Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sanctuary. The tomb of the Witch of Greed hidden away from the rest of the world. A place that is only acceptable to those of demi human blood or permitted to enter. To its inhabitants, it's both a home and a prison. A place that shelters them from the dangers of the outside world but also traps them, making them unable to leave. It has for generations been guarded by the Mathers lineage and is considered by few to be a sort of holy ground, a monument to history and power.

BOOOOOM!!!!!

Sitting at the footsteps of the Witch of Greed's tomb are eight people, each varying in origin, with a few being each other's enemies mere hours ago, only to be watching the scene before them.

Emilia decides to speak up, "You know I will always support him and am proud of him for what he's doing, but I can't help but feel reeeealy..... well"

"Light of Saber!" 

"Hmph! Of course, you should be proud of Betty's contractor! Few people can possibly do what he is currently accomplishing. Though I can understand your feelings, I suppose"

His spirit decides to respond to Emilia while watching the chaos. She had originally wanted to help him fight, but he had simply responded too her pleas by saying, "My adorable Beako shouldn't have to expend her energy dealing with some rabbits! Plus, how could I pass up a chance to let you see my good side!" At first, she had wanted to argue, but seeing the confidence in his crimson eyes, she decided to let him do what he wanted, though quickly those worries disappeared quickly replaced by another feeling.

"Freeze gust!"

"Yeah he trwuly is inpweaivve. Though even I fweal a wittle.... swowy for them." The court mage  Roswaal decided to speak up despite his swollen face. How did he get like this? Well, that would be due to the Crimson Demon who had suddenly attacked  Roswaal and beat him senseless, and then claimed that he had sensed that Roswaal had summoned a great evil and needed to be punished for his crimes. When the rabbit had arrived, his words proven right, leading them to fully trust his previous words.

However, in reality, he had been startled by the clown and beat him senseless on reflex, and when he had tried to apologize and explain himself, his mannerisms from the Crimson Demon village kicked in, leading him to lie about the whole thing. Having been too embarrassed to tell the truth, he decided to double down on his lie, only for the Great Hare to appear soon after the snow had started falling, allowing him to get away with his lie.

" Roswaal-sama, you shouldn't be speaking after what that brute Barasu did to you. Though Ram does have to admit she can't help but..." Unable to articulate her words, the Oni Ram decided to stop speaking and continue to caress Roswaal's head, which was currently resting on her lap.

"Blade of Wind!"

"Onii-san reaaaly doesn't know how to hold back, huh?"

"Even I can't help but feel uncomfortable looking at this~... It's really hard to tell-"

"Lightning strike!"

Both assassins, who had been beaten by the crimson-eyed boy, look on at the scene before them as Elsa is interrupted by the sound of many trees collapsing

"Oi shut yer trap! You don't have any place to speak ya here me!? Though even I gotta admit that the captin...."

"Inferno!"

"........" Otto can't even speak or comment on the ridiculous scene that's happening before him because much like everyone else...

"×7 It's really hard to tell who the insatiable beast is here."

"MWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Yes! Keep coming to your doom! Keep becoming my XP! Keep becoming my levels!" Subaru, surrounded by the charred, frozen, and disintegrated corpses of thousands of Great Hare's laughs maniacally as they continue to approach him in droves.

"Yes! Feel as your time is frozen for all of eternity in the presence of my power! El Minya!" Even if it was an El level spell, all 8 of them watch as hundreds of Minya crystals appear in the sky and destroy even more of the Great Hare.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Surrounded by fire and the corpses of boundless great Hares, Natsuki Subaru, A Crimson Demon, laughs as his eyes glow a bright crimson piercing the dark. His allies can only watch on feeling strange pity for the Great Hare as its numbers continuously deplete faster than they can replenish.

Chapter Text

In the Crimson demon village practicing things like poses, speeches, and lines that are considered by most people to be weird is the norm infact its a heavy part of their culture.

However Subaru (Thats his name got it!? Don't ask if it isn't and don't mention it to his parents) was an outlier.

From a young age he had always found the poses and speeches his people would give to be embarrassing so much so that he himself was embarrassed to be a Crimson demon but he never made these thoughts vocal... Why? Well its all because of one social outcast called YunYun.

YunYun was the only other Crimson demon like Subaru who unlike him made her thoughts vocal about how embarrassing the Crimson demons were, and struggled doing the stuff their fellow Crimson demons normally did leading to her being a social outcast in their village.

Subaru seeing this decided to use her as an example of what not to be leading him to act like his peers for a large majority of his life despite how embarrassed he was.

There was a few times that he had considered telling the truth, acting like himself, and talking to YunYun but everytime he would build up the courage to talk to her while stalking watching her he would decide against it after seeing her caving in and suffering a fate he considered worse than death. Practicing her poses.

So, deciding to avoid the fate of being so nice that he did things he really didn't want to do, he continued to act  like his peers for years onward making ridiculous poses and getting attention whenever he could only stopping when he got home or was alone.

Recently he had decided to set out to become a proper adventurer and leave the Crimson demon village where he would never look back visit periodically. 

That trip however took a quick turn when he suddenly found himself in a city he had never heard of or seen before.

From then on he wandered around, realized he couldn't read the language, realized eris was worthless here, and nearly got mugged despite telling them he was a Crimson demon.

(That last one was what made him realize he's in another world because nobody with common sense would try to rob somebody who was a Crimson demon.)

Shortly after beating the snot out of the three muggers he met Emilia and her spirit Puck (Emilia tried to lie about her name but Subaru could instantly tell she was lying and demanded she tell him her real name)

Smitten with Emilia they soon set out to search for her insignia where after about an hour of searching Subaru was able to deduce where it was using his high intelligence.

Once at the loothouse they started negotiating for the insignia (Subaru had to try desperately to suppress what he learned in the Crimson demon village when he saw where he was) until the Bowel hunter came to kill them.

And.... well

"Light of Saber!"

"Fireball!"

"Lightning strike!"

BOOM!!!!!!!

After roasting the Bowel Hunter like a seasoned turkey and forcing her to retreat Reinhard arrived drawn in by Subaru's magic leading to the current situation.

"So it was you who did this correct" Renihard said looking Subaru in the eyes

"Y-yeah sorry about that I got a little carried away"

"A little!? My entire house is destroyed!"

Ignoring Old Man Rom's words Reinhard shakes his head "You fought off the Bowel hunter someone that we have been trying to capture for quite some time. I should be thanking you for protecting everyone here from her" 

Subaru sighs in relief. He really doesn't want to be known as a crazed lunatic like a certain other Crimson demon or branded as a danger to society.

"Yea guess I gotta thank you for saving us huh big bro"

Rasing his hands Subaru looks a bit flustered "R-really there's nothing to thank me for i just cast a few spells really"

Listening up until this point Emilia decided to speak up "What was your magic? It was reaaaaly strong but I've never seen something like it before"

"Yea kid what the hell did you do earlier?"

"Oh! That was just some intermediate and advanced magic."

"Advanced? Intermediate? Never heard of magic called that before?"

"Really? Well I could try to teach you if you want you will just need enough skill points and a basic understanding of it."

Felt decided to speak up "The hell are skill points?"

"What!? You don't know what skill points are!? How? Don't you need them to unlock skills and different spells here?"

Putting a finger on her chin Emilia shakes her head "What do you mean by unlocking skills?"

"Seriously! Do you really not have skill points here? What a strange world...."

"The only one strange here is you!"

Reinhard watching this smiles "I would like to thank you for saving them from the Bowel hunter. May I ask what your name is?"

Emilia speaks up "Oh his name is-" Only too be interrupted by Subaru who on instinct strike a pose with his Crimson eyes gleaming.

"My name is Natsuki Subaru! Prodigy of the Crimson demons and the one destined to become the next Demon King!"

:..............................................................."

Everyone stares at Subaru with a blank expression as his face becomes as red as his eyes. Well everyone except Emilia who is looking at him with stars in her eyes.

"If you were going to be embarrassed than why would you do such an embarrassing thing!" Felt yells at Subaru who is still in his pose

Subaru slightly trembles "W-what are you talking about! This is a very normal and cool thing to do right!? I'm not embarrassed at all!"

"Tell that to your face not me!"

"My eyes are completely normal!"

"I wasn't talking about that!"

"So you do think their weird!"

"Stop trying to distract me! What the hell even are Crimson demons"

"W-well-!"

And so the day ends with an embarrassed Subaru, an Emilia in awe, an outraged Felt, a Rom who really wants a drink, and a Reinhard who doesn't get what's currently happening and is just happy to be here.

Chapter Text

"Who the hell are you!?"

In the smoldering ruins of what was once a forest lay the corpses of dozens of wolfgrams some frozen to ice, burned to a nice crisp, or even or cut in half cleanly.

Surrounding these corpses were five people. The head maid of the Roswaal estate Rem, The royal candidate Emilia, an awestruck Petra ,Meili who had been the one to just yell, and the Crimson demon Natsuki Subaru who was looking at his adventurers card with a proud expression on his face.

How did this situation occur? Well we have to go too a few days ago for you to understand

After cooking Elsa until she was well done Subaru was invited to the Roswaal estate to be properly rewarded for his efforts which he accepted eagerly.

On the journey there he became acquainted with Ram who upon their first meeting commented on his clothing and scary eyes insulting the without filter.

After they arrived he met and became acquainted with the residents of the mansion where many things happened.

Firstly and most importantly he said that Roswaal looks like he should be kept away from children at all costs.

