Viewing His Trials

by DestinyTheWriter

Nobody deserves to be alone. To change the fate of the world, and to forever change Natsuki Subaru's fate, everyone will see just what he has suffered. They will finally see his trials, and many will finally learn just what the true essence of their hero is. What will happen? What will change? Let's find those answers for ourselves. Spoilers for EVERYTHING ahead.

2. Director's Cut Episode 1

A/N: Spoilers for LN, Webnovel and Anime content ahead. Actually, this entire story is spoilers. If you aren't sure how far, I'd say that this spoiler warning extends up to Arc 6 of the Web Novel. This is far past the current end of the anime, for anime-only watchers. Now then, let us continue on, dear guests.

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Episode 1: The Suffering Begins

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The ominous text announcing the beginning of the "episode" faded, with the lighting changing to instead show a completely dark screen.

Although it seemed entirely dark, there were some words in the bottom-right corner, being incredibly small and hard to read.

"Can...can somebody read that? It looks like...words?" Emilia squinted her eyes at the text, but was unable to read it, due to its' minuscule size.

It also didn't help that the half-elf was laying against the steady shoulder of her still sleeping knight, making her vision a little unsteady.

The girl didn't mind, though. Feeling his warmth against her soothed her slightly...it kept her from panicking anymore than she already was.

Reinhard chuckled at the girl's apparent comfort, taking it upon himself to answer.

"I do believe that it says, 'Technical difficulties, please bear with us for a moment…'"

Emilia stared back at the screen, confused on just what 'technical difficulties' were being experienced.

Reinhard shared her confusion, his blue eyes remaining fixed on the screen.

"Hmm...what is that message supposed to mean, exactly?" Otto was the first to question it, readjusting his hat atop his head with a questioning glance in the direction of the Sword Saint and his candidate.

"Heck if I know!" Felt took over speaking in the place of her knight. "But I think it has...like...something to do with this... 'digital screen'. That 's what that Host bastard called it, right?"

The gray-haired merchant seemed to consider her words for a while, before eventually nodding in satisfaction to this answer.

"Indeed. I'm of course not aware of the device's inner workings, but it seems clear that we've run into some sort of problem in our viewing." Crusch added in her usual authoritative tone.

Everyone seemed to get the gist of it from the exchange of words.

It was clear that there was some hitch in their viewing, with some such as Emilia, Petra, Rem, Beatrice, and Otto finding slight relief in being given some more time to regain their bearings.

There was also Reinhard, Julius, Frederica and Wilhelm, all of whom were completely neutral on this break.

And of course, there were those that weren't too pleased at all by being made to wait longer.

"Oi', y'cant jus' prime us like that n' then tell us t'wait!" A sharp-toothed demihuman from the front-row was all too eager to voice his disappointment at the turn of events, with some such as Roswaal and Ram agreeing to his sentiment with silent nods.

"I hate to admit it, but that boy down there's right. Just how much longer are we supposed to get kept waitin'?" Anastasia, never the one to hold back her own feelings found herself agreeing with Garfiel.

Although, Garfiel himself didn't look too pleased being referred to as a mere boy. He grumbled to himself, folding his arms.

"Damn it...my amazin' selfs' got a name, yer know…"

Frederica chuckled at her brother's silent complaint, leaving Garfiel to throw her a childishly angry glare, which the older sister simply brushed off with a toothy grin.

As if to address everyone's concerns at the sudden pausing of their viewing, The Host's otherworldly voices once more beamed into their minds, providing answers in his a calm, mannerly tone.

Ah...apologies, everyone. There is a bit of an issue I must take care of before we can well and truly begin our viewing.

"An issue?" Emilia questioned, her purplish-blue eyes not moving from the screen. "What do you mean?"

"Yes, from your own words, it seemed like you had previously prepared everything beforehand." Crusch agreed with the half-elf's questioning, narrowing her eyes at the screen.

Now, now, let's not get testy, my dear guests.

Once more, the group would find that immensely powerful condensed mana pressing down onto their shoulders and into their core, dampening their strength and any magic power they had left within them.

"Tch...this again?" Julius spoke up, noting that he could no longer even draw forth his spirits. Anastasia looked at her knight with slight worry, but he tried to reassure her with a small smile.

"To think that even I could be significantly affected by this…" Reinhard nearly doubled over, with Felt gently placing a hand on the crimson-haired knight's back.

She, herself, could barely manage, but she was not going to leave her stupidly earnest knight to suffer alone.

"This being is truly not to be trifled with…" Wilhelm winced, his aged body not being capable of handling this pressure nearly as well as the more powerful and younger people present.

Even the ever arrogant Priscilla seemed to take pause and narrow her eyes, though if she had any truly worrying thoughts she did not dare to share them with anyone else.

Inside, the ever-confident girl was just so slightly shaken. Never once did she doubt herself...but she could tell that this...thing that kept them here was not something even she could confront lightly.

As always, all I ever ask is that you hold for but a few moments.…

Is patience that hard to come across, now?

Many of the older, more experienced people were left absolutely speechless...yet one, just one girl was able to speak up, mostly due to the fact that she could not sense what all of the others were.

Petra let her maid training kick in as she spoke timidly, giving the smallest bow of her head she could, though she wasn't sure just why she was bowing when there was nothing in front of her except the screen...

"O-Of course, Sir Host...feel free to take as long as you wish, we will be patiently w-wain- I mean, waiting…"

She stumbled over her words slightly, but that little mistake meant nothing in the face of her rather impressive bravery.

The Host recognized this as well, speaking with a chiding tone.

See? How could the rest of you hesitate and complain so much, when little Petra here could speak so politely?

Honestly, you all should learn a lesson from her example...you'll need patience in bundles for our 'show', after all.

Some of you, more than others…

For some reason, everyone who was rather close to Subaru couldn't help but involuntarily shudder to the being's mysterious message.

It was a gut feeling from most, but for some reason, they felt that the events had to do something with the boy they cared for so much…

Yet, whether it be out of fear, or simply unwillingness to deal with the idea of him coming to harm, none of them dared to fire back any words, or even think defiant thoughts.

This being controlled them completely, while remaining completely cordial to them.

If the Sword Saint himself was useless against it...what could they do?

Well then, if you shall excuse me.

Everyone was left in silence as the Host's voice once more disappeared from their minds, with collective sounds of relief being shared among the crowd.

After having put on her display of bravery, Petra spoke, letting out a breath she didn't know she had even been holding in all that time.

"He seems nice...but that 'Host' mister is actually really scary…"

Frederica shook her head, placing a comforting hand atop her junior maid's head.

Despite the gesture, the sharp-toothed beast-girl remained stern when addressing the bow-wearing maid, as always.

"It is good that you are able to recognize that, Petra...though it may not be wise to say such things when that being is present."

Petra pouted at being chastised, even if she knew that her teacher was correct.

"But...I suppose I can allow that one folly to slide. You showed remarkable bravery and acted as a proper maid, even in the face of...that thing."

Frederica's voice quickly changed from a light tone of scolding to one of praise, leaving Petra's pout to slowly change into a pleased smile.

Reinhard looked down at the display with a smile, as he could also find himself internally commending her bravery.

"I must commend you as well, young Petra. Yet, proper praise aside, we have much more pressing matters to consider."

The crimson-haired sword saint spoke up from his mistress' side, having not moved an inch from their position despite the previously dangerous situation.

"I'm sure I do not need to explain it to most of you, but that being is capable of directly absorbing all mana from the immediate vicinity. Despite not being one, perhaps it is something akin to a Great Spirit in nature?"

"It is possible. Yet, I have never seen such a being, before. It did not even seem to be slightly swayed by my Divine Protection, as well."

Reinhard's musings were disrupted by his friend, Julius, who was one of the few people in the room rich in knowledge when it concerned spirits.

"Betty must agree with the purple-haired one, I suppose."

The conversation was interrupted by the only true Great Spirit in the room, the blonde loli that remained comfortably in her lap-seat on Subaru.

"Betty sensed no kinship with that...thing, I suppose. Neither could she sense any mana coming directly from it, in fact. The mana it gathers seems to be instead controlled externally, in that smoke cloud it carries around itself."

This revelation left most in unease, as nothing in their world utilized mana like this. It was always controlled through one's gate, or through contracts with a spirit, or something similar to a spirit.

If so...then what was their mysterious host?

Was it even from their world?

Before anyone else could ponder anymore, the now-familiar white light flashed throughout their room, a soft sound echoing out as four shadows, presumably more people were dropped into the theater.

All landed next to Anastasia, making everyone assume that they were a part of the greedy gal's camp, based on the previous pattern of appearances.

Unsurprisingly to anyone, it was the well-known fighters of the mercenary group, Fang of Iron (shortened to Iron Fang by most), that worked personally under Anastasia Hoshin.

There was the wolf-human Ricardo, who grinned even as he was thrown into the sudden situation, not seeming stressed at all even at what should've been a random teleportation.

"I guess it really was tellin' the truth, it's good to see you here and safe, bosslady!" He showed his usual wolfish grin, then turning to Julius, who he had landed next to. "Not that I didn't expect our finest knight here to keep ya safe!"

Anastasia smirked, feeling much more secure that she now had another strong member of her camp here. She did feel her numbers were a bit small in comparison to the others, at the beginning.

"A 'course! I know Julius here could handle anythin' all on his own, but a 'gal can never be too safe, right?"

Said finest knight could not help but show a pleased smile at his mistress' praise, looking to his companion with a rare warm expression on his features.

"Of course, Ricardo, I would never allow any harm to come to our mistress, not by any measure...however, that aside, I couldn't help but notice you said something curious...were you informed you'd be coming here?"

Julius reciprocated the man's greeting, but he also had to get further information from his companion before anything else.

Reclining in his chair, Ricardo answered the purple-haired knight casually.

"Yeah, he showed up in front a' me. Told me he had invited the miss and the other royal candidates to some sorta' event. A 'course, hearing that she was gettin' apprehended by some weird orb thing, I had to tag along."

The demihuman narrowed his eyes. "Who knows what kinda' threat you two mighta' been facing alone, right? Just ta' be safe, I had ta' come...and I brought some extra backup with me!"

"Extra backup…? Nyou couldn't mean…" Surprisingly, Felix interrupted the conversation, having an idea of just what sort of troublesome bundles would come with the mercenary captain...and he did not like that idea.

"I hope they're who I'm thinkin' of!" Anastasia said with a clear bit of excitement, happy with the idea of having even more of her camp members alongside her.

Three little shadows hopped up from behind Ricardo, all plopping down in their own separate seats right next to the boisterous demihuman.

It was the three tiny demihuman vice captains of the Iron Fang, Mimi, Hetaro, and Tivey.

"What sort of troublesome situation has been thrust upon us this time…?" Tivey spoke, clearly unamused at the turn of events.

"Mimi doesn't think it's troublesome at all! Actually, Mimi is looking forward to just what everyone is going to have to see!" The more energetic, troubling sibling spoke, just leaving her monocle-wearing brother to sigh at his sister's antics.

He turned to look at Hetaro, who just smiled gently. "I...I think that Mimi is right, this could be something at least a little interesting…as long as nobody's in immediate danger."

Tivey turned away from his older brother, looking ahead with a blank stare. "Why am I stuck with such irresponsible siblings? I swear…" He looked to the rest of the theater that was now staring at them, seeming a little embarrassed at the awkward silence that followed after their energetic introduction.

"What?!" Tivey asked desperately, unsure of why they suddenly were given the silent treatment by most.

"Nyou all are just as loud as I remember nyou…" Felix was clearly already worn out by the antics of the vice-captains. He hadn't gotten to personally interact with them much, but what did stick out to him was just how much of a pain they could be...especially the older sister.

"Mimi isn't loud! Mimi is just a girl with lots of energy!"

The cat-eared boy didn't dignify this with anything else other than a sigh, though Crusch herself deemed it fine to speak more kindly than her knight, chuckling gently.

"Yes, you surely are. It has been a while since we fought together, but your distinct personalities surely did leave quite the impression." To the green-haired woman's proclamation, Tivey would blink, eyes slowly narrowing as if he were beginning to realize something.

"You too, scary lady! Mimi remembers you kicking a lot of butt!"

Although, Tivey's realization was promptly disrupted by his older sister's proclamation, as she totally seemed to ignore the important fact.

Crusch seemed to have regained all her memories.

Seeing as everyone treated it as regular, the boy decided to leave it alone, though.

"You three sure are as energetic as ever, aren't you?" Rem was the next one to gently speak up from the front, drawing the attention of the new arrivals.

"Oh, it's the blue-haired lady that was with big bro!" Mimi said excitedly, hopping up in her seat. She seemed to be entirely unaware of the fact that her memories had even just been recently fixed…

Hetaro and Tivey, however, were a lot more aware, with Hetaro just giving both Rem and Crusch an apologetic glance, and Tivey speaking on behalf of his more cautious brother.

"It's nice to see you again, miss Rem...though I'm sure that this is the first time I'm talking to you while knowing it's, well...you, in a long time. It's disturbing to think we could so simply...forget someone we fought alongside with our lives on the line. I apologize."

Rem simply shook her head, dismissing the boy's sincere apology. "It's not your fault. It's not anybody's fault, except for Gluttony. That is our enemy. All we can do now...is make up for lost time, right?"

Tivey looked surprised for a while at Rem's positive outlook, though, he eventually managed to give a small, wry smile as he recognized the true strength behind her words.

"Bahaha! Bro really picks 'em out good, eh?!"

Ricardo burst into the sentimental conversation, laughing almost in tears to the resolve that Rem showed, even in the face of all of her lost time. The blue-haired Oni just blushed at the complimented, instead turning to look warmly at her hero, who, even unconscious, perfectly calmed her heart…

Ram gave her sister an uncharacteristically gentle sideways glance.

She still wasn't sure how she felt about Barusu of all people monopolizing her attention, but any smile that she could get from her sister now was just another well-needed smile to make up for lost time.

"Waaaaaarm reintroductions asiiiide~…" Roswaal spoke up, breaking the silence of the theater. "I doooo~ believe that we have something veeeeeery important to be getting to, do we not?"

The clown's words instantly made most in the theater stiffen, except for the new arrivals.

Roswaal himself was clearly ready to start, with his eyes focused entirely on the screen. He had an idea of what this was about...and all of his focus was thrown onto it.

"I could not have said it better mineself. No, I quite surely can." The fiery blonde showed a displeased frown.

"I did hold my tongue, for lack of wasting breath on the lot of you…but mineself does wish to get this farce over and done with." From the back row, the much loathed Priscilla spoke, with some quietly sharing her sentiment despite her irredeemable personality.

"Betty must concur. Not only is she eager to leave so that she can finally be done with this dark, ominous room, but so that she can properly awaken her contractor, I suppose." The blonde-haired loli spirit spoke, looking worriedly at the still-unconscious Subaru she was sitting on.

"I guess that we should get to our...um...show, right?" Emilia chimed in from the front, deciding to be the voice for the more civil, less impatient guests.

Before they had known it, a voice wormed its' way into their heads. The voice of the being that now fully held their fates in its' hand.

How ironic. At first, hesitant, but now, eager. The lot of you are truly bipolar.

Ricardo was not shocked as he heard the voice forcing itself into his mind, but Tivey and Hetaro looked reasonably uncomfortable, as this was the first time they'd be hearing it for themselves.

Mimi, on the other hand, was entirely carefree.

"Woah…! Mimi is hearing a voice in her head!"

The one and only fiery-haired woman in the room spoke up, directly addressing the host without fear. "Mineself does not bend to such nonsensical whims...I only spared you my wrath for what you've promised to us."

Reinhard nodded, deciding to step up once and for all and speak his mind to the host, as well.

"That's right." Of all the people to talk alongside Priscilla, many did not expect the justice-geared Sword Saint.

"I, along with many of the rest of us are ready to simply observe that which you have to show us...we will make any further judgments from there."

Priscilla looked at the Sword Saint approvingly, finding herself pleased that he proved himself more than a servile living weapon of the kingdom, as she personally saw him.

Everyone in the room was silent, as the Sword Saint's words were unanimously supported.

I see...you are all turning out to be much more civil guests than I expected.

Did you all really learn from Petra's example?

Said young maid shifted uncomfortably in her seat, remembering how it had taken everything she mustered just to speak to the Host on even footing.

Though, she couldn't help but feel a little happy at being praised, looking at the unconscious Subaru. She knew for sure, if he were awake, he would praise her...

The usual pressure that the host's presence brought on everyone lightened, as the host let out...a mirthful laugh, one that echoed strangely in their heads.

There was no threatening words, or aggressive actions. It just laughed.

"He almost seems...not so mysterious when he laughs like that…" Emilia murmured to herself, finding herself a little less frightened by the being.

I'm thankful. Though...that may indeed change by the end of this viewing.

No, it is correct to say that none of your minds will be the same.

I'm looking forward to it…

Though, whatever humanity that seemed to shine through disappeared with the Host's next words, leaving the theater's guests just as uncertain and doubtful as before.

Emilia, however, felt like she still had learned a little more about their mysterious host's true nature.

There wasn't any time for more silence or doubt, however, and one guest truly understood that.

"Enough."

Ever the leader, Crusch pressed on, with her eyes being one of the few that weren't clouded by any unnecessary emotion.

"Let us begin, Host-dono. You have kept us waiting for long enough."

"Karsten-san here's got it. We ain't got nothin' more to wait for, isn't that right?"

"I'm about to fall asleep here...just hurry up and show us already!"

"I do agree that we should hurry a little, if not just for Subaru…"

All of the candidates, Crusch, Anastasia, Felt, and Emilia spoke in order, voicing them and their camps' readiness to begin. Priscilla was the only one who remained quiet, feeling as if she had already voiced her opinion well enough.

Yes, you are right, you are right. You all are more than correct, I've kept you waiting long.

I do still recommend that you all prepare yourselves. You are allowed breaks, but only before and after each arc.

The screen shall pause when necessary to give each of you time to discuss.

I simply wish good luck for you all...regardless of what you see, there is no undoing it.

As always, the Host's words unsettled its audience, but just about everyone remained steadfast and resolute in their decisions.

The being's earlier words still resonated with most...they all had something to gain or lose from this.

And nobody was stopping now.

Especially not when they had to bear through it to return to their lives, and for some, to save the unconscious boy that mattered so much to them.

Then, let us resume to where we left off, shall we…?

The screen once more turned white, as the Host's presence vanished from the room, and the theater's already dark lighting dimmed even further.

Director's Cut – Episode 1

The episode started alarmingly, with heavy, labored breathing being heard.

Everybody was shocked by the sudden start, with everyone's attention now having been completely grabbed by the display.

The screen was dark, though it wasn't fully black, looking more like a smudged window that one could barely see through.

"It's a little hard to see...but who the heck's breathing all hard? Are we supposed to be able to see through this smudged-looking glass?" A little ex-thief voiced her annoyance, with Reinhard just chuckling to his mistress' impatience.

"Now, now, Felt-sama. As Host-sama mentioned, we must be patient."

"I swear that if we gotta wait any longer to see something worth our time, I'm gonna-!"

"This is bad...Very bad…" Whoever seemed to be barely holding onto their breath gasped out, each word coming out more painful-sounding than the last.

"That...that voice…" Rem's words shakingly came out, one after the other, her finger shakily raising to the screen.

Felt stopped mid-sentence at the sound of the person speaking. In fact, almost everyone familiar with this particular voice did.

"That voice...it's…" The ex-thief seemed unsure, not daring to put her guess into words.

"Subaru…" Rem was the one to say it, with everyone now feeling immediately on edge.

Emilia and Beatrice both looked at the screen with worry, realizing that such a deathly ragged-sounding voice could not just be the result of a simply exhausted Subaru.

No, it…

"It sounded like th' Cap'n was...takin' 'is last breaths or somethin'…" Garfiel muttered under his breath, gritting his teeth as he prepared himself for anything that might be coming next.

"Subaru? What's wrong?" Suddenly interjecting the pained voice, a much softer, melodious-sounding girl's voice was heard.

Already, it was obvious who the voice belonged to to those in the theater.

"Emilia-dono?" Crusch said with surprise clear on her face, looking down at her fellow candidate with surprise.

The half-elf slowly shook her head, having no answer for why she was present in what they were being shown.

"I...I don't know why we're hearing my voice, but...maybe...maybe I'm just fighting alongside Subaru?" Emilia said, with half-hope, and half-hopelessness in her voice.

"Let's...let us just watch some more, we can find out what's going on then." Reinhard, who had previously seemed relaxed now felt hesitant as he spoke, staring at the screen with a mixture of worry and apprehension.

The darkness cleared for but a second with a flash of light, showing a hand lying motionless on the ground, blood slowly crawling along the wooden floor.

Everyone in the theater stiffened up at this sight. Emilia, who had been leaning on her knight, felt her body run cold, as the implications set in for her.

Her pupils narrowed down to pinpricks, her gaze switching between the Subaru, who was sitting down in the chair beside her, to the sight of the bleeding person on-screen.

"W-wait…if that was Subaru, calling out in pain...and we're seeing his perspective..." Finally, the half-elf managed to speak, her words coming out shaky and quiet, almost as low as a whisper. "Why...why is Subaru...bleeding?"

"Let us not jump to conclusions."

Julius Juukulius was not a man to be shaken up so easily, and even despite the implications on the screen, despite the possibility of his friend coming to danger...he was not one to fall to trickery.

"Hmm...did nyou realize it too, Julius?" Felix spoke up from beside Crusch, who also looked completely fine, despite the scene that was being shown to them.

The three seemed to all have realized something that the others had not yet caught wind of, that allowed them to be so...fine.

"It is obvious, Ferris...were a man to be bleeding that much, he would surely be on his last legs of life. Even if he were to survive such a wound, it would surely scar him and plague his body for the rest of his life."

Emilia turned her eyes to the knight, her gaze wavering at his incredibly blunt diagnosis.

"What...what are you saying, Julius…?"

"I am saying, Emilia-sama, that this person bleeding out cannot possibly be Natsuki Subaru. He is here, completely fine, with not a single large scar to speak of. Most of all, none of us remember such an event happening."

"B-But! I can even see Subaru's clothin-"

"Don't. Jus' don' stress your self out so much. Ta' be honest, as unique as this boy is, who's ta' say nobody else exists with his kinda' clothes? He ain't that special." Anastasia backed up her knight, giving the frantic lady a sharp gaze.

"I…" The half-elf's voice slowly lowered, though desperation remained clear in her tone.

Rem, understanding the silver-haired girl's feelings, could only give Emilia a look of compassion and sympathy. She showed a dangerous glint in her eyes at Anastasia's unnecessary comment about Subaru not being special, however.

She also had felt a bit of anguish rising up in her, at the thought of her hero bleeding out on the ground, alone and in pain...but...after hearing Julius' words, she was convinced.

No, she had to convince herself.

This sound logic was something that they all couldn't, or more so, didn't exactly want to argue with.

They all desperately hoped he was right, that this was not Subaru.

Emilia, along with almost everyone in Subaru's camp seemed to relax somewhat, finding a little comfort in this concrete evidence.

Yet...they still couldn't deny it...hearing Subaru's voice and then seeing someone bleeding out...it was all too coincidental.

Nobody had an answer...they were all lost as to just what was happening.

"Let...let us simply continue watching, Emilia-sama." Ram suggested smoothly, leaving most of the people within the theater to assume the maid was feeling nothing at the scene.

They couldn't have been more wrong.

Even Ram was incredibly shaken up, though she still managed to keep a somewhat cool head, as she tried dismissing any wayward thoughts.

She had to know...just what was happening here?

Meanwhile, Priscilla scoffed to herself from the back row, looking upon the rest of the theater with a scornful gaze. She had no idea she'd have to witness more of these theatrics, especially not over a boy as useless as this.

She figured that there had to be more to this 'showing' than simply watching the pathetic whelp fail to even protect himself...or so she at least hoped.

Without any warning, the scene suddenly changed, leaving the view to change to a small tiled white building, windows covering the front and a bright, shining light wrapping around it. There were words on the light that read 'Mini Stop'.

It was hard to tell, but it seemed like many similar, although much larger and less brightly-lit buildings surrounded this one.

The dread that had begun to wash over everyone in waves was replaced by awe at the scene, as sights and items they had never seen, and could not comprehend flooded their eyes.

"What is that architecture?" Otto was the first to speak up, looking at the building with curiosity. "I've never seen such a thing like it...and that sign, it seems as if it is somehow glowing without any magic."

"Indeed, I do wonder…just what is this place?" Having shook off her shock, Crusch shared in the gray-haired merchant's wonder, her own piercing eyes taking in every detail.

In the front, a certain blonde-haired spirit puffed up her chest in pride, feeling that it was her time to shine. She put aside her worry for her contractor the best she could, to focus on trying to explain the scene to the others.

"This is where Betty's contractor originates from, I suppose." The great spirit explained, smirking in confidence. "In fact, this particular building is what is known as a 'convenience store'. Apparently, it is a centralized shop in which people can buy nearly everything for incredibly cheap prices."

Many were amazed at the idea of such a place, the idea of a store that was so small, yet held almost every kind of item one could imagine…and accessible to all, with affordable pricing?

Not to mention, there was also that inexplicable glowing sign, which seemed to not work off any principle they knew.

It was mostly known to almost everyone associated with him that Subaru's place of origin was entirely vague and unknown. There were many signs, like his weird clothing, mannerisms, new words, and total lack of knowledge on their world...but now they truly could tell.

He really did not seem to come from anywhere any of them knew of.

"Subaru really did come from somewhere toooooootally incredible after all…" Emilia's previous horror and shock slowly changed to wonder as she absorbed Beatrice's explanation, keeping her darker thoughts at bay.

"That is truly amazing. No, it almost seems too good... It is a wonder that Subaru had access to such incredible conveniences in his home…" Reinhard chuckled at his own accidental pun. "I see now how it has received its' name."

"For once, I hafta agree with you, Rein. I don't think I've ever seen any kinda store like this before! And I'm a lady who's done a lotta business, too!" The ex-thief smirked to herself.

A particular merchant girl's eyes shined at this information that had been shared. "And you're sayin' nobody's ever heard a' it? Ya' know...it might jus' be right ta' say that this kid came from beyond The Great Waterfall, don't ya' think?"

With her mind now going over the possibilities, she couldn't help but think that this boy was more interesting than she first thought.

"I...I never thought of it, but Natsuki-san did always say that he could never return home...rather than the lie he always made up of an island country to the east...as odd as it may seem, it would add up…" Otto looked thoughtful, as he considered that he likely had no idea just who his friend truly was.

"Hah! If so, it makes sense he'd go ahead and lie. People already suspect Barusu for his inexplicable knowledge, just what would we think of him if he just proclaimed to be from beyond the Great Waterfall?" Ram spoke up with an indignant rolling of her eyes.

At Anastasia's guess, many couldn't help but find the idea ridiculous...though with what they were seeing, it was not entirely far-fetched.

Priscilla, who had been completely quiet for a rather long time, gave her knight, Al, a sideways glance, which he did not bother to return.

He had long known the boy was an otherworlder like him, but he did not feel like revealing a fact like that to these practical strangers.

Being the ever shrewd one, Priscilla caught on to her knight's thoughts, simply giggling to herself and watching the screen with freshly renewed interest.

'This boy may be of some worth, after all…' She could not help but think.

We move to the inside of the building, which could be assumed to be something like a shop, based on all of the beverages, food, and other packaged items lining the shelves.

"This is truly amazing, indeed...to think that such shops are common where Sir Subaru comes from…" Wilhelm stroked his beard while taking in the sights. This was surprising even for an old man like him.

"Yeah...a 'course, I knew the Cap'n was an amazin' man...but to think he's got th's whole setup! By th' drag'n, now I wanna get in there n'try everythin'!" Garfiel yelled in excitement, resisting the urge to drool at all the interesting items he laid eyes on.

After watching a hooded figure move away, we are shown someone in the background, standing at one of the shelves that held an array of paper-books sitting on it. He held one such book in his hand.

It was no doubt who it was, with their messy black hair, sharp, unusual-looking eyes, and that one-of-a-kind tracksuit.

It was the boy they all knew in some way, Natsuki Subaru.

"Oh, it really is Subaru!" Rem spoke up with sparkling eyes, happy to see her hero up and moving around on the screen.

"He's reading some kinda' interestin' book...t'think they got shelves all full a them...how the heck do they afford all the ink? An' just how do they got all those copies?" Anastasia seemed the most enthusiastic about what they were seeing, recognizing that finding out such secrets could prove to benefit her like almost nothing else

"Ah, I see. This is where they suck you in." He murmured dispassionately, his familiar nasty-looking eyes remaining fixated on the book as he flipped the page.

Once more ripped from the scene in a jarring change, the view returned to that of the collapsed Subaru, remaining immobilized on the floor, his vision wavering.

"No...Run! Hurry!" Despite his own situation, he seemed to attempt desperately warning whoever had previously called him, more and more blood pooling below him as the seconds went on.

"Julius…you...you said..." Emilia spoke softly, as the realization truly dawned on her. Her eyes shimmered, as moisture began to collect at the corner of her vision.

The knight was silent, not replying as the person lying on the ground came into better view on the screen.

It was indeed his friend...and there was nothing he could do to make that fact untrue. All he could do is sit there and watch, as the man he had come to respect bled out.

"That really is...Natsuki-san." Otto brought his hand to his hat, taking it off and holding it tightly to his chest.

"By that amount of blood, Subaru-kyun won't survive for long…" Felix spoke up, feeling helpless as he watched the boy bleed out in front of them. As a healer, he could not stand to simply watch a person he knew die like that.

"Subaru…Subaru…!" Rem's voice lowered with the glitter in her eyes completely disappearing. She was helpless, helpless to do anything but watch.

At times like this, why could she not be present?

Beatrice remained absolutely silent, though, tears seemed to be forming at the edges of her eyes, her usual stern look fading from her face.

Everyone else's silence spoke volumes. Especially those who were close to the boy.

An unsettling stillness took hold of everyone there, though it was immediately washed away by the jarring change on the screen.

Once more the scene changed, showing Subaru in the store once more, lifting his head to see two young people passing by outside, happily talking. He stared at them pass by with a blank expression, before looking at his own reflection and sighing.

He put the book away and headed off.

"What is up with these cuts?!" Felt yelled, almost jumping out of her seat in frustration. "It's like some sicko just made this to look suspenseful or something, like it's just a piece of entertainment!"

Rem, who had felt despondent at seeing Subaru's bleeding out body, only felt her sadness double at the look in her hero's eyes.

He looked so...lonely and sad. Like he was completely empty. He seemed so different from the energetic, cheerful boy she knew that she proudly called her savior.

In another quick cut, a body was shown plopping down next to Subaru's, only their hand being visible in the small amount of light that shined in.

Petra audibly gasped, bringing a shivering hand over her mouth. "T-That's…!"

Frederica covered the young maid's eyes, giving the only half-elf in the theater a sad gaze.

Emilia, who had been left completely speechless and nearly crying from the sight of her knight, battered, bruised, and bloodied, now looked like she was not even mentally present anymore.

Despite the darkness covering the body, almost everyone could make out her trademark clothing.

"Why...why the hell are we being shown something like this?!" Felt finally got up from her seat, anger flying off the handle.

"F-Felt-sama-"

Reinhard tried to reign in the girl's emotions as always, bringing his hand to comfortingly pat her back, only for her to flinch, smacking his hand away from her.

"Don't do that. Not now, Rein. You're seeing big sis and big bro's bodies right in front of you, paraded in front of us like some show...and you're telling me to calm down?!"

She was absolutely livid, leaving Reinhard to just shrink back from her. He had no reply to her harsh words.

"Damn it." Felt forced herself to sit back down, knowing she couldn't do anything to their sadistic host, forcing them to watch such fallacies.

"T'think Cap'n and the princess are layin' there like that...wh't the hell coulda' happened?! How is it even showin' us this if they're both alive right next t'us?!" Garfiel's previously barely held back rage finally exploded, as he gripped the handles of his seat tightly.

Nobody could answer anything. None of them knew the right words to say to such a situation.

Was it fake? Was it a vision? Was it just some person's version of entertainment? They could all guess…

But with nothing to confirm or deny any of those theories, all they could do was force themselves to continue to watch.

Again we cut away, as Subaru picks up a few miscellaneous items from the store…

"Nah, not natto." He would murmur to himself, putting his first item back to make another choice.

Once more the scene cut back to the grisly sight of the two people now lying next to each other. Subaru, despite the blood pooling around him, and his fading vision, reached a trembling hand out to the girl's body, her hand only inches from his.

"Wait there…" The dying boy rasped out, steel-hardened determination clear in his voice.

"Damn it…!" Garfiel couldn't help but curse and smile a nervous smile at the same time. "Cap'n...even when you're goin' out...you're still gonna be that awesome 'bout it?!"

The boy felt no joy at seeing his captain's demise...but he knew well how determined he was. He knew that even though the captain he knew would never die, that this damned screen at least showed off the man's spirit and perseverance off right.

Emilia's focus returned bit by bit, as she recovered slightly from the shock of seeing not only her knight...but herself, both of them lying dead on the ground.

She grew despondent-looking, her eyes still wide at what was going on. Her thoughts raced, and her breathing continued to speed up even more...her heart felt like it would burst from her chest at any second.

Beatrice also kept her eyes steady on the screen. She knew her contractor was right here...and that was enough for her to throw away what was on the screen as unimportant. Still, she would watch. She had to watch, if it meant preventing even the slightest danger from coming to him.

Interrupting the scene, the shopping Subaru was now at a counter with various mysterious machinery and other goods, seemingly paying for what he had picked up.

"That'll be 363 yen." A man behind the counter said monotonously, packaging the goods in a clear bag.

Subaru wordlessly reached into his pocket, pulling out a wallet and taking a coin from it to inspect it.

"Oh, a groove edged ten." After seeing this, he picked out some other coins and handed them to the man behind the counter.

"Oh!" Petra piped up, with a small smile on her. Frederica was moving her hands whenever the bloody scenes moved off-screen, letting the little girl see the less gory moments. "Subaru would always do magic tricks using those kinds of cool looking coins!"

Frederica chuckled at her fellow maid's excitement, nodding her head. "That must be the currency of his land. I admit that it is not like any I have seen before."

Without another word, Subaru emerged from the store, bag in hand. He took a few steps forward, revealing much bigger, lit up buildings further down from where he was.

A fast-moving object passed by him, which he just stared at blankly.

"The more an' more I see it, this home a' his is really amazin'. It doesn't look anythin' like any place on the entire continent!" Anastasia said, clearly still the most intrigued at the showing of this foreign land. "Think you could spare any more details, miss Great Spirit?" The purple-haired greedy girl looked right at Beatrice with hopeful eyes.

"H-hmph!" Beatrice took the moment to let out a proud huff, taking the moment to allow herself a mental break from what they had all just seen on screen a while ago. "Betty could possibly tell you...but she won't, because of what you said of Betty's contractor, I suppose!"

Anastasia looked absolutely crestfallen at this answer, leaving Beatrice to show a smug smirk at denying the greedy gal what she so badly wanted.

Reluctantly she let it go with a huff, deciding that if she couldn't get the spirit's information on demand, she'd have to trick the boy somehow...

This short reprieve was broken, as we return to the bloody and broken, yet determined Subaru, who reached his hand ever closer to the girl's…

"I'm…" His voice trailed off…

Emilia and the rest of her camp again flinched at the boy's death showing on screen, with most finding themselves just barely able to keep their eyes on the screen.

