Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu web novel

　The wind was blowing.

　The wind blew particularly strong, causing the hair and hems of the clothes of the two people facing each other to flutter wildly.

　The location was on the outskirts of the Sanctuary, near the hideout where young Garfiel and Frederica had lived, in a deserted, empty grassland.

　There were no houses nearby, and even if there wasn't, it was unlikely that anyone would pass by. By now, all the residents of the Sanctuary should have gathered at the tomb and were waiting for the results of the Trial.

　Based on the encouragement given to Emilia as she emerged from the tomb, and Ram's practical benefit in getting rid of everyone.

"Delusion, huh?"

　Ram's remorse for using Emilia as bait was at the back of her mind, but she regained consciousness when she saw Roswaal smiling in front of her with loose lips.

　Roswaal had his long indigo hair swept over his back, one eye closed, and his yellow gaze pierced Ram.

"For you, who knows my feelings and goals, to say that is very sad."

"I've always thought that, but I just never said it out loud. Of course."

"Of course... well, I suppose that's only natural. From your perspective, it's been a long period of humiliation."

"――――"

　As Roswaal shrugged, Ram replied in silence, lowering her eyes.

　Ram had a vague understanding of what he was trying to say. Of course. Ram had been watching Roswaal for a long time. She understood all too well how Roswaal, who was loyal to his own feelings above all else, perceived Ram's loyalty.

"And so, the first thing you did after breaking free from the yoke of the contract was something I hadn't expected. That's why you cooperated with Subaru and joined in beating up Garfiel, right?"

"That had two purposes; it was Ram's goal and a way to correct Garf's stupidity… Without Ram, those guys wouldn't have been able to do anything."

"In the end, I can't deny that it all worked out well. In a situation where many important things were involved, Subaru-kun took a rather foolish gamble. …I absolutely could not gamble with something so important."

　It was a sarcastic remark about Subaru's decision, and a way of explaining the rationality of his own thinking.

　In fact, there is little that can be denied in what Roswaal said. Subaru's actions are mostly haphazard, and in Garfiel's case, fate was on his side, including Ram's cooperation.

　The assessment of Ram as a man with good timing remains unchanged.

　On the other hand, Roswaal's idea is excellent if we focus only on achieving his goal. However, he should add the disclaimer, "as long as the Gospels can be trusted."

"You can't take a gamble... The Gospels are the result of prioritizing certainty."

"That's true. However, you don't seem to trust it, and have always found it annoying. But that can't be helped. From your point of view, you must have been hoping for the day to come when it would be removed from the description, even if just one line at a time."

"...I won't deny it."

　There's no way it's possible.

　It is true that Ram disliked the Gospels, but her reasons for this are at odds with Roswaal's perception.

　Although her face didn't show it, Ram was extremely saddened by this.

"Do you remember? The contract between you and me, made through the Gospel."

"---As long as the world continues to record history according to the contents of the gospel in Lord Roswaal's possession, Ram will risk her life to serve Lord Roswaal. In return."

"If the time that passes deviates from the Gospel's description, my goal will be thwarted. If I lose sight of my goal, there will be no point in me living anymore. If you're happy with this empty shell, then do as you like."

"Whether he lives or dies is up to Ram."

"That's it, that was the contract."

　After recounting the details of the contract, which they would never forget, Roswaal pulls out a black book from his pocket.

　Roswaal carefully held the thick bound book in his arms and stroked the cover, letting out a sigh.

"It must have been a really long, hard time for you."

"――――"

"After all… you had to spend your life being forced to swear loyalty to the man who was one of the causes of your hometown's destruction. Your heart leaps when you're with me, despite your wishes… it must have been extremely painful for you. I'm sorry, but it seems like something that didn't happen to me."

　Roswaal maliciously uses words to hurt Ram.

　One of the causes of the destruction of her hometown――Hearing Roswaal say that, Ram's heart was filled with pain as memories of her burning hometown and her family passed through her mind.

　The "Oni" race were few in number among the demi-human races, but instead possessed great powers.

　Ram's tribe, which had gathered in small numbers and formed a settlement deep in the mountains, was wiped out in just one night by the violence of flames and blades, and now only Ram and ``--'' remain.

