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Chapter Text

][ Chapter 000 - Prologue ][

Silence.

In the middle of the sunset, there was not a single sound coming from the huge and threatening forest. The silence that hung over the huge forest was naturally ominous. 

Such a large forest without even a single sign of life was not a good sign.

However... this silence did not last for more than a few seconds. The constant, repetitive crashing noise began to reverberate in that place.

] PAH! [

] PSHH! [

] PAH! [

] PFF! [

The sound stopped momentarily, until...

"BOOOOOOM!"

... a huge explosion occurred in the forest. It did not take much effort to understand that the source of the noise was a huge and powerful impact.

Approaching a clearing, it was possible to see a man with green hair looking around desperately.

"Where...? WHERE ARE YOU?!", shouted the man.

Such desperation was visible in his completely distorted facial expression. Hate, fear, and despair. Those feelings were rife within him.

" Why? Why? WHY?!"

The man continued to shout in a way that seemed to be questioning the universe itself about his current situation.

This very desperate person, an owner of singular green-toned hair, had his pale and strangely disgusting skin and wore a dark cult garment composed of light and dark purple colors and a bit of green.

The sound of something running towards him was heard.

"FIND—"

Before he even had a chance to say anything, a clenched fist took his sight. He would receive a powerful punch, however, something unbelievable happens...

"Taida no Ken'nō: Miezaru Te ( Authority Of Sloth: Invisible Hands )!

A cluster of shadows came out of his back and took the form of three translucent purple arms, which immediately went towards his attacker.

If you take into account that his opponent was already coming towards him and the green-haired man himself attacked him, this attack would take his enemy's head off without difficulty.

Faced with such an event, the person who would be hit by only three fists consecutively did something unexpected... he smiled mockingly.

"Heh!", A mischievous smile formed.

He ducked, soon after completing his goal of skidding across the grassy ground. The green-haired man's attack passed over the boy without even scratching him.

Now behind the green-haired man, with their backs to each other, the boy clenched his fist and spun to the left with full speed.

"You...," said the boy who came skidding over as he spun his body, "...are very predictable!

] PFFFF! [

In one fell swoop and with perfect precision, the boy struck the man's face with his right fist perfectly, allowing a horrible 'Crack!' to be heard.

With the force applied to the blow, the green-haired man was forced to take a few steps backward, however, he didn't even seem to feel any pain. He just focused on seeing the person who hit him with a nice right jab.

It was a boy with disheveled black hair and a completely dirty body. His clothes were covered by a black cloak, which covered his body from the neck down.

The only thing that stood out about him was a sword strapped to his waist on his left side.

Unexpectedly, the dark-haired boy ended up cringing in pain as he grabbed his right wrist with his left hand.

"BASTARD!", The green-haired man began to squirm in a way that was humanly impossible to do. "HOW DARE YOU? HOW DARE YOU! HOW DARE YOU?! MY LOVE WILL NOT-"

The moment he looked forward, the boy was already in front of him with his sword drawn.

"NO MORE CLICKING!", shouted the boy, "I DID NOT COME HERE TO LISTEN TO YOU!"

With a single, precise movement, he made a vertical downward slash. The man in green barely managed to dodge the attack as he jumped backward.

"Tsk! I thought he was distracted when he started endearing that person..."

The boy raised his head, allowing the man to see his frightening brown eyes. Eyes that overflowed with feelings. 

Those eyes seemed to convey sovereignty... it was a strange feeling, to say the least.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds.

"What happened, 'The Sin Archbishop of Sloth'?" asked the boy, with a mocking, teasing smile. "Don't tell me you're tired already?"

The boy pretended to be disappointed and sad.

"Ahh! My God!"

The boy faced the now named The Sin Archbishop of Sloth.

"Maybe you are too lazy to take me seriously? Haha... wow...," With his best teasing smile, the boy said something he had wanted to say for a long time. "Your love is so~ weak!"

At that moment, the Archbishop's mind seemed to go blank. His teeth clenched in pure hatred.

"YOU! HOW DARE YOU!"

Fifteen six-foot-tall black hands came out from behind his back.

Without wasting any time, the boy got into a fighting stance and shouted with all his strength and hatred.

"I'M GOING TO KILL YOU, YOU SON OF A BITCH!" 

With all his speed, the boy ran towards the Archbishop. In compensation, the fifteen hands flew towards the boy.

"You're leaving here dead!

No doubt the Archbishop's huge hands would hit the boy before he did anything.

I know the chances are slim...

Thought the boy.

...but I will have to test this! It's the only way to win! I count on you! Please help me!

The boy sucked in a breath, bracing himself for what would happen. He was scared but couldn't back down.

He was six feet from the Archbishop and his hands were at least three feet away from him.

As if his life depended on it, the boy yelled at his options.

"I CAN TURN BACK IN TIME FOR MOR-"

] BA-THUM! [

Only his heartbeat was heard.

The wind stopped...

The grasses and leaves no longer moved...

The clouds looked like statues in the sky...

The colors of the world were lost, with only black and white remaining, as if the world no longer existed...

The boy then understood: Time stopped!

He was also stuck in time, but he went beyond reasoning. That was enough, that was all he wanted.

A black female hand began to disappear from his body. It was different from the one the Archbishop was wearing.

Ignoring the hand that rose towards his heart, he looked at the Archbishop now transfixed in front of him. He examined every detail.

He ignored the hand climbing his body. He was busy watching every detail of the Archbishop.

Then that's it! I understood! Very predictable!

The boy was smiling now if time wasn't standing still.

Little by little, the world started walking again.

Finally, getting the air in his lungs, the boy fixed his gaze on the enemy.

NOW!

The boy took the biggest leap he could, managing to successfully leap over the sixteenth hand that came out of the Archbishop's back, who was planning to attack him by surprise.

Wide-eyed, the Archbishop was startled by what he saw. This boy before a surprise attack.

"You made a big mistake..."

The boy started running over the hand that came from the Archbishop's back.

Gripping the dagger tightly, the boy leaped toward the Archbishop.

"…IT MADE ME ANGRY!"

From top to bottom, he made a diagonal cut across his chest.

Ready to attack again, he was in for a surprise.

Four huge hands came out of the Archbishop's belly.

"WHAT?!"

He jumped back, trying to dodge, however, there was no time. His hands were faster.

The boy would die.

"FSHH!"

A beam of pink light fell at high speed and force between the two opponents, thus destroying all the hands made by the Archbishop.

The impact created a huge smokescreen.

"What ...?"

Doubt invaded the Archbishop's mind, who jumped back. He stared into the smoke, soon enough to see a pink glow in it.

" ...?"

The smoke began to work slowly, allowing the Archbishop to see a...horn? No doubt it was a bright pink horn (With a little pink electricity).

"Haaah...you saved me!", The boy's voice was heard through the smokescreen.

The smoke finally disappeared, now allowing the Archbishop to see ... a blue-haired maid with the black-haired boy in her arms, as if she were his bride.

"Rem promised he would!", answered the girl, with pride.

The maid had short blue hair, which covered one of her eyes with bangs; blue eyes; a pink horn in the middle of the forehead; Sharp canine teeth, and a beautiful body that would make many women jealous. She was without a doubt a beautiful maid.

... the strange thing was that she was carrying the boy as if she were his fiancée.

"E-Ehhhh ... you know...", said the boy, a little embarrassed. "The roles are not reversed? Wasn't I supposed to do this to you?!"

With a determined look and pride, the girl responded.

"Subaru-Kun is a princess of Rem!"

As if lightning hit him, the boy enjoyed what was left of his pride breaking even more.

A-Sometimes I wonder if they will recognize me as a man...

The boy managed to free himself, completely ignoring the girl's sad expression.

"Grr...! Wh-"

Before the Archbishop finished speaking, the boy, now named Subaru-Kun, snapped his fingers and pointed at the man.

"Who do you think you are to disturb my love?", the boy gave the Archbishop a wink. " ... did I get it right?"

It was possible to see the Archbishop grit his teeth.

Before the man could do anything else, a huge leftover was seen taking over the place.

Looking up, the Archbishop's eyes widened. Above the four people was a huge Flying Whale, however, what caught the Archbishop's momentary attention was the place where the huge monster should have had a horn...there was nothing there!

The Archbishop of Sloth knew what that means.

He turned his gaze to the two people in front of him, finally getting a sense of what situation he was in.

An even bigger smirk formed on Subaru-Kun's face.

"Be a good boy and surrender. Killing you now doesn't make sense, it wouldn't help at all. Capturing you alive would give me more credit!", The boy pointed the sword blade at him while taking a serious look. "Be a step for me to reach my goal!"

