By the time the next day's sun dipped below the horizon, staining the sky in the deepest shades of navy blue, they had finally reached the sprawling, weatherworn borders of Kararagi. The land's edges were marked by ancient stone walls, ivy-laced and carved with forgotten runes that whispered of a wilder, older time. The silence that had lingered throughout their long journey still clung to the travelers like a second skin. Other than the rattling of the dragon carriages over gravel-strewn paths, the only sound was the heavy churn of thoughts inside each traveler's mind. Questions, worries, regrets, and endless possibilities brewed like stormclouds in their heads.
Subaru sat hunched in his seat, his hands pressed tightly against his knees. His fingers trembled slightly with tension, as though he were trying to physically suppress the chaos inside his mind. He looked out the small carriage window, eyes flicking restlessly across the shifting shapes of distant buildings. Every moment wasted here was a moment Hikari slipped further away, beyond his reach.
As the gate drew closer—tall, dark, and framed by torchlight—Subaru clenched his jaw. Formal procedures would be slow. Identity verification, cargo inspection, travel papers—he didn't have the patience, and he certainly didn't have the time. The need to act surged through him like a jolt of cold lightning. In one fluid motion, silent as breath, he slipped from the dragon carriage and vanished into the dusk. Activating [Yin Step], his form blurred and faded, becoming one with the lengthening shadows. For a heartbeat, the entire world seemed to forget he existed. The guards' eyes swept across where he stood—then moved on, none the wiser.
The city he entered—Kararagi's border town of Ivada—was alive, chaotic, and loud in a way that felt almost overwhelming. The clash of voices, the clatter of boots against cobblestone, the scent of spice and sweat and burning oil. It was a melting pot of trade and trouble, of different races shouting over each other in bargaining wars and midnight brawls. And yet... to Subaru, it also felt weirdly nostalgic. Like the kind of place that would be the background to one of those chaotic, open-ended RPG quests he used to get lost in.
"Yin Step eats away at my mana like crazy... but I don't care. I have to find Hikari," he whispered to himself, stepping into a narrow alley that forked between two leaning buildings. As the shadows loosened around him and his body returned to visibility, the sheer toll of his efforts slammed into him. His muscles ached, his feet throbbed, and a weariness sat deep in his bones. But the flame inside his chest, the one fueled by desperation, burned away any thoughts of rest.
He tugged the black cloak Rem had given him tighter around his shoulders, hiding the more recognizable elements of his outfit. In this part of the world, looking inconspicuous was survival. To blend in was to live. Now, he was just another wanderer swept up in the noise of Ivada.
He wandered the streets for hours. Knocked on the doors of crowded inns, barged into smoky taverns, interrupted card games and dice rolls with breathless questions. He cornered merchants who looked like they might've seen something—anything. Each time, the question was the same: "Have you seen a girl—dark hair, about this tall, maybe traveling alone?"
Responses came, but none offered relief.
"No, haven't seen her."
"Never heard that name."
"Information like that costs extra, pal."
"Why should I care? Get lost."
It was like chasing ghosts. Each fruitless answer dug deeper into his chest, a dull, cold blade of doubt twisting slowly. The more he searched, the more hopeless it felt. He began to realize the futility of his lone effort. One person, against a city this vast? It was like throwing a pebble into the ocean and expecting to find it again.
He had no choice. He had to trust Anastasia. Her network of informants was the most expansive in Kararagi. If anyone could find Hikari, it was her.
Without hesitation, he activated [Yin Step] once more, slipping into the cover of darkness. Weaving through the alleys, he made his way toward the more affluent district, following what he guessed was the direction of their traveling caravan.
Fortune was on his side. Amid the pulsing heart of the city's main plaza, two grand dragon carriages stood parked beside a market square. Their size and emblems were unmistakable. Drawing closer, Subaru recognized the sigil on one—it belonged to Anastasia.
He stepped out of the shadows and approached the carriage with silent urgency, his presence nearly unnoticeable even without the ability's help. In one graceful motion, he slipped through the door like a whisper of wind.
"Ara? So you finally show up," Anastasia's voice rang out, smooth and teasing. She sat relaxed, legs crossed, sipping from a jeweled goblet as though she hadn't a care in the world. "What's the latest on your little quest?"