Secondly, after calming down both Rem and Ram who wanted to castrate him, he explained to the residents of the mansion that he was from another world using his Adventurers card as proof of his claims.

He that promptly decided to keep it away from everyone after Emilia nearly used his skill points on usless skills.

Thirdly he shocked the residents of the mansion when Beatrice tried draining his mana only to realize that his gate held such an ludicrous amount of mana that it not only rivaled but was possibly superier to both Roswaals or even Emilia's despite the fact thst its never been used.

Fourthly Subaru as a reward asked to get hired at the mansion as a bodyguard.

(Roswaal at first wanted him to be a butler but even Subaru has some pride as a Crimson demon and refused immediately)

The days after these events were.... weird for both the mansions residents and Subaru.

For the mansions residents they couldn't help but find Subaru strange and suspicious with him twitching when they called his name, doing weird poses randomly throughout the day, and even making weird comments on how "The vegetables aren't fighting back" whatever that means.

For Subaru he was trying his best to fit in and forget what he learned in the Crimson demon village.

When he twitched that was him resisting the urge to do an embarrassing speech.

When he posed it was on reflex, Something he learned to do to give off the impression to anyone that he was like the rest of his people, he couldn't help but feel incredibly embarrassed.

And when he made that comment on the vegetables... he was genuinely confused because they didn't seem like they had been properly killed.

He also questioned why they made it seem like sardines weren't grown like the rest of the plants. And why did he keep on getting weird looks when he brought that up just why is that?

Also he was still adapting to the fact that nobody so far one had gone out of their way to practice their magic or had done anything to stand out like his fellow Crimson demons often did.

This was what had become the norm before they had to go out to get groceries.

Originally only he and Rem were supposed to go to get them but he pestered Emilia to come along (he was very nervous because this would be his first time seeing a village outside of his home)

There he had played with some kids who had regretfully started to mimic some of his tendencies before he was bitten by a dog that a child named Meili had brought.

Surprised Subaru, on reflex, punted the dog toward a tree. 

He had wanted to apologize for hurting the dog but the words died in his mouth as in grew large than a small tree, grabbed Meili and another girl named Petra and ran away.

(When later asked if he had actually known about the mabeasts nature he had wanted to say the truth but had instead on reflex lied and bent the truth to make himself look better. To this day he hasn't told anyone the truth out of embarrassment.)

During the journey to rescue the two girls they encountered many problems from mabeasts (that Subaru massacred), natural foiliage (which Subaru destroyed), and a suspicious Rem (Subaru used paralyze and carried Rem with him)

When they had finally arrived they were met with Meili holding a knife to Petra's throat surrounded by Wolfgrams.

As it would turn out she had watched Subaru's massacering  fighting the Wolfgrams and realized that the only way she would be able to kill him was to use a hostage to lower his guard.

In response Subaru and Emilia stopped running. Sweat dripping down their faces as they thought about how they could get out of this situation. Emilia could only lament just how useless she had been during this entire situation, Rem was shocked after she realized that Subaru wasn't a witch cultists, and Subaru...

His eyes shining Crimson he gently handed Rem off to Emilia and raised his hands to his face in a form of surrender. He turned to Meili and cold and series expression on his face.

Meili had a wide smile realizing that she had won as tension filled the air....

"Teleport!"

Only for all the tension to disappear as Subaru disappeared from sight and reappeared beside Meili where he grabbed her and Petra by the waist and threw them at Emilia who in her hast to catch them dropped Rem onto the ground.

In reality Subaru never ACTUALLY used teleport instead he used a trick that was popular with Crimson demon NEETS and actually used Light of Reflection ran up to Meili and threw her and Petra.

After that.... well.......

"How did you kill all the doggies so easily!?"

Startled by the yelling Subaru's eyes glowed as he puts away his adventures card and to look at Meili "Oh? You asking who I am well I suppose I have to respond in kind!"

Posing dramatically Subaru's voice echos through the remains of the forest "I am the one who's name makes even the Demon King tremble in fear! The end of all those who appose me Natsuki Subaru!"

..... a minute passes in complete silence....... then another......... and then-

"Wait...." Realization dawns on Subaru's face

"Did I just....?" As his face glows Crimson as his face contorts to horror.

"I DID IT AGAIN!?!?!?!?!?!" Throwing himself to the floor Subaru covers his face in embarrassment

"If you were gonna be embarrassed you shouldn't have spoken"

"W-why would I be embarrassed!? This is a very normal and cool thing to do!"

'Them why is your face red?' Thats what Rem wanted to say but she held her tongue. However the look on her face must have spoken volumes about he true feeling because Subaru buried his face in his hands and tried to make himself look small after he saw it.

"Subaru there's nothing to be embarrassed about I thought it was a grand speech and reaaaally cool!"

Subaru takes his face of his hands and looks at Emilia in shock "N-No don't tell me... I've corrupted the pure and impressionable Emilia......"

"I'm not impressionable you dunderhead! Plus I don't know what you mean by corrupted" as she says this Emilia makes exaggerated movments somewhat mimicking what Subaru had done earlier.

"Emilia-Tan....." Subaru look at her in horror before looking down at the floor depressed realizing what he had done to her.

During this Rem could only watch the ridiculous scene before her not noticing as Meili escaped while they were distracted.

Chapter Text

"Ram must admit that Barasu is progressing much faster than she expected considering who he is"

"Is that a compliment or an insult?"

Sitting in the dark hovering over a paper sat Subaru and Ram. Why were they here? Simple! 

It all started a few days ago when Emilia realized a crucial detail about their guest from another world...

"Uhh Subaru what are you doing?"

Standing behind Subaru was Emilia who was staring at Subaru in confusion as he peered at a letter in his hands

"Oh Emilia-Tan! I was just deciphering this letter Ram gave me two days ago"

Looking up from the letter Subaru looks at Emilia with excitement and pride in his eyes.

"Its taken a while but I believe it must be some sort of ancient script that she entrused me to decipher due to my Crimson demon intellect!"

"....Subaru that's a list of groceries"

A moment passes as Subarus face becomes beet red "No its definitely some sort of ancient text"

"Your learning how to read"

And so it was set!

Since then Emilia had tasked Ram to teach the idiot Barasu how to read and write in Lagunica script.

If Ram was being honest however Ram had little hope for him when it came to learning something new because despite how powerful he was when it came to magic  between the embarrassing poses, how easily flustered, and how many embarrassing things he's said she doubted he would be able to learn even a child's level of reading comprehension in a year.

....However much to Ram's surprise she found that Barasu had learned the lugunican script much faster than she expected.

Infact he had basically learned ALL of it and when it came to his writing she was surprised to learn that it was somehow better than Rems! REMS!!!

As much as Ram hates to admit it (even if she never would outloud) Barasu was... a genius, a prodigy even.

"You've mastered every form of Lagunica writing in a matter of days... Ram must admit that you have exeeded her expectations considering your Barasu"

"Again was that an insult or a compliment!?" Subaru yelled indignantly before looking at Ram with a proud expression.

"Also of course I mastered this language quickly! We Crimson demons are naturally geniuses."

Ram looked at Subaru with a blank expression "Ram would prefer if you don't call yourself a 'demon' it's an insult to both Ram and her adorable sister to be compared to Barasu"

"Hey! Didn't I tell you already that we're not actual demons like you its just a name!" Subaru than takes a moment to pause " Now that I think about it my ancestors probably named us Crimson demons just because its cool..."

At the mention of his ancestors Ram can't help shiver. From how Barasu had described them they were even WORSE than he was when it came too being embarrassing and overall trouble.

"Ram is glad that Barasu's people are in a different world. From how you described them they are even worse than you"

Nodding his head Subaru sighs "Tell me about it i don't even want to imagine what kind of trouble they would cause if they were here...."

As he said that he couldn't help but notice the expression on Ram's face.

"Listen...."

"Did Barasu forget about the village?"

"IT WAS AN ACCIDENT!!!"

Shaking his head Subaru couldn't help but want to cry as he remembered what had happened to Arlam village...

What happened? Well in short when he was dealing with the remaining Wolfgrams, influenced by his people antics and the atmosphere, Subaru cast an incredibly powerful spell that ended up destroying a few building in Arlam village.

Thankfully nobody died or got injured but Subaru, after appoligizing profusely, restored the buildings to a state even better than before. 

(The people of Arlam weren't sure if they should be angry they were destroyed or happy they were recreated so perfectly)

"Damn it its all because I was influenced by those damn NEETS!"

"Hmm"

"Please just believe meeeeeee!!!!" 

And so the peaceful night ended with a Crimson demon begging to an Oni.

Truly all was right with the world.

"Pleaee have mercy!"

"Explosion!"

However in another world the opposite was happening.

Chapter Text

"Hahg!"

In the kitchen of the Roswaal estate lunch was currently being prepared by Rem and Ram assisted by Subaru. The spread was a delectable steak with a salad on the side.

Rem and Ram (mostly Rem) had taken responsibility for preparing the steak for the mansions residents leaving Subaru to prepare the salad

"Something even a fool like Barasu could do" That was what Ram said and that is what both Ram and Rem believed.

That was why they both jumped in suprise when they say Subaru hold down a head of lettuce and cut into it like living prey.

"Idiot Barasu what do you think your doing scaring my precious sister like that!" Ram yelled not willing to admit that, like Rem, was startled 

Tilting his head Subaru looks at them in confusion "Why are you reacting like that I just cut lettuce!"

