Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World Co-op Route

"—You were talking pretty big earlier."

Fifteen minutes had passed since the declaration of war in front of the Beast Forest. With Subaru standing beside her, Ram made that remark before continuing:

"Now that I think about it calmly, there's no rule saying Barusu has to fight on the front lines, is there?"

"Whoa, whoa, hold on a second. Sure, that's true, but look at my overflowing enthusiasm! With this noble one-handed sword passed down by the village youth corps, I'm totally living a fantasy right now!"

"If Beatrice-Sama hadn't stopped you from going in unarmed, you wouldn't even have that sword. You'd have been charging in bare-handed, making yourself the very definition of useless baggage."

"Yeah, I can't exactly deny that."

Adjusting his grip on the unfamiliar hilt, Subaru sighed and slumped his shoulders.

The one-handed sword, with its black scabbard and copper-colored hilt, had a blade roughly the length of Subaru's arm. Its surprisingly light feel left him uneasy. This weapon had been hastily procured after Beatrice stopped him from attempting to enter the forest without any equipment.

The gravity of the situation deepened with each passing moment. That sense of urgency had nearly pushed Subaru to charge in immediately, but looking back, it was clear such a move would have been suicidal.

Though she often seemed unapproachable, that drill-haired girl had a knack for getting things done when it mattered.

"By the way, Barusu, can you even use a sword?"

"Eh, I guess I'm decent? I've got a second-dan ranking in middle school kendo, but actual swordsmanship is a whole different ball game from school kendo."

Subaru swung the sword at his hip lightly, testing its weight as he replied.

His three years in middle school kendo and occasional practice thereafter might give him an edge over a complete novice, but he doubted his skills would amount to much beyond that.

The mismatched one-handed sword was a loaner from one of the young men in the village's youth corps. Subaru had obtained it after a series of awkward excuses, unable to openly admit he needed it to enter the Beast Forest. How effective it would be remained to be seen.

And that wasn't the only thing the villagers had entrusted to him.

"In my pocket... snacks, a shiny rock, and whoa! There's a bug in here!"

Digging into his pocket full of miscellaneous items, Subaru yelped at the unpleasant sensation. A trapped insect flew out and vanished into the forest. Watching it disappear, Subaru dramatically wiped his brow and said:

"Those damn kids shoved all sorts of stuff in here. I'm giving them a good scolding later."

"That's just proof that they admire you. ...Though why anyone would admire a man like you is beyond me."

"Through the pure eyes of children, the true brilliance of a man like me shines clearly."

Ram, looking unimpressed and on the verge of snorting, received a finger-pointing Subaru swaying his head from side to side.

"You are not worried about your friend?" she asked, her tone more subdued.

That question came out with her usual voice, but he couldn't tell the expression she was making as she was the one who was leading the way.

Subaru heard about Tanaka's condition from Beatrice and how he ended up that way. Apparently, he used his Od unconsciously out of desperation to save both Rem and Subaru as they were getting ganged up by the swarm of beasts.

According to Beatrice, it was highly likely that he will never walk again or even wake up.

"It's not your fault, it's no one's fault. Tanaka saved both me and Rem despite the risk. I too intend to do whatever it takes to help him. However, now, we must make sure your sister is okay."

Ram's lips tightened, but she nodded, her resolve evident. "Well that will be the case if Barusu makes it out alive as well."

"Hey!! I was having a moment of resolve right there."

As Subaru trailed her, something on his mind prompted him to speak.

"Hey, can I ask you something? What's a 'Hornless'?"

It was a term Ram had mentioned before they entered the forest. Subaru could vaguely guess its meaning, but Ram, without breaking her stride or turning to face him, answered:

"It's an insult used for oni who've lost their horn. In other words, a disgrace."

The mention of "oni" brought back last night's haunting memory: Rem, drenched in blood, laughing maniacally in the forest. The sharp, white horn protruding from her forehead had been unforgettable—a perfect embodiment of the Oni described in fairy tales.

But Ram, her twin, showed no sign of such a horn on her forehead. It wasn't visible beneath her prim maid outfit or white bonnet either, a possibility Ram herself had just dismissed.

Noticing Subaru's silent dissatisfaction, Ram ran her hand through her pink hair and said:

"Through a bit of misfortune, I lost the single horn I had. Since then, I've relied on Rem for everything."

"...Did I just touch on something I shouldn't have?"

"Why would you think that?"

Ram turned, genuinely puzzled. Subaru scratched his cheek awkwardly.

"Well, I don't know much about Oni culture, but losing your horn sounds like a pretty big deal. I feel like I may have overstepped by asking so bluntly."

"If that's how you feel, it's a bit late to be worrying about it. But don't let it bother you too much."

Lowering her voice slightly to make her point, Ram softened her expression a little and added:

"At the time, it was tough, but I'm fine now. Losing my horn taught me things and even saved my life. You could say it was destiny."

Subaru inwardly admired her magnanimity. But after saying that, Ram's expression darkened as she continued:

"But Rem likely doesn't see it the same way. That's why I must find her quickly."

Turning forward again, she raised her hand, signaling Subaru to stop as her clairvoyance activated. This time, Subaru stayed alert to ensure nothing caught them off guard.

Her right eye turned crimson, and her vision extended far beyond, leaping from one perspective to another in search of their target. Subaru didn't know the strain such a feat placed on her, nor did he ask.

Each time Ram used her clairvoyance, blood-red tears streaked her pale cheeks, her legs trembled as though she'd walked an entire day, and her body swayed as if struck by vertigo. Yet she pressed on without complaint.

Watching her endure in silence, Subaru felt it was wrong to leave everything to her. At their core, the twin sisters shared the same stubborn resolve to push themselves for others.

"Ram, you're worried about Rem, aren't you?" he asked.

Despite being deep in her clairvoyance, Ram's delayed response came firmly:

"Of course. Rem is stronger than me, but that doesn't mean I won't worry about her."

"…Right."

"No matter how much better she is at everything, I am still her elder sister. That alone will never change."

Her unwavering resolve as an older sister was evident. Recognizing this, Subaru realized he had underestimated her.

Thus, Subaru made up his mind.

"Truthfully, I'd have preferred to regroup with Rem first, but oh well."

Stretching, he prepared himself. Seeing this, Ram ended her clairvoyance and wiped the blood from her right eye with a cloth.

"Barusu, what are you planning?"

"At this rate, I'm just dead weight. But before we entered the forest, I said I'd be useful, didn't I?"

Though uncertain, Subaru believed the odds were in their favor, about seventy to thirty. That was enough.

"Ram, are you ready to take a bit of a risk?"

"Riskier than being alone in a forest with a young man and ravenous beasts? Hardly."

"Touché, sis."

With a laugh, Subaru took a deep breath and steeled himself.

If he was right, this would change everything. Even though the fear gnawed at him, he pushed through.

"I'm actually—"

Just as he was about to reveal his secret of "Return by Death," the world froze.

Time stopped, colors drained away, and sound disappeared. In the suspended world, an entity appeared before Subaru.

***************************************************************************************

"Kicking off the ground, he leapt forward.

Thick roots twisted and wriggled underfoot, obstructing his path, but he stomped down hard, crushing them as he moved.

When navigating forests, mountains, or unpaved paths, it is actually a mistake to be overly cautious about the uncertain footing. When running along natural trails, the key to carving a path is decisiveness and the ability to proceed without hesitation, regardless of what lies beneath one's feet.

Trusting in the durability of his shoes, he trampled over layers of leaves and moss, leaping once more.

