Subaru and Bow stepped into the living room, greeted by the familiar scent of breakfast—though, to be precise, it was the smell of morning dew mixed with toast and eggs that filled the air. The dining table was draped with a white tablecloth, adorned with swirls of red, blue, and yellow. In the center stood a candle, its flame flickering atop a golden holder.
Real fancy to be using gold. Or is it painted?
Curious, Bow reached out to touch the flame. As expected, her hand phased right through. How am I supposed to do anything like this!?
Plates were already set on the table, plain white ceramic accompanied by silver utensils. The aroma they had followed came from the plate of eggs and toast awaiting them.
"Good morning, Subaru! Did you have a good night's sleep?" Toriel greeted, entering the room with a bowl of mashed potatoes in hand.
"Yeah, I did. The bed was super comfy, and that blanket? Way thicker than I expected. I could pretty much burrow myself like a rabbit..." Subaru trailed off, his mind flashing back to the rabbit he'd spotted before his fall into the Underground.
"Is there something wrong?" Toriel asked, noticing Subaru's brief distraction.
"Oh, no, no, there isn't. Anyway, eggs, toast, and mashed potatoes for breakfast? Looks good!"
"Yes, this is the typical meal we prepare here in the Underground. Fun fact: we call this very meal a 'Book List,'" Toriel said with a smile.
"Book... List? How is that supposed to be a meal?" Subaru scratched his head, confused by the odd term. "Wouldn't something like 'Mashed Shell' make more sense?"
"That is an interesting take on the name," Toriel chuckled. "Though, no one really knows where the term came from. It started circulating shortly after monsterkind was imprisoned."
"Toriel, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, but first, eat some food before we discuss anything further. You are still a growing boy, and you need to eat plenty to grow big and strong," Toriel said with a warm smile.
"I know, I know." Subaru placed an egg, a slice of toast, and a small serving of mashed potatoes on his plate. The eggs were perfect—crispy edges, tender whites, and a runny yolk. The toast struck a balance between soft and crunchy, the melted butter adding richness. As for the mashed potatoes, they were creamy, soft, and buttery with no clumps, almost like baby food.
"Y'know, back home, my mom sometimes makes a mix of Western and Japanese breakfasts. We get scrambled eggs, toast, steamed rice, and miso soup." Subaru shoveled a spoonful of mashed potatoes into his mouth. "But, we don't usually have potatoes with our meals."
"That is fascinating to hear. I have never heard of 'miso soup' before. Could you describe it for me?"
"Miso soup is a traditional Japanese dish with a flavorful broth made from 'dashi'. From what I remember, dashi's made from dried kelp and bonito fish flakes. You also mix in miso paste, which is a combination of soybeans, rice, and salt. Then you add tofu and seaweed, and my mom finishes it off with green onions, though some people use scallions." Subaru took another bite of his toast.
"It's pretty simple to make. If I can find the ingredients here, I could try making a bowl for you. My mom taught me how."
Toriel clasped her hands together with a bright smile. "That sounds wonderful! I would love to try 'miso soup' if you ever get the chance to make it."
"Sure thing, but don't expect it to be as good as my mom's. I'm still learning—can't even peel a potato right with a peeler, let alone a knife!"
Toriel chuckled softly. "Do not worry, Subaru. I am sure you will manage just fine. Believe in your abilities more. You never know—you might be capable of more than you think."
"Yeah, I guess you're right. We'll see how it turns out," Subaru said, finishing his plate. Then his tone shifted, and he looked at Bow, who nodded in understanding. He turned back to Toriel, his expression now serious. "Toriel, I need your answer on something important."
Noticing the change in mood, Toriel put her utensils down and clasped her hands, giving him her full attention. "What is it, Subaru? Is this something serious that I need to know?"
"This is going to sound a bit... off," Subaru started hesitantly, "but I need to know. What language am I speaking?"
Toriel tilted her head, visibly puzzled. "You are speaking English. Why do you ask such a peculiar question?"
Both Subaru and Bow's eyes widened at the response. English? So there was something messing with their translation. But if he was speaking Japanese, why did everyone still understand him perfectly? Was he the odd one out?
Bow's thoughts raced. Subaru is different from us somehow. But what's causing this? Is there something bigger at play here? Neither of them could shake the feeling that something deeper was happening.
"Uhh, nothing! J-just wanted to know, that's all. A random question popped into my head for some reason. Heehee..." Subaru forced a nervous laugh, trying to mask his unease. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, "What about Bow? Do you notice anything strange about her?"
Toriel gave him a puzzled look. "Bow? Who is Bow? Is this another one of your... unusual questions?" She tilted her head slightly, concern flickering in her eyes. "You seem troubled. Is something on your mind?"
Subaru quickly waved it off, a nervous grin on his face. "Never mind..."
"..."
