Chapter Text
Cap 2
In a strange room, Kuromori watched four screens, one showing heartbeats, another the circulatory system, a third showing the mind, and the fourth showing Subaru himself. She was calmly observing the screen while drinking some coffee. Beside her was a being strange to explain, he wore a smiling theater mask, had long white hair, wore a blue trench coat, a dress shirt, a white tie, black pants, and black boots.
Kuromori: Time to start the project.
???: I don't know, sister, are you sure we should do this? In many realities, Subaru has already suffered enough - the man spoke a little worriedly, but all his sister did was laugh.
Kuromori: Feeling empathy? You've become attached due to your sessions with them, haven't you, little brother? - Kuromori spoke with a smile while the masked man fell silent.
???: It's just... this is one of the few universes where everything is perfect, families are happy, kingdoms are prosperous, even horrible people from the original are good now, can't we conduct these experiments elsewhere?
Kuromori: Kos, Kos, my dear and adorable brother, I understand your sadness, really, but tell me, what is more important? Our family or a world that isn't ours - Kuromori spoke, holding her brother's chin, who, even masked, was clearly confused.
Kos: ...Our family, it will always be more important.
Kuromori: Then please, help me with this experiment, something tells me he will be the answer for our father, he will be his salvation, please Kos - Kuromori spoke with a gentle smile, the masked man soon sighed.
Kos: What should I do?
Kuromori smiled at that, the experiment... would begin.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In the current Natsuki lands, Subaru was with Elsa, seeing that she held a rifle. Without delay, she pulled the trigger and hit the target with precision. She pulled the bolt and fired another shot, then another, and one more. After emptying it, she looked at the rifle with a smile.
Elsa: Impressive, Subaru-San. A weapon like this would be very useful for travelers. Do you think you can create more? - Elsa asked curiously, and Subaru chuckled a little.
Subaru: Of course, I can create more weapons, but I wonder how we're going to distribute these weapons to the travelers. I believe going door to door won't be very fast, will it? - Subaru said, letting out a light laugh with Elsa, but soon he heard two people approaching, Sakura and Frederica.
Sakura: Don't worry, Natsuki-Sama. I've already thought of that. I've informed the princess, and she's coming to take a look personally. From what I saw in the letter, she seems quite impressed, but I don't blame her. It's been a day since you arrived, and you've already brought a solution like this. Even I'm impressed. I think I owe you an apology for doubting your capabilities - Sakura said with a smile as she approached, and Frederica gave her a light kick on the shin - Ouch!!
Frederica: Don't be so rude, Sakura.
Subaru: I don't blame you. If I had been in charge of these lands for so long, and suddenly a man from God knows where appeared and took over the land, I would also find it strange.
Sakura: See, Frederica? Even he knows I had reasons to doubt him.
Frederica: Sakura!! Don't listen to her, Subaru. She's very cynical.
Sakura: I prefer the word cautious.
Elsa: I call it paranoia.
Sakura: Oh!! Don't start!!
Elsa: What's wrong, little sister? It's true. I remember when you were little and were afraid of-
Sakura: Elsa!!!! - Sakura immediately jumped on her sister and covered her mouth, while Elsa tried to break free. Subaru, seeing this, just chuckled a little.
Subaru: Good to know they love each other.
Frederica: It's the basic sisterly bond, Subaru-Sama - Frederica said, also chuckling a bit, but then she became more serious - By the way, we need to get you some decent clothes.
Subaru: What's wrong with my clothes? - Subaru asked, looking at his own clothes, which were his white, black, and orange coat, black pants with orange stripes, and his simple sneakers - They seem normal.
Frederica: That's the problem, Subaru-Sama. They're too normal. You can't receive the princess looking so plain - Frederica immediately took his hand and started dragging him - Come on, I'll get you some decent clothes.
Subaru: Hold on a minute!! I don't think I need to change just to receive someone.
Frederica: You do.
Soon, Frederica took Subaru to a room, and there she started looking at various clothes for him, alongside Melty. Subaru tried to protest, but no matter how much he tried, Frederica would force him to wear something. Outside the room, Elsa and Sakura were waiting for their new boss.
Elsa: He's a nice guy, isn't he?
Sakura: He's not bad at all. He's quite funny and even somewhat adorable in a way.
Elsa: Yes, but did you see how Fred has been looking at him?
Sakura: Yes, I was even surprised. He's been here for a day, and he's already won her over, and Frederica isn't exactly easy, you know - Sakura said, remembering several others who tried their luck with Frederica and were rejected.