His breath came in gasps. Sweat trickled down his forehead, threatening to blur his vision as he blinked rapidly, trying to clear a path for it.

There was neither the time nor reason to look back. The chances of having escaped were virtually nil. The sound of pursuers' footsteps ran parallel, mocking his desperate attempts to flee.

Leaning his body forward to reduce wind resistance, he sprinted with all his might.

It had been about ten minutes since the 'Natsuki Subaru Decoy Operation,' utilizing a black miasma possibly linked to a witch, had begun.

As per Subaru's plan, the battle with the gathering beasts had been intense, and eventually, the two had no choice but to flee through the forest.

"I trusted you could fight, and this is what I get!"

"I was fighting, wasn't I? It's just that Ram's stamina didn't last as long as expected."

"You said something cool about crossing a dangerous bridge, didn't you?!"

"It was more dangerous than I imagined. I almost fell before crossing."

Ram's snarky retorts matched Subaru's yelling. Despite her limbs barely responding due to depleted mana from repeated battles, her attitude was unrelentingly defiant.

Subaru's 'scent of the witch' effectively lured the beasts.

The sheer number of beasts exceeded even Subaru's expectations, to a frankly unmanageable level, leaving no words but regret.

Ram had dispatched up to seventeen beasts using wind magic.

After smoothly dealing with that many, Ram suddenly collapsed, her strength depleted. Subaru, who had been right next to her, was shocked, hastily carrying her as they began their escape.

Occasionally, he changed direction to avoid potential ambushes, altering their path whenever the beasts pressed too closely. Each change only added to the disorientation, making it hard to keep track of their original destination.

Already lost in the forest, he could only hope they weren't heading the wrong way, trusting in Ram's clairvoyance to guide them.

As he continued, driven purely by instinct and devoid of thought, the inevitable happened—

'Damn it—!'

Suddenly, the forest opened up, and the ground beneath vanished.

His legs flailed in the air as he was seized by the sensation of freefall, his guts lurching upward as he plummeted..."

Stretching its limbs, it lay flat on the ground, its belly pressed against the earth.

The figure, with its crimson glowing eyes fixed on us, radiated an ever-growing animosity toward the prey it failed to catch.

In short, it was preparing for a second attack.

As the flow of mana began to interact with nature, Subaru hurriedly dashed uphill. He didn't have time to sheathe his sword or readjust how he was carrying Ram; his only priority was to escape the beast's line of sight. As he fled, the forest was ravaged by a lateral landslide.

He felt the devastating power right behind him, uprooting trees and tearing up the ground. He couldn't afford to look back. His calves, too slow to keep up, were grazed by the landslide's remnants, causing blood to gush out.

"Dammit!"

He shouted, leaping to his right toward a different slope. It was a decision made to evade the landslide, which was met by the challenge of descending cliffs. Subaru plunged his sword into the ground to slow his fall.

"Ow ow ow ow ow!"

Grunting in pain as he scraped the ground with his right side, he twisted the embedded sword to control his descent. Despite the added scratches and stinging pain, he managed to look up at the cliff he had just descended.

"Whoa!"

Several beasts, unable to stop themselves, tumbled down the slope after him. With yelps resembling those of indoor dogs, they fell into the ravine below, where sharp rock faces awaited them. The beasts were mercilessly embraced by the unyielding ground, their silence marked by the sound of breaking bones.

"That was a close call—but..."

"Barusu, I found Rem!"

Ram's jubilant voice rang out as she returned to reality with bloodshot eyes. After smiling in relief, she noticed their skewed surroundings and frowned.

"What kind of situation have we stumbled into now?"

"An unavoidable cliffhanger, that's what! Anyway, can we focus on your findings? It'll help distract me from reality."

Feeling his arm muscles quiver, Subaru tried to shift the mood with the promise of good news. Without commenting on Subaru's wounds, Ram gave a small nod.

"Not far from here, another vision caught sight of Rem. I couldn't see her directly due to bad timing, but she should be heading this way."

"Our side's troubles seem far bigger... If I rushed here thinking Rem was in danger, only to end up like this..."

"Falling off the cliff would be dangerous for both of us. Can you climb back up?"

"With sheer determination. But the real issue is the beasts pursuing us from above..."

As they debated their next move, Subaru tightened his grip on Ram, leaning into the sword embedded in the ground for support. However, both of them exclaimed in surprise as the sound of snapping metal filled the air.

The blade of the short sword, jammed into the cliff, snapped, leaving about a third of it lodged in the slope. As Subaru tried to re-embed the sword, the flattened tip barely penetrated, leading to a simple conclusion—

"The beasts below could cushion our fall."

"More likely, we'll be cushioning the next wave of beasts."

Subaru's desperate words were met with Ram's resigned response. The blade, failing to hold, released them, resuming their fall.

With their combined weight offering little friction, they slid down the slope uncontrollably.

"Ahh, damn it—!!"

"This is going to cost you dearly, Barusu!!"

As he felt himself plummet headfirst, Subaru recalled a past leap and instinctively held Ram tightly to shield her from the fall.

Even in freefall, Ram stretched her arm downward and chanted,

"El Fura!!"

With her shout, mana surged, creating a blast at their projected landing site. The upward wind pressure slowed their descent, allowing Subaru to rotate mid-air and brace for impact.

"Ughhh... Ahhh—I made it!!"

He landed, enduring the shock with clenched teeth. The pain shot through his legs, but he was alive. Gazing up at the cliff from which they fell, Subaru marveled at its height, equivalent to a four-story building.

"Seriously, thank you, Ram. Without that wind magic, we'd be..."

Realizing Ram was unresponsive, Subaru noticed a thin trail of blood from her nose. Her shallow breaths and weak groans confirmed her condition.

"Hey, Ram? Oh no, this is bad."

Shaking her gently, Subaru received no response. Her already exhausted body was pushed to its limits by the fall and the magic used to soften their landing.

"Crap, my timing sucks..."

Cursing his carelessness, Subaru held Ram protectively. Sheathing his broken sword awkwardly, he looked up.

The beasts were searching for a new route to continue their pursuit. Subaru wanted to gain distance while he could but knew time was against him.

"We need to move, but..."

The sound of a rockslide snapped him back. Looking up, he saw a torrent of earth and stones pouring down, with numerous beasts riding the landslide.

Quickly jumping back, Subaru avoided the cascade, but the beasts landed on the same ground, nullifying their hard-earned lead.

"Damn, that witch's perfume is too much..."

Annoyed at the situation's rapid deterioration, Subaru prepared to run again, hoping the beasts wouldn't attack immediately.

"Wait, what?"

Just as he was about to flee, Subaru noticed something strange. The beasts, scattered by the landslide, weren't attacking.

"Hey, I'm over here!"

Confused, Subaru called out, only to watch the beasts disperse as if something else had caught their attention.

"What's going on with you guys?"

Looking afar again, Subaru's eyes reflected bewilderment as he witnessed the changes at the horizon. 

A lone figure had appeared, being chased by a swarm of black dots. 

With his voice barely above a whisper, as the figure in the distance continued to run, the swarm closing in.

"Is that... Tanaka?"

___

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"Shit! Fuck! Shit!" I cursed under my breath, the words tumbling out in rhythm with my pounding heartbeat. Adrenaline surged through me, numbing the sharp, throbbing pain radiating from my shoulder. Despite the protective barrier formed by the spirits softening the blow, the impact had been severe enough to dislocate it.

Each step was agony, yet the urgency of the situation forced me to push through. My lungs burned, my legs threatened to give out, but I couldn't stop.

Bam!

Bam! 

Bam! 