And that confirmed their suspicions. Despite standing beside Subaru the entire time, Bow was truly a phantom in Toriel's eyes. The question remained: how? There had to be a reason for her existence in this form. Perhaps this issue was unique to Bow, or maybe others could see her just like Subaru could. That possibility lingered.
"Today, I plan to head to the market in the city for some groceries and a few gifts for friends. Would you care to join me? Meeting children your age would be a perfect opportunity for you to socialize."
Subaru exchanged glances with Bow, both of them intrigued. "Yeah, sure! Getting to know this place would be nice, especially since everything will be a surprise."
"We will be leaving in half an hour. Since you do not have any spare clothes, you can wear what you have for now while we shop for some at the market. Your hoodie should hold up for about another four days before it needs a wash."
"Uh, quick question. What type of materials does clothing here use? Just wondering."
"Hmm... we use cotton, polyester, leather, and silk—probably the same as anything on the surface, to be honest. There is not much difference in civilization between both worlds. However, from what I know, technology might vary, especially since we rely on magic for most of our appliances, unlike the past fallen humans."
"Really? Honestly, I thought there would be a major difference. Maybe I'm underestimating this place, or am I overestimating it? Do you guys know about cars? Automobiles?"
"While we do have knowledge about automobiles from books that have fallen down, we lack the techniques and blueprints to recreate these machines, despite constructing the Core."
"Core? Is that like the capital or—?"
"Never mind that. Let us return to our previous discussion. As I mentioned, you can reuse your clothes while we buy you new ones."
"Alright then..."
Toriel walked away toward her room, leaving Subaru and Bow alone at the dining table. "So, that outright confirms two things. One, something is interfering with our language barriers. And two, Toriel can't perceive you in any way, which means you are, in fact, a phantom, so to speak."
"But that's just Toriel. For all we know, others may not be in the same situation as her."
Subaru's eyes widened. "Right! I didn't realize that. The only people you've met so far are me and Toriel. I didn't even consider the other monsters."
"Since we're heading into the city, we can test that theory. Like Toriel said, today is an opportunity to socialize and make new friends, plus explore more of the Underground."
Friends, huh?
Subaru reflected on his time at school. He had next to no friends, and the clubs he tried to join mostly avoided him. Even the teachers seemed indifferent, leaving him with no one to rely on but his parents. A social outcast at the age of eleven. How pathetic…
"Is... there something wrong?" Bow gently placed her hand on his shoulder.
Subaru sighed, forcing a smile of his own. "Oh, nothing. Just missing my parents more and more as each second passes." He quickly brushed off the moment, not wanting to linger on it. "Anyway, I'll go and change before we head out. You can do... uh—something, I guess."
Bow chuckled softly, "I'll be right here, waiting."
Subaru stared at his reflection in the mirror. The familiar short-sleeved black hoodie clung to him, paired with gray shorts and his usual black and orange running shoes. But now, his hoodie told a different story—the torn fabric near his shoulder, a reminder of the injury he'd sustained. The damage was subtle, but it was enough to mark a change from how things were before.
Guess that should be fine. Maybe I should bring a bag or something, don't wanna get caught in that situation again.
Subaru cringed as the memory came flooding back. Being a growing boy in the midst of puberty, he'd forgotten to pack a bar or canister of deodorant. To make matters worse, his dad wasn't willing to share.
Listen, Subaru, I love you—and you're my son. But sharing deodorant? That's not something you should be doing.
What!? I'm gonna have to go the entire day with dry armpits! Dad, c'mon, just this once!
If it were spray, I would, but this is an entire bar. Sharing it could lead to an infection, and it's just plain unhygienic.
Dad, I—
You don't wanna be using the same bar as your old man, do you? I mean, you know how sweaty I get on a hot day. All that sweat dripping in—
OKAY! OKAY! I get it... eww...
Subaru shuddered, shaking off the thought. "Nope, nope, nope... not again."
He looked around the room, his eyes landing on the bottom drawer of the cabinet. Subaru knelt down, pulling it open to reveal a small brown satchel adorned with a feathered magnifying glass. The corner of the satchel had the initials 'V. A.' stitched into the fabric.
Wonder what that means. Probably belonged to one of the kids that fell before me, Subaru thought, inspecting the bag. Fits me pretty well, though. Must be custom-made, especially with a magnifying glass attached like that.
He ran his hand over the satchel, feeling the rough leather and sturdy stitching. It wasn't a modern bag by any means—no zippers, just an old-fashioned buckle and a flap to keep it closed. The craftsmanship reminded him of something straight out of the 1500s, with its weathered look and simple design.
Subaru slipped it over his shoulder and glanced at himself in the mirror, admiring the combination. Stylish and practical.
He started packing it methodically. Flashlight for when it gets dark, a notebook for notes, pen and pencil, bandages, tissues, he mentally ticked off, tossing each item into the bag. A few snacks and a water bottle should do it, he concluded, buckling it up.
