Archive of Our Own ^beta

Author's note: I know that recently fanfics about Subaru being forgotten are the craze. So I cannot stop myself from writing one. And I don't plan on holding back.

Hope you enjoy it!

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Chapter-1 :Power

In a highly secured underground prison of Lugunica, where the vilest criminals are imprisoned, we can observe some prison rooms that are even a level higher than others. There are surrounded by magical runes and defensive arrays, and made of the toughest materials found in the world.

In one of those prisons, the suspected Archbishop of Sin, Natsuki Subaru is held captive. In that cell we see a green-haired burly man and some guards, holding various kinds of torture equipment encircling the Archbishop of Sin.

They are the people of the torture and investigation department. They can even reduce the toughest of criminals to tears. But this suspected Sin Archbishop is their hardest challenge till now. It has been four months since he has been imprisoned. For the first three months, their torture worked wonders evident from the grotesque screams that are heard from his mouth. His body is completely riddled with scars. Not even a SINGLE PART of his body is left untouched. He is even missing some fingers and toes.

But it changed from the fourth month. He became eerily silent. No matter what type of method they employed, they weren't even able to get a single whimper from him. It is like he suddenly became resistant to torture by experiencing it a thousand times. But they still didn't relent and continued what they are doing.

The walls are painted red with his blood. The only reason the archbishop is alive is due to the treatment of the greatest healer of Lugunica, Felix Argyle.

Taking one good look at the suspected archbishop, the green-haired burly man, the head of the T&I department - Walter, left the cell.

Just as he is exiting the cell, he saw Felix Argyle, the Blue, Julius Juukulius, the 'one and only spirit knight' of Lugunica, and Garfiel Tinsel, Emilia's knight, standing there.

"So Walter san, did the archbishop reveal any information about the witch cult?" Asked Julius solemnly. His one and only brother, Joshua was currently lying in a coma, forgotten by everyone. But how did he know it was his brother. He was getting a headache while remembering it.

With a heavy sigh, Walter said "No Julius-sama, we tortured him every possible way, but he didn't even mutter a single thing from the start of the fourth month."

Listening to this Felix got incensed and shouted "HOW ARE YOU ALL THIS USELESS? Lady Crusch is suffering from cursed blood, but you can't even get a single clue from that archbishop."

Julius put a hand on Felix's shoulder and said, "Calm down Ferris. It is not their fault. They are trying their best, it is the archbishop who is tough." Even Julius was getting impatient from the zero progress they are making. He even wants to go in and interrogate Pride himself. But knights have a code of conduct and they strictly adhere to it even to their deaths. So he and Felix can only watch silently.

"Hey, Imma give the archbishop a piece of ma mind and see how can he remain silent after that. As they say, rice fields whisper in wind but die in the storm." Said Garfiel with his usual out of situation proverb. Since he is a relatively new knight, he doesn't give a shit about knightly conduct.

"You should refrain from doing that Garfiel. It only brings infamy to the lady you are serving." Chided Julius.

"Tch" even though Garfield was still angry, he stopped for the sake of his boss lady who saved him from darkness and gave him a caring family, a place he calls home.

Walter who was watching them converse, finally said something, "I think it is useless to interrogate him further. It is best if we bring the execution date further. Felix sama, if you may.."

Felix understood what he was going to say, he reluctantly went inside the cell and healed the archbishop all the while resisting the urge to choke the life out of him. Earlier, the archbishop used to ramble about how he is not related to the witch-cult and how they are his friends. But now he didn't even spare a single glance at him.

Felix exited the cell immediately after healing him afraid that if he is in the presence of the archbishop any longer, he might do something unsightly.

When Walter saw that Felix exited the cell, he locked the door and turned to them, and said "Since interrogating the archbishop any further is futile, I will petition the sage council to advance his execution date. It is highly likely to be in this week."

Saying this Walter hesitated for a moment, but he still continued "Julius sama, Felix sama, is there any chance that we are wrong? What if he is not an archbishop? After all, we don't have any evidence of him being one except for the word of that blue-haired Oni girl and great spirit Beatrice. Even their basis is that 'he smells like one' but no concrete evidence."

