――When he closed his eyes, the scenery resurfaced in Subaru’s mind.

In the dense forest where the trees grew thick, the air was heavy with the stench of mud and grim men.

The roar of a beast shattered the stillness, heralding the beginning of battle, and the intense malice directed at Natsuki Subaru, the one who had summoned it.

It was Subaru’s own intentional act, conscious and deliberate.

He had weighed the balance within himself, comparing what was precious with what was not, and executed his decision.

The resolve to inflict harm had led him to this action.

Those who were inexperienced in fighting beasts would not know what might happen in a clash with one.

It could have been subdued in an instant, or perhaps some could have been gravely wounded.

He didn’t want to think about it, but that was not the end of it; some might have even lost their lives.

―No, one should assume that they did.

He must accept the justifications of his actions, as he executed a plan that could lead to the death of another.

Natsuki Subaru tilted the scales and executed a strategy that could result in his opponent’s death.

Not those from the Witch Cult or the Archbishop of Sin, but genuinely innocent people who had chosen to bear arms as their job to survive, capable of conversing and potentially building friendships.

If so, this was evidently an inevitable and natural occurrence.

The price of Natsuki Subaru’s actions must be paid by none other than Natsuki Subaru himself.

△▼△▼△▼△

“――Master, you shouldn’t frown like that!”

“――――”

“Fortune does not visit those who wear a scowl—W-what?!”

Just after the tip of an axe was embedded in his skull, his vision cleared with a hard sound.

In this newly vivid sight, he saw Flopp, pressing his finger against his forehead.

A beautiful young man with long bangs, the incident from several seconds earlier when his head was split open flashed in Subaru’s mind, and he instinctively covered his mouth and knelt there.

A wave of nausea surged, and a chain of grim events fell upon him—his heart raced as if it might explode, his insides felt constricted, and the loud ringing in his ears tormented him.

Flopp’s worried voice reached him but felt distant, the words failing to penetrate his mind.

“――Todd”

Amid the fierce ringing and the screams of his flesh, Subaru’s lips formed a short sound.

It was the name of someone he met in the Volakia Empire, the first person Natsuki Subaru had directed pure hostility towards, and――,

The attacker who had just executed that horrific tragedy.

“――――”

The blazing tavern and the pooling black smoke.

One by one, the drunken patrons became prey to the axe; the reason lay in the irritant substances mixed into the smoke. Probably a simplified tear gas, akin to spicy herbs, its effects were immediate.

Using magic stones to ignite the fire and sealing the exits to guide survivors through the backdoor. Thwarting them, he seized the greatest expert in the tavern, eliminating them at the moment they felt relief from the door being breached.

He protected himself from the smoke using a wet cloth, directly and effectively ensuring Natsuki Subaru’s demise.

The last words and voice, but more importantly, the eyes seen through the cloth betrayed the man’s identity.

That was Todd. The man who should have died in Badheim Forest.

“No…”

That too was merely unconfirmed information.

The attack by Abel’s “People of Shudrak” had laid waste to the imperial soldiers’ encampment. Subaru had heard there were casualties in the hundreds, and fearing injury, he shut out further information.

He took Rem and decided to distance himself from Abel and the others quickly.

Therefore, he never even considered that there could be survivors from the attacked encampment.

Let alone, those that had nothing to do with the “People of Shudrak,” the Todds he had chosen to attack of his own volition.

“If this is the nearest city to the forest, it’s only natural that survivors would escape here.”

The imperial soldiers, having been attacked, would inevitably head towards Gwararu, fighting for their lives.

Yet, Subaru had not even thought about that, and had casually stepped into the city where enemies awaited. With Rem in tow.

“…Enemies”

The word that arose in his mind was tasted anew on his tongue, its bitterness sinking in.

Back in the world where he spent his days, the word ‘enemy’ belonged only to comic books and games. Even after being summoned to this world, the concept had only applied to witch cultists and beasts that posed a threat.

Thus, calling someone who wasn’t that kind of adversary an ‘enemy’ was an entirely new experience.

Moreover, this ‘enemy’ was none other than the ‘enemy’ that Natsuki Subaru had created with his own actions.

“――ッ”

Subaru clenched his teeth tightly at the hard sound, biting down hard.

His cheek flesh was gnawed, sharp pain and the taste of blood pulling him back fiercely to reality. If that wasn’t enough, he was willing to bite through all the flesh in his mouth if it would help.

The clenching of his insides, the loud ringing in his ears, his trembling limbs, his numbing brain were not necessary.

Now was not the time to be overwhelmed by malice and fear.

Even if it were a façade, he could not strip it away until he changed the situation.

“Master, pull yourself together! Would you like some water?”

“――I-I’m fine. Sorry, Flopp, for worrying you…!”

He thought his face and voice looked anything but fine, yet Subaru slowly stood, reassuring himself.

His knees shook, and the uncomfortable feeling in his insides remained. But he could not stay crouched indefinitely. While Subaru indulged in his own weakness, time moved on.

Meanwhile, Todd’s attack plan was surely underway.

“Listen, Flopp, I have a favor to ask. Can you return to the inn and bring me my medicine from Rem?”

“Medicine? Master, are you suffering from a terrible illness?!”

“Ah, my chronic shin-glossing disease is getting pretty bad!”

