Chapter 332 — Arc 6 12: "The Watchtower’s Baptism"

In an instant, the throbbing and burning pains were all gone, and Natsuki Subaru returns.

"―――"

He wanted to praise himself for not screaming at the scene before him.

After the second "Return ad returned to the flower gardens surrounded by the beasts again; he earnestly thought so, closing his mouth with hands in panic.

"Chitchchachichi"

In a place dominated by the violent scent of flowers, what could be heard was the sound of Meili clicking her tongue.

Stealing the attention of the Oiran bear standing in front of the dragon carriage by shaking her fingers silently and letting out this sound from her lips. Holding their breath, everyone was watching it.

Just a few minutes ago, he watched this same scene, this was the 2nd time he was brought back at this time.

―are you kidding me?

Subaru's brain starts spinning at a high speed while trying to get the picture of the events that happened to him.

He needs to switch his focus immediately. He had to forget that just a moment ago, countless demon beasts chased after them, ending up in gore and bloodshed. But before that happens, he had to deal with what was in front of him.

The problem in front of him, right before his eyes.

He could hear something that sounded like calling a kitten. The actual situation was totally different than that, but that thought was hindered by the smell of flowers.

Smelly, sweet, noisy, annoying, itchy, painful, hot, which one was the correct word to describe it?

"...?"

The more he thinks about it, the more it stresses his brain, but no concrete solutions come to mind.

His brain can not keep up with the discrepancy between the current situation and the situation that he had been experiencing up to now. Subaru desperately tries to adapt to "now". He felt a little push against his chest.

"―――"

Looking down, it was Beatrice’s small body leaning on his chest.

As Subaru completely embraced her against his chest, she looked up slightly to show that he should be gripping the reins instead of her. Perhaps he caught her in the immediate shock after "Return by death".

― He remembered the last "death", he remembered Beatrice's crying face and tears.

"-hgh"

That's right.

This was the third time that Subaru had reached this situation.

He died here twice. The first time he had no clue how he had died, but the second time, he could picture that death to some extent. But his suffering at the moment of death was not clear.

Feeling like his internal organs were melted after simmering in a pot - that feeling.

―- No, that should not be the priority. Now, the priority should be,

"Chitchchachi ...Chi"

Just as Subaru’s thoughts caught up to his second "death", Meili successfully drew the attention of the Oiran bear. Following the clicking of her tongue and movement of her fingers, the demon beast slowly diverted its gaze from the dragon carriage and was guided to the right hand side.

There would be no problem if the Oiran bear leaves just like this. However, Subaru knows that this won't be the case.

"――――"

Right next to the Oiran bear who was moving away, stood an earth dragon - Gyan’s breathing was wild.

The pressure of facing the demon beast so close and the scent of flowers that continues to spread violently - two kinds of pressure torment the calmness of the earth dragon, which would make it snap abruptly.

If the earth dragon makes a noise, the swarm of the agitated demon beasts will attack all at once. If so, it would result in nothing but a repetition of the previous two “deaths”

"――――"

However, no one could notice the agitation of Gyan, except for Subaru.

Even Julius, who held the reins, also has attention unconsciously diverted from the earth dragon, concentrating on the threat of the monsters in front of them. Therefore, Subaru was the only one who could deal with it.

But how to deal with it?

He couldn’t speak. It was impossible to quickly approach and touch it.

There was a big risk in calling out to Julius and making him calm it down. Before that, if he couldn’t make a decision right now, he wouldn't be able to make it in time. What should he do――?

"――――"

Then, in the last seconds, Subaru closed his eyes.

If he can’t think of anything in this moment, he decided he would call up Julius. Reviving back into his brain, he recalled the last two "deaths", the onslaught of demon beasts and the light of the Watchtower..

At the moment of the second "death", he remembered that he was being held by Beatrice, who cried and said, "Don't leave me alone."

Subaru: “Beako, I love you."

Betty: "...?"

He hugged her small body from the back and whispered those words in her ear. Beatrice was surprised at the sudden expression of love, but the hand over her mouth didn’t allow her to shout.

Instead, Subaru extended his "hand" towards Gyan at the front-right corner.

The "Hands" which had gently caressed and wiped Beatrice’s tears just before his "death".

― Invisible Providence.

Though, as his mouth was too busy confessing his love with a whisper, the name of that technique was chanted only within his heart, unfortunately.

Just then, in the center of Subaru's body -a different sensation from when the link with Beatrice drains his mana permeated from him- something dark is summoned, arousing a silent cry.

Summoned into this world by an unspoken shout, the “Unseen Hand” of “Sloth” comes forth to aide Natsuki Subaru in achieving his goals.

"――――"

The black hand that was created slowly manifested in this world from Subaru’s chest. Of course, its existence cannot be seen by anyone except for Subaru. As he was embracing Beatrice, the "Unseen hands" just went through her, and it seemed like they did not make any unintended contact.

While admiring that fact, he could feel that something in him was being drained away each second. Whether it was his soul or sanity, Subaru does not know. However, he couldn’t take too much time if he doesn't want to have to call up Julius.

The black magic stretches out to Gyan’s neck, who seemed like he was about to roar at any moment. The palm slowly stroked his thick neck that was coated with thick scales.