The Archbishop seethed with hatred finally realizing what he hadn't realized before.

"I will make Lugnica my kingdom! And you will be one of the steps that will allow my previous approval of Volcanica-sama!"

His eyes boiled with anger. Anyway, the Archbishop of Preguiça noticed...the man in front of him always had him in his hands!

[Continued in Chapter 001]
[Beginning of the Arch 01:  Lapidated Diamond ]

Chapter Text

 ] - Chapter 001 - You've Always been Amazing! - [

The weather was clear, with just the sun in the vast blue expanse of the cloudless sky. The wind was pleasant. It was a calm day for the [Kingdom of Lugnica].

People on the streets of the capital were happy. Adults and children were happily interacting, buying what they needed, and even dancing or singing.

It had everything to be a perfect afternoon... but, unfortunately, that peace could not be enjoyed by everyone.

Amidst the streets of the capital of Lugnica, you could see someone running desperately without a destination. He was just running without stopping.

It was as if he wanted to run away from everything and everyone, but deep down he knew he had nowhere to go, so he just kept running without stopping.

No one could help but stare at him. It's not every day that you can see a boy dressed in strange clothes running through the streets of the capital.

The boy in question didn't mind the stares at all. His mind seemed to be in a total mess.

The only thing he could hear was his breathing, which was irregular.

"Hah! Hah! Hah!"

Without noticing, the black-haired teenager entered an alley in the capital.

"Heh...?", That's all the boy managed to utter before his field of vision was redirected to the ground. "Shi-"

Whether for good or ill, the boy ended up tripping while trying to make a turn. The result was only one: the inevitable fall!

Such a weak and defenseless boy could never fight against the laws of nature.

As if it wasn't enough to fall on the dirty floor of the alley, the boy ended up rolling. It was only a few seconds before he stopped with his back to the ground and his chest up, but it was enough to get his already soiled clothes dirty.

Still panting, the boy kept looking up at the sky.

This boy is Subaru Natsuki, a seventeen-year-old teenager.

Shit...

thought the boy.

He could feel a little wind coming into the alley, soon making his black hair sway.

ANYONE...? NO ONE?! None of the five candidates?! Why?! Why don't they want to help?!

As such thoughts raced through his mind, the boy's teeth gritted. Thus giving way to the next thoughts that came into his head.

Is it because of 'Emilia-tan'...? Don't fuck with me! This is no longer about a stupid candidacy for the throne of the kingdom! Innocent people are about to die and none of them are willing to do anything! How do they plan to become the leader of an entire kingdom if they can't even save a single village?!

Without even realizing it, the boy started scratching his head. It started as a weak and light itch, but slowly it started to become violent. Without even realizing it, the boy began to draw blood from himself.

"CRAP!"

All at once, he punched the ground with his right fist. Pain coursed through his body, but he didn't care.

Before he had a chance to think of any other complaint, something came into his mind.

To be more exact, someone came into his mind.

A woman dressed in maid's clothes and short blue hair. He could remember her worried face when he saw her running for no reason.

A feeling of shame and anguish spread through his body.

"How immature...," A sigh came out of his mouth, "I looked like a child."

"A child that Rem doesn't care to take care of!" pronounced a female voice beside him, "Subaru-kun can be a child around Rem! Rem will take care of Subaru!"

Subaru looked away in doubt.

"Huh...?"

Next to him was a beautiful woman dressed in maid's clothes, which managed to hide her very well-built body. Her hair was light blue and short, with bangs covering one of her two blue eyes.

His name is Rem.

They stared at each other for a few seconds.

"EHHH?!"

Subaru jumped to the side after finally processing what was happening.

"C-How? Hadn't you fallen behind?"

With an obvious expression of doubt, he stared at her for an answer.

I am sure I left her behind!

That's what he thought.

With a gentle smile and affection, she replied.

"You are slow!"

"H-Heh...?"

A short and blunt, but true answer. She is much faster than he is.

Rem is not human. Her true nature is that of an oni.

"What happened?" the girl asked, with clear concern in her voice. "Why did you run like that? I know the candidates didn't agree to help you, but you don't have to be like this Subaru-kun! You can handle it! "

She tried to cheer him up. This only made him feel worse.

Rem... even though I am useless, you still stand by me. Why?

An agonizing expression formed on his face.

"Subaru-kun...?"

Hatred, anger, pity, and disappointment. These were the emotions expressed on his face, but they were not directed at Rem but himself.

Subaru hated himself.

Subaru felt anger toward him and his weakness.

Subaru felt sorry for himself for not being able to do anything.

Subaru, above all, felt disappointed knowing that there was nothing he could do.

The memories of what happened in the past (their deaths) came into his mind.

Rem... forgive me

His expression was the worst possible.

"Subaru-kun..."

Before Rem could say anything, Subaru stood up and started walking to where he was staying. Not knowing what to do, the girl stood up and walked next to him.

The two were going to the mansion of [House Karsten], one of the most powerful families in the kingdom. Above all, it is also the place where Crusch Karsten, one of the five candidates for the throne of Lugnica, lives.

It's ridiculous and pathetic...he was going back to the house of the woman he yelled at and offended.

At that moment, Subaru could only feel hatred and contempt for himself.

----- (X) -----

It was already night...

In a dark and luxurious room, it was possible to see Subaru sitting on a double bed. The only source of light was the glow of the light coming into the room from the balcony.

"What should I do...? I don't know what to do..."

He put his right hand to his face.

] Toc Toc!  [

Looking at the bedroom door, he answered in a cold, emotionless voice:

"You can come in."

In response to what he said, the bedroom door opened revealing Rem in a long, green dress. It was strange for Subaru to see Rem in pajamas, but he wouldn't dare complain (he likes to see that side of her).

"Subaru-kun... are you better?"

"A little..."

He lied. He doesn't want to worry her.

In response, Rem approached Subaru getting close to his bed.

"Subaru-kun... Why did you ask the candidates for help?" asked Rem, with a doubtful expression.

"Huh...? Why?"

To Subaru, that question was stupid.

"Because it's the only way to fix things."

He looked away from Rem, trying to avoid looking her in the eye.

"I am not able to help others, Rem. I am weak... I'm not strong like Reinhard, I'm not skilled like Julius, I'm not reliable like Felix, and I can't even fight a normal person..."

The place was silent for a few seconds.

That is the truth! I couldn't save anyone! Even trying so hard, I couldn't!

Subaru thought. The negative feelings were taking over his head again.

"I see..."

So, you're finally going to let me too.

"Subaru-kun can't see what Rem sees..."

This surprised him. In fact, he never expected a response like that. Subaru looked into Rem's eyes.

"What...?"

"Have you really never stopped to think about your qualities?"

"I have no Rem qualities..."

"You just don't see them!"

The place was silent again. A strange mood hung over the place. It was not normal to see Rem so altered.

"Subaru-kun..."

Rem sat down in front of Subaru.

"Do you trust Rem?"

What...? Why did she ask that out of the blue?

"Yes."

A warm smile formed on his face.

"Then do as Rem tells you. All right?"

He just nodded his head.

"Close your eyes. "

Responding to her command, the boy closed both his eyes.

"Now try to remember everything you have done..."

With the sweet, caring voice of the maid reaching his ears, he just did as she told him.

All I did...? But I didn't do anything...

"What would have happened if you had never gone to save Miss Emilia?"

What would have happened? Reinhard would show up and save her...

That's what he thought... But it didn't last long.

...Certo?

Slowly that thought changed. It took a few minutes, but Subaru finally understood something he had never noticed before. He shuddered at the thought that came next.

...No... Reinhard wouldn't have saved her ... she would have been killed by Elsa! If  I had  never met Reinhard in the alley and then asked Felt to run, Reinhard would never have saved us!

His heart seemed to race faster after such a thought. This was strange to him. At no time had he ever stopped to think about it.

For Subaru Natsuki, he had never saved anyone. He had understood that Reinhard had saved Emilia and nothing else. At no time did he stop to think about it more deeply.

"What would have happened if you had never fought the [Mabeasts] in the forest?"

What would have happened?

Subaru reasoned for a few seconds until he reached a result he never imagined he would reach. Again, his body shuddered.

The children and Rem would have died...  I  saved them.

"Do you understand what I mean? This is the Subaru that Rem sees!"

Rem smiled as he saw Subaru open his eyes with a startled and astonished expression. His body kept shaking.

I-I saved them?

Slowly, Rem placed his hands-on Subaru's cheeks.

