Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

"Otto. I'm sure you said something before. About using wind and water magic to make only your footsteps travel farther."

"...Now that you mention it, I feel like we did talk about that, but you remembered well. It's certainly not impossible to perform such a simple spell even with my current mana-depleted state, but... how do you use it? This can only be used when you want to make the opponent turn away, you know?"

"The way to use it is just as you just said. Make some footsteps to attract their attention, and have them come down to where you've set the trap. Then I'll blow them away with the essence of science."

"You seem awfully confident, but what is the true essence of that science...?"

"It's the easiest and strongest killer move, a dust explosion. The method and ingredients are surprisingly simple. All you need is fire and a little bit of flour. With the power you know, it should be enough to blow away a monster and still get some change."

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

"That's what he said, so I believed him and went along with it, and this is what happened!"

"Shut up! Scientific advancement always comes with sacrifices! Why did it fail? Was there not enough powder? Was the fire too small? Maybe the laws of physics were fundamentally different in this world? Is that why there was a dust explosion..."

"Seriously! Stop that and just hit me more properly! Ah, no! No!"

　Subaru and Otto were yelling at each other, and Petra interrupted them, shouting something.

　The three of them were currently in the dining room on the first floor of the mansion, lit up by the bright flames.

"You must have used too much oil! How are we going to get rid of this? It's spreading fast!"

"There's no way we can be stingy when hunting such a ridiculously large magical beast! If we can't take it in the first place, the result will be the same whether we burn it or leave it there! I'll definitely make sure we buy it properly!"

"You two are so noisy! Now isn't the time for this! I can't turn it off now! Let's get out of here!"

"That sounds like something a middle school kid would say when they accidentally set off fireworks and now they can't fix it..."

　Saying this with a dejected look on his face, Subaru noticed that the tablecloth he was holding had also caught fire. No matter how much he hit it, the fire showed no sign of going out, so he had no choice but to add it to the flames.

　The fire from the stockpile warehouse spread quickly and the flames started to spread to the dining hall kitchen. It looked like it would soon explode, engulfing the magic ores used for cooking.

"The sacrifices you have made are too great..."

　Subaru, his lip curled, looked down at the charred corpse of a demonic beast that had collapsed near the border between the storehouse and the dining hall. The beast had been blocking a secret passageway to the office on the third floor, and Otto had used his stealth magic to lure it downstairs, where it had been doused in oil from the storehouse and burned to death.

　He was a muscle-brained man with a large build, and it was a relief that he fell for all of the traps without any signs of suspicion. Fortunately, he also had a weak constitution against fire, and after his body caught fire, he panicked and rampaged around on the spot, remaining that way until he was completely burned out.

　They worried about what would happen when the dust explosions they had prepared failed to go off, but the next best thing, the oil that Otto and Petra had stockpiled, proved effective.

　No matter how much Subaru explained, they didn't understand the horror of a dust explosion, and perhaps it was the lack of understanding of the two men who had taken out insurance that saved them this time.

　However, a problem arose: the flames used to burn the beast to death did not go out even after the goal of defeating the beast had been achieved.

　The walls of the mansion were burning, the food in the storehouse was burned, and the flames reached the legs of the large table in the dining room.

　Black smoke and the deadly smell of a burning world. Visibility was beginning to fade, and there simply weren't enough water magic users to put out the fires without fire engines.

"Honestly, I knew that renovation work was necessary after Garfiel and Elsa's fight and the situation with the monsters roaming about, but... I didn't think it would go to the level of rebuilding."

"This is no time for further ado, Natsuki-san. Let's follow Frederica-san and the others and escape. Hurry, before there are no more stairs to the third floor."

"Hurry! Hurry!"

　The two of them tugged on Subaru's sleeve as the familiar scene was engulfed in flames, leaving him feeling unrealized.

　Apart from Subaru, the only ones present were Otto and Petra. Frederica, who had accompanied him, and Rem, who was carrying him, had split off at the time the plan to trap the beast had begun - they had been tasked with waiting for the beast to move from in front of the door and ensuring the safety of the secret passageway to the office.

　Although there were some misgivings about leaving Rem in the care of an injured Frederica, it was a reasonable outcome when considered purely in terms of strength. Subaru and Otto would likely be no match for a one-armed Frederica.