Julius frowned listening to this but Felix is the one who vehemently rejected this "There is no way he is not one. If he is an innocent why does he reek of witch's miasma."

Walter seeing the state Felix is in, just sighed. They are in desperation to find a clue about the witch cult, each for their own purpose, so they didn't hesitate to put a possible innocent on trial without any concrete evidence. It is because they are desperate.

They exited the underground prison, each lost in their own thoughts.

As Subaru listened to the footsteps going farther, a smile formed on his face.

"This will be my last loop in this hellhole. I will escape this time and no one can stop me." His iris glowed eerie purple color saying this.

"With this newfound ability of Return by Death, who could possibly kill me? Not even the sword saint."

Flashback

For others, it may have been a few months of torture, but for Subaru, it has been decades or possibly centuries. After a few loops, his mind completely broke down. But even after that, they didn't stop the torture.

Subaru really thought he would become nothing but a living vegetable after other few loops. He thought back to his life in that lonely cell. Reminiscing in his possibly last moments. But suddenly he remembered what his father told him in Echidna's trials. "I believe in you Subaru. You just need to believe in yourself."

It was the first time in years Subaru cried of nostalgia rather than pain. It was then Subaru decided, he was going to survive and live a fulfilling life. If possible he is going to find a way back home, to repay his parents for everything they did to him.

There is no need for some incompetent allies who push one of their own into hell.

As they say, one need not fear strong enemies, but incompetent friends can bring you down even faster. He, Natsuki Subaru, The Hero is not defeated by his enemies, but by his friends. What an irony it is.

"Fuck you guys. You all are such disappointments. You all royal candidates cannot even save your own ally, how the heck would be the whole kingdom safe with you? You know what, fuck this kingdom, fuck everything. From now on I will just wipe my own ass, there is no need to nanny ungrateful bitches like you and save you from your dooms from time to time."

After venting everything he accumulated for decades he finally felt some of his burden vanishing.

He took some deep breaths and calmed himself down.

'Okay think Natsuki Subaru. What are the weapons in your arsenal currently? I cannot use my gate. I was doomed by Return by death. The savepoint is approximately some fifty to sixty days into torture. Invisible providence? I cannot use it without feeling my brain was being gouged out.'

After thinking for some time, Subaru gritted his teeth and finally yelled "Invisible providence"

An invisible hand came from his chest and banged into the prison wall. Subaru then clutched his head and fell to the ground. But one can notice shock in his eyes.

'It is not as painful as I thought. It just gives me some major headache. What is the reason for that?'

After thinking for some time, Subaru finally came to one theory. But he needs some more loops to test his hypothesis.

And so, after another few loops, Subaru can be seen sitting on the cold ground of the prison cell.

"Invisible Providence" Thirteen unseen hands came out of his chest but Subaru didn't feel any pain.

His face turned to a smug smile.

'So it is true. The higher my mental resistance, the more invisible hands I can control. And even their power is comparable to Betelgeuse.'

That's right. Subaru used torture as a form of mental training and increased his willpower.

'But even this is not sufficient. I need to do some more looping till the torture becomes completely ineffective on me.' Subaru let go of all his principles. For him, Return by Death is just a tool to achieve his goal. He won't hesitate to misuse it.

During the loops, Subaru faced many types of situations. Getting tortured, and disparaged by everyone including people he considered lovers and friends. Getting executed before the whole Lugunica, while the people are celebrating his death as a festival, and finally how royal candidates give an inspiring speech about how they are happy that a villain is being put down. Every time it hurts Subaru more than torture, but he became less sensitive to it after a few hundred loops. But still, there is this hurt that won't go away from his heart no matter how much he tries.

On one such usual loop, there happened something unusual. While Subaru was executed among the cheers of people and sneers of executors, his Return by Death malfunctioned. No, malfunctioned is not the correct word, one should say a new feature got added to his Return by Death.

