"Wow! Now that's fired up! That's the way! Fantastic-Natsuki Subaru!"
"First, take me to the infirmary to see the girl who came with me, Ceci."
"This is the infirmary, Abau!"
After indicating the filthy, thin wooden door with his chin, Cecilus turned around, his hands clasped behind his head. Subaru had followed him down a dark, damp passage for a while before arriving outside a room. Deeply disappointed that a gladiator could leave his room without anyone watching him, Subaru pushed open the wooden door.
"Ugh..."
Immediately, the smell of rotting flesh and blood spilled out, suggesting an utterly filthy environment. Inside the cramped room were several beds that barely served the purposes of an infirmary, tools reused without any regard for hygiene, and bandages that had been given a cursory wash and tossed aside.
"Are you sure they're treating people here, not modifying them?"
"Ahaha! That's a perfectly natural thing to say. They call them healers, but they're really amateurs, and they don't have all the tools they need. Healing magic is precious, too, so whether someone survives comes down to luck."
"I-I see. Healing magic is precious..."
Subaru had frowned at the appalling conditions, but Cecilus's words made him swallow. He had nearly forgotten that healing magic was an extremely precious resource in the Vollachian Empire.
That was precisely why Rem, who could use healing magic, had been treated as a valuable talent. In terms of her personal safety, there were advantages and disadvantages-the advantage was that she would receive attentive care, and the disadvantage was that she would easily become a target.
Looking at Tanza, who was resting in bed while receiving treatment, Natsuki Subaru once again worried about the missing Louis. Revealing her identity had caused Vincent, Al, and Medium to regard Louis as dangerous.
Night Weeping might protect Louis, but that was only because she did not yet know her identity. If she learned Louis was a Sin Archbishop, her thinking might become the same as Medium's.
"That Vincent has no reason not to tell Miss Night Weeping...! It would make things easier for him. Damn it! I have to bring Louis back to Rem..."
The existence of Louis, the former Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, was the only tenuous connection left between him and Rem, who had lost her memories because of her-what a tremendous irony.
Although Louis had insisted on coming along, he still had reasons he needed to bring her back. Most importantly, he had yet to decide what to do about Louis.
"But now I've gotten separated from Louis. This is no time to sit obediently on an island...!"
"You want to leave the island? There are quite a few obstacles to overcome. From what I've heard, only one person has ever escaped this place."
"Then I'll be the second. No, with this girl, that makes three."
Having made escaping the isolated island his goal, Subaru pointed at Tanza on the bed to add her to the count. Cecilus's eyes widened at that declaration.
"Oh? Are you sure? She isn't the person you were hoping for, you know?"
"She isn't, but that's no reason to leave her behind, is it? Miss Night Weeping should be looking for her, too."
Night Weeping was so devoted that she would put herself on the line even for children she had only just met. Without her, they could never have played tag with Olbart and won. In fact, they could not even have forced that old monster to the gambling table. Wanting to return Tanza to her side was an entirely natural way of repaying her kindness.
"Your enthusiastic determination and your lines are splendid, but I don't think carrying them out will be easy."
"I heard you say getting out would be incredibly difficult. But if we find a boat, or secretly lower that drawbridge you mentioned..."
"The drawbridge is 'raised.' Doing that secretly would be fairly difficult, too, but the biggest problem isn't the bridge. It's the curse rules."
"I know, I know. We can't get out..."
Just then, a gentle voice sounded in his ear again, and even time seemed to stop.
"Subaru-kun, I'm sorry. It seems I transported everyone somewhere unpleasant. Do you need to force your way out? Interrogate that governor about the whereabouts of the curse tool? Or do you need me to take you straight out again... including that little girl, of course."
"Thank you, Satella."
"Hm?"
"It's thanks to you that my 'Return by Death' has been able to save so many people. I've already seen what happens without you, back with Olbart...
"I don't know what happened four hundred years ago, but after going through so much, you must be tired, too. I also remember what I personally said in the Sanctuary-"
Subaru took a deep breath, a translucent figure reflected in his black eyes.
