(T/n: Hey there! Hope you're ready for this one—let's dive in!)
…
{ 3rd pov }
His current speed was nearly 24 times that of sound. The moment he ran, shear friction caused his clothes to burn.
"Fuck! Aqua, help me!" he said as he came to a halt and started patting his clothes, trying to stop the flames.
Aqua summoned water and dropped it on top of him, putting out the fire and making him wet.
"Fantastic... Half of my clothes are now ash," he grunted and used Aura to cover his body and clothes.
"If I become naked after this..." he didn't finish and ran again, breaking the sound barrier. This time, his clothes didn't burn, and in a second, he stopped near the carriage.
"Master Zero!" Rem exclaimed upon seeing him.
His figure shimmered, cloaked in a faint rainbow glow from the intense Aura still crackling around him. Behind him, the ground was torn apart—the aftermath of Subaru's sheer speed and force.
Seeing the destruction he caused, he said with a casual shrug, "I don't have any Divine Protection that lessens the damage caused by my speed." (Haha)
Rem stood there, staring at him in disbelief. The sheer force and speed required to leave that kind of devastation… Even Ram with her horn wasn't capable of such power.
Subaru climbed into the carriage, his movements smooth. "Let's go."
"Master Zero…" Rem asked, still in awe. "Was that blue light you? And what happened to the White Whale?"
"That lightshow? Yeah, that was me. As for the White Whale—it's dead. Lying in four pieces on the grass," he answered flatly.
Rem gasped. "Y-You slayed the White Whale?"
She couldn't believe it. That monstrous creature had been a plague for over four hundred years. Countless warriors, even the previous Sword Saint, had failed to defeat it.
"Yeah, you'll see its corpse later—if it's still there. For now, we've got bigger problems," Subaru replied, his tone shifting to something more serious.
"Bigger problems?" Rem asked, confused.
"The Witch Cult. They're targeting Roswaal's territory," he said matter-of-factly.
Rem's eyes darkened with hatred. "The Witch Cult? Why would they attack?"
"Because for them, the White Whale is a sort of pet. So, the Witch Cult is involved," Subaru said, and Rem shuddered, the full weight of the situation sinking in.
"I will kill all of them. You can help, of course, but I'll handle the Sin Archbishops," he explained to her, and she nodded.
"As you command, Master Zero," she replied, her role as his personal maid still intact.
Her perception of him had shifted. She had heard of how he defeated Julius, one of the strongest knights in Lugunica, and had seen him hold his own against Wilhelm, the Sword Demon.
Even without Lady Reina's intervention that day, she knew she would have lost.
(A/N: Nah, she would have decimated him before getting decimated)
She also felt guilty for her earlier assumptions. In truth, Roswaal, too, bore a similar scent to that of the Witch Cultists. The knowledge that Subaru was carrying something as dangerous as the Witch's Curse made her look at him with newfound respect.
She drove the carriage as he spoke, "Give me the letter I gave you."
She handed it back to him. He opened it, then burned five of the six pages, leaving only the first. He wrapped it up again.
"Hey, can any of you send this letter to Emilia?" he asked his spirits, leaving Rem confused as to whom he was talking to.
"While we cannot take physical form, we can use magic to lift it," said the Wind Spirit.
"Umu, Father. Sylphy would be the best choice to send the letter. She's the fastest of us, and her element won't harm it," Agni added.
"Master Zero, who are they?" Rem asked, keeping her eyes focused on the road.
"Mongrels, we are his proud children and contracted Spirits," said Gloria, her voice laced with pride.
Subaru's eyebrows twitched upon hearing Gloria's words. She sounded like a combination of Gilgamesh and Priscilla, all wrapped up in one.
"Master Zero's Quasi-Spirits have already become True Spirits?" Rem gasped in surprise, her breath catching in her throat.
'H-He is so strong,' she thought, a sense of awe overwhelming her.
"Give me the letter, Father. I remember Emilia and the path. I'll deliver it to her and the Great Spirit," Sylphy said, taking the letter from Subaru.
The letter was soon encased in an orb of swirling wind, and with a powerful gust, Sylphy shot into the sky, breaking the sound barrier with her Wind Magic.
