author : The ordeal is over! I've finally finished rewriting this epic chapter, thus concluding the remake of Arcs 1 and 2.
The new plot will focus on Arc 4, where the stakes will be much higher.
Attention, Advanced Readers!
The development of this version of Arc 4 will draw directly from crucial revelations in Arc 6 of the original Re:Zero story.
It is imperative that you read Arc 6 of the novel before diving into the next chapter of this fanfiction.
Enjoy!
I woke up again in Subaru's room, my face twisted with horror and the residual pain from the death caused by Ram's magic. I felt helpless and foolish.
"Why am I so useless? Why am I weak? Why can't I protect Subaru? Why can't I...? Why am I...? Why did I...? Why...?"
Thousands of unanswered questions rushed through my head. A scream pulled me from my thoughts. It was Subaru, terrified and trembling, having just remembered the horror of the failed loop.
Subaru: (His face was distorted by horror, eyes wide.) "Ahhg!... It hurts, it hurts,... Trizz?!"
Me: "I failed again, and we... died again. I am pathetic."
I clenched my fist so hard that blood began to seep out. My jaw hurt from clenching my teeth. I wasn't angry at Rem or Ram, but at myself, at my uselessness and my stupidity.
Subaru: "It's true, it was horrible... the pain, the wind... but it wasn't your fault. You did everything you could. Besides, we know who the assassin is..."
I nodded, staring at the blood on my fist.
Me: (My voice was a cold whisper.) "Yes. Rem is the assassin. And her murderous aura is triggered by our smell... the Witch's Miasma."
Subaru: (He recoiled slightly, shocked by the word.) "The Miasma? But... why do we have that thing? I didn't do anything! And you, did you feel anything?"
Me: "My amplified instinct feels it. That's what allowed me to avoid it at first. And I believe your Return by Death is linked to that smell, just like my ability to memorize the events of each loop. It may be our Isekai power."
Subaru: "So, she attacks us because of a smell? That's... absurd and terrifying. She's the kindest of all the maids."
Me: "She attacked us because she lost her clan due to that Cult, Subaru. To her, we are monsters. She is not the kindest, she is the most dangerous. Moreover, she knows she can heal herself and has her Demon Horn in reserve if we fight back too hard."
Subaru: (He calmed down, the terror slowly turning into determination.) "Okay. Now is not the time for self-pity. You trained for several days. You learned Yin and Yang magic. If we have the information, we can change the game. What's the new plan?"
I woke up, the terror still fresh, but the knowledge intact. There was no time to lose. I ignored Subaru's agitation and focused on rebuilding my defenses.
I repeated the actions of the previous loop,I went to Emilia in the garden and, by showing the same affinity, I managed to obtain my two lesser spirits again.
Then, I went directly to Beatrice, intercepting her before she took refuge in her library.
Me: "Beatrice, I want you to teach me magic. In exchange, I will clean your library twice a day, let you take a portion of my mana, and make you a sweet treat whenever you feel like it."
Thanks to my determination, and perhaps because I arrived even earlier, I managed to lessen my burden compared to the last loop. The contract was less demanding!
Beatrice: "Hmph. That's unacceptable... But the mana proposition is tempting. Very well, Betty accepts. But if the sweets are bad or if my library isn't spotless, the contract changes, I suppose."
Contract secured, I went straight into the forest to resume training. It was crucial to understand the extent of my strength before Rem struck again.
I took stock of my spells and my Authority, whose source or name I still don't know.
Me (Internal): "Okay, I can cast Aka and El Jiwald. But am I strong enough to launch blades of light with Jiwald? I'd better ask Beatrice."
I started by using Aka on myself and on my wooden sword. Concentrating the Yang magic, I hit a large rock. I managed to break the rock in half, which was progress. However, I noticed that the longer the time passed, the faster my mana was drained by Aka. So, I deactivated the spell.
I then used my Authority to see if it offered a better power increase than the Aka spell.
I activated the aura,yes, it increased my strength and speed more than Aka magic. But there was a disappointment, I couldn't channel this aura onto the sword. The Red Aura was a pure bodily enhancement, unable to reinforce external objects.
Despite this limitation, the Authority offered far superior raw power. I continued to train physically and magically until nightfall.
(2 days...)
I started the next day by immediately focusing on my magic training with Beatrice. Time was my worst enemy. Every minute counted if I wanted to survive Day 5.
Thanks to my two lesser spirits, I worked on El Aka (Yang) and El Shamak (Yin). I quickly understood that the prefix 'El' designated the second level of magic, an intermediate but much more powerful stage, and I managed to integrate it with surprising speed.
Even Beatrice was surprised by my rapid progress.
Beatrice: "Hmph. You mastered Aka and Shamak in a ridiculously short time. That's almost as fast as the little girl Ram. What a waste to have such a Gate on such a coarse human, I suppose."
