Chapter 109: In My Life
Things went faster than YN had anticipated.
Subaru went along with Wilhelm to inform Ram and Emilia about the letter. After that, they immediately crushed the Witch Cult's intelligence network.
With the destruction of their backup plans, and the seizure of their means of communication, a set of "conversation mirrors," a real and actual pair of metia, were recovered. YN and Subaru alike had been thoroughly surprised by just how much they functioned like video phones.
But from there, the two split.
Participating in a handful of splinter groups to thwart and dispose of the Fingers before they had a chance to become a vessel for Petelgeuse, YN with a few members of the Iron Fang were making quick work of it.
Ultimately, all was going well.
Ricardo: Whoa there bro! Thanks! That one almost did me in!
Having utilized Algol's acute mana control, the Yang magic YN was using let him deliver a powerful open palm strike to a remaining robed adversary. Nearly getting the drop on the wolf-like demi-human with a dagger to the back, the Witch Cultist had been launched into the trunk of a nearby tree.
His outstretched arm still having a haze of heat rise from it, YN felt his mana ramp back down. Exhaling an equally hot breath, he regained his composure.
YN: Are you alright?
Ricardo: That's something you should ask that fella over there.
Using his thumb to point back to the Witch Cultist that was slumped over, Ricardo gave his honest observation on the last strike.
Ricardo: You really can pack a wallop when ya want, huh? 'Would have been real interestin' to see you give the White Whale a punch like that.
Between the bouts with various cells and Fingers, YN had asked about how the fight with the White Whale unfolded, and in truth, he wasn't so sure how effective he could have been.
If I had gone, Algol would have never been revealed to me, meaning my combat usage would have been just as good as bait, just as Subaru had been.
Letting his thoughts mull away as the Witch Cult adversaries, now fallen, were being looted, YN heard the familiar sound again.
*ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum.*
Halfway expecting another sudden entity to cross his vision like what seemed to occur every time this new sound only he heard went off, nothing happened this time.
*ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum-ba-dum.*
Faint, it seemed to be coming from a nearby bush.
YN: Huh.
Walking over, Ricardo eyed YN's fascination with the brush as he walked over to it. Hand held out, he pushed a few branches out of the way to a familiar sight.
?: HMMM! HMMM!
A young man had been tied up to a pole, bound by his feet and hands and was gagged. Wearing a green tunic, a burlap bag was also stuck over his head.
Removing the sack from his head, YN was reintroduced to a familiar face.
Otto(heavily muffled): YN-san!
Quickly untying the gag, YN set the merchant's voice free.
Otto: Oh thank goodness! I'm free!
Ricardo: Whoa what's going on over here!?
Coming over to hear the new voice, the pathetic condition Otto was in became too apparent to all the Iron Fang that had just cleared this Witch Cult camp.
Otto: YN-san! Thank you very much for the rescue!
Somewhat off taken by the sad state the merchant was in, YN brushed off any praise.
YN: *Clears throat* Uhh, you might wanna thank Subaru. He's the one who came up with the idea of combating the Witch Cult here after all.
Otto: I don't know who that is, but I'll be sure to shower them with a million thanks!
Ricardo: So uhh, you know this fella?
YN: I met him once before. He's a merchant. I guess that kind of explains why he wasn't with the others when they were hired...
Surprised he hadn't noticed Otto's absence, YN wondered why that was while a few of the Iron Fang hires picked up the pole he was still restrained against.
Otto: Whaaa—! Hey! At least untie me first before you move me! YN-san!
Pleading for help to the one person here he knew, Ricardo answered for YN.
Ricardo: Sorry bro, but the Big Man will need to vouch for you first, we just can't take any chances if it involves the Witch Cult. You never know what tricks they might try.
As Otto appealed with his eyes one last time, YN could only shrug.
I know he's innocent, but I really can't tell the Iron Fang what to do here.
Not wishing to challenge the standard practice for how they operated, YN unfortunately had to deny any assistance to the merchant.
Rendezvousing back with Subaru and the others who had hunted a few Fingers themselves, the final battle was just ahead.
Subaru: Everything is just about set up.
YN: You sure you don't want any more help?
Subaru: I would, but I need you to stay free if something happens to me. If my body becomes possessed and they don't realize it, I'll need you to do what you have to.
Wanting to keep YN in reserve for peace of mind, he respected Subaru's plan.
YN: Gotcha. I can do that.
As the two stood off from everyone else in the shade of a nearby tree, YN uncrossed his arms to give Subaru a single fist.
YN: Well, give 'em hell for me. And kick his gangrene havin' ass for me. I'm still not over what he did to Rem.
Finishing his request in a serious tone, YN was somewhat upset he wasn't going to get a chance to avenge what he had been forced to see happen to Rem.
But returning the fist bump, Subaru nodded.
Subaru: I can do that.
Taking a select few with him, Subaru departed to subdue the Archbishop of Sloth once and for all.
Watching on as they departed, all YN had to do was be patient, and wait for—
Otto: YN-san!
Just as he thought he could finally relax, it seemed his attention was needed elsewhere still.
Winded, the merchant approached YN as he leaned over to the support himself on his knees, his breath panting for air.
Otto: Did Natsuki-san depart already?
YN: Yeah you just missed him. What's up?
