Y/N POV

Who am I?

No, that question is not quite correct.

It's more like... who was I, here?

Greetings, my name is Y/N L/N.

I've just been transported to Re: Zero, one of the popular light novel series that I see sometimes in Japan. And it seems I was here for a year or so and I just lost my memories?!

This is absurd.

The one in front of me right now is Omega, who is Echidna's current vessel. Strange... I thought they would be in Gusteko, and recruited some Temple Knight or something...

Why is she here? And why is the story already in Arc 6? Isn't this the arc where Subaru dies way too much? WHY AM I SENT TO THIS HELL?!

"Your mind seems to be in quite the state of confusion, huh..." Omega said from my side, as if she was able to read my thoughts. I looked down immediately to my neck where a black pendant hang.

Wait... this necklace...

"We're in a contract already?!" Omega nodded, amused at my astonishment. "Wait... what has my 'past self' been doing?"

"For starters, you contracted yourself to one elder spirit and three great spirits, landed a killing blow to the White Whale, defeated the remnant of the Great Rabbit, drove off the Black Snake's poison from the industrial city Costuul, recruited the Bowel Hunter and her sister onto your side, gathered a whole Battalion of comrades, single-handedly defeated and reformed the Sin Archbishop of Lust, revived the Black Dragon Valgren, obtained five swords of power, got the Admirer to join us, and just not too long ago, you bested Reid Astrea in a duel on Electra."

I did... all of that? "Wait wait wait... that's not possible, surely? I don't even have any powers or anything, and I'm pretty weak physically..."

"I don't know how you got like this in the first place, but 'past-Y/N' was much more confident in everything compared to your current self." Omega replied in earnest, but the words hurt.

How could I find the courage to face this world when my past is just... lost?

"You are, however, more than capable of just protecting yourself and others. After all, you were able to merge with the spirits and also utilize five swords of power at once, not to mention the fact that you have 5 Witch Factors in your body-"

"Y/N!"

I heard my name being shouted down the hallway, and immediately two girls entered my line of sight: one in almost the exact same attire as Omega while the other donned a very revealing outfit with... is that dragon wings coming out of her back?!

Before I was able to process any further, the two embraced me and locked me in a bone-crushing hug, and I almost suffocated mentally before they let go. "How are you feeling, darling?"

Darling? What the hell-

"Y/N! I heard you defeated that bad man on Electra not too long ago, right? How did the fight go?"

"Capella, Sphinx..." Omega used her Meteor Staff to shoo the two off my bed. "Unfortunately, I must tell you devastating news. Our dear Y/N here has lost his memory."

"WHAT?!"

Wait, WHAT-

Capella and Sphinx?! As in the Sin Archbishop of Lust and the failed clone of Ryuzu who was a general in the Demi-Human war?

WHAAAAAAT

And why are both of them acting like we were lovers or something? HHHHUUUUHHHH?

Isn't the Capella supposed to be an extremely self-centred and sadistic woman who literally trampled over your entire existence? And where the hell did Sphinx get dug up from? I thought she basically died-

Either I landed in some parallel universe of Re: Zero or my past self has been doing extremely crazy things.

"So uh, yeah, I kinda lost my memories, but nice to meet you both, I guess?"

...

Capella shifted so fast my hand felt it grabbed by a wrecking ball in full swing. "He's just as awesome as he was before!" While saying this, she shoved my head into her bust and my face flushed up faster than the recent volcano eruption. "Can we keep him?"

Again, what the hell-

"Did you know, um 'new Y/N'? You were the one who took~my~first~"

.

I-

"Oi, Capella-nee! What does 'your first' mean? I was clearly with Y/N's battalion longer!"

I see how it is.

I put my hands together and initiated prayer posture. Ah, if you can hear me, my parents, please know that your son has graduated from being a child to an adult...

PAST SELF WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING

Before I could berate myself further, approximately ten more people entered through the doorway and waved at me.

"Mama, has Y/N recovered?"

The one who said this was a young, blue-haired girl who held a hybrid between a mutant flying rat and a snake. Using my knowledge, I deduced that she was Meili Portroute, and the one who stood behind her with her usual outfit was Elsa Granhiert.