"You are someone incredible! You don't need to be the same as the other knights! Subaru just needs to be Subaru!" declared Rem with his warm tone of voice, "Subaru doesn't need to be a God, a hero, or a Sage, he just needs to be himself!"

Subaru could not believe what he was hearing. He had NEVER heard anyone say such words.

"Rem knows exactly what Subaru-kun's faults are, but she doesn't care about them! Because Rem also knows that Subaru-kun always wants to be better than he is now! He is always willing to help others, regardless of their gender, their background, their background, or anything else! Subaru-kun... He's a great man!"

Tears streamed down Subaru's eyes. These are exactly the words he needed to hear.

"Be me? N-is it okay for me to do that...? I can be like that?"

"Subaru-kun could always be himself."

"But what if I'm not enough?"

"It doesn't have to be. Rem will help Subaru-Kun with whatever he needs! Just as Subaru-kun made Rem see his potential, Rem will make Subaru-kun see how amazing he can be!"

All Subaru could do was... remain silent as he cried.

"Rem... ", She wrapped her arms around the boy and pulled him into a hug. "... will always be by Subaru-kun's side!"

With these last words, Subaru surrendered himself into Rem's arms.

...

...

...

Slowly Subaru Natsuki opened his eyes. He tried to look to the sides, noticing that the only source of light was still the moonlight.

Did I sleep? For how long?

Memories of past events invaded his mind. As a result, the boy's face slowly turned red with shame.

Is it serious that he had slept in a girl's arms while crying? He cried in Rem's lap?!

I DID IT AGAIN?!

It was his internal scream.

He had done this with Emilia before, but now he did the same with Rem. It was too shameful!

I better apologize!

He tried to move but soon noticed that his body was weighed down.

"What...?"

His eyes widened at what he saw.

"E-Eh...? R-Rem...?"

Rem was lying on top of him.

Subaru could feel her breasts pressing against him and her thighs were touching him. The fabric of the pajamas favored what was happening, it was almost as if she was without clothes.

... He was loving this, but he would never tell anyone. A man like him needs to keep what dignity is left, right?

His face turned completely red.

Calm down! Calm down! It doesn't let the blood flow! It doesn't get exciting! Calm down! Don't let "Natsuki Junior" grow up! IT'S NOT TIME YET!

He took a deep breath, trying to avoid any "accidents". He could not go through this embarrassment!

After a few minutes, Subaru managed (with great difficulty), to calm himself down and look up at the ceiling of the room. He was trying to ignore the physical contact with the maid.

He was thinking about everything that happened.

So... was it thanks to me? If I had never done anything, would they all be dead now? I had never stopped to think about it...

At that moment Subaru felt a huge weight leave his body. For the first time in a long time, he felt proud of himself. He understood something at that moment: it felt good to do good!

Am I as incredible as I seem?

He raised his right hand toward the ceiling.

Can I be myself? Can I be happy with myself? I ... don't need to suffer?

After a few minutes of thinking, he remembered something.

Who knew that [Return By Death] would help me save people... wait a minute!

Only one question came to his mind:

Why did the witch of Envy  give me this power? Is this some kind of punishment...? No. It wouldn't make sense to be a punishment. Why would she let me save people?

Five minutes later, Subaru came to a conclusion that made his eyes widen...

This... is it a gift? Did she give me this power as a gift? Why?

A sigh came out of Subaru's mouth. He took a serious look.

Subaru holds a secret: He does not belong to this world! He was invoked by something or someone. Although he was summoned into another world, just as he read in light novels and manga, his life was never good. Instead of gaining incredible powers and being a great hero with an incredible harem, all he got was one power: Return by Death.

The only ability he possesses is to return to a certain moment in time after his death.

At first glance, it looks amazing, and what's more, he can control time. There is no denying that this power is unequaled! But there are also consequences to using it.

How many times had he died? He can no longer remember his painful deaths...

On this night, Subaru Natsuki decided to think about things he had never thought about before. He finally decided to face himself.

This, no doubt would be a long night!

...

....

.....

The sun was rising...

Rem began to open his eyes slowly, noticing the rays of sunlight entering the room through the open balcony. The curtains in the room, which covered more than half of the entrance to the balcony, prevented the sun from entering completely.

"Huh...?"

She noticed that her bed was bigger than usual. This was too strange.

"It looks like the bed from..."

Her eyes widened in surprise as she remembered last night's events. She stood up immediately.

Their faces were completely red. The shame they were feeling was enormous.

"S-Subaru-kunHuh...?"

Looking around the room, Rem realized that he was no longer in bed, but rather halfway across the room and with his back to her.

There was something strange about it.

Something was different.

Something had changed in him.

"Subaru-kun...?"

She was afraid that something bad had happened, however, she was surprised. When Subaru turned to look at her, the girl noticed two things.

The first was the marks under her eyes (dark circles under her eyes caused by lack of sleep). The second was what caught his attention the most... Subaru conveyed a completely different feeling.

She couldn't understand what was going on, but it was clear that he had lost the weight on his conscience. He exuded a feeling completely contrary to the one he had last night.

"Good morning, Rem!" said Subaru with a warm smile, "Did you sleep well?"

The girl couldn't help but turn red at the smile she had seen.

She agreed with her head and stood up.

"I know this is too fast, but... I've made up my mind!"

She looked at him curiously.

"Decided?"

Subaru took on a serious look that Rem never imagined she would see. It was as if she stood before a great authority.

"Anastasia Hoshin is too greedy and doesn't seem willing to risk what she has for the people of Lugnica. It is important for a king to be greedy, but not at her level. She would not prioritize her people. "

Rem was in doubt as to why he was saying this.

"Priscilla Barielle is too arrogant and overconfident in her abilities! Just like greed, too much pride and arrogance will only bring trouble! I don't know much about her abilities... "

But she's not much different from Anastasia either. She has not moved a single finger to help the villagers.

Rem agreed with that part. Too much pride and arrogance will only bring trouble. Nothing in absurd quantities is good. Subaru himself had proven this a while back...

Why was he saying this? She didn't understand.

"Crusch Karsten seems to hold a grudge against the dragon. She threatened to destroy the thing that brings peace to this kingdom. She is brave and a great leader and that's amazing, but she will only hurt Lugnica if she enters the kingdom like this. She wants to break what brings peace to the kingdom... "

He put his hand on his chin.

"Felt and Emilia are not fit to reign either. "

Rem had to agree with that.

Emilia-tan looks like a child under 8 years old. Sometimes it is strange...

He let out a sigh.

"I may be being silly since I don't know them in their entirety. I only know these parts...but...still..."

Subaru started walking forward, where the balcony of the room was.

"I know it's hypocritical of me to say this, but I can't let them have the throne. At no time have I seen them treat the people as a priority. They are running for the throne in ways that I don't think are right...

Subaru turned to Rem on the spot.

FSHH !

As if it were fate itself agreeing with the boy, the wind from outside passed through the balcony and came at high speed toward Subaru.

All at once, he made the curtains of the room open. The room, which had previously been dimly lit by sunlight, was covered in brightness.

Rem's eyes widened in admiration, respect, and surprise.

It was as if the sun had risen just to be able to witness that moment.

As much as the bright sunlight illuminated the room, Subaru stood in front of her. The boy kept the glare of the sun from hurting the one girl's eyes.

Everything at that moment seemed to agree with the boy.

In addition, Rem could feel something different. The air around the boy was strange. Rem felt... She felt that she needed to bend down.

It was as if she was in front of a sovereign.

"I will become the king of Lugnica!"

Rem simply froze at what he heard.

"Rem, I know this is a selfish request, but..."

The boy held out his right hand to her.

"...I want you to be by my side on this journey!"

To say that she was surprised was a pure understatement. She didn't even know what to do exactly.

The only thing that caught his attention was his eyes. Those eyes were determined to move forward, but it still seemed that something was holding him back.

There was indeed something there.

Subaru is not dumb, no matter how much he demonstrates otherwise. He knows that he will die countless times if he follows this path and will probably fall to despair more than he wants to, so he needs someone. He needs someone to help him move forward.

It is human nature to need someone to relate to. Since the beginning of the history of the human race, people have always lived in society to survive and evolve.

Of course, she didn't know this, but she could understand the message hidden in this simple action of his. What he meant was: I trust you! I am willing to give you everything! So please stay by my side forever!

Subaru Natsuki would never really say that, but that was his intention.

With his best smile, Rem took the boy's hand, thus sealing his choice.

"Rem accepts! Rem promises to always stand by Subaru-kun!"

This moment was recorded at the destination.