Subaru exited his room and walked down the hallway, glancing at the stairs that led down. Wonder what's down here? A faint glow beckoned him. As he approached the entrance, his heartbeat quickened. Maybe just a peek won't hurt.
He took a step, then another, until he reached the end of the stairs. Turning the corner, he discovered a long corridor bathed in dim light. Like this isn't suspicious at all. Before he could take another step, he felt something tug at his arm.
Spinning around, he found Toriel standing there, her expression a mix of calm and irritation. "What are you doing here, my child?"
"I was, umm—"
"Come here." She gently but firmly led him back up the stairs, and he cast one last glance behind him.
"We are heading over to the market today, are we not?"
"Yeah, right. I forgot, sorry."
Toriel patted his head, her touch warm and reassuring. "Do not worry. You will find more interesting things in the city compared to down there."
Just what are you hiding, Toriel? The question nagged at him as they made their way back to the dining area.
"The main route to the city center typically takes twenty minutes for most to walk. But since we live here in the hills, there is a shortcut most of us take that cuts the time in half. We will have to cross a creek," Toriel explained, her voice cheerful.
"That's fine; a bit of water won't hurt," Subaru replied, trying to shake off his lingering nerves.
"Good! The sooner we get there, the more time you will have to explore and socialize." Her enthusiasm was infectious, but Subaru still felt a sour taste in his mouth at the thought of engaging with new people. Nevertheless, he resolved to at least talk to two today.
As they walked, Bow tapped him on the shoulder. "If I'm going to be honest, I'm quite nervous. What type of monsters do you think we'll meet?"
"Well, if we're going off fantasy monsters, I'd say maybe wolves or even fish people. Toriel is a goat, after all. Who's to say there aren't others like her?" Subaru whispered.
"Meeting a dog-related monster would be nice. I'm quite fond of them," Bow's eyes brightening at the thought.
"It's anything with fur for me. Soft, fuzzy fur is where the treasure's at," Subaru replied with a grin.
"You seem like someone who enjoys the little things," Bow observed, a hint of admiration in her voice.
"Yeah, I get that a lot." Subaru chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease as they continued down the path.
"Soooo, when was the Underground first established? From what I'm getting, this place is pretty much lost, including Monsterkind,"
"The Underground was established more than seven hundred years ago, during the late 13th century," Toriel replied, her tone shifting to one of pride. "This area of the Underground is often regarded as 'Home.'"
"Do you mind me asking why exactly?" Subaru inquired, intrigued.
"It is because this was the original capital before we eventually began to explore more of the Underground after our imprisonment," her gaze distant as if reminiscing about a time long past.
Subaru wanted to ask more. What other areas of the Underground were there? Why was Monsterkind imprisoned? What happened to all records of Monsterkind in the first place? What happened to the previous humans that fell? So many questions buzzed in his mind, but for now, he decided to hold back.
There would be time for answers later—perhaps in the city. He didn't want to overwhelm Toriel with his curiosity. For now, he would focus on exploring and meeting new people, hoping that maybe someone else would fill in the gaps of knowledge he craved.
While walking, Bow and Subaru took in the forest around them. Lush green trees swayed gently in the breeze, which seemed to come from nowhere. A few crickets chirped sporadically, and the dirt crunched beneath their feet with each step. The path was organized and well-trodden, guiding them forward. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, creating dappled patterns on the ground, and a faint smell of grass filled the air.
As they continued, the sound of running water grew louder, and soon they arrived at the creek Toriel had mentioned. The water flowed smoothly, its crystal-clear surface sparkling in the sunlight. The sight was refreshing, a stark contrast to the uncertainties of their journey ahead. Subaru knelt down to dip his fingers in the water, enjoying the coolness against his skin.
"Fun fact," Toriel gestured toward the flowing creek, "the water in this stream was analyzed and tested in Hotland for any bacteria or parasites. It came back with zero. The water here is absolutely pure, free of any defects. It is even drinkable, though many advocate preserving it."
Subaru perked up at the mention of Hotland. With how unique this place was, he imagined it must have a lava area similar to something out of Metroid.
Bow's curiosity piqued. Zero defects? How was that even possible? How could someone analyze water for parasites in a place like this? It seemed beyond the capabilities of technology.
"Luckily for us," Toriel continued, "the townsfolk created a walkway of rocks across this stream. There were many complaints about getting their feet wet when crossing."
Subaru chuckled, picturing the frustrated townspeople trying to navigate the creek in their everyday lives. "Smart move," he said, stepping carefully onto the rocky path. The stones were sturdy beneath his feet, providing a solid bridge over the clear water. "No one likes soggy shoes."
Bow followed closely, her eyes scanning the gentle ripples below. "It's nice to see that kind of consideration for others," she remarked, her voice thoughtful. "I wonder what else the townsfolk have come up with."
"How would you describe the city? The residents?" Subaru asked.