"Oh~! Y/N-sensei is awake!" Colette and Palmyra, who I barely recognized due to their growth, waved to me. Omega told me that I taught her original magic... hm...

And standing behind them... a pink haired girl that I recognized as the former Grand Chamberlain of Priscilla's faction, now an assassin and Halibel's disciple. AND ALSO HALIBEL! HOW IN THE HELL DID PAST Y/N BEAT HALIBEL?!

Everything seems so out of place and absurd at the same time. At this, it makes me wonder a lot of things: who did I use to be? And just what kind of extraordinary being was I?

Now that I think about it, I can feel some things pulsing inside my body. Things that felt... eerie and inhumane. Omega, seemingly noticing this, told everyone that she needed to console me on something, and everyone nodded in silence before returning to the main room of Alcyone, albeit a few who reluctantly left. One person, with white hair and a kimono of sorts, stayed behind. I took a closer look and suddenly realized her identity.

"Zarestia? Omega, why is the Great Spirit of Wind here? I thought I never had a wind affinity..."

"Yes, you didn't, but your student Palmyra did. She is a tri-elemental mage with water, wind, and earth affinities. Since you couldn't use wind spirit magic, you had her and Palmyra form a contract, while you and her formed a different contract. I believe it would be better to tell you details later. But for now, what would you like to do, Y/N?"

Hmm...

"That's a really great question... I don't really know now, being bombarded with everything... I guess I would've had a different approach towards this world if I simply started back in Arc 1, but now that I'm here and feel more at ease about the overall situation, I'm honestly worried about my homeworld... after all, Seijo's only 8 years old and Stellarlune is left leaderless..."

"Stellarlune... that's the organization you built in your prefecture, right? I remember you telling me about it on our way back from Kararagi... I'm sure they'll do well even without your help." She casted a glance of worry at me. "I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings a little, but we're in quite the predicament right now, and it'll benefit us all if we could start developing some solutions to the problem at hand."

"And... what exactly is the problem?"

"Oh, that? I forgot to mention it, but Natsuki Subaru has also lost his memories."

!

Just what did Louis Arneb do?!

"Oh, hey..." The black-haired boy who was currently the centre of attention noticed my arrival before finding my features familiar to his own. "Wait. Could you also possibly be from...?"

"Yes... Japan, Tokyo, to be exact." I replied to him. "Your name is Natsuki Subaru, right? Nice to meet you... again? I've been told by Omega on our situation, and it seems that we have both lost our memories by some sort of sheer coincidence."

"I guess we're memory loss buddies then, hehe!"

"Yup, guess so!"

While we shared a bro moment that felt oddly familiar, the artificial spirit Echidna spoke up. "Hey, sorry to ruin you guys' moment and all, but can we go back on the question I posed? What does it mean when you say 'Parallel World', Subaru?"

Subaru fell silent, and unexpectedly after a while, he looked at me as if asking me should we tell them about it. I shrugged, so he decided to say it.

"Well about this 'Parallel World' I spoke of, the word itself is written as from like 'Different' and 'World'... In other words, I mean that the place we're in right now is in a separate world." Subaru's explanation visibly confused the others, but he continued. "I come from this "Parallel World" thing. I wasn't born and raised in this world, I'm some alien who got mixed up into this world halfway through. –That's why for me this place is a 'Parallel World'."

"The same case can be said for me as well." I spoke up. "However, I have no idea if there was any way to confirm that my world was the same as Subaru's, or if my world's also parallel to his."

"... Uh, so you mean you're from beyond the Great Cascade?" Emilia asked, and Subaru seemed confused at the term.

"I believe that she's referencing to the 'world borders' of this world, Subaru. This world, or at least according to Omega, is a piece of land surrounded by water that just goes down into the abyss below."

"So, then you're from beyond the Great Waterfall. How do they call it in your hometown, Barusu... Actually, no, I guess it's probably the other way around given that it's your hometown. The countries here surrounded by the Great Waterfall would be a "Parallel World". Your wild behaviour makes sense to me now as well." Ram's criticizing words cut through the air, and Eridna followed up.