The rest of the theater fared no better, with a mix of reactions

Some like Garfiel, Beatrice, Ram and Felt showed a mixture of fury and melancholy, their emotions going back and forth as they forced themselves to keep watching with gritted teeth and balled up fists.

Of course, there were those that were in complete despair, these were mostly the ones who felt completely broken by what they were seeing on the screen. Rem and Emilia were alone in this.

Rem couldn't bare to see her hero's body displayed in front of them, tears beginning to stream from her eyes as she saw the life fade from him.

Emilia wasn't much better, having desperately linked her arms with the sleeping Subaru in a failing effort to keep herself calm. She felt his warmth spread to her...but she still felt cold, seeing his dying self on the screen.

Many just felt their sympathy going out to the young man, this mostly being those who knew of him, but did not truly know him closely. Anastasia, Frederica, and Al were the only ones within this number, both lowering their heads in a display of silent understanding of his pain.

And, of course, there were those who saw the boy as a dear friend, someone who they respected as an ally and had all found inspiration and courage from. This was by far the largest group, with Reinhard, Julius, Wilhelm, Felix, Crusch, Ricardo, Otto, Petra and the three vice-captains of the Iron Fang.

There was two, only two people in the entirety of the theater who were entirely impassive at the showing.

Priscilla, who just found this entire section of their 'show' entirely boring and uninteresting, hoping for them to once more return to more exciting scenes. She had, ironically, taken up the most audience-like role out of everyone, viewing the events on the screen with an emotionally disconnected enjoyment.

But, there was one man that felt a different emotion...he felt not spite, boredom, or sadness...but interest.

The head of the Mathers Estate...Roswaal L. Mathers. His eyes were narrowed down to points as he stared at the screen in intense concentration. It was as if he were trying to take in every detail he possibly could.

'This must be it...yes, this must be a present for me. A gift, to reward my dedication and passion.' Roswaal's thoughts revealed his true desire.

Oh, how badly he wanted to see it…

The secret of the boy's time-traveling ability. The only way the boy could possibly escape his current deathly fate was by activating it and redoing everything.

He was the only one who seemed to truly understand what this showing would present to all of them.

"...going to…" The screen changed, now showing Subaru's face, itself. There was no more doubt it was him...and he was definitely courting with death.

Blood fell from the edge of his lips like a river, yet, rather than looking despaired, his eyes were sharpened, having a glint to them that one would not expect to see in a dying man.

"Damn it…this farce…!" Julius cursed under his breath, frustrated, angered that he could not lend a single ounce of power to his dying friend.

Illusion or not...there was no possible way he could watch his friend die in pain...yet…as the knight went to turn away...he felt a gentle, small hand lay on his shoulder. It was from Anastasia.

"Y'cant just turn away like that, Julius. He's your friend, ain't he?" His mistress said sternly, causing the man to freeze, he slowly turned to look back at her.

"What...what are you saying, Anastasia-sama?" He asked, barely managing to hold himself back from saying anything else.

"I mean, y'have to look. All of you have ta'. If you really do care 'bout him so much, that is." She said simply, folding her arms and leaning back in her chair to watch the screen.

Every occupant of the room seemed completely clueless at just what she meant...including Julius himself.

"Hmm, hmm, Mimi agrees with the mistress!" Mimi cheerfully spoke up, breaking the dark, gloomy atmosphere of the theater.

Yet, people were still confused as to just what the merchant-candidate had meant.

"I believe...I believe I understand." Reinhard took the lead. Though he spoke unsurely at first, he continued on with confidence, looking around at the rest of the people in the theater. "Currently, I understand what most of you are feeling...despair. We are watching Subaru die in front of us, and we're not even aware of whether it is reality or not." The Sword Saint's speech began to rouse those who had fallen into quiet sadness, with even the badly affected Emilia and Rem managing to turn towards him and listen.

"Yet, is that what the Host truly brought us here for? To sit around and wallow in our despair?" Reinhard questioned, making some look at him with a little more light within their eyes.

"It's easy to say that, Reinhard...but how can you, when we're seeing Subaru just…?" Emilia spoke in a low tone, squeezing her knight's arm close to her as she thought of what had happened to him and her on screen. She was not even capable of finishing her sentence.

Reinhard looked from the half-elf while sighing, finding himself without the strength to continue...but Crusch, picking up her mantle of leadership to speak not only to the half-elf, but to the entire rest of the theater.

"But would Subaru want you to act like that, Emilia? Rem? Julius-dono?" She stood up from her seat, her striking amber eyes looking deep into everyone in their seats. "Would he want you sit down and fall into despair, not even learning why you were brought here? To continue to come to losing your mind every time you saw him in a dire situation?"

Her harsh, authoritative tone stirred something in everyone, especially those who had been deep in negative emotions regarding Subaru.

"N...no. Rem knows that if Subaru were to see us like this, he would do all he could to change it…" A smile slowly came to the blue-haired Oni's face as she spoke.

"I have greatly embarrassed myself and Subaru by acting in such a way…" Julius spoke with shame, bringing a resolute fist to his chest. "I understand. As a knight, I cannot show my friend such worthless pity...instead...I must respect his resolve...and continue to watch."

Emilia looked unsure, slowly looking to Subaru's peaceful sleeping face. She then looked down to Beatrice, who meant so much to her knight. Even she, as worried and frightened as she had to be, was staring ahead at the screen, ready to confront whatever horrors they were ready to see.

If everyone else could believe in her knight...then how could Emilia continue to wallow in her sorrow?

"Alright!" The half-elf suddenly slapped herself on her cheeks, sitting up and taking a deep breath.

Felt looked at the girl in surprise. "Did...did big sis just slap herself?"

"I'm a-okay now! We may see more of this scary stuff on screen...but Subaru wouldn't want us to let it get us so down...we owe it to him to watch all of this." She said resolutely, her once despair-filled gaze now mirroring Subaru's determined eyes.

Ricardo grinned a wolfish grin, laughing to himself again. "Bahaha! What'd I say?! Bro really knows how to pick 'em! All three a' 'em!" He said shamelessly, causing Emilia, Rem, and Crusch to simultaneously blush and shrink into their seats.

Tivey looked up at his captain with a disappointed glance. "You truly have no filter, captain…"

The wolfman shrugged. "I jus' call it like I see it!"

Everyone in the seats below shared a short laugh or two at the back and forth, regaining a bit of their mirthfulness.

"That bro's got some real good buds. And I gotta give props to that purple-haired chick. She might of just been tryna stop her knight from crumbling into pieces, but she ended up bringing the whole mood up." Al muttered to himself, though his mutterings were still loud enough for the woman beside him to hear.

She rolled her eyes, bringing her fan down from her lips to show a displeased smile. "Do not even kid with such words, Aldebaran. To have people worry for him that much...do you not believe it reveals just how weak he his? How useless he is?" The woman grinned sadistically.

She found the entire display honestly more entertaining than anything else. To think that the boy had that many connections, it was indeed interesting…but the person himself seemed so underwhelming.

Only her interest kept her watching, as usual.

Al just sighed, shaking his head. "I don't know, princess. Maybe we should just keep watching and find out, like everyone else." He did not want to agree or disagree with the woman, knowing how deep the consequences could go.

He found it better to just brush off her ice cold words, feeling relieved that he had a helmet on to keep his expression hidden from the ironically fiery-haired woman.

Priscilla gave the man a sideways glare, bringing her fan to cover her lips once more. "I find it humorous that you believe those half-baked words sound convincing, Aldebaran...you are walking a rather dangerous line, attempting to hide your true opinion from mineself...but I shall excuse it for this moment only."

Priscilla was less worried about her knight, and more about just what this viewing had to do with her, and her desires...and with satisfying her momentary need for entertainment.

And so, wills steadied, hearts prepared, and minds strengthened, the guests would continue to watch.

We move back to our unhurt Subaru, who just continued to silently watch the object go away. Compared to his dying self, his eyes were empty, having no energy or determination that one could see.

He almost seemed...dead, though not in the physical sense.

"Now that I am able to see it up close, Subaru looks quite different here, as well…" Reinhard spoke, putting a hand to his chin. "It is hard to place...something in his eyes seems...off?"

Rem's eyes widened, as she heard the Sword Saint's words. "Rem thought so as well. He does not look...anywhere near as happy or energetic as he usually is. I...I wonder what has happened to him in his home?"

"That is true...Subaru's eyes can sometimes look a little scary, but he just seems...sad." Emilia spoke, feeling a pang of sorrow hit her heart.

"Those eyes doooo seem a little lifeless...I wonder just what Subaru-kyun felt at that moment?" Felix was the most intrigued. The boy they'd seen moments ago was one who seemed undeterred, even in the face of dying. Yet, this Subaru seemed...incomplete, for lack of a better term.

Beatrice, who knew just what sort of emotional hardships her contractor faced, opted to remain silent. Some of his otherworld origins could be shared, but she dared not break his trust in her.

Not that she felt an obligation to give over their shared secrets together, regardless. Her true loyalty and care was always going to belong to Subaru.

Even the peaceful world was interrupted now, as the screen suddenly changed white, cracks moving through this white void, which allowed some sort of putrid darkness to seep in, like a nasty fog.

Some were thrown off at the once again jarring change of the screen, though not as many as the previous scenes had disturbed.

"What the…?! What is that?!" Otto voiced his shock, jumping back at the sudden occurrence.

"What a vile looking fog...I find it almost as disgusting as that beast's fog…" Wilhelm spoke with disgust, narrowing his eyes at what they were seeing.

His thoughts briefly returned to the White Whale they had killed, his hands gripping tightly on his chair as he remembered the vile creature.

For some reason neither of them knew, Ram and Rem found themselves equally disgusted by the fog on screen. Though they could not sense anything through or from the screen, the look by itself was absolutely revolting...it filled their hearts with hatred.

"save you…" Subaru's final words echoed, as the fog would begin to turn a sickly green color.

From this fog, emerged a clawed, glowing hand, which desperately, maliciously reached for the screen…!

Everyone was immediately thrown off by the appearance of this hand, everyone immediately raising their guards.

The combatants, Reinhard, Julius, Wilhelm, Garfiel, Crusch and Al all looked ready to jump up into action, immediately sensing the threat from the claw. Not to mention...they also wished they could throw their power into assisting the unfortunate young man.

Yet, their powers were useless...all they could do was watch as it closed in.

Some, like the Oni sisters Ram and Rem, alongside Petra and Emilia shuddered. They didn't know why, but it was like the hand reminded them of horrible memories...for some reason...it stirred up all of their memories encountering the Witch Cult.

"Why...why does Subaru have to face something that scary looking?" Petra barely contained herself from letting out a scream, her fear being controlled only by Frederica's comforting hand placed on her head.

Curiously, there were also Roswaal, who instead seemed to regard the clawed hand with curiosity…he laced his fingers together, relaxing into his chair rather easily while his gaze remained squarely on what they were being shown.

"I wonder how this all relates…to his ability." Roswaal muttered to himself, still finding that there was not enough puzzle pieces to fully sate himself.

He knew that this 'show' had more to show them, and he fully intended on taking every bit of knowledge that he could for himself...yes, he would have to exhibit the greediness that his teacher had shown throughout her entire life.

"Agh'! Wh't th' hell-! Cap'n, watch out!" Garfiel yelled in desperation to the screen, even reaching out to it. He banged a fist down on his chair arm in frustration, remembering that this 'screen' thing was just a fake display. "Damn it!"

"I-I know that it's alarming, Garfiel-san, but you can't actually help him!" Otto chided, though he looked no better than everyone else. He realized just how useless all of them were a long time ago, and how they truly could only watch this damned screen as everything just happened.

Subaru was asleep, Emilia and almost every other member of their camp was falling into emotional shambles, and Roswaal was definitely no help...yes, all he could do was watch right now.

Yet...though he could only watch, that did not mean that there wasn't more to be done. He could mentally prepare. He had to do his best to keep a calm, rational head. If nobody else would do so, then it was up to him to stay on his toes and control the situation the best he could...after all, with the other candidates present, their entire camp was at risk.

"He-I don't think he can even see it!" Felt leaned forward in her seat, desperately hoping she wouldn't have to see something happen to Subaru again. "I…I swear, if something happens to big bro again..."

Reinhard could not help but share in his master's sentiment, narrowing his blue eyes at the screen. He knew not what threat was targeting his friend...yet he knew, surely, that he would assist as much as he could.

Subaru, still standing outside the shop, turned back to the road in front of him dispassionately, seemingly not noticing any of this, and began to walk away.

"Did it...did it just disappear?" Emilia felt a mix of surprise and relief in her heart at seeing the boy safe, even if she was unsure of how real or fake what she was seeing was.

She still hadn't recovered fully from seeing both him and her lying dead on the ground, and was glad to see nothing harming the boy immediately once more. Knowing what it had shown them so far, however, her guard remained up.

"Betty wouldn't relax so easily...that thing seemed incredibly desperate to get to her contractor, in fact." The little spirit spoke up from her position on her contractor's lap, narrowing her eyes in fury at the screen.

She knew not what it was, and that somewhat, no, it greatly annoyed the spirit. Her contractor had never told her of such a thing, and out of all the knowledge she possessed, she could not find a single idea that went back to the shadowy hands.

Yet in front of him, the world itself distorted, warping and twisting in an unnatural way.

"What the? The world around Barusu...it seems like whatever that filthy hand did messed with it, somehow." Ram spoke in annoyance, shaking her head to throw off the disorientation that the display had caused.

"Indeed...Betty would have believed it to be some sort of Yin magic...but there is but one problem, I suppose. Betty's contractor does not have magic where he comes from." The great spirit said, adding the last part as if it were a simple fact.

However, her casual words left the entire theater shocked once more, causing nearly everyone to look at her in shock. There was an awkward silence, as Beatrice then stared around and spoke in frustration.

"What is it, I suppose?!"

Otto shook his head in bewilderment, hat now fully pulled off of his head as he stared down the Great Spirit. "Well...that is absolutely insane news, that is it!" The merchant decided to take the chance to control the conversation on this information. "How would they even operate?! Do they live incredibly rural, wilderness lifestyles despite how good their architecture looks?"

"That is, indeed hard to believe...that means that there is likely no divine blessings or even spirits...a completely mana-less environment would mean that none of those exist, after all." Julius folded his arms, finding his head hurting at such an idea.

He had grown up around spirits and magic his entire life, so to imagine them simply ceasing to exist...it was an impossible thing to comprehend. `

"Th' gray-haired one's right. I can't imagine livin' in a world with no magic at all. No spells, no magic tools, an', if there ain't any mana, that means…" Anastasia interrupted, with her blue-green eyes widening slowly. "No magic ore, either...then how th' heck do they live?"

Otto was rather annoyed by the girl's interference, though he realized that she had made a calculated move to get what information she could, even knowing Otto was trying to prevent that. Still...he saw no need to hide such information, as it wasn't that harmful to them.

Beatrice puffed out her chest proudly, as she prepared herself to explain. "Betty's contractor explained that despite not using mana, they have largely developed their technology, I suppose. They have advanced machines, such as something called the 'internet' that lets you talk to people all around the world immediately, in fact. Their transportation is also incredibly advanced, with vehicles such as 'cars' and 'planes' that let you cross over the ground and the skies at extremely fast speeds. Even faster than the fastest mounts that we have, I suppose. And as for combat...they have weapons that any common man can use. These 'guns' that fire metal bullets at ear-bursting speeds, and explosions strong enough to completely obliterate entire countries...it is a shame, however, that Betty was told most of these weapons are used to wage war, regardless of the citizens' will or well being."

Those who had held wonder in their hearts at Subaru's world now also held equal parts of fear.

Even the normally impassive, unshakable people, such as Roswaal and Priscilla felt themselves incredibly surprised at this information.

The Witch of Envy had rearranged their entire continent by herself, but still could be stopped by sealing her away...yet mass-produced weapons that could be wielded by anyone, capable of taking out countries and cities in short bursts?

Weapons that fired fast enough to burst the air, and the constant possible threat of constant world-changing war looming over one's heads...

"Damn...t'think that th' Cap'n comes from a place like that…" Garfiel slowly spoke in wonder, eyes and jaw wide open at the thought.

Reinhard gave the little spirit a worried, piercing gaze. He was extremely strong...but he could not be everywhere at once. If someone were to drop a single of these bombs on him, he could likely prevent serious damage...yet what if multiple were dropped, all in different places around the continent?

The Sword Saint had broken out into a nervous sweat just thinking about it.

Anastasia held on to her scarf, her eyes trailing down to the ground. She was a woman of business, and any innovation usually meant that a large influx of cash was coming in...but her greediness was not enough to bring in products that'd destroy the world.

Otto, seeing the scarf-wearing candidate's hesitation found himself smirking slightly. He was sure her curiosity would not fully diminish...but it was good that Beatrice's words dropped her intrigue down to a bit more of a reasonable level.

Everyone continued on, focusing onto the screen once more in an attempt to quell the fear and awe that had risen in their hearts.

He only seemed to barely take notice of this, looking from left to right.

The screen zoomed out from him to show a bird's eye view of his town, which showed a bustling metropolis, with hundreds of buildings with never-before seen construction, bright lights, and towers that shined with red tints and wires atop them.

"Well, I guess anyone's eyes would be tired after holing up in their room, gaming all day." Subaru dismissed the sight as an illusion, rubbing his eyes.

"Is he truly going to simply dismiss this as an illusion…?" Crusch raised an eyebrow at his dismissive behavior, finding it strange that he just related it to spending too much time in his room.

"You do have to cut him a break, the bro was just going shopping and then, suddenly, he's supposed to believe the world's warping around him?" Al shrugged as he answered the woman's question. "I doubt anyone who's never seen magic would just come to that guess."

The green-haired candidate seemed satisfied at this answer, bringing a gloved hand up to her chin. "That is correct...I suppose it is a reasonable way of seeing things."

"I do wonder just where that claw went, however…" Tivey adjusted his monocle on his eye, giving a keen stare at the screen.

The young vice-captain's words immediately drew tension back into everyone's hearts, with everyone's gazes filling with a slight fearful anticipation.

After he had closed and once more opened his eyes...some sort of darkness covered his gaze...before finally, slowly allowing him to see once more…

And when he could see, he was no longer anywhere near his previous scenery.

"What. Th'. Heck?!" Garfiel jumped up in his seat and yelled out in surprise, fingers pointing almost accusingly at the screen.

Despite his knee-jerk reactions usually just being a behavior specific to him...everyone else seemed to share similar looks of shock and surprise.

Now, he stood in the middle of a marketplace, people passing to and fro around him. Subaru's surprise could be easily seen, as he gave the screen a wide-eyed, utterly disturbed look, as if he were looking at something entirely alien to him.

"Holy sh-!" Felt's red eyes sparkled, her own scarf trailing behind her, however, she was interrupted by a certain half-elf.

"Subaru..was just...teleported?!" Emilia leaned forward, staring between the screen, and then back at her knight, and then to the screen again.

The more she watched, the more she heard, the more she felt like she understood him less and less.

All of those who knew him shared a similar sentiment.

"To think that Natsuki-san was just...just brought here?! By that sinister force, no less…" Otto watched with eyes full of disbelief, bringing his hat to once again sit atop his head. "He didn't just come from beyond the edge of the world...but perhaps...from another world beyond ours?!"

All in the theater were either in a state of surprise, pity, wonder, or a mix of all three.

He looked around in shock, observing the entirely new location he had been placed in.

"What's...going on?" He asked, in utter confusion.

"He looks...so confused." Rem could feel each word from her hero pull at her heart. She could only imagine how he must have felt. Alone, forcefully stripped from his home and family, and thrown into a situation he was not even familiar with.

Unlike Emilia, the blue-haired Oni felt even closer to her savior. She gave the unconscious boy a gentle, yet sorrowful smile. He...he had experienced a situation much like hers…she couldn't help but perfectly understand what he must've felt during his realization.

"Of course...big brother Subaru must've been even more confused than us, watching this." Felt finally had recovered from her surprise, now speaking with a tone of light awe to replace said surprise.

"I...I hope that he doesn't feel too alone…" Petra added shyly, fiddling with her hands as she thought of the boy's situation, herself. She already felt nervous enough when she found herself lost in the mansion, or even just out and about in a town...but being lost in an entirely different world…?

He stood completely in place, taking in his environment.

"This stuff obviously isn't fake." He continued speaking to himself, as a large fountain behind him spewed out a stream of water. "Which means…"

"I...I wonder what Subaru-dono will say to such an odd situation?" Crusch stared at the screen, verdant eyes taking in the situation with incredible interest. She, of course, felt pity for him, it was easy for anyone to understand that he would lose absolutely everything from this forced migration.

Yet, she was curious to know...just what would he say to such a ridiculous situation?

Almost everyone harbored this exact same feeling, everyone wondering one thing.

What had Subaru's reaction to being thrown into another world been?

Otto's brain slowed down, as he realized the implications of his friend's situation. "Natsuki-san…" He let out a sigh full of disappointment, both in himself, and his friend. "To think I never attempted to push further to understand you...but...could you really not take the risk to tell us…?"

Anastasia, on the other hand, felt her thoughts ticking at a mile a second. This mysterious boy just continued to become even more and more interesting. He was important enough for them to be watching some sort of play-by-play of his life, and for him to have strong connections to three of the candidate camps – including hers. Not to mention, he was a person from beyond the edge of the world, from another world itself, with interesting technology and advancements.

Smirking, she leisurely kicked one leg over the other as she continued to watch the viewing. She had made previous attempts to look into his past, but found nothing, yet now she knew why. This viewing had become a very nice and free present for her. Everything...she needed to see everything she could.

Julius felt the opposite of his lady's pleasure, gloved hands tightening on his lap in barely contained frustration. He had once beaten down his friend all while thinking him to be an ignorant, arrogant fool. Yet, he was no more than a civilian forced into a place he knew nothing about…

"I have much to apologize for, Subaru…" The prideful knight spoke, feeling absolute remorse for what he had done to his friend without even knowing.

Reinhard seemed to understand the boy a little more, and why he had seemed so grateful to him when they first met. "I see...truly, without anyone to rely on, he must have felt relieved to have at least a single person on his side. To think of him facing that fiend alone…"

The Sword Saint's words caused chills to run up Felt's spine as she imagined the ruthless, sadistic assassin known as Elsa. She quickly shook her head as if trying to shake the fear from her mind, an action which did not escape Reinhard's eyes. He looked down to the girl, giving her an apologetic smile.

"W-What?! What are you smiling for, Rein?!" The girl demanded, immediately disguising her fear to berate her knight. Though, it was all for naught, as her flushed cheeks showed her clear embarrassment at being caught afraid.

"Just know that I will always do my utmost to protect you, Felt-sama." He said simply, giving his exasperated mistress a warm smile. She just huffed, folding her arms and leaning back into her seat.

His once dead eyes gained a glitter to them that they hadn't had once before, life returning to Subaru's features as his shocked face only grew even more pronounced, his gaze turning forward.

"So does this mean,..?" His voice hitched in his throat, as he turned his gaze upwards to the sky.

"I've been summoned to a parallel world?!" Without a bit of hesitation, he yelled these words to nobody in particular, with the screen zooming out from Subaru to show an incredibly beautiful view of the capital city of the Kingdom of Lugnica, hundreds of buildings shown on its' hills, and the shadow of the a castle being seen in the distance.

"He...he seemed….excited?" Crusch said, looking utterly baffled at the boy's exclamation.

Everyone shared equal looks of befuddlement, with Emilia especially shaking her head in disbelief. The half-elf was equally as perplexed as anyone else.

Out of all his reactions, she did not expect him to look so charged up by being thrown not just out of his home, but to another world entirely. Rather than him being afraid of being identified as crazy, she instead, her knight just...did not miss his home, for whatever reason that may be.

Emilia's innocent purple-blue eyes looked at Subaru's peaceful, sleeping face, and she again felt her heart constrict in her chest. She slowly brought a hand up to her chest, forcing herself to let out a strained exhale.

'No...Subaru would never just forget about people that matter to him...so then, why…?' As hard as she stared at her slumbering knight's face, she received no answer.

Rem just quietly analyzed her hero's gaze and mannerisms, softly shaking her head from side to side at the representation on the screen. She knew that he could not have so easily dismissed his own world, she knew her hero that much…

Yet, that look in his eyes before he realized he had been brought against his will...she was instantly reminded of when he had spoken to her of all of his perceived wrongdoings and faults. How desperately he had put himself down, and tried to run from his situation. It was a part of him that pulled at her heartstrings in all of the wrong ways.

"Subaru…" His name came out from her lips without her even thinking, her fingers now clasped together.

Al gave but a solemn shake of his head, remembering how he too had once been excited to be placed in a new world. Yet...his missing arm was proof of just how hellish this world was, compared to the easygoing stereotype he was sure the boy was expecting.

"Keep on your toes, brother…" The knight muttered, hoping that this kid would not have to suffer like he also did just to survive.

"Continue to wish the pathetic one luck as much as you can, Aldebaran. Though I believe he'll find himself needing much more than that. I surely hope he can provide as entertaining as the world he came from, or I may lose my interest…" Priscilla spoke to her knight's words, staring at the screen with narrowed eyes. Contrary to her words, she found that knowing this young man's true origins only piqued her interest on him even further. Yet, she wondered what else they could be shown of him that could top the revelation of his origins.

Overhearing this, Garfiel scoffed, throwing a hand up in the air. "Pah! Cap'n don't need no wishes 'fer g'luck...wh'tever that fake vision was, it sure ain't gonna take him down! Cap'n is too awesome t'go down like that!" He said with a toothy grin, which faded as he received a flick from the side of his head, no, from both sides. "Ah! Wh't th' hell?!" He looked both left and right.

Ram and Otto stared back at him with exasperated, blank gazes, both feeling like he wasn't taking this situation as seriously as he should be.

"You just keep your mouth quiet for a while, Garf." Ram said, giving the boy a cold gaze.

"Yes, yes, you should. I will let you off easily for speaking more highly of Natsuki-san, however." Otto agreed with two nods.

Garfiel looked between the two in confusion, before throwing his arms up in the air and just sinking back into his chair. "Ah, wh't th' heck! If Otto-bro and Ram are gonna team up on me, I gotta give up...just shows it takes my amazin' self a double team to take down tho-ouch!" He was interrupted from boasting once more by a second double flick.

"Dang it…" He grumbled, rubbing the sides of his head.

Priscilla just giggled in amusement at the scene, thinking to herself that the camp should do better at keeping their barking dog on a proper leash.

"Truly idiotic…" She murmured under her breath.

It zoomed out even further, truly showing the capital city in all of its' glory, even the territories outside of the castle town, and the mountains and valleys that towered over them in the distance.

"To think this device can show such an impeccable view of the capital...it truly must be a device worthy of great value." Wilhelm spoke with vaunted interest, stroking his beard.

"It would be convenient to have that sort of item...imagine the reconnaissance and spying capabilities?" Tivey agreed with the older man's words, attempting to raise up in his seat to get a better look at the screen.

Now shown on the screen was a title card, along with an ancient, yet authentic-looking symbol of a dragon being shown behind said words.

"The symbol of the dragon? It looks so old, though. Like the screen is looking at the front of a cave…?" Felix stared at the screen, his ears perking up as he tried to analyze it better...yet he could come up with nothing.

"Considering that this...'show' seems to be made for the purpose of entertaining the viewer, it's likely this might just be a stylistic choice. The symbol of the dragon is a rather important symbol of Lugnica, after all." Fredrica mused, a thought that the cat-eared knight agreed with.

Re: Zero

Re: Life in a different world from zero

Seeing the title, Rem could not help but give a small smile, once again remembering her words to Subaru, how she had made him realize his potential of being the hero she saw him as…

Roswaal remained silent, still watching the proceedings with an impassive, if not slightly surprised gaze. 'If he does not come into this world aware of it, or even being granted his ability, just where does it come from…?'

We would then see a scene of a blonde-haired, crimson-eyed girl running on the rooftops of the city, hopping from building to building. Her red scarf trailed behind her, and she ran like the wind itself blessed her with speed.

"What the? This screen really can show everything, can't it?" Felt stared in surprise as she watched herself run along, a faint grin coming to her as she remembered how alive she'd felt after making such a big getaway.

She grinned and stared down at her hand, where some sort of black object sat, showing a smaller version of the insignia from the title, even with the same red jewel shown in the middle.

"A royal insignia...I wonder just where Felt-chan got such an item from?" Emilia spoke with a light hint of sarcasm in her smile, slowly turning back to Felt with the brightest, most angelic, sliiightly threatening smile.

The ex-thief waved her hands desperately in front of her, shaking her head. "I swear I'm really sorry big sis, really!"

Reinhard, watching the interaction, just chuckled lightly.

We once return to our protagonist, Subaru, walking through the town and taking in the sights.

"I guess I can assume this is a fantasy world with typical medieval-style culture." He mused curiously, while watching a lizard beastman pass by him.

"A realm where demihumans are commonplace, and probably stuff like wars and adventure, as well." A grin slowly came to his face, as he stared to his hand.

"And here, I'm…"

"He really is excited...he's taking this like it's some sort of entertainment himself!" Felix spoke with indignation, annoyed at just how carefree Subaru was being when he was, in reality, an extremely dire situation.

"You can't fault him for that, Ferris." Crusch spoke up sternly, making Felix shrink back into his seat. The woman looked down at Beatrice with a questioning gaze. "Great Spirit-sama, I assume that this is yet another cultural difference?"

Beatrice puffed up in pride like usual, excited to have yet another chance to share her knowledge of her contractor. "That is indeed, I suppose. In the world of Betty's contractor, stories such as those of worlds with magic and demihumans are usually regarded as mere fiction, stories from people's imaginations only, in fact. And stories of a person being transported to another world are not uncommon as well, either. They are called 'isekai', and usually involve people from his world being summoned to many different worlds. 'Medieval' culture refers to a primitive time in his world where they used similar technology, architecture, and systems to us...excepting the magic aspects, I suppose."

Everyone let out various sounds of awe at the sound of this information, including Anastasia, who was, as ever, focused on absorbing as much of these ideas and thoughts as she could for herself.

"Then, to Subaru's world, what we have is considered primitive...that is indeed a harsh thought, but considering what you said about his world's capabilities…" Crusch could only agree to it, though her pride did not allow her to say such aloud.

"It does explain why he is so carefree. He sees this as some sort of fantastical adventure presented to him, not a strange situation that he has been suddenly thrust into." Julius spoke with understanding, feeling like he now better comprehended his friend on screen.

A snort was heard from the back row, as a familiar, cold voice spoke. "That ignorance and presumption will get him killed. Perhaps the most he can hope for is to continue being pitied and looked after by commoners such as the rest of you." Priscilla showed not a hint of remorse at her words, causing many to look back at the woman with seething feelings of hate.

There were many who looked like they wanted to retort to her words, but it was, of course, Emilia, who spoke in a clear and severe tone. "I won't allow you to talk about my knight that way. Whatever you said before was so-so, but I won't let you talk about him, or the rest of us like that."

Most seemed surprised at the half-elf's controlled, mature words. However, there were those who knew what she had been through, knew her trials in the Sanctuary and how it had changed her...the Emilia camp looked on at the leader with pride.

"Hmph!" Priscilla exclaimed with disdain, lowering her fan from her lips. "I would like to see you attempt to do something to stop me, half-breed trash."

Emilia's eyes widened at these words, and the atmosphere in the room suddenly grew cold, as Emilia and Priscilla alike readied themselves to battle, only for...both to be forced down in their seats, as an extreme weight fell over everyone in the theater.

Now, now, guests. Let's behave ourselves, shall we?

The Host's chiding voice interrupted the potential feud, everyone going silent as the being spoke. They were quiet not because they wished to be, but because of the immense strength with which the air itself pushed onto their bodies. The only one unaffected seemed to be Petra, who looked around in confusion and fear at everyone else.

I'll spare the children, or, well, child, I suppose. However, the rest of you should understand well.

You are here to watch this story to the end...not to have petty squabbles and bickering.

No, I rescind that statement. Argue all you want, I'm sure that you all each believe you are right. However...the moment you begin to attempt physical altercations in my theater…

With each word the Host spoke, the feeling just got heavier and heavier, with everyone almost being left without breath in their lungs.

I will…I...will...

No. No, I cannot.

He would not forgive me for that, would he? We did make a deal, after all.

The pressure on everyone subsided, with their eyes showing nothing but pure fear. Each and everyone of them had been utterly unable to do anything. All had been entirely at the mercy of the Host.

I can't harm you, my dear guests. You are here at the request of our VIP, after all.

However, just know that the penalty for continuing such childish behavior...it will not be light.

With those words, the Host left, leaving everyone in the theater with a maelstrom of emotions.

Priscilla was absolutely livid, angered that the being before her even dared give her commands and threaten her life! The world turned for her, after all, and nobody else. Yet...she was not even in that world anymore, was she?

The seeds of doubt sowed in the woman, she chose to ignore her previous argument with Emilia. Instead she brought her fan to hide her expression and just returned her gaze to the screen.

Emilia begrudgingly turned her gaze from Priscilla, feeling she had done nothing wrong. But she did understand the host's reasoning, somewhat...he treated and punished them all equally, even if it was extreme, and he did not take any sides.

"Let us...let us just continue watching." Reinhard was the voice of reason here, refocusing everyone's attention to the screen. Nobody was particularly eager to discuss what had just happened to all of them.

Interrupting his monologue, the scream of a young child was heard, along with the shouts of many worried passerbys.

"Hey!" and "Watch out!" Could be heard from many, as a man and his lizard-mount looked to be about to run over the boy, who had tripped and dropped a bag of food.

"Are none in the crowd going to help this boy?" Julius spoke in surprise at the crowd's inaction. "No...it is the job of the knights to look out for such civilians. Or, perhaps Subaru shall…" The knight spoke in hope, realizing his friend was there.

"Will he really, though? This Subaru is pretty…" Felix looked skeptical at the thought, thinking the boy in front of them was no more than an idealistic, naive lost kid, way out of his element.

"Hey, don't doubt th' Cap'n! We're gonna see th' start a' his hero's journey right here!" Garfiel retorted with sureness, leaving Felix to just chuckle at the boy's eagerness as the next scene played out.

Subaru looked at the boy with expectation, and pumped his fists, his bag of items still in his hand.

"This is it! It's my turn!" Full of happiness, he began to show strange hand movements, getting down onto his knees. "This must be the event where I produce my first magic!" He pulled his right hand behind him, in preparation, before pushing it out and letting out a yell.

Only for...nothing to happen.

"E-Eh?" Garfiel blushed in embarrassment, watching the cringy display of his captain's attempt at magic. "C-Cap'n, cmon, you coulda' just rushed in n' saved him…" He muttered, clearly humiliated at this lame showing.

Felix showed a smug smile, sticking his tongue out at his fellow demihuman. "Looks like this cute Ferris-chan was right on the money, nya~!" The cat-boy's mocking words made Garfiel shudder in rage, though he couldn't even say anything back.

Ram rolled her eyes, letting out a disappointed sigh. "It seems Barusu was an even lower caliber of a man than even I had first anticipated."

"Mimi think it would've been cool if magic really shot out of his hand at that moment, though!" The girl excitedly exclaimed, causing most in her camp to look at her with exasperation.