Behind me, the relentless strikes echoed with chilling regularity—the sound of Rem's morning star slamming into the ground. The heavy thuds reverberated through the air.

Was she aiming at me, or the beasts? I couldn't tell, and frankly, it didn't matter. All that mattered was running, staying ahead, surviving.

But then, in a fleeting moment of weakness, curiosity betrayed me. The constant pounding forced me to glance back, a fatal error born of instinct.

I tilted my head, my gaze darting over my shoulder to assess the chaos behind me.

And there it was....

A spiked ball was hurtling toward me. Its trajectory was locked, and despite its deadly speed, it seemed to move in an eerie slow motion.

"Ah..." The breath left my lungs as realization struck. Time seemed to warp, stretching out the seconds into an agonizingly slow crawl. This was the prelude to death, the brief moment of clarity before impact.

'Dammit...'

As the spiked ball inched closer, I could see it tearing through layers of blue energy, the protective barrier conjured by the spirits. Each layer shimmered and fractured in succession—five in total—until only the final, thickest layer remained, glowing with a desperate intensity. Sparks ignited as the morning star crashed into it, the barrier holding but barely, the sheer force of the collision sending me flying backward with brutal velocity.

I felt my body hurtling through the air, helpless against the violent momentum. In that fleeting instant, his mind reached back to a distant, comforting memory—

___

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_____

They stood at the top of the mountain, staring at the chairlift as it slowly disappeared into the distance.

"Well," Tanaka's mother sighed, brushing snow off her coat, "there goes the last ride for today."

It was this time of the year, his father would take the family to travel the northern mountains in Greenland. He was only Five years old, bundled up in a thick, oversized coat that made him waddle like a penguin.

Tanaka frowned, his breath visible in the cold air. "Now what? We're stuck here?"

His father chuckled, "Not exactly. We could always jump."

Both Tanaka and mother turned to him, incredulous.

"Jump?" His mother repeated, crossing her arms. She peered over the edge, assessing the steep drop and the thick blanket of snow below. "You've got to be joking. That's a long way down."

Tanaka quickly backed away from the edge, shaking his head. "No way! That's too high." 

His father knelt beside him, ruffling his hair. "Not if you know the trick. You see, this area is covered in powder snow. It's soft, fluffy, and perfect for cushioning falls. It'll be like landing on a pile of pillows."

Tanaka and his mother exchanged skeptical looks.

"Still no," They said in unison.

His father raised his hands in mock surrender, a playful grin on his face. "Okay, okay, I respect that."

He paused, looking up at the sky. "Hey, what's that?"

Both Tanaka and his mother instinctively turned their heads to look.

In that instant, his father wrapped an arm around each of them. "Hold tight!" he laughed, and before either of them could react, he leaped off the edge.

They screamed as they plummeted, the wind whipping past their faces. The snow rushed up to meet them, and with a muffled "whoomph," they landed in the deep, powdery snowdrift, sinking into its soft embrace.

His father laughed heartily, still holding them close. "See? Like a bunch of pillows!"

Tanaka and his mother lay there, stunned, their hearts racing. After a moment, his mother glared at him.

Without warning, she scooped up a handful of snow and playfully hurled it at his face. 

Tanaka burst out laughing, watching his father sputter and brush snow from his beard.

_____

____

___

'Cliff; Impact; Powder Snow!'

My mind raced, grasping for a solution even as the solid face of a cliff loomed closer.

"Huma!"

I shouted, as my brain used it's imagination to the maximum. A massive, fluffy snow cushion materialized just as I collided with the rocky surface. The soft barrier absorbed the impact, cushioning my body from what would have been a devastating crash.

I slumped into the snow, each gasp of air searing my lungs, my body a tempest of pain and relief. The world around me blurred, the edges of my vision wavering as dizziness threatened to pull me under. But I was alive. For now.

I lay back, the cold seeping through my clothes, my eyes tracing the contours of the snow that had saved me from a fall that should have been fatal. The softness beneath me felt surreal, like landing on a cloud. I couldn't help but mutter between ragged breaths, "Just like a bunch of pillows..."

"Oy Tanaka!"

A voice cut through the haze, sharp and urgent. As I forced myself to lift my upper body, scanning the surroundings, my eyes widened in disbelief. There, sprinting towards me, was Subaru, cradling Ram in his arms.

"I finally found you! You're still alive?" I called out, relief evident in his voice.

"I should be saying that about you? We left you in the shortest coma ever recorded apparently, how did you end up here?"

My face darkened briefly before I sighed. "Long story. To shorten it: as soon as I woke up, I headed into the forest to look for you and Rem. Anyway, what's the situation with you?" My gaze shifted up to Ram, nestled weakly in his arms.

"She overexerted herself," he admitted, guilt weighing his words. "It was my fault for using such a reckless plan. Do you think you can do something to help her?"

Grimacing, I stood, clutching my wounded shoulder, each movement sending a fresh wave of pain through my body. "It's the same thing that happened to me last night. She used too much mana. I can share some of mine, but it'll only be enough to wake her up—not fully recover."

With a nod, I summoned the spirits and they materialized around us. Extending my hand towards Ram's forehead, I focused my energy. The spirits, glowing softly, began the delicate process of transferring a portion of my mana into her.

Subaru watched intently, his gaze drifting momentarily to the distant figure of Rem, locked in fierce combat with the pack of magic beasts. His eyes narrowed as he noticed my injured shoulder, the blood staining my sleeve.

"Did Rem cause that injury? Why?" he asked, concern lacing his tone.

I shot him a glare, my voice laced with bitterness. "I was also jumped by a large pack of wild dogs out of nowhere. Guess why... Take a wild fucking guess..."

Subaru's face fell, realization dawning with sudden clarity. 

"Oh! Shit..."

His eyes widened in horror as the pieces slotted into place. Tanaka's earlier predicament wasn't just bad luck—it was the direct consequence of Subaru's reckless plan. "Natsuki Subaru's Decoy Strategy" had inadvertently painted him as a target, leaving him defenseless at the worst possible moment.

"How was I supposed to know? We all thought you were just taking a nap!" Subaru protested, his voice laced with a mix of guilt and frustration.

"I don't care! I'm gonna make you pay for it ten folds!"

"Okay let's put this aside for now. There is a far more urgent situation."

Following his gaze, I turned to see Rem battling a swarm of Ulgarm, the monstrous creatures piling atop each other like a living, writhing ant colony. Their sheer numbers seemed overwhelming

"Dammit, at this rate, she will end breaking down." 

I looked back at Subaru. His eyes were closed and he inhaled deeply, prompting himself for an action I had a feeling I wouldn't like. 

Subaru's expression hardened as he screamed at the top of his lungs, "Don't make that scary face! smile, Rem… I can return by de..."

And with that, the world halts for the second time that day, and a feast of screams begins, shrouded in dark mist. This is the first time that I was in the same room as Subaru when the phenomena occurred.

I wanted to curse at him so badly as he went and did the thing without warning me. Similar to me, he was frozen and couldn't move a muscle, I could still see the tense gaze in his eyes as he braced for the excruciating pain, it's something no one can get used to.

As two hands emerged from the mist, everything changes.

The sensation of something brushing against my chest bones and settling in it's palm—one hand on my heart.

A shiver runs through me, and soon after, the pain takes over my nerves.

The world flips upside down as a tremendous discomfort churns through my stomach and my body feels as though every part is being replaced. The sensation is overwhelming, like my nerves are no longer my own, boiling my brain and clouding my thoughts.

"I'm back…" Subaru shouted as colors returned to the world.

