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"Speech"'Thoughts'Time... Time is said to be mans greatest enemy. It is an unstoppable force that no man has ever overcome, its power unmatched.Time will forever last when everything else always has an end. Even the things made by the gods themselves.If such a power could be wielded, then only the gods could stop them..."Ooohh, this is where they really suck you in." A certain 15 year old raven haired boy whispered nonchalant.The young teenager exhaled a big sigh and left the 7/11 without buying any of the manga he sifted through.Subaru gazed across the stars, remembering the nights spent studying the constallations with his parents. He let out another loud sigh, which he seemed to be doing a lot lately.The boy slowly walked back home, contemplating just how much of a disappointment his parents must think he is.'If only I were better, smarter, faster, stonger and couragous, like my father... Maybe mom and dad would think better of me...'Subaru wasn't always like this. He was a bright and cheerful boy with high hopes and dreams... But as he got older, the more he realized how extremely average he was, whereas his father was exceptional in every aspect in Subaru's eyes. He would constantly live in his shadow.The teen cursed under his breath.'Dont be so hard on yourself mr sage!'Subaru spun on his heels violently as he heard the childish voice."Whose there!" he yelled.The raven haired boy spun around again, but what he saw was so shocking he fell right on his behind.He sat in a green lush forest. Luckily, when he fell, there was a nice soft patch of moss to embrace his buttocks."Wha... What the hell is going on!?" Subaru flinched the moment he yelled as he heard a blood curdeling roar that bellowed not far away.He quickly put his back to a tree and peeked around over his shoulders to see what made such a frightening sound.'What the actual hell was that? A bear? A lion? No, this is more of a tigers territory.'Subaru didn't have to wait long. Squinting his eyes, he could see brush and small trees being pushed over by the creature. It came into the opening and stood up from all fours.It resembled a bear, but it was at least 10 feet tall, with 5 deadly claws on each paw about a foot long.Its coat is midnight black, and it had a large blood red V shape that started from its forehead all the way to its mid back.Most noticeable of all is the red horn that jutted from its forehead.Subaru quickly hid behind the tree in terror while covering his mouth, trying to suppress his breath.But the bear had impeccable senses, and it quickly found the boy hiding.It looked like a mountain. Its red eyes were filled with nothing but the desire to kill the boy cowering bellow.Subaru couldn't move. His legs wouldn't listen to him. His knees shook uncontrollably. It raised its paw and brought it down to obliterate the puny human before it.Luckily, Subaru's knees gave out just as the bears paw was about to lob off his head, and instead, the beast shattered the tree behind him.The wood shrapnel hitting Subaru's face knocked him out of his frozen state, and he ran. He ran and ran as fast as he ever had before.The bear roared and chased after.'Think Subaru think! What are bears bad at!? What slows them down!?' Just then, he remembered watching National Geographic about bears.'They are bad at running downhill! Their loose mass prevents them from going quickly. otherwise, they will roll over!'The teen then frantically ran looking for a steep area where he could hopefully get away.The beast quickly caught up, but it still found it difficult to hit the boy as he weaved between the trees.Then, the worst and best possible scenario happened. Subaru tripped, but he went toppling over a steep hill and rolled over and over. Wincing and moaning as his body was beaten by gravity.Once he finally stopped rolling, the adrenaline allowed him to feel none of the pain. He didn't even check to see if his plan worked. He just kept running.After Subaru could run no more, he collapsed, and there was silence. No brush moving or footsteps. He lost the bear.Subaru checked himself over and was covered with minor cuts and bruises from going through brush and rolling down the hill."I need to find civilization... Wherever this is, it's most likely not earth... Perhaps... I'll rest for a bit." Subaru slumped to the ground with his back to a tree, still breathing heavily.Some time later, Subaru jolted awake. He had no idea how long he rested, but it is definitely darker out than before. He quickly got up, ignoring his aching muscles.He walked for no more than 20 feet and heard growling behind.Slowly turning around, he expected the bear, but alas, it was something worse.They resembled Doberman breed dogs, but much larger with red stripes in between their ribcage and a subtle sharp horn jutting from their noses and along their back.Subaru sprinted from the five demon dogs chasing him. The first thing that came to mind was climbing a tree, but he shook off the idea, realizing they would kill him before he even got the chance to get high enough.He could feel their breath on his heels as they tried to snap at his tendons. His lungs burned, begging him to be rested. But he had to move, or he would die.Subaru covered his face with his arms as he jumped through a brush patch, scratching open his track suit even more than it already was.Suddenly, Subaru came to an abrupt stop as he hit a tree that he didn't see in the now dark forest.He looked up in horror as he saw it was the bear chasing him earlier.'This is where I die... I didn't do a single good meaningful thing in my whole life, and this is how I die!? How pathetic I am... Mom, dad... I'm sorry for being a terrible son. I should have just told you what I was struggling with instead of stubbornly holding on to my pride to get through it by myself.' He thought while waiting for his death.But nothing came, he opened his eyes and everything around him was a dull blue color.'It's... Stopped? No, it's moving really slow! Subaru was shocked. All sound is muted except for a constant subtle swooshing.After a few seconds, the raven haired boy noticed he could also move but only as fast as the bear... Time has slowed.It was agonizing how slowly he moved as he watched his impending doom closing in inch by inch. His brain working in real time begged his body to get out from under the bear.Alas Subaru was not fast enough. Just as Subaru scooted out from his death, 4 of the bears sharp claws sheared the skin off the upper middle of his chest, leaving gaping wounds.The poor boy felt every moment of excruciating pain as the claws slowly ripped open his skin.Time then returned to normal, and Subaru hit his back against a tree as he scureed from underneath the bear.Luckily, the demon dogs chasing him just moments ago decided to switch targets, and all 4 sank their teeth in the bears thick hide.It roared and spun around in an attempt to fling off the dogs. Subaru didn't stick around to see which would win, but he hoped that they had killed each other.Subaru then heard flowing water. He rushed to it as a potential escape. The teen stopped at the edge. It had to have been a 50-foot drop."Damnit! The other side is too far to jump shit! He cursed, frustrated.The boy ran along the cliff, looking for a lower drop. His vision was starting to fade from the constant running. His body was not used to such a sudden need of endurance.It wasn't looking good. No matter how far he ran, the cliff stayed the same height as before.'If I land wrong or it's not deep enough, I could die or be injured and then die!'Subaru was knocked out of his thoughts as a demon dog shoved him off the cliff.He plummeted down, blood seeping from the wound on his chest. The boy slapped against the water, and everything went black.Meanwhile, a cloaked man watched him float down the slow-moving river, caught up to the wounded boy, and dove into the river to save him."I'm sorry... This is going to leave a scar. I'm not skilled enough to heal all of it." The cloaked man apologized to the unconscious Subaru as a blue light emanated from his hands.Subaru's wounds closed after a few minutes, and it indeed left some scarring. Making the man cringe.Taking off his hood, it was but a small boy. He struggled to lift Subaru in a bridal hold but managed to take him to the riverbank further down towards his carriage.----------------------------------Subaru gasped as he woke. Jolting up, he winced in pain as his muscles screamed at him.He sat in a small cot in a plain room with a wood floor wall and ceiling, a single window poured in the sun, lighting the room.Some bandages and different types of what looks to be medicines lay on a shabby wooden table in the corner."Where am I-" Subaru brought his hands to his temples as a painful headache throbbed for a few seconds as his memory returned to him."Ahh... It's not a dream... Fuck."Shortly after, the door creaked open, and a small boy no older than 12 held Subaru's arm, and blue light emanated from his other hand as he hovered it over multiple places on his body including his chest."Erm..""It looks like everything is okay now." The small boy said relieved."I'm Terrance. It's nice to meet you." Subaru shook his hand, still wondering how and what the hell that blue light was.Looking closer, Terrence was a little shorter than himself, sky blue eyes, and very blond hair. Clothed in something a peasant would wear."I'm Subaru, Natsuki Subaru... Are you the one who healed me? I mean, how long was I out. Must have been a while for it to be already closed up." Terrance looked at him as if he grew a third arm."Uhm no, I used healing magic. It's a commonly known magic, friend. And you just woke up this morning. Are you perhaps missing any memories or feeling abnormal?"'Magic? Then I really am in a fantasy world! This... This is my opportunity to be a new person, a hero!' Terrence waved his hand in front of Subaru's eyes and snapped him out of his grandiose thoughts."Sorry, I'm feeling fine. My muscles are just really sore from running from those... Things." He finished with a cringe."You mean the Mabeasts that chased you off the cliff? Thank the Od I found you. Otherwise, you would have certainly died."'Mabeast? That's what those demons are called, huh...'"Well, I'm extremely grateful to you, Terrence. Those damned things are really scary!"Terrence showed a smile of understanding."Going in that forest is practicly suicide. It's relatively safe by the cliff side. But you must have led them over. I was collecting herbs when I found you." Subaru nodded at his explanation."So where are we anyway?" He asked, glancing out the window.Terrence gave him a guilty look."I tried to take you to the next town, but I got stopped by my... Comrads... So we are at their camp right now. They are rough around the edges, but I hope you give them a chance." He explained, refusing to look him in the eye.Before Subaru could converse further, the door burst open."Shrimp! It's time for breakfast! Get your ass mo- Well well, looks like blacky finally woke up." The burly tan skinned man said as he grabbed Subaru's chin and lifted it up."You will make a fine sparring dummy. Don't worry, we will give you on the job training!" The bandit looking man roared in laughter after roughly releasing Subaru's chin.'Sparring dummy? Is this actually one of those villains I have to defeat?' He thought, glaring at his back."That's Lykon. He's 3rd in command here and is in charge of weapons and training the other members... I'm not sure what he means by sparring dummy, but I'll ask and see if I can make it a bit easier here for you."Terrance's worry did not go unnoticed. Lykon again yelled from the hallway for Terrence to make breakfast.The raven haired boy followed behind and saw many rooms in the long hallway which then lead to a open dining area with a large arena in the middle, where he could see 2 men duking it out with their bare fists. With Lykon and those waiting for breakfast watching closely.Terrence urged Subaru to take a seat in the corner and wait.The two fighters were brutal. No protective great, no gloves, no mercy.'Is this really training? I thought these guys were on the same team.'Subaru was then slapped upside the hide so hard he fell over the side of his chair."What the fuck dude!?" He yelled as he quickly was on his feet.The man he yelled at was huge. 7 feet, bald, scars everywhere, and one eye.Your typical bandit bastard.Subaru gulped at the giant, he grabbed Subaru by his arm and threw him in the middle of the arena where the two men were fighting.He slammed into one of them and toppled him over. The fighter quickly got to his feet and looked at the boy moaning on the floor in rage.Without a word, he picked up Subaru by the throat and lifted him with only one arm.Once again, just like yesterday, time slowed as Subaru saw the fist of the fighter slowly move towarfs his gut. But he could do nothing to avoid it.He could see the distortion the hit made on his bare abdomen and the pain that came with it.Once he took the hit, Subaru was dropped to the ground, and time returned to normal.'Again! Last time was not my imagination! Is this my power?' Subaru thought curled up on the ground.The 2nd fighter picked him up by both arms and made him face the man who hit him.The dining hall laughed and cheered as he was mercilessly beaten. But to Subaru, it was much different.Every time the bastard went in for a hit, right as he drew back his fist, time would slow. This caused Subaru to be disoriented from the constant shifting of time and the painful strikes.Lykon roared in laughter as he watched nearby."This is what a sparring dummy is, blacky! You can look forward to more of this every day!"Subaru knew he said something, but the constant slowing of time made it almost impossible to fully understand.'Why... Why is this happening to me!? I... I was supposed to be the hero! The main character! But... it looks like I won't change even with this second chance.' Tears streamed down Subaru's cheeks as he kept taking the blows.Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Terrence begging for Lykon to stop the fight."Alright, let him go!" He ordered waving his hand.Subaru was dropped to the ground in a heap, his body black and blue, blood running from his nose.Terrence rushed in and started healing him as fast as he could before Subaru died.The fighters lost interest and went elsewhere.Others in the room sneered at the boy for being so small and weak. But Subaru already knew that. And those thoughts hurt more than the beating he just received.Once again, he lost consciousness.--------------------------"I don't know this ceiling." Subaru muttered as he opened his eyes.He once again lay in the room he woke up in last time. Terrence wasn't there, but Subaru wasn't eager to go look for him.'Why... Why would Terrence bring me here if they were just going to treat me like shit? Did he not know? He's just a kid... Heh, what could I possibly expect from a naive kid.' He thought bitterly.Not long after, the kid in question entered the room and hugged Subaru in a tight embrace."I'm so sorry... If I had known this would happen, I would have just left you at the riverbed instead of trying to take you to a hospital."Some of the anger Subaru held towards the boy subsided as he heard his heartfelt apology."You and I need to escape this place. Do you know of a way?" He asked as Terrence stepped back from the embrace"I wouldn't recommend it. Anyone who has tried has been caught and burned to death or eaten by Mabeasts." Subaru looked at him in horror.'What kind of people - no, animals, are they!? Burn people alive?'"I'm the youngest son of the chief. I'm treated fairly well, but I'm discriminated against because I'm nothing like my father... I'm small and can't fight. But I'm useful because I can heal injuries, which happens a lot around here.""I don't think you understand... If I don't escape, I'll be trapped here as a... Sparring dummy. How am I supposed to live like that every day!?"Terrence broke eye contact and didn't reply for a while."Last year. I helped a boy my age escape... He got caught, and Father found out I helped him... He made me watch as Mabeasts ate him alive."Terrence lifted his shirt to reveal a burn scar in the shape of an X."I was branded with a execution mark. 2 more marks, and I will be immediately executed by fire..."Subaru's knuckles turned white as he balled his fists. Listening to Terrance's story caused a curdling rage to boil from within his soul.'What kind of world did I get transported to? It's not fair... How, what am I going to do!?' Subaru thought as he pulled on his hair in frustration.Tears streamed from Terrance's eyes as he thought of the painful memory."I'm sorry, Subaru... Even if I help, your chances are so slim that both you and me may be killed if the father is in a bad mood."Subaru contemplated this and let out a deep sigh."I'm sorry you went through that Terrence... I could only imagine... If I do escape this place, I'll be sure to tell the authorities about the atrocities that happen."Terrence turned around and faced the door."I wish you luck, Subaru, but I doubt you will get the chance as only trusted members are even allowed outside the compound. You would have to swear your loyalty. Ever since I helped my friend escape last year, I have been put on watch and can't even leave... I'm no more than a prisoner. You can use this room to sleep, whenever you need help I'll be there to heal you. But I recommend you climb up the ladder before you do something that will get you burned alive."Terrence closed the door behind him, leaving Subaru to contemplate his words of advice.---------------------------"Is that all ya got blacky!? Cmon! Get up, you little prick!" Rody taunted.Subaru winced back to his feet as the chiefs 2nd son beat the shit out of him.Unlike the fighters 3 days ago, Rody is a swordsman. He was playing a game he liked to call. "Hit the prick."Subaru tried his best to dodge the wooden sparring sword. Sometimes, he was able, but most times, he got hit by the straight sword.Subaru shouted out in pain and fell to his knees after his thigh was hit yet again."By the Od, how much can you suck at this!? Even little Terrence would do better!" He sneered.Rody pulled back his sword and landed a devastating blow to his chin, knocking him out cold.-----------------------"Behold gentlemen! The sinning heathen who couldn't even land a blow on my magnificent self! Why is he a sinner!? Because he is weak! Now I shall give divine punishment to this fool for being the weakling that he is!"Hydi was a flamboyant bastard who was much different from his 2 older brothers. He liked to wear expensive clothes in comparison to others who were typicly dirty.No one dared to offend him as he was the most sadistic of them all.Subaru was yet again in the middle of the dining room for their entertainment. He was chained to a pole with his back facing Hydi.Subaru's breath hitched when he heard the unique swhoosh of a whip.The sadistic man then mercilessly whipped the poor boy, ignoring his screams of pain.Every lash tore skin from his back. Terrence could only watch from the side as he saw his friend be beaten every day, only for it to continue the next day after he was healed.Terrence couldn't stand it anymore. He rushed towards his brother and begged him to stop.Hydi looked at him with disgust. He stopped lashing Subaru and punched Terrence right in the face.The young boy went skidding across the ground from the punch of his much stronger older brother.He then started whipping his brother instead. Terrence knew he was not favored by his father, so he dared not fight back against him.Subaru could hear Terrance whimpering. He wasn't being hit nearly as hard as he was. Probably because they were brothers.A few moments later, the giant double doors that led outside burst open. The chill night breeze frisked Subaru's wounded flesh.Heavy footsteps stepped close, and the room went quiet.The man was tall and muscular with animal fur clothing that kept his chest exposed.His expression is cold and emotionless. Not a hint of affection when he laid eyes on his sons.They both quickly walked closer and bowed respectfully."Greetings, Father." They said in unison.The father said nothing back. He raised his hand and slapped Hydi across the face. Causing him to drop his whip.He only looked down in shame as his father bore his disappointed look at him."That's for fighting your brother." He said in a deep authoritative tone.He then slapped Terence, who fell to his knees due to his smaller build."That's for being so damn weak."Terrence nodded."Sorry, father." They said in unison.The intimidating man turned to Subaru chained to the pole and had him removed from it."And who are you?" He asked in genuine curiosity.'This guy didn't even know I was here!? This whole time? I bet he will not care for my name by the way he treats his sons. What am I to him?'"I am... the sparring dummy. Also called blacky..." He replied with his head down in respect.Not that it was genuine but simply out of fear."Hmph, I see you know your place, boy. I apologize for my son's... Hobbies. I'm the chief. That's all you need to know for now. If you show your worth as a capable sparring dummy, then maybe I can promote you to a stable boy." Subaru grit his teeth as he hears everyone snicker at the comment."Thank you, I will try my best." He managed to reply in a shaky voice."Hydi! Terrence! Come with me." The two sons listened and followed obediently behind their father to do who knows what.Luckily, Lykon dismissed Subaru.'Fuck this shit! What did I ever do to deserve this!? To be a prisoner that's beaten and tortured every day just for their sick entertainment!? Haaah... Mom... Dad... I miss you. I've never believed in a god... But if you're out their, please help me...' Subaru lamented as he limped back to his quarters.----------------------------2 MONTHS LATER'Left hook, uppercut, liver jab, chin hook. A fighter and a raven haired boy could be seen sparring once more in the middle of the dining area. People cheering and booing all the same."What the hell man hit him!" A watcher yelled.'I'm fuckin tryin!' The opponent thought frustrated.After two months of beatings and torture, Subaru decided to fight against his fate and work in mastering his slow motion power.He didn't know exactly what it was or if it differed from normal magic as no one else seemed to notice.Even though Subaru slowed when he activated just like everyone else. His mind worked the same speed as it would in real time.'Spin kick.' Subaru thought as he bent his torso over backward, avoiding the kick and almost falling over."Stay still, you bastard! He yelled as he finally managed to land a hit.Instead of falling, Subaru staggered backward, which is an improvement. "That's enough!" Subaru snapped his head back as he heard the booming voice.It was a large man. He looked pretty similar to the chief but was still smaller in stature."Impressive boy. I am Kyte, Fathers first son." He introduced crossing his arms."It's an honor to be in your presence." Subaru said, holding in his heavy breathing and taking a deep bow."Enough with the bull shit. I know you hate every single one of us. And I would in your situation too."'He seems to be much more reasonable than the others.' Subaru thought avoiding eye contact so as not to disrespect him."Tell ya what. Take one punch from me. And I'll promote ya from from being sparring dummy." He offered.Subaru met his eyes that were filled with amusement."I would like to try." Subaru replied.Kyte nodded and pulled back his fist.'It's a feint.' Subaru noticedKyte went for a right hook, but instead of hitting, he used the momentum of his arm to spin on his left heel and deliver a devastating spin kick.But there was no contact. Subaru had simply jumped back and avoided."Why did you dodge?" Did I not say to take the hit!?" Subaru barely hid a smirk."That was a kick, sir."Kyte roared in laughter."Good! Good! At least you're clever. But, the deal has not been closed. This time, I'm gonna be serious." He finished in a dark tone.Subaru gulped and raised his arms to guard his face.The poor boy saw in slow motion as Kyte's fist plowed right through his arms and smashed him right in the face.Subaru went flying backward. Blood gushing from his nose, and mouth."Looks like you will be a dummy after all..." Kyte hissed as he wiped the blood off his fist.The men watching sneered at the boy on the floor.Kyte turned to leave, but."Wait. I'm not done yet."The large man was astonished that such a scrawny small boy wasn't knocked out cold from such a punch.Subaru spit out the blood in his mouth on the ground and wiped his nose, getting his forearm bloody."Terrence!" Kyte yelled.Terrence immediately came out from the kitchen and bowed respectfully in front of his brother."Heal him." Terrence obeyed his words and went to work."This young man is now recognized by me! Kyte, first son of the great Chief! Any who dare lay a hand from this day forward, shall insure my wrath." Suabaru looked at him incredulously as he was healed by Terrence."Soon, he will go through the trials to prove his loyalty and earn his privilege to serve the Chief outside these walls."Gasps and grunts could be heard shortly.The crowd was confused by his words. 'The first son favored a mere sparring dummy? What is this boy?'Kyte turned his attention back to Subaru, completely ignoring his brother."What is your name boy?""Subaru.""Hm, interesting name. We'll then, next week you will go through trials. Be prepared boy." Subaru nodded at his words.Kyte walked out of the room, the double doors leading outside were slammed shut and locked from the outside."Congratulations friend. You have finally earned your opportunity for freedom." Terrence said in a quiet voice."I'm not sure what these trials entail but I hope it's nothing too serious." Subaru said as Terrence finished up healing his face."The trials can differ... I'm not allowed to tell you what they could be but as my brother said... Be prepared."Subaru noticed his somber tone and anxiety started building up inside his already troubled mind.------------------------------The days after where much better. No one talked to him except Terrence.His food was much better compared to the slop he was given before as well."I was expecting everyone to be a suck up since I got the first sons favor, but I'm glad that they are avoiding me. Maybe they can feel guilt in their twisted minds." He said aloud to Terrence dining with him.His companion chuckled."I'm not sure. They are very afraid of all my brothers. And my brothers and I are afraid of Father. This is the sixth day Subaru. Tomorrow is the trial. I know you have a strong sense of justice and have a good conscience. But, no matter what it is, you must do it... Otherwise, you will be branded like me..." Subaru steeled himself at his words.------------------------1 DAY LATERSubaru stood in attention. Terrence graciously gave him a much needed white shirt that he had been missing for a long time as it would have been destroyed the next day anyway as a sparring dummy.The double doors opened in front of him as he stood in the middle of the dining area.Kyte walked in first as two of his men drug another man behind him. The man being drug was gagged and protesting incoherent words vigorously."Welcome, gentlemen! To the trials for our dear sparring dummy Subaru!" Kyte bellowed.Everyone in the large dining hall cheered at the mention of the trials. Subaru could see Terrance wince from afar.The gaged man was forced to kneel in front of Subaru."Do you have any idea the sins of this man Subaru?." He asked, smiling.Kyte's temperament is completely different from the last they spoke."Did he steal or something?" Subaru guessed."Yes! Not only did he steal, but he also deserted!" The man kneeling violently shook his head side to side with tears streaming down his eyes.He was promptly kicked in the face for doing so.He looked to be no more than a beggar with his clothes dirtied and ripped from being tossed around.Subaru was becoming skeptical weither Kyte was telling the truth.'Those tears... and his reactions seem to be too eradic. He looks to have no signs of guilt. Only fear.' Subaru observed.A real straight sword was handed to Subaru."The first trial. Is to purge this sinner from this earth." Kyte ordered darkly.The kneeling man screamed through the gag and was kicked again.'Kill him!? H-How does he expect me to do that!? I'm only 15! I... I can't.'Subaru then caught Terrance's pleading gaze from across the room as he knew what the outcome would be if he didn't kill the man.Subaru slowly approached the man. He was torn. Sure this man stole but he didn't deserve to die.The injustice. The savageness. His conscience tore apart his mind as tears begged to stream from his eyes from the very thought of killing this stranger.The two men with Kyte picked him up by his arms to make it easier for Subaru to run his sword through."That's it, Subaru... Run him through. Right in the heart." Kyte urged.Subaru wanted to release his grip and drop his sword but he remembered the horrors he went through this past two month as a sparring dummy.The beatings, the torture, the humiliation broke him free of his stupor.'Won't this man be killed anyway? Even if I don't do it, he's still a dead man... Right? It's not my fault... It's not my fault... It's not my fault.'Subaru let out a way cry and charged through the man. The blade made a sickening sound as it pierced his heart."I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Subaru whispered in his ear as the man's eyes lost its color.The crowd cheered so loud it was almost deafening. Terrence looked at Subaru with pity.The raven haired boy wanted to scream, kick, cry and wash the blood from his hands as he pulled the sword out of the man who was thrown on the floor.Subaru knew if he showed any emotional change there would be consequence."Throw this trash to the Mabeasts. And bring in the next trial..." Kyte ordered.The man was drug out. Shortly after a cart with various tools as well as a pot of smoldering hot coal with a red hot brand iron inside, was brought to the middle of the dining room near Subaru.A moment later another person was brought in but he was not gagged. Fear was clearly evident in his eyes."This man has refused to tell us where his belongings are! Including his wife and daughter. I saw this as a perfect opportunity to show us your dedication to the chief....Retrieve the information." He ordered waving towards the tools.'These are! He wants me to!?'"You want me to torture him...." Subaru said darkly."Tsk tsk, I hate the word torture. I prefer... persuasion." Kyte said sadisticly.Chains came down from the support beam above and the man was locked in. His feet barely touching the ground."Just kill me." The shackled man spat.Subaru flinched at his vehement response.Subaru set the sword down on the cart and contemplated what to do.'I have just killed someone and now I have to torture? If... If I do this then.' Subaru looked down in thought, his eyes shadowed."Well, go on... Persuade him. Kyte urged.Subaru looked from Kyte, to the prisoner and back to Kyte. "No."Kyte's smile fell from his face. He walked behind the chained man, drew his sword, and cut him clean through his right shoulder and out his left thigh.Blood spurt on Subarus face making him flinch and walk back into the cart."Two execution marks... Chain him up! Kyte ordered.The man cut in half way taken down and thrown out while Subaru took his place.Subaru's heart raced. He knew what would happen. A hot burning iron would etch an X in his skin."Hold him!" His two henchmen held him by the arms to stop his struggling.A wicked smile grew on Kyte's face."Terrence!" His brother quickly navigated through crowd and presented himself infront of his brother."Yes, brother." He bowed."Two execution marks..." He ordered, handing him the iron.Terrence was aghast."Brother. I-If you could pardon him this one time I'm sure he will learn from this."Kyte was not pleased with his response."Terrence... My cute little brother... If you do not do it, will you take his place?"Terrence was torn. Fear, and anxiety riddled his face as he looked back and forth between the two.Then Subaru had a moment of courage."Do it Terrence." Subaru said with a small smile."If you take my place you will die."Terrence nodded in understandment."Just make sure you put it in a place that will look cool for the lady's to swoon over, chick's dig scars." Subaru said with a smirk.Terrence chuckled bitterly."Only you could say that in this situation..." He replied lifting the red hot iron to his left ribcage cage, right below his pec.Subaru screamed in pain as the hot iron made contact with his skin.The smell and sound of it melting to form the mark was disgusting. But all Subaru could think of was the pain. The worst pain he had ever felt in his life."I'm sorry Subaru..." Terrence whispered, tears streaming down his cheeks.The iron went into the pot once more to heat back up for the second mark.Subaru panted with his eyes shut tightly in agony from the burn."D-Dont worry about it... Just get it over with." This made Kyte frown at their conversing."Shut up you two." He said slapping Terrence upside the head.Terrence put the second X mark underneath the first and Subaru once again screamed in pain.Once Terrence was done, Subaru had two X marks the size of a golf balls underneath his left pec, one below the other.Terrence went to heal him to ease the pain but Kyte slapped him away onto the ground."Foolish brother. What is the point of punishment if you heal him idiot." He said sneering at him."Ya know what little brother. For interfering in the punishment for this sparring dummy... You get another execution mark." He said grabbing the hot iron.Terrence backed away on the ground but Kyte pushed his chest down and ripped off his shirt.Subaru saw his only friend cry as this monster tortured him.'Unfair... Unjust... Violence... Death... Kill...'Subaru's thoughts were dark.The world moved in slow motion as his soul dropped into a deep ocean of despair and misery.'If only I was stronger! If only I was the one to be chosen! Why am I never chosen!? Am I forever going to be a loser!? My friend is about to be tortured and I can do nothing because I'm so weak! This world... I hate it... Why am I even here?...''Dont be so hard on yourself mr sage!'Kyte turned around as he heard the raven haired boy chuckle. Then it turned into full blow maniac laughter."Kill this fool." He said to his two servants, turning back around to face Terrance.Rustling of chains and frightened yelps from the onlookers fell upon Kyte's ears as Subaru's shackles turned to dust.One of the servants attacked with his large curved sword but Subaru slowed time. When he touched the blade with his hand, the metal sword turned to dust.The other Servant took a step back in suprise. Subaru took this opertunity to unsheath his straight sword and kill him, and then slash the throat of the other servant with a smile on his face.Subaru slowly turned around to face Kyte with a expression that only a mad man would have."Your dead kid..." was all Kyte said as he drew his sword.Subaru saw everything much more clearly than ever before in his slow world. He easily parried and deflected and even counter attacked.Kyte was pushed back."Who... Who are you?" He asked exasperated."I am your end!" Subaru said through his creepy smile.The two went at it again. Subaru hated this man and everyone else who wronged him. But he had this feeling... He was having... Fun.Suddenly a sword from behind tried to slash down on his right shoulder.Subaru threw his sword at Kyte making him deflect. He then turned half of the second attackers blade to ash, punched him in the chin, disarming his sword and stabbed him with it.By this time Kyte had recovered and almost slashed the teen through his back but Subaru pulled the half sword out in time and deflected the strike from behind his back.The deflect wasn't very strong so Kyte went in for a big over head attack. But Subaru was faster.Before the man could swing down Subaru got under his arms and stabbed him under his jaw. The sword blade clearly visible in his mouth. Kyte coughed blood on Subaru's face.The teen pushed in the half sword and pulled down, slashing his jugular in half, killing him.He fell backward, everyone watching gasped with their weapons drawn. Not wanting to interfere in the fight.Subaru roared and pounced on the first man he saw. They stood no chance for the unusually agile boy. He slashed stabbed and punched his way through every single member in the large dining hall.Once Subaru was out of his rage trance, he looked around the room. Tables were broken, bodies thrown and gashed open.Subaru was covered in blood, his shirt was torn beyond repair and his track suit paints had many cuts in it but was still usable.He also notice he was riddled with wounds, mostly small cuts and bruises that he barely managed to avoid due to fighting so many people at once.Looking around he saw Terrence laying on the floor.He sprinted and noticed he was wounded."Terrence! Terrance can you hear me!? We have to get out of here before the others come I need your help!" Subaru said leaning his friends upper body in his arms.Terrence said nothing. He reached out his hand and started healing Subaru's face."Don't blame yourself Subaru... T-This was bound to happen to me anyway. Thank you for being my friend this past couple months... In the next life, I hope we can be friends again..." Terrance's hand dropped from his friends face as life left his eyes.'I... I killed him! No... I didn't mean it! It wasn't me it was! It was... Me...' Subaru berated himself as he wept over his dead friend, holding him tight.He didn't have long to mourn as the double door to the outside burst open due to Lykon."We're under atta-? What the fu-!?" A sword stabbed Lykon through his chest before he could finish his sentence.Subaru looked over and saw an old man weilding twin blades in a butler uniform.He was stoic with white hair and had a beard.The man raised an eyebrow as he gazed the room and laid his eyes on the boy.Subaru watched him carefully as the old man approached."Is this your doing, lad?" He asked, sheathing his two straight swords."Yes." Subaru said simply as he cradled Terrence.The old man noticed the scars and wounds that lay on the boys skin and assumed he was a prisoner.'Absolute savages. Keeping a young boy and mistreating him. They deserved death.' The old man thought as he reached out his hand."I am Willhelm Van Astrea, may I ask your name lad?"Subaru looked at his hand skepticalay and decided to take his dead friend bridal style and walked away towards the double doors.Willhelm, pitying the boy, decided to do nothing to stop him from leaving to go outside.The compound was large. Huge wooden poles that were wittled into a spike on the top surrounded the building he was imprisoned in with watchtowers on all 4 corners.It was midday, and the sun shone bright. Quite the opposite of how Subaru felt right now. Considering he just killed his friend.The further he walked, the more bodies he found. Including the chief who was lying headless. It was a blood bath. They didn't stand a chance. There were strange cuts on some of the wooden walls. It was too clean for a blade to make. But Subaru wasn't too concerned about that."Halt!" Subaru slowly turned around with a hollow expression.A beautiful green haired girl his age in a military uniform stood before him. Usually, Subaru would be flustered, but he really didn't care for anything right now."Are you one of these savages? She demanded with a blade drawn."No." He replied, turning around, walking towards the exit.A sharp gushing of air went by his face and slammed into the wood barrier, making a deep cut."Do not take another step!" She yelled through gritted teeth."Lady Karsten, if I may. This lad seems to be a prisoner, grieving the loss of his friend." Willhelm explained."So? We were told to apprehend or kill everyone who resists!"Wilhelm gave her a warm expression."In this instance... I think we can make an exception." The green haired maiden nodded and walked infront of Subaru."My condolences for your friend. I am Duchess Crusch Karsten, would you perhaps be willing to answer some questions?"Subaru didn't even look at her."No." He said. And walked away.Crusch was flabbergasted, no one has ever said no to her like that.The mysterious boy raised his hand to the barrier and a portion turned to ash, allowing him to walk through into the forest down the hill.His mysterious power rubbed Crusch the wrong way."Are you sure it was wise to let him go, Willhelm?" He nodded."That lad is lost and needs to find himself. I am confident he will find his way... Afterall, everything inside the compound is his doing." He reasoned, pointing to the compound.Crusch nodded and continued on with their investigation.