Instead of magic, a knight wearing full-plate armor rushed in, grabbing the boy and rolling away. "That's dangerous!" He exclaimed, getting him and the boy to safety in the nick of time.

The knight laughed in relief as he saved the boy, raising a fist to the air in victory. Of course, the crowd responded to his heroics in kind, clapping and letting out sounds of awe.

"That knight had the right idea." Julius nodded in approval, giving the screen an analytical sigh. "I know not who it is, but I hope that he is recognized for his efforts. Perhaps Subaru will learn from this…" Julius was beginning to see where Subaru's perceived arrogance came from.

Rather than being the humble, yet confident man he knew, this Subaru was more of an overconfident, entirely unaware and inexperienced boy...it seemed he had not shaken that part of him off when they'd first met.

Subaru could only let off the absolute failure with a disappointed sigh. "I guess it's a bit early for me to use magic…" He murmured, now walking through the streets of the marketplace.

"You can't just shoot magic out after arriving in a new world...silly Subaru." Emilia sighed at her knight's embarrassing behavior, though she found it somewhat charming. She enjoyed how much more confident and mature he had become recently, but she always enjoyed this incredibly innocent, cheerful part of him that he showed from time to time.

Beatrice just let out an annoyed huff. "If Betty was there, she would have allowed her contractor to use magic from day one, in fact..."

Eventually he ended up in front of a fruit vendor, an incredibly buff man with green hair, chewing on a reed.

"Oh...that is the fruit vendor that Subaru and I visited previously. I suppose this is how they met." Rem said, finding herself able to clearly recognize the man by his stand-out appearance.

He stared down at some planks of wood above each type of fruit, presumably prices, but found that…

'I can't read this at all…' He thought, before his attention was drawn up by the vendor talking.

"Hold on…" Otto was confused at the screen's words, and looked to the rest of the members of the Emilia camp. "Is this not odd? If I am right, Natsuki-san was fully capable of reading and even writing our language by the time I met him."

Ram and Rem also nodded at the young merchant's words, looking to each other and then explaining together.

"Subaru-kun was fully proficient in the basics of reading and writing by the time he arrived at Roswaal-sama's mansion…"

"Yes, although his language skills were still rather basic and unpracticed. At the time, I even found it suspicious."

The two's words left everyone looking mystified as they attempted to guess what this meant, while some tried to come up with solutions to this mystery.

"Hmm...well, even though he ain't had no money or anything, we don't know what happened ta' him in-between coming to the mansion and arriving here, right? He mighta' just picked it up from someone on the way." Anastasia suggested with a shrug, though even she felt her reasoning was rather flimsy.

"That's impossible. By the time it was evening, big bro was already talking to me to try to negotiate for the insignia." Felt refuted, shaking her head in outright denial to the thought.

"And I had met Subaru in the morning. He called for my help, and then immediately headed off as if he were rushing to find something after a short conversation. He didn't seem to be leisurely seeking reading and writing lessons." Reinhard added, his blue eyes staring daggers into the screen.

"Then...wh't th' heck's goin' on? We know this s' th' real Cap'n, but s'like a completely different guy at th' same time…" Garfiel spoke in confusion, scratching the top of his head.

"Pshhh, we've learned a long time ago that this 'show' is confusin' as all hell. I say we keep watchin' and leave those questions fer later!" Ricardo dismissed, deciding to stop the group from thinking too hard on such a small issue.

Though their thoughts were all still in disarray at the differences this show had to their own reality. Subaru was alive and well, he had not been nearly as carefree, and he seemed to have zero idea of their language and culture, when their current Subaru, ignorant as he could be of it, at least had a basic level of knowledge.

Priscilla listened in to the discussion with a foxy look in her eyes. The more she heard of this boy, the more that the world around him seemed to be entirely inconsistent with who his allies saw him as...it was truly interesting.

"Hey, bro. Those are some weird clothes you got there. You traveling?"

Rather than answering his question, Subaru instead pointed to the big round red-like fruit closest to him.

"What are these?"

"Those are appas."

Hearing someone understand his words, Subaru was once again drawn into thought.

'People here can still understand me, though. The question is…'

"That is yet another valid point. Subaru was able to converse with people from the day he arrived here, according to this. If so, I wonder how our worlds have come to share a language…? There are some words he says that we do not know, but…" Reinhard spoke curiously.

Al, deciding to speak up, leaned forward in his seat to give his own input. "Maybe the claw thing that snatched the bro gave him that ability? Who knows, right? Doubt we're gonna get answers for every question, here."

Al, himself, was still curious, despite his words. Even he had been able to communicate properly, though his memories of coming to this world were completely spotty, so he wasn't sure how reliable his mind was, in the first place.

Subaru pulled some of the previous coins that had been spotted from his pocket, holding them to the vendor, who looked at them in confusion.

"Huh? What country's money is that?" He gave Subaru a dismissive wave. "You can't use that stuff in Lugunica." Then, the vendor seemed to realize something, giving Subaru a harsh glare. "Actually, that means you're flat broke, huh?"

The vendor's demeanor immediately turned aggressive, as he placed a forceful hand on Subaru's shoulder, getting up in his face. "Then get the hell outta here! You're interfering with my business!"

"He didn't have to be that mean…" Petra said with a small pout on her face, wishing she was there to give the man a piece of her mind.

Anastasia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "True, but he's just a vendor. He ain't got the time or care to deal with a stranger showing him unidentified money." The greedy girl let out a disappointed sigh. If only the first merchant he'd have met was her, she would've caught on to his mysterious worth right away...

Without a bit of time to say anything back, Subaru was now on the road again, shoulders slumped over.

"There's no other way…I'll just have to go around gathering information first." Without thinking, he headed off into a building, only for it to be revealed as...a bathroom. And it was the ladies' side, no less.

Various women stared back at him, before eventually shrieking in disbelief, with one demihuman woman stepping forward to give Subaru a harsh paw-slap on the cheek, leaving a mark.

Now dejected, Subaru headed off into yet another random building, being a bar by the look of it.

This one was even more dangerous than the last, with a group of not-so-welcoming lizardmen at sitting at tables. They all fixed their gazes on the intruding human.

"This place is for demihumans only." The bartender warned, leaving Subaru to stare blankly before he was pushed to the side and out of the bar, face slamming against the door on his way out.

"Ow! I can't...see…" Subaru muttered, having received his second facial injury for the day. He struggled along blindly over a bridge...before falling right over, and into a waiting pool of water.

This comedic show of events gave everyone a much needed lighthearted break, with almost everyone taking the moment to laugh at the boy's antics.

"Subaru is soooooo silly...I can't believe he would just walk into all those places...and then just end up flipping over into a river! H-hahahaha!" Emilia showed a delightful smile, as she laughed off any negative emotions that had built up over their viewing.

"It is indeed...n—ngh...indeed very...humorous…" Reinhard nodded in agreement with the half-elf, trying his hardest to hold back the laughter that was threatening to spill from his lips.

"A-Ah geez, Cap'n! You're jus'-jus'-bahahaha!"

"Don't laugh so much, Garfiel-san, this is…very...pffft...serious…!"

Garfiel and Otto both found themselves laughing their asses off, despite how seriously both had decided to take the events in front of them. Besides, both figured that being able to laugh a little at misfortune was good, right? Even if it was at their friend!

Ram wasn't even bothering in hiding her laughter, slapping her knee as she derived pure joy from the embarrassment that Subaru was putting himself in throughout the day.

"S-Sister…!" Rem tried to speak pleadingly, barely managing to hold back her own laughter. There was no way she could laugh at her hero...though she had to admit that a few giggles slipped from the corner of her lips. Just a few.

"A-All of you! Stop laughing at Subaru, I suppose!" Beatrice yelled in desperation, looking around at the theater full of amused, full-on laughing attendees.

"I-I agree with Beatrice-sama! Stop laughing at Subaru!" Petra stood in solidarity with the spirit, the two sharing an incredibly close bond of not wanting Subaru to be embarrassed...only for both their pleas to be ignored by the continuous roaring laughter that everyone shared.

"Man, brother really had some humble beginnings, that's for sure!" Ricardo snickered while beating the last bit of laughter from his chest, considering he had just been letting out endless amounts of uproarious laughter.

Anastasia was in agreement with the mercenary captain, hiding her own cheshire cat-like grin behind her scarf.

"Humble beginnin' is puttin' it lightly. How the heck did a boy this clumsy even manage to call in help from the Sword Saint to save a royal candidate?"

Many, though they didn't voice it, were in accordance with wanting this exact question, however, those who knew Subaru's worth were not afraid to voice it.

Ram managed to stop her laughter just barely, wiping a tear from her eye as she answered this question with her own opinion of the boy.

"He may be a blundering idiot most of the time, but Barusu is a man that has oddly good timing in the worst of situations. That is his one worth."

Rem looked beside her with a small frown at her sister's words, though the red-haired Oni didn't seem the slightest bit regretful at her words.

"What sister really means is that Subaru-kun is the type who is always there to help all of us out of the most dire problems, no matter what it takes...and I do believe that is how he met Emilia-sama, right?"

At the bringing up of this point, Emilia wrapped up her own laughter with a short giggle, slowly nodding to Rem's question.

"That's right...I met him for the first time that day, and he threw himself right into danger just to save my life. To be honest, it's sometimes a little jarring how he'll do that all the time, not even explaining everything...but if he wasn't like that, then I would never have met him."

All the while as she told her story, Emilia kept a warm smile on her, one that showed just how fond she was of the story.

The scene would change from Subaru's unfortunate antics, as he sat in an alley, next to a crate. He had taken off his tracksuit to dry atop the crate, and his bag of items sat open next to him.

"Is this how it's supposed to be?" He murmured, dejectedly. "Wasn't I summoned into a parallel world?!" Subaru yelled in clear disappointment. "Where'd my protagonist status go?!" He yelled, raising his arms to the heavens.

"That brother really got dealt a crappy hand. Wonder if that happens to all the people who get brought to this damn place." Al felt a bit of kinship and pity towards the unfortunate kid.

"Damn it." He leaned down, reaching into his pocket.

He pulled out a handheld device, pressing buttons on it as the screen changed. It showed words in an unreadable language, though Subaru seemed to understand it well.

"My cell phone still works…" Though, even this small bit of relief was thrown away as he looked to the corner of the phone, seeing a message only he could read that seemed to just frustrate him more. "But what's the point of even having it?!"

He put it away, now moving his attention to his bag.

"And my starting gear is way too wimpy! You need a more substantial welfare program to satisfy pressure-free generation kids like me! I don't even have Excalibur or anything!"

"It must truly be a harsh change…" Julius watched his friend's antics with an amused, yet understanding gaze. "Going from a world where one can live in common, provided comfort, to one that is truly unforgiving to those with nothing."

There were those who could sympathize with this sort of situation, people who had escaped their own harsh circumstances in the world and understood just how unforgiving it was to the powerless.

"Well...'least he can say he made it ta' somewhere better." Anastasia found herself sympathizing with the boy a little more. She knew how it felt, to have to crawl your way up from nothing just to get a tiny slice of the pie. The greedy gal could never forget it, for it was the source of that greed, after all.

Eventually he gave up on his complaints again, just letting his hands sink into his lap.

We would see the blonde-haired girl jumping from rooftop to rooftop again, as Subaru's words echoed through the alley.

"Is that…?" Felt was confused as she saw herself moving like a blur along the rooftops, feeling a small growing pit of unease in her stomach. She remembered moving through the to get away from her mark for sure, but she had no recollection of coming anywhere near Subaru.

"And besides, if I was summoned, where's the cute girl who summoned me? Did she summon me, only to leave me alone?"

Footsteps could be heard in front of Subaru, as some people invaded the alley. He looked up, alerted to their presence, seeming to expect something good.

"Hey, is she finally here? The cute girl who summoned me…" Subaru's jaw was left wide open, as the shadows were revealed to be...just three random, roughly dressed thugs.

"What the hell are you babbling about?" The shorter one asked, with the taller one stepping forward, holding a threatening stride.

"If you don't want wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you've got!" He said, grabbing and lifting Subaru by the collar.

"These guys…!" Felt felt her entire body shake in rage as the three stooges showed up on screen. She knew just who they were, as she had taken the three under her wing into her camp. "Man, of all the thugs big bro had to run into…" She swore to herself, if any of these men hurt Subaru, they would have a hefty punishment to pay.

"There's no need to worry, Felt-sama. If this showing is at least a little more accurate to what we know, then I should show myself soon to assist Subaru." Reinhard reassured, smiling with confidence as he waited for Subaru's extremely memorable call for help.

"Crap, it's a compulsory event…" He muttered to himself.

"He seems to be taking it rather easygoing…" Crusch spoke, failing to sense any sense of urgency from within the boy. She doubted the Subaru she knew would just sit there and take a beating from mere thugs. The man she knew was one that led a full charge towards one of the worlds' most dangerous mabeasts, even without anyone backing him up.

"Move it, move it!" A young voice shouted from behind them. "You guys, out of my way!" She commanded, as she ran towards the group of people.

It was the same blonde-haired girl from earlier, who had been seen running on the rooftops.

"...Huh?" That feeling Felt had earlier returned, unease washing over her in waves. "I...I don't remember ever having this sort of interaction with big bro."

Reinhard shared in her confusion, looking at the screen with a questioning gaze. "I don't remember such a thing, either. Subaru had seemed to head off to find you, himself, Felt-sama."

"Here we go! Is that the cute girl who summoned me?!" Subaru would say, once more looking excited.

She would slow down, the sound of wind dying around her as she looked at the boy confusedly.

"Summoned? I dunno what you're talking about, but I'm busy! Sorry! Live strong!"

Without another word, she rushed past him, jumping on and off the walls as she navigated her way up onto the rooftops once more.

Felt laughed a little embarrassingly at her show of agility...and moreso her show of how easily she had just left Subaru to deal with thugs. It wasn't exactly quite the good look for a royal candidate, but she didn't quite care.

The three stooges were basically harmless anyway, or so she personally believed.

Everyone looked at her confusedly, before the thugs' attention returned to Subaru.

"Hey, that didn't make you decide not to be so hostile to me, by any chance, did it…?" He asked, hopefully.

The fat guy cracked his knuckles. "Actually, that just made us even more pissed off by raining on our parade."

"Haha, yeah, of course, right…?"

"Ah, geez, Natsuki-san, you can't just irritate the thugs like that…" Otto spoke nervously, having been used to dealing with such roguish types himself. The dark road of a failed merchant took one many places, after all.

Garfiel just waved a hand dismissively, showing a confident grin. "Don't be s'ch a pansy, Otto-bro! Cap'n s'obviously jus' gonna show his true power here n' blast these fools away!"

Subaru spoke nervously, retreating into his thoughts.

'Just calm down, Natsuki Subaru. Since ancient rules, it's the rule that anyone summoned into a parallel world will display supernatural powers! I'll mow these guys down and make them fuel for my shining future!'

"It's not exactly wise that his resolve relies entirely on his thought that he is supposedly granted some sort of supernatural ability...but it is satisfying to see Natsuki-sama finally take a stand for himself." Crusch said, clearly pleased at seeing Subaru finally take on a bit of what made him the excellent man she now knew.

The boy gripped his fists tightly, as he immediately moved to the fat man, a sharp glint of determination in his eyes.

'You lumps of EXP!'

He would throw his right hand back, delivering a nasty hook into the fat thug's face, which blew him back.

"I have always believed Sir Subaru to have surprisingly sharp movements, for an amateur." Wilhelm watched with a keen eye, stroking his beard. The boy may not have showed immediate talent with a sword, but his well-built body and quick moves were no doubt excellent basics.

"Don't let him get too full of himself, Wilhelm. Subaru-kyun is just showing some basic skills against alleyway thugs!" Felix said dismissively, letting out an unrestrained huff.

No doubt, Felix respected Subaru's determination, but he found everything else about the boy utterly lacking.

With surprisingly well-done footwork, he'd then turn his momentum around to deliver a sharp roundhouse kick to the smaller thug, sending him flying and spinning into the ground.

Subaru stared at his hand with amazement, as he flicked his wrist.

"That's the first time I've ever hit someone! I didn't expect it to hurt me so much…" He said, feeling his arms shake. "But, this world is set up so that I'll be strong! My adrenaline is surging, I've got this!" He said, raising his arms and full of confidence.

"He's high on his first taste of combat right now...that's not gonna cut it, bro." Al spoke while shaking his head, knowing things would immediately go south once the world showed just how vile it could be.

That was, until the last remaining thug pulled out his spinning blades, leaving Subaru to immediately kneel and slide to his feet on his approach, bowing earnestly.

"I'm sorry, it was all my fault! Forgive me, spare me!" He begged, pressing his head to the ground with each word.

"Hah! Truly pathetic! Could he only show a display of the smallest of worth for just a mere second? A commoner incapable of taking down a few backstreet vermin is truly not worth mineself's time." Priscilla spoke with disappointment, finding her interest in the boy once more quickly fading.

His cowardly display was met with a kick straight against the temple, which knocked the boy back, holding his head and rolling on his back from left to right, flailing on the ground while the other two thugs took their time to get to their feet again.

"Play games with us, will you?! Die, scum!"

"Damn it…!" Felt was seething in her chair, practically shaking in rage as the image of the dumbass trio came into her head. "These guys...we're definitely going to have to straighten them out to make sure they don't do stupid shit like this again! Not to big bro, at least!"

Reinhard nodded, wholeheartedly agreeing with his master's rage-filled sentiments.

All three moved towards Subaru and began beating the everliving shit out of him, leaving the boy to wallow on the ground as blow after blow rained down onto his body.

"Don't think it'll be painless, either!"

The tall one dropped his heel onto Subaru's face, twisting it around on him as the young man groaned in agony.

"They truly aren't sparing any thought to cruelly beating up Barusu. As worthless as he may be, these men appear to be even lower than that." Ram spoke impassively, though her shaking fists betrayed her rage at the thieves.

Roswaal, sitting beside his maid, did not share her anger, but rather he just continued to single-mindedly watch the events unfolding on screen.

'Why has he not rewound time yet? If so, he could easily dispatch of these thugs...or is it that he has still not attained awareness of his ability?' The clown-makeup wearing man could not fathom why Natsuki Subaru was enduring such humiliation.

"That's enough." A stern voice rang through the alleyway, with all the members turning their attention to it.

"Could it be…?" Petra looked up with hope in her eyes, smiling at the familiar smooth voice being heard from the screen.

At the entrance stood a beautiful silver-haired girl, her purplish-blue eyes staring right back at each and every one of them fearlessly. Her hair and pure white clothing swayed in the wind, making her look as if she were an angel.

"It's...me? But...I don't remember meeting Subaru here! Our first meeting was at the loot house!" Emilia spoke in clear confusion, now adding further to the confusing conflict of events.

"Just what does such odd conflict mean…?" Reinhard seemed to stare at the screen with a bit of distrust behind her clear blue eyes.

"Maybe...this thing ain't as real as we were thinkin?!" Garfiel growled, pissed off at the thought of such trickery being used to detain him and the rest of the camp...and to keep his captain knocked out!

"Who the hell are you?!" One of the thugs asked, undeterred.

"Stop now, and I'll forgive you. So, just return that which you stole." She demanded, as the screen panned around to fully show her face.

"Real or not...I'm happy to at least see someone on the screen that is an ally to Subaru-sama." Crusch let out a sigh of relief at her rival candidate's appearance.

"Heh, the Cap'n may not be his usual strong self here, but I know fer sure the princess'll help him!" Garfiel said with absolute certainty, not holding a moment of doubt at what the half-elf would do next.

Subaru, from his position on the ground, could not help but stare at the girl with wonder and enchantment. His eyes were the same as when he had first been dropped into the world...this girl had completely taken up his mind.

"What we stole?" One thug asked with confusion.

"Now, please. It's something very important to me." Our mystery girl demanded. "I'll give up on any other stuff, but I can't let you have that. Be good kids and quietly hand it over, please?"

"Judging by that girl's timely appearance…" Anastasia affixed the half elf with a deadpan gaze. "Don't tell me ya'll lost your royal insignia."

"W-well...haha...I won't ever be that careless again…?" Emilia said, hoping to try and navigate out of the ire of those who didn't yet know about the girl's slip-up.

Otto jumped out of his seat, turning to the half-elf with a panicked gaze. "Emilia-sama, you can't just spill secrets like that to her of all people!" He chided, leaving Emilia to give yet another chuckle. Anastasia grinned, happy that she had gotten to confirm yet another of her mysteries about the Emilia camp.

"Heh'. I'll have to say thanks for the info! T'think that my reports were actually right…" She looked at the clumsy girl with a stare that showed that Emilia had gone down a few levels of respect in her eyes. Yet, Emilia was absolutely undaunted by this display.

"Don't worry, Otto. That was back when I was different...I'm not that girl anymore." She said with a gentle smile and tilt of her head. Otto's eyes widened, and he smiled, as he leaned back in his chair, receiving the added unsaid message.

"That is right...you haaaaave changed, have you not, Emilia-sama?" Roswaal showed a sly grin as he complimented the girl. Putting aside the fact that he was the reason for all the misfortune befalling her...he had seen her as utterly incompetent before Sanctuary. Her ability to overcome the trials entirely smashed his expectations.

Ram looked at her master knowingly, finding that she shared his exact same thoughts. Even the red-haired Oni had thought that Emilia was just a helpless girl who needed coddling. A small, rare smile showed on her face.

Emilia was long past needing constant protection. She had matured much, and everyone in the Emilia camp that knew her before the Sanctuary was aware of that.

Julius smiled at his friend's camp, happy to see that both he and the people he was allied with had changed for the better. "You and those around you truly never cease to amaze me, Natsuki Subaru..."

Anastasia rose an eyebrow at this display, finding herself re-evaluating her opinion of the silver-haired candidate and her team. Her knight's quiet comment especially made her reconsider. "Maybe I was a little quick to judge ya'll after all..."

"Hmph! For how many times you refer to Betty's contractor as 'silly', you are not better, yourself." Beatrice said with a laugh, completely ignoring the interaction between their two camps.

"Geez, Beatrice! You don't have to say that right as I was getting praised!" Emilia pouted and retorted, leaving everyone to laugh lightly before returning their gazes to the screen.

"You...didn't come to save this guy?" The same thug asked, pointing to Subaru.

"What strange clothes he has…" Emilia looked at the boy on the ground. "If you asked me if I had any connection to him, I'd have to say no." She admitted honestly.

"Hah! So much for her earlier attitude, that vermin down there just completely nullified her own words...how disappointing, is it not?" Priscilla smoke with a mean grin, looking down upon those in the seats below her.

Yet, despite this comment, nobody answered, at least not immediately.

"Hmph, how boring. Are you truly so afraid of the truth of mineself's words that you can not even bring yourself to answer?"

"If I could be so presumptuous to interrupt, Priscilla-sama…" Reinhard spoke up with his usual dashing smile, looking up at the woman without a single change in his demeanor. "I believe that we should watch further. I believe it is too soon to draw conclusions." The Sword Saint spoke with confidence.

"That's right! Emilia-sama would never just leave someone behind!" Petra agreed timidly, knowing firsthand just how much effort and kindness the lady had.

Priscilla scoffed, crossing her legs over one another. "So you filth desperately plead…" She threw a particularly nasty glare at Petra, who immediately shrank back in her seat out of fear. Frederica put a protective arm around the young maid. "I suppose that it is possible to wait for but a few more seconds, just to see you all proved miserably wrong."

"Then hell, you ain't got any business with us!" He said with sureness, now that the situation was cleared up, pointing to the rooftops. "If there's anyone who stole from you, it's gotta be that blonde brat that just ran over there!"

"Yeah, that way, she ran that way!" The smaller thug said, pointing to the rooftops as well.

"To think they'd so easily rat out one a' their own vagrants that easy...maybe ya' should consider rehirin', Felt-chan?" Anastasia looked towards the blonde ex-thief with a wide grin.

"I don't want any advice from you…but these guys already had their jobs on the line from the moment they threatened to kill big bro. That's crossing the line, even for a thug." Felt said, giving a disappointing stare at the trio. She knew they definitely weren't bad guys deep down, but she couldn't just forget what she'd seen on the screen either.

And fake or not, the fact that they'd do that to Subaru if they had been given the chance just made her even more peeved.

Emilia leaned forward, taking their words earnestly. "Hmm...you don't seem to be lying…in that case, I need to go after her!" She would immediately dash forward, running past the thugs in the direction of Felt's escape.

All of the thugs watched her go, letting out a sigh of relief as the stranger excused herself.

"Hmm...is she really just gonna leave bro to die like that?" Al stared at the screen with apparent disbelief, figuring that he'd read the half-elf to be a lot more bluntly kind than just leaving a stranger behind. He didn't want to agree with his mistress, but it was hard not to when he watched the half-elf candidate just walk away.

Priscilla showed a cruel smile as the scene seemed to frame Emilia as abandoning Subaru, though she spoke not a word, as promised...she wished to enjoy seeing the filth wallow in their own despair in silence.

"There's no way that would happen. Even if he is a stranger to her right now, Emilia-sama is not nearly the kind of person to leave a person in need behind." Rem, of all people, was the one to refute these words, knowing just how highly her hero admired and loved that kindness from the half-elf...much to her jealousy.

Emilia, not being able to sense such feelings of envy, gave Rem a thankful smile from the bottom of her heart, glad to be defended.

Everyone in the Emilia camp once more showed solidarity in their belief of Emilia's growth and development, leaving Priscilla utterly confused this time.

Anastasia, having experienced their strong bonds just shrugged, leaning back in her chair. "These guys really got me beat. I can't tease anythin' 'outta 'em, and neither can that 'gal with anger issues. Think I'll just focus on gettin' information like usual!" She kept her focus on the screen, though her scarf could barely conceal her foxish grin.

The vibrant purple-haired gal knew that something had happened in recent times to change Emilia, but she still had no idea what it was. All she had an idea of was that it had happened in the Mathers estate...and it was some big event that they had kept on the down low.

Felt smirked proudly, folding her arms. "That's big sis and big bro's camp for you! They've got each other's backs down to the wire!"

Their relief was cut short, however, as the girl quickly turned back, affixing them with a serious, harsh gaze.

"That being that...I still can't overlook this situation, either!"

"Oh, oh! She's getting ready to kick some butt! Mimi wants to kick some butt too!" The sister of the vice-captain triplets spoke excitedly, looking towards Anastasia with a pleading gaze. After a bit of enduring her puppy-eyes, Anastasia gave in with a sigh.

"Alright, Mimi, once we get outta' this place, alright?" She spoke, unable to refuse her. Mimi grinned, hopping up in her chair in victory.

"Awesome! Thanks, Mum!" The girl sat back down, ignoring her intellectual brother's tired sigh to his sister's antics.

She raised a hand, with ice particles beginning to gather into her palm. In a second, three hard lumps of ice bashed into each thug, sending all of them flying effortlessly.

Ricardo whistled, watching the display of magic with an impressed gaze. "That lil' miss really knows how ta' handle that ice magic."

"Yeeeees, Emilia-sama is a raaaather talented magic user." Roswaal agreed with a grin. She was not quite anywhere near his level, but with her natural talent, alongside her time spent with her Great Spirit, he reckoned that she was quite the force to handle.

"Magic?" Subaru said, watching the ice disappear into the air after hitting their targets.

"It is still a wonder that his world was able to make up a concept like magic as if it were fantasy...yet manage to get it so accurate that they could recognize real magic instantly, as if they just know what it is." Tivey spoke with interest.

Despite the display, the thugs still managed to get up, as stubborn as cockroaches.

"Mess with us, will you?" The leader grunted, grasping his blades. "I don't care if you're a magic user, I'll still kill you! Think you can win when it's two against one, huh?!" He said, referring to the fat thug who still seemed to be in fighting shape beside him.

Felix snickered to himself, shaking his head at the thugs. "They've got a whole lot of bark, if nothing else. It's too bad these kind of guys can just never tell when they're outclassed!"

Julius let out a sigh. "Indeed. It is difficult for us knights to stamp out these threats when they never seem to truly give up."

Unphased, Emilia just agreed. "You're right, one against two might really be unfair."

A new voice chimed in. "Two against two should make it fair, then."

Into Emilia's palm, an incredibly cute-looking cat-like-being rose up, gently levitating into her hand with a cute 'mew!'.

"Puck!" Emilia looked up at the screen with a certain light in her eyes, as she laid eyes on her spirit for the first time in over a year. She subconsciously reached her hands to the screen, tears falling from her eyes. Her hands paused, as she remembered that the images on the screen were just that, images.

The gentle half-elf looked down with a bit of disappointment clear in her eyes, though she still held a small smile at just being able to see her one and only remaining family member again.

"Bubby! To think that this accursed viewing would allow me to see him again, I suppose!" Beatrice was quite pleased as she saw the cat spirit on screen, a rare bright smile showing on the Great Spirit's face. Joy danced in her eyes as she watched the screen with renewed interest.

Anastasia stared at the two celebrating silently, going over the information in her head. "So it was true that she lost her spirit…" The girl mumbled to herself, though rather than seeming pleased, she just showed a frown. "And so what? She ain't a weak gal, and she's got a whole competent team 'behind 'er!"

Julius looked at his mistress with a small smile on him, as he truly enjoyed watching her in moments like these when she was challenged by new and sudden changes in her controlled situations...yet he knew she'd overcome it in time.

"It is no worry. I am sure that something will show itself soon, Anastasia-sama." He said reassuringly, leaving Anastasia to look at him with a bright smile, a smile that showed that she had already fully reoriented herself.

"Yer right, Julius. M'just gonna focus on gettin' as much outta 'em as I can! Then I'll press them on all the details later…"

Otto smirked as he overheard the conversation, finding himself much more relaxed. It was nice to hear the information-hoarding candidate at a loss to what she should press them on for the first time since they'd arrived. Though, he couldn't help but feel worried at her ending words...

"Hold on...you're a spirit arts user?" A thug asked worriedly, taking a step forward.

"Correct. Back off now and I still won't come after you. You better decide fast, because I'm in a hurry." The girl said, attempting to still extend mercy to the thugs.

"Y-You spoiled bitch! Next time I see your ass, I won't go easy on you!" He promised.

Crusch laughed in amusement at the thug's desperate threats, shaking her head to his antics. "You truly were correct, Ferris. The lot of these thugs have no sense of when to give in. To think they'd threaten a woman carrying a fully matured Great Spirit…"

"They're honestly really stupid…but what do you expect from back-alley thugs, am I right?" Felix said with a smug smirk, his tail swaying behind him in happiness as he was complimented by Crusch.

Felt, despite having the three thugs in her camp, could only help but nod at the Crusch camp's harsh words. Of course, she'd grown the thugs considerably stronger thanks to Reinhard's training, but they were still idiots at the end of the day.

The cat spirit in Emilia's hand just cutely tilted its' head, as it spoke incredibly ominous words.

"Do anything to her, and I'll haunt you and your kin forever. Not that you'll have any kin, if I do that in the first place."

Beatrice smiled in satisfaction at Puck's threats, showing a sadistic smile, herself. "Bubby is far too nice, I suppose. If Betty had been there while they threatened her contractor, she would've done much worse than simply haunt them or get rid of their kin…" The Spirit said, without a hint of hesitation.

Rem and Emilia both shared in Beatrice's dark aura, both having innocent-looking smiles that radiated pure darkness and pain for the unfortunate souls that were their targets.

Even behind them, Crusch could be seem agreeing with a slow, threatening nod of her head, and Felt just showed her same aggressive smirk, though she seemed to be the most frightening of all, as she quite literally had the most power to punish the thugs in her hands.

Garfiel gulped, feeling a pressure on his shoulders. A pressure far scarier than even the Host's deathly magical pressure. "Scary...it's scary how many gals the Cap'n has dedicated t'him...but it just shows how awesome he is, too!" The young boy shout-whispered, fist-bumping the air.

Otto was a lot less pumped, already in a nervous sweat. "Natsuki-san...I am so sorry for whatever will happen to your love life in the future…" He gave a bow of his head, as if wishing the boy good luck.

Julius and Reinhard shared a look of understanding at the situation, both just chuckling to themselves as they stared forward to the screen with smiles on their faces.

"Damn...how'd he do it?" Al was just amused as he stared down at the scene, shaking his head to all of the scary auras coming from the ladies.

Priscilla rolled her eyes in simple disgust. "To be fawning over such a worthless boy...how appalling." Of course, she found him interesting, but to say she held even an iota of admiration, or even respect, let alone romantic inclinations was more than just a laughable joke.

Anastasia, meanwhile, just counted all the girls who seemed to respond the same, whistling to herself and smirking. "Didn't think that boy'd be gettin' around that much!" Her eyes held an entertained look, as she filed away that information for later.

With these words, the thugs practically tripped over themselves running out of the alley, with the leader only coming back to show care for his passed-out smaller friend, grabbing him to run back out again.

"So he returned to pick up his friend? Interesting, I had supposed he would just leave him there in a hurry to flee." Wilhelm analyzed the thug's movements, with a spark in his eye.

"Don't overthink it too much, Old Man Wilhelm, these guys are probably just grabbing him so he can't get interrogated by the guards or something later~! Do you really think that they care that much for their allies?" Felix countered, with an annoyed shrug.

"Of course!" Felt interrupted with a raising of her hand, turning back at him. "They may be thugs, but they're still friends, ain't they? He'd really just be trash if he couldn't at least watch out for his bros, but don't just throw off all of them as just being worthless!"

Felix looked surprised by the ex slum-dweller's outburst, and looked to ready himself to say even more, but Crusch just stopped him, holding out her arm in front of her knight and giving Felt a respectful nod. "You are correct. I apologize for my knight's harsh words, Felt-dono."

Felt let out a huff, folding her arms as she turned around to keep watching.

Felix looked at Crusch with a confused stare. "But why, Crusch-sama? These guys are definitely trash with nothing better to do than rob people."

Crusch shook her head with a disappointed sigh, looking right back at her knight. "Do you not realize? They are thugs not by choice, but because they had to be. Their rough clothing, manner of speaking, and desperation to survive...it is likely that they banded together just to live. As a ruler, would it be correct to just overlook them as useless thugs, when they represent a much wider problem with the Kingdom at large?"

Crusch's words made Felix look surprised, as he had never thought for a moment to think that deeply about some random vagrants...yet his expression slowly changed to a smile, and he looked away. "You're right, Crusch-sama...I apologize for speaking out of term."

He was happy to have his thoughtful, wise, and decisive leader back...he was happy to have his Crusch back.

Julius and Reinhard both looked at their friend with happy gazes, themselves. They were happy to have their friend back as well, and even happier to see him filled with such happiness that they hadn't seen him show in a long time.

Subaru watched the men leave, then turned to Emilia with a relieved look.

"You...you saved me. Thanks."

"Subaru must be really thankful that Emilia-sama saved him...he was barely able to move earlier, after all." Petra said with a relieved smile, happy to see Subaru out of harm's way for good.

Though, his words were not met warmly at first.

"Don't move." Emilia demanded, looking down at him from her position above him, in the light.

He just stared at her, finding himself blushing as the incredibly pretty girl just stared right back at him. Unable to bear keeping eye contact with her, his eyes shifted off to the side.

"It's definitely easy to seeeee~...Subaru-kuuuuuun was enamored at first siiight!" Roswaal took a brief moment to laugh, finding it incredibly satisfying how easily everything fell into place. Even if this timeline was not the one which Natsuki Subaru seemed to stay within, it was much too amusing for him to be able to see how fate itself played the boy right into his hands. Though, of course, the others were ignorant to this truth.