I glared at him, my voice thick with exasperation. "Heads up! Give me Heads up before doing that! can you?!"

Despite the ordeal, I knew that Subaru didn't do it because he was a masochist, there was a clear intent behind that stunt. 

___Shifting the attention from Rem to them

It's as if some massive, undeniable presence has appeared, drawing the attention of both Rem and the Ulgarm.

As expected, the presence of the witch's aura around us intensifies, causing the shift.

Rem roars.

The Ulgarm all howl in unison, calling their comrades from the forest, drawn by the familiar scent.

Subaru roared and I grunted. 

"Huma!"

I froze a precise area which separated us from the monsters, but it was merely an action to destabilize the magic beasts by adding an unfamiliar footing. Every time they cross the line, either ice spikes would pierce their vitals or Subaru's half broken sword would strike their necks.

Anytime a beast get too close, they get paralyzed by the spirits that were doing wonders by blocking Rem's stray strikes. However, Subaru wasn't included in the protection list, so he had to dodge the claws, and narrowly avoid the steel ball. 

"Hey, do you mind to tell them to block some hits for me as well, I barely escaping"

"I'm barely managing myself," I shot back, my breath ragged. "My mana's almost depleted. If we don't find a way out soon, you'll have to carry both me and Ram."

Subaru was horrified at the idea. Indeed, I was nearing my limits, however, I needed him to stay focused.

"Just maintain a distance. Forget about killing them and focus on dodging."

Nodding in agreement, Subaru kept hopping to avoid being bitten by a dog, He shoves the pursuing dog into a maid's path, escaping while the angry girl throws a tantrum, crawling away like a cockroach.

"—Ha! I'm actually doing okay, huh?"

Rem was mainly targeting Subaru despite the scent being emanated from both of us, and Subaru noticed that. Therefor, he baited her attacks to strike the magic beasts on his way. 

Currently, Subaru's strategy seems to be working. Whether it's buying time or reducing the number of Ulgarm, things are progressing better than expected.

I glanced up briefly and senses the approach of a new group of magical beasts coming from multiple directions, heading toward us. The scent, which has spread deep into the forest, continues to stir their instincts. 

At this point, the hope of surviving was kindling.

But suddenly, it arrives.

A new swarm of Ulgarm enters the valley, throwing itself into a fierce battle with Rem. 

As Subaru braces to react, his body is overtaken by a dizzying sensation, causing his posture to falter greatly.

His knees buckle, and he nearly collapses forward. Instinctively, he spins to protect the injured Ram, but he falls hard onto his left shoulder, pain seizing him, leaving a groan stuck in his throat. Yet, what dominates Subaru's consciousness more than the pain is the coldness.

"This... cold...?"

Noticing this, I turned to him , alarmed, "Hey, what's wrong?!"

An unnatural chill creeps through Subaru's core, a sensation that halts his fiery passion and drenches his resolve with a cold splash.

"No! You've got to be kidding me? The curse is getting activated now!?" That was the only conclusion I could deduce after his sudden collapse. 

It was highly likely that it was one of the Ulgarm present is using the curse on him, drawing mana from his body. But despite looking around, I couldn't spot the beast responsible, I turned to the spirits but they were unable to discern as well. 

"Dammit! which one is it!"

Killing the caster will naturally cause the curse to fade 

Those were Beatrice's words, that's why it needed to be dealt with urgently before Subaru's mana get completely drained. 

'Screw it!'

I thought in mind as I decided to take a gamble, Twelve... Fifteen.... Nineteen beasts were surrounding Rem, I decided to muster my remaining mana as this truly was the only way out. 

"Huma!" I roared, pouring everything into one final spell. Blood trickled from my nose and eyes as massive ice spikes erupted from the ground, skewering the beasts.

I wanted to look to check on Subaru. However, my body gave out, my legs collapsing beneath me. His vision blurred, but he clenched his teeth, fighting to stay conscious. resisting with the thought lingering on my mind 'I can't pass out now!' 

___

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Squinting through his blurred vision, Subaru tries to find the source of the sound. In the distance, he sees a numerous beast hanging through pierced ice spikes. 

Despite the gruesomeness, Subaru couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. "Where the hell did he learn to do that?" he muttered, the sheer magnitude of the feat leaving him momentarily stunned.

Understanding the connection between the recovery of his health and the circumstances, Subaru stands up.

In the chaos, Subaru's eyes landed on Tanaka, sprawled on the ground. Relief washed over him as he noticed the faint rise and fall of Tanaka's chest—he was alive. Subaru also caught sight of the shimmering protective barrier erected by the spirits, still holding back the onslaught of beasts

"I owe him one," Subaru whispered.

With one curse nullified—though not entirely eliminated by killing only one caster—Subaru felt a glimmer of hope reignite within him.

In a fleeing moment had a deceitful thought but he shook it off. 

Subaru realizes what he must do and wipes his eyes, refocusing.

Rather than using the current rampaging Rem in a dishonest to get rid of the curse, he should stick to their original plan. After all. "The initial ideal: the maid sisters, Ram and Rem, and a thrilling joint curse-removal task."

Adding to that a gloomy drop-out senpai who would collapse after using a flashy spell. 

Only by achieving that can Subaru hope to survive this cursed situation.

Thus, he knows that he must bring Rem back to her senses. What he needs isn't the "demon," but the well-mannered, quick-tempered, impulsive girl who always causes trouble—his Rem.

"—Horns."

Suddenly, a voice shakes Subaru's eardrum from right next to him.

Looking down, he sees Ram, still cradled in his arms, slightly opening her eyes, murmuring as her consciousness flickers in and out.

"Are you awake?"

"I thought this was the best timing..." she whispers.

"Ah, good instincts, sister. Did you say... horns?"

Ram smiles faintly, and Subaru half-heartedly smiles back, asking. She weakly tilts her head.

"Rem's demon-like state is being caused by her horn... If you hit it hard enough... she'll come back to her senses..."

"Are you sure?"

"I think so... I hope so."

"That's kind of vague!? But I'll believe you."

With that, Subaru looks at Rem's form.

From her forehead, a white horn extends, about ten centimeters long, similar to small spike protruding from her forehead.

—Right there. A single strike.

"Doesn't it seem impossible?"

"Summon your wisdom and courage and figure something out."

"Actually, I've got a method that seems like it might work if I use my wisdom and courage."

Ram raises an eyebrow in surprise at Subaru's response.

Subaru grins awkwardly, clearly reluctant but determined.

"But, you're probably going to get mad."

"If it helps my sister come back to her senses, Ram wouldn't get angry."

"Really?"

"Really, really."

"Swear it on Roz-chi?"

"...To choose that is reckless. Fine, I swear it on Lord Roswaal."

Because Ram said it so manly, Subaru decided to respect her opinion.

Straight ahead, Rem slowly turned to face them. Her consciousness remained focused here, but her alertness expanded toward the surrounding Urgalm.

Against Rem's all-around vigilance, Subaru moved to take action.

That was...

"Ooohhh, esss!"

"—Huh?"

Twisting his body, he positioned himself like he was about to throw something, then, with a swing of his arms, threw Ram's body, which he had been holding in both arms, toward Rem.

She must not have expected to be thrown. Ram, mid-air, had a shocked expression as she drifted away and was sucked toward Rem. Even in her demon state, Rem seemed stunned for a moment. However, once she realized that the one flying toward her was her defenseless sister, she immediately released the steel ball and extended her arms to catch her.

With quick movements of her claw-like fingers, Rem caught her bloodied sister in her arms. In that instant, the murderous look on her face softened to a more peaceful expression.

