Chapter 26: The Game Begins

After waking up from the trial, Emilia now rests on a bed in the village while Kaoi and the crew sit in the next room.

Rem: She's finally calmed down, and is resting now.

Ram: The aroma hypnosis will prevent any nightmares.

Kaoi: Thanks for that, you two.

Rem: Anything for Miss Emilia.

Ram: Still, the Sanctuary is even farther from being set free now.

Otto: Um, may I say something?

Kaoi: Something on your mind, Otto?

Otto: It might be possible to get everyone outside the barrier without doing the trial and freeing the Sanctuary.

Garfiel: Huh? What're you talkin' about? There's no way in hell.

Otto: Just hear me out. I know that anyone of mixed blood who touches the barrier loses consciousness. So... Why don't those of us who aren't affected by the barrier carry the others through it while they're unconscious?

Kaoi: …an interesting thought but I doubt it be that easy to circumvent the barrier just like that.

?: And you be right to think so.

Everyone looked toward the source of the new voice. A familiar long pink-haired girl walks in the room with a staff in one hand.

Kaoi: It's her. From before but her clothes are a bit different.

Kaoi decides to hear her out before asking any questions.

?: I would rather not become an empty shell of a soul.

Otto: Um... And you are...

Ryuzu: I am Ryuzu Bilma. It is my duty, you might say, to represent this community, though I am old and frail.

Kaoi: Frail? Sure she looks a bit tired but I would say she's frail. She looks younger than Rozu.

Kaoi: Well then Ryuzu, my name is-

Ryuzu: I am well aware of who you are, Kaoi. Which makes you Young Kao.

Kaoi: Huh?

Otto: So, Ryuzu-san, what makes you say my idea won't work? Something about an "empty shell of a soul"?

Ryuzu then takes a seat on Garfiel's side of the table.

Ryuzu: Have you not heard? When one of mixed bl*od touches the barrier, it takes away their consciousness. More specifically, it repels their soul.

Kaoi: So when a mixed-blood tries to force their way through the barrier, their soul is separated from their body, and only their soul remains inside the barrier, leaving an empty shell, right?

Ryuzu: Good. you seem to catch on quickly. That is the gist of it, yes. When a body without a soul exits the barrier, it is, in other words, dead.

Kaoi: …Still, if the qualification to undergo the trial is having mixed blood, doesn't that mean you or Garfiel could do it if you wanted to?

Ryuzu: If we are speaking only of making the attempt, it stands to reason that we could. But we cannot free the Sanctuary. That is the contract that has been handed down among us residents of the Sanctuary for generations.

Kaoi: Contract…?

Kaoi: Does that mean even if they took all three trials, the barrier isn't dispelled unless it is done by a specific person or that they are bound by an oath not to do so?

The Next Morning

Slowly waking up, Emilia finds herself on an old bed with her mind all fuzzy. Soon Kaoi walks into the room.

Kaoi: Emi!

Emilia: Kaoi?

Kaoi: You were out cold after the trial yesterday.

The demon slayer took a seat next to Emilia's bed.

Emilia: Yeah, I'm sorry about yesterday. I really lost my composure in the graveyard.

Kaoi: It's fine. Huh?

Kaoi found that Emilia was reaching over to touch his arm. So did Emilia who blushes and tries to retract her arm.

Emilia: Wait! I didn't-

But it was intercepted by Kaoi.

Kaoi: It's okay. If this calms you down then feel free.

Emilia: Oh… Okay…

Kaoi then laid Emilia's hand back on his arm.

Kaoi: Look, as long as you feel alright then you can undergo the trial again tonight.

Emilia: Again? Tonight?

The half-elf's hand starts to grip a bit on Kaoi's arm.

Kaoi: Emi…?

Kaoi: She's… afraid.

Kaoi: Emi, if you don't want to-

Emilia: No! I mean, it's alright. I have to take the trials again. It's my duty…right?