Before long, they arrived in Arlam Village, and the night had already settled in.
"Rem, stop the carriage. Let's evacuate the village," Subaru instructed as he hopped down from the carriage.
"Did you see that pillar of light?" one villager whispered.
"Yes! It reached the heavens. What was that?" another added.
"Was it Lord Roswaal doing?"
The villagers had gathered outside, discussing the strange pillar of light that had illuminated the sky moments earlier.
Perfect. This was exactly what Subaru had hoped for.
He stood on the fountain's wall in the village center and raised his voice. "Excuse me! Everyone!"
The villagers turned their attention to him, curiosity piqued.
The village chief stepped forward, recognition in his eyes. "Sir Zero, it's you."
Subaru gave a small nod and said, "Now listen to me, everyone. As you know, I am Lord Roswaal's guest, and currently, I am acting as her bodyguard."
"The pillar of light you saw earlier in the sky? That was my doing. I was battling the White Whale," he explained, his voice steady and authoritative.
"White Whale?! Is he telling the truth?"
"Isn't he a friend of the Sword Saint? He must be strong, right?"
"Still… Can we really believe him?"
The villagers began murmuring among themselves, doubt and tension rising in the air.
Subaru raised his voice, firm and commanding, "Everyone! Focus. I have reason to believe the Witch Cult was behind the White Whale. Which means—they might attack this village next."
Gasps and cries broke out.
"Witch Cult?! Here?!"
"Why would they come all the way here?"
"It's that half-elf's fault, isn't it?"
"If anyone should leave, it should be her!"
"Why should we suffer because of her?"
Accusations flew. Panic mixed with prejudice. Subaru's expression darkened, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"Idiots… fools… utterly stupid," he muttered under his breath.
Without another word, he closed his eyes and summoned a sword of Aura. It gleamed with a radiant light that drew every eye. In one smooth motion, he leapt down from the fountain's wall and struck the blade into the ground.
A blinding pillar of light burst upward, piercing the sky. The clouds above scattered from the force, as if the heavens themselves had been split open.
Gasps of awe, fear, and silence followed.
When the light faded, Subaru spoke, voice sharp as steel.
"I'll say this only once. I have no obligation to protect you."
"The only reason I'm standing here, willing to fight the Witch Cult, is because of Emilia."
His eyes swept over the stunned villagers.
"So the next time you dare speak ill of her—remember who's risking their life for yours."
"I am her friend—and she cares about your safety!" Subaru's voice echoed through the crowd. "You mock her. Accuse her. Shun her. And still, she chooses to care for you!"
The villagers flinched, guilt washing over their faces like a cold wave.
He took a breath, then spoke again, firm but composed, "I'm requesting that you evacuate—preferably to the Mathers Mansion, where you'll be safer. But if you refuse… then consider that request an order."
Uneasy silence followed. One man hesitantly raised his hand.
"B-But how can we be sure we'll be safe… even if we evacuate?"
Subaru gave him a warm smile—but to everyone else, it felt like a chill had swept over the square.
"You'll be as safe as a mouse in front of a cat… if you stay here."
The man went pale and lowered his hand.
"I believe in Sir Zero!" Petra stepped forward, her voice small but clear. "He saved us from the Wolgram beasts!"
Subaru blinked, then gave a faint chuckle. "Thanks, Petra… how ironic. A kid being smarter than the rest of you."
He patted her head, and she turned red, trying to hide her smile.
(A/N: Lolimancer strikes again.)
"Hmph, I believe in him too," the Village Chief added, stepping beside her.
"Alright then!" Subaru clapped once. "Everyone, grab whatever's important and gather here. Be quick—we don't have much time."
The villagers finally began moving, urgency rising in their steps.
Just then, two figures appeared through the crowd—Ram, her gaze sharp, and Emilia, slightly out of breath but calm.
"Zero!" Emilia called out, hurrying over.
Puck floated beside her, his sharp eyes glancing around. Sylphy, meanwhile, flew up and landed gracefully next to Subaru.
"Father! I completed the task you gave me!" Sylphy reported with pride.
Subaru crouched slightly and gave her a pat, pulling her into a hug. "Good girl."