The big earth dragon trembled from being touched by someone, but somehow his instincts probably felt that there was no hostility in that touch. The earth dragon settles his rough breath and relaxes his body.

Julius: "- huh?"

Then, as Julius also noticed Gyan’s reaction, he pulled the reins and calmed the earth dragon to his earnest. As expected from Julius he skillfully handled the earth dragon, noticing its agitation, with what could have otherwise been devastating.

Seeing that, Subaru immediately cut off the connection with the "Unseen Hand". When the black palm is deprived of freedom, it dissipates in an instant, and disappears into the parched wind of the sand sea, as if nothing had happened.

"wow...fuh"

After dodging that bullet, Subaru took a long breath of relief.

At the same time, he felt like a dark black cloud was stuck in his chest, and he wanted to vomit. Of course, things aren’t so easy. That sense of loss is the price he paid for using the Invisible Providence, and it remains engraved in the soul.

Thus, Subaru thinks about the feeling of loss being gouged in his chest.

Invisible Providence: The cost of using the “Unseen Hand”, the feeling of loss and breathlessness due to its influence, is clearly "easier" than before.

The first time that Subaru used the Invisible Providence was when he had fought Garfiel in Sanctuary.

At that time, Subaru, who had unleashed his power in a feverish manner, was attacked by this sense of loss and drunkenness that made half of his body feel unstable.

It gave him a feeling of disgust to think of the opponent who used that same power before Subaru, and it was no excuse that the incident happened after not being able to beat Garfiel in the first place.

It was a strange ability-- rather, authority, that endlessly intrigued Subaru with the dangers of using it, as well as the circumstances that made it available to him. Therefore, he had never thought to actively use this force until now.

Subaru's “Invisible Providence” has no power or flexibility like the original "Unseen hands" of that madman. At best, wiping away tears or stroking the head is all he can muster.

The cost is too expensive if he has to pay with his soul, but he thought the only means was to meet it halfway.

Subaru: "It's not like I've gotten used to it."

Shaken with a feeling of loss and disgust, Subaru felt more anxiety than relief.

It's always good to have more cards in your hands, is what Subaru theorizes. But it doesn't mean that possessing multiple pairless jokers in “Old Maid” would do you any good.

Of course, it would serve as the best hand of cards in other games.

Subaru: "uhuh."

Betty: "...just now, what have you been doing, I suppose?"

Subaru: "Oh? What...?"

As Subaru let out a small shriek amidst his worries , a grumpy voice suddenly appeared.

It was like, if you were to open your eyes to see what’s happening, you would see a face in front of you, as your eyes would meet Beatrice’s eyes.

And that Beatrice looked quite unusual.

Subaru: “Beako, what happened to your head and dress?."

Betty: ". . . It's the result of Subaru being glued to Betty's hair and clothes all the time. I wonder why I have to suffer such a humiliation!"

Subaru: "huh, me?"

In front of Subaru, who was tilting his head cluelessly, a furious Beatrice was trying to hide the anger in her voice.

Her splendid drills were jumbled, and both the delicate dress and the white cloak to protect the dress from the sand wind, were arranged eccentrically and running at the forefront of fashion. It is a state-of-the-art pattern that no one has ever thought of.

Betty: "- Your lack of self-awareness is irritating! You were very worried, I suppose, but then it went on and on and on and on and on...That's enough! ...Do you even remember saying those words of love?"

Subaru: "No, I remember that. Beako, my LOVE is true."

Betty: "hmp!"

To those candid words, a red-faced Beatrice completely covered her head with her cloak.

He really wanted to admire that unfamiliar cute appearance, but right now he can’t play with Beatrice.

As a result of Subaru's unspeakable efforts, Gyan will not make a fuss and will try to resume the march of the dragon carriage with Meili's ability. However, Subaru goes through the gap that opened between the Oiran bears and brought Patrasche close to the coach.

Subaru: "Julius, Meili. Let’s make a temporary retreat ― things are bad."

It was because of the two "deaths" that he proposed a rework in their strategy.

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

Meili: "I'm disappointed in you, big brother. It was only a bit tense, I didn’t want to run away so soon"

Ram: "After all, Barusu is still Barusu. I thought after becoming Emilia-sama’s knight, he would be a little better. But I guess a person’s character doesn’t change that easily. Pulled out too early."

Subaru: "There’s no harm in just re-enforcing a safety measure!"

After somehow running back from the flower garden and returning to the meeting place which they set up after breaking through "Sand Time", Subaru was being stabbed with strict criticism for making the decision to withdraw.

First, it was Meili who had successfully tamed the Oiran bears and opened the way towards the tower, and then the second was Ram who had been stuck by the window in the dragon carriage, prepared for any emergency situation.

Subaru, who stopped the dragon carriage and requested a face-to-face meeting on the sand, was shrinking as he was cornered about stopping their progress on just his own opinion.

Emilia: "But, I don’t think that Subaru's judgment was wrong. Even if we got reeeeally far through the flower gardens, I think that it’s still the same situation as a little while ago. If we did that, you wouldn't have been able to get out like we did now.

Meili: "Big sister doubts my ability? You believe big brother more than me?"

Emilia: "We've come this far. I believe in both of them. But it is my opinion that I especially want to believe what Subaru says. Sorry."

Subaru: "E?M?M ..."