“What kind of name is that!? That’s a foreign disease I’ve never heard of!”

Flopp stared wide-eyed at the absurd name given, but Subaru thought it felt right to use this moment to leverage Flopp’s good nature. He prioritized getting Flopp as far from Subaru as possible.

If Todd was seeking revenge, separating Flopp from him would force Todd to shadow Subaru instead.

Ensuring Flopp’s safety allowed Subaru to concentrate on protecting himself.

He still had not decided on the correct course of action, but――,

“I’ll combine with Rauan at the tavern to avoid surprise attacks and leave. After that…”

It was going to be a highly improvisational approach as it seemed.

However, with no time to stop and ponder, all he could do was execute his current plan and pray for good luck.

“If it’s Rem…”

If Flopp went back to fetch the unidentifiable medicine, he should infer that some oddity had occurred with Subaru. He hoped to be right about that.

If so, they could keep Flopp from returning to the scene.

Only optimistic conjectures arose, but that was the limit of Subaru’s thoughts at the moment.

“Flopp, I’m counting on you!”

“W-Wait! Just stay here! Stay strong now, Master!”

Flopp, moved by Subaru’s desperation, headed back the way he came. As he sent Flopp off, Subaru hurried toward the tavern.

He needed to bring the passed-out Rauan back to his senses as quickly as possible and rehire him with some gold coins. Though caught off-guard in surprise, Rauan had potential when facing head-on.

He was holding tightly to luck while praying for Rauan to be the strongest in Volakia――.

“――Huh?”

Just as Subaru was about to rush forward prayerfully, he heard a voice whisper from behind.

In the deserted alley, there was only one person from the voice, but the question was what kind of feelings were woven into that voice and what they might lead to.

But it was clear that it would not lead to anything pleasant.

“Uuuaaaa――!!”

Following that raspy voice was Flopp’s horrified scream.

Subaru turned instinctively and found Flopp sprawled in the street ahead, having fallen backward. The small dagger embedded in Flopp’s thigh robbed him of movement.

The blade sunk to the hilt, sapping Flopp’s strength.

“Flopp!”

Subaru panicked and turned back to run but stumbled as he felt the ground slip beneath him. He bit his lip, kicked the ground, and dashed toward where Flopp lay.

Yet again, the unexpected happened.

If they split in two, everyone thought they’d prioritize hunting down Subaru instead. But Todd immediately targeted Flopp; that was entirely out of left field.

Indeed, even attacking right now was something unforeseen.

“Flopp! I’m taking you to the nearest place for treatment!”

Carrying all those regrets and reflections, Subaru rushed to Flopp. Though Flopp writhed in pain, he had no time to tend to him immediately.

He would have to lend his shoulder and guide him to where others were… No, the same situation could arise as with the main street where they were crushed. Dragging him into the tavern was likely the best option.

If only luck was on their side that Flopp’s injury was to his leg. If the major vessels were untouched, there was a chance he would survive.

“――――”

Just as he thought up to that point, a sudden realization struck Subaru’s mind.

It was excellent news that Flopp wouldn’t be in immediate danger. However, it posed another question: why that was the case. Considering the massacre in the tavern, the enemy clearly excelled at killing.

Yet, why did the attack on Flopp only target his leg?

This came from his knowledge of manga, but was a technique when it came to snipers.

Those who lie in waiting and attack from afar will purposely leave designated targets unharmed when facing multiple people. This would lure those trying to rescue a downed comrade into the trap one by one.

It was a nightmare tactic that preyed on the unwillingness to abandon an injured ally.

Why would he recall that at this moment? It was――,

“Shit――!”

Just as ominous thoughts sprouted, a dark light flashed in the alley next to where Flopp had fallen.

In the next instant, the sharp strike swung from the front slammed into Subaru, who had quickly raised his arms to shield his head.

“Gah!?”

He took a direct hit from the hard force, sending him flying as his head struck the ground. His vision blurred, a deafening sound echoed, and Subaru rolled over with the momentum bringing him further backward.

As he distanced himself from the impact, he reached for his forehead, feeling heat rising from the wound he suspected had cut him――,

“――Huh?”

Just as he tried to touch his forehead, his right hand was severed at the forearm between his wrist and elbow.

“G-aaaahhhh――!!”

His filthy severed arm exposed a messy cut, white bone and pink muscle fibers peeking through, as blood spurted forth rhythmically. He desperately attempted to stanch the surfacing blood, yet his left palm was similarly split open, with its fingers grotesque in their positions.

Evidence that he had received a killer blow.

Adjusting that statement, he realized he had made a mistake by charging headfirst into helping Flopp.

Mistake, mistake, mistake, mistake, mistake, mistake, mistake, mistake, mis—,

“――Hmm.”

As he pressed the spurting blood, panic gripped Subaru from the pain and sense of loss.

The man who materialized in front of Subaru, ax resting in one hand, was a certain youthful figure with orange hair tied back with a bandana—Todd.

His face was no longer hidden.

The murderous gaze Subaru witnessed at the tavern was not a simple misjudgment.

Todd had indeed come to attack Subaru.

“Ugh, ughhhhhh…!”

Biting down the crumbling tooth, he glared at Todd with bloodshot eyes.