Kaoi can sense that she's trying to hide her fear.

Kaoi: You know you can tell me anything, right Emi?

Emilia: Yes, I know Kaoi and I'm telling you that I'm fine. I was just not ready last time but for sure I can pass it now.

Kaoi: …okay if you say so.

Kaoi then gets up and leaves for the door.

Kaoi: I'll be outside doing laundry with Ram, okay?

Emilia: Okay, Kaoi!

Just as Kaoi left through the door, he can feel the growing dread from Emilia.

Kaoi: Just what did she see?

Time-skip

Ram: I need to tell you something, Bakaoi.

Kaoi: Yes, Ram?

Stopping what he was doing for a moment, Kaoi listens to what Ram had to say.

Ram: Despite what you likely assume, not all of the residents are in favor of setting the Sanctuary free.

Kaoi: What do you mean?

Ram: Only a segment of the population wants that, and people like Garf, led by Miss Ryuzu, are pushing for its freedom. There is a conservative faction that doesn't want the Sanctuary to be freed.

Kaoi: Why is that?

Ram: The conservatives believe that having minimal interaction with outsiders is ideal. In their opinion, destroying that will cause nothing but trouble.

Kaoi: So they don't even trust Garfile or Ryuzu on this?

Ram: Or Frederica, either.

Kaoi: Frederica?

Ram: You were right about the stone yesterday. It was never needed to pass the barrier.

Kaoi: If you knew about this, why didn't you warn Emilia earlier?

Ram: Because I had no idea what the stone would do… and I don't think Frederica knew either.

Kaoi: Frederica didn't know?

Ram: That is all I can say for now. Just know this Bakaoi, you never know who might be your enemy so be alert at all times.

Kaoi could only stare at the pink maid as she walks away.

Kaoi: What is going on here?

Time-Skip

Emilia takes the trial once again, this time the villagers making an audience to the graveyard's trial. Kaoi stands alongside Garfiel on top of the steps.

Garfiel: C'mon, Rem, join us.

Rem: Sorry Garf, but I have to check on Master Roswaal.

Garfiel: The hell? You're no fun.

Kaoi: You seem pretty close to Rem.

Garfiel: Yeah, what's there not to like?

Kaoi: hmmm…

The demon slater couldn't help but think of how violent his first encounter with Rem went.

Kaoi: Tell me Garfiel…

Garfiel: Huh?

Kaoi: What do you have planned to do after getting out of the barrier?

Garfiel: Well, that came outta nowhere. What do I wanna do once I'm outside? A guy who can come and go as he pleases wouldn't have a clue how the old hag and I feel.

Kaoi: …What about Frederica, then? What does Frederica think about the Sanctuary?

Garfiel: Didn't she tell you a damn thing?

Kaoi: She only said she couldn't explain it to me in detail. All she told me about you was your name, because of some oath.

Garfiel: Oath, my ass. Hah! Talk about a handy excuse. Sounds just like her damn master.

Kaoi: Master?

Kaoi: Is he talking about Roswaal?

Garfiel: Anyway, when you were in the graveyard yesterday, didn't you—

Suddenly like the night before the glowing blue went out and soon a crying Emilia exits the graveyard.

Kaoi: Emi!

Emilia: I'm sorry….[crying]...again…

Scene Change

After another failure Kaoi was called to Roswaal by Ram while Rem went to take care of Emilia.

Roswaal: I see. That is unfortunate. Still, just learning that you cannot lose your right to undergo the trial is something.

Kaoi: Well? What did you call me in here without Emilia to talk about?

Roswaal: Just a bit of conspiracy. I am not so big-hearted that I would invite one who cannot be trusted.

Kaoi: What do you mean?

Roswaal: What I mean to say is that we are partners in crime.

Kaoi: I think you mean partners but after today I wouldn't be so sure.

Roswaal: Oh? And what might that be the reason?