She is EMILIA?MAJOR? GODDESS, who fights against Meili's childish rebuttals and puts her heart into it. Subaru puts his hands together, and beside him, Beatrice fixed her messed up clothes and hair.

Betty: "So what do you intend to do after all? If you don’t trust the mabeast girl, it is too reckless to pass through this flower garden, I suppose. ...even if I had to, I wouldn't have been able to annihilate the whole herd of this kind of beast, but that’s not the case."

Emilia: "If only Puck was here, oh well... I guess I’ll try my best?"

Subaru: "I really want it to be the last resort. And even if you completely annihilate the Oiran bears here, I feel that other monsters will fill the gaps and it will become an infinite loop. What do you say, Meili?"

Meili, who was by the water, pouts and turns her face away.

The girl crouches down, putting her chin over her knees, like a little child,

Meili: "Whaaaat is it?"

Subaru: "From what we heard, it's unusual that the flower gardens would be a territory for only Oiran bears. To put it bluntly, even if the bears aren’t around, other demon beasts will fill their places"

Meili: "........It may be right, or it may be not right."

Subaru: “Which is it?”

Meili: "Yeah, what big brother said is right. But what are you gonna do?"

While affirming Subaru's point of view, Meili questions him back.

Receiving her dissatisfied look, Subaru frowns, and Julius shrugs his shoulders.

Julius: “I understand Miss Meili's point. Subaru's worries are justified, but there is nothing to be gained just by fretting over unexpected situations. If we could predict what would happen and deal with it, we wouldn't call it 'unexpected'."

Subaru: “Even so, just leaving it all in the hands of divine protection and rushing in without thinking, is a different story. Or maybe I should say, that proposal would be very out of your character. That's more like Garfiel’s role.”

Julius: "Naturally, I would never suggest such recklessness. We should decide what to do after a constructive discussion. Whether we proceed or return, that is."

Just like before entering the flower gardens, Julius said this, raising his two fingers.

As Subaru snorted at the gesture, everyone started to think about the situation.

Ram: "What if Barusu acted as a decoy to lure out the demon beasts? Then while they chase after him, we find a gap for us to break through."

Subaru: “United we stay!"

Ram: "Ram and the others will be safe, and we can set out to cure Rem. It's a good idea."

Subaru: "I’ll be devoured!"

Emilia: "Still, I’ll work reeeeally hard to fight for everyone and such..."

Subaru: "Emilia-tan, this is an unexpectedly meat-headed reaction."

Emilia: "Meat... Headed...huh, what are you saying suddenly? It's embarrassing"

Subaru: "It's sudden for me! This doesn’t match the unconditionally praising Emilia-tan?"

Julius: "Leave it to miss Meili’s divine protection, and we will advance through the flower garden until the point we can... When we have reached the limit, we will launch a preemptive attack and rush to the Watchtower. It’s a powerful gamble."

Subaru: "I can’t explain it, but it will fail. I can't explain it, but I'm sure"

Julius: “Hmm... You say this as if you have an absolutely certain basis."

Subaru: "Ah, I don't know. I can't say that for sure."

It is tough to dismiss the progression strategy without touching on the forbidden subject of “Return by death”.

And in the discussion that seemed somewhat lacking in progress in terms of the strategy, Subaru tried his luck with what he had noticed.

Because he had to prioritize Gyan’s shock, then afterward the retreat from the flower gardens, he forgot to sort out the cause of those two "deaths" which actually got him back in the first place.

The first time it was too sudden, and the second time it was a mess, and he couldn’t say very clearly - but the cause of both of Subaru’s deaths was related to the fact that the tower in front was glowing.

Subaru: "That tower glows, is there anyone else seen that ?"

“The Watchtower glows...?”

At Subaru’s question, everyone tilted their heads with surprised faces.

Subaru groaned at the poor response and that no one saw it. It's kind of obvious.

Honestly, Subaru saw that light at approximately the same time of his "death". If that light really had a killing intention, then those who saw it would not live to tell the tale.

The secret attack that was carried out to kill him, he should think about that" sounds really better to me.

Anastasia: "Natsuki-kun, you saw the tower glowing?"

Subaru: "What? Ah--, I might be mistaken, but I think it might have lightened up."

Anastasia: "When did that happen?"

Subaru: ".....When I was in the flower garden, I think?"

He replied to Anastasia’s inquiry in the form of another question.

However, because there was a situation in the flower garden where he could not raise his voice, it didn’t seem suspicious that he had kept quiet about the tower’s light. Since Subaru saw the tower’s light both times around when he activated "Return by death", it could also be risky to touch the subject in this case.

For a second, he feels sorry that he can only report the truth in irregular bits--

Subaru: “If the tower lights up, doesn’t that mean The-Sage-in-The-Tower-san was watching us?”

Anastasia: “Not necessarily, it's night time too, it wouldn’t be strange to use a light.”

Emilia: "I see. If “The Sage” noticed us, it may be a good idea to let him know that we don’t mean any harm."

Except, since Subaru was so ambiguous about his argument, Emilia’s thoughts went in a completely different direction. Of course, it is a journey to seek friendly contact.

If the cause of the light is the Sage, it is natural that such an opinion arises.

But to Subaru, who knows the light is anything but friendly, this would be the same as running towards a cliff.