"No wonder... that must be the reason why I couldn't find anything no matter how much Ana and I investigated Y/N-kun's and Natsuki-kun's origins – because they are from beyond the Great Cascade."

"Y/N's right, I suppose." Beatrice joined in. "The Great Waterfall is said to be impossible to cross over, with the exception of dragons. It's the border between here and there. There's no one who knows what is on the other side of it...So, on the rare occasion that someone crosses over from that world, no one holds any basis to deny the words they spoke as lies or falsehoods, I suppose."

"Hey, if I'm not the only so-called Parallel Worlder there's been then do you know anyone else? A person from the other side of the Great Cascade, or castaway – whichever." Subaru seemed eager to know more, but the people present weren't really knowledgable on that topic.

"I believe we have something more important at hand, to be honest. I know the concept of this 'Parallel World' must seem interesting, but isn't it more important that we get Subaru's and my memories back? What even caused us to lose it in the first place?"

Funny that I have a suspect already. But I don't remember anything specific of what happened after Louis devoured Subaru's memories (and possibly mine as well), so it's best to not act rashly.

"That is indeed the current priority." Eridna backed me up on that. "I would like it if we could get Ana's body back as soon as possible. After all, it will be more beneficial for myself and her for it to return to its original state." Julius immediately nodded as well, which prompted me to suspect something for investigation later.

"So where do we start? Any clues about how we should start getting them back?"

"A place to start would be the Taygeta library." Zarestia said. "After you fought Reid, we healed you and allowed you to rest in your room. Next morning, we found you and Subaru both passed out in the library, so we brought you here."

"Which means whatever happened to us must be a result of something within Taygeta." I summarized. This is interesting. I wouldn't allow myself to just be devoured by Louis if I started back in Arc 1, no matter how much I think about it. What reason could [Y/N L/N] possibly have to just look over such an issue? This is one thing I could never understand.

"Shall we go up to Taygeta, then?"

"Yeah, I think that's a great idea. Honestly, I'm pretty lost, but Y/N's deduction seems correct so far with the information laid out in front of me." Subaru gave me a smile.

"Hold up," Omega stood over me. "Let's talk, Y/N. We need to discuss important things, don't we?"

We returned to my room, and Omega gave me an interesting stare. Everyone else has already went upstairs to search for the particular Book of the Dead that Subaru and I read before we passed out.

"What I want to know is, Y/N, what do you plan to do now?"

"Subaru would never go mad from dying, since Meili won't be there to kill him. What I really want to know is... how long until do we have until the five obstacles start appearing?"

"You know about that? Even [Y/N L/N] told me his memory was murky regarding events from this point on. So how-"

"I don't know. I think it's primarily because something inside me told me about it." I pointed to my stomach, and Omega seemed to understand.

"I see... anyways, regarding that, I have no idea. The present and future are all in my Book of Wisdom, but it doesn't tell me all the things either. So putting that aside, do you want to get [Y/N L/N] back?"

"Huh?"

"You're your own existence now, Y/N L/N. You're not [Y/N L/N], and he will never be you. If you get him back, you may be erased forever. Are you willing to sacrifice yourself for your former self, who is strong beyond measure, achieved impossible feats, and has the potential to destroy this world just like Witch of Envy? Are you willing to take that risk, and allow him to return? Or will you stand your ground, and root your own existence into this world?"

"..."

Now, what will you choose, Y/N L/N?

Choose.

To choose is to lose.

That's how it's always been. If [Y/N L/N] was able to defeat Reid Astrea with what he had...

...who's to say I can't regain that power as well?

But without [Y/N L/N], could I, possibly have this resolve in the first place? I stand above my past self's achievements, but could I truly even try or have the courage to replicate those achievements had I not known that 'I' could've done it?

The answer is an obvious no. To a 'genius', there is no absolutes. We know that especially well, better than most. To be a person who sees more than the ordinary folk, we know that as long as we're strong, there will always be someone stronger.