With a brow raised as to what Otto might be so worked up over, he was given an explanation.
Otto: We may have a very serious problem. It regards the goods that were deposited to make room for the evacuated villagers.
Confused how anything of the likes could be cause for concern, Otto elaborated.
Otto: Once Natsuki-san informed me that Kety was a Witch Cult spy, I couldn't believe it until he showed me himself... Knowing his life was now forfeit, his goods come into question as well.
YN: You better not be telling me there's some petty squabble over who gets his plunder, right?
Unsure of the laws on this sort of "unclaimed property" or "property forfeiture" in this new world, YN wasn't about to play mediary between the merchants.
Otto: It's much more serious than that!
Hearing the concern in the merchant's voice, YN now assumed this was something of more dire straits.
Handing YN what appeared to be a manifest or list of some kind, he didn't have the courage to tell Otto he couldn't read a word of it.
Otto: Take a look at that.
Pointing to a line item, it was the only one on the page that wasn't accompanied by a check-mark.
Otto: After double checking the inventory of items left behind to be sold in order to pay for, and make room for the villager passengers, I discovered a discrepancy in Kety's own inventory logs and what I was able to find left behind.
Double tapping the unchecked line item, YN angled the document back to Otto.
YN: I take it this is missing?
Otto: Yes. Two whole sacks of fire crystals missing is very concerning!
Unsure of what made that concerning, YN could only agree blindly.
YN: Yeah... that's troubling.
Almost with an air of frustration with him, Otto seemed to speak with more urgency as he replied.
Otto: 'Troubling?!' YN-san, that's a large enough amount to level a good portion of Arlem had they ignited there!
Picturing what that would look like, YN didn't have to think much or use his imagination.
Wait a minute. I already know what that looks like...
Having just that occur in the last loop, YN and Subaru both had attributed that to a conventional explosion of sorts by the Witch Cult.
Thinking about what their absence meant, and given Otto's alarm on it, YN put a hand over his chin.
YN: So you're saying they're potentially still on board his carriage?
Otto: Yes. And what makes matters worse, is that his carriage in specific is being used as Emilia-sama's evacuation vessel.
YN: You're shitting me.
Taking a half step in a random direction, it felt as if YN needed to act quickly to the unseen and faraway threat.
It's not just Emilia in danger... It's the whole village practically.
Unrestrained by no nearby buildings or other objects to hinder the blast, YN knew that these bags of fire crystals had the potential to wipe out the entire evacuation convoy.
Otto: Umm...
While the merchant was unsure what to say in regards to YN's expression, he turned back toward Otto to respond.
YN: Subaru and Julius are probably still in the middle of dealing with Petelgeuse...
Shaking his head, YN knew anything he or Otto could do at that very second was heavily limited.
YN: The most we can do now is go tell Ferris. He should be able to get in contact with Julius via the conversation mirror we took from the Witch Cult.
Nodding at the idea, Otto agreed with it.
Otto: All the better we prepare ourselves to chase after it as well.
Departing to find the Demi-human knight and most skilled healer in the world, YN hurried.
It's always something... isn't it?!
With no time for a Triumph, Subaru arrived back with the Finest Knight, victorious in their fight. Keen on informing Subaru as soon as he returned, YN had waited at the entrance to the village of Arlem, now vacant.
Having greeted the two returning warriors, YN informed Subaru of the immediate need to speak to Otto. The three quickly made pace to the hastily set up "headquarters" of sorts for the entire counter-raid and evacuation operation, coincidentally in the same house YN and Subaru each had woken up in after the first night dealing with the Mabeast attack.
On their way there however, Julius had asked for the two to go on ahead of him, choosing to first go to the village well to draw water in an effort to wash his face and his sword, both dirtied from the fight against the former Archbishop. Leaving the two otherworlders alone, they spoke while walking the rest of the way.
YN relayed how he had felt the consequences of a Punishment, to which Subaru explained how Petelgeuse was dealt with, using said Punishment once the Archbishop was in his mind to eject him.
Not having any more time to speak of anything else, YN was at least able to inform him that Otto, the same merchant they each had come to meet in different loops had discovered for them a grave discrepancy.
Entering into the house, there was a dining room table that had been commandeered and moved to the center of the house's largest room, its surface was littered with documents in regards to the merchant's carriages, what cargo they had let go of, and to whom they now carried.
Otto: YN-san! O-Oh and you must be—
Felix: Oh, Subawu.
Also present with Otto, was Felix.
Tipping his hat, Otto spoke to Subaru.
Otto: I am truly thankful for your efforts in organizing this counter to the Witch Cult, Natsuki-san. If it weren't for you, I'd probably have been sacrificed or something.
About to respond to his thanks, the door behind YN and Subaru opened once more, to which Julius now entered.
Julius: Am I intruding?
YN: Not at all, we were about to discuss what it was Otto found.
Otto: —Yes!
Returning the hat to his head, the merchant shuffled a few papers on the table before pulling one out and presenting it to Subaru.
Felix: Otto-kyun was the first one to notice it, but there's a pretty bad discrepancy in the cargo manifests.
YN: Kety, the turncoat merchant working for the Witch Cult, he had two bags of fire magic crystal's go missing.
Subaru: 'Missing?'
Inquiring on the severity of their absence, Otto answered.