Me (Internal): "At least the failed loops were good for something. My memory and my Pure Mana are my best assets."
El Aka (Yang): This spell further increases the user's speed and strength for a prolonged duration. It's an improved version of my combat buff, allowing me to be faster than Rem without relying on my Red Aura (Authority), which is too exhausting.
El Shamak (Yin): This is my most powerful tool for survival. It doesn't just blind or disorient; it separates the victim's body and soul, instantly paralyzing them for a short moment. It's the perfect weapon to neutralize Rem or Ram.
Today was a blessed day. With these two El-level spells, I had a real chance of survival. I would spend the rest of my time until Day 3 training to perfectly master the quick execution of these two vital spells.
I then spent the afternoon going back to the forest to work on my body and instincts, then restarting training on Elsa's attack. The striking speed and precision of my physical movements had to match the speed of my spells.
I combined the speed buff of El Aka with my sword movements. The power increase was clear, but Elsa's surgical precision remained a mystery.
Me (Internal): "Speed, I have. Strength, I have. But how to create that invisible wound? A piece of the puzzle is missing, perhaps related to Yin and the alteration of time..."
I returned to the mansion at nightfall, exhausted, but with two El-level spells and better physical mastery.
(Day 3...)
I continued my intensive training with Beatrice. I had to push my magic to the limit to be ready.
This time, I managed to use El Aka, the level-two speed and strength buff. However, this spell required such intense concentration that I could only maintain it for a brief moment. The power level was impressive, but to make it a reliable weapon, I needed more magical and mental endurance.
While I struggled to maintain concentration, I noticed Subaru was in the library, watching me. He must have acted quickly.
I understood that he had managed to strike a deal with Beatrice for five days of protection in exchange for chores (or his own sweets). It was an excellent initiative, but it only postponed the problem and put Beatrice in danger if Ram attacked.
As I caught my breath, Beatrice called out to me, her face annoyed.
Beatrice: "Hmph. Betty doesn't care about you or your friend, but do something about your eyes. Your pupils have turned red."
Me: "My eyes?"
"In the alley when we met Reinhard, Subaru had told me about my eyes, but I hadn't paid much attention. Maybe this is the cause of... my Authority? Whatever, I'll deal with it later."
The priority was not appearance, but survival. Subaru's revelation meant that we were potentially safe for the next few days... inside the library. But this did not eliminate the Rem threat, nor the future rage of Ram, who would attack us as soon as we went out or if Rem died from the curse.
(Day 4...)
I knew that Day 4 was the day Rem would strike outside. Now that Subaru was under Beatrice's protection in the library, the direct threat was eliminated for him, but not for me.
Moreover, I had to be careful with Emilia. I had discovered that my Miasma was not only stronger but more aggressive than Subaru's. This increased the risk that Puck, the Great Spirit linked to Emilia, would perceive me as too dangerous a threat and attack me. I had to stay away from her.
I approached Emilia, keeping a respectful distance so as not to alert Puck.
Me: "Hello Emilia, could you do me a favor?"
Emilia: (She blinked, slightly surprised by my serious tone.) "Hello, Trizz. What favor?"
Me: "You know Subaru is alone in Beatrice's library. He had a difficult night and he is a little... agitated. Could you please visit him from time to time to keep his harem hero spirit stable? You are the only one who can cheer him up."
"I had to use flattering and familiar language from his world to ensure she understood the psychological urgency."
Emilia: (She smiled, flattered by the trust I placed in her presence.) "Ah, I see! He needs cheering up. Of course, I can do that! I'm good at it. I'll bring him some fruit and make sure he studies well."

Me: "Thank you. That is the most important thing. It is crucial to keep his mental health reliable and his morale high, especially since he admires you so much."
Emilia: "Yes, okay... but what is a harem hero?"
Me: (I cleared my throat, avoiding the question with a look of false innocence.) "It's... it's nothing. An expression from our country that just means he likes to be surrounded by beautiful and kind people."
Emilia: "Oh. Okay. I'll visit him then!"
"Mission accomplished. Subaru is now protected by Beatrice and psychologically supported by Emilia. This frees me up for my own training."
I spent the rest of the day with Beatrice, concentrating all my strength on mastering the difficult Minya spell.
Minya (Yin); The projectile that slightly alters time or freezes mana.
It was exhausting, but the knowledge from previous loops allowed me to skip steps. I managed to consistently produce the projectile and began to understand how to combine it with El Aka.
Me (Internal): "If I use Minya on a specific point of the tree, could it locally freeze the time or the mana armor of the trunk, and allow my El Aka strike to reach the inside? This is the only way to mimic Elsa's surgical precision without a Divine Protection."
I can't wait to go back to the forest to test this theory.
(Day 4.5...)
I decided to take the afternoon of Day 4 for my most crucial training: combat effectiveness. I practiced the El Shamak spell on the Mabeasts in the forest.