Rem decided to speak up "Yes but why did Subaru-kun do it like that?"

"Well obviously i was making sure its dead!"

A moment of silence passes (a common occurrence since Subaru came to this mansion) 

"What? x2" Both maids ask

Looking proud of himself Subaru speaks in a casual tone "Well we both know that Ros-chi is loaded so obviously he would get the freshest produce possible so that's why" Subaru points at the mutilated lettuce "I'm making sure to kill the lettuce before we serve it"

"...What? x2"

"Now listen I know that it tastes best alive BUT I thought that killing it now would make cooking more safe for us! After all cooking can be a dangerous task if you don't know what your doing"

"...Barasu why do you believe the lettuce is alive?"

"Huh? Its because all fruits and vegetables are alive" He said as though it was the most normal thing in the world.

Whispering in too her sisters ear Rem speaks "Nee-Sama Nee-Sama I remember Subaru-Kun telling us of his peoples influence on his but I didn't think it was this bad"

Following suit Ram responds "Rem Rem even I can't help but feel bad about this pathetic excuse of a man who thinks that vegetables and fruits are alive"

"Huh? why are you two suddenly looking at me with a look of pity? Wait dont tell me that they aren't alive here!?"

"Rem Rem Barasu is so stuck in his delusions created by his people he even believes that his entire world had alive vegetables" 

"Its oh-kay Subaru-kun Rem doesn't blame you for believing that the lettuce was alive" Both Rem and Ram look at him in pity

"Wait this isn't something Crimson demons made up its actually true! Vegetables are alive in my world! Girls? Girls?! Hey don't look away from me as though your unable to stand it any longer!" Subaru's legs tremble as he watches both of the Oni's turn away from him and get back to cooking

"God damn this stupid world!!!!" Subaru screams as he falls to his knees unable to bear the fact that his friends now pity him because unlike in his world vegetables and fruits are NOT alive.

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"Its 'Od damn' Barasu"

"Shut it!"

Chapter Text

"Shamak!"

In the garden of the Roswaal estate stood three figures Beatrice, Emilia, and Subaru the one who had just cast the spell

The sound of clapping was heard as the spell dissipated "Amazing Subaru! You were able to get the spell down on the second try!"

"Yes even Betty must admit that the Shamak was cast perfectly your control of your gate was spectacular and you utilized your mana to near perfection I suppose"

Looking a bit embarrassed Subaru rubs the back of his head "Thanks for the compliments guys but it really wasn't that impressive"

"Hmph Betty's student should be more proud of himself I suppose! Its rare for anyone to cast a spell without any experience before hand successfully on the second try let alone as perfectly as you did in fact"

A smug expression appears on Beatrice's face "Though having such an excellent teacher such as Betty must have played a large factor in your success I suppose!" 

"Yep couldn't have done it without you Beako!"

Emilia smiles as recalled exactly what lead to Beatrice teaching Subaru.

It had been a normal day in the Roswaal estate.

Rem and Ram had been cleaning around the mansion, the margrave Roswaal had been out for business, Emilia had been studying, and Beatrice? Well Beatrice had been doing what she had always been doing and sitting alone in the forbidden library.

That was until Subaru barged in and asked she teach him this worlds magic.

To say that Beatrice was reluctant to teach him magic was an understatment in fact she wanted nothing more than for him to leave her alone then and there but Subaru was insistent 

Anytime she kicked him out he would come back

Anytime she would ask him why she should teach him he said that he not only had potential (something she had little care for) but also had knowledge of another world beyond the Great Waterfall (something she was curious about)

And when she finally asked why he asked her out of everyone in the mansion he spoke immediately

"Puck is not the best teacher in fact according to him I nearly hurt my gate because of his training methods, and Ram, Rem and Emilia are busy. Plus! According to Puck I have an afinity for yin magic the same element the Great Spirit Beatrice specializes in!"

"And why not ask the margrave I wonder?" 

"Ros-Chi is creepy"

Nodding her head in understanding Beatrice accepted his reasons as all fair and reasonable and strongly considered teaching him Yin magic however she needed to know one thing...

"Are you hiding something from me I wonder?"

"H-huh what do you mean?" Subaru said dumbfounded 

"You gave been fidgeting since you started explaining yourself i suppose your obviously hiding something in fact so what is it?" 'Plus your eyes are glowing red' thats what she wanted to say but decided against it

Caught red handed Subaru looks at Beatrice in shock "Am I really that bad at hiding things!"

After seeing Beatrice nod her head Subaru lowers his head in embarrassment as his eyes glowed red "I-I guess if you really want to know..."

Looking up and into Beatrices eyes Subaru looks at her with a sincere, even if slightly embarrassed, expression "I wanted you to teach me not just because I wanted to learn this worlds magic but also because I wanted to hang out with you outside of this library. I want you to be outside and have fun like all kids your age should."

Since then Beatrice had started to teach Subaru the basics of Yin magic and the fundamentals on how it worked something that Subaru understood surprisingly quickly.

So quickly in fact that it only took him two days of studying before he was able to cast shamak again without having to worry about hurting his gate.

"Still I can't help but feel you cheated a bit...." Emilia commented while putting a hand on her chin

"Huh what are you talking about Emilia-tan?"

"You know your peculiar 'adventurers card "

"Ahhhhh" understanding Subaru pulled out his adventurers card and looked at the skill which was called 'Yin magic'.

When Subaru had finished learning the fundamentals of Yin magic on the second day he had discovered something new on his adventurers card.

Two skills called 'Yin magic' which costed 1 skill points to learn, and 'El casting which costed 5 skill points to learn.

Learning the skill 'Yin magic allowed Subaru, as the name suggests, to use the most basic of Yin spells while the skill 'El casting' allowed him to use magic at the 'El' level as long as he understood the fundamentals on how the spell would work at that level.

When he had first shown Emilia and Beatrice they had both thought of it as cheap and unfair advantage when it came to growing in strength (Ironic i know) but Subaru was able to quickly calm them down.

"Like I said before the skills wouldn't appear if I didn't understand how to actually use them. All this does is give me the ability to cast spells"

Emilia nods her head and gets into a strange pose "I guess I understand but still it reaaallly feels unfair how easy it is for you to learn this stuff"

"I understand what you are saying Half-Elf even Betty must admit that her student does have an advantage over others though that might be more due to his natural talent then anything else"

Beatrice then looks at Emilia with a blank expression "Also get out of that ridiculous pose I suppose"

"Its not ridiculous its reaaaally cool! Right Subaru!?" Emilia looks to Subaru for support only for him to raise his hand with an expression mimicking Beatrice's

"Emilia-tan you should really stop posing"

And so the Crimson demon Subaru and the Great Spirit of Yin Beatrice spent the rest of the day trying and failing to convince Emilia that the poses weren't as cool as she thought.

(In the process Subaru did one himself on accident)

Chapter Text

Subaru stifles a scream as he wakes up in a cold sweat, something he had become accustomed to since he came into this world.

"Another nightmare...." Yes it had been another nightmare for the Crimson demon, something that had become a common occurrence for him since his fight with the Bowel hunter Elsa Granhiert, somebody Subaru had come to loath.

'Why' I hear you asking? 

It's because while from an outside view Subaru had been able to beat the Bowel hunter handily, leaving her running away charred like an overcooked chicken, to him, that was far from the truth.

So very far from the truth....

When he had first fought the Bowel hunter, he had been caught off guard by her speed because to simply call her 'fast' was a grave understatement

She put a lizard runner to shame, she was so fast that Subaru had barely been able to process her movements.

Elegantly, she dodged his attacks with little effort, quickly adapting to how different his magic was from this world's, and in a matter of seconds, she ripped open his stomach, allowing his Bowels to spill on the floor.

And it HURT, it hurt so much

He remembers desperately trying to keep his bowels inside him, a futile effort, crying, snot dripping down his face as he silently begged anyone to save him.

The only reason he didn't scream was because the pain had been so sudden.

He remembers someone screaming his name.... the desperate footsteps of the people he tried to protect trying to fight off the monster which had struck him down.... he remembers seeing their bodies one by one drop to the floor. The first was Rom, the second Felt, and the third Emilia....

He remembers making a promise to them once he saw this, as he, for a moment, forgot his own pain.

He promised to save them. Despite the shame he felt for falling so quickly, despite how greatly he underestimated his enemy, he still promised to save them all.

And then he died.

When he thought back to this death, he felt that the reason he died so quickly was because he had underestimated his opponent and had proven to be too great a threat to her. An unknown variable she needed to kill.

Or perhaps she somehow already knew that he was coming and was told by whoever her mysterious employer was.

It didn't make sense how would they have even known about him when he came from another world?

Subaru didn't know, but for some reason her actions seemed too deliberate as if she had been anticipating something's arrival, and that something was HIM

Or maybe that was just him

After he died for the first time, he had appeared mere minutes before Elsa arrived at the loothouse.

The first time he Returned By Death (the thing he would call his 'ability'), he had been too shocked to change the outcome of anything.

He and the others died quickly.

He then went on to die another 2 times from the shock of the situation, still feeling the paralyzing effect from the fear he felt as he was dying.

For those two loops, he messed up his chanting for his spells and died quicker deaths than before.

After those two loops, however, Subaru realized what had been happening and got his act together, ready to find a way to keep his promise and save the people he had died with twice.

On the 3rd loop, he figured out Elsa's regeneration.

