Subaru turned around, grabbed by powerful arms, his eyes widening in surprise.

That intense gaze from the iron helmet—Al’s attitude was completely unexpected.

“———”

The strength in the arm gripping his shoulder was undeniable, making it difficult to disregard. It felt like a force trying to prevent Subaru from slamming his forehead against the wall in self-harm.

“Knock it off.”

“…Ah.”

Making eye contact, Subaru let out a breath at the words of restraint repeated once more.

Instantly, he felt ashamed, thinking he had been judged for his earlier odd behavior. It felt like he had been forced to play the role of a character in a video game running straight into a wall.

It was precisely the perfect depiction of his state, including the fact that he hadn’t been thinking at all.

“If you keep acting like that, you’re gonna end up a fool. I mean, I couldn’t just leave you, so I stepped in.”

“…I apologize for the trouble.”

“Why are you being so polite? Plus, your voice is all raspy; it’s kinda scary.”

Al pointed out Subaru’s surprisingly hoarse voice, causing him to self-deprecate once more.

He was fully aware of how much his mental state had crumbled and how pathetic he looked.

It was only natural. After all, he had been scolded hard by none other than Rem—

“Was it really that hard listening to that girl?”

“—!”

“Whoa, scary! Don’t look at me like that. I’m already on edge with my appearance as is.”

As Subaru shot his head up in surprise, Al feigned nonchalance and shrugged his shoulders.

Al had retreated a bit after being glared at, but Subaru quickly closed the distance, determined to face the earlier comment head-on.

“Were you eavesdropping…?!”

“I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop! I just happened to head over to call for my brother when I found you deep in an important conversation. So, I thought it’d be rude to interrupt.”

“——-”

“You can doubt me all you want, but it’s not a lie. Besides, after that, my brother started acting like it was the end of the world, so I got worried and followed him. And, just as I thought…”

As he spoke, Al pointed to the front of his iron helmet.

It seemed he wanted to say the anxiety had been correct. It was clear that Subaru’s despair had been glaringly obvious.

At the spot where he was pointing, the pain from slamming his forehead against the wall flared up again, making Subaru lower his gaze in embarrassment.

“…What about Rem?”

“Hm?”

“What happened with Rem? That is, after she talked to me…”

“Hey, hey, do you mean to tell me the shock from what that girl said made you forget everything? Come on, spare me! If my brother were to lose his memory, I’d lose my only ally.”

While fiddling with the straps of his helmet, Al answered Subaru’s question.

Unfortunately, whatever worried situation Al was referring to had already come to pass. Still, for Subaru, it was a matter of such importance that it was understandable his mental balance would falter.

Seeing through Subaru’s feelings, Al started with, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Even after your face went pale, my brother was answering her normally. So, I don’t think that girl suspected him.”

“I see…”

Receiving Al’s reassuring words, Subaru felt a faint, weak sense of relief.

Apparently, the embarrassing display of Subaru began after he had left Rem’s side. If he barely managed to maintain his composure, then he might have managed not to trouble her.

Be that as it may—

“Al, about what you said earlier… what did you mean?”

“What earlier?”

“…You said something about understanding my feelings of wanting to die.”

The throbbing pain on his forehead lingered as Subaru probed into Al’s actual intention behind the comment.

“I get the desire to die, but no matter how many times you try, it never ends, you know.”

The feelings of wanting to die and the claim that it never ends.

Honestly, it wasn’t such a striking remark, but on the other hand, it felt like it carried too heavy a significance to say to someone in Subaru’s situation.

It made Subaru think that perhaps Al knew about his peculiarities, his powers—

“—Ah, that.”

“That’s right. It was awfully… awfully ambiguous. You…”

—Do you know something?

Subaru fixed a dubious gaze on Al. Even if he strained to catch a glimpse of the emotions hidden behind that cold iron helmet, Al’s expression and eyes remained hidden.

All the while, still unable to see Al’s expressions or eyes, Al let out a quiet sniffle.

“I don’t want to say it, but I’m an old man, okay? Even I’ve been through some hellish experiences like what you’ve gone through. —I’ve awkwardly embarrassed myself in front of cute girls too.”

