which caught all the spirits attention.
"If you take off your clothes, Aqua can use a water spell and I would be able to dry you off~" she said those words without a care in the world, it honestly made Subaru step back in slight embarrassment.
"Nope! Nuh-uh, just clean me with my clothes on! I could dry them later anyways!" Subaru's face was a tinge of red as he turned around and crossed his arms. Aella only giggled in response.
"Alright here we go" Aqua said as she conjured a huge spout of water, completely drowning Subaru. "Ah-augh, I didn't expect that amount of water" Subaru said, he looked at his tracksuit to find it completely clean of blood.
"We aren't done yet~"
"Huh? AAAAUGH!" Subaru was immediately engulfed in a huge wind, almost sending him flying back.
"Hahahaha" Flint laughed as he looked at his master flailing on the floor like an idiot. Hestia chuckled as well.
Lucius and Lela didn't seem to share this hearty mood as they were more concerned of the rest making light of Subaru's antics.
"Now you should be all clean~" Aella said in a soothing voice as Subaru stood up from the ground, completely dried.
"T-thanks, but it's only been one week and both of you are a handful already" Subaru said begrudgingly as his lips curved downward.
It had only been a week, yet it felt like he knew these spirits forever. Lucius was the more mature and competent one, helping Subaru when it came to fights and information.
Hestia was by far the most powerful, yet she had the tendency to quip and tell jokes, also her naivety at times.
Flint was reliable, serving as the defense in the group, he also had a tendency to joke along side Hestia.
Aella was another powerful person in the group, capable of sending out harsh winds, she also enjoyed teasing Subaru.
Aqua was the healer, though not as powerful, that was what made her reliable, she healed most of Subaru's wounds.
And last but not least Lela, she was fairly serving as someone who dealt debuffs to Subaru's opponents. Sadly she was only capable of using shamak. Those were the cons of the mysteriousness and rarity of a yin affinity, no one knew much about it to make much spells.
They trained and trained and trained and trained. Subaru was able to get them to learn El tier spells, nothing higher due to their positions as lower spirits, but he managed.
"Let's go deeper into the forest" Subaru swung his sword into the sheath behind his back, conversing with the spirits circling around him.
"Are you sure? We could run into more mabeast and you risk getting hurt" Aqua said in a worried tone. "I'm sure I'll be fine, we handled these perfectly already yeah?" Subaru said in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yeah, perfectly, one where you ended up needing to get healed multiple times hmmm~" Aella teased Subaru.
"Ah Cmon Aqua! We need t' get stronger, we promised remember!" Flint yelled in near outrage. "I agree with Flint, I want to burn more mabeast!" Hestia seemed to be the most enthusiastic about the idea.
"Lela, Lucius, what do you propose I do?" Subaru turned to the yang and yin spirit.
"I will do whatever is you wish of me master" Lucius said in an almost emotionless tone, although it held respect and sternness. Subaru nodded before facing the yin spirit.
"I-ill be willing to accompany y-you anywhere, so you don't get hurt, hmph" her voice was just as shy as always, but she sounded determined to keep Subaru safe.
"Alright! I made up my mind, we are going to hunt more mabeast!" The spirits brightened as they got ready to fight again.
"Just try not to get dirty again hmmm?~" Aella said, Subaru rolled his eyes as he ignored the comment.
So they ventured deeper and deeper into the forest, Subaru noticed that the sun was setting in the distance. "Let's just finish this quickly, I want to be home for dinner" He held a hand over his eyes, acting as a shield against the light above.
"Flint, any of that earth magic have ya sense something?" Subaru inquired to the earth spirit before him.
"Eh, nothin' yet, but I'll keep my eyes peeled" Subaru nodded before turning again, resuming his walk. "Master, I may have sensed some weird vibrations in the air" Aella notified Subaru with a cautious voice, to which Subaru tensed as he looked around.
"And where exactly are these vibrations coming from?" Subaru narrowed his eyes as he gazed around his surroundings.
"JIWALD!" Lucius yelled as his beam of light impaled a winged bat looking beast. Subaru almost looked surprised at the sight, before he was snapped out of it.
"Master, good thing I caught that in time, I reckon you ready yourself" Lucius said in an almost commanding tone. Subaru pulled out the sword in his sheath as he got in a battle stance.
A bat mabeast of some kind? That's new. Subaru was starting to become fascinated by the amount of different mabeast.
"M-master, you might want to see this!" Aella stuttered as Subaru averted his eyes up in the sky. And then he saw it.
A black moving cloud, when examined closer it showed up to what appeared to be 5 dozen bats flying amongst each other
And they were headed straight towards them.
"O-oh crap!" Beads of sweat rolled down Subaru's forehead as he gazed at the swarm of mabeast.
They all started diving towards him at break neck speed.
"SHAMA-"
"SHAMAK!" Lela yelled as the area they were in was now completely covered in smoke. Subaru ran out the cloud of smoke the bats were now engulfed in, running back from the direction he came from.
Shit shit shit shit shit. Subaru couldn't think properly. "Anyone have any plans!" Subaru called to his spirits to which they answered.
"We stand no chance against them, not when there's so much of them, are best bet is to pick them off separately" Lucius once again gave his tactics to which all the spirits brightened in response.
"I can use a very powerful Al Goa, but I need as much bats in my sight first!" Hestia informed as she started lighting up with determination.
"Haaah! That sounds like a plan!" Subaru ran down the forest, the crunching of leaves only giving away his location. The swarm was following quickly behind, Subaru used the spirits to increase his speed, allowing him to run even faster.