It was on this very day that a legend was born. That was the day the "Black Dragon Emperor" was born!

[Continued in Chapter 002]

Chapter Text

] - { Chapter 002 - The One Who Challenged God } - [

"Isn't it going to rain today...?"

The person responsible for asking this was Subaru Natsuki, who was currently standing in one of the halls of the Karsten family mansion. Unlike his usual butler's outfit, he was now dressed in his usual clothes.

Rem remained by her side and was also already in her usual outfit, which was the customary Mathers Mansion maid uniform.

The sun had risen a short time ago. To be more exact, the sunrise had occurred, more or less, forty minutes ago. What caught his attention was the sudden change in the weather, which had previously been sunny and clear, but was now cloudy and dark.

Looking around, Subaru couldn't help but notice that the mansion had a military look to it. In the corridors, there were swords stuck on some of the walls of the corridors, jugs in the shape of lions or swords, and to cap it all off, there were pictures of famous knights and knights stuck on some of the walls.

"No. According to what Rem read in the papers, the clouds will just pass through the capital and then move on. The chance of rain is very low." replied the blue-haired maid, who kept her calm smile on her face. "Subaru-kun is worried about rain?"

"Pff! It would be stupid to try to achieve what I want if a simple rain would stop me. Don't you think so? ", He smiled at Rem. "I was just curious about that. A few minutes ago the weather was clear. "

The two walked back through the halls of the mansion.

As much as Subaru appeared to be calm at that moment, the truth was not this. He was just hiding all his anxiety and fear.

I need to create a plan fast!

He thought as he walked.

The whale will appear tonight and the 'Witch Cult' will attack tomorrow morning. I need to be quick, but how? How the hell am I going to defeat a fucking monster that has haunted this world for more than 400 years! Not to mention that right after that I have to deal with a group of crazy cultists who have also been wreaking havoc in this world for hundreds of years? I don't know how to do this!

Anxiety, which was low before, began to take over the black-haired boy. He was also afraid. He knew how difficult it would be to overcome these challenges.

Subaru Natsuki needed to defeat two absurdly powerful beings that no one had ever defeated for hundreds of years. In less than 24 hours!

He took a deep breath as he reasoned about what to do in the current situation. To begin with, he decided to start with the basics: get information.

"Um... Hey, Rem. "

"Yes?"

"What do you know about the [White Whale]?"

"The White Whale...?", It was easy to note the dislike the maid had for the monster just from her voice. "Well..."

Rem never liked the [Witch Cult], so it was obvious that she didn't like anything that related to them. They were the ones who destroyed her life in the past...

She thought it strange that he would ask about such a monster but decided to answer his question after some thought.

"She is one of the [Three Great Demon Beasts], is considered the sister of the other two great beasts, the [Black Serpant] and the [Great Rabbit]. There is little information about her. All Rem knows was heard from rumors." she replied, making it clear that her knowledge of the monster was little. "According to the rumors, she was created by the [Witch of Envy], has the appearance of a huge flying whale, and that she caused the death of the former [Sword Saint], Theresia Van Astrea! "

"What...?"

At this, the boy stopped walking when Rem finished speaking. Surprise and doubt settled on the boy's face.

"Reinhard's mother died to that monster...?"

Rem disagreed with his head.

"Theresia was his grandmother and wife of Wilhelm Van Astrea."

The boy's eyes widened supernaturally.

EH?! Wilhelm is Reinhard's grandfather?!

Subaru had met Wilhelm in the past, but he had introduced himself as "Wilhelm Trias". Reflecting on the situation for a while, he came to the most tangible conclusion.

I think he used his old last name so as not to cause trouble. Going around presenting himself as an Astrea would be problematic...

A few seconds later, another doubt arose in Subaru's head.

"So who are Reinhard's parents?"

Rem seemed to gather the information he had in his head while thinking.

"Rem knows little about them either," replied Rem, who decided to respond with all the information he knew. "Heikel Astrea is Reinhard's father's name and his mother's name is Louanna Astrea."

Something specific was noticed by Subaru.

Huh? Didn't his parents earn the title ' Van '?

"Is that all you know?"

Rem denied it with her head as an expression of sympathy and sadness formed on her face. It was as if she felt sorry for them.

"Rem heard that Sword Saint's mother has been suffering from a disease for over 10 years. They call the disease the [Sleeping Beauty].", the girl's tone of voice quickly changed to disgust. "After that, his father changed completely. The man who once overflowed with chivalry and kindness became an alcoholic. It is said that Heinkel, formerly known as [Sword Prince], died when his wife never woke up. "

"... I see. I guess that explains why he doesn't have the title 'Van'..."

Sympathy.

There is no better word to describe the expression on Subaru's face than 'friendliness'.

If there is anyone in this world who can understand Heinkel, it was Subaru Natsuki. Because he could go back in time after his death, he saw the people he loved die many times...

The only difference is that I can redo whatever I want. I have time on my side. If I were in his shoes, I could try to stop this from happening... but not Heinkel! Going back in time is not something a normal person can do.

A long sigh came out of the black-haired boy's mouth.

My power is indeed a fine double-edged sword. A blessing is a curse...

Subaru walked back as he thought about what to do.

Wait... if Theresia died for the Whale, why do people remember her?

Subaru had already faced the White Whale once... that is, he had already encountered the whale. In one of his failed attempts to save everyone, Natsuki managed to escape from the Whale, but Rem was eventually killed by the monster, which resulted in the maid having her existence erased from the world.

When Rem died to the Whale, no one but him remembered her...

Anyway, Subaru decided to put this aside for the time being. He had other problems to solve.

Besides the Whale, I also need to deal with the cult. I need to defeat the Whale fast and get to the village even faster!

He thought for a while.

An idea popped into his head. A brilliant idea. A magnificent idea. An idea that only a crazy, offbeat person like Subaru would have.

"Hey, Rem."

"Yes?"

The boy gave a mischievous and confident smile as he stared at the girl.

"Is there any way to... tame a demonic beast?"

Rem stopped immediately.

He wasn't thinking about that... Right? What would be the chances of him wanting to do what Rem thought he wanted to do?

Faced with such an insane idea...

"Eh?"

... That was the only sound the Rem maid could make.

...

....

.....

On the other side of the Karsten mansion, you could see three people walking. There were two men and a woman in front, leading the walk.

The woman, who was a few steps in front of the two men, was Crusch Karsten.

There was no better way to describe the woman than 'a fierce beauty'. Her body, even though it was covered with men's clothes that conveyed a military and diplomatic air, was still slender. Her long green hair matched perfectly with her amber eyes and her pale white skin.

Crush Karsten, also known as [Valkyrie] and [Goddess of War], is the current matriarch of [House Karsten]. She is also one of five candidates to hold the position as [42nd King Of Lugnica].

It is no exaggeration to say that she is one of the most powerful women in all of Lugnica. Furthermore, House Karsten is one of the [8 Star Houses], meaning that she is the current leader of one of the 8 most powerful houses in the entire kingdom!

The two men beside her were Wilhelm Van Astrea, her butler, and Felix Argyle, her knight.

Wilhelm Van Astrea is an old but elegant man, with a rather tall and muscular physique that one would not expect from a gentleman of his age. Because of his age, he has abundant white hair, perfectly combed back, suggesting his refinement. In his gentle, old, wrinkled face, one can see a pair of beautiful sky-blue eyes that reflect wisdom, experience, and above all the warmth of old age.

Felix, commonly referred to as Ferris, has flaxen hair and yellow eyes. His casual outfit consists of a blue-collar with a ribbon, a blue dress, black tights, blue shoes, and a blue scarf tied on his right arm.

Ferris, as a knight of a candidate for the throne, should never be underestimated. Moreover, the person who takes the knighthood of a candidate is the one she chooses as her right-hand man and most faithful servant.

Few know what Ferris is capable of. After all, who in their right mind would imagine that someone with such a cute and weak appearance... Can revive the dead and is someone practically immortal?

The three of them were walking through the halls of the Karsten mansion.

"Crusch...," Ferris called out, with a concerned tone in his voice. "Are you okay?"

The woman, who was previously lost in thought, looked at her rider as she walked.

"I'm fine, don't worry." Answered the woman.

It was a lie. She was not that well. Guilt was eating away in her mind.

One day ago, Subaru Natsuki asked for her help in saving people's lives against the witch cult, but she denied the request. She knew that this was cruel of her, but she could not risk it.

When he came to ask for her help...he seemed like an insane, mad man. She could not put the lives of her subordinates at risk for something like that. She had very little information.