"It would make sense. A pathetic man like Barusu clinging onto the first source of help he finds...only to jump into loving her? Truly…" Ram's words were as harsh as always, though it was easy for anyone to tell she was relieved as her words lacked true bite to them.

Rem let out a jealous sigh, finding herself in the complete opposite emotional place of her sister. She wished that Subaru would find her too beautiful to look at, some day…

"Hehe, it only makes sense, right? Big sis saves big bro, he goes all googly-eyed, it's a natural love story!" Felt said, showing an amused grin as she pointed her finger to the half-elf in question.

"I...I…" Emilia was almost entirely red, still not used to speaking about 'love', and other such topics, especially surrounding her knight. She certainly cared for him in a very special way...but fully confronting her feelings was something beyond her at the moment.

"See? You averted your eyes because you feel guilty! It looks like my judgment was spot on." She said, taking some steps down towards him.

"Are you sure?" The cat spirit levitated around to Emilia's head. "I think that was just an instinctive male reaction. There wasn't any malice at all."

"You be quiet, Puck." She demanded, leaning down to Subaru. "You know who stole my insignia from me, don't you?"

"You really are clueless, I suppose. To think you'd doubt even Bubby's words!" Beatrice's butterfly-irises looked up at Emilia pointedly, to which Emilia just looked away with a guilty stare.

Petra looked to Fredrica with a curious gaze. "What does he mean by an instinctive male reaction…?"

Fredrica just gave Petra a serene smile, gently patting her on the head. "That is an explanation that I will save for much later."

The boy just looked at her with absolute confusion. "Um, sorry, but I don't have the slightest idea."

She continued to look at him, as if looking for something in his gaze, only for a look of sudden worry to show on her face.

"Eh? Wait, it can't be." She turned away from the boy, blushing in embarrassment as she brought her hands to her chest. "Did I really just come around the long way?"

"She only just realized?" Tivey said with exasperation, thinking on just how inefficient the girl's questioning and handling of the situation had been.

Subaru snickered to himself. "You should probably hurry after her, miss." He forced himself to get to his feet, barely staying stable. "If you want I could...hel...p…" He fell right back down, onto his back.

"Subaru!" Emilia said with worry, shaking off her embarrassment as she stared at the screen.

"There's no nyeed to worry, Subaru-kyun is just taking a nap after being hit so hard. It's just his body recovering from the stress of being beat so badly." Felix reassured the half-elf with a dismissive wave of his hand, trying to hide the hint of amusement in his voice.

"Ah, geez, you shouldn't have forced yourself to stand." Puck chided, noting that the boy was now passing out. He turned to his contractor. "What should we do?"

Emilia looked from the boy's near-unconscious form. "It's none of our business. He won't die, at the very least. We'll just leave him."

"Pahaha! That's some good actin', Princess!" Garfiel said, bursting out into laughter at the girl's obviously fake words.

"Garf is correct. You are still 100 years to early to attempt sounding that cold, Emilia-sama. Leave it to the professionals." Ram shook her head at Emilia's attempt in looking ruthless.

"Of course, Betty would have frozen you if you had been serious! But I am sure that Bubby himself knows better than anyone how fake those words are, I suppose." Beatrice shook her head, unconvinced in the slightest by the innocent half-elf's actions on screen.

"Yes, Emilia-sama has no idea how to be truly ruthless. This tough act is rather unconvincing…" Otto folded his arms and nodded in agreement to the other members of the camp.

Said half-elf had turned red in embarrassment and frustration at her camp's doubting of her ability to show a more ruthless side, practically fuming as she shook her knight's arm.

"I-I could do it if I had to! I know how to prioritize! Of course, I mean, I would help if I could...but I'm sure that if it was a really dire situation, I could definitely be ruthless! Subaru would say so too!" Emilia was unable to admit her true innocence and internal kindness, just proving everyone's point even more.

Felt snickered, pointing a finger down at the girl. "Really? Don't you think Subaru would be the biggest fan of kind Emilia? He even calls you an angel and everything!"

Reinhard slowly nodded in agreement with his feisty mistress, thinking to the determination he always saw in Subaru's eyes whenever the topic of Emilia came up.

Julius showed a small smirk, reminiscent of his mistress' usual mischievous expressions. "It seems we are all in unison, Emilia-sama just would not abandon him, would she?"

"That's right. Emilia-dono is just not capable of such a thing." Crusch agreed, smiling at the half-elf's desperation to prove herself otherwise.

Emilia just deflated, her shoulders drooping to her side. "You guys..."

"Really?" Puck tilted his head, unconvinced.

"Yes, really." Emilia said, sounding more like she was trying to convince herself than her spirit.

"You say that now, but I bet you'll still help him." Puck teased.

"I won't help him!" She refuted desperately.

"Again with that…" Her spirit said, still completely sure of what Emilia would do, already.

"Absolutely not, I won't save him!" Emilia argued, with her spirit just blankly staring right back at her.

"See? Even Bubby is having fun drawing the true answer out from you, I suppose!" Beatrice was not even attempting to hide her smugness at having being proved correct, leaving Emilia to just turn away and entirely hide herself from the group.

"Hiding ain't gonna do a thing! Th' spirit, and by looks, th' rest of the theater's gotcha all figured out!" Anastasia spoke up to the turned away Emilia, leaving everyone laughing merrily at the half-elf's expense, Priscilla excluded.

"Pathetic…" Priscilla muttered under her breath, finding the entire display disgusting. She, no doubt, would've left both the boy and the thugs half-dead in the alley. This 'kindness' they spoke of, she found, seemed nothing more than weakness and naivete disguised as mercy.

Al looked to his mistress, giving her a silent stare for a while, before returning his gaze to the screen.

'When are ya gonna be more honest, princess? It's way too easy to see that this whole thing's got your interest…' The helmeted knight thought, letting out the quietest of chuckles that he could behind his helmet.

Subaru, even as he passed out, found the girl completely captivating.

'She's super cute even when she's mad…that's an Isekai fantasy for you…'

"Good grief, he's thinking that sort of thing while passed out? That's Subaru-kyun for you." Felix snickered, finding the boy's crush on Emilia rather comedic.

"G-Geez, Subaru, you can't be thinking that while you're so hurt…" Emilia blushed as they were given insight into the boy's love-stricken thoughts, finding herself snuggling just a little more into her knight.

Rem huffed, looking on at the half-elf with jealousy, again wishing that Subaru would hold those sort of thoughts of her in his head...

The screen turned black, cutting to Subaru laying his head on somewhere soft...soft, and fluffy looking.

"This...this can't be possible, I suppose…" Beatrice spoke first, wide-eyed as the scene went on. "B-Betty refuses to believe that...th-this happened, in fact!" The Great Spirit stuttered over her words, as giggles began to escape her lips.

Emilia followed suit, with her eyes looking away from her knight. She fared much worse than Beatrice, not even able to speak as her cheeks puffed up, with her looking as if she was trying the hardest she could to contain her laughter.

He'd open his eyes, cheeks immediately turning red. "Am I...getting a lap pillow right now?" He asked, hopefully.

Rem and Ram followed suit, with all of them bursting out into unrestrained laughter as the realization hit them full-force, with even Roswaal allowing some chuckles to escape from his lips.

"T-To think that Subaru-kun would get his first lap pillow...like...like that…!" Rem felt tears dripping from her eyes at how much the scene left her reeling.

"No, no, such a 'gift' is perfect for Barusu." Ram corrected, looking off to the side in an attempt to hide her expression.

"To thiiiink this would happen...truly, such an act is peeerfectly beffiting of our Subaru-kun." Roswaal agreed with Ram's words, his ever-present smile showing just a bit wider.

Everyone else seemed slightly confused, not exactly following just why most of Emilia's camp was finding such amusement from the scene.

"Are you awake?" The same girl from before's voice asked, prompting Subaru to shyly close his eyes.

"I didn't know cute girls were this hairy…" He murmured to himself, before his eyes immediately shot open. "Wait, that can't be right!" He yelled, immediately getting to his feet.

"H-Hol' up…" Garfiel sputtered, as the realization finally dawned on him of what exactly was about to be revealed.

As he turned up, he found the face of the same cat from before staring right down at him.

There was an awkward silence…

Subaru spun right up off of Puck's lap, with the cat spirit smiling mischievously, now sized like a regular person.

Everyone now certainly got the joke, with almost everyone in the theater laughing at Subaru's misfortune in having his imaginative dream lap pillow broken.

"N-Natsuki-san…!" Otto tipped his hat over his face, trying to hide his laughter the best he could. Although both he and Garfiel utterly failed, finding themselves laughing their asses off once more at their sworn brother.

"To think that big bro got something like that...he must've felt reeeeeal lucky!" Felt slapped her knee as she laughed, falling back in her chair. Reinhard, beside her, tried his best to be firm and keep his neutral expression...but he failed to contain the small smile tugging at the edge of his lips.

"Heh'! I'll keep in mind that that Natsuki-kun there likes cat spirit lap pillows!"

Anastasia snickered, alongside Ricardo and Mimi, who both didn't even bother to hide their laughter. Julius, much like Reinhard, tried to keep neutral, but he wasn't nearly as good as it at Reinhard, with a few half-chuckles escaping from him.

"O-Of course that would happen to Subaru, nya-nyahaha…!"

Felix wasn't even hiding his laughter, and Crusch laughed just as boisterously, with Wilhelm joining the two in their jolly laughing.

"Seriously, bro…?"

Even Al further up let out a chuckle, though Priscilla didn't give even a single snort.

"It's just a thoughtful arrangement we made, so you could at least feel happy until you got up." The cat spirit's voice was incredibly high, like he was trying to sound as girlish as possible.

"First of all, stop that high voice! No sane guy confuses a cat for the main heroine!" Subaru demanded, shaking his head.

"Aw, seeing you so happy was worth making myself bigger."

"I'm not happy at all!" Subaru reinstated. In the middle of his interaction with Puck, his eyes laid on the same girl he had previously seen, the one who'd saved him from being robbed.

Both Otto and Garfiel looked toward each other, silently nodding in an agreement towards each other...they were definitely not gonna let Subaru live this down once they got to speak to him again.

Felix felt much the same way, although for a different reason...he just enjoyed getting on Subaru's nerves and teasing him, was all.

Julius and Reinhard, deciding to preserve their friend's dignity, vowed to seal the memory away in their minds forever...or at least try their best to.

Regaining his bearings, he managed to say what he wanted to first.

"I'm kinda, well...I'm sorry for this one. You guys stayed with me the whole time I was passed out."

"Hmm...I suppose the commoner at least has some level of manners. To apologize for wasting one's time on such a pitiful weakling, that is at least the basic level of decency." Priscilla said with a prideful smile.

Emilia let out a sharp breath of air, resisting the urge to turn back and yell at the pretentious woman once more.

"Don't get the wrong idea. I had to stay because there were things I wanted to ask you!" Emilia corrected, though her argument already sounded flimsy. "Healing your wounds and making Puck your pillow until you woke up was all for my own benefit." She said, though her words convinced nobody.

"So, I need you to repay me in kind." She spoke, placing her hands at her waist.

"She's tryin' ta' negotiate, but what sort of argument sounds that flimsy? Doesn't she even know he doesn't know 'nothin?" Anastasia spoke in clear confusion, looking to Emilia.

Felt chuckled, having noticed said flimsy words as she was a little experienced in negotiation, herself. "No way she's actually trying to get anything from big bro. She's just trying to clear any debt between them!"

Subaru responded tiredly. "For such a normal favor, you're really making it sound like I owe you big."

"That's not it. You have some idea who stole my insignia, right?" She asked, approaching the still disoriented boy.

"Insignia?' He asked, with apparent confusion. "You mean...like an affiliation badge?"

"It has a jewel in the center, and it's about this big." Emilia further explained, showing a pinch in her fingers to the boy.

"I still can't believe that Emilia-sama would simply lose her insignia...I must ask that you take better care of it in the future. I can't imagine what would happen if Felt-sama were to lose hers..." Reinhard said concernedly to the half-elf candidate, who just laughed it off with a shaking of her head.

"Of course, of course. You don't need to worry so much, Reinhard." She had already long reprimanded herself for the careless act, and nobody in her camp ever believed that she would lose it again.

Anastasia stared at Emilia with a curious gaze, humming. Of course, she recognized how important the insignias were. Not only would losing one give you a bad rep, but many of the old men in the council were jumping at chances to declare all of the candidates unsuitable to get the kingdom into their own hands. That went doubly for someone with Emilia's...appearance.

Subaru refuted. "Sorry, but not matter how many times you ask, I really have no idea."

"I see...that can't be helped, then." Emilia moved from him, though she pointed a finger at Subaru. "But, you've given me the information that you know nothing. And you gave me my answer in exchange for healing you." She said, folding her arms.

"Huh?" Not sure where she was going with this, Subaru just stared at the girl in confusion.

"Well, I'm in a hurry, so I'll be going now. Your wounds are better now, but next time, you shouldn't do dangerous things like wandering into back alleys alone." Emilia chided in a motherly tone.

Catching her own words, she quickly corrected herself. "Ah, I'm not concerned, I'm just warning you. If that happens to you again, saving you won't be of any benefit to me, so don't expect me to help."

Anastasia showed a small smile, much did many others at Emilia's clear attempt to throw Subaru out of owing her anything.

"Honestly...ya' coulda' just said that he owed ya' nothing if you wanted that ta' be so badly."

"Seems like she's got an issue admittin' her feelings in her own words!" Al spoke jovially from above, a sentiment that everyone agreed with as the audience once more broke into laughter.

Emilia turned red once more, realizing just how much of her earlier faults this showing had put out for everyone to view.

Subaru just watched the girl leave with utter confusion, totally lost at her long-winded speech.

Puck spoke to Subaru, with a small smile on him.

"Sorry about her behavior, she's just not an honest child. Don't think badly of her." He said kindly to Subaru.

"That is an understatement." Ram spoke with exasperation, having long dealt with the half-elf's kind, yet hesitant to open up nature. Well, she supposed that the difference between then and now was that she willingly subjected herself to it, rather than just forcing herself to be kind due to Roswaal's orders.

The boy just watched her walk away in silence, an unreadable expression on his face. He then made his decision.

"Not honest? I think this goes beyond that." He muttered to himself, prompting Puck to look at him. "She was in such a hurry to find her stolen item, but she still saved a guy like me." Opposite to Emilia's speech, sincerity could be felt in Subaru's words.

"And she even came up with a lame excuse so she'd feel like I didn't owe her anything, even though I'm just a stranger to her. Anyone who lives like that…" Subaru grabbed his items in a hurry, running after the girl.

"Of course, no matter what version of him it may be, I suppose Subaru is always bound to follow his heart." Reinhard spoke with fondness, wishing to himself that he had that sort of decisiveness.

Rem, Emilia, and Beatrice all gave knowing nods to this, with each very well having all been subjected to his stubborn care for all of them...a stubbornness that had changed and saved all of them.

"Is gonna end up wasting their whole life!"

"Natsuki-san is one to talk...honestly, what shall we do with you…?" Otto shook his head to his friend's irony-filled declaration, though he had quite the tender smile on himself. That was the man who he was proud to call his best friend.

He erupted out onto the streets, now standing behind the girl who was still a mystery to him.

"Hey, wait up!" He called, making her stop in her tracks. She turned around to face him, seeming a little annoyed at the boy's intrusion.

"What? Just so you know, I only have just a little more time to spend with you."

"A little more time…? Emilia-dono, you truly are a lenient one…" Crusch turned her head to the half-elf, figuring that even she would not spend such time with a total stranger.

The silver-haired girl just let out a nervous chuckle, as she tapped her fingers together. "Well...perhaps I put a bit of trust in him because of Puck? I did trust Puck's word a lot, after all…" She said, eyes sliding far away as she found herself reminiscing of her past with her adoptive father.

Subaru's shoulders lowered. "I can tell that you're being a little lenient with your free time…ah, forget it. You lost something important to you, right? Let me help you!"

"But you said you don't know anything useful…" Emilia tilted her head.

"Like factual reasonin' is gonna stop a boy in love!" Anastasia said without shame, breaking Emilia right out of her thoughts. The half-elf just focused on the screen, though wasn't embarrassed at Anastasia's teasing words as she once might have been.

She wondered earnestly if this was the moment when Subaru had decided to help her...to put forth all he could to save her...but this was a Subaru the current her didn't know...it was a completely different Emilia.

Yet, some things began to bug her...how Subaru seemed to have his goal set in mind from day 1 to learn her name, how he put his life on the line for who should've been a stranger, and how he even knew Felt had taken her insignia, in the first place?

These things began to eat away at her...and Felt and Reinhard, two that had been deeply involved in that day, also seemed worried in their own regards...yet none of the three really came close to any further realization.

Looking for anything in his mind, Subaru leaned forward, cutting through Emilia's words.

"I still remember her face at least! If I see her, I can tell you!" He offered quickly.

"Betty's contractor is silly indeed, I suppose. To attempt coming up with an excuse just to follow after the silver-haired girl...he is truly obsessed." Beatrice leaned further back into her contractor's chest, closing her eyes in happiness...though she still felt jealousy eat away at her. The boy had made it clear from the day he saved her from the library, Emilia was and always would be his number one…

"Don't let it get you down, Beatrice-sama." Rem placed a comforting, and understanding hand on the Great Spirit's shoulder. Usually, Beatrice would've shouted and blown her away, but instead...she meekly sat there, taking the comfort as both girls continued to watch.

Emilia thought on it for a while, then eventually spoke.

"You're a very strange person...just to be clear, I can't do anything to thank you, you know?" She clarified, looking away from him with a pout.

Undeterred, Subaru pushed on.

"I don't want any thanks. I just want to thank you. That's why I want to help."

"I didn't do anything to deserve your thanks. I already received your compensation for healing your wounds, didn't I tell you?"

"She must be rather suspicious of Subaru. A seeming stranger being so insistent on accompanying her…" Julius spoke, bringing a hand to his chin as he considered the situation. Anastasia gave her knight an uncomfortable gaze, shaking her head.

"That ain't all, Julius. I think we all know a much larger reason she would be suspicious…"

Julius seemed confused at his mistress' words, however, realization eventually crossed his eyes, and he turned his gaze downwards in shame.

Everyone knew without anything else having to be said – it was Emilia's half-elf heritage…and her distinct appearance, highly resembling the Witch of Envy.

"Right...Emilia-sama most likely believe Barusu to have some ill intentions due to, well, entirely ignoring any mention of her appearance. She would have had no idea it was simply his ignorance shining through, as usual." Ram rolled her eyes as she commented, folding her arms as she leaned back into her chair.

"Indeed...that is...sadly, true." Reinhard looked down with the same shame that Julius had, feeling it a failure of himself to allow such discrimination to run rampant, as a knight.

"Well...I don't think that matters, right?" Petra spoke up, timidly raising her hand to call everyone's attention towards her. "I-I mean...we all know that Emilia-sama is more than that. She is definitely not anything close to the witch…"

Crusch gave the girl an approving smile, speaking her own thoughts bravely. "Of course, we are all aware that Emilia-dono is not anything close to a witch. I can personally vouch for her, as I trust Natsuki-sama's judgment of her character. Anyone in doubt, I suggest that you speak now."

There was absolute silence throughout the theater. Even Priscilla, despite her use of discriminatory insults, just scoffed and held her tongue.

Emilia was so thankful to the encouraging words that everyone had given, though she managed to not burst out in tears right then and there. "Thank you...thank you so much, everyone."

"I would not dare accept your thanks, half-wit." Priscilla spat, though her words did not have the same sour bite behind them to many in the theater. There were many things that Priscilla Barielle was, and none of them were 'an ignorant racist'.

At her words, Subaru still insisted, showing a bright smile on his face.

"I'm going to help you for my own benefit, too." He said, borrowing the same words the girl had used against him. "My objective is, let's see…Yeah!" Subaru looked at her, deciding on his goal. "One good deed per day!"

"Using her own words against her. Smooth, bro." Al nodded his head in approval to the nasty-eyed boy's surprisingly quick thinking.

Emilia looked at him, now at a loss. She still seemed unsure, until her spirit hopped up onto her shoulder, once again in his mini-form.

"I don't sense any malice, still. I think you can just accept it. After all...the more meat shields between you and ruffians, the better." He whispered the last part, looking at Subaru smugly.

"That's what you're supporting having me around for?!" Subaru said in mock outrage, putting a foot down.

Beatrice and Emilia could not hold back small amounts of laughter at this interaction, both being overly familiar with just how Puck could be so ominous, yet incredibly funny and protective at the same time.

Emilia once again felt the need to reinstate herself, looking to him with honesty. "I meant it, though. I really can't do anything at all to thank you."

Ignoring this, Subaru just went on to again proclaim his determination.

"No problem. Just leave it to me!"

The scene would finally change, showing the two making their way around the town and speaking to various people, likely attempting to find information on Emilia's stolen insignia.

"They truly are searching with dedication...though it appears Subaru's unfortunate bad luck is following them in their search." Reinhard mused, leaning forward in interest as they were finally presented a new scene.

"Talk about it. Brother must've used up all his luck in meeting the young lady down there!" Ricardo howled in laughter, banging a fist against his chest as if trying to contain himself better. Of course, a man as jovial as him could not help but fail to keep it in.

Eventually it cut to the two sitting atop the balcony of a building, with Subaru sighing to himself.

"I talked big, but isn't this town way too big to find one little thing in?"

"Of course...they have not even investigated the outskirts of the inner city, yet." Frederica spoke, remembering how overcome she would be whenever she was sent to the city for errands by Roswaal, back in her days of being a maid at his mansion.

"It's the capital of Lugunica. You didn't even know that, um…?" Emilia realized at that moment she had never gotten the strangely clothed man's name.

"That's right, we haven't gotten his name yet." Puck spoke up for the girl. "Should we all just introduce ourselves properly?"

Subaru turned around with a smile. "Yeah, you're right. Then I'll introduce myself first."

He got to his feet, striking a show-off pose with his finger raised to the skies, as he introduced himself. "The name is Natsuki Subaru. Not only am I clueless...but I'm also broke beyond repair! Nice to meet ya!" He said, extending a hand towards the two.

"Subaru-kyun is hopeless…" Felix shook his head at the bold boy's embarrassing, yet classic pose.

"That's Natsuki-san for you. Honest down to hurting himself, and utterly hopeless!" Otto didn't even attempt to defend his friend, only fondly speaking of his cringy behavior...behavior everyone that knew him closely loved about him.

"It is too much of a shame I was not accompanying Emilia-sama on this excursion. I am sure I would've served well to give Barusu the proper harsh words he needed to hear." Ram cracked her knuckles together, making almost everyone shudder at the woman's implications, all except for one demihuman boy.

"W-Well...I at least think that the Cap'n has got a 'hella cool introduction!" Garfiel bravely defended, leaving Ram to give him a deadpan gaze. Of course, being ever stubborn, the sharp-toothed warrior didn't flinch. "Stare all yer want, Ram! I ain't lettin' the Capn's cool poses get thrown in the mud!"

Sensing that Garfiel truly wouldn't back down, Ram just let out an annoyed sigh, turning her gaze to the screen. "Yes, yes, I understand, Garf."

Seeing his victory, Garf grinned, raising a fist to the air in celebration.

Puck waved a dismissive paw at him. "When that's all you've got to your name, you really do sound hopeless." He then floated up into the air. "Well, I'm Puck! Nice to meet you!" He said, flying forward to tap his paw into Subaru's open palm, ending up just slamming his whole body into the boy's hand.

"Bubby is so adorable...ahh...Betty wants to pat him now, I suppose." The spirit unhesitatingly gushed over the fluffy spirit, her butterfly irises staring at her brother with a longing gaze.

Emilia stared at the display in surprise. "It's rare to see someone that can touch a spirit so casually...where are you from?"

Subaru, unsure of how to best lie to not seem odd, decided to follow his mental Isekai handbook. "Well, following the usual pattern, a small island country to the east."

At this pathetic lie, Priscilla shook her head displeasedly, lowering her fan from her lips to reveal a frown. "A half-baked attempt to mislead from a half-baked boy. He should have simply revealed his idiocy rather than attempt a failure of an intentional untruth."

Despite not liking her tone, many of the people in the audience agreed with this sentiment. Crusch decided to add her own input.

"Indeed, Natsuki-sama's lie has placed him in a rather suspicious position...even if he was unable to reveal his full origin, it would have perhaps been better to simply admit he was not sure." The militaristic candidate was not a fan of dishonesty, even when coming from the boy that had nearly stolen her heart.

"Can you really blame him though?" Al came to the defense of his fellow otherworlder, resting his arm on his lap. "It's either say you don't know where you came from, say that you came from another world, or just lie. Having a fake home is better than none. Especially in a world where you can get killed for being the slightest bit suspicious."

Nobody could say anything against the harsh knight's words, especially not Ram or Garfiel, both people that had been entirely hateful and suspicious of Subaru when they had first met him. Just due to the witch's scent he had and his mysterious origins, they had both been ready to kill him, if need be.

"Lugunica is the easternmost nation on our continental map…" Emilia immediately called this lie out. "There's no nation east of here."

Subaru was flustered. "Seriously?! There's nothing at all east of here?"

Emilia stared at him with apparent pity. "You don't know where you are, you don't have money, you can't read, and you have nobody to rely on…" She turned to face him fully. "You're...probably in an even worse position than I am. Um, Subaru, was it?"

Subaru blushed as the girl spoke his name for the first time ever. "[Yes], that is my name."

Puck floated up and appraised Subaru. "But when I look at you, your body is actually pretty well-built."

Julius nodded in accord to the Great Spirit's assessment, narrowing his eyes to better analyze Subaru's frame. "Despite not being a fighter, Subaru himself does have a level of athletic ability above what you would expect from the average person."

Reinhard and Felix, both experienced in combat and the body hummed in agreement with their fellow knight's words.

Wilhelm stroked his beard, remembering having briefly trained the boy before their battle with the White Whale. "The boy does indeed have a bit of potential hidden within his muscles…" Even the old fighter had to agree with the three knights' analysis.

"Well, I do work out every day." Subaru explained proudly. "For a hikkikomori who's working home-security, that much is a given."

Emilia was confused. "I don't know what a 'hikkikomori' is, but I guess it means you're from a respected family, right?" She walked forward, taking one of the boy's hands in hers.

Al snickered at the elf's naive words on what she guessed a hikkikomori was, though he did not share this knowledge of what he found so funny with the others. Not even Priscilla, who spared him an annoyed glance at her knight's refusal to share just what the joke was.

"What exactly isa hikkikomori?" Anastasia was the one to ask this, ever greedy for as much information as she could grab. However, her question was just met by a serious, calm silence. "...Great Spirit-sama?" The merchant girl asked, only to receive some more silence.

Rather than previously, Beatrice did not speak immediately. Even when she did speak, her words were not filled with pride or excitement to explain, but rather, they were words of careful, somewhat saddened consideration. "Betty cannot tell what that means. It is something essential to her contractor's past, I suppose. Something I would not dare reveal about him without his own express agreement."

The spirit's firm words left no room for discussion, with Anastasia retreating from the conversation with a disappointed sigh.

He let out a sound of surprise, flushing red at thinking of what she was about to do, but the girl just inspected his fingers.

"Your fingers, too. They're very pretty. It's evidence that you don't live like a peasant at all."

"Of course not. Trustin' tha' Great Spirit's words, he probably ain't had a day of peasant work in his life." Anastasia was quick on the uptake, as she figured that very few living in such an advanced society would need to work rough jobs that would leave ones hands dirty and calloused.

It was something she envied about that world, if nothing else, as she remembered her own rough childhood in Kararagi.

She turned his palm over to stare at his wrist and arm. "Your muscles...they don't look like the type gained from working, either."

Embarrassed, Subaru lifted his hand from the girl's, turning away from her to look out at the town from the balcony.

"A-anyway, I know your cat's name now, but I still haven't heard yours."

"My...name?"

For some reason, as Emilia heard her own hesitancy in repeating Subaru's question, her eyes would widen. "I...I don't feel too good about this…" The half-elf's troubled words put everyone in the theater on high alert, as they looked forward to yet another inconsistency.

"Yeah." He reiterated, nodding.

Emilia stared at the boy blankly for a bit, looking off to the side in thought. "I'm…" The wind howled, blowing her hair to the side.

She prepared herself, looking down, then finally facing the boy and speaking. "Satella." She said in a low voice.

Subaru and Puck looked at her in surprise, though both for extremely different reasons.

"I have no family name. It's just, Satella."

"W-Why, Emilia-sama?!" Rem would speak up with immediate alarm, turning to the half-elf with hate in her eyes.

"You dare gave Betty's contractor such a vile name to speak…?" Beatrice turned her gaze to the half-elf, with a palpable tension beginning to grow throughout the theater.

Garfiel followed up with a disappointed glare, adding to Rem's words. "Yeah, why th' hell would any version of 'ya tell th' Cap'n some bullshit like that?! Stranger or not, that's jus' damn cruel!"

"To give big bro that kind of name…" Felt's red eyes shone with anger, her shaking fists showing how she was just moments away from exploding at her big sister figure.

"Now, now, let's jus' all hold on." Ricardo of all people spoke up, remaining eerily calm despite the words from the half-elf on screen. "We already said that the young lady was tryin' to get him off her tail, right? She already feels distrustful, so maybe she's jus' testin' him here?"

"If so, that's a hell of a way to test someone." Al shook his head in dissension, a similar feeling that many shared with him.

"I...I swear I would never have Subaru learn something like that out of nowhere! I...I really don't even know what this me was thinking!" Emilia pleaded desperately, looking around at everyone in desperation to try and prove her innocence.

"Enough." Crusch interrupted the frenzied crowd with calm words, words that immediately silenced everyone. "Remember, we are not sure yet of how these events connect to ours...but while we are unsure whether or not this Natsuki Subaru we watch are real, we assuredly know that this Emilia-dono is not ours." She spoke firmly. "We know not who else we will see act oddly. We cannot blame those who have not even done anything here. Feel free to express your anger, but do not dare act on it. Or do we not remember the Host's words?"

At the mention of the Host, everyone immediately quieted down, turning their attentions back to the screen. None wished to invoke the being's wrath...and they all felt an undeniable measure of truth in the Duchess' words.

"Then…let us resume watching."

Subaru smiled happily, having finally received her name. "I...I see...Satella." He said, happy to try out the girl's name for himself. He grinned widely at her. "That's a nice name."

"Subaru…" Reinhard stared at his innocent friend with worry in his eyes. He knew all too well how simply saying the name could alienate one, drawing all the worst types of attention onto oneself.

Puck floated back over to Emilia's head, as she showed a look of genuine surprise at Subaru's words. "You've really got terrible taste…" He muttered in disappointment, before hiding himself back in the girl's long hair.

"Bubby is right to scold you...no, scolding you is much too light, I suppose!" Beatrice yelled indignantly, fury still clear in her eyes.

"Yeah. Ya'll put that young boy in such danger just to test him? This may not be you, but I definitely hope you still ain't like this, miss Emilia." Anastasia said coldly, finding her earlier respect for the half-elf degrading somewhat.

Emilia was just left saddened, unable to retort anything back to their cold and angry words...she felt, no, she knew, that she utterly deserved it.

"Then, time to get back to asking around!" Subaru said enthusiastically.

"Truly...such an ignorant and pitiful child." Priscilla spoke with sarcasm lacing her voice. "I suppose that the dirty dog found itself a dirty master to latch onto." Her seething replies soaked into Emilia, who felt nothing but guilt in her inner core.

For the first time, no one fully refuted Priscilla's words, although they all did not definitely agree with just how harsh she was being, they did feel like Emilia had responsibility for keeping Subaru, who she knew was helpless and alone, far far away from the harm her words had possibly placed him in the path of.

The scene would then change to the two in the marketplace, with Emilia pointing her finger to a small child in front of them.

"Hey, Subaru...do you get the feeling that child is lost?" She would ask.

In front of them was a short light-green haired girl, moving from side to side as if she were about to speak up, seemingly trying to get herself ready to address one of the many strangers passing by her, though never quite managing it.

"She definitely looks as if she needs assistance…" Reinhard spoke almost as if in an attempt to distract himself from the previous dark action Emilia had taken, now focusing on this child that needed help. "I wonder if we will see yet another knight come to the rescue?"

Garfiel laughed this off, confidently exclaiming his own thoughts against Reinhard's. "No way! Now that the Cap'n and th' princess are workin' t'gether, they're defintely 'gonna help th' kid!" Finding herself agreeing to his audacious statement, Ram slowly nodded as she then spoke her own mind.

"Indeed. Barusu and Emilia-sama alone may have not been much at the start, but together, they both make up easily for each other's shortcomings." The red-haired Oni gave a small smile, as she remembered the way that they had come to work together now, rather than one protecting the other one-sidedly.

Everyone's mood seemed to lighten at this, with even Emilia beginning to come out of her shell of regret and fright a small amount.

Subaru seemed not so eager to help. "But, what about our questioning?"

"That's important, but if she's a lost child, we have to do something."

Tears began to fall from the girls eyes, as she became more desperate with each person that passed her by.

"I'm in no place to talk after you saved me, but do you understand the position we're in?" Subaru asked questioningly, remembering just how desperate the girl was to find her insignia.

"Subaru-sama must be deciding...whether they should help the child, or go after Emilia-dono's insignia." Crusch let out a sigh at the boy's indecisiveness, finding that he had not entirely developed into the person she personally knew yet.

"Of course I am somewhat disappointed to see him hesitate like this...but I know that in the end, Natsuki Subaru would never leave a crying child, nor Emilia alone." Julius spoke of his friend with confidence, a small smile on his face.

Emilia was still determined to help the child. "But…she's crying! Isn't she, Subaru?" Emilia gave the boy a defiant look, making him look at her with surprise. "If you can't do this with me, it's fine. I'm thankful for all your help so far, Subaru. After I help the little girl, I'll handle it on my own, from there."

Clearly displeased at the boy's lack of action, the silver-haired girl moved on her own, to approach and help the girl.

"And just what were the rest of you commoners saying…? All I see is further proof of the boy's ineptitude." Priscilla once more took her chances at spitting on Subaru's pride and reputation.

Al just sighed at how much in denial his mistress was being, knowing her true thoughts. When Priscilla was truly uninterested in someone, she would simply deny their existence outright once, before mostly forgetting all traces of them.

She tried to question her on her parents' whereabouts, only for it to result in the girl crying even harder, resulting in Emilia desperately trying to console her.

Subaru interrupted the moment, bringing the special coin he had set aside earlier in front of both girls' faces.

Of course, Priscilla's previously smug words were again proven wrong by the actions of those on screen, with everyone smiling at Subaru's own display of kindness and care.

Petra clapped her hands together excitedly as he held out the coin, looking at the screen with near-glittering eyes. "I remember this! This is one of the magic tricks that Subaru showed me before!"

Grabbing both their attention quickly, he would go on to perform a simple, yet wondrous magic trick, clutching the coin tightly in his fist, then...suddenly making it disappear, shocking the little girl, who looked to him with confusion.

He smiled warmly, reaching to the girl's hair and smoothly pulling the coin back out, making the little girl stare to his hand with surprise and happiness at the trick.

Seeing her look at him, Subaru let the girl have the coin as a present, who had now stopped crying entirely and thanked him brightly for the gift.

