...
{3rd Pov}
"Very well. To proceed in an orderly manner, we should begin by sharing our direct encounters with the Sin Archbishops, and then establish how many of them are currently within the city," Crusch declared, her calm but authoritative voice drawing everyone's attention.
Although it had already been made clear through the announcement from the Sin Archbishop of Pride that nearly all of the Archbishops—excluding Sloth, who had already been eliminated—were most likely present within the city, none of those gathered were willing to rely on the word of such an enemy.
Their distrust of the Witch Cult ran too deep, and so it was decided that they would each verify the truth with their own experiences.
Only then would they be able to gain a reliable grasp of the situation.
One by one, the representatives of each camp spoke up and explained what they had witnessed.
Their testimonies gradually began to form a grim picture.
From their combined accounts, it became undeniable that at the very least three of the Sin Archbishops—Gluttony, Wrath, and Lust—were not just rumored but definitely present somewhere in the city.
Each Archbishop posed a unique and terrifying danger, and the knowledge that multiple were gathered together in one place only made the situation all the more perilous.
As the accounts were given and noted, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier.
Every word spoken reminded them that they were not facing an ordinary enemy, but the direct agents of the Witch Cult's madness.
Finally, after the others had spoken, it became Subaru's turn. The collective attention of the room shifted toward him, and every eye fixed on his figure.
Subaru had already mentioned, in vague terms, that the Sin Archbishop of Pride was a particularly dangerous adversary, one who should not be underestimated under any circumstances.
He had warned them, insisting that Pride's presence was far more terrifying than what they might first assume.
However, until this point, he had not elaborated on the details.
The others in the room had yet to understand exactly why Subaru had made such a dire claim, and curiosity mixed with unease as they waited for him to explain further.
Emilia had just finished explaining her side of the story, recounting everything that had taken place until the moment she lost consciousness.
When she reached that part, she stopped and turned her gaze toward Subaru, her expression a mixture of trust and expectation.
Everyone else followed her lead, because up until this moment, Subaru had yet to give a clear explanation of what exactly had occurred after Emilia had collapsed.
"Now then," Subaru began, shifting slightly in his seat as the weight of the room's attention pressed down on him.
"Before I go into the details of what happened after Emilia lost consciousness, there's something I need to make clear. What I'm about to tell you all involves the ability of the Sin Archbishop of Pride, and I want you to understand that it may sound… far too terrifying to believe."
His tone was unusually serious, and the hesitation in his voice caught the room off guard.
"Big bro! What's with that kind of talk?" Felt cut in, crossing her arms and glaring at him with frustration.
"Do you think we're little kids? Don't insult us like that. You should know by now that everyone gathered here is ready to risk their lives if it means standing against the Witch Cult."
Her voice carried her usual fiery conviction, dismissing any notion of being sheltered from the truth.
"That's right!" Sachin added, his expression tense as he leaned forward.
"Why are you acting like this is such a big deal? We already know the Sin Archbishops are terrifying monsters, every single one of them. Whether it's Pride or another, what difference does it make? Just say it."
Before Subaru could answer, Heinkel let out a low, mocking chuckle, his voice dripping with disdain as he decided to add his own venom to the discussion.
"Indeed, little boy. If you're so frightened by the big, scary Sin Archbishops, then perhaps you'd be better off running away while you still can. That would be more fitting for a pathetic coward who hides behind others."
His words carried clear contempt, and he seemed to enjoy directing it at Subaru, as though deliberately testing the patience of the room.
For a brief moment, everyone present glanced sharply in Heinkel's direction, their expressions darkening at his needless antagonism.
Yet no one spoke up immediately, perhaps because dealing with him again now would only derail the conversation further.
Subaru himself sighed deeply, his face tightening as he forced himself to ignore the insult altogether.
"…You'll realize soon enough why I gave that warning," Subaru finally said, his voice heavy with restrained irritation as he pulled himself back on track.
"Forget it—let me just get straight to the point."
"After Emilia lost consciousness, another Sin Archbishop appeared on the scene," Subaru began, his voice firm as he recalled the memory.
"He introduced himself as the Sin Archbishop of Greed—Regulus Corneas. And then, without any hesitation, he declared that he wanted to take Emilia as his wife."
At his words, everyone's eyes instinctively shifted toward Emilia.
Though many in the kingdom judged her harshly for being a silver-haired half-elf, that did not change the fact that she possessed striking beauty.
It was easy to understand, in a shallow sense, why such a twisted figure might target her.
Yet, considering the identity of the man in question and the sheer brazenness of his statement, the air in the room grew thick with disgust.
"So, we've got a rapist in the form of a Sin Archbishop, huh? Figures," Anastasia muttered, her voice sharp with disdain.
She folded her arms, her lips curling slightly in irritation at the sheer audacity of Regulus's words.
Emilia, however, blinked in confusion and tilted her head, her amethyst eyes turning to Subaru.
"Um, Subaru… what's a rapist?" she asked innocently.
The room immediately fell into stunned silence.
For a moment, no one moved, and all eyes turned toward her in disbelief.
Even Subaru was left completely dumbfounded, his jaw slack as he tried to process what she had just asked.
Seeing the sudden and awkward shift in atmosphere, Emilia looked around nervously before lowering her gaze.
"Did I… say something wrong?" she asked softly, her expression a mixture of embarrassment and uncertainty.
Subaru rubbed his temples and let out a long, frustrated sigh.
"It's… it's not that you said anything wrong, Emilia. It's just…" He trailed off, struggling to come up with the right words, before throwing his hands up.
"Damn it, how am I even supposed to explain this properly?! Alright, look—let's just put it this way. You can think of a rapist as someone who forces the… baby-making process on a woman. Without her consent."