She let out a happy squeal as he rubbed her head, practically glowing with joy. The other spirits behind him exchanged envious glances.
(A/N: They are literally balls of mana; how do they even give envious glances?)
Puck, however, narrowed his eyes.
"Boy... just what is your Spirit affinity?" he muttered in disbelief.
He could feel it—an overwhelming connection to the spirits, far beyond anything he'd ever sensed. It wasn't just high—it was unnatural. At least a thousand times stronger than Emilia's. He'd noticed it briefly during the Royal Conference, but had dismissed it and now Subaru had Spirit affinity stronger than what he had back in Capital..
"No wonder these quasi-spirits became full-fledged Spirits… Are you even human?" Puck asked, eyeing Subaru suspiciously.
"Puck!" Emilia scolded gently, but her concern was clear.
"Zero, are the Witch Cultists going to attack us?"
Subaru turned to her calmly. "Yes. The Witch Cult is moving. I've confirmed it. I also killed the White Whale—it was likely acting under their influence."
The crowd around them stirred with unease.
Emilia's expression hardened. "Then we really do need to evacuate the village."
"I was planning to take them to the mansion," Subaru replied, "but if there's a safer place, I'm open to suggestions."
"Master Zero," Ram spoke up. "Lord Roswaal ordered the villagers to be sent to the Sanctuary."
Rem nodded beside her. "Yes, it will be safer there, and it's already prepared."
Subaru paused for a moment, thoughtful.
'So he's still playing that card... Fine. The Sanctuary is a good option, and Emilia needs to go there anyway. That place holds the key to her growing as a person.'
His gaze shifted to Emilia for a moment. Their bond was stronger than it had been in the original timeline—but even now, he could sense a wall inside her. A past she had yet to accept. Without facing it, she'd never grow beyond her hesitation.
'And if things go south, I can always call in Reina. I've got two of the Swords of Power now… that alone changes the whole game.'
A small smirk tugged at his lips.
'Honestly, I almost feel sorry for the bastards who show up next.'
After only four deaths, Subaru Natsuki—no, Zero—was already becoming one of the most dangerous existences in the world.
"How are we supposed to fight the Witch Cult? We don't even have an army..." Emilia asked nervously, her voice trembling just a little.
Subaru looked at her, then raised one hand dramatically. "Don't worry—for I am here!" he struck a confident pose.
Before anyone could respond, shadows began to stir at his feet. His own shadow deepened, stretching unnaturally across the ground as tendrils of darkness coiled upward.
A black blade slowly rose into the air, radiating an ominous aura. A chill ran through everyone's body.
He caught it with ease.
"The... Yin Sword?!" Puck gasped, floating back instinctively. His usually calm demeanor was shattered in an instant.
"The Sword of Darkness... one of the Ten Swords of Power?" Ram whispered, her face pale. The legends said only the chosen could wield such weapons—and those chosen were never ordinary.
She turned toward Subaru—no, Zero—her eyes wide with disbelief. "If that's true... then you've become one of the strongest existences in the world."
Subaru gave a half-smile, not confirming it—but not denying it either.
'And if they only knew the blade on my belt is another legendary sword... heh. Let's save that reveal for later,' he mused silently, amused by the thought.
"I'm strong," he said simply, stepping forward. "Strong enough to fight the Witch Cult on my own. I've already slain the White Whale—the blue pillar of light you saw earlier? That was me."
He stopped in front of Emilia and gently placed a hand on her head, ruffling her silver hair.
"You don't have to worry about the fight, Emilia. Just focus on getting everyone to safety. I'll take care of the rest."
Her breath hitched. The warmth of his hand, the quiet certainty in his voice—it made her heart flutter. A blush crept up her cheeks, and her violet eyes met his.
( t/n: Emilia's cheeks are as red as Subaru's Aura! Haha Must be a sign.)
That dependable figure, that calm confidence... it etched itself into her heart without her realizing.
Puck narrowed his eyes the moment he saw the faint blush on Emilia's face. With a small burst of mana, he flew forward and gave Subaru's hand a sharp kick.
"Hands off my daughter, boy," Puck growled, floating between them protectively like a furry guardian.