Subaru: "Wait, let’s try to sort out our information for now. And then let’s decide whether or not to get in touch with the sage."

Emilia:"Sort out our information?"

Subaru: “Yeah, organize. Because, you know, it's all there. That light is not necessarily a sign of life from the sage. It’s more, uh... There's a possibility of it being a dangerous, searchlight-like light, isn't there?"

Emilia: “Search...light..."

Anastasia: "In other words, Natsuki-Kun suspects that the light he saw is from a defense mechanism that the "Sage" has planted?"

Subaru: "That's it!"

While Emilia is in her head trying to figure out a word that she wasn’t used to hearing, Anastasia/Scarf-dona gets to the true meaning of Subaru's words. And hearing that and pondering, is Julius. The Knight murmurs, “Is that so?” under his breath.

Julius: "I don't know whether the Sage has been alive for hundreds of years, or if it’s only exaggeration. Might there be some legacy left behind by the sage that still works as a device to protect the world?"

Subaru: "Oh, oh... I didn't think so far ahead, but it's possible."

Julius: "If that's the case, it would assume for convenience that everyone approaching is one who schemes to resurrect the “Witch of Envy”, even Royal messengers from the Kingdom. It has been a long-standing mystery as to why the Sages, who were supposed to be friendly to the Kingdom, would be as violent as stories told."

In Julius’s words, it sounded like he was somewhat relieved, and Subaru admired that "So there’s also this way of thinking ?"

Indeed, if the defense system was prepared and left behind by the sages, even after the death of its master, it would still refuse intruders. It is not so strange for such a system to exist in a magical world.

Subaru: "If that’s the case, I want you to give me a break because this trip will be a waste..."

Ram: "If the Sage is dead, but there is any information or documents left by the Sage, it would be good too. It’s still too early to leave the world in despair, Barusu."

Subaru: “I’m not gonna let Nee-sama’s bullying manner get to my head."

If Julius’s speculations are correct, the whole foundation of this journey will be undermined. But even against such a possibility, Ram's determination does not shake. As one would expect.

Anastasia: “In any case, to keep watch for hundreds of years without rest... Although in no way realistic, I don’t know if it’s even possible. Besides, I don’t think there's such a need to be disappointed about whether the “Sage” Shaula is dead or alive.”

Emilia: "Really? Why?"

Anastasia: "If you are a long-lived species, it’s not particularly surprising to be alive even now. Echidna’s birth itself was hundreds of years ago."

Pulling out the white scarf from inside her robe, Anastasia laughs. In response to that Emilia immediately touched her pendant, thinking of Puck.

Emilia: "Oh, my Puck also lives a long time. I'm not losing to that Echidna."

Subaru: "Why are you competing, Emilia-Tan? Well, my Beako is quite a loli granny too. Right?"

Betty: "Do you think Betty will just laugh and answer that, I suppose? Disgusting."

As Beatrice sneers with anger, Subaru shrugs.

When the conversation diverted from the subject, Ram claps her hands.

Ram: "The Sage being dead or alive is not relevant to the discussion. Leaving that aside, the problem is the true identity of the light that Barusu saw. Whether that is dangerous, or just the illusion of Barusu’s, we have to reach a conclusion."

Subaru: "Sooner or later, it won't be very doubtful whether the contents of my report are true or false, to all of us."

Ram: “It's not about deciding if it's a lie or not, Ram will concede on this matter."

It might be that, if they don’t reach a general agreement, there won’t be any progress.

In any case, the discussion ends up returning to the subject of the true identity of the light.

Subaru: “I..I think it’s dangerous. At least not friendly."

Julius: "And the basis is, just intuition?"

Subaru: "...Well, that's right."

Julius: "Right... That’s troublesome."

The light of the Watchtower - Subaru was convinced that it was the cause of both of his "deaths", but it is very difficult to convey that fact. So, he thought it would be impossible to use "intuition" as his reason, but surprisingly, Ram seriously considered the reply.

And not only Ram but Emilia and Julius too.

Subaru: “Eh? Just on my intuition? Aren’t you more suspicious??"

Emilia: "If this was just a hunch, I think so, but it is Subaru's intuition, right? In that case, it makes more sense to think about it than to doubt it suddenly."

Julius: "Don't be so self-deprecating. You've been through this kind of hopeless situation already, haven't you? There is a certain kind of intuition that only works for such a person. To put it in other words, it's sort of a rule of thumb....It's by no means something to make light of."

Ram: "Like when field mice change their territory before heavy rain. Barusu’s intuition can’t be fooled."

Subaru: "It's just stupid enough. . . . . .Is that what you’re saying?"

Like a reflex reaction to the poisonous remarks thrown his way, Subaru’s shoulders relaxed a little.

Not being able to reveal the source of his information, even to those close to him, is an absurd reality. Subaru had come across the same situation many times, but each time he was saved by the concern and trust of others, in the same way, over and over again.

Rem in the royal capital. Otto and Ram in "Sanctuary". Emilia and Beatrice in the city of Pristella. They all believed in Subaru, in what he was. And so,

Subaru: “Even if you want to call them out friendly, there’s no way to do it. If you even make a loud voice, Bear-san will come to welcome you before the sage does.”

Julius: “That is something I want to avoid. Then, the realistic means should be sending Emilia-sama's magic... Or so it seems..”