---------------------------Subaru sat cross-legged in front of a pile of rocks that sat above a tall cliff that was overhanging a waterfall."My friend... No, I don't deserve to call you my friend... I killed you. It's not fair. You should be here with me! Free from those bastards who tormented us! But I took it! I stole it from you! And I'm... I'm sorry."Subaru poured out his heart in front of Terrance's grave. He wept in anguish and guilt."When I came to this world... I thought I'd be the chosen one. The main character!.. But all I ended up being was a weak murderer... If only my parents could see what I've become! They would disown me!.. I don't even know who I am anymore! Who am I!? What am I!?"Subaru's thoughts now said aloud, hit him like a truck. What was he to do now? A murderer like him? He was just supposed to move on? He simply did not know."I hate this world!" He screamed in despair.Subaru finally fully broke down and wept like never before. A never ending stream of tears. And a guilt that would remain on his conscience till the day he died.-------------------------2 years laterA fancy carrage surrounded by guards are in a precarious situation. Their strongest fighters were injured by Mabeasts and now bandits have decided to take advantage and take the spoils.The guards were quickly dealt with as the bandits weren't completely incompetent, some even knew magic."Run Lady Penelope! Take the ground drag-GUH!" A bandit ran his sword through his back before he could finish his warning.Penelope was a blue haired red eyed beauty. She wore a yellow sun dress with a white hat and blue bow.She tried to run away from the carriage but was held by the arm from the bandit who killed her guard."Oooh, look what pretty lass I got here, boys! Looks like we will have some fun tonight, too!" He said with a perverted tone, knocking off her hat."No! Please! Anything but that! M-My father has money! I'd go for a high ransom, but you can't touch me if you hope to get any money!" She pleaded.The bandits looked at eachother and laughed."You think we care about that? We're gonna have our fun and then hold ya for ransom how about that!?" He said laughingThe girl tried squirming free but the bandit held her arm tight.That was until a spear ripped through the air and caved in his chest, pinning him to the carriage and killing him instantly.Penelope screamed in suprise and fear.The other bandits didn't have much time left to live either as a blur came from the forest not far away and beheaded the last 5 bandits with ease.Penelope put her hands to her mouth and shut her eyes closed, in hopes that everything would just go away.When she opened her eyes a figure stood above here huddled form.He was shadowed and muddy. He wore a Mabeast bear head hood and fur jacket and trousers.His arms were not in the jackets sleeves so they blew lazily in the wind.His spear was crude. It was made of bone and looked to have large claws attached at the front that currently impaled a bandit.He also adorned a necklace with different varieties of teeth, some even... human teeth."P-please don't kill me." She pleaded.The mysterious man ignored her and started looting the bandits pockets for money and other trinkets.Penelope built up some courage and approached the man looting the dead savages."U-Uhm... Thank you for saving me! I-I'm Penelope Shritin. From house Shritin. My father would be happy to reward you if you were to escort me back to my home...?" She offered but the man ignored her until he was done looting the bandits."I'm Subaru... And I kill bandits." He stated looking at the girl intensely, making her shrivel back a bit.Unbeknownst to both, a oddly dressed man that looked like a clown watched from the sky in amusement."It is tiiiime Subaru. I hope the book is riiight about you." He said aloud in an interesting accent.------------------------------------Subaru, now 17, sat by a night fire, eating his Mabeast steak. It was terrible. But it was better than starving.He remembered the first time he had eaten it. He had no choice, if he hadn't he would have starved to death.The moment it went down his stomach he had a grand mall seizure and hallucinations.After that didnt go well, he tried eating berries but they just made him vomit.It seemed like everything in that forest was out to kill him. Subaru forced himself to eat the meat. Every meal was excruciating and tortured.But eventually his body prevailed. He gained an immunity to it. He noticed over the last 2 years of eating the meat, he had become much stronger, and is able to move faster in his 'Time Zone' he calls it.He has maintained the ability to turn things to dust. Subaru was under the assumption that it fastforwarded the object he touched to a future so far that it turns to dust. However it unfortunately does not work on living organizims."You can come out now!" Subaru yelled, taking a large bite out of his steak using just his hands to hold it."My myyyyy. It seems I have been spoooted..." The man who came out was very... Weird."A clown? Are you here to kill me too?" Subaru growled lowering his meal onto the log he sat on.The clown put his hands up to his chest in surrender."Oh how couuuld I? After all, I am need of your serviiiiice." Subaru laughed bitterly."Oh yea? And what could I possibly offer a... Distinguished man like you?"He said sarcastically."Oohh my. It seems I forgot to intorduuuuce myself. I am Roswald L. Mathers, and I am in need of you Mr Subaru." He finished dropping the accent."You know who I am?..." Subaru said grabbing his spear."Well yeeees. I have been waaaatching you for quiet some tiiiime.Subaru glared at him."Enough beating around the bush! What do you want?" He hissed."I need you to protect someone of great importaaaance. I saaaaaw you escort that lady Penelope yesterday, and was quiet impreeeesed." He praised.Subaru put his head down, his bear head hood shadowing his eyes. The light of the fire flickered on the two men conversing."No." He said looking Roswald in his miss matched eyes.Roswald frowned and then let out a sigh with a smirk following."Look at how your living Subaru. No friends, no purpose, your only hobby is killing bandits and stealing their money. The food you eat is the same every day, not to mention I can't imagine how lonely it gets out here." Roswald said, his accent completely gone.Everything the clown said was one hundred percent accurate. Subaru was lonely, he was sick of the same food and activities everyday. He missed modern bathrooms and showers. He missed being a normal functional human being in society.Roswald let Subaru ponder these things, the clown knew he won him over once he jabbed the facts in his face."Fine... But don't expect me to be a frilly prick, its not my style." He said, accepting his offer.Roswald beamed a large smile."Why of course Subaruuuu. I wouldn't haaaaave it any other waaaayy. If you would, please folloooow me." He said walking away out of the woods.Subaru was expecting a carriage when they reached the road, but the clown suddenly grabbed him and put him over his shoulder and started flying!"What the fuuuuuck!" Subaru yelled in suprise.Roswald simply laughed flamboyantly.It was a short flight. Roswald descended too quickly for Subaru's liking but they finally touched the earth.Roswald put Subaru on the ground. His legs shaky, barely allowing him to walk.A huge manor stand before him."Weeeelcome to my home." Please follow me." He gestured to follow.Subaru listened and entered the manor. The difference in lighting made him squint until his eyes adjusted shortly after.A blue haired and pink haired maids stood bowing before himself and the clown."Welcome, Lord Roswald.""Welcome, honored Guest." They said both in perfect unison."Subaru, this is my two maaaaaids, Ram and Rem. They will look after your neeeeeeds and give you a tour of the manooooor." He said, waving as he walked away.The pink haired maid spoke up."Rem, I think the honored guest is having lewd thoughts of you." She said, holding her sister in a hug."Ram, I think I am going to be violated." She replied."I'm right here... Aren't you going to show me around?" Subaru reminded."Of course perverted guest." They bowed and urged him to follow.Subaru grit his teeth at their remarks but decided to hold himself back from berating them.The manor was giant. It took a good 20 minutes to show Subaru everything."This is your room honored guest." Rem said bowing.Subaru opened the door, but it was not his room, but a library. The smell of old books wafted into his nostrils, strongly calming him. A little girl in a pink dress with blond drill twin tails sat on a stool, reading a black book."How rude, I suppose." She said as Subaru walked in."This isn't my room, is it?" Subaru questioned sarcastically.The little girl looked underneath his bear head hood and noticed his hair."Black hair? Are you from Gusteko, in fact?""I assure you, I am not from... Gusteko, in fact." He teased.The girl flushed."What a oaf! Get out of Betty's libray I suppose!" She flicked her hand and an invisible force pushed him out the doors into the hallway, the doors shut shortly after.Subaru marched back over and opened the door only to find his own room."What?" He said flabbergasted."That's Ms Beatrice's door crossing magic. She can make any door connect into her library. I'm suprised you found it on your first try." Rem informed.Ram no longer accompanied her sister, leaving the two alone." Honored guest, please enjoy your stay..." She said with a passive-aggressive tone and a glare.Subaru raised an eyebrow at this but decided to just take a bath and go to bed.-----------------------Subaru is at staring himself in the mirror in the large bathroom, big enough to be a spa. His clothes lay on the ground. He traces the scars on his body, the execution marks on his left ribcage, the whip marks on his back, his black hair long and wild from not being cut for two years.It brought back memories he wanted buried. He was unrecognizable compared to his past self. He looked down in shame."What have I been doing all this time?" He said to himself."I'm not sure what you mean by that honored guest but I have come to wash your cloths. Here are some to use in the meantime." Ram said picking up his dirty clothes.Ram's expression fell as she saw Subaru's scars."It's not good for a woman to walk in on a man bathing. People will get the wrong idea." He joked.Ram rolled her eyes."You could only wish Barusu." She said, walking out of the bath."Barusu?"---------------------------Subaru, now being properly cleaned after such a long time. Felt like a new man. He was wandering around the mansion in his white pajamas. Soon he was outside the manor.He found himself drawn to these little lights floating in the air. It reminded him of fire flies.He walked to the gazebo where it was originating. What he found just about made his heart stop.Standing in the gazebo with her arms outstretched was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.Silver hair, amathyst eyes, elven ears and a wonderful smile. Little lights of different colors hovered around her head and hands, she looked like an angel.Suddenly some of the lights floated towards him. He tried to wave them away but they persisted."It seems the spirits like you." A bell like voice said.Subaru stared at her and looked away scratching his neck in embarrassment."Haah, sorry, I didn't mean to stare. I have just never seen anything like that before. So these things are... Spirits?" Subaru asked finally looking into her eyes.She nodded."Yes, I talk to them everyday. They are just so cute. Spirits have the purist of thoughts and say many loving affirmations." She informed."Subaru frowned. Heh, they probably wouldn't like talking to me then." He said with a weak smirk.The girl gave him a confused head tilt."I'm Subaru, Natsuki Subaru."The girl gave a small smile."I'm Emilia, just Emilia. You must be the guest Roswald told me of. He said you would be coming today."'The clown had just assumed I would come along? Conniving bastard.' He thought."Ah yes. I'm not sure exactly what I'm doing here but I guess I'm going to find out tomorrow... Erm, well... Good night." He said awkwardly leaving her quickly."Good night? She responded, wondering why he left so quickly.'Oh my god Subaru your so fucking awkward!'He didn't have much time to berate himself further as when he opened his bedroom door he was greeted to the loli and her library."Gah! It's you again, how do you keep getting past Betty's door crossing, I suppose!"Subaru simply shut the door and reopened it and it revealed his room.Just out of amusement he opened the door next to his room and saw the library again."This is impossible in fact! Stop this at once before Bet-" Subaru shut the door before she could finish.The moment Subaru's body hit the bed, it was pure bliss.'It feels like forever since I've been in a proper bed. Whatever happens tomorrow... I hope it has something to do with Emilia.' He finished his thoughts and drifted into a deep sleep, hoping his usual nightmares didn't ruin it.----------------------A/N : I am back everyone! After season 3 I have regained the the motivation to make another fiction.Been reading some other fics and just couldn't hold it in any longer! I was working on one in like 2022 but I lost interest because it was boring writing a OP character.Please leave a review! Let me know what ya think! Peace yall.

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Speech"'Thoughts'In a dark office, on a moon lit night. We see a tall man dressed as a clown with a pink haired maid sitting on his lap.A blue glow coming from Roswald's hand flowed into Ram's forehead."Soooo Ram. What do you thiiiink of our guuuuest?" Roswald inquired.Ram's face fell."He looks like an idiot, has no manners, is dirty, and smelly, but he also seems to be very cautious, always aware of his surroundings. I saw him in the bath as you instructed. His body was full of scars and even branding. I'm not sure if he can be trusted, but he has been through some things." She summarized."Hmmm, very well doooone, my dear Ram. You can wait for further instructions, for now you can retire for the night." Roswald said as Ram got off his lap."Yes, Lord Roswald, I wish you a good night." She bowed and retired for the night."Well, Subaruuuu. I hope we can get aloooong weeeeell." He smirked.-------------------------"I don't know this ceiling..." Subaru muttered as he sat up in bed."Sister, our guest is such a freeloader. How can he ever expect to reproduce with such a lazy demeanor." Ram said."Sister, I feel like his mere gaze will get me pregnant. I think we should leave." Rem replied.Subaru sighed."I don't have time for this. What do you want?" He asked, getting out of bed."Barusu, we were forced to wake you up. Breakfast is ready." Ram said.Both sisters bowed and left the room.Subaru sighed and went to wash his face in his bathroom. He looked in the mirror and stepped back in horror.His face was covered in blood. But then, a moment later, it was gone.'What the fuck was that!? Thats... Never happen before.' He thought, worried of his mental health.He washed his face and looked down at his hands. Only to see a steady stream of blood going down the sink as the water rinsed it from his hands.Yet a moment later, it was back to normal. Subaru felt like he was going insane.'I hope this isn't a common ordeal,' he thought with a shaky breath.After walking through the hallways, he met everyone for breakfast and was greeted by Roswald."Good moooorning, Subaru. It's soooo nice to have you for breakfaaaaast. And you too, Beatrice. He said, motioning to a chair."Hmph, Betty didn't come here for you pervert, Betty only came to see Bubby, I suppose."Being called a pervert didn't seem to bother Roswald at all, at least on outward appearance.Just then, Emilia came and sat for breakfast."Good morning, everyone. Good morning, Subaru." She said curtly.Subaru sat down next to Beatrice."Yea, good morning, everyone." He said a bit flustered."Geh, it's the oaf, I suppose." Beatrice jabbed with a sour expression.A moment later, a gray cat flew out from under Emilia's hair."Bubby!" Beatrice yelled, taking the flying cat into her arms.'Talk about a complete change of attitude.' Subaru thought."Good morning, Betty!" He said in a bright and cheerful voice."A talking and flying cat?" Subaru said, raising a brow.Bubby then floated in front of the raven haired boy to Beatrice's dismay."I'll have you know I'm not a cat, I'm a the great spirit of fire, Puck. It's nice to meet ya!" Subaru shook his paw with his index and thumb awkwardly."I'm Subaru, I was kidnapped by Roswald against my will." Subaru said with a smirk.Roswald gave a chuckle."This is Beatrice. She can be grumpy sometimes, but she's really a sweet girl." Puck said, shrugging."Betty is only grumpy when people intrude her library, I suppose." She muttered underneath her breath.Subaru chuckled, making her growl at him."I'm sorry for intruding Betty, but it seems every time I open a door. Your library just happens to be there, I swear." Subaru defended with his arms raised to his chest."Grr... Only Bubby can call Betty Betty, I suppose." She said, taking Puck back into her arms."Okay. I'll call you Beatrice from now on... I suppose." He teased.Beatrice glared at him."Hmph!" She huffed, turning her head away.Roswald smirked at the exchange."Ooooh my, you two get along soooo well." He said, smiling."What can I say? I'm a people person?" Subaru said sarcastically.He noticed Emilia beaming at Subaru and Beatrice's conversing, making him look away.'Look at me... Enjoying the company of these kind people... Not that someone like me could possibly deserve it.' He berated internally, his expression becoming downcast.A moment later, breakfast was placed, and the two maids stood behind Roswald.The auroma of the omelet was incredible. The complete opposite of the horrendous Mabeast meat he had every day.He took a bite. The wonderful taste hit him so hard that he crushed his fork.Rem became tense at this action, and Roswald just smirked. Everyone else looked at him, wondering why he crushed it."Why did you do that, you smelly oaf?" Beatrice jabbed.Subarus long bangs hid his eyes as he hung his head."I'm sorry... It's been a long time since I've had something like this. Who made it?"Everyone was unsure if he liked it or not. By the way, he spoke."It was I honored guest. If there is something not to your liking, then I can make you something else." Rem offered.Subaru looked at her with a small smile."No, it's incredible. Thank you." Rem nodded, acknowledging Subaru's compliment.The raven haired boy opened his hand with the crushed fork, and right before their very eyes, they watched as it went back to the way it was previously. In pristine condition. Not even dirty.Beatrice looked intrigued for some reason."Wow! What kind of magic was that Subaru?" Emilia said with a sparkle in her eyes.Subaru sighed and took a few more bites of his food."It's hard to explain something that I myself don't really understand." He admitted.Emilia nodded and smiled softly, not pressing further."Betty should have figured an oaf like you couldn't explain something so simple, I suppose." Beatrice insulted.Subaru smiled softly at Beatrice."Beatrice... Are perhaps a Tsundere?" Beatrice looked at him incredulously."What does that even mean, in fact!" Subaru laughed at her reaction.After everyone finished the meal, the plates were cleared, and it turned into a more serious tone."Alright, Roswald, what did you need me for?" The clown smirked."I'm glaaaad you asked. I'm noooot sure if you're familiar with the couuuuntrys situation, but we are without a kiiiiiing.""Okay, so?" Subaru prodded.Ram glared at Subaru for being so rude to her master."The royal selection is very clooooose. Its purpose is to chooooose a new king. And dear Emilia, here is a candidaaaate." He explained.Subaru was shocked."Well, she certainly fits the description of a princess." Subaru expressed.Emilia shyly raised her hand."Uhm, what does that mean, Subaru... Is it because I'm a half elf?" She said downcast.'Damn, this is going to be embarrassing. How the fuck do you explain a compliment to someone without looking like a idiot?' Subaru thought."W-Well, where I'm from, a princess is a person of elegance, good manners, thoughtful and selfless, ready to give up her own lively hood for the well-being of her people. They are also known for their... Erm, beauty." He finished awkwardly.The more Subaru went on in his explanation, the redder Emilia got."Oh, Uhm... I see." She said shyly."Puck then flew out of Beatrice's arms and went to punch Subaru as a joke, but he simply turned his head and dodged."H-Hey! You're not supposed to dodge. And stop embarrassing my Lia!" He said, pouting."I'm sorry, but it's the truth." Puck gave Subaru a skeptical look but decided to let it go."Weeeeell Subaru, your task is to be Laaaady Emilia's Knight." Roswald said, waving his hand towards the elf.Subaru was internally cheering. Who wouldn't want to protect such a beautiful woman? Especially if it could develop into something more...Subaru was taken out of his stupor when Puck intensly looked into his eyes, floating just a few inches away."What are you thinking about? Subaru?" He said oddly, threatening.Subaru ignored him and looked to Roswald."Okay, but I have a condition."Roswald waved his hand to continue."I don't know how to read, and I would like a tutor." Roswald smirked at his rather easy condition."Very weeeell, Ram will help you with your studiiiiiies." Subaru shook his head."No, I want her to do it." He said, pointing to Beatrice."Wah!? At what makes you think Betty will agree?" She yelled. Making Subaru smirk."Because you're always in the library, so you're obviously going to be much more knowledgable than Ram. And I'm pretty sure she doesn't like me." Subaru explained."Although everything you said is correct, what makes you think Betty likes you either, I suppose."Subaru chuckled."Maybe not, but I'll grow on you." Beatrice huffed and turned her head."Beatrice, I'll give you extra time with Puck if you teach him." Emilia offered."Grrr, Fine! I suppose!" She yelled and stormed out of the dining room with Puck."There you have it, Subaruuuu. Please be patient with Betty. She can be difficult sometimes, alaaaaas, you are the one who chooooose her." He said, leaving the dining room, leaving him and Emilia alone."Erm, thank you, Emilia- I mean my lady!" He said, getting up from his seat and bowing.Emilia giggled."There's no need for that Subaru, I hope we get along well."-----------------------------------Subaru was walking through the hallways to go find Beatrice for his studies this evening."This one!" He yelled, flinging the door open, revealing the library.Beatrice was not amused."What do you want? I suppose." She said, looking into her black book."Hello Beatrice. I came to learn from the greatest teacher of all time!" Subaru yelled, pointing at her dramatically.Beatrice sighed."Flattery won't get you anywhere, I suppose." She said, getting off her stool and walking over to grab a scroll."Take this."Subaru took the scroll from Beatrice and saw unfamiliar symbols."That's the alphabet. This is a children's book meant for learning. Study them, Betty be here if you have question's, I suppose. Beatrice said, handing him the book and returning to her stool.Subaru sighed and sat on a nearby chair and looked at the book and alphabet side by side.Beatrice watched him study with interest. An annoying thought plagued her mind. Ut she decided to give in and grabbed a book from underneath the bookshelf to her left.She sat at her stool and flipped it open. Her eyes widened as words magicly formed on the pages.The time is nigh, choose.'-Beatrice's eyes filled with tears. She whimpered as she covered her face with the large book.'After all this time... Mother finally spoke. What does this mean? Why now? Is this oaf... That person?' Beatrice was knocked out of her thoughts when Subaru spoke."Beatrice, I'm confused about this part right here. What is it supposed to mean in this instance?" He asked, approaching her with the children's book.Beatrice sniffled and closed her black book."Bring it here, I suppose."-----------------------Roswald lifted his eyes from a mysterious black book as he heard a knock come from his office door."Come iiiiin."Rem stepped in and slowly approached."My my, whaaaat ever could you be here for Rem?" He asked with a hand, propping up his cheek.Rem had a stern expression."Lord Roswald. I have been meaning to tell you something about our guest." She said, bowing briefly."Hmmm, is that so. Please go ooooon, what is it?" Rem nodded and stood up straight."I think he is a Witch Cultist." Roswalds smirk fell to a scowl."Hooh. That's quite the accusation. What makes you say so?" He said, dropping the accent.This made Rem a bit uneasy."He reeks of the Witch, stronger than I have ever smelt before." She claims."Hmm, I'm glad you are so concerned for the well-being of everyone in this manor. However, I have been watching Young Subaru for almost two years, and he has had no contact with such a wicked cult." Roswald exclaimed.Rem was torn."But I have... I have to do something! He is a danger!" She yelled, immediately covering her mouth and bowing in apology.Roswald waved his hand."Don't wooooorry, dear Rem. I know you are looking out for everyoooone. I thank you for yooooour worry but it is noooot necessary."Rem nodded with grit teeth."If he is a threat, I will dispose of him... Stand down, Rem. I know of your hate for the Witch Cult, but remember which master you serve." He said darkly.Rem gulped and bowed to her master."Yes, Lord Roswal, good night.""Whyyyy yes, good night deeeeear Rem."-------------------------------"Sooooo Subaru, what do you think?" Roswald gestured to Subaru's new clothes."It's tight and uncomfortable. The haircut is nice, though." He grumbled.Subaru wore his new knight uniform. Black slacks, white suit jacket with black stitching on the chest and colar, a black shirt, black dress shoes with white stitching, and a white belt with a black clasp.Very classy contrast uniform.Subaru undid his tie and gave it to Rem and undid his top button on his black dress shirt."Hmmm, I like it better withooooout the tie too." Roswald mentioned in a weird tone, making Subaru shudder."Yea... Okay, I'm going to get Emilia. Subaru said, fleeing the dressing room.Luckily, Emilia was close by."My lady!" Emilia turned around in suprise at being called that."Subaru. Is that your uniform? It looks very nice." She said, walking closer.Subaru was flustered by the compliment."Heh, you can thank Rem for that. She's the one who put it together."He replied, rubbing his neck."It doesn't look bad, I suppose." Beatrice said from behind.A large smile spread on Subaru's face at seeing his tutor."Thank you, Beatrice. You look impeccable today as well." Beatrice turned her head."H-Hmph, shut up, you sleaze bag. No one wants to hear your flattery, in fact." Subaru sunk to his knees dramatically, as if he had just been shot in the heart."Words hurt ya know... Guh! Only a hug from Beatrice could heal me."Emilia giggled at the exchange."Enough theatrics, when are you coming by the library to study?"Subaru pondered."The same time as usual, I guess." He replied, getting back to his feet."You can come by more often... To study, of course! You can move on to more complex books now. You're not completely incompetent, I suppose."Subaru saw right through her.'She's probably lonely when I'm not around... Well, why the hell not?' He thought."Okay, I'll come by after we are done with lunch." Beatrice nodded and walked back into her library.Emilia stared at Subaru in awe."W-What?""I-I'm sorry for staring. It's just... You're amazing. I've been here much longer and haven't been able to get close to Beatrice at all. Yet you've only been here a week, and she... I don't know what I'm saying anymore, I guess you two have good chemistry." She admitted.Subaru smiled softly."What can I say? I guess I'm just so good it's incomprehensible!" Subaru said with a hand to his forehead."Subaru... You're such a dunderhead.""My lady.... No one says dunderhead anymore." He teased.Puck then floated out of his crystal."Emilia is right, Subaru. I've seen many people come and see Betty, but not once has she opened up... Subaru... If Betty asks if you're 'that person'... Say yes." Puck looked at him seriously.Subaru nodded."Okay, I don't exactly understand what you mean by that, but I'll take your advice, Puck." The great spirit nodded with a smile and went back into the crystal.----------------------------1 week later"I need to what?" Subaru asked the clown."One caaaaannot simply become a knight. You legally have to pass the exam. Being thaaaaat your mostly illiterate, I wiiiiill enroll you in ooooone month." Roswald explained."Damn, it looks like I don't have a choice. What can I expect to be taught?""Weeeell, I've never looked too deep in that area of curriculum, buuuut I assume you wiiiiiill have to learn about graaaace, discipline, and of course, combat pooooower." Roswald explained."Yea... All things I'm bad at, great."Roswald chuckled."I thiiiink you will do just fiiiiine Subaru. In the meantime, you said yooooou don't have much knowledge oooof your magic, perhaaaaps, you could work on that? He suggested.'What do you think I've been doing ever since I got here! Making it sound so easy...' Subaru thought, nodding, and Roswald departed.'Might as well get to learning then...'Subaru then chose a random door in the hallway to finish his evening studies with Beatrice.Beatrice put down her book and frowned."It's about time, Betty thought you were slacking off, I suppose." She jabbed."How could I possibly ignore my precious studies with my dear Beatrice!" Subaru said, spinning around like a fool.Beatrice looked down to the floor."Bettty..." She whispered."I'm sorry? What was that?" Subaru asked oblivious."I said you can call me Betty, in fact!"She yelled with her eyes shut.Subaru was taken aback."My god! I'm honored! Oh, Betty, how long I've been waiting for this moment!" He said, clutching his chest as if he were in a play.Beatrice grumbled."Just get your book, I suppose!" Subaru laughed at her reaction, and she flushed."Yes, yes, I'm getting it."Beatrice and Subaru then studied for a few hours. The raven haired boy asked questions, and Beatrice begrudgingly answered. But on the inside, she was glad someone was there.Subaru's head started bobbing as he studied. Eventually, his head fell, and he went into a deep sleep.Beatrice watched Subaru's peaceful face as he slept."Could you be that person?" Beatrice whispered.-------------------------Subaru gasped awake as yet another nightmare plagued his mind. He stood up, and the books he studied last night fell on the floor."You slept for an hour, I suppose." Beatrice said, flipping a page in a book.Subaru gave her a wry smile."Haah, sorry... I guess I'm just so comfortable here. I hope I didn't bother you, Beatri- Betty." Beatrice shook her head."All you did was sleep talk, I suppose.""Well, I guess I'll get back to my room and finish my sleep." Subaru chuckled nervously, quickly moving towards the door."Who is Terrence? You spoke that name very frequently, I suppose." She asked, putting down her book.Subaru froze at her question.'Fuck... I can't just tell her off. I want to keep myself on good standing with her... Should I tell the truth?' He pondered.Subaru lifted his hand from the nob and faced Beatrice."He is... A good friend..." He explained lamely.But Beatrice's curiosity was not satisfied."If he is such a good friend, then why is he not with you?"Subaru's expression became downcast, and his eyes moistened.He couldn't dare to look Beatrice in the eyes out of pure shame.Her question hit him like a truck."I... Wasn't a very good friend... I did something terrible, something that can't be undone... I wronged him, and I will never be forgiven. And I don't deserve to be forgiven either..." Subaru whispered."Betty thinks Subaru shouldn't be so hard on himself, I suppose." Subaru huffed at her words."Well, that is just not possible for me...Good night, Betty." He said, leaving the library.'Perhaps he is a deeper person than I thought.' Beatrice pondered, grabbing another book.---------------------------Subaru awoke, surprisingly quick, being he didn't get much sleep last night.Sitting on the side of his bed, he felt his hands slick with liquid. Looking down, they were covered in blood... Again.Every step he took made pools of blood in its wake. He went to wash off the red liquid, but it was never-ending.No matter how much he scrubbed, bloody water would rinse from his hands.Looking up, his face was covered as well. Getting frustrated, Subaru grits his teeth, shuts his eyes tight, and punches himself across the jaw, and everything turns to normal.'Finally... When will this stop? Will it ever?' He thought in frustrated.He dressed in uniform and decided to train a bit before breakfast.Subaru found understanding his time powers... Difficult. It seemed that the only way to 'unlock' new abilities was by near death experiences.Which he wasn't really too keen on doing.Subaru was walking by a nearby creek relatively close to the manor.He activated the time zone, everything turned a dull blue, and time slowed.'Okay, the only thing that makes me move faster in the time zone is literal physical strength... But that's only in my mind. It just means I'm able to move faster in real time, I'm not actually speeding up the time for myself only.'Subaru has been thinking of this concept for over a year now and has come to no success.He concentrated and meditated for hours in the time zone, whereas it had only been minutes in reality.Subaru grew more and more frustrated as he got mentally strained.Deactivating time zone, Subaru took out a really cool stone he found earlier and hurled it in frustration."God! This always goes nowhere no matter how hard I try! I liked that stone too, fuck!" He yelled, regretting throwing it.Subaru started walking back. He tried to ball his fist but noticed something was in his palm.He opened his right hand and saw the very same stone he threw just moments ago.'What!? How did thi-' Subaru's expression change to one of joy as he finally got an idea.'Now that I think about it. I can fast forward the time on things that I've touched. I clearly threw this stone away, and yet, here it is in my hand again!'Subaru threw the stone high in the air and watched closely. As it came closer, he thought of wanting the stone in his hand.Right in front of his eyes, the stone disappeared, and he looked to his hand and found it once more.Subaru did this a few more times to make sure it was reliable. Luckily, it worked every time.'Time rewind? No, I can only do that to an object I've manipulated... Not to mention, if it was rewound, then the stone would come back to me in the arch that it was thrown. But it clearly just disappeared and reappeared in my hand instantly.'Subaru pondered for a bit longer for theories.'If it only works on something I touch. That means only the object itself is manipulated by time. If it's disappearing and not rewinding... That means I'm bringing back the object I touch to a certain point of time... Fuck this is confusing!' Subaru cursed at his low intelligence.Subaru tried to prove another theory...He thought of the moment the stone was falling towards the ground before he put it back into his hand.The stone disappeared and fell from the sky above, just like before."This is something else..." Subaru whispered.The stone hit the ground with a thud.Subaru summoned the stone into his hand once more and walked one hundred or so feet away and sent the stone to the time it was dropping from the sky.Surprisingly, the stone dropped right in front of him instead of where it was thrown earlier.'This is good... That means that I am the center of my ability. So whatever happens in the nearby area, is going to be based on not where I was at that time, but where I am at, at any given point of time." Subaru concluded.'Hot damn this is a lot to take in... I should tell this to Betty! I bet she would like to hear it.' Subaru thought excited.