"Are you feeling guilty?" asked Wilhelm, in his typical refined and wise tone of voice. "The boy was truly desperate, but I still believe you made the right choice, ma'am."

"..."

She was seething inside, but there was nothing she could do about it now. She would never fight a battle where the chance of her subordinates dying was too high.

"I know. I don't feel anything about it... just..."

As she went to finish her sentence, someone entered her field of vision. It was Subaru Natsuki and Rem. The three stopped walking as the pair approached.

Noticing Crusch's presence, the pair stopped in front of the duchess.

The air around them was dark and heavy. It would be an understatement to say that they were not on good terms. This remained the case until someone decided to speak up.

"Oh!~ Hi Crusch-san!" greeted Subaru, raising his right hand in reverence and smiling in an animated, relaxed manner. "Did you sleep well?"

Silence.

Only the sound of the wind could be heard.

The people around could only remain silent at this.

"I see you've improved," she replied, soon sighing afterward.

"But your education is still the worst...," Ferris complemented, with an obvious expression of disgust on his face.

Ferris doesn't like Subaru very much...

In everyone's mind, there was something that people shared equally... the idea that Subaru Natsuki has NO sign of common sense! He was talking to a candidate for the throne as if she were his childhood friend.

Currently, Subaru carries the title of "the weakest and stupidest man in history," but he was still acting normal in front of her.

It was as if a beggar dared to look a king in the eye and say "hello dear, I'm home!"

Honestly, he needed a whack on the head...even Rem agreed on that part.

"I feel great," replied the boy, who was staring the woman in the eyes. "I feel like a lot of things are going to change from here on out."

Crusch just remained silent, his eyes slightly wider. She was not the only one who noticed the change in the boy.

Something was different. Subaru Natsuki was different... very different. Ferris and, especially, Wilhelm noticed this too. The boy who used to overflow with weakness and naivety now looked like the complete opposite.

Wilhelm, as an experienced person in various fields of life and battle, was able to notice what was different about him. That look, it was no longer that of a weak and crazy man or one who simply saw death up close dozens of times... it was the look of a true leader who was willing to jump off the cliff to achieve his goal.

Old Astrea only saw this look in two people in his entire life: The former king of Lugnica and his son, the late Prince Fourier Lugnica.

Even if only for a few seconds, the trio felt they needed to look away, but they managed not to.

"Anyway...," Subaru bowed to Crusch. "I thank you for allowing me to stay here, even after all I've done. I promise I'll make up for it someday. "

This surprised all three of them. Before Crusch could say anything, Subaru stood up again.

"Bye!" said Subaru bluntly, "See you soon!"

The boy started walking again, quickly passing the three of them.

"What do you intend to do, Subaru Natsuki?"

In response, he just kept walking and responded naturally.

"I'm going fishing."

It took her a while to understand what he meant, but she soon widened her eyes in disbelief. Before she could say anything else, Subaru stopped walking.

"Ah! That's right!"

Looking in the direction of the duchess, a mischievous smile formed on her face.

"You'd better get that straight."

"Huh...?"

Crusch did not understand what the boy said.

"It's open," Was the only thing he said after pointing at her waist. "The zipper. Do you want me to zip it for you?"

Looking down at her waist, she tried to understand what he was saying.

"What do you want... ", Finally, she could understand what the boy was saying. "...!"

The woman's face, which was once pale and white, was now being tinged with the color red.

Exactly, Subaru Natsuki managed to make Crusch Karsten blush with embarrassment. He was the first in a long time...

Ohhhh! That was cute! Maybe she's the type who rules cutely when she finds herself in awkward situations?

It was the only thing that crossed the boy's mind.

All this time, the zipper on Crusch's pants was open.

Without wasting any time, Wilhelm turned his back and began to pretend he hadn't understood. In fact, Wilhelm was a cultured and respectable butler. Felix, in contrast, just stood there with a shocked expression.

Laughing non-stop, Subaru Natsuki resumed his way toward the mansion's exit.

"See you Crusch-san!"

----- (X) -----

Outside the mansion, Subaru was walking with Rem by his side. Both were carrying a bag with their belongings.

I think I already know how I can solve all this! Is it strange that I'm excited about this?

"Subaru-kun..."

"Huh? What is it Rem? Do you need anything?"

He was concerned when he saw the expression on her face.

"How do you plan to become a candidate?"

Finally. The moment he had been waiting for had arrived.

Anyway, she had asked the question. He had just been waiting patiently for her to ask this question. He knew that this time would come.

After thinking all night, Subaru Natsuki had concluded.

Subaru smiled and stopped walking.

"My dear Rem.", The boy spun around before placing a hand on his waist and one on his forehead. "The answer is easy..."

All at once, he pointed his index finger upward. His smile overflowed with pride and excitement.

"I will challenge God!"

Subaru shouted with pride and excitement.

"...que?"

That was all she could say.

Returning to his normal position, Subaru decided to explain.

"From what I understand, the [Dragon God] Volcanica-Sama protects Lugnica from external threats, right?"

Rem, after coming out of his trance from before, agreed with his head. Indeed, Volcanica had a duty to protect the kingdom from external threats. That was the agreement made between him and the first king of Lugnica.

"How do you think he can tell where and when these threats will arise?"

"A good eye...?"

He is a dragon, Rem! Not an eagle! His eye is not that good... I think...

The boy's smile widened.

"Omnipresence," he replied, fully confident of his answer. "Somehow, Volcanica can know everything that is happening in the kingdom, even if it is miles away."

If you think about it for a moment, he was right. How did the dragon know where a threat would appear?

"I believe the Great Sage, who was his ally, must have arranged some way to allow this. Perhaps some spirit magic that allows his spirit to be all over the kingdom territory. "I believe he uses some magic that allows his mind to leave his body. That way he can be everywhere. Of course, this is all just a hypothesis... maybe I gave some kind of spoiler? Rsrsrsrs... It kind of seems like it. "

Rem was still not believing what he heard.

"And-So Subaru-kun wants to challenge... a god?"

"Exactly! ", he replied on the spot, "Anyway, we need to find Heinkel. Can you find him for me?"

Rem thought this question was strange, but he nodded.

"Then I count on you!" He turned and started walking. "I'll wait for you here later."

Without waiting for an answer, Subaru started running through the city streets while taking something out of his bag: a white and purple hooded cloak.

Subaru put on the cloak and put on the hood, which prevented the others from seeing his face. All due to single magic, which prevents people from seeing his face.

...

...

...

"I think it's good here! "

Such an accent came from Subaru, who is walking through [Star Square].

Star Square, is the name given to one of the biggest tourist attractions in the kingdom. The Square of Stars is a place built in honor of the group of heroes who defeated and sealed the [Witch of Envy].

According to legend, four hundred years ago, a being known as the Witch of Envy killed and absorbed all the other seven existing witches who represented the other deadly sins. She then covered them in shadows and destroyed half the world. The only thing that prevented her from destroying the world completely were the three heroes, who sealed off the witch.

The square is located in the capital of the Kingdom of Lugnica, which is named after the kingdom itself. Subaru has always found it strange that the capital of the Kingdom of Lugnica is called... Lugnica.

The place could be described as beautiful, to say the least. The most important is the center of the square, where there are three statues representing the three heroes: Flugel, the [Great Sage]; Reid Astrea, the first [Sword Saint] and Volcanica, the [Divine Dragon].

Even though it is now around seven o'clock in the morning, many people are walking around the place. Among these people is Subaru Natsuki.

Here it should work. If my theory is right...

Subaru stopped in front of three huge statues, each one belonging to a hero.

So those are the three heroes?

Subaru looked at the statue of the man with long hair and a strange staff in his left hand. A strange feeling of nostalgia ran through his body. It was as if he had seen this person before.

Subaru ignored this thought and turned his back to the statues. He looked up at the sky and took a deep breath.

I hope it works.

He pulled the air into his lungs. With all his strength he screamed

"EIII! YOU GIANT LIZARD! LOOK AT ME!"

Everyone in the square was startled and looked at the boy.

"YES! I AM TALKING TO YOU, VOLCANIC! DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME! "

People started to look strangely at the boy.

"YOU ARE LISTENING TO ME, AREN'T YOU? THEN I BETTER RECORD THIS IN YOUR HEAD!", Subaru drew in the air again, clenched his fists, and raised him to the sky. "I, SUBARU NATSUKI, CHALLENGE YOU! "

Everyone present in the square was silent. Some were finding it strange and others were irritated.