Toriel thought for a moment. "The city itself is bustling with people and goods. You will see a few carriages filled with boxes and supplies for restocks. There are fruit vendors shouting out offers. Many also collect these 'anime figures' for their collections, but those are more popular with the younger generations."
"Wait, they have anime figures!?"
"Oh? I guess you already know what they are," Toriel replied with a knowing smile. "Maybe you will find one that interests you. Although some are quite inappropriate for children. But I will tolerate it as long as it is not anything mature."
"Don't worry! I swear to my parents that I won't do anything like that! I even made a promise not to take a tiny sip of alcohol until I'm twenty-one."
Bow and Toriel giggled, sharing a light-hearted moment. "Yes, yes, I believe you," Toriel said, her tone warm and reassuring.
A couple of minutes passed, and soon they reached the roads of the town. Carriages pulled by horses strolled by, while monsters of all kinds walked around, creating a lively atmosphere. Wolfmen and Lizardfolk, Bee and Moth creatures, Slimes, Bird-like beings—monsters with humanoid distinctions were everywhere.
"H-holy crap! It's crowded!" Subaru exclaimed, eyes wide.
Toriel chuckled. "Hehe... it is a flash sale today, so everything is fifteen percent off. Many are shopping for groceries or luxuries."
Subaru scanned the bustling scene. Stalls lined every corner, selling various goods, and in the distance, he spotted a library as well as a playground where young monsters played cheerfully. The town was a blend of activity and calm, all at once.
"The city is quite small for its size, so you should be able to find your way back on your own if needed," Toriel said, pulling a small pouch of coins from her pocket. "Here, if you want to buy anything, these are for you. Use them sparingly!"
"Okay, promise!" Subaru tossed the pouch into the air and caught it with a grin.
Toriel smiled warmly. "I will go ahead on my own now. Have fun!" she said, waving as she walked away, leaving Subaru and Bow to explore the bustling streets on their own.
[Subaru]
[LV 1]
[HP 20/20]
[G 53]
"Now then, where should we go first? Any suggestions?" Subaru turned to Bow—only to find her missing. "Where did she…?"
He glanced around and spotted her by a flower stall, her eyes fixed on a cluster of sunflowers. "Sunflowers? They're nice—symbolize light and happiness. Something up?"
"It's just... they're a bit wilted. They don't seem to be getting as much care as the other flowers here," she said softly, her gaze lingering on the petals.
"Hey, kid! You interested in a few?" a voice called out.
Subaru quickly turned to see a lizard man behind the stall, eyeing him curiously. "Oh, uh… just looking, that's all. I'll be on my way!"
"Hold on, you're a—"
"Okay, bye!" Subaru cut him off, hurrying away. "Jeez, a single human in a city full of monsters—like that isn't suspicious at all!" As he walked on, he noticed a few heads turning in his direction. Whispers rippled through the crowd, some monsters even stopping in their tracks to stare, a mix of curiosity and shock in their eyes.
"Y'know, being a phantom might have its perks. I'd rather be invisible right now," Subaru muttered to Bow, glancing around at the staring eyes.
"Let's head to the library, we'll probably find some privacy there." She took hold of his wrist, guiding him through the bustling crowd, her pace steady and focused as they weaved past curious onlookers and into the quieter paths leading to the library.
"The hell's that kid doing?"
"Is that really a human…?"
"Hope he doesn't cause trouble."
"Poor guy, must be nervous around us."
"Just great, another one."
"Bet he's got stories from the surface!"
"Look, ma, a human! He's dressed just like us!"
"Filthy pest…"
"Wonder if anything will interest him."
"A human here? How exciting!"
"He better not stir up trouble…"
"I heard humans bring good luck."
"Hope he finds what he's looking for…"
"Another one… hope he's nicer than the last."
"Maybe he'll buy something and stay awhile."
"Strange… never thought I'd see one up close."
The whispers layered over one another, an unrelenting mix of suspicion, intrigue, and guarded fascination. Each word seemed to dig into Subaru, skepticism intensifying with each step he took. The weight of countless eyes felt like needles prickling his skin, leaving him with a raw sense of exposure he couldn't shake. Subaru clenched his fists, desperately trying to tune out the voices, but the whispers only seemed to close in tighter, pressing against him from every side. His chest tightened, breath hitching, until, without even realizing it, he broke into a sprint, gripping Bow's wrist and pulling her with him.
"S-Subaru! S-slow down!" Bow exclaimed, stumbling as he began to pull her along.
They arrived at the steps of the library, Subaru halting just before they began to ascend. His grip still firm around Bow's wrist, she glanced at him, her gaze soft with concern.
Subaru remained still, his expression unsettled, the taste of recent events bitter on his tongue. The voices from before echoed in his mind, their intensity clawing at him, leaving a shiver of unease in its wake. "Let's just go inside," he muttered, his voice barely steady. "For once, I'd like to read a book—maybe something on history."