Several people in the room gave Subaru strange, uncomfortable looks at the way he phrased it. Sensing the judgmental stares, Subaru waved his hands defensively.
"Oi! Don't look at me like that! What, am I the weird one here? Sex education is totally normal where I come from, okay?! It's you guys who are living in a weird culture that doesn't explain basic things."
'Seriously, damn this fantasy world and its medieval mentality,' Subaru grumbled internally, clenching his teeth as he cursed the lack of common education around such matters.
Meanwhile, Emilia gasped softly, her cheeks flushing red as she processed what he said.
"That's so disgusting! To think that someone would actually try to insert the—"
Before she could finish the thought, Subaru immediately lunged forward and clamped a hand over her mouth, his face burning red.
"Okay, okay! That's enough! Emilia, I think we're getting way off-topic here," he cut in quickly, desperate to stop the conversation from spiraling into even more dangerous territory.
Subaru cleared his throat, coughing lightly to regain the attention of the room after the earlier distraction.
Once the murmurs died down, he straightened in his seat and continued, "Okay, anyway—as I was saying. After he appeared, the Sin Archbishop of Greed grabbed hold of Emilia. What was strange, though, was what happened next. When Wrath launched a devastating fire attack, instead of harming him or Emilia, the flames were completely nullified. It was as if some kind of invisible barrier was surrounding him, shielding them both from any damage."
Crusch leaned forward, narrowing her eyes thoughtfully.
"A barrier, then? It sounds like a defensive technique. If it was barrier magic, that would normally fall under either wind or water attributes," she muttered under her breath, then turned her gaze back toward Subaru with a questioning look, silently asking if he had more details to give.
Before Subaru could answer, Beatrice abruptly spoke up from her seat, her high-pitched voice firm and certain.
"Betty did not sense even the slightest trace of mana circulation or the casting of a spell. That was no ordinary barrier created by magic. In fact, Betty suspects that what you witnessed must have been the man's Sin Authority itself at work."
Her words drew several sharp glances around the room.
The term "Sin Authority" was one that carried weight, and it was clear from the puzzled expressions that not everyone present fully understood its meaning.
Wilhelm, who had been silent for much of the meeting until now, finally spoke up in his calm, steady voice.
"Lady Beatrice… may I ask for clarification? What exactly is a Sin Authority? Many of us here are well aware that the Witch Cultists possess strange, inexplicable abilities that do not conform to the known systems of magic or the structure of divine protections. However, beyond that, our understanding is limited. We know they wield powers outside of human comprehension, but the exact nature of those abilities—the reason why they exist—we know almost nothing of."
At his question, several others nodded subtly in agreement.
It was, in truth, a question that had lingered in the minds of many who had fought against the Witch Cult.
They all knew the Sin Archbishops wielded terrifying abilities that seemed to come from nowhere, abilities unlike any magic or blessing they had ever encountered.
The only common belief was that such powers must have been gifts—or curses—bestowed upon them by the Witches of Sin themselves.
Beyond that, however, their knowledge was vague at best.
Now, with Beatrice openly identifying Regulus's ability as an Authority, everyone leaned in slightly, waiting for her explanation.
Beatrice hesitated for a brief moment, her small hands fidgeting as her eyes flickered toward Subaru.
For a second she seemed uncertain about whether or not she should explain further, but when Subaru met her gaze, he thought carefully, then gave her a firm nod.
It was a silent gesture of approval, one that carried the weight of trust between them.
Ordinarily, this sort of information would never have been shared so openly.
The powers known as Witch Factors—and the Authorities that came with them—were extremely dangerous.
To reveal too much about them was to risk creating interest among those who might see such power as something to pursue.
If it became widely known that one could gain such abilities without formally joining the Witch Cult, there was no telling how many reckless or power-hungry individuals might begin seeking them out.
That in itself would create chaos and possibly birth new dangers.
Under normal circumstances, perhaps it would not have mattered.
At present, all the Witch Factors were in the possession of the Sin Archbishops, and attempting to seize them would be suicidal for anyone foolish enough to try.
However, the situation was more complicated than it appeared on the surface—because at this moment, one Witch Factor was not in the hands of an Archbishop.
It was in Subaru's. He carried the Witch Factor of Sloth.
This fact alone placed Subaru in a precarious position.
On top of that, he already bore another ability, one far more dangerous and mysterious: Return by Death.
None of those gathered here knew about it.
Even Beatrice, his most trusted companion, remained completely unaware of its existence.
The only other person who held even the slightest inkling was Roswaal, and even he misunderstood the true nature of the power.
Roswaal simply believed Subaru could manipulate time in some vague manner, not realizing the cruel mechanism behind it—that every "reset" came through Subaru's own death.
Subaru himself had long suspected that Return by Death was connected to an Authority in some way.
Whether it was tied to the Sin of Envy or another Sin, he couldn't be certain.
Still, given its nature, it seemed too similar to the Authorities wielded by the Sin Archbishops to be unrelated.
At the same time, he found himself doubting that it was truly Envy's Authority—if it were, then why had he not been consumed by the same madness that had claimed her?
Why had he not lost himself entirely to insanity?
These questions lingered with no clear answer.
Either way, revealing too much about Authorities now carried great risk.
If the others pieced together that Subaru himself possessed one of these powers—or worse, if they realized he carried something unique tied to the Witch of Envy—they might come to view him as a threat rather than an ally.
In that sense, exposing the truth so openly would be the same as painting a target on his back and presenting himself for slaughter.
However, Subaru, who knew all too well how overwhelmingly powerful Pride was, understood that this was the moment of truth.
It was either now or never. If he missed this opportunity, he might never again have the chance to properly warn everyone.
The thought haunted him—what if his "checkpoint," the unseen marker of his cursed ability, updated after this meeting?
If that happened, he wouldn't be able to return to this moment, and the chance to share critical information before the fighting began could be lost forever.