-----------------------"This is stupid, I suppose." Beatrice muttered as she stood in the front yard with Subaru."Aww, cmon Betty! I promise you're gonna like this." He urged, handing her a note and pencil."What is this for?" She asked skeptical of what Subaru was up to.The raven haired boy smiled at her."Well, Betty, as you can see, that note has nothing written on it! I want you to write something on it, and then hand it back to me!"She grumbled but did as he said. Subaru struggled to read the note."Tha- no. This...? Is stupid... Okay, well, it's better than not participating at all!" He said, writing something else down.Beatrice looked at him like he was an animal chasing after his own tail."I'm still not very good at spelling, so I'm just going to draw a smiley face.""Okay? And how is this supposed to impress Betty? I suppose." She said, clearly losing interest."Aha! Now, here is the cool part. Watch the note in my hand." She begrudgingly obliged and stared at the note.The note suddenly disappeared. Beatrice's eyes widened, and she looked up at Subaru, who was beaming a smile down at her."Betty didn't sense any magic activate. How did you do that?" She asked, curiosity clearly written on her face.Beatrice heard paper crunching when she clenched her fist. Looking at her palm, the note was back in her hand!Beatrice was now bewildered.'Not in all my existence have I seen something like this... No magic activation whatsoever. It just... Disappeared.' She pondered."Betty needs to know how this happened, in fact! She demanded.Beatrice got more irritated at the smug Subaru, who was able to stump her."Take a closer look at the note in your hand." Beatrice listened to Subaru and took a closer look."The face you drew is gone, I suppose." She whispered.Beatrice thought long and hard as to how Subaru did such a thing."Grrr, this is agitating Betty! Just tell Betty how you did that, I suppose! She yelled, stomping her foot.Subaru laughed at her antics."Well, I don't know how I did it, I just... Did.""Then why did you show this to Betty!?" She screamed, annoyed."Well, I was hoping you would know... The only thing I can think of is controlling time. Think about it. I clearly drew on the note, and then I turned back 'time' on the note. And the note appeared in your hand, the face was gone, because I hadn't written on it yet." Subaru explained.Beatrice put a hand to her chin in thought."For being such an oaf, that's a pretty good theory... However, Betty doesn't know of any magic that can bend time. It is impossible, I suppose."Subaru hummed in thought."Is there any other kind of power that has such an ability? If it's not magic, then what?" Beatrices' eyes widened in realization."Betty knows of only one thing... Authorities, I suppose." Subaru was confused at her response."I'm sorry, Betty, but I don't know what that is..." He said, kneeling down to her level."An Authority is a power that chooses its vessel. There are no known records of authorities having a preference in hosts, so it's plausible that you have one. Especially since you reek of the Witch, I suppose." She explained, pinching her nose."I'm sorry, Betty, but I'm not from around here, and I have no idea what those things mean."Beatrice rolled her eyes at his lack of understanding."Were you born under a rock? The Witches are common knowledge, I suppose."Before Subaru and Beatrice could continue their discussion, they were interrupted by Puck and Emilia."Hey Betty." Puck waved."Bubby!" Beatrice yelled, taking him into a hug."Good morning, Subaru." Emilia greeted with a small smile."Ahh, greetings your majesty, to what do I owe the honor of being in your presence?" He joked, making Emilia pout."How long are you going to tease me with those lines of yours, Subaru?"The raven haired boy chuckled at her dismay."Until it's not funny anymore!" Subaru said, eliciting Emilia to roll her eyes.The lady and knight to be have bonded well over the past couple of weeks. They could even see each other as friends, which Emilia still found too good to be true, given her appearance."Roswald told me you are going to the Royal Knight Academy for training... Are you sure about being... My Knight?" She asked downcast.Subaru gave her a soft smile."Emilia, you know I dont care about that. Besides, I have been wasting away my life for the past two years... It's time I go out and be a member of society again." He reassured.Emilia grew a look of concern for Subaru.Sure, she knew he was a wonderful person, but he occasionally mentioned the past two years of his life, like it was shameful. Yet, he never speaks anything of it further."Maybe you could tell me about it sometime..." She said, grabbing his hand in an attempt to comfort him, as he did for her.But once again, he pushed away.He chuckled nervously, pulling his hand away."I might... Someday." He said with melancholy.Emilia, a bit dejected, smiled and nodded at his answer."I just wanted to let you know breakfast is ready." She said, then proceeded to the dining area, with Beatrice and Puck in tow.Subaru frowned and did some self reflecting.'You're a joke, Subaru... Look at you... Deep down, you wanted the comfort of a beautiful girl, but you don't deserve it... You willing killed people. Including the first friend you made in this world.. You're just a murderer who chose to continue on that bloody path... Because you hated this world... I didn't even try to see what else it had to offer. You dont deserve comfort or validation. You dont deserve any of this...'---------------------------------"Alright, Betty... Let me get this straight... You are thinking I have the same power that some evil cult uses? And that the scent I give off allows others to know about it? Wouldn't that make me an enemy of anyone who knows of the cult!?" Subaru questioned, worried."Calm down, you oaf. It is very rare for someone to smell the witch. Only those who have had extensive contact, Archbishops, or the Witches themselves. The chances of you coming into contact with those who can track the stench are very slim. Betty thinks there is nothing to worry about, I suppose." She reassured. Causing Subaru to sigh in relief."Hurry up and return to your studies, the knight academy entrance exam is approaching, and you don't want to embarras Betty. If you fail, don't tell anyone I tutored you. It won't be Betty's fault but rather an incompetent student, I suppose." She insulted.Subaru grasped his heart and gasped dramatically."Gah! Your words are both motivating and hurtful! Thank you for your guidance." Beatrice grew agitated at Subaru's response."Just read your books, I suppose!" She yelled and started aggressively reading a book herself.As the hours passed, the only things that transpired were the turning of pages, and Subaru asked Beatrice a few questions.The great Spirit would glance at the boy concentrating occasionally.'Why would mother ask me to choose? That is not what I was told would happen...'"Subaru." She said, getting the attention of the boy."Betty is not a human... Betty is a great spirit." She said randomly.Subaru nodded and smiled."I know, Puck and Emilia told me. Great spirit of yin, right?" Beatrice nodded, affirming Subaru's inquiry.There was a long awkward silence, Subaru was about to go back to his books but was interrupted."Betty has been here a long time... Mother told her to wait, in fact." She finished."Ah, I see." Subaru replied.Subaru waited for Beatric to continue, but she went back to her black book she held.Subaru looked at the time and decided he would head to bed."Well, my brain is done for the day... Unfortunately, I'm extremely average in everything I do, so I have to try extra hard, but my brain can't handle it all, unfortunately." He said, grabbing the door handle."Betty believes that Subaru can learn to read before the knight entrance exam. Especially when you cheat using your Authority, I suppose." She chastised.Subaru let go of the nob and rubbed his neck."Ah, you noticed... Yes, I have been using the 'time zone' I told you about to study for days in a matter of hours." He admitted."No wonder your brain is fried... Betty thinks you should take a break tomorrow, I suppose. Subaru nodded at her suggestion."Alright, I'll take you up on that. I'll work on my Authority - Er, magic... I mean." He corrected himself.Beatrice told him explicitly not to tell anyone of his authority. Which being that a crazy cult typical uses them makes sense."Good night, Betty." He whispered, leaving the library.Beatrice stared as the door shut off Subaru from view."Could you really be that person? I wonder." She said to herself, clutching her black book.----------------------As Subaru walked towards his room, Rem gave him a cold glare as she passed, which confused him.'The hell is her problem? She's been like that pretty much since I got here...' He thought, glancing at her over his shoulder."Aaaaah, Subaru. Maaaay I ask how things are goooooing?" A certain jester asked as Subaru walked to his room.Roswald always gave him the creeps, but he is also grateful to him for the opportunity to get out of his old lifestyle that consisted of eating bad food and killing bandits."It's going well, Beatrice told me to take the day off tomorrow. I'll probably just work on my magic, though." He replied, shrugging."Hmm, I seeee, you could visit Arlem village tomorroooow? Rem has to go get supplies. Perhaaaaps you can heeeelp her?" He suggested with his usual smirk."Guh... I don't think she likes me very much. At least Ram is honest about it, but I can tell I rub Rem The wrong way." Roswald's smirk fell into a frown at Subaru's reply."Hmm, is that so? Well, as Lord of this manor, I shooooould look intoooo this. Good night, dear Subaruuuu."He wished, walking away with a wave.----------------------"What's wrong, Lia?" The great spirit asked, braiding his adopted daughters hair.Watching from her window, she was mesmerized by her Knight to be, who was throwing stones around."What's so special that he's doing? Looks like he's just... throwing rocks?" Puck questioned, unimpressed."Not just that, Puck. If you notice it's the same stone, but somehow, it always appears back in his hand. Like a magic trick." Puck looked closer and still wasn't too impressed."Meh, a trick is a trick. How is throwing a rock supposed to protect my Lia?" He replied, finishing her hair.Emilia stood up, still watching closely."Well, I think he's a good person and... My friend... That's all that matters to me." She said with a soft smile.Puck looked down at Subaru skepticaly."As long as he doesn't try and get too close to you, then I guess I don't have a problem with him." He said like a protective father would.Emilia tilted her head slightly in confusion."I dont get what you mean, Puck? Subaru is close to me almost every day." Puck sighed at her naivevity of human relations."Never mind, let's go down for breakfast." He surrendered.----------------Subaru was deep in thought as he walked beside Rem to Arlem village.'Shit... Hah, I can't keep using a stone... I hate to ask for a favor from the clown, but I need to get a weapon. Roswald should have one, right?..'The silence was suffocating. He could practically feel the icy cold feelings she expressed towards him."Sooo... How long did you have you been working for Roswald?" He asked, attempting to fill the silence."Since Rem and sissy were children." She replied with nothing more to say."Ah, I see. Are your relatives in Arlem village?" He questioned, eliciting a side glare from the blue maid."No, their dead. The Witch Cult attacked our village, and our people were wiped out... Something I'm sure you're familiar with." She said passive-aggressive.Subaru was shocked by this revelation. He decided to share information that he never had with anyone else to get common ground."I'm sorry to hear that... My relatives are also in a far away place that can not be reached." He said vaguely.Rem was a bit confused at the way he mentioned his relatives, making it hard to tell if they were dead or not."Rem thinks you can go back... Now..." She said darkly, stopping in her tracks."But I haven't helped you wi-""Why should anyone feel sorry for someone like you!? You're a despicable piece of trash! You're a Witch Cultist who only brings death and sadness wherever you go!.. If it were up to me, you would be dead long before now. Be thankful, Lord Roswald is so generous to invite the likes of you into his home!" She seethed.The rage and hatred in her eyes were absolute. It was frightening."I dont know why you think that, but I vehemently disagree with you about being a Witch Cultist... Beatrice told me about what they do, and I can't fathom it..." He said firmly.Rem was about to mouth off again, but Subaru spoke first."But me being a despicable piece of trash... Yea, you're right. I don't have the right to deny that... But I'm glad I know why you're so icy towards me."He replied with a downcast expression.Rem glared at him as Subaru walked away back to the Manor, about a five minute walk away. She clearly hated him, and she couldn't even stand to be around him for five or so minutes.Subaru hung his head as he thought about the life he led before living in Roswald's manor.'Haah... What a sad state of affairs. I guess I'll go see Beatrice and cheer myself up.' He thought with a bittersweet smile.Entering the manor, he was greeted by Ram."Barusu, I thought you were going to Arlam with sister? I suppose someone of your nature would leave poor Rem to do the work all by herself. " She jabbed with a judgemental look.Subaru rolled his eyes."Hah, that's rich coming from the laziest maid I've ever met... She told me to go back. Your sister doesn't like me very much." Ram raised a brow at Subaru's response."I don't think many people do Barusu." She insulted, causing Subaru to chuckle"I'm going to see Beatrice..." He said, walking up to a random door, flinging it open."And here!" He yelled, suprising the great spirit.She yelped in suprise."Betty told you not to do that, in fact! " She chastised.Subaru smiled fondly."I'm sorry, Betty! I can't help myself when I get such a cute reaction!" He said, making Beatrice flush."Grr, just close the door, I suppose." She replied, giving up."Betty said to take the day off, I suppose." Subaru nodded in affirmation and sat in his usual chair to the right of the library door."Rem called me a Witch Cultist about 10 minutes ago..." Beatrice raised a brow at this information."She must he able to smell the Witches scent... How unfortunate." She replied simply."What do you mean 'how unfortunate!?' What do you think I should do? He replied with a bit of heat."The perverted clown won't let anything happen to you. You are the half elf's knight. If she were to try anything, it would likely mean banishment or possibly death. Being a candidate's knight makes you a pretty important person, I suppose." She replied, still reading her book.'I didn't know it was that big of a deal... Me? An important person? Hah, only my twelve year old self would think that way.' He thought bitterly."Wow, no pressure." He joked.Beatrice didn't respond."...Do you mind if I stay here for a while, Betty?" He asked in a voice that one could tell, held back emotions, begging to be let free."Betty doesn't mind as long as you study, I suppose."The raven haired boy nodded and grabbed his study material he left on the floor next to his chair.Subaru focused hard.'I guess the pressure is on now... I have to take this more seriously if I can even hope to be useful to Emilia, or anyone for that matter... I have to be better, smarter, be... Not me.'Subaru was hunched over his book and noticed a single tear soak into the page.He quickly took a hand and wiped the remaining tears that dared escape in order to hide it from Beatrice.'What kind of knight would I be if I cried in front of a little girl?' He chastised internally.However, Beatrice happened to glance at him when this happened, as she did many times. Subaru just has never noticed it."Is Betty's student having troubles with something?" She asked casually.Subaru flinched a little, now certain she noticed his minor crack."No... I'm fine." Beatrice didn't look convinced but went back to her book.A silence fell for a few moments."Why do you push yourself so hard, I wonder?" She said, still gazing at the words her book informed."...To be useful, I guess." He too replied without lifting his eyes from his studies."In Betty's experience, sometimes to be useful, you first have to slow down and think carefully about what you're doing. Betty's student is throwing himself into studies he can not comprehend because his mind is already full of other things, I suppose." She suggested."You're right... Haah... If only I was as smart and amazing as you, Betty!" He replied, putting away his studies and stretching.Beatrice sighed."You won't get better grades from flattery, I suppose." She retorted, making Subaru smirk.The raven haired boy gave her an expression that held clear fondness."I think I'll head to bed early today. Good night, Betty." He said, leaving the library and shutting the door."Good night, Subaru..."--------------'My god, I'm hungry.' Subaru thought as he headed down to the kitchen to find a snack, the marble floor cold on his feet.He was starting to think skipping supper was a mistake.Luckily, the moon was quite bright, and Subaru was able to spot some bread."Better than nothing... If Rem made it, then it's going to be good." He said to himself.In the blink of an eye, the bread was thrown out of his hands, and an unknown attacker attempted to stab him in the eye with a large knife.The attacker was strong. Strong enough to match Subaru's unnatural strength.He held the left forearm of the attacker with his right hand.The moonlight then showed the attackers face.Subaru looked in horror as Terrance stared at him with hate, his eye sockets empty with blood dripping from the empty holes.A bright red light then shone from Terrance's open mouth and eye sockets.Subarus eyesight went white, and the horror was gone.He then noticed it was not an attacker that almost killed him. But he himself holding a kitchen knife just centimeters from his eye, his right hand gripping his left forearm tightly.Subaru slowly set the knife back on the table and stumbled back into the counter near the kitchen sink. Slumping his back down while covering his face with his hands.'Did... Did I seriously almost die!? And by my own hand at that? I... I almost killed myself! What the fuck is going on!' He thought, almost hyperventilating.He sat with his back to the counter for a few minutes before staggering back to his room.The moment he closed the door, he rolled up into a ball face down on the floor and wept as silently as he could.He wept in sadness and frustration. He no longer knew who he was or what he was supposed to do. He felt like a sheep, lost in a forest full of wolves.Constantly in fear of the reality of his past, the present, and the duty he had been bestowed. Not long ago, he was just a guy living in the woods without a care for anything. Now suddenly, all these things are thrown at him all at once.'I'm all alone... Who am I kidding. I was always alone! I was born to be alone. I was born for the world to hate me... But nothing could possibly hate me more... Then my own self.'He thought bitterly, falling on his side curled up.And he cried and whimpered until sleep overcame the poor lost sheep.----------------------"Oooooh my, to whaaaat do I owe the pleaaaasure to see you this morning Subaruuuu." Roswald said, sitting in his office chair with a smirk."Good morning, Roswald... I know you've already done much for me. However, I feel like I've hit a roadblock in my training... I need a weapon. You wouldn't happen to have a few of those around, would you?" Roswald smiled a little too wide at his request."Why of coooourse. I was waiting for youuuu to ask." He replied, getting up from his chair."Follow me, I thiiiink you will find some interesting items in the basemeeeent." He waved, beckoning Subaru to follow.Walking to the very end of the hallways and through some complicated maze like rooms that were almost meant to disorient people.They finally reached the stairs to the basement, inside were various jars of what Subaru were to guess was wine or vinegar of some sorts. Also expensive looking paintings.But Roswald walked to a dusty book case with a few cobwebs and pulled on a specific book that made the whole book shelf swing open.'Talk about cliche...' Subaru thought.On the other side was another wall with a magic seal glowing red. Roswald waved his hand over it, and it turned blue, then shattered.The wall disappeared into thin air as if it were a mirage."We're here, Subaruuuu. Take your tiiiime." Roswald smirked, gesturing for him to enter.Subaru nodded, and the bookshelf door closed behind him.It was pitch dark.'How the hell am I supposed to choose something if I' -Subaru was cut short of his thoughts when blue crystals lit up the room.The place was like the size of a Wal-Mart super center. Weapons, shields, artifacts, and even clothing. sit on their own individual pedestal."This... Is going to take a while." He said, walking through the rows of pedestals.'This must he some sort of dimensional space. The manor is not this large... Unless it's dug out underneath, but I doubt it.' Subaru deduced, touching a shield.He searched for hours. Subaru held some swords and shields but found it just wasn't his fighting style.Mage wands were off limits since he didn't know Jack shit about magic.And it's not like there were any descriptions for the artifacts or clothing either.'As if I'm supposed to know what the hell this even does.' Subaru thought, putting an artifact back on it pedestal.The raven haired boy then spotted a very interesting cape?Moving closer, Subaru saw it was a black shawl that only went over the left shoulder.---------------A/N- (It's a cape that hangs over the shoulder instead of the back. It was used for stylish purposes in midevial times) end A/N---------------He took it off the wooden mannequin and clasped on the delicate golden chains that anchored it to one's body.There are two chains. One that went over the head and rested on his right shoulder. And the other clasped underneath his right arm, which then would rest across his right ribcage, both chains connected to the shawl, allowing it drape over his left shoulder.Subaru did a few heroic poses like a child.Looking closer, it hung down only to the middle of his thigh and had a large white embroidered cresent moon with stars that seemed to shimmer all across the shawl."Damn, this thing is cool!" He thought, spinning around.Just then, a shimmer of gold caught his eye. Subaru walked over and picked up the weapon.It looked like a spear from a distance, but both ends were pointed sharp, so it would not be considered a spear. It also had a similar shape to a toothpick.Putting the weapon on end, it was only a few inches shorter than himself.It had engravings of roses with thorny vines all along the weapon. It was... Beautiful.It was simple, yet majestic. Its weight and length felt just right."This is the one." Subaru thought with a genuine smile.Confident in his choice, he walked back to the entrance, the magic lights shut off, and he was transported back into the basement where Roswald was pouring some wine.The jester sniffed the red liquid and sipped on it."Aaah, you're baaaack. And I see you have brought twoooo armaments." He gestured.'Two?' Subaru slapped his forehead as he forgot to take off the shawl."Oh! I didn't mean to. I tried it on and forgot to put it back! It's almost weightless, so I didn't notice. I can go put it back." He said, embarrassed.Roswald shook his head."Noooo, by all means, consider it yours! If you aaaare to he a proper knight, you shoooould have the equipment to maaaaatch, no? He replied, nonchalant.Subaru smiled in return."I must say, Roswald. I was skeptical of you at first. But I'm starting to think you're not a bad guy! Roswald laughed at Subarus reply."Do not woooorry, dear Subaru. It is my pleasure. The armaments you shoooose are quite goooood." Subaru sighed in relief at his words."Haah, that's good. What do they do anyway?" He asked, holding his golden weapon in both hands horizontal."The golden armameeeent is quite a mystery. It waaaas said to be found impaaaaled in the body of a dragoooon, so its penetrative power must be impressiiiive. To what I know, it's coooonsidered a javelin."Subaru nodded as Roswald continued."Another rumoooor is that it was wielded by a powerful war maaaaiden named Mary." He explained."What's it called?" Subaru asked, Roswald shrugged as he did not know the answer."I'll call you... 'RoseMary.'" Subaru said quietly.Roswald clapped his hands lightly in joy."What a maaaagnifcent name, Subaruuu. That shawl you have there I do know as it is more my expertiiiise." Subaru nodded, waiting for Roswald's explanation."It's caaaalled the 'Cresent of Life.' It haaaas the unique ability to bring the user back toooo life once they haaaave recieved a fataaal blow. But it oooonly works once. If it's used, the armaaament has to be refilled with maaaagic." He explained.'Holy shit! What a goated item!' Subaru thought excited."Thanks, Roswald. I'll put them to good use." Subaru promised."I haaave not doubt you will, Subaruuu."---------------------The raven haired boy walked down the hall that evening with his javelin in hand and black shawl that hung over his shoulder. It was a nice contrast to his white and black knight uniform.Rem walked the halls and looked him up and down with a scowl."I see Lord Roswald is being too kind to you." She spat, walking past him.Subaru stopped in place and looked at the ornate ceiling of the manor.'Yea... I know.' He thought, making his way outside.Subaru walked towards the edge of the property near the forest to test out his new weapon. The sun was just on the horizon.While Subaru was in the forest for the past two years, he had lots of practice throwing his shoddy spear with decent accuracy.Now, he had a javelin that is only heard of in stories. Subaru came face to face with a big tree and drew back the javelin to hurl into the tree.Subaru threw with all his might. He thought the tree would stop the weapon, but to his suprise, the javelin went right through the tree and far into the forest."Shit! Now I have to go find it before dark! Great going! Lose it on the first day fuck!" Subaru berated.He ran a few steps, and then an idea struck him."The stone..." He whispered.Closing his eyes, Subaru held out his palm and willed his authority to return RoseMary to a previous timeline where the weapon was in his hand.The boy felt a similar weight in his palm, opening his eyes. RoseMary sat content in his right hand.A devilish smirk came on Subaru's features."This... This is awesome."Subaru now could throw the javelin as much as he wanted and return it instantly. Not just the weapon, but any object that's small enough to hold."I want to practice more, but it's getting dark... Should be supper time soon anyway." He thought, walking back to his room to store his new armaments.---------------Beatrice held Puck in her arms and cuddled him with glee. Everyone else just finished up supper and had small talk about this, and that."Dear Beatrice, ever since Subaruuuu has becoooome your student, you have been joining us almoooost every meal. It's so good to see you moooore often." Roswald said to the great spirit."Hmph, that's just your imagination pervert." She huffed.Subaru chuckled, and Roswald smirked."Subaru, how are your studies going?" Emilia questioned.Beatrice gave Subaru a side glance, curious of his answer."Betty is a great teacher. There is no way I would be as far as I am without her. I kind of feel bad that she has me as a student, though!" He said modestly.Puck tilted his head in confusion."Really? Betty talks about you all the time and how much progress you're making." He claimed.Subaru looked at Beatrice and gave her a smug smile while she flushed red in embarrassment."B-Betty does no such thing, I suppose!" She tried to convince.Subaru laughed and smiled fondly at the little blond girl."W-What is that look for!?" She demanded.Subaru put a hand to his forehead dramatically."Gah, I'm just so honored that such a cute girl talks so much about me! I can now die a happy man!" He teased."I'm leaving, I suppose!" She left with red cheeks.Puck went back to a giggling Emilia."You really shouldn't tease her too much, Subaru." Puck said, sighing."I can't help it... I just get the best reactions. It just warms my heart... I guess." He said with a genuine smile.Rem, standing behind Roswald with her sister, looked disgusted at Subaru's words.Roswald excused himself, and the maid sisters cleared the table, leaving Emilia, Subaru, and the great spirit."I love your interactions with Lady Beatrice. Whenever you two are together, it just makes everything more... Lively. I think you're good for each other." Emilia confessed, patting her mouth one last time with a cloth napkin."Yea, me too." Subaru agreed."Speaking of Betty, I think I'll head over to the library and study. Well, if she doesn't kick me out." He joked.They said their good nights and parted ways.Subaru walked the hallways to a random door and found the library once more on his first try.The great spirit looked at him with annoyance as he closed the door."What do you want, I wonder?" She said grumpily."I'm just here to study a bit before bed. If that's okay with the number one teacher in the world, of course!" He flattered.Beatrice rolled her eyes. She pretended to find it annoying, but Subaru could tell she liked it."That's fine, I suppose." She said, waving to his chair.A silence fell as Subaru studied his material. To him, it was hours due to using the time zone.'Beatrice could tell because of how stressed he became after such a short period of time. That is how she found out he used his authority to study in the first place.No one can just casually flip through pages so quickly and suddenly comprehend what it says."Subaru..." The boy in question looked at the great spirit at her request."What... What is Betty to you?" She inquired with a choked voice, clutching her book tight.Her tone did not go unnoticed by Subaru."Hmm. You are the only person that I have ever confided with... I haven't even done so with my parents..." He admitted, suprising Beatrice."You are my cute adorable mentor and friend... Even if you don't see me in the same light, I don't care... I'm just happy that you're there." He said softly."You're someone who makes me feel like I'm not... Alone, I guess... I'm not here so often because I love studying, Betty... I'm in the library because you are here..." He confessed, making the great spirits' eyes widen."If I make you uncomfortable or make you frustrated then... I'd just hate myself for doing that to you. You're very precious to me, Beatrice. More than you could ever know... That's who you are to me..." He finished, finally looking from the floor into her eyes.Beatrice looked back down in her black book and started tearing up."Subaru... Are you that person?" She asked and looked longingly at him.Subaru then remembered Pucks' advice to say yes if she had ever asked that question, but... It just felt wrong."I'm not sure what you even mean by that, Betty..." He replied.She got off her stool and showed Subaru the black book."Look what Mama told Betty to do! What does that even mean, in fact!? She yelled, frustrated.Subaru looked at the pages, but there was nothing written in them."I...I don't know, Betty." He replied, handing the book back to her, who had a dejected expression.Subaru looked into her watery eyes and smiled."Betty... I'm not sure if I'm the right man for the job, but if you want me to be that person, then I'd really like to try." He said, patting her head."Betty is tired of waiting! Betty has been waiting for 400 years! You're just a mortal human! Your life span is just a speck compared to mine! You will die and leave Betty all alone, in fact!She cried out. 400 years worth of emotion finally breaking through.Subaru wiped her tears."You're right, I will die. But I will not leave you alone! Because I will have so many decendants that will take care of you to the end of time! And you can tell all of them how great I was!" He replied cheerily.Despite his better judgment, he knelt down from his chair and hugged her tightly as she cried into his chest.When she finally calmed down, they parted the embrace, and Beatrice took Subaru's hand."Will you stay and hold Betty's hand until Betty falls asleep?" She whispered.A warmth filled Subaru when he heard her words. He felt like buckets of joy had been dumped into his soul.After such a long time in this world, he felt so much genuine joy that he couldn't hold back his beaming smile on his face."Yes, Betty, I will."A/NThere's chapter 2. I'm going to be taking a little more time with this fiction compared to my last. But there will be action in the next chapter, so do look forward to it.Reviews are appreciated! Thanks for reading my friends!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

In a certain magical library, a certain great spirit and a certain raven haired boy reside.One asleep on a small bed in the corner of the room, while the boy sat in a chair asleep next to the great spirit holding her hand, his torso hunched over resting on the mattress.Beatrice's eyes fluttered open, and she quickly shot up and flushed, covering her face with her right hand, remembering what transpired the evening before.Subaru also rose shortly after and beamed a smile at her."Good morning, Betty.""S-Subaru..." She said timidly."Yes?""Will you really be that person? Does Subaru really want to make a contract with Betty and make Betty happy?..." Beatrice said, shutting her eyes tight, bracing herself for his answer.Subaru did not hesitate one moment."Without a doubt. I will be that person. If I get to have a contract with such a cute and amazing girl like you... It would mean the world." Beatrice's eyes widened, tears flowed freely down her cheeks."Betty has been waiting so long, Subaru! Betty wishes... Betty had met Subaru much sooner, I suppose..." She said, grasping his hand with her smaller ones, tracing his scars with her little thumbs.He nodded, wiping her tears. I'm here now, Betty. Let's make some memories together!" He said in a joyous tone.Beatrice nodded her head multiple times."Let's start, I suppose." She said, putting a hand to his chest."Betty, the great spirit of Yin, is hereby pledging a contract with Betty's Subaru. Betty's Subaru must make Betty happy, give Betty lots of attention and head pats... In return, Betty will give Betty's life and power to Betty's Subaru. Do you accept these terms?" She asked, slightly flushed at the ridiculous conditions of the contract.This didn't bother Subaru one bit. It only solidified his choice in making a contract with such a cute great spirit."I Natsuki Subaru vow to uphold these terms until my dying breath." He replied with a warm smile."Betty will now take some mana, I suppose."Subaru felt his stamina drain drastically for some reason, but he stayed firm with sheer willpower."Subaru...""Yes, Betty?""Betty is happy, in fact!" She yelled, flinging herself in his arms.He returned the embrace and patted her head per the contract."I'm also happy, Beako." Beatrice tilted her head up with a pout."What kind of name is that? I suppose."-----------------Since Subaru had been at the manor, this is the first he has seen Roswald Genuinly stunned. But of course, that didn't last long."Myyyyy, dear Beatrice,congratulations. I aaaam so happy for youuuu." Beatrice rolled her eyes."Betty doesn't need your congratulations. All she needs is Betty's Subaru, I suppose." She spat back."Oh my, I have feelings tooooo Beatrice. Please beeee gentle." The great spirit huffed and tugged on Subaru's hand, leading him past Roswald, who just smirked."Man, you really don't like Roswald. Did something happen between you two?" He questioned.Beatrice stopped pulling his hand and turned around when they were out of earshot of Roswald."Do not trust Roswald so easily Subaru. Betty has known the perv for a long time, and he seems to always have some hidden agenda. Take everything he says with a grain of salt, I suppose."Her contracter nodded at Beatrice's warning, and the two walked hand in hand to the dining room for breakfast.-------------------"How did this even come about Betty?" Puck questioned Beatrice as she ate her meal.Her face slightly flushed in embarrassment as she gave a side glance to Subaru.Subaru cleared his throat before speaking on her behalf."Well, yesterday I went to the library to study as usual. Just after shutting the door, she lept into my arms, begging for me to save her from the evil of this world." -Subaru kept exploding the story way out of proportion compared to what actually happened. Emilia believed every bit of it, and Puck was skeptical.Beatrice finally stood up on her chair and smacked her contracter on the head."That's not what happened, in fact!" She yelled.Subaru chuckled at her reaction.Beatrice sat back down and turned her head away from Subaru."Hmph, stupid Subaru... Betty asked Subaru to be that person, I suppose, " She admitted."So, did all the things Subaru said happen?" Emilia asked, confused.Subaru: "Yes!"Beatrice: "No!"Puck laughed in a child like manner at the two."Grrr, Hmph!." Beatrice huffed."Cmon Beako! I'm just joking. It was a really heartwarming moment for me, ya know." He said, patting her head."F-Fine, Betty will forgive Betty's Subaru, I suppose." She folded, accepting the head pats.Emilia smiled at the display of affection."I'm happy for you both. Do you have any plans today, Subaru?" Her knight gave attention to her question."I was planning to do some training today. Studies are important, but Roswald also told me about a battle prowess test in the Knight Academy.Would you help me, Beako?" He asked, looking down at his greatspirit."Betty will help Betty's contracter, I suppose.""Yosh! Let's go!" Subaru yelled abrasively, picking her up and spinning her around."Gah! Put Betty down, I suppose!" She yelped.The room filled with laughter and giggles. Bringing an aura of joy to the morning.