Otto: Yes. From my count of the inventory left behind to make way for the passengers, it seems as if they were never unloaded.
Julius: Fire magic crystals? That is quite a hazardous delivery to be transporting with so many living passengers as well.
Filling Subaru in on the seriousness of the danger, he also realized the same thing YN had as well.
That's how they detonated half the village in the last loop! They rigged that carriage to detonate using those crystals!
Just as YN did, Subaru didn't need to imagine how big the explosion could be. What was most pressing now though, was the proximity of all the other nearby carriages, all directly in the blast radius.
Subaru: —Tch...
Cursing this as an oversight on himself, he turned to the Merchant in his green tunic.
Subaru: Any clue what Kety's carriage is up to right now?
Holding onto hope it had either been left behind or was being used for something else, the worst possible answer was given.
Otto: Unfortunately, it's currently being used to transport Emilia-sama and a few of the villagers' children away.
Subaru: Damn it!
Slamming a fist down on the table, Subaru lamented his frustration.
Subaru: This is what I get for being cheap and using whatever I could come across! Ferris!
Felix had nearly jumped in place as his cat-like ears stood straight up at his name being called out after the angry outburst.
Subaru: If a ground dragon carriage left right now, what are the chances we could catch up to the convoy that left here?
With a hand to his chin, Felix only took a moment to contemplate the time frame.
Felix: By nyow, they've probably left the Mathers Domain. Catching up will be difficult.
YN: What if we didn't use a ground dragon?
Getting all eyes to focus on him, YN twirled the keys to his car on his finger. With only Subaru getting the hint to what that meant, his eyes filled with hope.
Subaru: —The car! That should get us there in no time! That goes twice as fast! Maybe more!
Felix: Well, if it's that fast, it should easily reach them...
Julius: I'd be interested in seeing just how fast that would be. Can you even control it well at those speeds?
About to answer, and with Subaru already taking steps to the door, a voice halted them all.
Otto: —If I may!
The merchant, his hat off, and a face full of determination, voiced his disagreement.
Otto: I do not mean to belittle YN-san's idea or machine, but I can promise you that I can reach the evacuees sooner. Granted we will have to use your ground dragon as well, but with my carriage. I can assure you simply based on the path we will travel, it will be faster.
Raising a brow to that, YN couldn't understand how just taking the road to the Lifaus Highway was not the fastest route.
YN: Then we can just take my car on that route. My speed plus a faster route is an even better idea by that merit, is it not?
Otto: I think you misunderstand, YN-san. It's unlikely you'll be able to traverse it.
Wondering just what the merchant was getting at, YN nonetheless disagreed, but beating him to be the next to speak, Subaru waved his hands about.
Subaru: I'll do whatever I can for whoever can get me there quicker!
With the Merchant's eyes lighting up, Otto jeered at those words.
Otto: I cannot turn that down. Natsuki-san, I pledge that I will put my entire soul into reaching that carriage before anyone else!
Being forced to agree to disagree, Subaru went ahead with the plan to accompany Otto, while YN had decided to bank on his own knowledge.
*vroom, VROOM!*
Set up at what felt like a makeshift starting line, YN aggressively revved his engine as Otto finished attaching Patrasche to his carriage along his own four legged ground dragon, Frufoo.
Otto: —Eeyah! Would you cut that out?! It sounds like it's about to blow up!
Intimidated by the combustion engine, YN was only focused on asserting his way was better.
Speed. I, am speed.
Subaru: You two should both cut it out.
Hoping up onto the bench, Subaru frowned at the two prospective competitors.
Subaru: Whoever gets there first, needs to halt the convoy and locate Emilia's carriage. From there, the fire crystals need to be disposed of.
Foot down, Subaru made it clear that there was an emergency afoot, and that this was a serious situation that required no horseplay.
His reprimand was heard by both, and their attention was devoted back to the task at hand; saving the convoy from a catastrophic explosion.
Joining Subaru on the driver's bench, Otto nodded to him.
Otto: We're ready.
Julius: —A moment, please.
Halting them, the "Finest Knight" approached Subaru's side.
Subaru: Hmm?
As Julius' raised hand turned upside towards Subaru, a faint red light traversed the distance between the two knights, one official, one proclaimed.
Julius: I'd like to have Ia accompany you in my stead. Being a fire spirit, she should be able to easily locate the fire crystals.
Subaru: That would be handy. Thank you, Julius.
Julius: I'd like to go as well, however—
Felix: Recently healed flesh wounds, zero mana, dull and chipped sword...
Listing off problems on his fingers, the demi-human made it clear as to why Julius would not be joining them.
Felix: You'd be nyext to useless.
But, giving the Knight a smile of reassurance, Subaru relayed his appreciation of his works.
Subaru: You've done enough, Julius. Get some rest and relaxation. We've got it from here.
Nodding at his kind words, Julius stepped back to give room to the departing carriage.
Otto: All set?
Subaru: Yeah. Let's not waste any more time.
Otto: As you command, Natsuki-san.
Giving YN a look before snapping the reins to the pair of ground dragons, the green flag was symbolically waved.
Flooring it, YN spun his tires in place before they finally gripped on the pebble-covered dirt road, allowing the carriage to take an early first lead as the ground Dragon's legs had immediate traction.
