Chapter 1: The Beginning
With a single blink of his eyes, he experienced an unforgettable game.
But when the game ended and he opened his eyes again, what greeted him was not his familiar room.
The black-haired, black-eyed young man in a tracksuit, Subaru Natsuki, looked at the scene before him — buildings straight out of a Western fantasy world, crowds mixed with beastmen and girls with animal ears, and wooden carts pulled by strange, unknown creatures — all of it made it clear: this was another world.
His fierce gaze, inherited from his mother, swept across the surroundings.
With a sigh and a changed mindset, Subaru Natsuki fully understood: he had transmigrated.
Unfortunately, right now he had no desire for an isekai journey — he just wanted to go home and see the parents who always worried about him.
He wanted to have a good heart-to-heart with them, talk about how he had been trying in his own way all these years, why he hadn't gone to school, share stories about the close friends he made in the game, and then start a new life and work hard toward new goals.
These were the things the boy named Subaru Natsuki wanted to do.
He didn't want an isekai adventure when he was already so eager to return home.
He didn't need a fresh start in a new world — because in that game, he had already found the direction in which he wanted to move forward.
'What the hell is that bastard god doing? Didn't he say he'd send us all home? Why the hell am I in a completely unfamiliar other world? Hurry up and send me back!'
Thinking this, Subaru Natsuki sighed and sat on the edge of a nearby fountain, hoping the deity would realize they had sent him to the wrong place and come to retrieve him.
But as time passed, second by second, Subaru Natsuki's expression went from calm to anxious, his legs from slight to rapid trembling, until he could no longer bear the scorching sun and stood up to leave the spot.
He'd had enough of waiting around like a fool for contact that might never come.
During this time, he might as well figure out where to eat and sleep first — and enjoy the culture of this world while waiting for the god's arrival.
With the power of whatever god it was, they should know where he was and when to send him back.
That wouldn't be a problem.
So for now, solve the food and shelter issue, and then patiently wait.
Even if the god didn't come to find him — why couldn't he find his own way home?
Even if it took time, it was better than never going back at all.
And if it were his best friend, they'd definitely shout "how unlucky!" and survive while searching for a way home.
During this journey, if he met people who needed help, he would lend a hand — because that's the kind of person his best friend was.
Thinking this, a faint smile appeared on Subaru Natsuki's face.
His previously anxious heart was now calm.
With a new attitude, he began to stroll down the street.
Of course, it wasn't aimless wandering.
While strolling, he was gathering the information he needed.
After thirty minutes, Subaru Natsuki sat on the steps beside an apple stall, holding a wooden stick and scribbling on the ground while mumbling things others couldn't understand.
"Communication isn't a problem — they speak Japanese in this world," Subaru Natsuki recalled the people he had interacted with.
They definitely spoke Japanese, and their lip movements matched the language.
"That's a good thing, but the writing is different," Subaru Natsuki looked at the wooden sign on the fruit stall next to him.
He could make out the numbers at most, but the characters representing currency were unknown.
Lowering his head, he continued scribbling incomprehensible symbols while softly muttering.
"My initial understanding is that this is a traditional fantasy world.
It's not too different from the ones in novels.
Probably has magic and such. And although there are beastmen mixed in the crowd, some beastmen-run shops don't welcome humans and have poor attitudes.
They probably dislike humans. Maybe there was some conflict in the past… yeah, that's very likely. This is another world, after all."
"Hey, can you go sit somewhere else?"
Subaru Natsuki heard a voice but didn't think it was directed at him.
He had just arrived — no one would talk to him, and he wasn't bothering anyone by sitting there.
So subconsciously, he thought it wasn't meant for him and continued planning his next moves.
"Because I can't read the language, I can't do easy jobs.
As for heavy labor — with beastmen around representing muscle in this world, no one's going to want someone like me. Ah… yeah, I know, I look weak…"
After a bit of self-deprecation, Subaru Natsuki figured out the kind of job he could do — service work.
Hotels needing general labor were the best choice.
With some luck, they might even provide room and board.
Plus, he had a skill to offer: sewing.
Even if all else failed, he had his phone from home as a backup.
Subaru Natsuki pulled out his phone and wallet for a look.
These were the things he had brought with him when he was preparing to go out, only to be dragged into a divine-chaos battle royal game before he even stepped out the door.
"Hey! I'm talking to you, you damn brat!"
Subaru Natsuki heard the loud shout and thought there was some kind of argument.
He looked up and saw a big, scarred, green-haired man glaring at him.
Realizing the man was talking to him, Subaru Natsuki sheepishly scratched his head and said,
"Sorry, sorry. I was thinking about something else just now. Is there something you need from me?"
Hearing Subaru Natsuki's apologetic tone, the strong and fierce-looking green-haired man's expression softened a bit, though he still looked a little displeased.
The green-haired man gave Subaru Natsuki a good once-over before speaking:
"You're from out of town, aren't you?"
"Ah, yeah," Subaru Natsuki clearly knew that his appearance was completely different from the people around him.
It was only natural he'd be seen as an outsider.
"You've been muttering to yourself next to my stall this whole time. Thanks to you, no one's coming to buy my fruit. Go sit somewhere else."
Subaru Natsuki was stunned for a second before he understood the man's point.
Still, he couldn't help but retort:
"Isn't it just because your expression is too scary, old man? That's why no one's coming, right?"
Hearing that, the fruit stall owner's face grew even more furious.
Seeing this, Subaru Natsuki quickly raised his hand and said,
"Hahaha, just joking, don't take it personally. But seriously, old man — if you want better business, maybe try not looking so scary. Smile a little more, like me. See?"
With that, Subaru Natsuki gave a bright smile and said, "How about it, old man? Doesn't it feel good? You try it too."
"…"
The fruit stall owner looked at Subaru Natsuki's beaming smile.
The anger on his face disappeared. He crossed his arms and said with a troubled look,
"It's not like I want to look like this. I can't help it. And if I smile, the guards would probably come after me."
"Hahaha, fair enough," Subaru Natsuki chuckled and stood up.
Looking up at the burly man who was a full head taller than him, he said,
"You must be a pretty amazing guy, old man. I mean, you look like someone who's had enough of war, found peace, and is now quietly selling fruit."
Chapter 2 – The Old Man
Hearing Natsuki Subaru's words, the old man at the fruit stand looked into his eyes and saw nothing but sincerity.
His tone wasn't flattering—he spoke more like he was stating a simple truth he believed in.
"I'm not some great person. But it's true that I found my place in life, and that's why I've settled down and honestly sell fruit."
The anger vanished from the old man's face as he walked back to his fruit stall, picked up a red fruit, and tossed it to Subaru.
Subaru quickly caught it with both hands, confusion plain on his face. The old man waved his hand and said:
"That fruit's for you. Come over here and talk—it's hot out, standing under the sun like this."
"Thank you, old man." Subaru thanked him and walked over to the stand, though he didn't enter the stall.
At that moment, the old man pulled out a small chair and placed it beside the stall.
"Sit."
"Thanks."
Subaru obediently sat down, looked at the fruit in his hand, and asked:
"What kind of fruit is this?"
"Huh? You kidding, kid? That's an Appa—an Appa!"
Seeing Subaru's dawning realization, the old man shook his head helplessly.
"Where are you from, some rich boy's house? Don't even know what an Appa is."
"The apple where I come from don't look like this," Subaru said as he instinctively wiped the apple on his shirt and took a bite. The flavor instantly won him over.
"Delicious! I've never had such a good Appa before!"
"Of course. The fruit I sell is top quality."
The old man's proud expression made Subaru nod in agreement.
As Subaru devoured the Appa, the old man couldn't help but smile faintly.
He'd never met anyone quite like Subaru before.
"But the reason no one comes to your stall is definitely because of your scary face, old man. You really should smile more."
"You little brat! You're eating my Appa right now! And I'm not in the mood to smile at people who can't afford fruit."
"But old man, I'm also broke—a total penniless bum. If I don't find food and shelter soon, I'll be sleeping on the streets tonight. That's what you call a genuine, certified poor guy."
"Can't understand why a pauper would say that so proudly."
"I'm just stating the truth. And just because I'm poor now doesn't mean I'll stay poor.
Even if I'm poor in the future, I believe things will change eventually.
My best friend's the kind of person who, no matter how unlucky he is, believes he'll overcome it one day."
As Subaru spoke about his close friend, his eyes sparkled with admiration. His tone was filled with pride and longing.
