Omee! Omee! Omee!
Subaru's breath came in shallow gasps as he staggered backward, his hands trembling uncontrollably. The Book of the Dead, its blackened cover still warm with the echoes of Stride Vollachia's life, slipped from his grasp and fell heavily to the ground. The weight of what he had seen—the madness, the ambition, the love, and the fall—pressed down on him like a vice. His chest heaved as he struggled to reconcile the memories that were not his own, the emotions that had briefly consumed him.
"Subaru!" Beatrice's voice cut through the fog of his mind, her small hands reaching for him as she rushed to his side. Her usual sharp tone was laced with worry. "What happened? What did you see, I suppose?"
Subaru tried to speak but couldn't find the words. His vision blurred, and his knees threatened to give out beneath him. Beatrice caught his arm, her tiny frame somehow steadying him despite the overwhelming disparity in size.
"Breathe, in fact!" she demanded, her fingers gripping his sleeve tightly. "You're scaring me, Subaru!"
On his other side, Shaula hovered uncertainly, her golden eyes flicking between Subaru and the fallen book. Her usual playful demeanor was gone, replaced by a rare seriousness. "Master… you look like you've seen a ghost, or, I dunno, something worse."
Subaru inhaled sharply, forcing himself to steady his breathing. His voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. "It's… it's nothing. Just… too much all at once."
Beatrice frowned, her gaze narrowing. "You're lying, I suppose. That book did something to you, didn't it? Tell me what you saw!"
Subaru shook his head, trying to push away the flood of emotions. "I already know him. That… story was just a lot to take in."
"Know him?" Beatrice echoed, her eyes widening. "What do you mean?"
Shaula tilted her head, her tail swishing behind her. "Master, you're really weirding us out here. Who's this guy?"
Subaru let out a slow, shaky breath, his voice hollow as he answered. "Stride Vollachia. The guy I made a deal with back on the highway."
The weight of his words hung in the air. Beatrice's grip on his sleeve tightened, her expression turning serious. "That was his story, I suppose? His life?"
Subaru nodded, his gaze fixed on the Book of the Dead as if it might burn him if he touched it again. "Yeah. All of it. The ambition, the chaos, the… everything. He wasn't just some villain, Beako. He was—" He stopped, struggling to find the words. "He was terrifying. And tragic."
Beatrice's frown deepened, and she looked at him with a mix of worry and curiosity. "What do you mean, tragic, I suppose? He was a tyrant, wasn't he?"
Subaru swallowed hard, his thoughts still reeling from the memories. "Yeah, he was. But that's not all he was. He was a guy who fought his way up from nothing. He clawed his way through a world that tried to crush him, and somewhere along the way, he… lost himself."
Shaula crossed her arms, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "So, what? Are we supposed to feel sorry for him?"
Subaru shook his head quickly. "No. Don't get me wrong, he did horrible things. He burned villages, killed innocent people, and… God, I saw the things he did to Wilhelm's family." His voice faltered, a shudder running through him. "But it wasn't just ambition. It was something else. Like he was being pulled in different directions, manipulated."
Beatrice's eyes widened slightly. "Manipulated by what, I suppose?"
Subaru hesitated, his thoughts returning to the whispers that had haunted Stride's life. "His Authority," he said slowly, the weight of the revelation pressing down on him. "The Pride Witch Factor… it wasn't just a tool. It twisted him. And there was Pandora—"
"Pandora?" Beatrice echoed sharply. "The Witch of Vainglory?"
Subaru nodded. "She was there. She gave him the Authority, pushed him toward that path. But she didn't force him. He made those choices himself. That's what makes it so… complicated."
Subaru ran a hand through his hair, his voice heavy with emotion. "He's not some cartoon villain, Beako. He's more than that. He was a guy who loved his wife, who wanted to change the world, who was willing to fight the Observers themselves just to prove he wasn't a pawn. But… somewhere along the way, his pride consumed him."
Beatrice's expression softened slightly, though her worry didn't fade. "You're conflicted, I suppose."