Felix: Nyaa!
Pelted with a handful of loose rocks from the spinning tires, Felix pulled his knightly cloak over himself to provide cover. All the while, Julius was mildly amused.
Now quickly closing the gap, the two vested parties were now approaching their top speeds, keen on reaching the convoy amidst their friendly competition.
The winding road of straights with near banking turns had each combatant neck-at-neck. YN easily took the lead on more straight sections, while Otto was overtaking on corners YN couldn't keep him behind on.
While it seemed YN might be pulling ahead, something darted out in front of him.
YN: Whoa!
Swerving, Otto did the same and the two vessels narrowly avoided a collision with the black entity that had pushed itself out into the road. But taking up rank, there was quickly a third entity with them.
?: That body! Release it to me! Release it!
As a deprived and craven voice called out from behind, Otto was the only one who didn't at first recognize it.
There's no way!
I thought Subaru and Julius handled him?!
Otto: Natsuki-san! I can't take my eyes off the road! What is following us? A mabeast?
Falling back to the carriage's side, YN was able to see exactly what it was in his mirror.
Subaru: We got a big, black, evil monster following us!
?: Ooooo!
Subaru: It's best to not look back!
Otto: —Wah?! That better be an exaggeration!
Crawling on its bent back hands and knees, the face of this eldritch horror that was now in direct pursuit of the carriage could only belong to one being.
Petelgeuse!
Petelgeuse: Satellaaaaa! Give me your looooove!
Clearly deranged, his current state was a direct contradiction to his given command over Authority.
YN: For someone named 'Sloth' he sure is persistent!
Subaru: You can say that again!
Otto: Should we try and shake him, Natsuki-san?!
Conflicted on if they'd be able to or not, Subaru contemplated on what to do before picking up a vase of some kind.
Subaru: It's my job to slow you down at the very least!
Chucking the pottery piece at the Archbishop, it shattered on impact, covering him in oil.
Subaru: Damn it!
With the impact doing little to deter the pursuit, and the oil slick not causing him to falter, Subaru had used the one idea he had thought of.
But seeing the oil sheen on the muddy black surface that was the Archbishop's "body," YN had an idea.
Falling back more, he prayed Petelgeuse was so transfixed on Subaru this would work.
Otto: YN-san!
Worried he would become a target, Otto called out to the car that would normally be overtaking him here on the straightaway.
This better be enough!
With Algol away it seemed, YN took the normal amount of time to build up mana in his palm to a breakneck capacity. Worried he would accidentally cast right in his car he held his hand out of the window preemptively, aimed directly at the beast.
At full power, YN cast his Yang magic.
YN: Jiwald!
Encasing the black creature in a cascade of white, the fizzle and red flame of the ignited oil was quickly dashed away by more light.
Petelgeuse: AAAHHH!
Tumbling away in a ball of smoke and fire, the Archbishop seemed to have been gravely wounded from YN's magic.
Subaru lowered his arm from blocking the intense light and immediately shot a thumbs up at YN.
Subaru: Nice save!
But as soon as he had, the carriage he was on was jerked to the side.
Otto: This way!
Being driven straight into the thicket of trees and brush, the carriage appeared as if it were being run off the road.
YN: Shit!
YN slammed his brakes hard, locking them up and making his car skid to a stop.
YN: Subaru! Otto!
Seeing the path that had been cut, the carriage had disappeared from sight before YN had even fully stopped.
Damn it! What happened?!
Unsure of just what had occurred, any idea he had of following them was cut off by—
?: Love! Love! Loooooove!
Nearly taking out YN's car, a still smoldering monster dashed through the woods on the same path the carriage was currently blazing.
YN: No way!
With Petelgeuse quickly vanishing as well, YN lamented his own inability to help.
YN: If Julius and Subaru didn't fully kill him, I don't know what I was expecting my Jiwald to have done.
Even worse, YN was prohibited from following.
No way the car is making it through there. I'll get stuck for sure.
Without a way to even bring up the rear, YN shook his head.
There's only one thing I can do then!
Putting the car in drive, YN sped down the road in the direction he had been going before.
I at least have to reach Emilia-sama's carriage! If Subaru and Otto manage to deal with Petelgeuse they might be delayed in getting to her before it's too late!
With rocks filing and tires screeching, he set about trying to accomplish the plan still.
Looking back in his mirror at the entrance the carriage had made in the brush before it disappeared behind a corner, YN was determined himself to do what he could as he raced along.
Fully departed from the forest, the Lifaus Highway down below was now visible. The vast grasslands stretched on for as far as the eye could see. Just barely on the horizon one could make out the blurred profile of the now fallen Flugel Tree, or so YN assumed that's what it was.
The treeline the road emerged from was much higher in elevation of the highway below, and because of that, YN used very little throttle on his way down the winding path.
Squinting on the horizon, about halfway down the descent, he could make out a series of white dots on the highway. Some were on the road, some were not.
That must be the convoy!
But seeing as they were stopped, YN looked closer to the even smaller dots dancing about near the parked carriages.
I can't tell, but that looks like fighting...
Assuming a few of the Witch Cult members had followed the convoy out into the open where they were visible, YN also assumed they were acting recklessly due to a lack of command.
With the decision in him to reach the carriage that was rigged to blow as quickly as possible still, he sped down the hill as fast as he could without taking the car off the road.
