...
{Third Person POV}
Subaru gazed solemnly at the unconscious Emilia, who lay sprawled on the cold stone floor of the trial chamber. Her face twisted and turned, caught in the throes of a nightmare that refused to let her go. Beads of sweat rolled down her forehead as she muttered incoherent words, her body trembling.
Suddenly, the glowing symbols etched onto the ancient walls flickered and dimmed, as though the magic sustaining them had abruptly run out. Emilia's eyes snapped open, wild and panicked. She gasped sharply, her pupils dilated in fear.
"It wasn't me! I'm sorry! Please, forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me! Forgive me..." she cried out, voice rising to a hysterical pitch as tears poured down her cheeks. Her chest heaved with each sob.
Subaru didn't hesitate. He rushed to her side and gently pulled her into his arms.
"Emilia! Calm down! Calm down! I'm here," he whispered, his voice soft but firm as he tried to steady her erratic breathing.
But his words only seemed to intensify her breakdown. She clutched at him, crying louder and more desperately. Then, just as suddenly, her body went limp in his arms. Her consciousness slipped away again, leaving her completely still.
He sighed heavily. Carefully, he shifted her into a princess carry and stood up.
Outside, Rem was waiting patiently near the entrance. The moment she saw Subaru emerge with the unconscious Emilia in his arms, her expression turned somber.
"It seems Lady Emilia has failed the trial again," she said softly, her voice tinged with worry. "She attempted the first trial yesterday, and this was her second. But... it's not looking good."
Subaru nodded, after a moment, he said, "Whatever, Let's take her inside to rest."
Rem agreed, and they began walking back toward the residence where Roswaal was currently staying. The Spirits surrounding Subaru slowly re-entered his body, their glow fading as they did.
As they walked, Rem suddenly remembered something. "By the way, Lord Zero—Meili, the Mabeast girl has been kept confined. She's being kept in a room nearby, in one of the adjacent houses."
"Meili, huh?" Subaru muttered, furrowing his brow. "Let's hope she doesn't cause any more trouble."
Just as they were nearing the house, a figure leapt in front of them, blocking the path. It was a boy—muscular, wild-eyed, and brimming with reckless energy.
"Hey! Fight me!" Garfield shouted, smashing his fists together as he glared—not at Subaru—but at Reina, who stood nearby with her usual cold, unreadable expression.
"Chop!" came a sudden sound, followed by a pained yelp. Ram had appeared out of nowhere and landed a sharp karate chop to the back of Garfield's body.
"You absolute idiot," she said, voice dripping with disdain. "If you want to die, go throw yourself into a ditch. Don't pollute the air around me with your presence."
"Ram, stay out of this!" Garfield barked, gritting his teeth. He winced, still clearly nursing old injuries.
Subaru, observing the scene, raised an eyebrow, his face a mixture of confusion and disappointment. "Your bones are still broken, and you're picking a fight? With Reina, of all people?"
"Yes!" Garfield replied, puffing his chest with pride.
Subaru rubbed his temples. Is this what idiocy looks like in physical form? he wondered.
'No, Subaru! Don't do it. Don't say it! This isn't one of those over-the-top wuxia fantasies. Don't ruin the moment with that cliché line!' a voice in his mind pleaded.
(A/N: Do it. You know you want to.)
Rem stepped forward, her expression tinged with concern. "You do realize that Reina is the current Sword Saint—the strongest warrior in the world—right?"
Garfield nodded smugly. "Of course! Miss Ram made sure to let me know after I woke up. That's why I have to fight her! If I beat her, I'll be the strongest!"
Reina remained motionless, her eyes half-lidded with mild disinterest. She didn't respond, only choosing not to dismember Garfield on the spot out of consideration for her Lord's wishes.
Subaru couldn't hold it in any longer. He placed a hand on Reina's shoulder and stepped forward dramatically. Pointing a finger at Garfield, he narrowed his eyes and, in a grave tone, said:
"You… are courting death."
There was a pause.
The worst part? Subaru thought. She's not even hot. That would've at least made sense.
After saying this line, one of the things in his do list was crossed out.
A silent beat passed before the air erupted in reactions. Beatrice, Ram, Rem, even Aqua—all looked at Subaru in stunned silence, eyes wide.
"You bastard! Did you just say I'm courting death?! I don't know what you meant! But are you insulting me?" Garfield screamed. His rage flared and his arms transformed into massive beast-like claws.
Ram took a step back and muttered, "Unbelievable. The stupidity is contagious. I need to move before it infects me."
"I don't care if you fight me or not!" Garfield howled. "I'll fight you right here and now!"
In a flash, he broke the sound barrier, launching toward Subaru with a ferocious punch.
But Subaru stood firm. With impossible calm, he reached out and caught Garfield's wrist mid-air. The shockwave of the attack rippled through the ground, scattering dust.
Without a word, Subaru stepped forward and headbutted Garfield with such force that the boy's skull audibly cracked. Blood sprayed from Garfield's nose as he crumpled to the ground, completely unconscious.
"Aqua! Betty! Patch this idiot up before he dies from his own foolishness," Subaru said casually. "Though I'm not sure even healing magic can fix what's wrong with his head."
Aqua popped out cheerfully. "Okey dokey, Father!" she said and started casting a healing spell.
Not to be outdone, Beatrice joined in, grumbling, "Honestly, we have to. He'll only cause more trouble if he dies here, I suppose"
Subaru crossed his arms. "If he pulls this stunt again, we'll beat him, heal him, and repeat the process until he understands reality."
Ram shivered slightly. Not even I would think of such a cruel punishment…
Meanwhile, Reina, who had watched the whole scene in silence, looked at Subaru with hearts in her eyes. 'Even when he's torturing someone, he's so cool! Handsome and merciless! Lord Zero is perfect!' (Dere Dere)
To be continued...
(A/N: The bonus chaps will depend on the ranking we get by the end of the week, so donate all the powerstones you have)