After listening, the old man blinked in surprise and patted Subaru on the shoulder.
"Good attitude. When you've got money in the future, you'd better drop by my fruit stand often."
"Of course. But if next time you've still got that scary look on your face, I'm buying from someone else."
After finishing the Appa, Subaru stood up, looked up at the towering old man, and smiled.
"To make sure I can buy fruit from you in the future, I think I'll teach you how to smile, old man."
"Kid, didn't I say if I smile, the guards will come question me!"
The old man's roar made Subaru laugh. He wagged his finger and said:
"You can't say that. Smiles come from the heart. No matter how scary someone looks, a genuine smile from the heart won't be off-putting."
Saying this, Subaru looked seriously into the old man's eyes and continued:
"I bet you've never seen what your smile looks like, have you?"
Subaru pulled out his phone from his pocket and aimed it at the puzzled old man.
"You said you've found your place in life, right? What are your loved ones like?"
The old man paused at that question.
A smile slowly formed on his stern face, softening his fierce features.
As he gently talked about his family, Subaru silently snapped a picture of the old man smiling.
After glancing at the photo, Subaru nodded in satisfaction and quietly listened to the old man speak warmly about his family, his voice filled with affection.
"Jeez… how did I end up spilling everything?" the old man grumbled.
Just as he was about to warn Subaru to forget what he'd said, he noticed the photo.
Subaru pulled his hand back, smiled, and pointed to the man in the photo with his other hand.
"See? A heartfelt smile. Does that really look so scary?"
As if worried the old man couldn't see it clearly, Subaru handed him the phone.
The old man stared quietly at the photo for a while.
"…Alright, I'll admit it, you've got a point, brat." He handed the phone back to Subaru.
Just as Subaru took it, the old man suddenly grew serious.
"That thing of yours—it must be one of those legendary magic tools, right? Don't go waving something so valuable around like that. You're scrawny and weak. If the wrong person sees it, your life could be over."
Subaru froze at those words, then tucked his phone away.
He decided not to sell it unless he absolutely had to.
The old man's words were a clear warning—this was another world, and the things he carried were rare and dangerous here. And he was weak.
"You really are a good person, old man."
"Hmph. I just don't dislike you, that's all."
"That attitude might be charming on a cute girl, but not on a scary-looking old guy."
"I don't know what you mean by 'charming attitude,' but I'm sure you're mocking me!"
Subaru stepped away from the stall, waved goodbye, and said:
"Well, old man, see you later. If I don't find a job and a place to stay soon, I'll really be sleeping in the streets."
"Wait! What's your name?"
"Natsuki Subaru. That's my name."
"Strange name… but kid, if you really can't find work, come find me. I'll still be around in the evening. I can give you food and a place to sleep.
But it's not free—once you get a job, you pay up and move out, got it!"
Seeing the old man avoid eye contact, Subaru shouted back:
"I will! I don't want to die so soon anyway! But I still feel a bit bad about causing you trouble, old man. I'll work hard to find a job! So wish me luck, or your house will be stuck with a freeloader!"
With that, Natsuki Subaru turned and dashed off, beginning his first-ever job hunt—and one in another world at that.
Chapter 3: The Giant Old Man
Even though he tried hard, Natsuki Subaru still couldn't find a job.
Reflecting on the reasons, he figured it was probably because his strange clothing looked too out of place.
"Guess I have no choice but to go find that old man…" Subaru looked up at the setting sun and sighed at how hard it was to find a job.
This experience strengthened his resolve: once he got back home, he had to study hard.
Finding a job in a world without modern conveniences was that difficult.
If he didn't study back home, he might just end up as a parasite living off his parents—a future Subaru absolutely didn't want.
Subaru stood up and sighed.
To be honest, he didn't want to trouble that old man.
The fruit vendor was a good person and willing to help him out of kindness. But Subaru couldn't accept that kindness with a clear conscience—he needed to provide enough value to deserve it.
Subaru took out his smartphone and, after a moment of hesitation, decided to sell it.
Only by doing so could he accept the old man's help.
With some money, at least he could pay for food and shelter for a while as he looked for his first job.
'There must be a dark side to this world.
There's definitely a slum area—after all, I've seen some beggars.
Maybe there's a place in there where I can fence the phone. But that's too dangerous… That'll have to be the last resort.
Then maybe I should look for a noble to sell it to instead? Hmm… Nobles…'
Thinking about how nobles were portrayed in movies and shows, Subaru decided that was still a risky option.
But the other safer options weren't really accessible to him.
'Guess I'll have to look for someone who doesn't know the item's value but seems safe to deal with.'
With that thought, Subaru looked around at the pedestrians.
Most of them seemed like commoners—likely unable to afford the phone.
He sighed, stared at the phone in his hand, and decided it would be better to at least check out the slums.
As long as he didn't explain the phone's functions, no one would understand its true value.
Plus, he might not even find a fencing spot there.
Even if he did, he could always assess the risk—like whether they'd rob him—before deciding whether to hand the phone over.
Having made up his mind, Subaru found a beggar and asked where the slum was.
After getting directions, he headed that way. After walking for a while, Subaru arrived.
Walking along the dirt road, a foul stench hit his nose—probably one of the main reasons people avoided this place. Around some shabby wooden huts, he noticed several children eyeing him.
Judging by their physiques and tattered clothing, Subaru silently lamented, This really is another world.
The sight left him somewhat uncomfortable, but he understood that he couldn't help these people.
Even if he had the power to help, he couldn't save everyone.
That was something only the country's rulers could deal with.
He wondered what his best friend would do in this situation.
He probably couldn't do much either, Subaru thought.
Shaking off those thoughts, Subaru approached a weary-looking man sitting on a rock by the road.
"Hello, sir. May I ask you something?"
The man turned toward him, looked him over, and replied:
"What do you want to know?"
"Um, is there a place around here where I can fence some goods?"
"There is. Just up the hill ahead, there's a wooden hut. That's where Old Man Rom and Felt handle stolen goods. If you've got something to deal with, go find them. But listen, rich boy—you'd best stay away from this place."
"I see. Thank you, sir."
The man just waved a hand and turned back to his daze.
Subaru glanced at him and sighed internally before heading in the direction he was told. Before long, he arrived at the wooden hut.
Taking a deep breath, Subaru tried to calm his nerves.
He was about to step into this world's underworld. Clenching his fists, he steeled himself.
'Even if I run into some really bad guy, I should be able to escape. After all, the game I played wasn't exactly peaceful—I did learn a few escape tricks.'
Subaru reached out and knocked gently on the wooden door. From inside came a voice—aged but full of energy.
"For dealing with rats."
Subaru froze. He hadn't expected there to be a password. And of course, he didn't know it. Better to just explain himself.
"Um, hello. I'm here to sell something."
There was a moment of silence.
Then, the door opened—and Subaru found himself staring at a giant! No, more accurately, a massive, over-two-meter-tall man radiating raw strength.
"Kid, you're the one selling something?"
"Uh… yeah. Could you… not block the doorway…?"
The man didn't respond. He just stared at Subaru for a moment, then stepped aside.
"Come in."
Subaru's heart pounded.
He already regretted coming here, but he was in too deep now—might as well go through with it.
Besides, someone this bulky probably wasn't very fast.
Anxious but resolved, Subaru entered the hut under the giant's watchful gaze.
Inside, he saw a cramped space filled with all sorts of goods. Behind him, he heard footsteps.
He quickly turned around and backed up a step, watching the towering man cautiously.
But the man didn't attack. He just picked up a massive wooden club, walked behind a counter, and sat down.
"Alright, kid. What are you selling?"
Subaru approached the counter and sat down across from him.
After adjusting his mindset, he spoke:
"Just so we're clear—I've hidden the item in a place only I know. Don't even think about smashing me into a meat patty."
"Who'd do that?! We've got rules in this business."
"But it's just the two of us. If you killed me, no one would know…"
"Kid, are you selling or not? If not, get out. I don't have time for nonsense."
Seeing the man's displeased expression, Subaru fell silent, then began explaining his smartphone's functions.
After the explanation, he added:
"I'm not lying about what it can do. I'll show you a demonstration after we come to an agreement."
"Hmm… Sounds like some kind of Metia. If what you say is true, it's probably worth ten gold coins—no, maybe twenty. If the right buyer shows up, it could even fetch a higher price."