　Either way, the monster was successfully repelled.

　Praying that their prediction had proved correct and that there were no other enemies in the office or secret passage, Subaru and the others rushed out of the dining room and ran up the stairs again, aiming for the top floor.

"What if Garfiel burns to death like this?"

"Even Garfiel isn't that stupid, it'll be fine! Besides, if it's just him, he can easily smash through the monsters outside and escape!"

　Subaru is worried that he has unexpectedly started a fire and cut into the battlefield. Otto's cry is spot on, but what will actually happen?

"Sister Frederica!"

　While they were thinking, the three of them reached the top floor.

　Petra, out of breath, spots Frederica standing in front of the office and waves. Frederica appears to have realized from Petra's behavior that the plan was a success, and she looks relieved.

"I'm glad everyone is safe. I'm relieved that no one is missing."

"Excuse me, why are you staring at my face and saying that? Are you saying I'm missing something? Come on, I'm about to cry, even I!"

"Yes, yes, calm down. Improving your treatment will be an issue for the future, but for now solving the current problem takes priority. Frederica, where is the secret passage?"

"It worked without any problems. I managed to get to the path, at least to the small room... By the way, I wonder if it's just my imagination that I smell something burning?"

　Frederica narrowed her narrow eyes and asked about the fragrant smell that tickled his nostrils. Subaru frowned and looked at Otto and Petra, but they both shook their heads.

"Ah, actually there was a slight mistake, the fire was too big to defeat the magic beast. As a result..."

"The mansion is burning... I wasn't expecting the building to be able to be returned safely, but it has burned down completely... You can't put a price on your life."

"Oh, I see what you're saying. You're right. There are some sacrifices that can't be helped."

"I don't have much attachment to the main residence. In return, Ram has strong feelings for it, so prepare yourself for being blamed later."

"Ugh..."

　Just imagining how he'll be cut down mercilessly over and over again makes me feel depressed about the reunion.

　However, it was a good thing to be able to think about the future like that. Frederica gave a wry smile at Subaru's attitude, and an atmosphere of relief spread throughout the room.

"Well, since we've arbitrarily set up another time limit for ourselves, let's quickly begin escaping. Frederica will take the lead, followed by Petra and Otto. As soon as we leave the evacuation route we'll be in a safe area… In this case, it's hard to tell which side of the barrier we should enter, but follow Frederica's instructions. If possible, it'd be best to meet up with Patrasche and the villagers we let escape."

　After finishing his light-hearted banter, Subaru quickly explained his future plans.

　Frederica and Otto's expressions tightened and they nodded in response to his plan, but it was Petra who raised an eyebrow after hearing his explanation.

　Petra raised her small hand and called out my name, "Subaru?",

"That's a bit strange, isn't it? The way you say it makes it sound like Subaru isn't coming with us…"

"--Ah, that's right. Sorry, but I can't run away with you from here. We'll go our separate ways."

"why!?"

　Subaru confirmed her doubt, and Petra cried out in surprise.

　A hand reached out to grab the hem of her dress, his fingertips trembling as he tried to stop Subaru from getting away.

"Let's get away! The mansion is burning down, and there are so many scary people and monsters! Subaru won't win even if he fights, right? Shall we run away?"

"Well, it's true so there's no excuse, but we're not fighting. In a way, it might be a fight though."

　While feeling pleased that Petra was trying to stop him, Subaru gently removed her fingertips one by one. His heart aches as he sees the grief spreading in Petra's big, round eyes.

　Otto tapped Petra on the shoulder from behind, careful not to provoke her.

"Petra-chan. There is something Natsuki-san must do. He cannot leave the mansion until he has completed it."

"But Subaru is weak! It's dangerous! Why not have Otto-san stay behind?"

"That's not something you would say because you believe in my strength, is it?"

　Petra shook her head at Otto's voice and looked up at Subaru with tearful eyes. Subaru knelt down to meet her gaze and stroked her head.

"Sorry, Petra. I managed to get you, Rem, and Frederica out of the mansion safely. But that doesn't explain the whole reason why I came back. There's one more person I need to take out."

"B-Beatrice-sama?"

"Yeah. Have we met?"

　Petra shook her head.