Her lips curled into a smirk, but her eyes gleamed sharply. There was a flicker of genuine curiosity there—laced with amusement at the sorry state Subaru was in. Disheveled, pale, and teetering on the edge of collapse.
"No one knows anything," Subaru muttered, barely audible. His eyes didn't lift from the floor. His voice had been worn down to a rasp, hollow from overuse and disappointment. His shoulders slumped forward as though carrying a weight he could no longer bear. Every 'no' had been another wound, every failed lead another cut.
Anastasia chuckled softly, but soon her tone shifted. The playful lilt faded, replaced by something more grounded. "Subaru-kun, you're rushing ahead like the world's ending tomorrow. You'll burn yourself out. Sometimes... sometimes slowing down is how you get ahead."
She set her goblet aside and leaned forward slightly. "Hikari's not in Ivada. I met her once, months ago, in a city much deeper in Kararagi. A place called Banan. It's possible she returned there. My people will dig into it. Give me some time, and I'll get you results."
Subaru gave a stiff nod, but the tension in his face never left. His jaw was clenched, his breath uneven. "It's already night. You're probably going to stay at an inn... but I can't. I have to keep moving. I'll go on ahead."
Anastasia watched him for a moment, eyes narrowed with something unreadable—part concern, part admiration. Then she gave a tiny shrug.
"Just don't get yourself killed before I bring you the news you're looking for, okay?"
Subaru said nothing. He turned, cloak fluttering behind him like a dying flame, and disappeared back into the Kararagi night.
Anastasia shot him a sharp look, her violet eyes narrowing slightly with focus. "I appreciate your determination. We had already planned to mobilize during the night, but if you're that insistent on leaving ahead of schedule... Julius can accompany you. He knows Kararagi better than anyone here—except me, of course."
Julius stood immediately, brushing off his coat with one fluid motion, his expression caught between duty and apprehension. "Anastasia-sama, forgive me, but leaving your side feels wrong. You are my responsibility, and your safety is paramount."
Anastasia gave a soft chuckle, her smile tinged with something unreadable. "Beatrice-chan will be staying with me. I've been wanting to speak with her in private. There are things only she can understand. Subaru, would you mind letting her know for me?"
Subaru offered a quick nod, already turning on his heel as he headed toward the second dragon carriage at the back of the convoy. The stars above shimmered in the sky, casting faint light on the worn wooden steps as he climbed into the carriage's softly glowing interior. There, seated on a cushioned bench, was Beatrice, her small frame curled slightly as she stared out the window in quiet thought.
"I'm heading out now. Julius is coming with me," Subaru said evenly, his voice clear but gentle.
He waited for her to turn before continuing, eyes locking with hers. "Beako... you'll be staying here. Anastasia needs you. She shouldn't be left alone. And your presence—it means something. It gives weight to what we're fighting for."
Beatrice's lips pressed into a pout. Her usual defiance flickered, but it was faint. "Betty... doesn't like this one bit," she whispered, voice trembling with more than just reluctance. Still, faced with Subaru's unwavering gaze, she relented with a small, solemn nod.
He stepped closer, hand reaching up to softly brush her hair back behind her ear. "I'll come back. That's a promise I won't break."
Outside, Rem and Elsa stood ready, waiting for him. Rem approached first, placing a steady hand on his shoulder, her eyes warm yet strong.
"We'll be right behind you, Subaru-kun. We'll catch up soon, no matter what."
Elsa gave a playful smirk, her tone laced with the usual sharpness. "I hope whatever you find out there proves more entertaining than the last. May your prey be worthy."
With little else to say, Subaru and Julius turned toward the winding paths of Kararagi, setting off at a swift pace. Darkness thickened around them, shrouding the world like a curtain falling between acts. The rustle of leaves, the soft thrum of dragon breath in the distance—all faded as the weight of their mission took precedence.
Somewhere in that darkness, the threads of destiny knotted ever tighter.
"Julius," Subaru said suddenly, pushing his pace harder, breath quickening. "Can you move faster? We need to cover more ground before sunrise."
Julius glanced at him, eyebrows arched slightly with a confident grin. "I can, of course—if I call upon my spirits. But I'm not sure you could keep up, Subaru. This isn't a casual jog."
The challenge was clear.
Subaru laughed breathlessly. "Just run, knight."