Chapter 4: Felt
"But that's only if this thing actually exists. Though you do look pretty fair-skinned and tender like a noble, nobles aren't as stupid as you."
"Ah! You just called me stupid, didn't you?! Sure, I'm not a noble, but I'm definitely not stupid!" Natsuki Subaru slammed the table hard, clearly annoyed at being called dumb.
"You may have had the sense to hide the item before coming here to negotiate, but if someone were to just grab you and torture you a bit, a soft-skinned kid like you wouldn't last long."
The old giant spread his arms as he expressed his thoughts.
But just as he finished speaking, another loud slam hit the table—and now, a small white box lay on top.
"Sorry, I'm even dumber than you think." Subaru flashed a dazzling white smile and gave a thumbs-up to the old man.
The old man fell silent upon hearing this.
Subaru said nothing more and picked up his phone to snap a photo of the giant old man. Since it was still daylight, the flash didn't activate.
"This is the 'magic' I was talking about."
"A Metia?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's right—it's a Metia. So, when do I get my twenty gold coins?"
Subaru placed the phone on the table and slid it over to the old man.
The man stared deeply at Subaru, then picked up the phone and scrutinized the image.
After a long silence, he finally spoke.
"You should be glad you're doing business with me."
"I may look weak—well, I am weak—but I do have some skill at running away.
Besides, ever since I stepped through that door, your whole vibe's been more good guy than bad.
Even if you're not a good guy, you're at least not evil. So I figured I didn't need to hide anything."
"Hmph… I don't even know how to describe you." The giant old man pushed the phone back across the table.
"Take it back. I don't have that many holy gold coins on me."
"Hey, come on! This is the only valuable thing I've got! Even if you can't give me twenty gold, at least take it off my hands for something!"
"Then how about five gold coins?"
"How long can you live here on five gold coins?"
"Ten gold is enough for a whole family for a year. Wait a minute—do you seriously not know anything at all?!"
Seeing the shocked expression on the man's face, Subaru laughed.
"That's not important. Let's just settle on five gold coins, alright?"
"..."
Watching the silent old man, Subaru crossed his arms in annoyance.
"You're not gonna say you don't even have five gold coins, are you? Or are you thinking about just killing me and taking it?"
"I'll give you ten gold coins. By the way, kid—what's your name?"
"Natsuki Subaru. Since I told you mine, how about telling me yours, old man?"
"Just call me Old Man Rom. That's what everyone around here calls me. And I gotta say, I owe you for bringing me a small fortune."
"No big deal. We're all just trying to survive out here." Subaru waved his hand nonchalantly, not caring at all about selling the phone at a loss.
To him, it was just a stopgap—he really wanted to try working part-time in another world.
Then, when he went back home, he'd already have experience balancing school and work.
Old Man Rom laughed and poured Subaru a cup of milk.
"You're the strangest kid I've seen in all my years. Here, drink up—you've earned it."
"Saying someone else is strange... I think you are the strange one, Old Man Rom. You make a living fencing stolen goods, but you act like a decent person. I like that about you, though."
The two shared a laugh. Subaru took a sip of the milk and was just about to explain how the phone worked and what its weaknesses were when there was a knock at the door.
"A customer?"
"Probably that girl Felt. Hold on, I'll get it."
Subaru slowly drank his milk as Rom walked toward the door.
Watching the giant man's massive figure again reminded Subaru of the intimidating aura Rom gave off.
Still, he'd seen worse—much worse—in that game world.
There were even weaker-looking enemies who were far more dangerous, not to mention creatures that were straight-up inhuman.
"How do you deal with rats?"
"With poison."
"How do you deal with white whales?"
"With a fish hook."
"And how do someone like us deal with noble dragons?"
"Feed 'em crap!"
Sitting by the counter and overhearing the exchange, Subaru almost choked on his drink. What kind of ridiculous password system is that?! He had expected something with a little class, not… this.
He set his cup down just as Rom opened the door and stepped aside to let in a cute blonde girl with red eyes.
She was dressed in rather skimpy clothing—clearly too poor to afford much fabric.
"Rom, who's this guy?"
"Him? He's a customer of mine. A dumb one who just handed me something worth more than twenty gold coins."
"Hey hey hey! I'm sitting right here, Rom! You really gonna ruin my first impression like that in front of this unknown, blonde-haired girl? There goes my dashing introduction!"
"You never had a good impression to begin with. My first impression of you was just 'idiot.'"
"What an utterly un-cute girl," Subaru said, shrugging as he continued to drink his milk.
He had to admit, the milk in this world tasted pretty good… although, he couldn't quite be sure if it really was milk.
"Alright, Felt. Did you get your target?" Rom asked as he shut the door.
He returned to the counter and refilled Subaru's glass.
Apparently reassured by Rom's behavior, the girl—Felt—let her guard down and sat down one seat away from Subaru.
From her pocket, she pulled out a triangular black emblem with a glowing red gem in the center, ringed by golden dragon motifs.
It looked stunningly ornate.
"Of course I got it. That client of mine was just too clingy. If it weren't for that, I'd have been back even sooner. But it's fine—by now, the buyer should be on their way."
Subaru quietly sipped his milk. Whatever they were discussing had nothing to do with him.
He was just waiting to get his ten gold coins, show how the phone worked, and then leave.
"So, what did this guy trade with you to earn you twenty gold coins?" Felt asked.
"That Metia on the table."
"This thing's a Metia? Never seen one like it before."
"First time for me too. But based on its function, it's definitely worth around twenty coins—maybe even more."
"Wow, this guy really is a dumbass."
Listening to their conversation, Subaru put down his cup, declined Rom's offer for a refill, and said:
"Can you stop calling me that already? How about saying I'm a handsome messenger of fortune instead?"
"Messenger of fortune, huh? Not bad. Too bad you don't look the part—you don't look like a messenger or a kid."
"The important part is the 'handsome,' not the 'kid'!" Subaru sighed and decided to stop caring about titles.
He was just about to explain the phone's functionality to Rom when—once again—there was a knock at the door.
The words were stuck in his throat.
He opened his mouth but couldn't get anything out.
"Must be my client. I'll go answer it."
Chapter Five: The Battle Begins
Natsuki Subaru looked at Felt, who had jumped down from the chair.
He didn't concern himself with what she was doing—after all, she was dealing with her own guest.
He and Old Man Rom would just handle their own matters.
"Come on, Old Man Rom, let me explain how to use this cellphone."
"Let's talk about it later. I still need to keep an eye on Felt." Subaru saw Old Man Rom's hand twitch, and knew he must have gripped that huge wooden club.
"Old Man Rom, what's your relationship with Felt? You seem to really care about her."
"Felt's a child I've watched grow up. So sorry, kid, but just wait a little, would you?" As he said this, Old Man Rom poured more milk into Subaru's cup.
Looking at the brimming cup of milk, Subaru sighed and decided to just drink and wait.
It wasn't like the phone was going to run away.
With that in mind, Subaru picked up the cup to enjoy the milk slowly when Felt's voice came from behind him.
"Ugh… It's you? You're really persistent!"
Hearing this, Subaru turned around, resting one hand on the table and looking toward the doorway.
There stood an extraordinarily beautiful girl, with long white hair and purple eyes.
Though she was stunning, it was nothing special—after all, that game world was full of handsome men and beautiful women.
At least, it should have been like that.
Yet Subaru's heart suddenly started racing, making him uncomfortable.
His gaze was one of admiration and curiosity, so there should've been no reason for his heart to pound.
Why, then, did it feel like it was thumping just like a little bunny's heart?
Subaru's expression became guarded.
This feeling had occurred in the game as well—when encountering people with charm-related abilities.
But it didn't quite make sense. The girl looked like a naive, sweet type.
He took a small sip of milk to calm his heart and silently observed the situation unfold.
"I finally found you. Give me back what you took—it's something very important to me."
"Well, you should've kept better watch over it. I got it, so it's mine now."
Upon hearing this, the white-haired girl raised her hand, and her expression turned cold. Around her, ice spears began to form.
"Then I'll have to use force to take it back."
Seeing this, Subaru finally understood.
The white-haired girl standing at the door might appear cold and ready to attack, but she was no different from the one in the game—the girl who could've killed him but let him go with an excuse, and who even stepped in when he was on the verge of death.
While Subaru remained calm, Old Man Rom, who was behind the counter, stood up. Looking at the girl at the door, he murmured:
"White hair… Elf magic… Are you a half-elf…? Girl, what's your relation to the Witch?"