Together, they climbed the steps to the grand entrance. The library doors loomed, crafted from rich black cedar with white plating tracing intricate, ring-like patterns. The knob was a deep black with red markings, and as Bow touched the surface, she felt its firm coolness, the smooth paint hinting at the cedar's subtle grain underneath. "They really know how to be creative here," she murmured, fingers gliding over the sleek texture that softened the wood's natural ridges.
They pushed open the doors, revealing a grand gallery lined with countless rows of books stretching to the ceiling. The library spanned three floors, each layered with shelves overflowing with volumes. Twin staircases on either side led to the second floor, while a spiral staircase coiled up to the third, its wrought-iron railing winding gracefully into the shadows above.
"T-THIS PLACE IS HUGE!" Subaru's voice rang out, echoing off the high ceilings.
"SHHHHHH!" came the collective, hushed reprimand from various readers scattered throughout the library.
Subaru slapped a hand over his mouth, his cheeks reddening. Bow leaned over, whispering, "You didn't have to yell, you know…"
"Force of habit, I guess," he murmured, scratching his head sheepishly.
Tables were scattered throughout the library, with various monsters engrossed in their work. Some had earphones in, nodding along to silent tunes, while others were buried in stacks of papers that looked suspiciously like school assignments. At the center of it all sat a circular desk, behind which an owl monster with keen eyes and feathers the color of faded parchment was absorbed in a book.
The duo approached the front desk. "Umm, excuse me?" Subaru ventured.
The owl looked up from his book, blinking slowly. "Oh? Another human, I see. What can I do for you, lad?" His voice was deep, carrying a calming warmth.
"Hi, I was hoping to find some books on history—specifically, Monster history."
"If it's the war you're interested in, that's up on the third floor," the owl replied, gesturing with a wing toward the spiral staircase. "Just head up there and take a right at the corner. You'll find the history section, though I'll warn you, it's in a bit of disarray. We haven't organized it yet, but it should be sorted within the hour."
"Thanks… uh…" Subaru glanced down at the nameplate. "Capone."
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance…"The owl paused.
"Subaru! Natsuki Subaru…"
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Subaru." The owl dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Enjoy your time here in the city library. I'll be here if you need any help."
"Thank you." Subaru gave a quick nod, and together he and Bow turned to scale the spiral steps, the quiet creak of each step blending into the library's soft hum.
"Jeez, you don't think they could've chosen a better design?" Subaru muttered as they made their way up the spiral staircase.
"Manors tend to have spiral staircases like this," Bow replied with a small smile. "I don't think it's so bad."
Subaru paused to catch his breath. "Wait, you used to work in a manor? That would explain the maid outfit and all…"
Bow's expression faltered, her gaze drifting. "I… don't remember. It just came to mind."
"Well, anyway," Subaru said, brushing off the awkward pause as they reached the third floor. He scanned the expansive room, eyeing rows upon rows of bookshelves. "Books, books, more books. That doesn't exactly narrow it down."
"Capone mentioned it was in a corner," Bow reminded him. "I'll check the right side; you take the left."
The third floor was completely empty, the silence almost eerie. "Jeez, it's like a ghost town up here," Subaru murmured to himself, glancing over the tags on the shelves. "Science… no. English… nope. Machinery… nada. Monster History! Here it is!" he called out.
Bow joined him as he pulled a book from the shelf titled Stars from Above.
"So, what did you find?" she asked, peering over his shoulder.
"This. It was in the history section," Subaru replied, holding the book out in front of him. "Maybe this will have something useful…" He placed the book on top of a table as they sat down.
Subaru flipped through the book, his fingers skimming over the pages until an illustration of a monster dressed in traditional Japanese attire caught his attention. He blinked, leaning in closer.
"What is—wait, hold on, I recognize these." His finger hovered over a picture of a monster wearing a layered silk robe. "This is a Jūnihito! Nobles and aristocratic women wore these during the Heian era in Japan!"
Bow tilted her head, looking at the image. "So, the style is from your country?"
"Yeah! And seeing it here…"
Much to their surprise, the book held even more examples of clothing styles worn by monsters across various historical eras. Each page Subaru turned revealed intricate sketches and detailed diagrams, capturing towns, cities, and the grandeur of empires from different corners of the world.
There were mentions of the Byzantine Empire, Viking Scandinavia, the Islamic Caliphates, and Fatimid Egypt, alongside detailed notes on the Tang and Song Dynasties of China, the Gupta and post-Gupta periods in India, and the Ghana Empire in West Africa. The Aksumite Kingdom, Ethiopia, the Aztecs, Incas, Mongols, and so many more were documented. It was as if they were standing at the crossroads of countless civilizations, each one preserved in the pages before them.