In a blur, he vanished—
[Yin Step] activated.
The air rippled as Subaru's body dissolved into wisps of darkness, his form slipping through the folds of night like a whisper. He reappeared ahead of Julius, his presence like a sudden spark in the void.
Everything around him slowed—the pounding of his heart became a drumbeat, his breath a storm against his ribs.
Julius couldn't fully track the movement, but he sensed the surge of energy through the mana in the air. He gave a soft laugh. "Very well. Allow me to demonstrate the full extent of a spirit knight's speed."
He summoned his spirits—crystalline wisps of elemental energy that wrapped around him in flowing patterns. His pace surged, wind and earth bending to his command as he closed the gap.
The two of them sprinted forward, neck and neck, the land blurring around them. The soil cracked beneath each footfall, wind howling in their ears. Subaru felt each step as a declaration—every stride a test of who he had become. The tension between them wasn't rivalry alone—it was respect, silent encouragement, and the thrill of growth.
Elsewhere, back at the caravan, a different conversation was brewing—quieter, yet just as important.
Sunlight crept gently into the carriage's ornate interior, tracing golden paths across polished wood and embroidered cushions. But the light did little to warm the mood.
"I'm glad you came, Beatrice-chan," Anastasia began. Her voice held that familiar poise, pleasant yet deliberate. Every word was wrapped in political velvet.
Beatrice turned away slightly, discomfort flickering in her eyes. She wasn't used to these talks—those had always been Subaru's domain. Now, without him, she felt smaller somehow, exposed.
She clasped her hands in front of her dress, steadying herself. "I suppose you have something important to discuss with Betty, yes?"
Her voice was cold, measured, but not dismissive. She met Anastasia's gaze at last, erecting a quiet wall between them—protective, not aggressive.
Anastasia straightened slightly in her seat, adjusting the folds of her elegant dress as a practiced smile played across her lips. "Ah, I just have a few questions about your contractor, Subaru-kun. I hope you won't mind," she began, her voice lilting with a tone of almost childlike innocence. But anyone truly listening would catch the faint undertone of calculation beneath the sweetness. The way her eyes glimmered—not just with curiosity, but with intent—suggested she was searching for something much more valuable than idle information.
Beatrice, perched stiffly across from her, had anticipated this moment the moment the meeting was arranged. She let out a slow, steady breath, mentally bracing herself. "What do you want to know?" Her voice was flat, but not unfriendly—more cautious than cold.
Anastasia leaned in ever so slightly, fingers laced together as if she were discussing the weather. "Everything he's told you about himself... if you're willing to share it, of course. Also—there's something else that caught my attention. Subaru-kun seems to exhibit a rather... peculiar habit. I've noticed he talks to himself when he believes he's alone." Her tone remained light, but her words came like a blade wrapped in silk.
Beatrice narrowed her eyes but didn't look away. "You're more perceptive than you let on. That much is clear. Subaru came from another world—you already know that much. But Betty suspects even you don't understand the full weight of what that means. He didn't choose to come here. At least... not willingly. And what he's seen... what he's endured... goes far beyond what most could even imagine."
She paused, the stiffness in her voice slipping away slightly as if the memories themselves began to weigh on her tongue. "Take the Archbishop of Pride's attack, for example. Long before it happened, Subaru acted... strange. Restless. Nervous. As if he already knew what was coming. And when it finally did—he wasn't surprised. Terrified, yes. But not surprised. That wasn't luck. That wasn't instinct. He knew."
Anastasia's expression shifted—her curiosity sharpened into astonishment. "So... you believe he possesses some form of foresight? A precognitive ability, maybe? Could it be linked to the witch's scent he carries?"
Beatrice shook her head, slow and deliberate. "No. That scent isn't a gift. It's a curse. One buried deep in his heart—something even Bubby and I can't fully understand. It's tied to the Witch of Envy. The miasma clings to him like a second skin, and we still don't know the true cost of it. As for his knowledge of future events... Roswaal once confronted him about it. But whatever passed between them afterward was kept hidden. Betty wasn't part of that conversation."
There was a moment of quiet between them. The only sound was the soft crackle of the fireplace nearby and the faint ticking of a clock on the mantle. Then, Anastasia broke the silence with a small, amused hum. "Hm? But you're his spirit. You're bound to him. Doesn't that mean you know his thoughts? That you should be able to sense everything?"