Elsa: I guess she likes foreigners. A very specific taste, but that's fine. Who am I to argue?
Sakura: Truly, you have terrible taste in men or women.
Elsa: Name one.
Sakura: I'll name three: Crusch, Julius, and Alcor.
Elsa: First of all, I didn't date Julius. We just went on 3 dates. Crusch, I was the one who broke up with her, and we stayed on good terms. Alcor... okay, Alcor was my fault.
Sakura: Toxic girlfriend~
Elsa: I'm not toxic!!!! I was just worried he might leave me because it was my first relationship.
Sakura: And in the end, it's Melty and I who have to put up with your crying. Honestly, try not to get involved with anyone, or better yet, don't come to me with a new relationship now, you hear me!!!
Elsa: Why?!?!
Sakura: Your last relationship almost cost us our lives, you lunatic!!!!
Elsa: In my defense, I didn't know she was married!!!!
Sakura: How could you not, woman?!?! Her daughter was identical to her!!! I told you over a thousand times!!!! STOP GOING AFTER MARRIED WOMEN OR MEN!!!!
Elsa: But they're so tempting.
Subaru: Who is tempting?
Elsa: Mar- Oh, you look good, boss - Elsa said, impressed with Subaru's appearance.
He was now wearing a white shirt with ruffles at the collar, a velvet brown overcoat on top, black dress pants, pointed shoes, and some rings on his fingers, in addition to leaving his chest slightly exposed.
Sakura: Look at that. Now I can proudly say you're my boss.
Subaru: Come on, you two are exaggerating. I don't look that great.
Melty: What are you saying, Subaru-San? You look very handsome. Frederica-Chan made sure to pick the best clothes for you - Melty said with a smile, while Frederica smiled proudly.
Subaru: I can't deny the clothes are comfortable. Have you ever thought about working in fashion, Frederica? - Subaru asked with a smile, turning to Frederica.
Frederica: Not really. I like being a maid, and I also don't want to be too famous. That would be quite annoying.
Subaru: I can't deny that. If anything, I think I'll end up attracting a lot of attention with this idea - Subaru scratched the back of his neck nervously, believing he had made a mistake.
Melty: Don't worry, Subaru-San. We'll be there to support you. Just stay confident - Melty said with an encouraging smile. Subaru chuckled a little and took a deep breath.
Subaru: Well, in that case, we just have to wait, don't we?
With that, everyone agreed. Subaru went to look at some weapons while Frederica stayed by his side to help him. Elsa prepared tea, Sakura reviewed paperwork, and Melty did her usual: she prayed. After an hour, someone knocked on the door. Frederica went to see who it was and realized it was Prisca. She immediately made space for her to pass and then called the others. Everyone soon gathered in the living room to meet the princess.
Prisca: Look at that. You decided to get dressed up just to see me? - Prisca asked with a smile, and Subaru chuckled a little.
Subaru: Frederica told me it would be better this way. After all, I can't look like a bum in front of royalty.
Prisca: That's true. It's a good thing she put some sense into your head - Prisca said as she sat down - Alright, show me your solution for these pests bothering us.
Subaru: With pleasure - Subaru immediately headed to the workshop, but something unexpected happened. He... appeared directly in the workshop. He looked confused but just ignored it. He soon returned to the living room, and again, he was there in the blink of an eye - I was really fast, wasn't I? Or has the mansion always been this small? - Subaru looked at the hallway and then at the people around him, who were surprised.
Prisca: Wow... you're really fast. I didn't think you had anything special besides your intelligence - Prisca said, impressed by what she saw, but Subaru seemed confused.
Subaru: I don't. I just went to get the gun.
Elsa: Subaru, you simply disappeared from our sight and reappeared in the blink of an eye... can you use that to get us some tea? Since you've awakened this "ability" of yours - Elsa said with a smile, and Subaru faced her with a smile.
Subaru: I just discovered I'm fast, and you already want me to use it to do your chores?
Elsa: Come on, it'll be a good test - Elsa said in a playful tone, and Subaru chuckled a little.
Subaru: Fine - he then disappeared and reappeared again, holding a tray with the tea and some sweets - Huh? Do I really have super speed? Okay... this is strange... but let's leave it at that. How about we look at the weapons?
Soon, everyone agreed. They could look at that later, but for now, they would focus on the weapons. Subaru immediately placed the tray on the table and showed the weapon. It was a sniper rifle, specifically an elephant rifle. Prisca was curious and asked how it worked. Subaru showed her how to load, fire, and explained the result, leaving the princess very curious. She asked if she could have a demonstration, and Subaru said yes. They soon went outside to test it.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
(Assimilation with corruption....4%)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
In the gardens, Prisca held the rifle, firing and reloading, showing no confusion. She saw the damage the shot did to the target and smiled.