"No relation. I just look like her. That resemblance causes me a lot of trouble too!" The white-haired girl waved her hand with a frown, clearly indicating how troubled she was.
"Felt, return the item to this girl."
"Huh? Old Man Rom, whose side are you on!? Whatever, the item's mine now!"
"Felt!"
Old Man Rom shouted loudly, causing Felt to hesitate.
From his tone, it was clear he was serious.
"Well, I don't know how much what you stole is worth, but if it's returning it to her, then just do it. Besides, the deal I made with Old Man Rom was about you. It's no different, right?"
After Subaru said this, Felt reluctantly muttered:
"Fine, but watch your stuff better next time, or I'll steal it again." With that, Felt began to take out the stolen item.
Just when everyone thought things had calmed down, Subaru—mid-sip of milk—suddenly widened his eyes and shouted while spraying milk from his mouth:
"Behind you! Watch out!"
The white-haired girl turned around upon hearing his shout.
A glowing curved blade was coming down on her.
At the critical moment, a shield of ice rose to block the blade's path.
With a sharp clang, an ice spear immediately shot out at the attacker.
The woman dodged and flipped over the white-haired girl, landing in the middle of the room.
"Phew, thanks, kid." A white cat poked its head out from the white-haired girl's hair and thanked Subaru.
He responded with—
"Cough, cough, cough." Subaru coughed while covering his mouth with one hand and waved with the other.
"Wait! Weren't you here to buy the badge!?" Felt shouted, though she also took a step back.
The woman in the room, now surrounded by everyone, wore a smile and brandished her curved blade.
Every motion of hers, from her gaze to her steps, radiated undisguised killing intent.
"As expected of slum trash. You couldn't even handle a simple task and let the owner follow you here. Oh well, guess I'll have to kill everyone here now."
Wearing a black cloak and with short black hair, the woman was indeed beautiful, but her words sent chills down everyone's spines.
"Wha…?"
"Curved blade, black hair… You're the Kingdom's wanted criminal—The Bowel Hunter!"
"Cough, I appreciate the introduction, Old Man Rom. But shouldn't you be grabbing your weapon by now?" As he spoke, Subaru got off the chair, muscles tense, staring at the enemy.
Old Man Rom also stepped out from behind the counter, wielding a massive club.
"Can I have a weapon?"
"Can you fight?"
"Nope. But at least I can try to put up a little resistance."
"It's so rude to leave your guest aside and chat so happily over there.
And that boy really understands me well~~ I'm curious to see what color your intestines are. Today's going to be a wonderful day~~"
Subaru smiled bitterly and accepted the shield and sword that Old Man Rom took down from the wall.
"I don't understand you.
I'm just sensitive to your undisguised bloodlust.
But compared to others I've felt, yours is a bit weaker.
Also, my intestines have no desire to meet the outside world, so I'll pass on your kind offer."
With that, Subaru held the shield in one hand and assumed a defensive stance, facing the black-haired woman.
"Hey, little miss, if possible, could you let my precious daughter go? Then we wouldn't have to fight."
"Sorry, I refuse. It's not just because of the job—I also want to see what a spirit's intestines look like."
"Puck!"
"Looks like there's no other way. Then, little girl, I wish you luck." The white cat called Puck adorably raised a paw as if bidding farewell to the black-haired woman.
It would've looked cute if not for the massive ice spear forming above.
The moment Puck finished speaking, the battle began.
The current situation: four people and a cat versus one person.
Chapter Six is Still Ongoing
As Puck launched his attack, Subaru Natsuki saw a floating little cat in mid-air, raising its calculating hands... or rather a pair of front paws, continuously firing off densely packed icicles.
From the smile on its face, it was clear that the cat wasn't the slightest bit nervous—it looked like... or rather, it was just playing around.
In contrast, the woman whom Old Man Rom called the "Bowel Hunter" was incredibly agile, moving around the small wooden house in a way that didn't seem human.
She darted about, occasionally using the curved blade in her hand to shatter the icicles.
More importantly, she also had a smile on her face, as if enjoying the fight itself.
While the person and cat fought, they also continued to chat in casual tones, like two friends having a decent conversation.
Watching the fight, Subaru realized he had absolutely no chance to intervene—not that he ever intended to in the first place.
He had taken the sword and shield only for self-defense and to help someone if things got critical.
"Old Man Rom, I think after this fight, you probably won't have a place to live."
"Is now really the time to be saying that? You sure don't seem the least bit nervous."
"Watching their battle from the sidelines feels just like a game—seriously, no tension at all. Also, looks like the cat has the upper hand right now."
Just as Subaru said this, he saw the Bowel Hunter pause, and Puck's medium-pitched voice reached everyone's ears.
"Well then, goodbye, little lady!"
A massive ice pillar shot toward the Bowel Hunter, but at the last moment, the woman dodged the attack.
"To be honest, I really don't like it when girls do things like that."
The Bowel Hunter was balancing on one foot—the one that had been frozen earlier.
To escape, she had used her blade to slice off part of her own sole.
Everyone watching widened their eyes in horror, a wave of revulsion welling up from deep inside. At this moment, Subaru suddenly spoke.
"Hey, little cat over there—your name's Puck, right?"
"That's right, little bro. My name is Puck—I'm the father of the girl behind me, y'know."
"Though there's a lot I could complain about in that sentence... Could you maybe stop playing around? She's really dangerous."
Subaru said this with a serious expression.
A person who could be so cruel to herself definitely wasn't someone to be taken lightly.
Meanwhile, the woman had already crafted an ice shoe on the spot and stuck it to her foot with a smile.
"Little bro, you're right. Looks like I'll have to get serious."
As those words fell, the now-serious Puck revealed his overwhelming power. The entire room was filled with icicles surrounding the Bowel Hunter.
In the next moment, they all shot out at once.
A white mist then obscured the view.
From behind Subaru, Old Man Rom shouted:
"Did you get her?!"
"Hey hey hey! This is not the time to say stuff like that!"
"Ahhh~ That felt amazing. Well then, let's move on to round two~~"
The Bowel Hunter's cheerful voice came from within the mist.
When it cleared, she was standing there without her cloak.
"That last attack was really dangerous. If not for my cloak being able to block one magic attack, I think I'd be dead by now."
"I'd love to finish her off, but that move used up all my mana."
Yawning, Puck floated into the white-haired girl's palm and said:
"If you're ever in danger, make sure to summon me—even if it costs energy. Now I'll go take a nap."
"Okay, go rest, Puck."
"Little bro over there, I'm counting on you to take care of my daughter."
Puck suddenly addressed Subaru, which caught him off guard.
"Sorry, I might not be able to. I'm really weak. Instead of relying on me, you're better off asking Old Man Rom."
"What, it's over already? That's a shame—I wanted to see what a spirit's insides looked like."
The Bowel Hunter, staring at Puck as he faded away, looked genuinely disappointed.
"Little bro may be weak, but he's clever and perceptive. So, I'm counting on you guys."
Before Subaru could say anything, Puck's figure vanished.
And then came another dangerous line from the Bowel Hunter.
"Though one of you is gone, the rest of you are still here. Let's start with the half-elf."
Subaru watched the Bowel Hunter rush toward the white-haired girl.
Compared to the previous fight, there was no energy or excitement—she couldn't keep up with the Bowel Hunter's speed and could only block attacks without counterattacking.
"Little bro, what do we do? This doesn't look good!"
Felt, hiding beside Old Man Rom, asked frantically.
But Subaru didn't have a good answer. He wasn't some human combat expert.
"Even if you ask me... there's really no way.
The safest plan now is for one person to go for reinforcements.
There are still guards in the royal capital. We'll have to rely on them to catch this twisted woman."
The plan sounded reasonable, but Felt had no idea how long they could hold out.
And more importantly, who should go?
"Then little bro, you go! You were dragged into this. If anyone should run, it's you."
Hearing that, Subaru turned and looked at Felt. Seeing her guilty expression, he turned back and replied:
"If you feel guilty, then don't do this kind of shady work again. Besides, I'm older than you. You're the youngest, so logically, you should be the one running. I'm an outsider—there's a real chance I'll get lost on the way. So, you're the best choice."
"But..."
Before Felt could finish, a white blur slammed into the counter.
"Felt! Listen to him! There's no time to hesitate. Plus, you're fast! Go now!"
Seeing the white-haired girl losing, Old Man Rom immediately charged forward with his massive club.