As a Japanese person, Subaru's mind instinctively recalled an old piece of wisdom he had carried with him from his own world.
"Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will not fear the outcome of a thousand battles." It was a proverb that had stayed with him, one he often repeated in times like this.
Ahem.
(Author's Note: Yes, I know it's originally a Chinese saying, but once you realize the context of Subaru—a Japanese guy trapped in another world—using it so seriously, you'll probably laugh.)
"Very well then," Beatrice finally spoke, her usual childish tone replaced by an unusually serious demeanor.
She sat upright on her chair, her expression solemn.
"Since Betty's Subaru has given his approval, Betty shall reveal the truth. But let it be known clearly: Betty will only explain this once. What you hear now must not be spread carelessly, not to outsiders, not to anyone beyond this room. If it were, the result would be nothing short of catastrophic."
Her sharp gaze shifted across the room, sweeping over the "extras"—the various knights and the members of Iron Fang who had accompanied the camps.
The authority in her voice left no doubt that she meant what she said.
The implications of what she was about to reveal were that serious.
The Royal Candidates understood immediately, and without hesitation they ordered the additional knights and mercenaries to leave the chamber.
The sound of shuffling footsteps filled the room as one by one the less essential attendants quietly filed out.
Schult, Priscilla's young attendant, began to follow suit, bowing slightly as he moved toward the exit.
But before he could take more than a few steps, Priscilla raised her hand and stopped him with a commanding tone.
"Remain where you are. Speak as you wish, Great Spirit, but this boy shall stay. He will not betray my trust. This child possesses more courage and worth than half the so-called Royal Knights."
Her words carried a sharp edge, and every knight present stiffened at the blatant insult.
Julius, in particular, felt the jab most keenly.
His eyebrows twitched in irritation, but after a brief pause, he forced himself to remain silent.
It was not the time to start a quarrel over pride. Right now, there were far greater matters at hand.
In the end, unwilling to stir up an argument with Priscilla, no one present made any effort to speak against her words, nor did they say anything to Schult.
After all, there was little point in debating with Priscilla, and as for Schult, he was just a child.
Being so young, it was impossible to imagine him harboring any sort of ill intent or malice toward Subaru or others.
That much was obvious to everyone.
Finally, after all the less important attendants, as well as those who lacked strong loyalty to their respective camps, had excused themselves and departed, the atmosphere in the room grew more solemn.
Now, only the core members of each faction remained behind, and it was at that moment that Beatrice began to speak.
Her expression was unusually serious, and her words immediately drew the attention of everyone present.
"Every Sin Archbishop, as well as the Witches who preceded them, possess something known as a Witch Factor. These Witch Factors are not dependent on mana, magic, or even divine protections. In fact, they stand apart from and surpass all forms of Divine Protections altogether," Beatrice declared, her tone carrying a weight that left the room in silence.
Her statement startled the group. Divine Protections themselves were already known to be capable of granting overwhelming abilities—some legendary, such as the Divine Protection of the Sword Saint held by Reinhardt, or the fabled Divine Protection of the Phoenix.
The sheer strength such blessings could bestow was beyond question.
Yet, to hear that something existed beyond them—something fundamentally stronger—left everyone shocked.
Still, in the back of their minds, none could deny that it made sense.
After all, the Witch of Envy herself had displayed power that transcended logic, so it was reasonable to assume that the source of such power was in a completely different category than ordinary blessings.
Beatrice, noticing their expressions, continued without pausing.
"The Witch Factors are aligned with the seven deadly sins—Pride, Envy, Greed, Wrath, Lust, Gluttony, and Sloth. They attach themselves to the very soul of an individual, and through that connection, they awaken an ability referred to as an Authority. Each Authority is categorized as a Sin Authority."
Her explanation made the listeners lean forward slightly, intrigued by what they were hearing.
"Now then," Beatrice added, drawing in their complete attention, "Betty will reveal the specifics of these Authorities."
At her words, the room grew tense with anticipation. Everyone's focus was fixed solely on her, waiting for what came next.
"First of all," she began carefully, "while Witch Factors are aligned with the same sin, the Authorities awakened by different individuals are not identical. For example, two people possessing the same Witch Factor may awaken powers that are entirely different in function. However, there is always one constant—the power will inevitably reflect the fundamental nature of the sin associated with that Witch Factor. The form it takes is unique, but its essence always represents that sin. In other words, the abilities manifest as a personal embodiment of the sin itself."
Her explanation caused several people to furrow their brows, deeply considering the implications.
"Second," she continued firmly, "the usage of these Authorities does not normally require mana, nor do they consume any other form of energy. They are fueled solely by the will of the user."
These words caused many of those present to widen their eyes in astonishment.
After all, possessing a powerful ability was already something extraordinary, but to use such a power without any cost—no expenditure of mana, no draining of stamina—was practically absurd.
It was as though these abilities were a bug in reality, an unfair advantage that disregarded all normal limitations.
"Third," Beatrice said after a small pause, "a Witch Factor cannot be transferred under ordinary circumstances. It cannot be passed willingly to another person. The only condition under which a Witch Factor leaves its current host is if that host dies."
Upon hearing this, a collective sigh of relief filled the room.
The thought that such terrifying abilities could be passed around freely, falling into the wrong hands at will, was something truly despair-inducing.
Knowing that the Witch Factors could only change possession upon death provided at least a small degree of reassurance.
(A/N: Meanwhile, on the other side of things, the Witch of Envy, the Gluttony siblings, and Clind are out there handing Witch Factors around like they're free samples at a candy store. Honestly, it's like they're passing them out as casually as toffees at a festival. XD)
Crusch was the first to speak up after Beatrice's explanation, her tone composed but thoughtful. "If that is the case, then considering the situation as it stands now, all of the Witch Factors—excluding those of Sloth and Envy—are currently in the possession of the Witch Cult."
