(A/N: This is another idea fic I have made, however it is too large... so I am not proofreading it for now.
I am uploading it so you can review it, the grammatical mistakes will be fixed after proofreading, so except that give whatever suggestions or questions you might have.
Please comment a lot! It will help me finalize this idea, whether to upload it officially or not.
Just know... It is 14k words long.)
...
…
3rd Pov
Natsuki Subaru hated his life, more than that he hated himself.
For being weak.
For being unable to save the people he vowed to save.
For being discarded.
For being the same pathetic man, he was.
Back at Japan he made quite the mess, whether dropping out of the school or shaming his parents by being unable to live upto everyone's expectations.
Unlike his father he wasn't a genius.
The lines that he was really 'His son' which once where an encouragement became a heavy burden towards him.
He was disgusted at himself; he wondered what his parents felt about him.
Undoubtedly, they must be quite disgusted by his presence.
In fact, Subaru felt they will be happier without him, and they tried to be nice to him just to fulfil the responsibility of being parents.
Why don't I disappear?
Why don't I die?
Someone like me isn't worth their effort.
Someone like me isn't worth their affection.
Someone like me isn't worth being loved.
I am just a burden.
I am just a pathetic excuse of son.
Subaru considered himself worthless, so when he got transported into another world- he thought he had finally found a reason to exist.
He didn't even consider what his parents will think of his disappearance.
In fact, up to now he thought they might be really happy with him gone from their life, and the thought became even more solid as he made the recent mess in the Capital.
He snuck up in the Castle despite Emilia's warning and then messed up the situation by making himself look like a fool.
He thought he was special- but really he wasn't.
He was the same old pathetic Subaru who only made things worse for everyone.
He genuinely thought that after dying several times to the witch cult, and being unable to save them.
He made a last ditch effort to get support for the other Royal Candidates which only end up in humiliating him.
Him lying on the ground was proof of that.
Alderban got near him and supported him to stand up.
"Bro I don't know what you talked with her, but she seems really angry… You are lucky to be alive" Alderban said and Subaru shrugged his hand off.
"No need… I can walk on my own" Subaru said.
Then came up the meeting with Anastasia which too ended up in a disaster.
" One last thing- The key to an negotiation is how prepared you are before ya come to the table" Anastasia said as she looked back at him.
"Know what other person wants and dangle it in front of 'em" she smiled as if teaching him.
"Since all you do is want, that is where you're lackin'" then turning her head around she said, "Now shall we go, everyone?"
Suddenly all the people in the bar who were wearing white robes stood up from their chairs, and started walking out startling Subaru.
"See ya" Anastasia said and Mimi waved her hand before leaving.
Subaru gritted his teeth… another failure.
'Damnit! What should I do now?! All the Royal Candidates are piece of crap!' Subaru thought when… he heard something.
[Ding!]
[The Template System is initializing… Natsuki Subaru has been granted the ownership of the The Template System… Administrator privileges are locked… Modifying systems to suit Master's needs]
"The fuck?" Subaru muttered out in surprise as he looked at the blue screen that had appeared in front of him.
A status screen?
Subaru rubbed his eyes, and looked at the screen in front of him which showed.
[You have a new unread message!
Click/Will it to check!]
Suddenly Rem entered the bar and looked at him foolishly staring in the mid air as he reached out his finger as if to grasp something.
"Subaru kun is something wrong?" she asked startling him slightly, Subaru recovered and decided to ignore the screen in front of him for now.
"Re-Rem I am alright- Wait how did it go?" he asked her and she sighed.
"I reported the maneuvers of the Witch's Cult to the Knight's station… I gave them Roswaal's name but…" she paused and Subaru replied "We didn't get any help huh?"
He seemed to expect it, as if the world wanted to mock him.
"It seems Knights have received several such reports already. They said since the Cult's background is unclear they receive countless anonymous tips that cannot be verified" she finished speaking.
"If that is how the real cult stays hidden, then it's no laugher matter… if we can't scrap a military force" Subaru paused and then looked at the screen still present before his eyes.
He looked at Rem and then asked "Hey, Rem I might sound a little crazy… but can you see that blue screen there?"
She looked at the place where Subaru was pointing and said "There is nothing there Subaru-kun"
"Figured that much" Subaru muttered, was he hallucinating?
Was his mind creating this hallucination as to cope up with his pathetic otherworld fantasies?
He looked at the screen and willed to read the message.
[The Template System has been bound to Master's Soul Nucleus!
Name: Natsuki Subaru(Master of the Template System)
Template System: It grants the abilities of random characters from the Omniverse, which is not limited being able to change to their appearance, gain all the abilities they possess, get all their memories without affecting the Master's core personality.
Notice! You have come to a crossroad in your life.
Note: You are not useless, you are not a coward, you are someone who laughs at the face of the death, someone who experienced death that break anyone.
Chain Mission 1: Let's Break up Emilia
Note: Can a person who has died in the past will be the same person if you loop? What if it is just a copy?
Summary: You saved Emilia's life countless times, however she abandoned you after a single mistake you made despite you doing it for her.
Objective: Leave her camp and go on the journey to find the truth about yourself.
Reward: 50% of Midoriya Izuku Template(Can beat up all the Witch Cultists easily)
Penalty: You will not get any template.
Note: You can get reward in advance, however if you break the quest in future, then Return by Death will be activated undoing all the progress you made after accepting this quest.
Chain Mission 2: I am the Great Sage???
Summary: You are a Sage Candidate, it hints your connection to the legendary figure who sealed the Witch of Envy, why have you been brought in this world and just what is your identity? Visit the Pleiades Watchtower to find out the answer.
Objective: Visit and Conquer the Pleiades Watchtower.
Reward: ???
Penalty: You will not get any rewards.
Special Quests are available! Please click here to view them!]
Subaru's mind became dazed seeing all the information, for several minutes he quietly read everything that was shown in the screen.
Seeing the note that hinted that Emilia wasn't the same person who saved him in his previous loop shook him slightly, however he took a deep breath.
"Rem" Subaru looked at the blue-haired Oni who relaxed upon seeing him not staring at air like an idiot.
"Do you know about Pleiades Watchtower?" Subaru asked.
To confirm whether he is hallucinating or not he decided to ask about the most obvious hint.
Something he didn't knew before, if it existed it meant that the screen was real.
Rem nodded and started explaining him what she knew, Subaru clenched his fists in excitement.
'It means that I am not hallucinating!' Subaru felt excited, however to confirm everything he returned to Inn with Rem, and entered the room alone.
For few minutes he was in deep thought.
'If it's true… then should I accept the Chain Mission?' Subaru thought.
A part of him wanted to beat himself for trying to betray Emilia, to leave her.
But the note that stated whether Emilia was really the person that saved him in past loop shook him.
Previously he used to think that his abilities made him return in past, but now thinking seriously what if it was different?
W-What if it created multiple timelines, or worse he was time hopping than returning in past?
Subaru wouldn't have thought something this complex before, but he was scary smart.
He was an analytical genius despite him not knowing about it himself, and now that he had cleared his mind and thought about everything.
His world crumbled.
'That means Emilia… Rem… everyone is already dead?' a thought came up in his mind, wanting him to vomit.
He wanted to deny it- but.
'Leave it… the first priority is to save the villagers… Let's see how the system works' Subaru thought and fiddled with the screen, clicking on the special mission.
[Special Quest 1
Name: Slaughter the Witch Cult
Summary: The Witch Cult will attack Mather's mansion shortly. Defeat them swiftly.
Note: You will have to kill all of them.
Reward: 10% Template Assimilation.
Penalty: None]
He sighed and then tweaked a bit more, finally finding how to operate the system.
He could give it mental commands, and after a few he finally found what seems the first page.
[The Template System
Owner: Natsuki Subaru[Administrator privileges locked]
[Status]
[Inventory]
[Mission Log]
[???]]
He opened the status screen, trembling with excitement.
[Status
Name: Natsuki Subaru
Title: The Witch's beloved, The Sage Candidate, the one who was Betrayed, System Owner, Otherworlder.
Templates Assimilated: None
Prowess: Above Average Human
Abilities:
Authority of Envy(Shared): Return By Death(Rank S): It can let user return a set checkpoint in time, it has infinite uses and no limits. Other capabilities of this authority is unknown.]
It was short, nothing grand without the common Rpg parameters such as Hp, Mp, Strength, Agility, etc.
It was different and Subaru noted every detail with focus.
Finally he returned to Mission log and hesitated.
'If I choose the chain mission I will get the power to save everyone… but should I leave Emilia?' Subaru thought.
For minutes his mind fought, belitting himself for trying to abandon Emilia.