She tilted her head in mock confusion, her voice almost playful. "Or perhaps... he even keeps secrets from you? How curious. But never mind, I'm not here to offend. Let's change the subject slightly. Do you have any idea why he talks to himself like that? It's not just muttering—it's like he's having full conversations with someone who isn't there."
At that, Beatrice's expression darkened noticeably. The gentle wariness she had worn before vanished, replaced by a sharp chill that descended over her features like frost. She straightened her back, her eyes narrowing with a protective gleam.
"That's none of your concern, little girl, I suppose" she said, her voice like a dagger carved from ice. "You'd do well not to poke your nose into things that don't concern you. Curiosity like yours... has a tendency to backfire in the worst ways."
Anastasia blinked, clearly caught off guard by the force in Beatrice's words. Then, recovering quickly, she raised her hands in a gentle gesture of surrender. "My, my. I didn't mean to step on any toes, Beatrice-chan. I was just... interested. But if you don't want to share, I won't press. I do appreciate everything you've said so far. Honestly."
Beatrice turned her head to the side with a defiant sniff, her small frame radiating a sudden air of stubborn pride. "Hmph. Then you should be grateful. Betty doesn't usually indulge people with this much talk. Consider it a rare privilege."
Anastasia offered a thin, knowing smile. "Oh, I do. Believe me—I take your words seriously. And I think we both know that Subaru-kun is at the center of more than either of us can fully grasp."
Beatrice said nothing, but her silence carried the weight of unspoken agreement. And perhaps... a hint of warning.
Though the conversation had drawn to a close, an unsettling tension still hung in the air—thick and lingering like smoke clinging to the walls after a fire. It was the kind of presence that made the skin prickle and the breath catch, even if no one could pinpoint exactly why. Unbeknownst to those who had spoken, another consciousness had been there the entire time—silent, incorporeal, but watching with intense, unblinking interest. The Witch of Greed, ever-vigilant and bound to her endless curiosity, had observed everything through the eyes of Eridna, Anastasia's artificial spirit.
"Natsuki Subaru... Somehow, you managed to coax my subject out of that library, to make her abandon her post... but how?" she murmured into the void of her private realm. "When Beatrice chose to leave, my connection to her was severed instantly. Not faded... not broken through force... simply gone—as though she had willingly turned her back on it. That should have been impossible."
The Witch closed her eyes, folding her arms as her thoughts spiraled inward. She replayed the moment over and over, examining every tiny fragment like a scholar poring over forbidden scripture. She had watched Beatrice—her precious creation, her stubborn little artificial spirit—for centuries. She had seen every lonely moment, every flicker of doubt, every patient heartbeat spent waiting for someone who would never come. Until Subaru.
Everything had changed since his arrival.
"The instant she made the decision, the connection... simply vanished. Not torn—released. As though she were no longer bound to me by anything at all. But Beatrice would never—could never—choose that on her own. Her loyalty is... was... absolute. Someone must have intervened. Someone must have shown her something she believed in more than me."
A trembling hand rose to her chest, fingers curling with quiet fury. Her voice dropped to a venomous whisper. "You. What did you say to her? What did you promise? What secret words did you use to unravel a bond I forged over centuries?"
When she opened her eyes again, the expression on her face was no longer one of fury—but fascination. The smirk that bloomed across her lips was laced with darkness, not malice. Curiosity. Deep, unrelenting curiosity. "You're interesting, Natsuki Subaru. Far too interesting to be just another anomaly. You're something else entirely. And now... I have to know what."
A ripple in the dreamworld's fabric carried her away from her current vantage. With the ease of a thought, she returned to her Dream Fortress—a boundless landscape of surreal color and texture, where reality bent to her whims. The sky was a pure, artificial blue, almost too bright to be real. Beneath her feet, the grass was lush and impossibly green, resembling the classic rolling hills of an Earth-born computer wallpaper. In the heart of this dreamworld stood her throne, a bizarre, elegant chair that looked as if it had been carved from both marble and candy.
She eased into it, crossed one leg over the other, and laced her fingers beneath her chin. The smile never left her lips.