"Old Man Rom!!"
"What are you crying about?! Just go! If you really don't want me to die, then run like your life depends on it!!"
Subaru's shout snapped Felt back to her senses.
Gritting her teeth, she ran for the door.
At that moment, the Bowel Hunter, who was tearing up the living room, suddenly threw her curved blade toward the defenseless Felt.
Without thinking, Subaru ran forward into the blade's trajectory and raised his shield to block the flying weapon.
"Run! Don't just stand there!"
Felt stopped briefly, eyes reddening.
She left only the words, "Don't die," before running out the door.
"To think you'd discard your weapon while fighting me! Pay the price for your arrogance!"
"I've still got more weapons, and besides—I don't feel like dancing with you anymore. I'm actually a little angry now!"
From who-knows-where, the Bowel Hunter pulled out two new curved blades.
Dodging Rom's attack, she jumped into the air and swung both blades at the back of his neck.
Just as Rom had no time to react, a longsword came spinning through the air and struck the Bowel Hunter's weapon.
Though she blocked it with one blade, the interruption gave Rom just enough time to dive forward.
Though his neck was still slashed, the wound wasn't deep.
Falling to the ground, the Bowel Hunter's ever-present smile vanished.
She looked at Subaru, who had grabbed another longsword from the wall, and said:
"You've really pissed me off."
Facing her words, Subaru stepped slowly over to Rom's side and said with a smile:
"Well, I'm really sorry about that. But I promise—I'll do it again. And Rom! Don't just lie there! I definitely can't beat her on my own!"
"You saved my life."
Rom got up, touched the back of his neck, and looked at the blood on his hand.
With a grim expression, he picked up his giant club and resolutely said:
"You should go. I can still stall her for a while. Just... take care of Felt for me."
"If there's something you want to do, go do it. I'm not leaving you behind."
Chapter 7 End
"You guys ignoring me like this, isn't that a bit much? You let one get away just now—now, none of you are going anywhere."
Upon hearing this, Old Man Rom and Subaru Natsuki stopped arguing at the same time.
The Bowel Hunter standing before them was not someone they could afford to ignore.
Rather than continuing to debate whether to flee or not, it was better to focus on surviving against this overwhelmingly powerful woman.
"Is it really necessary to kill us all? Felt has already gone to get reinforcements. If you don't leave now, you might not be able to later."
Subaru smiled as he tried to persuade her to leave.
But instead of compromise, he got a cold response.
"Dealing with the two of you won't take long. I'll kill you both, and then I'll leave."
"Should I say you're confident, or just arrogant?" Subaru glanced toward the counter and shouted:
"Now!"
As soon as Subaru shouted, Old Man Rom rushed forward again.
Facing the fierce charge, the Bowel Hunter casually shattered the ice spikes shot at her from the side.
After doing so, she glanced at the white-haired girl behind the counter before charging at Rom again.
The two were once more entangled in fierce combat, leaving the white-haired girl unable to offer effective support.
'So it really isn't that easy, huh…' Subaru adjusted his position, ready to jump in and disrupt the Bowel Hunter's attacks at any moment.
Facing such an agile opponent, the already injured and aging Old Man Rom clearly wouldn't last long.
Just as Subaru had feared, Rom's speed and strength began to fade, and his breathing grew more labored.
Subaru kept a close eye on the fight, gripping his weapon tightly, muscles tense.
They just had to hold on until reinforcements arrived. Then they'd be safe.
So long as they could support each other, this was still possible.
Subaru only hoped the girl behind the counter could be of some help—even just a little.
With that thought, he sprang into action at the right moment.
Rom, fatigued from prolonged combat, exposed an opening that the Bowel Hunter immediately seized.
She noticed Subaru charging from the side but didn't hesitate—her curved blade continued swinging toward Rom.
Subaru, who had already closed the distance, swung his longsword toward the Bowel Hunter. If she didn't pull back, her arm would be severed by Subaru's sword.
"Subaru, watch out!" Surprisingly, it was Rom, who should've been the one under threat, who shouted for Subaru to be careful.
But it was already too late.
The Bowel Hunter's other curved blade flew toward Rom.
The one aimed at Rom abruptly twisted mid-air to intercept Subaru's sword.
Subaru's pupils widened—he had underestimated the strength of the Bowel Hunter.
He'd assumed she was all agility, but the force behind her strike sent his sword flying and knocked him backward.
Time seemed to slow in Subaru's eyes as the curved blade came slashing toward his stomach.
He quickly raised his shield to block the attack. It worked, but only barely—it deflected the blade just slightly. His clothing at the abdomen was torn open.
Before the pain could even register, a long leg struck Subaru's neck, sending him flying to the side.
Subaru tumbled across the ground several times.
Lying there, he could feel the pain in his neck and abdomen. Warm blood flowed from his stomach.
He didn't need to look to know it was his own.
Enduring the pain in his neck, Subaru looked toward the Bowel Hunter.
She had already retreated several steps and caught her curved blade, now raised high in her hand.
"Kid! Are you okay?!"
Subaru looked at Rom, who had retreated to his side, and said bitterly:
"Ah… still hanging in there… But at this rate, I don't think we'll last much longer…"
"Missy over there, thanks for saving me. But now I need you to take this kid and run. We can't hold out much longer." Rom looked solemnly at the Bowel Hunter.
If not for the white-haired girl behind the counter, he would probably already be lying dead on the floor.
"But what about you?"
"Now's not the time to hesitate, young lady. You're kind-hearted, and I apologize for associating you with the witch earlier. But now, please take Subaru and go. I'll buy you time!"
With those words, Rom charged forward again.
The white-haired girl looked at Rom's reckless charge, then at Subaru lying on the floor. Gritting her teeth, she ran to his side and helped him up.
"You must hold on."
She lifted Subaru and prepared to leave, but he pushed her away.
"What are you doing?! We need to go!"
Subaru glanced at the anxious white-haired girl, turned around, and picked up the shield that had fallen to the floor.
"If we're going to leave, we all leave together. If not, then you and Rom should go, and I'll cover the retreat. Rom can't die here—Felt would be devastated.
If I'm the one who dies, no one will be sad, so I can't go."
"What are you talking about?! Don't you have family?!"
"I do. But if I leave Rom behind now, I'll live in guilt for the rest of my life."
Subaru moved his feet forward, enduring the pain in his neck and stomach, eyes filled with fierce resolve as he charged.
With each step, he left a trail of blood.
"Ah, how touching. Then I'll just send you all off together for a reunion."
"Subaru, just go!!"
"Shut up! If you have something you want to do, do it yourself! I'm not going to take care of Felt for you.
Live and take care of her yourself! Who could just watch someone throw their life away like that?!"
Shouting these words, Subaru raised his shield and charged at the Bowel Hunter.
She narrowed her eyes, once again annoyed by how troublesome Subaru was.
Ice spikes flew past Subaru and shot toward the Bowel Hunter.
She tried to dodge, but Rom's massive club blocked her escape. Subaru charged head-on, shield-first.
The Bowel Hunter gave up on blocking the non-lethal ice attacks.
She stepped toward Subaru, dodging Rom's strike.
As she was hit by Subaru's shield, several wounds from the ice appeared on her body.
Subaru continued pushing her back with his shield. The Bowel Hunter swung her curved blade at Rom's neck.
Seeing this, Subaru stopped and threw his shield at her arm, knocking her strike off-course and saving Rom's life once again. But now, Subaru was left defenseless.
The injured Bowel Hunter glared viciously at Subaru and brought her blade down upon him.
"—This is the end!"
Chapter 8 – Natsuki Subaru Dies
Suddenly a man fell from the sky and crashed through the ceiling landed between Natsuki Subaru and the Bowel Hunter with overwhelming force.
As the dust settled and Subaru opened his eyes, he saw a man with red hair dressed in an elegant white outfit.
The red-haired man, with his back to Subaru, turned around with a smile and said,
"You've done well. Leave the rest to me."
Just one glance was enough for Subaru to be sure—this guy was definitely a protagonist.
He was handsome, powerful, and exuded a reassuring sense of righteousness.
"Then I'll leave it to you. Be careful—she's strong."
"Thanks for the warning. I'll take this seriously. You should rest now."
"Let's go, Subaru," said Old Man Rom as he carried Subaru over to the white-haired girl and gently laid him down.
"Rom-jii! Thank goodness you're okay!"
A voice from the doorway made Rom look back.