—To make sure he didn't miss the chance, Subaru's body was already launched forward.

At the same time Subaru threw Ram's body, his own body shot forward in the same direction. As Rem's gaze remained on the flying Ram, Subaru crouched low, swiftly running through her blind spot. He stepped in, drew his sword from his waist, and with momentum, aimed for the horn on her head. Cutting through the wind, it was the perfect moment to strike.

Even Rem couldn't react in time to this clever tactic—however...

"—Ahh."

The blade that had been swung with all its might missed the tip of the horn, and despite a powerful lunge, the step faltered by just one, causing Subaru to fail at catching her horn by a hair's breadth.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slipped through his fingers, and Subaru was stunned.

"I chickened out! Just one more step... I didn't have enough courage!"

He missed, and his momentum made him spin around.

Just before his back turned, from the corner of his vision, he saw Rem's left hand, poised and ready to strike. With one quick thrust, she would create a clean hole in his body.

Not again, not by Rem's hand—Subaru bit his lip, just as—

The ground beneath him exploded, sending a torrent of dirt and rocks blasting him away.

"Oooohhh—!?"

Pelted by stones, Subaru felt the pain of his skin tearing and blood spilling as he was sent flying. As he flew, he saw the reason for the chaos below.

The explosion had come from the south, where a young magical beast, lying low, had caused it. He hadn't seen it since it had fallen into the valley, but it had been waiting for the exact moment when Subaru and Rem were in line with each other.

Thinking it could take them both down at once, it unleashed its magic, and the resulting landslide interfered dramatically.

However, its plan was—

"———!!"

Rem howled, stepping into the ground, her sheer force counteracting the dirt torrent. Her blue bangs were slightly shaken by the force.

She had used brute force to neutralize the magic—a close enough tactic to cancel the magic.

Rem held her sister carefully in her arms and stepped sideways to escape the residual magic, forgetting about Subaru, who was falling from above.

Spinning around, the world turned vertically, completely out of control.

However, his right hand still gripped his one-handed sword tightly, and he was fortunate that the landing was not on a cliff, but on solid, hard earth.

And there, unaware of Subaru, Rem was directly below him, exposing her head.

There was no going further, no hoping for more.

He swung back, holding his sword with both hands, and prepared for his final strike.

By some random chance, he might finally reach her.

Cheering for fate, celebrating miracles, even a god's whim might help him this time.

—If only it had worked at the moment of his first slash.

With a wry smile, time was running out. Right below, in the slow-motion world, Rem was there.

He could see her horn. With a mighty swing, he unleashed his accumulated strength.

"Laugh, Rem. — Today, I'm more demon than a demon."

The blade shot forward, straight and true, aimed directly at her white horn.

The sharp sound of steel ringing echoed through the beast-filled forest.

Right after that, Subaru's pathetic scream filled the air as he failed his landing.

***************************************************************************************

When Rem regained consciousness, her feet were not touching the ground.

A strong arm was wrapped around her waist, lifting her up. The rough and careless handling made it clear that the person holding her wasn't particularly mindful of touching a woman.

It was understandable, given that the owner of the arm seemed entirely focused on running, with no capacity to spare for anything else.

"Barusu, to the right of that broken tree ahead! You're too slow!"

"Don't be unreasonable… ha, this is an all-out sprint… dammit!"

Familiar voices, one becoming more so, shouted at each other close by.

Shaken violently as they ran, Rem shook her head to bring her hazy consciousness back. Her trembling lips murmured, prompting her self to say something only to be interrupted, 

"Rise and shine..."

Rem tilted her head slightly, her blurry vision locking onto a young man being carried awkwardly by the waist. Her older sister, Ram, had him slung under one arm like a sack of grain. His condition was less than ideal—his face pale, his clothes were torn with wounds all over his body, and coagulated blood was trailing off his nose and eyes. He looked as though he'd collapse at any moment.

"…Tanaka-Kun, what, how?…"

The man in front her was supposed to be at the mansion getting carefully treated and examined after he risked his life by using his Od. So why in the world, was he here, in this forest were magic beasts were lurking all over the place.

"—! You're awake, Rem!"

While running, Subaru looked down at her with a voice of joy.

Gazing up at his worn-out face with vacant eyes, Rem's throat tightened involuntarily at his dreadful state.

His forehead was split, blood trickling down his face in a vertical red streak. Scars from the previous night remained white all over his body, and fresh wounds bled over them. The result of pushing himself too far while already battered.

"…I'm glad, Rem. You're really such a troublesome girl."

Pink-haired Ram smiled faintly, running alongside them.

She only slightly curled her lips in a smile, recognizable only to those who knew her well, and gently patted Rem's blue hair with an outstretched hand.

Right after that,

"Fura!"

The incantation for a wind blade spell echoed, slicing through the forest—severing the approaching beast's body into segments, turning its pouncing form into nothing more than fertilizer.

Suddenly staggering as if dizzy, Ram lightly collided with Subaru's body.

"—Ow ow ow!! Ram, hey… don't you know my right shoulder is dislocated…?!"

"…Shut up. If Ram didn't push herself, the curses would've worsened. Be grateful for a shoulder to lean on."

"At least use the other shoulder… ow ow ow ow ow!!"

"Hehe, you deserve it," I added with a weak laugh, though my voice betrayed how drained I was.

Subaru's screams turned half-crying from the pain.

Leaning on his body, Ram's figure bled from the scar of her lost horn.

Watching them, realization suddenly dawned on Rem about the current situation.

Why she was in such a place, and why she was being carried—it was because…

"Why…"

"Huh?"

"Why didn't you leave me alone?"

Shaken, the question slipped out of her mouth.

Looking down at her with a puzzled expression, Subaru glared while she kept speaking, trembling,

"If you and Subaru-Kun came, it defeats the purpose. Rem… Rem had to do it alone… Only Rem should get hurt…"

"Well, it's too late now. We are all beaten up worse than you! Maybe even worse off than you!"

Not an exaggeration, just a fact, Subaru barked. Ram stayed silent, possibly having her own thoughts, not joining the conversation.

Feeling a sense of abandonment from her sister's attitude, Rem clung desperately, her broken words pleading,

"It's because of Rem… because Rem hesitated last night… So, I have to take responsibility… Otherwise, I can't face Sister, Tanaka-Kun or Subaru-Kun…"

I tried to interject, my voice light despite the weight of the situation. "We're facing each other now. Although, I am in a shameful position for a man." I gestured weakly to the way Ram was carrying me, dangling awkwardly like a child.

The attempt to lighten the mood fell flat. Rem's guilt overwhelmed her, and she pressed on.

"Because Rem hesitated to reach out, Tanaka-Kun almost died. And Subaru-Kun was cursed overwhelmingly. That's why—"

"To atone for that, you thought you'd settle it alone."

Despite his ragged breathing, Subaru seemed to understand Rem's confession. 

Nodding as if to confirm his understanding, Rem also lowered her head, reflecting on her sin.

"Rem."

"Yes."

Hearing her name, she looked up, steeling herself.

No matter how harsh the words, she would accept them.

It was her sin, and the punishment she deserved.

To her surprise,

"Chop."

"—!?"

A hard thud of bone meeting bone echoed, and sparks scattered in her vision. The sharp pain caused her vision to blink for a moment, and Rem held her forehead, confused.

Looking at her bewildered expression, Subaru said,

"Honestly, you're an idiot. No, you are an idiot."

"Barusu, your broken forehead is bleeding again."

"I know I'm an idiot! But your sister here is even more idiotic!"

