Author's Note: I do not own Re: Zero. This fan fiction is a non-profitable work. I make no money out of it. I am just writing this for fun.

And Subaru won't have Return by Death in this fanfic.

Hope you guys enjoy it.

"Dialogues are shown like this" and 'thoughts like this'.


Chapter-12

The full moon was shining brightly on the capital of Lugunica. Both peace and chaos are going on in the capital, but the most chaotic place is currently the loot house at the very edge of the capital.

Elsa was laughing at the scene before her. "Since your main fighter went down, it won't take much time for you all to follow the suit."

"Subaru! Hold on, let me heal you." Emilia started chanting healing magic only to be stopped by Subaru.

"Emilia-tan, you just focus on keeping Elsa at bay. My regeneration is fast, I can heal from this wound in just a few minutes. Please focus on assisting Old man Rom and Felt to hold Elsa till then." Subaru forced words from his mouth with great difficulty.

'Damn, she got me in the kidney, basically incapacitating me. It would take at least 15-20 minutes to recover from that' thought Subaru. He can only hope that Emilia and others can hold her till then, in the best case possibly defeat her.

"Okay got it." Said Emilia, getting ready to fight.

"Don't worry kid, even though I am old, I still have some fight in me. Felt, you stay near that kid and look after him." Said Rom, assigning Felt the least dangerous job. Even though Felt wanted to help, she knows that she can't protest in this dire situation.

"Ara~, it seems that Pervert-kun is still in commission. It works in my favor since I can gut you alive after dealing with these little pests." A sadistic grin formed on Elsa's face which sent shivers down everyone's spines.

Subaru didn't pay attention to her words and focused on activating his silver skin and healing his wound.

In the meantime, the battle between the two sides had already begun. Old Man Rom took the role of close-range fighter with Emilia supporting him with ranged attacks.

Subaru was watching the battle intently. He knows that even though Emilia and Rom may seem to be faring well, Elsa was just taking her time with them. Just as he thought, when Emilia shot another icicle towards her as Elsa dodged it and went to a blind spot in Rom's defense. The blind spot is also perfectly situated in a position where Emilia can't shoot her there without hurting Old Man Rom.

"This is the End." Elsa struck at Rom's neck. Just when everyone thought Rom is finished, Elsa's hand twisted in a weird way. Taking the opportunity, Rom kicked her hard in the guts sending her tumbling and crashing into the wall.

Elsa got up and looked towards the source of the trouble, Subaru. He was smirking with a stretched hand. 'It is that move again. It is very powerful. I need to avoid getting hit by it or else even my regeneration can't keep up.' Thinking up to here, Elsa's face got grim.

"Nice save big bro!" Exclaimed Felt, who is sitting beside Subaru.

Subaru snickered at Elsa and said "Don't count me out of the battle just yet. I will make my comeback." Subaru said this, but he knows that Emilia and Rom can't hold Elsa until he is fully ready.

"Oh my, it seems that I need to finish this battle fast or else I will be in trouble." Elsa's disposition changed while saying this. It seems that she is going all out now. She started attacking both Rom and Emilia relentlessly. In their short exchange, Rom sustained many cuts and bruises while Emilia seemed to be becoming tired.

'Not good. I need to get into shape fast. There is only one method to do it. But if it fails, everyone is doomed.' Just then Subaru came up with a crazy idea.

He stopped circulating his silver skin and closed his eyes. Slowly patches of gold began to form on his skin. He is breaking through the next level in the middle of a fight. But it is the best option because the regeneration of gold skin is many times higher than silver skin. Felt who was watching this from the side was shocked and called out to him "Big bro?" But Subaru didn't respond. He is now solely concentrating on breaking through to the next level.

Gradually the golden patches on his body started growing. Even the loot house was being illuminated by the golden light.

60%...70%...80%...90%...

It slowed down when the completion rate reached 90%, but it didn't stop. 92%... Now Subaru felt like even his blood became magma burning his internal organs. Even his wound started sizzling and was gradually closing. 94%... His wound was almost completely closed, but Subaru was on the verge of unconsciousness.

'I need to keep going. If this is my limit, I am going to break it right now.' Subaru gritted his teeth and continued circulating the Technique of Golden Skin. The light was so bright that they stopped fighting momentarily and looked at him. 'This boy's aura is increasing crazily. I need to stop it before it is too late.' Elsa charged toward Subaru but was obstructed by Rom and Emilia.

"You will never get to Subaru." Said Emilia, with determination to protect her friend.

'Kid, whatever you are doing, do it fast. We won't be able to hold her much longer.' Thought Rom solemnly.

95%... Now Subaru's vision became blurry. He can't even feel his body. It is like his whole existence was vaporized.

'I-I can't hold on much longer.'

Subaru's eyes were shutting down.

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'Wake up Subaru. You can't let them down.' A voice called out to him.

'Master?' Subaru abruptly opened his eyes only to find nothing.

'Great, now I am hallucinating.' Subaru was now at his limit. He doesn't know if he can go any further.