"I'll save you, no matter what. That promise still stands."
"Leave the rest to me. I can already feel my body brimming with surging power. Now, please let me build up my own strength and team in this gathering place for the abandoned! After all, I've imagined myself conquering territory and enjoying boundless glory like a certain Bone King or Lord Shadow."
"Now I finally have the chance. Thank you, Satella. I mean that sincerely-but I'm still sorry about the whole lovers thing... I love Emilia, but I can't accept your love simply because you look exactly like her. That wouldn't be fair to you, Satella."
"Speaking of which, that 'Sage' Flugel really was a bastard. Just what was he setting up four hundred years ago? First the sky curtain, then the Witch, and worst of all, he even deceived Shaula! I hope he doesn't get a good-"
Satella smiled, a faint blush on her cheeks.
"You're still saying things I don't quite understand. But don't deny yourself like that, either."
"Myself...?"
She merely smiled without speaking, but that smile held four hundred years of waiting and tenderness. Then she gathered it into a single sentence:
"I love you, Subaru-kun."
Time began flowing again.
But at the same time-
Cecilus suddenly jumped in front of Subaru, planted his hands on his shoulders, and stared hard at him.
"Subaru, did you just do something incredible?! Why did I suddenly feel like time slowed down a little?"
"D-Did it?"
"It's all right, I understand. You must have some strange ability, but you can't use it normally because of some contract or other restriction, right? Just what I'd expect from the person I have my hopes on!"
Cecilus gesticulated excitedly, talking away on his own.
"Could he really be the 'Blue Lightning'?"
Subaru was astonished.
"-So this is where you went, Segmunt."
"Uwaaah!?"
The next second, a deep male voice came from behind him, making Subaru jump. It was neither the fake Cecilus's voice nor that of Tanza, who was asleep in bed. Turning toward the doorway where the voice had come from, he saw a man so enormous he had to look up at him, leaving Subaru even more astonished.
"H-He's huge...!"
It was like the reaction to seeing an elephant at a zoo-that was the closest description of the impression the man gave. He was extraordinarily tall-no, not just tall, but broad as well. His entire body was huge and muscular, his neck and limbs as thick and solid as logs. Chains hung from the belt at his waist, and he wore a black coat so large it looked capable of wrapping up ten Subarus. He was visibly over two meters tall, sharp fangs that would not fit inside his mouth protruded from his stern, frightening face, and his skin appeared blue. In short, his distinguishing features were too numerous to count. And that did not even touch on his most conspicuous feature-
Four arms.
"Hello, hello, Mr. Gustav! You're dressed handsomely this morning, too! Putting that much care into your attire really does justice to the title you've been given! I do wish everyone would learn from you!"
"If that is flattery, spare me. If it is nonsense, exercise caution. Someone like you should demonstrate his true worth in death matches. I have no wish to make an example of you or subject you to disciplinary measures."
With that, the large man-the one called Gustav-gave the fake Cecilus a firm nod, then clasped his four arms. Indeed, two arms grew from each shoulder-that was the man's most conspicuous physical feature.
"Segmunt, I believe I ordered you to bring him to me when he awoke. Why did you fail to comply and bring him to this room instead?"
"Did you? Sorry, I forgot."
"-"
"Besides, leaving aside the fact that I was the first person Abau saw when he woke up, wouldn't it be a bit cruel for you to be the second, Mr. Gustav? So I decided to first confirm that the young lady who came with him was safe and stage a reunion!"
Finally, Gustav pressed one right hand to his forehead and the other between his brows, then looked at Subaru.
"Boy, may I expect you not to trouble me the way Segmunt does?"
"I think I can meet your-your expectations. I happened to want to hear from someone else, too, and it's even better if that someone is an important person on this island."
"-. Since you observe proper courtesy, I must respond in kind."