"Well now~ I've seen just enough of you to know I'm hooked. But this? This is only the beginning. I haven't even scratched the surface of what makes you tick. I want more. I need more. I have to peel back every layer, strip away every mask, and gaze directly into the heart of what you are, Natsuki Subaru."
She paused, letting the breeze drift across the fields. Her tongue flicked across her bottom lip.
"Don't make me wait too long, darling. My curiosity is like a hunger—it grows sharper with time. I want to carve your name into my bones, dissect your soul piece by piece. I don't just want to understand you—I want to own you."
She laughed—a soft, rippling giggle that danced through the air like the chime of distant bells. It echoed across the grassy expanse, weaving itself into the wind. "Come to me soon, Natsuki Subaru~ Come to the place where your truths will be laid bare. Come share your distortion with me, so I can mold it with my own."
—
At that very moment, as dawn's gentle fingers stretched across the horizon and bathed the city gates in golden light, Subaru and Julius arrived at Banan City. Dust clung to their cloaks and sweat glistened on their foreheads, but neither faltered. Their journey had been long and grueling, but their eyes were alight with determination.
"So? Who was faster?" Subaru asked between ragged breaths, a mischievous grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Julius, equally exhausted, raised a brow and chuckled softly. "This time... I'll yield the title. You're quicker than I expected. You've changed."
Subaru patted his companion on the shoulder with a friendly thump. "Let's not waste time. We need a plan. Where do we go from here?"
Julius nodded, fingers resting against his chin in thought. "Our most reliable lead is the Hoshin Company's local branch. It's one of the few institutions here with the resources and network to know something. I'll head there and make inquiries. What about you?"
"I'll scout the city," Subaru said, already turning toward the marketplace. "I'll find a merchant who deals in maps and logistics—someone who knows every corner of this city. Once I have a map, I'll track down anyone who might've seen Hikari. Merchants, couriers, urchins—anyone who knows the streets."
"Good," Julius agreed. "There's a vendor by the fountain who carries what you'll need. I'll meet you back here within the hour."
Within minutes, Julius returned with a rolled parchment and a fine writing quill. Subaru reached into his pouch, pulling out two gold coins—but Julius waved him off.
"No need. This one's on me. You've got enough to carry."
They unfurled the map on a nearby bench, anchoring it with stones. Julius pointed to a quadrant on the northeast side. "We're here—this is the main trade sector, near the Grand Commerce Hall. The Hoshin Company is right over there. I'll head straight there."
He tapped another section of the city. "You'll want to search this neighborhood. It's more chaotic—bustling with carts, messengers, children who see everything and say nothing unless asked the right way. Start there. Talk to everyone."
Subaru folded the map, eyes narrowing as he memorized the streets. "Understood. I won't let a single thread go untouched. If Hikari was here, I'll find her trace."
So, under the awakening city's golden canopy, the two allies split up—one bound for formal negotiations, the other diving headfirst into the alleyways and murmurings of the crowd. Both were resolute. With every step they took, they moved closer to uncovering the truth—and to the ones they loved beyond measure.
Subaru nodded firmly, his jaw set with quiet determination. "Understood. Then it's time to move. I'm not leaving this city until I find Hikari. That's a promise."
The two exchanged one final nod—more than a simple gesture, it was a mutual recognition of resolve—before parting ways and disappearing into the vibrant flow of the city in opposite directions. A new search had begun, one charged with urgency, desperation, and the faint glimmer of hope.
Subaru eventually arrived at the area Julius had described—a lively and crowded part of the city teeming with motion. Inns and taverns stood shoulder to shoulder, each promising warmth, food, and lodging, while markets overflowed with shouting merchants, children darting between stalls, and travelers from all walks of life. The heartbeat of Kararagi pulsed here, fast and unrelenting.
Yet, amid the chaos, Subaru felt curiously still. The world around him was a blur—shouts turned to static, faces to shadows. His thoughts crowded over each other, loud in his head:
What if she's here?
What if I'm too late?
What if I miss her by minutes?
Each possibility tugged at his nerves like threads pulled taut.
His hood was drawn low, casting a veil of shadow over his expression. But beneath that, his eyes darted with focus, scanning every building, every alleyway, every passerby. The crowds barely registered to him. He moved like a hound following a scent only he could perceive.