Her words settled over the group like a heavy weight, but soon enough, the logical implication became clear to everyone present.
"What about the Witch Factor of Sloth?" Anastasia asked, her expression turning serious and her voice edged with concern.
If someone had already taken hold of it, and if that person were to side with the Witch Cult, then all of their efforts in defeating the Sin Archbishop of Sloth would be rendered meaningless.
All eyes immediately turned toward Beatrice once again, silently demanding an answer.
For a brief moment, she hesitated, clearly conflicted.
But before she could respond, Subaru himself took a step forward. His face was calm, though his words carried the weight of a revelation.
"Currently," Subaru said with steady resolve, "I am the one in possession of the Witch Factor of Sloth."
His words sent a wave of shock through the entire room, leaving most of the gathered individuals stunned and uncertain of how to react.
Before the silence could stretch on for too long, Beatrice quickly interjected, her voice sharp and commanding as she spoke with certainty.
"The Witch Factors naturally search for the most compatible hosts on their own, and once they find such a host, they automatically latch onto them. The process is something that cannot be stopped by any external means," Beatrice declared firmly, her eyes narrowing as if daring anyone to question her words.
Upon hearing this, a portion of the audience visibly relaxed, their tense expressions softening slightly.
The idea that it was not Subaru's choice but rather the Witch Factor's nature gave them some small comfort.
However, not everyone was so easily convinced. Some, like Anastasia, remained skeptical, her sharp gaze fixed on Beatrice with suspicion.
In her mind, such an explanation could very well be a convenient excuse designed to justify Subaru holding onto such a terrifying power.
It would not be unreasonable to think someone might create such a story to secure overwhelming strength for their own benefit.
Still, the fact that Beatrice had openly revealed such sensitive and potentially dangerous information, information that could place Subaru and by extension Emilia's camp at a considerable disadvantage in the ongoing Royal Selection, made several others in the room lean toward believing her.
After all, if she had wished to manipulate or hide the truth, there would have been no reason to share such a disadvantageous detail even at this critical stage.
"Really now? Are we absolutely certain this is not just an elaborate excuse to keep hold of that power?" Heinkel suddenly interjected, his tone sharp and accusing, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Subaru.
"After all, a power of that scale—wouldn't anyone in their right mind want to monopolize it and use it for their own advantage?" His interruption sent a ripple of unease through the group.
Before anyone else could rise to Subaru's defense, or alternatively, use this opportunity to accuse him further, Crusch Karsten stepped forward with firm resolve.
Her calm and steady demeanor immediately commanded attention as she addressed the crowd.
"Lady Beatrice's words are true. I did not sense even the slightest trace of a lie within her statement," Crusch declared with unwavering confidence.
The room quieted instantly, as her words carried undeniable weight.
Crusch possessed the Divine Protection of Wind Indication, an ability that allowed her to perceive lies with absolute certainty.
Because of this, her assurance that Beatrice was speaking the truth silenced the majority of doubts in an instant. Few dared to question someone with such a unique and irrefutable gift.
"If it eases your doubts further, then know this," another voice added.
Reinhardt van Astrea stepped forward, his presence commanding and his words calm yet firm. "My Divine Protection as well has confirmed that both Subaru and Lady Beatrice have spoken nothing but the truth."
His tone left no room for uncertainty.
Reinhardt's testimony held particular significance, for he was the man renowned as the most blessed individual in the entire history of Lugnica—his body safeguarded and empowered by more Divine Protections than any other known person.
When he lent his agreement, there could be no further dispute.
Of course, except for one guy.
"I don't believe it! She is a four-hundred-year-old spirit, for crying out loud! There's no way she wouldn't have some ability to deceive you, even bypassing your Divine Protections!"
Heinkel exclaimed, his voice loud and insistent, much to the irritation and exasperation of everyone present in the room.
His outburst drew a few glares and sighs, as many were already tired of his constant skepticism and hotheaded interruptions.
Subaru, however, remained calm despite the accusations, and met the group's attention with a serious gaze.
"I do have awakened the Authority of Sloth," he announced firmly, causing all eyes to swing toward him instantly.
"But my ability is extremely limited. It can only summon a single Invisible Hand at a time, and each time I use it, it inflicts a tremendous amount of pain. A terrible headache, a sharp stomach ache—it overwhelms me. At most, I can manage to use it once, maybe twice, before the agony becomes unbearable and I fall down helpless or unconscious."
A stunned silence fell across the room.
The gathered members of various camps could hardly believe what they were hearing.
His Authority… was so weak?
Compared to the grandiose abilities they had imagined a Witch Factor could produce, Subaru's power seemed pitiful.
Even some of the more common Divine Protections that they were accustomed to witnessing appeared far stronger than the meager utility of a single Invisible Hand.
"Sir Subaru is speaking the truth," Crusch stated immediately, her voice calm yet resolute.
Her words carried authority, and those who had harbored doubts about Subaru felt a wave of relief wash over them.
The tension in the room eased slightly as suspicion began to fade.
Felix was one of those who had initially wanted to challenge Subaru, ready to argue and test the claim.
But when he saw Lady Crusch, his respected and observant superior, lend her unhesitant support to Subaru, he immediately shut his mouth.
Felix trusted her judgment implicitly, aware of her keen ability to discern truth from falsehood.
Seeing her endorsement, he had no choice but to place his faith in Subaru as well.
Anastasia, who had also been skeptical up to this point, exhaled quietly, her shoulders relaxing.
'I guess he isn't a threat,' she thought to herself, reassured by Crusch's confidence.
Naturally, she accepted Crusch's words as fact—after all, as a Royal Candidate herself, she would not lightly side with a member of another Royal Camp who was her competitor unless she was certain of the truth.