"JIWALD, JIWALD, JIWALD" blast of light escaped the yang spirit, blowing a hole through a few of the bat mabeast. Lucius seemed like he was getting better at keeping the mabeast at bay, everytime one would approach Subaru he would blast it with a ray of light.
Ok Subaru think think think, what's the best way to deal with these? Subaru watched as Aella cut a few of the bats in half.
A bat managed to slip through the barrage of attacks dealt by Lucius and Aella, but Subaru used his sword to cut one in half.
Ok, I think I have a plan. "HESTIA, FLINT, get ready!" The spirits brightened in response as they awaited his reaction.
Subaru ran out the forest into a small clearing. Alright, this should be good.
He turned around, his sword in front of him as he prepared to fight the winged beast. "Lucius, Aella, you did good, but it's time for me to take over"
"Alright master~"
"I trust you fully"
Subaru nodded as the bats approached him once more. "Flint, you think you can create a barrier of earth to trap those bats?"
"I can, they seem t' be low enough t' the ground to do so!" Subaru nodded before turning towards the fire spirit.
"Hestia, get ready to make the biggest Al Goa ever!" Subaru yelled, he winced as he noticed the bats getting closer and closer.
"Yes master!"
The bats got closer, come on come on, and closer, yeah that's it get close, and closer until-
"FLINT NOW!"
"EL DONA" in seconds, the bats that were once swarming him were now trapped in a earth barrier, their wings flapped against the earth as they struggled to break free.
"HESTIA, SHOOT YOUR MAGIC AT THAT BARRIER"
"GOT IT!" The biggest Al Goa Subaru ever saw flew past him, making its way towards the earth cage.
BOOM
Subaru flew back from the impact, he was able to balance himself with the help of his spirits, all Subaru could do was cover his face as he looked on.
The fire managed to completely collapse the barrier while igniting the earth on fire, burning and crushing the remaining mabeast.
"Haaah! We did it!" Subaru pumped his fist into the air, his spirits didn't seem to share this sentiment though...
"We aren't done yet" Aqua said with a voice filled with horror as she notified her contractor.
Subaru noticed in the distance, more and more pairs of eyes stared him down. "Master, if we continue this we'll run out of mana soon" Hestia had a drowsy, sleepy voice.
Subaru could only think to himself, crap.
"Alright, I have another plan, but I need to go further in the forest" Subaru readied himself once more as he took grasp of his sword, his spirits agreed in unison.
"Lucius, a speed boost if you will?" With those words Subaru felt a surge of energy envelop his body as he zoomed straight through the forest, the mabeast running quickly behind.
He ran next to a stream of water, it looked small now, but it got bigger and bigger the longer they would run. "Hehe" Subaru smirked, almost bursting into hysterics about his plan.
After a while, they appeared to be next to a ledge of some kind, a waterfall lay near. "Alright, spirits! You ready!"
"YES MASTER!" They all agreed with determination apparent due to their twinkling.
Subaru was now cornered, 20 mabeast now made theirselves known in the clearing. Subaru grinned as they fell right into his trap.
They formed a semi circle around him, getting smaller and smaller. "Alright, Flint and Aella your up"
"When I give you a signal, send as much energy into my blade as you can Aella. Flint, when I tell you I want you to form a platform that shoots me through the air to behind the mabeast.
"Yes master"
"Alrighty"
The mabeast got closer and closer, at some point all they would need to do is stick out their snout and they would be touching him. Subaru only smiled with a look of confidence.
"Now"
In seconds a large platform made of earth shot down from over Subaru, sending him flying forward in the air. But he wasn't done yet.
He took a swing of his sword, the wind conjured was so great, the mabeast didn't expect it, flying right off the cliff, into certain doom.
ARRRROOOOWWWWW-*crack*
He could practically here their skulls impact with the ground, he grimaced slightly as it made him wince in phantom pain.
"Haaah!" Subaru collapsed there on the spot, he did it. He killed the remaining mabeast.
"Guys we did it! You all were so cool"
"Uhm guys?" Subaru wondered why the spirits were so silent, until he gazed at their forms.
"Is it me or are you guys brighter than I last remember?" All the spirits looked at one another before glancing at their contractor. Lela was the first to lead
"I don't know how master, but it seems we have evolved into Quasi Spirits!" Her voice was filled with absolute joy, Subaru couldn't help but cock his head.
"What is a quasi spirit anyways?" He scratched his chin as he folded his legs as he sat on the ground.
"A Quasi spirit is the next stage in evolution from a lower spirit, it usually took a few decades to reach this form, but suddenly all of us were able to reach it in just a week" Lucius's tone for the first time held surprise.
"And how is that?" He was still confused by it all.
"It probably has something to do with your spirit affinity master, it's probably supper dupper high" Hestia said in excitement and enthusiasm.
"Wow! That's so cool, so you guys must be stronger now!" Subaru's eyes widened as he took in what he heard.
"Yup, our mana pool increased a lot just now!" Aella and Aqua were just as happy as ever delivering this news.
"W-we, we got stronger" Flint was proud of himself, and of his master.
"Sorry to crush the mood, but I advise we head back" Lucius said as Subaru proceeded to look at the horizon, the sun was no longer there, it was night time.
"Welp, we should, Halibel probably thinks I'm dead haha!"
"Don't joke like that" Aqua said in an almost motherly tone, Subaru only rubbed his head in slight shame for his joke.
And with that, Contractor and Spirits wrapped their towels in for the day of becoming the strongest.
Subaru thought of the new spirit family he contracted, he thought back to why he was summoned here.
"Maybe I was summoned here for a purpose...the purpose to have a family"