Subaru spoke haltingly as he took care with his manners, and Gustav nodded calmly in response. Subaru raised his eyebrows, wondering what he meant, when Gustav took a step back. Then he placed two hands against his chest-
"I am Gustav Morello, appointed to administer this island by His Majesty Vincent Vollachia, the seventy-seventh emperor of the Holy Vollachian Empire. I expect you to volunteer your name and background."
He politely stated his identity and name, nodding to Subaru as he did so.
"An-an adult I can actually talk to-!!"
Subaru's heart was so exhausted that his longing to meet a sensible person made him cry out.
"-I see. Natsuki Schwarz. So that is your name."
After apologizing for his involuntary outburst, Subaru answered Gustav's question. He had briefly agonized over whether to use his real name or a false one, and the name he gave ended up being a half-measure-let that be the explanation for now. Honestly, he did not know whether lying to Gustav was right or wrong. But one thing was absolutely certain: letting his real name spread would not be good. Even if the fake Cecilus, the boy who cried wolf, knew nothing about it, someone else might know about affairs in the Kingdom of Lugunica.
Hearing Subaru give a false name, the fake Cecilus tilted his head and blurted, "Huh~?"
"What is that reaction from Segmunt? And why does he call you Abau?"
"Ceci probably has his own reasons. Would you like to ask him?"
"-. No, never mind. I am not a clever man, but I would like to make clever decisions."
Gustav shook his head, making a wise decision Subaru agreed with. It was irritating to think that this favorable outcome was all thanks to the fake Cecilus's usual behavior. Subaru therefore chose to believe it was because his own usual good behavior had earned him merit. In any case-
"You have given your name, and you do not appear physically unwell. According to the healer's assessment, you suffered from excessive physical exhaustion. Are you aware of this?"
"...I am a little tired. Thank you for saving us."
"Allow me to correct you, Schwarz. It was not I who rescued you, but Segmunt over there. I merely agreed to take you and the girl in under certain stipulated conditions."
"I-I see."
Gustav's clear, orderly reply left Subaru beginning to stammer. Still, his matter-of-fact statements were easy to understand, and he was several times better than the fake Cecilus at balancing what he said with the information he provided. Most importantly, he even showed concern for Subaru's health. Perhaps, after hearing what the two of them had gone through, he would sympathize-
"Mr. Gustav, this girl... whose name is Tanza, and I seem to have ended up on this island through some sort of mishap."
"What do you mean by a mishap?"
"-! I-I don't know what it was, either. But we came from very far away... You know Chaosflame, don't you? We were originally in that city!"
Seeing that Gustav was willing to listen, Subaru excitedly explained their situation. According to the fake Cecilus, this island and the Demon City lay on opposite sides of the Empire, east and west. That fact alone should make anyone with common sense understand that Subaru and Tanza had been caught up in something extraordinary. Even if he could not get through to the fake Cecilus, Gustav was a mature adult.
"I know it's selfish to say this after you've saved us! But our companions must be worried and searching for us, so if possible, I'd like to let them know we're safe and reunite with them as soon as I can!"
He had no idea why he was here-in that respect, he had no right to criticize the fake Cecilus. Nevertheless, he had to take Tanza back to Chaosflame. Back to their separated companions, and back to Night Weeping, who would be worried about being parted from Tanza.
"So I need to leave this island as soon as possible-"
"I understand your circumstances and your position, Schwarz."
"Ugh."
Faced with the enormous palm extended toward his eagerly leaning face, Subaru fell silent. Once he had quieted down, Gustav put his three remaining hands to his forehead and chin.
"Do you remember what I said earlier? Segmunt rescued you. I permitted you and the girl to come ashore, but there were conditions attached."
"Um... yes, I remember. But..."
Only after hearing the explanation again did Subaru realize he had completely forgotten the word "conditions." Gustav had indeed said that permission had been granted under certain stipulated conditions. Then what were those conditions? What were the conditions for letting Subaru and Tanza onto the island?
"Schwarz, you possess sound judgment, an unrestricted ability to think and respond, and the upbringing necessary to address me respectfully. The healer has assessed you as healthy, and you yourself have stated that you have no significant problems aside from physical exhaustion. Do you dispute any of this?"