"It's pretty simple. Just watch. I'll prove it to you... "An excited smile broke out on the boy. "THAT I CAN BE KING OF LUGNICA! I WILL PROVE TO YOU THAT I AM WORTHY TO BE A CANDIDATE FOR THE THRONE! "

The people around became alarmed.

"Just watch and wait! I'll prove that I can be the r-"

BHA-DUM !

The sound of heartbeat took his ear. Just then Subaru staggered backward.

What...?

He thought what he felt was strange. However, that changed when he lifted the collar of his shirt and saw his own body beneath his clothes.

He smiled at what he was seeing... a blue magic circle on his chest. What caught his attention was the dragon head drawn in the center of the circle.

I have no idea what that is, but something tells me that the little lizard has something to do with it...

Listening to the murmurs, Natsuki noticed people looking at him strangely.

"Eh? P-Porcaria..."

Subaru saw some soldiers approaching.

"You! Freeze!" one of the soldiers shouted.

Subaru found this strange until he finally realized what he had done. He had forgotten some things.

Ah... I just committed blasphemy in a medieval world with magic... bitch shit...

Subaru faced the soldiers.

It was an understatement to say that the soldiers felt a chill run down their spines. As much as they couldn't see the boy's eyes, they felt his gaze piercing their souls.

"You guys leave me no choice..."

"W-What are you going to do?! Do you plan to fight?!"

Subaru just gave a little smile.

"I know how to get rid of you," Subaru patted his legs. "You better get ready. I'll just deliver a spoiler for you guys, maybe that can help you...I'll use my legs!"

"The legs...?" one of the soldiers asked.

"It must be some magic or protection...," one of the soldiers replied, placing his theory on the table and turning toward his companions. "A normal person would never do such a crazy thing. No one would have the courage to challenge a God unless they are confident of his strength! Be careful with him! Let's get it over with... quickly?"

When the soldier looked back at Subar’s he was running away.

"GOODBYE! I'M OUT OF HERE! TCHAU! STAY BACK, YOU ASSHOLES! "

Shouted Subaru, who was already several meters ahead of the unleashed.

"...What?", was all people could say.

The soldiers just stared at the same place, looking at each other. This lasted a few seconds until one of them shouted.

"HE'S GETTING AWAY! LET'S GO!"

So the soldiers started running after him.

This was the first time people had contact with the man who years later would become known as the "Black Dragon Emperor". You could say that this was the first meeting... Peculiar... and stupid.

[Continued in Chapter 03]

Chapter Text

} - Chapter 003 - The Willess Blade - {

[Laagura].

This was the name given to the world to which Subaru Natsuki was invoked. Its name originated from Od Laguna, which is the name given to the entity responsible for managing the world's mana, the essence used when performing magic, and the [Divine Protections]. No one knows for sure what Od Laguna is, but many speculate that it is some God or just the consciousness of the planet.

As much as Laagura was an extremely large planet, as much as half the size of Subaru's old world, it still only had four continents on this world, known as the [Four Great Nations]. Each of them recognized for being good at some specific factor.

The first and most prosperous nation in this world is the [City-State of Kararagi], usually just called [Kararagi], which is recognized worldwide as the richest nation in the world. Its strength is trade, which is absurdly larger than on the other four continents.

The second nation is recognized for its power and defense that surpasses almost all other continents, the [Empire of Vollachia]. Of the four nations, it is the most powerful due to its [Divine Generals]. The only kingdom that can stand up to it is Lugnica.

The third nation is recognized to be the most religious nation of all, the [Kingdom of Gutesko]. Because it lives in remote lands, little is known about its current situation, but according to what foreigners say, a God lives in those lands and gives his blessing to the kingdom.

The fourth nation is recognized for being good at all these requirements, the Kingdom of Lugnica. The reason for this is the existence of the 8 Star Houses. Each of the eight houses helped the kingdom in some way, for example House Karsten and House Astrea, which were once responsible for the formation of huge and powerful armies that alone were able to invade an entire kingdom. But... the kingdom of Lugnica today is only a shadow compared to what it was before.

Lugnica does not currently have a king, and this is something that everyone knows, since the race for the throne between the 5 candidates is public knowledge.

Even without its king, it still stands. Obviously, the absence of someone to lead Lugnica has led to several consequences. Among them, and the most important, is the separation of the 8 Star Houses, but this is a secret that only the [Wise Council] knows about, and the loss of contact between Lugnica and the Divine Dragon.

Actually, there were 10 Star Houses previously, but two of them have already been extinct...

If there is no king ruling Lugnica, how come the kingdom is still standing? This is a question that many asked themselves for a long time before the answer finally came. During the time that Lugnica has no king to rule it, the people responsible for running it are the members of the Wise Council.

The Wise Council is a group of people who serve the king of Lugnica in order to help him as his advisors. Their main representative is Miklotov McMahon, who currently acts as the mastermind of the kingdom.

It is no exaggeration to say that Miklotov did a great job. Even with so many problems arising in the kingdom, he was still able to keep Lugnica steady and in a temporary peace.

** * **

It had not even been two hours since the sun had risen, but still the day promised to be tiring and full of craziness for the members of the Sage Council.

Without a doubt, this was the most exhausting and surprising day Miklotov could have in his present life. He never imagined going through anything like this in his past.

"Haah..." He sighed.

In a huge room painted by gold and with light colored tiles, with other jewels scattered about in an orderly fashion and a huge fountain of crystal clear water in the center, it was possible to see an old man standing with a thoughtful look on his face. This old man was the main member of the Wise Council, Miklotov.

Shrouded in a heavy and deductive air, the wise old man ran his hands through his white beard that stretched to the floor. His attire was standard for a Council member, consisting of the colors light blue, white and gold.

"That's really unexpected."

In front of him was a huge tablet made of stone that floated in the center of a bathtub of crystal clear water. He was looking at the [Dragon Tablet].

Although it appeared to be just a flying piece of stone with small ornaments, that was nothing more and nothing less than the Volcanica dragon's way of communicating with the sages.

Why does he do this instead of appearing himself? Nobody knows. The dragon never appeared again after the death of the real royal family of Lugnica.

Some people deduce that perhaps the Divine Dragon was just too timid.

The Tablet was also responsible for predicting the arrival of the 5 candidates for the throne. The prophecy stated that 5 individuals would be chosen to compete for the throne of Lugnica.

In general, the Dragon Tablet was responsible for giving orders or prophecies to the kingdom.

"Volcanica-sama rarely speaks to us. The last time was only after the death of the former royal family. But now he shows up and announces it..." he muttered.

Miklotov could hear the murmurs and hurried footsteps outside the room.

The entire Sage Council and those related to it were euphoric outside the room. It was as if something unbelievable had happened, which indeed it did.

The reason for this? A new message from Volcanica arrived unexpectedly. But it was no ordinary prophecy, not even a prophecy. It was a message that could completely change the course Lugnica was taking.

"Haah. If that is what Volcanica-sama wishes, then so be it."

With those last words, Miklotov turned around and walked out of the room he was in, also known as the [Dragon Altar].

As he neared the exit, he took one last look at the new message sent by the dragon. Deep inside, he wished he was reading the wrong things because of his advanced age, but this proved useless after rereading the sign more than twenty times.

It was a short message, but everyone knew well what Volcanica meant by it. The dragon always seemed to enjoy making prophecies using difficult word games, but this time it was different, he just delivered his message as directly as possible.

With one last heavy sigh, Miklotov read in his head what was written

"The new [Candidate Sage] and younger brother of the [First Great Sage], Pleiadd Flugel, has had his test to become a 'Candidate King' accepted. Prove yourself worthy before the Dragon's judgment and become a candidate to rule this kingdom, 'Heir of the Flugels'!

Test Duration: Seven days. "

"I see this will be a turbulent week..."

Finally, Miklotov withdrew from the huge gold-plated room and went on his way.

He needed to find out more about who this person was. Even if this person would not pass his test, the wise old man decided that he would find him at any cost.

There was no doubt, the person who had the courage to challenge Volcanica... was the last heir of [Flugel House], which in the past was once one of the most powerful families among the Star Houses.

** * **

Alcohol and music, these are the two easiest things to notice in this place.

It was a bar, but not just any bar. It was the most famous in the capital among the knights of the [Order of Knights] - one of the two official organizations that protect the kingdom, next to the famous and exclusive [Order of Royal Knights] - the merchants and the adventurers.

[Tomorrow's Treasure Bar], that was the name given to the place.

The establishment itself was quite simple, but large and strangely cozy. The music echoed through the place, as did the laughter of the people there.

Gossip, fights, exchanges... had everything going on inside the bar.