Heinkel, however, was still on the verge of another retort when his eyes fell upon the sword that had just appeared in Priscilla's hand.
The sight ignited a visible spark of fury in her expression.
"Peasant," she hissed coldly, her voice sharp and cutting through the tense silence.
"At this point, you are not only embarrassing yourself, but you are also tarnishing the reputation of my camp. If you dare speak out of turn again, I will slice that useless tongue of yours from your mouth."
Heinkel's protest immediately ceased, his bravado replaced by cautious silence.
Before he could regain his footing or think of a reply, Priscilla's movement was already in motion.
She swung her leg with the effortless grace of someone accustomed to violence, landing a precise kick squarely in his stomach.
Heinkel was sent tumbling backward, rolling several meters before crashing to the ground with a loud thud.
He groaned, coughing up a mix of saliva and bile, the wind knocked out of him.
His pride and fury now lay in ruins alongside his battered body.
With the manchild finally subdued, the tension in the room gradually settled.
The remaining participants, seeing that Heinkel would no longer interfere, allowed the meeting to resume in a more orderly fashion, their attention refocusing on the important discussions at hand.
(A/N: They are like 'We are used to it' or 'As expected' by now)
"Now, returning to where I left off," Subaru began, his eyes narrowing with a mixture of seriousness and recollection.
"After Regulus appeared and engaged in a fight with Wrath, another Sin Archbishop suddenly made their appearance."
"He landed directly on top of the Sin Archbishop of Wrath and knocked her out instantly," he continued, his words drawing raised eyebrows from many of those listening.
The sheer audacity of the statement was enough to cause murmurs among the group, for they were already well aware of the terrifying capabilities of Wrath.
Wrath was not only a master of close-quarters combat, wielding her chain-dagger with lethal precision, but she also possessed the ability to manipulate fire magic seamlessly, without the need for any verbal chants or incantations.
And that was not even accounting for her Sin Authority, an even more horrifying power.
Her Sin Authority allowed her to connect the emotions, sensations, and even physical wounds of multiple individuals together.
In practice, this meant that if she killed a single person, all those bound by her authority would die as well.
Conversely, should she fall in battle, the people affected by her authority would also perish alongside her.
It was an extraordinarily difficult and dangerous ability to face in combat, one that made her a near-untouchable opponent.
And yet, Subaru's words implied that this Sin Archbishop had managed to knock her unconscious in a single strike.
The revelation alone caused many of the listeners to exchange stunned glances, their minds struggling to comprehend just how powerful this new foe must be.
"He wasn't alone either," Subaru added, pausing for effect to ensure everyone's attention was fully on him.
"He had a subordinate by his side, someone who kicked Regulus away with such astonishing speed that I couldn't even react in time. And then, without hesitation, she grabbed the unconscious Emilia-tan and returned to the side of the Sin Archbishop."
At this, the room grew noticeably more tense, as everyone present perked up at the mention of a subordinate accompanying a Sin Archbishop.
The existence of such a figure indicated a threat far beyond normal expectations.
After all, the subordinates of Sin Archbishops were expected to be exceptionally powerful, capable of standing alongside their masters in combat.
It was no small matter, considering that Lust, for example, had Kurgan and one other formidable individual as corpse soldier who were stronger than most of the Elite Royal Knights.
"He introduced himself as the Sin Archbishop of the Witch Cult, representing Pride Zero," Subaru began, his voice steady but carrying a hint of tension as he recalled the encounter.
He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself before continuing.
"We… had a talk. During it, I demanded that he release Emilia-tan immediately."
At this, the eyes of everyone present narrowed, their expressions tense with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"That must have been a truly grueling fight," Wilhelm remarked, his tone calm but reflective.
His words carried the weight of someone who had faced many powerful foes himself.
However, Subaru's next revelation caught them completely off guard, leaving them momentarily speechless.
"He… he actually released her instantly."
"???"
A chorus of confusion and shock rippled through the room.
Emilia herself gasped, her hand flying to her mouth in astonishment.
'This… this is how I was saved?' she thought, incredulous.
It felt less like a heroic rescue and more like a casual release, as if she had simply been let go without any struggle.
Subaru slammed his foot into the floor in frustration, gritting his teeth as his voice rose.
"That damn bastard's sidekick actually threw Emilia-tan on the ground! And then he argued about it, because we didn't specify exactly how he should release her! So, according to him, it's somehow my fault!"
Hearing his words, the others quickly came to understand that Pride and his subordinate were… unusual, to say the least.
He was clearly another eccentric among the Sin Archbishops, but despite his oddities, he seemed far less insane and unpredictable than many of the others.
What surprised them the most, however, was the sheer ease with which he had let go of Emilia.
The act was so effortless that it defied the expectations of even the most seasoned fighters present.
"If it weren't for his earlier announcement and the way he carried himself," Felix said with a sigh, shaking his head slightly, "I would have genuinely believed that he could be reasoned with."
Even among the chaotic and dangerous figures of the Witch Cult, Pride Zero stood out as someone who, in a strange way, displayed a peculiar sense of order—or at least a logic that was comprehensible enough for others to observe.
Yet the sheer danger of his presence remained undeniable.
"Okay… now comes that bastard's Sin Authority," Subaru said, taking a deep, steadying breath.
The room grew tense immediately, a heavy weight of apprehension settling over everyone.
Up until this point, they had only heard Subaru's vague warnings about Pride's ability.
He had deliberately refused to reveal the specifics, not wanting to dampen their morale or instill unnecessary fear before the moment demanded it.
"His Authority is… to kill anyone!" Subaru announced, his voice unwavering, and the declaration hit the room like a shockwave.
Everyone froze, stunned by the sheer simplicity and bluntness of his words.