Kaoi: Don't play dumb. You knew the With Cult would become active when Emilia's candidacy was announced yet made no preparations for an attack. You let it happen!

Roswaal: and in turn, you step up in my place. Leading the assault right after playing a crucial part in the subjugation of the white whale. Achievements that would have not been earned if I had solved the problem myself, there would be no way for Miss Emilia, nor you, to claim any credit. It had a tremendous effect, did it not? The attitudes of the villagers of Arlam toward Miss Emilia are drastically different than they were before the Witch's Cult attacked. They now see her not as an incomprehensible relative of the witch, but as one who contributed to saving their lives.

Kaoi: The end doesn't justify the means! Do you know how many lives would have been lost? How many lives have been lost?

Roswaal: I do express my condolences for all those on our side who were lost. Or would you rather hear me apologize?

Kaoi: What want from you is tell me why?! This goes far beyond the actions of what a sponsor would do for their candidate. Why did you risk the lives of so many? What do you gain from all this? What is your end goal?!

Roswaal: … my end goal, Kaoi is not of your concern right now. Just continue to help and support Miss Emilia as you always have.

Kaoi: Why you- Huh?

Just as Kaoi was about to angrily approach Roswaal, he was stopped by a certain pink-haired maid. As she places a hand on his chest but for some reason wouldn't look him in the eyes.

Kaoi: Ram?!

Ram: …

Kaoi: Ram, you seriously can't be okay with any of this, can you? Your name was eaten for god's sake!

Ram: I condone everything that Master Roswaal did. No matter how I was treated, even if I was cast aside, that wouldn't change.

Kaoi: Then what about Rem?!

Ram still doesn't raise her head.

Ram: … it would be as I told you, Bakaoi. I am a maid first and a sister second.

Kaoi couldn't believe he was hearing.

Roswaal: Now don't be like that with Ram. After all, she knew it was going to turn out alright.

Kaoi: …What does he mean by that? Ram… you didn't know what he was planning, did you?

Ram: …

Despite not saying anything, her emotions said it all.

Roswaal: Of course she did. If what you said is true about her. It would be natural for her to know about my plans.

Kaoi's mind was in turmoil. It was getting hard to even look at her. Hell, it was getting hard to breathe. Lost on what to do, Kaoi could only do what he can think of.

Get away.

Kaoi quickly went out the door. Running with no destination in mind.

Ram: Should I go after him, Master?

Roswaal: No, let him go. I have it on good authority that he will not speak of what transpired neither to Emilia nor your sister.

Ram:...

Kaoi: [heavy breathing]

Running for what seemed like hours, Kaoi stops at a nearby tree. So confused, he lets out a cry into the night sky.

Kaoi: AHHHHHHHHHH!

The demon slayer falls onto his knees, never before did he feel like he was at a loss on what to do. What should he do? If he tells anyone the truth, it will probably ruin Emilia's candidacy for the throne. God knows what Emilia would feel if she knew that her sponsor let an attack on the people she's sworn to protect happen.

If Rem knew what happened, it could ruin what little remains of her and Ram's relationship. As mad as Kaoi is at Ram he couldn't do that to someone who lost so much. The conflict within Kaoi's heart rages like a wild storm.

Kaoi: I don't know what to do… I feel… so lost… [crying]... Rengoku-sama… what should I do… [crying]...

All the demon slayer could do was grip the dirt on the ground.

Meanwhile

Rem lays Emilia on the single bed and puts a blanket over her. She was about to leave it at that but felt the need to comfort her lady before she fell asleep. The blue oni wipes the tears off the half-elf's face.

Rem: There, there, it's going to be okay Miss Emilia.

Emilia: [sniffing]...

Rem: Look on the bright side. It seems like you can't lose your right to undergo the trial.

Emilia: …Right. I can do it, again… Rem, did you ever… hate me?

Rem: What has brought on this, Miss Emilia?

