Chapter 3: A New Challenge

Subaru was baffled and asked:

"The gift of creation? What does that mean?"

The voice said:

"It means that you have the power to create anything you want in this world. Anything you can imagine, you can make it real. All you have to do is pray to me and it will happen."

Subaru was stunned and asked:

"Are you serious? You're giving me the power to create anything I want?"

The voice said:

"Yes, I am serious. And I am giving you this power because you have proven yourself worthy of it. You have shown me that you are a good person who cares about others and who values love above all else. You have shown me that you are a brave person who faces danger and death without fear or hesitation. You have shown me that you are a smart person who learns from your mistakes and who adapts to new situations. You have shown me that you are a creative person who uses your imagination and your ingenuity to solve problems and to make things better. You have shown me that you are a person who deserves to be happy and to make others happy as well."

Subaru was speechless. He didn't know what to say. He felt overwhelmed by the voice's praise and by the magnitude of the power he had been given.

The voice said:

"Of course, with great power comes great responsibility. You must use your gift wisely and carefully. You must not abuse it or misuse it. You must not harm others or yourself with it. You must not create things that are evil or destructive. You must respect the balance and the order of this world. You must follow my rules and my guidance."

Subaru was curious and asked:

"What are your rules and your guidance?"

The voice said:

"My rules are simple. First, you must not tell anyone about your gift or about me. This is our secret, between you and me. Second, you must not use your gift to interfere with the free will of others. You can create things for them or for yourself, but you cannot force them to do something they don't want to do or to feel something they don't feel. Third, you must not use your gift to change the past or the future. You can only create things in the present, based on what is possible and plausible in this world. Fourth, you must not use your gift to create living beings or souls. You can only create things that are inanimate or artificial. Fifth, you must not use your gift to harm yourself or others. You can only create things that are beneficial or harmless."

Subaru nodded and said:

"Okay, I understand your rules. They seem fair and reasonable."

The voice said:

"Good. I'm glad you agree. As for my guidance, I will always be with you in your mind and in your heart. I will always watch over you and help you when you need it. I will always answer your prayers and grant your wishes when they are appropriate and acceptable. I will always love you and care for you as my child and as my friend."

Subaru smiled and said:

"Thank you, Louaviys-sama. You're very kind and generous."

The voice said:

"You're welcome, Subaru-kun. You're very sweet and grateful."

They exchanged some more words of affection and appreciation.

Meanwhile, Emilia and Puck had noticed that Subaru had stopped walking and was talking to himself. They were worried and confused.

They approached him and asked:

"Subaru-kun, are you okay? Who are you talking to?"

Subaru snapped out of his trance and looked at them.

He saw their concerned faces and felt a surge of love for them.

He smiled and said:

"I'm fine, Emilia-tan, Puck-san. I'm just talking to myself."

He lied.

He couldn't tell them the truth.

He couldn't tell them about his gift or about Louaviys.

It was their secret.

He hugged them both and said:

"I love you both so much."

They hugged him back and said:

"We love you too, Subaru-kun."

They continued their walk towards the city gate.

They didn't notice that Subaru's heart was still glowing with a bright light.

They didn't notice that Subaru's eyes were sparkling with a new power.

They didn't notice that Subaru's life had changed forever.