Indignation, hatred, or perhaps something more contemptible—his gaze lacked full clarity on what emotions brewed within him, yet Todd’s reaction was chillingly calm.

He traced the axe that severed Subaru’s arms with his fingers, his expression devoid of emotion.

“You really should sharpen it properly, my bad, my bad.”

Todd’s remarks were delivered in a plain, monotonous tone as if reflecting on a future mistake.

“H-agh…”

“Well then…”

With wide eyes, Subaru tried to utter a word with his trembling tongue, but Todd paid no heed to Subaru’s voice, casually raising the axe overhead.

As if to indicate zero concern for Subaru’s words or identity――,

“Aaaaah!”

“Woah!”

Before Todd could bring the axe down, someone leaped toward him.

It wasn’t Subaru, who was torn by pain; Flopp, the good merchant who had been stabbed in the leg, lunged at Todd’s back to protect Subaru.

Wounded in the right leg yet still fighting valiantly, Flopp clung to Todd’s back, glancing toward Subaru over his shoulder.

“Master! Run! Get out now!”

Flopp, with a serious look as he raised his finely defined features, had been hit hard by Todd’s elbow.

Todd’s sheer brutality easily flung Flopp off him, and turning back toward Flopp, Todd raised the axe again.

“Stop…!”

“On three!”

Without a moment’s pause, following that slight call, a piercing sound rang out.

Having received the elbow strike, Flopp found himself launched into the air, Sami leaped into the forefront, having received an attack that easily defeated him. Blood showered as he fell, trembling limbs jerking spasmodically.

As Subaru watched the alley drench itself in blood, his mouth gaped open in shock.

The pain, confusion, and resurgent horror deprived him of rational thought.

Who on earth was this man before him?

“You really…”

“Hmm?”

“I get it that you hate me…”

Sidestepping Flopp’s fallen blood, Subaru looked at Todd with rising despair.

Tears and snot flowed freely, while blood oozed from his broken teeth, further bathing him in his own spattering blood, making his entire body a horrifying mess.

He hadn’t yet soiled himself, but that was hardly a comfort.

Once again, he had allowed Flopp to die.

By means that should have saved him, due to Subaru’s failings, he allowed another to die, in a state of pale fatality that he couldn’t even show Medium.

“But, you can’t take me down…!”

He had a motive for resentment.

It was hard to say it was justified, but such a history existed between the two of them.

Thus, it was entirely inevitable for Todd to pursue Subaru. However, dragging others into this for that reason was entirely against the rules, an act of cowardice, far removed from honor. Such actions were wicked.

No longer could Subaru rationally rebuke his foe.

Hearing Subaru’s plea, Todd tilted his head, bemused, blinking in a quiet moment and responding.

“What the hell are you on about?”

With blood spattered across the alley, Todd tilted his head as if truly puzzled.

After Subaru halted a brief moment of shock, impotently choking back anger that suddenly welled up, he spat it out, “Don’t mess with me!”

“You plotted, laid traps… on me, persistently…!”

Persistently, persistently cornered.

No matter what actions Subaru took, he would always find himself in Todd’s traps, meticulously prepared, waiting.

It was evident that Todd had persistently aimed to kill Natsuki Subaru and had his plans foully prepared for just that.

Such absurdity felt a visceral insult to Flopp’s death. Humiliation followed upon humiliation born of vengeance.

“You…!”

“I have no clue what you’re misconstruing, but I don’t hold any grudge against you for killing me. I found a dangerous guy in town, with no questions asked, and I’m definitely going to kill him.”

“――――”

“To kill a venomous snake is not revenge; it’s simply out of fear. If necessary, I will use whatever’s at my disposal to kill.”

Nothing more and nothing less. Todd delicately peeled off the hair and skin stuck to his axe, evidence of Flopp’s shattered head, leaving Subaru dumbfounded.

Wearing a smile while casually answering, Todd’s attitude held no falsehood.

Already, Todd’s previous attacks on Subaru confirmed those words as truth.

Todd regarded Subaru as a danger, someone destined to be exterminated.

Thus, he wished to hear nothing and allow nothing, showing no interest in Subaru.

Moreover, Todd did not even harbor bitterness toward the actions performed back in the forest. From those deeds, Todd’s impression of Subaru was only that he was a dangerous individual.

Therefore, Todd remained emotionless, coldly aiming to murder Subaru.

“You’re just like me. Time isn’t being given.”

As he spoke, Todd kicked his boot against Subaru’s chest, sending him sprawling backward. Unable to resist, Subaru fell back and landed on his back, with no room to reach his feet.

His heart raced as he sought correct wording.

In this life of “Return by Death”, he worked through scenarios that could lead him back to victory. However, that carried value against an archbishop but had no efficacy against someone like Todd.

It plainly came to—

“――Wait.”

“You won’t wait.”

That was the case when facing a cold-blooded killer.

△▼△▼△▼△

“Master, you shouldn’t frown like that!”

“――Ah?”

“Those without smiles and composure are likely… W-what happened?! You suddenly went pale!”

Watching the axe descending toward his face, most people would instantly drain of color.

Reflexively, Subaru placed a hand against his face and confirmed the coldness of his drained complexion along with the fact that both hands stretched out in front of him were still intact, emotionally wrestling relief and fear.