Closer now, YN saw he was correct that there was indeed combat going on, and admittedly, thanks to that, it had stopped the convoy. Rushing in still as fast as he could, most of the fighting was drawing to a close.
But as he approached, a small band of Witch Cultists had managed to segment a fighter also dressed in black away from the rest of his comrades. Clutching a sword, it was clear the one who faced them was tired by his stance alone.
As the sun caught the man's silvery hair, tied in a short pony-tail, YN immediately recognized who it was.
Wilhelm!
Turning his car to the group, the Witch Cultists paid him no mind as he thundered toward them, keen on getting their prize of the Sword Demon's defeat. Probably in retaliation for his slaying of the White Whale.
At a standstill though, they knew their foe was not one they could still attack outright. In his fatigued state, they still needed to be calculated with how they combated him, numbers advantage or not.
Confidant he could still stand against these foes though, Wilhelm readied his blade for a foe he would not need to fight.
Charging in, Wilhelm recognized the familiar brown metal box on wheels.
The cavalry had arrived.
YN held his hand out of the window of his car, and having readied his mana beforehand, let loose a powerful Yang spell.
Drive by!
In the time the dragonless carriage had raced between him and the blacked robed adversaries, they were nearly no more.
Seeing them fall, Wilhelm sheathed his sword while the car skidded and spun around.
Now turned around and halted, YN observed the damage.
They're taken care of...
Looking next to Wilhelm through his windshield, the gentleman swordsman bowed to him in appreciation for his assistance.
Letting go of the brake, YN approached the Sword Demon, just much slower than he last had, but still with the haste of his duty in mind.
Wilhelm: YN-dono, your timing is impeccable. You have my gratitude.
YN: I'm just glad to see you're okay. I'm in a bit of a rush though. Has Subaru shown up at all?
Truly unsure, and although unlikely, YN needed to know if his wayward traveling companion was already dealing with the situation.
Wilhelm: He has not. Is there something I can assist with? Time seems to be of the essence.
Recognizing not all was well, the experienced warrior could tell there was still a lingering threat.
YN: The Witch Cult planted a few bags of fire crystals in Emilia-sama's carriage. If they go off the whole convoy is in trouble.
Eyes opening wide at hearing that, he immediately pointed towards the front of the convoy.
Wilhelm: Emilia-sama's carriage is currently the third from the front. Please, hurry.
YN: Got it!
Flooring the gas, YN spun the car around on the dirt road. Spinning the wheels, he used the momentum to turn faster and let that built up power project him to his goal once they caught a grip.
Wilhelm: YN-dono, I wish you good fortunes.
Watching as the metal box traveled away, faster than any ground dragon could, the gentleman swordsman knew he could only count on YN being fast enough to deter the danger that was the rigged bomb now.
Sat in the carriage, Emilia was doing her best to keep strong for the sake of the village children holding to her. Upon telling her their reasoning though, she had learned Subaru had asked them to comfort her in return, so she herself would not be frightened, but more so that she would feel accepted.
Subaru knew being around outsiders would be hard for her, given the discrimination she faced on a regular basis. Their telling her of the promise they were keeping to the older brother they all adored had come as an accident though. While Petra had scolded the boys for being so loose lipped, Emilia had found herself deeply touched.
I would have expected YN to have asked something like that before Subaru given how poorly I treated him before leaving...
To Emilia, really she wouldn't have been surprised to hear Subaru had requested something like that of others for her sake. But after how she had last left each of them, the half-elf was almost certain she could expect such kindness only from YN at this juncture.
While YN did go out of his way to save Puck's crystal for me... He did tell me Subaru was out making this rescue possible, and after speaking with Wilhelm, he was the one to lay the final blow against the White Whale after Subaru had come up with the plan to drop the Flugel Tree on it, all while being the bait for it...
Fondling the green crystal that hung around her neck, Puck still was yet to show himself as of late, remaining absent from shortly before having it stolen and persisting. Continuing to reflect though, Emilia's thoughts returned to Subaru.
I had figured Subaru was only doing this to prove a point at this juncture... —but if what these children say is true... Why? Why is he still doing all this for me?
Not noticing that rumble that had caught the village children around her off guard, Emilia was lost in thought still.
I put all that anguish and pain on his face when I rejected him being my knight... So why? Why after all that does he find the strength to accomplish so much for my sake? Why is he still—?!
Jolting her from her mind, the abrupt stop of the carriage snapped her to.
Emilia: Huh? What's going on?
Petra: Something really loud just went around us!
Kid: I saw something brown go really fast past us, but I think it skid to a stop!
Unsure what sort of trouble or danger they were in, Emilia stood from the children holding onto her and took two steps towards the open rear of the canvas covered carriage.
Emilia: Stay behind me. Your big sis will protect you.
Instinctively moving behind the silver haired girl, the village children relied on her to protect them.
Stopped, all was quiet except for a pair of footsteps rounding from the front of the carriage, the gravel and dirt crunching under their feet.
Raising her palm, Emilia was ready to call upon her magic if need be for any threat. Waiting with great anxiety, she looked out upon the view of the rear.
Out before her were a few carriages that were still moving closer, as well as the near endless expanse of grassland.
As a bead of sweat ran down her forehead, something finally came into view.