Emilia: Rem, please be honest.

Rem: … To be honest Miss Emilia, When I first heard you were staying at the mansion, I was… indifferent to it all. I didn't know exactly what to think of you but for sure I know it wasn't hate.

Emilia: Even when I resemble… her…

Rem: In spite of your resemblance I don't think I could ever bring myself to hate or even hurt you, Miss Emilia. So I have the utmost faith that you will prevail in this endeavor.

Emila's eyes start to tear up again at what Rem said but let out a smile.

Emilia: That means a lot to me, Thank you, Rem. I just regret the trouble I know I'll be causing the people of Arlam.

Rem: Do not fret, my Lady. I'm sure Kaoi will come up with something. I'm sure of it.

Emilia: Right, after all this, I can't doubt him. After all, we have our duties.

Two days Later

Unsure about what to do, Kaoi had stayed silent on the matter for the next two days, barely even talking with Ram and Roswaal. Working alongside Otto to get everyone from Arlam Village home. Garfiel and the villagers of Sanctuary seem to have no objections to this.

Otto: I'm impressed you were able to convince Garfiel.

Kaoi: He understands that since Emilia is already inside the barrier, setting the people of Arlam Village free won't cause any problems.

Otto: I was sure he was the type that would never listen to what we had to say.

Kaoi: He may carry himself like that but I can tell he listens to reason when he feels like it. It's something you should pick up as a merchant.

As Kaoi goes to put one of the last boxes in the carriage. Ram goes to his side and talks to him in a low-volume voice.

Ram: Bakaoi, I know you've been avoiding me but I have a message from Master Roswaal.

Kaoi: …

Ram: He said that If you ever find yourself in need of help, merely turn to Miss Beatrice and tell her this "Roswaal said to ask the question."

Kaoi: … Is that all?

Ram: …yes, I will take my leave, now.

Emilia: Um... was I interrupting your conversation with Ram?

Kaoi turns back to see Emilia with Rem behind him.

Kaoi: It was nothing.

Emilia: Oh well, I would like to thank you for doing this. I'm sure the villagers appreciate what you are doing.

Kaoi: It's fine. After we get the villagers back to Arlam. I'll come back.

Emilia then places a hand on Kaoi's chest.

Emilia: May the blessing of the spirits be with you.

It was then, in a long time that Kaoi felt his spirits lift up.

Kaoi: Thank you, Emi.

Scene Change

The demon slayer now sits next to Garfiel as they ride along other carriages back to Arlam village.

Kaoi: You have my thanks, Garfiel for volunteering to take us as far as the barrier.

Garfiel: Yeah, no problem, man. Anyway, Big guy…

Kaoi: Yes?

Garfiel: You went through a trial at the graveyard, didn't you?

Kaoi: … Yeah, I did.

Garfiel: I thought so. I can tell. That means you can go through the trial in Emilia's place.

Kaoi: Wouldn't that mess with the contact in place…

Garfiel: So tell me something, Kaoi. Is it really even necessary to overcome your past? I watched Emilia go through the trial. I saw how it broke her. And every time, she comes back totally freaked out. I can't stand to watch it.

Kaoi: …She's scared. I know that but she puts on a brave face anyway. In front of the villagers, in front of us, and she goes through that trail each night. I have faith that she can pull through.

Garfiel: … Barrier's close now. This is as far as I can take ya. Take this.

The blonde man then gives Kaoi a familiar blue crystal stone pendant.

Kaoi: Isn't this…

Garfiel: I'm not gonna tell you my reasons. But if you don't come back, we're gonna be the ones suffering. Show it to Frederica if push comes to shove.

Kaoi: …

Time skip

The villagers were able to make it back by sunset and started unloading their supplies. The sky turned dark as Kaoi makes his way to the mansion. However, something felt not right as Kaoi knocks on the door.

No one answered.

But the door was left unlocked. Kaoi opens the door to see an empty foyer.