I quickly made an interesting discovery, these creatures took a long time to recover from the spell's paralysis effect. Better yet, the weakest among them died directly from the alteration of the soul-body link.
Me (Internal): "Interesting. It works much better on these monsters. This will be very useful later, especially in the village."
I ended the day by using the EL Aka spell to reinforce my wooden sword strikes, working my speed to match the effectiveness of El Shamak.
(Time skip...)
Back at the mansion, as I took a quick shower, Subaru joined me, looking much more relaxed and alert thanks to Emilia's presence. I openly told him about the spells I could cast and my Authority.
Subaru: "That's crazy! You have Aka, El Shamak, and a personal Red Aura? You're lucky, my Gate doesn't allow me to use spells that many times in a day."
Me: "Don't worry, bro. In this team, you'll be the brains, and I'll be the brawn, okay? We've got each other's backs."
Subaru smiled again, a genuine smile, free from some of his fear.
Subaru: "OK! You've got the strong arm, Trizz! But if you're the brawn, you need to make sure your brain is there so I can direct the beast!"
Me: "You can count on me. Stay safe in the library until it's time to act."
(Time skip...)
I then went to Beatrice's library to question her about curses.
Me: "Beatrice, can you tell me about curses? And is there a way to protect yourself from them?"
Strangely, she agreed without asking for anything in return. Perhaps the fact that Subaru was there was enough for her.
Beatrice: (She flipped through an old book with a bored look.) "Of course. Betty can explain to you. Curses often come from Yin magic users, or the bite of Mabeasts. They act slowly, but are incurable without high-level magic intervention."
Me: "And the curse users... who are they?"
Beatrice: "Mainly the faithful of the Witch Cult or their remnants; they are often the ones who manipulate the Mabeasts. The area around the Mansion is sometimes infested."
"I wonder... if the problem of curses and miasma is resolved, could I have a romantic chance with Rem or Ram? I'm stronger now, and they might see me differently."
Beatrice: (Her sharp gaze brutally brought me back to reality.) "Stop thinking about foolish things !."
She then brutally drained some of my mana, leaving me even more exhausted than usual. It was her way of punishing me for my ramblings.
Me: (I leaned against the wall, struggling to stay upright.) "Ouch!... You could have warned me!"
Beatrice: "Betty doesn't have to warn a gross little creature when she takes what is owed to her. Now, go rest. You look like a zombie."
I struggled to stay conscious on the way back to my room. The fatigue was immense, but my progress was assured. Tomorrow was Day 5, the day I should have died, but this time, I will be ready.
Day 5: The Critical Day
It was the moment everything changes. The goal was to leave the Mansion to hunt the Mabeasts and defuse Rem's attack.
I woke up earlier than usual and went to the kitchen. I prepared a perfect stack of pancakes for Beatrice and, especially, for Rem and Ram, hoping to force her hand.
I found Rem in the kitchen, already working. I presented the pancakes to her, displaying my most innocent and helpful look.
Me: "Good morning, Rem. I prepared a special breakfast for the two of you. Could I accompany you to Arlam Village today? I would really like to see how you work, I need to learn the local customs."
Rem: (She took a pancake, her expression remaining neutral, which is always worse than anger.) "That is kind of you, Trizz. But no. I have a lot of work in the village and your presence could be a distraction."
I insisted, practically begging her.
Me: "Please, Rem. I promise I will be discreet! I could help you carry the loads. I'm strong, you know."
That's when Ram intervened. She was sitting at the table, already enjoying her pancakes and watching the scene with amusement.
Ram: (She glanced at her sister, in her usual ironic tone.) "Rem, he is so insistent. The public waste's energy is exhausting. Allow him to follow you. If it can occupy him and tire him out to the point where he no longer has the energy to cause trouble, the Mansion will benefit, I suppose."
Rem: (She sighed, visibly annoyed at not being able to refuse Ram's veiled order.) "Very well. You may come. But stay behind me, Trizz, and do not disturb me in my tasks."
I still felt her burning hostility, her gaze resting on me like a disease. But I had won. I could act now.
(Time skip...)
She broke the silence on the way to the village, her voice cold as ice.
Rem: "Why do you want to follow me so much?"
Me: (I adopted a light tone, without any trace of malice.) "I just want to take a walk in the woods, it will help me get to know the villagers, and besides, you are good company. I'm a little bored here, and I would like to feel useful."
Rem: (She stopped short, turning to look me in the eyes, her own gaze narrowing.) "Really? If it's to feel useful, you can wash the windows of the mansion."
Me: "No thank you, I'm useless as a manservant."
(Time skip...)
We finally arrived at the village. The villagers were quite nice to me, no doubt thanks to my association with the mansion.
Rem went to distribute food and I followed, observing every interaction.
My attention was immediately caught by a little girl with blue hair, who was holding a dog. My instinct, boosted by my Authority, screamed,danger.