Faintly illuminated as compared to the near mid-day sun and brightness outside, Emilia admittedly felt its presence before it showed itself.
Coming further into the covered section, the white spec of light was more visible as it floated inward.
Petra: W-What is that?
While the children did not recognize it, Emilia did.
Is that who I think it is?
Whimsically floating about like a flower pedal caught in a faint breeze, the white spirit settled down to the floor of the carriage, and after what appeared to be searching about, began to spin around in circles in excitement.
Emilia: ...Algol?
Uttering the Yang spirit's name, another familiar entity and voice jumped into the carriage.
Kid: OH! Isn't that—?!
Petra: YYN!
Somewhat playfully putting a spin on his name, the young auburn haired girl correctly guessed who it was that had just appeared.
YN: Algol, did you locate the crystals?!
Returning to his hand, the spirit danced about before returning to the floor, marking the spot.
Hidden in the floorboards... Damn Witch Cult.
With YN taking a step over closer, Emilia dropped all weariness and let her mouth run with questions as they were forming.
Emilia: YN? What are you doing here? What's this about crystals, —Eh!?
YN: Ha!
Going down to one knee as Emilia asked her questions, the groundskeeper suddenly raised his fist up, and impaled the floorboards of the carriage.
His strength increased by his acute mana control, breaking the boards was of great ease. Pulling two or three now broken boards back, Emilia peered down into the gouge YN had created.
Inside, they glowed a faint red.
Two large burlap bags, poised to blow any minute in a fiery, red-hot explosion.
Looking inside for himself, YN grunted.
Two bags. But one is huge.
With only being able to physically carry one bag purely because of how large it was, he augmented his strength via his mana again and bore his teeth as he slung the larger bag of unstable crystals over his shoulder.
I think I can only get one of these in my car too... Damn it!
Going to jump out the back, unfortunately having to leave a bag behind, YN knew he needed to be quick.
YN: This carriage is rigged to blow up. It'll take out the entire convoy unless I get these bags of fire crystals as far away from—
Lamenting he needed to take two trips and eat up precious time, a fated entrance was made, cutting his words off.
Covered in jet black scales and a harness of leather, the familiar ground dragon came to a screeching stop next to his own car as its talons dug into the compacted earth of the Lifaus Highway.
Quickly dismounting, YN's fellow wayward traveling companion approached the rear of the carriage with great haste.
Subaru: YN!
Feeling the bag on his shoulder start to slowly warm up, his gut instincts were telling him to move quickly.
YN: There's a second bag! I can't take it!
Subaru: I've got you covered!
As YN jumped out, Subaru jumped up.
While he wished to stay and see his friends fated reunion with the girl he had pledged himself to and done so much for, YN couldn't afford the time.
Lifting the rear hatch, YN slung the large sack inside and slammed the door shut.
He moved with great haste to enter back into the car, which thankfully he left running. Had he taken the keys out, surely he would have fumbled them while trying to get them back into the ignition with how much anxiety and adrenaline was surging through his body.
Throwing the car into drive and releasing the brake, YN slung tons of rock and dust into the air as his tires dug for traction. The engine roared with an unmatched, but still anemic power as the throttle was pegged. Burning fuel like no other, the car was quickly off and down the road, moving the explosion further and further away.
Veering off the side of the road, YN boldly piloted the vessel into the tall grass. Nearly up to his hood in height, the sound of grass blades being cut and slapped against the metal body was audible. While the car slid and struggled to gain traction, it nonetheless rocketed forward at its incredible speed.
This is probably far enough!
Looking into his mirror and seeing Emilia's carriage was small now, YN jumped from his seat, the car still in motion, and crawled across the back seat.
As the bag was now red and starting to steam, he made sure not to touch the hot surface and opened the back hatch.
At least there's nothing to hit out here!
With the car still rumbling forward, YN used his feet to push the bag out the back.
As the bag fell out and onto the grassy ground, it was mission success. Clambering back to his seat, he punched the throttle.
Gotta get out of here!
Ending up farther and farther away from the carriages, YN made his car go as fast as it could in the direction that took him as far from the unstable crystals as possible.
I can barely see the carriages anymore... When is that thing gonna—!
*BOOM!*
Igniting, a mighty explosion rang out behind YN. Looking in his mirror, dirt and grass and fire flew into the air.
YN: —Tch!
Outside the blast radius, and with only a few far-flung pebbles of debris pelting the roof of his car with a "*tap-tap-tap*," YN finally slowed down and turned to see the plume of smoke through his windshield.
Hesitantly, YN drove back to the origin of the explosion, almost certain there couldn't be additional, or residual explosions. After all, how could there be?
Approaching as close as he could with this car, he got out.
Walking up slowly, YN planted one foot on the upturned soil that was the edge of the smoldering crater.
Shaking his head, YN couldn't believe the depth and width of the charred area.
YN: The Witch Cult really wasn't messing around...
Amazed at the lengths that these fanatics would go, the light of another explosion caught his eye in the distance.
By the stump of the once proud Flugel Tree, another large explosion rang out. Reaching the apex of its fiery destruction and letting the black cloud of smoke take its place, the *BOOM* reached YN very delayed, and very muted compared to the one he had just been subjected to.