　It was in the early hours of the morning that I had made a contract with Roswaal and survived, gazing blankly at the burnt-out village.

　Ram accepted the offered contract in order to survive.

　``--'' knew nothing, and Ram also said nothing to ``--''.

"--?"

　Feeling a faint tingling sensation in her head, Ram frowned at the strange feeling of discomfort.

　In the memories that are being recalled, there seems to be an unnatural gap, a forced deception, like there is something essential that I cannot live without, but I'm trying to force a lie and say that it doesn't exist.

　Without that, Ram's memories would not exist.

"The deep affection I found difficult to accept, and the desire for revenge that had been building up deep inside me. Even though you were struggling with these conflicting feelings, you were an extremely capable piece. I treasured your obedience as I traced the contents of the Gospels."

"..."

　As Ram tries to figure out the strangeness in her memories, Roswaal's story continues.

　Deciding that now was not the time for that, Ram stopped searching for space and turned to face him, praising Roswaal in a sweet voice for his loyalty to the throne thus far.

　However, as he glanced at Ram sideways, a different emotion gradually began to creep in.

"And yet you, you betrayed me and joined Subaru-kun. Do you know how much pain this caused me?"

"...She should not have gone against the contents of the contract. If she had entered a world different to that described in the gospels, then Ram would have followed her own heart, not Roswaal's words. That contract... if she had gone against it, Ram would not have gotten off safe."

　Holding his hand over his chest, Ram asserts the legitimacy of his actions.

　Of course, the contract between Roswaal and Ram was not merely a verbal promise.

　It was a full-scale contract in which the seal of the contract was engraved into each other's souls, and anyone who was deemed to have broken it would incur a heavy penalty. As long as that seal had not been activated, Ram's heart had not broken the contract.

　However, upon hearing Ram's answer, Roswaal shook his head vigorously.

"That's because, in this situation, the fact that the punishment that should have been triggered for breaking the contract hasn't been triggered… means that your soul has an unshakable belief that you are abiding by the contract. I find that judgment extremely disappointing."

"What do you mean?"

"It's simple. The Gospels' descriptions haven't yet failed. It's still a long way off before the contract between you and me truly breaks."

　Roswaal lowered his voice and, reflecting Ram in his different-coloured eyes, declared.

　Ram, who usually kept a blank expression, stiffened slightly at his words. The situation acknowledged by the magic seals of her own contract was a completely different world from what she had heard.

　Even with all these conditions laid out, Roswaal's heart remains stubborn and unwilling to give in.

"The description is not correct…? Barusu will not challenge the tomb to liberate the 『Sanctuary』, and Emilia-sama will not make it snow here. In this situation, the description is not incorrect… Roswaal-sama… what has happened?"

"Well, nothing has happened, it's the same as before. It's true that neither of the things you just said have been carried out, but… I still don't know."

"It's impossible. Barusu leaves the Sanctuary, and Emilia-sama overcomes all of the Trials. To conclude from this with such a description…isn't it just the stubbornness of a child or a desperate attempt?"

"Even if I deny that it was just a childish stubbornness because I'm an adult now, I won't deny that it was a desperate struggle. That's right, mys is a desperate struggle. --A desperate struggle that has continued endlessly, for over four hundred years, the whole time."

　Roswaal has simply declared his actions to be a "desperate struggle."

　The clown laughs loudly in the back of his throat and slaps his knee in ecstasy, proving that it's a masterpiece.

"Desperate struggles, yes, desperate struggles! This is a masterpiece! Are there any other words that can more accurately express my delusion? No, there aren't! Desperate struggles... Desperate struggles... Ahh, this is hilarious. I never thought of it."

"Lord Roswaal!"

"A servant whose desperate struggles clung to a delusion and whose desire for revenge against a madman was transformed into loyalty. The relationship between you and me is truly twisted and comical. But even if people call it a desperate struggle, my will will not change. Your actions were premature."

　Roswaal's ecstatic smile faded away, and he thrust the Gospel forward to show it to Ram.

"No matter what you think, the contract has not yet been broken. Until that girl overcomes the 'Trial' of the tomb, the description of Natsuki Subaru liberating the 'Sanctuary' will not be violated. Even if she does not make it snow, if I make it snow, the contents of the description will not be violated."