But when the scene of her abandoning him played in his mind, his strength wavered.
'She doesn't wants me… I am just a fool who was using her kindness. She will be better without me, not to mention this is the only way I can save everyone' Subaru finally concluded.
The memories of the horrifying deaths of everyone played in his mind, the rejection by the Royal Candidate, and so Natsuki Subaru did the unthinkable.
He accepted the quest.
[Do you want to claim your reward in advance?
Yes/No]
"Yes" Subaru muttered weakly, yet a firmness in his voice.
For few seconds there was nothing and then- Darkness.
…
"Young Man you too can be a hero" those words… that's where it all began.
The memories of Izuku Midoriya flashed in Natsuki's mind, how he was born in another version of Earth where superpowers were rampant, given the identity of quirks.
A society where Heroes and Villains were present, how a green haired innocent boy wished to become a superhero, only for his dream to be broken by the reality that he didn't possess any quirk.
Then came the years of despair, regret, bullying, denial, Natsuki experienced every moment as if he was living it himself.
Then came the turn point, meeting with All Might.
And that's where it all began.
He recognized his dream… he gave him his own mighty quirk to the boy.
However Izuku soon realized that being hero wasn't easy… and so many things happened.
Subaru became numb, the last memory of Izuku he got was fighting against muscular as he absolutely demolished him.
And that's when Subaru returned.
…
"What" Subaru gasped.
'I remember everything… as if I have lived an entirely different live' Subaru thought, the figures of Izuku's mother, All Might's support, his friends.
It made him feel warm, something that he hadn't felt only with Emilia.
Subaru soon noticed his body was different and then he quickly ran in front of the mirror and gasped seeing Izuku Midoriya.
" I have became Deku!" Subaru said fascinated… then he became excited "Do I have One for All as well?!"
He tried it and just by activating it he blew up wind everywhere.
"40% I can use 40% of it without harming myself, the percent that I was able to use just before my memories got cut off" Subaru muttered.
He trembled with hope finally in his hand.
"With this power, with this strength, I can save them" Subaru muttered.
[Notice! Until you all assimilated 100% of the template, you will have to change to the character to being able to use their powers.
Also, even after full assimilation you can change to the character! Without having any limits on the abilities you can use]
"Well then I am glad to know" Subaru sighed, he was ready.
He needed to depart quickly… before the Witch Cult attacked, he couldn't waste time.
'What will I tell to Rem?' Subaru stopped, the seriousness of the matter made him take drastic measures, and he cannot stay with Emilia or in her mansion after taking the Chain mission.
If he rejoins Emilia camp, then perhaps everything will be undone, if he loses all his progress and the mission doesn't re-appears then he will be back to square zero.
'No! I cannot let it happen! Even if she hates me, I will have to leave her… I will not let her die again' Subaru thought as he recalled her gruesome death in the last loop.
"Petelgeuse… Get ready because, Deku is coming" Subaru muttered, this time he wasn't the prey.
He was the predator.
…
Subaru had a hard time breaking up the news to the Rem, he told her to stay in Capital for two more days before returning and also about his decision to leave Emilia.
To say devasted would be a weak word, she started crying and blaming herself for leaving him.
Finally Subaru stopped her.
"I am not leaving you! Rem… You are a wonderful woman, more than what I deserve. There is something I must do, and for that I will have to leave Emilia camp, perhaps I will not join the camp again…" Subaru paused and then looked into her eyes.
"But I promise, that once we meet again I will someone you can be proud of" Subaru said softly.
She broke up in tears and hugged him.
"T-Then I will wait, Subaru-kun" she said.
Subaru felt guilty, but again the task didn't say that he cannot have a relationship with Rem.
"Thank you Rem… For everything" Subaru kissed on her forehead
"Subaru-kun… before you leave, I want to tell you something" Rem blushed and then looked at him seriously, after wiping away her tears.
"I love you Subaru-kun" she said.
Subaru froze… Then he trembled as he looked at her.
The scenes of her death replayed in his mind, the scene of Emilia saving him, the scene of Rem killing him.
Until the scene of students of UA high replayed in his mind.
He didn't have what Deku had, yet seeing his memories he could say without a doubt.
Deku was a hero, far more than someone like him.
Subaru reached his conclusion.
"I cannot answer you right… Let's save it when we meet again" Subaru said smiling.
She nodded satisfied.
After that?
Subaru left, he took a carriage to the outside of the capital, after which he transformed into Midoriya and started blitzing his way towards the Arlam Village.
His body a green blur as he moved towards the Arlam village.
He was faster than any carriage, moving nearly at the speed of sound which was a normal pace for him.
Subaru could use three quirks, including 40% OFA, Black Whip and Danger Sense.
With these abilities he had enough confidence to face the Witch Cult, soon in half an hour he reached Arlam village.
He wondered if he should visit castle, but decided to end the dangers first before returning.
So he transformed himself back to Subaru, since now he had made up a plan while travelling.
He walked deep into the forest and soon encountered the Witch Cultists.
Just like before, they bowed before him.
Anger brewed in Subaru's eyes as he looked at them, however he remembered his plan.
Deku's intellect has rubbed off Subaru's own analytical mind, and he had made a plan while travelling.
After recalling every detail, he found that the Witch Cultists including Petelgeuse suspected him to be the Sin Archbishop of Pride due to his Witch Miasma.
His intention was to take advantage of this to gather all the Witch Cultists and then end them in one go.
'Calm down Subaru, I know you hate their guts, but to ensure that no one is hurt follow the plan' Subaru thought as the Witch Cultists bowed before him.
"I am the Sin Archbishop of Pride, Natsuki Subaru! I order all of you to gather all the Witch Cultists and meet Petelgeuse alongside me, I bring a message and a improvement in the plan for the ordeal!" Subaru said, and started sweating, wondering if it will work.
The witch cultists paused, then they looked at each other before bowing before him, "As you command Lord Archbishop!"
Subaru relaxed visibly, as his plan worked.
'Good! Once they gather at one place, I can easily kill all of them and no villager will be hurt!' Subaru thought.
Soon dozens of Witch Cultists were gathered by his orders, and they followed him obediently guiding towards Petelgeuse's lair.
"Ohoho! Why all you are here?! Why aren't y- Wait a minute, are you pride?" Petelgeuse instantly reacted seeing all the Witch Cultists gathered together, however when he sensed the intense miasma radiating off Subaru he paused.
"Indeed! I am the Sin Archbishop, Representing Pride Natsuki Subaru!" Subaru instantly declared with a grin, inside he felt disgusted for associating himself with these bastards, however it was a necessary evil.
"To be coated this much in her love! Her Love! Her Love! Her Love! Her Love! Her Love! You are undoubtedly Pride!" Petelgeuse laughed maniacally.
The he paused eerily and asked "Why is everyone of them are with you? I didn't order them to fool around, you ordered them didn't you? Why? Why? Don't you realize it's slothful?! Slothful?! Slothful?!"
Subaru smirked "Oh- Well how should I tell you? There is a request I want to make with all of you" everyone paused and Petelgeuse narrowed his eyes.
Subaru tilted his head, and smiled cutely as if he was girl "Will you all die for me?"
Silence.
An uncanny silence filled the place as Petelgeuse's eyes widened, the Witch Cultists also were stunned.
Next moment Subaru transformed, erupting in green lightning and dozens of Black whips shot out from his hand, targeting the Witch Cultists around him, and pierced their chest.
"Aghhhhh!" Many of them cried, while others watched shocked.
Petelgeuse instantly reacted and unleashed several shadow hands towards Subaru.
"Haha! So slow!" Subaru laughed as he dodged them, then ignoring him he threw away all the Witch Cultists with a force that tore their body apart, then breaking the sound barrier he attacked towards the Witch Cultists.
Soon everyone of them burst into a gore, and flesh as Subaru mercilessly rained down 40% powered OFA punch on them.
With Danger Sense and his ability to see the Unseen hands, he was able to dodge the Petelgeuse' attacks, and soon he was finished off killing every Witch Cultist.
"Damn you! Damn you! How dar-" his head burst into flesh and brain matter as Subaru punched him, creating a shockwave that destroyed the cave behind him.
"Sorry, I am not the guy to make the villains finish their evil speeches when I can get rid of them easily" Subaru said like a badass.
Suddenly something like a spirit came out of the Petelgeuse' headless body and Subaru's Danger sense went haywire.
"Oh sh-"
Next moment Subaru felt something evading his mind when- System responded.
[Ding! Intrusion has been detected!]
[Activating Emergency safety protocol! Erasing invading body… Successful]
Subaru sighed in relief and fell on the ground panting.