When Subaru died, he is expecting to go back to the prison cell. But he ended up on the stage where royal candidates are seated and jesting about how weak he was to be killed that easily.

'WTF just happened?'

"FELT SAMA!"

Before he can think any further, a spear wielded by the sword saint penetrated his skull. He died.

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"Gah-gah"

Subaru woke up back in his prison cell. Checking the surroundings he first organized his thoughts.

'What just happened? When I got killed why didn't I return back to my prison cell but to the royal candidates' stage?'

Subaru thought back to what happened and came up with a theory.

His RBD upgraded. Till now, when he dies he travels back in time. But now he can resurrect at the same time but at a different location. As crazy as it sounds, it is the only possible explanation for this. When he got executed, he activated RBD Version 2, as he calls it, and ended up beside Felt. Seeing this sword saint immediately treated him as a threat and killed him on the spot. Thinking back it was the first time he got killed by Reinhardt in all these loops.

'I need to experiment some more before coming to conclusion.'

So Subaru's next few loops also consisted of testing his RBD V2 along with training his mental resistance. And he came to the conclusion that his theory was true. And he can also resurrect anywhere in this world as long as he wills it.

When using Return by death, he can either travel back in time to a checkpoint or he can travel to a different location in the same timeline, which is RBD V2.

'Soon, the day of freedom is not far away.'

And so Subaru continued this routine for a few more loops.

Flashback ends

Subaru sighed as he thought about what is coming.

Currently, he can control up to 50 unseen hands with the strength of each hand rivaling that of Betelgeuse's. And that is his limit. He can't increase it beyond that no matter how much he tries. So he gave up.

'With Invisible Providence, even though I can handle most of the threats, for someone like Puck and Reinhardt, it is nowhere enough. Power, I need more power to act on my wishes. In this world without rules as long as I have power, only I can decide my fate. No need to rely on others and get played in the end.'

Subaru's hunger for power has increased.

Scene Change- In Royal Palace

The royal candidates are in a meeting with the sage council to decide the fate of the Archbishop of pride, Natsuki Subaru.

"So, he will be executed in 5 days. Is there any problem with that?" Asked Bordeaux in a commanding voice.

"As long as a member of the witch-cult is slain, there won't be a problem." Replied Crusch.

"If the justice is served and the villain is executed, I don't have one." Replied Emilia, while holding the hand of her contracted spirit, Beatrice.

"You shouldn't waste Betty's contractor's time asking to kill an archbishop, in fact. Emilia hates vermin like witch cult, I suppose."

"Mineself don't see a problem with it." Said Priscilla haughtily.

"None." Anastasia said after some thought.

"Hey, I have one question" Felt said uncaringly.

"Oh! What is it?" Questioned the head of the sage council, Miklotov.

"Even after all this interrogation, we didn't find any evidence of him being a part of the witch cult. So why do you insist he is one. Reinhardt even said his divine protection indicated that guy is telling truth when he said he is not the part of the witch cult." Felt's tone became stern at the end.

"According to Great Spirit of Yin, Beatrice, he has thick miasma comparable to archbishop veiling him. So keeping him alive, even if he was not part of the witch cult, is too risky. So he should be executed before the public." Replied Bordeaux.

"Before public huh.." Felt nodded her head as she understood something.

"So you don't care if he is an innocent person. Since the witch cult's attacks are making people all around the country nervous, you are using Natsuki Subaru as a scapegoat to instill courage into people's hearts, to show that kingdom is still standing strong. What a scummy tactic."

"Insolence. Questioning the decision-" before Bordeaux can continue his rambling, Milkotov waved his hand and said, "Lady Felt, it may be true that there is no definite evidence regarding him being part of the witch cult. But the words of the Great spirit shouldn't be taken lightly when they are even supported by an Oni who can confirm he is covered by witch's miasma. And the decision is final. Natsuki Subaru, Archbishop of Pride will be executed in 5 days from now"

Felt could only grit her teeth in frustration.