"――――"

"Even if you yourself demand that the contents of the contract be carried out, I will also insist on adhering to the contents of the contract. Therefore, we are at a stalemate. The time is not yet ripe for me to let you achieve your revenge."

　Roswaal lightly tosses the book he was holding up, catches it with his other hand and puts it away in his bosom. Then, a flickering flame appears on his right arm, which is still outstretched in front of him.

　Roswaal narrows his eyes as the flames change color in rapid succession: red, blue, green.

"Even though the terms of employment were still within the scope of my employment, I will punish the servant who acted too hastily. If you were truly convinced that the Gospel and the world had been misaligned, you should have waited just two more days. Then I would have offered myself to you without resistance. … There is no good in being impatient."

　Shaking his head in disappointment, Roswaal continued, "But..."

"I can understand your desire to destroy me as soon as possible."

"...As I thought, you don't understand anything."

"--?"

　As Roswaal smiles cynically, Ram weakly mutters and closes her eyes.

　Behind her eyelids lies a complex wave of emotions that she can never reveal. By closing her eyes, Ram only shows her own way of life, a way that she swore she would never show to anyone.

　He raised his head, and mana began to concentrate at the tip of the staff that he had been holding pointed at for so long.

"It means nothing after the deal is fulfilled and they give you away. It means nothing after you're broken."

"--Come on."

"As you wish."

　--The colorful, lustrous flames and the colorless blades of wind collide.

　A wave of heat spread throughout their private "sanctuary," and a twisted dance between the demon and devil began.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　The moment the Trial began, Emilia immediately sensed it.

　Loss of the five senses and loss of concept of one's own body.

　The organ that should have sensed the world had left his control, and he felt as if his consciousness had been thrown unreliably into space, giving him a floating sensation - he now existed only as a soul.

　This was clearly of a different quality than the previous Trials.

『――――』

　I can't speak.

　It has no mouth and no eyes, yet it is strange that it is able to perceive the world.

　No, even when we say we recognize the world, nothing solid enough to be able to declare with certainty that this is the world has yet been formed.

　In the darkness, only Emilia's consciousness floats.

　However, the reason I can still not lose sight of myself is thanks to the many lights scattered throughout the darkness.

　A variety of colorful, faint lights.

　It was similar to the glow emitted by micro-spirits, however, its presence was definitely different from that of living micro-spirits.

　Even though the color is pale and resembles a micro-spirit, is it close to the material light emitted by magic ore?

　Either way, thanks to these things dotting the landscape, surrounding Emilia's consciousness, she feels that she has not lost sight of the world.

『――――』

　Although Emilia is relieved to be surrounded by light and not left behind, she gradually becomes confused by the unchanged situation.

　The dim light remained the same, and no noticeable changes began to occur in the surroundings. In previous Trials, Echidna would usually explain to them what was going to happen at the beginning, but this time she didn't even appear to guide them.

　Time just passed by in vain - I don't know how different the concept of time is inside the tomb and outside, but it's certain that spending time aimlessly won't accomplish anything.

『--?』

　Emilia felt that she had to do something, and hoped that her own awareness would bring about change.

　Suddenly, Emilia's consciousness, which had been fixed in one place and unable to move, shifted, and she realized she could reach a position where she could come into contact with one of the lights surrounding her.

　It's a strange sensation to come into contact with light without having a physical body.

　But there was no other way to describe it. Perhaps right now, he couldn't see it, but the magical essence that made up his body - a mass of Odo - was exposed.

　If Odo had a consciousness and a soul, then it could explain some of my current state.

　With some degree of conviction, Emilia affirms herself and enters the light.

　There were probably no fewer than twenty lights scattered about. For no particular reason, Emilia stretched out her consciousness towards the dimly shining silver light.

　And then, the moment when light and Odor come into contact - it can be seen.

"I hate you, I hate you, I hate you. I really do. All the truth. Ever since the first time we met...I've hated you, so much."

『--!?』

　Immediately after hearing the voice, an intense, primal scene creeps into my consciousness.

　Standing beside an abnormally large sun, a burnt wasteland, and a huge, dilapidated building, bathed in the bright red sunlight, a woman with silver hair drenched in blood—it was Emilia.