“…Huh?”

“Hey, ‘huh’ isn’t right. Every man goes through that embarrassing crucible of wanting to die from a blunder. I still make those mistakes regularly at my age, to the point that the princess looks at me like I’m a bug when I screw up.”

Al laughed easily and playfully slapped Subaru on the shoulder, sharing some rather seasoned advice.

Considering both the content and his attitude, Subaru stared back at Al, trying to discern whether he was sincere or just playing it off.

“What? You okay, brother?”

“…No, it’s nothing.”

But even when Subaru tried to probe into Al’s true feelings, the iron helmet blocked his efforts.

Until now, he had brushed off Al’s appearance as merely eccentric, but now that he was engaging face-to-face to uncover his true intentions, he realized just how solidly guarded he was.

At the same time, he chastised himself for being too nervous.

“There’s no way he could know…”

Perhaps it was merely a coincidence that Al’s words had snagged Subaru’s attention.

If Al really did know about “Return by Death,” he would have shown it to Subaru in a more obvious way. After all, the existence of the power itself was a dangerous commodity.

Just as Roswaal had, if someone knew, they wouldn’t be able to stay away from it.

At the same time—

“—Not everyone summoned to another world receives some kind of power.”

Subaru didn’t know the specifics of Al’s circumstances, but it seemed reasonable to consider.

After all, if Al had been blessed with some special power, he could surely have avoided losing his left arm.

For instance, if Subaru found himself in the same situation and lost an arm, he might have—before losing it—used his power to…

“…Go back?”

With that thought, Subaru found himself critically examining his left arm.

In a hypothetical situation, it was definitely a plausible scenario. After all, the only reason Subaru had survived intact thus far was thanks to using “Return by Death” to navigate his way through it successfully.

In past loops, he had undoubtedly suffered multiple instances of losing arms or legs.

Had he caught a lucky break back then and continued on without ever using “Return by Death,” it could very well have resulted in him living with a missing limb.

—Subaru resolved to never rely too heavily on “Return by Death.”

But if that’s the case, how far was he willing to trust it?

Where do you draw the line on losing an arm, a leg, fingers, or eyes before deciding to “rely”? Most importantly, what if it isn’t even his limbs at stake but rather those of Emilia or Rem?

In Watergate City Pristella, Subaru didn’t use “Return by Death” for Ricardo when he lost his arm. Even now, he hasn’t used “Return by Death” for Mizelda, who lost her legs.

Knowing that using his power could potentially yield better outcomes.

Fully aware that losing an arm or leg could limit the paths he’d traveled so far.

“I am…”

“———”

“I’m a hypocrite.”

Understanding that the bestowed power was a formidable one, yet still failing to take that decisive step forward.

Natsuki Subaru was, undeniably, too powerless and selfish.

That’s why—

“Also, I made Rem… say that too, huh?!”

“Bad loop we’re in, brother.”

Immediately after almost falling into despair, Subaru’s forehead was struck by an intense flick. With tears gathering in his eyes, he stammered, “W-what…?” while looking at Al.

“Wow, that was quite the sound! And I kinda followed up your headbutt with that too, which wasn’t my intention; my bad.”

“That’s not good… no, what was that just now?!”

“It was a flick. And now the questions have transferred to me; I’ll take a turn to ask.”

Before the surprise could fully register, the pain came late, and Subaru saw Al point his finger directly at his nose, causing him to involuntarily flinch and shut up.

Then Al added, “You know, just how shaken are you by that girl’s words? You sound pathetic to even let it get to you. Don’t you think so?”

“That’s…”

“You shouldn’t let something like that throw you off. As embarrassing as it is to say, I’m counting on you, brother!”

“—Counting on me?”

Surprised by an unexpected statement, Subaru simply stared back at him.

Seeing the response from Subaru, Al nodded deeply.

“You remember the speech you gave in Pristella, right?”

“Ah, yeah… I did that.”

“At that time, I told you, didn’t I? By announcing it there, you would bear the ‘Heroic Fantasy’ from that point forward.”

