Chapter Text
In Japan, a boy was in his bathroom, just brushing his teeth, preparing for another day. He was a hikikomori who had stopped going to school, not because he suffered from other students, subjects, or anything like that, but simply because he didn't want to try. He saw no point in trying to be good at anything. To him, it wouldn't make a difference. What's the point of being good and praised, when that would only be for the moment until someone else became better? He would then have to improve more and more, and that was quite a lot of work, not worth it. He just decided to stop trying, first by ceasing to be good at his studies, then by skipping school: 1 day, 4, a week, a month, until he finally stopped going. He had been confined to his room at home for almost a year. He had lost any desire to try. After finishing all his hygiene, he looked at himself in the mirror.
Subaru: Still someone worthy of pity, aren't I? - Subaru said with a lifeless gaze and a forced smile - I wonder why my parents haven't abandoned me yet? I see no reason to keep a useless son like me - he spoke in a melancholic tone, looking at the sink, trying to understand why his parents still wanted him around.
???: Perhaps it would be better to end it all, don't you think? - a voice echoed in the bathroom, making Subaru slightly startled. He immediately looked in the mirror and saw... his reflection talking.
Subaru: ...What the hell?...
urabuS: What is it? Never seen your own reflection come to life? - the reflection spoke, maintaining a more mocking posture, while Subaru remained scared.
Subaru: Am I going crazy????
urabuS: Perhaps?... but everything is still normal... for now.
Subaru: What do you mean, "for now"? - Subaru asked, confused. His reflection smiled in a macabre way, its mouth widening inhumanally.
In the blink of an eye, Subaru's reflection stretched its arm towards Subaru and pulled him into the mirror. The Japanese boy didn't know what had happened. Suddenly, he was in a completely dark environment. The mirror behind the fake Subaru was broken, and then this Subaru began to distort. His head turned upside down, his eyes fell out, his back split open, and from within him emerged a woman with medium-length black hair, yellow eyes, wearing elegant clothes: a white dress shirt with a black tie, black pants with white stripes, brown suspenders, and brown leather shoes. She was beautiful, but her beauty was ignored by Subaru, who was so terrified.
Subaru: Wh-who are you?...... - Subaru asked nervously. The woman in front of him finally assumed a professional posture after emerging from that corpse.
Kuromori: My name is Kuromori Garden. You don't need to worry about remembering it, just know that you will be very useful to me - she said as she approached the Japanese boy and pulled a syringe from her pocket - Don't worry, this won't hurt... much.
Subaru barely had time to say anything before Kuromori grabbed him and injected a black liquid into his veins. The Japanese boy fell to the ground, feeling his body burn a little, but the sensation soon passed. He took a deep breath, recovering his air. He looked at his wrist and noticed black veins. He couldn't understand what was happening, but Kuromori smiled at it.
Kuromori: This is the result I wanted. Well, it's time for some test drives. Enjoy the new world, I'll give you a few days to get used to it - Kuromori said, snapping her fingers and making Subaru disappear from her sight - Now... I will observe - the young Garden said, disappearing from that space. The experiment had begun.
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The Subaru logo appeared in a square, the sunny sun was a contrast to the dark place it was in, he looked around and realized he was in a different place, it reminded him a bit of England in the 1980s, but the most surprising thing was not that, but the people, there were humans and half-animal people, lizardmen, cats, foxes, and so on, it didn't take long for Subaru to understand that he was in a new world, a fantasy world.
Subaru: What the... hell is happening? - Subaru said looking around, he should be happy, after all, this was a lifelong dream, to be reincarnated in a world of magic and incredible things, but he was still processing what had happened, he looked at his wrist again and saw black veins - I wonder if this was some kind of power that woman gave me....... but I feel it won't be something good.....
Subaru soon got up from the ground and started walking, he didn't know what to expect but he felt that bizarre things were going to happen, as he walked through the city he saw the signs and the letters became legible to him, making him think it was because of that syringe, while walking he saw how everything... seemed perfect, he expected that, like in many fantasies, there would be prejudice between humans and beast-humans, but..... everyone got along, there was no racism, no intrigue, just polite and cheerful people, everything seemed perfect, Subaru found it strange that there seemed to be no intrigue, but soon his attention was drawn to a woman who seemed to have difficulty carrying some boxes, she was a woman with long red hair, blue eyes, and appeared to be quite old, she wore a beautiful white dress with green details, Subaru soon approached her, concerned.
Subaru: Good morning ma'am, do you need help? - Subaru approached the woman, who turned to Subaru with a smile.
???: Oh my young man, normally I would make up an excuse and say I can manage, but these arms no longer have the same youthful strength as before - the lady said with a smile as she flexed her arm, Subaru laughed a little and approached her.
Subaru: Then if you'll excuse me - Subaru took three boxes at once, and then he looked at the lady - Where should I take them?