"You're an idiot in many ways. But particularly you're stupid for saying you couldn't save me!"

Interrupting her, Subaru raised her up and pressed his face close, his black eyes wide with intensity.

"Look with your eyes. Do you see me alive and kicking? A few white scars, but they're badges of honor. Your guilt is misplaced, you idiot!"

"But if I hadn't hesitated, if I had reached out immediately, those scars…"

"Stop it…" The words left my mouth before I could think.

The sharpness of my voice cut through their argument like a blade, and all eyes turned toward me. Subaru, Rem, and Ram froze mid-motion, their expressions a mix of surprise and curiosity.

I could feel the weight of their stares, but I refused to meet their eyes.

I couldn't really watch their banter, not with me knowing that I should have done better. 

Their silence urged me to continue, even as my chest tightened with guilt for my incompetence. 

"Last night… Ram told me not to go into the forest. She was against it, and I dragged you all there anyway." My voice wavered as the admission left my lips. "This whole situation is my fault."

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, no one spoke. Then Ram's voice, cold and cutting, broke the stillness.

"So, Tanuki," she said, her tone laced with disdain, "are you admitting that going there was a mistake?"

"Huh?" My tone was non-challan as I shook my head slightly, "No, it's just that I should have went there alone."

I mean... I had to go regardless, saving the kids was something necessary. However, I was willing to only risk my own life and not the other two.

Ram and Subaru exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. Then, as if reaching some unspoken agreement, they both nodded.

Before I could even process what was happening, the grip holding me steady released, and gravity took over. I fell like a sack of stones, landing hard on my already dislocated shoulder.

Pain exploded through my body, white-hot and searing.

"AAAAAAHHH—!"

The scream tore from my throat before I could stop it. I clamped my mouth shut, biting down on my sleeve to muffle the sound, but the damage was done. My vision blurred with tears as I cradled my shoulder, staring up at them with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"What… the fuck?!" I spat the words slowly, venom dripping from each syllable as I struggled to catch my breath.

Ram crossed her arms, her expression unchanging. Subaru looked down on me, showing me no sympathy what so ever. 

"Go on! Anyone wants to take all the blame to himself again?"

Ram leaned down slightly, her crimson eyes narrowing like twin embers. "At least Rem had the decency to reflect on her actions, even though her guilt was fundamentally misplaced. But you…" Her tone cut sharper now, slicing through the faintest defense I might have mounted. "You show zero signs of remorse. God, you piss Ram off."

"Honestly, you two," he began with a frown. "Haven't you ever heard the saying, 'Three women together are noisy'? Though, unrelated, there's also 'Two heads are better than one'… or was it three?"

Ram shot him a withering look. "It seems like that's not the proper usage.

Subaru waved a hand dismissively. "Anyway! Stop trying to handle things alone! Rely on others! You can talk, can't you? Unlike someone who just bottles up their heart…"

I opened my mouth to argue, but the sudden flare of pain in my shoulder silenced me. All I could do was grit my teeth and endure as Subaru and Ram resumed their banter, the casualness of it almost surreal given the circumstances.

Listening to their conversation, Rem utters in despair, "That's impossible... There's no way we can be saved... Please, stop it. Then what was the point of everything Rem did...

"You're such an idiot, Rem-rin," Subaru adds one more insult with a smirk. "This is the best way to save everyone. If we can break through the barrier and regroup somehow, I've got a brilliant plan to wipe out the Ulgarm using a method you don't know about. We'll have a happy ending with that approach—piece of cake, right?"

Rem is skeptical about Subaru's so-called brilliant plan, doubting its very existence. More than that, she finds it hard to believe Subaru can break through the encirclement alone.

"We don't need to do that... Rem can scatter those beasts..."

Rem is skeptical about Subaru's so-called brilliant plan, doubting its very existence. More than that, she finds it hard to believe Subaru can break through the encirclement alone.

"We don't need to do that... Rem can scatter those beasts..."

Determined not to let Subaru take such a reckless risk, Rem channels all her strength into her body. But her limbs, hanging limply, refuse to obey her will. None of her body parts respond to her fighting spirit.

Her fingers tremble, her facial muscles barely move. She can't find her familiar weapon in her hands.

"My weapon..."

"I left that heavy thing behind! How do you expect a student with a dislocated arm to carry you and that thing?" Subaru clarifies.

With her weapon gone, Rem feels a profound sense of despair.

Without resistance, Rem is slowly handed over to her sister.

"Subaru-Kun… why do you…" Rem's voice faltered, she couldn't believe it, despite all the problems she caused, why would someone go so far.

"—Well," Subaru closes his eyes briefly, then smiles and raises a finger.

"You're my very first date. I can't abandon someone like that."

He gently pats Rem's hair with the hand that raised the finger.

Subaru then looks down at me in contemplation before asking Ram, "Can you hold both of them?"

Normally, there would have been no question about her capabilities, but with her carrying Rem and all pent up exhaustion, it was clear she'd already pushed herself too far.

"Save it," I grunted, blowing out a breath as I shifted my weight to stand. Holding my shoulder with my good hand, I straightened, though my knees wobbled from exhaustion. "I can walk on my own now."

Ram raised an eyebrow. "You could walk, and yet you let a maiden in distress carry you. How shameless."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, brushing off her jab. "Go now and regroup later. We'll buy you some time."

"Huh?"

The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, confusion flashed across everyone's face, including Subaru.

"You didn't really think I'd let you go on your own after all this, did you?" I said, forcing a grin despite the ache in my shoulder.

However, I felt someone tug on worn-out butler outfit. The pull was weak and the act was uncharacteristic of her, "Tanuki, I swear this isn't the time for..."

"What?" I cut her off, meeting her glare head-on. "All that talk about relying on each other? Well, here you go. Besides, I was saving my energy after you carried me for half a day. Now we're in this mess, we'll get ourselves out."

Ram carried me for half a day. When I passed out, my mana reserves were depleted but the fact that I was able to stand on my own feet, although I was trembling. That was enough of a testament that I managed to restore some of my mana.

Ram hesitated, her crimson eyes flickering with something rare—doubt.

"If this is about what happened between us, don't worry about it," I added, my voice softening. "No hard feelings. Just focus on your priority. And don't forget—we don't plan on dying today, do we?"

Subaru seemed to be the first one to accept my stubbornness and for a very obvious reason, only known to us, he smiled in forfeit, "Yup. I plan on dying at least at the age of eighty."

"Well then, I'm off. Take care of your sister."

"I'll be praying for our safe reunion."

After that brief exchange, we split into two groups. Ram turned right, and Subaru and I turned left.

The beasts hesitated for a moment, their twisted forms writhing as they debated which prey to chase—then immediately went after us on the left.

"Big Sister!" Rem cries out.

Ram's priority is clear—Rem over anyone else. So when Subaru proposed making himself a decoy to increase their survival chances, it was frustrating but she couldn't afford to show hesitation.

--

--

"So… you don't have a plan, do you?" I asked, my voice laced with dry skepticism as the ground beneath us trembled with the approaching horde.

"As if I could come up with something that convenient!" Subaru shot back, his breath ragged. "I only said that to calm Rem down. What about you? Didn't you mention a trump card earlier?"

"I did. Enough mana for one last, big spell. But heads up—I'm probably passing out afterward."

"Hah? What are you, a kamikaze pilot? Turn back! I'm not lugging your dead weight with one arm!"

"Too late for that." I glanced behind us. The beasts were gaining. "As you can see, we're kind of out of options."

I don't understand myself anymore. When did I become this stubborn? This reckless?