　The growth of his new self that he had just witnessed during the second "Trial".

　He had a very sad look on his face as he spoke to someone in front of the ruins.

"I've thought it many times, and denied it many times... but the nightmares caught up with me in the end. So, I'll tell you."

『――――』

"Maybe we shouldn't have met after all."

　A tear trickled down from the corner of his amethyst eye.

　Just as the droplets ran down his cheeks and chin and hit the ground, the world suddenly disappeared like an instant.

『――――hk』

　I hold my breath. Odor alone can't perform such skillful feats.

　All Emilia could do was accept the sight she was seeing.

　What was that light? What was the scene I just saw?

　That person was undoubtedly Emilia, but Emilia herself had no recollection of it. Perhaps that, too, was a scene from an impossible world, like the second "Trial."

『――――』

　No, Emilia thought.

　Calming her confused consciousness, Emilia groped her way through her memories, reminiscing.

　These were the words that must have echoed in the tomb as they faced this third "Trial."

　"First, face your past." "Look at the impossible present."

　There is a third word connected to those. I'm sure that's it.

　"Face the disaster that will come."

　A disaster that will come eventually - could that be the future?

　Look at the past, then the present which is not now, and finally the future.

　Is this the baptism known as a "trial" that continues to be shown to those who challenge it, a different world?

　If that was the case, then perhaps what was happening now was also a part of Emilia's future.

　In that place where everything seems to have fallen into twilight, she is crying and expressing her regret for having met someone.

『――――』

　Shaking off her anxiety with a feeling of denial, Emilia's consciousness regained a semblance of composure.

　However, as my consciousness became aware of the darkness once again, I felt unsettled again.

　The silver light that Emilia's Odo had come into contact with earlier had disappeared.

　Where there should have been light there was now a void, the light chipping away. Emilia was suspicious and immediately noticed this.

　If each and every light around her was a representation of the future, then Emilia's consciousness would not be freed until she had come into contact with all of these futures.

　--If this was a "trial", then even after seeing all these different futures, a choice should be made. If Echidna was going to wait, that would be the place.

　In other words――Emilia would have to see no less than twenty years into the future.

『――――』

　Will each one represent a different future, or will they be fragments of the same future as we have now?

　Emilia had the illusion that her non-existent heart was shrinking, and she extended her consciousness to the light beside her.

　It was a blue that reminded one of the deepness of the ocean.

"You're right. That child was our enemy, and his wounds were serious. Even if we had rescued him here, you and I, unable to treat him, might not have been able to save him."

"In that case..."

"But she was still a child. Isn't that enough?"

　Once again, the world changes.

　The new scene showed two figures standing on the edge of a steep cliff, with a deep forest in the background.

　I couldn't see their faces, but both of their voices sounded familiar.

　One is close by, the other is not quite so close, but still.

　The two of them faced each other in front of a cliff, one kneeling while the other looked down at his kneeling opponent. Both of them, it seemed to Emilia, had terribly gloomy expressions on their faces.

"You... you're a hero. You can only become... a hero...!"

"I am."

"Thank you for helping me!!"

　The shadow turns away and holds out its hand to the other shadow, who casually thanks it.

　There was a clear sense of separation between the two people.

　The parting words were filled with unchangeable sadness and disappointment.

　The world began to blur once more, and Emilia's consciousness returned once more to the dark space.

『――――』

　Emilia's existence was nowhere to be found in the world today.

　Although she guessed that the two people who appeared were people Emilia knew, it felt strange that she wasn't there.

　I should be coming into the light in the form of the future.

　So what does it mean that you don't appear in that future, or that you are shown a scene in which you are not present?

　--Are you being shown the possible futures of the people around you as a result of your choices?

　If that's the case, then perhaps the scene we just saw was also part of the possibility that it might turn out that way.

　Not just for yourself, but for the changes to those around you that your choices will bring about - even to see those changes.

『――――』

　The blue light disappears, just like the silver light from before.

　There were still twenty lights remaining around Emilia.

　--Each one of these choices carries its own weight.

　Having prepared herself for this, Emilia stretched out her consciousness to see the outcome of her choice.

　The next future, and the next future, await Emilia's choice.