It was Felt, her eyes red as she ran in with a relieved smile.
Before Rom could say anything, she saw the battered Subaru lying on the ground.
She rushed to his side, knelt down, and asked in a panic,
"Hey, you're still alive, right?!"
"As the guy who saved your grandpa multiple times, I'd really like proper treatment. Otherwise, I might actually run out of breath here."
"Thank goodness… You're okay," Felt said with a smile. Her smile brought Subaru peace.
He now understood why his close friend had fought so desperately.
Fighting for such a smile—it wasn't a bad feeling. It was fulfilling.
"You're really reckless," Subaru muttered, watching the white-haired girl kneel beside him and place her hands gently on his abdomen.
A white light blossomed in her palms, and his wounds began to heal.
"Thanks."
"I should be the one thanking you. If it weren't for you, that old man and I wouldn't have made it. So this is something I must do."
Subaru smiled but said nothing more. Instead, he turned to Rom.
"Rom-jii, help me up. I want to see their fight."
"No. Just lie still and receive treatment!"
"He's right, Subaru. Just rest."
Despite their protests, Subaru refused.
He just couldn't rest easy.
"Please, Rom-jii."
Having been saved by Subaru multiple times, Rom couldn't refuse.
He owed Subaru too much. So he helped him up so he could watch the battle between the red-haired man and the Bowel Hunter.
"If I'm not mistaken, he's the Sword Saint of the Kingdom. So you can relax, Subaru."
Just as Rom said, the red-haired man stood in the center of the room, easily fending off all the Bowel Hunter's attacks.
He did it so effortlessly that Subaru's belief that this man was the protagonist grew even stronger.
"He doesn't seem like he'll run out of power like Puck, right?"
"I'm not sure what you mean by running out of power, but if it's him, no one can defeat him," the white-haired girl explained.
"Then why doesn't he just finish her off? He's toying with her. It feels unreliable, just like Puck."
"Probably because I'm healing you. If he goes all out, the mana in the air will be drawn to him."
"Then can you hurry up?"
"Geez, I'm already doing my best! Just stay still!"
Subaru nodded helplessly, staying quiet as he continued to watch the fight. The more he watched, the more he realized how powerful both fighters were. If Felt hadn't brought help, they would've all died.
Time ticked by. Eventually, the white-haired girl said,
"It's done."
The red-haired man, upon hearing this, forced the Bowel Hunter back with a single strike and said,
"Let's end this farce. I'd appreciate it if you surrendered."
"Do you think that's even possible now?"
"Then, I'm sorry," said the red-haired man, announcing his name and title.
"Reinhard van Astrea, Sword Saint of the Kingdom."
"Elsa Granhiert, the Bowel Hunter."
As they exchanged names, Reinhard raised his ordinary-looking sword.
Mana from the air gathered around it, and it emitted a blinding light, dimming everything else around them.
As he swung the sword down, Subaru closed his eyes to avoid being blinded.
A thunderous sound followed—and then silence.
When Subaru opened his eyes, everything in front of Reinhard was gone. The entire wooden house was obliterated—there would be no salvaging it.
Looking at Reinhard's sword, which was now turning to ash, Subaru murmured in awe,
"He's strong… So it's over now, right?"
"Yeah, it's over. But I only came to finish it off. Without you, she would've gotten away."
Subaru smiled at Reinhard's humble words and said,
"I wish I had your strength. Then I wouldn't be this beaten up."
With Rom's support, Subaru stood and walked toward the red-haired man.
"You're wrong. Even without power, you're already strong person. It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Reinhard van Astrea."
"Being too humble can discourage others, you know? I'm Natsuki Subaru."
"I see. Then I apologize if I've offended you, Subaru."
"Even if it's true, hearing it still stings…" Subaru began to express his thanks—but suddenly, a soft sound interrupted them, and Reinhard's expression turned tense.
"Watch out!"
Everyone was shocked.
Subaru quickly turned toward Felt and the white-haired girl.
Thankfully, he hadn't gone far due to his weakness.
The heavily wounded Bowel Hunter was charging at the white-haired girl, brandishing her curved blade.
At the last moment, Subaru used the last of his strength to push her out of the way.
"Damn it! How long are you going to get in my way?! Whatever… you've paid the price now."
The Bowel Hunter left behind chilling words:
"Take good care of your guts. Someday I'll come back and split them all open."
She fled.
Reinhard tried to chase her, but stopped at the sound of everyone's cries.
He rushed back to Subaru's side.
Subaru lay on the ground, coughing blood. His breathing grew weak.
Everyone looked at him, nearly sliced in two, their eyes filled with sorrow.
Amidst the voices calling to him, Subaru smiled weakly and said to Reinhard in a faint voice,
"Reinhard… better stay less humble… next time…"
Before he could finish, Subaru's life came to an end.
"I will, Subaru. Even though we didn't know each other long, I'll never forget your words. I won't let this happen again."
"Why…! You're the Sword Saint! Why did Subaru have to die?! Why did you let her escape?!"
"Felt…" Rom gently called out to her, who was gripping Reinhard's collar.
Then, without stopping her, he walked to the counter, picked up the cellphone lying there, returned to Subaru's side, and placed it on his chest.
He lifted Subaru's now-cold hand and placed it over the phone.
"Thank you, Subaru… This is your belonging—take it with you at the end."
Chapter 9: Ability
"Did I die...? If I died, then why do I still have consciousness?"
Surrounded by complete darkness, he couldn't feel the existence of his body.
Subaru Natsuki couldn't make sense of what was happening, and indeed, he literally couldn't wrap his head around it.
Just as Subaru was about to continue pondering philosophical questions, a voice—so vague it was barely audible—came from behind.
Come to think of it, it was strange.
Even though he couldn't see anything or feel his body, his consciousness could clearly tell that the voice came from behind.
At the very moment the thought of "behind" arose in his mind, Subaru's consciousness was suddenly cut off.
"Stop sleeping. Get up."
Hearing the voice, Subaru Natsuki slowly opened his eyes.
He looked around in confusion.
No matter how he looked at it, this was just an ordinary, unremarkable room.
He was currently lying on the only bed in this room.
Getting up from the bed, Subaru looked toward the source of the voice.
He saw a shadowy figure sitting there.
Other than the silhouette, nothing could be discerned—but Subaru was familiar with that figure.
"You finally showed up. Do you have any idea that you sent me to the wrong place? Hurry up and send me back. Someone like you shouldn't be the kind to go back on their word!"
Subaru walked over and sat down at the table in front of the figure.
He glanced at the hot tea on the table, then looked around the room again—seeing that besides him and the other person, there was no one else—before picking up the teacup and taking a sip.
"I did indeed send you back. It's just that someone else pulled you over there again."
"Hah?" Subaru put down the teacup in confusion and gave the other person a look, signaling them to explain.
But the person didn't say a word. This made Subaru realize that they wouldn't explain anything.
Since he couldn't make them talk, Subaru gave up on questioning and changed the subject.
"So, are you here to send me back this time?"
"Nope. I just came to give you your gift."
"Are you kidding me?!"
"I'm not joking. I really did send you back as promised. But you got taken away by someone else—that's not my responsibility anymore."
Hearing that, Subaru clenched his fists, gritted his teeth, and asked, trying to suppress his emotions:
"Then what do I have to do to get back...?"
"Take a guess~~~"
"I already knew you were twisted, but you really have a terrible sense of humor."
Subaru finished the tea in his cup and suddenly remembered something.
"If you're not sending me back, does that mean I'm going to be resurrected back into that other world?"
"No. You should remember what ability you got in the game, right?"
"Yeah. Save point. The trigger condition is death."
"Right. That's the ability you got in the game, and it only worked inside the game.
But the person who pulled you into the other world gave you the same kind of ability.
So you don't need me to revive you.
I said from the beginning, the reason I pulled you here was just to deliver a gift.
But because of all this mess, the original gift I prepared won't be of any use to you now, so I switched it for a new one."
"What gift?"
"You'll find out in a moment. You can leave now."
"Wait! No matter what, at least tell me how I can get back!"
"Sigh, you're really persistent. Well then, just keep living over there for now. When I feel like it, I'll send you back. Bye-bye."
Before Subaru could stop him, the surroundings suddenly changed again.
In a world of blank white, a floating window appeared before Subaru.
Just by seeing the window, Subaru understood what his gift was.
Simply put, it was something that could enhance him—much like a system in a novel.
