No Difference at All

"Fear?"

Subaru Natsuki was completely stunned.

It was as if he himself hadn't even realized it.

Only at this moment did Subaru Natsuki seem to finally realize his own thoughts.

After realizing this, Subaru Natsuki's gaze towards Fang Li changed.

They became utterly filled with fear.

That's right.

Subaru Natsuki was afraid.

I'm afraid of Fang Li.

That's only natural.

"Leaving aside why I know so much about your Return by Death, my very identity as a transmigrator should be enough to frighten you, right?"

Fang Li spoke as if he were talking to himself.

"We're both time travelers like you, so why do I know so much?"

"We're both transmigrators like you, so why do I possess such immense power?"

"We're both transmigrators like you, so why am I holding a weapon so casually?"

"We're both time travelers, so why would I want to observe you?"

"You've been carrying these questions and fears with you all along."

"They're afraid of my unknown origins."

Each word pierced Subaru Natsuki's heart.

Yes.

Subaru Natsuki had no choice but to fear Fang Li.

As a modern person living in the peaceful 21st century, Fang Li possesses far too many qualities that make him seem unlike a time traveler.

Just like the facts Fang Li revealed, Fang Li's behavior was really too abnormal for a time traveler.

It's so abnormal that it makes one question their identity.

"If he really is a time traveler like me, then what kind of person would he be in the modern world, someone who can wield weapons so casually and possess such monstrous strength?"

Thinking of this, Subaru Natsuki couldn't suppress his fear and apprehension towards the Fang Li.

Therefore, after the "Gut Slicer" incident, Subaru Natsuki did not shamelessly try to get closer to Fang Li, but instead chose to part ways with Fang Li.

Because Subaru Natsuki simply didn't have the courage to continue acting alongside Fang Li.

"After all, he said he wanted to observe me..."

"Observe my death..."

Given this, would Fang Li try to find a way to kill himself?

If Subaru Natsuki has this idea, then there's no way he can continue working with Fang Li.

Even though Fang Li stated that he would neither actively harm nor help Subaru Natsuki, but was merely observing him, Subaru Natsuki still couldn't fully believe him.

Therefore, while Subaru Natsuki appeared to be very resistant to Reinhard, it was actually just an excuse for him to escape from Fang Li's side.

Fang Li's choice to return to the mansion with Emilia instead of continuing to act with Subaru Natsuki was also due to this reason.

As for their reunion in the Royal Capital, Subaru Natsuki's behavior before and after, it was all just an act.

No, it should be said that he was just being stubborn.

Whether Fang Li's using Friendship-Shattering Fist" or constantly displaying a hostile attitude towards the Fang Li, it's all to hide one's inner fear of Fang Li.

Unfortunately, Fang Li still figured it out.

Actually, I don't care.

At that moment, Fang Li turned his gaze to Subaru Natsuki and spoke indifferently.

"Although you are the target I want to observe, you are not the only target. It's just that your abilities make it easier for me to directly intervene in your death and observe it."

The implication is that it doesn't matter if Subaru Natsuki is abandoned.

If you really want to observe people who are frequently surrounded by death, Fang Li has plenty of options; it's not necessarily the case that Subaru Natsuki is the only exception.

For example, when he parted ways with Subaru Natsuki and went to the mansion with Emilia to actively deal with the Witch Cult, it was because there was someone in the Witch Cult who was suitable for Fang Li to observe, and it was not necessarily that he had to choose Subaru Natsuki.

"Now you can rest assured, right?" Fang Li said to Subaru Natsuki with a half-smile, "There is nothing in you that I can be obsessed with."

The blunt words made Subaru Natsuki grit his teeth.

The fear in my heart has indeed begun to subside.

However, what replaced it was an extremely intense sense of resentment.

That was a kind of male chauvinistic resentment.

I thought I was being treated specially, but it turned out to be completely insignificant.

That feeling was almost humiliating.

Not to mention, Fang Li also possesses the same qualities that Subaru Natsuki admires.

"You said you're a time traveler like me, right?"

Driven by his anger, Subaru Natsuki shouted at Fang Li.

"Then what's the difference between you and me? Why are you able to thrive in this world? And why do I have to constantly run away to be protected by others?!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Li fell silent.

After a while, Fang Li spoke up softly.

"I am no different from you."

"Not long ago, I was just like you, living in a monotonous everyday world, a shut-in who only knew how to stay at home."

"So, I'm no different from you."

If I absolutely had to point out any difference, it would be that there's only one thing in common.

Fang Li possesses a soul that records death.

Therefore, Fang Li became numb to death, which affected his personality. He became fearless in the face of killing and would not easily lose his composure. Even his strength was basically derived from the soul that recorded death.

Apart from that, Fang Li and Subaru Natsuki are no different.

"Perhaps, you'll become like me sooner or later?"

Fang Li said this to Subaru Natsuki.

"Once you've experienced so much death that you've become numb, you'll become like me."

After saying that, Fang Li left the room without paying any attention to Subaru Natsuki, who was still standing there in a daze.

"Um?"

Just as Fang Li was walking towards the gate of the mansion, a figure slowly walked towards him from the opposite side.

"Are you out yet?" Reinhard greeted Fang Li with a very warm smile, saying, "I was just about to go and entertain you."

"No need." Fang Li shook his head and said to Reinhard, "It's getting late, I need to hurry and book a hotel."

"A hotel?" Reinhard laughed. "Since you're here, you might as well stay here."

"Really, it's not necessary." Fang Li shrugged and said, "Tomorrow is the day of Royal Selection's meeting, and I don't want to stay here and bother you."

"Excuse me?" Reinhard said, somewhat puzzled. "Aren't you planning to attend with Emilia?"

"I don't plan to," Fang Li replied directly, without the slightest hesitation. "At least, I wasn't invited."

Fang Li then waved to Reinhard and left the mansion.

Watching Fang Li's departing figure, Reinhard spoke with a helpless expression.

"I think quite a few people must have invited you..."