While looking towards the Watchtower, Julius stretches his right hand and closes one of his eyes.

It's a gesture like a painter trying to figure out a distance. Then staying like that, silently thinking for a moment,

Julius: “Roughly, from here to the Watchtower is around ten kilometers - from the front of the flower garden, it is not a realistic range to cast Emilia-sama’s magic.”

Subaru: “By the way, how far can you cast your magic Emilia-tan?"

Emilia: “The distance? Well, I haven't tried to measure it before, so I don't know...But I don't think it can reach the tower from here. It will disappear before it hits."

The silhouette of the “Watchtower” from this point is clearly closer than the silhouette that was visible before the "Sand Time". In fact, closer than they were after crossing the distance of the flower gardens.

Even so, the plan to aim at the tower from the front of the flower gardens was not realistic.

Subaru: “In the first place, if you could pass just by sending a message, Reinhard would be able to do it. Being that guy, it’s like.....couldn’t he make a magical attack that could cover the distance way beyond 10 kilometers?”

Julius: "There is no way of knowing that, except asking him, Reinhard probably didn't pass through "Sand Time" point when he challenged this trial. Until now, we've only reached so far because our Miss Anastasia...no, because Echidna knew the way."

Subaru: "Is that so?...ah, shit. Don’t you know anything more?"

As the proposal is rejected, Subaru points to Scarf-dona with a melancholic voice. Then, playing her part as Anastasia, Scarf-dona appears skillfully handling the muffler concealing her state,

Anastasia: "I don't know what to say. There was a road to go on the other side of “Sand Time”, and it was an unprecedented achievement just to be able to claim so. Shouldn't you give me more credit?”

Subaru: "We’re the first to get here, is that it? Knowing only half the way off memory, like you are giving directions to the newspaper stand. That’s a tough job. "

Anastasia: “Hm, you have a point.”

Subaru spouted a rude theory, but Scarf-dona didn’t try to refute it. The Scarf fell silent and that pondering attitude also passed onto Anastasia. Then, Anastasia raised her face suddenly,

Anastasia: “That's right. But now, it seems it’s better to sum up the things we know at the moment.”

Subaru: “The things we know -- So...."

Anastasia: “Natsuki-kun’s light of the tower, as well as the supposed danger of it, the extent of the demon beasts’ flower gardens in front of the tower, the three “Sand Times", and... Is there something else?”

The information that Anastasia listed had all been established so far.

It is important to build a path and pave the way to a conclusion. Subaru folds his arms and recalls the journey so far and the dangers he saw, for a while.

Subaru: “Now, this is the place that we came to after choosing to cross the "Sand Time" of the night. Then, it became too much of a burden on the dragons to pass through that flower field. And then, it seems Meili kept silent that she was bringing a monster along with us.”

Meili: "huh!?"

Subaru says while counting on his fingers, and Meili’s shoulders raise up in a panic. At seeing the blatant reaction of the small girl, everyone’s eyes turned to her.

Meili: “Wah-, wait, wait. Yes, big brother is right, but...How, how does big brother know that?”

Subaru: “Guesswork. It was just a leading question.”

Julius: "Still, it seems that Subaru's imagination was right. ― what will you do?"

Julius, in a quiet voice, asks about the procedure for Meili’s betrayal. Hearing that attitude, Meili’s face turned pale, but Subaru didn’t want to make matters worse.

Stopping Julius with his hand and fixing his eyes on Meili,

Subaru: "Don't worry. I'm not talking about scolding her. I understand it’s just your insurance. Still, it was just a suspicious factor."

Meili: "Do, do you want me to let it go? Then, you won’t be angry?"

Subaru: "There's no need to let it go. If you think you need one, please keep it. If we’re surrounded by a group of Oiran bears, or chased, it would be a great help."

Meili: "------"

Thinking he must be joking, Meili widened her eyes and just nodded. Just to be sure, Subaru looks back at Julius, who has yet to loosen his vigilant eyes,

Subaru: "That's what children do. Let’s give her a pass.”

Julius: "If it is a child that can only be handled properly, I also do so with my full power. However, the girl’s power is too strong to simply trust and let her go. Even more so in the land of Augria, which can be said to be the garden of demon beasts."

Subaru: "Even so. We’re all sharing the same Dragon Carriage, so please get along."

When Subaru says so, Julius hesitates a bit and then stops going for his sword.

Then, instead of the silent Julius, Emilia raised her hand.

Emilia: "So, Subaru. Let’s continue the talk from earlier."

Subaru: "Yes, yes. I'll go on."

Emilia: "When it comes to passing through the flower gardens...What do you plan to do? Do you want to try the same thing with another “Sand Time” and try out a different place?"

Subaru: "On the other hand, though.... Just a second, there’s something I'd like to try."

Emilia: "Something you want to try?"

Emilia, who had no idea what Subaru was thinking, tilted her head in confusion. Copying Emilia’s tilted head, Subaru turned his eyes toward the flower gardens - the sea of flowers surrounding the Watchtower.

Of course, he couldn't see the end of it―

Subaru: “If the flower garden has an opening somewhere, at least we won't have to worry about being targeted from all sides. Whether there is an edge like that or not, it’s worth a try, right?”