Enhancing himself required points, and points would only refresh after dying and returning. Also, this thing only appeared after death.
It was like it was encouraging him to die more.
Thinking that, Subaru let out a sigh and began to seriously examine the features on the screen.
It was a very basic, standard point-allocation system.
The options available were Strength, Defense, Agility, and Superpower.
Below these four options, there were a few other categories as well.
"Mana capacity? What's that? Whatever, I'll look at the others... Hmm... 'Gate Quality'? That's it?! That's all?!"
Subaru looked at the panel in frustration and sighed.
"Forget it. Anyway, he said earlier that the person who dragged me into the other world gave me the same save-point ability from the game.
I wonder if it's every two hours like in the game.
Ah! I forgot to ask how many times I can die! In the game I only had 20 save-point uses... hopefully it's not too few.
Considering the Bowel Hunter's abilities, and since I don't even know how much the stats will boost me—"
"I guess I'll put points in Agility. That way I can at least rescue myself and dodge attacks like in that situation earlier."
Thinking that, Subaru reached out and tapped Agility.
Of the 50 points available, 10 disappeared.
A white bar appeared in the Agility section.
He tapped again, and another 20 points disappeared. The bar grew slightly longer.
Subaru frowned—it felt like he'd seen this point-allocation style somewhere before.
After thinking for a while, Subaru suddenly widened his eyes.
"Isn't this the stat screen from a certain atelier game?! This... that was from an eroge! Was it really necessary to be this lazy?!"
Feeling conflicted, Subaru finally understood what this thing was.
He sighed and then allocated two points to Defense.
After using up all his points, Subaru blankly pressed the "Deploy" button in the top right corner.
His consciousness was suddenly cut off again.
Subaru opened his eyes wide and clutched his stomach, collapsing to his knees. Pain flooded his mind.
Kneeling on the ground for a while, Subaru finally caught his breath and slumped down onto the ground.
Looking up at the blue sky with white clouds drifting across it, he let out a dry laugh.
"I feel like the world's out to get me... This ability is way worse than a proper save system. What kind of system makes you still feel the pain of dying even after returning to a save point?!
Who dies with a fully aware consciousness of pain?! Making someone consciously experience the pain of death—it's like a personal attack!"
After a bit of complaining, Subaru stood up and looked around.
He realized he was back at the place he had been before heading to the slums.
He checked his pocket—his phone was still there, and his clothes were intact.
Most of it was still like in the game. Other than that one annoying issue, it wasn't too bad...
Subaru couldn't help but remember how he had used that ability in the game to get his best friend all the way to the final round.
But... even though his best friend knew Subaru could use save points, he never allowed him to use them lightly.
Every use came only after the friend had died.
Subaru had asked, "Why did you save me?! You know my ability! That means you didn't have to die!"
His friend had answered:
"Do you even need to ask? What's wrong with saving someone?
Just because you have this kind of ability doesn't mean I should just stand there and let you die.
That would be wrong.
Even if you have that kind of ability, you shouldn't treat your life like it's expendable. If you still don't get it, I don't mind punching some sense into you."
"Ah... even a twisted god is encouraging me to treat my life like a disposable item... You're the only one who ever valued every single life so much. And in the end, during the final match, that white-haired, red-clothed bastard just forfeited."
Subaru took a deep breath and patted his cheeks.
"Subaru Natsuki has resurrected! Now begins a new journey!"
With that loud declaration, Subaru stepped forward and left that place.
In his eyes appeared the back of his best friend—and Subaru smiled faintly as he ran toward that figure.
Extra: His Encounter with Him Natsuki Subaru was living in disgrace, fearing death, displaying a form so ugly one could hardly bear to look at it—even crying in pain, even begging and pleading.
Yet, Natsuki Subaru still could not escape from this so-called game.
Natsuki Subaru was just an ordinary person.
At most, he exercised regularly, and his physical abilities were slightly above the average person's, but in this place, he was still nothing more than an ordinary person.
On this island of unknown size, Natsuki Subaru had already seen far too many dead bodies.
He had also seen many individuals with extraordinary powers—people who could break a one-meter-thick tree with a single punch, or leave a crater in the ground with a single kick. These were inhuman beings in human form.
"This is a nightmare! I don't want any superpowers, I don't want to go to another world, I don't want any wish—just let me go back... just let me go back. I don't want to die anymore..."
On the verge of a breakdown, Natsuki Subaru curled up under a tree.
Curled into a ball, he looked like a quivering lump of flesh.
Given the circumstances, this was hardly surprising.
When one dies, pain is often no longer felt—not because it doesn't exist, but because the brain can no longer process the signals properly.
But for those other people, death meant the end.
They could not come back.
He was different.
For him, the pain of dying would all hit him again when he revived.
Natsuki Subaru had never endured that kind of agony before.
After just three times, he had gone from being full of determination to complete mental collapse.
This game, orchestrated by some so-called god, was both absurd and horrifyingly brutal.
Many of the people here looked like heroes or good people on the surface, but there was only one prize.
And so, people from different worlds began to fight—for that one wish, for the sake of their own worlds.
Killing and being killed repeated endlessly.
If you refused to kill, you'd simply be killed.
In this place, kindness and conscience had no right to exist.
"Are you alright?"
Subaru stopped trembling.
His heart was cold and hopeless.
He looked up at the spiky-haired man who had appeared in front of him at some unknown point.
Probably arrived while Subaru had been trying to escape from everything.
"Are you here to kill me too?"
"..."
"At least... let me die without pain. I can still revive seventeen more times.
Every time I die, time resets by one hour—that guy said it was some kind of compensation.
But someone like me, who has no power at all, how can I possibly fight those monsters with just this kind of thing?"
"..."
"Just let me die without pain. If I die seventeen more times, surely I'll stop coming back... Go ahead, do it."
Natsuki Subaru showed a faint smile and slowly closed his eyes, waiting for the person in front of him—who seemed to be around the same age—to make his move.
But after a long wait, all he heard was a single sentence:
"Kamijou Touma. That's my name."
Subaru felt someone grab his left hand.
When he opened his eyes, he stared blankly at the man in front of him—a man wearing a bitter smile, looking thoroughly unlucky.
"Why...?"
"What do you mean, why?"
"Why didn't you kill me?"
"Why should I kill you?"
"Because if you don't kill me, that's one more enemy for you.
Your chances of winning are lower.
That so-called wish that can supposedly grant anything won't end up in your hands."
Kamijou let out a sigh, firmly pulled Subaru up, and began walking step by step toward the unknown ahead—carrying Subaru on his back.
As he walked, he answered Subaru, who continued to look at him with disbelief.
"Ah, I don't really have some great wish I'm dying to make come true.
If I had to say, I guess I just wish I wouldn't be so unlucky anymore.
But then again, misfortune has been with me for so long, I'm not even sure I want it to go away. My classmates even called me the 'Misfortune Absorber'."
Subaru stared blankly at Kamijou's smiling face, then turned away to avoid the blinding light and spoke:
"You'll die being that naïve. Those people really do want to kill everyone else. For all you know, I could be faking weakness and stab you in the back at any moment."
"The fact that you're saying something like that means you won't do it.
Besides, the way you looked just now? You were completely falling apart.
Don't act like you're still capable of stabbing me."
"Shut up! I'm telling you, you'll really die acting like this! I saw someone who didn't want to kill me—killed right in front of me in an instant!"
"...Is that so..."
Kamijou's expression turned serious. He slowly opened his mouth and said:
"Are you in pain?"
"Wha—"
Subaru couldn't respond.
Maybe because, finally, there was someone he could talk to, he had temporarily escaped the shadow of death.
But Kamijou's words now pierced straight through his heart like a blade.
He remembered it.
That girl had stood in front of him.
She could have killed him with a single swing of her weapon.
Yet, she hesitated, unable to bring herself to strike.
When he turned and ran, someone pushed him away. He fell. When he picked himself up and looked back, the girl was already dead before his eyes.
Kamijou looked at Subaru's face, watching the waves of emotion roll across it.
He looked away and gazed forward as he spoke slowly:
"She shouldn't have died. So many people shouldn't have died.
Every one of the people I met looked like kind, gentle souls.
But for the sake of one wish—who even knows if it's real—they actually believed that so-called god. I can't forgive that person."
"And what can you even do? Even if he's not a real god, there's no way you could beat him."
"It's not about whether I can or can't do it. It's that I have to do it.