Subaru blinked, withdrawing his hand with a sheepish smile. Emilia glared at Puck in embarrassment. "Puck! That wasn't necessary!"
"Okay, okay, Father," Subaru muttered dramatically, rubbing his hand. "Anyway, I'll leave her in your care."
"Of course. She is my daughter," Puck snorted, his tone almost mocking.
Subaru smirked. "Yeah… my bad."
Then, turning toward the gathered villagers, his expression shifted to one of commanding calm.
"Alright, everyone! Slight change of plans," he announced. "By the orders of Lord Roswaal, you'll all be evacuated to the Sanctuary. You'll be under the protection of Rem, Ram, and Lady Emilia."
There was a bit of murmuring, especially when Emilia's name was mentioned—but not a soul dared to voice doubt aloud. Not after seeing that insane sword beam Subaru had fired into the heavens.
The Fuck-it-Calibur—as it was quickly dubbed in hushed whispers—was burned into their minds.
While there were those still wary of the half-elf, the support of both Lord Roswaal and this terrifying, dependable young man named Zero was more than enough to seal their approval.
"Very well, begin your evacuation," Subaru said. "And say—there won't be any issues walking in the dark, right?"
One of the older villagers chuckled nervously. "Uh, w-we have lanterns, sir. We'll manage."
"Good," Subaru nodded. Then with a teasing grin, he added, "Because if you trip and break something important, you'll just become more luggage."
The villagers gave weak laughs, and the tension in the air finally began to ease.
"It would have been better if there were more people to help with the evacuation," Ram muttered, arms crossed as she observed the crowd forming.
Subaru tilted his head. "More people? Oh right…"
He raised his hand and calmly spoke, "Agni, Aqua, Sylphy, Gaea… Gloria."
Five distinct flares of light shimmered around him, forming into graceful, radiant figures—each representing a different element. The villagers gawked as the spirits emerged one by one from his body, shimmering with mystical energy.
"You guys help with the evacuation and follow Emilia's instructions. Keep everyone safe."
"But Father…" Gloria pouted, pressing her fan against her lips in exaggerated sorrow. "This concubine wishes to incinerate mongrels alongside you…"
Subaru chuckled, gently patting her silver hair. "I know, I know. But trust me—helping them is helping me. If the villagers are safe, I won't have to hold back when I start slicing cultists like onions."
"Then… I'll burn them in spirit," Gloria sniffled, floating toward Emilia.
The others—Agni crackling with flame, Aqua gliding like a ripple, Sylphy darting playfully through the air, and Gaea calmly hovering with grounded grace—all nodded and moved into position.
The villagers looked on, jaws slack.
"He… He's a Spirit Arts user?"
"Not just a Spirit Arts user—he commands five?!"
"And they listen to him?!"
Petra's eyes sparkled like stars. "Sir Zero is amazing!"
As the last of the villagers gathered their things, the wagons were loaded, and children were rounded up, Emilia stepped forward. She wrapped her arms around Subaru tightly without warning.
"Promise me—" she whispered, voice trembling, "Promise me you won't die."
Subaru blinked, caught off guard by the sudden hug, but smiled gently as he returned it.
"This time? Nah," he replied with that ever-confident grin. "You'll see me again before dinner."
With that, they parted. Emilia hesitated a second longer, then turned back to help lead the villagers, flanked by Ram and Rem, with the five spirits floating protectively around them.
As their figures grew smaller on the dirt road, Subaru let out a long sigh.
"Now then," he muttered to himself, resting a hand on the hilt of the Yin Sword.
"It's time to wait… and welcome our guests."
___
To be continued…
(T/n: And that's a wrap for this chapter! Let me know what you think—always curious to hear your thoughts!)
(A/N: I have made small changes in this proofreader chap, yeah I am basically proofreading the proofread chap, however except a few lines everything was fine.
Also, I changed the 'Divine Annihilation to Fuck-it-Calibur, that was the Og, and I am keeping that.
To be honest the former sounds better, however the 'Fuck-it-calibur' was written to Show Subaru's frustration, not him glazing with cool name.
That's all, I hope you liked the chap!
We are in top 7 by the way, let's see if we can get in top 5)