Just as how the world doesn't have limits in terms of humanity, we mustn't limit ourselves to what we see by our desires alone. Which is why...

"I choose both. I want to have myself exist, while also having the original Y/N L/N return. Because I believe we both deserve a purpose in this world. There is no debate on who is the real one and who is the imposter, because we're both 'Y/N L/N', simply different perspectives set in different times. We're segments of a whole, fractions that need one another. And I'm not letting either of us disappear. That is my answer."

"Fufu... now that's the Y/N L/N I remember." Omega gave me a shrill laugh.

"Ey? Weren't you trying to get me to choose... or was that all a farce, Echidna?"

"Hehe, gotcha there, didn't I? It felt disgraceful even for me to use that cunning girl's own words at you... but it was a good way to test your resolve. This shows what you said was correct. There is no 'real Y/N L/N'. If a copy of yourself exists, you're still you. That is what makes you unique. Not your abilities, not your magical powers, but that unwavering attitude you have towards yourself and life. You trust yourself. In your subconscious, you were mentally prepared. You cannot even try to explain it, but you know it well, don't you?"

I nodded, and Omega suddenly gave me an evil glare. "So since you chose the path of no return, I'll help you patch together your past. But since we can't patch together your memories, let's reawaken your abilities. From zero."

"Thank you, Echidna." I shook her hand but she suddenly leaned close and gave me a peck on the cheek before her face scrunched into a slight pout.

"Call me Chid-chan like you used to, you idiot contractor. At least satisfy that part of my greed, okay?"

"Of course, of course. But where exactly do we start with this plan, Chid-chan?"

"You have a whole battalion of elites at your disposal. What's not there for us to use?"

"You're too slow."

Halibel said as I clutched one of my swords. It was called Amorum, apparently, and was one of the five swords of power that I have collected from across the world. The Love Sword wouldn't deal damage to the enemy if they are someone that the user feels amiable towards, no matter how deep the wound inflicted is.

"You need to think about how you wish for your sword to move." He instructed me as I took a sword stance, clutching the hilt of the blade. "Not how you could make it move given your current capabilities."

Halibel's kunai flashed towards me, and for the first time in 2 hours, I managed to block it.

"Huuu... Huf..."

"Great job, kid. You're making great progress, and it seems some parts of your original self can never be wiped away by some filthy ability. I too, would really like to witness the return of [Y/N L/N]."

"Thank you, Halibel-san."

"Just Halibel would do. After all, you've made me see some pretty interesting things while coming here. I'm curious as to what you can do, even when you're fragmented into a state like this. Come on, let's keep practicing."

"Yes, sir!"

"Brelgh!"

My head was lopped off in an instant, and I scrambled to get it back on.

My goal was to train with every single one of my battalion members. Regardless of how long it takes, I should at least retain some of my former strength so I can defend myself, my comrades, and everyone else should an emergency arise.

Interestingly, since Subaru didn't come to kill me, I suspected that I didn't murder him in the first loop. But what made him die then?

"Stop getting distracted, Y/N onii-san. Or Elsa will lop it off again. I'm pretty sure it doesn't feel really well even though Mama's Dragon Blood is keeping you alive."

Meili commented from the side while she watched Elsa ready her kukris again, and I activated Akra, a yang magic spell that's said to increase my physical abilities. "You better keep up, Y/N, or your bowels will be mine to see." A flash of purple sliced past my ear, which I barely managed to dodge after performing a lame roll over the floor.

Just what did Y/N L/N do to fight better than all of those beasts?

Magic Training with Palmyra.

Stamina Training with Colette.

Sensory Training with Yae.

Mana Circle lessons with Sphinx.

History lessons with Omega.

Power Training with Reize.

Witch Factor Training with Capella.

And... there's only two left now.

The voices in my subconscious rang loud and clear while I walked towards Typhon's place, whom I'm still surprised I managed to resurrect. I suppose 'I', or [Y/N L/N] used her withered arm beneath Priestella to do it, since I remembered that Echidna's Soul Transference can only work on the same bodies as the soul or a descendant of themselves. Since the witches didn't have any descendants, it was clear...