※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※※ ※

　He waves his staff, creating and unleashing a blade of wind.

　The Kamaitachi that emerges becomes a colorless, silent assassin that targets the target's feet.

"That's about it."

　However, Roswaal easily dodges the invisible attack with a light leap.

　Of course. Head of the prestigious Mathers family, a rare wizard with extensive knowledge of all six elements. For Roswaal L. Mathers, being able to see through the mana controlled by others is child's play. To Roswaal, even wind magic known as the invisible blade is as easy to see through as firing a flaming arrow in the dark of night.

"This is my payback."

　With a single swing of Roswaal's arm, three different colored flame bullets rained down on Ram.

　Red flames, blue flames, green flames - all of these flames were troublesome, chasing and pursuing Ram as she flew away. Running backwards, Ram's breathing became heavy as she increased and released more magical power. The wind blades intercepted the three types of flames, but each of the flames, which she thought would be countered, showed a different reaction.

"--!?"

　The moment the wind hit the red flames, they increased in intensity as if fuel had been poured on them, turning into a pillar of fire.

　On the other hand, the blue flames were easily cut in half by the wind, scattering firepower in all directions on the spot.

　The green flames seemed to be engulfed in the wind, but then they absorbed the mana of the wind and changed shape, transforming into a green flaming snake that wriggled across the earth and pursued Ram.

　Fanned by the pillar of fire, Ram kicked the great tree to avoid the blue flames, then rolled on the ground to avoid the fangs of the green Fire Snake, and once again slammed his wind blade into the Fire Snake.

　The exploded Fire Snake was scattered into pieces, and the scattered green flames continued to smolder here and there across the grassland.

"Oh my... We only exchanged a single spell, but you've done a lot of damage."

"Haa... haa."

"If you were acting with a high probability of winning, then I have to say you were being too optimistic. It's true that right now I'm devoting the majority of my magical power to controlling the large-scale spell to manipulate the weather. However, I'm not so careless as to let that cause me to neglect my own hands and feet."

　Looking at Ram, breathing heavily, Roswaal tilts his head as the flames surround him.

　The three-colored flames appeared again, taking the shape of a palm-sized fireball that began to circle Roswaal's body. With each rotation, their numbers increased and their speed increased, until within a matter of seconds, Roswaal's body was surrounded by a vortex of three-colored flames.

"It seems there is one flame of each type. Ten flames of each type, for a total of thirty flame bullets. You can't handle them all with your current abilities, can you?"

"――――"

"In the first place, if you were waiting for the right timing when my fighting power would be weakened, then aiding in the final battle with Garfiel would be the height of foolishness. Just because my abilities are weakened doesn't mean anything if your fighting power is also weakened. You can see that by the mana overflowing from your entire body. --You've been transformed into a demon."

　Ram responded to Roswaal's low question with just a glance, steadiness in her breathing.

　Not expecting an answer, Roswaal shrugged.

"If you attempt to transform into a demon without my assistance, it is self-evident that this will happen. Even if you challenge me with almost no mana left in your body, you will reach your limit after just one minute of combat. From the perspective of doing your best to achieve your goals, it is unbearable to watch."

"It's...unbearable to look at, is it?"

"Even so, it's unbearable to see. You said it earlier, didn't you? I told you that we would have the answer if we waited two days to see if it turned out to be completely different from the Gospels' descriptions, but you said that was meaningless. At first I wondered what you were talking about, but then I thought about it in my own way and came up with the answer."

　Her breathing was gradually calming, but that did not mean her physical or magical power was recovering. Roswaal knew this, which is why he had slowed down his pursuit of Ram and was speaking to her.

　It would be a different story if she got in the way, but Roswaal has no intention of killing Ram.

　That sense of ease also makes Ram feel humiliated.

"Considering that your goal is revenge, the answer is easy. Even if you hurt me, who has become an invalid, you won't feel any better in the truest sense. I can't think of any other reason why you would challenge me in my current state, even if it meant giving up the possibility of achieving your revenge. You believe that your revenge will only be complete once you have defeated me, who is still on the way to achieving my goal."