From a distance, I saw the dog jump and bite Rem without the maid reacting.
I approached them. Rem had already recovered from the bite, showing a forced smile.
The little girl: (Her smile was innocent, almost too much.) "Mister, would you like to pet my dog?"

"The dog gives off a thirst for blood... It is certainly a Mabeast. If I intervene now, Rem, who has just been bitten, will turn against me, thinking I am attacking a child. This is the source of Subaru's curse!"
I reached out my hand, but instead of touching the dog, I pretended to stop abruptly.
Me: "He is very cute. But I think he is too excited. He looks like he has a lot of energy, I wouldn't want to rush him."
I then looked at the little girl intently.
Me (Internal): "How does this little girl manage to control this beast? She is the source of the problem that cast the curse. If I neutralize her, everything is over. But if I'm wrong, Rem and Ram will kill me instantly."
Me: (I addressed Rem, trying to gauge the situation without accusing her.) "Rem, this little girl has a very... particular presence, hasn't she?"
Rem: (She took the little girl by the hand, her gaze becoming slightly colder.) "Yes. A charming little girl who is heartbroken because her dog is often rejected. Why the question, Trizz?"
"Rem is now under the effect of the bite. She is under the effect of Subaru's curse."
I quickly turned my gaze away from the little girl and her demonic dog. I felt Rem's anger mounting, her hostility strengthening, as if she was angry that I lingered too long on the source of the curse.
Rem: (Her voice was tense, but she maintained her professional calm.) "We are finished here, Trizz. Please do not disturb this girl anymore. Let's return to the mansion."
(Time skip...)
He too,We left the village and walked the entire way back without speaking. The only sounds were the regular rhythm of our footsteps and our breaths. Every step was a small victory; I had survived the village trap, but Rem was now cursed.
Arriving at the mansion, I stopped just in front of the entrance, slightly blocking her path. This was the moment.
Me: "Rem... I have a theory."
Rem was visibly annoyed, but she hid it well behind her maid mask.
Rem: "Hurry up, Trizz. I am very busy."
Me: "You were cursed, Rem, by that demonic puppy."
Rem looked at me as if I were an idiot, the silence lingering. Her look clearly said: "I am an Oni capable of healing myself, how dare a waste like you lecture me?"
Me: (I shrugged, playing the simple card.) "Like I said, it's just a wild theory. But Rem, you were bitten. I might be wrong, but we could go see Beatrice just to check. She's the curse expert here, isn't she?"
The fact that I knew about the existence of curses and suggested Beatrice, the best in Yin magic, must have made her hesitate. It was a request too logical to refuse. She accepted, but remained extremely suspicious of me.
We entered the mansion. As we walked down the corridor, Rem broke the silence, her gaze fixed on my eyes.
Rem: "I noticed your eyes have started turning red. Is that normal, Trizz?"
"This question again. After making sure she's healed, I'll have to find out why my eyes turn red. Maybe it's the source of my power."
Me: "I don't know. Maybe it's because Beatrice takes too much mana for the contract? Who knows? I don't pay attention to it. But your hands are shaking slightly, Rem. We should hurry and see Beatrice."
Rem: (She frowned slightly, surprised that I noticed her distress.) "You are mistaken. It's nothing. Let's hurry."
Fortunately, we found Beatrice's library quite quickly, and Subaru was still there, engrossed in a book. Subaru's presence served as a distraction and validated, in Beatrice's eyes, that my presence wasn't merely a nuisance.
Me: "Hello Beatrice, please, can you check if Rem hasn't been cursed?"
Beatrice: (She looked up from her book, annoyed.) "Why do you think this maid has been cursed, I suppose. Betty doesn't have time to waste with you!"
Me: "It's just a theory, Beatrice, but please check. It's urgent. Your magic is the only thing that can save her."
My unusually insistent and serious tone, mixed with urgency, must have convinced her. She slammed her book shut.
Beatrice: "Stop begging. Betty will check."
She began to approach Rem. As Beatrice reached out towards Rem, a black smoke began to escape from Rem's hand, where the dog had bitten her. Rem was in shock, her eyes wide.
Beatrice: (She sniffed, looking disgusted.) "It stinks. What a horrible job! A low-level Mabeast."
Effortlessly, Beatrice used her magic to destroy the curse, the black smoke dissipating in an instant. She then turned to me, her expression serious.
Beatrice: "You were right, she was cursed. The beast was probably a curse carrier. Now, get out."
Me: "So, that little girl cursed everyone with her dog? Are the Mabeasts the real threat to the village?"
Beatrice: "Get out of my library! Yes, they are the threat. The longer you hang around here, the more they act!"
Subaru, who had remained silent and confused, finally stood up.
Subaru: "What's going on, Trizz? What's that black smoke? Who's going to be cursed?"
Me: "A little girl cursed the people in the village with a demonic beast. It looks like the villagers are in danger. I'll explain everything on the way. Rem, are you feeling better?"