　It's been about ten days since Petra started working at the mansion. The reclusive girl hasn't even shown herself to the girl who lives and works at the mansion once. She's a die-hard fanatic.

　Even Subaru would leave the room at least to go to the bathroom.

"I-Is there really someone like that? Aren't you just overthinking it and assuming things...?"

　Although he probably didn't mean to do so, Petra is now beginning to doubt his very existence.

　I hope this isn't the case, but isn't that person a person that only exists in your head?

"They're troublesome, lonely, but caring, carrying everything on their own, coming up with answers on their own and suffering, and wanting someone else to finish things for them because they can't finish things themselves."

"..."

"I don't want to imagine someone like that as my ideal. If I'm going to create a character in my fantasy, I'll make him a helper character who is sweet on me and has max likeability."

　This girl in reality doesn't do anything the way I want her to, and she no longer knows what she wants or what others want, so she's on the verge of giving up thinking, which is extremely annoying.

　That's why we have to teach them.

"Beatrice is Petra. She's about the same age as you. She's more mature in many ways, so she might resemble his first friend."

"Your first friend?"

　I remember what Ryuzu had told me about the past.

　A girl named Lewes Meyer, who had once formed a friendship with Beatrice, but who would later leave an indelible scar on her heart.

　There was certainly a friendship between her and Beatrice that was obvious to anyone looking at it, though they may not have been aware of it.

"Petra, when I bring Beatrice back, you'll definitely become friends with him. I'm sure Petra will like him too. He's really worth teasing."

"From Otto-san?"

"Yeah. I don't even need Otto anymore."

　Otto looked as if he wanted to say something, but I consciously ignored him.

　Subaru then removed his hand from Petra's head, which he had been stroking, and stood up.

"It's as I said. I'll look for Beatrice. I'll do my best to make sure she doesn't burn to death, but if she does, make sure to make sure the cause of death is a fire caused by Otto's oil."

"I don't want that to happen, so if you don't come back safely I'll beat you up, seriously."

　Otto responded with a disgusted look on his face, and he pulled Petra towards him by her shoulders.

　As if drawing a line between Subaru, who acts separately, and the other four.

"Frederica, I'm counting on you."

"I will spare no effort and definitely carve out a way forward."

"What a pity. If you can't get it back, there's no point in coming."

　Frederica rolled her eyes.

　Seeing her surprised like that was a bit satisfying, as it made me feel like I'd seen something rare.

　At the end, Subaru looks at Rem being carried by Frederica. The princess continues to sleep as usual, with no sign of seeing Subaru off.

　That's fine. Rem is not in a position to see Subaru off. Subaru is the one to pick him up.

"Subaru, be careful!"

　Subaru turned his back on the four of them and took off.

　As he was leaving, Petra's voice rang out at Subaru's back. But he didn't look back. Petra didn't want that to happen either.

　The flames are slowly beginning to engulf the mansion.

　--Will the flames reach the Forbidden Library? Subaru couldn't help but wonder as he placed his hands on the safe door.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　The shield blocks the blade as it is swung down, and the attack is deflected with the sound of steel creaking and sparks flying.

　Taking advantage of the gap they created, a powerful kick slashed through Garfiel's torso, and Elsa received the kick and spun around to disperse the impact, using the momentum of the spin to swing the blade she was holding in her other hand towards Garfiel's temple, nearly cutting his head in half, but...

"Sweet!"

"Oh, it's spicy."

　The jaws were wide open as the blade was bitten, and for the fourth time that day, the blade was taken from the blade.

　The knife was instantly crushed by the force of the jaws, and Elsa, grabbing his hand, jumped backwards. Her smile deepened at having her prize stolen.

"One wrong move and your head will explode, yet you still manage to do it."

「I got a hold of you. It's about time I got bored of your fighting style.」

"How cold. You act like you've learned everything about women in just a short amount of time."

"...You keep saying things that give me trouble, hey. -- and."

　Garfiel, grimacing and sticking his fingers in his ears, snorts as he realizes something.

　Then he turned his gaze to the other side of the aisle and quirked up the corners of his mouth.

　Elsa and the others don't seem to have noticed yet, but Garfiel's sense of smell has picked up on a strange odor: the smell of burning wood and stone - in other words, the scent of fire.