--------------Across a field on the outskirts of the manor, a golden flash could be seen ripping through the air, penetrating large purple crystals a certain great spirit had erected."It's an impressive weapon, I suppose." She remarked.Subaru nodded, time manipulating it back into his right hand."I'll have to ask Roswald if I can get a more flexible material for my knight uniform. Its rigidness makes it a little hard to throw.""Your Authority is quite convenient. Have you ever thought about using it for magic? I wonder." Subarus face lit up at her question."Well, I don't know any magic, so I'm not sure..." He admitted.His Great Spirit nodded and held out her little hands in front of her."Minya."A purple crystal shot down a few meters in front of Subaru.When it made contact to the ground, it spread to the surrounding grass, freezing it in place.Subaru willed his Authority to copy the timeline and then use it, but nothing happened."It didn't work, Beako..." He said down trottened.Subaru glanced down at MaryRose in his hand, and an idea struck him."Beako.""What Subaru?""I was thinking. My Authority seems to only work on things that I touch... Do you think if you were to hold my hand and then cast the magic, perhaps it could work?" Beatrice put a hand to her chin at her contractors suggestion."Betty thinks it's a good theory. Give me your hand, I suppose." She said, taking her contracters left hand in her right."Minya." A purple crystal then smashed the one that lay on the ground previously, replacing it.Subaru smiled at his cute Beako and held out his hand."Minya!..." He chanted the spell, though it was unnecessary. Alas, nothing happened.Beatrice looked up at Subaru with her butterfly eyes and gave another idea."Perhaps if Betty put a bit of her mana through Betty's Subaru's gate, it would work. I wonder?" Subaru nodded at her suggestion."Anything is worth a shot at this point. Let's do it!" He said, hyping himself up.It was an interesting feeling. It was like a very light breeze was being wafted inside his body. It wasn't bad, but just nothing Subaru could accurately explain."Minya." Beatrice once again slammed a yin crystal into the previous one, shattering it.Subaru held out RoseMary, pointing it at the newly formed Minya crystal."Minya!"To Subaru and his great spirits suprise, the spell was duplicated exactly how Beatrice had cast it."Yes! Beako is so smart! I could just sing you praises the rest of my life!" Subaru said, beaming a smile at Beatrice."There's is no one smarter than Betty. Of course, Betty will come up with a solution." She said, praising herself.Subaru went to pick her up and spin her around but found it hard to move his right arm. Looking over, his javelin was covered in purple crystals that slowly moved up his arm, to the point where it had locked his elbow from moving."Uuh, Beako! What's happening!?" He said with urgency as the minya crystal showed no signs of stopping.Beatrice gasped and quickly grabbed her contracters right arm and shattered the crystals that threatened to envelope him.Dropping his weapon on the ground, he staggered backward with wide eyes."Beako... What the hell was that!?" He yelled."B-Betty...Betty almost kill-... Killed Betty's Subaru!" She said, crying into his abdomen.Subaru was shocked at her reaction.He lightly pushed her away from the hug and pat her head as she cried."No, Beako... You saved me. Thank you." He said softly, wiping her tears.Beatrice grew wide-eyed and calmed down with pouty cheeks."Betty's Subaru is too kind, I suppose." She replied, sniffling."Foolish Beako. I could never be mad at you. You're too cute!" Betrice turned her head at his compliment."Hmph, there you go sweet talking Betty again, I suppose." She replied with a small smile.Subaru looked over to his weapon and noticed it was still covered in yin magic. The yin magic made a crystal coating over the usual gold.However, what's interesting is how the yin crystal formed on the javelin.It had small thorns and roses slightly protruded across the length of the weapon, exactly how the engraving was designed.He crouched down but didn't dare touch it in fear it would incase his arm again."Beako, why is there still a yin crystal on RoseMary?" He asked the approaching spirit."It's probably made from a mana conducting material, I suppose. They are very unheard of, in fact." She answered."Okay, what's the purpose of it besides almost killing the person using it?" He asked sarcastically."From what Betty knows, mana conducting weapons are used for the purpose of amplifying ones magic into the weapon to make a more effective attack, I suppose. It is not supposed to harm the user, in fact." She summarized."Then why the hell did it try to kill me?" He questioned, which silenced the great spirit for a few moments."Betty thinks it's because it wasn't Subarus mana that cast the magic on the weapon, I suppose.""Beako... Im going to try touching RoseMary again. I'm counting on you in case something bad happens." He said, smirking at her.Beatrice was reluctant to the idea but eventually gave in and held her hand close to her contracters arm.Upon touching it with a single finger, it became incased in the minya crystal that slowly spread upwards. Beatrice quickly moved in and canceled out the magic, freeing Subarus finger."It seems Betty is correct..." Subaru frowned at her correct assumption."What can we do, Beako? I need a weapon. And if I'm going to copy spells that aren't my mana... Then I can't use it. That kind of sucks... I don't really feel like telling Roswald this awesome weapon is defective for me..." Beatrice rolled her eyes at her contractors rambling."Don't worry about that pervert, I suppose... Betty knows of a way, but it will hurt Betty's Subaru." She said downcast."I dont know Beako, my maidenely heart is so sensitive. I don't think I could handle any more emotional abuse!" He joked."Grrr, this is serious, I suppose!" Subaru laughed at her antics."Okay, okay. So, how do we do this?" He asked jokes aside."We need to go back to the library, I suppose." She replied while canceling her yin magic on MaryRose, allowing Subaru to wield it again."Let's go."-------------------"Let's get this straight... Do you need to use some fancy magic quill to burn markings on my arm? Is it a magic soldering iron?" He asked nervously."What is a soldering iron? Betty's Subaru needs to stop saying weird words. Betty will use her magic to burn an emblem into her contractors skin to trick your weapon into sensing  Betty's mana as yours, I suppose."Hmm, like a tattoo?" Betty pouted."Yet another word Betty doesn't understand. Where does Betty's foolish contracter get all of them, I wonder?" She said, preparing the spell at her desk."Take off your shirt and take a seat there." She said, pointing to a chair with big armrests.'She will see... I dont know what else I was expecting. It was going to happen eventually, anyway... Damnit.' Subaru thought as he unbuckled his shawl and removed his knights coat and shirt.Beatrice turned around from her desk, and her eyes grew wide after seeing Subaru's battered chest and arms.She dropped her quill and hesitantly walked towards Subaru, who looked down in shame for showing something so disgraceful."Hideous, isn't it... Im sorry you have to see something so disgusting." He said bitterly, avoiding her gaze."Betty... Betty didn't know... Before our contract, Betty was so cruel to Subaru and judged Subaru. What happened to Betty's Subaru, I wonder?" She said, guilt clearly laced in her words."What the hell are you talking about? How could you possibly see yourself being guilty? Besides, this was something I deserved..." He thought, looking back on how he murdered his only friend, and undoubtedly left familys without father's, even if they were bandits."How can you say that!? Betty doesn't believe it. In fact!" She responded indignantly."...Then you clearly do not know the things I've done..." This reply gave Betty a hurt look."I don't want to talk about it... But maybe one day I'll tell you." He said with a soft smile. Bringing Beatrice out of her momentary depression.The great spirit picked up her quill and stood next to the chair."Sit down for now. And Betty will get started, I suppose." Subaru nodded and sat down, holding out his right arm like you would to get blood drawn."Brace yourself." She said as her quill emitted a purple glow.It indeed hurt. Not to the point of being branded with an iron, but Subaru has felt enough pain where it was bearable. Beatrice focused very hard, and Subaru grit his teeth, trying his hardest not to grunt or make noises that would disrupt her.After a good hour of concentration for Beatrice and pain for Subaru, it was finally finished."It's done, I suppose." She said, hopping off her stool and putting away her quill.Subaru inspected the emblem that was magicly burnt in his right arm.In his palm was a yin-yang circle, attached to it was a line that ran all the way up the length of his arm and stopped with another yin-yang circle on the upper outside of his appendage.Branching off from that main line were symbols of all the elements of magic that existed.The color of the emblem and branching lines were dark blue."Whoa, this looks amazing, Beako!" He complimented, turning his arm at different angles to insect her work."Hmph, of course, it's only natural. Betty's skill is top-notch. In fact." She bragged.Subaru quickly put his knight uniform back on and buckled his shawl onto his left shoulder, where it hangs conftrably."Beako, it's not that I don't trust you with the details of my past... I'm just not ready to confess to my sins or something like that." He said as she looked at him with shimmery eyes."Betty understands, I suppose... Just remember that Betty is always here for Betty's Subaru." She said, taking him into a hug.Subaru smiled fondly and pat her head."You will always be there first person I will go to." Beatrice looked up at him and then snuggled her head into his abdomen."It's getting late... Would you stay with Betty? She asked in a whisper.Her contractors heart melted as Beatrice pleaded with him with her butterfly eyes."Absolutely."------------------A few hours ago, a certain blue haired maid was kneading some dough and mixing ingredients with magic, while a certain lazy maid watched her sister as she took her fourth break in the past hour of making dinner."Sissy." Rem said."What, Rem?" Ram replied."Do you think Lord Roswald is being too generous towards his... Guest?" Rem said, barely keeping the animosity out of her tone."It does not matter what Ram or Rem thinks. Lord Roswald ordered us to treat him well as he is to be a knight of Lady Emilia. We have no place to interfere." She replied, taking a bite out of an apple."He smells of the Witch! And it's gotten stronger! How can sissy think he can be trusted!?" Rems sister frowned at her outburst."Even if he is a Witch Cultist, even if he can't be trusted... Ram trusts Lord Roswald. He will protect both of us."She replied resolute.There was a long silence between them two before Rem filled it."It's just... Sometimes, Rem feels Lord Roswald doesn't have his residents' best interests at hear - ""Rem!" Ram yelled with a stern look."Sister knows there is nothing Ram wouldn't do for her,  but questioning Lord Roswalds' intentions is not our position. We simply serve and follow his direction... Please don't do anything rash, sister." She said but also was a hidden plea.Rem frowned and avoided her sisters gaze in shame."Rem is sorry sissy...  Let's continue dinner."--------------------"Gah!" A certain raven haired boy gasped. jolting awake. A cold sweat graced his whole body much to Subarus discomfort.Subarus muscles ached due to sleeping in his contracted spirits small cot. His shoulders just barely fit inside, and his feet hung off the edge.Hearing a cute little yawn, Subaru glanced down at Beatrice clinging to his arm."Why is Betty's Subaru up so early, I wonder?" She asked, rubbing her eyes.Subaru calmed down his racing heart before he replied."I just had a... Weird dream, and now I'm all sweaty. Would you mind dropping me off at the bathing room?" He asked, patting her head.Beatrice nodded, still barely awake.She waved her hand towards the library door."It's done, I suppose. Make sure to be quick to wake Betty back up." She said groggily, falling back asleep shortly after.Subaru grunted, getting off the cramped bed. He looked back at the sleeping spirit before leaving the library.'Kya! So cuuute!' He thought while leaving the library to the manor halls.Reopening the same door, Subaru was met by the bathing room. A familiar warm humidity graced his face and filled his lungs."Wow, good thing I went for a bath... I stink after that nightmare... Wow! It's kinda scary saying that so casually!" He said to himself.Removing his uniform, he put it in the dirty clothes basket except the crescent embroidered shawl, which he hung separately.His feet tapped on the marble floor as he entered the large circular warm bath."Oooooh. Never gets old." His sore muscles relaxed the moment he entered the warm water.Closing his eyes, his body thanked him for the well needed rest.After a few moments, the raven haired boy opened his eyes, and it was pitch black, the magical lights no longer emitting a glow."Haha! very funny, Ram! Turn the lights back on!..., Oi, I'm serious! Can't a guy bathe in piece!? He yelled, rolling his eyes.The lights flickered back on, but Subaru no longer found himself in a pool of clean water but a pool of blood.Dead bodies floated on the top.Subaru yelled in terror. He turned on his belly and clawed his way up out of the large bath.Before he could escape, multiple hands grabbed his foot and started dragging him back in.The hands tumbled him underneath the blood. Subaru could feel himself being bumped against the many dead bodies in the pool.He finally managed to shake off the hands, dragging him down. Now out of the pool He spit the blood that was in his mouth, clearly tasting the metallic.He took one step and slipped on the slippery red liquid. Turning onto his back, he lifted himself up but was smashed back down on the marble.Looking at the attacker, he saw Kyte with the broken sword still gashed in his jugular."Sinneeeeerr." The horror gurggled, falling as it suffocated on its own blood.Subaru let out a war cry and smashed Kytes head into the marble tiles. Making a sickening crunch as the contents of his skull exploded across the floor.Pain erupted in Subaru's hand the moment he punched the marbel, knocking him out of the hallucinations.Subaru panted hard, chest shaking in fear, eyes dialeted. He finally came to his normal senses and saw the floor flooded with water when he had splashed over when fighting for his life in the pool.His fist bloody from smashing into the incredibly hard marble.'I think it's broken... Fuck.' He thought, slowly unlclenching his right hand.Subaru grabbed a clean towel and wrapped it around his waist, and used the old one to scrub his blood off the floor.Throwing it in the dirty towel basket, he submerged into the water again. This time, he made sure not to close his eyes. Subaru covered his face with his hands, one with bloody knuckles.'This is retribution. My punishment... How much longer will it last? Until I stab myself? Until I drown? Even with a cute supportive loli by my side, I'm still a wreck... Just how pathetic can one person be?' He thought darkly as he soaped his hair and body.Subarus eyes flooded tears down his cheeks, no weeping or whimpering. Just a reaction from a trauma his mind didn't know how to deal with."Do you want me to wash your clothes, Sir Subaru?"Said man stood up and whirled around quickly as he was startled.He sighed in relief as he saw it was just Rem doing the morning laundry.The fog settled, and the maid saw the sorry state of Subaru's body. Rem was observant and also noticed the tears that had left his eyes moments earlier.Rem sighed as she was reminded of her sisters words to not act rash."I see that Sir Subaru looks upset. Can Rem do anything for you?" She forced.The raven haired boy kept a haunted expression, avoiding eye contact."I'm... I'm fine." He muttered.Rem didn't believe a word of it, but after seeing his mental and physical state, it was hard for her to tell if he actually had bad intentions or if he was just a broken man."Please... Wash the clothes... Thank you. He whispered, getting back into the water with his head hung.'He still reeks of the witch... I can't let my guard down.' She thought, leaving the bathing room with Subaru's uniform to be washed.After rinsing off the remainder of the soap, Subaru left the pool, dried himself with a nice fluffy towel, and put on some temporary pajamas that were left for him by Rem.The raven haired boy forgot his shoes and walked barefoot to his room, the cold tiles kissing his feet until the soft carpeted floor embraced them in his bedroom.He looked at himself in the mirror and saw a stranger. In the two years before coming to the manor, he was isolated from human connection and mindlessly killed bandits and other bad people in his eyes. He lost his conscience along the way. He hated the world, and he was fine with that. It disgusts him.But now that he has developed feelings, connections, friendships, his conscience has returned. And it is punishing him.'I have to go and wake up, Beako... Hopefully, she can lift my spirits.' He thought to himself.Subaru tried to crack a smile, but it was extremely hard for some reason. His natural expression always went back to a tired frown.'Whatever, just seeing her will be enough.' He thought, leaving his room.Entering the library, he found a still sleeping Beatrice, and sure enough, a fond smile graced his lips."Beako, it's time for breakfast." He whispered, lightly shaking her to wake.She stirred and hopped down from the bed rubbing her eyes."Where are your shoes? I wonder?"She asked with a raised brow."Aah, I forgot them in the bath. I walked around a forest with no shoes, so they're pretty tough." He reassured."Let's eat. I suppose." She said, holding on to his left hand. Subaru smiled down at the great spirit for the gesture."Yea, let's go."------------------------"Subaru... Subaru? Subaru!" Said man quickly came out of his stupor after having his name called three times by Emilia."Aah, sorry. I'm still a little sleepy this morning. What was it that you asked.?" He apologized, rubbing the back of his neck."Gosh, you should really listen closer when your lady is speaking to you, dunderhead." She teased, to which Subaru apologized again."Lia was wondering how your magic training is coming along and if we could watch?" Puck interjected, coming out from behind his contractors hair.Subaru glanced down at Beatrice, who was taking another bite of breakfast."Of course! Anything for my lady." He said with a dramatic bow. To which Emilia rolled her eyes with a small smile."I'm almost done with reading and writing. Now, all that I need to continue to work on is the actual protecting aspect." He finished with an awkward chuckle."Wow! you are already able to read and write. After just 2 and a half weeks? Your incredible Subaru." Emilia complimented."Haa, maybe." He said with a shrug, blowing off her compliment."Now, now. Doooont he so humble Subaruuuu. It is quite an impressive accomplishment given the smaaaall time you have wooooorked." He assured the knight."Well, thanks. I'll try my hardest from now on. Me and Beako will head down after breakfast if you want to join us."  Subaru mentioned to his lady."Sure! I'd be happy to!"-------------------------Rem had graciously washed and dried Subarus knight uniform for him to change into before he trained with Beatrice and Emilia. He was a little nervous, to be honest.'Will she think I'm weak? Will she be disappointed?' Subaru turmoiled, holding his spirits hand as he walked towards the large back lawn of the manor."You guys ready to start?" He asked his lady and her great spirit."Yes, I'm ready, Subaru." Emilia answered, glad she is finally able to see his magic.Subaru glanced down at Beatrice with a weary look, but she nodded back at him. A wordless exchange that they both understood."First off... I think it's important you know that I don't actually use magic..." Emilia tilted her head a bit confused at her knights words."What do you mean Subaru? I clearly saw you from my room using it. I'm suuuuper curious!" Subaru sighed internally."I know that this is going to sound bad, but... I have an Authority..." He said, closing his eyes, waiting for her most likely negative response.However, she was even more confused than before. Strangely, it was Puck who hardened his gaze towards the boy."What's an Authority?" Beatrice slapped her forehead in frustration that Puck didn't even teach her that."It's the reality bending powers that the sin archbishops uses. The abilities vary from each person when an Authority is absorbed, I suppose." She explained.Emilia did understand what a sin archbishop was, and it elicited a gasp."S-Subaru... Are you -""No!" Subaru cut off Emilia before her imagination could spiral out of control."No... I would never even think of being a part of a group like them... But ever since coming to this world, I've had my authority. It's saved me many times." He explained.Puck sighed and conceeded that Subaru was telling the truth."What do you mean coming to this world?" Puck asked."Well, to put it in your terms... I'm from beyond the great waterfall." Puck and Emilia were taken aback at this revelation of his."He's telling the truth... There has been speculation of other people from beyond the great waterfall. Well, they claimed to be anyway." Puck explained."Yea, Beako told me they were all dead... Unfortunately. I would have liked to meet them." Subaru said with a somber smile."Subaru?""Yes, Emilia?""Would you tell me about your world sometime?" Emilia asked, clearly wanting to understand her future knight and friend on a better level.It felt... unfair to Emilia. Subaru knew much more about her, but she knew very little of him. And it was obvious he hid it, and it kind of hurt."Yeah, I could tell you sometime. But first, let's get this show on the road!" He said, RoseMary instantly materialized in his right hand from nowhere.Emilia was fascinated by the sudden appearance of the javelin. Puck was indifferent, and Beatrice had seen it many times."How did you do that!?" She asked, holding the javelin when Subaru passed it to her."My Authority manipulates time. So far, my capabilities can turn time forward on an object, but only the material itself, and it doesn't work on living matter." He explained, taking a blade of grass and turning it into nothingness as it blew away in the breeze."I can also rewind time on an object but only for a few short moments. For instance, that fork I crushed the second day I was here. I turned it back to how it was previously." Emilia nodded, remembering the event."And lastly, my most impressive and newest ability... I can bring an object and even magic to a certain point in the past. And use it in the present."  Puck listened lazily on his daughters shoulder, whilst Emilia paid apt attention."That's how I'm able to just make things appear in my hand. For instance. At some point in time, if there was an object in my hand, then I dropped it. All I do is put that object back in a time when it was in my hand, even when it's not in the present." To prove his point further, the javelin disappeared from Emilia's hand and reappeared in her knights."So what about magic then?" Puck inquired."Aha, copying magic is a bit more tricky. Beako had to channel a little bit of her mana through my gate in order to copy the spell. My Authority seems to rely heavily on things I come into contact with." Subaru glanced down at Beatrice with a weary expression."The emblem is going to work, right?" He whispered, inspecting the yin-yang symbol on his palm.Beatrice rolled her eyes at the stupid question."Betty would not go through the trouble if Betty did not think it would work, I suppose." Subaru nodded and held out RoseMary in front of him."Minya." He chanted.An exact copy of Beatrice's minya crystal slammed into the ground from above, slowly corrupting the area around it, and then the spread stopped after a few moments.Not only did the spell work, but so did the emblem. Even though the javelin was coated with purple yin magic, it did not corrupt Subaru's body, making him sigh in relief."It's so pretty." Emilia mentioned. Looking at the unique thorny rose design that slightly protruded from the minya coating when applied to the javelin.Subaru inspected it closer and held it out."Yea, it really is." He agreed, then returned RoseMary to a time when the minya coating wasn't applied, and it turned back to its normal gold."That's... That's incredible, Subaru." Emilia complimented, making Beatrice smirk."Heh hm. Of course, Betty's Subaru is incredible. Especially with Betty, in fact!" She bragged."Kya! My Beako is so cute today!" Subaru yelled, dropping his weapon, picked her up, and spun her around in circles."P-Put Betty down, I suppose!" She yelled, flustered. Subaru laughed at her dismay."I'm sorry, Beako. When you compliment me so earnestly, I just can't help myself." He said, putting her down."H-Hmph, Betty will forgive Betty's Subaru this once, I suppose."'Such a tsundere...' Subaru thought deadpan."Anyway, being able to copy magic sounds cool on paper, but... I can only fire it exactly where it was used in the past. In other words, I can't just aim it wherever I want. So I'm still thinking of ideas of how to get around that." He said further with a thoughtful expression."Well, just don't push yourself too hard... I need to get back to my studies. I still have to finish my speech for the candidate introduction ceremony. Good luck, Subaru.""Yea, you too, my lady." He said, bowing, eliciting Emilia to roll her eyes with a small smile as she departed."Beako.""Hmm?""Do you have any ideas on how I could utilize magic better? If I am to become any good with it, I have to be able to aim it. I can't just wait for an opponent to line up perfectly in front of me every time. Not to mention that they would catch on quickly."  Subaru asked the great spirit.Beatrice put a hand to her chin and thought for a few moments."Betty can only think of an attack that covers a large area all at once. However, casting that multiple times would be much too destructive if it was your only means of offense, I suppose. Betty is smart but does not have all the answers, in fact." Subaru deflated that she didn't have  a good solution."Betty thinks Subaru should think about this by himself. It's Subaru's abilities, not Betty's." She suggested, willing to give him some space."I think you're right. I'll see you at lunch then.""Be careful... Betty will now play with Bubby, I suppose." She said, leaving the raven haired boy to himself.Subaru sighed and lay on his back, the grass blades prickling his neck and hands as he thought of a solution to his giant flaw in his ability.Out of curiosity, Subaru cast a Minya crystal. The crystal slammed into the ground a few meters in front of him like before."So turning my body left to right changes where the crystal lands, but laying on my back changed nothing..."Subaru stood up and turned around, lay back down again, and fired a minya crystal, proving that the crystal did indeed follow horizontal movements but not vertical.'It's like a compass, except in reverse... Wherever I turn, that's where North is. Beako's Minya crystal was fired right in front of me, so wherever north is, that's where it's going to land... But that's only a 1 axis aiming radius. It might get someone by suprise, but it would be terribly hard to pull off again... Fuck!' He cursed internally.Subaru gave up for the moment and decided to practice throwing his javelin from different angles.He spammed the Minya crystals until it grew and became a large singular crystal."This should be a good target... A target!" Subaru had a sudden appiphany about his problem."I don't need to aim Beako's magic myself... I just need her to hit individual targets that spread across a large area. That way, I can copy the timeline where that crystal was fired and attack my oppnent as long as they are in the area of my ability!' He thought excited.'Hmm, it's not like I can have only ten or twenty targets within my Authority.  There would be massive gaps, and an opponent could easily be in a blind spot with no target previously hit. That means there would have to be thousands of targets within the vicinity... Which would take time. Not to mention, I need an area to train, and I need to make the target on the ground visible so I know where to tell Beako to attack to copy the timeline.'Subaru concluded his thoughts and decided to practice throwing his javelin until lunch. Then, he would talk to Beatrice about his theory.----------------"This is possible for Betty, I suppose... It will take a lot of time, though. Betty's Subaru will have to give Betty lots of attention and sweets for this, in fact!" She said, looking at the rough drawing Subaru had made her.His idea was to have Betrice make a separate dimension that could be manipulated to look however you want.  However, it could only be used in the library as Subaru's mana was not sufficient to keep up such a large spell for a few hours at a time."How are you getting this mana then?" Subaru asked."The Forbidden Library is a medium for collecting mana within the manor. The mana used to keep Al-Shamak active will be taken from everything in it, I suppose." She explained, making Subaru wary."Isn't that really bad?!" He yelled, exasperated."The half elf and the pervert alone have large amounts of mana. Between the two and Bubby, I doubt they would even feel a difference, I suppose." Subaru sighed in relief at her explanation."Well, that's good. Shall we get started, Beako?" Beatrice nodded and put out her hands in front."Al-Shamak." Beatrice casted.Immediately after, Subaru could hear what sounded like cracking glass. Little chips of reality in front of him disappeared as a purple portal replaced it."This is incredible, Beako." Subaru mumbled, lightly touching the portal."Hahem. Of course, anything Betty does in incredible, in fact. Let's go in, I suppose." She ushered.Subaru was temporarily blinded. The whole space seemed endless sea of pure white. Absolutely nothing there besides him and Beatrice."Well, I don't know what I was expecting, but this is crazy.""The first thing we have to do is make the dimension of how you envisioned, I suppose." She explained."Right, I drew a sketch... This is what I was thinking." Beatrice raised a brow at the terrible sketch."Betty will try her best with what Betty was given, I suppose.""That's mean!" He said, overreacting.Suddenly, everything around started morphing and changing colors.The room changed to that of concrete, which surprised Beatrice as it was nothing she had seen before in her world.A 10 foot tall circular wall surrounded Subaru by around 300 feet in diameter.A concrete dome fell from the white sky and perfectly rested on top of the wall surrounding the raven haired boy.The dome had a maximum height of 200 feet that, of course, eventually came down to rest on the 10 foot wall.Everything was pitch black. Suddenly, flood lights flickered on, and Subaru and his spirit could see again.Yellow X marks littered the floor, the 10 foot walls, and the dome ceiling, with a white circle that was perfectly centered on the floor of the dimension. Which is obviously where Subaru would stand for his training."So this was Betty's Subaru's Idea..." Beatrice muttered, looking around the massive space.She walked up to a standing flood light and inspected it."Is this a light source in your world, I wonder?" She asked, waving her hand through bright lights, casting shadows."Yes, it was. They were generally used at construction sites." Subaru mentioned."Fascinating. Betty requires Betty's Subaru to tell her about it later, I suppose." She said, holding his left hand."I'd be happy to... Alright! Let's do this!" Beatrice smiled fondly at her Subaru and nodded at his request."L-Lets do this... I suppose."------------------------Meanwhile, a certain Roswald L Mathers almost tripped walking from his office from the large fluctuation of his gate."My, myyyyy. What could you poooossibly be up to now, dear Subaruuuu."------------------------Subaru was starving. Beatrice not only used a shit ton of mana from her library but also sucked up all the mana from himself. Which... Wasn't very much."Slow down, no one is going to steal it from you, I suppose." Beatrice chastised."I'm sorry, Beako. You sucked out all of my mana. I'm starving." Beatrice pouted."Hmph. And who's fault is that, I wonder? Also, don't say sucked up. It sounds weird, I suppose!"Emilia giggled at the two bickering as she finished her dinner, which Ram took her plate shortly after."You must haaaave been doing some serious training. I could feeeeel my magic draining." Roswald mentioned with a smirk to Beatrice."Yea, Betty. What could possibly use that much mana!" Puck chimed."I thought you said they wouldn't notice a difference..." Subaru deadpaned."B-Betty said she doubts, I suppose." She said, avoiding Subarus gaze."Now, now. It's fiiiiine. If it means empowering dear Emilias future kniiiight, then I'd be more thaaaan happy to lend some mana." Roswald offered. Making Subaru sigh in relief."Looks like I owe you again. Roswald. And Emila and Puck. Thank you!" Subaru responded with a genuine smile of gratitude."Don't mention it, Subaru. Y-You can make up for it by telling me more about you... Sometimes." She stuttered, getting flustered.Subaru knew Emilia wanted to know about his home world, but she decided to keep it a secret from the others present."How could I refuse such a request from my lady! I would be the most honored man in Lagunica to tell her majesty the queen about myself!" He teased.Emilia went red in the face."Subaruuu! Stop doing that!" She pouted. Subaru chuckled at her reaction."You know, if you really want me to stop, you're going to have to play along! If I can get you to react like this every time, I'm never going to stop teasing you!" Subaru suggested. Making Emilia pout more and turn her head, ignoring him for the moment.'Kaah. I just can't get enough of those Emilia reactions!' Subaru thought with a sweet smile as he looked down at his great spirit.Puck liked and disliked Subaru's relationship with his daughter. He clearly flustered and teased her, and he didn't like another boy being close to his Lia, but on the other paw, Puck had never seen his daughter so... Happy. So he let their interactions slide despite his overprotective father instincts telling him otherwise."Well, I think I could do for some studying this evening. I don't want to burn you out with more magic training, Beako. And I'm honestly pretty tired myself. He said, patting Beatrices head.She looked up at him and nodded."Hm, Betty would be willing to take time out of her busy schedule to teach Betty's incompetent student, I suppose.""So mean!"----------------------"Gah!" Subaru gasped awake in his large cushioned comftrable chair within the Forbidden Library."Another nightmare, I wonder?" Beatrice said while reading a book on her small bed."Aah, sorry about that... I fell asleep. What a lazy student I am!" He joked to slide off his great spirits concerns."They are getting worse, in fact. You mumble, toss, and turn in your sleep more often, I suppose." Subaru looked to the wooden floor in embarrassment, rubbing his neck."Sorry about that... I hope it doesn't bother you too much. Ah! I could let you fall asleep before me so you won't be bothered!" Beatrice frowned at his response."It's not about me, in fact! Betty is worried about her Subaru! Can't... Can't you tell Betty what troubles her Subaru, I wonder?" She pleaded.Subaru winced and shut his eyes tight. His mind told him to shut up, but his heart was telling him to open up to his contracted spirit."Beako... I.." He started."Yes?" Beatrice urged him to continue."I have done... Things... Things I'm not proud of." He said lamely."You mean with your friend, Terrence? She questioned.Subaru's memory was flooded by the hallucination he had of his murdered friend. How he almost... How he almost killed himself with a kitchen knife that night."I don't think he'd call me that, but... It's not just him. Ever since coming to this world, anything bad that could have happened to me... Happened."Beatrice remained silent as Subaru gathered the willpower to continue his story."You saw me... Do you have any idea the shame and humiliation I feel every time I look at my horrendous body? How every time I look in the mirror, I don't see the me from Earth... I see a stranger? Heh... If my parents saw what I had become. They would be convinced their son was dead!" The walls he had kept up so rigid, so fortified now came crashing down as he confessed to Beatrice."I hated the world! I hunted down anyone whom I deemed evil! Killing them without knowledge of their sins! Sure, they could have been evil. But they could have also been fathers trying to feed their starving family's, but I didn't care! I killed them without mercy! I chose! I!.. I deserve everything that's happening to me... The guilt, the nightmares, the phantom pains, this disgusting body... All of it..." he finished in a whisper.Beatrice was stunned. This was a completely different person. A side of Subaru only she has seen. He clearly needed someone to rely on. And she was happy to be 'That Person' for him."When Betty's Subaru agreed to free Betty from her loneliness... Betty was so happy.  Betty felt saved, in fact. Would Subaru let Betty save him, I wonder?" Subaru looked at Beatrice, his eyes finally getting damp."I... Please help me, Beako..." He whimpered.Beatrice slid off her stool near her bed and then went over to her contractor and sat sideways on his lap, leaning against his chest as he slumped back into his conftrable chair."Betty is here now. Subaru can sleep in peace, I suppose." She said, sucking the mana out of his gate, forcing him into a deep sleep.Beatrice then used just enough healing magic to calm his nerves, a blue light emanating from her right hand that rested on his heart."Betty's Subaru is safe now, in fact."---------------------When Subaru came to, he felt rested. He woke up naturally, no gasping for air or jolting.He lay on Beatrice's small bed in her library. Said spirit currently was clinging on to his left side rather tightly."Beako... Beako." He softly nudged her awake.She mumbled and sat up next her contractor. Her hair was a bit of a mess, so Subaru took the liberty to run his nails through it and straighten it out."Betty doesn't object to this treatment, I suppose." Subaru chuckled at her remark."How the hell did you get me into the bed with that small body of yours?" He questioned."I used Murak, it make an object or person weightless, I suppose." She explained, Subaru noted he needed to copy that spell later."Beako... About what I said yesterday. Do you see me any different? As a person?" He asked downcast."Subaru will always be Betty's Subaru. That will never change, in fact." She reassured, bringing a smile to his lips."Thank you... Kya! My Beako is extra cute this morning!" He said, hugging her tight while rocking back and forth."S-Subaru!" She protested, shocked at the sudden change of spirit.'I swear upon my grave... I am going to love and cherish this sweet girl until my dying breath...'------------------------------"So what do you think?.." Emilia asked her knight.The two were currently in Emilia's room. She wanted to get Subaru's opinion on her speech for the royal selection coming up in a few months."My god! Her Highness wants MY opinion. I could just die right now from sheer joy!" He said dramatically with a hand to his forehead.Emilia pouted and pinched his cheek."I'm serious. How was it.?" She asked, letting go of Subaru's now red cheek.Subaru put a hand to his chin and thought for a few moments."Hmm, the premise wasn't bad, but it sounds too naive and innocent. You brought up all the good things about what bringing equality would do but nothing about how hard that would be to achieve. This is what everyone is going to be thinking about. How hard and maybe unrealistic, that is. But! If you can come up with a way to find common ground and bring out some of the flaws in this plan, people will see you as a more realistic candidate, not just an optimistic girl with sweet words." Subaru suggested.Subaru's words were a bit rough, but Emilia needed to hear the honest truth of how people would respond. After all, Subaru knew just how cruel humans can be.Emilia's expression became downcast, and her eyes got a bit shimmery.'Fuck! What the hell is wrong with you, Subaru! You're going to make her cry!' He chastised internally."Subaru... How do you suggest I do that?" She asked, looking at him with puppy dog eyes.Subarus heart clenched at those amathyst eyes. They made his chest flutter and gaze move anywhere but here face, because he got too nervous to look her in the eyes."Emilia, you should know better than anyone what it's like to be looked down upon because of being a demi-human. I'd suggest you start there." He replied, giving her a toothy smile.Emilia smiled back and gave him a nod."Thank you, Subaru.""No problem, my Lady.""Say Subaru. I think I could take a break. Would you mind telling me another story from your world?" She asked sheepishly.Subaru was happy that he was getting along well with Emilia and that a girl his age actually took an interest in him. Obviously, not romantically. But it still felt nice."Sure! Let me think... Hmm, let's go with Cinderella!"