- Outside the royal palace-

"Felt-chan, you should not have gone against them for a suspected archbishop. Things could become reaaaaally bad for you." Emilia said in a worried tone.

"Big sis, didn't you hear what they just said? If your camp didn't just blame him without any proof, then you might have saved someone's life. Even after accusing someone of the biggest crime in this world, your camp didn't take any responsibility to check whether there is any truth to that. You just accused some stranger and left him to rot in prison. I am disappointed in you Big sis."

Emilia looked hurt by this.

"Theif girl, you should watch what you are saying to Betty's contractor I suppose. I won't tolerate anyone insulting her in fact." Said Beatrice, with anger visible on her face.

Seeing the situation escalating quickly, Reinhard stepped in "Beatrice sama, Felt sama didn't mean to insult anyone. She is just asking for a fair trial. But since things came this far, there is nothing we can do except watch."

After this quarrel, every camp departed its own ways.

In the dragon carriage of Emilia's camp, Emilia can be seen musing over something.

Seeing this, Ram wasn't able to remain silent and said "Emilia sama, don't take what Felt sama said to heart. She is just a child who fell for that vile witch cultist's act."

"Yes, Emilia sama. Nee sama is correct. Every time I was near that witch cultist, I feel like my nose is about to fall off due to the vile stench." Rem said hatefully remembering the night when her whole clan was massacred.

"Don't worry Rem, as long as my amazing self is here, no one will be able to touch anything precious to us." Said Garfiel, not realizing the irony of his statement.

"Emilia, you are Betty's contractor for Od's sake. Don't think about any unnecessary things and concentrate on what is most important to you I suppose."

After hearing her camp's support, Emilia got her vigor back and said "Don't worry guys, I just got sidetracked by Felt's words. How can I not believe in Beako's and Rem's words? I will work reaaaaally hard to create a happy place for everyone to live in. I promise." A promise that is very hard to keep knowing what happens in the future.

- On the day of Execution, The Prison cell-

Subaru was patiently waiting while going over his plan one last time.

"All right, this is gonna work."

Right then the door to the cell was opened and many knights came rushing in, leading them was Julius.

"Ready to face your death witch cultist." Asked Julius with disgust in his voice.

"I am not a witch cultist, but yeah, I am ready." Said Subaru rhetorically.

"Drag him out." Commanded Julius.

The knights did as they were told and dragged him by the chains, literally. They didn't even give him chance to stand. They were dragging him out like a dog leaving blood trails on the way. After some struggle, Subaru finally stood on his two feet. But due to lack of his strength, he was still getting dragged.

After ten minutes of non-stop walking, he can finally see the exit of the prison. When stepped out of the prison, immediately cheers erupted from the crowd.

"Kill that witch cultist."

"I heard he is an Archbishop. Killing him is letting him go easily. He should be tortured some more."

"Filthy cultist, my family was killed because of you. Rot in hell for eternity."

All kinds of curses were thrown at him. But he didn't pay them any mind because he listened to them thousands of times.

And then comes the speeches of hypocritical royal candidates and foolish wise men.

And among the cheers of the crowd, he was thrown into a pit that is seemingly made from some metal. On the four walls of the pit, there are flame throwers like structures. He knows that in some time he would be burnt by the flames these people call 'Holy Draconic Flames'. Witch cultists are killed this way so that any diseases or miasma won't spread from their dead bodies. Even their ashes won't remain.

Looking at the excitement of the people, Julius turned to the royal candidates and wise men and bowed. He then turned to the crowd and said "People of Lugunica. Witch cult has been terrorizing this world for many years. But the strength of our Dragon Kingdom Lugunica is not to be underestimated. Not only we have slain multiple archbishops and witch beasts, today we have another one who will be executed for the whole world to see. The witch cult's demise is drawing near. Witch Cultist, do you have any last words?"

At this question, Subaru started laughing. It started slow and it became louder gradually.

"Hehe... hehehe...hahaha...HAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA..." he laughed like a madman for a few minutes straight.