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

―And so, their plan had all the participants going to check for the existence of any edge on the flower gardens.

Julius: “If moving in separate groups, getting lost would be devastating Besides, it won’t be sensible to advance in the immediate vicinity of monsters without Miss Meili's assistance.”

Julius's point gained everyone’s unanimous approval.

Subaru also agreed on this and decided to give priority to safety rather than convenience alone.

Subaru: "Well, I’d like to start departing soon, but..."

Everyone prepares to depart, getting on their respective dragon carriage or earth dragon.

If they make the rule to always keep the Watchtower’s silhouette on their right side, the party can make sure they are following North.

However, whether the rules of East, West, North, and South still work in the dunes, is a different story.

Subaru: "When you calmly think about it, this whole place is also a strange case of space-time distortion. If by going through the "Sand Time" you arrive here, it’s somewhat similar to “door crossing”……"

Betty: "I don't know what Subaru is trying to say. The application of "door crossing" surely distorts space, and makes the physical distance vague, I suppose. Betty set up Subaru into it once, too."

Subaru: "You did, to me? When?"

Betty: "......I'll never forget it, on our first encounter, I suppose."

Subaru: “First encounter...Oh! In Roswaal’s mansion, when I cleared the corridor that seemed to be an infinite loop! I'm sorry about that. Even though you prepared it so hard, I’ll do my best not to do something like that again. . . . . . Sorry?”

Betty: "You seriously apologizing for it is seriously frustrating! Forget it, I suppose!"

Subaru: “You reminded me....”

Betty: "Tch-! That's it!"

Riding with him, Beatrice was getting somewhat angry, Subaru had no choice but to take on the difficult task of handling the peculiar girl. For the time being, he held her in his arms and calmed her down, commanded Patrasche to walk towards the dragon carriage, and then

Subaru: “Are you ready there?”

Julius: "Without a problem. After that, Emilia-sama would like to do one thing."

Emilia: "That's right."

Nodding to Julius, who had finished his preparations on the carriage’s coach, Subaru looked up at the roof. As in their march into the flower garden, Emilia’s position is still fixed on the roof of the dragon carriage.

Subaru raised his hand to Emilia, who seemed enthusiastic while standing high, and asked her to create a "Landmark" just like earlier.

Subaru: “Emilia-tan, please here. For the time being, this is our base camp. Be as quiet as possible…...like, without disturbing the demon beasts"

Emilia: “Okay, understood... If I wake up a demon beast with this, all the trouble we went to being all quiet back then would be meaningless, right. So, quietly, quietly, quiet--ly.”

Subaru slowly moves his hand gesturing to go slowly, and Emilia mimics it while before their eyes, a tower of ice rises up from the sand floor.

It seemed like they were right in their judgment that it would proceed quietly, in fact, the ice tower was built slowly and gently, and he could not hear the usual sound of tensing in the air. A few parts came out looking a bit weak, but it had a fine finish, and seemed to be able to fulfill its role safely.

Emilia: "Is it okay?"

Subaru: "O.K. No problems. As expected, Emilia-tan!"

Giving the anxious Emilia a big ‘O’ and ‘K’, Subaru peeks in the direction of the flower beds. There were concerns over if the demon beasts would be able to sense mana activity, but fortunately, there was no signs of any movement other than the sweet scent of nectar flowing from the flower gardens.

Actually, it seemed quite dull.

Subaru: "Even now I wonder, why they pretend to be a flower garden...? If they want to camouflage themselves, don't you think a desert is a strange place to do it?"

Betty: "Demon beasts aren’t expected to have that much intelligence, I suppose.. They’re simple, can't do anything except what is carved into their instincts, and they think of nothing else. Animals are just like this, I suppose."

Subaru: "I see. Very interesting―"

Beatrice’s makes a bitter evaluation at his bosom. Nodding at those words, Subaru diverted his gaze to the flower garden and aimed to give the order to their departure --and he noticed.

At the edge of his field of vision that looked towards the flower garden, a change took place, something was different in the flower garden.

The Watchtower glowed.

Subaru: “--Emilia!!”

Emilia: "...!?"

This time Subaru raised his voice and called out to Emilia on the roof. Hearing the urgency in his voice, Emilia held on tight to her position. But, the effect of light exceeded it.

"...hk?"

Making a violent sharp sound, something hits the ice tower, and smashes it to pieces.

The ice tower, which was long, thin and about ten meters tall, was nothing but fragile. However, as if destroying a sand castle, the attack broke the ice with ease, and reduced it to mana.

―Again, he couldn't see it. But, he understood.

Subaru: “I knew that light would attack――”

Betty: “Subaru! Next one is coming!”

While his body is bathed in crushed ice fragments, Subaru turns his neck to Beatrice's call. Immediately after that, the Watchtower shines again, as thought.

The light's next blow was aimed at Subaru.

― The light approaches at a speed that does not even allow them to blink, and it targets his vital points with its single blow.

Its devastating power is already known to Subaru, who had died from it.

Therefore, the moment his brain detects that it has been targeted by the light, "death" has already been determined.

"――――"

The light attacked, aiming straight for Subaru's forehead.

It is "death" itself, killing its prey without a sound, only leaving behind a skewing wind. Natsuki Subaru is once again, at his wit’s end, about to be killed in cold blood.