"Fuck that was intense" Subaru muttered.
After a few minutes he stood up and looked at the corpses of the witch cultists around him.
"I killed them… With my own hands" Subaru said looking at his hands.
He wasn't feeling guilty of killing them, no- a smile crept on his lips.
"I- I was able to solve it myself… I didn't have to die… It was me who saved the day!" Subaru said as his eyes became misty and tears rolled down his cheek.
"I-I am crying? Why? I should be happy? I- I should be glad" Subaru muttered as he wiped away his tears.
He then looked at his body, the green hero dress that wasn't his.
"Izuku Midoriya thank you… You were truly a hero, you saved me" Subaru said, thanking the person responsible for saving him.
Even if that person wasn't able to hear him… He was grateful.
[Ding! Do you wish to claim the reward for Special Quest Slaughter the witch cult?]
[Yes/No]
Suddenly a notification came and Subaru instantly accepted it, raising his already powerful self to 60% assimilation.
He could now use 50% of OFA and the quirk Float.
Subaru looked at the corpses once before walking away, he willed to change himself back to his normal self and his appearance changed.
His Pro Hero suit that was dirty with blood and flesh disappeared, his green eyes and green hair were replaced by his signature black eyes and black hair.
His clothes were back to what he wore, without a speck of blood on them, as if what happened had nothing to do with him.
He brought out the glint stone that formed mana barrier from his inventory, now he was safe.
…
'Why did he do that?' Emilia's mind again went to the incident back at Capital.
Subaru made a mess in the capital, and she was angry.
Not because he made a mess, but rather because he ignored her wishes.
He proclaimed himself as her knight despite not knowing the consequences of it, he barged into Castle despite her warning and then almost got himself killed due to his audacity.
He said it was for 'her', and it hurt her, because she knew it wasn't for her!
He was acting selfishly ignoring her wishes, she didn't wanted to hurt him by letting him barge into her problems.
"Lia… Are you still thinking about it?" Puck suddenly said as he floated on the air, looking at Emilia who had stopped reading the book.
"I- Yes… I am feeling guilty on how I treated Subaru, perhaps I should have made things more clear" Emilia said.
Puck sighed "Listen Lia, it is that boy's fault not yours. He ignored your wish and then almost put a risk to your candidacy. He did it for selfish reasons, yet you still chose to help him by making that contract with Crusch. You did nothing wrong" he reassured her.
'Really? I did nothing wrong? Maybe Puck is right… Subaru did indeed act reckless and selfish' Emilia thought not realizing while her thoughts were justified they weren't mature and biased.
(A/N: I mean this bitch would have died multiple times if not for Subaru)
Suddenly Puck's tail stood straight up and he became angry.
"Puck what happened?" Emilia asked seeing the sudden change in his expression.
"Subaru- That boy is here" Puck replied and Emilia's eyes widened.
"W-Wait?! Didn't I told him to stay at Capital? Sir Felix said it will take a week or two for his gate to be healed!" Emilia muttered out and Puck nodded.
"Yes, while I hate to admit his Spirit affinity is even higher than yours. So I easily realized when he returned… Let's see why he is here" Puck said hiding his anger.
'If you trouble my daughter any more' a cold glint flashed his eyes.
Oblivious to her Spirit Daddy's thoughts, Emilia quickly left her room and walked to the entrance finding out Ram arguing with Subaru.
"What do you mean Stupid Barusu?! How can you leave my sister back at Capital and come back so shamelessly?!" Ram spat, obviously angry.
Subaru meanwhile remained silent, hesitating if he should tell her the truth.
"I- I have a good reason for this" just as he was about to explain he heard Emilia's voice.
"Subaru?!" he froze and looked at the stairs to see her standing there with Puck floating by her side.
"Why are you here?! Shouldn't you stay back at Capital? And where is Rem?" she asked several questions at once.
Before he could reply Ram snorted and said "Lady Emilia, stupid Barusu left my poor sister Rem back at the Capital and returned here ignoring your wishes, just to see you"
'Ignoring her wishes' caught Emilia's attention as she casted a disappointed look at Subaru.
Subaru froze under her gaze and guilt appeared on his face.
"Subaru you did two things wrong first you broke the promise with Emilia, you promised her that you will stay at the Inn, yet you barged into the Castle and made a mess there." Puck's voice rang throughout the place.
"Second you returned back ignoring her wishes, you betrayed the trust she put it in" Puck spat, Emilia flinched wondering if Puck was going too far but she remained silent.
Ram also casted a hateful glance at Subaru.
'Why are you looking at me like that?! Damn I just saved your asses! Yes I broke your promise, but you wouldn't be alive if not for me!' Subaru thought frustrated, just as he was about to give an explanation the system's voice rung.
[Ding! Detected Master's current emotional stability is low!
Please remember that Chain Mission 1's penalty will be activated if Master doesn't fulfils it]
The words that about to come out of his mouth stopped at his throat.
Yes, if he told her everything… and if, if she praised him and forgivehim.
Then he wouldn't be able to leave.
Subaru clenched his fists and looked at the disappointed look Emilia casted upon him.
'Yeah, I am a mistake right? Even system is telling me to leave. She is way better that way' a self-depreciating thought appeared in his mind.
"I- I have decided to leave Emilia Camp, and resign from my position as Roswaal's butler" Subaru said clenching his fists.
All of the three were immediately surprised.
"What?! Barusu what stupid thing you are spouting?!" Ram glared at him.
Subaru smiled, it was a sad smile.
"I have realized that since I have came here I have done nothing but make a mess" then he looked at Emilia.
"I apologize for ignoring your wishes, I- I wanted to prove myself so much that I ignored your wishes and hurt you" Subaru said.
"I have decided to leave Mather's mansion, and seek my fortunes somewhere else" Subaru said and then paused, as if a weight had lifted off his shoulder.
Ram glared at him once, before sighing.
"Very well, Pack your things. It is evening now, so it will be too late to leave today, you can leave tomorrow" Ram said.
In fact Ram thought it would be for better, since she knew her Master's secrets and it involved Subaru as a chess piece.
She thought it would be better if Subaru leaves, he will be at least free for her Master's twisted grasp.
Meanwhile Emilia's heart almost shattered, even if Subaru did hurt her, he was still one of the few friends she ever had.
He didn't hate her for her origins, her race, her half-elf ancestry, so seeing him wanting to leave her stung her.
'Emilia it is for better, this boy is a fool if he stays by your side, he will not only hurt yourself but also himself' Puck as if sensing her thoughts gently consoled him.
Hearing his words, Emilia steeled her resolve and said "Very well, leave tomorrow" and turned around, and walked away.
She didn't realize it sounded colder than she intended to, and Subaru felt pain hearing her words and her cold voice.
The world was unfair and unjust.
He saved two Royal Candidates and all he got was becoming a Butler.
He got killed multiple times under Emilia's watch, by Rem and Ram.
Latter who didn't even stop her sister, she could have done if she wanted so.
Yet she did nothing, until very late.
In the end Subaru saved Arlam village and improved Emilia's reputation.
Yet his mistake in Capital ruined him.
Was he wrong? From a Medieval point of view and politically he was.
Yet, from emotionally, morally, and modern perspective, he wasn't.
Medieval people had unjust prejudice and were too arrogant.
They didn't care about commoners, only filling their pockets and blaming all their misfortunes on someone else, who didn't even knew what he did wrong.
As for Knights? When Emilia was being insulted unjustly, despite being proven after being chose by Divine Dragon himself, they ignored her.
Only when someone dared to speak for her, they were ready to take action.
Why? Because their honour was hurt, their pride was poked.
He was then humiliated by Julius, who wanted to create a bigger mess as to solve the one he made at the Castle.
One can say he did nothing wrong.
Yet, he beat up a Commoner for doing nothing but standing up against injustice.
His way to help him? Make him realize his place as a commoner and vent everyone's anger.
Because he was weak he was ridiculed and now that he was trouble, he was abandoned.
When Subaru was desperate no one helped him, despite realizing he was speaking truth.
Reason? They had no benefits or were just dissatisfied with him.
That is the fate of those who are without power.
If Subaru was strong, or King, would they have dared to speak against him?
No, they would have politely begged for forgiveness while deciding to fix their mistakes.
Such a world… was too disgusting, or so the System thought.
…
It was the next day, Subaru had packed all his stuff which wasn't much. Just a few clothes, and his one month of salary.
Which was One Gold Coin, not One Royal Gold Coin but still enough to live comfortably for months.
Ram even exchanged it for bundles of copper and silver coins, so he would have an easier time.
She was much calmer now, and after knowing that Rem will return in two days' time, she stopped making snarking remarks.