"--Oh, I can't believe it! It's useless!"

　Immediately after Garfiel laughed, the girl looking down at the battle from atop the beast puffed out her cheeks.

　Elsa looked at her sideways, wondering what was going on. Meili had a sulky look on her face.

"It seems like Kageshi, who was supposed to be holding back our brothers, has died. He was a difficult child to handle because he didn't listen to what we were told and got angry easily, but... I wonder why he died when he was doing something that should have been a simple nap in front of the door."

"I think the bigger problem is why you brought such a useless magical beast with you."

"Right now, this child and Kageshishi were the only ones left who were neither in breeding season nor in hibernation. And yet they died. It's unbelievable."

　With a sigh, Meili tossed another knife towards Erza. Erza caught it and checked how it felt, but showed no particular interest in the report.

　Meili also doesn't seem to have any particular feelings for the dead monster. What a pitiful monster.

　In any case, Garfiel smiles evilly at what he has overheard.

"Oh no. You have a scary face, my cute brother. You look evil."

"The general's face is just too evil. And, as I said, your nasty schemes are easy when it comes to the general and his merry band of comrades."

"Indeed, it seems that our expectations have been exceeded… but what will that do? Even if we slaughter one useless magical beast, there are still many more on our side. You, who are our most important fighting force, are being held down here… but that shouldn't change the predicament of those children."

"That's right."

　Garfiel crossed his arms as Elsa spoke, holding two knives dangling from her arm.

　His nose twitched, he remembered his previous fight with Erza and made a decision.

"It's about time we changed the situation."

"What are you doing...?"

"Elsa!"

　Elsa frowned at Garfiel's attitude, but before she could voice her doubts, Meili spoke up.

　Looking over, the boulder pig on which Meili was leaning had its eyes changing colour and was stomping its massive body in an excited state. As Meili called out to it, its excitement gradually came under control, but the beast had finally sensed the presence of flames, just like Garfiel.

　Meili calmed the rock pig's excitement with her palm, then looked at Erza with a stern expression.

"Erza, the building is on fire. It looks like someone started it."

"――――"

"Who? How confusing. It has to be the general. I see, that's easy to understand. Magical beasts are beasts after all. To chase them away and make a way, the quickest way is to scare them with fire."

"What the... How dare you come to rescue the people inside, then burn the mansion down and run away?"

　Meili was left speechless by the decisiveness of his actions. Elsa also seemed to be struggling to reconcile the information, as it did not match the image of Subaru she had in her mind.

　However, in contrast to their surprise, Garfiel's heart was incredibly calm.

　Of course, Garfiel hadn't been told beforehand that Subaru would go this far. Even though he knew he was a bold man, he hadn't expected him to go so far as to burn down the mansion. Which is why Subaru was all the more pleased with the way the man he'd decided to serve under him was behaving.

　More than anything, the fact that this situation had been created literally lit a fire in Garfiel.

"A burning mansion. A horde of monsters outside."

"--?"

"There are people we need to help, and a strong enemy we need to hold back. I'm the only one who can fight them, and the general left me saying, 'I'll leave this to you.'"

"What are you talking about, big brother?"

"Of course."

　Erza tilted her head, while Meili looked as if she had seen something eerie.

　In response to their doubts, Garfiel gnashed his fangs in relief.

　My body feels light. I'm not afraid of anything anymore.

"With all these conditions met, where in the world do you think there's an unenthusiastic man out there?! Ah, I'll do it. It'll be like, 'Sword Saint Reid draws his sword in front of a dragon and laughs'!"

"That's a proverb that means a crazy freak, you know?"

"I know. So? What could be wrong with you and I here?"

　Garfiel affirms his own stupidity with such refreshing vigor that Elsa looks puzzled for just a moment. But it only lasts for a few seconds.

　Elsa's face immediately broke into a smile, licking her lips with her red tongue and relaxing the corners of her eyes with envy.

"Yes, indeed. You're absolutely right."

　Affirming this, Elsa points the curved blades in both hands at Garfiel, who stands in front of her.

　Crossing his blades, he tilted his head, his long black hair dancing.