In a tense circumstance, when the city was being attacked by the Archbishop of Sin and many were in peril.

At that moment, Al’s profound words were the “Heroic Fantasy” he managed to muster to encourage Subaru, who had been unable to take that last step.

Someone who should be expected to be the embodiment of everyone’s hopes and dreams, their only permission to fail being none at all.

And throughout everything, everyone was wishing for him to be that “Hero.”

Then, back in those moments, Subaru had casually responded.

“—It’s the same as always.”

“It’s no different here either. One person denies you, and what does it matter? It doesn’t change what you’ve done or alter your readiness to push through.”

“——–”

“Don’t bend, brother. Go all out! —Live up to expectations, brother!”

Reiterating his knowledge of Subaru’s achievements in Watergate City, Al clapped him on the back.

Everyone who had forgotten about him—Rem, who was in her own world, the regressed Lui, obviously Abel, Flopp, Medium, and even the People of Shudrak—all those who didn’t know anything about Natsuki Subaru’s efforts.

Princess Priscilla, too, might know, although it wasn’t guaranteed she remembered him.

“I won’t forget. And sorry, but I’m not letting you go, brother.”

“Not letting me go…?”

“We started this. Once the sign is raised, you can’t pull it down before you die.”

“——–”

Subaru gasped sharply at Al’s critical words.

He realized that the broadcast in Watergate City had rippled beyond just the people there who were engulfed in anxiety and fear; it had spread its influence far and wide.

The sign raised couldn’t come down until death.

And regrettably, there was no way Natsuki Subaru would find rest in that regard.

Thus, he had no choice but to keep fighting.

“…Forever.”

With both hands covering his face, hiding his eyes from view, a tremor echoed from Subaru’s mouth at Al’s words.

The echo in his mind was that fatal phrase uttered by Rem. Those words shredded Subaru’s heart and aimed to drown him in the flowing blood of despair.

“—You’re not a hero after all.”

“I’ve always leaned on that one statement from Rem.”

“—You’re not a hero after all.”

“Because Rem believed in me, I managed to keep going without bending a knee. Whether it was in the Sanctuary, Pristella, or Pleiades Watchtower, it was always the same…”

“—You’re not a hero after all.”

“Now that Rem has awoken, even if she has lost her memory, I still feel just as delighted… That right now is the most crucial moment; I must push through.”

“—You’re not a hero after all.”

“Those words had become my magic phrase that motivated me.”

Rem had called him a hero.

She had rooted out the wish to run away, pushed him to stand firm in front of sleeping Rem, challenged him against the suffocating dilemmas of the Sanctuary and the mansion, aided his frantic efforts to save the Watergate City that had been engulfed, and stirred the soul of Natsuki Subaru to conquer Pleiades Watchtower.

That had been—

“—Because, Subaru-kun, you’re Rem’s hero.”

Because of that single phrase, that trust, that support, he had made it this far.

But now, having it taken away, Natsuki Subaru—

“Then, I’ll just take it back.”

“—Huh?”

While Subaru was drowning in a depth that was too profound to just call ‘behind his eyelids,’ the moment Al spoke, he gasped and raised his head.

Right there in front of him was Al’s face, startling Subaru back a step. Yet, just like a retaliation from earlier, Al stepped forward to bridge the gap he had created.

His back hit against the wall, leaving no room to retreat. Al extended his one arm to block Subaru’s escape.

And then—

“You’re going to take it back. The expectations of that girl and your own confidence.”

“Expectations and confidence…”

“You can’t take down the sign. We have to keep fighting. Therefore, if you can’t afford to keep losing, you must continue to win as you wish. And by doing so, you’ll take it back.”

“———-”

“Expectations and evaluations lost can only be reclaimed with even greater results. You know it, brother; you’ve experienced it yourself many times.”

With an intense expression, Al drew closer, his cold iron helmet pressing against Subaru’s forehead.

However, at that close distance, Al’s firm, sincere voice conveyed itself with such compelling force that Subaru was hit hard by it. It made sense; Al’s words felt entirely reasonable.

The most tarred memory for Subaru would undoubtedly be that blunder in the Royal Castle.

