New Year

Subaru then spoke. "Minerva, your part of the Salvation Pathway, what is you're sequence Number".

[Minerva spoke in his head. "Sequence 1: Descendent of judgment"]

Subaru raised an eyebrow. "Sequence 1? So you're just one step away from Sequence 0?"

[Minerva nodded. "That's right. If I fully ascended, I would become 'The Savior.' But I chose not to."]

Subaru frowned. "Why? Wouldn't that make you stronger?"

[Minerva sighed. "Strength isn't everything. Salvation isn't about power; it's about responsibility. If I became Sequence 0, I would lose something precious... my ability to act freely. My existence would be dictated solely by the concept of 'Salvation.'"]

Subaru shivered. "So becoming Sequence 0 means you stop being... yourself?"

[Echidna chimed in. "For most Pathways, yes. Sequence 0 means embodying the very essence of your Pathway. You become a true 'Authority' rather than a person."]

Subaru clenched his fists. "So if I follow a Pathway, I have to be careful how far I go..."

[Minerva smirked. "Exactly. So, Subaru, if you're thinking of taking the Salvation Pathway—be ready to carry the world's burdens."]

Subaru gulped. "No pressure, huh?"

He heard a knock on the door as he heard Meili voice. "Big Brother it is startin".

Subaru opened the door as he looked at her. "Yeah let's go".

They go out in the cold air night, as everyone in the Roswaal Machine was waiting for them, as with them was Cursce, Regis, Reinhard, Felt, Anastasia, Priscilla with Al, Julius and his little sister some of the village people, came hear too celebrat the end of the year, as he looked up in the sky, as he spoke in his head

"Mom, Dad, I hope you are doing well"

Subaru then looked at the group. "So who is handling the Grill".

Halibal looked at as he spoke. "Otto".

Subaru looked as he spoke. "Hopefully noting goes wrong"

A Piller of Fire rise where Otto was, as Subaru spoke. "The Universal Forces just don't like him".

Roswaal as he spoke. "Maybe using the fire stone wasn't the best idea".

Subaru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Of course it had to be Otto. Every single time."

Halibel patted him on the shoulder. "Well, at least it's not as bad as the last time when he got chased by that horde of demon beasts."

Subaru crossed his arms. "Yet."

Meanwhile, Otto stumbled out of the fire, coughing, his face covered in soot. "I swear I followed the instructions!"

Rem walked over and smacked him lightly on the head. "Otto, the instructions specifically said 'DO NOT use the fire stone unless you want to start a wildfire.'"

Emilia giggled behind her hand. "At least the fire's still going, so we can start cooking!"

Subaru shook his head. "Yeah, yeah. Let's just get this party started before something else explodes."

As the celebration continued, Subaru looked up at the sky again, his thoughts briefly drifting back to his parents. "Someday… I'll find a way back. But for now… this is my world."

Anastasia looked up in the sky as she spoke. "A lot things happened this year"

Crusce looked as she spoke. "I never expected all of the royal candidate to be in the same place, and just hanging out".

Felt spoke looking at them. "Will we all do have collective traume of the Black Smoke Incident".

Priscilla scoffed, sipping from her wine glass. "Hmph. 'Tis only natural that those who survive a calamity together form a bond. Though, I suppose some of you are merely clinging to sentimentality."

Julius chuckled. "And yet, here you are, Princess, celebrating with us."

Priscilla gave him a side glance. "It would be foolish to decline a festival held in my honor."

Al sighed. "She means 'our' honor, but yeah, sure, let's go with that."

Subaru leaned back on his chair, looking at the crackling fire. "Yeah, that whole Black Smoke thing was a nightmare. I still get chills thinking about it."

Anastasia nodded. "Rebuilding after that wasn't easy either, but... I guess it showed us who we could rely on."

Crusch smiled. "True. It may not have been an experience we wanted, but it certainly made us stronger."

Felt grinned. "Yeah, yeah, all that emotional stuff. But c'mon, we survived! That's what matters, right?"

Emilia giggled. "Right! And now we're here, celebrating the new year together."

Subaru looked around, taking in the sight of everyone—friends, allies, even rivals—sharing a moment of peace. "Yeah… this year was crazy, but in the end, we made it through."

Al then approached Subaru. "Hey Bro can we talk".

Subaru looked as he narrow his yeah. "Sure"

Al looked as he pointed at a tree. "Let's go there".

As they walked too a Tree as Subaru looked as he spoke. "So what did you want too talk about in private?".

Al looked as he spoke. "Other then the fact I am like, I am also from Japan".

Subaru's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his shock. "So, you finally decided to drop that bombshell on me, huh?"

Al chuckled. "Figured it was about time. You ain't the only one here with memories from another world, bro."

Subaru crossed his arms. "Yeah, I kinda suspected something was off about you. But why tell me now?"