Subaru turned to the page titled The Monster-Human War. He paused, letting the weight of the heading sink in. "The Monster-Human War," he read aloud. "A devastating discord that lasted for over 167 years. During this time, the world population was around 360 million; a quarter of these were monsters. Many casualties occurred, but of the 90 million monsters, only 5,000 remained."
His voice trailed off, eyes wide with disbelief. "Only 5,000… that's horrifying."
Bow looked over his shoulder, her expression somber. "That's an extinction-level event. If they played such a significant role in history, it's unthinkable that they'd be nearly wiped out without any trace in human records."
Subaru nodded, "Erasing an entire species, especially one that influenced so many cultures, wouldn't be easy. This is like uncovering a treasure trove of lost history. I never thought I'd stumble across something like this."
Bow placed her hand on the page. "Maybe we'll find more about what happened to them here. This might lead us to the truth of their imprisonment."
"Right," Subaru agreed, turning to the next page.
Subaru's eyes scanned the passage, each line adding to the growing weight of realization. He read aloud, voice soft but tense.
"In 487, Asgore Dreemurr ascended to the throne, bringing peace between humans and monsters. Under his rule, Monsterkind flourished, spreading across the world, sharing customs and cultures. For over six hundred years, world peace was maintained—until 1117, when coordinated terroristic attacks were launched against monsters in multiple countries. The attacks divided societies, sparking worldwide discrimination, riots, and violent clashes. In 1123, an assassination attempt on King Asgore was made public, igniting further chaos. By the following year, Asgore waged war against the Anglo-Normans, then the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Song Dynasty, the Fatimid Caliphate… eventually the entire world."
He closed the book, trying to process the cascade of events. "Peace for six hundred years, gone in the blink of an eye."
Bow crossed her arms, her face a mixture of sadness and disbelief. "It's like something out of a nightmare."
Subaru gave a small nod, his expression dark. "It must have felt like there was no other choice. But even so, the cost… Only five thousand survived."
They exchanged a silent look, each of them grappling with the depth of the history in their hands.
"No, no. There has to be a reasonable explanation for this. Asgore surely wouldn't sacrifice everything for this."
Subaru's hand trembled slightly as he flipped through the passage, eyes widening as he absorbed the gravity of the words. His voice lowered to a murmur as he continued reading aloud.
"While humanity had the upper hand in numbers, Monsterkind proved resilient, cutting down humanity's population by 65% within just a decade. But this victory didn't last. Humanity soon discovered Soul Traits—turning the tide in their favor. It used to take ten humans to bring down a single monster, but now, one human could match a hundred monsters. Though monsters gained some ability with Soul Traits, they couldn't compete with the raw power of human souls. One by one, Monsterkind was forced from every land."
Subaru paused, exhaling. "By 1291, with only five thousand monsters left, King Asgore surrendered to spare them. Monsters were then imprisoned and tortured on Mt. Ebott, which they came to see as their own personal Hell. Seven powerful wizards were summoned to create a barrier, trapping monsters beneath the mountain, where they've stayed for over seven centuries… waiting for freedom."
Bow shook her head, her voice filled with a strange mix of bitterness and sympathy. "So, they've been down here… just hoping? Holding on after everything that happened?"
Subaru's grip on the book tightened. "Yeah. They're just waiting for a way out, even after all this time. It's hard to believe something like this could be hidden away in history."
Bow's expression softened, her gaze lingering on the page, absorbing the weight of the words. "This is… devastating. So many lives lost on both sides," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "The children… they had to grow up in a world like this. How could anyone live through that?"
Subaru ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "It's like he didn't even consider the possibility of finding a peaceful solution. Why rush into war when they could have tried to negotiate?"
Bow nodded slowly, her brow furrowing. "Maybe he felt cornered, like there was no other option. Or perhaps he believed that fighting was the only way to protect his people."
"But that just led to more suffering," Subaru pointed out, shaking his head. "It feels like a never-ending cycle. There must be something we're missing here. How about we ask Capone about the war?" He suggested.
Bow hesitated, casting a wary glance down the spiral staircase. "That might be insensitive of us. Monsterkind's imprisonment sounds… well, taboo."
"Yeah, you're probably right, but we still need to understand more about this place."
Bow thought for a moment, her eyes landing on the thick pages of the book in Subaru's hands. "Why don't we borrow it for now? We can read the rest back at the house."
"Actually, I forgot we could do that, good idea. We'd probably spend the entire day here if we tried to get through it all now. Plus, it's still afternoon out there."
.
.
.
"So, anything catch your eye?" Capone asked, leaning casually on the desk.
Subaru held out the history book, tapping the title. "This."
"Ah, history, huh? Well, you'll certainly uncover some interesting stuff in there," Capone said with a nod. "If you're curious about background events rather than just the war itself, I'd recommend this, too." He turned, rifling through a cart behind him and pulled out a green-covered book. "This one includes lesser-known battles like Leighton and Jmil. If you're up for it, you'll get a deeper look at the era."