On the 6th loop, he figured out how to get everyone to work together to beat her.

On the 7th loop, Subaru figured out where in the slums Elsa had been wandering.

To Subaru, the loops had started blending into each other, different deaths melding together, getting each fight confused for another, but he still remembered the number of times he and the others had died.

The total had been 13

On the final loop, he had finally figured out how to catch Elsa off guard to such a degree that she couldn't even dodge out of the way of his attacks without being seriously damaged.

After that, Subaru fought harder than he ever fought before just to keep. her. down.

Desperately like an animal trying survive he cast every spell he knew on the Bowel hunter, mana consumption be DAMNED, he would NOT let the people he had fought with for 13 loops die AGAIN!

In the end, he was able to drive Elsa off due to the amount of damage she accumulated, and after that, well, you know that already 

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.... Subaru hated Elsa, but if theirs one thing he would thank her for, it's that in the later loops she killed him so quickly that he couldn't see those he came to consider friends and comrades die again. 

He was scared of seeing the result of his failures

Since then, Subaru had been unable to sleep well, constantly being plagued by nightmares of the Bowel hunter.

And yet while he hated her, he hated Them far more.

He had discovered Them a week after the events in Arlam village (An event he's thankful he was able to come out of without dying once.)

That day, he had a particularly bad sleep due to his nightmares. Such terrible sleep that it actually drew the attention and concern of the residents of the mansion.

Rem had tried to get him to open up

Ram and Beatrice, in their classic tsundere way, showed their concern for his well-being

Roswaal... was Roswaal

And Emilia.... 

"Subaru, if you have anything that's troubling you, then please tell me so we can help. Were worried about you"

....... When he heard these words, he swore he could hear something break inside of him.

He had been desperately trying to forget his deaths, but he couldn't, no matter how hard he tried, and it had been eating him up inside.

He had decided not to tell anyone because, really, who would believe him? I mean, somebody claiming that they not only returned from the dead but also turned back time when they died was obviously insane.

But more than that, deep down, he was afraid of what they would think if they knew of his failure to save her so many times.

He was afraid that he would be left alone, looked at in disgust by the people he had started to consider family.

So when he had heard her words, something broke in him, and that was his resolve to keep quiet.

And so with tears in his eyes, he spoke

"I... That day in the capital I returned by dea-"

But then he met THEM, the figure he would come to believe was the Witch of Envy

Time had frozen... Time had somehow FROZE! HOW!?

Subaru doubted that even the Demon King had such an ability, that's how powerful it was! It was an ability that he thought only the God's could have, and yet somehow time had frozen.

But that wasn't what worried him the most. No, what worried him at that moment was the hand made of shadows moving in his chest and tenderly caressing his heart before squeezing it with enough force that he believed it would pop, putting a primal and unnatural fear of the Witch in his soul.

Since that day, he learned he had been silenced, forced to never speak about his 'ability' unless he wanted to have his heart crushed.

And since that day, he had grown to hate the Witch with all his heart, now wanting nothing more than to kill the person he blamed for his suffering in this new world.

But what could he do? The Witch could literally stop time, an ability only God's should have had. And more than that, she was the being who apparently devoured half of the world, a feat that even the Demon King would shudder upon hearing.

And Subaru? He was just a single Crimson demon with above-average talent for his people. He had no chance in hell of beating the Witch that devoured half the world. Especially considering the fact that he would be immobilized by them freezing time.

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That was until he learned something interesting from his lessons with Beako.

Did you know that, unlike popular belief, Yin magic is actually the manipulation of space and time? In fact, the spell 'Minya' (a spell Beako had only just begun to teach him) actually freezes time and turns it into a weapon

Noting this, theoretically, couldn't a strong enough master of Yin magic break through frozen time?

Its safe that since the day he learned Yin magics true nature Subaru had begun training himself with a vigor never seem before fueled by the idea of being able to get back at the person who had trapped him in the slums unable to create a proper plan to fight the Bowel hunter due to the limited time he had until she arrived.

Unable to fall back asleep, Subaru gets up to begin his patrol around the Mansion, even though it was too early.

During this, he would undoubtedly practice his Yin magic in his desire to grow strong enough to face the Witch of Envy in battle.

To hell with her time stop, he would find a way to free himself from it! To hell with the fear put into his soul, he would just break through it!

It didn't matter if her power possibly dwarfed that of the Demon kings, it didn't matter if she was as strong as the very God's! He would just surpass them all!

Because he was Greedy enough to consume the knowledge needed to achieve his goals.

Because he was so fueled with his Wrath that he had no lack of motivation to move forward

And because he was filled with enough Pride that he believed he could achieve his lofty goals.

That was what Natsuki Subaru had set out to do, and that is what he would achieve!

"... Barasu how did you even get stuck there?"

Looking at Subaru in confusion, Subaru can only respond with a sheepish smile

"Well, let's just say I got a bit too excited."

Why was Ram so confused?

"What did Betty's student do this time, I suppose?"

It was because Subaru was currently stuck in a tree, his torso nearly completely consumed in its trunk, with his arms, head, and feet left dangling out

"Well, you know that spell I thought up?"

Beatrice sighs, already having a feeling about what happened

"Okay so listen. I woke up a bit early with a LOT of motivation, so I decided to try a spell me and Beako-"

Beatrice glares at him

"--Professor Beako had been developing where we separate the user from the time and space around them, making them basically invincible. I tried using the spell on my own, and for the most part, it worked! But.... I got myself a little stuck."

"You forgot to mention the part where Betty specifically told you not to try the spell without her there to monitor you!"

Putting his hand together (at least as well as he could, stuck in a tree), Subaru looked at Beatrice with desperate eyes (they were literally glowing from desperation in the most literal sense)

"Please, Professor Beako, you gotta help me!"

"Hmph, and why should Betty help her idiotic student after he ignored her warning, I suppose?"

Desperate Subaru used his trump card, "Me and Emilia-tan are going out on a date soon. If you get me out of this tree, I promise I'm going to keep us out longer."

"And why would Betty care about that, I wonder?"

Subaru smirks, "Because it gives you more time with Puck."

Placing her hands on the tree with an expression of never-before-seen determination, Beatrice begins to use her magic. "We must get you out of here as soon as possible in fact."

"Yes! I knew I could count on you, Beako!"

"Don't forget the 'Professer' in that, I suppose."

"Got it, Professor Beako!"

Looking at this ridiculous scene Ram can only walk away lamenting the fact that Barasu had yet again corrupted another pure maiden with his terrible influence.

Chapter Text

Subaru was doing his daily patrol thinking of ways to improve his spells when he realized something vital, something so important he felt stupid for forgetting about its existence in the first place.

"Manatite doesn't exist in this world...."

"What did you say Subaru-kun?"

Subaru breaths in before screaming "MANATITE TOOLS DON'T EXIST HERE!!!!"

Startled by Subaru's sudden yelling Rem quickly covers her ears.

Ram hearing Subaru's yelling from across the hall walks over to him "Barasu what are you screaming about this time?"

"Ahh sorry Nee-Sama its just... I suddenly realized that an important mineral from my world doesn't exist here...."

"Hmph of course Barasu would yell over an insignificant ore from beyond the-" Ram was interupted by Subaru slamming his hands on her shoulder forcing her to stare into his creepy, crimson, and glowing eyes.

"Ram you do not understand how important this is"

"Then why don't you explain it to us calmly Subaru-kun?" Subaru forgetting that Rem was here and realizing what he was doing gets his hands of Rams shoulders and scratches the back of his head.

"Oh right! Sorry I got a bit too heated Nee-Sama"

Ram dusts her shoulders why glaring at Subaru " If Barasu falls prey to his beastly urges again expect Ram to castrate you in response"

Subaru shivers seeing that Ram was not joking before clearing his throat and speaking

"So Manatite! Its a material from my world with many uses. It can be used as a material for weapons, a fuel source for mages, or many other things which lead it to be sought after from any adventurer whos worth something ESPECIALLY in the form of weapons and shields for warriors and staffs, and wands for mages"

"Why is that Subaru-Kun?"

"Amazing question Rem! To answer your question its because manatite tools help increase both the users  control over a spell and its overall power"

Subaru begins to day dream "And thats why I planned on getting a manatite wand once I got some experience adventurering..."

"And that's why Barasu was screaming like a child earlier?"

Snapped out of his fantasy Subaru nods his head "Yea I can't help but feel disappointed knowing what I missed..."

Rem a finger on her chin "From the way you described this 'mana-ti-te' Rem can't help but think of mana crystals from our world"

"Do you think the mana crystals could work like manatite!?"

Rem shakes her head "Rem is sorry to say but Rem's never heard of mana crystals being made into tools excluding metia's and those only help people unable to use magic actuslly use it as far as Rem's aware"

"' 'sigh' Well I guess its better to quit while I'm ahead then" Subaru snikers to himself "Where would I have even found a mana crystal here of all places..."

"Its good that Barasu quit like the pathetic dog Ram knew he was ("Hey!") Ram didn't want to clean up the inevitable mess he would make messing using the fire crystals in the stoves"

"Wait you use mana stones to power the stoves?"

"....."

"....."

"....."

"....."

"Barasu don't you even think abou-"

"Light of Reflection!" Infront of both Ram and Rem Subaru disappears 

Ram looks around the room but can't find Subaru "Damn Barasu and his strange magic!" Ram looks over to her beloved sister "Quick Rem find Barasu using his disgusting smell before he destroys the mansion!"