Al sighed, leaning against the tree. "Because things are changing. This whole 'Pathway' stuff you're digging into? It's big, bigger than anything I've seen in this world. And I've been around for a while."

Subaru frowned. "You know about Pathways?"

Al nodded. "Not a lot, but I've heard whispers, seen hints. And now, with you poking around in it, I figured I should step in before you do something stupid."

Subaru smirked. "Me? Doing something stupid? Never."

Al gave him a look. "Bro."

Subaru sighed. "Fine, fine. But seriously, what do you know?"

Al exhaled deeply. "Just that anyone who walks a Pathway? They don't come out the same person on the other side. You sure you're ready for that?"

Subaru clenched his fists, his mind racing. He had already made up his mind, but hearing Al's warning made him pause. "I don't have a choice. If I don't get stronger, if I don't take this path... I won't be able to protect everyone."

Al stared at him for a moment before shaking his head. "Then I hope you know what you're doing, bro. 'Cause once you start down this road, there's no turning back."

Subaru looked as he spoke. "So what Pathway are you following".

Al looked as he spoke. "Twilight Giant Pathway Sequence 7".

Subaru blinked in surprise. "Twilight Giant? Never heard of that one."

Al smirked. "Yeah, no surprise there. It ain't exactly common knowledge. Unlike your Fool and Salvation Pathways, mine's a bit more... under the radar."

Subaru narrowed his eyes. "And you're already at Sequence 7? That means you're pretty deep into it."

Al shrugged. "Yeah, well, I've had time. Being stuck in this world longer than you kinda helps."

Subaru crossed his arms. "And what exactly can a Twilight Giant do?"

Al chuckled. "Let's just say, if I wanted to, I could probably punch Reinhard through a mountain. Not that I'd try, 'cause, y'know… he's Reinhard."

Subaru groaned. "Great. Another guy who could flatten me in a fight."

Al patted his shoulder. "Don't take it personally, bro. But you? You've got potential. And if you're really serious about picking a Pathway, you'd better be ready for what comes with it."

Subaru exhaled, looking up at the night sky. "Yeah... I know."

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the cold wind brushing past as the New Year's celebration continued in the distance.

Then Al spoke again, his tone more serious. "Just one last thing, bro. Be careful with that Fool Pathway. That one's got a history of making people... lose themselves."

Subaru smirked. "Good thing I've already lost my sanity a long time ago, then."

Al snorted. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go turning into some cosmic horror, alright? I kinda like you the way you are."

Al looked as he spoke. "So which one are you going too follow".

Subaru looked as he spoke. "Either Fool or Salvation".

Al looked as he spoke. "Then you need this Bro".

As he gave him a pouch, as Subaru took it from him, as he nodded. "Let me guess leftovers from your last Potion making"

Al looked as he spoke. "Yup, you still will need to make them into Potions, I haven't actually mix them, there just leftovers from when I made the Sequence 7 potion".

Subaru inspected the pouch's contents and nodded. "So, I still need to refine these into proper potions… Makes sense. It's not like ascending a Pathway should be that easy."

Al crossed his arms. "Exactly. If you screw up the process, you'll either explode, lose your mind, or turn into some horrific abomination. So, y'know… don't mess up."

Subaru sighed. "Great. Just what I needed—another way to die."

[Minerva scoffed in his mind. "You act like that isn't already a daily occurrence for you."]

Ignoring her, Subaru looked back at Al. "Got any tips for mixing these? Or do I just wing it and hope for the best?"

Al chuckled. "You'll need knowledge, precision, and a little bit of luck. The Fool Pathway is tricky—you have to embrace uncertainty and paradoxes. Salvation, on the other hand, is all about righteous authority and purification. Your mindset when you mix the potion will affect the outcome."

Subaru hummed in thought. "Fool or Salvation… A trickster or a judge. Man, this is a tough choice."

Al patted his shoulder. "Take your time, Bro. Just don't take too long. If you're serious about this, you'll need to decide soon."

Subaru nodded, staring at the pouch. This decision could change everything.

Subaru looked as he spoke. "Let's go back too the party before anyone gets worried".

Al nodded. "Yeah, don't want the others thinking we're plotting world domination or something."

Subaru smirked. "Oh, please. If I wanted to take over the world, I'd start by making sure Otto never touches fire again."

Al chuckled as they made their way back. When they returned, the party was in full swing. Reinhard was chatting with Julius and Crusch, while Felt was busy stealing food from Reinhard's plate. Priscilla sat like a queen, sipping wine with Al at her side.

Meanwhile, near the grill, Otto was looking both guilty and relieved as Roswaal and Halibel helped put out yet another small fire.

Subaru sighed. "I was gone for, what, ten minutes? And we already have a near disaster?"

Meili ran up to him, grinning. "Big Brother, you missed it! Otto almost turned the grill into a volcano!"