Subaru: “E. M. M”

Betty: “I suppose!”

―in this case, Natsuki Subaru was not the only one who was aimed at.

The sound echoed, and the attack that should have hit Subaru, misses.

The cause is simple: Subaru’s strength surpassed the power of the attack.

"E. M. M" is one of the three original spells Subaru developed with Beatrice.

This particular one is “Absolute Defense Magic”.

During the activation of E. M. M, Subaru will not receive any interference from the outside world. It is the result of applying all of Beatrice's Yin magic skill and knowledge into manipulating time and space in a limited area around Subaru.

Subaru: "I know the effect is similar to that bastard’s, but I kinda feel weird...ah!?"

Regulus, Sin Archbishop representing "Greed", could stop the effect of time in his body by the transferring of his heart.

E. M. M can be said to be a downsized version of that ability. However, there is no harmful side effect like stopping the heart, and you can be invincible as long as one’s mana is not exhausted.

In this situation, though, it's nothing more than buying some time.

Subaru: "But, ugh!? Just buying time? I’ve got important things to do!?!?"

Betty: "Hey! Subaru, what are you screaming for!? Are you okay, I suppose??"

Behind Subaru, Beatrice's worried voice yells as she shields them. It was like this because even though they were being defended, sound and shock are still transmitted.

After activating E. M. M, the light of the Watchtower seemed to wonder why Subaru was not dying even after being hit again and again, so it kept bombarding him with consecutive attacks.

Subaru: "Oi!? uf!? uh!?"

The speed of the rapid fire and the accuracy of its aim were extraordinary.

Although the pain and shock passes right through Subaru's body, unfortunately, it is human reflex to react with a yell when something hits him.

Emilia: "Subaru! It’s already...eh!"

Watching Subaru being showered by a concentrated attack, Emilia tries to cover him from atop the roof.

Looking to protect Subaru from the Watchtower’s attack, a thick and enormous ice barrier is raised from the sandy ground. Perhaps, the toughest defensive wall Emilia could create in an instant.

It was a shield from the attacks that were being shot at Subaru without any other aim, but―

Emilia: "No way!?"

Julius: "Even the ice walls do not stand a chance!"

Emilia lets out a shriek and Julius a startled cry, as they could see, the ice wall was crushed in one shot.

That unbelievable power--was not the only reason. The ice wall was struck, but somehow weakened the light enough to avoid it hitting Subaru. A lot of it bounced back and struck the sand, which blew up in a white smoke.

If you look at Emilia’s damaged ice wall, it was melted rather than drilled.

Emilia: "Heat? Did the heat... melt the ice?"

Julius: “Something fell to the ground....a needle?"

Looking at the effects of the attack, Emilia and Julius get different conclusions at the same time.

In the meantime, the attack continues. Subaru was assaulted by a staggering amount of attacks, and even though he was in an invincible state, it was exceeding their limit.

Betty: "Subaru! There's a problem!"

Subaru: "I’m listeni--ah! But I can’t--ugh!”

Betty: "If things keep going the way they are, we’ll be running out of mana very soon, I suppose!"

Subaru: "Already!?"

Betty: "It’s almost over!"

At Beatrice’s cry, Subaru grinds his teeth while still being shot at.

Of course, what Beatrice means to say is not "Since mana is running out, you should supply more, I suppose." but "Since mana is running out, we should counterattack, I suppose."

Subaru: "Can you do it?”

Betty: "What a foolish question, I suppose!"

Beatrice doesn’t even answer his question.

Hearing the response of his trusted partner, Subaru loosens his jaw as he prepares himself.

Subaru: “The third is incomplete. . . . . . . Let's go with the second one!"

Betty: "I'm going to deactivate E. M. M right after it hits!"

There was no time.

Subaru looked at Emilia, Emilia looked at him and nodded. There was no time to discuss concrete measures. But he believed it was conveyed.

Subaru: "-hkk!?"

The light sets off, and again Subaru suffers a direct hit. Because E. M. M is activated, the attack will not reach him - it will be canceled.

Each of the original spells is a trump card that can only be used once a day. Upon releasing E. M. M, Subaru will lose its protective function against that light.

And they'll have to fight back before the next one reaches――,

???: “The light--!”

As if it could read Subaru’s actions, the next strike of light was even faster.

So far, the speed, power and frequency are obviously meant to finish off Subaru. Naturally, with Subaru's paper-thin defense, only one shot would be enough to send him out of this world if it hits directly.

And so,----

Emilia: “Stop!”

A vortex of magical power gets casted in multiple manners in front of Subaru, and creates walls of ice standing on the sand ground. This time the defense that was not limited to only one wall, but six sheets of ice walls were made in the same time.

The light struck straight into that six-sheet defense. It went through the first one simply, the second one with ease, the third one like it was nothing.

However, there was a slight resistance on the fourth sheet, and the fifth one almost managed to stand up. And in the sixth and last one, the speed of light was clearly dulled. ― But could still go through it.

The light penetrated through the sixth ice wall, and was about to pierce through the forehead of defenseless Subaru.

― Just before it hit, a Knight’s Sword draws a semicircle, catching the light that had lost its speed and cuts it off.

Julius: "Unfortunately, there are a number of women who will grieve if he is hurt――"

Rushing from the dragon carriage to them and striking the light with a slash of his sword without minding the danger, is Julius.