In a separate corner of the bar, it was possible to see two people together. One of them was sitting while the other was standing next to him.

"Come on Vice Commander! You have a lot of work to do! If we don't go soon, it will happen like last time! "

The person responsible for saying this in a scolding tone was a handsome young man with bright orange hair, blue eyes and a fit body.

He was wearing a brown overcoat with orange stripes, leather pants, and a pair of very long boots. Apparently he was also wearing some kind of light armor underneath his clothes. He also carried a strange gold and blue accessory around his waist, but it did not appear to be a dagger or even a sword.

This is Alltarli Tartta, a young man of nineteen. He is responsible for assisting and helping the Deputy Commander of the Knights of the Royal Guard in his work.

Simply put, Alltarli was like the Vice-Commander's secretary.

"Tsk! And who says I call? The day has barely started and you've already come to bug me!"

The answer came from the person sitting in front of him, Heinkel Astrea, the Deputy Commander of the Royal Knights.

Heinkel is a tall man with a good physical build. His hair was the standard color that all descendants of the Astrea house had, which was red. His eyes were as blue as the clear summer sky.

He had everything to be a slender man, but... he didn't care to try to be so. His scruffy beard and unkempt hair made him look horrible. And this was only made worse by his disorganized and torn clothes.

"I bet you don't want to stay until dawn messing with paperwork again, right?"

Heinkel was about to answer Alltarli, but was interrupted by him.

"No doubt you will have to talk to Captain Marcos... again. "

"Urg..." Grumbled Heinkel, who didn't seem at all happy about it.

"Haah. The faster you do this, the faster you can get free again."

The red-haired man just stared at the young knight in front of him for a few seconds before making his decision.

"Tsk. Right."

It was no surprise to anyone in that place that Alltarli and Heinkel had a close relationship, even if it was troubled.

"Let's go soon. I want to finish this sh- Huh?"

Heinkel had simply stopped talking.

Instead of finishing the sentence he was saying, he just stared at the bar door.

"Huh...? Is there a problem Vice Commander?"

Looking at the door of the bar, the young knight had found nothing out of the ordinary. It was as if Heinkel was looking into the wind.

"I don't see anything er-"

"AHHHHHHH! REM SHIT!" Shouted a voice from outside.

At the same time, a figure entered the place at high speed while crawling on the floor until it hit a nearby wall and lay flat on the ground.

""Heh...?"

That was the only sound the people inside the bar could produce after seeing someone enter the bar in this way. It was common to see people entering the place in different ways, but ... This boy definitely did it in an innovative way.

Who in their right mind would want to go somewhere like that? It looked very painful.

They just stared at the person lying on the ground.

"... Right. I don't think that's a very common thing to see." Alltarli commented.

Looking more closely, people noticed that the body belonged to a boy with black hair and strange clothes.

"Subaru-kun!" Shouted a female voice from outside the establishment.

A short time later a blue-haired maid walked into the place with a worried look on her face. It was Rem.

"Subaru...? The false knight?" A merchant commented.

With this name mentioned, everyone present in the place began to remember to whom this name and title belonged. It didn't take even a minute for murmurs to start surrounding the place.

"Oh! Now that you say it, you really do look like the rumor boy!"

"Is that the kid who got his ass kicked by the Best Knight?"

"Hmph! He deserved that!"

"I agree."

"What is this idiot doing here?"

"Is it serious that no one is going to talk about the way he came in? The kid literally came flying in! He wasn't hurt...?"

In a few seconds, everyone in the bar started talking about Natsuki. Although they were talking about different things, there was one thing they all shared equally: None of them really like or care about Subaru Natsuki!

"A-Argh... Shit..." Grumbled the boy on the ground.

Hearing the boy complain, everyone shut up immediately.

"V-You didn't have to do that, Rem." Commented Subaru as he stood up and massaged his aching body. "I know I asked you to make an eye-catching entrance, but that was a bit much..."

"Subaru-kun managed to make the flashy entrance he wanted, right?" Answered the girl.

"Well... That's true, but I don't think that was the best idea."

"Why? Subaru-kun managed to get everyone's attention, so he got what he wanted!" Answered Rem with an endearing smile on his face.

In response, the boy could only give a bitter, tremulous smile.

I really got everyone's attention, but now they are looking at me strangely!

With that thought in his head, he began to feel the stares of people frying him. He was really starting to get afraid of what might happen to him... or what Rem would do to the people who attacked him.

Subaru was no idiot, he knew that if anyone tried to attack him, Rem would intervene.

"So Rem has managed to fulfill what Subaru-kun asked!" Said the maid as she approached the black-haired boy. "If Subaru-kun wants, Rem can throw him harder next time!"

"EH?!"

The excited smile and look of expectation on the girl's face made it clear that she was not kidding.

... Sometimes Rem could be very hard-headed. No wonder she and Subaru could get along so well.

"... Are you by any chance still trying to kill me for my smell?" muttered Subaru as he felt his sweat dripping down his face.

"Huh?"

"It's nothing."

Putting that matter aside and focusing on the real reason for coming to this place, Subaru began to look around while searching for someone.

"Oh!~"

It didn't take long. It was easy to find who he was looking for... Heinkel Astrea. The man's red hair stood out and made his lineage clear.

With calm steps, Subaru walked towards the red-haired man, but...

"Stop."

... Someone walked in front of you.

It was a man twice Subaru's size and all muscular. Just the look on the man's face was enough to make the boy shudder and stop walking.

He stared for a few seconds.

In ordinary cases, Subaru Natsuki would be afraid of this person and what he could do to him, but... that wasn't happening now.

The young Natsuki learned a simple way to deal with his fear: Comparison. Whenever Subaru compared his current situation with one he had already had to deal with, things changed.

He was doing this at this very moment. Comparing the man in front of him to everything he had been through since he arrived in this world... his fear simply diminished to the point of fading away.

"Would you excuse me? I wish to speak with him."

The answer was short and clear.

"Talk to me...?" Heinkel commented. "Hmph! What does someone like you want to talk to me about?"

Subaru smiled.

"Are you sure you want to talk about it here?"

Strangely enough, the red-haired man raised one of his eyebrows as a sign of doubt.

"It's about Theresia. Do you wish to avenge her...?"

At that very moment, Heinkel Astrea changed and Subaru could feel it.

No one inside the bar dared to speak a single word.

"So...? Can we talk?"

The two continued to stare at each other for a few more seconds.

What were seconds seemed to last for hours in the vision of those watching them. The once calm air had become dense and horrifying in a matter of seconds.

"Right." Heinkel replied, with a serious tone of voice which was completely unusual to see him using. "Follow me."

[Continued in Chapter 04]

Chapter Text

} - Chapter 004 - First Test  - {

"So... what does the False Knight want with me?"

With his legs crossed and a partially filled bottle of alcoholic beverage in one hand, Heinkel remained seated on one of the couches in the room.

The only thing that separated the patriarch of House Astrea, Heinkel Astrea, and the young black-haired teenager, Subaru Natsuki, was a small antique wooden table that stood between two antique red-colored leather sofas.

The young Natsuki was sitting on the couch that was located in front of Heinkel.

I am afraid...

Subaru thought.

No matter what people say about him Heinkel is still an Astrea, who was trained by the woman who once held the title of "Sword Saint" and the man who acquired the nickname "Sword Demon". This is a fact that no one can deny! This guy is scary!

He was afraid and anxious.

Afraid that the man in front of him would lose his cool and attack him along with the person standing behind his couch, Rem.

It was no surprise to Subaru that Rem was going to be with him in this conversation, but even so, he was still afraid that something might happen.

If Heinkel decided to attack them, would Rem be able to defeat him? Most likely not...

To make matters worse, Subaru could not calm down. Anxiety was taking over him. The pressure he felt was so great that he could even feel his heart beating at an unusual speed. This also explained why he was feeling hot at this moment.

At times like this, he would use the comparison to calm himself down, just as he did when he ran into the man from earlier. But this time it wouldn't be helpful. He had never been in a situation like this or anything like it...

And if you fail here...? If I don't get his help, things will get complicated. I didn't think that persuading someone would be that complicated. The protagonists in anime and manga make it look so~ easy...

He wanted to get away from that place. Subaru simply wanted to leave and let this whole idea of convincing Heinkel go... but he couldn't.

In his head, he already had forty-seven different ways to escape from that place. However, these plans were erased from his mind by a single sentence.

I can't give up now...

The "fail" option was not something he could consider. Lives were at stake. Knowing that innocent people's lives were in danger was more than enough to put his motivation and focus back on track.