"Hearing you say it all in one breath leaves my head spinning... but for the most part, I don't dispute it."
"For the most part-that opinion contains a slight uncertainty. Do you dispute it or not? Be clear."
"-. I do not dispute it."
Gustav's stern gaze did not permit Subaru to give an ambiguous answer.
Neither his expression nor his tone had changed, yet the man who had seemed a dependable adult just moments ago suddenly resembled a frightening stone statue. He had become an extraordinarily terrifying, inanimate presence that would heed neither words nor prayers. Standing before Gustav, who had turned into a stone statue, Subaru felt a bad premonition rise in his chest-
"-Schwarz, I order you to participate in 'Sparka.'"
"-"
An unfamiliar word. After "curse rules," this was another term that confused Subaru. Since Gustav had said "participate," Sparka was probably some kind of event. An event held on this Sword Slave Island—the worst possibility flashed through his mind.
"Wait, Mr. Gustav! Why, why do I have to participate in this 'Sparka'!? We didn't come to this island of our own free will!"
"Prisoners of war, slaves, criminals... Those who land on Ginunhive have their own reasons, but almost none come of their own free will. My duty is merely to establish order on this Sword Slave Island, where the incompetent gather, and to devote my entire being to fulfilling His Majesty the Emperor's expectations."
"The emperor's... expectations..."
"-To make this Sword Slave Island the place where blood is shed most meaningfully in the Empire."
That cold, dry declaration made Subaru imagine that all the blood in his body had frozen. Turned into a stone statue-that description was entirely accurate. Gustav's manner made him seem not like flesh and blood, but a stone sculpture. As Subaru gasped at how drastically his impression of him had changed, he heard Gustav call to him in a low voice.
"Schwarz, you will address him as His Majesty the Emperor. The first time earns a verbal warning. The second will earn punishment."
That fucking Vincent-
Subaru cursed inwardly.
"Furthermore, let me correct this point in advance-I am not making a request. I am giving you an order. As long as you remain on this island, you must be prepared to receive the corresponding punishment if you defy my instructions."
Calling it punishment was nothing but sugarcoating. To Subaru's ears, it meant that defiance would cost him his life. A man who could openly act with cold-blooded cruelty even toward a child-that was Subaru's final assessment of Gustav.
"Prove your qualifications. If you succeed, I will take responsibility for accepting you as a gladiator."
"...That's just wonderful."
Do well, and he would become a slave. Do poorly, and he would go to the grave. Saying that nothing good had happened since he had shrunk was far too mild. After all, nothing good had happened since he had come to the Vollachian Empire.
"This fucking Empire! Not a single good thing has happened since I set foot on this rotten land. First Todd was hunting me down, and now I'm being forced to become some gladiator and fight in this 'Sparka'? What a joke!"
"I'll definitely settle those old scores! So, for now..."
Subaru clenched his fists, long-suppressed fury churning in his black eyes.
"Fine. If this damned Empire believes 'the strong reign supreme,' then I, Natsuki Subaru, will become the strongest man! I'll start building up my own strength right here. I might as well just replace Vincent, overthrow the Empire, and take its place!"
He took a deep breath, trying to pull himself out of his anger.
"...Come to think of it, do those anime protagonists who play the pig to eat the tiger all have to suffer like this before turning things around? That Bone King started out as a max-level big shot and never had to put up with this. Lord Shadow did start showing off from zero, but he chose to play the pig. I'm being forced to be one."
He looked down at his shrunken hands, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"But whatever. Next comes the protagonist's entrance! Even if my body's elementary-schooler-sized, even if I don't have a single decent weapon, even if I've been dumped on this island full of desperate criminals-"
He raised his head, a familiar light igniting in his black eyes.
"-Just watch how I, Natsuki Subaru, clear this in one life, starting now!!!"
"-You can do it, Subaru-kun."
The translucent shadow swayed gently beside him, his profile reflected in her purple eyes. There was laughter in her voice, along with something indescribable, like an anticipation treasured for four hundred years.