Back then, Subaru had destroyed his standing and the trust he had with Emilia as well as the evaluations from other candidates. He eventually earned her trust back through action.

It was certainly not because he had melted into despair and slammed his head against the wall.

“…I’m such a fool. No, I’m really a fool.”

It’s exactly the same as it was back in the Royal Castle.

Back then, Subaru had been trying to avoid the glaring pain before him by asking Wilhelm for training, all while turning his eyes away from the gaping hole.

But now, Subaru had no luxury to let himself be so weak.

He had to protect Rem and bring her back. Unlike the past, when help was around, this time, it was just him against it all. —For Rem, he was all that mattered.

And to ease Rem’s anxious heart while she was among the unknown, he couldn’t continue to expose such a pathetic self in front of her.

Even if Rem were to say he wasn’t a hero, having completely forgotten everything.

Even if the words that had held him up with such strength were now being retracted in their familiar face and voice.

“—I am Rem’s hero.”

Yes, continuing to hold his head high was the true essence of Natsuki Subaru.

“…So, have you regained a bit of your spirit?”

Hearing Subaru’s determination, Al’s voice softened. Responding with, “Yeah,” while looking up at Al from close by, Subaru said,

“I’m feeling a lot better. But get back, step away. Who does this wall slam benefit?”

“Right?! I’m a guy dressing as a girl while you’re over there, a near-forty year-old man with a missing arm!”

Laughing heartily, Al pulled back his hand from the wall and stepped away.

As the view cleared, it felt as if Subaru hadn’t just gained clarity on what lay directly before him, but in a much greater way as well.

—Honestly, Al’s words were a temporary fix; they hadn’t fully sealed up the fatal wounds.

Surely his legs would still tremble when he stood in front of Rem, and he’d be glancing at her anxiously, dreading her uttering those same words again.

What to do with “Return by Death,” his powers, what use to make of them? All these remained unanswered.

It seemed, despite thinking it over intellectually, the conclusion wouldn’t arrive until the moment came.

But one thing was perfectly clear.

This arrogant power that Natsuki Subaru held was essential for solidifying the “Heroic Fantasy” he bore on his back.

Thus, he would likely continue to struggle with how to handle that power from here on out.

“Hey, brother, can I ask you something?”

Gazing down at his hands, feeling a renewed determination, Al suddenly started, looking uncomfortable.

Not having shown any hint of reserve until now, Subaru eyed Al suspiciously.

“What’s up now? If you want to ask something, just do it.”

“Okay, I won’t hold back… so what’s the deal with that Rem girl? What kind of standing does she have?”

With a puzzled expression, Al posed a question that felt incredibly out of place at this point.

Nevertheless, as Al said it, Subaru suddenly realized he hadn’t explained anything about Rem at all.

“She’s someone I brought all the way to this Empire. She’s a half-elf, not just a contracted little girl. Plus, I’m treating her like my wife, you know?”

“That’s for convenience’s sake, and she dislikes it.”

“Yet, you’re a wreck because of something she said… What the heck’s up with that?”

Lowering his voice slightly, Al asked with extreme seriousness.

Responding to his words, Subaru furrowed his brow, digging through his memories and confirming that Al had no prior knowledge of his relationship with Rem—at least not in this time frame.

In fact, he hadn’t mentioned Rem in front of Al at all. It was only natural that Al wouldn’t know anything about her. Yet, it lingered in the air.

That was probably due to Al’s peculiar demeanor while asking.

“——–”

Though Al’s facial expression was hidden, Subaru sensed a heat within his gaze.

It felt like an indication of seriousness or urgency; he could pick that up. The brief exchange left Subaru exasperated at this unfamiliar side of Al.

Al was his only compatriot in this other world, casually drifting along without a care.

He felt the shift in his impression of Al as he pondered this.

“Rem is my… our family. She fell victim to the Archbishop of Gluttony. Now, because of that, she has vanished from everyone’s memory and doesn’t even remember herself.”

“—I see. So that’s how it is. I get it now.”

“Get it?”

Al placed a hand on his chin, nodding several times.