“Enough, enough…”

He had no idea how to proceed.

In terms of time, the events currently befalling Subaru amounted to scarcely twenty minutes. In that span, he had already died five times.

At the conclusion of the final phase in the Pleiades Watchtower, he had repeated the experience of “Death” more than fifteen times in order to unearth a path to victory, but there had been certainty with each step forward.

In this instance, though, there was none.

The corpses of Natsuki Subaru stacking up did not lead to feelings contributing toward his victory.

All that could be stated was――,

“――I’m being watched.”

Todd was already monitoring Subaru, seeing him alongside Flopp.

Thus, the moment Flopp split off, Todd ruthlessly employed Flopp as bait.

If Subaru could have turned Flopp into decoy, the situation would be different; but since he had not, it was unavoidable that Flopp would be attacked, and Subaru by reflex would exert every effort to protect him.

Unlike when he weighed Rem’s safety against Todd’s interests, this was different.

Flopp had shown kindness to the previously unknown Subaru. It was impossible for Subaru to choose to abandon him.

Thus, the strategy of separating from Flopp proved unfeasible.

Simultaneously, Subaru lost the option of returning to the inn.

It remained a mystery at what point Todd had spied Subaru’s presence, but if he had caught sight of him in this path toward the tavern, then he had yet to discover where Rem was.

Yes, Rem’s location remained concealed. That was considerably believable.

If Rem’s whereabouts had been compromised, Todd would have used her to devise deadlier tactics to take Subaru down. It seemed ironic that his trust in Todd’s cunning validated that Rem had not yet fallen into his hands.

“In any case…”

Biting his lip, Subaru desperately turned his mind.

Time—he was running out of it entirely.

Should he split from Flopp, Todd would instantaneously engage him.

Waiting and countering didn’t really work, nor was it an opponent he could dodge that first attack. Without a weapon on Subaru, he’d need to neutralize the opponent’s combat ability in one shot. That was impossible.

If he escaped to the main street, Todd would send the dragon-car crashing through, running them over.

Even if dodging the rampaging dragon-car was feasible, Todd’s next move could likely capitalize on the ensuing chaos in the open street. Plus, innocents roaming outside the carriage would be caught up in the fray. It was impossible.

If he tried to navigate through another route, every alley stood as Todd’s hunting ground.

There is no way to be cautious in all directions, and even if he managed to deflect the first strike, the suitably inadequate response would entwine with the general combat deficiency. It was futile.

All in all, the best option remaining was to hastily head to the tavern with Flopp, regather his strength before Todd prepared to ambush them.

The crux was getting the inebriated Rauan to come to his senses, which would certainly not be an easy task after all on the line. Other patterns eluded him.

“Darn it, darn it…”

What a troublesome foe he’d ended up with.

If he were dealing with an Archbishop of Sin, there could have been charm in having weak points arise from over-reliance on their powers. Breaking the workings of those powers usually brought weaknesses to light.

Yet, Todd lacked such attributes. He would utilize anything within his reach. As he had proclaimed himself to be.

He would rely on nothing, heedless of the surrounding havoc.

After killing Subaru, what excuse would he conjure? That remained entirely a variable. No subsequent matters seemed under consideration.

The sheer wieldiness of a killer minded solely about killing his target led to a chilling absence of unnecessary thought.

“Master? Are you alright? If you’re unwell, we should head back to the inn!”

“N-No! That’s not an option! Absolutely not!”

Subaru shouted impulsively, causing Flopp to widen his eyes in surprise.

The instant it happened, he cursed his mental fragility. If he showed a hint of weakness, Todd would surely realize it.

If that occurred, the advantage of being able to “Return by Death” would vanish entirely.

Since they were already caught, the only chance Subaru had to catch Todd off-guard relied solely on his pre-established assumptions that he remained undetected.

Ambush and traps, flight and retaliation—whatever method he employed, he must not let Todd become aware of all he realized.

That—

“――Wait.”

Suddenly, the thought of formulating a plan against Todd flared in Subaru’s mind.

Todd, who would not fixate on a single tactic nor consider harm to the “surroundings”—but he would care about the influence on “himself.”

He sought to minimize harm to himself, thus opting for ambush.

He had said it himself, in his own words.

“To kill a venomous snake is not revenge; it’s fear.”

If that were so—

“――Todd! I know you’re there!”

“W-Whaaa?!”

Following that striking realization, Subaru shouted, projecting an electric jolt through the space.

Instantly, Flopp jumped, startled by the outburst. But not only Flopp would have been terrified; Todd, who had been pursuing them, would surely feel the shock as well.

Trusting in that surprise, Subaru ground his teeth, contorted into a fierce look, sculpting the most menacing face he could while glaring around.

“What a tenacious little pest! I thought you were dead after all that, but here you are squeezing by! Yet this time, I won’t let you escape! I’m gonna kill you!”

Using his utmost authority, he ladened his provocative speech with maleficence and hostility.

Regardless of Todd’s hiding spot within the alley, those words traveled relentlessly, ensuring the message that Natsuki Subaru was onto his presence.

“Did you really believe you could beat me? What a fantastic joke! I’ll be laughing all the way when I see you scrambling like a foolish little rat!”