Prisca:Impressive, Natsuki, do you think you can create more of them? - the princess asked with a smile, and Subaru smiled confidently.
Subaru:I've already started, princess. I've produced some weapons, but it would be good to have a way to spread the merchandise faster.
Prisca:Why do you think I left you with this mansion? Sakura here controls the largest merchandise network in all of Lugnica - the princess spoke, and Subaru turned to Sakura, who smiled with pride.
Subaru:When were you going to tell me this?
Sakura:Waiting for the right time. I don't like to spoil the surprise. I will inform my buyers about this new product. Believe me, Natsuki-San, you are a lifesaver - Sakura spoke with a smile, and Subaru scratched the back of his neck, a little embarrassed.
Subaru:Oh, come on, it's not that big of a deal.
Sakura:Come on, Natsuki-San, thanks to you, our biggest problem has been solved. There's no way to thank you enough. You should brag a little. After all, families are at stake, and you've provided a solution for them to reunite without some damned cursed animal wanting to tear them apart.
Elsa:She's right, you've helped us a lot in just one day.
Melty:This is certainly a miracle. THANK YOU FLUGEL!!!! - Melty shouted while looking at the sky, earning a laugh from everyone.
Prisca:I knew it was a good idea to trust you. After all, a foreigner from beyond the clouds is something unprecedented and certainly a good sign.
Everyone praised Subaru while he blushed slightly. They discussed production, types of weapons, and how to get rid of each maju, but while they were talking, Frederica heard something. She looked towards the trees, finding it strange. She smelled something odd, reminiscent of something putrid. She kept observing for a while until she saw three beasts resembling dogs emerging from there. They were majus, but how? They shouldn't be in that forest. Prisca, seeing the beasts, immediately smiled.
Prisca:What a golden opportunity. We can test this weapon better now - without delay, Prisca aimed at one of the maju and, without thinking twice, fired. When the bullet hit the beast, its head was destroyed. Prisca whistled, impressed - A beautiful result.
Elsa:Truly a beautiful result. Let me try once - Elsa then took the rifle from Prisca's hand and fired, but she hit the second maju in the stomach, making it writhe in pain - Damn, I missed the head.
Melty:You're terrible, big sister. Here, let me show you how it's done - Melty now took the rifle. Elsa and Sakura looked at their sister worriedly.
Elsa/Sakura:Melty, wait!!
Melty:In the name of Flugel, BEGONE!! - Melty said, pulling the trigger, but she was pushed back by the rifle's recoil - AAAAHHH!!
The mabeast dodged the shot and charged at the group with all its might. Subaru saw this and tried to think of something, but Frederica was faster. She grabbed the beast by the head and slammed it to the ground with force, crushing its head. Subaru watched this with tremendous surprise, but also admiration.
Subaru:Wow......
Prisca:Frederica, as always, doesn't mess around - the princess said, but then looked at Subaru and noticed he had his mouth open - Close your mouth, scientist, or a fly will get in.
Subaru:A-Ah! Of course!! Well done, Frederica-Chan!!!
Frederica:It was nothing - said the maid while fixing her hair - But it's strange. I've never seen beasts in this forest in all the years I've worked on these lands.
Subaru:Maybe they're just passing by? A migration?
Prisca:That might be true. Perhaps I should send some soldiers to investigate.
Subaru:It won't be necessary. Leave it to me - Subaru said confidently. If he was doing so well so far, he surely had an overpowered ability that would allow him to defeat all enemies, just like a good Isekai protagonist.
Prisca:Are you sure? Your weapon is good, yes, but a pack is still a pack - Prisca said, a little worried. She didn't want to lose someone with so much potential, such a brilliant mind.
Elsa:Don't worry, princess. We won't let this idiot go alone. You can count on us - Elsa said with a smile while helping Melty up.
Prisca was a bit thoughtful but then let them go as she returned to the palace and discussed the weapons. Without delay, Subaru and his group soon went to see what was in that forest. When they approached, they found... nothing. There was nothing. They continued exploring for hours and found no other majus. Subaru thought it was best for them to stop for now and return to the mansion, and so they did.
Subaru:Strange. I wonder if only those three were passing by?
Frederica:Perhaps they got lost from the pack. That can happen too. After all, even if they are remnants of the dragon, they still act like animals - Frederica explained, trying to make sense of it.