"But what will you achieve by changing your attitude? It's not like you'll suddenly become stronger, and you know my constitution from our many clashes, right? It's too much for me to say that we're making progress, and it's true that this exchange is becoming fruitless."

"That's right."

　Ten minutes have passed since Garfiel and Elsa's battle began.

　They had already clashed blows with each other more than a hundred times, competing fiercely against each other.

　In terms of strength, Garfiel has a slight advantage. He slightly surpasses Elsa in strength, speed, and combat technique, and has never once ceded the initiative.

　However, Elsa has superhuman healing powers that allow her to heal injuries within seconds, and furthermore, she has the ability to take pain in a pleasurable way rather than treating it as pain, so she has no hesitation in attack or defense.

　Even Garfiel would be injured if he were to charge in knowing that he would get hurt. And Garfiel needs time to heal from his injuries, but Elsa doesn't have that.

　Since Garfiel is inferior to Elsa in terms of endurance, if they end up in a deadlock, it won't be long before he is caught up by Blade.

　However,

Subaru: "Five times… No, six times? The number of times I punched you through."

"Yes, I guess that was it. That was it?"

　Garfiel has inflicted fatal injuries on Elsa on several occasions, whether that be with a direct kick, slamming her into a wall with a fist through her shield, or grabbing her by the legs and throwing her headfirst onto the floor.

　Both injuries quickly healed, and he hadn't yet felt any real satisfaction, butーー,

"Four or five more times at most, that's what I'm glaring at."

"――――"

"Even if you're a vampire, you're not an immortal monster. If you receive multiple wounds that could kill you... your life will soon come to an end. You just need to do this before the mansion burns down."

　Widening his stance, Garfiel bared his fangs and laughed ferociously.

　Hearing this, the smile on Elsa's face, who had been listening silently to Garfiel's words, disappeared. She played with the ends of her long braids with her fingers and let out a small sigh.

"Meili. --Give that to me and you follow after it."

"Erza...are you serious?"

"If there is a reason to do so, it would be rude not to do so. My only regret is that it may not be possible to remove the intestines neatly."

　As Elsa replied with her eyes closed, Meili didn't say anything more.

　The girl dropped the holder that had been giving her replacement knives to the floor, and instead took out another holder - one that contained only two knives - and threw it to Elsa.

"Huh..."

　Watching Erza pull the blade out of the holder she had received, Garfiel purred in amusement.

　The two new blades that Erza had picked up radiated an intimidating presence unlike any she had before.

　The blade that Elsa held in her left hand was completely colored jet black, from the handle to the blade itself. At first glance, the shape of the blade seemed the same as the previous curved blades, but the blade was warped and had countless blades like the fangs of a beast, making it a lethal weapon specialized for gouging out things rather than slicing.

　The blade held in the other hand was pure white and thick, a stark contrast to the jet black form. This blade was similar in shape to the curved blade, but its thickness made it seem as if it was designed to even cut bones by striking them, and combined with the black blade it gave off a more violent impression.

"Is that your trump card?"

"I only use it when killing someone takes priority over seeing their intestines. You're the third person, besides your mother, to use it."

"That's a pretty unflattering evaluation and a pretty unenviable family environment, hey."

　Garfiel grimaces after receiving the unpleasant confession.

　In front of Garfiel, Meili, who had handed the knife to Elsa, ordered the beast to turn around. The lumbering beast stomped across the floor on all four legs, splitting the wall as it headed towards the main building to pursue Subaru and the others. --However,

"Well, you showed me your trump card. I'd better show mine too, otherwise it'd be unfair, right?"

　Garfiel stomps his foot hard on the ground and declares:

　Immediately afterwards, a vibration traveled through the floor via the soles of Garfiel's feet, down the passage, under Elsa's feet, and directly beneath the demonic beast behind her - where the shockwave exploded.

"---!?"

"Rock Pig?!"

　The ground beneath his feet collapsed as if it had been hollowed out, and the rock pig lost its balance and fell sideways, crashing into the wall. The impact shook the mansion, and Meili, who had been on top of the beast, was unable to maintain her balance and landed in the passageway. He looked down at the floor as he patted the bottom of the fallen rock pig, then looked back at the unnatural depression in the ground.

"Maasaka, is this your brother's doing?"