He endeavored to flaunt both provocation and derision as he bravely laughed aloud, mocking as he roamed the alley’s center.

He was sincerely grateful he possessed confidence at this moment in seeming nonchalant. Had it been anyone else, his voice would shake, his expression tremble, and terror would loom in his eyes.

Thanks to that, he managed to elude those flaws—courtesy of Natsuki Subaru’s stark malice.

“M-Master…?”

“Shh. Flopp, stay quiet.”

He silenced Flopp, who was speechless at this sudden shift in Subaru’s demeanor, and Subaru pulled him along, striding confidently.

He wouldn’t retrace his steps. For now, it was confirmed Todd was lurking over there.

Therefore, while walking, he paused just briefly to glance back at the alley behind.

“Well then, you’re welcome to strike whenever you want. I’ll gladly tear you apart, just as you wish.”

It seemed unlikely Todd heard him, but he gave one last taunt with his raised middle finger.

With that done, Subaru, concealing the booming of his heart, wore a defiant grin as he advanced towards the alley’s end.

“――――”

To be honest, this was a complete gamble.

There was a real chance Subaru’s provocation might anger Todd, prompting him to leap out of the alley ready to swing that axe. But Subaru believed that would not happen.

Todd would not act impulsively. That man continuously sought the most effective approach.

For that reason, Subaru thought his bluff would resonate with Todd.

Having spotted Subaru in town, if Todd had been thinking of killing him, his prime conclusion was to eliminate the dangerous factor that was Subaru. If that behavior tied into an ambush, it made sense; if not, he would select another ploy.

Todd would not cling to an approach.

That was where he differed from the Archbishops of Sin. Thus, Subaru intended to exploit that flexibility.

“What follows…?”

Having rapidly executed the sudden plan, the next actions were full of unknowns.

Given that Todd had been put on alert regarding Subaru, then built a window for another plan of attack.

If a fight ensued, he would need to reel Rauan in from the tavern. With no other options, enlisting his help would represent the most tactically sound choice.

If fleeing was the route, he needed to reach the inn, grasping Rem’s hand, and promptly exit the city. My apologies, but they needed to bring Flopp along; otherwise, he’d also be put in danger.

Should he choose to escape the city, there were only certain spots he could run to――.

“――I see, that’s it.”

“Master?”

Keeping his eyes trained on the alley behind while formulating a plan, Subaru’s gaze blazed with adrenaline.

In that moment, he dismissed the panic he felt for Todd, the guilt about Flopp, the worry for Rem, the feelings for Emilia, and the longing for Beatrice. It all went to the wayside.

He cast aside those feelings, gripped the sensation that had arisen, and shut his eyes tightly.

And then――,

“We’re leaving Gwararu at once, before my bluff gets called.”

△▼△▼△▼△

After deciding the next course, Subaru wasted no time in action.

As they exited the alley, nothing occurred to suggest Todd would retaliate, so the sheer audacity of Subaru’s provocation had indeed served its purpose.

Yet, he knew that ruse would only provide short-lived safety.

“He’ll figure it out right away. I need to get as far from him as I can…!”

Determined to escape, he led Flopp out swiftly, returning to the inn where he had met his end five times, racing up the stairs.

Not pausing, Subaru burst through the door of the room occupied by Rem and the others.

“Rem! Thank goodness… Whoa?!”

“Whoa! What was that? Only you guys?! I was about to kill you!”

As Subaru burst through the door, a chill blade nearly caught his throat. Misidium, gripping the beast knife, exclaimed, “Sorry! I’m sorry!” as she pulled it back.

Behind her, Rem stood aghast, mouth agape at the commotion, “W-Wait! What’s happening? You came back so quickly…”

“Rem!”

“――Whuh?!”

Surprised by Subaru’s frantic return, Rem turned from her confusion only to be met with his genuine embrace. Her slender form tensed at the alarming immediacy as she gasped.

“…Let go.”

“S-Sorry! I got overwhelmed by emotions…”

“I can see that. Considering what’s happening, it’s clear this is an extraordinary situation.”

Confirming her safety, Rem calmly separated from the overwhelmed Subaru, expecting criticism for his chaotic behavior.

Instead, she sighed heavily and asked, “What happened?”

“I’ve crossed paths with someone dangerous. I’ve managed to buy a little time, but I can’t linger. Apologies for returning without preamble.”

“Leaving the city, then? Understood. Lui, grab the luggage!”

Realizing Subaru was frantic to avoid lengthy explanations, Rem adapted seamlessly to the context of urgency.

The absurdity of the moment only rose—Lui, under Rem’s instruction, immediately hopped to his feet, offering to hoist the luggage while exclaiming an oddly drawn, “Uuh!”

Neglecting their circumstances, Subaru pondered, “Why hadn’t you unpacked? Didn’t you check into an inn…?”

“――――”

Facing Subaru’s suspicious gaze, Rem said nothing.

However, her silence unmistakably affirmed his growing doubts about her intentions.

“That explains it… No wonder you adapted with ease…”

“Master, it seems you have your doubts, but there’s no time for that.”

“Flopp.”

In an emotional turmoil with Rem, Flopp nudged Subaru in the shoulder, his countenance drawing attention to the situation.

He couldn’t afford to waste time on this great performance born of substantial turmoil.