???: Please, here in the cart - the lady pointed to the cart and Subaru started putting the boxes on - You are a very strong young man, you remind me of my grandson.
Subaru: I'm not that strong, it's just that these boxes are light.
???: Light? These three boxes are full of flowers, and there are more over there, it can't be that I'm already this old!?!? - the lady said in a sad but comical tone, making the Japanese man laugh - Oh yes, I didn't ask your name?
Subaru: Oh, of course, my name is Subaru, ma'am?
Theresia: Theresia, Theresia Van Astrea - the woman introduced herself as Theresia, and Subaru remained quiet for a while.
Subaru: A beautiful name, ma'am.
Theresia: Thank you, yours is also a great name, young man.
They both kept talking while Subaru stacked the boxes, they were doing this until a boy a little older than Subaru appeared, he had short red hair and blue eyes, he wore a white t-shirt and gray pants, he approached Theresia, who recognized the boy and smiled.
Theresia: Reinhard! Hello grandson! - Theresia said with a big smile, her grandson smiled back.
Reinhard: Hello grandma, I see you found a little helper - Reinhard said while looking at Subaru, who waved and Reinhard waved back.
Theresia: Oh yes, this young man stopped to help me, his name is Subaru, Subaru this is my grandson I was telling you about, Reinhard - Theresia said introducing the two, Subaru got off the cart and approached Rein and extended his hand.
Subaru: Nice to meet you, your grandmother has spoken a lot about you.
Reinhard: I hope it was all good things - Reinhard shook Subaru's hand while he laughed a little.
Subaru: Man, she told a lot of stories about your childhood..... a teddy bear named Pimpão? - Subaru said with a smile and Reinhard laughed a little.
Reinhard: Are you going to say you didn't have one?
Subaru: I had a plush bunny, I called him Fofucho.
Reinhard: Fofucho? Good name.
Subaru: Thank you, Pimpão is also a good name.
They both talked for a while, Theresia watched them with a smile, she liked to see how both of them seemed to start a friendship so quickly, after talking for a while Reinhard said he was going to the royal palace, and he asked if Subaru wouldn't like to go? After all, he could have company on this boring trip, Subaru accepted because he still wanted to ask some questions, they soon got on the cart and went to the palace, on the way they talked a lot and Reinhard summarized some things for Subaru, like how they are a prosperous kingdom thanks to the royal family, how peace between kingdoms was real, the economy was doing well, in short, that world seemed perfect, Subaru was surprised by that, after all, if everything was going well, why was he sent there? They continued talking while Reinhard spoke more about the kingdom and its history, how the great mages saved the world from the dragon Volcanica, or how the wise Flugel and his wife Satella created a perfect kingdom for hybrids called Elior, or about the royal family Benedict themselves, who were kind and benevolent people, while they talked they didn't even notice they had arrived at the castle, Subaru and Reinhard got off the cart and soon unloaded it, while they were delivering the boxes with the flowers they saw two people approaching in passing, one seemed to be wearing red clothes and had orange hair and red eyes, next to her a younger girl wearing a yellow dress, blonde hair and red eyes, but both had fox characteristics like ears and several tails, the older one seemed to have 4 and the younger one had 2 tails, these were the princesses, Prisca and Priscilla Benedict.
Prisca: I hope everything is correct Reinhard, otherwise I demand a refund - Prisca said with a certain arrogance, covering her face with her red fan.
Reinhard: Don't worry Ms. Prisca, everything is in order, but may I ask why so many flowers? - Reinhard asked curiously while pulling a clipboard for Prisca to sign.
Prisca: Simple, my little sister here wanted to give our mother new flowers, so she convinced me to buy flowers - Prisca said approaching Reinhard and signing, she looked to the side and saw Priscilla approaching Subaru - And who is that there? I've never seen him before.
Reinhard: A friend of mine, his name is Subaru, a very polite and fun person to talk to, he is new to Lugnica, but he came from beyond the waterfall - Reinhard said remembering what Subaru told him, and Prisca looked curiously at Subaru.
Prisca: Interesting - she said looking at Subaru, who crouched down to be at Priscilla's height.
Priscilla: Man, you're pretty weird - the little blonde said observing Subaru, who laughed a little at her comment.
Subaru: Maybe I am, and you shorty? You must be the Priscilla I heard about, they say you're quite troublesome - Subaru said in a kind tone and the young princess smiled proudly.
Priscilla: I am!! And I don't regret it, whoever bothers me gets a punch in the face - Priscilla said while making a small punching motion, making Subaru laugh a little.
Subaru: I should be careful then, I wouldn't want to annoy someone so dangerous and adorable - Subaru said while ruffling the girl's hair, who blushed slightly and her tails moved, showing joy.
Priscilla: I-I'm not adorable!!! - said the little one trying not to show she was enjoying the affection.