"Yeah," Subaru admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I am. When I made that deal with him, I thought he was just some dead legend. A monster. But now…" He trailed off, his gaze dropping to the floor. "Now I don't know what to think."
Shaula, her usual lightheartedness beginning to creep back into her tone, leaned against the wall and smirked faintly. "Sounds like you've got yourself a messy relationship with your new best friend, Master."
Subaru shot her a tired look. "Not helping, Shaula."
Beatrice tugged on Subaru's sleeve, her gaze firm but kind. "You're not him, Subaru. Whatever he was—whoever he was—that's not you, I suppose. You've made mistakes, but you're not consumed by them."
Subaru sighed, running a hand down his face. "I wish I could believe that. But after seeing all of that—what he became, what he did—it's hard not to wonder if I'm heading down the same path."
"You're not," Beatrice said firmly, stepping closer to him. "Because you have people who care about you, I suppose. And because you care about them."
Shaula gave a casual shrug. "Hey, for what it's worth, Master, I've seen plenty of people go crazy with power, and you don't look like one of them. Yet."
Subaru let out a weak laugh, shaking his head. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
Beatrice sighed, crossing her arms as she looked up at him. "Just don't lose yourself, Subaru. Whatever this Stride wanted, you're not his puppet, I suppose."
Subaru nodded slowly, his gaze hardening as he looked down at the Book of the Dead. "You're right. I'm not him. And I won't let him—or anyone else—control me."
Subaru stood in silence for what felt like an eternity, his mind churning as he tried to piece together his next steps. Stride's story wasn't simple—it was a swirling storm of ambition, tragedy, and manipulation. Subaru couldn't deny how much the Authority of Pride had helped him, nor could he ignore the darker truths he'd uncovered about the man who had wielded it before him. Stride wasn't just a villain; he was a victim of forces far beyond his control.
"I have to tell them," Subaru thought, his resolve firming. "They deserve to know. It's the only way forward."
But before he could act, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the chamber, accompanied by ragged breathing. Subaru turned sharply, only to see Heinkel Astrea, his expression a twisted mask of rage and anguish.
"You…" Heinkel's voice was low at first, trembling with barely contained fury. "You've said enough."'
Subaru's eyes widened in alarm. "Heinkel? What are you—?"
"I've heard everything!" Heinkel roared, his voice breaking with the weight of his emotions. "Stride Vollachia… the Witch Factor… you dare sit here and talk about him like he's some tragic hero? Like you're just some poor victim of circumstance?"
Subaru stepped forward, hands raised in a placating gesture. "Heinkel, listen to me—"
"No!" Heinkel's voice cracked, his eyes wild. "I won't listen to you! Do you even realize what you've done? Who you've become? You—" His voice faltered, but only for a moment. "You're tied to the man who destroyed everything. The man who kidnapped my mother, who shattered my family. And now you expect me to trust you?"
Subaru flinched, guilt and frustration warring within him. "I'm not Stride! I didn't choose this—"
"But you've benefited from it!" Heinkel shouted, taking a step closer. "You've used his power, his legacy, and now you sit here trying to justify it all. Do you even know what that does to me? To my family?"
The room was deathly silent, save for Heinkel's ragged breathing. Subaru felt the weight of the accusations like a physical blow, but he stood his ground. "I'm trying to make things right," he said firmly, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions inside him. "I'm trying to fight back against the same
forces that twisted him, that hurt your family. But I can't do that if you don't—"
"I can't believe a word you say!" Heinkel's voice was raw, his body trembling as he turned sharply on his heel. "I can't—I won't—be part of this anymore."
Subaru's heart sank as Heinkel began to walk away, his figure disappearing into the shadows of the tower. "Heinkel!" Subaru called after him, desperation creeping into his voice. "Please, wait! Just listen—"
"Let him go," Shaula's voice cut in, cold and sharp. Subaru turned to see her watching Heinkel's retreating figure, her golden eyes narrowing. "Do you want me to kill him, Master? He's being annoying."