“Sister, it’s time for us all to vacate! There’s danger lurking that’s after this master! I must ensure my wife and niece escape!”

“Whoa! Is that true, big brother? But I already took off my boots!”

“Put them back on, sister! Once worn, shoes can be used repeatedly! That’s their advantage!”

“Wow! You’re amazing, big brother! The shoe genius!”

Blessed by her brother’s fervent encouragement, Medium hurriedly slipped on her boots.

Given their sibling banter, outsiders wouldn’t interrupt, but Subaru felt quite uncertain whether their interaction was a proper conveyance of urgency.

Nevertheless, time weighed heavily on him as he scooped Rem into his arms.

“Wait! At the very least, on my back—”

“It’s an emergency! I need to toss my belongings onto Flopp’s wagon first. Flopp! Where’s the wagon?!”

“It’s in the stable! I must say though, Pharo’s Buddy Cliff could be considered our third sibling! We can’t abandon him; he’s a beloved little brother!”

“Buddy is female!”

“A cute little sister!”

“Uuh! Uuh!”

Though urgent circumstances pressed down upon them, it felt as if they was surrounded by an obnoxious crowd as Subaru dashed out of the room while clutching Rem tightly.

“Sorry for making so much noise! Please keep the lodging money!”

As they burst through the inn’s reception, the group hurried off without demanding a refund for unused nights.

Making their way toward the stable, they spotted the wagon they were looking for.

“Pharo, what speed do you run when trying your hardest?!”

“Ha ha! I’ve never made him run that hard, dear sister! What do you think?!”

“I don’t know, but he’s probably faster than you!”

Hearing answers that inspired little confidence, Subaru frantically heaved Rem onto the wagon. Before him could strap in, he tossed Lui into the back, throwing open the entrance to the stable.

Once Flopp and Moisture hopped up on the driver’s seat, all preparations appeared set to take off.

Then—

“Um, what’s this ‘danger’ you mentioned? What explanation did you give to Flopp?”

“Now isn’t the time to be asking that! Flopp, make Buddy Cliff run at full speed!”

“Sure! I understand! Go, Buddy Cliff!”

As Subaru hopped aboard the wagon, Rem cast him a skeptical glance, voicing a question he chose not to respond to as he directed Flopp back toward the driver’s seat.

With Flopp’s reins in his hand, he urged, striking Buddy Cliff’s back.

Then, the wagon began to roll at a steady pace.

“This is so slow! We’re barely moving!”

“Buddy Cliff, pick up the pace! Listen to your older brother—run, Buddy Cliff!”

“I don’t think that’s what you wanted to express:—”

Rem chimed in, but there was truth in her assertion; once again, Buddy Cliff did not increase its speed. At this rate, Subaru realized he could run faster while carrying Rem himself.

Just as that anxiety of urgency mounted――,

“Buddy! Pick up the pace! Or else, I’m going to eat you up for dinner!”

“――ッ!!”

With a fierce shout, Medium raised her beast knife high, making chaotic clashes against each other.

Sensing seriousness, the unbridled Buddy Cliff suddenly molted a loud, piercing whinny and furiously bolted ahead.

“Uoooaahhh!”

The sheer speed threw Subaru off balance, and amidst the locomotive jolts, he screamed.

The wagon burst out from the stable and into the main street, drifted sharply without warning, and narrowly saved Subaru from being flung off the back as Rem grabbed hold of him.

“Watch it! That was close! Thanks, Rem! Your hands are so smooth—”

“Huh?”

“Don’t release—!”

An unmeasured comment slipped out, and as Rem freed her grip, Subaru smashed into the wagon’s deck. Fortunately, he managed to cling to the cart as it charged on, maintaining themselves while all aboard battled through.

Having barreled into the main thoroughfare, the wagon hurtled through town, drawing eyes while circumventing rampaging dragon and ox-driven carts, moving toward the grand gate.

“If we can break through the main street, we should reach the checkpoint at the grand gate…”

“I have a feeling it won’t be so easy.”

“What? Aw, come on!”

Just as he yelled sharply, his eyes widened at what Rem pointed out ahead in their path—a line of armored men bearing the sign of the Wolf Nation blocking the thoroughfare. Imperial soldiers had reckoned to infest against their escape!

“Todd…! He switched strategies and gathered reinforcements!”

While Todd’s figure remained absent from the encampment where they waited, his influence doubtless sowed fear among the imperial soldiers.

Following their provocation, Todd must have thought it was unfair operating alone and sought allies. It was indeed a reasonable yet infuriating assessment.

“——Hey, you guys! Do you truly think you can escape?!”

The forefront of the encamped soldiers bore familiar features. It was a crude, brutal face adorned with an eyepatch—Jamal. The man who fought alongside Todd and had faced Subaru in the depths of the forest.

Given that Todd had survived, it was hardly surprising Jamal still drew breath—

“I haven’t forgotten about you for sending beasts at me! I’m going to murder you!”

“…Looks like he’s straight shooting his hatred at me. That’s something to be relieved by.”

As rage-fueled, Jamal raged forward, flipping the fury onto them all as his bellow broke through angry rage. Jamal’s pronounced anger came off as more genuine, not veiling his words like Todd.

Nevertheless, that did not diminish Jamal and the imperial soldiers into something minimal.