Subaru:This dragon you mentioned... Rein told me a bit about it, but I didn't pay much attention to the story. What's its deal? - Subaru asked curiously, and before Frederica could affirm, Melty interrupted the conversation.
Melty:I can explain, Subaru-San!! I know the whole history of Lugnica from beginning to end. I can teach you if you want - Melty said, totally excited. She loved talking about the kingdom's history. Subaru chuckled a bit at the situation.
Subaru:Of course, Melty, I don't min-Watch out!!!!! - Subaru quickly pulled Melty aside, out of the way of a tentacle strike. When he looked to the side, he saw one of those - What the....
Subaru was surprised by what he saw. It wasn't just one similar maju; it was the one they had killed earlier... the three of them together in one body. Three heads, one exploded, one crushed, and one normal but bleeding from the mouth. Its body was an amalgam, joined by threads. Everyone looked at it with disgust. Frederica fell to her knees due to the horrible smell emanating from that thing, a smell so putrid, cadaverous, horrible. The poor maid tried to hold back the urge to vomit.
Elsa:In the name of Satella... what the hell is this?.....
The creature roared, a grotesque and erratic sound coming from it. Without delay, it lunged, running in a twisted and wild manner. Everyone dodged in time. Subaru quickly pulled out the rifle and shot the animal's legs, making it stumble a bit, but it quickly regenerated. Elsa immediately drew her kukris and charged at the beast, cutting it and making it fall. Frederica recovered from the horrible smell and went after the mabeast, she climbed onto the beast's back and went to the still intact head, trying to rip it off, but blood came out of the exploded head and transformed into tentacles that immediately grabbed her. Subaru, seeing this, tried to think of something. If that thing regenerated a lot, he needed to find something, a weak point, anything. Subaru then heard Frederica scream in pain as the tentacles crushed her. Elsa was pinned to the ground, and the crushed head tried to bite her. Subaru, seeing this, couldn't stand still and charged. He had no plan, no idea, nothing. He just charged, but suddenly his right hand's fingers started to turn dark like his veins. He didn't care about the sensation. He immediately jumped to Frederica, cut the blood tentacles, and held the maid in his arms. He shoved his arm into the severed head and, when he pulled it out, a purple-colored heart came with it. The beast immediately fell, and its body began to disappear. Then, everyone looked at Subaru in surprise as he held Frederica in his arm.
Subaru:That was close. Are you okay? - Subaru asked worriedly. Frederica couldn't help but blush.
Frederica:I... I'm okay.....
Subaru:Great. And you, Elsa?
Elsa:I'm fine - said the knight, still lying down, giving Subaru a thumbs-up - But what kind of creature was that?
Subaru:I have no idea.
Sakura:It seems like the mabeast we killed a few hours ago were joined together. That was very strange, just like these claws of yours - Sakura said while looking at Subaru's right hand, which he found strange.
Subaru:Claws? - Subaru then looked at his right hand and noticed he was wearing thimbles on his five fingers. They were thin, golden in color with black details, and black chains connected the fingers to Subaru's wrist - Where did these come from?!?!?
Frederica/Melty/Elsa:You just noticed now?!?!??
After a while to calm down, they finally returned to the mansion. Subaru kept questioning those claws, but when he looked at his wrist, he noticed they were coming from inside him. It was as if his veins had transformed. When the claws retracted, Subaru's fingers were stained gold, and his veins seemed darker. He found it strange but decided to leave it to investigate later. He needed to rest a bit.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Kuromori:Well, well... snake prey, an old technique - Kuromori spoke, looking at the screen, seeing Subaru using his claws.
Kos:Impressive, even if it was just a simple animal and not even half of a corrupted one, he did pretty well - Kos spoke, impressed, Subaru was doing very well - But I don't understand the reason for sending that? It didn't bring any results, it just showed the obvious, he is capable of using tainted blood.
Kuromori:I know, the intention wasn't to accelerate assimilation, but to make him make a name for him.
Kos:Make a name for him?
Kuromori:We'll let him create a name, become a hero, think he's a savior, and then we'll start the real tests.
Kos:Could you explain the reason?
Kuromori:I'll explain with a question, how did you activate your abilities?
Kos:A lot of stress, allowing me a connection with our.....I see.
Kuromori:As I said, we'll let him be happy and then we'll break him.
Kos:Shape, destroy, rebuild.
Kuromori:Exactly, he will be the best experiment, who knows, maybe he'll be a herald? Only time will tell.
Kuromori smiled at that, she was eager to break Subaru, but first he had to build his fame, after all, Kuromori loves to destroy the ideal of "heroes".
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Continued.