Though she was still angry at him for make fool of Roswaal's name, and leaving Rem back at Capital.
Subaru took his bag and looked at stairs.
No one.
Emilia wasn't there to say good bye and it hurt him even more.
'Can a person really be said to be the same? If the time has restarted?' the thought came up in his mind and it stung his heart more.
'I guess I was never needed here… Just like back at Japan, all I did was being trouble. I guess my delusions about being together with Emilia end here' Subaru thought with hollow look.
Then Rem's image flashed in his mind, and vigour seemed to return to him.
'No! There is still a person who hasn't given up on me… and now I have a power, I am not weak anymore' Subaru thought as the blue screen of system appeared in front of him, as if to agree with him.
'No matter what, this time I will become someone I can be proud of… My journey starts from here, from zero' Subaru thought and departed, leaving the Castle.
He still looked back at the Castle once, the slight glimmer of hope which vanished as he found no one peeking at him.
He sighed and left the Castle's boundaries.
Natsuki Subaru's life will start, from zero again.
…
Subaru stored his stuff in Inventory, and decided to spend some time in the village before departing.
He didn't get a good time to look at the village, but now that he was leaving, he decided to visit it once more.
To see what he had saved.
Even if he isn't recognized for his efforts, or stay as a unsung hero.
He is fine with it, as long as everyone is happy.
"Sir Natsuki! Good morning!" some villagers greeted him as he walked.
Soon he encountered Petra and other kids playing.
"Subaru Onii-chan! You are back from the Capital?!" the cyan coloured eyed girl stared at him happily.
Subaru smiled as he patted her head.
"Yes Sir Subaru! I am happy to see you again!" another kid chimmed in.
"Sir Subaru you aren't wearing your butler uniform? Are you here to buy grocery?" another asked.
Subaru's face fell as he became silent, the kids who were talking became silent realizing something was wrong.
"S-Subaru Onii-Chan what is wrong?" Petra asked worried, a blush adorning her face.
Subaru flashed a sad smile as he said "I have resigned from my job"
They were startled.
"Wait a minute?! Why did you leave the job?!"
"Yes Sir Subaru! Are you leaving this place?"
"Why are you leaving?"
Subaru smiled and said "I just find out that being Butler isn't what I am meant to be… and there is something I must do… I have to do"
He glanced at the blue screen, with the Chain Mission 2 listed on it.
"T-Then are you leaving forever?" Petra asked fearfully, her eyes becoming moist.
Subaru was her first crush, her childhood love.
Subaru looked at her and patted her head "No… I don't know when I will return, but I will definetly come back- not to my job, but to meet you all again" he said in a reassuring tone, making her relieved.
"Then, then, why don't you play with us for a last time before you leave?" a kid asked and Subaru smiled.
"Haha! Then get ready to be chased by Subaruzilla! Rawr!" Subaru said making a scary face, which instantly made the children laugh.
Subaru then played with them for hours, and had lunch and dinner with the villagers before leaving.
"Sir Subaru it is too late… why don't you stay with us for a day?" an old lady asked as she saw it was evening.
"Sorry, but I will have to decline. I have something to do, and so I must depart. Don't worry my safety will be guaranteed" Subaru flashed a smile.
"Hmph! As if something can hurt Subaru Onii-chan! Onii-chan is strong, he saved us from bad wolgrams!" Petra said making everyone laugh.
"Very well, I will leave…" Subaru said, however Petra grabbed his sleeves and looked at him with bashful blush.
"Can you come down here?" she asked nervously and Subaru did that, and Petra kissed him on cheek before darting like a startled rabbit.
"I will wait for you Onii-chan!" she shouted.
Meanwhile Subaru was surprised, and other villagers smirked.
"It seems Sir Subaru has already stolen a maiden's heart" a villager teased and Subaru just sighed.
So he left, this time with a smile… not with a frown.
Children are truly wonderful, aren't they?
…
"What?! The White whale has been spotted?!" Wilhelm was stunned and so were others when the news reached the Capital.
A merchant caravan spotted the White Whale near the Flugel's tree and barely escaped alive.
He revealed the news to the Knights and soon it reached to Crusch.
Crusch who was already preparing to hunt the White Whale decided to mobilise all her forces to hunt the beast that terrified the world for 400 years.
(A/N: The same day that Subaru reached village, was the Whale spotted. Since he arrived before evening, he missed the Whale, which then attacked a passing caravan and at the same night the news reached the capital)
Anastasia who had already gotten the news from Subaru and other sources quickly contacted Crusch to form an alliance with her, in equal terms.
Crusch was surprised that her plans were revealed, and was against forming an alliance with Crusch however Anastasia argued that White Whale had killed the previous Sword Saint and shouldn't be that easy to kill alongside it's mist of elimination.
In the end weighing her options Crusch decided to form an alliance with Anastasia, both of them will take equal glory from this hunt which will aid in their campaign.
'Atleast this should make it impossible for other candidates to surpass me' that's what both of them thought.
They knew while the alliance had its downsides it will eliminate half of the competition, with both taking the glory none of them will go ahead of each other.
After that the competition will be reduced to just both of them.
So they prepared for half a day, although it took some time.
They were ready.
They couldn't waste time, as an opportunity like this won't came again easily.
The Whale was quite near to the Capital making it easy for them to mobilise all their forces and march there to hunt it.
Not to mention no one knew how long whale will stay there, so they had to be quick.
The forces were successfully mobilised, including retired Knights, current forces under Crusch's Noble House, Wilhelm, Felix and Magicians, with Magic weapons.
From Anastasia's side they got a group of Mercenaries, including the famous Iron Fang and it's famous leader Ricardo, alongside Mimi, Hetaro and Tivey.
Not to mention they were also joined by the famous 'Finest of the Knights' Julius Juukiluus.
With such a force it should have been an easy victory… or so they thought.
The plan went as planned, they send scouts however they were erased by the mist of elimination and before they could realize what was happening the White Whale was upon them.
Crusch quickly take the lead to command the troops, Wilhelm was the first one to engage with the White Whale.
"Youuu! You take away my love from me, You Monster! I will kill you" Wilhelm glared at the beast before engaging in a battle with it.
The troops followed, the magician shot magic at the Whale, the Magic Cannons burst with powerful shots.
Mimi, Hetaro and Tivey used their magic to hurt the whale from the distance.
Julius had yet to engage in the battle and was instead helping his fellow knights.
That was the first mistake they did, as they injured the White whale it roared in pain and multiplied itself into three.
At first they were unaware of it, and used their full power to fight the clone.
Once it was gravely injured Julius decided to use his strongest attack.
Al Clauzeria.
He unleashed a torrent of rainbow of energy, capable of chipping away opponent's soul itself.
The attack target was horn, and once it was destroyed the beast should have felled… or so they thought.
The Knights started celebrating as what they thought was a victory.
Even Crusch eased herself, Wilhelm crying as he thought he had taken down the whale, that he had avenged his wife.
However their thoughts turned out to be a joke as a sharp cry rung through their ears causing them immense pain as the supposedly dead Whale's body vanished replaced by two White Whales.
The original one high above the sky, unobservable enjoying toying with the humans.
"I-Impossible, how it could be?" A knight cried out, even Crusch was stunned by the sudden turn of events however she was quick to organize her thoughts.
"Everyone don't falter! Quickly organize yourselves! Magicians prepare to release spells again!" unfortunately her words fell on deaf ears.
As a whale dived destroying all the magic cannon, and killing half of the magicians in a swoop.
The second whale engaged with the troops and the elites.
Despite the terror in everyone's hearts and her own fear, Crusch managed to organize them and counter- attack the whale.
However it was useless, Julius, Wilhelm, Ricardo and Mimi managed to take down another whale barely only for it to re-appear without any injuries.
The troops dimmed as almost all the Magicians were killed and half of the knights died.
As some Knights barely recovered injured Wilhelm, Julius, Ricardo and others from the jaws of white whale, the morale further broke down.
"We will die!" A Knight screamed breaking down in tears as he fell on the ground.
"It is hopeless!" Another said, and just like that everyone lost the will to fight.
Even as Crusch ordered them, they ignored her while Felix gritted his teeth as he healed Julius whose one arm was almost torn off.
'No! At this rate we will lose! We managed to take down two White Whales, yet two still remain! Is this thing immortal?!' Crusch thought as fear gripped her heart.
The Whale which was hovering above looked amused, it didn't attack and kill them as it wanted to see them suffer.
As one whale dived again, this time towards Crusch, she felt her heart beat stop.
She quickly attacked it, however her air slash barely stung it as it moved towards her.