"What?!" Subaru whipped around, his voice cracking. "No! Absolutely not!"
Shaula tilted her head, her tail flicking lazily. "You sure? He's clearly a threat now. One word from him, and your whole camp might turn against you."
"Shaula, I said no!" Subaru snapped, his voice firm. "Heinkel's not my enemy. He's… he's hurting."
Shaula sighed, crossing her arms. "You're too soft, Master. One of these days, that's gonna get you killed."
"Maybe," Subaru muttered, his gaze still fixed on the spot where Heinkel had disappeared. "But I'm not about to let someone else die because of me. Not again."
Beatrice, who had been silently watching the exchange, stepped closer, her small hand gripping Subaru's sleeve. "You can't fix everything, Subaru, I suppose," she said softly, her voice tinged with worry. "But you can't let this break you, in fact."
Subaru nodded slowly, his jaw tightening as he turned back to his companions. "Heinkel's upset, and he has every right to be. But I won't give up on him. Not now, not ever." He looked at Shaula, his gaze unwavering. "And killing him is off the table. Got it?"
Shaula shrugged, her grin returning faintly. "Whatever you say, Master. But don't come crying to me if he comes back with a sword aimed at your head."
Subaru let out a weary sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I'll deal with that if it happens. Right now, we've got bigger things to worry about."
Heinkel wandered aimlessly through the cold, oppressive halls of the Pleiades Watchtower, his emotions a storm of anger and confusion. The shadows seemed to close in around him, his heavy footsteps echoing faintly as if mocking his lack of direction. His mind raced with the accusations he had hurled at Subaru, replaying their encounter over and over. The young man's calm, guilt-ridden face gnawed at Heinkel, fueling his frustration.
"Stride Vollachia…" Heinkel muttered bitterly to himself, clenching his fists. "All this time, and you've still managed to ruin us."
The air grew heavier as Heinkel ascended a narrow staircase. The oppressive atmosphere of the watchtower seemed to amplify his emotions, each corner of the structure radiating its own sense of dread and mystery. Lost in his own thoughts, Heinkel barely noticed when he stepped onto a new floor—Electra, the second floor of the tower.
The room was cavernous and eerily quiet, its emptiness broken only by the faint glow of a lone object in its center. A sword, ancient and pristine, lay on the stone floor, its presence commanding despite its simplicity. Heinkel froze, his eyes narrowing at the sight of it.
"What is this now?" he muttered, his voice dripping with irritation.
The sword seemed to call to him, its presence both inviting and foreboding. Heinkel stepped closer, his boots scuffing against the stone as he approached the weapon. His frustration bubbled over, and without thinking, he lashed out.
"Enough of this!" Heinkel roared, his voice echoing in the vast chamber. He kicked the sword, sending it clattering across the floor with a metallic ring that reverberated through the space.
For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the room seemed to tremble, the air growing thick and charged with power. A low hum filled the chamber, building into a deafening crescendo as light erupted from where the sword had landed. Heinkel shielded his eyes, his breath hitching as a figure began to materialize before him.
When the light subsided, a man stood in the center of the room—a towering figure with a rugged, almost primal presence. His long, unkempt red hair framed a face that was sharp and weathered, his piercing eyes burning with an untamed intensity. He wore no armor, only simple, loose-fitting garments that somehow radiated authority.
The figure's hand rested on the hilt of the sword Heinkel had kicked, now returned to its rightful place. He exuded raw power, an aura so overwhelming that it made the air seem heavier, harder to breathe.
The man's gaze fell on Heinkel, his expression one of confusion and faint amusement. "You," he said, his voice rough yet commanding, like the growl of a lion. "Are ya one of mine?"
Heinkel blinked, his mind struggling to process the situation. "What…? Who the hell are you?"
The man's brow furrowed, his grip tightening on the sword as he took a step closer. "Don't tell me you don't know my name. That would be… disappointin."