"Well, that's about it. Take it as a sign of my intention that I'm not going to let you escape. As long as your feet are on the ground, you can't run away from where I can see you."

　Activating the power of the "Earth Spirit's Divine Protection," Garfiel can freely make any place that can be judged as "ground" within the visible range rise or fall. Of course, the range of effect varies depending on the scale and distance, but it's enough for bluffing.

　Garfiel learned from Subaru that the more dangerous something is, the more brazenly you laugh.

"Meili. The top level is fine with the bare minimum. Call the others and wake up that demonic beast."

"...Mom will be angry with me."

"Failing to eliminate the threat will be a major blow. Besides, it doesn't seem like we have the luxury of worrying about what will happen next."

"You're starting to understand, aren't you?"

　Upon hearing Erza's words, Meili's expression faded away as she nodded and whistled.

　They watched silently as the thin sound echoed throughout the mansion in the distance. If what they were saying was true, then the unleashed demonic beasts should be approaching soon.

　The situation becomes more and more exciting.

"I'll tear off your arms and legs, make you lighter, and then carry you home. It won't be worth it if I don't keep you entertained for long."

"Is there really no option but to give up my intestines?"

"I'd rather just stop breathing."

　Garfiel cracked his neck at the astonished argument and leaned forward to meet his enemy.

　Erza shook her upper body gently, then gently lowered her right blade back and put strength into her arm.

"--I'm sure that more than anyone else, I can love you to the very core of my flesh and blood."

　A chain of extremely lewd smiles and the sounds of blades rubbing together.

　and--,

"--Gah!?"

　The white blade plunged diagonally into Garfiel's left shoulder, splitting the bone.

　--The battle between the Intestine Hunters and the Sanctuary Shield reaches its final stage.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　My shoulders, back, and head hurt from the blow.

　He rolls over and over, hitting his whole body, each time suppressing a groan of pain.

　Run, run, run, and keep running even when you're out of breath, your knees are shaking, and your eyes are blurry.

　It's hard to breathe. I keep my head down to avoid inhaling smoke. The flames have already spread to most of the building, so I run through it, heading for an untouched door.

"----!"

　Finding an open door, Subaru frantically jumps onto the handle and pushes it open.

　Inside, the passenger rooms are unchanged, but before long, the scene will be engulfed in flames.

　Leaving his sentimentality behind, Subaru left the door to his room open and went to another room. He opened the door next to it, and the one next to it, and the one next to it, one after the other, every door that caught his eye――

"--There it is!"

　Released from the smell of burning food, the smell of old books and stacks of paper wafts out.

　Snorting at the familiar, stale smell, Subaru stomps violently into the room.

　Then he raised his head and called out to the person at the back of the room.

「Oi! Stop being so stubborn and just talk――」

"I guess I'll leave!"

　The shockwave pierced through, and Subaru's body was about to be blown away by an invisible force, but Subaru just barely managed to block it by catching his fingers on the carpet.

　In the midst of the pressure that seemed to pull her whole body backwards, she laughed, her cheeks twisting.

「Ha! Don't underestimate me. In this short period of time, I've fallen prey to the same trick so many times and been chased away――」

"I won't say it twice!"

"Buggerra?!"

　Subaru's forehead was hit by a physical attack from a thick book that flew on the wind, and with his eyes dizzy from the impact, he tumbled backwards, was blown away, and was thrown out of the room.

　He ran out into the corridor and crashed into the wall. Subaru shook his head as the door closed in front of him, and even though he frantically jumped for the door, it was already too late. The room in front of him had once again lost its connection to the Forbidden Library.

"How nasty...! Who does that loli take after...?"

　Kicking the door violently, Subaru slammed it open and ran off in search of another door.

　This time it was to the second floor of the east wing - perhaps Beatrice's last bit of kindness was the reason she didn't send it anywhere near Garfiel and his friends' battlefield.

"Then at least listen to what I have to say, you idiot!!"

　Beatrice was probably thinking the same thing inside the Forbidden Library.

　With this fact firmly in mind, Subaru continued running through the mansion, searching for the door to the Forbidden Library, despite being rejected again and again.

　The battle in the west wing was reaching its final stage, and the flames that had started in the main wing were spreading throughout the mansion - it was only a matter of time before the Roswaal Mansion burned down.