Bordeaux got fed up with him and yelled "Did you go mad because you are afraid of death? Let the world know how pathetic you are."

Subaru finally took a deep breath and just said his 'final words' "UNGRATEFUL BITCHES." Saying this he started laughing again.

"Start the fire" Julius shouted furiously.

*Fwooooosh*

The flames completely engulfed Subaru. But even then he didn't stop laughing.

His laughter echoed through the whole area, it sounded like he was mocking them, mocking their ideals, mocking their uselessness, and finally mocking himself.

And when the flames finally settled down, there aren't even the ashes of the witch cultist remaining. He was vaporized completely.

The whole crowd cheered. Natsuki Subaru died on that day, at least it is what they believed.

-In a faraway Mountain Range-

Faraway from Dragon Kingdom Lugunica, in a rocky mountain range, we can see thick miasma getting coalesced. It then slowly took the shape of a naked young man with nasty eyes.

Subaru was amazed looking at his own body. There isn't even a single scratch or injury on his new body. It is like, his body was the same as the time when he just got teleported to this world. Even his gate is completely fixed.

'So every time I use RBD V2, I start with the body with which I entered this world huh? Fascinating. Now I am practically immortal and if I ever grow old, I can just kill myself and my body becomes younger again.'

He clenched his fist and looked at the sky with determination in his eyes.

'I forgive everyone who has wronged me, but I won't forget what you did. I won't come chasing you, but if in the future I met you on bad terms, pray for your safety.'

For others, Natsuki Subaru's life ended. But for Subaru, his life just got started, from zero it is.

Chapter 2: Deal with the Devil

Subaru was currently standing in the middle of a rocky mountain range. He set his respawn point to a place that is far west. But he didn't have a particular location in mind other than it must be a desolated location. But seeing his naked body, it is best if he finds some civilization first to get some clothes.

For now, he just made a make-shift dress using some dried leaves, which barely covered his privates. After doing that, he set on his journey to find a village. Town or city is too risky for him. Even though the world thinks he is dead, it is best if he is cautious.

After walking some distance, he found a small pond. He went near it and satiated his thirst. Then he took his first bath in years. After again donning his Tarzan dress, he rested on a rock on the bank of that pond.

'Ahh, how many years it has been since I have enjoyed such a warm morning?'

After escaping from that hell, he is finally at peace. While bathing in warm sunlight and cool breeze, Subaru gradually got drowsy. His tension finally caught up to him.

'I will think of how to get more powerful later. For now, I will just sleep.'

He slowly drifted into sleep, a blissful sleep, without the smell of his blood, but with the soft smell of dirt and rocks.

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A few hours later

After a few hours, Subaru slowly woke up from his slumber. He rubbed his eyes and sat up.

'What time is it now? Evening or next day morning? Well, who cares?' Thinking up to here, he stretched his body and slowly stood up.

The tranquility didn't last long.

"It seems that you had a good rest, Natsuki Subaru. That torture must be hard on you, isn't it?"

Subaru was surprised to hear a voice speaking to him. He turned towards the speaker to see platinum-haired, teal-blue-eyed loli, who is simply wearing a single sheet of white fabric covering her body. She was so otherwordly beautiful that even Subaru was dumbfounded for a second. He soon gained his wits back and questioned her with a hostile tone "Who the heck are you? How long have you been here?"

The loli gave a graceful smile and replied "I have been waiting here, particularly for you. But seeing you sleep so peacefully, I have waited until you are awake."

"How do you know I will be here?" asked Subaru suspiciously.

The loli's expression remains unchanged. She walked toward Subaru and stopped at an arm's length from him. She looked him in the eyes and said "My name is Pandora, The Witch of Vainglory. And I have come here today to meet you, the one who is forsaken by the world."

Subaru is not really shocked that she remembers him. She is a witch for god's sake. Witches are all kinds of nut jobs.

He is even thinking whether he should kill her and take her authority. But he doesn't know if it is a good idea to start a fight with her. For now, he will try to converse with her.