Then, his eyes landed on one inn. It was simple. Modest. Almost forgettable in comparison to the rest. There were no lanterns strung out front, no music pouring from within, no patrons loitering outside. But for reasons he couldn't explain, Subaru felt drawn to it—an instinct, a tug at his chest.
He stepped through the door.
Inside, the atmosphere was muted. Dim lanterns swung slightly from the ceiling beams, casting soft glows against aged wood and stone. The air was tinged with the scent of wax and old smoke. Unlike the chaotic noise outside, here there was a heavy stillness—so quiet that the faint creak of the door behind him echoed across the room.
Behind the reception desk stood a young woman. She seemed calm but not inattentive, her eyes fixed on him the moment he entered. Long, black hair framed her face, and she absentmindedly brushed away a few stray strands with a motion that spoke of habit rather than vanity.
Her gaze lingered.
Who is this man? she wondered silently. He walks like someone who's lost everything, but there's a fire in him that hasn't gone out. Dangerous, maybe... or just desperate.
Subaru moved toward her, each step slow, steady. He didn't speak right away. Instead, he let the silence weigh a moment longer. Then, with a slight tilt of his head, he offered a polite but firm greeting.
"Good evening, miss. My name is Natsuki Subaru. I hope I'm not being a bother, but could I trouble you for a moment of your time?"
His voice was soft, gentle even, yet there was a steeliness behind it. The kind of tone forged not from pride, but necessity. Politeness honed by hardship.
The woman blinked, seemingly caught off guard—not by his words, but by the presence he exuded. A flush of pink touched her cheeks as her gaze flicked over his face, briefly studying him.
"O-of course, Subaru-dono. Just one moment, please," she said, her voice stumbling slightly as she stepped from behind the desk. She gestured for him to follow, leading him down a stone hallway toward a quieter lounge near the back of the building. Their footsteps echoed faintly between the walls, mingling with the creak of old wood.
As they walked, Subaru lowered his voice, speaking with quiet respect. "Um... Before anything else, may I ask your name?"
The woman paused at the threshold of a small room, casting a glance over her shoulder. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and offered a small but sincere smile.
"You can call me Maria. So, what did you want to ask? You're clearly new to Kararagi. Looking for a place to stay? Or maybe... looking for someone?"
Subaru gave a faint nod, locking eyes with her. "Yes, I'm new. But my reason for being here has nothing to do with rest or tourism. I'm here for someone. A girl named Natsuki Hikari. She has the same eyes as me. Long black hair, shorter than I am. She's my younger sister. And... it's been a very long time since I last heard from her."
For a moment, Maria's expression froze. Then her eyes widened, recognition dawning with a sudden warmth. She blinked several times before a soft smile bloomed across her face—tinged with surprise and something close to nostalgia.
"Hikari-chan...? You're her brother? Oh, that explains so much. She talked about you all the time—really, all the time. Her face would light up whenever your name came up. I... I didn't expect you to be so handsome, though." She laughed gently. "But I'm glad. Glad to know she has someone strong looking for her."
Subaru's heart surged, his chest tightening. Hope shot through him like lightning, but it came laced with fear. Hands slightly trembling at his sides, he stepped forward.
"Maria-san, please... you have to tell me—where is she? When did you last see her? Was she well? Was she safe? Did she leave with anyone? Was anyone hurting her?"
His questions spilled out, urgent, almost breathless. The façade of calm cracked, revealing the storm underneath—of a brother who had crossed worlds, bled, and fought to reach this moment.
Maria's expression softened, eyes filled with a quiet sympathy as she studied the trembling man before her. Something told her this was not the kind of person who gave up easily.
And for the first time in a long while, she understood what it meant to carry someone else's hope in your hands.
Maria lowered her gaze to the floor. When she spoke, her voice came out slower, more thoughtful—as though the weight of a long-buried memory had suddenly returned to rest upon her shoulders once more. Her eyes glistened faintly, reflecting a sorrow tinted by time.
"Ah... back when she was struggling, she used to work at this inn. She never complained. She helped me with the cleaning, serving guests, mending sheets—whatever I needed. And I paid her as generously as I could. She never asked for much, even when she clearly deserved more. A clean, honest girl. Sweet, too. Almost everyone around this part of the district knew Hikari-chan. She was bright, full of life, clever and hardworking. You could see it in her eyes—that spark."