He then remembered the airhead half-elf who now became his friend, the thief and the giant who are the only family for each other.

'No, I can't fall here. Someone, anyone, please lend me some strength.' He made this wish from bottom of his heart, hoping that someone would hear him.

Just as he was about to lose consciousness, he felt a soothing energy stream entering his body. He opened his eyes to see what it was. But all he can see are flashing lights. Without thinking too much about it, he started circulating his Undying Golden skin Technique using this newfound energy.

97%...98%...99%...

'Just some more, almost there…'

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That day was unforgettable for the whole of Lugunica. The scenery before them was too mesmerizing for them to forget. What seemed like a river of stars descended from the sky onto an unknown location.

"Are those spirits?" asked a patrolling guard. He is completely flabbergasted by the amount of spirits grouping in a remote region. Spirits in all colors and sizes are coming from every corner of the world. They are all traveling to a particular destination like they are being summoned by an invisible force.

This scene was also witnessed by a red-haired knight, who out of curiosity, decided to check things out.

All kinds of spirits, fire, earth, water, wind, yin, and yang, from the sky and from the earth, are getting summoned to the loot house in response to the plea of a particular nasty-eyed but a kind-hearted boy.

-In the loot house-

The loot house was filled to brim with calming and peaceful spirit energy. All the killing intent and tension in the air vanished like smoke. The fighting was temporarily stopped and everyone focused on one place the spirits are clustering, Subaru. His golden glow was being complemented by many other different lights emitted by spirits of all kinds. Even Elsa Granhiert, the most notorious assassin was mesmerized by this scene. Never in her life has she seen anything like this. The same was the case for Rom and Felt.

'What a tremendous spirit affinity Subaru has? If he focused on spirit arts, he would surely become one of the best.' Thought Emilia in shock.

At the same time, Subaru almost completed cultivating his golden skin.

100%. Gold Skin Complete.

*-BOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM-*

A powerful shockwave emerged from Subaru, scaring all the spirits away and decimating most of the loot house.

"This kid, he should surely pay for damages." Yelled Rom who was shielding Felt from falling rubble, but a small smile formed on his face witnessing the aura Subaru is releasing.

After everything is settled, Emilia and Elsa got out from the rubble and stared at Subaru in shock.

Subaru was simply standing there, but he is releasing a majestic golden aura with his golden hair flowing wildly in the air. His eyes are completely devoid of pupils and filled with royal golden flames. By now, his shirt is completely torn and his muscles, which are filled to brim with energy, are shining with brilliant golden light. Just by standing there, he is putting pressure on everything in the surroundings.

He then turned towards Elsa and spoke in a regal voice.

"Bitch in black, now you have made me angry. When I get angry, I frighten even myself." But the words from his mouth are anything but regal.

Elsa now got her wits back. She just chuckled and said "Ufufufu, If you are really that keen on-" Before she can finish her sentence, Subaru abruptly vanished from where he is standing.

'Fast.' Elsa trusted her instincts and swung her blade to her side where Subaru was now standing. She knows that her blade can't break through his defense, but what happened next even shook her to the core. The moment the blade made contact with his cheek, it immediately shattered into many pieces.

Subaru simply punched her, she is not fast enough to dodge it, so the punch connected with her ribs.

*-CRACK-*

With a sickening crack, she was sent barreling towards a wall. She directly busted through it. Before she can even stand, Subaru appeared in front of her.

*-BAM-*

With a kick to her stomach, she was sent flying into the air, while spitting blood. Before she can even reach the ground she was punched again in the face and crashed into some rubble. Just as she stood up with a broken jaw and missing tooth, she heard a voice.

"MULTIPLE THROAT CRUSHING GRASP"

With that yell, it is like multiple explosions went off at the same time, sending shock waves in every direction. The whole area is covered by dust.

When the dust finally settled down, the place where Elsa stood is now nothing but a crater.

Emilia, Felt, and Rom came to check on Subaru who now deactivated his golden skin.

"She is dead, right?" Asked Felt hesitantly.

"I reaaaaally don't know. But it is better if we stay on alert." Warned Emilia, after seeing Elsa's supernatural healing ability.

"You kids are too pessimistic. There is no way anyone can survive such an attack." Rom assured them.

"Old man, you said the same thing before. But you know what happened next? I got stabbed in my kidney. Let us just go and check if she is alive." Subaru said with some tiredness.

"Yeah, let us do that." Emilia supported Subaru.

They warily made their way towards the crater. There is nothing in it except some rubble and bloodstains.

Just then a foreign voice called out to them "No need for that. I don't think she will bother you anymore."

They all turned to the source of the voice to see a red-haired knight, with a big ass sword on his hips, standing there.

'Sword saint!' Thought Emilia, Felt, and Rom.

'Whoa! He is crazy strong. Strongest I have met in this world.' Thought Subaru.

"You are Master Swordsman, Reinhardt Van Astrea. Am I correct?" asked Emilia.

"I am flattered that you know me, but I think I am not worthy of that grand title. I am just your everyday knight." Replied Reinhardt politely.