Emilia's defense weakened it, and Julius stopped it.

Even though he is slightly jealous of the combined technique, Subaru’s preparation is complete.

Subaru: "Let's go! The second! Absolute invalidation magic "E · M · T"!"

Lifting up the hood that protected him from the sand, Subaru opened his mouth wide and chanted.

Then, hiding behind Subaru’s back, Beatrice drained mana from Subaru and multiplied it with her own magical power to cast a new spell.

"――――"

In the next moment, a light expands around Subaru and Beatrice, forming a spherical field of about ten meters, also encompassing the dragon carriage.

It was transparent in appearance, equally wrapped themselves in a sphere of light.

However, the effect is enormous.

Julius: “This is...."

In front of the astonished Julius, the Watchtower again radiates light. He sees it at the corner of his eyes and takes up his sword at once, instantly opening his eyes wide.

The light went straight ahead, aiming directly for Subaru, but the moment it entered the field, it simply had lost all of its force. The overwhelming speed that seemingly surpassed even bullets disappeared, and the only thing left behind after losing speed and power was a strange white object, that was long and slender.

It was easily brought down by Julius’s swinging sword, falling on the sand and scattering away.

Subaru: "A Needle, huh?"

Julius: "Something like that. No, more than that, Subaru, this magic..."

Subaru: “Wait, Wait, Wait! There are heaps of things I want to talk about, but for now we have to withdraw! Get in the dragon carriage right away! Let's get out of here! We can’t take too long!”

Julius: ". .! Understood! Let's hurry!"

With the call of urgency, Julius jumps into the dragon carriage along with his questions. He took the reins immediately, and the dragon carriage turned over its head towards the "Sand Time".

It would be a suicidal act to go towards the Watchtower now. This was the right decision and he had no choice but to believe it.

Subaru: "Let's go! Don't get too far from me! Stay within the light!"

Emilia: "Wah, Subaru, Wow! Even though the light’s firing. ...."

Clinging to the roof of the running dragon carriage, Emilia watches Subaru with astonishment.

It seems like even though it has no effect, the light continues to target Subaru. But no matter how many attacks it launched, the light will simply lose its power as soon as it enters the E · M · T field, and fall into the sand as it is. The invalidation is absolute.

Julius: "At any rate, it's a great power. Is this yours and Beatrice-sama’s trump card of some sort?"

Subaru: "One of the trump cards! I'm not going to spoil it! For now, our priority should probably be getting away from the Watchtower!! No, definitely!”

Julius: "I think it is an application of Yin magic, invalidating the effects of mana within the range? If that's the case, it's the natural enemy of mages...... No, you're a formidable opponent for anyone who uses mana to aid their skills."

Subaru: "I would say, it only seems to give a relative advantage, it doesn’t make me stronger. I'll still lose in a fair fight against a strong guy. This is the ability that I developed thinking of when I’ll give Ros-chi a black eye."

It seemed Julius had genuinely praised him, so he felt a little better.

Of course, escaping from the attack of the Watchtower also brought him relief, but in any case, it was nothing more than “letting his guard down”".

However, it was probably impossible to predict what “letting his guard down” would bring right now, even for Subaru, so no one could be blamed.

Emilia: "Subaru! Are we going back to the dunes in front the flower garden this way?"

Subaru: "For just a short time, but yeah! We need to polish and refine our countermeasure anyhow--”

Saying that, “Sand Time”, the way to their retreat, swirls in the sandy wind----The moment E · M · T field touches it, the "World" breaks.

Subaru: "huh--?"

Betty: "Damn it, I suppose!"

Until then, Beatrice had been clinging to his body with relief at getting through the attacks.

Right in front of her, the view of the nightly sand dunes was tore apart as she watched, making her voice tremble.

Betty: "The distortion of space is invalidated by E · M · T!"

Subaru: “Eh?"

Betty: "It’s like you said, I suppose! The distortion here is similar to Betty's “door crossing” in that house. In other words, the distorted space will return to its original state!"

Subaru: "What does that mean--?”

Subaru's question does not go on to the end, only the feeling of Beatrice clinging to him remains.

As it is, the "World" is torn and unraveled like paper, coming apart, and the crack in space swallowed up Patrasche with Subaru and Beatrice, and the dragon carriage with Emilia and the others.

Subaru: “NOT good..... Emilia!?"

Emilia: "Subaru――"

Thrown down into the darkness, Subaru cried out while losing any effects of gravity.

He didn't know where the dragon carriage was. But he could hear Emilia's voice echoing in response to Subaru's cry.

Subaru: “This is――"

Bad, before he could say it, he was thrown out into the other side of the broken space...

※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※ ※

"――――"

The boundary between the flower field and the sand sea was broken, and it was seen that a small group was swallowed in it.

"――――"

From very, very far away, watching, a shadow wriggled inside the tower.

It walked away from the window, stepped onto the cobblestones, and went down a spiral staircase.

Its steps were slow, but gradually became faster and more impatient.

Shadow: “---Found him."

And, as if it hadn’t spoken in many years, let out a cracking murmur.

Except, no one who heard it would be mistaken, it sounded absolutely delighted.

Shadow: “Found him.”

That was for sure.