She paused, rubbing her hands together slowly, as though trying to warm them against a cold wind only she could feel. Her voice lowered, edged with hesitation.
"But... I haven't seen her much lately. Actually, it's been quite a while now. Weeks, maybe longer. She just stopped coming around. She never even said goodbye. If you'd like, I can take you to the building where she used to stay. The owner might remember her. Or—there's someone else. An old man. She spent a lot of time with him. I think she saw him like a grandfather, and he treated her like a granddaughter. They were very close. Maybe she's still with him."
Without thinking, Subaru stepped forward and gently grasped Maria's hands. His grip was firm, yet trembling with restrained desperation. The warmth of her skin was a distant comfort, but it couldn't settle the whirlwind raging inside his heart. His chest rose and fell as emotion fought for control. His eyes brimmed, heavy with unshed tears.
"I would gladly accept that, Maria-san. Truly, thank you for offering your help. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am. I'll repay you tenfold if I must, or a hundredfold. My sister... she means everything to me. She's all I have. I have to find her. I will find her."
Maria smiled—this time not with politeness, but with sincere warmth. Her features softened, her lips parting in a tender smile like sunlight breaking through a cloudy morning. It was the smile of someone who understood pain—and who had once found comfort in another's presence.
"Ah... you don't need to repay me, Subaru-dono. I don't want anything in return. Just knowing Hikari-chan is alive and safe—that's more than enough for me. She was like a younger sister to me, too. There's something about her that made people want to protect her, you know? If you find her... tell her Maria is still cheering for her."
A silence fell between them, not heavy, but sacred. Outside, the breeze stirred gently, brushing against the wooden shutters of the inn like the passing breath of time itself. Inside, past and present mingled, as though Maria's memories and Subaru's hopes were speaking in unison. The faint flame of hope that had taken root in Subaru's heart now flared brighter, fiercer.
Hikari was here. She really was.
That realization hit him with full force, and his grip on Maria's hands tightened with renewed resolve. This was it—the first genuine clue. Not a rumor, not a guess. He had confirmation now. There was no more hesitation. He would walk through fire if he had to. Nothing would stop him.
As Subaru and Maria walked together through the narrow, labyrinthine alleys of Kararagi, the city's peculiar air clung to his skin like fog. The stone walls rose high and close, their surfaces kissed by creeping moss and age-old soot. Even the sun, now climbing higher into the morning sky, could not fully dispel the strange sense of discomfort that hung in the air. It wasn't danger, not quite—but something was amiss. Subaru's instincts remained taut, every footstep ringing louder in his ears as if time itself was urging him onward.
They finally reached the blacksmith's shop Maria had mentioned. The structure stood weathered but strong, as though it had survived more years than anyone alive. Smoke drifted faintly from its chimney, and the scent of smoldering coal mixed with iron filled the air. Even from outside, they could hear the unmistakable clamor of hammer on metal.
Maria didn't hesitate. She stepped up to the door, gripped the handle with practiced ease, and pulled it open. The clanging stopped for a moment as she strode in, her voice loud and clear.
"OJĪ-SAN! COME OUT HERE!"
A moment later, the side door creaked open, and a man stepped out. He wasn't quite old, but age had left its marks: a weathered face, sun-darkened skin, calloused hands veined with muscle and memory. His shoulders were broad and strong, and every movement he made was deliberate and measured, like someone who had lived many years by a strict rhythm of labor.
Standing beside him was a boy—no more than fifteen—eyes sharp, posture proud. He held a pair of blacksmith's tongs like a sword, clearly used to the heat of the forge. There was defiance in his stare, but also curiosity.
"Maria-chan," the blacksmith greeted with a low chuckle. "Let me guess. You broke another pan handle? What can I do for you this time?"
But then he noticed Subaru, and his expression shifted, brows lifting slightly.
Maria turned and gave Subaru a theatrical little pat on the back, her voice brimming with affectionate mischief.
"Not this time. No kitchen mishaps today. Actually, this handsome young man here—he's Hikari-chan's older brother. He's looking for her. And we think you might be able to help."
Subaru stood a little taller, bowing slightly but respectfully. The blacksmith's eyes narrowed—not with suspicion, but with thought. The name Hikari lingered in the air, like an ember refusing to fade.