"Huh?" A few of them murmured in confusion, unable at first to grasp the actual meaning behind what he had just said.
"Nyaah~ Subaru, every Authority—even a sword, a dagger, or some mundane weapon—can be used to kill others. What exactly is so impressive about it?" Felix asked, tilting his head in curiosity.
His words made perfect sense at first glance, and several of the others nodded in silent agreement, clearly struggling to understand why Subaru was making such a fuss.
"Indeed! Subaru, this is no time for jokes! You must tell us exactly what his Authority is!" Julius interjected, this time speaking in a firmer, almost stern tone.
He could not fathom that Subaru might be serious; he assumed Subaru was being his usual self, trying to lighten the tension with some careless humor.
"But I am telling the truth! He can literally kill anything! There's no exaggeration here!" Subaru argued, growing frustrated at their lack of comprehension.
"Of course he can kill anything! He is a freaking Sin Archbishop, after all! Now stop wasting time and just reveal his ability already!" Sachin interjected, clearly irritated, his voice sharp with impatience.
Even the others, who had been listening quietly until now, looked at Subaru with varying degrees of annoyance.
Emilia, predictably, had already begun flexing her fingers, ready to twist Subaru's ear in a mix of exasperation and affection.
She pouted, her expression both stern and adorable.
"Subaru! You bad boy! Joking at a moment like this is so inappropriate!"
"Not you too, Emilia-tan!" Subaru groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose in exasperation.
Damn it, how the hell is he supposed to make them understand that what he is saying is literal, not some kind of metaphor or joke?!
He felt as if he was trapped between disbelief and frustration on all sides.
The tension in the room thickened as everyone stared at him, their patience wearing thin, while Subaru's attempts to make them understand the literal truth of Pride's deadly Authority seemed to only make the situation more chaotic.
Before Beatrice could step in to help clarify or defend him, Alderban suddenly raised his voice, cutting through the tension in the room.
"Hey! Everyone, please stop accusing Bro!" he shouted, waving his hands in exasperation.
"Bro just said that Pride's ability is to kill 'Anything'—stress on 'Anything'—and that it allows him to 'Kill'! That's it! There's nothing more to it than that!"
Subaru quickly shot his brother-from-another-mother a grateful glance, silently thanking him for stepping in at the right moment.
Then he turned his full attention to the room and continued, his voice sharp and serious.
"Yes! Pride has the ability to kill whatever he wants! If he decides that someone's limbs should die, they die! If he wants to take a person's life completely, they die! If he wants to destroy someone's magic, their Divine Protections, or even their Authorities… guess what? They die! Absolutely anything he targets can be obliterated by his ability! He even demonstrated this by killing Regulus in front of all of us!"
A stunned silence fell over the room, and then horror began to creep into the expressions of those present as the implications of Subaru's words fully sank in.
"Absurd!" Wilhelm finally spoke, his voice tight with disbelief.
"For such an ability to exist… it's unimaginable!" His brows were furrowed, and he shook his head slightly as if trying to make sense of it.
"S-Subaru's words are true," Crusch admitted, her voice slightly trembling, betraying the unease that even she felt despite her usual composure.
Meanwhile, Reinhardt's face grew grave, his eyes narrowing as he considered the ramifications.
The ability to kill anyone, anything, even magic, Divine Protections, and most importantly, Authorities, was beyond terrifying.
The sheer scope and indiscriminate nature of Pride's power made it almost incomprehensible, even to seasoned warriors and leaders accustomed to fighting supernatural foes.
"He-hey, kid… you're not joking, are you?" Heinkel finally broke his silence, still recovering from his earlier humiliation.
Even he could not ignore the reality of just how devastatingly dangerous this ability was.
He swallowed hard, his usual arrogance replaced with a wary understanding of the threat they now faced.
After that, Subaru proceeded to explain in meticulous detail how the fight between Greed and Pride had unfolded, recounting every move, every strike, and every display of Pride's overwhelming authority.
By the time he finished, the entire room had fallen silent.
Not a single person spoke; even the air seemed thick with tension.
Everyone sat in deep thought, their minds racing as they processed the terrifying scale of Pride's power.
Eyes wandered, often glancing at one another, as if silently asking the others to come up with some plan or solution.
Each person understood the stakes, yet none of them could immediately find an answer that would allow them to counter such an overwhelmingly lethal ability.
The weight of the situation pressed down on them all.
"S-Subaru… have you managed to find any weaknesses that he might have? Or perhaps any limitations at all?" Otto asked, his voice calm but pressing.
The moment he spoke, the focus of everyone in the room immediately shifted back to Subaru, all eyes locking onto him as they waited for his response.
Subaru straightened, taking a breath before replying.
"Actually… I do suspect that his ability has two limitations," he said, his voice steady yet carrying a hint of cautious optimism.
Instantly, the previously tense and depressed mood in the room began to shift.
Hope and excitement sparked in the eyes of many who had been weighed down by the terrifying reality of Pride's power.
"Way to go, Capt'n!" Garfiel exclaimed, punching his fist into the air with a triumphant grin.
"As expected of Subaru!" Emilia said warmly, her smile radiating genuine admiration.
"Impressive, Big Bro!" Felt nodded vigorously, her eyes shining with excitement at Subaru's insight.
"~Nyaah! I'm so happy right now I feel like I could kiss you this instant!~" Felix added in his usual dramatic fashion, nearly bouncing with delight.
"Silent, peasants!" Priscilla snapped, her tone sharp and cutting through the cheerful atmosphere.
"He said he suspects that Pride's ability has two limitations, not that he is absolutely certain!" Her words served as a reality check, grounding the group once again in caution and prudence.
"It is still far better than remaining completely clueless," Crusch commented thoughtfully, then turned her attention fully to Subaru, her gaze sharp yet approving.