"Subaru-sama certainly is good with kids…" Crusch gave the display an approving nod, finding that such a quality presenting itself was indeed the mark of an undoubtedly good-natured person.

"Yes...or moreso, kids somehow find their way to Subaru-kun." Rem stared at her hero with adoring eyes, remembering just how much he had shown his care for the children in the village, and how much they, in turn, all saw Subaru as their big brother figure. In a single day, he'd built more of a relationship with the village than anyone in the mansion had in almost years

"Aaaand, that's why bro's called the lolimancer!" Felt snickered at the nickname given to the boy, with everyone else joining in, much to his unconscious misfortune.

Emilia and Subaru now walked through the market with the girl, with Subaru easily reassuring her that he and Emilia could easily reunite her with her parents, almost like a big-brother.

"You know, when we do this…" Subaru spoke up, with the scene changing to show sparkles around the three, all holding hands and happily moving along together. "...people who don't know us probably think we're a married couple with their child, huh? How embarrassing."

Emilia was quick to refute it. "At best, I can't see you as anything other than this girl's older brother."

"Ouch! Really shot him down quick, huh?" Felt said with a teasing grin, bringing a hand over her chest in mock hurt for Subaru.

"Aaah, geez, don't be joining in on teasing me so much, Felt!" Emilia demanded with a pout, though she was glad that slowly, everyone was again beginning to treat her normally.

"What makes you think I'm that much younger than you?!" He demanded from the silver-haired girl.

Before they'd known it, the girl spotted her mother. She ran over to the woman, reuniting with her with a warm hug.

The two watched on warmly, glad they had managed to get the two back together.

"You two truly do good work together. I am afraid that it is not often that even I am able to spend time doing such acts of kindness." Crusch spoke in admiration for her fellow candidate, her words leaving Felt and Anastasia both looking somewhat guilty at their own lacking senses of kindness.

Priscilla just rolled her eyes, instead glad that she didn't spend time on such menial tasks. The people were to be ruled over, not to be interacted with through moments that would waste one's time.

Emilia smiled warmly to the praise, her hands gently clasping together as she let out a little happy hum. "It's nothing, Crusch...but don't put yourself down. I know for sure that you all have your own ways of showing kindness in you, even if you wouldn't admit it."

All three of the candidates returned the half-elf's blindingly bright smile with smiles of their own, any sort of hostility between any of them coming down considerably through this single act.

"Emilia-sama sure knows how to inspire warm feelings in other people…" Petra watched this heart-warming display with her own small smile, leaving Frederica to nod along to her fellow maid's conclusion.

"Of course. There is a reason why we have all continued to follow her this long, after all."

Now they were back to yet another bridge, with Subaru leaning on the side, and Emilia sitting beside him.

"Well, I think we took a pretty long way around, but what benefit will you insist you got out of this one?"

He asked snapping his fingers up to her, clearly knowing Emilia's nature by now.

"He is definitely beginning to get Emilia-sama figured out." Julius stared at Subaru's display with amusement, wondering himself just what the silver-haired stubborn girl would come up with to attempt explaining her kind acts away.

"That's easy. We helped her, so now we can continue searching with our minds at ease, right?"

The girl looked down at her slouched over searching partner. "More importantly, why did you even help me? You were against it."

Streams of water surrounded the two, as he gave his honest answer. He didn't bother to lie and say that he wanted to show off a magic trick, but instead insisted his truest intentions, that helping Emilia in anything she did would be his good deed for the day.

"But since you helped the little girl, isn't your one good deed already done?"

"That was way too logical of a comeback! Come on, it doesn't hurt to do more than one nice thing a day, right?! I just got tomorrow's out of the way early! I might end up doing a week's worth of good deeds early!"

"Hehehe, it looks like I've got Subaru figured out this time!" Emilia smugly spoke while folding her arms, leaving Rem and Beatrice to giggle at Subaru's desperate attempt to convince Emilia otherwise.

"Betty's contractor is indeed horrible at coming up with excuses for himself, just like you had earlier, I suppose!" Beatrice was still quick to point right back at Emilia's previous bad excuses, something which Rem nodded to in agreement.

"Subaru-kun is just like Emilia-sama...once he decides to help someone, he won't be set off of it, regardless of what anyone says." The blue-haired Oni said warmly. She had only ever seen him stumble once, and she had made sure to bring him right back onto his correct path.

Emilia looked at Subaru for a while, then eventually spoke.

"Subaru, you're the type that basically wastes your whole life, aren't you?" In a twist of fate, the girl was now the one to use his words against him...even if she had no way of knowing it.

"Using his own words right back against him just as he previously did? It looks as if Emilia-sama is seeking a bit of payback." Reinhard gave a light chuckle.

"You're the last one I want saying that to me." He muttered dejectedly.

"You aren't a bad boy, though."

Subaru huffed at her treatment. "And why am I getting treated like I'm the younger one again? I don't think there's that much of a difference between us."

"Ah...without even realizing it, he has breached a rather difficult to confront topic…" Fredrica showed a look of worry, and so did mostly everyone else.

Emilia, especially, seemed to become just the tiniest bit more despondent. Everyone here knew just how much the girl's race affected her and her candidacy.

Emilia didn't seem eager to speak about it. "I don't think making guesses on that will help you. I'm...a half elf." She said, looking down as a shadow covered her face. Subaru looked up to her, while her eyes were now closed, like she was expecting something violent from him, her hands balled up in nervousness...only for his gentle voice to reply.

"Now I get it. No wonder...I thought you were so cute!" He blushed, looking at her. "Elves are always beautiful, right?"

"Haha, definitely another smooth move, bro!" Al burst out into laughter at Subaru's words, with the slight weight in the atmosphere disappearing at Subaru's unknowingly extremely kind words.

"It does make you wonder...it appears that Subaru knows of elves, yet he does not seem to hold them in the same regard as those of our world do. Is this yet another part of their culture?" Julius would ask with a curious glance to Beatrice. Anastasia grinned, giving her knight an approving thumbs up for his probing question.

"It is so, in fact. Within Betty's contractor's world, elves are usually seen as delicate, peaceful, and beautiful beings, though are sometimes shown with large amounts of pride, I suppose. The complete opposite of how they are seen in our world." The spirit would speak with a raised finger, as if lecturing the theater as their teacher.

"Dang...that's a huge heck of a difference...it's no wonder big bro was so uncaring about big sis' race. The way things go there is entirely different after all." Felt was taken aback by this idea, knowing that in their world, elves were regarded with complete hate.

All the knights within the room felt shame at the idea of this disproportionate hate. Many in their ranks had that same discrimination, almost everyone on the continent did. It was a topic nobody wished to breach further, especially not Emilia...

She was clearly surprised at his words, with Subaru returning her confused look.

She would go on to clarify herself, that she was a half elf...and Subaru would again simply acknowledge it.

Crusch showed a smile, shaking her head at Emilia's on-screen desperate attempts to try and get her expected negative reaction from Subaru. "I doubt that Subaru-sama would be the type to just give in and throw a negative reaction at you."

Wilhelm nodded in agreement, finding himself showing a proud smile at the boy. He himself resented much surrounding the Witch, so in a way, it was a relief to see someone in their world, absolutely free of any prejudice or assumptions.

Still in surprise, she hopped off the side of the bridge, kneeling down and holding her head in embarrassment. Puck would fly from her hair, delivering a mock punch to the boy's cheek.

"Sorry, I just had to do something about this tingly feeling I've got…!" Puck said, trembling to himself.

"I can't accept just being hit for that." Subaru said, a nervous sweat-drop on his face. "Although I'll forgive you for it being squishy."

"I didn't hit you because I was mad or anything, it was the opposite, in fact!" Puck clarified, causing Emilia to turn around.

"Subaru, you're such a dunderhead!"

Emilia's heart positively tingled at seeing this interaction between this version of Subaru and herself on screen, though she couldn't help but feel...all of these memories, all of these little interactions they had...none of them were really her. To her, Subaru had just been a boy that showed up out of nowhere and saved her life.

Yet, despite not knowing how this Emilia they were watching was feeling...but she felt an absolutely sinful amount of envy for her. Her and Subaru had only truly become close very recently...she couldn't help but wonder if she had spent this much time with him, how differently their relationship would be now.

The half-elf shook her head vehemently, dismissing the thoughts from her mind. She couldn't truly let go of every worry...but being right next to her knight, her shoulder against his, she knew that everything would turn out fine in the end. Or so she hoped...

Subaru was confused about why the girl had insulted him, and also had to call out her out-of-date saying...but eventually, the two decided to return to searching.

Thanks to Subaru's advice...the two ended up right back at the aggressive fruit vendor that had previously shooed Subaru off.

The man was annoyed at seeing the broke kid again, and only got even more annoyed at seeing that Emilia herself had no money, leaving him with two broke customers.

"This merchant truly is all about his profit. Not even a second to listen out to Natsuki-san and Emilia-sama's questions?" Otto directed a glare at the man on screen. Anastasia shrugged to the gray-haired merchant's complaint, speaking in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Y'cant blame 'im, I think. Two strangers show up just wastin' your time to ask stuff you may or may not even know 'bout? I might not just kick 'em out, but it's tough to spend time helpin' em for nothin' in return. S'a 'lil naive to assume everyone's got the time to help yer strange friend, ain't it?" She analyzed with an impersonal view, a view that Otto, being a fellow merchant regretfully understood.

He lowered his head in despondence at being unable to reply, only for him to slowly raise his head to a thanks to a light tap on his shoulder. It was Garfiel, giving him an encouraging smile.

"Don't feel down, Otto-bro. Th't scarf-wearin' chick might be all fancy-mouthed, but I know you got th'best brain 'round here. Just ignore her smartass comments 'bout Cap'n, too. I bet she's just pissed off 'bout not knowin' shit 'bout him." The young demihuman once more gave his brother an extra pat on the back, before turning attention to the screen. Otto gave him a thankful smile and returned to the viewing, as well.

He almost ended up getting sent away by the vendor again, only for, conveniently, the lost girl and her mother to show up.

It turned out that the vendor was actually the girl's father, sparing them the vendor's wrath for but a second.

The girl would present Emilia with a small flower brooch, which the half-elf would accept with a sincere thank you, and place on her chest.

Seeing that the two truly were good-natured, and that he owed them for helping his daughter, he agreed to answer their questions.

"That's very kind of her and her husband...it does warm my heart to see a good deed go recognized and rewarded." Reinhard couldn't help but smile at the nice scene, though he still felt a certain uneasiness gnawing away at him.

"It is...but…" Emilia was hesitant to say any more, bringing a hand up to her lips as her expression changed to one of thoughtfulness.

Emilia was smug, as her line of excuses actually came back to turn out true.

"See, I told you! That came back around to work in our favor, didn't it?"

"Heh! No matter which one it is, th' princess is always happy to prove the Cap'n wrong, eh?" Garfiel noted cheerfully, his words breaking Emilia from her thoughts. She pouted and puffed up her cheeks, responding indignantly to the boy.

"Only if he's actually wrong! I do have to step in sometimes and fix those silly thoughts of his…" Emilia, along with Beatrice and Rem seemed to nod at this sentiment. As oddly knowledgeable and insightful as Subaru could be, he still needed people there to help him onto the right path.

"Heh, big bro is lucky to have guys like you to look after him!" Felt complimented the camp, though the smile she showed on her face didn't exactly reach her eyes. She couldn't help but think on how she might've connected with the sleeping boy had Reinhard truly gotten to take him back to the Astraea estate…

Noticing his mistress' troubled expression, the blue-eyed sword saint placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, leaving Felt to relax a little bit.

The time had passed to evening, and the two were now far outside of the inner-city.

Instead they now traveled in a broken down area of the capital, with many ragged, starved looking people, and broken buildings everywhere.

Some stared out untrustingly at the two from windows, while some just laid unresponsive on the ground.

"The slums…" Felt spoke with recognition, her expression turning into one of nostalgia, yet repulsion at the same time. "I don't ever wanna go back to that place…and nobody deserves to just stay there, either."

"My lady…" Reinhard's voice was filled with regret, and a small hint of fear. He could not bare the thought of how such a place would have further degraded Felt's morality and life, alike. "This...this place is the fault of our kingdom."

Usually the patriotic knight would never utter such words, but the situation could not be ignored when even a total foreigner, from another world no less, could easily notice it.

"Indeed." Julius spoke, fists tightening as his knight's pride was once again put to the test. "This place...it is almost as if it is the physical representation of all that our empire has failed in doing."

Anastasia silently agreed with her knight's words, thinking wistfully back to her own troubled past. She knew exactly how these people must have been feeling, as she too had been in that spot of utter abandonment. It was something she never spoke of, though something that the members of her camp all knew, with Ricardo and the three vice-captains giving their boss sympathetic looks.

"Do you understand a bit more what I was saying now, Ferris?" Crusch darkly questioned her knight, whose ears perked up to the sudden question. He figured she must have been referring to her earlier lecture on the truth of the robbers being part of a much larger problem.

"Yes, Crusch-sama…" The cat-eared healer wasn't ignorant of course, just like the other knights, much like his droopy ears and low gaze showed.. Though, he felt more guilt due to the condition of the innocent people there, rather than the kingdom's economic situation itself.

He didn't hold much mercy for vagrants and thugs, but he noticed how many of those children or bedridden people looked like they hadn't eaten in days, or had untreated bruises and scratches…

Priscilla let out a harsh breath as she felt nausea raising in her stomach. "You filth boast so proudly about your own policies and desires, yet the only ones to suggest any measure of equality between people are a half-elf half-wit and an ex-piece of trash from the slums? More than what I see on screen...you are all quite disgusting."

Anastasia and Crusch could not respond to these accusations, neither could any from their camp. Anastasia's greed-based rulings would probably just create even more inequality for those who didn't even have chances to get out of their situations, and Crusch cared less about making people equal, and moreso making them strong and independent.

Not to mention...they all understood that despite her arrogant nature, Priscilla was the only one among them to have successfully governed and enriched territory, with the people there having absolutely loved her rule.

"Geez, Princess, you didn't have to be so harsh…" Al spoke in an attempt to lighten the mood, though his words didn't do much. Priscilla handed him a harsh glare, whacking her fan against his armor to shut him up for good.

"I'll tolerate no more unneeded advice from you, Aldebaran." Her harsh use of his full name shut him up, leaving the man to just silently stare down.

Anastasia was the first one to speak with a shrug, managing to get any residual emotion off of her shoulders.

"Well, she ain't wrong. We jus' all got different things in mind for what'll help tha' people, right? There's a reason why we're all competin' an' not jus' workin' together." Her words held little strength to them, but it was what everyone needed to move on from the harsh look at the weakness of their systems of governance.

Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem in the front row began to feel like they were understanding the purpose of this viewing more and more. Not only did it teach them of their flaws, but the flaws of their land and their mistakes that could have been...and it seemed to be coming closer...closer to some unbearable truth about the boy they all cared about.

"The air, the atmosphere, and probably the attitudes of the people living here are awful. Are you sure she's here?"

There was a flashback, where the salesman was shown telling them of a thief named 'Felt' that lived within the slums, though he mentioned he had no idea where she lived.

"That's not right…" Felt shook off her earlier emotions with a raised eyebrow. "Big bro already knew where I lived...actually, we met around this same time of day. Although…" The crimson-eyed anarchist, and almost everyone around the theater seemed to realize what was going on at the same time.

"This inconsistency in events…" Reinhard spoke apprehensively, his piercing blue eyes zeroing in on the screen with immense focus.

"These interactions none of us have ever had…" Emilia looked at the boy besides her, worry reflecting in her shimmering purplish blue eyes.

"That...dreadful opening sequence…" Rem shuddered as it came back into mind.

"This 'show'...is no simple show, I suppose." Beatrice spoke the thoughts all they had had, leaving the theater in complete silence.

"Are we perhaps seeing events...events where Subaru is able to...somehow...interact with alternate versions of us? Not just any false Subaru...but, the one that we all know?" Julius was the first to consider this ridiculous possibility, his words causing his greedy mistress' eyes to light up in realization.

Ram, usually ever confident and ever aggressive sounded unsure, speaking almost in a low voice. "Barusu's unbelievably good timing, and that odd insight of his…"

"Truly...you don't think that it could be…?" Crusch was wide-eyed at this proposal, shaken as she thought back to Subaru's near-prophetic knowledge of her plans and the White Whale's location.

"Hold it. Let's not just jump to any conclusion here." Otto interrupted the domino-effect of realizations going off in everyone's minds and memories with outstretched hands. "The Host himself insisted we watch everything. I suggest that we save any...large discussion for after we have well and truly finished the entirety of this content."

Nobody wanted to discuss the disturbing realizations they had all made just yet...no, nobody wanted to speak of that horrific possibility...the one they all wished desperately to ignore.

The only person in the room to smirk was Roswaal, finding his mood ever chipper. Now all of them would soon understand the boy's worth...and perhaps they would all understand why it was so important he be perfected rather than wasted...

We then return to Subaru and Emilia.

"Maybe somebody will tell us if we ask?" The elf girl suggested.

"Nobody will sell out one of their own, so I don't think that'll work." Puck flew out, rejecting the idea.

Tivey rolled his eyes at this, being the voice of reason to these words. "It sure didn't stop those earlier thugs from completely revealing where she had gone."

"Maybe we should come back earlier." Subaru suggested.

"Whether you stay or leave, you should decide quickly. I'm almost out of time." The cat spirit said, stretching tiredly.

Subaru was confused. "You're what? Out of time?"

"I have a cute appearance, but I am a spirit. It takes a lot of mana for me to maintain a physical appearance." Puck briefly explained, almost nodding off to sleep. "So at night, I return to my summoning crystal and stay there until the sun comes out." He leaned against Emilia's head. "I'd guess my ideal staying time is from nine to five…"

"I assume we are all familiar with spirits, however...this refresher does make me think of something." It was fitting that Julius, the Spirit Knight would be the one to speak up, drawing everyone's attention. "Do you all not think that the Host is still incredibly close in nature to a Spirit, after all?"

Beatrice was quick to refute with a disagreeing huff, shaking her head at his thoughts. "Betty agrees that it is unusual how he seems to only manifest with that excessively large amount of mana circling around him, but that is where the similarities end, I suppose."

"That is true...but that is only with our current knowledge, correct?" Old Man Wilhelm spoke, deciding to offer some of his aged wisdom. "This device has shown us that entire other worlds exist, and that we are not even what they would consider an advanced society. How much do we truly know of our own world to say such things with certainty?"

Beatrice could not respond to the Old Man's Words immediately, remaining silent for a while before she quickly shook her head again. "Betty has almost the largest collection of knowledge on magic, magical phenomena, and spirits that anyone could hope for. If such a being existed...it must be a truly well kept secret, I suppose."

The spirit had come to rethink many things on her mother...but if it was something not in her mother's library, then...it would have to be something perhaps even older, more primal and fundamental than the Witches themselves.

Nobody pursued further questioning after this answer, but Emilia would give the loli spirit a sideways glance, momentarily noticing the uncertainty in her butterfly-irises.

"Nine to five? You're like a civil servant. Employment terms for spirits are more severe than I could've thought…" Subaru said, looking thoughtful.

"We'll be fine without Puck. We have to move forward." Emilia assured, with Puck yawning.

"This...this is going to be bad...without Puck, I'm a lot more vulnerable...and Subaru…" Though she didn't wish to say it, Subaru wasn't exactly a warrior capable of watching her back in battle. Not to mention, remembering her...her dead body...

"Psh, don't worry on it! Th'hell is gonna attack ya' that can get both th'princess and Cap'n down working together?!" Garfiel spoke with pure confidence as he pumped his fists in the air.

Emilia, Felt, and Reinhard, all people that knew exactly what had happened that day, at least – in their recollection of proper events, were not nearly as enthused. In fact, they all just seemed even more nervous about Garfiel's unknowing words.

"You're right...but sorry you two, I'm at my limit already…" The cat spirit began to fade slowly, becoming transparent.

"It's almost like he's dying when he disappears…" Subaru commented.

"Definitely a random ominous comment there, bro." Al, sensing the beginning to rising nervousness and unease spoke, though his words did not have the same lightening effect they usually had.

Almost everyone watched the show now with some level of dread and seriousness...even Priscilla, who sensed that she was finally about to see something very intriguing after all of her waiting through the previous trash seen on screen.

"Sorry to work you so hard, Puck." Emilia apologized to her spirit. "We'll handle it from here, so go ahead and get some rest." She held out her palms, which the cat spirit gently sat down in.

"Don't do anything reckless. If it comes down to it, use the Od to summon me." The half-elf gently nodded, as Puck then turned to Subaru.

"The Od?" Julius raised his eye at such a dangerous proposition, being a fellow spirit user, himself. "That is a rather last-resort move...the Great Spirit must truly have an unthinkable level of trust and comfort with you." He knew just what a risky move that was, quite literally taking off one's lifespan. Though he supposed for a long living race like a half-elf, it was a bit less harsh.

Emilia managed to give a thin, nostalgic smile, her spirit's over-protectiveness coming to mind. "Yes, Puck was always very careful to worry for me...even as he goes away, I'm sure he'll try to convince Subaru to look after me."

"Then I'll leave the rest to you, Subaru." With this, the spirit disappeared into a shining bright light, then getting pulled back into the blue crystal that sat on Emilia's hands.

"Bubby must very much trust Betty's foolish contractor to give him such orders, I suppose." Beatrice gave a light smile of her own, thinking on how, even in her stubbornness, she had also sensed a complete and utter lack of malice in the young boy from her first time meeting him.

"Of course. Even I, from the moment I met him, sensed not a single lie or constructed untruth come from his lips." Crusch admitted, remembering her rigorous testing of him when they had been engaged in negotiations with a fond smile.

The two continued alone through the slums, with Subaru seeming embarrassed and blushing.

"Hey, the last time I was alone with a girl was grade school!" He said, clearly excited.

"Don't think anything weird. I can use magic, remember?" Emilia spoke, causing the boy to respond quickly.

"Silly Subaru…" Emilia allowed herself to giggle lightly at the innocent, airy interaction between the version of herself on screen and Subaru.

"I won't! Anyway, we need to think about how we're going to find Felt now."

Emilia stopped as they crossed a wooden bridge, turning to face the water under them.

"I'll ask the lesser spirits." She suggested simply.

"Lesser spirits?" Subaru was clearly confused.

"They're beings that haven't evolved to become spirits yet." She explained simply. "They grow over time, and when they've got a level of power and self-awareness, they become full spirits, like Puck."

Subaru watched the girl as she began to mutter something under her breath, with the air around them beginning to change.

Small blue circles began to appear around the two, specifically gravitating to Emilia, who was covered in a blue glow that practically lit up the entire area.

"This view…it is absolutely…" Wilhelm, along with mostly everyone else's eyes lit up at the absolutely breathtaking perspective that the screen afforded them.

"Beautiful." Frederica completed, a toothy grin showing on her as she watched the half-elf on screen with sparkling eyes.

The boy looked on at her, the blue glitter reflected in his eyes as he continued to gaze at the half-elf with wonder.

"It is something few get to see…" Julius spoke in admiration, realizing that the half-elf affinity for spirits must be incredibly good.

Anastasia chuckled at her knight's modest words, folding her arms and speaking in confidence. "That is, unless ya' got a Spirit Knight like Julius here by yer side!"

"Now I can see how Subaru-kyun would fall heads over heels for Emilia-sama!" Felix teased, her words leaving Emilia to go red, all the way up to her ears, thinking about just how intimately Subaru saw her, even in just the first day they had met...

Crusch let out a sigh at her troublesome knight's words, though she couldn't help but agree...she was curious to find out...just how did she look, reflected in the boy's eyes?

Rem and Beatrice had much the same though, though they held a bit more jealousy as they were made to watch this scene…

He found himself blushing again, as her beauty enchanted him for the second time that day, since he had met her.

The scene changes, as the two now walk together at night time, the area completely empty and devoid of any presence.

"Things suddenly got really scary…" Petra spoke with a quivering voice, clasping her hands together as the sudden change of lighting came upon them.

Felt, Emilia, and Reinhard were all struck with an imminent sense of dread, forcefully ripping them from the reverie they had just been in at the lovely scene.

"This isn't right...if it's nighttime...if it's nighttime, then-" Felt immediately panicked, finding herself shivering as the image of that sadistic, evil woman popped into her head. Reinhard's hand once more found its' way to her shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Do not worry, Felt-sama...you are safe...sir Rom is safe, as well. Whatever we see here cannot, and will not hurt you." Reinhard reassured his mistress with stern, yet gentle words, leaving the girl's shaking to lighten up a bit.

"Y-yeah...you're right, Rein. You're right...we gotta keep watching for big bro." She let out a sharp breath, forcing herself to focus the best she could and continuing to look, pushing the feeling of dread she had deep into her stomach.

"It's getting more and more lonely…" Emilia said with worry.

"Does she really live in a place like this?" Subaru asked with doubt.

"Well, the lesser spirits said they saw someone that looked like Felt come this way…" Emilia said, seeming a little unsure, herself.

"The lesser spirits indeed would not lie...though I cannot help but think that now is not the best time of night to be searching for someone while lost. Especially not in this area…" Julius felt a frightening unease descend upon his being, one that almost everyone could see in his unmoving gaze at the screen.

"Well, we know that the boy ain't gonna just say that even if he feels it. I'm sure he's just gonna stubbornly go on while tryin' ta' act all tough." Anastasia predicted with confidence, having felt that she now had a good grasp on the mystery boy's personality by now.

The two continued along, with a man coming their way. Subaru shared a tense staring match with the man, though they eventually passed without much issue.

Subaru decided to test his luck, turning around to greet him. "Yo, brother! Does a girl named Felt live around here?"

"Huh? Felt?" The man showed a small smirk as he said the name, his stern look lightening up. "Nothing that way except Old Man Rom's loot house." He chuckled amusedly to himself. "Now then, guessing Felt stole something from you guys? Well, try your best to negotiate good for it! Live strong." He wished the two well, and headed off.

Rem let out a short breath of relief she did not even realize she was holding in, bringing a hand over her chest. "I truly thought that there would be a conflict there...thankfully this man seems friendly enough."

"Bro is good at talkin' ta' people on their level. It woulda' probably been different if he tried lookin' down on this guy or actin' weird." Ricardo analyzed surprisingly deeply. Garfiel spoke up in accordance with his fellow demihuman's assessment, pumping his fist to the air.

"Hell yeah! If it's about chattin' people down, Cap'n is th' number one out there!" He said boastfully, words which made both Otto and Anastasia look at him with challenges clear in their eyes. Of course, too busy indulging in his captain's greatness, Garfiel noticed neither of them.

We change to the two standing in front of a dark building, Subaru holding a lantern out and using its' bright glow to illuminate the door ahead.

"Tch. The vibe here ain't good at all…" Al practically spat, a sentiment that nearly every combat-experienced person in the room shared.

"Why do I have to pay money to get back something stolen from me?" Emilia demanded, completely bewildered.

"It is better than losin' it forever. Better ta' bite the bullet than ta' end up havin' your stuff traded away. Just how tha' world works, for tha' people that lose!" Anastasia snickered at Emilia's naivete in addressing her stolen item.

Her usually piercing words however did not reach the half-elf, who instead had her eyes entirely focused on the screen...nobody was in the mood for jokes or teases anymore.

They all knew what was coming next was not anything good.

"Well, at any rate, leave this one to me. I'll somehow negotiate for it." He promised, taking out his cellphone briefly to give it a thoughtful glance...then stowing it away back in his pocket.

"All right. I'll leave it to you." Emilia spoke, deciding to leave her item in the hand of the boy she'd come to trust over the day.

"S-Subaru…" Emilia gulped down a large amount of bile that she felt building up, knowing that wherever she was sending him, it was nothing good...separating from him...it was no good.

"Betty...Betty's contractor... is going to go in to such a dangerous place...alone? This...this cannot be anything good, I suppose." The usually composed Great Spirit shared in Emilia's anxiety, feeling chills continually run down her spine.

"Indeed..this does not forebode well for him…" Crusch's words were dark, her voice and expression showing nothing but the utmost seriousness. Even Felix did not bother to interject with anything.

Everyone in the theater felt an invisible, yet palpable tension brush against their skins, an unease that gnawed away at their inner beings from the darkness of the theater.

Subaru was surprised, turning to look at her. "You agreed to that pretty easily. The way you've been acting, I thought you'd say something like, 'Leave this to a useless boy like you? That's so ridiculous, I'm laughing my head off!' And I'd end up hurt, but still decide on helping you, anyways."

Emilia sternly disagreed. "I'd never say something that mean. Although, I'd be lying if I said you haven't been holding me back…"

"It'd be a lie?!" Subaru said, showing mock hurt.

"But...I'll try believing in you." She said seriously, affixing the boy with a gaze full of trust.

"To think I could say something so trust-filled to Subaru...but just leave him to go into such an ominous building on his own…!" Emilia was close to near cursing herself, her hands shaking as she wished nothing but to jump through the screen and pull her knight away from that cursed-looking death trap of a building.

Subaru looked at her in surprise, as she went on. "If it actually goes good, then it'll just be a bonus."

Rather than complaining, Subaru just smiled and spoke. "If you looked up at me and said 'Do your best for me!' I'd feel even more motivated, you know?"

Ram shook her head at Subaru's unfitting behavior. "Barusu should truly not be making jokes at a time like this…" The Oni maid felt her own confidence stutter and waver...Otto seemed to share in her beliefs.

"Indeed...Natsuki-san's strength is his confidence in adversity, yet...this building...call it an intuition, but...neither he or Emilia-sama should be heading in." Otto held one hand on his hat, almost bringing it down to hide his eyes...but he forced himself to keep watching.

Of course, the half-elf immediately turned this down. "I can't force myself to say a thing like that. But…" She looked down for a second, then up at him with her everlastingly charming smile. "Do your best."

"Big bro…Old Man Rom…" Felt's body no longer shook, but her eyes wavered intensely in its' place, even with Reinhard's comforting touch to her shoulder. She was strong, she would never break...but what would she do if she saw...if she really saw what she feared the most? "I….I need to look. I need to know...what happens." She muttered to herself, like a mantra.

"My lady…" Reinhard's eyes were filled with guilt and worry for the girl, but he dared not coddle her or overprotect her. Following her wishes, he just continued to silently provide support for her through his hand, while watching for himself.

"Yeah. I will." He said in satisfaction, "I'll go in first. You stay here and keep watch." He suggested, before deciding to crack a joke. "I won't be back late, but you can have dinner without me."

"Don't say stupid things like that. Be careful, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah." Subaru headed to the door. "Don't come in until I say it's all right, Satella." He said, looking back at the girl...who was wide-eyed, as if he'd said something absolutely alien. "...What?"

"S-Subaru...I'm so, so, sorry…" Emilia felt tears beginning to tug at her vision, as her being was consumed with immense guilt. She knew it was not currently this version of her on that screen...but at the same time, she felt nothing but responsibility. Now she knew...she knew deep down.

She knew just why Subaru's one honest, unthinking request had just been for her name, and nothing else.

Emilia caught herself, immediately shaking her head. "N-Nothing. If you can get my insignia back...I'll apologize properly." She said mysteriously.

The scene changed to Subaru entering in slowly, lantern in hand. "Excuse me…"

"D-Damn it, Cap'n...don't jus' head in all casual-like...y'gotta get the hell out…!" Garfiel's wild senses were firing off like crazy, immediately being able to tell his respected Captain had just stepped into a den of snakes.

He shined the light around the loot house, slowly walking in further. "Now then, am I walking into a demon nest, or a snake pit? In a fantasy world, both are totally possible…"

"Ta' think he's still takin' this so lightly…" Anastasia muttered at the boy's nervous ramblings, though her own voice did not come out nearly as confident or authoritative as she hoped it had.

Subaru couldn't help but gaze in awe at all of the ransacked goods. "All of these are stolen loot? And just why is nobody here? Anywhere that handles stolen stuff can't be this careless…"

The boy stepped forward...only for his shoes to splash in liquid.

"Fuckin' hell…" Al cursed, feeling every scar under his armor throb all at once at the sight of that damned vexing liquid on the ground.

He looked down...and the sight absolutely haunted him.

An entire pool of blood was on the floor, leading to a giant, cut-off arm laying right in front of him.

"No….no...no….NO!" Felt was the first to yell out as she lost all sense of control, almost lunging out of her seat at the screen. Reinhard's grip on her tightened, as he held his mistress back in her seat. "Rom...Old Man Rom...why...why?!" The young girl's despair-filled screams echoed through the theater, resonating in the hearts and ears of everyone there.

Some like Beatrice, Tivey, Anastasia, Ram, and Felix looked away from the young girl, unable to face just how utterly broken and enraged she was.

Of course, there were, many, many more such as Julius, Otto, Garfiel, Fredrica, Crusch, Wilhelm, Petra, Ricardo, Mimi, Hetaro, Al, and Emilia who gave the girl sincere looks of pity and sympathy...none looked at her askance or even with bothered eyes. Each one of them understood and felt her pain just through her voice.

Even those unbothered by it, like Roswaal and Priscilla did not dare speak a word. Both well understood this was not the time for jests or insults.

"Felt-chan…" The girl's words tugged at Emilia's heart string, as she watched Felt desperately struggle against her knight's grip with eyes full of tears, eyes full of wrath, hatred, and sorrow. Emilia turned her gaze away forcefully, feeling an overpowering sense of helplessness move through her being.

Subaru's breathing quickened, as he immediately stepped back, eyes gaining a red glint as he looked up and saw the full horrible sight.

It was the desecrated corpse of a giant man, leaning against the wall. The sight was horrifically gruesome, with his bowels cut open, and blood leaking from almost every orifice in his body, his jaw looking like cut clean off as the red liquid fell from him like a fountain.

"Fuck...fuckin' 'hell! That's...that's jus' fucked up!" Garfiel exclaimed without a single ounce of restraint at the screen, roughly bringing his fists down onto the armchair, shaking the chair in its' place.

"To make such a display of the dead...how utterly disgusting." Wilhelm narrowed his eyes at the scene in barely disguised hatred. He knew the giant, having faced off against the man in combat, utterly resenting his ideals...yet, no soldier deserved a death like this.

"To desecrate a soldier and give him such a disgusting wound...this killer is truly the lowest of the low." Crusch agreed with her butler, as a silent, yet deadly fury raged within the military-focused candidate.

"Rom...Old Man...Old Man Rom…" Felt's earlier yowl quieted down to a faint sobbing, with her body shaking, overwhelmed at the display. She wanted to do something, anything...but all she could do was watch the man who was practically her foster father bleed to death.

The boy's breathing got ragged, as he just silently took in the sight of the corpse…

"Oh, dear, you found that?" A silken-smooth voice spoke from the darkness behind him. "In that case...it can't be helped. Yes, it can't be helped…"

"No way… no absolute fuckin' way!" Garfiel's voice ascended into pure rage as he heard the voice of his past opponent. However, his rage quickly gave way to panic, as he realized the more immediate danger. "Shit, no...Cap'n...Cap'n, y'gotta, y'gotta fuckin' run!" Even though he knew it was useless, he screamed. He had to.

"That bitch...that bitch!" Felt's crimson eyes stared at the screen in piercing emotion, fury and madness surrounding her in equal measure. How could she just sit here and watch?! Watch here as that, that insane bitch moved on from Old Man Rom to… "Big bro…!" She called out in desperation.

"Subaru!"