-----------------------"Al-Shamak." Subaru casted. Beatrice's previous portal appeared instantly.The great spirit found it fascinating. Subaru only said the cast for display purposes only as he could just use his authority to instantly copy any timline and use it. There was clearly mana coming from the spell, but it drained no mana as it was used in the past. And as far as they both knew, it could be used indefinitely.The two entered Subarus concrete dimension dome, and Beatrice casted Minya crystals at the thousands of targets so that Subaru could copy the timeline and use it later. Since Al-Shamak didn't need mana to use anymore. The resident's of the manor felt hardly any impact of the mana Beatrice sucked out of them through her library using just the minya crystals.After hours of training, Subaru and his cute great spirit ended it for the night."Phew." Subaru exhaled as he sat in his comfy chair."Say, Beako. Why don't more people use emblems? I mean, to be able to trick a magic signature is got to be really handy, right?" He asked, caressing the magic tattoo on his palm."Not really, I suppose. Not many people use mana conducting weapons anymore. If they do, it's going to be used by their own mana, and the emblem mark designs have been lost with time. Betty's Subaru is a one of a kind situation. So they aren't very useful in this day and age in fact."  She explained."Ahh, I see. Well, there is another problem that has occurred to me, Beako. Regarding my Authority.""And that would be?""Well, when we are in the 'dome', the targets that can be hit are clearly visible. But that's not the case outside of it. This means I won't know which timeline to copy when I attack an opponent. The best I could do is guess, but that isn't good enough for me..." Beatrice nods at his words and hops off her stool and grabs a book off of a shelf.Rummaging through the pages, she stops and finds the page she was searching for."All Subaru needs is an image of the 'dome'? Subaru nods at her question."Then Betty could do this, I suppose." She said, handing him the open book.Subaru paused through the contents. He was able to clearly understand the alphabet now and could fluently read thanks to his authority."So basicly you would put a... Curse on my eyes? That sounds counterproductive!" He said to his great spirit."It's an old book. The word curse is not used now and days to describe this seal, I suppose." She reassured."So how does it exactly work?""It's typically used for brainwashing. It's used to seal a certain memory, objective, or image into a person's mind. However, if it were sealed to Subaru's eyes, Betty could then connect it to Betty's Subaru's gate so Subaru can use the seal as he pleases, I suppose.""And how much mana will the seal take every time I activate it?""If it's just an image from a memory, then it won't take much, I suppose." Subaru contemplated her words for a moment."Are there risks? Like losing my vision and stuff?" Beatrice shakes her head at his concerns."Impossible. The seal can be undone at any time, but only by Betty, in fact."Subaru sighed in exhaustion."Well, perhaps we should give it a shot tomorrow? It's almost dinner time anyway." He said, patting her head.Beatrice melted into his arms at the display of affection."Alright, let's go."-----------------------Subaru walked hand in hand down the hallways of the manor with his great spirit the next day to eat breakfast."Did Subaru sleep well, I wonder?" She asked, glancing up at her contractor."Yes, thanks to my amazing Beako, I slept great!... Thank you. It means a lot, Beako." He said, smiling at her while walking into the dining room."Your late Barusu." Ram said sharply, standing behind Roswald as her sister lay the dishes out."Uh... Sorry?" He apologized awkwardly."Silence maid. Betty and her Subaru will show up when they please, I suppose." Beatrice retorted, sitting down next to said contractor."So lively this morning deeeeear Beatrice. I hope we can remain civilized." He said, trying to calm the irritated spirit."Hmph." She huffed, turning her head away. Eliciting a smile from her contractor."Ram is just teasing me. It's the only way she knows how to show affection." Subaru jabbed back. Ram rolled her eyes and huffed, Rem was surprisingly indifferent."The knight academy classes are next week. Are you nervous, Subaru? Puck asked cheerily, coming out from behind Emilias hair."Yea, a bit. It's all unknown to me, so I have no idea what to expect... Luckily, I had the greatest teacher show me how to read and write something I'm sure I will pass!" He replied with a big grin and a fist to his chest."Thank you for taking care of Subaru Beatrice." Emilia thanked the spirit."Betty is happy to help Betty's Subaru, I suppose." She replied, looking up at her contractor with fondness.Subaru smiled back and ate his food. This time, with much more elegance as he had been taught it to be necessary manners for a knight."We have high hooooopes for you, Subaru. I'm suuuuure you will not fail." Roswald encouraged after wiping his mouth."Thank you. Me and Beako are going to try something that will amplify my fighting capabilities after breakfast." Emilia perked up hearing this."Really? What are you going to do?" Subaru smirked at her response."Ah, that my lady is a secret." He said with a finger to his lips. Making Emilia pout.The rest of the meal was small talk and some suggestions from Roswald on magic, which Beatrice wasn't happy with as she was the only one who she wanted her Subaru to learn from."Well, shall we, Beako?" Subaru asked, holding out his left hand for her to hold.The great spirit hopped off the dining room chair and looked her contractors hand."We'll be off everyone. See you later."---------------------"Just making sure once more. There's no risk to this, right?" Subaru asked Beatrice as he lay flat on the library floor."Haa, Betty's Subaru needs to have more faith in Betty, I suppose." She sighed, resting on her knees next to him and reading the same book she showed him yesterday.--A/N (This is obviously not cannon, but for this story's sake, I was forced to put it in here.)--Beatrice outstretched her hands near her contractors eyes and prepared the spell silently. When she finally casted it, Subaru felt a warm sensation. Thankfully for him, it never went past that."It's done, I suppose. She said, standing up from her knees.Subaru got to his feet and slowly opened his eyes.  To his astonishment, he saw thousands of purple translucent X marks that looked just like they did in the 'dome' where he trained.He quickly moved over to the standing mirror to inspect the seal. He was astonished once more to see his eyes glowing! In each eye covering only the pupil and iris portion, it was a pink star shaped magic circle. It was  very pretty to look at, too. Well, in Subaru's opinion anyway.'Maybe people won't think my eyes are so scary now.' Subaru thought."Beako, this isn't permanent, right? The X marks will get pretty annoying to see constantly." He asked, concerned."Betty still has to direct magic to it from Subaru's gate, I suppose. Go sit down." She explained.Subaru sat down on his comfy chair, and Beatrice sat on his lap facing each other. Putting her hands to his chest, her hands emanated a red glow."This will burn a little, I suppose."'Great...' Subaru thought.She held one hand up to his eyes, and one near his stomach, she all to slowly ran her hand from his stomach to match the other on his eyes. Subaru grits his teeth, struggling not to howl in pain. Luckily, the great spirit finished the connection before he broke out."Betty will drain her mana from the seal, then Subaru will use his own to activate it again, I suppose." She explained, as Subaru felt the previous warmth leave his eyes.Beatrice hopped off his lap, allowing her contracter to go over to the standing mirror. Sure enough, his eyes looked normal once more, and there were no more X marks littered all over."I know I say this a lot, Beako. But you're incredible." He complemented, looking at her reflection in the mirror."Subaru only came to a natural conclusion, I suppose." She bragged. Subaru shook his head with a smile and turned to her."No... Joking aside, you are truly incredible. More than you realize. Almost every problem and question I had, you had a solution. So... Thank you, Beako." Beatrice's eyes widened, and her eyes got damp at her contractors' heartfelt words.She walked up to Subaru and hugged his legs. Burrowing her face in his abdomen."S-Subaru can come to Betty anytime, in fact." She whispered as Subaru pat her head."I think I'll do that."------------------------"Wow! I think that was my favorite one so far. Do you have any more?" Emilia asked her knight after he just spent 30 minutes telling the story of Aladdin.'I'm struggling to come up with more... I don't think Snow White and the wicked witch will go over too well with her, though...' Subaru thought.Subaru once more found himself in his lady's room, telling her stories from his world.Subaru rubbed the back of his neck at her enthusiasm and leaned back into his chair because of the distance she closed to each others faces in excitement of another story.Puck came out of his crystal and pushed the two away from each other."Just what are you trying to do with my Lia Subaru?" He said in a teasing manner. But Subaru knew deep down he was being dead serious. As usual, he decided to joke about it."I'm pretty sure my own Lady was going to take advantage of me, so I was preparing to defend myself." He teased with a smirk."What do you mean by take advantage of?" Emilia asked innocently.Subaru smiled awkwardly, and Puck glared at him."Oh, don't worry about it. Just a figure of speech. Anyway! If you want more stories, you will have to wait until I get back from the knight academy." Emilia became downcast at his reply."Will... Will you visit?" She asked with puppy dog eyes, which made Subaru's heart ache."Yea. More than usual, I'll just use Al-Shamak and open a portal from my dorm room to the Forbidden Library." He replied, instantly opening a portal that surprised the two."How can you already use such an advanced spell. Betty told me you have a Yin affinity, but there is no way you can cast such a spell without help." Puck said, unconvinced, to which Subaru pointed a finger to the sky."You're absolutely right! I cheated! I simply used my authority to turn back time to when Beako had opened the portal for me. Do you want to take a look?" Subaru explained, gesturing towards the portal."Absolutely! I've never gone in a portal before!" She said, following her knight and Puck into the purple doorway.To their dismay, they walked into complete darkness, making Puck and Emilia a bit anxious.Before they could question where Subaru was, multiple loud clunking noises along with lights shining bright occurred."Wow!" Emilia's voice echoed out as her eyes wandered the 'dome'."This is where Beako and I do my training.""What are these?" Puck asked, inspecting the flood lights."Those are light sources we use in my world. This is a dimension based on my image of the ultimate training room for my authority. Minya." Subaru casted, causing around 100 purple crystals to slam into the ground from above in a fan shape in front of him.Emilia clapped, her hands impressed."What else can you do?" She said with shimmering eyes. Subaru looked down, avoiding eye contact."All me and Beako did was finish hitting every target in here just the other day. I'm really not that impressive. From what Beako and Roswald tell me, there are some real powerhouses in the Knight division... I still have a long way to go. I'm not really confident that I can truly impress you." He said, depreciating himselfEmilia frowned/pouted."That's not true! I'm impressed watching you give your best every day! Why can't you see how great you are?" Emilia whispered out. Subaru huffed and smiled."I'm glad you see me that way." He deflected."But I think I'll show you what I can truly do after I'm finished with the knight academy."  Emilia was a bit downcast, but she nodded and smiled."Okay, until then. Then you HAVE to show me." She said, determined."Of course! How could I possibly say no to my lady!?" He joked."Subaru, you just di-!" Emilia never got to finish her sentence, Subaru snapped his fingers, then Emilia and Puck found themselves back in her room without her knight. Essentially, kicking them out of the 'dome'."Puck... What am I going to do with that dunderhead?"--------------------A/NThanks for reading, friends! I hope you enjoyed it!Reviews and constructive criticism are welcome. Peace out!

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I’m back in action! Please enjoy and consider leaving a review! It really keeps me motivated!Have fun! Subaru had butterflies in his stomach. It was just a day away before he left to go to Lagunica capital. For the last remaining days, himself and Beatrice trained as much as they could.He felt inferior to those who have power in this world so he was restless in his training.“Subaru?”“Yea, Beako?”“You have to promise to visit Betty at least once a week, I suppose.” She said, clutching onto his black shawl that hanged over his left arm.“Of course! I don’t think I would be able to live without seeing my Beako for more than a week!” Subaru said dramatically.“Hmph, such a sweet talker. Try practicing the seals again, I suppose.”Subaru had been practicing using the seals on his eyes in order to properly see where to land attacks if he came across an opponent. It was with mixed results.The raven haired boy concentrated and he felt a warmth in his eyes. Opening them, there was the usual pink star shaped magic circle.“Now turn it off, I suppose.” Subaru concentrated again but just couldn’t get the hang of turning it off.“Shit this is so tough. Why can’t I just shut it off?” He said frustrated. Beatrice shook her head.Subaru knelt down and Beatrice sucked the mana out of the seals. Eliminating the glow.“Betty recommends practicing when Betty’s Subaru comes to visit, I suppose.” She suggested. Subaru nodded at the idea.“Alright. It’s getting late… I’m going to go through my things one more time tonight. I have to leave early tomorrow.” He said with a bittersweet smile. To which Beatrice became downcast.“Betty will accompany Subaru, I suppose.” She said waving her hand, teleporting the library next to her contractors room.“I'd like that.” He said, taking her hand, walking out of the library into the hallway.Surprisingly, Emilia waited for him at Subaru’s room.“Oh? To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you perhaps here to see me off?” Emilia nodded with a smile.“Yes, I just wanted to make sure that y-you had everything and to make sure you go to bed early enough… I see that Beatrice is with you, so that’s not a problem I guess.” Emilia replied, a bit flushed. Making Subaru grin mischievously.“Hoh? Could it be that my lady wanted another story before I left?” Emilia immediately became red in the face and avoided eye contact, poking her fingers together.“N-Not really… But if you wanted to then I wouldn’t say no.” She admitted.Subaru gave her a soft smile and then glanced down at Beatrice who just started walking in his room and crawled onto the bed.“I’m running out of stories to tell, Emilia. I’ll have to try and remember some more when I’m at the academy. I hope I didn’t disappoint your majesty.” He teased with a bow.Emilia took her knights left hand in both of hers, one over the other.“Be careful and have fun, Subaru.” She said, letting go of his hand.“I’ll try my best. Good night Emilia. I’ll see you around.” Subaru replied with his usual smirk. Emilia nodded and went her way to retire for the night.Entering his room, he closed the door and changed into his pajamas. Getting underneath the covers with his contracted great spirit. Beatrice instantly latched herself on her contractors arm and sucked mana out of his gate to help him sleep.“Will you be okay without Betty, I wonder?” She asked, as blue glow faintly illuminating the room.“If I can’t sleep I can always use the dimensional gates we set up in the ‘dome’.” He replied, patting her head.“Betty will be waiting, I suppose.” She whispered. Subaru tried to say something back, but the mana being depleted from his gate forced him asleep, cutting his sentence short.“Betty will always be on her contractors side in fact.”A certain raven haired boy yawned as he left the front gates of the manor whilst most of the resident’s were asleep save for Beatrice and Ram.“Even on important days like this you still manage to slack off Barusu. Ram finds this truly unsatisfactory.” She jabbed. Causing Subaru to roll his eyes.“Wow, I’m so sorry to have kept you waiting, how could I ever forgive myself.” He replied sarcastically.“Hah, just get your stuff so Ram can get this over with.”Subaru took his luggage and put it into the back compartment of the fancy Mathers carriage.Before Subaru could depart, Beatrice ran out towards the two. Subaru picked up Beatrice in his arms and gave her a tight hug, lightly rocking side to side.“Betty will miss her Subaru in fact.” She said, after Subaru put her back down.Her contractor chuckled at how cute she was.“Relax Beako. I’ll see you at least once a week. But I will miss you too.” He replied with a fond smile.“Hurry up Barusu!” Ram yelled from the drivers seat.“Silence maid! Betty and her Subaru are having a moment in fact!” She yelled back, eliciting a laugh from Subaru.“I’ll see you later, Beako.” Beatrice’s eyes watered as he got into the carriage and watched her contractor depart.Subaru groaned as he laid back into the padded carriage seats, already missing his Beako.“Ram.”“What, Barusu?”“What is the royal capital like?” He asked, Ram sighed that she had to put through effort to explain something.“It’s one of the largest city’s of all the 4 great city’s. It’s highly guarded by high walls. Ram isn’t impressed often but even she must say, it’s quite the spectacle.” She explains.“Hmm, Emilia was saying that there is pretty bad prejudice against demi-humans. How bad is it?”“Although Lagunica has abolished slavery of demi-humans, it’s still segregated. Lady Beatrice probably already taught you about the demi-human war, so you could imagine why there would be bad blood.” Subaru nodded at her explanation.“Yea, she’s taught me a few things about the kingdoms history. That one was pretty bad.” He concurred.“Enough chatter Barusu, I need to focus on Ram’s task and I don’t particularly want to talk to you.” She teased.“Wow, so mean!”Subaru was surprised at how quickly they made it to the capital. Ram mentioned that all ground dragons have a divine protection that negates all wind resistance and anything they pull, which would explain the speed they were moving.Subaru stuck his head out the side window and was awestruck at the sheer size of the walls that surrounded the capital.“Holy hell you weren’t kidding!” He said to Ram.“I never kid Barusu, Ram takes everything seriously.” Subaru was instantly doubtful of the truthfulness of her statement.“Ahh, riiiight…” He deadpanned.The raven haired boy noticed many lower quality carriages being stopped and checked. Most likely commoners being checked while the nobles clearly have a unfair passage due to status. But that’s only in Subaru’s mind, in this world it’s completely normal.Merchants also had their own separate lane to get the goods checked before being granted passage.“This is a very clean city.” Subaru mused as the ground dragon trod them along the main road.“It’s not like that everywhere. The slums are pitiful in comparison. Just one of many things that the upcoming king will need to fix.” Ram informed eliciting a grim expression from the boy she was coaching.“Yea, Emilia is gonna have it tough.”Subaru was astonished. After parking the carriage, the walk up to the castle was incredible. The stairs made out of stone that was almost white as cotton. The walls on each side of the staircase leading up to the ornate double doors were elegantly decorated in blue and gold. “Man, this is unreal.” Subaru awed.“Stop gawking Barusu, you’re embarrassing enough to stand by already, don’t make it worse.” She jabbed.“My maidenly heart will stop if you keep insulting me like a germ.” Ram was puzzled at Subaru’s reply.“What in the Od is a germ?”“Oh yea, you guys don’t know about that stuff.” Subaru mumbled. Ram blew it off as another stupid thing he occasionally says.“We are here, tell the servant there you’re here for the knight academy and you will be taken to the correct section of the castle.” Subaru nodded at her explanation and took his luggage out of the carriage compartment.“Well, Ram will not miss your presence at the manor. Don’t forget the alibi lord Roswald gave you and embarrass him Barusu.” She teased, leaving him at the gate right after.‘Well, it’s better than wanting to kill me. I couldn’t imagine the tension if Rem were to take me here.’ Subaru thought heading towards the elderly servant in the kiosk.“Good day sir! What happens to be your business within the royal castle?” He asked rather nicely.“Yes, I’m Subaru Natsuki. I’m here for the knight academy. Lord Roswald should have sent a letter a while back regarding my arrival.” The servants nodded and looked through a ledger.“Ah! Yes, guards! Let this young man through and show him the way! Here young man, take this note to the guards and they will show you the way. He said, handing Subaru the note.“Yes, thank you sir.” Subaru thanked.“Ah, my pleasure.”‘Man, Chick-fil-A would love this guy.’ Subaru thought, walking up to the two guards at the gate.“Halt! What is your business here?” He asked stiffly.Subaru handed the note and as he read, the guard seemed to sweat bullets.“My apologies sir! I had no idea we would be getting an honored person such as yourself. Please follow me, I will show you to the academy.” He said nervously.‘That was fucking weird.’ Subaru thought as he followed the guard inside the large double gates and into the walkway of the castle.It was impressive. It’s size towered above so high, Subaru had to crane his neck all the way up just to see the highest point.As they entered the castle itself, it had an entrance that branched off to three different areas. Everything was decorated in gold and white, with pictures of what Subaru thought to be the previous kings. Red carpet with gold trimming decorated the floors, with occasional embroidery .“We will be going off to the left here. This is where all the knights affiliation is done. Towards the right is the nobles and mages affiliations. And going straight in the middle is the throne room. Don’t ever go in there unless your summoned.” The guard explained. To which Subaru nodded.Taking a left, they continued quite a ways down the white hallways with stained glass. The view on their left was way above the city of Lagunica, on the right were rooms meant for different purposes. Subaru assumed class rooms or maybe dining rooms. He didn’t get a tour of it.“Where are we headed.” Subaru questioned.“I’m taking you to captain Gildark, he’s going to get you registered.” He replied as Subaru walked behind him.“Is it really necessary for the captain himself to see a mere rookie?” Subaru asked, the guard glanced back for a moment.“Usually not, but your case is a bit special. You were sent by the Margrave himself which in itself makes you of a higher social standing, Even among the ranks of fellow knights.” He explained.“Wow. I’m not sure I’ll be able to live up to that standing you talk about but I’ll try.” Subaru said, rubbing his neck with an awkward grin.“Some of the younger knights may not see you in the best light though. Your entering the academy halfway through the graduating year, so they may see you as, entering through the backdoor so to say.” He warned.“Hmm, I’ll keep a look out for it, thanks.”“No worries sir Natsuki. Ah, we are here.” He said gesturing to a closed door. The guard knocked and he heard a deep voice ask them in, which they promptly did so.“Sir, this is sir Subaru Natsuki sent by Lord Roswald. I brought him as you had requested.” He said bowing slightly.“Dismissed.” He said, sitting at his desk without looking up from his paper work.The captain was a large armored man with green hair with a military cut and a soul patch. The captain finally gave Subaru attention after he had been standing there for a few long moments.“I thought you would be bigger… But you’re definitely the one. Long way from home are you, Gusteko was it?” He analyzed.“Yes sir, I was a noble from a fallen family and I sought refuge in Lagunica. Lord Roswald saw talent in me and gave me an opportunity to serve him, it was an offer I couldn’t pass up.” Subaru replied respectfully.“Natsuki huh? I’ve never heard of a Natsuki household in Gusteko.” He tested. Roswald told Subaru the captain would probably do this.“I’m sure you wouldn’t, it was very small, hardly any different than a commoners livings except for name only. Our land got ravaged by the civil war and is why I’m a refugee.” Subaru replied coolly.“Hmm, I am Marcos Gildark, captain of the royal knights and from this point forward, I am your superior. What I say you do. If it weren’t for owing a favor to the Margrave I wouldn’t even be letting you in, so anything that happens to you… I will not take responsibility for. That’s on the Margrave. Now that you know this, are you sure you want to join the knight academy?” He warned and Subaru nodded.“Of course… Sir.” He said with a smirk.Because Subaru was recruited through Roswald, he was clearly getting special treatment. He got his own room, whereas every one else had to share a room except for a select few.The Raven haired boy unpacked his things in the small bag he brought into the drawers in the room.It was a decent size with a large bed, white and blue sheets lay upon it mattress. The furniture was lavish and complemented the theme of white and blue nicely.Subaru dressed in his pajamas and flopped onto the large bed.‘Haa… I miss Beako.’ He thought glancing down to his left where she usually cuddles next to him.He was thinking he’d just go and visit them with dimension crossing but he was given strict orders not to leave the academy unless given permission.The captains words went through his head again.‘I will not take responsibility for you. That’s on the Margrave. Now that you know this, are you sure you want to join the knight academy?’“Heh, I’m not the naïve weak Subaru back on earth. I have true power now. If someone wants to pick on me… Bring it on.”A certain red haired man walked through the hallways and waved to crowds of knights who were clearly fans. This man didn’t find it annoying, not because he enjoyed attention or was arrogant. But because he was a truly kind person.“Good morning sir Reinhart!” one knight said.“We are blessed to have you here sir Reinhart!” Said another.Reinhart just smiled and nodded his head in return. A few moments later, a strange thing occurred. His heart skipped a beat as he felt his divine protection of emotion reading flare.As the crowd thinned he saw a boy his age with black hair, black eyes, his gaze downcast. He also looked as he has gotten very little sleep.His knight uniform was not standard issue, most likely a noble with money. But the most baffling part was the amount of negative emotion his divine protection sensed. It has been a long time since Reinhart had seen such negative energy.Reinhart walked up to the young man and put a hand on his shoulder.“I hope the academy is treatment you well. May I ask your name?” The strange boy looked surprised at his introduction.“Uh, hey. I’m Subaru Natsuki… And you are?” He replied.Reinhart was a bit confused. He is in the knight academy but he didn’t recognize the sword saint? Not that this bothered Reinhart, quite the opposite in fact. It was refreshing meeting someone who didn’t know him.“Ah, I apologize. It was rude not to introduce myself first. I’m Reinhart van Astrea. I just noticed you seemed a bit troubled. Is there anything I can assist you with?” He asked kindly.“Yes, you can. You see, I’ve been here for two months and haven’t made a single friend. Perhaps you can help?” Subaru joked.After hearing his problem Reinhart glanced down in thought.‘Someone like me is the last person he would need to help fix his troubles…’ Reinhart self depreciated internally.The raven haired boy laughed at Reinhart who was taking it way to seriously.“Don’t think about it to hard man! How about you be my friend?” Subaru offered, surprising Reinhart.‘Someone wants to be friends with a monster like me?’ The sword saint thought.“How about I call you Rein? Yea, that sounds good!” Subaru mused, completely oblivious to Reinharts internal struggles.“I…I would be happy, if you could be my friend.” The swordsman replied with a charming smile.‘Guh… So damn good looking…’ Subaru thought bitterly.“I’m supposed to be early to class. Some noble jerk is waking me up early cause he is supposed to be some hot shot.” Subaru said clueless, to which Reinhart chuckled awkwardly.“I’ll see ya around Rein.” Subaru said while running off to his class.Reinhart smiled at the thought of making a friend today. It was hard for him. People treated him like a gemstone that’s too precious to approach. They only watch in admiration. This mysterious boy was the first person in his life that Reinhart truly felt sincerity from.“What a strange fellow.”Subaru barely made it in time for his class. He was just about the last person to be seated.The room resembled that of a college classroom. A stage for the teacher, and elevated desks facing it. A staircase splitting the room that led up to the highest desks in the far back.Subaru took his assigned seat at the front row closest to the teacher.‘Hopefully this special guest isn’t a prick.’ Subaru lamented as the teacher entered the classroom.“Alright quiet!” He yelled, standing behind the podium and faced the knight trainees.“I know you got up earlier than usual today but I won’t be allowing that to affect your performance. Today we have a very special guest.” The door then opened and in walked the same red haired man Subaru befriended.‘Oh my god, fuck me.’ Subaru thought, covering his face in embarrassment.“Please give him your apt attention!.. You may take the stage sword saint.” The teacher gestured to the podium and stepped back to let Reinhart speak.“Greetings. I’m sure you all know who I am but I will introduce myself out of curtesy. My name, is Reinhart van Astrea, and I’ve come as a guest to teach a few things about being a knight of the kingdom. Knight Juukulius was supposed to come, but other matters came up regarding the upcoming selection. So my meager skills will have to suffice.” He said modestly.There were a few murmurs in the class but it quickly died down.“What is the most important thing about being royal knights for the kingdom of Lagunica?” Reinhart asked.A classmate raised their hand and he pointed to him.“To bring the utmost honor to the kingdom.” He answered.“That is an important thing to consider but that is incorrect… Anyone else?” The classmate who answered shrunk down back into his seat at his incorrect answer.‘These people are so stuck up and focused on principle and hoity toity knightly manners, that they can’t even see such a easy answer…’ Subaru thought annoyed.Reinhart smiled softly and gestured to his new friend.“Yes, Subaru?” The class mates upon hearing Reinhart say the raven haired boys name, murmured once more amongst each other.“Why would the sword saint know that fake by name?” One trainee said to his desk mate.“Subaru? What the hell is that freak up to this time?” Another whispered.The raven haired boy stood up and answered.“The most important part of being a knight… Is protecting the people, no matter what social standing they have, it does not matter to a knight that is truly righteous.” Subaru finished, sitting back down.Reinhart nodded at his new friend.“That is correct! After all, what is the point of becoming a knight if you do not find value in the most important part of the kingdom… The people. Thank you Subaru.” He said, glancing at said boy.“Here at the knight academy, they teach you about the basics of magic, advanced swordsmanship, proper manners and speech befitting of a knight… But there is one thing they cannot teach you no matter how hard the academy may try. And that is the love of people who are complete strangers to yourselves… Each person is someone’s father, mother, child, grand child.” He paused for a few moments. The class paid close attention.“But the moment you lose your compassion, your love of people… Is the moment you stop being a knight. Power is important, it allows you to protect those who cannot do so themselves, but compassion and kindness is equally important too.” Subaru could tell there was tension amongst some of the snobbish classmates he had to deal with as Reinhart hit them where it hurts.“All of you will be graduating within the next three months, given you pass the test of course. So for the rest of those three months, I urge you to take this advice to heart. I assure, cultivating the qualities of compassion and kindness will not only make you a better knight, but a better person and it will reflect well on the image of Lagunica knights and bring it honor... Here at the academy you will acquire great power. Don’t let that power cloud your judgement. Always choose the path of peace if at all possible.”‘Don’t let it get to your head in other words.’ Subaru thought.“Upon my name of Astrea, I truly believe you will all make excellent knights. Keep up the good work, I will be watching your progress.” Reinhart finished with a small bow before leaving the stage and walking out the classroom.The classroom applauded at his guidance. Even if some of the trainees winced at his words. If the sword saint said it, then it was the truth and they couldn’t refute it.‘Hah… I hope he wasn’t offended at what I implied about him earlier… Subaru thought as the teacher went on in his lessons.‘Man, I can’t wait to see Beako.’Reinhart sat at a special table about to eat lunch that was segregated from all the other knights and trainees in the large dining hall.Nobles sat around him obviously trying to suck up to him. Telling him bloated tales of their accomplishments. Reinhart truly tried to pay attention to what they were saying but he heard it all too often. They weren’t actually interested in him as a person. They wanted to develop connections with the Astrea family. Whether it be merchants looking to trade goods, nobles asking for help in some trouble they got in, even some trying to set him up in marriage with their daughters.This is why he hated being powerful. It was a never ending loop of fakes trying to impress him and to stroke their egos with his praise of their questionable accomplishments.“Hey buddy.” The sword saint heard as his new friend put a plate of food in front of him.Subaru sat down next to him putting down his own plate of food in his other hand.“This table is reserved for special guests. I implore you to leave!” One of the four snobbish nobles said as Subaru sat down.The raven haired boy smirked“Oh, special guests? Shouldn’t you leave then?” He jabbed, making the four nobles sitting opposite of himself and Reinhart furious.“W-Where are your manners trainee!? A knight ought to know better how to treat a noble!” He responded. Subaru waved his hands in surrender.“Ahh that. Yea I’m failing that class. Please don’t hold it against me.” He said, obviously trying to agitate them.Reinhart was flabbergasted at his friends behavior. Not at all in a bad way.“Why you!! How audacious can you be peasant? I demand to know your identity so you can be thoroughly disciplined!” Subaru put his pinky in his ear, trying to plug it.“Yeash, calm down dude, it’s just a joke.” Subaru’s mock attempts to calm the situation of course failed.“Say Rein, you want to get out of here?” Subaru said, picking up the sword saints plate and handing it to him.The noble slammed his hand down on the table.“Don’t you dare leave you mongrel! Your not escaping the consequences of offending a noble!” The nobles hissed as Subaru stood from his seat.As patient as Reinhart was, even he was getting irritated at the nobles outbursts. Out of sheer heat of the moment, Reinhart stood up and agreed to leave with Subaru.“Yes, I think I’d like that Subaru.” Said boy smirked at the sword saints response.“Oh my god! Intruders!” Subaru gasped, pointing behind the nobles who immediately turned around to see said intruders.“What do you mean!? There are no intruders you imbec-…” The noble cut himself short when he noticed Subaru and the sword saint just vanished in the short amount of time they had been distracted.“W-What the hell is going on!?”“Subaru, how did you do that?” Reinhart asked amazed, setting his plate down on the table in Subaru’s room.“Ah, I just opened a portal connected to my room, well there’s another step to that but that is the short version.” Subaru shrugged, grabbing silverware from some drawers.“I don’t think you understand how incredible that is my friend. Dimension magic is the highest level of yin element, which is notorious for being very difficult to control. Yet you did it instantly without even casting.” Subaru rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment as he sat down to eat his food with his new friend.“You give me too much credit. I do have a Yin affinity. I’m also contracted with the great spirit of Yin… She’s my teacher and dear friend.” Subaru responded with a fond smile.Reinhart was amazed. You would have never thought that a man with such a small gate would be able to cast highly advanced Yin magic and be contracted with THE great spirit of Yin? Almost unbelievable.“Subaru, I think you are selling yourself short…” Reinhart admitted.“You may think I’m incredible but, if I hadn’t contracted with my great spirit… I would have been very average.” Subaru said with a guilty look.Reinhart chuckled a little.“You are anything but average my friend.” He said, finally eating his food before it got cold.“So what about you Rein? How’d you become the sword saint?” Subaru asked, digging into his food.Reinhart paused his eating and hesitated to answer.“Well, the Astrea family have been inheriting the sword saint name for generations. Not just because we are exceptionally skilled in swordsmanship. But because we are blessed by Od Lagunica with divine protections to live up to the title. I’d like to say I earned my title with my own effort… But Od Lagunica has blessed me with hundreds of divine protections… It’s like…”“It feels like you cheated?” Subaru finished for him.Reinhart smiled somberly and nodded.“Yes, precisely.” He replied. Subaru wiped his mouth and put a hand on his friends shoulder.“I know exactly how you feel.” Reinhart looked at him in surprise.‘Someone understands me?’Reinhart would doubt Subaru but his divine protection of truth didn’t detect any deceit.