To lift my head and endure the pain to avoid making those sisters feel guilty—it's completely out of character for me.

Sharp pain and dull pain hit continuously, one after another.

And then, ahead of us, blocking our path again, was that same damned beast.

For the third time.

I didn't even bother counting anymore.

"You've gotta be kidding me..." I muttered.

The persistent little beast is so fixated on us, it's almost enough to make me question if it holds a grudge.

The persistent creature stood its ground, its beady eyes glinting with malice, as though it bore a personal vendetta against us.

"Can we make this the last time? Please?" Subaru groaned, rubbing his temple as if this was just another Tuesday.

The small beast growled, its wiry body trembling as it curled in on itself. Its muscles tensed, vibrating with an unnatural energy. Subaru's eyes narrowed.

"—!"

Without warning, the creature expanded.

In the blink of an eye, the tiny indoor-dog-sized creature swells into something so massive it could be called super colossal—a giant, oversized head replacing its earlier form.

"Oh, come on," Subaru muttered. "This is something straight out of a manga."

"That's… not how physics works," I hissed, staring in disbelief. "Where the hell did all that mass come from!?"

The beast roared, its deafening cry shaking the forest and sending birds scattering from the treetops.

The beast pounces, its back legs launching it as it stands on its hind legs. It claps its front claws together, showing off its razor-sharp talons that could flay flesh from bone with a single swipe.

"There's no reason I have to play along with this crap!" Subaru yelled, panic clear in his voice.

As far as Subaru remembers, the little beast—now a former puppy—never managed to bite him. There's no reason to risk the curse being broken by confronting it now.

But there was no choice. The sound of trampling feet behind us grew louder—more beasts closing in. A quick glance over my shoulder confirmed it: shadows swarmed through the trees, cutting off any chance of escape.

The encirclement was complete.

With our escape route blocked, the surrounding beasts silently forced us into confronting the giant beast.

The massive beast in front of us leered, its warped features twisting into a hideous grin.

"Hey, remember when I mentioned I had a trump card?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm brewing around us.

Subaru glanced at me, a flicker of hope in his eyes. "Yeah, and I said I've got one too."

"Good. I'm using mine now."

My breathing steadied as I drew on the last reserves of mana within me. "I've saved enough energy for a single spell. It won't kill that thing, but it'll buy you time to do something—anything. So, whatever your brilliant plan is, now's the time to make it work."

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, centering myself. I visualized the core of my being—just below my chest, where the currents of mana swirled like a restless tide. Focusing on that single point, I guided the energy downward, feeling it flow like molten fire into the palm of my hand.

Kneeling, I pressed my hand against the ground, the cool dirt grounding me as I shouted, "Huma...!"

For a moment, nothing happened.

Subaru raised an eyebrow, his skepticism cutting through the tension. "Huh? Nothing happ—"

Before he could finish, the ground beneath us began to tremble violently. His voice wavered, his body shaking with the earth itself. "A-Ahh! What the hell is—?!"

The tremor intensified as cracks spiderwebbed across the terrain, and even the monstrous Ulgarm seemed to sense something was wrong. Its massive body tensed before charging forward, its grotesque maw wide and salivating. Behind it, the smaller beasts leapt into the fray, their movements frenzied and desperate.

Then it happened.

From the earth erupted a series of towering ice pillars, each as thick as five Subarus tied together. The massive spires shot out at incredible speed, their surfaces gleaming with jagged edges. The giant beast had no time to react as the pillars ensnared it, locking its neck and limbs in place. One pillar even pierced its side, though not deep enough to deal a fatal blow.

The smaller beasts fared worse. Those caught in the spell's radius were obliterated on impact, their bodies crushed under the sheer force and velocity of the ice. Shards rained down around us, scattering like lethal debris, creating an unintentional barrier that separated us from the immobilized Ulgarm.

Now, it was one-on-one: Subaru versus the trapped monstrosity.

As the spell completed, a searing pain tore through my chest. I coughed violently, blood splattering onto the ground, and felt the warm trickle of it dripping from my nose. My vision blurred, but I could still make out Subaru, standing dazed in the aftermath.

His jaw hung slightly open as he stared at the colossal pillars that seemed almost otherworldly. "Isn't this… overdoing it a bit?"

Turning to me, his expression shifted from awe to confusion. "How in the world did you learn to do that?"

A valid question—and one I didn't have an answer for. I knew magic theory, sure, but knowing the basics and executing something of this scale were worlds apart. I shouldn't have been able to do this.

But I didn't have time to dwell on the impossibility. My body gave in, and I crumpled to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.

"You're teaching me how to do that later, okay?" Subaru grinned at me, his inner child alight with excitement despite the deadly stakes around us.

"Dude… that can wait for later," I muttered through gritted teeth, my hand shakily covering my bloody mouth and nose. I felt the edges of my consciousness fray, but I fought against it. "How about you focus on the big, mean-looking monster that still wants to kill us?"

Subaru's grin widened as he turned back to the Ulgarm. He reached into his pocket, fumbling past crushed candy and sticky residue until his fingers closed around something solid.

"You're definitely teaching me how to do that," he said, flashing one last glance over his shoulder. Then, gripping his broken half-sword in one hand, he pulled the object from his pocket and muttered, "Guess it's my turn now."

The giant beast growled, thrashing against the ice that held it, its claws scraping against the frozen spires in a desperate bid for freedom.

Subaru popped the round object into his mouth, his movements deliberate as he whispered,

—

"I'll trust in Puck...!"

He pops the item into his mouth and sends a heartfelt prayer to the little grey cat.

With the round object secured between his molars, he opens his eyes wide and stares ahead.

The distance between Subaru and the beast is nearly gone.

"—Shamak!!"

A dense black mist erupted from Subaru, spreading like a suffocating wave. It engulfed everything, consuming the battlefield in its inky darkness.

The last thing I saw was Subaru's silhouette disappearing into the void, his figure a blur as the shadows claimed him. And with that, my battered body finally gave in, surrendering to unconsciousness.

***************************************************************************************

When I awoke, the first thing I noticed was the ceiling. Familiar, wooden, and oddly comforting.

"Hah! Hah!" My breaths came in rapid, shallow bursts as my chest heaved, a surge of panic taking hold. Had I looped? My upper body lurched forward, only to be struck by a searing pain in my shoulder. Wincing, I glanced down to find my left arm immobilized in a medical sling.

"Hah…" My breaths slowed as relief washed over me. My ragged gasps settled into calm sighs. I didn't loop.

My pulse slowed as relief took hold. I allowed myself to sit in that moment, absorbing the simple fact that I had truly made it through this time.

When I finally tried to move, swinging my legs off the side of the bed, my body betrayed me. As soon as I put weight on my feet, they buckled, and I collapsed to the ground. For a brief moment, I lay there, but instead of cursing, I laughed—a short, breathy sound that caught even me by surprise. Shaking legs or not, I pushed myself up, leaning heavily on my right arm. My body protested every motion, but I refused to give in.

Step by step, I staggered toward the wall, each movement calculated and deliberate. I let myself rest against it, cool stone grounding me as I made my way slowly out of the room, one halting step at a time.

I approached a nearby window and peered out. The cool light of dawn painted the world in muted shades of gray and gold. "Third floor," I muttered, voice barely above a whisper. The height meant little compared to the sheer weight of the moment. For once, I wasn't running, wasn't fighting. I was alive. I continued limping down the hallway, dragging myself along the wall for support.

Then, a familiar voice cut through the quiet.

"Where do you think you're going, I wonder?"