"Nice to meet you, Reinhardt. My name is Emilia. Just Emilia."

"Pleasure is mine." Bowed Reinhardt politely.

'His nice guy index is off the charts!' cringed Subaru internally.

"Uhhh, so you are sort of guard here, am I right?" Asked Subaru, not knowing who he is talking to.

Emilia wanted to say something, but Reinhardt beat her to it.

"Yes, my name is Reinhardt Van Astrea. Pleased to make your acquaintance."

Subaru stretched an arm towards him and said "Natsuki Subaru. Nice meeting you." Reinhard smiled seeing the gesture and shook his hand.

"I am sorry Subaru. I have arrived earlier but seeing you had the situation in control, I didn't interfere." Reinhardt had a guilty look on his facing seeing this.

Subaru put his arm around Reinhardt's shoulder and said "Don't worry Rein. You didn't do anything wrong. I would have handled it anyway. And if things go south, you would have interfered, right?"

Reinhardt was surprised to see this close gesture, but his divine protection didn't detect any malice from Subaru. He was telling his genuine feelings. He can also see that Subaru is a kind and honest person.

"I am glad to hear that. And did you call me …Rein?" Asked a confused Reinhardt.

Subaru, remembering what he just blurted out, said "Oh that! I just thought it sounded nice and it can be the start of our friendship. I will stop if you feel uncomfortable."

"There is no need for that. I am glad to be friends with someone like you."

"Hahahaha." Both Subaru and Reinhardt chuckled, looking at one another.

Emilia was looking at Subaru with a motherly look. 'Subaru can make friends with anyone. I am sooo proud of him.'

After regaining his composure, Subaru remembered what he was here for.

"Now coming to the point, shouldn't it be the time that Felt returns the insignia?" Subaru gained everyone's attention by saying this.

'Insignia?' Reinhard is confused.

Felt just laughed awkwardly while handing the insignia back to Emilia.

"Take care of it, Big sis. You don't want anyone to steal it again." Said Felt, while rubbing the back of her head.

"It sounds sooo wrong when the one stole it says that." Emilia replied with a pout to which Subaru and Rom just chuckled.

But Reinhardt wasn't paying attention to their conversation. His eyes were fixated on the glowing insignia in the palm of Felt.

He rushed towards Felt, caught her wrist, and took a close look to confirm his suspicion.

"HEYY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Leave me you jerk." Felt struggled in Reinhardt's grip.

"What is your name? How old are you? Do you know your parents?" Questioned Reinhardt.

"Huh? My name is Felt. I don't have anything fancy like a family name. And I don't have any family except old man Rom." Replied the struggling Felt.

"Reinhardt, can you let her go? If it is about stealing insignia, then there is no need to persecute it any further." Said Emilia when she saw Rom was getting agitated.

"Stealing insignia is no small crime Emilia-sama. But this matter is even more important than that." Reinhardt drained some mana from Felt, knocking out her consciousness. He then handed the insignia to Emilia.

"YOU! LET GO OF HER!" Rom came aggressively at the Reinhardt only to get knocked out.

"Reinhardt! What the heck are you even doing? Are kidnapping a loli? You lolicon. Let her go." Said Subaru, while activating his golden skin, ready for another fight.

"No Subaru. There seems to be some misunderstanding." He then turned towards Emilia and said "Emilia-sama, please keep what happened here confidential. Felt-sama is a royal candidate. So you should understand the severity of the situation."

Subaru wanted to argue, but he was stopped by Emilia who spoke to him "Subaru, I will explain what he meant by that to you later. For now, we can trust Reinhardt to take care of Felt. Don't worry, no one will harm her, in fact, she will be treated like a princess."

Subaru cooled down listening to this. He turned to Reinhardt and said "Do you promise to keep her safe?"

"As long as I am alive, I won't let any harm befall her." Saying this Reinhardt didn't stay any longer. He carried both Rom and Felt and left the scene.

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"Okay. Now what?" Subaru turned towards Emilia.

"Subaru, you can come with me to the mansion. I know someone who can help you with your gold there." Said Emilia.

"Thanks, Emilia-tan." Subaru said with a grin.

"Uhmmm… Subaru." Emilia called out to him shyly.

"What is it? Are you alright?" Asked Subaru concernedly when he saw her blushing face.

Emilia who was flustered suddenly became resolute like she made up her mind. She walked toward Subaru, tiptoed to his height, and *~~chu~~* kissed him on the cheek.

Subaru got flustered and asked "W-w-what is it, Emilia-tan?"

Emilia is also blushing madly and said "I-i-i-I mean, you asked for a kiss earlier, didn't you? Take it as a reward for the hard work. But don't mention it to anyone." She tried to sound stern at the end, but it only ended up in being her looking cuter.

Subaru dreamily touched the place where he was kissed and said "If this kind of reward awaits me, I won't hesitate to work even harder. Heck, I can even fight five bowel hunters to feel Emilia-tan's soft lips again."

"Subaruuuuuuuuuu….. Don't say it like that."

And so, our goofballs successfully got the insignia back. Mission complete! I guess…?