"Okay… the first thing I noticed is that every time he has used his ability, he snaps his fingers," Subaru explained, pausing before adding quickly, "However, that could simply be a habit. I'm not entirely sure if it's actually a limitation."
"Most habits don't develop out of nowhere," Wilhelm said, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
"There is almost always a significant reason behind them, Subaru-dono."
His tone was both analytical and encouraging, giving Subaru a subtle nod of approval.
"Indeed," Julius added, a rare smile crossing his face.
"Subaru-kun, for you to notice such a detail amidst such an intense and chaotic situation is truly impressive."
Even Julius, who was usually reserved with praise, could not help but acknowledge Subaru's acute observation skills.
Subaru felt a faint blush rise to his cheeks, but he quickly pressed on.
"Anyway… the second limitation is less certain. I'm not entirely sure about it. But I noticed something else—Zero, Pride, was looking directly at Regulus when he used his Authority. So I suspect that he may need to maintain eye contact with his target—or at least be able to see them—for the ability to function properly."
For a moment, the room fell completely silent.
Everyone stared at Subaru in shock, their expressions a mix of disbelief and awe at the insight he had just shared.
Subaru, noticing their reactions, tilted his head in confusion.
"Huh? Why are you all so surprised?" he asked innocently, his voice laced with genuine bewilderment.
The group could only smile helplessly at him, recognizing his brilliance while realizing just how young and ordinary he was in comparison to the supernatural forces they dealt with.
"Impressive, peasant," Priscilla finally said, her voice carrying a tone of rare, grudging admiration.
"To come to such a conclusion based on such a small, seemingly trivial detail… it is clever. Though I admit, it is still a bit far-fetched." Her words hung in the air, surprising everyone, as she seldom offered praise to anyone, let alone someone from another camp.
Naturally, she also recognized that there was far more to Subaru's observation than he had initially revealed.
Her sharp eyes and analytical mind had caught the subtle implications in his words.
"Yes, it is a very far-fetched claim," Subaru admitted, his tone serious, "but I have a strong reason to believe that it is true."
"And what might that reason be?" Otto asked, leaning forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he sought clarity.
The tension in the room heightened as all attention returned to Subaru.
Subaru's expression grew more serious, his gaze steady as he spoke. "The subordinate by his side… the one who introduced herself as the 'Sword God,' Frill Shiranui."
At that moment, everyone in the room was formally introduced to Pride's subordinate—or sidekick, as Subaru had casually referred to her.
"She is extremely dangerous, I suppose," Beatrice remarked, pointing deliberately at the Sword Saint with a knowing glance.
"She possesses the same Mana Vacuum as Reinhardt, in fact!"
The statement caused an audible stir.
Everyone was surprised, while some of those unfamiliar with the term "Mana Vacuum" tilted their heads in confusion, clearly unsure of the implications.
"What is a Mana Vacuum?" Schult asked innocently, his curiosity shining through, though he quickly realized the attention his question drew, making him shift slightly and look a bit nervous under all the gazes.
"Well," Reinhardt began, his voice calm yet authoritative, "I continuously absorb mana from my surroundings, forming what can be described as a mana-dead zone around me. The more strength I exert or the more power I use, the larger this dead zone becomes."
He paused briefly, letting the explanation sink in before continuing.
"Within this zone—or 'Mana Vacuum,' as Lady Beatrice has aptly termed it—no one can utilize magic. Firstly, there is simply no mana present in the atmosphere that can be harnessed for casting spells."
"Secondly," Reinhardt continued, his tone even more serious, "even if someone attempts to use the mana contained within themselves to cast a spell, the mana is immediately drawn out of the magic before it can manifest, rendering any spell nearly useless near me. On top of that, I also absorb mana from spirits to heal myself, making spirits extraordinarily ineffective opponents against me."
"So… this means that woman, Frill Shiranui, possesses a similar Mana Vacuum?" Felt asked, her eyes widening as the realization hit her. She understood that a person with the same unique quirk as Reinhardt would not only be extremely formidable but also exceptionally difficult to fight.
Opposing someone who could nullify magic and drain spiritual energy simultaneously would be a nightmare for any combatant.
The implications of Subaru's words and Beatrice's confirmation left the room tense and thoughtful.
"Yes," Subaru said, his expression serious, "and the fact that she called herself the 'Sword God' is what makes her even more unsettling. It's not just her abilities—it's the confidence, the sheer audacity of that claim."
"It could simply be a boast," Julius replied, his tone measured as he analyzed the situation.
He gave a small shrug, adding, "Even with those abilities, there's no way she could possibly be a match for Reinhardt. She may be dangerous, but she is not on his level."
"Bro… was she carrying any kind of special weapon?" Alderban asked, leaning forward, clearly curious.
"Ah… actually, she wasn't carrying any weapon at all, to be honest," Subaru admitted, scratching the back of his head in a gesture of slight embarrassment.
"She fought entirely without one."
"Yet she called herself the 'Sword God'? The arrogance of that peasant is astounding," Priscilla snorted, her voice dripping with disdain.
The audacity to claim such a title without a weapon—or any visible proof of mastery—was almost laughable to her, yet somehow it carried an underlying threat.
(A/N: Meanwhile, Frill's performance in the next chapter XD)
After some discussion and debate about her identity, the topic turned toward the Astrea family, who confirmed that Frill did not match the legendary Sword God's description—or rather, there was no strong or detailed record of the mythical Sword God who had bestowed the Dragon Sword Reid upon their family.
The lack of a concrete historical description left everyone uncertain, though they recognized that Subaru's suspicion was worth considering.
Subaru then explained the reasoning behind his concern, his voice calm but resolute.
"If Pride's ability were truly instantaneous and free of such flaws, why would he even need a subordinate like her?"