Rem however was looking away from her sister while twiddling her thumbs "Rem!?" Ram cried out in betrayal

"Sorry Nee-Sama but Rem doesn't want to make Subaru-Kun upset when he's so excited..."

Ram shocked by Rem's words silently cursed Barasu for making her beloved sister fall in love with a man like him before she started running towards the kitchen

"Damn it Barasu! When Ram finds you she's going to make castration the least of your worries for corrupting her pure sister!!!" 

And so began the chase between Subaru and Ram. However little did our dear Ram know that Subaru was two steps ahead and froze the rotue he took behind him inevitably forcing Ram to slip on the ice while he was tinkering with the kitchen stoves.

Just as planned

Outside of the Roswaal mansion stood Rem, an angry Ram being held back by Rem, and a pedophi- I mean Roswaal each of them watching Subaru

"Thank you all for coming here on such short notice"

"Its no issue Subaru-kuuuuun~ but whaaaaat~ reason did you have to bring usssssss~ outside"

"I'm glad you asked Ros-chi!" Subaru turns away from Roswaal and points his hand at an ice wall he asked Rem to create "To properly explain I will however need to make a demonstration"

"Fireball!" Subaru launches a fireball at the thick wall of ice melting a large portion of it.

"As you all know that was my normal fireball powerful but not strong enough to destroy the wall of ice" Subaru then turns toward an object near him and grabs it

"Thats- !" 

"My how interesstiiiing~ I wooooonder~ what you could possibly do with thaaaat?"

Holding a Firestone in his hand Subaru turns to Roswaal with a proud expression 

"Dont worry Ros-Chi this will definitely blow away your expectations!"

Breathing in Subaru closes his eyes and channels his mana threw the wild and uncontrolled energy of the firestone focusing on keeping control of his and its mana.

"Fireball!" Yet again Subaru launches a fireball at another ice wall

'Booooom!!!!!'

However this one was much more powerful than then previous one with it not only completely destroying the wall of ice that Rem made but also destroying a tree behind it.

Subaru sighs in relief before looking back at Roswaal "So what did you think?" 

Roswaal claps "Myyyyyy~ how completely unexpected! Noooot~ only did you use the firestone to increase the strength of your speeeeel~but you even used it to channel your mana without destroying it! Do tell me whereeeee~ you got the idea"

"Well I mostly got the idea when I learned about the similarities between an ore from my world and the magic crystals from this one"

Roswaal nods his head in understanding " Nowww~ while that was impressive do teeeeell~ why did you decide to show me such a clever trick?"

"Well you see Ros-Chi I was kinda hoping that you could try getting me a staff or wand with a more high quality mana crystal in it. It would really improve my ability to use magic!"

Roswaal puts his finger on his cheek and thinks ('Hey only cute girls can do that!') "Very weeell~ it would make sense to get my own secuuuurity~ equipment needed to proteeect~ us"

Subaru pumps his fist in excitement. Yes! It worked! Truly this was Subaru's day!

"Howeveeeeer~..."

Huh?

"Whereeeee~ pray tell did you geeeeet~ that fire stone?"

what

"W-well I-"

"Barasu stole it from the kitchen Roswaal-Sama" Ram no longer trying to castrate Subaru speaks to Roswaal in a dignified manner before turning to Subaru in a smug expression

Wait a minute-!

"Is that sooooo~? Well then Subaru-Kuuuuuun~ I'm afraid I will have to deduce the damages caused by your thievery and use of my fire stones from your paycheck"

"Wait!-"

"Also until further notice you are not allowed to visit the forest surrounding Arlam village to kill mabeasts" Loosing his accent Roswaal spoke these words thst broke Subaru

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Kneeling on the ground Subaru cries put at this injustice as Ram quietly snikers behind him

Chapter Text

Far from the Roswaal estate in a land widely considered by those in Lugunica to be unprofitable sat a well decorated carriage.

"..So this is the place huh?"

Roswaal who sat across from Subaru nodded his head "Correeeect~ this is a land infested with maaaabeasts~ unused and uninhibited by anyone in myyyyyy~ domain" 

Subaru sighs in relief already wanting off the carriage away from Roswaals unerving gaze "Thanks for listening to my request to come here Ros-chi"

Ram who was driving the carriage speaks up "Barasu better have a good reason for bringing Roswaal-sama to such a disgusting place"

"Don't worry Nee-sama! I just needed the space to test something out"

"Hmmm I'm stillll~ curious on whaaaaat~ that might be" something shines in Roswaal's eyes "But knowing you i'm sure it will make this trip worthwhile"

Subaru begins stepping out of the carriage "I'll try to make sure your not disappointed then!" Subaru pauses "Also can you stop looking at me as though I'm something to study?"

"Thaaaaat~ would be impossible knowing that youuur~ about to show us another form a maaaagic~ from beyond the Great Waterfall"

Subaru moans already expecting that answer "Fair enough I guess but I would rather it be someone like Emilia-tan who stared at me like that!"

"Of course Barasu would want a pure maiden to stare at him it would be the only way he could validate his existence"

"Thats not even related to the topic!"

Shaking his head Subaru remembers why he was here and moves out over a cliff thst the carriage was currently over.

The land was normal at a first glance with their being a simple forest filled with shrubery and animals but Subaru could feel thst something was wrong. The mana in the air felt contaminated by something.

".... Ram you said that this land is filled with mabeasts right?"

"Yes this land has been infested with various types mabeasts for years, many of them more troublesome than the wolfgrams you face in Arlam village, leading to it being unused"

"So that means that theirs probably alot of them in that forest right?"

Ran looks at Subaru a bit dumbfounded "Yes that would be correct though Ram wonders why Barasu is asking?" Ram pauses "Though Ram supposes it makes sense if Barasu forgot on the way here seeing how brutish you are in nature it must have escaped your mind quickly"

With an uncharacteristic seriousness Subaru simply nods his head "Thanks just needed to be sure" 

Slowly Subaru pulls out his adventurers card and looks at it carefully 'Am I really going to be doing this? Am I really going to be wasting all that effort for one spell?' He asked himself

Since that day in Arlam Subaru had been constantly going back into the forest to kill the mabeasts that resided in it leveling himself up and gaining skill points.

Currently, combined with the skill points he had before coming to this world, he had over 50 skill points.

'Am I really willing to just give all of that hardwork up for a single spell' Thinking carefully Subaru thinks about his goal to kill the Them the person who was responsible for his suffering.

"Yes... yes I am" placing his finger on the adventurers card Subaru gave up nearly all his skill points to unlock the spell 

Looking over the forest he takes a deep breath in and out and aims his arm out towards the forest.

And he begins to chant.

Pure magical energy starts flowing around Subaru as a ball of pure heat appears in his hand. Some of the magic is escaping him lessening the effect of the spell though that was to be expected without a staff or wand as a conduit.

Roswaal and Ram who were watching him with anticipation (mostly Roswaal to be honest) immediately notice the change and instinctively take a step back.

Subaru had warned them that something would happen but the shear power that was leaking out of him! Even Roswaal couldn't help but be worried about what Subaru was about to do.

Grunting Subaru struggles to maintain the spell but he pushes through and maintains control as the orb of energy in his hands burn brightly like the sun.

Feeling that the spell was ready Subaru screams out as magic sigils appear over the forest.

"EXPLOSION!"

And with that single word a flash of light consumes the area as an explosion decimated a portion of the forest below.

Subaru had seen the the when he was young, so young that he hadn't even begun going to school.

He had seen it on a random day when he was aimlessly wandering through a forest trying to find something to do and found a scene he would only describe as strange.

What he founded was a strange cloacked figure who clearly wasn't a Crimson demon talking to a young Crimson demon girl.

Well talking was the wrong word it was more like lecturing the young girl on how a made up chant wouldn't work for a spell and the young girl stating that it would. At one point it even sounded like the clocked figure was going to cry.

Curious Subaru decided to stay in the bushes and move closer to ease drop on their conversation.

When he got closer he overheard the cloacked figure reluctantly chanting a spell  while the young girl watched in antinicipating what was to come.

How foolish young Subaru was to stay there and absorb the chanting of the cloaked woman in his impressionable mind unaware that they would be stuck in his head for the rest of his life.

And how foolish of him to watch as she cast the spell creating so much destruction that Subaru fell unconscious in shock.

It was only years after this incident Subaru would learn what the spell the cloacked figure used was and as it would turn out it was 'Explosion' a spell considered by Crimson demons to be a joke.

..... and he could learn it.

While Subaru would admit that he did some studying on the spell he had never planned on learning it not for a single moment of his life!

Unlike the young girl in the forest

Actually speaking of the young girl it was only years after Subaru learned the name of the spell he saw that he would learn who she actually was.

Her name was Megumin the Embarrasment of the Crimson demons.

Subaru collapsed onto the ground exhausted from using explosion.

"Barasu what did you do!" He could hear Ram and Roswaal approach him but he was too absorbed in his thoughts to care.

He did it he actually got and used explosion and it was just as powerful as he hoped!

Though it was weaker than when he saw it all that time ago...

Subaru sighs internaly knowing that he would have to use any skill points he got in the future to make it powerful enough to kill Them

'Guess in not learning Ul or Al level spells for a while huh?'

"Subaru-Kuuuuuun~ could you explain what you just did?" Snapping back to reality at Roswaals voice Subaru tries and fails to turn to them so he responds on the ground.