"Crusch-sama!!" Felix screamed horrified running towards her.
However he was too far… and the whale reached just a few meters away from her.
Crusch stared at the Whale in front of her, time seemed to slow for her.
'Am I going to die?' she thought.
She didn't wanted to die.
She wanted to live.
She wanted to win the Royal Selection.
She wanted to change the Kingdom.
Perhaps, one day fall in love with a man.
Perhaps, one day have children with him.
However it was too late.
Her arrogance had taken her here.
Just as she watched White whale approach, suddenly a green light flashed.
"Detroit Smash" a voice rung as the White Whale's path deviated, in front of her eyes it's skull cracked, blood poured out of its eyes as its entire body tilted.
Next moment someone grabbed him and before she could process what is happening she was back to her Knights.
All the Knights just watched a green blur approach the white whale and then smack it's head away like slapping a person, and then Crusch standing in front of them.
"Whaaa!" Crusch screamed as she felt her feet on the ground, her ground dragon thrown to the ground as a black tendril unravelled it.
Then she looked at him, her saviour.
Dressed in the most peculiar clothes she had ever seen, his face hidden behind a strange mask.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a voice, not caring but not cold either.
"Y-Yes I am okay" Crusch stammered as she replied, then she realized she had just been saved.
"Wait who are you?" she quickly asked, when she was hugged by Felix.
"Meowyh thought I have lost you" Felix said, however Crusch ignored him pushing him away and giving a stern look.
"Felix I am fine! Return to healing!" she commanded, though when she watched everyone's expression.
She realized they have already lost the war.
Her Knights were gravely injured, even the likes of Julius and Wilhelm were receiving treatment.
Her forces had dwindled to almost 1/4th of what she had, even if the elite fighters were not dead, they were out for the rest of the battle.
"T-Theresia" Wilhelm muttered as he forced himself to stand despite his grievous injuries.
"S-Sir Wilhelm you are too injured don't move!" a healer said however he didn't listen and instead glared at the white whale.
"You have lost" Subaru aka currently Izuku Midoriya spoke, his voice of the OFA user.
"Your troops cannot fight anymore, this is a lost cause" Subaru continued and she gritted her teeth.
"Prepare to retreat" she quickly gave the order, despite not wanting to.
However no one moved, either they were too scared… or rather had no energy to move.
"It is useless, the White Whale is almost done playing with you, it won't let you escape alive" Subaru said as he observed the White whale at the top, now being revealed as the mist faded.
The one Subaru had hit was barely moving, while the second one was observing and so was the original.
'It was playing with us?!' Crusch though horrified, and as she recalled the battle she realized it was the truth.
If the beast wanted it could have destroyed all of them by now, even the fact that the other two weren't taking action was a prove of that.
'What should I do?' she thought, and then she looked at her saviour.
"Sir, I don't know your name- but…" she paused, what was she supposed to say?
Help them escape? Kill the whale?
"No worries, I will kill the White Whale, once and for all" Subaru spoke in a calm tone.
"This is crazy! Don't you see what it has done to us?! More than half of our forces are either dead or erased!" a person screamed.
"We all will die! We all will die" one grabbed his head and cried helplessly.
"Please escape… with your speed you can leave, helping us will only put you at risk" Crusch said looking at Subaru.
She wasn't shameless, she knew it was lost cause.
The Whale was toying with them, they will die.
However she didn't wanted to risk the life of the person that had just saved her.
"It doesn't matter, I will take care of it" Subaru calmly replied, stunning everyone.
"You might be strong! I saw how you beat that White Whale, even then you will be risking your life for us!" Crusch argued, she couldn't understand how she even had a chance to argue at this point, or why she was doing this.
However she recognized her failure, even if she feared death she wouldn't implicate someone else.
"I will still do it" Subaru said with a sigh as he observed that the second whale started flying towards him.
"Why?" Crusch asked gritting her teeth.
Subaru didn't look back at her and said "Do I need a reason to save someone from death, if I have power to do so?"
The answer stunned everyone, and then next moment green lightning sparks appeared all over him as he charged.
The White Whale dived towards him, Subaru stopped and looked at the charging beast.
'I wonder… I should be scared… I should feel fear… Yet right now… All I feel is… Calmness'
"Detroit-"
"SMASH!"
The beast flipped in the air, a crunching sound echoed through the area as the neck of the white whale snapped and stopped before Subaru.
Subaru grabbed it, lifting it in the air, his body started floating and he… threw it to the Original White Whale high above in the sky.
…
Subaru had transformed into Midoriya and slowly walked on the path to the Flugel's tree.
He had already decided where he would go next, he had a map, and decided to move along the path towards the Pleiades Watchtower.
It should have been an normal trip, even if he encountered Mabeasts or Bandits, with his Midoriya Template he should have been able to defeat anyone.
That is why he ran at a leisurely pace and arrived somewhat distant from the Flugel's tree, that is when he noticed the uncanny fog and the flashing of lights from the fog.
'What the fuck is happening here?' Subaru thought and stopped, he looked around and his heartbeat almost stopped seeing a huge Whale floating high in the air, while the shadows of two similar beasts could be seen in the fog.
[Ding! Special Quest has been issued!
Name: Let's make Sushi
Summary: Crusch Karsten alongside Anastasia Hoshin had formed an alliance to take down the White Whale, one of the three great mabeasts to improve their reputation. This alliance has several key fighters like Wilhelm, Julius, Mimi, Ricardo, Tivey, Hetaro, Felix and Crusch. However they are destined to lose and be slaughtered here.
Objective: Try your best to save them, and slay the white whale. Killing the Original body will end it's life.
Note: It has an attack called Fog of Elimination, that can erase anyone's existence, however using wind pressure it can be nullified.
Reward: 10% Izuku Midoriya Template assimilation
Penalty: None
Will you choose to accept this mission?
Yes/No]
Subaru looked at the screen in front of him, the system briefly announced he had a special mission and focused his self to the screen.
Subaru read through each line carefully, and instantly thought 'I should reject this quest'
The reason was simple, he hated Crusch, Anastasia, Julius and Felix.
When he was begging for their help, they ignored him- especially Crusch who didn't even care about the Villager's lives.
Why should he risk his life for the people who put him into despair?
If not for System, he would still be dying again and again, desperately trying to save everyone.
Not to mention knowing that White Whale can take all of their forces also proved how dangerous it would be for him to battle that beast.
'Yeah, it is their fault for hunting something this dangerous. It is not my worry, I should leave' Subaru thought and as he decided to leave something stung him.
'Damnit! Subaru they had practically threw you away! So why are you feeling bad for them?!' Subaru thought.
He was so alone that time, he was so scared, he was in despair.
Yet no one helped him.
Neither Crusch, nor Anastasia.
Priscilla even warned him that she will kill him herself if he survives the onslaught.
This people didn't even cared about other people's lives, all they cared about their own profits.
'But won't I end up being the same person as them?' suddenly a thought came in his mind.
What are they feeling right now?
They must be feeling the same hopelessness he felt back at that moment.
Same loneliness as he felt back then.
Only if someone could help him back then, perhaps he would have accepted his weak self.
If not for getting this sudden cheat, he did not know what would have happened to him.
'Mom… Can I too become a hero?' the thought came up, a flash of Midoriya's memories and his body froze.
" I see… It is fine, I am angry upon them. Perhaps I will hate them for the rest of my life… but, if I don't take this step, then won't I will become same as everyone?" Subaru muttered to himself.
He smiled to himself "Izuku Midoriya you saved me… and now you are the reason they will be saved"
He then looked at the White Whale, he quickly read all the info given in the mission and observed the Whale.
'My danger sense is warning me… yet it's intensity is very low. For Midoriya's memories I can assume that the danger is weak' Subaru thought.
He knew diving without plan will only result him making mistakes, so he planned to observe first and make a quick plan.
After he was done with brainstorming he quickly dived in the fog.
He was quickly taken aback by the gore mess, and the remains of the dead magicians and Knight.
However he didn't puke, or even flinch.
He simply accepted it, and walked even deeper into the fog, he found some Knights being attacked by the fog so he quickly used blackwhips to save them.
Then he noticed that the Whale suddenly dived down, and looked at the target.
It was Crusch.
He hated her, yet he had no hesitation as he charged in, his body forming a green blur.
He punched with 30% of the OFA's might, smashing the White Whale's head into a bloody mess, grabbed Crusch with his hands and her ground dragon with black whip, saving both of them.
…
The Clone Whale crashed against the original, stunning it and throwing it off balance, however both the whales vanished, and re-appeared free of any injuries.
'No wonder it was able to defeat such a powerful military force' Subaru thought.