His question was sharp and direct, cutting straight to the core of the matter.
It was a point that made everyone pause and consider the true nature of Pride's power and the role Frill played alongside him.
"Setting everything else aside, it is, of course, still just a hypothesis," Otto said, his tone thoughtful yet firm.
"However, Subaru, the information you've provided comes with solid evidence, even if it is only speculative. The reasoning behind your suspicion is sound, and it deserves serious consideration."
The room fell silent for a moment as everyone reflected on Subaru's analysis.
Even a hypothesis backed by observable details carried weight in the midst of the growing tension surrounding Pride and his subordinate.
Each person began mentally preparing for the implications, knowing that the presence of someone like Frill Shiranui could complicate any plan against the Sin Archbishop significantly.
"Now… we come to some of Pride's other abilities," Subaru said, drawing everyone's attention once again.
As he began explaining, the expressions in the room shifted from curiosity to exasperation, with some individuals struggling to keep up with the magnitude of what he was describing.
The idea that Pride could pull and push others without the use of any mana at all was almost unbelievable.
It sounded eerily similar to an Authority, which caused several people to immediately question their previous debates and conclusions.
The implications of such a power were staggering, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if everyone was on the verge of lashing out at Subaru in frustration, as if blaming him for the dizzying complexity of the situation.
However, Subaru calmly pointed out Regulus' failure during his encounter with Pride, emphasizing that the evidence suggested Pride indeed possessed the ability to kill others directly.
The way he teleported from one location to another, on the other hand, remained a complete mystery.
The more Subaru analyzed it, the more he suggested possibilities that sounded almost absurd to the listeners.
"He may even be killing forces, wind, or some other fundamental aspect of space itself to move," Subaru proposed, his words precise yet mind-bending.
"It's almost as if he is erasing or killing the distance between two points to teleport instantly."
By now, the heads of the assembled group were spinning.
Subaru's methodical, almost scientific explanations went well beyond the usual understanding of magic, authorities, or even Divine Protections.
Many could barely follow the reasoning, struggling to reconcile what they knew with the terrifying possibilities Subaru was presenting.
Yet despite the overwhelming complexity, one undeniable truth began to settle in their minds: Pride was far more terrifying than they had ever imagined.
Every theory, every observation Subaru provided only confirmed that facing him would be unlike any battle they had encountered before, and that the Sin Archbishop's full capabilities were likely beyond anything they had mentally prepared for.
Finally, after another grueling hour of intense discussion, where every Witch Cultist's appearance, abilities, suspected locations, and possible vulnerabilities had been meticulously analyzed, the group was able to formulate a coherent plan to confront the Sin Archbishop.
Every detail had been debated and examined, from the smallest observation to the most strategic consideration, leaving no stone unturned.
Unsurprisingly, Subaru had contributed significantly to the plan, offering insights, analyses, and suggestions that helped shape the group's strategy.
His knowledge of Pride's abilities, the observations he had made during the battles, and his understanding of how to exploit weaknesses had proven invaluable.
Even the most experienced members of the assembly had to acknowledge that Subaru's input had altered the scope and precision of their plan considerably.
With the strategy finalized and responsibilities assigned, the meeting was officially adjourned. Exhausted but mentally prepared, everyone began to settle in for the night.
They were instructed to sleep in shifts, maintaining constant vigilance as a precautionary measure in case of an unexpected attack.
The atmosphere was tense, each person silently aware that the following day would test their limits like never before.
Every fighter, strategist, and leader in that room knew deep down that they were about to face the hardest fight of their lives, one that could very well push them to the brink both physically and mentally.
The weight of anticipation hung heavily over the group as they prepared themselves for what was to come.
To be continued...
💬 (A/N: Support the Author!)
Hey everyone! 💖
You can also join my Membership Program to get early chapters, exclusive stories, and cool illustrations!
🌟 Membership Tiers
💠 $2.5 — Trial Tier
5 chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
3 chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
3 chapters of Pride if Alternative
5 chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with the Unique Skill Great Sage
3 chapters of Versatile Mage: Infinite Resources
💎 $5 — Respected Member
12 chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
7 chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
12 chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with the Unique Skill Great Sage
All available chapters of Pride if Alternative
5 chapters of Versatile Mage: Infinite Resources
Exclusive Illustrations
Discord Role
🔥 $10 — Loyal Member(SOLD OUT)
20 chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
15 chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with the Unique Skill Great Sage
All available chapters of Pride if Alternative
All available chapters of Versatile Mage: Infinite Resources
Exclusive Illustrations
Discord Role
👑 $15 — Royal Member(One slot remaining)
30 chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
25 chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available chapters of Pride if Alternative
All available chapters of In Mushoku Tensei with the Unique Skill Great Sage
All available chapters of Versatile Mage: Infinite Resources
Exclusive Illustrations
Discord Role
💫 $20 — Mommy Minerva's Sugar Child(SOLD OUT)
35 chapters of Re:Zero: The Great Sage
All available chapters of Is It Wrong to Be a High-Elf in a Dungeon?
All available chapters of every other fic
Exclusive Illustrations
Discord Role
⚔️ $30 — King Arthur Tier(SOLD OUT)
All previous perks
Special small animated scenes from my fanfics
My eternal thanks 🙏)
https://discord.gg/Xb47VnFUpQ
https://patreon.com/AkrosZero
I WANT TO INFORM ALL OF YOU THAT I HAVE MADE WIVES RETURN BY DEATH AS PATREON EXCLUSIVE FIC FOR NOW. IT'S SECOND CHAPTER IS OUT FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE LOYAL MEMBERS AND ABOVE.
IT WILL BE EVENTUALLY RELEASED HERE AFTER IT GOES AS SAME PHASE AS VERSATILE MAGE: INFINITE RESOURCES, thank you!