Rem, visibly shaken by the experience and the shock of the truth, didn't look at me. Gratitude began to pierce her hostility.
Rem: (Her voice was low, marked by surprise and a residue of hostility.) "I... I thank you. That is totally unexpected... You knew."
Me: "Good. We don't have time to waste. We are going to the village. We must find the rest of the Mabeast pack before other villagers are cursed or, worse, before the curse kills them."
Rem: (She stood up straight, gratitude briefly replacing suspicion, but her sense of duty took over.) "I'm going alone. I'm the most combat-ready team member. You have done enough."
Me: (I cut her off, adopting an unusual tone of authority, my gaze fixed.) "No, Rem. You are the most capable, but the most sensitive to the Miasma. I am coming with you. We will neutralize this threat together, with Subaru."
Subaru: (He stood by my side, finally looking determined.) "Yes! We have to act fast. Trizz is right, Rem. We are a team now."
Rem: (She looked at both of us, hesitation visible on her face. She was used to acting alone, but my ability to diagnose the curse had troubled her.) "But... your Miasma smell..."
Me: "My smell is a problem. But it also allows me to scare Mabeasts more easily than anyone else. Let me be your radar. I will be at the forefront."
Rem: (She sighed, defeated by logic, but her eyes remained cold.) "Very well. But the first mistake, and I leave you behind. I will not cover you. Subaru-kun, stay safe here."
Me: (I shook my head.) "No, Subaru is coming too. I need his instructions to avoid the Mabeasts I can't see. We're going to form a small intervention group."
Subaru: (A nervous smile.) "An intervention group... I like that."
Subaru stood up, looking determined, and started running with Rem and me down the corridor. We had the information, and we needed to take immediate action.
As we reached the mansion door, Ram intercepted us, blocking the way, her arms crossed, a look of disapproval on her face.
Ram: "Where are you three going so late? Roswaal-sama won't appreciate this commotion."

Me: "The village is in danger! A Mabeast is cursing everyone. Rem has just been cured of that curse! We must go to stop the spread."
Ram: "Ram cannot let you go. Roswaal gave no orders. It is not your duty. It is dangerous."
Subaru: (He straightened up, playing the strategy card, with a look of urgency.) "The village is Roswaal's property. If we do nothing, his reputation could take a terrible blow. We must go for him! Think of your Master's image!"
Ram tried to refuse again, but Rem intervened, her tone unusually authoritative.
Rem: "Sister. If we do nothing now, the villagers will die. I was cursed and Trizz saved me. We must act. My duty is first towards the people of the domain."
Rem's authority, especially after she had been seen in danger and admitted being helped, made Ram hesitate.
At that moment, Emilia arrived, descending the stairs, looking confused.

Emilia: "What's going on? Why is everyone so agitated? Subaru, you were supposed to be with Beatrice!"
Subaru: "The village is in danger, Emilia-tan, we must go. We don't have time to explain! Stay with Ram!"
Ram made her decision, choosing the protection of the Mansion and Emilia, while leaving the initiative to her sister and us.
Ram: "Very well. You may go. Ram will stay here to protect the mansion and Emilia-sama. But if you cause Roswaal trouble, you will regret it. Ram will be watching you from afar."
Me: (I turned towards the door.) "We have no time to lose, we must go."
Emilia: "Wait."
She walked up to Subaru, closed her eyes, and began to whisper a prayer.
Emilia: "May the spirits watch over you, Subaru. Come back safe and sound."
She wished him good luck with a worried look.
"No one worries about me? Or prays for me? No blessing from Puck, of course, I smell absolute evil to them! I am the one cursed by the most aggressive Miasma and who will fight on the front line! I am the one who saved Rem and discovered the enemy."
"Of course. Hypocrisy is the oxygen of this world. They see the potential hero, the hope in Subaru, but they only see dirt and danger in me. Rem just admitted that I saved her, and Ram immediately relegates me to my status as 'public waste.' They use me to heal Rem, but as soon as my back is turned, I become the target again."
"I fight for their survival, and my only reward is ignorance and fear in their eyes. Ram doesn't hate me just for my perceived uselessness; she hates me because she fears me. She senses that my Miasma is a direct threat to Emilia. And she is delighted to see me moving away from the Mansion, towards the claws of the monsters. To hell with them."
"They let me go fight the monsters. Perfect. Let me be the brute force, then. Let them watch me fight. But if they think I'm going to risk my life for their gratitude, they're wrong. My survival is my only priority, and theirs will be a beneficial collateral damage. I am no longer their ally, I am their temporary weapon."
Me: (I stood up straight, my face masked by the shadow of the door, my glowing red eyes invisible to them, my tone glacial.) "Let's go. The less time we waste praying, the sooner we can sleep."
Subaru: "Trizz! Thanks for insisting for both of us! I'm ready to help you with all my strength."