Prisca: I see you have a good eye, traveler, but it's not hard to recognize my little sister's cuteness - Prisca said joining Subaru in ruffling Priscilla's hair.
Priscilla: H-Hey!!!! Stop that, damn it!!!!!!
After a little conversation Reinhard withdrew, Subaru was about to go with him but Priscilla asked him to stay there with her for a while, they talked for a while and she asked Subaru some questions about what his world was like, he told her some things and soon he gained the princess's interest, without delay she made an offer to Subaru to become the leader of her invention and research department, and he accepted without delay, she then offered him to be the owner of a land that needed a leader, Subaru accepted somewhat reluctantly but Prisca assured him it would be good for him to be the leader and that the knight working there would help him, after agreeing and closing the deal Prisca wrote a letter and gave it to Subaru and told him to show it to the knight of that place, then she gave him a carriage and he set off.
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After a time of travel, Subaru arrived at the so-called no man's land. He passed through the village, which seemed very peaceful and cheerful. He went past the village and reached the mansion. He got out of the carriage and knocked on the door. It wasn't long before someone answered. It was a woman with golden hair and green eyes. She wore a maid's outfit, which made the Japanese man blush a little.
???: Good afternoon, sir. How can I help you? - said the beautiful lady, offering a wide smile that showed her sharp teeth.
Subaru: Hello, beautiful lady. My name is Subaru Natsuki. Princess Prisca sent me here to be the new owner of this land. I bring this letter as proof. I should show it to the knight who protects these lands - Subaru said, taking the letter from his pocket. The maid took it and saw the royal seal.
???: I understand. Please follow me. I will take you to the knight.
Subaru: Thank you, madam... Forgive me, I didn't ask for your name. Your beauty distracted me - Subaru said with a gentle smile, causing the maid to blush slightly.
Frederica: Frederica... My name is Frederica Braumean... - she said, fiddling with a strand of hair. She then turned and started walking, with Subaru following her.
They walked for a short time until they reached a room where there were three women. Two had purple hair, but one had reddish-pink eyes. The first woman was dressed like a nun, the other like a secretary. The last woman, who had black hair with a long braid and lilac eyes, wore a knight's uniform consisting of a long coat and white pants, a black shirt with a white tie, and a flower in her hair. The three looked confused by Subaru's arrival.
Frederica: Miss Melty, Sakura, and of course, Miss Elsa, I bring you the new owner of these lands. Princess Prisca seems to have recommended him - Frederica handed the letter to Elsa, who immediately opened it and began to read.
Elsa: Interesting... Very interesting, Mr. Natsuki. You've quickly captured the princess's attention, haven't you? Not everyone can do that - Elsa said, impressed by what she read. The letter stated that Subaru could have magnificent and revolutionary ideas if he had supplies and materials with him. - If you don't mind, could you tell me your plans?
Subaru: For now, to learn. I can't start working without knowing the problems or what we can improve first.
Sakura: Well, our biggest problem right now are the mabeast who don't stop attacking our cargo. Even with knights helping, it's impossible to know the number of mabeast that can attack. And moving multiple knights to protect one carriage or cart isn't worth all the effort. So, could you give us an idea for this problem? - Sakura asked, maintaining a rigid posture, wanting to challenge Subaru. He became thoughtful.
Subaru: Well, perhaps firearms? I noticed you have simpler things like swords, spears, and the like. I believe magic exists here, but I don't think everyone can use it, right? In that case, we can use firearms, simple equipment that even a simple vendor who can't use very powerful magic to protect themselves can use. But with firearms, they just need to learn how to handle them and to use bullets. Think of these weapons as a type of bow, but more versatile and practical, without needing years of training to use - Subaru summarized his plan. He noticed that Sakura seemed interested.
Melty: But Mr. Natsuki, how could we make these firearms? - the nun asked, gaining the Japanese man's attention. - Ah!! Forgive me, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Melty, a member of the church of the great Saint Flugel.
Subaru: Pleasure to meet you, Melty. And to answer your question, can I use this powder here? - Subaru pointed to a small glass component on the table. Sakura looked at it curiously.
Sakura: This black powder? My miners found a lot of it in the mines. We haven't found much use for it yet - Sakura explained about the black powder. Subaru simply approached and picked up the container. He opened it and took a bit of the black powder. He then threw it onto the candle, and when the powder came into contact with the fire, it exploded a little, leaving everyone slightly startled.
Subaru: In my world, this is called gunpowder, and it's with this that we can build perfect weapons for us to get rid of the mabeast - Subaru said with a smile, and everyone looked at it intriguingly.
Soon, Subaru began to explain how to build weapons, piece by piece, part by part, mechanism by mechanism. This surprised Subaru, as he had never even learned about it, but suddenly he knew. He wondered if it was because of Kuromori. Could she be a deity who chose him to be a great hero of that world? An important person? Well, he didn't know, but he was excited to be a living legend...
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Continued.