"――――"

"Regarding that, I was also at fault for forcing you, who was still young, to make a choice in such a dire situation. You may have become impatient when you realized that fact after some time had passed. That is why you did not want to miss this opportunity… The result is as you can see."

"--ah"

　A small sound escaped Ram's throat.

　It sounded like a raspy sigh that had escaped.

　Roswaal's different colored eyes glare at Ram, not wanting to miss a thing.

　As she was staring at him, Ram reflected on the first half of her life.

　And then, something I had always known was suddenly thrust upon me once again, as if for the first time.

　Painfully aware of this, Ram opened his mouth.

　Looking up at the sky, mouth wide open,

"Ahahahahaha――!"

"--Ram?"

　It's a mirror image.

　Remembering Roswaal's laughter earlier, Ram's laughter felt even more pleasurable.

　It's a completely different reason than Roswaal's, but it's certainly funny. It makes me laugh. Of course, it's obvious. Because, isn't it?

"No matter how many times we do it, no matter how much we touch each other, the other person doesn't even notice my feelings."

　This is on a completely different level from being dull or insensitive.

　They are stubborn. They are rigid. They are adamant that it is impossible and they will not budge.

　It is impossible for him to imagine that feelings that began as revenge would turn into love over time.

"The reason why Ram was by Lord Roswaal's side... was because of the contract."

"Yes, I suppose so. In the burned-down village, you and I made a pact of servitude. Even after you lost your horn, I still remember your eyes, wet with rage. So I sealed it away with a contract, and redirected your rage into loyalty. Even though I knew a day like today would come someday..."

"That's right. That's what I thought. Ram wanted to kill you. But the opportunity was taken from him, and he spent his time in the mansion with a mysterious sense of loyalty... and then."

"Today, you have broken free from the yoke of the contract and are about to exact your revenge..."

　Roswaal looked terribly comical as he tried to reach a conclusion.

　I really felt like this person didn't see anything else but his own thoughts.

"Ram loves you, Roswaal-sama."

"――――"

"I loved you. Therefore, there is no point in me having you if you are broken. That is not the Roswaal-sama that Ram desires."

　Hearing Ram's answer, Roswaal's eyes widened and he stiffened.

　Roswaal was speechless, as if he had been told an answer he had never expected.

　I quickly shook my head and tried to form words, but my lips just trembled and I couldn't get any meaningful words out.

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing, nothing at all... Are you trying to make fun of me? At this late stage? I realized I couldn't reach you by force, so I tried to shake your heart..."

"How can you imagine that such a trick would work on Lord Roswaal? Ram is simply telling you her true feelings."

"If that is so, how much more impossible!"

　Roswaal stomps his feet and raises his voice.

　Responding to his rising spirit, the curtain of flames surrounding his body became greatly disarrayed. Roswaal glared at Ram, scattering the flames that had stopped moving all around him.

"You love me? What are you saying? You hate me. You hate me. To you, I am the man who caused your hometown to be destroyed. In fact, you must hate me enough to want to kill me!"

"At first, maybe, but not now. Ram loves you now."

"What a stupid thing to do! Who could have such cheap feelings?"

　The desire that began with revenge must remain revenge.

　Feelings that lead to love can only begin with love.

　Roswaal firmly believes that people's wishes and feelings never change.

　That is why he cannot believe that Ram could have such a change of heart that it would shake up his way of life.

"What about revenge? Haven't you sworn?! Before your burnt homeland, you swore to the souls of your fallen comrades that you would definitely exact revenge!"

"I feel bad for my compatriots, and my heart aches when I think of my hometown. But there's nothing I can do about what I loved. I prioritize my own feelings over the feelings of the deceased."

"----!"

"Besides, Roswaal-sama is not my direct enemy. It would be more shameful to let my desire for revenge cloud my eyes..." Ram made an excuse.

　Roswaal is speechless as Ram continues to act defiant.

　It's probably difficult to expect someone to understand right away. Roswaal is a man who has stuck to his beliefs for a long, long time.

　He has always been consistent in his love for only one person and has done his best to make that wish come true.

　I have a strong belief that emotions and the heart should be like this.

　Therefore, he is unable to understand how feelings and strength change over time.

　There's nothing I can do about it and I find those things about him endearing.

"So, Ram will never let you become an invalid."