While everyone else is killing each other for a wish, I have to defeat that man before even more people are sacrificed!"
"How can you even say something like that... Aren't you afraid of dying? You don't look like you've got any powers either. You really think you can beat those monsters?"
Kamijou's steps came to a halt—not because he chose to stop, but because Natsuki Subaru had stopped walking.
He looked toward Subaru, who now wore a serious expression.
For some reason, Kamijou felt as if he could see a plea hidden within that seriousness—a silent prayer begging him not to leave.
Not "leave" in the literal sense, but on a deeper, emotional level—don't abandon me.
The pathetic, broken Subaru didn't want to be left as the only one bearing such shame.
And so, he hoped Kamijou Touma would become his "companion."
The silence didn't last long.
In that brief stillness, they heard a monster's roar in the distance, followed by a red orb flying overhead.
Then came a powerful tremor and fierce wind—all of it telling them one clear thing: this was not their battlefield. Here, they were just helpless two-legged sheep waiting to be slaughtered.
Both of them understood that deeply.
As they stood there facing each other, Kamijou finally opened his mouth and spoke slowly:
"I know. The people out there are absurdly powerful.
But I have to go—even if it means dying—just because I don't want to see senseless deaths.
If you think something's impossible and refuse to act, then let me be the one to shatter that illusion! I'll put a stop to all of this."
Kamijou shifted his gaze away from Subaru and began walking forward again, dragging him along.
Subaru, on the other hand, kept his head lowered and said nothing.
"If you don't believe me, then at least watch me do it.
To be honest, I'm terrified—scared out of my mind.
I just... really wanted to sit down and talk with those people, even if just for a while.
So, if you're behind me, watching me—I'd be really grateful."
"...You're going to die..." Subaru muttered.
"Yeah, I know. But the misfortune that's always stuck with me hasn't killed me yet, so it won't this time either. Kamijou-san is just that kind of unkillable cockroach."
Chapter 10: Unspeakable
Weaving through the crowd on the street, he kept running, his eyes scanning the sea of people for a man with distinctive red hair.
Time was tight — he had to find Reinhard as fast as possible and head to the slums.
Only by doing this could he save everyone.
'The last provisional save was about three hours ago. In one and a half hours, Felt will definitely meet the owner of the insignia in the wooden hut, and then the Bowel Hunter will appear. I must find Reinhard quickly.'
Even though the goal was clear, he had no idea where Reinhard actually was.
He could try heading straight to the wooden hut to warn them and avoid the Bowel Hunter's pursuit.
However, as a stranger meeting them for the first time, Rom-ji and the others had no reason to believe a word he said.
This wasn't a game.
Not everyone looked at others without suspicion like his dear friend would.
So that option had to be postponed.
The best plan was still to find Reinhard.
Even though he had the system now, Natsuki Subaru wasn't foolish enough to think that just adding a point to agility and defense would let him take on the Bowel Hunter.
She and Reinhard were inhuman beings — only the inhuman could confront the inhuman.
At least until Natsuki Subaru became stronger, this logic wouldn't change.
Time ticked by.
Natsuki Subaru had been searching for almost an hour.
The sky had already been dyed red by the setting sun — something that normally would've seemed beautiful to him.
But now that he knew someone would die in that wooden hut before long, the color of the sunset became a signal.
Natsuki Subaru pulled out his phone to check the time.
He gave up the idea of searching aimlessly through the streets for Reinhard and decided to ask the guards for help — maybe that would get results.
Even if it didn't, he could inform the guards about the wanted criminal, the Bowel Hunter, in the hope that this would lead to Reinhard.
After all, Reinhard bore the title of "Sword Saint" and must be someone of high status.
"Wait, guard!"
Subaru stopped a man in armor.
The guard glanced over Subaru's outfit and asked,
"Is there something you need, young man?"
"Quick question — how do you compare to Sword Saint Reinhard in strength?"
"What are you talking about? How could someone like me possibly match up to Lord Sword Saint? We're on completely different levels."
"Then how about compared to the Bowel Hunter? Do you think you could beat her?"
"The Bowel Hunter? You mean the kingdom's wanted criminal, Elsa?"
"Yes, I saw her wandering around the slums, that's why I came to find you!"
After hearing Subaru's words, the guard's expression turned serious.
He spoke solemnly:
"Are you sure you didn't see wrong, young man?"
"No mistake. She's a woman, dressed in dark purple, wielding two curved blades."
"That matches the description of the Bowel Hunter. Alright, young man, take me there to check it out."
Subaru nodded, ready to lead the guard to the slums, but then paused.
He turned to the guard and asked,
"Can you handle her?"
"I don't know. Not many people know how skilled the Bowel Hunter really is. What's certain is that everyone she kills ends up gutted."
"Shouldn't you get more people? What about calling Reinhard the Sword Saint?"
"Someone like me, just a patrol guard, doesn't have access to a big figure like that. But you're right, I should bring backup. Wait here a moment, young man."
"Wait — how long will it take for you all to gather?"
"Around twenty minutes, I suppose."
Hearing that, Subaru gritted his teeth.
Twenty minutes to gather the guards, plus travel time — it might be too late.
He tried to calm his rising anxiety and feigned fear as he said,
"I... I'd rather not face such a dangerous criminal. I'll tell you the location, and you can head there yourselves later."
"Are you lying to me? False reports can get you arrested."
"I'm not! If you go and find no one, you can come to the bridge over there — I'll be waiting until the sun goes down."
Seeing the skeptical guard, Subaru had no way to make him believe.
In the end, he could only reveal the location of the wooden hut before leaving.
After parting ways with the guard, Subaru sped up toward the slums.
The guard, watching Subaru's retreating figure, frowned in thought before deciding to bring a few colleagues to check out the location.
Even if it turned out to be a false lead, they'd just waste some time and could blame it on Subaru later.
And if it was real, it'd be a huge accomplishment.
This was the royal capital — the heart of the kingdom.
Being cautious was no problem.
Letting a wanted criminal roam near the capital would certainly make citizens question their competence.
With that thought, the guard took off toward HQ — but was suddenly stopped by a voice.
.
.
.
"I must make it in time. Even if I can't help them escape beforehand, I must at least hold out until the guards arrive with reinforcements. I should've asked where Reinhard lives before I died... No, even if I did, with my unknown identity, I probably wouldn't get to meet him. Also... how did Felt meet Reinhard in the first place?"
With such thoughts, Subaru quickly reached the slums.
Without hesitation, he ran toward the wooden hut.
During this run, Subaru realized that the two points he added to agility did make him faster, though the improvement wasn't significant — probably because it was too little.
Even so, Subaru was satisfied.
Being stronger meant a slightly better chance of survival — a slightly better chance to save people.
After five minutes, Subaru reached the wooden door.
He raised his hand and knocked heavily. There was no response from within.
A bad feeling rose in Subaru's heart, and he knocked even harder.
"Why the hell are you knocking?! You didn't even give the password!"
Hearing the familiar voice, Subaru breathed a sigh of relief.
Sure enough, it was Old Man Rom who opened the door. Without hesitation, Subaru said,
"Rom-ji, hurry! Someone's going to kill you and Felt!"
"Who the hell are you? I've never seen you before — how do you know our names?"
Seeing Rom-ji's unfriendly expression, Subaru wasn't afraid.
He immediately said,
"I'm here to save you! Even though this is our first time meeting in your eyes, we've actually met before. Please, you have to believe me!"
"I have no memory of you. You'd better give me a good explanation, or else..."
As Rom-ji revealed the wooden club in his hand, coupled with his current expression, Subaru knew that if he didn't give a convincing explanation, Rom-ji might smash his skull... probably...
"It's like this — I have a power. I can die and come ba—"
Before the last word left his mouth, time froze.
Though his consciousness remained, Subaru felt a dreadful presence creeping in.
Once again, he sensed someone standing behind him.
A cold touch caressed his cheek — a hand that slowly moved downward and rested on his chest.
Subaru felt that the hand passed through his skin, through the bones protecting his organs, and reached his heart.
"Ah…"
Rom-ji looked curiously at Subaru, who had suddenly clutched his chest in pain.
He hadn't even finished his sentence before this happened.
Not understanding what was going on, Rom-ji frowned.
Regardless of Subaru's condition, he decided he must keep him here for questioning. Glancing around, Rom-ji reached out and lifted Subaru by the back of his collar, carrying him into the wooden hut and closing the door.