'So, she is the one Emilia told me about, the one who attacked Elior forest along with Regulus. Not that it is currently relevant. It must be that goddamn gospel that gave away my position. Either that or she has some other means to track me down.'

"Hoooooo! Pandora, the Witch. Gotta say I am a big fan. What great deeds did I do to get the honor of meeting you?" asked Subaru sarcastically.

Pandora didn't mind his sarcasm and revealed her purpose here.

"Natsuki Subaru, are you interested in a deal?"

"If it was joining you cult of madmen or murdering innocents, count me out." Said Subaru without a moment of hesitation. Even though he is not as soft as before, he didn't degrade to the point where he would commit any atrocities without batting an eye.

"No, my deal doesn't involve anything of such kind. It requires you to bring something for me."

"Huh? What do you even need?" It piqued Subaru's curiosity. What does she need? Why is she asking him? Can't she get it herself?

"Do you know Zarestia?" Asked Pandora.

"Zarestia... I feel like I have listened to it somewhere." Subaru thought for a few seconds. Then it struck him. After becoming a knight, he learned many things about this world. He also learned about the Great Spirit of Murder, Zarestia. Thinking about it, isn't her story similar to his? Betrayed the people she trusted and got backstabbed.

"Well, it seems that you possess the knowledge about her. What I want is her light sphere." Said Pandora.

Subaru tried to remember the information he had on this light sphere. It has been many years, so his brain became rusty. After thinking for some time without any results, he just gave Pandora a blank stare. Understanding the meaning of the stare, she continued her explanation.

"Zarestia is a compulsive murderer who thinks of nothing but killing and has a constant desire to kill anything and everything. Everything leads back to murderous intent, regardless of target, mood, time, reason, or circumstance. Even when she doesn't want to kill, she wants to kill. When stripped of her Light Sphere, which contains the bulk of her power, her blood lust leaves her as well. However, she will still seek to reclaim it if separated." Explained Pandora.

"And you want me to get you something that dangerous. Do you really think if I asked her nicely she would give it to me? Even if I want to force her to hand it over, I don't think I can go against a great spirit." Subaru was being real here.

He then continued "Sorry, but I just got out of some deep shit. The last thing I need is a murderous great spirit as my enemy."

"Don't be hasty in deciding, the reward may change your mind." Said Pandora smugly.

"What is that reward?" Subaru asked curiously.

"You are hungry for power to be invincible, aren't you? I can grant your wish." Pandora made a tempting offer.

"How will grant that wish of mine?" Subaru knows better than to trust a witch blindly.

Pandora smirked, she was waiting for this exact question. "I can change your Greed's authority to Regulus's Stillness of Objects Time and Lion's Heart."

"WHAT?" Subaru's mind short-circuited for a moment.

His current authority of greed is Cor Leonis. It allows him to take the burdens of allies and distribute them among others. It is not an offensive technique, but a support one. Currently, he feels that Cor Leonis is not that useful. If really Pandora can change it to Regulus's authority, then he can accept the deal. From what Subaru has seen, the only one who can defeat Reinhardt is Regulus Corneas. If he can get Regulus's power, then he will be at the top of the food chain in this world.

"So, you need me to steal the light core, huh?"

"No, there is no need for you to steal it. You can also convince Zarestia to give it."

Subaru got mad listening to this. "Do you think she would just give up?"

"No, you misunderstood my purpose. What I want is not her light core, but the resentment contained in it. After I extracted all the murderous intentions from it, I will return back the light core." Said Pandora.

Subaru fell into thought at this. So he just needs to take the light core from Zarestia temporarily. He can either steal it or he can convince her that he can get rid of the killing intent in that light core. Even Zarestia is suffering from resentment in the light core. So, if he can make her see that it is a win-win situation, he can do it without a fight.

Subaru looked into Pandora's eyes and said "Let us make a soul contract. I don't want to get duped after I brought you the light core."

"I am okay with it."