Worried and unsure if Subaru had managed to clear the blast, YN knew he had no other option but to investigate.
Getting into the car, YN drove back to the convoy. But as he put the car in drive, one obvious realization hit him.
Well, we haven't Reset, meaning he isn't dead, and Puck isn't manifesting to destroy the world, meaning Emilia is alive too...
His mind somewhat quelled by his rational thoughts but still shaken from the explosion, he still needed to see with his own eyes, even just to make sure no collateral casualties had occurred.
Please just let this ordeal be over...
Mowing another path across the high grass, YN traveled back.
All was well.
Subaru had finally gotten his hero's recognition.
In his attempt to get the final bag of fire crystals far enough away from the convoy, Subaru had thrown it just past on the protruding roots of the stump that was once the mighty Flugal Tree.
Knocked out from the concussive blast due to being so close to the explosion, it was his sturdy ground dragon who had guarded his defenseless body from any resulting shrapnel. Her jet black scales stained red, Patrasche had diligently brought her new master back to the convoy by the loose fabric of his jacket.
Separating the two, Emilia took Subaru into her care while Patrasche was led off to have her wounds treated.
Just like the final loop in the Mabeast fiasco, Subaru was given a lap pillow by the one who held his heart. Away on a small grassy knoll so they could have their peace, YN had watched in admiration of his friend.
Happy for him, his arms were crossed as he leaned against the still halted carriage Emilia and the village children had been in.
Petra: Onee-san sure seems to be taking her time with Subaru...
Pouting, the young village girl had stood to accompany YN in waiting while the hero and his princess had their moment out in the grass.
YN: Eh, he deserves it. He almost died after all.
Kicking the loose dirt on the road, Petra puffed her cheeks.
Petra: Which means it's only fair if I get to thank him too.
YN: I think you'll get plenty of opportunities when he comes to the village to visit like he does.
Petra: You'll also come by, won't you?
Surprised to hear her voice a concern for him of all people as well, YN raised a brow to the auburn haired girl.
YN: O-Oh I usually don't come as often...
Unsure how to answer it, Petra questioned him further.
Petra: You're the one who helped the village too when those evil monsters attacked. I recognize your voice. You were talking to the blue haired maid.
Acknowledging his deeds, YN scratched the back of his head in nervousness.
YN: Yeah, that was me. I usually only come to the village with her too, and that's pretty seldom.
Petra: That's right. She buys much of the stuff the village sells to the Lord's Mansion.
Looking out and away from the two still sitting in the field, Petra spoke more.
Petra: Normally she's very quiet and kinda scary... but ever since you started coming with her she's a lot happier.
Knowing why that was, YN couldn't quite keep himself from smiling as he looked down.
Petra: None of us had ever seen her smile before that.
Shaking her head as she said that, Petra went on.
Petra: —and when she helped save us... a lot of us were surprised. I figured that had to be because of you though, wasn't it? People don't just change like that.
Petra spoke for both the observations and hearsay of the other village children, but also herself.
Petra: I— we never got to thank you both since your visits are so seldom and brief to our home... First monsters, then evil robed people, and now this!
Bending a knee back, Petra lightly dug the toe of her shoe into the ground as she became somewhat bashful saying that.
Petra: So next time you both come by, come see us, won't you?
Touched that the children wanted to express their gratitude to him and Rem as well, YN nodded to the girl.
YN: I'll let Rem know. We'll find some extra time to come by, okay?
Hearing that, Petra's eyes lit up enthusiastically, and her face beamed with happiness.
With Subaru and Emilia standing from where they were, YN knew their break was over. The road called, and their destination was still a few hours off.
Let's get a move on then.
Digging the keys for his car out from his pocket, YN flipped them on his finger before departing, excited to see the one he loved, and return the same words she had so courageously said to him for the first time as well.
A/N: Well, this is the end of ACT III of this fic. Its been a massively fun, endearing, painful, and joy-filled endeavor. I got to tie up a lot of the plot points I wanted to from ACT I &I I, and you all reacted to this fic and its revelations in ways I hadn't ever imagined possible. I'm so glad you all enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. All your reviews and heartwarming comments really make it a treasure to write this. In fact, someone earlier this week showed me they had printed out the first thirty chapters of this series and made an honest to goodness hardback book out of it. Least to say, the page count was monstrously high, and I was blown away how much love this person had for my fic. It absolutely something I never expected this series to ever garner, and I feel extremely honored to know my writing is that treasured by someone to do that.
As for the state of the fic... What now? Well, some of you know what's going to happen next. For that, I guess I won't say for now, but what I will say, is yes, expect to see more great YN and Rem moments in ACT IV. I'm already about, I would say, 1/3rd of the way through with writing my adaption of Arc 4. For those that do know, and because of that one thing, the individual chapters for ACT IV will be much longer (I'm thinking close 15-20k words per chapter) as I'd like to keep the chapter count down as much as possible as I move onward with the fic. But, since you are all my loyal readers, I'd still like to get input from you all. Basically, I still plan on having the chapters be fewer in number, and longer in content, but if enough of you feel strongly enough about it, I can keep them in length closer to how they are now and just have more of them (we hover around 4-9k per chapter now for comparison). If you feel strongly about the direction of the chapter size and length in either way, please drop a comment or a review saving which you'd prefer it.