"That was a spell I learned recently called 'Explosion' the most powerful spell in ny world"

"Reaaally~? Why may I ask did you get theeen?"

Subaru thinks for a moment before responding "You said that a organization called the 'Witch Cult' worshiped the Witch of Envy right? So I thought that having this spell would be useful against them"

Roswaal raises an eyebrow (Not that Subaru would be able to see) "Whyyyy~ are you preparing for the Witch cult?"

"According to you guys Emilia-tan looks like the Witch of Envy meaning that when her candidacy is announced they might target her"

"While Ram is sure Emilia-sama appreciates the concern Ram believes that Barasu shouldn't worry after all Roswaal-sama is more than enough to drive away a few cultists and im sure even the unimpressive Barasu could get rid of a few so why get something as drastic as this 'explosion' spell?"

Subaru now having enough energy to turn his body turns to Ram "Explosion in my world is the only spell that can harm and kill both Devils and Gods"

Ram looks at Subaru in uncharacteristic suprise as Roswaal makes a mental note on this information 

"And whyyy~ would you need such a poooowerful~ spell?"

Subaru again thinks about what to say before he spoke "The leaders of the Witch cult called sin archbishops haven't been defeated for over 100 years right? So I thought that having a trump card against them incase we encounter them would be good to have especially if anyone of them is somehow immortal or something"

A moment passes as Roswaal and Ram absorb Subaru's words only for it to be interupted by Roswaal clapping his hands and smiles

"Myyyy~ what a diligent guaaard~ you are Subaru-kun! I feel safer alreaaaaady~ with you here"

"What did I say before! Only cute girls like Emilia-tan are supposed to do stuff like that!"

"Of course Barasu wouldn't be able to understand Roswaal-sama's charm"

"What charm!?"

Roswaal laughs "Howww~ lively! Prepare the carriage for our deeeeparture~ ("Yes Roswaal-sama") and Subaru-Kun please tell me more about your worlds maaaagic~ on the way back to the manor"

"Uhh about that..."

"?"

"I can't exactly move"

..............................

"What?"

Subaru looks a bit embarrassed "Using explosion like that drained all my mana for a day and now I can't move"

...................................................

"Ram prepare for our immediate departure" Roswaal turns to Ram and speaks without his accent

"Understood Roswaal-Sama we shall departe immediately"

Sweat drips down Subaru's face as he cries out "Wait your not going to leave me hear are you!?"

"Hmmm why of couuuurse~ you brought me out here so you could cast a spell nooooot~ so that you could be brouuuught~ back" 

Roswaal's smile disappears "Besides you did just destroy a portion of my land without my permission"

"W-wait you said it was not being used for anything so why does it matter!"

Roswaal begins boarding the carriage "It was still my land however so you should simply consider this punishment for destroying it."

Subaru begins to panic "R-Ram your not going to just leave me here right!?"

Ram looks at him indifferently "Ram will follow Roswaal-Sama's orders to the absolute. Besides Ram is sure that Barasu will survive with his magic"

"Survive!? Wait dont leave! Stop boarding the carriage! Why is it moving!? Dont leave me hereeee!"

12 hours later Subaru made it back to the Roswaal estate with teleport and immediately froze the door to Ram's room while she was asleep.

Chapter Text

"Why the hell is it so cold!?" It had been another day in Roswaal's manor a completly normal day.... except for the the fact that ice and snow had appeared in the building and the fact that it was freezing cold.

"F-for o-once Ram h-has to agree with B-barasu t-this c-c-c-cold is hindering R-rams ability work"

"I think its bothering you for more that that...."

Looking at Ram with some pity Subaru watches as she glares at him.... though he doesn't feel threatened by it because of how covered in warm clothing she was

So much clothing that it actually hindered her movement 

".... Don't you think that's a bit too much?"

"N-nonsense! This is s-standered clothing for c-cold seasons"

"Rem isn't wearing nearly as much as you though!" It was true unlike her sister Rem was wearing only a small coat to cover herself.

"Though maybe she isn't the best example on clothing to wear knowing what she wore this morning...."

Walking in the an cold corridor Subaru looks at Rem as she cleans wearing her standard made uniform.

"Rem don't you should wear something warmer?" 

"Rem is glad that Subaru-kun is worried for her but he shouldn't worry! Rem is warm enough with the clothes she's wearing right now" As she said this Subaru saw her legs shake slightly in the cold

"Rem your wearing warmer clothes!"

"I-if Barasu is d-done talking about u-useless things h-he should look for w-why the mansions s-so c-cold before Ram rips off his tounge!"

"Okay got it Nee-sama! Looking right now!" Subaru focuses a bit 

"Aha! I can feel mana being produced from down this corridor. The source of the cold must be there!"

Not waiting for anyone's response to his words and wanting the cold to dissappear Subaru rubs down the corridor in excitement ready to end the cold plaguing Roswaals mansion!

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"Hey get me out of this!"

Subaru is tied to a chair in multiple layers of rope surrounded by the disheveled inhabitants of Roswaals mansion each of them looking at Subaru with a look of intrigue, annoyance (Mostly from Ram), anger (mostly from Puck and Beatrice), and even a bit of fear.

Why did this happen? Well after Subaru started looking for the source of the cold he encountered Roswaal who was also investigating, they then ended up at Emilia's room.

Emilia at first tried to keep everyone out her room with well crafted lie-

Pffffftt who am I kidding she sucks at lying!

Ahem.

Realizing that Emilia was not going to let them in Subaru took drastic measures and drop kicked Emilia's door forcing her and Puck to come out.

After that the inhabitants of the mansion had a meeting in the dining hall where Puck and Emilia explained the source of the cold.

"So currently experiencing a Hatsumaki which is the cause of the cold?" Subaru asks 

"Yep have to do it two times a year!"

"And this happens because you have an access of mana?"

"Yep!"

The two than stared at eachother in silence before Pucks brows furrow

"Subaru I can sense your intentions don't you dar-"

"Fireball!"

After that the inhabitants of the mansion had to work together to stop Subaru from attacking the great spirit without seriously harming Subaru which proved to be difficult because....

"Paralyze!"

"Sleep!"

"Light of reflection!"

.... His various different skills.

Even Beatrice couldn't keep Subaru down with 'Vita' because of a spell he developed called 'Murak'

In the end after a hard fought battle they were able to keep Subaru down using a mixture of Pucks ice to freeze his feet, Roswaals magic to keep him at bay, and Beatrice's ability to drain mana leading to

"Not until you explain why you tried to scorch my fur!"

"I wasn't trying to hurt you! Well I was trying to hurt you but not seriously harm you!"

"Subaru your in reaaally big trouble already so stop lying and answer the question!"

"Emilia-tan you too!" A look of horror appears on Subaru's face

"Even Emilia-tan doesn't believe me...."

"Just hurry up and answer Barasu!"

Subaru sighs "I was just trying to exhaust Puck that's all"

"........"

"Back in my world their was a Great spirit of storms that would lose gather too much mana and lose control of itself every year. It would create a typhoon and move onto a direct collision path with the town of begginers axel because of this adventurers were forced to face the Great spirit in battle to deplete its mana and calm it down"

"So you were trying to do that to Puck?"

"Yea I mean he's a great spirit right? So I doubt I could ACTUALLY hurt him or anything" 

"Of course you wouldn't be able to hurt me Subaru! Even if you did singe my fur" Puck glares at Subaru "Just don't do that again or I won't hold back against you again"

Subaru sighs "That isn't normal here is it?"

"No Barasu attacking a great spirit to deplete its mana is NOT normal"

"I really jumped the gun didn't I?"

"Yeeeees~ you did Subaru-kuuuuuun~ and as punishment youuuuur~ going to have your payday deduced and cleeeeaan~ the mess you made by youseeeeelf~"

"Thats fair...." Subaru looks down  thinks for a moment "Can you guys untie me now?"

Looking up Subaru realized the everyone had already left the room leaving him tied to the chair

Bonus:

"I lied" In his room Subaru was writing in his personal journal in his worlds language.

"Well not lied more like didn't tell the full truth. I DID want to deplete Pucks mana to get the cold to disappear but only an idiot would just attack a clean docile great spirit for thst reason. In reality I also just really REALLY have a bad feeling about Puck and wanted to hit him a few times"

Chapter Text

At Roswaal's mansion, lunch was currently being served, prepared by the ever-diligent Rem, with 'help' from Ram (who just sat by and offered emotional support). Sitting around the table were Emilia, Subaru, Puck (Who was eating a fish), Beatrice (Who was petting Puck while he was eating a fish), and Roswaal.

It was a normal day for the Mansion... Except Subaru noticed that something was off

"Hey Emilia-tan, it's not like I don't like it or anything, but why... Why do you keep staring at me like that!" Subaru couldn't take it anymore and had to finally address the fact that, since this morning, Emilia had been constantly glancing at Subaru while twiddling her fingers

"Could it be? Could my lovely Emilia-tan have finally realized her feelings for me?"

"It's nothing like that, you nincompoop!"

"Who even says 'nincompoop' in this day and age?"

"You-!" Emilia pouts in annoyance

"Ah, Emilia-tan is so adorable when she pouts! Puck, what do you think?"

Puck stops eating and looks at Subaru with a cheeky grin. "Lia is adorable no matter what she does! But I got to admit there's added charm when she pouts like that."

Emilia stares at Puck indignantly. "Puck!"

"Sorry, Lia, I just couldn't resist!" Puck laughs

Emilia sighs, "Why did you have to go and make fun of me like that when I've been worrying all day!"