A small, inaudible sigh came out of the black-haired boy's mouth.

If I can't even convince a single person to help me, how can I become a king? I can't just let it go! I get it ... This is a test! I have to win his help, right?

Subaru pulled in the air with his nose as much as he could and then let it out slowly and calmly.

Right...

He had finally made up his mind.

I accept this test! Watch closely, dragon! I will pass this test with flying colors!

"I just came to make a proposition," Subaru replied, "I want your help with a... problem, to say the least. So I came to try to negotiate with you in hopes of getting your help."

"With problem you mean... "

"...the White Whale."

Just mentioning the monster was more than enough for Subaru to feel the pressure on his body increase.

Heinkel conveyed only one feeling: resentment.

Well... That's understandable. Even more, if you consider that this monster killed your mother.

On the way to the bar, Rem had given some more information about Heinkel. They were only rumors, so he had no way to be sure about anything. Even so, it was still valuable information for Subaru.

Rumors are not born without reason. For a rumor to exist, there must first have been some situation of origin that has been modified by word of mouth.

At least that is what he read in a manga before he was summoned to this world.

Anyway, from what Rem told me, there is a rumor that Heinkel killed a group of knights who dared to speak ill of his wife and mother. Of course, I don't believe this, but it makes it clear that Heinkel cares about these two! And that's all I need to know!

"You still have a grudge against the whale, right?"

No answer came from the redhead.

To be more specific, he didn't need to answer. Just the look of anger on the man's face was more than enough to confirm the boy's doubt.

"I'll be straightforward with this since I don't have much time left. I know the time and where the Whale is going to show up!"

Silence...

The silence was all that predominated in that place. It was a horrifying silence.

"And what does it matter?"

Such a question was unexpected, but only to Rem. The young maid did not expect such a cold and short answer.

For Rem, if someone gave her the chance to avenge her family, she would do it without a second thought! She knew that this was something that was extremely impulsive and could cause trouble, but still... she wouldn't be able to live with herself if she knew she let a chance like this slip away.

In contrast to the girl's surprise, Subaru showed nothing. He had expected this. He was here to persuade Heinkel to help him. It is common knowledge that if you want to persuade someone to do something, you first have to give them a reason for agreeing to do it.

Nothing comes for free. If you want something, you first need to give another in return. So Natsuki knew very well that he needed to give Heinkel a reason to agree to help him in the fight against the whale.

And he already knew what he could give Heinkel... Hope!

This might be cliché, but it was the purest reality. All the redhead needed now was hope, and Subaru was possibly the only person willing to give it to him.

Heinkel lost his wife overnight. As if that wasn't enough, his mother was killed shortly after. He drifted away from his son, his 'friends' slowly abandoned him, his father left home shortly after, he eventually became addicted to alcohol... In short, his life is complete shit!

From Subaru's perspective, it was as if Heinkel was trapped inside a dark room all alone, with no one to help him. But that may be over since there is now someone willing to help him!

"You think that just because I know the location of this monster, I'm going to help you? Hmph! Don't be so naive kid!"

The redhead was running out of patience. This made Subaru shudder for a few seconds, but soon he was back to normal.

"I know. That's not enough to convince you to help me. That's why I've come to offer you something else.

In doubt, the red-haired man raised one of his eyebrows.

"And what would that be?"

The place was silent for a few more seconds.

"You wish to bring your wife back, correct?"

CRACK!

The bottle in the redhead's hand exploded. Or rather... Heinkel destroyed the bottle in his hand.

The anger that now overflowed from Astrea was insane.

Subaru barely managed to keep his cool in front of Heinkel. The boy could not afford to show weakness at a moment like this. Rem was also able to remain still even in the face of the man's anger.

This is expected. I am sure that many people have already taken advantage of this situation to make money out of it.

"I'm not here to give you a cure for the disease."

This surprised Heinkel, who was again in doubt.

"I have come to deliver you a path to find the cure."

"A path? What the fuck is that...?"

Subaru took a deep breath and stood upright. A small, calm smile formed on his lips.

"I bet you've probably heard of the cases where other people have been cured of this disease, right? It's rare, but they do exist."

"Yes, but what does that have to do with...?"

"That makes it clear that there is a way to cure your wife's illness. All you have to do is find her, correct?"

The redhead confirmed with his head.

"And what's there to it? Do you want me to go out into the world in search of this so-called cure?" the redhead asked, with a clear mocking tone in his voice.

"No."

"No? Then..."

"We will draw the cure to us," Subaru added, "We will make the cure come to you."

Again, the place was silent.

"..."

"..."

"What...?"

Even Rem was at a loss as to how to react to this.

"I am saying that we will draw the cure to you."

"Attract... healing?"

"Exactly. My plan is quite simple: Become one of the most important people in the world and make it clear that you will be willing to give a big reward to anyone who gives you any truthful information about this disease. Of course, you would need someone capable of detecting lies to solve this, and you would also need to be very patient, as several factors make this method slow. Even if this method needs a long time to accomplish and the necessary resources are rare... I believe this is a solution that can help you achieve your goal. "

"...Boy, are you an idiot by any chance? Are you serious?"

"Yes. If you have enough information about the disease, at some point you will be able to find a solution for it. "

This idea was so stupid that Heinkel couldn't even get angry. Did this boy say that? This was the most surreal idea he had ever heard... but somehow it didn't seem wrong either.

What were the chances that this plan would work?

"Oh! It is!"

"What is it now...?"

"If you go with me, I can ask Rosswal to allow you into the mansion's library. From what I've heard, there are books from the [Blank Ages] inside that library! "

"...What?"

Heinkel simply seemed to have locked in place.

"Sure. That's not the whole plan. I just told you a little bit about what I plan to do to help you. There are still some other things, but I don't think it's good to give you all my ideas without first getting something in return. Right?"

With that said, Heinkel just mysteriously stared at Subaru.

"If you accept this deal, I can tell you the rest after the whale is defeated."

"..."

"You won't be losing anything if you agree to go with me. If during the confrontation things get too complicated and you think we won't win, you can run away and pretend none of this ever happened."

"You mean I can just abandon you during the battle...?"

"Yes, but I'm sure that wouldn't happen."

Strange. This was too strange for Heinkel. He had heard about Subaru Natsuki. It was impossible that he didn't know who the boy in front of him was. Everyone in the capital was talking about him, the False Rider.

The story of the boy who was humiliated during the royal selection, Subaru Natsuki, had already spread throughout the capital of Lugnica. No one did not know who this weak and ignorant man was.

But at this very moment, Heinkel wondered if the rumors were true. After all, the person in front of him looked nothing like what he had heard.

"Haaah."

With a long, heavy sigh, Heinkel changed his posture so that he could get more comfortable on the sofa. He was thinking about the proposal of the boy in front of him.

Frankly, this was a strange and completely reckless plan. What were the chances of it working? Extremely low! The chances of such an idea working were almost nil... but not impossible.

It was seventeen years without being able to talk to his beloved wife. ..

Seventeen years without being able to see her smile naturally...

Seventeen years without seeing her eyes...

Seventeen years without eating next to you...

Seventeen years without hearing her call me by that nickname...

Seventeen years without being able to have tea or coffee next to him...

Seventeen years without feeling his touch and warmth...

During those seventeen years, the first six were full of people with ulterior motives trying to trick him into something. After that, it was a long eleven years with nothing but a still body and his memories of the past.

Could he trust this boy? This was a question to which he had no certain answer. Still, he wanted to embrace this small, almost imperceptible feeling of hope that had been born inside him.

Was it wrong to want to bring his wife back...?

"Right... "

"Huh?"

"I will help you," Heinkel said, with a rare expression of determination and will. "I will help you defeat this damned monster, but in return I want you to keep your end of the bargain!"

This surprised the boy slightly, but he smiled at Heinkel.

"Right! I promise!"

Rem, who stood behind Subaru, smiled satisfied with the result. It looks like she won't have to fight, that relieved her.

"So, can you give me the rest of the information? I need to know about the other people, the lug-"

"Other people?" the boy asked.

"Huh...?"

Heinkel stared at Subaru for a few seconds before finally arriving at a result.

"N-Don't tell me you plan to fight only with... "

"Me, you, and Rem! That's more than enough."

It was only at this moment that Heinkel realized: Subaru was far from being someone normal.

"...I am already beginning to regret it."

Subaru didn't care about that. He had gotten what he wanted and, above all, he had no doubts about anything in particular.

I said, didn't I? I will pass this test with flying colors!

[Continued in Chapter 05]