Subaru groaned. "Of course he did."

[Minerva sighed in his mind. "At this rate, maybe we should just let Otto drink a potion and hope he gets fire immunity."]

Ignoring that thought, Subaru clapped his hands. "Alright, let's just enjoy the night before something else catches fire."

As the celebration continued, Subaru felt the weight of the pouch in his pocket. Fool or Salvation? That choice still lingered in his mind. But for now, he pushed it aside.

Tonight, he would enjoy the party with everyone.

After that Ran, Rem and Subaru handle the Grill and Otto was wondering if he made a god mad some point in his life.

As the fire was finally under control, Ram, Rem, and Subaru took over the grill, ensuring no further disasters occurred.

Otto, sitting nearby with a defeated expression, muttered to himself, "Did I anger some god in a past life? Or maybe I stepped on a holy artifact without realizing it? Why does fire hate me so much?"

Halibel, sipping his drink, smirked. "Maybe it's just fate messing with you, Otto."

Otto groaned, burying his face in his hands. "At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if I accidentally became the Apostle of Misfortune."

Subaru flipped a skewer and grinned. "That would explain a lot."

Rem smiled gently. "Don't worry, Otto-san. I'm sure it's just a coincidence."

Ram, on the other hand, had no such sympathy. "Or maybe you really are cursed, Barusu's useless friend."

Otto sighed dramatically. "I need a vacation."

The night continued with laughter, food, and occasional side-eyes toward Otto, just in case another random disaster decided to strike.

Subaru looked at the sky as he spoken. "Hey someone is landing From the Sky".

As then landing to turn was Shaule, as hee silver hair flow's in the wind as she looked at the group. "Sorry for being late, I brought drinks, will more drinks from my home land".

Subaru blinked in surprise as the silver-haired woman gracefully landed before them. "Shaula? You're here?"

Shaule grinned, holding up a large sack filled with bottles. "Yeah, sorry for the delay! I figured you guys could use more drinks, so I brought some from my homeland!"

Anastasia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? And where exactly is your homeland?"

Shaule smirked. "A place far, far away. Let's just say it's got way better alcohol than anything you guys have here!"

Priscilla scoffed. "Hmph. I doubt it could compare to the finest wines of Lugunica."

Shaule just winked. "Oh, you'll see."

Subaru, meanwhile, felt a sense of unease. Shaula wasn't the type to just drop by for fun... Was she here for another reason?

As then the countdown of the new year's started, as everyone started too counts. "10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1".

As then Subaru raises his hand in the sky, follows by Shaule and Roswaal, as then Emilia did the same and the other magic user as they fired in the sky as it create a magical fire works

Al then wishper too Subaru. "Did you give them the idea".

Subaru wishper back as he spoke. "Yeah kinda did, this world still doesn't have fireworks but hey Magic is a good replacement".

As the sky lit up with bursts of vibrant colors, the entire crowd watched in awe. The magical fireworks painted patterns across the night, shimmering like celestial constellations brought to life.

Felt whistled. "Damn, that actually looks kinda sick."

Julius crossed his arms, smirking. "A rather elegant display of magic. Quite fitting for such an occasion."

Meanwhile, Otto, still recovering from his earlier misfortune with the grill, muttered, "At least nothing exploded on me this time..."

Shaula laughed, slapping Subaru's back. "You sure know how to make an entrance into the new year, Boss!"

Subaru grinned, watching as Emilia twirled happily beneath the sparkling lights. He felt a warmth in his chest—this wasn't just another survival-focused year for him. It was a year of new beginnings.

Maybe this world isn't so bad after all.

Emilia then kissed Subaru in the cheek, as Subaru blinked as he had a red face and looked at her. "Um Emilia".

Emilia looked at him as she spoke as she figited with her finger's. "It is a tradition in Lugunica that we do in the new year's".

Elsa and Rem also follow Emilia lead, as Subaru then looked at Crusch for a few seconds, as they looked Eachother with an silencer in the air.

Crusch, noticing Subaru's gaze, kept her usual composed expression, but there was the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. The silence between them stretched for a moment, as if an unspoken conversation was happening.

Felt smirked, nudging Al. "Yo, what's with that look between them?"

Al chuckled. "Dunno, but Bro might be in deeper waters than he thinks."

Shaula leaned in with a teasing grin. "Ooooh, does Big Bro have a new romantic development?"

Subaru quickly waved his hands. "Oi, oi! Don't start weird rumors! I was just—"

Before he could finish, Crusch suddenly stepped forward. "It is tradition, after all," she said in a calm tone before placing a soft kiss on Subaru's cheek.

The entire party went silent for a moment.

Then—

"OOOOHHHHHH!" The crowd erupted with cheers and teasing whistles.

Subaru, now completely red, buried his face in his hands. "This is too much for my heart!"