「...It's a contradiction. Whatever your feelings are, no, especially if they are as you have said, I don't understand why you are clashing with me here. If I stray from the Gospel, I will lose my purpose in life and my heart will be damaged. You know that, so why!?

"And so now is the time. With Barusu, Lady Emilia, Garf.... with Lord Roswaal's heart being shaken, now is Ram's golden opportunity."

　As long as the contract between Roswaal and Ram remains, Ram cannot defy Roswaal. And now, Roswaal points out, the reason Ram is able to defy Roswaal is because her soul has determined that she has been freed from the yoke of the contract.

　But is that really the case? If one side perceives it that way, it is no longer covered by the contract. Is there really a system of contracts that can support such vague and loose criteria?

　Therefore, Ram thinks and hopes as follows.

　Ram isn't the only one who thinks that the conditions for breaking the contract, that they have deviated from the Gospels' descriptions, have been met. Roswaal is aware of this somewhere in his heart as well.

　That's why this is the situation.

"----!"

　Ram held her breath and kicked the ground, facing Roswaal with an incomprehensible look on her face.

　He drew his wand and formed a spell, squeezing out what little mana he had.

"--! It's pointless!"

　Roswaal was not agitated by Ram's actions and instead commanded the flame bullets he had floating around him to attack Ram, trying to stop her in her tracks, but none of the flames hit her directly; instead, they just passed through the ground and barely reached her face, severely searing her skin.

　Even at this stage, Ram has met the necessary conditions to predict the future of the Gospels - but he cannot bring himself to write her off. This is partly because he cannot see Ram's intentions.

　Perhaps he thought it was a pity to kill Ram.

　If that's the case, then just that makes my heart leap with joy, and I forget the depression I felt just a moment ago.

"--El, Huraa!!"

　The power of the wind gathers together, and a colorless explosion of destruction erupts before his eyes.

　Roswaal prepares himself, but the target is not himself. The ground beneath his feet explodes, sending up chunks of earth that obscure his field of vision.

"This is a blinding scheme!"

"--!"

　The curtain of earth that appeared for only an instant was pulverized by Roswaal with a wave of his arm.

　As she watched the barrier disappear, Ram let out a sharp breath and concentrated her strength on her forehead.

"...Ah, ugh."

　Intense pain. His vision turned red, and bloodshot tears spilled from the corners of his eyes.

　He could hear the sounds of muscles and bones creaking and sinews tearing all over his body.

　Ignoring all of that, she clenched her teeth hard enough to crack her molars as she stomped onto the ground. The earth crumbled beneath her shoes, and in that moment, Ram's body began functioning beyond the limits of life.

　As Roswaal smashed the dirt aside, Ram's body leapt into view faster than a second later.

　Before Roswaal could even notice Ram and open his eyes, Ram moved. An outstretched arm reached around Roswaal's torso, and Roswaal gasped as she placed her palm against his chest.

　Demonizationーーthere was no other way for Ram's physical abilities to be amplified.

　Ram's current physical strength had surpassed the limits of the human body, even if only for a moment. With his sternum shattered and his internal organs likely to be torn apart, Roswaal would have realized his error of judgment.

　but,

"--what?"

　The expected shock and pain did not come, and Roswaal cried out in shock.

　Ram arrived in the blink of an eye about ten meters away from Roswaal, scraping the ground as she came to a sudden halt. Her head was looking down, and she spit blood out of her mouth as she fell to her knees.

　Roswaal frowned, not understanding the meaning of Ram's actions.

　However, as soon as he saw what Ram had in his hands as he collapsed, his expression changed.

"it is...!"

Subaru: "To Ram… this is the root of all evil."

　Roswaal, his face turning pale, tried to run over to him, but Ram simply looked up and replied, waving her arm without the slightest hesitation.

　--The Gospel in his hand was thrown into the remaining green flames.

"----!"

　Roswaal lets out a voiceless scream, but the flames engulf the Gospel and intensify. With a satisfying sizzle, the old book turns into green ash.

　Ram watched the scene with a smile as if it was something she had been waiting for.

"--Finally, this."

　Ram sighed with satisfaction, her cheeks flushed.

　--It was moments later that the angry flame bullet pierced the girl's petite body.