"Hey, N/N!" Typhon waved at me with glee. "Dona told me to help you with remembering something, so I came up with a good solution."

Typhon took off her gloves and extended her hand towards me. "So, N/N. Are you a bad guy?"

"Well, so far, no." I grasped her hand tightly, and didn't feel anything. I don't know anything about [Y/N L/N] and what he did, but that's not me. I'm just a smart kid from Tokyo. There's nothing virtuous, nothing sinful about me at all. After all, Typhon's authority requires the affected person to think that they're guilty in order to be shattered.

"Ey?! N/N, do you not feel funny anywhere?"

"Feel... funny? What do you mean?"

"Oh, yeah, that's right. Dona probably didn't tell you this yet, but old N/N changed my authority up a little. I can't shatter anyone any more. All I can do is tickle them to oblivion if I wanted to, I think."

THANK YOU [Y/N L/N] FOR YOUR DECISION

"That's... nice?" I mustered a smile. "Anyways, is there anything else?"

"Nope! That's all Typhon had to do!"

"Eh...? Okay..." I turned to leave, but Typhon seemed to have one last thing to tell me.

"N/N?"

"Yes, Typhon?"

"Hold onto that pride of yours dearly. Without Pride, there's no goal, no confidence. So don't ever let it go, okay?"

"I understand."

"Your finally here."

"Alchemis, I presume?"

"You're less naive than when I first met you, Y/N. I remember when I first came to you in this world, and you were similar to what you were back then. With no apparent avarice and malice in you, you accepted the power of my master and took up the position of her successor. And I'm still grateful for your decision. Since if not, I would've faded away very soon myself."

"Your master?" I asked him, confused. I heard that Alchemis was an Elder Spirit... whatever that is.

"Frakinedottir was the Witch of Deceit. She held the Witch Factor of Deceit over 400 years ago in the era of witches same as Echidna and Satella. She unfortunately died in a battle against some supernatural being that we could not have won against, and decided to let her remains to be taken by a dear friend of hers."

"I still find the Deceit Witch Factor strange. It doesn't seem to be part of the seven cardinal sins nor was it part of the archaic sins."

"I don't know much about that myself, but what I do know is that she was the very first holder of it. The Anti-Od Laguna works in more mysterious ways than its positive counterpart, and generates things beyond our control."

"Okay... and you two are?" I pointed towards the fairy and the succubus, who flew in the air beside Alchemis.

"I can't believe the new Master Y/N is dumber than before-"

"Shut it, Bayanga. He has amnesia, you know." The fairy whacked the succubus on her head, causing the latter to rub her head in pain. "Greetings, Master Y/N. My name is Cahya, the current Great Spirit of Yang. And this here is Bayanga, the current Great Spirit of Yin."

"Wait, there were Great Spirits of Yang and Yin as well?"

"Frakinedottir trained us directly, so we're kinda special cases. Zarestia here did witness our ascension though." She pointed to the woman in the white kimono with green stripes, who finally looked up.

"I assume you know what this last one is about, Y/N?"

"Yes, Zarestia. Spirit Magic Utilization, I presume?"

"Yes, that, and one more thing."

"Eh?"

"When you took on Reid Astrea, you used a special technique that allowed you to fuse with us and become pure energy for a short while. You called it... Spirit Dive. Anyways, since you can't do that anymore, we thought that practicing Spirit Sync would be better."

"Spirit...Sync?"

"Yes. We synchronize our minds together, so your imagination flows as information into our heads, before we construct the spell based on your modifications. It's the final part of your ability training. Are you ready?"

"Yes. I'm prepared."

"Good, then let's start.

Subaru and his team worked hard to search for any book that may have anything to do with his memory lost, whilst also trying to find a way to defeat Reid Astrea. I practiced with my battalion until night, and trained hard to try and regain my past abilities.

Good Job, Subaru.

Good Job, Y/N.

We both need to try hard to get back what we lost.

Let's start the Tsugihagu... and patch our lives back from zero the proper way.

For the sake of [Natsuki Subaru] and [Y/N L/N].