The tone was unmistakable—clear dissatisfaction layered beneath a veneer of curiosity. I turned slowly, a grateful smile tugging at my lips. Relief swept through me, overtaking even the exhaustion.

"Hey, Betty."

"Don't 'Hey' Betty me!" Her tiny form bristled, arms crossed as she fixed me with a piercing glare. "Why are you out of bed in your condition, I suppose?"

I gave her my best sheepish grin, which only deepened her scowl. Before she could erupt into a full tirade, I hastily explained, "I'm sorry but you see, I just woke up and I had a Wee Wee. So, as a grown man, I'm trying to save some face by not doing it in the bed."

She blinked, clearly unimpressed. "What the hell is a wee wee?"

I gestured vaguely. "The bathroom."

Her expression shifted, a mix of irritation and reluctant understanding. With a sigh, she glanced toward one of the doors down the hall. Though she made no outward motion, I caught the subtle shift of mana in the air. She was helping me.

When her gaze flicked back to mine, I met it with a soft, sincere, "Thank you."

I limped toward the door she'd opened, every step a battle against the weakness in my legs. Once inside, I finished my business quickly and emerged to find Beatrice still waiting for me, arms crossed and looking more annoyed than ever.

"Can you tell me what happened next?" I asked.

Her tone was curt but informative. "After you blacked out casting that overtuned spell, that clown Roswaal exterminated the magical beasts in the forest. Your friend's curse was nullified. That's all."

I smiled. "I told you I'd make it back alive."

"Shut it! You only survived because of dumb luck, I suppose!" Her voice carried a huff, but I could see the subtle relief in her posture. She cared, even if she wouldn't admit it outright.

I leaned against the wall again, sliding down until I was seated. "Hah..." I exhaled, eyes drifting to the ceiling. My thoughts swirled, heavy with the weight of what I'd endured. I was so obsessed with stopping that alternative reality from happening, a reality in which I have spent numerous lifetimes imprisoned. Now, I had finally succeeded. Yet the victory felt almost surreal.

"What are you doing, sitting there like that, I suppose?"

"Ah, nothing... just lost in thought."

The silence stretched until hurried footsteps echoed down the hall. A flash of pink caught my eye as a figure approached, urgency written in her every motion. Ram. Her sharp gaze landed on me, and her expression darkened.

"What the hell are you doing here, Tanuki?"

Caught off guard, I stammered, "I woke up with a... uh, a wee wee?"

Ram's brow furrowed, confusion flashing across her face. Beatrice sighed and interjected. "He went to the bathroom."

The tension broke slightly, though Ram's disapproval remained evident. She stepped closer, smacking me lightly on the head.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"For sitting here like an idiot," she replied, her tone softer now. Then, unexpectedly, she added, "Ram is... grateful. For what you did. For saving Rem." Her words were laced with uncharacteristic vulnerability, catching me off guard.

I blinked, surprised. "You're welcome," I said quietly, my voice barely audible.

Instead of walking away or berating me further, Ram hesitated, her eyes distant as if waging some internal battle. Then, without a word, she lowered herself to the floor beside me, settling in a measured, graceful motion. She pulled her knees close to her chest, curling her hands around them, her usual sharp posture softening as she gazed ahead.

Her presence caught me off guard, and for a moment, I didn't know what to say. The silence stretched between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable. It felt... companionable.

I glanced at her, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Didn't expect you to sit with me." That was for multiple reasons, including the fact she was contradicting herself by calling me an idiot.

"Don't read into it," she said curtly, her voice lacking its usual bite. Her gaze remained fixed forward, her expression unreadable. "Ram simply needs a moment to think. That's all."

I chuckled softly, leaning back against the wall. "Fair enough."

A faint breeze drifted through the hallway, carrying the scent of morning dew. The world outside was quiet, the soft light of dawn filtering through the windows. Beside me, Ram remained still, her fingers lightly gripping the fabric of her uniform as she rested her chin on her knees.

Her gaze shifted away, and she rested her chin on her knees again. "What happened the night before... Tanuki put his life on the line for my younger sister. For that, Ram is truly grateful." Her voice faltered slightly at the end, as though the words themselves were unfamiliar on her tongue.

"Well, I'm touched by your words," I replied, scratching the back of my head awkwardly. "But in the end, we all helped each other. I was saved by you, by Beatrice, by Rem, by Subaru, and even by Roswaal as well."

She frowned, her lips pursing in disapproval. "Don't drop the honorifics. It's Roswaal-Sama," she corrected with her usual clipped tone.

I chuckled softly. "Haha, devoted as always... Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that we all helped each other, so there's no need to feel indebted."

A high-pitched scoff came from nearby. "You didn't help Betty in any way. In fact, Betty never needed your help," Beatrice interjected, her voice brimming with disdain.

Ignoring Beatrice's remark, I pressed on. "Just try talking to her."

"Huh?" Ram blinked, her brows furrowing slightly.

"You're worried about your relationship with Rem, aren't you? Even from an outsider's perspective, it feels like there's this wall between you two," I explained, my tone gentle but insistent. "Try to talk to her more often. Not just about work and chores—chat with her, do things together. Siblings should spend time together. I know it might sound insignificant, but trust me, I know now more than anyone how important it is."

Her fingers tightened slightly around her knees, her expression unreadable. "You are the older sister, so you should take the initiative in these things," I continued. "So you don't regret it later as time goes on."

Ram exhaled sharply and stood up, brushing nonexistent dust from her skirt. "Good grief," she muttered, her gaze flicking down at me with a mix of irritation and something softer, harder to place. "Never compare Tanuki and Barusu's idiotic relationship to Ram and Rem's sisterhood. We would never stoop that low." She adjusted her headband with a huff.

"Huh? What the heck are you talking about?" I protested, rising slightly to defend myself. "Me and Subaru are not related!"

"You're not?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her usual expressionless face carrying a rare hint of surprise.

"Why are you acting surprised? Like heck we are! I'm talking about my little sister back home!" I shot back, exasperated.

"Yes, yes," she said dismissively, her voice carrying a trace of amusement. "In any case, go rest so your arm can heal. There will be a ton of work waiting for you."

As I opened my mouth to protest her nonchalant attitude, something in her words caught my attention.

Wait... Did I just get my job back?

Before I could voice my thoughts further, Beatrice's voice cut in. "He's going to work at the forbidden library, in fact."

Both Ram and I turned to her, confused. "Huh?" we said in unison.

"What are you surprised about?" Beatrice asked, tilting her head smugly. "You made it back alive. It was the contract you made before you left for the forest, in fact."

Now that I recall, I jokingly applied for another job before I embarked on my suicidal mission. However, I wasn't expecting that I would be hired. It was like submitting your résumé for a position you were woefully underqualified for, only to be called back for an interview.

"But Beatrice-Sama," Ram began hesitantly, "since when did you need assistance in the library?"

"A contract is a contract," she replied matter-of-factly. "It can't be helped, I suppose."

I didn't know how to react to this new position. I don't even know how to rea... 

Or I actually did accidently learn how to write and read, and fluently at that. 

400 hundred years worth of loops was bound to erase my illiteracy. 

Ram, who had been observing the exchange, looked at me with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"Well," I said with a resigned smile, "I guess I got myself a promotion with less work."

"Less work?" Beatrice snickered, folding her arms. "If you think you're going to slack off, you're gravely mistaken, I suppose."

I couldn't help but smile as I caught her hiding a small grin as she started walking, she was surely enjoying acting like a boss.

"Oh, of course not, boss," I laughed as I called after her, slowly standing up and following behind.