“Thank you Subaru… That means more than you would think.” Reinhart said with a soft smile.“Of course! What are friends for?” The raven haired boy said with a thumbs up.The two ate and had small talk about Subaru’s academy life as well as some pointers and advice from Reinhart. The sword saint hasn’t felt so… Happy in a long time. His usual mundane routine was thrown off course by his new mysterious friend that came out of nowhere.“Say Rein, want to come to the Mathers domain for supper this Saturday?” Subaru suggested. Reinhart shook his head.“I apologize. I have work that I need to attend to early Sunday, so I’m going to ha-““Tsk tsk, did you forget I can just teleport you back?” Subaru interrupted, wagging his finger. Eliciting a smile from his friend.“Well, if you willing to do so, then I’d be happy to come, is Lord Roswald okay with it?” Subaru just waved his hand.“Ah, don’t worry about that guy. He won’t care.” Reinhart sweat dropped at Subaru’s disregard of his benefactor.“Well then, I’ll have to intrude. Thank you for the invite.” Subaru nodded in affirmation.“By the way. If you want, I can go to your place and drop a portal for later or you can meet me at the castle gates when I pick you up Saturday.” Subaru offered.“I’ll just meet you at the gates… Would you mind dropping me off after we are done? Id rather not have to go through the crowds again.” Reinhart requested sheepishly.“No problem my friend!”Subaru rested in his room thinking of the day before going to bed. It had been 2 months since he had been at the academy. Nothing but studying and his classmates looking at him with contempt.They viewed him as someone who cheated his way into the academy, which they aren’t exactly wrong. This made it very hard to make friends, something Subaru had been desperate for ever since he was on earth.‘Aah… Maybe it’s going to be the same no matter where I go.’ He thought. But that was before meeting Reinhart.His first friend his age. Before that, the only person he could find solace in was Beatrice. He lied to her about having no friends, he told her not to worry and that he had hardly any nightmares.But in reality it was miserable. The only time he felt at peace was when he was at the manor. He felt terrible about lying, but Beatrice had enough stress already because of his absence. The last thing she needs to think about is that her contractor is suffering and she can’t do anything about it.After thinking too hard Subaru fell asleep.He floated in darkness. Stars started to illuminate the sky, it was Beautiful. He blinked and a blood red moon blocked the stars.The moon got brighter and brighter. Subaru felt a warm heat on his back. Turning around he saw the sun. It’s gravity pulled him towards it. The heat got more intense the closer he got.The pain felt real. He winced in pain, shutting his eyes tight. A solar flare of fiery gas shot from the burning mass and burned off his arm.Screaming in pain he kept plummeting faster to his death. His skin started to char, hair burned off, and eventually, he disintegrated from the unimaginable heat.“Gah!” Subaru gasped awake, sitting on the bed clutching his face with a crazed expression. The full moon illuminating the bed through the window.This has been happening every night. Subaru’s conscience has found a way to punish him by killing him in his dreams in a different way every single night he slept. With the exception of Beatrice helping him.“How… How much longer must I endure?” He whispered for the umpteenth time.‘Three more months of this? Can I even make it? I’ve almost killed myself in hallucinations two times now… No, I will endure… I have to. Emilia and Beako need me… I think… No. I’m pretty sure I’m the one who needs them, hah…’ He thought bitterly.Subaru was terrified to take of the legendary armament that could bring him back to life. He walked, slept and bathed every moment in his shawl adorned with stars and a crescent moon. What If he killed himself and he didn’t have it on? Then everything he did would he for nothing.Who am I kidding… This is my retribution.Subaru walked through the hallways to class, bags under his eyes, shoulders slouched, obviously exhausted.‘Only one more night and I can see Beako.’ He thought, walking into the classroom and taking his designated seat in the front row.The teacher arrived moments later and silenced the room.“Good morning, future knights! As you probably know, the battle power assessment is next month. Featuring swordsmanship. I expect you to practice diligently.” He said, the class giving a firm “Yes sir.”‘Fuck, I don’t even use a sword yet I still have to take the class. I could be using that time to see Beako.’ He thought yawning.“Natsuki!” The teacher yelled. To which Subaru immediately straightened up and stiffened.“Yes Mr. sterling?” He said firmly and with respect. Mr. sterling was particularly strict and didn’t like to see any form of lack luster attitude in his class.“Is there something in my class you find boring?” He questioned, but Subaru was unfazed.“No sir. I just had poor sleep last night. It won’t happen again.” The teacher rolled his and continued his lecture. Eliciting a sigh of relief from Subaru.Some students snickered at him but that was normal to Subaru.‘That could have gone a lot worse…’ He thought whilst opening his text book.Classes went one the same as usual. The material itself wasn’t usual school. It had nothing to do with learning mathematics or science. They were there to serve the kingdom as loyal, graceful, righteous nights that uphold the law. There was little room for error.Luckily Subaru’s authority allowed him to study for as long as he was mentally capable of doing. So keeping up wasn’t really an issue. It really was a cheat code in some aspects.Alas, the teacher did his job and the students diligently followed instruction.Subaru sighed in relief as the warm healing magic of his great spirit calmed his mind.Beatrice leaned on her contractors chest as they sat in his usual comfy chair in the library.“Betty missed her Subaru. Betty thinks you can just break the rules and visit everyday, I suppose.” She muttered as Subaru pat her head.“Trust me… I wish I could come everyday, more than you could possibly imagine…” Beatrice tilted her head up to meet his eyes in concern.“Betty wishes so much… But… Her contract with mother will not let Betty go that far from the forbidden library.” She said downcast.“Your contract with your mother?” The great spirit nodded in response.“Is… Is there a way to get rid of the contract?” Beatrice seemed hesitant to answer.“The library would have to he destroyed, or mother would have to cancel it herself. But mother is dead… Having you here for Betty is enough, I suppose.” She explained to which Subaru shook his head.“That’s not good enough… Isn’t there anything you could think of that could help? I’ll go off of any lead you have.” Subaru said fervently, brushing her cheek.“The sanctuary… It’s where Betty lived with mother, Roswald and Ryuzu… But Betty doesn’t know if there is anything left there to find, I suppose. It was destroyed by the warlock of melancholy in fact.” She said, tearing up at the painful memories.“I’ll look into it. Roswald may know something about this… Sanctuary through his descendants… By the way, what was the first Roswald like?” Subaru asked, eliciting Beatrice to change positions on his lap with her back leaned on his chest.“He was annoying, but his talent for magic and loyalty to mother were extraordinary. We learned many things together, but After Mother died we parted ways. He was also obsessed with soul transfer magic, but not even mother could finish it. He wasted away his life, chasing after something he could never obtain. What a pitiful man.” She explained.“I see... Even if it’s slim I’m going to ask Roswald if he knows anything. I know you love this library… But if it’s going to be a prison for you. I would rather it be destroyed.” Beatrice froze at the thought of the libraries destruction.“Betty wouldn’t want her Subaru to do that. She would be forced to fight Betty’s Subaru, and that is something she cannot bear.”“Even if you have to fight me. I’d still do it… For you. No matter what… I swear I’ll free you…” He said confidently. Beatrice turned around and wrapped his neck in a hug.“Betty’s silly contractor is no match for Betty, I suppose.” She whispered in his ear. Subaru smiled in amusement.“Then I’ll just get stronger and try again.” He said smirking.“Hmph! You make it sound so easy. Where does all that confidence come from, I wonder?” Beatrice replied pulling back from the hug.“The great spirit of Yin is my master! It’s only natural for me to be the strongest!”Emilia sighed as she studied her books in her room.“That’s like the fifth time you’ve sighed in the past 10 minutes. What’s gotten into you?” He asked sitting on his daughters desk she sat at.“I wish I was more like Subaru… I can tell he has an enormous burden but nothing seems to faze him!.. It’s like… It’s like he's unstoppable, I just wish I had more of that in me.” She admitted.Puck internally ‘tsk’ as it was once again about Subaru. Doesn’t this girl think about anything else?“You really shouldn’t be so focused on that guy. You have other things that are more important.” He urged.“I know… Subaru is my first friend Puck. I guess I just miss the company.” She replied, grasping the fringes of her skirt.“You will have plenty of time to catch up once he’s back from the knight academy. Just believe in him a little and focus on your studies.” He told, going back into his crystal.‘I do believe in him but… Sometimes when I see Subaru. He’s not the Subaru I know, or something…’ Emilia thought, turning to the next page in her textbook.Emilia may be oblivious to the whole truth, but she is all too correct in her suspensions of her knights struggles.Subaru walked through the hallways of the manor after finishing his session with his great spirit.Beatrice said it was okay to be shackled to the Mathers domain but it wasn’t good enough for Subaru. So he decided to give a certain jester a visit.Knocking on the office door, the lord of the manor urged him to come in.Opening the door, he took a seat on the other side of Roswalds desk at his request.“To what doooo I owe the pleasuuure dear Subaru?” He drawled out.“Hey Roswald… I came regarding a more serious matter this evening.” The jester grew intrigued and leaned forward with his elbows on the desk.“Oh? It’s beeeeeen a while since you laaaast asked for help. Please, doooont be shy.” He said with a smirk, Subaru maintained a serious expression.“I want to break Beako’s contract with Echidna.” Roswald looked surprised for a few moments, but recovered as he leaned back in his office chair.“Hmm, dear Beatrice has beeeen there a loooong time. She cannot veeeenture far from the forbidden library. I’m assuuuumming you want to free her of that so she may go with you?” He guessed, to which Subaru nodded.“She may not see it like this. But to me… She’s like a prisoner. She says that just having me is enough but… I want more for her. Please, I’ll do anything.” Subaru begged, Eliciting a wide smile from the clown.“Anythiiiiing hmm?” He mused as he flipped through a black book. Subaru grew a bit awkward after the long silence.Roswald finally shut his book and stored it in his coat pocket.“I will help you.” Roswald started, making Subaru’s heart flutter.“But! You will alsoooo help me with sooooomething.” Subaru nodded, silently urging him to continue.“Dear Beatrice may have alreaaaady told you but I do have my own plaaaans in making laaaady Emilia king of Lagunica.” He started ominously.“Yea, I kind of figured. You are my benefactor as well so I went along with it.” Subaru admitted, making said benefactor smirk.“For four hundred years I’ve had the single goal of reviving my teacher.” He started, his accent completely gone.‘Four hundred years? How the hell has he lived so long?’ Subaru thought, waiting for the jester to continue.“The only reason I’m telling this to you is because the tomb of wisdom told me to.” He said waving around the black book he had earlier and putting back in his pocket shortly after.“Beako has one too, although it doesn’t seem to work as good as yours.” Subaru mentioned, oddly making Roswald downcast for a few moments.“I see, I didn’t know that…” The jester said quietly.‘For as much as Beako dislikes Roswald, he sure does have a soft spot for her.’ Subaru thought.“If you follow my instruction, And revive my teacher… I can guarantee dear Beatrice’s freedom.” He offered, to which Subaru simply stood up and outstretched his hand.“Deal.” He responded, shaking Roswald’s hand firmly.“What’s the first step?” Subaru asked, eager to get this over with.“Im sooo happy that you are willing to staaaart so early, but you first neeeed to graduate from the knight acaaaademy.” The jester informed.“Alright. I’ll do that… So, reviving your teacher… How do you plan to do that exactly?” Roswald leaned back in his chair and looked in his tomb of wisdom, Subaru assumed he was checking if it would tell him to inform Subaru of his inquiry.“My dear teaaaacher’s body is suspended in a time chaaamber. A powerful magic device is keeping it frooom deteriorating. The only thing caaapable of bringing her back to life is draaagons blood.” Subaru was confused about the dragons blood.“Beako told me of the great dragon Volcanica… You need the blood from him?” Roswald nodded.“Indeeeed. However no one really knows where he is, buuut I do know where the blood is.” Subaru narrowed his eyes.“The dragon candidates…” Roswald nodded.“Very perceptive. Thaaat is why I’m sponsoring lady Emilia. I am noooot the only one who needs the blood either. Laaady Emilia needs it for her own goals… Surely you can see why lady Emilia agreed to let meeee sponsor her. After all… You know hoooow she can be.” Subaru simply huffed with a smirk.“Okay, graduate the academy, make Emilia king, revive Echidna, free Beako.” Subaru simplified.“Weeell said… I think our agreement will be veeeery beneficial dear Subaru. Gooood night.” Roswald finished. Hinting the end of the conversation.“Yea, let me know if you need anything.” Subaru responded, walking out of his office with a wave.Roswald grew a wicked smirk when the raven haired boy left.“Oh I will have plenty of work for you my dear Subaru… You can count on that…”“Alright slackers! Pay attention! I’ll be assigning you your training partner. If you don’t know who it is by the time I’m done, then you fail!Subaru and his classmates sweat dropped at their sword training instructors strictness.All 203 of them frantically found their training partner when they were called.Subaru hated this class. He was able to beat every student with the help of his authority, but when he was in the ‘time zone’ there was really no need to focus on a certain type of sword style as Subaru could easily see how to defend against every attack, even against the most impossible of placements.The sole reason he hasn’t failed is because he was undefeated. So the instructor could therefore not tell him to stop doing what he was doing, even though everyone knew his sword style or lack there of was so far off from the academy's teachings.“Natsuki will verse Sherlum!”‘Fuck…’ Sherlum thought as he made his way through the crowd of nights to meet the raven haired boy.“Don’t think I’m like the others Natsuki… I can see through your tricks.” He hissed at Subaru whom looked bored.“Yea yea save it for the match.” He said, cleaning out his ear with a pinky finger.Subaru was… Not well liked. His brash demeanor and the fact he got in through the backdoor door, rubbed many of the snobbish bastards the wrong way.A lot of them attempted to bully him a couple weeks after he got to the academy, but they promptly got their ass handed to them. Much to their frustration, the guy seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye! Still no one has a clue as to how he does it.Some have claimed to see him open portals but they were swiftly dismissed as only high level yin mages can do that… Which of whom are basically extinct to their knowledge.The rounds went quickly. A few practice swords were broken here and there and a little blood was shed but only flesh wounds. A healer was on standby anyway.It was finally Subaru and Ray Sherlum’s turn. The crowd sighed, mostly in annoyance. The outcome was obvious and a certain someone’s swordsmanship was just cringe to watch. A toddler had better discipline than Subaru.“Begin!” The swordsman instructor yelled, backing away from the raised platform so the two could spar.Subaru left himself completely unguarded as Ray charged at him with a perfectly set guard.Ray went for a overhead strike. Closing the distance very quickly.Subaru with the wooden sword in his right hand, went for a block. But right before the blades clashed, Subaru stepped to the left and withdrew his blade from the block.All Ray’s sword hit was empty air. Subaru used his opponents momentum against him and lightly kicked the inside of his knee, and bashed the pommel of the wooden straight sword on top of Rays head, all without moving from his spot.Subaru’s opponent was dazed and tried to get up but alas, he fell unconscious.“NatsUKI! What the hell was that!?” The instructor bellowed out.Subaru simply smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.“I’m sorry! Every time I fight all your teachings seem to elude me!” He said, obviously feigning ignorance.“You! Gaah… Get the fuck off the stage. I’m passing you because I don’t know what the hell to do with you… Next!” Subaru bowed respectfully to the instructor then walked from the stage. There was the last event after the graduation. which was about a month away. That’s where the top ten students show off their true skills. There, you don’t fight fellow graduates, you fight full fledged knights to truly test your skills.People from noble families will be looking to recruit. Sure being a knight for Lagunica is great, but getting a private deal with a noble protecting a household, pays much higher and you get much better treatment.Of course, Subaru already has a lady he’s serving so that doesn’t matter to him.“Pretty nice moves, Subaru. Although I don’t condone going against the academy’s teachings…” A voice said as he walked through the dim hallway that led to the equipment room.“God dayumn! You scared me Rein.” The sword saint bowed in apology.“It was not my intention, forgive me.” Subaru laughed and slapped his chest to which he did not even budge.“Relax Rein... I know I’m not a swordsman. I simply don’t have the discipline to restrain my free will to one type of fighting style.” He said in fake pride, Eliciting a smirk from Reinhart.“I can never tell if your being serious or not.” The sword saint noted, making his friend chuckle.“I have been told that.” He replied, following each others lead into the hallways of the castle.“I have no doubt you will pass Subaru. I’m here today to personally interview each graduate. The council wants me to use my divine protections to make sure there are no spies amongst the recruits.” Reinhart explained as they walked.“You going to give me special treatment?” Subaru teased, causing Reinhart to smirk.“I’m afraid I can’t do that… If you could take us to your room, I might as well get yours over with.” Subaru nodded and snapped his fingers.The two were engulfed in a portal and transported to Subaru’s room, who urged the sword saint to take a seat.“I don’t think I’ll ever get used to that.” Reinhart mused. The great Od didn’t give him any divine protections to make the travel less unnerving.“Hah, when you do it as much as me it’s the same as opening a door.” Reinhart sweat dropped at Subaru’s disregard of how difficult it is to make portals.They took a seat at the small table set and Reinhart questioned Subaru. They were easy to answer, thankfully Reinhart didn’t ask directly if he was from Gusteko, otherwise his cover would be blown. But the last question the sword saint asked shook Subaru to his core.“Last question… What kind of man are you?” Reinhart notice his friend stiffened, his divine protection of emotion reading showed a black hole growing in Subaru’s chest. Clearly this question hit a nerve and Reinhart felt so terribly sorry for asking it. Especially since he didn’t even need to ask that question.The raven haired boy got up from his chair and walked to the window nearby, the sun poured on his downcast expression.“This is going to sound ridiculous but your divine protection will prove I’m telling the truth… I’m not from this world, Reinhart. I come from beyond the great waterfall.” The sword saint leaned back in shock at this revelation.“What kind of man am I huh?...” Subaru repeated. Taking a long pause before answering.“I have killed people who were deserving…. And people who were not.” He whispered the last part of his sentence.The raven haired boy turned around and looked Reinhart straight in the eyes.“I killed my friend…”Subaru shortly after looked away in guilt.“I’m a murderer who pays penance every time he closes his eyes… What kind of man am I?... I honestly don’t know anymore, I think I lost sight of that man a long time ago.” Subaru explained, tears threatening to leave his eyes.“If this changes your viewpoint of me… Then I don’t blame you.” He finished talking, staring at the marble floor.”Reinhart could sense the swirl of sadness, guilt and self loathing. This was not a bad person. This was just a boy who had been abandoned by the world. Of course Subaru didn’t see it that way.The sword saint got up from his seat and put a hand on his friends shoulder. A bad man would not feel such guilt over what he did. If you feel like you need to pay for what you did, then do so. But remember, your not alone.” Reinhart encouraged with a soft smile.Subaru turned his head and wiped his eyes with his arms.“Tsk, your too kind for your own good.” Subaru said, Reinhart apologized causing Subaru to roll his eyes and smirk.“If you ever need anything Subaru… You can come to me.” Reinhart reassured once more, making his friend nod.“I look forward to your progress at the graduation competition. Unfortunately I have others to question, Good day my friend.”“Yea, see ya around buddy.”It was finally the day of the competition, Subaru and Beatrice trained hard.Subaru knew he was already knighted, but he felt he had to prove it to Emilia and Beatrice even if they said he didn’t.The competition will feature the top ten students of the graduates. However they will he fighting full fledged knights. Not a bunch of rookies like themselves. It will be a proper challenge.Subaru stood with his nine other classmates and a few teachers in the middle of the large arena whilst nobles, knights and mages flooded the stands. A/N: (It’s the same arena that Julius fought Subaru in.)A platform amongst the seats of the stadium plateaued, it seated important people.Reinhart was there, Roswald, Emilia and a very familiar looking green haired Valkyrie. Some others were there too but Subaru didn’t recognize them.The raven haired boy was ripped from his thoughts when the sword instructor took out a magic device to amplify his voice.“Ladies and Gentlemen! The royal knight academy of Lagunica, bids you a warm welcome and thanks you for being here to see these ten extraordinary knights that will soon join our ranks!” The crowd gave a round of applause before the instructor continued.“Of course as usual, we will test the top ten knight trainees to push their limits! To show our dedication, real swords will be used! But not to worry, we have the ‘blue’ here to help incase of emergency!” He gestured to one Felix Argyle who did a cutesy pose.“And we also have some special guests amongst us this year! Please give a warm welcome to the Karsten camp, Hoshin camp and Roswald L. Mathers!” The crowd gave applause once more as said guests waved from the plateaued seating area.It irked Subaru that they didn’t even mention Emilia’s name, but that could also be a good thing, as depressing as that sounds.Subaru was then urged into a waiting room. Apparently they weren’t allowed to watch each others matches to avoid any advantages they may gain from doing so.As he sat, his other eight classmates were definitely nervous as the first one was fighting. Lip biting, nail chewing, leg bouncing. Subaru was no exception, all those people watching him duke it out? What if all the training he did and he still fucks it up? What if he embarrasses Emilia, Roswald and Beako?The sounds of battle stopped and the crowd cheered. It was the senior knights win. Not really a surprise. Subaru’s next classmate was taken. It seemed almost like a sheep to a slaughter, but you could fight back.One by one his classmates lost their spars. Finally, like a main character, Subaru was chosen last.“Don’t embarrass us.” The instructor whispered, to which Subaru nodded.‘Fucking asshole.’ The raven haired boy thought while stepping onto the large arena.“Our final battle today! Coming from the Mathers domain, Subaru Natsuki!” The instructor yelled, eliciting a cheer from the crowd.Subaru took a sword from a servant that was brought to everyone else save for Subaru left the arena.Emilia watched as her knight walked onto the arena, her hands clasped together with a worried expression. A certain Valkyrie noticed this.“Please don’t be so nervous Emilia, my knight Felix will undoubtedly heal him in even better condition than he is now.” She encouraged. Emilia looked at her with relief.“That’s good to hear… I just get so worried, he’s always getting himself hurt. Why does he feel like he needs to prove himself to me all the time?” Crusch smirked at her words.“After today he should calm down. Felix was the same way too.” Emilia nodded at her advice.“I’ll trust you on that then.”The match had begun, both contestants completely unguarded as if welcoming the other to attack.Subaru’s opponent was skilled. He is stern, mid length, flowy golden hair, green eyes and looked pompous like his brother.“You’re a Sherlum? Ray’s brother?” Subaru said, as they circled each other.“Hoh? I guess you are not completely incompetent… I am Tye Sherlum, first son of count Sherlum.” He said with a pompous tone.“Wow, sorry about your brother. Did he tattle on me?” Subaru teased, which made Tye smirk.“He did, so I slapped him for losing to such a fool… I don’t care if you beat my idiotic brother… You are a laughing stock to Lagunican swordsmanship. Not to mention you’re a filthy Gustekon.“Wow prejudice much? I may be rough around the edges, I’m not the best swordsman, but guess what?... I’m not a swordsman.” Subaru threw the sword given to him off the arena, made a small portal and pulled out RoseMary from it.There was Gasps from the crowd and Tye took a step back.“You’re a mage? This whole time?” He said with disgust.“Do you hate anything that’s not a knight?” He said charging at Tye.Subaru twirled the javelin around like a bo-staff around in various ways while blocking and parrying blows from his opponents sword. Sparks and metallic noises rang through the air.It was a very flashy spectacle. Tye did a heavy overhead strike, Subaru casted Murak on himself and back flipped to safety. The sword sliced into the ground getting stuck.While still in mid-air, Subaru threw the javelin and Tye was forced to let go of his sword.The golden javelin impaled the ground where his opponent once stood. The two circled each other once more with both their weapons in the middle.“You gave up your only weapon just for a chance that I would be incapacitated? How foolish!” He yelled bolting towards his sword with surprising speed.“Not quite.” Subaru reached out his hand and RoseMary disappeared in front of his opponents eyes and was once again hurled at him.He barely dodged in time, a bloody scratch grazed his arm.The crowd cheered at the display of power. Tye glared at Subaru.“You are no knight. You’re an abomination with no mastery!” Tye yelled, engaging in combat once more.Tye was getting frustrated. This annoying cur had no real stance, no guard, and no respect of swordsmanship. Yet somehow, he was able to parry, block and deflect every blow he threw at him.“Is the only thing you can do is defend!?” Tye yelled, making Subaru smirk.“No, your mom said I was a really good fuck last night.” Subaru could hear Felix laugh girlishly in the distance.“You vile dog!”Luckily everyone seated on the plateau were too far away to hear their conversation.“This Subaru Natsuki is quite good Reinhart.” The one and only Julius Juukulius mentioned to the sword saint by his side.“Yes, I don’t know what he’s fully capable of. But I can tell he’s still holding back.” Julius was surprised at Reinhart’s take on the fight.“We will have to wait and see…”Wilhelm, who stood a few yards away from the Hoshin camp, overheard his grandson’s and the knight of knights conversation.“Lady Crusch, this boy…” He whispered. The Valkyrie nodded.“Yes. It’s him from the bandit subjugation two years ago… I see he has done well for himself.” She noted.“Indeed it would seem so lady Crusch.”“El-vita!” Subaru casted.The spell made his golden javelin many times heavier as it ripped through the air towards his opponent from the sky.Dust exploded from the impact, Tye clearly managed to dodge but was taken by surprise nonetheless.Subaru deactivated Murak and slowly floated down to the ground.“You claim to be a mage but I have yet to see you use a single offensive spell that doesn’t apply to that cheat weapon of yours.” Tye hissed.“Your right. This weapon is remarkable, I also think it’s unfair.” He said, opening a portal and storing the golden weapon.Subaru then pulled out an ice sword Emilia had made for him in the past and closed the portal.“Fire magic? I thought you were a yin mage?.. Don’t tell me you have two affinities.” He said bitterly.“What are you jealous? Unfortunately I do not have two affinities. A very close friend made this for me.” Subaru said giving the ice straight sword a few practice swings.“Ha, you expect a piece of ice to hold up against actual steel!?” Tye roared, swinging a heavy blow down towards Subaru’s head.To the attackers surprise. Subaru easily parried him and even sent him skidding backwards.‘How?... How!?’ Tye thought as his hands shook from the violent impact.To a spectator it would seem that Subaru had incredible strength. But what he was actually doing was bringing the ice sword to a timeline when it had Murak casted on it, making it weightless. Then the moment it clashed blades, Subaru changed the sword to a timeline when Beatrice casted El-Vita on it, giving the sword extra weight and mass. Then immediately turning it back to a timeline where it was under the cast of Murak. A truly brilliant use of his authority.“Sorry about that. I’m about to get a bit serious.” Subaru said, slowly walking towards his opponent.Subaru stopped as Tye chuckled.“Oh no… It is quite the opposite. It is I, who will now show you you’re place…” He hissed eyes shaded.Little dots of lights started to whirl around Tye's blade. A gentle breeze kissed Subaru’s cheeks, it was a pretty spectacle.“Oh spirits, hear my plea and become my blade!” He yelled, the dots of light became more intense and enveloped his sword so tight knit, that it glowed a solid white.Subaru put his guard up for the first time and readied his stance.Tye roared with a heavy slash, a bright light arc closed the distance in almost an instant. Subaru had barely any time to flip to the side.Just as the raven haired boy composed himself, Tye closed the gap and slammed his white blade against his ice cold.The blow was much stronger this time, using El-vita to guard was counterproductive as that would just add weight to his sword. He had no option but to kick his opponent lightly in the gut and retreat a few meters.“I won’t let you!” Tye yelled, closing the gap and exchanged blows.Even with Subaru using Murak and El-Vita in accordance, the spirit enhanced blade of his opponent seemed to even the playing field.“I didn’t know house Sherlum had a spirit knight.” Anastasia Hoshin said aloud to her own spirit knight.“I’ve heard of him. Tye Sherlum… His divine protection allows him to manipulate lesser spirits. It’s impressive in its own right but I feel that it takes away the freedom of the spirits. I’m not going to judge him on how he uses his divine protection, but he is not an actual spirit knight. He doesn’t need to make a contract to use their power, which is quite extraordinary.” Julius explained, gaining a nod from his lady.Emilia held her hands together above her chest, worry clearly written on her face.“Please be safe, Subaru…”Subaru and Tye were in a lock, gritting their teeth and glaring into each others souls before retreating back their separate ways.Both seemed to be equally exhausted.“A spirit knight? No, you would have to make thousands of contracts to use that many spirits.” Subaru said, grabbing a breath.“It’s my divine protection. Not that a plebian like you would understand.” He mocked, gathering the spirits around his sword again.“Gosh I have feelings too… I think it’s about time I wrap this up…” Subaru said, putting away his sword in a small portal and closing his eyes.This irked Tye to the point of charging at him in a rage. Subaru opened his eyes and pink glowing star shaped magic circles covered his irises.The world slowed and Subaru saw the targets that he and Beatrice had practiced hitting with minya crystals. Thousands of translucent pink X marks littered the ground and sky in a dome shape, just like in his training dimension.“Minya.” Subaru whispered.Tye's back was slammed into the ground by a minya crystal. Saliva escaped his mouth as his breath left him momentarily.The spirits quickly absorbed the minya crystal spreading on his body, which turned them purple. Allowing his opponent to retreat back for a different strategy.“So you finally bear your fangs. I hate to admit but you are quite good. But I don’t plan on losing…” Subaru rolled his eyes at his opponents blabbering.“Sure sure, let’s get this over with.” Subaru said nonchalant, waving his hand.Roswald spectated the fight with amusement.“So you finaaaally started to show your wooorth dear Subaruuu.” He said to himself with a large grin.Subaru felt a chill down his spine for some reason.“Okay here I come, don’t blame me for what happens next... Minya.” Hundreds of minya crystals appeared in a blanket a few meters above Tye’s head.“Impossible! Impossible!” No one can cast that many spells with one chant!” He yelled dodging and weaving. Occasionally using the spirits to absorb the incoming attacks.“Hate to break it to ya bud, but I can do a lot more than this… But I don’t need to draw to much attention. Beating you should suffice.” Subaru replied, finally giving him a break from nonstop attacks.“You make it sound like you already wo-? What the hell is that?” Tye asked pointing behind Subaru.Behind said boy were to portals, one hovering over the other horizontally. But the unnerving part was the fist sized minya crystal repeatedly falling in a loop between the two so fast, that it looked like one object. The only way you could tell the difference was the howling of wind and dust it was kicking up.“Ah this? It’s my new spell! A mix between dimension, vita and minya spells.” Tye was taken aback at this absurd explanation.“Making an original spell at your age is impossible! No one has done such a thing! Not even the great Mathers lineage! Your lying!” He screamed. Subaru could barely hear him as the howling got even louder. He thought his shawl would blow right off his neck.“Let’s see if you’re spirits can protect you from this one…” Subaru replied with an outstretched hand.“Railgun.” Tye was confused as nothing happened.“Of course, you were just bluf-!?” Tye was cut off as a loud boom was heard and only moments later, a purple blur smashed into the middle of the arena faster than super sonic speeds.A devastating impact shook the whole stadium. Even cracking the walls. Strangely, Tye felt himself unaffected.The knights, nobles and mages were blinded by dust.“Subaru!” Emilia yelled out, running to the edge of the elevated seating area, gripping the railing with anxiety.Even the three knights present stepped forward to see the outcome better when the dust settled.“Now now Lady Emiliaaa. I don’t thiiiink Subaru would harm himself wiiiith his own attack.” The jester reasoned, relieving some of her worry.“I know… I just can’t help it.” And she didn’t know why. Why did she worry so much for Subaru? She didn’t do so for Rem, Ram or Roswald. Only him.“Could it be tha’ miss Emilia likes her knight?” Anastasia said coy, confusing the half elf.“Of course I like Subaru. He’s my friend.” Anastasia looked at her deadpan.“Uh. Tha’ aint what I meant…” Emilia was too innocent to get her insinuation.The dust finally cleared, and the result left them speechless excluding Roswald who acquired a wicked smile, which shortly faded into his normal smirk.‘Good dear Subaru. Keep it up, for my dream must come about through you.’ The clown thought.The whole arena was indented, the stage completely gone. All that was left was a crater fifty feet deep, the ground obliterated into warm soft dirt, the middle of the crater smoked from the intense heat.Tye Had a coughing fit from the dust and got to his feet.“How am I alive?” He whispered.“I took us to another dimension When my attack impacted the ground. Kinetic energy is a real bitch huh? I hope you will be grateful and surrender, yeah?” Subaru said, as four more of the same spell were casted behind him.Tye fell to his knees with wide eyes and mouth ajar, his blond hair and white Knight uniform now filthy from the dust.“I… Lose.”“It was a good match.” Subaru smiled, snapping his fingers making the spells disappear instantly.A few moments later, Felix and the instructor slid down the crater.“Is anyone hurt nya?” Tye and Subaru shook their heads.“Natsuki… How?” The instructor asked baffled.“I Tye Sherlum, surrender this match to Subaru Natsuki. He is fit to be a knight or mage of his choosing. Good day.” The former opponent interrupted while walking away out of the crater with some difficulty.“I’d offer him my assistance but I don’t think he would take it…” The raven haired boy said to no one.“Are you going to announce the winner?” The instructor was knocked out of his stunned state and grabbed the magic amplifying device.“Knight Tye Sherlum has surrendered the battle! The winner is knight Subaru Natsuki!”The applause was a little underwhelming, no one was expecting a nobody to absolutely dog on an opponent who easily handled the knights before.The instructor faced Subaru as Felix was leaving the crater as his job was done.“We’ve had our differences Natsuki. And I have no doubt there will be problems in the future serving Lady Emilia… But I’m rooting for you kid.” Subaru nodded with a smirk.“Thank you for your teachings. I will remember them.”“No you won’t.”“Yea your probably right!” Subaru joked as he snapped his fingers.A portal opened and the raven haired boy stepped inside to head back to his room.“Maybe I am the main character after all?” A/NSorry for the long wait! I was traveling and didn’t have an opportunity to write. It’s good to be back though! Thanks for reading.Also, it would be great to hear your thoughts on the story! I love hearing them! Peace!