The blacksmith and the young boy stared at Subaru, their gazes sharp and unrelenting. The room felt tense, the weight of silence pressing down like a storm on the brink of breaking. After a few long seconds, the boy—full of youthful bravado—suddenly burst out with a reckless declaration, his voice cracking slightly with emotion:
"Hah! Nobody's taking my Hikari! Not even her brother!"
Subaru's expression changed in an instant. His pupils narrowed, and the entire atmosphere of the room shifted. A dense, suffocating pressure poured from him, unseen yet undeniable. The very air trembled under his glare. His voice, when it came, was low and razor-sharp, laced with cold intensity:
"What did you just say... brat?"
The boy—Alec, no older than fifteen—visibly flinched. His legs shook, and his defiance melted away as Subaru's presence bore down on him. The weight of that gaze was like a mountain, unforgiving and heavy, forcing Alec's breath to hitch in his throat.
Maria reacted instantly, stepping between them like a protective barrier. Panic laced her voice as she tried to diffuse the situation. "Oi! Calm down! He's just a kid! Alec's always running his mouth—he didn't mean anything by it!"
She turned to Subaru and leaned in, whispering in a more measured tone, "Looks like he's got a bit of a crush on your sister. But trust me, I've never seen Hikari-chan act like she reciprocated it. He's harmless. Just loud."
Subaru drew in a slow breath, trying to quell the fire stirring inside him. He closed his eyes briefly, then ran a hand through his hair, the tension slowly ebbing away.
"Sorry," he muttered. "I haven't seen my sister in a long time. I guess I'm a little too on edge when people talk about her."
The blacksmith, who had been observing in silence, finally chuckled—a deep, gravelly sound that filled the room and broke some of the lingering tension.
"Heh! If I had your fire back in my younger days, I'd probably have snapped the same way. Nothing wrong with protecting your family. Anyway, your sister hasn't been by today. If I had to guess, she's probably at home. You might want to start there."
Subaru nodded respectfully and bowed. "Thank you for the information, oji-san."
The blacksmith stepped forward and placed a strong, calloused hand on Subaru's shoulder. His touch was firm but not unfriendly. "You've got the eyes of someone who's walked a long, hard road. I'd love to hear your story one day. Maybe over a drink or two."
Subaru smiled faintly, though the pressure in his chest remained. There wasn't time—not really. Not while Hikari was still missing. As he turned to leave, he noticed Alec watching him, no longer with defiance but with something closer to respect. Or maybe it was wariness.
Maria gently grabbed Subaru's arm and pulled him away from the shop. As they walked through the winding streets, her face twisted with restrained irritation. Once they had some distance, she stopped and turned toward him, planting her feet firmly.
"Subaru-san! Seriously?! Were you actually about to snap at a child?! What were you thinking?!"
The scolding landed heavy, but Subaru didn't meet her gaze immediately. The wind tossed his hair as he looked down at the stone path beneath their feet.
"It wasn't intentional," he said quietly. "Just... a reaction. I lost control for a second."
Maria sighed, arms folding across her chest. Her voice softened, but the sternness remained. "Look. I get it—you're under pressure, you're scared. But you can't afford to lose your temper like that here. You're not back in Lugunica. Here, there's no safety net. No one to bail you out. So pull yourself together."
Subaru nodded slowly. Then, after a short pause, he focused inward, projecting a thought like a shout into his mind.
"Hey! Flugel! You've been quiet too long—what's going on? Say something."
A few beats of silence followed. Just when Subaru thought there might be no answer, Flugel's voice drifted in—distant, raspy, and unmistakably strained.
"This city... it's different. I can feel them—two Archbishops. Their presence isn't subtle. They're close. Which is why I've been conserving mana. If either one notices us... it could mean a fight. And if that happens, I'll need every ounce of strength."
Subaru's stomach dropped. His hands clenched at his sides. The weight in his chest now pulsed with urgency.
"Two of them...? That's... worse than I expected. We don't have time. We need to move faster—right now."
And with that, Subaru picked up his pace, his thoughts racing as fast as his steps. Whatever lay ahead, it was clear now: the window to find Hikari was shrinking, and the threat around them was only growing.
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(A/N: Oİ I want Powerstone and comments!!!)