Subaru tilts his head. "You're worried about something?"

Taking the opportunity to speak, Roswaal speaks up "Indeed, Emilia-sama haaaaaaas~ been worried to aaaaaask~ you sooooomething~ important all daaaaaay~! I would saaaaaay~ she's even been sooooooo~ excited to aaaaaask~ you that she can't heeeeelp~ but staaaare~"

"Roswaal, don't just go and say stuff like that!"

"Myyyyyy~ apologies Emilia-sama" Roswaal said while clearly not feeling remorseful

Interested in what Emilia wanted to ask him, Subaru speaks up, "So Emilia-tan did want to ask me something! Wait, what did she want to ask!?"

Roswaal chuckles, "Hoooow~ energetic! I wouuuuuld~ happily tell you Suuuubaru-kun, but I believe Emilia-sama shouuuuld~ be the oooone~ to say it"

Realizing that Roswaal gave her an opportunity, Emilia nervously stands up. "Subaru, what I wanted to ask you was..." Emilia breaths in and out, clearly nervous, but at the same time excited

"?"

"Subaru, would you please be my knight!"

"No," Coldly and instantly, Subaru shuts down Emilia's proposal

"!!!x5" Everyone in the room, even Beatrice, looks at Subaru in shock, Roswaal most of all, with his eyes nearly bulging out of his skull

'This! Why would he refuse?"

Quickly trying to regain his composure, Roswaal speaks quickly, "Whyyyyy~ refuse such and offeeeeeer~ so quickly?"

"Because why would I, of all people, be a knight? Especially for someone like her," Responding to his unexpected answer the room lowers in temperature

"Subaru, Lia likes you, so I'll give you a few seconds to take back what you just said to my daughter!" glares at Subaru with an intensity that would make most tremble before the great spirit, but Subaru is undeterred

"No." Subaru's eyes shine a bright crimson as Puck's glare intensifies, and the room grows colder. But he wasn't the only one angry

"Barasu, I knew you were a brute, but this is too much even for you!" Speaking with venom in her voice as she looks at Subaru with both confusion and disgust

"Subaru-kun, this is just another misunderstanding, right?." Almost whispering, Rem speaks up, hopeful that her hero simply misspoke

"What's there to misunderstand, Rem?" But to her shock, he didn't

"While Betty doesn't particularly care for the half-elf, your words go too far, I suppose Betty's student should explain himself right now, in fact!"

"Stop!" Everyone stared at Emilia, who was looking down at the floor, her eyes obstructed by her hair

The temperature becomes even as Puck looks at Emilia in worry, sensing the emotions of his contractor "Lia..."

"Just stop... It's fine, I should've expected this." Emilia takes her head up and smiles sadly with tears shimmering in her eyes. "After all, who would want to be a knight for a half-elf like me? It makes sense that Subaru would refuse like that, so please don't get angry on my behalf." Emilia didn't know what she expected. Of course, Subaru would refuse to be the knight of a Silver-haired half-elf like her would only cause him trouble in the long run. She couldn't be upset at his choice because, in the end, it was the reasonable one, right? But still, she couldn't help but feel like that; at any moment, she would start crying. How selfish of her.

"Wait, who the hell said anything about you being a half-elf?" Confused Subaru scratches his head

"What?" That was what everyone said when they heard the Crimson demon's words

"T-That's the reason you didn't want to be my knight, right? That's why you said what you said to me?"

"WHAT!" Shocked, Subaru slams his hands against the table. "Is that why you guys were so serious when I said no? I thought you guys were angry because I didn't want to be Emilia-tan's knight!?"

" 'Sigh.' Of course, Betty's idiotic pupil wouldn't understand the weight of his own words, I suppose." Disappointed, Beatrice shakes her head and grabs Puck from the air, who was too shocked to realize he was even grabbed

Seeing that the situation has calmed down Roswaal takes the opportunity to speak. "Then pleaaaaase~ explain why yooooou~ refused"

"It's because I'm an Archwizard."

"...Elaborate"

"If you say so..." Subaru breathes in and stands up. "I'm an Archwizard, meaning I can't BE a knight, why? Because knights are front-line attackers! They have skills built to fight foes head-on while tanking damage and drawing the attention of monsters, a job that is the complete opposite of mine! I have no skills to fight upfront, I have no abilities to draw enemy agro, and I don't even know how to use and melee weapons, so I can't possibly be a knight! Plus, even ignoring THAT, I'm certain that Emilia-tan could find someone much more qualified to be her knight than me. I mean, how could I be worthy of serving someone as incredible as her with such an important role?"

"He's not trying to deceive us in any way..." Puck said as everyone in the room realized something important that they had forgotten

'How could I forget that he was from beyond the great waterfall? (I suppose)'

Ram shakes her head in annoyance. "Of course, Barasu would confuse his homes customs with ours again, and here I thought that he even had a slightest ability to grow from past mistakes, but it seems even that was expecting too much from him" Despite her words Ram couldn't help but feel relieved that Subaru had put himself in another misunderstanding and didn't mean any actual harm a sentiment that Rem shares overwhelmingly

"Wait, was what I said that bad?"

"Of course they were idiot! The way you first said that made it seem like you hated Lia for being a half-elf!"

Subaru's face goes visibly pale as he realizes the weight of his words. "Oh god, Emilia, I am SO SORRY! I didn't realize that I said something like that. God, I'm an idiot, aren't I? Yeah, I'm definitely an idiot! And I can't even blame you if you hate me, but if theirs anything I can do to make it up to you, then I'll-"

Subaru stops talking when he sees Emilia's face

"-Emilia-tan, why are you smiling?" 

Smiling a genuine smile with tears in her eyes Emilia wipes her face "I'm sorry its just... I'm reaaaally happy right now!" wiping her face Emilia continues "Subaru I'm not sure how it works beyond the great waterfall but you don't have to be physically strong, or good with a sword to be my knight."

Subaru's eyebrows furrow in confusion. "But wouldn't that be better?"

Emilia shakes her head. "Subaru, you single-handedly defeated an entire pack of Wolgram's while carrying someone on your back, and you fought off the Bowel Hunter, saving my life. Plus, even if it's a bit selfish of me, I don't think I would want anyone else to be my knight other than you, even if they were better suited to the role or even wanted to be my knight in the first place."

"Emilia-tan..."

"You can be silly sometimes, and you often make mistakes that get you in trouble. You always do stuff that you find embarrassing and then try to play it off as something you did on purpose, and you constantly forget that the way things work here is different then how they work beyond the great waterfall, causing misunderstandings. But despite that, I want you to be my knight." Emilia walks towards Subaru and stands in front of him. "So I'll ask again, Subaru, do you want to be my knight?"

"I... 'Am I an idiot? Yeah, I'm definitely an idiot.' If you will let me, then I would love to be your knight," Emilia smiles brightly, hearing this-

"OW!" -But she still pinches Subaru's ear

"Alright, mister, while I understand that you didn't mean to, you reaaaaaally worried me!"

"Sorry Emilia-tan..."

"As punishment, we aren't going on any dates for a month, AND you aren't allowed to practice your magic with Beatrice!"

"Yes, Emilia-tan..." Accepting the consequences of his actions, Subaru lowers his head in shame.

And so ended another normal day in the Roswaal mansion with the day ending with Subaru having to nurse his ear back to health and an angry yet happy Emilia 

Chapter Text

Subaru's day had been normal for the most part. He had been waiting outside a building for Emilia to finish her business when he had seen someone get dragged into an alleyway. Worried about the person, Subaru went over to investigate and found three familiar crooks trying to get money out of a noble woman... near where knights were located.....

Subaru STILL can't believe just how idiotic those three were! I mean, not only did they try robbing someone near where actual knights were stationed, but they tried to rob a NOBLE! Someone who had probably been raised eating the finest foods, training with the finest of mentors, with a father who was probably part of a long lineage of monstrously strong people! I mean, sure, not all nobles are like that, but in a place like the capital of a nation, anyone should expect to find only the strongest of people living there! It's just-! Okay, okay, got a bit off topic there, let's get back on track.

After beating the three idiots, Subaru had the displeasure of entertaining the noble for a while ('How spoiled do you have to be to not know that apples have skin?'). Thankfully, this wouldn't last long as Emilia and a strange helmeted man with his chest exposed appeared.

Apparently, this strange man named Al (For some reason, when introducing himself, his arms twitched as though he was restraining himself in some way) had been looking for his liege and happened to find Emilia, who had been looking for him. So after reuniting with Emilia and saying some quick farewells, Subaru and Emilia walked out of the alley and moved on with their day. At least that was what was supposed to happen until Al decided to speak up.

"Oh, right! Bro, if you don't mind me asking, how is the village doing?"

Stopping Subaru raises an eyebrow, clearly confused, "What village?"

"Ya know the crimson demon village." Al says that as though it were the most obvious thing in the world

"Huh?" It was, in fact, NOT the most obvious thing in the world. "WAIT HOW THE HELL DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THAT!?" 

Al tilts his head, "Huh? I thought you figured it out by now. Here, take a look into my helmet."

Confused but curious, Subaru looks into Al's helmet and finds a familiar shade of red staring back... wait

"Wait, don't tell me you're a-!"

"Yep, I'm a crimson demon too."

Subaru's face immediately pales as the realization hits, and he steps back in fear. Subaru thought that he heard someone speaking next to him, but he was too focused on what was in front of him to focus on something as small as that.