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Hello again! Good to see you! Please consider leaving a review, it keeps me motivated!Enjoy my friends. Right after the events of the battle, Subaru retreated to his room to shower and freshen up before going to the after party.As the winner of the event, Subaru was at least expected to make an appearance, and maybe a speech about the ‘greatness’ of the academy. Although he wasn’t so keen on that part.After freshening up, the raven haired boy turned his uniform back to a timeline where they were fresh off the drying rack.Subaru’s authority is not only suitable for battle, but also very convenient in his mind.Snapping his fingers, he opened a portal to the Forbidden Library and stepped through.“Subaru!” A certain loli spirit yelled, jumping into his arms.“Haha! I missed you Beako… I wish you could have seen me! I won the graduation event!” He said, putting her down on the floor.“Betty had no doubt Betty’s Subaru wouldn’t lose in fact.” Subaru beamed a smile at her for the compliment.“Beako, none of this would be possible without you. Everything I did out there, were things I copied from you… So, thank you… Beako.” A sweet smile grew on the great spirits face at her contractors thanks.“Subaru needs to give himself more credit I suppose. Although you copied Bettys spells, Betty’s Subaru was the one to utilize it in battle. Don’t think for a moment that there is no effort on Subaru’s part in fact.” She chastised.Subaru nodded and smiled softly.“I know that… It’s hard to think that way though, from my point of view.” Beatrice pouted at this.“Grr, Subaru should just listen to Betty and shut his mouth I suppose!” She teased, making her contractor chuckled.“Yea yea… By the way. I talked to Roswald about your contract.” Beatrice grew a serious aura at his words.“And?” She prodded, Subaru let out a sigh.“He promised to help me release the contract if he helped me revive your mother.” Beatrice took a step back at this banger of a response.“H-How? How could that be even possible!? She’s been dead for over 400 years in fact!” She yelled, making Subaru frown.“He said her body is being suspended in a magic device. But that in itself is not able to revive her… He needs dragon blood.” The great spirits eyes lit up in realization.“The half elf… That’s why… Now it all makes sense! The soul transfer was completed! Every Roswald has been the same person hasn’t it!?” She yelled in anger.Subaru nodded at her sharp deduction skills.“That’s right. I don’t know why he didn’t tell you but I’m sure he has his reasons…” Subaru said, getting on his knees to hold his spirits little arms.“He didn’t specifically tell me not to tell this to you, but I don’t want there to be any secrets between us… So I’m going to have to ask you to keep what I told you about secret. I don’t need Roswald angry with me.” He pleaded, to which Beatrice nodded.“All this time… That stupid annoying Roswald!” She yelled, tearing up in anger and frustration.“I’m sorry Beako… Everything I do is for you. I will do anything to get your freedom… Nothing will get in my way, not even you.” He said with a confident smirk.“Don’t make Betty put her foolish contractor in his place I suppose.” She teased, wiping away her tears with her arm.“I have to go now Beako. They are expecting me to show up for the after party. Plus I get to see Emilia in a formal dress! Kya, what a day!” Beatrice rolled her eyes at her contractors perverted tendencies.“Will Betty’s Subaru be back tonight I wonder?” Subaru nodded at her question.“Yea, I’m officially graduated so I can leave whenever I want!.. I’ll see you tonight.” He replied, opening a portal with a wave of his hand, the raven haired boy went back to his academy room leaving the great spirit to her thoughts.‘Perfect.’ Subaru thought, adjusting his usual knights uniform Rem made with the help of a random mirror hanging on the wall of the castle hallways.He stopped himself before opening the double doors to the dining hall. He could her the popping of a bottle, people conversing, some polite laughter and the clanking of silverware.Bracing himself one last time, he took a deep breath and opened the doors, taking in the sight.The normal benches were cleared away and replaced with fancy table sets and expensive eating utensils. Some were already eating, some just chatting.‘Fuck, I can’t wait until this is over…’ Subaru cursed.This kind of environment wasn’t his strong suit. His brash personality came across as rude to the pompous ways of the nobles that he would inevitably be forced to talk to.Gracefully sifting through the conversation groups, the raven haired boy searched for his Lady in hopes to speak to a familiar face.“Ah sir Natsuki!” A random voice spoke up from behind, making Subaru turn to face it.It was a well fed noble around his height, dressed in the most extravagant of formal wear.“Ah, hello there. Is there anything I can help you with?” Subaru asked, not forgetting the knightly manners he was taught for such occasions.“Yes in fact there is my good boy. My name is Kal Telayun. I’m a noble who owns land just outside the capital. I saw your performance earlier today and was very impressed! I was hoping we could talk some business?” He offered, shaking Subaru’s hand.“I’m honored you would even consider someone such as myself… But I am already bound by a conflicting agreement. I’m terribly sorry Mr. Telayun.” Subaru replied, bowing slightly.“Ah… Are you serving the half-devil? I thought it to be just rumor, but I guess it is true. Truly a pity to be forced into such an arrangement.” He said bitterly, immediately taking his leave.‘Fucking asshole…’ Subaru thought, resisting the urge to smite him.Shrugging it off, he continued on his original path and finally found the table the special guests dined at.As he approached, he noticed Crusch and Anastasia, they seemed to be rather friendly with his Lady, which made him happy. She needed girls her age to talk with. Even if they were rivals.“Greetings honored guests.” Subaru said with a bow and hand to his chest.The first to take notice was the merchant.“Hey ther’ nice ta metchya. I’m Anastasia Hoshin, this is ma knight, sir Julius Juukulius.” She mentioned, gesturing to the purple haired knight behind her who bowed politely, which Subaru returned.“I got some othr’ members of ma camp aroun’ here somewhere. Probably causin a ruckus I reckon.” She said with a sly smile.“It’s an honor to meet you Lady Hoshin, and you too, knight Juukulius.” Subaru replied.“Please, we are fellow knights. I hope you would call me by my first name.” Julius said with his charming smile that Subaru was jealous of.‘Guh… So handsome.’“I wish you would call me Subaru then.” Julius nodded at his request.“Subaru…” Said Emilia who was awfully quiet.“Yes my Lady?” He said with a deep bow, making Emilia pout.“Haah, just take a seat already.” She chided.Unfortunately, the only seat left was a lonely one that sat across from the three dragon candidates and their company, Julius, Felix and Roswald who sat on the far left who had his usual smirk.‘I feel like I’m about to be interrogated…’ Subaru thought, taking a seat.Luckily Reinhart came to the rescue and sat a plate of food down in front of Subaru.“Here you go, friend.” He said softly, taking a seat.“Hooh? Is this De ja vu?” Subaru asked his red friend whom gave him a confused look.“Uh, never mind.”Emilia opened her mouth to speak but Crusch beat her to it.“I would introduce myself, but I’m confident you remember me as I do you.” She said, folding her fingers together on the table.Subaru became noticeably unconformable but quickly recovered into a small smile.“Yes, we met during that bandit subjugation… I was terribly rude, I… Apologize for that.” Subaru apologized, to which the Valkyrie raised her hand.“Don’t trouble yourself with it. You were grieving, I understand completely.” She comforted.“No, You saved me. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart…” Subaru said, bowing his head.Emilia became downtrodden. Here was a rival to the throne, knew more about her knight than she did. Well, it didn’t help he kept it hidden. But that didn’t stop Emilia from feeling terrible about it.“Perhaps it was an inappropriate question, I too apologize.” Subaru shook his head at her apology.“No, I needed to thank you anyway. This was a good opportunity.” Subaru and Crusch smiled at each other much to long for Emilia’s comfort.“Ahem. Subaru, I just wanted to say how proud I am. You’re training truly paid off. I’m glad that you are my knight.” She said, rather aggressively for Emilia.‘What? is she marking her territory or something!?’ Subaru thought, sweat dropping.“I’m sure you toooold Beatrice of your succes. She must have been soooo elated her contractor did not dissapooooint.” Roswald said.“Yes! She threw her arms around me and praised me until I almost died of embarrassment!” Subaru replied, exploding his spirits reaction.“Um, I doubt that’s what happened.” Emilia deadpanned.“Guh! How could you doubt me!.. I was just joking. As Roswald said, she was glad I did not disappoint.” He said with a fond smile.Julius perked up after hearing about THE great spirit of Yin.“If you don’t mind me asking, what is the great spirit of Yin like? I mean Beatrice.” A proud smile grew on Subaru’s face at the spirit knights curiosity.“Although she looks like an 11 year old girl, she is actually 400 years old! But she is the cutest thing you will ever see on the planet! Blond hair with curly twin tails, blue eyes, pink dress and adorable round face! Kya, sometimes I jus-! Ahem, She is a dear friend and I cherish her very much…” He finished seriously which was a complete turnaround from his original description.“I… See…” Julius said awkwardly. Subaru rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment.Subaru dug into his food before it got cold. The candidates made small talk and Julius took a seat to the right of Reinhart upon Anastasia’s request , who was now in between the spirit knights.“Subaru.” Reinhart spoke.“How did you manage to make a original spell? At such a young age that’s quite impressive.” Subaru sure could get used to all this praise. He didn’t get much of it back home.“Well, I wouldn’t actually call it an original spell.” He started. Reinhart and Julius were now even more intrigued as the others across from them were lost in their own conversations.“What do you mean?” Julius asked.“It’s a mixture of three spells. Al-Shamak, El-Vita, and Minya.” He explained as his plate was taken away by a servant.“I take a Minya crystal and cast El-Vita on it to increase mass and weight drastically. Then I make two portals that are connected to the same dimension facing each other horizontally, one is the entrance and one is the exit. Subaru explained, he activated the seals on his eyes, snapped his fingers and demonstrated a miniature version of how he set up the portals.“Because they are in the same dimension, the crystal will free fall in a never ending loop. The longer it falls, the faster it gets. Once it reaches super sonic speeds, I move the exit of portal to the sky and let it strike my target.” Subaru moved the top portal to the ceiling of the dining room to demonstrate.“I see, It’s incredible how such a small Minya spell could have such a devastating effect.” Reinhart said, impressed.“Yea, hopefully the arena is okay. I didn’t think it would be that damaging.” Subaru said sheepishly, deactivating his portals and the seals on his eyes, stopping the pink glow.“Worry not, Reinhart here has done much worse.” Julius teased.“Ah, I apologize.” The sword saint replied, guilt evident on his face. Causing Subaru to laugh at him.“Hahaha! You don’t know how to handle a little teasing do you Rein?” Reinhart apologized again, making Subaru chuckle and pat his shoulder.“Ah, hello esteemed guests.” A voice said from the raven haired boys left.The man had flushed cheeks and smelt like liquor. He went to sit down to the left of Subaru and almost missed the chair, but he managed to get seated properly with a few grunts.“I hope you don’t mind if I join you.” He said, grabbing the wine in the center of the table and poured himself a glass that he did not need.‘You’re already here…’ Subaru thought, annoyed at the drunk man’s actions.“I am marquees Hilgard Coy. I own the city Hanumas… I have a very interesting proposal for you young knight.” He bragged, putting a hand on Subaru’s shoulder.“I see… Maybe we can speak anoth-“ Subaru’s attempts to get him away failed as he was interrupted.“I am in need of some merchandise that needs to be moved in a… Timely manner. You’re advanced Yin magic would do just the trick! Lord Roswald is wealthy but I can guarantee to pay much better. No offense.” He gestured to Roswald, whom just waved it off as nothing.“Aha… Well, I have had previous arrangements with lord Roswald and Lady Emilia. I’m afraid I cannot help you. I will be busy very soon.” Subaru explained, removing Hilgard’s hand from his shoulder.The drunk man looked at Emilia with disgust.“You are serving this thing? Please! A half devil should not be in the presence of someone like yourself. You should value yourself more!” He said with a laugh.Subaru clenched his fists as he saw Emilia shrivel up from his prejudice comments.‘If that’s how it’s gonna be… Then fine.’ Subaru thought, activating the seals in his eyes.Reinhart was about to speak up but Subaru held up his hand and stopped his friend.“Mr Coy.” He said aggressively, stood up and looked down on the drunk man with glowing eyes.“You say you’re impressed with me right?” The man began sobering up at the look Subaru gave him.“O-Of course I am! That’s why I wish to hire you.”“I may be decent in battle… But I pretty much flunked all the other classes. Especially the one where they teach you about the courteousness of a knight… Care to take a guess why I failed?” The cowering man gulped.“Um… Why did you fail?” He asked awkwardly, as if Subaru forced him to ask.Subaru then lifted his hand and held his middle finger and thumb together to snap them.“Because I lacked restraint.” Subaru growled.He finally snapped his fingers and the obnoxious man fell straight into the floor through a portal, chair and all. He didn’t even have time to yelp in shock. Subaru deactivated the seals and waved his hand, closing the portal.Subaru was louder than he thought and noticed everyone in the dining hall staring at the winner of the event. He could clearly see Captain Gildark in the distance pinch the bridge of his nose in frustration.“Is there something on my face?!” He yelled out. Making them rush back to their conversations.The raven haired boy straightened his knight uniform and pat down his black shawl before taking his seat again.“Apologies. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I had ignored it.” Subaru said, bowing to the resident’s at the table.Felix started laughing.“Are you kidding? That was great nya!” Subaru was thankful for the tension breaker and cracked a smile.“Although I think it was deserved, I wouldn’t exactly call it knightly behavior.” Julius teased.“Subaru… Where did you send him?” Reinhart asked a bit worried for the rich man’s well being.“Haah. Let’s just say he will have to get along with the ground dragons.” Roswald let out a chuckle at this and Emilia was awfully quiet.‘Why are you so pathetic Emilia? You can’t even stand up for yourself… How can you possibly expect to be a ruler with such a weak constitution?’ The half elf berated internally.“Don’t let it bother you my Lady. If any other jerks try and pull crap like that just tell me and I’ll set them straight.” Subaru assured with a confident smirk.Emilia didn’t know why but she felt the need to avert her gaze.“T-Thank you.” Subaru nodded, accepting her thanks.The night went on, the three candidates and their knights conversed in small talk before they all decided it was time to retire for the night.“Subaruuuu.” The jester called out as they left the dwindling dining hall.“Yes Roswald?”“I know it’s so tempting to gooo back to the Manoooor with your dimension crossing. But I woooould really appreciate it if you would goooo back with Rem and maaaake a stop. She’s waiting at the frooont gate of the castle.” Subaru winced at his request.“Guh, you know we don’t get along well…” He reasoned.“Yes yes, Rem haaaas some issues, but thiiiink of it as a boooonding opportunity. Try to get clooooser, your such a people persoooon after all.” He said with a wink, heading off into the hallways.“Haah… Alright.” Subaru said to himself, snapping his fingers he made a portal to the front gates and found the Mathers carriage.“A pleasure to see you tonight Rem.” Subaru said with a slight bow.“Stop being pretentious and get in the carriage.” She said in a cold tone.“Shyeesh, yes ma’am.” Rem rolled her eyes at Subaru’s antics.“Why are you on the coach seat? Get in the carriage…” She hissed, making the poor boy sigh.“Listen Rem, I’m a knight now. How could I let a girl be by her lonesome in the middle of the night?” He reasoned in a dramatic voice.“Tsk, whatever…” Rem slapped the reins on the ground dragon and they left the capital of Lagunica.The silence was suffocating. It’s been 30 minutes since they left the great walls and Rem sat there in misery. Hating that she had to be sitting next to a supposed Witch Cultist.“Rem… I know you suspect me of being a Witch Cultist… I know me smelling like the Witch is pretty good proof… But I’m not! If I were such a powerful Cultist, why would I wait this long to do you harm? I have had so many opportunities to do so! That fact contradicts what proof you have. So tell me, what do I have to do in order for you to trust me?” Subaru pleaded, the oni took a while to respond.“Rem trusts no one who smells of the Witch.” She said with a glare, making Subaru sigh in frustration.“I guess it will just take time.” Rem huffed as if he didn’t just hear what she said.“Roswald told me you needed to make a quick stop?” Rem was hesitant to answer, but decided to.“There’s a small merchant stop between Mill Gray and Bonobo. Lord Roswald needs me to deliver a letter and pick up a few supplies.” She said flatly, Subaru hummed in affirmation.About 2 hours later, Subaru and the oni could see smoke on the horizon.“Rem!”“I know!” She yelled back, slapping the ground dragon with the reigns. The carriage lunched forward at impressive speeds. Subaru almost fell backwards.Rem led the ground dragon up the pathway to the merchant stop.“Stay here! That’s an order!” He yelled, irritating the oni for being ordered around.Subaru casted Murak on himself and jumped off the coach seat, summoning his javelin as he landed in the middle of the chaos.Dark robed individuals ran around, massacring the residents who lived there.Buildings burning, screams echoing nearby. Suddenly, everything went quiet. The robed individuals surrounded Subaru who prepared himself to attack.‘Ten attackers. Fuck.’ Subaru was then surprised at their actions. Instead of attacking, they bowed to him in unison. Despite the villagers running for their lives, well what little hadn’t been killed.“Lord, we didn’t know an honored one such as yourself would be with us on this mission. I’m terribly sorry as I haven’t seen you. Are you perhaps, Archbishop of Pride?” The one directly in front of Subaru asked.“What the fuck do you even mean!? Why did you kill all these people!?” He yelled in fury gripping his javelin.They cowered on the ground, groveling to the raven haired boy.“W-We are terribly sorry for offending you! If we did not carry out our instructions properly then we wish to be punished!” He yelled, smashing his forehead on the cobblestone multiple times.“I only need one of you to tell me who you work for and what your purpose was here. The rest of you will die. Who will volunteer first?” Subaru threatened, impaling his javelin in the ground.The robed men were clearly confused.“You… Who are you? You clearly have the love of the Witch, but you know nothing of your own cult? Imposter!” He yelled in fury. All of the ten Cultists rose to their feet in unison, ready to attack.Knives flew out of their long sleeves forcing Subaru to jump up with Murak.“El-Vita!” He cast on himself, making him crash into the ground at great speeds, causing the ground to tremble, knocking the Cultists off balance.Subaru swung his javelin like a baseball bat at the cultist closest to him, obliterating his head into a mush of brains, blood and bone.Not wasting anytime, he crouched down dodging two flying daggers from behind. Grabbing the dead cultist, he got away from the kill zone so he was no longer surrounded, and used the body as a meat shield to avoid getting hit from their seemingly endless amounts of daggers.‘Are they magic?’ There’s no way you can fit that many daggers in a robe and have it flow so freely.’A Cultists charged at him, Subaru threw the meat shield to block the attackers view, then penetrated his javelin through the meat shield and into the Cultist charging, leaving 8 left alive.Subaru swung his javelin forward, so the two dead Cultists impaled on it, flew off into another. Now they finally started thinking and dispersed amongst the surrounding burning buildings. Just waiting to land a sneak attack.“Finally gonna use your heads huh? Alright… So be it, Minya!” Subaru casted. His eyes blazing pink in the night.The crystals struck the houses, covering all of them in solidified Minya magic, forcing the Cultists to jump away. The blast from Subaru’s attack extinguished most of the fire burning the home’sThey still were much more spread out than before, everything was much darker due to the flames being mostly extinguished.“Okay, play time is over… Al! Shamak!” The Cultists prepared themselves after hearing and Al level spell being casted.With the help of the seals, Subaru memorized where every Cultists was standing. Snapping his fingers, a portal engulfed him from above.“Where did he go!?”“How the hell am I supposed to kno-!?” The robed man never finished his sentence as a golden javelin ripped open his head from behind.As the dead Cultist fell, the attacker was nowhere to be found.“What!? Come out you coward!?” One of them yelled.“Okay.” He heard a whisper.The cultist found it difficult to turn around though. Looking down, that damn javelin held him in place via piercing his chest.“Satella, will avenge me…” She gasped out, losing her breath as She died.“Yea yea, keep telling yourself that.” Subaru deadpanned.“Everyone! keep changing positions!” One yelled from the shadows. A good counter to Subaru’s strategy.‘Tsk, they caught on.’Changing tactics, Subaru went with the good old charge and destroy them with brute strength.The raven haired boy charged the one that was constantly throwing daggers at him.“Your so go damn annoying, ya know that?” He said, punching the enemy in the stomach, grabbing his neck and slamming him into the ground, breaking his neck.‘Four left.’ Subaru thought as he dodged a dagger aimed for his head.He stomped the ground with El-Vita then jumped high in the air with Murak to get a birds eye view of there position.The dust blocked their view of his position, but Subaru could see them clearly as they avoided the dust cloud.After months of training, Subaru’s Authority had evolved. Now he is able to not only manipulate things around and above him, but now also below, making air combat much more viable.He snapped his fingers, creating a portal behind a cultist and one below him. Dropping down he exited behind the robed man and choked him out silently until he died.‘Three left.’Subaru heard screams of pain, sounds of chains and crunching of bones.‘What the hell is it now?’ He thought coming out from behind cover.Rem furiously killed two of the cultist. Blowing ones guts straight out of his body with a morning star, and the other ripped in half with the chain.Subaru hurried as the furious oni was about to kill the last cultist, but Subaru got in between the morning star and the cowering robed man.He watched it come at him in slow motion. Reaching out his hand, he made sure that his fingers avoided the spikes. The moment it touched, he casted Murak, making the weapon weightless. Allowing him to stop it seemingly instantly to Rem.“What are you doing!? That’s a Witch Cultist! He needs to die!” Rem screamed, violently pulling back her weapon. Ready to throw it at any moment.“Take a look around you! I killed them rest of them. I need answers!... Let me interrogate him!” Subaru pleaded/ordered.Rem was hesitant but thankfully complied.“I’ll give you ten minutes… Then I don’t care what you say.” She hissed, putting down her weapon.“Yes ma’am.” Subaru nodded, grabbing the Cultist by the throat.“What was the Witch Cults plans for here?” The Robed man laughed wickedly.“Why should I tell you? Your gonna kill me anyway.” Subaru smirked and ripped off the man’s hood.It wasn’t some horrifying ugly being like Subaru was expecting. He looked like a completely ordinary person. Which means a Witch Cultist could blend in anywhere. Which is a disturbing thought.Subaru slammed him on the cobblestone, making him moan in pain. Ripping up the man’s hood, he tied it around his head and gagged him so he didn’t try to bite off his tongue.“You’re right. We are going to kill you. But it’s up to you whether it will be a quick… Or excruciating death.” He threatened, putting his hands on either side of his head.“I want you to tap my shoulder when you want to start answering my questions…” Subaru began to push inwards on his skull with his hands.The Cultist could feel cracking noises as Subaru pushed in further. Making him scream in pain through the gag.“Look into my eyes!” Subaru yelled, adding to the stress.Then, something unexpected happened. Not to the Cultist, but to Subaru. He found himself laying on his back, staring at a warm light.The light had millions upon millions of threads cascading downwards into the dark abyss which were the edges of this large circular dimension he lay in.The raven haired boy stood up. The floor seemed to be made of glassy water, but did not get him wet. Every step he took made a ripple. The color of the ceiling was a sky blue which eventually faded to white in the center of the ceiling where the threads cascaded.“M-My magic! Its!... Its gone! What have you done mongrel!?” the Cultist yelled from behind.Subaru noticed he also had no magic or any use of his authority.“Look bud, I got no idea. But while we are here. Might as well continue our interrogation…”Subaru said kicking him to the glassy floor, causing it to ripple outwards.Subaru didn’t have his supernatural strength anymore, so he had to resort to beating the shit out of the guy for information, but he absolutely refused to talk.“I gave you the chance for an easy death and you didn’t take it! Well then, so be it… Say hello to your comrades in hell for me.”“No! Wa-!” Subaru crushed his neck with an stomp. Letting out a huge sigh.He then noticed a faint shimmer. A thread coming out of the dead Witch Cultists body. Subaru touched the thread and he saw images, memories. Horrible, awful things that the dead man had done in the name of the Witch.Subaru eventually found that they were looking for a hourglass shaped artifact. But they didn’t know what it did. Looking into his memories was a complete waste and burden on his mental health. After the viewing, Subaru broke down and cried. Not necessarily because of what he had seen, but the fact that he had done some of the same things these terrible evil people have. How was he any better? How could he even have the right to judge them?‘Hypocrite…’ He heard a menacing voice echo in his mind.“Take me out!” He yelled in rage.As if listening to his pleas, his vision distorted and he was back in reality, still in the middle of crushing the man’s head.Subaru’s arms went limp. Blood dropped from the Cultist eyes and nose.‘Did killing him in that strange place also kill him in real life?’ Subaru pondered as he got up from his kneeling position.“He’s dead…. Let’s look for survivors.” Subaru whispered, deactivating his eyes, walking off unsteady. Puzzling Rem.‘He only questioned the Cultist for a few seconds. What happened?’ Rem thought, walking the opposite direction, looking for survivors.“Anyone there?” Subaru called out.The raven haired boy could barely pick out a wheeze from underneath some rubble. Throwing a half destroyed wall to the side, he picked up the small girl in his arms, maybe around 11 or 12 years old.Looking at her closer made Subaru let out tears of pity. Both of her eyes had been gouged out by the cruel Cultists, and a sharp piece of wood ran through her lung. Barely allowing her to breath.“REM!” Subaru yelled, running back to the village center with the girl in his arms.She met him there and he handed her to Rem carefully. Taking off his knight uniform jacket which he turned back time to make clean, lay it on the ground and had the oni set the injured girl down on it.“Can you heal her!?” Subaru asked frantically as Rem concentrated on her healing magic.“Well!?” Rem became irritated at the knights impatience.“No… Rem can’t.” Rem whispered, deactivating her healing magic.“What do you mean no!? She’s still alive!... Fuck!” Subaru yelled, his fists grasping the cobblestone.“I-Its… Okay. I…. I don’t have anything to live for… not anymore. Ple-ease, let me die.” She grunted out, regaining consciousness from Rem’s healing magic.“T-Thank yo-u… for tr-.”Subaru closed his eyes tight as the girl died thanking them. His chest quivered as he was about to explode in anger and frustration.“I should have let you come with me Rem… If you were here with me you could have saved her!” Subaru berated himself.“No, Rem couldn’t. Rem’s healing magic is not advanced enough to heal an injury that bad. Not to mention the amount of time that had already past. Even if Rem had gotten here sooner.” She corrected. But this didn’t make Subaru feel any better.Subaru got to his feet slowly and walked towards the dead Cultist bleeding from his open eyes.Subaru wanted to scream and shout at the corpse for how terrible of a person it was. But he felt he would only be a hypocrite in doing so.He exhaled a shaky breath and raised out both hands, a golden javelin appeared in each one.Subaru pierced the duplicated weapons into the corpse’s chest, lifted it into the air and with a roar he ripped it in half by forcing them away from each other.Rem gasped at the random display of brutality. Subaru just stood still as blood showered him.“Did that make you feel better?” Rem asked warily. Subaru exhaled loudly.“No, it didn’t.” He admitted, dropping the two weapons.Rem wanted to ask how he had two of the same weapon, but decided he was not in the right state of mind to answer such a question.The raven haired boy engulfed himself in a portal, and a few moments later, walked out completely free of blood and a freshly clean knight uniform.“We should go back… Whatever it is you needed to pick up, it sure as hell isn’t here anymore.” Subaru muttered, gesturing for the oni to go inside the portal.”“What about the carriage?” Rem questioned, leaving the dead girl on the ground.“I’ll take it home… Please. Go… Tell Roswald and Emilia what happened.” He whispered, on the verge of having a mental breakdown.Rem nodded and walked through the portal, she instantly found herself standing at the front door of the manor.“Did I have him wrong all along?”The raven haired boy waved his hand, closing the portal. Slowly walking back to the ground dragon, his mind was numb, feet heavy and exhausted.As if sensing his distraught, the ground dragon growled and nudged him as he went by, prompting Subaru to pet the creatures neck.“If you only could understand… The things I’ve done… You would run away.” He said somberly.Subaru looked at the starry night sky as the ground dragon remembered it’s way home. Contemplating his decisions since he arrived in the world.The stars twinkle in his eyes as he gazed upon its beauty. A deep sigh escaped his lips as he shut his eyelids.“If only they knew… I would be abandoned…”“Rem!?” A pink haired oni yelled in worry as she embraced her sister.“What happened to you!? Why isn’t that idiot Barusu with you? Why are you so dirty?” Rem looked down with guilt, as her sister bombarded her with questions.“I think sissy and Rem should speak to Lord Roswald and Lady Emilia.” Rem said, talking unusually serious with her sister.“Whatever you say sister.”“What do you mean you left him!?” Emilia yelled in worry.“Apologies Lady Emilia, Knight Natsuki asked Rem to leave him to bring back the carriage and inform Lord Roswald and Lady Emilia.‘Hoo? Knight Natsuki? Interesting…. Did Subaru succeed in getting through to her?’ Roswald thought as he intertwined his fingers while sitting in his office with the two maids and the dragon candidate present.Puck then decided to join the fray before his daughter could overthink things.“Lia, You saw how powerful Subaru is now, he can handle himself… As much as I hate to admit it.” Puck said, patting his daughters cheek.“I know but… This is the Witch Cult! They could want revenge…” She finished with a quieter tone.Puck sighed at her never ending worry for her knight.“Haa… Lia, It should only take a few more hours for him to get back, the ground dragons know the way home. Also, why isn’t Betty here?” Puck questioned, causing the oni sisters to look at each other in confusion.