"Subaru-kun!"

"Betty's Subaru!"

"Subaru-sama!"

Emilia, Rem, Beatrice, and Crusch all called out, with their hearts almost dropping into their chests as they all realized what was about to happen to the boy they cared for, the boy they loved. All of their voices hitched in their throats, as they realized their calls were useless.

And, all of them were forced to watch the pure horror that came next.

Subaru was suddenly attacked roughly from behind, forcing him to roll over onto the floor. His lantern was knocked away.

"Shit!" Ricardo yelled, sharing an incredible look of worry with Julius. Both knew just what had happened in that second...that had not just been any hit...it had been a slash!

"Ow, that burns…" He tried to get up, slowly elevating himself...only to realize his stomach was completely cut open, blood leaking through his tracksuit and out onto the floor in a pool below him.

"S...Subaru!" Reinhard finally found even himself wavering at the sight of one of his truest friends, lying there cut open and bloodied on the floor. Where was he? Why could he not be here to protect anyone…? Just how much of a useless Sword Saint was one who couldn't stop the deaths of a few citizens?!

"No...no…" Emilia rocked back and forth in her chair, forcing herself even closer against Subaru. She felt his warmth, she knew she did...but it almost felt like nothing compared to how cold the Subaru on screen must have been becoming every second.

"S-Subaru...Rem's hero..."

"Subaru...don't...don't leave Betty..."

Rem and Beatrice were much the same way, all taking advantage of their close positions to lean against and into Subaru for reassurance.

"Fuckin' hell...fuckin' shit...fuck! Cap'n...cap'n! Y'gotta hang in there…!" Garfiel's hands tightened on the chair to the point where he was almost squeezing the stuffing from it, with Otto not faring much better.

"Natsuki-san…" Otto couldn't even imagine himself doing anything...if a giant like that man was taken out, then what could his meager magic casting accomplish…? Was he really in some pub, drinking out his sorrows, while his best-friend to be was here, dying alone in a dark house?

"Subaru…" Julius felt his inner self waver, as he watched the man he found to be almost immortal, untouchable, die slowly right in front of them all. Yet not a single knight could be found anywhere...were the knights truly this useless…? They could not prevent a single murderer from running freely, just because they operated in the slums?!

"Barusu…" Ram had no insults to add, only watching the man's death with reverent eyes. Her gaze wavered ever so slightly, and her ever-present neutral expression slowly turned downward into a frown.

Frederica had long covered Petra's eyes to shield her from the viewing, but the girl was no fool. She knew the sound of death, the sound of chaos and mourning...and tears streamed from her eyes, even though she could not see.

Even those who had no deep connection to him remained silent, as the feeling of death and despair continued to pile on further and further onto everyone there.

'Oh crap...Is...Is all of this my blood?!' The boy's breathing hastened again, as he brought his hand, covered in blood, up to his eyes. He gulped, feeling a liquid rush up into his throat, only now realizing it was blood trying to force its' way past his lips.

"Damn...brother…" Ricardo did not boast his usual audaciousness as he watched the kid who had become a brother-in-arms to him painfully pass away. Even the ever quirky and outspoken twins had none of their patented exchanges during this moment.

"Shit…" Al's voice did not even hide his irritation, as he brought a shaking fist down against the arm of his chair. Priscilla stared at her knight indifferently, and then at the boy on the screen.

Just what was interesting about watching a pathetic boy take his last breaths in front of them…?

'This is bad...Very bad…'

His words echoed that of the beginning, as he would lose control and fall over onto his side.

"Subaru? What's wrong? Subaru?" Emilia cluelessly headed into the loot house, as Subaru remained bleeding out on his side, unable to even speak properly anymore, as blood filled up his mouth and lungs.

"Emilia-sama!" Petra's young voice echoed out, with her forcing her face past Frederica's protective hold to stare worriedly, desperately at the screen.

"No...not another one...not another fuckin' one! Not th' princess, you done took the damn Cap'n, you fuckin' monstrous bitch!" Garfiel roared, knowing exactly what was coming as the absolutely defenseless, clueless Emilia entered the scene.

"Emilia-dono…" Crusch's spoke softly, her eyes losing focus for a second. Her usually authoritative voice was not present, with only the essence of a girl being worried for a fellow friend being found.

However, all of their words were useless.

"No...Run! Hurry!" He croaked out, though his warnings were useless.

Emilia would be attacked, falling down at his side, immediately dead. Subaru watched the girl fall, dead, with a deathly glint in his eyes, her hand being the only thing left illuminated in the entire place, by a small hint of moonlight.

"Damn it...just when tha' heck is tha' death gonna stop?" Anastasia winced, no longer finding any pleasure in this viewing.

Seeing lives thrown away...this was not the kind of information she wished to obtain or hoard. No, this was just a private moment...a moment that, for once, she felt she should not see.

Emilia was already so shell-shocked by the previous events, her own death barely phased her, only leaving her to jump in place as her body hit the ground with a vicious thud. She could not say anything...her throat felt absolutely dry.

Roswaal, having remained quiet the entire time, looked at the scene with bewildered, absolutely lost eyes. He was more disturbed, more put off than any of them. 'Why...why has he not rewound time yet? Has he not had enough suffering? Has he not been convinced that this situation is enough to redo everything? This pain, the fact that he is approaching true death...are they not enough to force him to go back?' The clown thought, slowly coming to a realization.

He had truly misunderstood Subaru's true 'ability'.

Subaru watched her with shaking eyes, yet he did not mourn…

Priscilla watched with renewed interest, wondering just why this dying man's eyes shined with such incredible tenacity, determination that she felt you should not see in the look of a worthless cur giving in to their deaths.

Even Felix was impressed, taken aback, yet admiring Subaru's emotional and mental fortitude. "To think Subaru-kyun would not just give up, even going through all of that…"

He grit his teeth and gripped his fists, steeling himself as his eyes became filled with a steely glare of determination, as he used the last of his life to reach out to her hand with his, grabbing her palm with every bit of strength he could muster.

"Subaru...Subaru…!" Emilia slowly worked her hand into her knight's empty hand, grabbing it tight at the exact same time he held hers on screen.

"Wait there…" He coughed out. "I'm...going to...save you…" Subaru said without an ounce of hesitation, feeling his world go dizzy as his mind began to give in to the embrace of death.

"What's the matter, boy? You look like you've seen a ghost."

The audio was fuzzy, and so was the visuals, but it was clear that Subaru was now...back in the marketplace?

The theater was entirely quiet. Nobody had a single thing to say. They had all been too addled by their overwhelming emotions to form any coherent sentences or thoughts yet.

Nobody jumped out in rage, nobody even called on their Host or attempted to talk...any action they could take, any word they could speak, it felt like it would just be an utter charade...an improper display of themselves in reaction to what they had all just seen.

Silence...there was an absolutely undisturbed, all-encompassing silence that permeated throughout the room, and throughout every in it.

This silence was not a comfortable one...but a heavy one, one full of despair and depression, one of hopelessness and anger, one that spoke volumes of just how the previous scenes had grated on their minds, despite nobody speaking at all.

The fruit vendor from before was talking to Subaru, leaving the boy to question just what was going on.

"I asked you about the appa, the appa!" He clarified, holding the red fruit up to the tracksuit-wearing lad. "You even got money?"

"Wait, wha-?!" Garfiel was the first one to break this silence and express surprise, realizing that they were no longer in the loothouse, or even watching his captain slowly bleed out.

Otto shared in his brother's look of surprise, as did almost everyone in the theater. "N-Natsuki-san is...alive? B-But...but…! We...watched him...die…" The merchant wiped a few tears that had accumulated at his eyes away, forcing himself to focus on the screen.

"S-Subaru…?" Yet another horrible realization began to dawn on Emilia, and everyone who was watching the screen felt the exact same cold air pass over them.

"This is it." Julius' words came out with an air of finality, as he spoke the words that nobody could have imagined, that nobody could have said. "This is how Subaru is able to grasp his knowledge from beyond."

The Finest Knight's statements rocked the cores of everyone that was watching, as their despair slowly changed to utter confusion and unease.

"Im...possible…" Felt's voice was still coming out broken, with her emotions having been utterly destroyed by what they had just seen. "Impossible...how...how would that even work?!"

Reinhard nodded his head, agreeing to his mistress' words. "I agree...I may have understood some mere visions...but making an assumption like that...we would have to believe that somehow, Subaru is capable of living through entire lives. That is…"

"It's...oddly connectin'." Anastasia interrupted, a small smile slowly forming on her face as she took in the possibilities that this represented. "The boy has knowledge none a' ya'll think he should have...he knows the exact locations and order a' events despite him bein' as lost and unaware, as everyone else should be, he even has skills and proficiency in things he shouldn't even know." With each word, the merchant candidate's smile grew ever wider. "That boy...he's got some sorta' influence over time!"

Despite how ridiculous the idea was, oddly, nobody could soundly refute the greedy gal. There was no alternative explanation that anyone found themselves capable of producing.

Roswaal, of course, already knew this...but his shock came from something else. 'I...was wrong…' He felt himself going somewhat pale in the face. The boy did not simply rewind time at his will...he died.

He died, and only once he died, was he brought back. Subaru himself had no control over that ability, that much was clear to the clown. It was a compulsory ability, one that could only be activated 'on command' if the boy were to kill himself repeatedly.

"To think...to think that Natsuki-sama had such an ability. This is impossible…" Crusch now realized just how the boy had so thoroughly outsmarted her – he had likely already lived through a reality where he saw the white whale, learned of her planning, and even learned of the Witch Cultists through a same method.

"Now it's obvious to see...Barusu's good timing was not merely a coincidence." Ram almost felt cheated for her one compliment that she usually freely handed to the boy.

Priscilla looked down at the sleeping boy with disgust clear in her ever-fiery gaze. The boy's ability was indeed interesting...but to think that rather than using it wisely, the worm had used it to make almost every achievement he was so dearly praised for...she felt like he was nothing more than a worm mistakenly given the ability to fly. His ability was useful, but she found the boy himself utterly repulsive.

"Subaru…" Emilia looked to her sleeping knight with hurt in her eyes. Why did he keep such a thing secret? Did he do it to manipulate them? Did he not trust them? Was there something stopping him from doing it? He couldn't answer any of those questions.

Rem and Beatrice looked to the boy with silence, both holding thoughts too complicated and private to put into words.

The blue-haired Oni thought of how he'd perfectly saved not only everyone in the mansion, but herself, and the people of the village all with his extraordinary knowledge and thinking.

Beatrice remembered how Subaru had known perfectly what to say to her...how she was waiting for 'that person', and even how he somehow knew about Roswaal's scheming, something that nobody else other than the ever-loyal Ram did. She tucked her knees close to her chest, suddenly feeling almost...empty.

Their gazes held various conflicting emotions, though something that they, along with everyone shared, were feelings of inadequacy and betrayal.

Everyone questioned...how much of what they knew about Natsuki Subaru was real?

How much of it was something he had perfectly developed to just fake and show them?

And...just what was the true nature of his mysterious power?

Subaru was able to fully focus, though he still was unsure what the man had said.

"What?"

"Don't 'what?' me! The appa! Are you buying it or not?"

"Oh...No, like I said, I'm broke beyond compare…" Subaru said, refuting the man's selling offer.

"The same words as before…" Reinhard narrowed his eyes at the screen, not missing the immediate detail.

"What the hell? If you're just browsing, then move along." The vendor did not forcefully move him this time, but just urged the boy do go away. "I run a business here. I don't got time for window-shoppers!"

"He even treated him differently…" Tivey spoke with shock and disbelief, noting how the world itself seemed to already be changing from the tracksuit-wearing boy's actions.

A haunting chorus echoed throughout the world, sounding like the voice of sirens beckoning a man to his doom. Though, nobody was able to hear it…

Subaru stood in the midst of the marketplace, taking in the familiar scenery.

He opened his bag, finding the same exact items he'd previously had.

The screen zoomed in on his absolutely bewildered face, as he spoke in confusion.

"What's going on? Wasn't it just nighttime a while ago…?" With a bit of hesitation, he pulled up his tracksuit and shirt, finding nothing. "The wound on my belly is gone, too…"

"He...remembers. He...fully remembers everything. He even hesitated before pulling his shirt up…" Each of Emilia's words came out with more difficulty than the last, as the reality of the situation on screen began to sink in for all of them.

"Subaru-sama truly...truly must have felt everything before his death, if he so vividly remembers it…" Crusch's words were unsure and cautious, as she navigated into speaking the boy's death as if it were already past-tense.

A memory flashed into his head of him dying, and seeing Emilia's body fall dead right beside his.

"It ain't spotty, either. He's completely aware a' his own death, and even remembers miss silver-hair's passin', too." Anastasia's words were filled with curiosity and interest, as if she were a child looking at a toy in the toy store. "Don'tcha think that settles it?"

"N-No...not yet, not yet." Julius' words came out as more of a denial, completely lacking his usually refined and calm demeanor. Anastasia looked at him annoyed, clearly unhappy her own knight was interrupting her, though she seemed to remained quiet and let him go on. "I...I believe that Subaru may just be seeing extremely vivid first person visions." He briefly explained.

Wilhelm's eyes sparkled at this possibility. "That does sound incredibly more plausible. Subaru-dono did not seem to immediately react to the pain when he seemingly 'returned'...and it would still fulfill the conditions of all of his other unknown knowledge."

Anastasia seemed disappointed by this idea, shaking her head. "A gal can dream. If he really was just seein' visions, why tha' heck was he so hesitant in takin' his shirt up? You ain't gonna tell me he was afraid of seein' a wound from his painless vision, are ya?"

"As I said earlier, I believe we shouldn't judge these events on first, irrational glances…" Otto had long since composed himself the best he could, interrupting Anastasia's push for the 'time travel' theory among them. "Regardless, whether it is a vision or an ability to travel through time...I believe we will find out."

"Oh, right! Satella!" He said to himself, bringing a hand to his face. "Damn it, didn't Puck as me to take care of her? I have to get back to that shop!"

"Already, we are diverging…" Reinhard's fist tightened, as he realized what divergences from their original timeline of events now meant.

"He's...big bro is going to…" Felt continued Reinhard's thoughts, but the last of her words never came out.

Nobody wanted to say any more. They all knew what this implied by now. Lessons had long since been learnt from the first death.

"I beeeeelieve we should try to all keep on the same page here...we muuuuust continue to watch, regardless of what we may seeeee~."

Roswaal's voice did not come out as smooth as usual, sounding even somewhat strained, as his brain attempted to continue processing just how wrong his assumptions on the boy's ability had been.

"Yes...we...we have to find out just what Subaru has been going through, behind our backs." Emilia's words came out delicately, though a frown was prominent on her face.

She hated referring to her knight like he was doing something to deceive them, or purposely hiding things from them...but until they found out more, she couldn't be so naive as to dismiss any possibilities.

Emilia was not that innocent, easy to take advantage of little girl anymore.

Subaru headed off running, finding himself heading through a dark alleyway once more.

And again, he ran into those same damn three thugs.

"Betty cannot believe that her contractor would run into these stray dogs again. They are truly an eyesore, I suppose." The Great Spirit did not even bother to hide her displeasure, only kept slightly calm by her proximity to Subaru.

"These guys really don't have anything better to do, do they?" Felix rolled his eyes in annoyance at the three nuisances.

"Honestly…" Felt found herself agreeing with the healer. "Just how much trouble are those three stooges gonna cause big bro?!"

Felt's crimson eyes radiated an almost palpable anger towards the three men, an anger which Reinhard could feel even without her saying anything more.

The Sword Saint could only shake his head in pity, knowing that something horrible was waiting for them when he and his lady returned.

The three men held him up, just like last time.

"Oi, oi, why are you looking so spooked?" The shorter guy spoke up, smiling smugly.

"If you don't wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you've got!"

"The same line as last time…" Al noted, making sure that the fact hadn't gone over everyone's head. "Really does seem like a damn repeat."

"I really hope those brutes don't beat Subaru up this time…" Emilia narrowed her eyes in hate at the three men, remembering how they had brutally beat her unfortunate knight up into a literal curled up ball on the floor...she slowly turned her gaze up to Felt, who nodded at the unsaid request.

"Don't worry, big sis. I'll make sure to let you know when I'm givin' these guys their strict reeducation." The crimson-eyed girl grinned menacingly, her response satisfying Emilia, who just gave a brilliant smile in response.

"You guys… Did you see I was alone and decide to get revenge?" Subaru said, feeling annoyed that the same guys were hounding him, even after they'd been dealt with already.

"Huh? What're you talking about?" The taller man spoke in utter confusion.

"Are you nuts or something?" The smaller one shared this confusion.

"It's fine, bro. Just leave everything you've got on the floor, and we'll let you off the hook." The big thug was the only one to speak calmly, and not treat the boy like a total nutjob...even though he was still mugging him.

"They don't seem to remember ever encountering him...in fact, they seem to be incredibly off-put by his ramblings…" Crusch mused, looking to the screen with an analytical eye.

"It does make sense...from what we see, Subaru-kun is the only one capable of...remembering, these past events." Rem added a little hesitantly.

Her clear blue eyes were filled with concern...and the first amount of unsureness she had felt towards her hero in a long time. She truly did not even know what to believe anymore...but she knew that her faith in Subaru would not shatter that easily, even to a ridiculous possibility such as that.

"Okay, okay, everything I've got, right? I'm in a hurry, so I don't even care." Subaru just gave in to their demands, setting down his bag.

"Wise choice. His items are indeed all rather cheap, so he can move on quickly, and these thugs will simply be left with nothing but Subaru's cheap snacks." Julius nodded in approval, though his seemed not quite as enthused, showing a small frown.

"Well I'd kill just ta' get my hand on one a' those snacks...who knows what they could give us?" She reinstated, leaving her knight to just smile at his mistress' adorable greedy nature.

The smaller one decided to push it further. "Now act like a dog. Get on all fours and howl, 'help me!'"

"Oi, oi...these bastards are goin' a little too far! Cap'n, s'time t'show 'em what's what!" Garfiel menacingly cracked his knuckles, knowing that now, for sure, it was his captain's time for action.

Subaru was set off by this, eyes immediately changing from exasperated to pissed, and he took a few unhesitating steps forward. "Don't get cocky, bastard!"

He gave the leader a strong uppercut, throwing the man into the air and sending a burst of wind throughout the alley, leaving the leader to fall right over on his back.

"Hell ya', Cap'n! Take out th' lanky bastard ferst!" Garfiel cheered on, fully immersed in the action to the point his eyes were almost glowing.

"Definitely some nice moves for a beginner...and he took care of the guy who had the weapon, first." Al complimented, his helmet hiding a plausive grin behind his helmet.

"Bro ain't a big fighter, but he's definitely got some brains and good muscles on 'im!" Ricardo agreed with the one-armed knight's point, showing a wolfish grin as his one-time comrade plowed through the thugs.

Next he took out the smaller thug, kicking him against the wall so hard that his eyes bulged in their sockets, his body flopping against the ground.

The fat thug, seeing this, had more time to react and tried to charge Subaru, but he easily dodged.

"Good instincts…" Wilhelm nodded at the boy's awareness to his surroundings, words which Crusch smiled to as she appraised his movements as well.

"I did believe that he was rather well-suited to battle, despite not being a soldier, himself. Perhaps being a front-line strategist may have suited him well? That quick thinking and those instincts are his most sharpened weapon." Crusch's words left Wilhelm, Felix, Ricardo, the Iron Fang Captains, and Rem nodding.

All of them had fought alongside him, and seen how he'd come up with strategy after strategy on the fly to keep the fight strong. The idea that there were illusionary copies of the whale, the idea of bringing the whale down, and the final blow that would take the whale coming from the ridiculous idea to cut down the Flugel Tree. Each turning point in the battle had come from Subaru's on-his-feet thinking.

"Rem's hero is very capable…" The blue-haired Oni was nothing but proud to hear Subaru be praised, and she knew for herself just how impressive he was in action.

"Heh, yeah, Cap'n s'a hell of a guy, even though he 'aint 'xactly a one-on-one fighter!" Garfiel added his own respect to his captain, remembering the last battle between the two of them.

Subaru was overwhelmingly weaker than Garfiel, but he had the determination of a dragon itself.

Priscilla, who had no idea of his achievements beyond anything other than what the candidates had previously mentioned just scoffed, frowning with utter hate in her eyes.

"That boy is nothing but a useless cur. If he were truly strong, he would not have to think of such strategies to weasel his way out of situations. The world will never turn for someone such as him, not even with such a disgusting ability."

No matter what the true nature of his ability was, Priscilla knew he was a defective product.

He seemed to lack ambition, was gullible, weak, prone to manipulation, and the repercussions of his ability were obvious. It was easy for her to see the cracks in such a power to experience the future personally.

Yet, despite her harsh thoughts and words towards him, she felt something was off. It was as if something was telling her to continue watching, to continue evaluating him more, so, she held off on saying any more.

Emilia practically shuddered with held back anger and hate, remembering the Host's words on physical violence. "I swear...I swear if we weren't in a theater…" She muttered below her breath.

Beatrice nodded in understanding to the half-elf's feelings, alongside Rem. Both were beginning to get long tired of Priscilla's constant hateful words towards the boy they all cherished, regardless of how mixed-up their feelings were.

"I just say we keep watchin'. On tha' other hand, that Natsuki-kun's interestin' me more an' more." Anastasia's thoughts opposed Priscilla's. It was a long shot...but if this boy really was some kind of prophet, she absolutely had to have him. The ridiculousness of his ability was not even an issue, no, what she wanted to know was just how authentic it was.

Otto felt alarm bells going off in his head, with him looking to his sleeping friend with worry, who was being protectively held by the 'protect Subaru' trio of Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem. He had nothing but bad feelings about this viewing now...

"Whoa, there." The fat thug turned and tried to deliver a combo of blows, but Subaru effortlessly dodged the man's sluggish movements, grabbing his arm and applying extreme pressure to it, beginning to twist his arm.

"What is that move? Is Barusu simply going to hold him in place and twist his arm until the thug begs and cries for his mother?" Ram laughed at the silly-looking hold that Subaru had over the man.

"Don't underestimate a truant kid with too much free time." He grumbled, clearly pissed. The thug was barely withstanding the squeezing of his arm, but Subaru continued. "After swinging a wooden sword around for no reason, my grip strength is over 70 kilograms!"

"Over 70 kilograms...that is impressive, for the average person. It is about the weight of a small boar. Subaru's self-exercise must've been rather well thought out." Reinhard gave a thoughtful analysis to his friend, an analysis that made Felt whistle in amazement.

"Big bro's really less of a pushover than I thought. Maybe he just shoulda' done a little more training? I mean, those three bums got pretty good at fighting too, and their specs seem waaaay low than bro's." Her words were curious, though Julius slowly shook his head at Felt's words.

"If I may interrupt...I believe that Subaru's true combat style may lie more in a supportive role. With his affinity with the spirits, his affinity to Yin magic, and his wits, he may be more useful as an in-battle strategist or backup.

"Hmph! As if Betty would allow her contractor to use the power of any spirits in the first place. All he requires to be the best is the best spirit, Betty herself, in fact." The Great Spirit spoke with confidence, causing Julius, Felt, and Reinhard to laugh lightly.

"What?! What are you laughing for, I suppose?!"

His next move was a dirty, but swift kick to the man's family jewels, leaving the thug to slowly collapse against the wall.

"Ouch. He really was goin' for tha' business." Ricardo winced, as did every other man inside of the room.

"Not quite the most honorable conclusion to this fight...but this was not a proper duel, either. I can let this one go." Julius' words were disapproving to Subaru's actions...but he couldn't stop a small smile from showing on him as the thug went down.

Felt voiced just what everyone, including Julius was thinking.. "You get what you deserve! That darn idiot trio…" She felt no pity for her camp members, knowing that she may have to do even worse to them later...

"I'm in a hurry! Don't get in my way again!" Subaru demanded, venting his anger against the thugs.

The scene changed to Subaru standing in front of the door of the loot house, attempting to psyche himself up.

"It's earlier in the day now…" Emilia mused, bringing her hands together as she gave a hopeful gaze to the screen. "Maybe...this time, things will...turn out better…?"

Felt gave a forlorn sigh at Emilia's hopeful words, a sigh that made the half-elf look down despondently. "Come on big sis, we just gotta...we just gotta be ready."

The ex-thief wasn't even convinced by her own words, but she knew she had to push on. If her big bro was experiencing all of this on his own...she owed it to him saving her life to experience it with him. Emilia felt exactly the same way, eventually raising her gaze to the screen.

"Don't chicken out, don't chicken out…"

He inched closer to the door...hesitating again as he remembered his horrific death.

"Cheh. That still leaves a really bad taste in my mouth." Ram spat at the flashback of the scene, frowning all the while.

"You and me both, sister." Rem agreed, feeling hate flare up in her at whoever this 'Elsa' bitch was that had attacked her beloved Subaru.

'Am I stupid? After coming this far, I can't leave without at least getting answers!'

Finally, he resolved himself to step forward...and knocked. "Is anyone there?" Eventually, his knocking grew more frantic and continuous. "Someone...someone's in there right? Please answer me! Please!" He was entirely desperate, before, without him even noticing, the door opened.

"Subaru…" Reinhard grit his teeth, feeling helpless. His friend must've been imagining that same horrible sight...the sight of all of those bodies laid out on the floor, including his own slowly bleeding out corpse.

"Bro's already gettin' some scars…" Al was sympathetic to the kid on screen. If his own experience was anything, then it looks like people that got brought to this world all had shitty fates.

"Can ya' blame him? He ain't used ta' combat, let alone seein two people's bodies in fronta' him. Then experiencin' death himself?" Anastasia shook her head, remembering how her innocence had been stripped from her many times.

Though, if this boy was anything like her, she knew he'd have to toughen up sooner or later. Then he'd be a lot more useful to the scheming merchant princess.

"Shut yer noisy trap!" Heavy footsteps were heard, along with the sound of rattling chains. "You tryin' to bust down my door when you don't even know the signal or password?!"

"That voice…!" Felt's cynical stare immediately changed to one of happiness and relief, her eyes filling with tears once more. However, these were not tears of sadness or despair, but ones of happiness. "Old Man Rom!"

A tall, dark-skinned older man towered above Subaru, looking down at the boy with clear annoyance and confusion.

She quickly wiped her tears away upon seeing him show himself on screen for good, a beautiful smile showing on her face. "Even if it's just for a little while...seein' that he's okay...it makes all of this a lil easier to handle."

Reinhard and Emilia smiled at the young girl, both happy to see her regaining a bit more of her usual bright self. Seeing the two looking at her, Felt blushed, rushing to wipe away even more tears from her face.

"O-Oi! Don't you guys just look at me like you're proud parents or something!"

They both chuckled at Felt's embarrassed response, turning their eyes back to the screen.

When Subaru saw the man...he immediately recognized who it was. The man whose mangled corpse he had seen propped up in the loot house. A flashback showed, echoing this thought.

"I still say th' that bitch, Elsa, is fucked up in th' head…" Garfiel remembered his own fight with the half-human, half-monster assassin, and her sickening demeanor. It was one thing to enjoy a battle...but she enjoyed bloodshed and death...she even found pleasure in her own horrifying demise.

"That is without question, I suppose. Betty believes that nobody would even go against such words, in fact." Beatrice spoke without a bit of hesitation, having seen the woman's actions through her monitoring of the mansion.

"Elsa? You mean tha' infamous assasin outta Gusteko? I did hear tha' the Sword Saint managed ta' fight her off tha' first time ta' save tha' butts a' Miss Emilia and Felt over there, didn't know that th' Emilia camp took 'er out."

Anastasia was quite frankly surprised, as her wide eyes showed. She was sure that she would've heard of such an infamous assassin being taken out, but she should have known by now that the Emilia camp seemed to operated entirely off the grid. Her information network wasn't quite as strong involving them, it seemed.

"Good riddance." Felt spat, completely uncaring for the sadistic bitch's death. She had been one of the most happy to learn that she had been killed, and of course, she was grateful towards Subaru and Garfiel for getting the job done.

"Hey, I gotta thank you for getting rid of her. She was a real blight, and I didn't have the time or desire to hunt her down myself with Rein." She looked down at the demihuman boy with a small smile.

"Right. I do remember Subaru saying how he had left Garfiel and Fredrica to handle things at the mansion…" Emilia pondered back on the memory.

Frederica bowed her head, giving a humble response. "It was nothing, Emilia-sama. Much of the credit goes to Garf. He may be my younger brother, but he is almost a prodigy when it comes to combat." She spoke proudly.

It was not unexpected that all of these words of praise and wonder made Garfiel pratically puff up in pride, receiving all of it with a huge toothy grin.

"A 'course! My amazin' self couldn' betray Cap'ns trust after he left her t'me! Y'think they call me the 'Strongest Shield' fer nothin'?" He laughed boastfully, leaving most to laugh at his boastful nature. Frederica just let out a small sigh at her brother's actions.

"Don't allow yourself to get a big head, Garf. That was only after me, Otto-san and Barusu beat some much needed sense into you." Ram was quick to bring Garfiel back to reality, the young lad simply pouting at her harsh words.

"Y'coulda jus' let me 'ave that one, Ram…"

Otto shook his head with an amused smile, smugly leaning back in his chair. "No can do, Garfiel-san! It is our job to keep you in check, after all!"

The gray-haired merchant's words left Garfiel to groan, as he relunctantly dropped back into his chair.

Rem, meanwhile, looked entirely lost. "It seems I've...missed out on quite a lot of events."

The man leaned down to get a better look at the boy.

"You're…" Subaru only managed to get a single word out.

The scene changed, and now Subaru was sitting inside the loot house at the counter, as the giant man drank a glass.

"It seems that he actually allowed him in…" Tivey spoke, clearly surprised at the giant's kindness.

"Perhaps he noticed that Subaru-sama had something important to talk about? He must know that none would knock so desperately without something to say." Crusch added, finding herself surprised to Rom's actions, as well.

"Of course! Old Man Rom might look big and scary, but he's a real kind of down to earth guy!" Felt bragged, though her words made Wilhelm look doubtful.

'I wonder when that change happened…' It was odd for him, seeing his old enemy look so peaceful and relaxed.

The boy looked around, inspecting the entire place now that he could see it in broad daylight.

"What have you been all fidgety for?" The old giant asked, staring down Subaru. "Your balls chafing are causin' ya that much trouble?"

Subaru immediately fired back. "I'm not worried about my privates! Don't just start the conversation with potty humor!"

The more crude members of the theater, namely Garfiel, Felt, Ricardo, and Al laughed their asses off at this joke, finding it absolutely hilarious that the serious mode was interrupted by such a joke.

Priscilla gave her knight an annoyed glance, then back at the screen. "How disgusting...unsavory jokes befitting an even more unsavory boy. I cannot believe you find such jokes funny, Aldebaran."

Al wished he could wipe the tears from his eyes, only slowly shaking his head. "I-I'm sorry princess, h—haha...I just wasn't expecting a real hammer like that to come outta nowhere."

The man groaned in annoyance. "You're already interrupting my evening drink. You'll kill me if you start talkin' bout boring stuff, now."

"Don't drink while the sun's still up. You'll die young." Subaru warned, before getting to the point. "Actually, this is a stupid question, but...Old man, have you died, recently?"

"That's...that's really quite the way to begin a conversation…" Julius gave a slight chuckle at his friend's direct way of trying to confirm his suspicions.

"He still thinks he's just goin' through tha' same day, remember? Kid probably thinks that tha' guy in front a' him is a ghost or somethin'." Ricardo intervened, a thought which everyone could not help but feel exasperated at.

"He does not even recognize his own ability after experiencing such a thing? How worthless." Priscilla sighed, finding the boy's incompetence more and more bothersome.

"You can't exactly blame Subaru-kun...he's just been brought to another world, and had his sense of time and reality messed with." Rem defended him with a small frown at Priscilla's continual behavior of throwing her frustrations onto Subaru.

"Indeed. I believe that almost any one of us would find ourselves disoriented and unsure of what to believe were we caught in such a situation. Subaru-sama is even less experienced with magic than any of us, so it is not a surprise." Crusch backed up the blue-haired Oni's words.

The fiery-haired Countess just shook her head at the Duchess' words, suddenly kicking Al's legs to draw out some of her frustration. "Do not bunch me in with you commoners. The world turns in my favor, such a situation is not even a stumbling block for mineself."

Felix folded his arms in annoyance, deciding to interrupt the back and forth. "Yes, yes, Barielle-sama. We all understand that nyou are perfect and have nyo flaws. Can we just get on with the viewing?" The healer's words were to the point and full of sarcasm, as always.

Priscilla scowled, practically crushing Al's foot underneath her heel now, but she managed to keep herself from immediately lunging out and killing the mangy animal.

Al, on the other hand, was suffering the full wrath from his mistress in silence...agonized, extremely painful silence. Somehow, just somehow...he felt this was her punishing him for his out-of-turn laughing, as well.

"For once, I find myself agreeing with what that smart-talking cat has to say, I suppose." Beatrice nodded in accordance to Felix's words, with almost everyone else in the theater nodding in accordance.

Crusch was a little disappointed at her knight irresponsibly speaking to another candidate out of turn...but she decided not to reprimand him for the moment.

The drunk giant just started laughing his ass off at the silly question, before replying.

"I'll admit I'm an old man at death's door, but I ain't really died yet."

"Okay, then have you seen a girl with silver hair?"

"Silver hair?" The man seemed to sober up a bit at the mention of said hair color. "I ain't seen anyone that conspicuous."

"He's lucky that this ol' giant is a good guy. That kinda' question woulda' made anyone else kick him out right away." Anastasia sighed, still extremely displeased at how clueless the boy was on the culture and taboos of their world.

"Indeed...any regular merchant would be frightened by the mentioning of silver hair from a desperate-looking stranger." Otto had to admit this with a bit of guilt. Due to his own streak of bad luck, he too had never been too lenient with his customers. Not out of racism, but caution.

Silver hair was practically always trouble, even if just by association..

"I still feel guilty for giving Subaru that name...I'm just happy he hasn't said it out loud to anyone." Emilia was beating herself up on the inside, unable to look properly at the boy beside her out of her pure guilt.

With these answers, Subaru began to think to himself.

'Was it all a dream? Then exactly how much was a dream, and if it was a dream, then why am I still in this world?'

"It can't be a dream, if you think clearly. The fact that he remembers the loothouse and the three thugs attacking him proves just as much. One does not simply dream events accurate to reality out of pure chance." Crusch shook her head in the negative, immediately disproving the theory that Subaru had made.

She wished that it was a dream, to spare the man she had come to respect from the terrible burden it would force on him...but her strong, determined eyes never seeked the easy way out. She knew that she would have to face the reality, just as everyone else would have to.

"So, what are you doin' here, anyway?" The old man asked, now fully immersed in his drinking again.

"Oh...I'm looking for an insignia. It belongs to a silver haired girl who helped me out. I don't know why, but it's important to her. If I remember right, she said it had a jewel in the center."

"An insignia with a jewel…sorry, but I ain't got nothing like that."

"Are you certain? Try to remember real good! Maybe you're just old and forgetting some things?"

The old man scoffed it off. "If I can't remember it when I'm in my top shape with booze in me, then the only explanation is that I don't know...but...I do have someone bringin' in goods later. I'm told it's some good loot, maybe even what you're lookin' for."