Kaoi: Frederica! Petra! Teruo!

No one answers his calls. In fact, Kaoi can't seem to sense the emotions of anybody. Like the mansion was empty.

Kaoi: Did something happen here?

The demon slayer decides to investigate. Walking around the mansion, Kaoi yells for the maids, his crow, and Beatrice too. His worry grew so much that he started to run around the mansion opening door after door. Each time finding an empty room.

That is until he reached one of the rooms in the middle of the mansion. Kaoi opens the door and something that was leaning on the door fell to the ground.

Something that shakes Kaoi to the core.

Kaoi: No…

It was Frederica, dead with blood spilling from a large cut on her stomach. Inside the room lays Petra in a similar state to Frederica. Near her is Teruo, who is now in two pieces like the crow was cut in half?

Kaoi: Who could have done this?

A voice rang inside his head as he remembers

Keep your bowels fresh for me.

Kaoi: Elsa! She did this! She must have come here for Emi or me! But then where is she, I should have been able to sense her bloodlust! Did she leave?

It was then, that Kaoi did sense something but it wasn't Elsa's bloodlust. No, it was something far more… evil.

And it was ready to attack from under him.

Kaoi jumped out of the way as the floor underneath burst into pieces.

As Kaoi looked at where he was standing. He felt something wet hit his face.

Kaoi: What's this?

Wiping it off his face, Kaoi sees that what hit him was

Kaoi: Water?

Indeed it was water as more droplets fell on the floor. It was almost like rain. Then Kaoi noticed something strange as his spectacles start to fog up. The air around him starts to feel hot and moist.

Kaoi: Is the room filling up with steam?

Deciding to move, Kaoi takes off his spectacles and leaves the room. Seeing that it was the whole mansion filling so quickly with steam.

It got so hot that Kaoi also removed his haori.

Kaoi: It's getting too hot in here! I have to get outside!

Just as Kaoi was about to jump out the window. A large tendril made of water came from the shadows and wrapped around Kaoi. Who is then slammed through a wall and crashes into another room.

[Crash!]

As Kaoi struggles to get up, a few things became clear in his mind.

Kaoi: This is not Elsa and whatever is happening is not caused by water magic. Cause then I should have seen it already by someone like Rem or Felix. No this is something different.

Kaoi stands up as he pulls out his sword. The water tendrils come back and Kaoi slices them into pieces.

Kaoi: Flame Breathing Eighth Form: Torching Wildfire!

However, due to the steam and sweat in his eyes, one tendril was able to wrap around his hand. Suddenly getting scalding hot and burns the skin under his glove.

Kaoi: AHHHHH!

Kaoi drops his sword as he was once again slammed into another wall. This time more water tendrils wrapped around his hands, feet, and neck.

Each of them rises in temperature. Further scalding Kaoi's flesh.

Kaoi: WAHHHHHHHH!

Try as he might Kaoi couldn't break free. The searing pain was so intense that it feels like his skin was going to melt.

Kaoi struggles in vain as his eyes rolled into the back of his head.

Until suddenly his body fell limp.

Like that, we have our first death of the arc. A couple of you probably know where this is going so while I won't deny anything. I also won't conform anything until the big reveal.

Anyhow, feel free to voice your thoughts in the comments, and have a good day.

Post Credit Scene

In the dark cellar of the mansion, a figure in shadows looms over the bloody body of a certain Bowel Hunter.

The shadowed figure looks up as she hears a new voice.

Kaoi: Frederica! Petra! Teruo!

Elsa: [Chuckling]

The shadow figure then looks down at the slowly healing Elsa.

Elsa: I wonder what I want more. To see him sliced open… or you… [Chuckling]

The figure looming over her did not find her charming at all so they raise their hand. After one swipe, their claws slice Elsa once more.

?: Don't get too comfortable. I'll be back.

With that, the figure leaves to greet the newcomer.