“Master Puck, Knight Natsuki is the only one who can easily find Lady Beatrice…” Puck did a cutesy face and knocked on his head.“Oh! Right, forgot about that.” Roswald smirked at the little cat.“Doooont worry, Subaru will tell dear Beatrice of hiiiis dealings with the Cuuuult.”Emilia gathered her bearings and nodded.“Okay, I’ll be waiting for him until he gets back. I don’t have anything going on tomorrow anyway.”“You don’t have to wait long…” Emilia gasped, whirling around she saw her Knight with a smirk on his face.“How did you get the ground dragon back Barusu?” Ram questioned/warned.“It was taking too long so I used dimension crossing to get it here. It’s already in the stables and put away so rest easy.” Subaru said waving his hand.“Subaru! Thank Od your okay…” Emilia said, getting very close to his face.‘Although it is very welcomed, I don’t think Emilia knows anything about personal space…’ He thought taking a step back.“It’s going to take more than a few small fry Cultists to take me down my Lady.” He said with a deep bow, making Emilia pout.“Gosh! This is what I get for worrying about you? Hmph!” Emilia turned her head away from the knight teasing her.“Okay okay. I’m back, Emilia…” He said in a more tender tone, making Emilia take a step back and put her hair behind a ear.“T-That’s what you should have started out with… Dunderhead.” Subaru almost exploded from how cute Emilia was being.Why is she so clingy all the sudden? Not that he didn’t like it, quiete the opposite.“Roswald.”“Yes dear Subaruuuu?”The Cultists were looking for a artifact with an hourglass shape, about the size of an open hand. Do you got any ideas?” Roswald put a hand to his chin in thought.“Hmm, I haaave never come across any such information. I’m terribly soooorry I couldn’t be of mooore assistance.” Subaru shook his head at the jesters reply.“Don’t worry about it. It wasn’t much information to go off of… I’m pretty tired so I’m gonna see Beako then hit the sack… Good night.” Subaru informed, walking out into the hallways shortly after.Subaru only took a few dozen steps before he heard Rem call his name.“Please wait Knight Natsuki.” Subaru turned around and looked at her with hallowed eyes.“I’m tired… Make it quick.” Rem looked away in guilt with how she had treated him for Subaru to react this way.“Rem is sorry… Rem was convinced that anyone with the Witches scent was evil, but… Watching you cry for a little girl you didn’t even know, not wanting to give up saving her even though Rem knew she couldn’t… There’s no way an evil person would do that.” Subaru was stunned at the maids confession.“Rem doesn’t know why Knight Natsuki smells like the Witch… But she is willing to overlook it as long as it’s you.” She explained, avoiding his gaze.“I’m also sorry for being so blunt just now. I… Wasn’t expecting that response.” Rem nodded in understanding.“If Knight Natsuki decides not to forgive Rem, then she understands.” She replied with a deep bow.“There is a way.” Rem looked up with a glimmer of hope, awaiting his offer.“Call me Subaru.”‘Hah?’“Betty thinks her Subaru did a good job, I suppose.” Beatrice complimented as she sit on his lap in the comfy chair they snuggle in together in the library.“I don’t know… I feel like I was missing something… I feel like I could have done more.” He admitted, clenching his fists.“Betty thinks Subaru needs to start focusing on head pats per the contract, I suppose.”“Sorry, I’m out of rhythm today.”“Yes, Betty agrees Subaru’s rhythm is extraordinarily bad today in fact.” She teased, making her contractor roll his eyes with a fond smile.“You never fail to make me smile… Beako.” He whispered.Beatrice could sense the unease in her contractors heart. So she turned around and snuggled into his chest.“Betty is more than happy to fulfill her contractors perverted masochist fetishes, I suppose.” Subaru chuckled at her feistiness.“Hey, you used a word from my homeland.” The spirit nodded as she started draining Subaru’s mana.“Only around Betty’s contractor. Betty won’t allow anyone else to know more about Betty’s Subaru than she does in fact.”“Gosh, such a tsundere…” He teased, pulling on her curly hair.“Grr… Why won’t Subaru tell Betty what that means I wonder!?”A couple weeks has past since the Witch Cult incident. Things have calmed down in the manor and Subaru is about to go on his first official mission. Walking with Emilia in Lagunica…. How hard could it be?“Please watch your step.” Subaru said as he offered his hand to his Lady as she got in the Mather's carriage.“Thank you Subaru.” He nodded and closed the door, then helped Ram with the luggage.“At least you learned how to speak properly Barusu. Whether you decide to do it or not is going to be a mystery.” The oni jabbed.“Ouch words hurt Ram… And your also completely right, I’m not one for all that eloquent speech bull shit. I’m just practicing.”“Ram stopped listening halfway so don’t expect her to remember what you said.” Subaru sighed at her deadpanned reaction.“Just drive the damn carriage you mean girl.”“Hmph.”Subaru rolled his eyes as she went to coach the ground dragon.Subaru closed the carriage door behind him with a click and sat opposite to Emilia.“Subaru, why don’t we just use your… Um dimension crossing? To get to the Capitol?” She questioned as the carriage started moving.“I wanted to use it too, but Roswald said not to make a habit of doing it. Apparently it’s a big deal and if I’m not careful, those old coots on the council will make a fuss about it.” Subaru explained.“Ah, that’s a shame... Rem packed us a snack for the way there in case you get hungry.”“Hoh? How nice of her.” He said with a small smirk.Puck then decided to come out from behind his daughters hair.“It’s good that you are getting along now… I heard she thought you were a Witch Cultist… It was really awkward watching you two.” Subaru nodded in agreement.“Yea, The Witch Cult incident may have been a blessing in disguise for the sole reason of clearing things up of course… I’d rather it not happen at all, but it did…” Subaru said, Emilia gave him a soft smile at his thoughts on the matter.“You did your best Subaru. I know you did.” Emilia assured.Subaru believed her. But he didn’t believe in himself.Subaru didn’t respond, instead avoided his gaze out the window of the carriage, looking at the passing scenery. Emilia became a bit downcast as she knew she failed to get through to him again.She wanted so bad to know what had happened between Lady Karsten and her knight with this bandit camp, but so much has already happened recently that she felt it inappropriate to ask him. But maybe he would be willing to talk about the Witch Cult incident?“Do you want to talk about it? What happened at the merchant stop.” Subaru didn’t dare to look at her, lest she see his hallowed eyes.“No.” He whispered, to which Emilia nodded in understanding.Emilia felt bad for Subaru but was also frustrated. In her mind it wasn’t fair to hide so many things from her when she was so open with him. But that was just because Emilia had a very young naïve understanding of human emotions.“I’m sorry Emilia.” Said girl tilted her head in confusion.“What for? I don’t understand.” Subaru looked at her, finally taking his gaze away from the window once he composed himself.“I must seem like a complete mystery to you… You’re probably frustrated that I won’t open up… Don’t feel like your alone in that. I didn’t even open up to my parents.” He said, looking away in guilt.‘Subaru’s parents?’ I wonder what they are like!’ Emilia thought briefly.“You try to hide it Subaru… And you do it very well. But I have been around you long enough to see the burden you are carrying… Don’t apologize to me. If anything I’m the one being too nosy.” She admitted, making Subaru chuckle softly.“What is it!? I’m trying to be serious here!” She exclaimed with a pout.“You are too kind.” He said with a fond gaze, making the half elf flustered.“D-Don’t look at me like that!”“Like what?”“Haah, never mind…” She said, avoiding his gaze.‘Man, Emilia is being extra cute today!’Lagunica was busy as usual. People of all different races. Went up and down the streets, going about their business for the day.Coaches stopping their ground dragons yelled at some of the less considerate people to get out of the way. Which was met with dirty glares.Subaru observed the crowds carefully as he walked behind his Lady, whom against his asking, had a white concealing cloak to hide her identity.Finally getting free of some of the thicker crowds, the knight was able to walk side by side with his Lady.“Man, that was a little rough, hopefully it thins out by the time we leave.” Subaru said, getting a nod from Emilia.The raven haired boy could tell Emilia felt a bit down. Probably having to do that she felt it necessary to wear the cloak.“Gah! How I wish you would show your face. How am I supposed to see those beautiful amethyst eyes underneath that hood?” Emilia shook her head at his antics.“Gosh, your teasing me again!” Subaru could tell the way she sounded that she was smiling.“Hoh? I managed to get a smile didn’t I?” The half elf looked away from his gaze as they walk.“You will never know, Dunderhead.” She responded, eliciting a chuckle from her knight.“You want to get a late lunch? I’m kinda hungry.” Subaru proposed.“I guess that’s okay, but… I don’t have any money…” Subaru sighed at his Lady’s forgetfulness.“Haah… I guess you will have to take out a loan from me then. I charge 300% interest.” He jested, making Emilia concerned as she didn’t really understand the concept of that yet.“I-I’ll pay you back when we go back to the manor Subaru.” She said, obviously nervous at what her knight may be asking for in return.“Relax. I’m just kidding. Wait here and I’ll go over to the food stall there, looks like they got some pretty tasty dishes.” He said, taking in the lovely scent of the food.“Okay, I’ll be here.” Subaru nodded at her response and walked off. Leaving Puck to keep an eye on her.“You okay Lia? Puck asked from behind her hair.“Yes… Just nervous, you know I’m not good with crowds. Especially since I’m a hal-“I know Lia, me and… Subaru will keep you safe!” He hesitated speaking about her knight.“I wish you would be nicer to Subaru, Puck. You two will be around each other a lot more now.” She pleaded. Making the great spirit sigh.“Okay okay…” He muttered, going back into his crystal.Emilia then had someone bump into her, a small girl with blond hair.“Excuse me, I didn’t mea-“ Emilia didn’t bother finishing her sentence as the girl with a little amount of clothing ran off at great speeds.Something was off… She opened her cloak and noticed the strap of her purse had been cut off and the bag had been taken!“Thief!” She yelled, running off towards the direction the blonde went, albeit at much slower speeds.“Emilia?... Emilia!” Subaru called out.“What the fuck Puck! God damnit!” Subaru seethed.Subaru turned to a random couple at a table enjoying a drink.“Good evening. Something urgent just came up. If I’m not back in five minutes, you can have that.” Subaru said, leaving the food on their table.“Um… Okay?” The man said as he saw the mysterious boy jump straight into the air as if he was flying, making multiple people gasp in surprise.“I’m gonna ream that cats throat when I find them…” Subaru mumbled as he frantically looked around. Hovering in the sky with Murak.Subaru saw a flash of white turn into an ally not far and activated ‘vision’ is what he calls it now.He burned the location into his memory, luckily, it was in range of his targets.Subaru closed the distance by simply stopping Emilia in her tracks with a one sided portal, then he made another underneath himself, dropped down and appeared through the portal in front of his Lady.“Might I ask what the actual hell your doing?” Subaru asked nonchalant with crossed arms.The girl was about to speak but he heard a crass voice behind him.“This stupid bitch is blaming us for stealing somethin from her! We didn’t do shit!” A scrawny kid with buck teeth yelled.“They are telling the truth Lia.” Puck mentioned from the necklace.Subaru was getting more and more pissed off at this situation.“Okay! How about this… Do you know who could have stolen it? Anyone notorious that comes to mind?” The three blockheads gave him a smug smirk.“Hoh… And what’s it to ya? What’s in it for us!?” The short one said, annoying the knight further.The three found themselves suddenly very compliant, when three golden javelins impaled the ground inches from there feet with just a flick of the knights fingers.“O-Oh yea! Something suddenly came to mind! Felt! I’m not sure if it’s her or not but if they managed to catch someone of your magnificent skill off-guard. It's probably her!” The scrawny one sucked up, rubbing his hands together nervously.“Where can we find her?” Emilia piped in.“In the slums! We don’t know exactly but if you have a little coin people will talk!” Luckily for the three thugs, Subaru was satisfied with this answer and he let them go with their tails between their legs.“Emilia… What happened to calling my name when you needed something? Subaru said turning around to look at her.“I’m sorry… It slipped my mind…” Emilia avoided his gaze as he closed the portals and returned the javelins into their correct timeline.“Don’t be too hard on her Subaru!” Puck yelled playfully, punching him on the cheek, which felt more like a tap.“And you, why didn’t you stop-! Haah, whatever. Let’s go to these slums and find this Felt girl before it gets too dark.” Subaru said, walking off with Emilia to get directions.“I’m sorry Subaru… I just got so focused. My pendant was in my bag that was stolen, and I just panicked. I should have called right away…” She apologized, hanging her head. Subaru waved it off.“Relax, it all turned out okay, we have a lead. We’ll get it back, I promise.” He said with his usual Subaru smirk.“O-Okay, I trust you, Subaru.”The two, well three if you count Puck, got directions and found themselves walking into the slums.The colors of the main part of the Capital seemed to turn dull, everything was dirty and people were curled up in the alley ways as they walked by.Sometimes the breeze would bring in a putrid smell to his nostrils. Most likely human waste or dead animals. Or both…“How terrible… Emilia said, now with her hood down, exposing her lovely face.“Yea… Take it in, this will be something you will need to address when your king.” Emilia looked forward in determination.“I will… Thank you… For helping me. Not just for all that you’ve done so far, but you know erm.. For serving me.” She said awkwardly, making the knight crack a smile.“Hoh? I’m so honored to be praised by such a beautiful elven princess guh!”Puck then came out of his crystal to ‘defend’ his daughter.“Hey! That’s enough flirting today!” He yelled, floating in front of Subaru, making him roll his eyes.“Puck! Subaru and I aren’t flirting, he’s just teasing me.” She yelled, getting annoyed at the two of them constantly contending.“Relax Puck. I’m just messing around, but that’s enough of that. I think I found someone to ask, stay here.” Subaru said, walking up to a child no older than 10.The poor demi-human boy looked scrawny, practically dressed in rags. Subaru knelt down to the boy curled up on the side of a building.“Hey kiddo, I’m in need of some information, and I think your just the guy.” Subaru said with what he thought was a charming smile. Nothing like Reinhart's though.The boy looked at him skeptically before getting up to walk away, but Subaru grabbed his arm.“I’ll pay you.” This had a great affect on the child as he held out his hand awaiting said payment.“Payment in advance. Makes sense for information… Feels weird paying a kid so young though.” The knight muttered as he put a silver coin in the boys hand.“I’m looking to buy stolen goods… Where should I go?” The boy looked both ways before answering.“Take a left when you reach the water. There’s a large building called the loot house. Old man Rom runs it. Everyone here knows him.” Subaru stood up and nodded at the boy.“Thanks kid. This place is miserable… That much is easy to tell. But better days are coming. I promise.” Subaru replied, ruffling the demi-humans hair.“See ya kid!” The boy ran off with his easy money and a little hope filled his soul.“Did you find out anything?” Emilia asked.“Yea, some guy named Rom runs a loot house. Not sure if it’s our guy but the kid says it’s well known in the slums so theirs a good chance… Follow me. Don’t wander off this time.” He teased.“I said I was sorry!” Subaru laughed at her reactions.“I can’t help but tease you my Lady, you give the best reactions.” He said with a chuckle.“At this rate I’m not going to pay you back for treating your Lady so poorly. What kind of knight does that?” She jabbed.“Ha! Your knight does. We take a left up here.”The sun was just now setting over the horizon, the housings long shadows started to disappear as night drew close.“This has got to be it…” Subaru murmured, looking at the shady looking building.Stepping onto the porch with his Lady, the knight knocked on the door.“What’s the password?” A gruff voice questioned from inside.“I’ve come to buy your… Merchandise.” He hesitated.“Says who?” They replied.“Someone with a lot of money.” Subaru heard heavy footsteps approach at his response, a few moments later the door barely creaked open.“How much we talkin?”“More than you could make in years selling stolen shit.” The man opened the door fully, revealing him to be a massive demi-human.“The names Rom, everyone just calls me old man Rom, you can use whatever, come take a seat.” He said, gesturing them inside.Subaru and Emilia, who had her hood up at her knights request, sat at a bar as Rom served them some drinks.“Can I offer ya any ale? Alcohol?” He offered, to which they both declined.“No, I’m sorry to be rude, but we are in a bit of a rush. Do you know a girl named Felt?” Subaru asked, the giant paused for a moment and looked at him cautiously.“Did she cause you some kind of trouble?” He asked, picking his words wisely.“Haah, she stole a pendant from my companion here. We need it back and I’m willing to pay a high price.” Rom rubbed his chin at the knights explanation.“Well Mr?”“Subaru.”“Subaru, Felt did take a job recently she should be back any time now. She had a few other things to… Take care of today.” Rom said ominously.“Uh huh… Okay, we will wait here then, thank you for the hospitality.” Subaru said with a small bow.“Don’t mention it kid.”Emilia remained quiet as her knight and the demi-human made small talk, only a few moments later did the same thief that bumped into her earlier, entered from behind the back room of the building.“Rom! What the hell? Those are the people I stole from today!” She berated to which the old man just rolled his eyes.“Aw shut yer yappin Felt, they came here to buy it back. And how the hell was I supposed to know they are the owners of the item from first glance you brat!” Rom said ruffling her hair.“Geh, whatever… The actual buyer should show up any time now, so if you don’t have over 10 holy coins then you can scram.” Felt said, shooing them off. Making Subaru have the urge to hit the little shit.“I assure we do have more than that…” Subaru said pulling a giant bag of gold coins out from seemingly nowhere in their eyes.“They aren’t holy coins but if you count them all up it should be more than enough.”“Oh? I didn’t know there would be competition… How unfortunate for me.” A sultry voice said from behind.Subaru spun around and quickly got to his feet. Something didn’t feel right. The woman was dressed like a prostitute and looked like a typical female build. But there was something about her, a strength that a normal person could not detect.“Puck, be ready to protect Emilia, this fight will probably be tough.” Subaru warned, walking a few steps closer to the mysterious woman dressed in dark purple.Her tight dress accentuated her curves, and the deep cleavage went all the way down to her stomach.“If you weren’t so hostile I think I’d ask you out for a drink. But then again, my mother always warned me about crazy chick’s like you.” Subaru joked.The woman’s eerie smile never left her face. Making Subaru feel uneasy.“My my, aren’t you just a charmer. It makes me want to see your guts…”Felt then walked beside Subaru, completely oblivious to the danger.“Oi! What the hell!? You trying to scare off my client? Get the hel-“ Felt stopped mid sentence as Subaru caught a kukri aimed right at her face.“Get back, all of you.” Subaru said in a low tone, Emilia didn’t like this situation one bit.“Subaru I can help! You know I can!” She protested, but Subaru never left his eyes off of the hostile woman.“Emilia, this is my job… I know your strong but if something happened to you… I’d fail as a knight and as your friend. Please, stand down.” Emilia hesitated but nodded and did as he said.“Kid are you sure? This is not your fight. She’s clearly here for the pendant, just give it to her.” Rom suggested, to which Subaru shook his head.“No, she’s already hostile, she will not leave until we are all dead… Isn’t that right Ms.?”“Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter… And yes you are correct, you will all die this day.” She said, licking the blade she didn’t throw.“Bowel Hunter huh? That’s a stupid name… Come at me.” Subaru taunted, to which the assassin dawned a fake frown.My my, so impatient… Black hair, dark eyes. I ive heard of you, what did they call you? The ‘Tormentor’? You had quiet the track record in that forest… I was a big fan of your work, it was very well done. Tell me, did you see their bowels?” Just how many did you ki-““That’s enough!” Subaru interjected. The last thing he wanted was Emilia finding out ‘that’ from some random assassin…“Are you going to talk all day or what?” He growled, getting in a readied stance.Elsa went right for his guts, to her surprise, not only was it parried with the kukri she threw at Felt, but she was pushed back despite her super human strength. She skillfully retreated to reassess her opponent.“You are more extraordinary than you look.” Subaru gave her a dead pan expression.“Gee thanks, you too I guess.” He replied fiddling with her kukri.The assassin pulled out a spare blade, now wielding two weapons.“Please, do entertain me.” She whispered, charging at him again with violent, unrelenting attacks.Sparks flew from the clashing blades. lighting the room in flashes‘We are about equal in speed, even when using Murak to move. What a monster. She’s stronger than me, but as long as I have momentum I can push her back with Vita. The rest is down to who is better with blades…’ Subaru thought, barely keeping up with her attacks.“Yes, excellent! Give me more!” She yelled with a flushed face, an expression of pure joy graced her features.“Okay you fucking freak, Minya!” Subaru casted, forcing Elsa to pull back from her confrontation with the knight and dodged the incoming minya crystals.“Oh, a yin mage to boot? I think I might just fall in love…” Subaru grimaced at what her sick version of love probably is."But look at what you’ve done, your crystals leave you no room to move, but for an assassin like me it’s all but an advantage.” She purred.“Yes, normally I would be in a pickle, but I am not most people.” Subaru snapped his fingers and the minya crystals flooding the loot house floor burst into purple dust, removing the obstacles.Emilia watched in worry and awe as the two went back at it in close combat.‘Subaru… You are amazing, to remain so calm… Please be careful.’ She thought to herself as her knight clashed blades.‘This is going nowhere, I’m just going to wear myself out at this rate.’ Subaru thought, switching strategies.Elsa went in for another slash to the gut, but Subaru was going to block it with his hand.‘Foolish boy.’ Elsa was again shocked as her kukri turned to ash when it made contact with the knights palm.The short distraction allowed Subaru to fling the ash into her eyes. Elsa jumped back to buy time for her vision to come back.Before she could escape something penetrated her gut and pinned her to the wall of the building.“Wow, I’m surprised that worked.” Subaru chuckled, slowly walking up to the assassin impaled into the wall with a golden javelin.Blood streamed from Elsa’s mouth as she walked out of the javelin stuck in the wall, the hole in her stomach closing shortly after.“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me…” Subaru groaned.“Sorry darling. Your going to have to try harder than th-“ Elsa barely dodged out of the way when the golden javelin flew back into the knights hand.“It’s not polite to interrupted a lady.” She scowled.“It’s not polite to kill people who are just trying to do some casual shopping.” Subaru jabbed back with a frown of his own.Elsa’s eyes grew wide as the floor boards exploded underneath her, large purple minya crystals incased her foot, making her fall to the ground after her failed attempt to dodge.Subaru wasted no time, he waved his hand down and a blanket of minya crystals crashed down on the assassin, making a dust cloud of debris.He threw his javelin immediately after in attempts to impale her to the floor, but her form dashed out from the dust, indicating he had missed.“Tsk, how in the world did you avoid that?” Subaru asked, genuinely curious.“Just a trick I learned.” She replied, throwing off a small cloak that is now destroyed.“You cut off your own foot to get out huh? Not that it matters, it will just grow back. Must be nice…” Elsa looked like a normal human being for a few moments after he said that.“Not as much as you think darling… Let’s continue.” She said, charging forward aggressively once more.Subaru was starting to see a pattern in her wild fighting style, exploiting it, he kicked her using Murak for speed and Vita for force at the last moment. Sending her into the wall and smashing a table set along the way.As Elsa picked herself up, she noticed her opponents eyes now glowed a fiery pink in a star shaped magic circle.“How pretty, have you finally decided to get serious? I’ve been waiting soooo long…” She said seductively.“I suppose I have no choice… Emilia!” He called out.“What Subaru!?”“Take them out back… You will need to evacuate.” Emilia nodded and quickly urged Rom and Felt to follow, which they earnestly did.“So, who hired you?” Elsa laughed at the boy.“Oh I don’t rat out my clients… To tell you the truth, I don’t even care about the insignia anymore… I care about you. I want to know what your guts look like, the consistency, the warmth!” Elsa hugged herself at the thought of his guts which grossed him out immensely.‘She knows about the insignia? Is she from an opposing camp?’ Subaru thought.Elsa paused her perverted thoughts and had a gut instinct the boy was planning something…‘What is that fluttering noise outside?’ She thought, now keeping on guard.The raven haired boy snapped his fingers and a portal the diameter of a basket ball opened in front and behind the assassin, confusing her.“Recover from this bitch.” Subaru snapped his fingers again and Elsa literally exploded from a fist sized minya crystal hitting her at 3,500 miles an hour.The wind pressure from that short amount of time the projectile was in the air blew Subaru off his feet and made his ear drums ring, and blew out the windows of the building.“Fuck I should have covered my ears.” He thought, dazed as he got to his feet.Subaru watched the small chunks of the remains of Elsa to make sure they didn’t come back together and revive, but the last attack seemed to do the trick.“Haah… What a shit show.” Subaru said as he heard a knock on the door.“Uhh, come in?” The sword saint himself then walked in through the broken door and Subaru started laughing. He laughed till his stomach hurt.“I’m glad you laugh in such a dire situation, but I’m afraid I don’t understand why. Perhaps I’m too incompetent.” Subaru wiped the small tears in the corners of his eyes as his laughing stopped.“Ah Rein, only you would knock before entering a crime scene… Haa… Anyway, I’m guessing the explosion caught your attention?” Subaru questioned.“That and the enormous amount of mana coming from your portals. What happened here Subaru?” The sword saint replied.Just then the three who previously evacuated walked in.“Elsa Granhiert. She calls herself the Bowl Hunter. This young man saved our lives.” Rom informed.“And is this… Her?” Reinhart hesitated, looking at the sop of meat on the floor and walls.“Yes, She was able to regenerate but apparently complete disassembly does the job.”“Incredible Subaru, Elsa Granhiert was a notorious assassin known for being immortal. This feat will not go unnoticed my friend.” Subaru smiled at the sword saints praise.Emilia then swiftly walked over to Subaru and checked him over.“You’re hurt! Remove your shirt and I’ll treat it.” She urged.Subaru looked down and sure enough, there was a minor cut vertically across his chest.“Ya know, you should really be careful how you say that in the future.” Subaru said, making Emilia pout.“I’m being serious!” Subaru avoided her gaze at her chiding.There was no way he was taking off his shirt and have everyone see his humiliating past on display. So he came up with an ingenious deflect.“I’m pretty sure there are more important things right now than a minor cut, for instance.” Subaru gestured to Felt, referring to the pendant. Emilia gasped in realization, as she turned around to the thief.“Normally you should go to jail, but I’m willing to forgive you if you stop living a life of crime.” Emilia said firmly, holding out her hand.“Okay okay… I’m sorry, here.” The dragon crest pendant glowed red as Felt handed it over, prompting the sword saint to grab her wrist.“What’s your last name!? He asked urgently.“I don’t know I was an orphan.“How old are you!?”“Like 14, listen man let me go!” Felt said, struggling to get free of his iron grip.The red head then touched her neck and drained her mana, knocking her unconscious.“Oi What’s the biggest idea!? Give er back!” Rom yelled in anger.“I’m terribly sorry, but this is of great importance. I assure upon my name, that no harm will come to her.“So what am I supposed to do!? Give her up!? Ta hell with that!”Reinhart smiled at the caring man who was obviously a father figure.“I will return tomorrow with Lady Felt, please trust me this once.” The sword saint said with a bow.“Tsk, if you don’t show up tomorrow, I’m coming to the Astrea manor myself.” He warned.“Of course, Lady Felt will have the utmost care. I assure.” Rom seemed to be satisfied with the red heads response.“You should really be more careful with girls Reinhart, you might come off as abusive.” Reinhart hearing this from Subaru stammered.“I...I would never do such a thing I assure you Subaru!” The raven haired boy simply chuckled at his friends dismay.“Relax buddy I’m just joking.” To which the sword saint relaxed.“I really whish you wouldn’t tease me so much… But then again, you wouldn’t be you if you did not.” Reinhart remarked, smirking at each other in a friendly brotherhood.Subaru snapped his fingers and opened a portal.“This is about 100 feet above the Astrea manor, I trust you can stick the landing?” He asked as Reinhart handed him back the pendant with Felt hung over his other arm.“Of course my friend, thank you. Good night everyone.” He waved.“Yea, see ya around buddy.”Subaru winced at the cut he received from the assassin as he closed the portal, but the pain was bearable.“I suppose it’s about time we go back my Lady.” Emlia shook her head.“We have to find Ram first. She must be looking for us.”“Geh, Trust me Emilia, she’s looking for you, she would abandon me if given the chance.” Emilia sighed at their rivalry.The knight walked up to his lady and touched her shoulder.“Murak.”“S-Subaru! What are you doing!?” Emilia squeaked as he picked her up bridal style and jumped into the sky.She hugged onto him tight with her face buried into his neck.“It’s okay, I’m not going to drop you, two eyes are better than one when looking for someone.” Subaru reasoned as Emilia slowly took in the view of the night capital for a birds eye view.“It’s so pretty.”“Yea sure is.” He said, looking directly at her, but she was oblivious to this.“Subaru, don’t you ever get scared of… All of what happens to you?” She hesitated, Subaru took a few moments to respond.“When I first came to this world, I’ve never been more scared in my life, but the things I’ve been through, the decisions I’ve made… Have made me pretty used to all that stuff.”“I… See. She replied, a bit downcast at the thought of her knight suffering.“I know your curious to learn more about me, which makes me truly happy… But the things I’ve seen, will only corrupt your pure soul. And that’s the last thing I want. I want an innocent Emilia, a Lady who’s oblivious to the horrors of the world. Even if you don’t like it.” He explained, making Emilia think.“You can’t protect me from that forever Subaru…” The knight nodded at her reasoning.“Maybe not, but I’m going to try. To be a ‘Protector.’ Hello friends! Wow, that was longer than I thought!As usual thank you for reading! I really enjoy reading your thoughts on the story and it keeps me going, so feel free to express yourself in reviews!Have a good day my friends.