Heinkel's frustration flared. "I don't care who you are. What's the meaning of this?!"
The man's lips curled into a wry smirk. "Names Reid Astrea!" he said, his name carrying the weight of legend. "The sword that carved a kingdom, the first of my name, and—apparently—the ancestor of whatever mess ya made of my bloodline."
Heinkel's breath caught in his throat. Reid Astrea. The name was etched into the history of Lugnica, spoken with reverence and fear alike. To see him here, standing before him, was beyond anything Heinkel could have imagined.
Reid tilted his head, his sharp eyes scrutinizing Heinkel. "You look the part, I'll give ya that. But yer weak. Unfocused. What are ya doin' here, boy?"
Heinkel's fists clenched, his pride bristling under the older man's withering gaze. "I don't need to explain myself to you," he spat.
Reid laughed, the sound deep and mocking. "Oh, that's rich. yer standin' in my domain, holdin' my name, and you think ya can talk back ta me?" He took another step forward, his towering presence making Heinkel feel small despite his own formidable stature. "Tell me, kid—what is it yer runnin' from?"
The words struck a nerve. Heinkel glared at Reid, his voice rising. "I'm not running from anything!"
"Liar liar, pants on fire" Reid said bluntly, teasing Hienkle . "yer anger reeks of fear and regret. You've lost yer way, boy."
Heinkel opened his mouth to retort, but the words caught in his throat. Reid's piercing gaze seemed to see straight through him, stripping away every excuse, every defense. The silence stretched, heavy and oppressive.
Finally, Reid shook his head, his expression a mixture of disappointment and curiosity. "I'll give ya this much, descendant. You've got fire. Misguided, reckless, but it's there. So let's see if it's worth anything."
He raised his sword, the motion fluid and almost lazy, yet it carried an undeniable weight. "Make me yield a single step," he said, his tone daring. "Prove that the blood of Astrea hasn't gone entirely to waste."
Heinkel's heart pounded in his chest as he reached for his weapon, his body tensing. He didn't know what kind of power Reid Astrea possessed, but he couldn't back down now. Not after everything he'd endured.
Reid's smirk returned, sharper than before. "Good. Show me what you've got, boy. Let's see if you can remind me why I bothered leaving this sword here in the first place."
Heinkel charged at Reid Astrea, his blade trembling in his grip as he poured every ounce of strength into his strike. Reid didn't even flinch. With a single, almost lazy movement, Reid swatted Heinkel's blade aside, the clash of steel reverberating through the cavernous room.
"You call that swingin' a sword?" Reid laughed, his voice rough and unrefined, his words clipped like a street brawler's. "C'mon, kid. Put some muscle into it!"
Heinkel growled, his frustration boiling over as he lunged again, aiming for Reid's midsection. Reid stepped aside with an almost playful ease, his bare feet barely scuffing the ground as he dodged. "Pathetic," he muttered, smacking Heinkel in the back of the head with the flat of his blade. The impact sent Heinkel stumbling forward, his knees hitting the ground hard.
"You're not even tryin', are ya?" Reid leaned on his sword, his expression one of disappointment. "You're just swingin' around like a drunk at a festival. No wonder the bloodline's gone soft."
"Shut up!" Heinkel roared, spinning around and launching another desperate attack. Reid parried it effortlessly, sending Heinkel's blade flying across the room.
Reid shook his head, his energy undiminished. "Man, this is sad. You really thought you could take me on with moves like that? What's next, throwin' insults and hopin' I cry?"
Heinkel gasped for breath, sweat dripping from his brow as he glared up at the towering figure. "I don't care who you are! You're just some relic of the past! You have no right to judge me!"
Reid grinned, his teeth flashing like a wolf's. "Relic, huh? Guess I'll take that as a compliment." He stepped closer, towering over Heinkel like an unrelenting shadow. "But I'll tell ya this, kid—you don't get to decide who has the right to judge. That's my call. annnnnd Man, yer stubborn," Reid said, shaking his head as he leaned on his blade. "I've seen river rocks with more give than you."