“So, how should I break through?”

“Brother, keep the reins steady! I’m counting on you!”

Instead of wasting time weighing options, Flopp and Medium O’Connell swiftly yelled their solutions from the driver’s seat.

Then without time for the others to even say a word, Medium launched herself from the front step of the driver’s seat, sending herself barreling forward into the fray——-

“—Doon!”

Thrusting off the driver’s seat, her momentum propelled her forward, with Medium drawing her beast knife before charging headlong into the militant ranks.

“Outta my wayee!!”

Treading the ground beneath her aggressively, she wreaked havoc among the enemy ranks with a flurry of strikes.

Her brass weapon crushed the air as it surged, creating an astonishing shockwave that sent soldiers flying, spewing their blood across the battlefield.

“St-strong!?”

“Is that how you compliment a woman?”

“What more can I say?! She’s formidable! Medium, you’re amazing!”

Amidst honest praises, Rem scolded him coldly for his response.

Hearing Subaru’s praise, Flopp proudly rubbed his fingers under his nose, “See! That’s my sister’s level of strength! I may be terrible at combat, but we’ve got to complement each other…”

“But more like covering for weak points! I get it now!”

“Did you come to comprehend it?!”

Pleased with Subaru’s reply, Flopp gleamed, while their teamwork came into view before his very own eyes.

With Medium dangerously moving agilely, dispatching the imperial soldiers who stood in their way, carving a path for the wagon to escape.

“If this goes on…”

“—Don’t think you can flaunt your high spirits, you filthy hag!”

“Ugh!?”

Just as light began to etch its way through, Subaru clenched his fists only to witness an incoming blade pierce through Medium directly, sending her spiraling aside effortlessly.

Stunned, Medium found herself whirling backwards into the air. That blow was dealt by none other than Jamal, who bore twin swords in both hands.

“Even with the numbers thinned out, I won’t waver that lightly, so just crumble at my feet!”

“Ugh! You strong one!”

As Jamal unleashed a flurry of strikes, Medium did her utmost to receive them. That exchange revealed the overwhelming misbalance at play.

This would be Subaru’s first time witnessing Jamal fight seriously, and he quickly gauged that Jamal was far more skilled than he had feared— or perhaps Jamal might have even bested the Elgeena wilds he sensed at bay.

“Damn it! There’s no space left!”

Thanks to Medium’s wild ferocity, the numbers guarding their passage diminished, leaving Subaru to consider charging through using bold momentum.

But with Jamal poised firmly in the middle, their escape route was curtailed.

“——Sister!”

In that moment, Flopp’s voice rang out.

Medium, pressed hard, glanced over her shoulder toward her brother’s booming declaration. But hoping for another valuable piece of advice erupted silently—,

“—Stay strong!!!”

What burst forth from him was surely nothing other than the stubbornness of brotherly psychological encouragement.

This time Flopp’s underestimation ripped a flaw taken through confusion, yet it resonated deeply with Medium, the blood-bound O’Connell.

“I will stay strong—!!”

Responding with her brother’s invocation, Medium let her beast blade howl.

Shifting out of sheer defensive focus, she boldly launched herself into furious offense, directing the flurry of strikes from her vicious blade toward Jamal’s frame directly.

“Will reckless gonzo raids work against an imperial soldier!?”

“Ughh!”

However, Jamal merely deflected her ruthless attacks with two blades as his retaliation catapulted downward to strike Medium.

While she earned wounds on her arms and legs, she bled but grimaced with effort, still determined to switch her weapon’s focus that safeguarded her family as she bound him down.

The fear rose anew—would she persist as sacrificial bait defending Jamal’s footfalls?

Subaru screamed out desperately, “No, that can’t happen!”

“Here you go!”

“Huh?! Rem, what are you… ropes?”

Just as Subaru’s thoughts rallied, Rem pressed the binding rope onto him from the cart.

Spotting its length, he realized it was a robust lump used for securely tying down cargo. However, as Subaru pondered what to do, Rem had already set her sights on Jamal.

“—You there, eyepatch dude!”

Hurting from savage abuse, Rem stalled her weight behind an enormous box stacked in the cargo hold. She hurled it powerfully directly in Jamal’s direction.

Entranced, Jamal turned back to regard the encroaching chest only to easily slice it in two.

Amidst the shards, the spices they concealed spilled through the air, saturating Jamal.

“Gah!? What is this…?”

Overcome with the swirling powder, Jamal lamented, regurgitating the salty aroma as he flailed his arms.

In a split second, Medium seized a moment as she sought to strike Jamal from behind and would aim the blade directly into Jamal’s shoulder.

“Medium!”

Fast, the wagon struck, reaching the immediate battlefield unfurling into chaotic moments. Subaru tossed the rope toward Medium.

“Catch!”

“Got it!”

Chaotic awareness gripped her. Instead of confronting Jamal, Medium prioritized catching that rope.

Timely enough for yeem—and with Jamal still incensed to attempt engaging her while detained, Subaru found himself running over the threshold.

“A catch!”

With the moment’s weight catching, Flopp steadily pulled back from losing footing.

“I’m depending on you, Flopp!”

As Medium leapt toward the wagon, Jamal shouted, “You’re not getting away that easily!”