On that day, Subaru and Pandora made a contract that if Subaru can bring the light core of Zarestia to Pandora, she will grant him Regulus's authority.

After the deal is sealed, Subaru heaved a sigh of relief.

"I am curious about some things. Why don't you get the light sphere yourself? Why do even need the resentment in her light core?" Asked Subaru with curiosity.

"You need not bother yourself with unnecessary details. Just do as mentioned in the contract and our deal will be done." Pandora refused to answer any of those questions.

"So, where can I find Zarestia?" asked Subaru.

Pandora pointed in a direction and said "You may not know it, but we are currently only a few hours walk from Zarestia's bed. I will be waiting for you here. Go now and return with the light core."

She wanted Subaru to go now. But Subaru still has a favor to ask her.

He awkwardly rubbed the back of his head and asked "It is a bit windy here. Do you mind providing me with some clothes?"

Pandora: ...

An awkward silence followed thereafter.

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Pandora was watching the now-clothed Subaru marching off towards Zarestia's bed. After he was almost out of her sight, an evil grin formed on her face.

'Zarestia's resentment, the last ingredient needed to brew the disaster for Lugunica.'

Author's note : I don't own Re:Zero.

Some elements in this fanfic may not follow the original story timeline and not everything is canon. Forcing them to be would only result in more and more plot holes.

Hope you guys enjoy it!

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Chapter-4: Bond

In the middle of nowhere, we can see the Great spirit of Murder weeping like a baby while hugging Subaru.

Zarestia: "What they did to you is so mean. You practically threw your life away only to get a bad ending. Waaahhhhh!"

She wasn't able to control her tears after listening to the story of the boy, Natsuki Subaru, who did everything humanely and inhumanely possible for the ones he loved, only to get tortured and executed in the end. Even though Subaru didn't recount his failed loops, it didn't reduce the emotional impact of his story.

Zarestia: "But in the end, I am glad you escaped from that hellhole."

Subaru: "I understand you weeping to my story, but is it necessary to rub your snot on my clothes. Release me or I will throw you into the pond."

Zarestia pouted, nevertheless she let him go while murmuring "Meanie."

After calming down, she looked him dead in the eyes and asked "Do you want to form a contract with me? Like everlasting partners."

"Not interested." Subaru said without hesitation. Who is he kidding? He just got backstabbed. It won't be anytime soon he gets out of it. Even listening to the word 'contract' is triggering some PTSD.

Zarestia: "Then you can forget about having my light sphere."

Zarestia leveraged the opportunity she had.

Listening to this Subaru sighed and said "Look, having people with me only holds me back. I don't need any friends to survive. A wise enemy is better than some foolish friends. I got tired of people abandoning me for their selfish ends."

Even listening to Subaru's blunt rejection, Zarestia is not ready to back down. In all her long life, it is the first time she found someone so compatible with her and she won't let go of this opportunity. She can see that Subaru has misgivings about trusting anyone.

Zarestia: "Su-chan, I know you were hurt. But it isn't the right thing to isolate yourself from the rest of the world. Doing that will only increase your hurt, not decrease it."

Ignoring the nickname she had given him, Subaru just looked at her, waiting for her to continue.

Zarestia: "Even though you were hurt and betrayed, you never lost your fighting spirit, did you? You even won the most hopeless fights, you escaped from the most hopeless situation. And you are standing before me, safe and sound. Isn't this your new start? What matters isn't how you start or what happens in the middle. It's how it ends. Let us both make sure we can get our happy ending."

Subaru was stunned to hear her words. For a moment, he saw his mother in Zarestia. Tears inadvertently formed in his eyes.

Seeing him crying, Zarestia got flustered.

"Sorry if I said something insensitive. I didn't mean to make you sad." She apologized with tears in her eyes.

Subaru looked at her and laughed "Idiot, why are you crying?"

He then wiped his tears and continued "These tears are not from sadness. It is just the words you said are the same as my mother's. So I got a bit sentimental, that's it."

"That's good." Zarestia heaved a sigh of relief.