A white Whale clone twisted it's body and released the fog of elimination towards him, Subaru simply shrug his wrist blowing away the fog with ease.
Seeing it not working both the clones dived in. Approaching from two different directions.
[Notice! The template assimilation is increasing rapidly!]
[61%à67%à 71%à77%]
The system didn't ring the voice, however the screen blinked showing the information.
But Subaru ignored that not knowing what was happening, his body seemed to be filled with strength right now.
"One for All" Subaru muttered and green lighting crackled around his body madly, he started floating slowly and then… he punched towards the Whale.
*BOOM*
With a shockwave that cracked the ground below him simply from the recoil, the Clone White Whale's entire body was decimated.
Then he used the whip and pushed himself above at immense speed towards the second whale.
He missed the whale by a small distance, and then jumped on top of it, kicking with such force that its head blasted off, with its entire body hurling at the ground.
Subaru's jump propelled him high above in the sky, in a second, he was above the last whale.
The White Whale roared and turned upwards; its entire body was covered with fog as it tried to make a comeback.
Subaru floated for a few seconds before diving in, the whale flew upwards.
Everyone looked at the scene stunned, watching as the two were about to meet.
"Detroit Kick!" Subaru screamed as he twisted his body and kicked towards the whale.
The mere act of twisting his body generated a shockwave so great that it blew away Whale's fog like harmless mist.
When the kick collided with the Whale, a shockwave was generated. The wind turned into a hurricane blowing away the fog.
The skies seemed to scream as the entire Whale's body was torn apart, and it fell into the ground hurled like a ball, creating a crater on the ground.
Meanwhile Natsuki Subaru stood high above in the air, looking at the defeated whale below.
He took out his mask, revealing his face.
Green hair, green eyes, and a slightly immature face.
Suddenly light fell on him… It was dawn.
Everyone looked at the figure in the sky in a stupor.
'Hero' a word came in their mind involuntarily.
"I-Impossible!" a person said falling on his knees.
At that moment even Crusch felt great respect and admiration for him.
The gratitude flooded in, and his words repeated in her mind like a love symphony.
Before she knew, she was blushing deeply.
Subaru landed on the ground before them, his green hair swaying with the air.
*Clap* *Clap* *Clap*
Suddenly a person clapped, others looked at him, and then they too started clapping.
They started cheering, cheering for him.
Subaru looked at them, previously he would have felt at cloud nine.
But now? Nothing.
Wilhelm who was being supported by a Knight looked at the corpse with tears in his eyes, his dream has been finally realized even if it wasn't with his own hands.
Julius and others who were finally able to walk and had witnessed the heroic feat, looked stunned by what they had witnessed.
The monster that all of their forces weren't able to kill, was easily killed by an unknown person with strength rivalling or perhaps surpassing the current sword Saint.
But it was not the Sword Saint, it was a Hero who had saved them.
Crusch walked towards Subaru who stood before them and instantly knelt.
"I cannot express the gratitude of saving us, and slaying the calamity that haunted the world for four hundred years in mere words, I Crusch Karsten, a Royal Candidate for Lugunica's throne is eternally grateful to you." Her words surprised everyone.
Felix was baffled seeing his Lord kneeling before someone, personally he thinks it was not befitting of someone like her bowing before a stranger so humbly.
"I Wilhelm Van Astrea also express my gratitude to you! You avenged my wife and saved us from death, I was clouded by my anger and almost failed her… You saved me, us!" he also knelt on his one knee like Crusch.
If that wasn't enough Julius too stepped forward and smiled "I Julius Juukulius, also express my gratitude towards you. Even if you are not a Knight, you are more worthy of the title than me" he gave a respectful bow.
Everyone waited for Subaru to say something… however when the silence stretched too long they looked at him.
While he had a neutral face as if in deep thought.
Indeed he was in deep thought.
'The fuck?! Why the hell they are bowing towards me? Crusch is like Royalty here! Than Old man, well I don't know his story but he is a pretty respected person from what I know… Man! How should I react? How should I respond!'
'Wait?! Julius is too bowing towards me? He even is saying I am more worthy of being a Knight than him?'
'Huh' Subaru finally reacted.
Subaru sneered inside recalling the humiliation he faced a past few days and then he looked at others who too started kneeling before him.
Under a minute every was kneeling at one knee.
'If they knew… who I was, would they have done the same?' Subaru thought and instantly realized they wouldn't.
In the end Subaru sighed and said "Stand up… All of you"
His words weren't loud, however everyone heard it and stood up.
"Sir, I promise to repay this debt. Please tell me whatever reward you need! I will have it fulfilled!" Crusch said looking at him seriously.
There was admiration and respect in her voice, also awe and something more?(It is affection and Crush, yes Crusch has a Crush on him)
'Hmm, I have to visit the Pleiades Watch tower, and If this template becomes popular it will only hinder my progress… So, I guess it will be best if my involvement is kept a secret' Subaru thought.
"If there is a reward I want- Then please keep my involvement in Whale's hunt a secret" Subaru said.
"Huh?" Crusch reacted, initially confused then gobsmacked.
"Wait! What do you mean?!"
"What I mean is you keep it secret that I have felled that Whale, you can take the credit for killing it for yourself" Subaru said.
"Impossible! I am not shameless to steal someone's achievements for my campaign!" Crusch instantly retorted.
Everyone looked at Subaru confused.
Does he not want glory?
Does he not want Lady Crusch's gratitude? One of the two mostly like candidate to succeed the throne?
In fact those who knew Crusch were already surprised by her attitude, it was as if she was willing to do anything to repay their mysterious saviour.
"You see… There is something I must do, and if you reveal my involvement in slaying whatever this whale is, even if just my appearance it will create trouble for me… So my request is, can you keep my identity a secret?" Subaru asked.
Crusch was stunned, then she felt shame filling her.
"B-But to take your victory and proclaim it as my own, when I have clearly failed" Crusch stopped, however only she knew how much guilty she felt.
She knew that the White Whale had killed the Sword Saint, yet she foolishly challenged it.
In fact if not for Anastasia taking the lead to form the alliance between them for this hunt, she would have gone hunting it on her own.
She felt she was capable of killing the beast on her own, she thought her plans were sufficient.
However, she was too arrogant and she ultimately paid the price.
If not for their mysterious Saviour, she and all her forces would have been annihilated.
"I know you are feeling hopeless, and ashamed" Subaru said garnering everyone's attention.
"I know you are feeling guilty and blaming yourself for your losses, I have been there too… Someone saved me, that is why when I saw all you in danger. I decided to save you, because I was like you as well, arrogant, selfish, thinking everything will work out, or I am special" Subaru gave a sad smile.
"But the truth is… we all are just humans, struggling to survive. That is why, if someone like me was allowed to be saved, then naturally you as well" Subaru smiled and looked at Crusch.
Crusch' face heat up, she felt her heart skip a beat.
As she looked at Subaru's face, her cheeks reddened, at that moment… she fell in love with him.
Subaru patted her shoulder and said "You will help me by taking the achievement, so don't worry. You said you will fulfilly my any demand? Then please fulfill this selfish wish of mine"
"S-Sir it isn't at all Selfish! I don't know how it will help you, but I know you are doing it for something good" Crusch said.
"Very well!" Crusch turned to face her soldiers.
"In my name of Crusch Karsten, I order you all that you keep the appearance of our saviour a secret, if anyone leaks his appearance, I will punish them gravely myself!" she commanded, her voice completely different as compared to when she was talking to Subaru.
"However, we will break the news that someone else had defeated the Whale, and not us. But we shall not divulge the information about him" Crusch finished, making everyone realize her motive.
She then turned towards Subaru and said "Sir, I will keep your identity a secret, however I cannot take your achievement, if I do… Then I will betray everything that I stand for"
"I see" Subaru nodded and said "Fine, this will do… Now I will have to take my leave"
"Nyah!Let Meowyh check you if you have any injuries and let me heal them" Felix offered however Subaru shook his head.
Felix wanted to say something however Wilhelm grabbed his shoulder, and shook his head signalling him to leave it.
"S-Sir before you leave, can you tell me your name? I promise to keep it a secret!" Crusch steeled her resolve and asked him, blushing slightly.
Subaru wouldn't lie; he was feeling weirded out by her gentle tone contrary to her commanding one.
'Well, I guess I can give an alias' Subaru thought.
"Sorry I cannot give you my name" Subaru said, her eyes dimmed.
"However, you can call me… Deku" Subaru said before turning away and vanishing with a green blur.
His speed while not fast to vanish in a second, it was too fast to chase him.
"Deku" Crusch Karsten called out the name, feeling butterflies in her stomach.