Me: (I didn't look at him, my fist clenched.) "You'll thank me when the danger is over. For now, be ready. Now, move out!"
I rushed out of the mansion, Rem and Subaru following me into the night. Arlam village awaited us.
(Time skip...)
me, Rem, and Subaru rushed towards the village. When we arrived, Arlam village was in full panic.
We quickly intercepted a panicked villager.
Villager: "The children! They have disappeared! They left in the night!"
Subaru: (He pointed to a specific spot near the forest.) "We are too late, look over there."
We arrived near a traditional protective barrier erected around the village. We noted that a part of the protection was deactivated.
Rem: (She gritted her teeth, speaking to the void, frustration and anger visible on her face.) "Why are they doing all this? What is the purpose of this torture? Is it the Cult?"
Subaru: (He turned to Rem, playing the role of motivator.) "We are here to save the children, Rem. That's what we're here for! That's the only goal that matters!"
I had no time to waste on motivational exchanges. The source of the curse and the children's fate were my only priority. I left Rem and Subaru behind. They continued talking and didn't even notice I had left, totally absorbed by the panic and their dialogue. I started running into the forest.
"I don't feel any immediate bloodlust. This means there are no Mabeasts in the immediate vicinity. They are further away, in ambush."
I spotted a hill and scaled it in a few leaps to get a better overview. I finally found the children. They were all lying down, unconscious.
A girl with orange hair began to speak to me faintly, her eyes closing.
The orange-haired girl: (A whisper.) "Mister... It's my friend's fault... she said she would take us to see something... She... she stayed alone in the forest..."
The little girl fainted right after.
"Okay, that little blue-haired girl is missing. I smell anger, maybe Subaru's or Rem's as they realize their helplessness? Never mind, I don't have time to waste analyzing their emotions."
I ran toward the deeper woods, and started to smell more and more bloodlust in that direction. It was a clear call from Mabeasts.
"Does this little girl control these beasts? Why is she further away than the other children and surrounded by beasts? She is the source of control, the center of this masquerade."
I reduced my speed, preparing for the confrontation. My hands were ready to summon El Shamak. The time for the fight had come.
I reached the clearing, but the Demonic Beasts were invisible.
"Just my luck, the beasts are hidden behind all these trees. It's a trap, she wanted to create an ambush against Subaru and Rem."
I was annoyed, but the idea was there: anime knowledge was my only superiority.
Me: (I spoke loudly, addressing the forest.) "Okay, stop playing games. I know you're the one who cursed all the children."
No reaction. Only the hostility of the beasts grew.
"She won't react to the curse accusations. Maybe if I use this..."
Me: "I'm sure you already know me. Did Elsa talk about me?"
She then opened her eyes, shocked, revealing herself behind a bush. The beasts started coming out of their hiding places, growling. I was surrounded.
"I think she's part of Elsa's team. But can I make her an offer for my future plan?"
Me: "Don't worry, I don't intend to kill you. I have an offer for you and Elsa. You give me the exact location of the Witch Cult's hideout... in exchange for a large sum of money."
The beasts' annoyance began to diminish, and the girl stopped playing the victim.
??? (Meili): (Her tone was suddenly cold and adult.) "So Elsa really wasn't wrong about you then. She said you were... unusual."
Me: "Before we start talking business, give me your name."
She was surprised by my request.
Meili: "You're really strange, onii-san. My name is Meili."
"I knew I had heard that name before. She's going to attack the mansion in a few weeks with Elsa and her beasts. I can't kill her, that would alert Elsa, who would still consider me a source of unpredictability."
Me: (I forced a smile.) "Normal, I have to know the name of my potential assassin. Anyway, give my message to Elsa. Tell her the offer is serious."
Meili: "You just want to know where you can find the Cult's hideout? That's not your problem, is it?"
Me: "Yes. They are a nuisance. They are the only group I want to see disappear. It's a matter of priorities. Now, I'll leave you. I'll just tell the villagers that I couldn't find anything in this area. Be grateful, I'm keeping your identity a secret."
Meili: (She smiled, her smile now manipulative and confident.) "Elsa warned me about you, but you're really strange, onii-san. And your eyes, when I look at them, they remind me of..."
Me: (I cut her off, moving slightly closer, my tone lowered to a controlled whisper.) "Capella?"
She instantly seemed paralyzed by the name. She trembled and remained silent, her smile vanishing. The beasts around her froze.
"I guess I shouldn't have said her name. Is she that horrible? Her silence is my answer."
Me: (I took advantage of her shock to plant one last seed of fear.) "You heard her name, Meili. Now you have my offer. Tell Elsa that there are far worse threats than the Archbishops. Tell her I'll be waiting for her at the mansion..."
I turned on my heel and left the forest to return to the village. My mind was racing, overwhelmed with questions.
"Why did I ask Elsa and Meili for help? Why did I speak to her so coldly? And why are my eyes changing color? Is my Authority linked to the Witch of Envy?"