"Thanks… This is probably gonna take a while to read through. Any idea where I should start?"
Capone rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm, maybe King Asgore's coronation. Heard it was quite the spectacle."
"Coronation, got it. Thanks again, Capone!" Subaru gave a wave as he and Bow turned to leave.
"Enjoy, kid!" Capone called after him with a smile.
Subaru and Bow strolled through the bustling market, their eyes scanning the nearby stalls as sellers shouted deals to anyone passing by. "Where do you think we should start?" Bow asked, glancing around.
"This place is more like a farmer's market," Subaru mused. "Toriel would love it here." He gestured to the right, toward a busier crosswalk lined with stalls. "Let's try over there."
They wandered into a section of the city brimming with colorful displays: stalls selling handcrafted clothing, intricate clay sculptures, beaded necklaces, polished rings, and an array of unique trinkets. Bow's gaze flitted from one stand to the next, taking in the market's lively charm.
Subaru caught eye of a lone stall at the edge of the city. Approaching it, the stall was cluttered with a strange assortment of items—from cogs and gears to plates, mugs, and even sacks of rice. He tapped the little bell on the counter. "Uh… anyone here?"
With a sudden pop, a monster sprang up from below. "HIYA THERE!"
"WAHHH!" Subaru shrieked, leaping back with a startled yelp. Bow stifled a laugh, trying and failing to hold back her amusement.
"S-stop laughing! I was just surprised!" Subaru protested, flustered.
Bow grinned. "Like you didn't leap back like a startled cat~"
"Haha! You looked like a little pussycat!" the monster added with a hearty chuckle.
Subaru clenched his fists, his cheeks turning pink with embarrassment. "Fine, then! I'll just find another stall!"
"EH?! Wait, wait, wait!" the monster cried, waving his arms. "Okay, maybe I went a little too far. Sorry! Really, I'm sorry!"
Subaru sighed, his irritation waning just a bit. "Alright, then offer me something for free as an apology."
The monster paused, scratching his head, before rummaging through a box of miscellaneous scraps. "Fine... let me see what I got in here."
Bow kicked Subaru in the shins. "Ow! What was that for?" he protested, rubbing his leg. She just raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, okay, fine…" Subaru sighed, reaching out and patting the monster's shoulder. "Hey, you don't need to give me anything for free. I was just joking; it's all good."
"You were? Sorry, I'm not really good at telling if someone's being sarcastic or not," the monster admitted, scratching his head. "Nice to meet ya! I'm Stick—like the wooden stick."
Stick looked like a raccoon-type monster with fluffy brown fur, darker rings around his eyes, and a tail striped with white. He wore a navy blue shirt and gray pants, covered by mechanic overalls that held a few screwdrivers. His voice was high-pitched and full of energy.
Subaru struck his signature pose, hand in the air and hip cocked. "Nice to meet you too, Stick! The name's Natsuki Subaru!"
"Haha! You look funny! Wait... you're the new human that fell down here, aren't you?"
"Yep, that's me. Good ol' Natsuki luck getting me into the strangest places. Did you already hear about me?"
Stick nodded, grinning. "The Froggits in the Ruins started buzzing about another human falling down. You're exactly how they described—pretty talkative!"
"Well, that's one way to describe me. Anyways, what do you sell?"
Stick rummaged through a different box under his counter. He pulled out a figure assembled from rusted cogs and gears. In the middle was an orb of some type and a rectangular slot. "My recent invention! This guy will be able to pick up and pass around dishes, making jobs for servers much easier. Watch this."
Stick placed a battery into the figure. Flicking a switch from behind, the orb began to glow green as particles began to circle the figure. A couple seconds later, the figure began moving on its own, creating an automaton.
"Cool! So, this robot is capable of picking up dishes? What's the orb for exactly?" Subaru asked, leaning in for a closer look.
Stick nodded, tapping the glowing orb. "This here's called a 'Flow Pearl.' They're found naturally in rivers throughout the Underground, forming under the water's surface. The pearl converts electricity into magic, which is what lets this little guy move on its own. Of course, you have to program it first, which is where the circuit board in its head comes in—it's like its brain."
Subaru watched as the robot carefully lifted a ceramic plate, shuffled to the other side of the counter, and set it down. "How long did it take you to make? This is impressive."
"About three months, the circuit board was the toughest part. I had to dig up a guide to figure out how to use one of these things. I'm still working on improvements; this is just a prototype."
"Well, if it functions like it's supposed to, you'll be making improvements in no time," Subaru encouraged. "But back to what I was asking earlier—what exactly do you sell here?"
"I sell pretty much anything!" Stick chuckled, pulling out a plastic coil. "People come by and find all sorts of things here that catch their eye, like this slinky. If it makes me money, I'm good with it. So, anything you're interested in?"
"It's my first time here, so I don't really know what to look for," Subaru shrugged.