As she recalled his every word, suddenly the memory of Subaru begging her to save the villagers played in her mind.
A lump formed on her throat, and her face became pale as she realized her mistake.
'I knew he was speaking truth, yet not seeing any benefit I let him go die' She thought and suddenly felt extremely ashamed.
'I just know how to boast, when something real comes up all I do is retreat like a coward' She clenched her fists.
Felix and Wilhelm who were standing nearest to her, instantly found out that something was wrong with her.
"Crusch-sama is something wrong?" Wilhelm asked and she broke out of her stupor.
'I have to do something!'
She turned towards Wilhelm and said "My soldiers! I know you all are tired and wounded, still I will make a selfish request to make!"
Her voice garnered everyone's attention.
"Two days ago… Natsuki Subaru, yes that same man who made the mess during the Royal Selection came up with the news that the Witch Cult is going to attack Lord Mather's territory, while he lied about how he knew about the Witch Cult and was suspicious, he did not lie about the attack" she said.
"I- I realize how selfish it was for me to ignore that request… I am someone in the line of throne, I should treat the entire Kingdom as my people, yet I did nothing to stop the attack. Although it might be late, and we are in a bad situation. I want to help those people" Crusch said.
"Crusch-sama! Don't blame yourself! I was in the room when I heard that mad boy's rantings! He is too suspicious and wanted help for nothing, not to mention Arlam Village is Lord Mather's territory and under that Half-Elf! It is they who should protect their territory!" A Knight under Crusch said.
Everyone quickly realized what really happened, while they had heard some rumors no one took it seriously after the news of White Whale came in.
"Yes, Meowyh did nothing wrong!" Felix nodded, agreeing with the Knight.
"Indeed Crusch-Sama, you made the right judgement" Wilhelm said.
Crusch clenched her fists "I know… but I know how selfish my decision was, even if Roswaal can defeat the cult, what if he is late? What if he cannot save everyone?"
"They all are my people, even if I am not queen yet, if I cannot look at the country and it's people as my own, do I still deserve the throne?" Crusch said, her words instantly ignited a spark in her.
"That is why! Whether ramblings of a madman, or truth. Even if it is a trap, even if it is too late, I will still go there and if I can save at most one person, I will still go there" she said.
Her speech instantly roused everyone's spirits!
"Crusch-sama just lead us! We are with you!"
"Yes, we were saved even if we don't deserve it, we gave up in the middle of the battle. We ashamed the names of Knight, I want to redeem myself!" a young Knight said.
Soon everyone was under her banner.
"Lady Crusch, I have sworn my loyalty to Lady Anastasia. However, as a Knight I will help you against Witch Cult under your command" Julius said, he too was dazzled by Crusch's charisma.
For a moment he even doubted his loyalty towards Anastasia, however he quickly discarded the thought.
Crusch was extremely moved by seeing everyone agreeing with her.
They were ready to lay their lives for her, for her purpose, for her vision.
'I see, how can I not realize it till now?' she got an enlightment
To be king is not to rule, but to lead people.
This time she wasn't giving orders as someone superior, something that she was her birthright; she was leading them.
And she gained their trust.
At that moment, Crusch's life turned for better.
It was only the beginning of her campaign.
…
After healing all the capable fighters, Crusch rallied them towards Arlam Village.
She left the wounded and the healers back at the Flugel's tree to recuperate.
She was joined by several knights, Wilhelm, Felix, Julius, Ricardo, Mimi, Hetaro, and Tivey.
It was morning and they made their way warily towards the village.
Once they reached the village, her presence stunned the entire village.
Some Knights quickly scouted the area, and reported to her that they did not found any suspicious activity.
"Nyah! I think Subaru was truly just a madman!" Felix sneered, obviously he disliked Subaru.
Because to him Subaru was weak and pathetic, the fact that Julius even saved him from being persecuted by other knights, but instead he hated Julius which only made his image fall lower in his eyes.
"Felix!" Crusch's voice was stern, surprising him.
"Whether he was madman or not does not matter! We are here to protect the villagers and we will not leave until the threat is verified or nullified" Crusch said.
In fact she had begun to notice… that Felix's behaviour was unacceptable.
Previously she didn't care, but now?
She realized her faults, and also the people beside her.
She needed to fix them, and she would.
"Roland, arrange a meeting with the Lord Mathers… and Lady Emilia" Crusch said after a slight deliberation.
Then she asked the villagers about recent events, or suspicious activities.
They cooperated with her, even if she wasn't their Lord.
She was a Noble, and commoners like her wouldn't dare to go against her.
During her conversation, she realized that the village was attacked by the Wolgrams recently and Subaru alongside Rem and saved them, their children.
Although Roswaal did end up the threat, if not for Subaru and the maids taking the charge, perhaps they would have caused immense damage and loss of life.
Hearing their words, she couldn't help but ask "What about Lady Emilia? That half-elf that Roswaal is endorsing for the Royal Selection?"
The villagers looked at each other briefly, an old lady said "Lady Duchess, from what we knew she didn't even know that the village was attacked until it was resolved and she played no part in rescue"
Hearing that Crusch immediately felt repulsed.
'Does she not realize that the villagers are her responsibility?! Something big like this happened and she remained totally unaware until it was resolved?'
'Does she have no sense of responsibility?! How can she hope to rule the Kingdom if she cannot take care of a single village?!' Crusch finally felt how foolish her contender was.
As she took more information and heard villagers praising Subaru, her prejudice against him eased significantly.
'Even if he is foolish, he stood up for the people. From the duel in Capital it is obvious he is too weak, so fighting against Wolgrams must have put his life into a heavy risk… Yet he still did it' she thought.
She didn't knew whether to think he was suicidal or a hero.
But she knew she could respect him now.
After that she got the news from her messenger that the meeting has been arranged.
Soon they were at Roswaal's mansion, this time she had left Felix and others behind to protect the village, only taking Wilhelm with her.
Once they entered the place, they were greeted by Roswaal who seemed too enthusiastic.
"Laaady Crusch, I greet you. May I ask the reason for you visiting us?" Roswaal asked, his eyes darting around her, looking here and there as if searching for someone.
"I am here, because Natsuki Subaru has said that the village will be under attack by the Witch Cult" she said and his eyes narrowed.
"Pleaaaase enter, let's continue talking inside" Roswaal said and they entered.
They sat in the Guest Room, on chairs.
Emilia sat one chair, and Roswaal on other at her opposite side.
Ram stood by Roswaal's side, and Wilhelm by her side.
"Lady Crusch… what is this about the Witch Cult? And why Subaru is involved in it?" Emilia asked.
Crusch took a deep breath and explained everything, from getting the news of white whale, engaging in battle with it and getting defeated only to be saved by a mysterious person, who requested them to not disclose his identity.
Then she told about Natsuki Subaru's request back at the Capital, and his proclaimation about knowing that Witch Cult will attack here.
Hearing that Emilia's face became pale.
'Is this being the reason why Subaru ran from Capital to here? Was he going to warn us? Then why didn't he warn us?' she thought, suddenly she started feeling guilty as she remember how she had treated him.
"May I inquire where is Natsuki Subaru?" Suddenly Crusch asked, obviously noticing his absence.
However considering the mess he made recently, she thought they just didn't wanted to let him meet her.
However seeing their ugly faces, especially Roswaal's who seemed to eat shit, she quickly recognized something was wrong.
"Natsuki Subaru has resigned from the position of being my butler, and left the Emilia camp" Roswaal said, surprising Wilhelm and Crusch.
"I see" Crusch replied 'I guess it was expected after the mess he made, yet something doesn't adds up'
"You said he had resigned and left? Was it was out of his own volition? Or you kicked him out?" she asked, and Emilia flinched.
Roswaal grumbled and said "Raaaaam, please explain to her what happened"
Ram nodded respectfully and recounted their reunion with Subaru, how he left Rem, Ram's sister behind in Capital.
How he kept saying he had a good reason for breaking his promise, but then Ram stopped for a moment before continuing.
Soon it became evident that neither Ram or Emilia tried to talk with Subaru and just blamed him, till he revealed about his decision to resign from his position as a Butler.
Then he leaved the Castle next day.
Crusch was silent for a moment, she couldn't believe at their stupidity.
"Did you not knew that he might have a really good reason for breaking his promise?" she asked.
"I- I , we did thought. However when we asked him, he remained silent as if in deep thought. We took it that he returned selfishly ignoring what he was ordered to do" Emilia said.
"Indeeeeed, Lady Emilia has maaade quite the mess" Roswaal said and Crusch stared at him.
"Do I take it, you had no intention of throwing out Subaru?" she asked.