"I'm surprised that Old Man Rom really told bro about my job…" Felt was clearly a bit surprised at how easily the giant revealed it. Her surprise eventually turned to a smile. "He must've been sure he could trust big bro, heh!"

Felix snickered, hiding his mouth behind his hands. "Or that he could easily take him down if he needed to."

"Hey!" Felt almost instantly whipped around, shooting the mischievous demihuman a glare.

"Is the one bringing it in the girl named Felt?"

"What, you even know who swiped it?" Rom looked disappointed at the intrigue behind his mystery being solved. "Well...affording it is a whole different matter."

"Ha, it's no use trying to size me up. I'm as broke as they come, after all."

"He readily admits how broke he is...this Natsuki-kun really ain't a negotiator, is he?" Anastasia found herself increasingly frustrated at how openly the boy threw away his weapons for negotiation.

"Ain't no point in this talk, then."

"No, there is the option of trading!" Subaru interjected, interesting the man, who looked at the bag that Subaru carried.

"Wait...tradin'? No, no, y'cant tell me that he's just gonna give away…" Anastasia's frustration suddenly changed to unstoppable mania. Such interesting and likely extremely expensive items...he was just going to give them away for an insignia?!

"Natsuki-san...he must've felt extremely cornered to the point of selling all he could. Just to try and return Emilia-sama's insignia to her." Otto shook his head, distraught at just how desperate his friend was.

Emilia felt a small pit in her stomach, as she was forced to see just how much Subaru was willing to give up for her. It was like she was being emptied out with each act of selflessness and harm that Subaru put himself through just for her...

"Now that you mention it, you do have some weird stuff, there."

"That's right. For example, this is a corn potage snack. It's super tasty!" Subaru said, holding up the bag of chips to the man.

"That's food?" He said in surprise, taking the bag and opening it, surprised as chips shot everywhere. He took a huge fistful of chips and ate them, relishing in the taste. "I see! What an odd flavor! These'd go great with booze."

"Right? Right? Hey wait! Don't just go on eating them!" Subaru said, pointing a finger at the giant man.

"He should at least do a better job of keeping his items safe…" Ram spoke with exasperation, resisting a small laugh that she felt coming from the temporary joy of watching Subaru' comedic misfortune.

"Well, I dunno what you plan to trade, but you'll hafta come back after Felt gets here." The man explained, shoving his face with another fistful of chips.

"Until I come back…?" Felt let out a shaky breath, as the reality again descended onto her, and most everyone involved. "Damn it...why does this one have to be another miss…?" She balled up her fists.

"Felt-sama...perhaps...perhaps it is won't be too late for Emilia-sama to arrive and-"

"And what? That monster isn't nearly weak enough for me, Rom, big sis and big bro to handle on our own! We would have the worst cut out for us just trying to run away!" Felt's emotional words brought a harsh, logical truth to the swordsman...a truth that quieted him down.

"Tha' girl's right...if my info was correct, she survived a blow from tha' Sword Saint himself, didn't she? I've heard that Miss half-elf is a pretty good magic user, but she ain't exactly on tha' level of attacks that the Sword Saint there could deliver." Anastasia added with a nod, shrugging at the idea of any of them being able to face Elsa.

Reinhard felt utterly weak, knowing that even though he had all of that strength, all of that power...he was nothing right now. Nothing to his friend, who was about to die once more, and nothing to the other innocents in the loothouse.

Emilia couldn't even say anything to their words, only listen as each and every one dug deeper and deeper into her core. She was utterly useless...she would just have to watch Subaru die again...and there was absolutely nothing she could do about it.

They all had tried their best to look away from the truth, but it was again in their faces. Instead of ignore it...all they could do now was prepare themselves for what was to come.

Priscilla showed a faint smile at this hopelessness brewing. "At the very least, they are beginning to learn their place." Her voice absolutely dripped with satisfaction...a satisfaction that made her knight, Aldebaran sigh.

'She's really vicious...might hafta apologize to these guys later…' He thought, trying his best to ignore the pain sparking up in his leg as Priscilla again abused him with her own feet for his simple sigh.

The boy did as told, waiting outside the loothouse as evening descended on the capital. In front of him, two young boys in rags stared back at the young man.

"I guess, in any world, there are people with money and people without. It's sure easy to see the difference here…" Subaru looked up to the bright, rich-looking town that sat in the distance on the hills, then shifted his gaze down and down until it reached the desolate-looking slums.

Felt managed to show a small smile, even though she wasn't exactly feeling too happy. "I don't think big bro's gonna have to worry about that too much longer..I'm gonna make sure nobody's left behind when I win!"

Emilia's eyes widened, and she looked back at the blonde troublemaker. "I hate to rain on your parade, Felt-chan...but I am confident that I'll win! Then, I'll make sure that equality is never an issue!" She argued, a rare competitive spark in her eyes.

"Filthy rats. Neither of you are eligible to even take a single day in the seat of ruler. I will simply erase this unspeakable blemish from the face of the earth by my mere existence as the Queen. It has already been decided that I shall win, after all." Priscilla interrupted both of them.

The three candidates got into an all-out arguing war, while the rest just sat out the petty squabble. Especially Julius, who was much less amused.

"To think Subaru would take notice of this so aptly…" Julius grit his teeth in utter shame, unable to face just how useless he was in such a situation. No, in almost every situation here.

His lady could raise those people out of the slums with the prosperity she would bring to the kingdom...but where was he when innocent people were about to be killed? It was his one job as a knight, to protect his lady, and the people of the kingdom. Yet, where was he…?

Anastasia, sensing the turmoil in her knight, gave him a comforting tap on his shoulder. "Don't get down jus' yet, Julius-kun. You remember what I said earlier, right?" At these words, Julius slowly lifted his head, giving a nod as he put his eyes back on the screen.

"Yes, Anastasia-sama. I...I won't look away. Not from anything." The purple-haired knight showed resolution in his eyes, leaving Anastasia to simply smile and lean back in her seat.

Crusch was left sighing and shaking her head, leaving her knight and her attendant to give her worried looks. Noticing their gazes, the green-haired Duchess gave them a reassuring smile. "Don't worry for me, you two...I am simply thinking that Subaru-sama's journeys thus far has brought this issue further into my mind. I wish to make the people of this country independent, free of the dragon...but what is the point when the Kingdom itself is broken already?"

Her words drew Wilhelm and Felix to frown in thought, each giving their own opinion.

"I do believe you are correct, Crusch-sama. If I may be allowed an opinion...I too wish for such a sight to become redundant within our country." The wisened old man nodded, as he knew already what a hellish landscape a divided Lugnica was.

"I don't think you're wrong, Crusch-sama. You're just doing what you believe is best...but I will say...it hurts to know that there are people dying and getting hurt without anything there to help them." The healer admitted, giving his thoughts a bit more reluctantly than Wilhelm.

Crusch affixed the screen with a serious stare, bringing a hand up to hold her chin. "I will consider both of your thoughts...for now, I think it wise to continue watching."

"Hey, what're you doing there, bro? You're in my way." A rough, yet still feminine voice spoke up, rousing Subaru from his thoughts.

He looked ahead of him to see the exact thief he had been searching for...the blonde-haired scarf-wearing Felt standing right in front of him.

"Felt!" He said with relief, having finally tracked the girl down himself.

"You know me?" The girl asked with confusion.

"Of course I do! I've been waiting for you!"

The girl looked at him with suspicion.

"What for?"

Subaru chuckled, holding up his hands. "Wait, are you saying you don't remember me?"

"Dangit…" Felt folded her arms, resisting the urge to move and jump at the screen. "Bro's gotta feel so lonely...he must wonder why nobody remembers him, or why he feels so weird…"

The little girl leaned over, getting a closer look at him while her hand rested on her chin. "Have we met? You know, I am a busy gal, so unless they leave a huge impression, I don't actually remember most people I meet." She admitted honestly.

"I'd say that was a pretty huge impression…" Subaru said with disappointment, remembering that the girl had directly addressed him even while on the run. "Well, forget it." He got to his feet.

"I want to negotiate for the insignia you have." The boy cut straight to the point, leaving Felt to look thoughtful as she appraised his looks, like she was considering something, before she finally spoke with a small smile.

"Man, so that's all that it was? In that case, I'll hear you out." The girl agreed, going up to the door then knocking on it twice. Old Man Rom's familiar voice came out.

"For a rat…"

"Poison.

"For the white whale…"

"A harpoon."

Wilhelm found himself chuckling ever so slightly, fully approving of this part of their secret passphrase.

"To the noble dragon lord, we are…"

"Shitbags."

Crusch found herself letting out a charming laugh at this part too, with the last part of the passphrase fully striking a cord with her.

The giant opened the door after the perfectly answered questions, to see both Felt and Subaru standing wait outside.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Old Man Rom." Felt apologized, as she walked on in. "My target was way more persistent than I expected. It took a while to shake them."

Subaru also walked in behind her, with the old man looking surprised that the boy had actually stuck around.

All three people present now sat at the counter, with Rom offering Felt a tiny pint-cup of what looked to be milk.

The girl took it and drank thankfully, but stared at the cup with a frown.

"Hey, Old Man Rom, did you water this milk down? It's nasty."

"Watered down milk?! Nasty, Mimi would never want to drink such a nasty-sounding thing!" Mimi said, clearly in outrage as such improperly handled milk...only for her brother, Tivey, to sigh, slumping his shoulders in tiredness.

"I don't believe that's the most important thing right now, sister..."

Said giant would just frown, replying back in kind. "Good grief, I give you something outta the goodness of my heart, and you call it gross?" He placed an oversized hand on the girl's head, ruffling her hair.

Subaru watched the display curiously. "The two of you are closer than I had either hoped or expected. I'm feeling left out, over here."

"Don't talk like a wuss, when you've got a face almost as scary as Old Man Rom's." Felt said with a smug smirk.

Subaru looked at her with an evil smile and exaggerated face, a glint in his already frightening-looking eyes. "People have said lots of things to me, but you say I can compete with this old guy?"

"S-Scary!" Petra practically yanked Fredrica's hand down over her face, not wanting to see this extremely spooky version of Subaru. The blonde maid just chuckled at this action.

"Brother's definitely making the giant look like a tame cat in comparison…" Ricardo said with a lifted eyebrow, feeling a tiny chill go down his back.

Felt gave up teasing him with her smile turning to an apologetic one, and she gave a small bow of her head to him. "Alright, alright, I went too far on that one, sorry for that, bro."

Meanwhile Rom just looked at the two with a pissed frown.

"You two aren't in some conspiracy to try to piss me off, are you?"

Felt found a weak smile coming to her face as a giggle managed to sneak its' way past her lips. Many found themselves sharing in the gesture.

"It is...it's nice to have these moments of peace and fun. Even if we know it's just temporary…" Emilia couldn't help but lightly press into her knight as she spoke.

"Of course, that's something Old Man Rom said he always appreciated about bro. The few times they met, his sense of humor never dropped, no matter what the situation was!" Her eyes shined with remembrance, as she realized that the old man and Subaru had actually not have much interaction.

"Maybe the next time Subaru and I go to the capital town for some shopping, we can attempt visiting you?" Rem questioned, with Felt's tiny smile immediately changed to a grin.

"Of course! You guys can come over whenev-ah, Rein?" Felt wanted to answer them positively right away, but she knew she had to look to her knight for permission. His family could be a pain in the ass about who they let on their Estate.

Reinhard chuckled lightly, giving the two a bright smile and a nod. "You need not even ask. Subaru is a dear friend of mine, after all. I won't hear any complaints from my family." He promised, crossing a fist over his heart.

"Then it's set! I'm lookin' forward to it when we get the hell outta here!" Felt exclaimed in excitement. This, of course, died down as she slowly focused her attention back to the screen.

Felt placed her cup down on the counter and continued on. "Alright, then why don't we get down to business? How much will you pay for it?"

"You really don't waste time...before I answer anything, you do actually have the insignia, right?"

"Of course I do!" The little thief said with a self-assured smile, bringing the item out from her jacket and handing it to Rom to inspect. "This one's got a jewel in it, so I had to work pretty hard to get it." She admitted. "If you can pay me enough to match my effort, then we'll both be happy."

"I didn't even know that was a royal insignia at the time…" The ex-thief admitted with an irony-filled grimace. "The 'client' just said that it was gonna be on a silver-haired half-elf on her way into the city. I just figured it was worth a lot cause of the jewel in the middle."

Anastasia looked at Felt with an eyebrow raised in interest. "Tha' client? By that, ya' mean ya' were hired to nab a royal insignia a' all things?" To her sharp mind, that sounded like an extremely important, and worrying detail.

"Yeah. It was that same bitch we were talking about earlier, Elsa…" Felt grit her teeth as the woman came into memory. "She was just more like a messenger...but it looks like whoever hired her just told her to kill all of us after she bought it, anyway. That psycho…"

Emilia hummed at this revelation, bringing a finger to tap her cheek. She felt like there was more...more to that story that she just couldn't find out.

"Still...to direct Felt directly to Emilia-sama's location, and to then ask her to kill everyone there regardless, only after purchasing the jewel...does that not seem somewhat...suspicious?" Otto said, bringing his hat down to cover the top half of his vision.

"Fuckin' hell, Otto-bro...you ain't sayin'…" Garfiel's voice trailed off. Even for how slow he was to catch on to certain things, he knew exactly what his brother was sadly implying.

"There is a disgusting rat." Priscilla spat, feeling even more hatred towards the camp than she previously had. The entirety of it was off-putting. A silver haired half-elf, a boy that could travel through time, and a traitor...it was all too much coincidence.

"I was thinking the same thing. For someone to not only be aware that Emilia was carrying her insignia, but also of her exact movements that day...it seems rather convenient." Crusch affixed the first row of the theater with a suspicion-filled gaze.

"Betty sees. There is either a traitor, or a spy in our numbers, I suppose." Beatrice did not shy away from the accusations, narrowing her eyes at every member of the camp. The spirit was only on her contractor's side, so she considered every other person there a possible enemy.

"A...a traitor?" Emilia repeated, feeling an unnatural chill spread throughout her body. Someone that she trusted, someone she knew, who had aimed not only to steal her insignia, but to...kill...her?

The half-elf felt almost like she was choking on her own breath, unsure if anyone sitting in that front row with her, aside from Subaru could be trusted anymore.

Roswaal went cold, wondering if he would be exposed...right here and now. Though, when he stopped to think of it, he found himself rather uncaring.

Even if he had to fight, it was of no consequence. His dream had been brought to life again.

With the knowledge of Subaru's ability...Roswaal was now in power. He could force the boy to do anything he wanted with this new knowledge. To kill him, over and over, until he was forced to be perfected.

His dream was not entirely dead. Even if he was not the last Roswaal, it did not matter. Even if Natsuki Subaru broke, it did not matter.

Yes, all he would have to do is wait and bide his time...somehow, he could bring his Teacher back. He knew not how long the limit of the boy's time travel was...but perhaps, just perhaps, he could force him to go back to the day he entered the Sanctuary.

Ram, feeling somewhat off, gave her master a sideways glance...however, the clown just showed his ever-present neutral smiling expression.

"It iiiis a rather serious accusation to plaaaaaaaaace on us~. A spy or traitor within the Mathers territory…" Roswaal shook his head. "We will haaaave to find out more through this viewing…"

Reluctantly, everyone dropped the topic, but they were all on greater guard. Someone among them could not be trusted...someone...anyone.

Subaru looked from the joyful thief as he once again proclaimed the phrase he had almost got accustomed to saying that day.

"I have no money."

Felt was surprised, before going ahead and yelling,

"Then we've got nothing to discuss!"

Subaru interrupted her by raising a finger, wagging it in the air.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk...I don't have money, but I do have things that are worth money." The boy reached into his pocket, taking out his cellular phone and presenting it to the two in his palm.

"No way...he ain't really gonna sell tha' dang Metia, is he?! That thing's way too valuabe ta' just be pawned off in a loothouse 'fer an insignia!" She yelled in shock, appalled at the idea that such a transaction would even go on. "All a' this jus' for tha' elf girl?" She continued on, eyes filled with disbelief.

"Subaru-kun was never the type to care about material gain. All he wishes for is to help those he cares about...it is something all of us know very well." Rem corrected, her words full of love towards the boy on screen.

"Heh, Rem's right! Th' Cap'n would throw away anythin like that in a second! Even though...I know it must not a' been easy...jus' like Otto-bro said earlier, it was all he could do!" Garfiel backed up the blue-haired maid passionately.

"Betty's contractor is silly like that, I suppose. Even if his phone was the only thing connecting him back to his own world...he would easily give it away, just for this reason." The spirit nodded in agreement.

Emilia wanted to smile, but she could not help but feel guilty. Of course, she knew their Subaru did not sell his metia here, but she couldn't help but realize...he was just an innocent boy dragged in just out of a pure will to help her…

Was Subaru's suffering...all her fault?

Anastasia shook her head, putting a hand up to her temple like she was trying to dimiss a headache. "I really, really don't get tha' boys way a' thinkin'." Yet, despite the fatigue his eccentric way of thinking brought, a small part of her had to admire that resolve.

"What I have here is a magical device that can stop time for everyone, everywhere...a 'cell phone'!" Subaru began, putting on his best salesman act.

Both Rom and Felt leaned in to give it a closer look, with Felt being particularly interested.

"What's that?", "Never seen one before…" Rom and Felt respectively made their own comments on the mystery device.

Before they could react further, Subaru would speak up. "Then take this! Nine shots per second: Continuous Shot!" The phone's flash went off, blinding the two as it took nine pictures of the two that were so close to it.

"Hey, hey! What's that sound? And that was too bright!" Felt complained as her vision barely recovered, Rom still rubbing his eyes.

"Are you tryin' to kill me, bastard?!" The giant said in anger. "Don't go makin' light of this old man with dodgy tricks like that!"

"Now, just hold on." Subaru said, holding both of them back with a raised hand as he brought the screen up for them to see.

On the screen was a still image of the both of them staring at the phone, with Felt's crimson eyes shining in the bright flash.

Everyone let out various sounds and expressions of awe, with some particularly more excited than the others.

"Amazing! How the heck did he do that?! Mimi has to know!" Mimi jumped up and down in her seat in barely contained excitement.

"Yeah, that's definitely a neat trick." Ricardo grinned, as he himself remembered the device vividly. It was the same cell phone that the boy had used to herald the coming forth of the White Whale.

"That's me and Felt's faces. What sort of magic is that?" Rom asked, rage subsiding into curiosity.

"I told you, it's a mystical item that can freeze any moment in time." He explained. "With this, you can capture moments in time, and store them in here."

"This must be another peculiar device of Subaru-sama's world. Just what does it function on, if not magical in nature?" Crusch looked to the Great Spirit Beatrice in curiosity, who showed her usual prideful reaction of being the one to explain.

"If I must...it functions off of an energy in their world known as 'electricity'. It can be artificially be produced, and anyone can use it without a single bit of aptitude. Almost everyone in his world uses similar devices, in fact."

Beatrice's words left many of them in awe, though the Great Spirit was not even finished.

"In his world, it also enables anyone to speak across the world near-instantaneously. However, such a feature only works there, due to the infrastructure they have in place to support such things, I suppose."

Her words further amazed the crowd, who almost all seemed in shock and various levels of disbelief.

"Ta' sell such a thing away like that...I really just can't let go a' sucha decision…" Anastasia lowered her head in disappointment, leaving Ricardo to chuckle wolfishly and pat her on the back.

"Hey, don't worry 'bout it so much, boss! M'sure we can find something out!" He tried to reassure her, but the purple-haired businesswoman was having none of it.

"I see, that really is amazing!" Felt said, leaning back.

"My first time seein' it." Rom admitted, still bewildered by the odd device. "Maybe its' one of those 'metia' I've been hearing about recently?"

Subaru looked at that man curiously. "Metia?"

"It's the name of devices that let people who haven't opened the gate use magic, like they're real magic users." The old giant briefly explained.

Felt leaned up, looking the giant in the face. "Forget that, I'm more concerned with the price. What can I get out of this 'metia'?"

Felt snickered at her rashness, thinking on how she now relied on the power of one such overpowered Metia...one that she would not reveal to the rest of the crowd, of course.

Rom looked unsure as he considered it. "Well, it's my first time using a metia, too. But, I'd say there's no doubt it'll fetch much more than that insignia."

Subaru looked pleased, as he held up his phone. "Then that settles it! This cell phone for the insignia! There, negotiations complete!" He attempted to reach out for the insignia in the outstretched giant's hand.

However, Felt was much quicker, nabbing it back for herself and leaving Subaru shocked. "Hey!"

"Nope, not yet." The little girl denied him, leaving Subaru frustrated.

"Why not?"

"You're not my only negotiation partner, that's why."

"Damn it...I'm really gonna make bro wait until she gets here…" Felt cursed her own ignorance on the screen now, any sense of easygoingness completely gone, and replaced with equal parts fear and rage. Her blood equally chilled and boiled just thinking about that murderous psychopath.

"Fuckin' Bowel Hunter…" Garfiel spat, wanting to pound his fists into the screen in front of him. What use was the Ultimate Shield if he couldn't jump in there and save his Captain and friends?

"Let us all...prepare ourselves." Reinhard spoke solemnly. He was forced, like everyone to accept it. Accept that their despair and hopelessness would continue...and so, there was only one thing he could say to everyone.

To ready themselves.

"Huh?" Subaru looked baffled at her proclamation.

"Besides, I nabbed this insignia because I was hired to. My client told me I could get ten holy coins for it." The girl said gleefully, holding up both of her hands towards Subaru.

"You already had a deal with the one you stole it for?" Subaru asked with disappointment clear in his eyes. "I don't know what ten holy coins are worth, but…"

Rom cut in, giving the boy and Felt some much needed information. "That metia you've got is worth at least twenty holy coins...no, there are probably fancier buyers out there who'd pay more for a thing like that, specifically."

"Probably?! Throwin' down thirty holy coins ain't enough ta' learn tha' secrets of a device that can take pictures an' make communication 'cross tha' continent possible. An' its' mass-producible?!" The merchant felt that the man was just being modest, only because he didn't get the true capabilities of the device.

"I would wager there are many nobles who might pay even further just for the fact that it is a 'Metia' in the first place. Sir Subaru should truly consider this deal carefully…" Wilhelm agreed, knowing well of the desire such a device would accrue.

"Really?! That means I can get away with overcharging for it!" Felt said, already looking excited at the prospect of holding such money.

Subaru sighed, deciding to take the situation in stride. "So, when and where are you meeting your client?"

Felt snickered, waving away his worries. "Don't worry, negotiations will be held right here. If a little thing like me tried to deal with clients alone, I'd be sunk if a client decided to bilk me. But with Old Man Rom here, I don't have to worry one bit!"

The girl folded her arms in a show of confidence, only for the conversation to be interrupted by a light knocking on the loot house door. Everyone's gaze turned to it, only for the knocking to repeat. Rom looked down at Felt.

"She's...here…" Emilia's words came out slowly, almost dragging.

"Damnit...I'm not even ready for this…" Felt's breathing quickened, along with the beating of her heart. "Damn it…damn it…"

Everyone's expressions shifted to that of attentiveness and apprehension, in equal parts. The time had come...to see the boy suffer again.

"Does your client know the password?"

Felt looked to him in realization. "Oh, I forgot to mention it. That's probably a customer for me, I'll go take a look."

The little girl hopped off her seat at the counter, with Subaru looking questioningly to the old man.

"You're okay letting her use you like this?"

Rom replied in stride, familiarity in his voice. "Well, it ain't like we're total strangers. I've known her a long time, so I'll let her rely on me."

The giant got up and walked over to where a giant wooden club was laying, picking it up and holding it in both hands as he walked back to the counter.

"A club hidden away in case of emergencies...smart, but if this assassin's skills are anything like they have been boasted about…" Julius felt a nervous sweat slowly beginning to drip down his skin.

"It won't be nearly enough…" Rem continued, looking to Subaru next to her, as if she was confirming he was there. She held onto his hand protectively.

"You know, even this Subaru-kun has to give a wry chuckle at the sight of someone looking like such a barbarian." He joked, as the man stashed the club below the counter.

Even Priscilla was not quite as forthcoming in her insults and aggression, letting out a sharp exhale. "At least the boy recognizes that he looks just like a savage." She muttered, though her words did not have quite the same sting to them.

"Well, look at where we are. Everyone around is just desperate to survive. It's common for youngsters to group up with others in similar situations just to stay alive." Rom replied, revealing the true harsh nature of the slums. "But felt, she ain't cut out for that. That's why I gotta look out for her."

"Nyow I understand. That must be why that thug trio developed, huh?" Felix thought back to the three muggers, realizing that his mistress' word was right. They were just representative of a larger encompassing problem of the slums...and the healer couldn't help but feel bad for just dismissing that, earlier.

"Old Man Rom…" Felt's voice shook at the Old Man's heart-warming declaration. "I never know that's what you thought 'bout me…" Now, knowing what would come next tore her heart even further.

"Felt-sama…" Reinhard was at a loss for words as the girl retreated into an emotional shell, looking like she was barely holding back a torrent of tears. He did not have the words to say anything to her.

Subaru just let out a sound of understanding, as the door behind them slowly opened. Felt returned to the counter.

"I was right, it was for me!" She said, pointing to the counter as her guest slowly strode into the room. "Over here. Care to sit down?"

A lady's smooth voice echoed through the room, fully stepping in and closing the door behind her. "There seem to be several outsiders present."

"That fuckin' voice, I swear to th' dragon…" Garfiel's knuckles nearly turned white with how hard he was clenching them together. Otto gave his bro a worried look, though he was too embroiled in his own feelings of tension to give any true comfort.

"Garf…" Fredrica could not bare to see her younger brother so absolutely enraged...but she understood his feelings, as well. She, too, was not looking forward to how that monster would attack.

"It...it truly is her." Reinhard softly spoke. It took everything he had to keep his own calm demeanor, his usually clear blue eyes wavering, filled with concern...and dread.

Felt looked to Rom with trust and smiled. "Well I'd be in trouble if you bilked me. We weaklings have our own way of fighting."

The dark-clothed lady slowly and sensually walked her way to the counter, still addressing the thief. "I know this older fellow, but who is the young man?"

"Pretty lady...but she's giving off all the wrong vibes." Al spoke, feeling his skin practically tingle while looking at the woman. She looked just fine, but there was just...something about her.

"That is quite surely putting it lightly." Julius felt distress just laying eyes on her. He had never heard of the woman till this very day...but he somehow knew exactly what she was capable of from a glance.

Felt looked up to the lady with a wry smile on her. "This brother's your rival. He's the other person negotiating with me."

"And just like that...Subaru-kyun is now on her list." Felix narrowed his eyes at the screen, his words striking Felt like a poison-laced arrow.

Not only Emilia felt like she dragged Subaru into her issues...but Felt herself was responsible too. How could she casually accept a job promising over 10 holy coins for taking a simple insignia? She should've known there was more…

"I...I should've known…" The girl's words slowly descending into mutterings to herself, her mind unwrapping in layers of vulnerability. Reinhard wrapped his arm around her protectively, though his touch was almost nothing to her.

Her whole body felt numb.

Subaru finally laid eyes on the lady, looking directly into her gaze. She was...she was an otherworldly beauty, similar to Emilia, though her beauty was more...sensual. She carried with her darkness was the total opposite of Emilia's light.

She had a mature look about her, and every bit of her was completely dark. Her barely not-obscene clothing, her hair, and even her eyes were all pitch black. However, Subaru was not as in love with her as he was with the half-elf, for some reason.

"Bro's got keen senses. Despite how mucha a' beauty tha' chick is, not a single blush or comment…" Ricardo leaned forward, arms draped over his lap. "I ain't feeling it yet...not just yet, though."

Everyone now sat at a separate table, with the woman licking some foam from her lips that had been placed there by her drink. "I see. I understand the situation, now."

"Well, that means that you two will be bidding against each other." Felt explained. "I don't really care who gets it, I'll just throw it to whoever gives the highest offer!"

"That personality of yours, I do think I like it." She motioned to Subaru. "And how much did the young man bid?"

Subaru reached into his pocket, pulling out his cellphone. "I'm putting up this metia. A rare item, probably the only one of its' kind in the world." He took a quick picture of the woman, while continuing to speak. "That muscleman tells me it's worth no less than 20 holy coins." He showed the screen to her, which put out an accurate, detailed picture of the woman.

"A metia…" The girl stared at the device for a while, before letting out a short chuckle, moving her gaze to Felt. "As it so happens, the client sent me with some extra funds. Just so I'd be prepared to sweeten the deal."

"The client...so you were asked to fetch it, too, Elsa-san?"

"That's right. The client is the one who wants it, not me. Perhaps you might happen to be in the same business, yourself?"

"The same business...she must be referring to her assassination services. To think that they would be caught unawares so handily…" Wilhelm felt his old body wavering. He had seen the atrocities of war, entire villages destroyed, masses of people killed...but never, never would he get used to seeing innocents unknowingly walk to their slaughter.

And, taking a look at his grandson...his seemingly invincible grandson, that he had once believed no more than a monster...he could see.

Reinhard, despite hiding the best he could for his mistress, was shaking...he shook on the inside. His core was quivering in fear and a dark anticipation.

"Being in the same business as me would mean you're unemployed!" Subaru proclaimed proudly, pointing a thumb to himself.

Not even a single person laughed at this joke, not out of spite...but out of inability. There was not a single shred of lightheartedness in them at the moment...

Everyone stared silently at Subaru for a while, before Felt spoke up, breaking the awkward silence.

"So, this unemployed bro has named a price that puts him far in the lead. What price is your employer putting on it?"

The woman pulled out a coin pouch, slowly emptying a deluge of holy silver coins onto the table. Everyone was surprised at the large amount of money, as Rom would go ahead to count out 20 exact coins.

"20 coins exactly?" Otto brought a finger to his lips, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "That...is rather convenient. As if the hirer was aware there would be competition...as if they knew just what the price of Subaru's metia would be."

His words drowned everyone in an even darker despair, an uncertainty that none of them could shake.

"Come now...you ain't really sayin' that…" For the first time in their viewing, Anastasia sounded fully in disbelief. The gray-haired man's words were pushing an incredibly ridiculous conclusion onto them.

"The person who hired this assassin...most likely knows of Subaru's ability to see the future…" Emilia's voice was practically shaking...as was her whole body.

"How deep does this damn conspiracy go?!" Al yelled in outrage, sitting up violently in his chair. "Some person was plotting to ruin this bro, and so many other people's lives from day one!"

"And to think...that it is someone from Emilia-dono's allies…" Crusch felt a cold feeling invade her heart. She couldn't imagine how all of them felt...they could no longer trust a single one of their own.

"Betty...Betty can't believe this, in fact. Did he not just arrive in this world?" The Great Spirit was practically latched onto her contractor, her butterfly irises filled with doubt. Despite her words, Beatrice could hazard a guess. A horrifying guess, that made her breath hitch in her throat.

It was a Gospel. It had to be.

Somebody with a Gospel that must have been entirely aware of Subaru's arrival in Lugnica, as foretold by it. There was only one man...one man besides her, in Emilia's camp, that held a Gospel.

Beatrice felt two cold eyes laying on her form, like a predator looking directly through her soul...she turned her head to gaze at Roswaal...but he was just looking at the screen, a forlorn expression on his face.

"Betty...Betty must just be imagining things." She convinced herself quietly, slowly turning to stare back at the dreaded screen.

"These are all the holy coins my employer sent with me. Are they not quite enough?"

Rom, noticing how disheartened Subaru looked at the coins, shouted to the boy. "You're a man! Don't make that pathetic face! As I told you, your metia is no less than 20…" Both negotiators shared a glance. "As I see it, victory in this deal is leaning toward the boy."

"Please...please let Subaru-kun make it out of here...please…" Rem prayed as if she were begging, begging against the cruel reality she knew awaited all of them.

"Shit...jus' keep it cool, Cap'n...just keep it cool…" Garfiel was holding onto the edges of his seat for support, tensed up like a spring ready to blow up.

He then turned to Elsa. "I'm sorry for you and your employer, but you'd better bag up those coins and head off."

Subaru found himself letting out an uncontrollable shout of victory, jumping up and raising his fist to the air.

Once again, there was an awkward silence in the room...though this time Subaru broke it himself.

"Wh-what? What's wrong with a little guts-pose? I'm psyched!"

"Is...is that it? Is he just going to win the negotiation and be let go?" Julius' eyes were opened wide in surprise. He had expected the woman to immediately go on the attack once she even caught the slightest whiff of failure.

"I would nooooot let our guards down juuuuust yet~." Roswaal said, eyes hyperfocused to insanity on the screen now that nobody was looking at him. Beatrice was too smart for her own good...and they would find him out eventually, even if she did not speak.

He had to choose...choose when to act carefully.

"Nobody said anything in particular. Go as crazy as you want, brother. I don't care, as long as I get my profit." Felt refuted, shrugging her arms.

Elsa slowly got up from the table, with Subaru looking at the woman apologetically. "Uh sorry, Elsa-san. You'll probably get in trouble, huh?" The woman just shook her head.

"It can't be helped. It was my employer's fault for trying to underpay." She finished her drink, slowly setting the glass back down on the table as she did "Well, the outcome of this deal was a shame for me, but I shall be taking my leave now."

"Maybe we're really just getting let off the hook with this one…? Maybe things ain't as set in stone as we thought?" Felt managed to lift her eyes up, with the tiniest bit of hope shimmering within.

The lady looked at Subaru with a glint in her eyes. "By the way...what do you plan to do with that insignia?"

"No – those eyes are dangerous!" Fredrica spoke, realizing just what she was doing. The assassin was testing him, she was prodding to see if Subaru was a person to kill.

Subaru unthinkingly spoke, replying, "Oh, I'm going to find its' owner and return it to her."

"That...that dumbass!" Ram raged, holding her hands against her stomach. "He just said it...he just added himself to her list!"

"Subaru-!" Petra called out in desperation. She wasn't exactly as experienced as the others in the room...but the little maid knew that nothing good was coming next.

At these words, everyone in the room looked at Subaru, as the air suddenly grew tense. Sweat slowly formed on Subaru's face, as the realization dawned in on him, realizing what he'd just said...and seeing the murderous look in Elsa's eyes.

"That absolutely idiotic piece of filth…" It was unclear whether Priscilla was speaking on Subaru, or Elsa...but either way, the ill-tempered Countess was stiff, as if even her nerves of steel were being tested.

"So...you're related to them, then." Her eyes sharpened, but Subaru didn't get a chance to look any closer as Felt shoved him out of the way.

"Nice moves!" Ricardo raised a fist in approval, knowing for sure that that move had just avoided certain death.

"Indeed...that quick reaction just saved Subaru's life." Julius let out a singular breath of relief, but did not fully relinquish his guard. He knew it was far from over.

Everyone there knew...that Felt had just pushed the boy out of the way of a death blow.

"W-what?!" Subaru asked indignantly, only for Felt to look at the boy in anger.

"Are you trying to die?!"

"Oh my. I see that you avoided my strike." Elsa spoke up, holding her sharp, curved blade to the side, the metal glinting sinisterly in the light.

"S-shit…! I forgot jus' how fast th' damn bitch can move!" Garfiel thought back to their fight, at her inhuman agility and sudden movements. It had taken all he had just to kill her.

"Big bro…!" Felt could not even voice her words, only able to watch through barely visible eyes at the situation going to hell right in front of them.