Me (Internal): "I'll deal with that later. I have to go back to the village. Strangely, I think Meili removed all the beasts that were in my way to ensure her client arrived safe and sound. She respects the offer."
After reaching the village, I immediately noticed that the villagers were panicking and the commotion was centered on one area.
"Well, now I see. All the beasts Meili didn't call back bypassed me and attacked Subaru and Rem instead. That was the price of my 'negotiation.'"
I saw Ram standing in front of a house, looking grim. I approached her.
Ram: "Where were you when Barusu and Rem were attacked? Ram told you not to cause trouble."
Me: "I was in the forest looking for the little girl. She was nowhere to be found. What happened to Subaru and Rem?"
Ram: "Rem is fine, thanks to her Oni strength. But Barusu was bitten by many Mabeasts."
Me: "I see. He was cursed several times, so his life is in danger, isn't it?"
Ram nodded, confirming my fears, and continued, her voice betraying a rare concern.
Ram: "Yes. He sacrificed himself to save Rem from the beasts. She brought him back to the village. She is with him, in one of the villagers' houses."
Me: "Okay, I see. Are Beatrice and Emilia also there?"
Ram: "Yes. They are treating Subaru."
"Perfect. Subaru is in the greatest possible danger, but he is at least with two of the Mansion's most powerful mages. I can count on Beatrice to keep him alive for a few hours."
I moved away from Ram and then headed back to the mansion using El Aka.
(Time skip...)
I woke up in my room, under the luxurious sheets, sunlight filtering through the window. The horror had dissipated, replaced by the urgency of my knowledge: Subaru was going to die cursed.
Me: "Good, I don't have much time. I must go to the village."
I stretched and started running down the corridors to get out of the mansion. Once outside, I activated Aka again, the buff spell to increase my speed.
"Heading to the village. I must intercept Rem before she sacrifices herself."
[- Time Skip: 10 minutes -]
This time, I arrived at the village quite quickly. I found Beatrice heading towards me, which was totally unusual. She must have sensed the urgency or my return.
Beatrice: "Come here, we need to talk."
I followed Beatrice without protesting. We moved away from the houses, far from the villagers' ears.
Beatrice: "We are far enough."
Me: "What did you want to talk about, Beatrice? I'm in a hurry. Every minute counts."
Beatrice looked me in the eyes, her expression stern.
Beatrice: "Your friend, that idiot, has been cursed by several Demonic Beasts because of his smell, I suppose. The curse is progressing quickly."
Me: "So, it's almost impossible to save him? The curse has become too complex?"
Beatrice: "I see you catch on quickly. It's not for nothing that Betty accepted your contract. And yes, it is impossible to free him from the curse that way by normal means."
Me: "Is there a way to save Subaru? Just one. Tell me."
Beatrice: "Yes. By killing all the Demonic Beasts that bit him. If a single Mabeast survives, the curse will remain and kill him. That is the nature of this Yin magic: the victim loses all their mana because of the spell (or curse)."
Me: "Hmm. Is there anything else you want to tell me too, Beatrice? You never stop me in the village for no reason."
She remained silent for a moment, her eyes scanning the edge of the forest.
Beatrice: "Yes. That blue-haired maid went into the forest. She went there to kill all the beasts that cursed your idiot friend. She left barely a few minutes ago."
"I see. Rem wants to save Subaru now? This confirms that Subaru is the target of her affection. She entered berserk mode to avenge and save him. I must stop her, she will die, and Subaru will die of grief or the curse."
Me: (I took a decisive step towards the forest.) "Rem is in great danger, she can't win alone. The Mabeasts are too numerous."
Beatrice: "No, you don't understand. She is doing it for the other idiot. Her Oni status makes her stronger than you imagine, but..."
Me: "But the pack is too numerous! If Rem dies, I lose a potential ally, and Subaru will be broken. What is the 'limit' of her power, Beatrice?"
Beatrice: (She looked at me, her tone becoming a bitter warning.) "Her Oni horn makes her incredibly powerful for a time, but if she breaks it, or if she sustains too much damage, she will die. She is strong, but not indestructible."
Me: "Perfect. I'm going in to help her. I can cover her with El Shamak."
Beatrice: "You are stupid! She hates you. She will stab you or worse, kill you, stay away from her."
Me: "She owes me a life. She won't stab me until we defeat the beasts. I am her best chance of survival. And I must save Subaru."
Me: (Firmly.) "Rem is definitely in the forest. We have to stop her! She's going in alone, she's going to get herself killed."
I felt anger rising behind me. It was Ram.
Ram: (Her tone was scathing.) "What! Rem is in the forest? What an idiot! She should focus on her duties rather than the waste of this domain."
Me: "Yes, Ram. Affection for the domain won out. Let's go find her, but first, let's find Subaru. He needs to know. She is acting to save him."