"While he did mess up in Capital… he had been a good employee, and even had saved Emilia twice" Roswaal said.
In fact inside Roswaal was cursing Ram and Emilia, especially Emilia after finding out that Subaru has left!
In fact, he had returned just this morning, just an hour before Crusch knocked on their doors, so he missed the chance to meet with Subaru.
That half-elf bitch threw away the only reason he was even sponsoring her.
"Saved Emilia twice?" Crusch and Wilhelm instantly caught the key point, and Roswaal smiled.
He explained how Subaru saved Emilia from being killed by Elsa, by taking the injury himself.
It also reminded Crusch about what Felix told her, how he saved someone whose gut was nearly sliced a month ago.
Though Crusch couldn't help but notice the hidden contempt toward Emilia, the fact he exposed something like Emilia losing her insignia on the very first day could end up her campaign if exposed to public.
It showed Roswaal held no care for Emilia, in fact Crusch even wondered if Emilia was just a puppet under Roswaal.
"After that he asked us to be employed in the mansion as a butler, naturaaaaly we were suspicious about him. However he proved himself by saving the village" Roswaal said and continued with his explanation.
By the end of it, Crusch realized the feats that Natsuki Subaru did, whether saving the lives of two Royal Candidates or saving the village despite being weak.
A hint of respect grew inside her, and so did regret as she recalled how she treated him.
Just as she was thinking suddenly someone knocked on the door, "Lady Crusch! I have something serious to report!"
Ram opened the door and Roland entered.
"Roland what news do you bring?" Crusch asked with narrowed eyes.
He panted and said "The Witch Cultists, we found them."
…
"The Witch Cultists, we found them"
Everyone froze in the room, Crusch quickly stood up and asked "Are they attacking the village?!"
"N-No!" Roland stammered before taking a deep breath "We found their dead bodies, half-eaten by the Mabeasts, we also found the dead body of someone suspected as being the Sin Archbishop of Sloth"
After that he detailed about their findings.
"It seems, we must investigate it in the person" Crusch said.
"As the Lord of the place, my presence will be obviously needed" Roswaal said with a glint in his eyes.
"I will come as well" Emilia said, many questions clouded her mind.
But the most important was 'Did she really do the right thing by leaving Subaru?'
So they quickly came to the place and were instantly taken aback by the marred bodies of the Witch Cultists.
"Crusch-Sama, we have investigated their weapons and robes, undoubtedly, they belonged to the Witch cult, there are dozens of their corpses, some eaten, and some rotting." Ricardo said.
The stench was bad but not unbearable, it also showed that while recent, they did die in the time-frame of one or two days.
"Method of death?" Crusch calmly asked.
"By blunt force, there are no signs of magic being used, or them being cleaved by swords. Instead it is as if they were punched into pieces" Felix said.
Instantly Crusch realized something 'Punched? Blunt force?'
She recalled Deku's figure, and realized that the possibility of him being the preparator was high.
After investigating the corpses more, and looking at the dead Petelgeuse, she had already formed the idea of what had happened in her mind.
Then she looked at Emilia who was clearly immensely shocked by the death and the destruction.
"I have already gotten the hint of what had happened here, from all the events that had happened, I have a guess" Crusch suddenly said garnering everyone's attention.
"Natsuki Subaru seeked help from the three Royal Candidate camps, including mine… but after being denied any help he somehow encountered the person who had saved us and felled the White Whale" her words shocked everyone, however it started to make sense and even more so with her next words.
"Then that person helped him and killed all the Witch Cultists, and perhaps asked the same thing he asked us" Crusch said and then looked at Emilia "Which is to keep his involvement a secret, I guess now unable to explain why the Witch Cult would attack, or how they are dead. Natsuki Subaru thought it would be better to remain silent and kept his promise with that mysterious saviour. After that he resigned from his position as butler and left the village"
Everyone's eyes widened, her words… This made completely sense!
"I guess then our saviour, who happened to be back on his way… happened to pass the Flugel's tree considering this is the shortest path from the Village to three major cities. There he encountered the White Whale and saved us… asking the same thing that he would have asked Natsuki Subaru" Crusch finished her explanation.
"Impressive, to manage to deduct the truth so easily… You never fail to amaze this old man" Wilhelm praised her.
"It is just guess, though this is what most probably happened" Crusch said.
Suddenly tears started pouring down Emilia's cheeks.
"D-Did he really returned to save us? Even when I abandoned him?" Emilia muttered out loud.
Everyone looked at her and realized the mistake she had made.
"He even remained silent when he clearly had an explanation, I should have pressed more! I am so stupid!" Emilia cried, as guilt began eating her.
Puck quickly came out of his crystal and said "Lia! Don't cry! It wasn't your mistake! It is his fault for being unable to explain himself."
"His fault?" Crusch instantly reacted, anger evident in her voice.
Emilia flinched and looked at her.
"If I am right, you lost your Royal insignia at the first day… you would have also lost your life if not for Natsuki Subaru" Crusch spat, making Emilia tremble.
"If that isn't enough the village was attacked under your judristicion, considering how Lord Roswaal away, the village's safety was your responsibility as a Royal candidate, but you did nothing! A man who is weaker than a common Knight and a maid had to save them" Crusch continued, her each word stinging Emilia like a dragger.
"I might be overstepping my boundary, considering how I denied Natsuki Subaru any help… But you have not shown a hint of responsibility… in fact that boy is more responsible and worthy of being the royal candidate than you" Crusch said, her words shocking everyone.
They slowly realized what she spoke made sense.
"Shut up!" Puck growled and ice spikes manifested in the air.
"How dare you blame my daughter?! None of it is her mistake!" he hissed, and aimed the projectiles at her.
"Puck stop!" Emilia shouted, unfortunately he didn't and shot two ice spikes at Crusch.
Wilhelm swiftly deflected the attacks, everyone tensed and Emilia grabbed Puck from the air.
"Stooop!!" she screamed and the projectiles vanished.
The Knights tensed and everyone unsheathed their weapons.
"Puck! Why did you attack her!" Emilia shouted at him with anger.
"She is obviously insulting you! She is making you feel as if everything was your fault! Cannot you see? She is taking the advantage of situation, and dampen your spirits to eliminate you from the selection" Puck said.
Everyone gasped.
"Do you even realize what are you saying?!" Felix hissed towards the Cat Spirit.
Even Julius had a changed outlook of Subaru after he learned his deeds.
In fact he was regretting that duel right now and how he humiliated him.
He wondered if there was any better way, but again what he did was right considering Emilia's reputation and his safety.
Emilia meanwhile began to doubt Crusch's words for a moment, before she snapped.
"Puck" she hissed "Return to crystal… right now" she ordered.
Puck stared at her with a pained expression "Lia! For her you wil-"
"I said back to the crystal!" Emilia shouted.
Puck flinched before returning to the crystal.
Everyone eased as the Spirit vanished.
"Lady Crusch, I apologize on Lia's behalf" said Roswaal while Crusch narrowed her eyes.
'He could have definitely stopped that attack, Emilia was his responsibility… he does not seemed to care' Crusch thought getting more suspicious of Roswaal.
"I- I apologize for Puck's outburst" Emilia said.
"I used to think it was Subaru's problem and his arrogance that he made himself a fool at the capital… but now I realize how severely mistaken I was…" she stopped midway, realizing she might take the situation too far.
Emilia flinched, even if Crusch didn't complete her words she realized what Crusch was going to speak next.
"I have decided… I will give the credit of finding the Witch cult to Natsuki Subaru, and slaying them to our Saviour… I promise to not use the information regarding about how you lost the insignia and the attack on the village to my advantage… However, I hope you learn to be more responsible" Crusch said.
"I-It is fine… Thank you Lady Crusch" Emilia said, wiping away her tears.
Roswaal remained with a neutral face, however inside he was screaming.
'Fuck this stupid half-elf… I need to find him again' Roswaal thought, though he was intrigued and wary of the mysterious figure who helped Subaru and slayed the White Whale.
Meanwhile Crusch quickly ordered the Knights to collect the Witch Cult's robes and weapons, including Petelgeuse's corpse as evidence.
Crusch decided to get some carriages from the village, and return to Flugel's tree and take the proof of White Whale's subjugation before leaving for the Capital.
While everyone was satisfied with her theory, she remained silent about a bold speculation she had made.
'Is Natsuki Subaru… Deku?'
To be continued…
(A/N: I hope you liked the chapter...
So how was it? Did you like the idea?
The love interests will be Shaula, Satella(Not Envy), Crusch, Rem and Emilia.
Whether to add Anastasia, or Priscilla is still debatable, though the chances of Ana is higher.)