Heinkel groaned, his body aching as he tried to rise. Reid's sharp eyes flicked to the bag that had tumbled from Heinkel's grasp during the scuffle. Something inside it caught the faint glow of the room's light, and Reid tilted his head curiously.
"What's that?" he muttered, stepping over Heinkel without a second thought and crouching by the bag. "Don't tell me ya brought snacks to this fight."
"Stay away from that!" Heinkel shouted, lunging forward despite his injuries. Reid planted a boot on his back, shoving him back to the ground effortlessly.
"Relax, kid," Reid said, his tone almost jovial as he rummaged through the bag. When his hand closed around the sheath of the Holy Dragon Sword, Reid, his smirk froze, and his eyes widened slightly. "Huh."
Heinkel's breath hitched as Reid drew the sheath from the bag. "No," Heinkel gasped, struggling against the weight of Reid's boot. "You can't—only the Sword Saint can—"
Reid cut him off with a loud laugh as he unsheathed the blade with ease, its radiant light illuminating the room. "Who d'ya think decides that, huh? Ain't it obvious? It's me, kid. I'm the Sword God."
Heinkel froze, his eyes wide with disbelief. "That's… That's not possible. That sword only answers to—"
"Yeah, yeah, the 'Sword Saint,'" Reid interrupted, inspecting the blade with a critical eye. "But here's the thing: this sword's mine. Always has been. It ain't gonna argue with me about it."
Heinkel stared in stunned silence as Reid swung the sword experimentally, its brilliance casting dancing shadows across the room. Reid's smirk grew wider, his energy shifting from casual amusement to something far more determined.
"Well, this is a nice surprise," Reid said, his voice tinged with excitement. "Been stuck in this tower for gods-know-how-long, but now…" He twirled the blade with ease, its light reflecting in his eyes. "Now I think it's time I stretched my legs."
"You can't leave!" Heinkel shouted, his voice trembling with desperation. "The rules—the sage's rules—you're bound here!"
Reid glanced down at him, his expression somewhere between amused and annoyed. "Kid, I've been dead longer than you've been alive. Rules don't mean much to a ghost. And anyway," he added with a grin, "Flugel ain't here to stop me."
Heinkel's heart raced as he struggled to make sense of what was happening. Reid Astrea, the legendary Sword God, was standing before him, casually wielding the Holy Dragon Sword as if it were nothing more than a toy. And now, he was planning to leave the watchtower, defying the very purpose of its existence.
Reid, seemingly oblivious to Heinkel's turmoil, sheathed the sword and slung it over his shoulder. "Guess that means our little spar's over," he said cheerfully, turning toward the staircase. "Thanks for the warm-up, kid. Try not to get yourself killed before I'm done out there."
"Wait!" Heinkel shouted, forcing himself to his feet despite the pain coursing through his body. "You can't just—"
"Sure I can," Reid said with a wink, his steps echoing as he began his ascent. "But don't worry—I'll be back. Maybe. If I feel like it."
And with that, the Sword God disappeared into the shadows, leaving Heinkel alone in the cavernous room, the weight of his family's legacy pressing down on him like never before.
The room was heavy with tension as Subaru finished explaining the situation to Halibel, whose arms were crossed, his brow furrowed deeply. The shinobi's usual relaxed demeanor was gone, replaced by a mix of concern and restrained frustration.
"So, let me get this straight," Halibel said, his Kagaragan accent thick as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Ya've got a tower full of deadly trials, a contract with some crazy Authority of Pride, and now Heinkel's gone missin'. That about right, kid?"
"Yeah," Subaru muttered, slumping slightly. "That's the gist of it."
Halibel sighed deeply. "Yer stackin' problems higher than a mountain, ya know that?"
Garfiel, sitting off to the side, was glaring at Shaula, who was leaning lazily against the wall, a playful smirk on her face. "You gonna keep starin', pup, or you gonna say somethin' useful?" she teased, her golden eyes glinting mischievously.