As Subaru twisted his head in confusion, Al reaffirmed with, “Yeah.”

“I kept feeling strange… How could I know a girl I’ve never met? I’ve been bothered by that nagging feeling like a fishbone stuck in my throat.”

“A feeling of knowing someone you don’t know… Is that about Ram?”

“Ah, yeah, that’s right.”

Surprised by the unexpected connection, Subaru widened his eyes while Al’s voice brightened.

However, all this also clarified Al’s attitude for Subaru.

When one of the twins lost memories, thanks to none other than Emilia’s camp, Subaru had already learned the impact it could create.

Even Roswaal, who had known Rem for ages, forgot about her existence until he laid eyes on her once; after that first meeting, he had never doubted their twin status.

Aside from their personalities and characteristics, the similarities between the twin sisters were strikingly remarkable. —Rather, lately, he had come to challenge the thought that even their personalities were quite alike.

Nonetheless, now he understood the source of Al’s feeling of discomfort.

Seeing someone he knew—who looked just like the other twin—would undoubtedly be confusing.

“But it’s news to me that you know Ram.”

“We’re not really acquaintances, more like we had a chance encounter. But that clears up a lot. —So, they’re the twin sisters? You want those two to reunite?”

“…Yeah, that’s right.”

Getting Rem back together with Ram was the top priority.

On top of that, bringing the rest of Emilia’s team to welcome Rem back to her rightful place was Subaru’s grand objective. To do that, he couldn’t afford to lose Rem’s trust.

He needed desperately to regain that trust and ensure she would hold hands with him again.

“—All right, I get it. I’ll help you out, brother.”

As he refocused on that grand objective, Subaru clenched his fist. In front of him, Al, who had digested the situation, nodded as he said that.

Unintentionally, Subaru let out a silly “Huh?” sound.

“Brother, that was such a goofy noise you just made!”

“Leave me alone! No, wait, what did you say? You’ll help? Who’s helping whom?”

“I’m here to help you. Sure, the princess might give you flack about it, but there are ways to figure that out. So, I’ve decided I’m going to support you.”

“———–”

“However, I can only provide assistance with one arm.”

“That’s not funny.”

As if stating it with utmost enthusiasm, Al’s words caught Subaru off guard as he replied while bewildered.

Naturally, a bit of confusion clouded his mind over what exactly had sparked Al’s feelings.

“…So, you’re helping me because you know Ram, huh?”

“Not exactly. I’m pulling for you, brother. —Either way, if you want to be a hero, you can’t leave out that girl. That’s the story here.”

“I’m not really trying to become a hero…”

“—You’re going to become one. Natsuki Subaru is going to be a hero.”

That was a statement that left no room for denial.

Spoken loud and quietly, the weight behind those words ignited a fire in Subaru’s heart.

“But then again…”

However, the intensity of that heat melted away with Al’s joking follow-up.

Subaru found himself at a loss, taken aback by that abrupt change in tone.

“Let’s call it there for unnecessary talk. Besides, I just remembered, I came here to fetch you to the meeting. The princess is bound to lay down some serious punishment.”

“————”

“Come on, let’s hurry. No worries; there will be chances to talk as much as you want later.”

With that, Al glanced back over his shoulder, shrugging it off as he started to wander off in a hurry. Prompted by his actions, Subaru had no choice but to reluctantly push aside his lingering thoughts.

He had no idea how much to take Al’s words at face value.

But still, being directly told, “I’ll help you,” was enough to empower Subaru to step forward.

Even if it was forced, he had to keep his chin up.

He had to walk with his chest out, right his posture, and stride forward.

“—For Rem.”

To affirm himself as a hero, that was the only anchor he had.

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　△▼△▼△▼△

“—The ‘Heroic Fantasy,’ huh?”

Murmuring to himself as he jogged, the whisper resounded solely within the steel helmet.

It did not reach the outside; it was merely a voice meant for him to hear alone, as he closed his eyes.

Thus, while keeping his eyes shut and letting the darkness seep in, like an echo into that shadow behind his eyelids—

“I’m counting on you to be a hero, brother. —No, Natsuki Subaru.”