I had no trouble finding Subaru. He was right behind me, distraught, with sincere fear in his voice.
Subaru: "Rem is in the forest? Why is she doing this for me?! We must save her! It's too dangerous, she doesn't know the strength of this pack!"
Me: "Yes, let's go. Ram, we need you. Your expertise is vital."
Before leaving, the villagers came to say goodbye to us. The children, now safe, approached Subaru to thank and mistreat him, covering him with praise and gifts (waste). I felt isolated and jealous. No one approached me. No one seemed to care about my existence.
My heart tightened. I was the catalyst, but he was the hero.
But a little girl approached me, the girl with orange hair.
??? (Petra): "Hello Mister, thank you very much for saving me and my friends. You and the other mister."
Me: (My voice softened, a spark of hope in my heart.) "You're welcome, little one. But I wasn't alone, and I didn't manage... to save your friend."
??? (Petra): (She smiled with the purity of a child.) "Don't worry, mister. It's not your fault. You did your best."
That simple word, that recognition, was worth more than all the praise in the world. I was happy this girl spoke to me.
Me: "What is your name?"
Petra: "Petra, mister."
Me: "Stop calling me mister. That's for old people. Call me Trizz!"
Petra: "Okay, Trizz! Come back soon!"
Subaru: (He approached, his face beaming with gratitude, addressing the crowd.) "Thank you for your support! We will bring Rem back!"
Ram: (Her tone was cold.) "Barusu, Trizz. Enough chattering."
A villager approached us, holding two simple hunting swords.
Villager: "Here. Take this. It's not much, but it's better than nothing against these beasts. May the spirits be with you."
Subaru: (He took the sword enthusiastically.) "Thanks! We'll use it!"
Me: (I took the other sword, feeling it light in my hand. A tool, nothing more.) "We're going. Don't leave the village for now."
"I wasn't the hero. I was the anonymous weapon used when the hero was just the strange friend of the real hero."
(Time skip...)
We headed into the forest, searching for Rem. I felt a surge of bloodlust rushing towards us. I activated Aka to boost my speed and sliced off the head of one of the beasts.
Me: "These beasts are truly ugly. Ram, do you have an idea how to find Rem?"
Ram: "Yes, wait. Rem is the best tracker anyway."
We had been searching for Rem for a while, the anxiety growing. That's when Subaru uttered the forbidden word, the one that always triggers Return by Death.
The world suddenly froze. Black hands began to pierce Subaru's chest. Some of those hands headed towards me. I felt the bloodlust and anger of several Demonic Beasts rushing towards us, attracted by the Witch's Miasma.
Ram: (She was in shock.) "Barusu, what did you do?"
Subaru looked at me with a sad, broken expression.
Subaru: "Trizz, can you still regenerate?"
"Why is he asking me that?"
Me: "Y-yes, why?"
author : I apologize for taking this part of your fanfiction, BooksLored😅
Subaru closed his eyes, a tear rolling down his cheek. He violently shoved me into the incoming horde of monsters. Then he started running with Ram, who was in shock at his betrayal.
The beasts lunged at me. The pain was excruciating, immediate, total. They started biting my arms and feet. I felt every tooth pierce my flesh. Other beasts threw themselves onto my chest. I struggled to break free, but it was useless. They began to bite and tear at me, ripping off shreds of my skin and muscles.
The pain was unbearable. I was a toy in their claws. My blood drenched the grass.
As they disemboweled my torso, rage took over. The Red Aura activated. It began to regenerate me, but slowly. Every wound, every bite, every piece of flesh the beasts tore from my body was rebuilding. I could see the bones and nerves reforming. It was a living torture.
I wanted to scream, but only blood and a muffled rattle came out of my mouth. The agony was endless.
I lost consciousness.
(Time skip...)
Later, I woke up in the middle of the forest. A part of my body was still in full reconstruction. My torso and two arms were just a network of raw flesh and visible tendons. I could see the complex pattern of my ribs. I coughed up blood and bile.
I wanted to vomit, but my stomach was empty.
I asked myself questions, my heart filled with cold hatred.
Me (Internal):
"Why did Subaru push me? He used me as a living decoy, a disposable shield."
"Why did Subaru betray me? He preferred to save Rem over me, his most loyal ally, the one who went through the horror of the loops with him."
"Why didn't Ram come to save me? She saw me being shredded and ran."
"Why didn't anyone come for me? Why does no one care about me?"
"Should I continue to trust them? Why am I helping Subaru? Why do I keep following him? Why? Why?"
All these questions, no comforting answer. Only the pain persisted. I had risked my life, I had died countless times for them, and this was their thank you. I had trained my body and magic to protect them.
Only one question came to my mind, and it was the only one I could answer with certainty.
Me (Internal): "Why shouldn't I use others to avoid suffering?"
END OF ARCII: CHAPTER IV: PLAN A AND C