"Yer the one talkin' 'bout killin' Heinkel!" Garfiel snapped, his teeth bared. "What's yer problem, huh?!"
Shaula rolled her eyes dramatically. "My problem is that your little knight buddy's probably caused a mess, and now we're all stuck dealin' with it. But sure, let's all pretend I'm the bad guy here."
"Shut yer mouth!" Garfiel growled, rising to his feet.
"Enough!" Subaru interjected, raising his hands to quell the argument before it escalated. "We don't have time for this. Heinkel's out there somewhere, and we—"
The air suddenly shifted, a wave of energy rolling through the room like a silent thunderclap. Everyone froze, their breaths hitching as an overwhelming presence made itself known. It wasn't oppressive like a Sin Archbishop or suffocating like a Witch Factor—it was something else entirely. It felt… heroic. Larger than life, simmilar to Rienhard, but different.
The heavy doors creaked open, and a figure strolled in, his steps casual but radiating confidence. Reid Astrea, tall and rugged, with an aura that seemed to command the space without effort. His sharp eyes scanned the room before landing on Subaru.
"So, this is the punk Volcanica won't shut up about," Reid said, his voice loud and brash. "You're shorter than I expected."
Subaru blinked, caught completely off guard. "What? Who—what are you talking about? Who's Volcanica, the dragon?"
Shaula, for the first time, lost her composure entirely. Her jaw dropped, and her golden eyes widened in utter shock as she pointed a trembling finger at Reid. "What…? How…? You—you can't be here! How did you get out of the trial chamber?!"
Reid shrugged nonchalantly, the Holy Dragon Sword Reid resting casually on his shoulder. "I walked out. What, did ya think I'd stay in there forever? Pfft, like hell."
"But the rules!" Shaula stammered, her usual confidence shattered. "Flugel's rules—you can't just leave!"
Reid tilted his head, his expression amused. "Rules? I'm dead, bug. Rules don't mean much to me." His smirk widened, and he jabbed a thumb toward himself. "Besides, I'm the Sword God. Who's gonna stop me?"
Everyone stared at him, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.
Subaru, still trying to process the man's presence, pointed hesitantly at the sword. "Wait… Is that the Holy Dragon Sword? The one only the Sword Saint can wield?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Reid replied casually, giving the sword a spin that filled the room with a faint hum of power. "It's mine, ain't it?"
"But—" Subaru hesitated, glancing at Beatrice, who looked equally baffled. "I thought it could only be used by—"
"Who do ya think decides that?" Reid interrupted, his grin sharp as a blade.
"Me. I'm the Sword God, remember? The sword does what I tell it to."
Heinkel's name was on everyone's lips as the realization sank in. Halibel folded his arms, his expression grim. "So Heinkel's the one who messed with that sword, huh?"
Reid snorted. "Kid kicked it around like a tin can. Dunno what he was tryin' to prove, but I'll give him this—he's got a lotta guts. Not much sense, though."
Subaru's heart sank. "Heinkel…"
Reid's eyes flicked to Subaru again, his smirk softening slightly. "You, though—you're a weird one. Volcanica says you're special or somethin'. Guess I'll stick around and see what the fuss is about."
Shaula finally found her voice, her tone sharp and desperate. "You can't! You can't just walk out and do whatever you want! This is Flugel's tower! There are rules—"
"Flugel, Flugel," Reid drawled, waving a dismissive hand. "That guy had a lotta ideas, but I ain't stickin' around just 'cause he said so. Anyway, nice seein' ya, bug. Still as annoying as ever." Shaula's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment as Reid gave her a teasing grin. "Big chest, small brain—some things never change."
Subaru sighed heavily, rubbing his temples as the chaos continued to unfold. "This is going to be a long day…"
Reid's nose twitched sharply as he tilted his head toward Subaru, sniffing audibly. His sharp eyes glinted with amusement as he sniffed again, his nostrils flaring slightly. "Sniff, sniff… Huh. You've got a weird smell, Omee," he said, using the strange term as if it were the boy's name. "Kinda familiar, kinda… not. Yeah, you're definitely somethin' else."