"Hm, what about some jewelry?" Stick reached under the counter, pulling out a box full of pendants.
"This one looks pretty," Bow pointed at a cyan-jeweled pendant.
"These are ten of the best pendants I've made. I found all the jewels myself in the mines," Stick explained, proudly gesturing to the collection. "I've got Ruby, Diamond, Amethyst, Sapphire, Emerald, Turquoise, Citrine, and Onyx."
"These are pretty rare on the surface. You just got them in the mines?" Subaru asked, surprised.
"Yep! Honestly, it was pure luck finding these at all. Out of all of them, Onyx is the rarest. It's pretty hard to come by, but we've managed to find about 200 in total."
He lifted one of the pendants, letting it catch the light. "The chains, though, are easier to get. I used a mix: Stainless Steel, Platinum, Titanium, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Brass, Bronze, and Oxidized Silver."
"Mind if I take a look at the Onyx one?"
"Of course!" Stick handed over a sleek pendant set in an Oxidized Silver chain. The Onyx stone gleamed darkly, with a faint, smoky pattern swirling inside.
The pendant, despite its black exterior, was clear as night, allowing Subaru to see his reflection perfectly. The Onyx was about two inches long, with a sleek rectangular-hexagonal shape and a pointed tip at the bottom. A few inscriptions adorned its surface, some of which Subaru recognized.
"There's also these symbols, no clue what they are though," Stick said, scratching his head.
Subaru leaned in for a closer look. What the—kanji? What's this doing here?
"Do you recognize what this says?" Bow asked, eyes wide.
"Yeah, it's Japanese," Subaru replied, furrowing his brow. "What I'm wondering is why these are here."
"Stick said he found them in the mines; you should ask him."
"Hey, uhh, you said you found this in the mines, right? Were these already on the gemstone when you found them?"
"I... don't remember, sorry, I found these a little over a year ago at this point, so I can't really remember small details." He knocked on his head as if trying to jog his memory.
Well, that just complicates things. Maybe I can buy this off him. Subaru pulled out the coin pouch Toriel had given him. "So how much are you willing to sell each pendant for?"
"About 1,500 gold," Stick said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "But it's 3 grand for the Onyx since these are rare. So, you got enough?"
"..."
[Subaru]
[LV 1]
[HP 20/20]
[G 53]
Aww snap.
"Will 53 do?" Subaru felt embarrassed, feeling the sting of the rejected offer.
"HAHA! Good offer, but I'll have to decline. From the looks of it, you'll need to find a way to earn some gold. You could hitch a job at the library; I heard they're looking for an assistant of sorts to organize books."
"Guess so. Oooorrrrrr... maybe I don't need the pendant after all." Subaru shrugged, trying to play it off.
"You wouldn't have made an offer if you weren't interested in the first place."
"He's got you there," Bow joked, stifling a laugh.
Subaru sighed, feeling the weight of their teasing. All he wanted was to check out a few things. "But I was just at the library; there weren't any mentions for hiring." He snapped his fingers in realization.
"Alright, you got me there," Stick conceded, a grin spreading across his face. "I like you, new human. You'll fit in real nice here in the city."
"I would've preferred my name but it's fine. What time is it, by the way?"
Stick looked at his watch. "It's afternoon, 1 PM. You still got time to look around? I could give you a tour around the city."
Subaru turned to Bow, who nodded in agreement. "Surprise me."
"Heh, you'll love the Jack Club! It's got games, food, games, and... honestly, we pretty much just hang out there for fun. Random activities to do all day since peeps come and go. Say, what kind of games are your whole?"
"Say what now?" Subaru furrowed his brow in confusion.
"I'm asking what type of games you like. Poker? Chess? What about Uno?" Stick clarified.
"If you're talking about board games, I don't have a lot, but I do play Shogi."
"Never heard of it. What's it about?"
"It's similar to chess, but people consider it more complex to play and understand. Basically, it's played on a square board, and each player has 20 pieces that can be moved in different ways. Shogi pieces are flat and pointed, printed with Kanji characters that indicate rank. Unlike chess, shogi pieces aren't differentiated by color, and captured pieces can be re-entered into the game by the captor, playing for the opposing side, which makes draws pretty rare."
"Sounds a bit like checkers too. You should teach me sometime."
"Sure! I may not be an expert, but I'm confident enough to take you on."
"Winner gets bragging rights~" Stick declared playfully, nudging Subaru with his elbow as they continued walking.
"Deal!"
Author's Notes:
Thankfully, this time I didn't take 6 months to make another chapter. Still not a good record nearing 2 months but oh well...
Sorry if this feels a bit too OC but considering the fact Undertale has a ton of content that isn't covered in the main game, I took advantage of that and decided to world build off of it. If OC aren't your thing, that's fine. This isn't meant for everyone since I wanted this fic to have a bit of its own twist instead of just replacing Subaru with Frisk.