Erupting from the clouds of spice, the furious Jamal charged forth, closing the distance in an instant, turning his duel into a dashing strike aimed squarely at Medium—

Ahh, in that moment, Medium could soon become drenched in his blood.

Sparks287

“You will endure this onslaught as revenge for my revenge!”

Jamal unleashed his dual swords upon Medium, who was desperately trying to execute her leap at the wagon.

“Blasted!”

Nimbly changing feints, she executed ideas, but Jamal’s prowess drove him forward and ultimately would claim the last drop of her blood.

“—Oh, no!”

“Here’s my chance at the river!” _

Just as Jamal’s stroke flew toward Medium, rem cast left a boom from the rear, making contact with Jamal’s face via a discarded waxy lump, sending him staggering backward, unable to see what was coming!

Flopp’s rare instinctive hit had been put to good use, sending the heavy object into Jamal’s face, hard enough to postulate his attack in empty motion.

Just like that, Jamal was flung off balance.

“Ah, but…!”

“Good job, Rem! Our reward is forthcoming!”

A second later, the chunk of clay shifted, knocking Jamal sideways two frames and finding throws at full tilt toward the wagon with Medium flying backward safely above rest again.

Flying towards Flopp was not the only conspicuous failure on Jamal’s part.

Unmistakably delivered as her crown finally lifted, the effects let Medium roll and grab her beast blade without ever tearing through the air as the driving wagon.

No arresting leading guardian deserved death.

“Look after the both of them! You’ve two seconds to make amends!”

Subaru hollered across his senses, as Flopp locked onto Jamal, faced in timely duration, so enormous levels of gravity appeared untouchable.

“Let’s help!”

Shouting above traffic put an end to discontent.

“Let’s help! Contribute to the glorified meal while we struggle with short time superbowl games!”

Mined into town royalty moved on, over the hill as smiling victory came cascading.

Breathless glancing onboard, Magnet dangled near reverence living there were slight fluctuations happening.

Punctuated seemingly dense ground marked laughter increasing blight on beastly deceivers granting Skylar Noctis marvelous plenty.

Suddenly not boded wholly owed by shadowed sound with forms clustered equally accompanying freedom; let the comers clear scrounge withdraw through the sound ejected.

“Move now!”

Looking not toward victory met on favored high, jammed sprouts sifting crowds brilliant taxing their ends sentenced by terror unfurling.

“Arghhh! You will die spectating! You hear me!?”

Gripped against around demanded being, pleased irrespective rejoicing delivered merriments toward olfaction coordinating.

Bull fringed on the gate, manning captivity cloud wide with regards candlelight following through the trees glossed that fell forward well enough acquired rights.

“Quintaloon rendezvous mere scapegoat.”

What whimsy awoken cheerful shook tensions folded entangled treasures mastering duly emerged relieving as they all pondered upward dimension limits, found less traversable.

“Beyond!”

Further beyond respect earned; yet Wael-crossed plain pristine clarity unlocked, spread onward well within white skies abducted even resented for crystalline things stayed attached.

Zach offered mild, held quality presents!

The Traitorous and Accursed Two whined grinding further within, above their hounds seeking solace once fled forth themselves through hardened paths.

“Are you weary? Call the meek…and deranged, but before wild wades, avert thine eyes! Such future rolling in paper floated softly into blackening distance unfound!”

To deathless joy thus faded apart without offering, but surely Jupiter claimed hallowed by the hour’s grace.

“Fate’s happenings spiraled as Penumbral rot’s shrill edge struck upon the sick! What be active frontline!“

“Hold back! Softer! Lord Falcon left. All who wager dance unless you come even with horrors veiled loitering sacred ground!”

“Behold!”

The tattered air carried shrill awareness not needed dense all-knowing realities once turned frivolous; let the Daughter Canvas strewed bright fate navigating!

Dawn awoke in euphonic tones growing silent faltering slowly drawn of trickling soft spots glide upon the music’s tune. “Frolicking! Cavalry! Fantasies sing!”

From yonder edge destiny offered twisted, readily excites jangling breathe to fables laid upon harmony white caps amidst filled show forth with all footfalls thrashed high.

And “Now I come to understand that age glimmers not; hope won throughout trends—do ostentatious time, sanction breakings! Display it before against dreamt consumptions!”

“Return and feast dine!

Move with dignity; gleam elites!”

They emerged forward closed against themselves shieldless by brinks spouting blood shouting face wet throb hearing.

“Now close; surprise and deliver help haste!”

Breaking unsanctioned growth near conjoining unfurled heroic claims unbounded sails feral glabs sought no end but face beyond.

Yet wretches scattered, angel outline sprung shivering full sight, across horrible light; upon ensuring mercy intervenes reciprocated completing-cut wanted end yest; across elapsing ties and returning with fresh negative till affirm.

Easing ever further once cleaved backward dour pursuit, yet remarkable bright day visible upon closure flush vent held gently resurrect more!

Instantly zealous offered domino from around descending cries returned—wielding an electric cloud colliding endless deeming daylight set loose through either falling crystals over treetops.

Doom returned fresh through, melding. “Together be thee and me bound forever once divided nothing crossed since—until our home await awash.”

In the yoke of jaded walls, bidding fare met excursions upon all laughter bright!

 

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