Subaru blinked, baffled. "Omee? What the hell does that even mean?"
Reid grinned wide, the kind of grin that hinted at both mischief and a challenge. "Means you're you, kid. And I like ya already. Guess that's why Volcanica wouldn't shut up about ya."
Subaru opened his mouth to argue, but Reid barreled ahead, his tone turning jolly. "So, Omee, let's cut the talk. I gotta know if you're worth all this hype. It's time to test yer guts!"
"Test my guts?" Subaru repeated, his voice tinged with disbelief. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Reid smirked, the energy around him shifting into something almost electrifying. "It means we're gonna fight, obviously."
The words sent a ripple of shock through the room. Halibel stepped forward immediately, placing himself between Subaru and Reid. "Hold on now," the shinobi said, his tone calm but firm. "Ya don't just challenge someone like it's a bar brawl. Subaru's no warrior."
Reid raised an eyebrow, his grin unfaltering. "Didn't ask what he was. Just wanna see if he's got the spine to stand up. What's it to you, Kagaragan?"
Halibel narrowed his eyes, his stance steady. "It's to me 'cause he's my boss, and I'm not lettin' some ancient sword swinger rough him up."
Before Reid could reply, Garfiel shot forward, practically vibrating with excitement. His golden eyes shone as he pointed a trembling finger at Reid. "Wait a sec—are ya really the Sword God? Like, the real deal?!"
Reid turned to Garfiel, looking him up and down before letting out a hearty laugh. "Yeah, kid, that's me. Reid Astrea, the one and only. And you're a loud one, huh? I like that."
Garfiel's face turned red, his body visibly trembling with excitement. "Holy crap, I'm talkin' to the Sword God! This is insane! Yer a freakin' legend!"
"Glad to see someone here's got good taste," Reid said with a wink, clearly enjoying the attention.
Subaru, however, was less enthused. "Can we not get sidetracked by fanboying?!" he snapped, glaring at Garfiel before turning back to Reid. "Listen, I don't even know why you think this is a good idea, but I'm not fighting you!"
Reid's grin widened, his gaze sharpening. "Oh, you are, Omee. Whether you like it or not. Flugel's shenanigans don't matter here—I make the rules now."
Subaru sighed, rubbing his temples as the tension in the room rose. "This is ridiculous…"
Reid shrugged. "Maybe. But you've got no choice, kid. I'll make it simple: fight me, or I'll just keep buggin' ya 'til you do."
Halibel's hand hovered near his weapon, his eyes locked on Reid. "If you're so set on this, then I'll fight ya in his place."
Reid's eyes flicked to Halibel, his grin softening into something almost… approving. "You're bold, Kagaragan. I like that. But no. This fight's between me and Omee."
Subaru placed a hand on Halibel's arm, shaking his head. "Stand down, Halibel. He's not gonna let this go, and… honestly, I don't think you'd stand a chance."
Halibel frowned but relented, stepping back reluctantly. "Yer crazy, boss. But fine. Just don't get yourself killed."
"Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence," Subaru muttered before turning back to Reid. "Okay, fine. Let's get this over with."
Reid's grin returned in full force, his energy bursting with excitement. "That's the spirit, Omee! Let's see what you've got!"
Before Subaru could even register what was happening, Reid moved. His body blurred, disappearing from sight, and a split second later, Subaru felt a crushing force slam into him. He didn't even have time to scream as Reid launched him like a missile through the air.
The balcony rail shattered as Subaru was hurled out of the watchtower, the wind rushing past him in a deafening roar. He caught a glimpse of everyone's horrified faces—Beatrice's cry of "Subaru!" piercing through the chaos—as he plummeted toward the endless expanse below.
Reid stood at the broken balcony, his stance relaxed as he rested the sword on his shoulder. "Guess we're takin' this outside," he said, his grin undiminished.