"This could get real nasty...they need to capitalize on the chance that just gave them and run the hell outta there!" Al brought his fist down on the arm of his chair in urgency.

Her eyes shifted to the side, as Rom quickly grabbed his stashed away wooden club, charging the woman with intent to kill.

"Old Man Rom! No, you can't, you can't, you just can't...you can't take her on!" Felt's words were becoming less and less coherent, as she felt tears fall from her eyes. She wanted to believe in him, she really did...but she knew that the screen had other plans.

"That giant ain't gonna do anythin' to a gal that small and agile. Worst a' all, he ain't got nothin' to block her strikes. This one is already looking nasty, let alone gettin' there…" Anastasia corrected Al's previous words.

The worst situation wasn't approaching...it was already here.

Wilhelm watched the man fight while shaking his head from side to side. That giant was moving nothing like he had in his old days...perhaps if it were his younger self, Rom could pose a fight to the monstrous hunter in front of them...but now, he was nothing but a slow-moving bull to her.

She easily avoided, landing on the table, which Rom then went on to smash. "This is my first battle to death with a giant!" The assassin said with excitement, now landing on the bar counter.

"She's really enjoying this...in the middle of killing, she is enjoying it?!" Felix felt himself becoming irrationally angry. Such an attitude towards people's lives...it was absolutely unforgivable.

"Shut up, little girl! I'll grind you up and use you as food for the rats!" Rom yelled, unhesitatingly smashing in the counter, with Elsa agilely dodging once more.

"He...he cannot manage to get a single hit." Reinhard finally talked, though his words were what nobody particularly wished to hear. "This battle...it is not looking favorible for Rom-san."

The two continued clashing through the loot house, with Elsa only managing to parry two of his blows while she continued to dodge the rest. Despite the sheer destructive power that Rom had, none of his flurry of blows managing to land on her.

"The oaf has power, but he cannot land a single blow. It is as if he is a bull, foolishly charging and hoping that he will somehow hit." Priscilla analyzed coldly, knowing from the onset how this battle would end.

Felt and Subaru watched from the side in amazement, though Subaru was frowning, easily able to see how the tides of battle weren't so favorable for Rom.

"This is bad!" He warned, only for Felt to speak confidently.

"Don't worry. There's no way Old Man Rom will get done in!"

"I wouldn't have said that...I wouldn't have made him fight like that if I knew..if I knew just how bad she was…!" Felt's words were cracking up now, her mouth barely capable of forming sentences.

"Take this!" Rom winded up an especially destructive blow towards the woman...but his large attack would prove to be fatal, as Elsa immediately closed the distance and brought down her blade, effortlessly sending the man's right arm flying, with a stream of blood.

"OLD MAN ROM!" Felt's crimson-eyes widened as she cried out in rage and sorrow, tears drowning out her vision. Reinhard held her even more protectively.

Frederica made a move to protect Petra as well, immediately covering the younger maid's eyes fully. "Do not look." She spoke strictly, though her voice shook with some emotion Petra could not understand…but she did not need to.

She, along with everyone, could her the screams of felt that echoed through their ears and into their hearts, utterly devastating all of them.

Even Priscilla had nothing to say, just watching with a displeased gaze.

"Old Man Rom!" Felt shouted in desperation.

He leaned forward, pools of blood forming below him. "Damn it…!" He shuddered, as he resisted the immense pain he felt throughout his body.

"That wound is too much…! He can't possibly finish the fight in that condition…" Felix muttered solemnly, gripping his fists tightly and looking away. He felt useless as a healer, forced to simply observe.

"The man's experienced, though. Losing that amount of blood, and an arm suddenly...most would just pass out." Al said, bringing his own arm to feel where his left arm had once been.

"I forgot to say-" Elsa began to speak, but Rom wasn't listening, rushing at the woman with a deathly roar.

"I can take you with me, at least!"

Though, before the giant could do anything, Elsa brought up a broken glass to his neck...the same glass she had been drinking from. Rom's momentum brought him right into it, impaling the glass right through his windpipe. Cruelly, Elsa twisted it, with a sadistic smile on her face.

"Thank you for the milk."

The giant shuddered one last time, vomiting up a ball of blood...before falling on his back, against the wall. In the exact same position that Subaru had seen the man's dead body before.

"Th' fuckin' glass...th' disrespect!" Garfiel roared, feeling something in his soul flare up. Again, he wished to beat the absolute living shit of that crazy bitch. He felt had to do something, anything, or he wouldn't be satisfied.

"Rom...Rom...ROM…! NO…!" Felt could only repeat her father's name, her mind barely present in the moment anymore. She fell limp against Reinhard's hold, like a doll with cut strings.

"How…how have I not reached yet?!" Emilia breathed stutteringly, her pupils utterly dilated while she was obviously in panic.

Anastasia looked to the woman with narrowed eyes. She was about to speak, but Emilia shouted out again before she could even say anything.

"I know! I know...I know me being there wouldn't change anything...but why...why should I ever leave them to live out this nightmare…?"

The usually ever-ready merchant could say nothing to that, turning her head guiltily away from the half-elf.

"I'll return this glass." Elsa said, putting the broken glass down on the ground. Felt slowly got up from her position by Subaru, eyes shadowed.

"You bitch… How dare you?" She said, with anger.

"Kill her...she needs to die... Again, and again, and again…" Felt muttered darkly, the light in her eyes now almost entirely gone. Her murderous words made Reinhard shudder...but he just held her even closer, closing his eyes as she continued to mutter, clearly out of her mind for the moment.

"The girl was not meant to see such a scene…" Crusch said solemnly, looking at her with sympathy, then back to the screen.

"I fully understand her feelings." Rem said, feeling her own barely suppressed wrath rise up in her soul. This scantily-dressed absolute bitch was deserving of nothing but her hate...she was sure of it.

"Betty as well, I suppose." Beatrice's words were sharp and succinct. Remembering the spell she had used on the Great Rabbit...she would've used that spell on this vulgar woman without a second thought. An eternal hell in nothingness was exactly what she deserved.

Felt was, for the moment, utterly overwhelmed and temporarily broken by what she was seeing.

"Oh? It seems you have more courage than you friend there." Elsa said, pleased at the chance of yet another fight. "But if you resist, you may very well get hurt."

"Like you won't just kill me either way, you damn psychopath!"

"She is still rather brave, if nothing else." Tivey said in a serious tone, appraising, in his mind, the girl's chances of victory.

"Or perhaps foolish." Priscilla corrected, her words entering a total void in the theater. Nobody had the presence of mind or time to care for her petty comments.

"I'd rather her simply take Sir Subaru and run...but to do so would be to step on every bit of care she and the giant had for each other." Wilhelm let out a strained sigh, forcing himself to continue watching. Watching was the most respect he could give.

The assassin, unphased, flipped around her blade in the air, skillfully catching it in a display of her prowess. "If you move around, my hands may slip. I'm quite rough at handling blades, you see."

Felt looked back at Subaru apologetically, as she gripped the sword that sat on her hip. "Sorry you got caught up in this."

"Don't say something so damn final…" Ricardo grit his sharp canines together, feeling his hands itching like he was ready to go into battle.

Subaru was only able to get out an, "I…"

But by the time he spoke, Felt was on the move at an insane speed, moving around to Elsa as she activated her divine blessing, with her moving as quick as if she were pushed by the wind itself. She took a vertical slash at Elsa, though even with Felt's incredible speed, Elsa simply sidestepped it.

"Extremely fast – but it's not enough!" Julius exclaimed with worry, knowing that the girl's midair position would leave her completely vulnerable to a counterattack.

"How wonderful. I can see you are loved by this world. I envy you!" She turned around even faster than the thief, her blades screaming as she brought the blade down in her own vertical slash.

Reinhard immediately moved to fully block Felt's vision, as he could tell exactly what was coming next. He respected his lady's resolve to watch...but he would not have her see the disgusting festival of death that was to come.

He failed her...he had absolutely failed her. Not only Felt, but Rom and Subaru, too. He could not be a good knight, a good family member, or a good friend.

What...what was he worth here if he couldn't protect Felt from any further mental harm? Nothing. Even holding her, his self-worth was absolutely non-existent. He was not a Sword Saint, just a mere decoration.

His grandfather had been right...he was nothing but a monster. A monster that took, and could never truly protect. The very least he could do was stay strong, and allow his lady to let out all of her frustration and sorrow against his chest.

Wilhelm looked down at his grandson with regret, being able to tell exactly what thoughts were passing through the young man's mind...yet he could say nothing.

It cut the girl right open, blood splattering everywhere, including Subaru's face, as the blonde fell down, immediately dying to the vicious blow.

Subaru watched, frozen, feeling a ghastly sensation overcome him as he watched both Rom and Felt die.

"Felt-chan…" Emilia's words were muted, as her hands held over her mouth in shock.

"That is just...too cruel…" Otto brought his hat to fully cover his eyes.

"Fuckin' 'hell...Cap'n had to watch everyone in front a' him die like that…" Garfiel felt entirely helpless and hopeless...there was no outlet for this rage he was feeling...all he could do was look.

Crusch and Anastasia looked to their fellow candidate with looks of sympathy. They may have both had extremely different values and personalities...but nobody deserved to see their father in front of them die like that...and then be viciously murdered, themselves.

Even Roswaal felt a twinge of remorse at his actions...though he managed to justify it as he always did...that it was all for the sake of his Teacher.

"The old man and the girl have fallen, yet you aren't moving. Have you given up?" Elsa slowly turned to face the cowering Subaru, who bit by bit got to his feet.

"D-Damn it…" A dangerous glint was in Subaru's eyes, as he prepared himself.

"Subaru-kun, no!" Rem felt her heart practically take a leap in her chest. She knew what that look meant...and she did not like it. She wanted her hero to run, run as far as his legs would take him...not to stand and fight, not to walk into that impossible to avoid blade…

"Why...why must you be so determined at all the wrong moments…?" Beatrice was almost shaking as she watched her contractor's foolish resolve settle into place.

"Subaru…" Emilia words of worry were much lighter...yet filled with more emotion than Rem and Beatrice's combined. She felt guilt, sadness, anger, helplessness, and despair...her mind was a swirling blizzard of emotions, almost as cold and chaotic as her body felt.

"Ah, you finally stood up. It's not so fun since you took so long, but still, not bad." Elsa shared a this glint, narrowing her eyes at him.

Subaru and the assassin stared each other down...though Subaru did not retreat.

"He's going in…" Wilhelm spoke grimly, feeling his gloved hands shudder in his lap. "He's much...much too slow." He lowered his arms, defeated.

He let out an animalistic cry as he ran towards her with his fist held out, with the girl immediately slicing him and kicking him back.

"There's no way that idiot can take her on fists-first...he must know just how hopeless this struggle is." Rem's eyes wavered in rage.

"Perhaps he has some sort of plan…?" Crusch mused hopefully, remembering her own words in where the boy's true capabilities lay. In that quick thinking of his.

Priscilla scoffed at the mere idea. "And do what? His 'visions' have already failed him, what shall he do now?"

"But it's no use. I can see that you're a novice in battle, and your movements are rough. You have no blessings or techniques. I had hoped to squeeze wisdom out of you, but you lack that, too." The woman insulted, driving home how utterly inept and useless the boy in front of her was.

"Do not insult Rem's hero…" Rem spoke with barely restrained rage, feeling her hate for this monster on screen bubbling up to the surface.

"To insult a man's last stand...she really is a big piecea' shit." Ricardo spat, finding himself joining in the ranks of those that felt absolute directed hatred towards the assassin.

"Shut up…! I do have my pride! After you put me through all of this…!" The boy defiantly stared up at her, ignoring the blood that was beginning to push past his lips onto the ground.

"Pride…" Julius felt truly downtrodden at his friends' words. He had no divine blessings, extra strength, or even the slightest bit of combat experience. "That pride…it must be all he feels he has left." He felt the weight of the world come down onto his shoulders as he realized that it was this extreme suffering that had birthed the seemingly 'arrogant' boy he had ruthlessly beat down.

Was it really that wrong to feel like the world owed you at least one thing after practically dying twice? Was it really that prideful? Julius...did not have the answer.

"That absolute moron, he's going to throw himself into the way of that blade for stupid pride?!" Ram's façade of dispassion immediately broke, her eyes looking surprisingly vulnerable, saddened and worried for the boy on screen.

"He's gettin desperate...probably puttin' his life on tha' line to make a last stand he knows he can't win." Anastasia commented, looking to the boy on screen with a bit of newfound respect. She had to praise his determination, if nothing else.

"How stupid, I suppose! Subaru must know that running is the only way!" Beatrice screamed in desperation, holding the fabric of her contractor's sleeves tightly, tears running freely down her face.

"He knows...he knows, and that's why Cap'n doesn't wanna run. Y'can see it in those eyes a'his...he doesn' want t'run away from th'bitch, even f'it costs him his life." Garfiel muttered with barely restrained anger and sadness, his own eyes tearing up.

"He's an idiot...an idiot to do that when he knows that it can only end in one way." Felix whispered these words under his breath, expression twisted from his fake cheerfulness to clear distress.

Elsa stared at him, her eyes slightly widening in surprise at his unwavering spirit. "I do at least acknowledge that you have extraordinary determination, if nothing else. If you had been able to show that earlier, then things might have gone differently for these two." She stared at the battered, bloodied bodies of Rom and Felt, turning back to Subaru with a sadistic smile and licking her lips.

"That absolute witch...she's savoring this fight like it's a three-course-meal." Al's hatred could be felt seeping from his voice, absolute disdain for the assassin's disrespect for the dead.

Subaru grit his teeth, ready to charge at the woman once more...only for the images of his previous horrific death to flash into his mind, leaving him to hesitate as he stared to the woman ahead of him.

"Hold on...it looks like he might be taking something from his vision." Wilhelm analyzed, his dimmed eyes now looking on at the boy with the tiniest sparkling of hope.

"Whatever it is, it better be something significant. Otherwise, there is no path for him to escape, like a rat caught within a maze." Priscilla folded her arms as she watched the boy with the tiniest bit of interest.

"I think it's time to end this. I shall send you to meet the angels." Elsa spoke, slowly walking towards him.

"The angels? Ironic, coming from a bitch that looks like she's a demonkin, herself." Ricardo muttered, wanting to jump right into the fray on the screen and absolutely wreck the assassin. He hoped for Subaru to at least have something for himself to survive.

"Natsuki-san must make this one chance count...please…" Otto was praying for his friend's safety, hoping against all odds he could somehow make it out of this situation, like he always managed to.

Everyone looked on with similar expressions of hope with the exact same thoughts in mind.

Especially Emilia, Beatrice, and Rem, who watched with bated breaths, watching the boy on screen with tearful eyes filled with faint hope.

Rather than backing away, Subaru got himself into a fighting stance, readying his fists and summoning every last ounce of strength he could muster. Elsa's walk turned into a full sprint, as she slashed directly for his gut. With another show of his footwork, Subaru jumped back right at the moment she struck, seeming to barely avoid the blow.

Landing on his feet, he immediately threw a roundhouse kick at the woman, moving her to the side.

"Nice kick!" Mimi praised with a yell and a grin, jumping up in the excitement of the moment.

"It seems his quick thinking has not failed him yet. Using knowledge from his ability to suss out the assassin's method of attack, and using it for a counter…" Crusch nodded in approval, though she could not find herself relaxing enough to smile.

Priscilla looked surprised, figuring such a strategy to be...somewhat..."Somewhat impressive...for the lowest of lows, that is. However, I believe all of you commoners are avoiding saying the obvious truth, are you not?" She smirked, knowing just what they would say next.

"Not enough...it wasn't...it wasn't nearly enough." Felt spoke with a low tone, having forced her gaze out to watch her big brother on the screen.

His moves, as impressive as they were...were nothing but ticklish to the monstrous fiend.

"Ahhhh~...I certainly felt that one." She spoke, a blush showing on her face.

"Masochistic bitch!" Garfiel roared at the screen, hands shaking in utter, uncontrollable wrath.

Subaru stared at her with disgust, only to feel something off, staring down at his stomach. His dodging had been much too late...there was already a large splotch of blood slowly spreading across his tracksuit.

His lower stomach was cut right open.

"Subaru...NOOOO!" Emilia and Beatrice's wails cut through the theater, pure agony and despair in their voices. Beatrice turned around, burying her head into her beloved contractor's chest to sob, while Emilia held onto his arm desperately, like it was the last time she would ever see him.

"To do that to Rem's hero...to even dare to harm Subaru-kun like that…!" Rem felt the tears fall down her face in full force, but she did not care. The only feeling she could focus on...was her overflowing, unending wrath towards this bitch on screen.

She didn't care if she was already dead...Rem wanted to find what was left of her ashes, and incinerate them even further. To erase her existence from this world as she herself had once been.

Rem's nails were clenching so roughly into her hand, she was quite literally cutting herself.

"Natsuki-sama…" Crusch said gravely, her strong gaze faltering as she saw the boy's obviously lethal wound.

"Are you surprised? I opened your belly when we passed by one another. This is the one thing I'm talented at." Subaru fell to the ground as the woman monologued, hands over his stomach

as he tried to hold his wound.

"Shit, bro...shit…" Al felt his scars across his body aching, able to completely feel the pain of the boy on screen.

Blood spilled from the large open cut in his chest, pooling on the ground in mere seconds.

"He's...he's bleeding too much...he will definitely die…" Every bit of his cheerfulness and energy had practically bled from Felix's voice, this death feeling much more impactful than the last to him.

Elsa approached the boy, lifting up the cut portion of his tracksuit to inspect his wound. "Ah, it's just like I thought…" She spoke, a sick smile on her, as she continued to blush. "Your guts have such a lovely color!"

"Get the fuck off of him...get off of...CAP'N!" Garfiel's rage reached a peak, and he tried to force himself to transform...but something interfered with his ability, keeping him in his regular state. "Damn it...damn it...I already killed her...so why…?!" His eyes shimmered with unspent tears, as he felt desperation and weakness wrack his body.

"Garfiel…" Otto was in no position to comfort his friend, his own emotions clouded and stirred into a mess by this horrific sight. It took all he had not to just break down into a sobbing wreck.

'It hurts...It hurts...It hurts...It hurts…' Subaru's thoughts could not move to anything else, as he experienced the pure agony of the burning wound in his stomach. He struggled to look down at himself, feeling his body losing strength bit by bit. 'It hurts...It hurts…'

"It's not just a vision of the future...he feels every bit of pain...every bit of suffering!" Julius' entire body shook, with his emotions going haywire inside of him.

"Subaru...why...why would you bear this on your own? Why…" Reinhard's uselessness only magnified within his mind. Not only could he not save his friend...but he wasn't even trustworthy enough to be given such a secret.

"This is...too horrific. This ain't the kinda ability anyone should have." Anastasia felt her greed towards the boy take form into something different. Sympathy, pity...she wasn't sure what she felt.

"Does it hurt? Are you suffering?" Elsa asked, with an almost childish curiosity.

"To disrespect a dying man to such a degree…!" Wilhelm slammed a gloved palm down on his chair. This criminal deserved not to be treated as a human...but as a beast, a beast to be hunted and butchered just as that damned White Whale.

'It...it doesn't hurt…?' Subaru began to notice that his body was losing all feeling.

"He's losing too much blood...he's starting to go numb…" Felix said with a shaking voice, feeling his own uselessness just as his friends, Julius and Reinhard had.

Roswaal felt hesitation in his heart, his eyes filled with fear and disbelief. "This is the true nature of his ability...he dies...and is uncontrollably sent back…" He felt empty, all his plans now being truly destroyed. "Teacher…"

If the boy couldn't even control it, and felt such suffering during it...what was even the point?

"In pain? Sad? Do you want to die?" She questioned, watching him all the while.

"THIS BITCH!" Rem shot up from her seat, held back only by her sister's strong hand, and the knowledge that Subaru was sleeping right next to her. "I swear...I swear!" She grit her teeth, with the loud grinding sound being easily audible.

'Die? Am I dead? Am I still alive? When will I die? When will I die?' Subaru's thoughts were a jumbled mess of feelings and emotions, sweat forming on his face as he stared to the screen with an incredibly intense look, teeth grit with blood pouring from his mouth and nose.

Ram shook her head, keeping her grip strong to hold her sister back. Despite restraining her sister, she could not help but feel emotional for the boy on screen, herself. Not even a single word came out of her lips.

Images showed on the screen, all of the hellish events that Subaru had lived through flying by on it.

"Already...tha' kids already been through so much shit…" Ricardo closed his eyes at the vicious images on screen. "Ta' go ta death twice..."

"Slowly, slowly, slowly, slowly…" Elsa sadistically awaited the boy's death, as he continued to think to himself.

'I'm scared...I'm scared…I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die! I'm gonna die!' The fear of death filled him, tears streaming from his eyes as he felt his mind force itself into unconsciousness, bit by bit. More and more images flashed in his head, as the world itself seemed to become more chaotic yet faint around him.

Emilia was obviously the most affected by it, her purplish-blue eyes completely veiled by the tears that ran endlessly down her face. She was unable to say anything, but the anguish and pain she felt was visible in her expression. The only sounds that came from her were gasping breaths.

Subaru was dying...someone in their camp had betrayed them...and she was not even able to do anything to help her knight through any of his issues.

She thought she had grown past her weak self...she thought she had become someone to rely on...someone to trust...someone who could protect people, instead of just watching helplessly.

All of that development within her felt...like it had been absolutely broken.

"Yes, you're slowly losing body heat…" The assassin's toying words on Subaru's descent into death was the only sign he was still alive, but even that...was soon gone. "You're slowly going cold…"

'Ah...I'm dead.'

Natsuki Subaru, had died.

Subaru appeared right in front of the same fruit vendor...in the same marketplace...in the same town...at the same time of day.

Unlike the first time, the theater was not silent. No, there were countless sobs, the angered and frustrated gnashing of teeth, the squeaking of chairs as people held onto them tightly...these sounds filled the entirety of the room.

From all camps, and all people there. Even Priscilla was left speechless at the events.

The people who were there couldn't be more different.. Yet, the origin of these reactions all came from the same place.

Hopelessness that tore away at their souls, like a man with no clothing standing in a blizzard, all they could do was accept their utter powerlessness.

They were nothing. Their lives were worthless, before this feeling that seemed to stare into the core of their existences.

It was a chill that ate away at them, as if they stood at the ends of the earth itself, staring into a great void.

A pure feeling...of despair.

Nobody knew what to think anymore.

"What are we even seeing now?" Al was the first to speak, looking up to see that the scenery on the screen had now changed.

"Back here...we're right back in this exact same place again." Julius murmured softly, giving his friend on screen a pitying gaze.

He eyes were just completely...lost.

"Kid doesn't know what's goin' on anymore." Ricardo lowered his head in sorrow.

Petra, now allowed to see the screen, just shook her eyes at Subaru's expression. "Subaru…" She felt tears falling from her eyes. She could only imagine what he was feeling...

"What's the matter, boy? You look like you've seen a ghost." Subaru just wordlessly looked up at the man. "Boy? You good?" The vendor asked, concerned at the boy's absentminded look.

"I...have no idea what's going on anymore…"

With a slight somber tone playing, Subaru would fall over unconscious, passing out right in front of the vendor.

He was woken up with a splash of water, as the vendor loomed over him.

"Are you okay, boy? Here, forget the money. Just take these." As a small display of kindness, the man offered him a small mug of water and an appa.

Felt gave a sour chuckle, her eyes still looking incredibly lifeless. "At least someone can actually show bro some kindness." Her words dripped with poison...poison for herself...and the half-elf that had led him to such a fate.

Emilia could feel it, even without Felt saying it...she knew...

Subaru slowly got up to accept the items, only for him to notice someone passing by.

"No, Subaru…" Emilia said quietly, realizing everything now. Why he had so desperately latched onto her in the beginning...why he cared for her so much when she was just a stranger...why he was so desperate to help her.

Beatrice slowly turned around from being buried in her contractor's chest to stare at the screen with blank eyes. "To think he would still see you with such rose-tinted lenses after all of that…ridiculous, I suppose." The little spirit's words were equally venomous towards the half-elf, sparing not even an attempt to hide her contempt for the girl.

Time slowed down, with Subaru losing focus on all else as he saw...her...the same half-elf who he had come to know and care about so much just in the one day he'd known her. Mouth agape, he stumbled to his feet, running after her.

"No, Natsuki-san…" Otto cursed under his breath and held his fists tightly. An idiot could see what was about to happen next.

"W-wait! P-Please wait!" He desperately called, as he moved to go after her. "Wait! Satella!" He said, calling her in the only name that he knew. Everyone in the market looked at him in shock, and the girl in question stopped at the uttering of said name.

"An' here we go…" Anastasia spoke with a sigh, giving the half-elf a pointed, bitter look. "I really hope what you said about growin' outta these habits was right, missy. Cause that boy down there...is gonna die for it again."

Anastasia's harsh, yet truthful words stabbed through Emilia like an invisible knife. Her grip on Subaru slowly loosened. She knew what she meant...everyone did.

"Him calling me that idiotic name I gave him...him talking to me so desperately…" Something dark balled up in her chest, like a living thing giving weight to her stomach.

"It...it is again, the incorrect flow of events." Reinhard finished with a glum expression on his face.

They would have to endure yet another death. Another set of suffering.

"Please don't ignore me! Dying and not doing what you said were my fault!" He ranted, clearly disturbed and desperate, almost pleading to her. "But, I was desperate! I went back to the loot house after that, but I couldn't find you…" He explained, almost out of breath. "I'm sorry for only thinking of myself. But I'm glad you're all right, Satella." The boy said, relief clear on his face.

"No, Subaru...why are you apologizing…? It's not even your fault…" Emilia spoke forlornly, unable to even look at the Subaru on the screen or the one sleeping next to her. She leaned her head down into her chest, crying tears of grief.

"Subaru-kun…" Rem's rage subsided into her inner being, as she watched her hero plead for himself...plead for someone, anyone, to understand him.

"This suffering…" Roswaal wondered how many loops it was...how many loops his own actions had thrown the boy through...all without even realizing that Subaru did not even control his own ability. The Gospel...why did the Gospel his Teacher had given him not say such an important fact…?

What was all of his work even for…?

"Hmph…" Priscilla eyed the scene with distaste. "That half-wit has once more sealed the incompetent boy's fate due to her poor choice of comedy."

At the utterance of that name, the girl's head raised slightly, and she only just then turned around to face him. But, her beautiful smile was not there, only a frown, no...a look of disgust.

"This is too cruel...much too cruel." Crusch, seeing Emilia's expression knew what was coming next. That look...had just earned him the utter hatred of the girl in this loop.

"What are you thinking?" She spoke coldly to him, leaving Subaru surprised that he was just being brushed off like this. "I don't know who you are, but don't call me by the name of the Witch of Envy! What are you thinking?!"

The half-elf's hateful words just kept coming, with a crowd now having grown around the two. Subaru just looked at her with a gaze of utter and completely confusion, now completely lost as he stared at the girl who he thought he had known…

He didn't know anything at all anymore.

"The End of the Beginning and the Beginning of the End."

In front of them, the screen turned black.

Everyone could only look at the now dark screen in silence.

"To think...to think that Betty's contractor would even pledge loyalty to you as a knight after what you have caused him, I suppose…" Beatrice's voice shook in rage, as her gaze moved to the half-elf, balled up in guilt beside her.

"He's definitely gotta' have some sorta' screw loose." Anastasia said, half out of pity, and half out of genuine analysis. "Determination is one thing...but y'think he's really just gonna be fine after jus'...dyin'?"

"Dying…" Rem repeatedly softly, her hands held tightly against her chest.

There was no avoiding it. The Subaru in front of them had died...and if this viewing was correct...he had already died twice, with a third time pending.

"Now do you all only realize it?" Priscilla narrowed her eyes at the group. "This power is not a blessing to the boy...but it may be correct to refer to it as a curse...a quite disgusting one, at that." She turned her gaze away.

Subaru was not some all-knowing seer, and neither was he a wise man with untold knowledge.

He was a boy, who had suffered, death after death, to come back and save all of them.

"Subaru is more of a hero than any of us ever gave him credit for…" Reinhard slumped over, eyes staring despondently at the ground. Death was never something that even crossed Reinhard's mind...but to Subaru, it followed him like a shadow…making his friend suffer again and again.

Every person in that theater was affected by this in some way.

For Emilia and her group, they were the second worst off. All of them had some mix of wrath, sadness, guilt, or hopelessness. They could not even trust themselves, now knowing that they had a traitor within their numbers.

Crusch and her group, of course, felt nothing but regret and sympathy for Subaru. All of them had come to respect him, as his achievements and willpower spoke for themselves. Even Felix, who wasn't quite fond of the boy exactly, felt a humanistic sort of sympathy to Subaru. He believed that nobody deserved such a fate.

Felt's camp was utterly destroyed. Felt's eyes were lifeless, almost entirely empty, after watching her foster father die, herself die, and her big brother die, all in horrifying detail. Reinhard...Reinhard could not even keep up his usual stoic demeanor. He, himself felt broken. Useless. He was accepting that he was the monster his grandfather and the rest of his family saw him as. A weapon of destruction that could only win fights, but never truly save anyone.

Anastasia and her camp were just feeling obvious sympathy for the boy. Julius, Ricardo, and the Iron Fang vice-captains had all fought alongside Subaru. To them, he was their single-time brother in arms, and friend. A respectable ally that fought alongside them with his life on the line, to save people and erase some of the largest threats from this world. Anastasia herself now was feeling a sense of guilt at her greed, for the first time. She wanted to understand this boy a bit better...to really get a knack of who he was...but she knew for sure that he didn't deserve any of his fate.

Priscilla and her camp were mostly neutral. Al was understanding of his otherworlder-bro's issues. He knew what it was like for one to be entirely alone in this alien new world, knowing nothing.

"You insolent Host. Might you still be watching us from your lofty realm above us?" Priscilla questioned, drawing forth that being's presence.

The Host's orb appeared in front of them...though this time it seemed more...impure. As if the pure whiteness in it had diminished somewhat.

But of course. Yet...I don't have much to say to you now.

You're all feeling it...this overwhelming sense of despair...this existential dread…

I believe you are beginning to understand why I brought you here.

Emilia and Felt's camp members stiffened up at this, feeling that the words were directed all towards them.

"Then…" Emilia spoke softly, wondering if the orb had brought them just to suffer in viewing their hero's suffering.

However, before Emilia could finish, the orb shook from side to side, as if a person were shaking their head to her words.

What Reinhard said earlier was right. The despair was not the only reason you were brought here.

I am not a sadistic being. I'm not here to punish you or hurt you...unless needed.

Priscilla flinched, directing an annoyed glare at the orb as she felt it suddenly throw a bit of its' unbelievable magic power onto her.

You are all truly my cherished guests. I want you to believe that from the bottom of my core.

The Host's words were surprisingly genuine, making some look up at the being with incredulous disbelief.

"Then...why are you showing us this…?" Rem questioned softly, a question which the host easily took to answering.

You may not understand fully now. First, you must work through the suffering.

Yet, for that boy...for Natsuki Subaru, you must continue watching.

He is not just an important existence to those that know him...but even those of you that don't…

Well, you will understand, soon enough.

Everything must be revealed.

Slowly but surely, everyone began to sit back up in their seats, catching themselves. Life came back to many eyes, and slumped shoulders were brought back up. Tears were wiped, and expressions returned to normalcy.

"For that Natsuki-kun's sake, huh?" Anastasia gave a thoughtful, sneaky grin. "I don't know the boy that much, but I guess I could find out a lil' more for tha' sake a' his friends in my camp."

"As impudent as I find your existence, Host, I will continue to view this showing...if only for mineself's continued interest." Priscilla said, showing a foxy smile of her own. For some reason...she felt herself becoming oddly invested in the showing.

"Of course we'll keep looking! It's been rough...rough as hell...but…!" Felt yelled out in her characteristically brash tone, color and light returned to her gaze. "I'll never chicken out! That means you too, Rein!"

Reinhard, hearing his mistress' energized words allowed himself a small smile, nodding slowly. "You are right, my lady. I can't allow myself to give up here."

Crusch gave a confident smile, with her two camp members backing her with approving nods. "Do you need even ask? As if I would allow such knowledge to break me...continue as you will."

Emilia and her camp took the longest to reply, with every other camp looking at them expectantly.

"Right…" Emilia, now having retracted from her crying ball, gave a strong smile, moving herself to once more press against the shoulder of her knight. "If Subaru were here...I'm sure he wouldn't want us to give up...and I've moved waaaaaaaaay past just crying and giving in…!"

"Of course...giving up does not suit Subaru-kun...and neither would it suit us, who are supposed to support him." Rem agreed fondly, also leaning in to her hero's shoulder.

"Hmph! Betty does not care about the rest of you...she will watch the rest of the viewing alone, if she must! She will not allow her contractor to carry such heavy burdens on his own...he saved Betty...so Betty shall be there for him!" Beatrice exclaimed with confidence, folding her arms and leaning against her contractor's chest.

The Host was silent for a while...before the orb suddenly shined, full purity returning to the orb at all of their words.

Amazing. Truly amazing, all of you are.

Though none of you are utterly flawless...such is the way of the world.

I can see now that he was right to place his faith in you.

The Host's last words confused everyone slightly, making them all wonder who he was. It had mentioned earlier someone who would be displeased at their harm, as well…

Now then, seeing that all of you are ready…

The orb disappeared in a flash of light, as the screen turned white, ready to begin another episode anew.

That same text from earlier appeared, silently announcing their next viewing.

Let us continue.

Episode 2 – Begin.

---

Jesus H. Christ. This one was fucking long, lads. My transcript for episode one was 14,800 words long. The overall chapter document is 57,933 words. That's about 43,133 words of raw reaction I wrote.

I came so close to giving up to just throw this into the trash for another week or two...but I persevered. I have to especially thank some stories that inspired me and kept me going. In no particular order:

Re:Zero Tortured by Lemonman12
Re:Martyr by Boom5749
Sage and the Sword Saint by Knoxx Watt

And of course, Reactionist, your story is a huge inspiration as always.

You know...I think I have a thing for these 'Subaru gets betrayed by his camp and goes rogue' stories...I may try my hand at one after this story. No promises! But yeah, check out these guys

Well, might as well start with a bang, right? I hope that this large amount of content makes up for the near 2 week wait I put you through. Not sure if I will keep this pace up, but we'll see.

This baby was so long, the built-in editor was freaking the fuck out. Lagging like hell. If I do keep writing this long, I may have to consider doing my post-draft editing in-document. I use LibreOffice anyway, so I should be able to do the same things in here.

Did I do good? Have I developed and represented the characters well enough? Shown their feelings and thoughts in a good way? I struggled with the thought that I was not that good at it about halfway through.

Reactionist, hats off to you again. You really are excellent at making the characters come to life in your own way.

Well guys, I'll be heading off into the sunset again. Keep safe ya'll, and see you on another chapter of my story!

Oh – waitwait, I was curious on one more thing...so this story is tagged Drama/Romance. That's for plans I have later down the road. But I wanted all of you to ask...do you ever think Anastasia could realistically come to like Subaru, despite never being able to meet him until the viewing is over?

It's a problem I've been mulling over. I really like the greedy gal, but it's hard to naturally think of ways she'd ever come to have romantic feelings for Subaru...I want your opinions.

Now then...see ya around lads! Destiny the writer, out!

**Rides off into the sunset on my majestic, imaginative White Whale**