Alas though, please enjoy the final passage of this ACT. Rest assured though... I will not abandon this fic! I shall return with regular weekly updates at some point! Until then, be kind to yourselves.
In line with the convoy, YN's car was directly behind the carriage that hosted the likes of Julius, Ferris, and Wilhelm.
With no one in his passenger seat, he had the front of the car to himself.
But that did not leave him totally alone inside of it.
Subaru: Uhh, Petra, don't you think it's a little cramped back here? Wouldn't you be more comfortable in the front seat or in the carriage with your friends?
Sitting in the middle of the back seat, Subaru tried to be as friendly as he could with the young girl who sat behind YN, just to his own side, which only resulted in her clinging to his arm harder.
Petra: It's not fair Onee-san got to take so much of your time...
Skulking at how much time the Butler and Princess had taken, Petra puffed out her cheeks.
Emilia: I-It's only because me and Subaru had some very important things to discuss!
To Subaru's opposite side and behind the empty passenger seat, the half-elf tried defending herself. Letting her own cheeks go red, Emilia seemed to be on the losing end.
Finding it amusing how she was acting however, Subaru waved away the frustration she felt, even despite how cute he thought it was of her.
Subaru: Emilia-tan~~, you really shouldn't view a child's harsh words so seriously. Just smile and joke back.
Emilia: Y-You know I'm not good at that! I can't be so lackadaisical! Even if it is a child!
Raising a brow to her word choice, Subaru pushed the conversation along.
Subaru: 'Lack-a-who-now-what?' No one says that anymore.
Puffing her own cheeks out now, Emilia mumbled in reply.
Emilia: That game again, huh? Mrrrrr...
Somewhat embarrassed in the unfamiliar situation, she wanted to change the subject of what was being said. Seeing an opening for it though, Emilia struck.
Emilia: Hey, you're being reeeeaaallly quiet up there. Is everything okay?
Becoming the subject being spoken of in the car, YN felt his shoulders stiffen as the spotlight now shone on him.
But, remembering what it was he was ecstatic over, his shoulders relaxed, and a smile came across his face.
YN: Who, me? I'm just fine. Well, more than fine.
Oh I can't lie.
YN: —I'm actually pretty happy, to tell the truth.
Her eyes lighting up at hearing that, Emilia radiated a bit of that positive attitude back at him. Putting her hands on the back of the seat before her, she leaned in to hear more as Subaru sat back, already knowing what it was YN was so happy over.
Emilia: Oh? That's good to hear. What caused that?
With her interest authentic, YN figured Emilia was bound to find out sooner or later, after all, he'd already told her of how he felt.
YN: I didn't get a chance to tell her back myself yet, unlike how I told you about it, but she actually said it to me first.
Emilia: O-Oh. Can you remind me what that was?
Feeling like she should have known what he was talking about, Emilia voiced her lack of understanding in the most polite way she could.
Given the context he had told her in, and all that had gone on since that moment atop the tower in Fleur, YN chalked it up to that, and gently reminded her, hoping to jog her memory.
YN: My feelings for Rem. Before I could tell her myself, she said the same thing to me...
Remember how profound it felt to hear her most sincere words, YN's words trailed off as a phantom feeling of that moment reverberated throughout his body.
Emilia: O-Oh! Well, she must be one lucky lady to have your heart as well.
While she didn't see it herself, YN raised a brow at Emilia's choice of words as he looked at her in his rear view mirror.
YN: Yeah... I'm sure she'll probably be gushing about it to you every time you see her for the next few weeks.
Who am I kidding? She'll be talking that way for the next year or more to everyone!
Emilia: Ah, I see. Is she waiting back in the Capitol for us?
With Subaru now raising a brow, he knew Emilia should know Rem had departed with the wounded in the first group of carriages right after the fight with the White Whale.
Is her memory or sense of time just being funny from all the stress? She knows that group is nowhere near the Capitol yet.
YN: N-No, Emilia-sama. Rem's with the first detachment of the convoy that was already on its way back with the wounded and exhausted to the Capitol after the Whale was slayed.
Emilia: I'm sorry... Have I already met this person? I thought I would be familiar with someone you held such strong feelings for...
As Emilia felt somewhat guilty for what she perceived as herself failing to notice or remember someone that sounded so precious to YN, he in turn finally questioned the roundabout questions.
YN: 'Already met them?' Emilia-sama, you've known Rem longer than you've known me.
Figuring something was clearly wrong with her memory, YN, and Subaru too, were now concerned something was wrong with the Candidate.
Emilia: I... I know you don't mean Ram when you're talking about this, but this 'Rem.'
Trying to maybe clear up a misunderstanding, Emilia shook her head and built up the courage to speak, even if she thought it made her sound insensitive to YN and his newfound happiness.
Emilia: YN, I'm sorry I have to ask this, but—
As a bead of sweat ran down his forehead, YN's heart and soul felt like it was on the edge of a cliff. Timidly, he awaited Emilia's next words.
YN: — — —
Even Emilia seemed to be struggling to say it, like something was preventing her from speaking it.
YN: — — —
Emilia: —who's Rem?
YN: — — —
In an instant, robbed from him, the light of YN's life, the beacon of all his joy, was smothered.
— — —
— — —
— — —
It was all downhill from here.