Subaru: "Okay, Tia. Let's do it. A contract."

Zarestia beamed hearing this.

Zarestia: "Yayyy! What are the terms of our contract should be?"

She started thinking. But Subaru already has something in mind.

Subaru: "There is no need for a contract with flashy terms. From now on, you, Zarestia, will be my family. That is my only condition."

Zarestia smiled listening to this. She then stretched her hand and intertwined her fingers with Subaru's. They both know what to do know.

Zarestia: "I, Great Spirit Zarestia, form an eternal contract with Natsuki Subaru that he is my own family. His happiness is my happiness and his safety is my responsibility. No matter what type of situation we find ourselves in, we will overcome it together."

Subaru: "I, Natsuki Subaru, form an eternal contract with Zarestia that she is my own family. Her happiness is my happiness and her safety is my responsibility. No matter what type of situation we find ourselves in, we will overcome it together."

A blinding light shone, signifying the everlasting contract binding them two is formed.

In the city of Banan:

Currently, it can be said that the people of Banan are experiencing a nightmare. A part of Banan city is completely ravaged to the ground and corpses are littered everywhere. It was due to Zarestia's doppelganger losing herself to killing intent and attacking everything in sight indiscriminately.

"Evacuate everyone immediately. I will handle her." The one who spoke these words is a wolf demi-human, Halibel. He is said to be one of the most powerful people in the world. But a rampaging Great spirit is not something easy to handle, even for the Admirer, Halibel. Even though he injured her, it still is not enough to bring her down. He needs to land a solid blow to finish her off, but it isn't easy with her magical capabilities. Even her regeneration is off the charts, it is not possible even for a great spirit to have that high regeneration capability. Something is wrong with the great spirit of Wind, Zarestia, before him.

He and his clones are holding back the Great spirit, while the soldiers and shinobi are helping the rest of the civilians to evacuate to safety.

"Damn! What is wrong with her? Do we need to request Lugunica to send sword saint to handle this threat?" Halibel cursed. He wasn't even able to approach her before getting blown away by her powerful magic spell.

*FWOOOSH* *SLASHHH*

A wind blade directly tore through one of his clones and charged toward the caravan of evacuating citizens.

"Oh no!" The original Halibel rushed toward the carriage to save them, but it is too late.

*BOOM*

The carriage along with the people inside it is shredded to pieces.

Seeing this Halibel gritted his teeth in frustration, but there is nothing he could do. He and the Great Spirit are in a stalemate. Even then, the stray attacks of Zarestia are enough to reap the lives of common people.

"Shadow bind" His clones all used the same technique to restrict the Great Spirit. Halibel took this opportunity and charged toward Zarestia's doppelganger. Before his dagger can reach her, a windshield blocked it.

*FWOOSH*

A wind blade immediately came in retaliation and slashed Halibel.

*POOF*

Halibel used a substitution technique to replace himself with a log.

*SLASH*

He then slashed her in the back. Even though it is not too deep, he is not discouraged. His target is not injuring her but placing a curse on her.

"MANA DRAIN!"

Immediately Zarestia-black shrieked and fell onto her knees. Taking this opportunity, a clone of Halibel closed the distance between them. But before he can attack her, he was assaulted by a torrent of wind blades.

The cloned immediately jumped back. The remaining clones and Halibel intercepted the remaining wind blades, but still, some got through them and went towards some children that are running away.

"AAAAHHHH!" They all shrieked in fear and closed their eyes. But the awaited attack never arrived.

When they opened their eyes, they saw a black-haired young man in an orange demon mask standing before them. He turned towards them and said "Kids, this is not a safe place to be. Get away from here."

The children listened to his words and ran away. He then turned his head towards Zarestia's stunt double, a black sphere spinning in his right hand and a white sphere in his left.

"It is time for a rematch."

---

Author's Note: I made a typo in previous chapter. The black circulation corresponds to right hand and white circulation to left. It is now corrected. And Subaru's name is eaten be Roy Alphard(who will be dying soon).