Al takes a step forward. "I get why, but you shouldn't be freaking out this much!"

"How am I not supposed to freak out!? If you're here, then that means that there are more, right? And if there's more than that means something was destroyed, and with how crimson demons usually act-! HOW HASN'T THE WORLD LEARNED ABOUT US YET!?"

"I wouldn't worry about that too much, as far as I know, they're only two crimson demons here. You and me." He points at both Subaru and himself to emphasize his point, "Also, I would prefer if you don't rope me in with the rest of... them." Al's body stiffens as his voice becomes noticeably deeper when he mentions them.

"You're not like them? I guess that would explain why you didn't do a dramatic entrance when you entered the alley... But I still can't just believe that! Especially while you're wearing a helmet like that in public!"

"That's... a fair point," Al thinks for a moment before snapping his fingers, "Quiz me."

"What?"

"Ask me questions and check for my response. If I'm like the rest of our village, then you'll know how I would answer them. If I'm not, then I should answer them like a normal person with lots of insider knowledge." Al swears that he hears a voice behind him, but he's too focused on convincing Subaru that he isn't like them to pay attention to it

Subaru pauses and thinks for a moment, considering how to respond before speaking up, "The yearly attack on the demon king's castle?"

"If we're going to attack them, we should do it while working with the kingdom, not just because we find it funny."

"The telescope peeping into the demon king's daughter's room?"

"Disgusting and a waste of time and resources created by perverted Neets with too much free time."

"Dramatic poses?"

"Embarrassing and cringe. I would rather die a 1000 times than do one again."

"The Crimson demons?"

"A race of lazy Neets who could have gotten rid of the Demon king years ago if they weren't so damn lazy!"

In that moment, suspicion warps to trust, and a new friendship was born between both Al and Subaru, recognizing each other as kindred spirits. "I-I didn't think it was possible, but you're another reasonable Crimson Demon!"

Al nods his head. "When I saw the alleyway intact without even a single scorch mark or body, I immediately thought that you were like me, but this just confirms it!"

"So, how long have you been in this world?"

"Probably around 18 years. It's kinda hard to keep track sometimes."

"18 YEARS!?" Subaru stares at Al with wide eyes before noticeably becoming confused. "Weird... If what you're saying is true, then why haven't I heard anything about a missing crimson demon? I would expect someone to make an exaggerated story about you, but I haven't heard anything even close to a missing villager once, not even once."

Al scratches his helmet with a finger. "Right before I had been summoned here, I had just started my journey to the town of beginners Axel, and before that I had never really done anything to stick out... At least by crimson demon standards."

"Ah, makes sense," Subaru closes his eyes and shakes his head in understanding. For a moment, he swore that he felt something tapping his shoulder, but it was probably nothing.

"Wait, if you've been here for over a decade, then you must have leveled up a lot, right? It's pretty easy here thanks to how much exp the monsters give, so you've gotta be crazy strong by now!"

Al's back immediately straightens, and he looks away from Subaru. "Well, about that... I wouldn't know how high a level I am since I lost my adventurer's card."

"Huh?" Subaru blinks and then blinks again before the realization hits, "You lost your what!?"

"Now I know that sounds bad."

"Sounds bad? this is more than bad, it's terrible! How do you lose something as important as your adventurer's card!?"

"Oi, it wasn't my fault that I had it taken from me! I was disoriented and couldn't even fight back!"

"Wait, wait, pause." Subaru breaths in and out before looking at Al with an uncharacteristically serious expression." If you really lost your adventurer's card, then that means... your skill points?"

"Unused"

"Your stats?"

"Haven't gone up an inch."

"Your spells?"

"I've been stuck with intermediate and basic."

Subaru stares at Al in a mix of shock and pity. "Even if the monsters in this world aren't as dangerous as the ones in ours, not being able to get new skills or even increase your stats is like living in nightmare mode."

"Believe me bro I know. It feels like I've had to die over a million times just to be here right now, with another thousand added just to keep my good old lefty." Looking closely, Subaru realizes that there was indeed a large scar on Al's left arm. On a side note, Al feels like a hole is being burned in the back of his helmet, but that's probably just him.

"Oddly specific, but can't say I can't relate. Even though I've been living on easy mode compared to you, it feels like I've had to die over a dozen times in less than a year."

"Oh? Who's being oddly specific now?"

"Aghh, I've been caught red-handed!" Subaru laughs before blinking, suddenly remembering something. "Oh, right, you wanted me to explain how things are back home, right?" Subaru notices that his shoulder feels a bit stiff, but it's probably nothing

Al nods his head. "Yeah, while I didn't like it too much there, I would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit curious about how things have changed. I mean, I doubt that a demon king's general attacked us outright, but something has to have changed after 18 years." The feeling from earlier has intensified tenfold.

"Well, the funny thing about that is- OW! Emilia-tan!?" Looking over his shoulder, Subaru sees Emilia with an annoyed expression while pinching his ear.

"Bro, are you oka-?" Al tried to speak, but was cut off by a fan slamming into his head, throwing him to the ground.

"It's not nice to ignore people, Subaru!"

"Aldebaran ("Don't call me that, princess"), you seem to have forgotten your place!" She slams her foot into his helmet, indenting it into the ground.

Subaru tries to free his ear from Emilia and fails. "Wait, Emilia-tan, what do you mean by 'ignoring people'? We haven't been ignoring anyone!"

"You dunderhead! We've been trying to talk to you this entire time, and you've just been ignoring us!"

"We have!? X2" 

Subaru's eyes widen. "Emilia-tan, I'm so sorry! I was just so caught up with talking to Al that I didn't realize!"

Seeing that Subaru was remorseful, Emilia decided to let go of his ear, though she still seemed annoyed. "I get that you were excited that you got to talk to someone from your home, but ignoring me was still very rude, so make sure not to do it again, mister!"

Subaru nods his head, ignoring the stinging sensation in his ear ('Is my ear bruised?'). "Got it, I'll make sure to have my attention only on Emilia-tan from now on!"

"You dunderhead, I didn't say that!"

"Who even says dunderhead in this day and age?"

As Subaru and Emilia began to bicker, a certain helmet-wearing knight had just finished successfully appeasing his liege enough that he was no longer in danger of being burned alive. Standing up, he looks over to Subaru and speaks up, cutting off his continued bickering with Emilia.

"Well bro it seems like I gotta get going. Maybe you can explain how things have changed the next time we meet."

"Yeah, I hope I get to see you soon, Al. Next time I'll explain how things have changed." Subaru turns to Emilia, who began to walk away, and follows her.

Al waves goodbye to Subaru, ready to begin leaving the alley with Priscilla, only to notice that she hadn't moved an inch. She was just staring at Subaru with a curious glint in her eye. Recognizing that something was about to happen, Al tries to stop Priscilla. "Wait, Princess, don't-"

"Stop for a moment, commoner." Being cut off by Priscilla, Al realized that he was too late to act and shuts up.

"?" Stopping with Emilia Subaru, looks towards Priscilla and points to himself, trying to confirm that Priscilla was in fact talking to him

"Tell me your name."

"Didn't I already say it earlier?"

"Your name held little interest to me before, so I simply ignored it."

Subaru looks at her, annoyed but trying to hide it. "Seriously?"

"That's the princess for you."

Ignoring both Subaru and Al, Priscilla asks again, "So then, will you tell me your name or not? I thought that someone from the same clan as my jester wouldn't pass up the opportunity to introduce themself a second time."

At that moment, something happened to Subaru — a shift in his demeanor. Was it the scenery in the alleyway that made a good backdrop for a dramatic introduction? Was it the atmosphere? Or was it perhaps the way the sun princess goaded him that triggered this shift? Who knows, maybe it was a mix of both. Subaru's arms twitched, his crimson eyes dulled, and before he could realize what he was doing, over 10 years of muscle memory took over.

"My name is Natsuki Subaru, knight of Emilia-tan, prodigy of the Crimson demons, and the future greatest mage in all of this world! Remember the name of the man who the demon king fears with all his heart!" Striking a pose, Subaru smirks for a moment, unable to process what he had just done. The world pauses.

"....."

"....."

"....."

"Hm" Pricilla smirks, satisfied. "Rejoice, Aldebaran ("I told you not to call you that") it appears that you truly have found a kindred spirit in your fellow jester."

"I-Ah-wha-why would?-" 

Al shakes his head and sighs, "Don't worry bro the muscle memory will begin to fade soon enough... though it never disappears completely." Al says that last part with clear disappointment, remembering his time in the gladiatorial arena in vollachia.

"That was so cool, Subaru! That was such an inspired speech!" Clapping her hands together, Emilia looks at Subaru with a proud smile, happy to see Subaru doing something so cool yet again.

"......" How would Subaru normally react to doing something so embarrassing? His face would normally turn as red as his eyes as he would desperately try to play off what he did as something cool. He would normally try to divert the conversation away from what he had done so that nobody, especially him, wouldn't think about it too much, and normally, that is what he would do here.

However, while still deeply embarrassed by his actions, Subaru today would not act as expected. Why? Because he was overcome by an emotion much more powerful than mere embarrassment.

Disappointment

"Emilia....... that's not something you should see as cool." Disappointment in himself for corrupting such a pure soul to such a degree that she genuinely believed that doing cringe poses in front of people was cool. To make up for his mistake, Subaru would yet again try and fail to convince Emilia that what he did was not cool and that she should stop practicing poses by herself in her lone time.