Meanwhile, Reinhard just chuckled, sipping his drink, while Otto muttered, "How does this guy always end up in these situations?"

Roswaal then finished writing something. "Will this is gonna sell well".

Otto looked as he spoke. "What are you doing".

Roswaal looked as he spoke. "Writing a Romances Comedy based on Subaru life's and then giving too a publishing Company, don't worry I have changes the name's".

Subaru's head snapped toward Roswaal with sheer horror. "Wait, WHAT?!"

Roswaal grinned, twirling his pen. "Oh-ho-ho, dear Subaru, your life is simply too entertaining to ignore. A mix of drama, romance, and comedy—why, it's practically begging to be written!"

Subaru groaned. "Please tell me you at least made me look cool in it."

Roswaal tapped his chin. "Mmmm… more like a hopeless romantic fool who stumbles into love without realizing it."

Shaula burst into laughter. "Oh, that's too accurate!"

Felt smirked. "So, what's the title?"

Roswaal dramatically raised his hand. "Why, 'The Fool's Love Comedy: A Hero's Harem Misadventures'!"

Subaru nearly choked on his drink. "WHAT KIND OF TITLE IS THAT?!!"

Otto patted Subaru's shoulder. "I hate to say it, but… I'd probably read that."

Rem, Emilia, and the others all had mixed reactions—some blushing, others looking away awkwardly.

Meanwhile, Reinhard sipped his drink again. "I wonder who'll play Subaru in the stage adaptation…"

Reinhard looked as she spoke. "Now that we are book topics, when is Volume 5 of Naruto and Volume 2 of Shadow Slave coming out".

Subaru looked at him as he spoke. "Give me a few weeks to finish the Manuscript".

This conversation once again went over Julius head and he still has no idea Subaru is Rusa, at this point he is the only one in this party that doesn't knows.

Julius sipped his drink, glancing around at the others, who all seemed perfectly in on whatever Subaru and Reinhard were talking about. Naruto? Shadow Slave? Manuscripts?

He leaned over to Al, whispering, "Am I missing something here?"

Al chuckled. "Oh, big time, Bro. But hey, ignorance is bliss, right?"

Julius frowned, feeling even more out of the loop. "I feel like I should know, considering how often this comes up…"

Subaru smirked. "Don't worry, Julius. One day, you'll figure it out."

Reinhard nodded sagely. "Or maybe he won't."

Julius sighed, muttering to himself. "At this point, I feel like I'm the protagonist of a mystery novel where everyone except me knows the twist…"

Felt then kissed Reinhard in the cheek. "Hey don't think much of it ok... My other options was Subaru, Julius, Al and the clown".

Reinhard patted her head as he spoke. "It is ok Felt, as good friend's this is ok".

Subaru, Emilia, Al, Crusch, Anastasia, Priscilla though in the mind together. "He is getting to level of Dense that a star has, doesn't Divin Blessing for this or something".

Julius sighed, rubbing his temples. "Reinhard, sometimes I wonder if even divine blessings could help you understand these things..."

Anastasia smirked. "I bet if we told him outright, he'd just say something like, 'Ah, I see. This must be another form of friendship.'"

Priscilla scoffed. "Hmph. Even a blind fool would recognize the intent behind that kiss. Truly, the Sword Saint is wasted on mere swords—his blade is sharp, but his wits are dull."

Al nudged Subaru. "Hey, Bro, at this point, maybe we should just write it down for him."

Subaru shook his head. "Nah, even if we did, he'd probably interpret it as some kind of metaphor about camaraderie."

Meanwhile, Reinhard simply smiled, completely oblivious. "I'm happy to have such good friends."

Everyone else collectively sighed.

Elsa then spoke sighing. "At this point felt should be just carrying around a Singh that say, 'I Love You Reinhard' on it too see if that works".

Al chuckled. "Nah, even then, he'd probably say something like, 'Ah, what a wonderful display of friendly appreciation!'"

Anastasia shook her head. "Honestly, it's almost impressive how dense he is. Felt, you sure you wanna keep trying?"

Felt groaned, crossing her arms. "At this point, it's about the challenge! I refuse to lose to his stupidity!"

Subaru smirked. "And what if he still doesn't get it?"

Felt clenched her fist. "Then I'll escalate! Maybe I'll just straight-up say, 'Reinhard, I love you,' and see if that finally clicks!"

Priscilla smirked. "That might not even be enough."

Reinhard, still clueless, simply smiled. "Oh? You're all having such an amusing conversation! I'm happy to be part of such a lively group."

Silence.

Everyone just collectively facepalmed.

Otto looked at Roswaal as he saw him writing Another's book. "Let me guess this one is about Reinhard and Felt isn't it".

Roswaal chuckled, not even looking up from his writing. "Ooooh, Otto, you wound me! I am merely documenting the heartwarming and utterly frustrating tale of a certain sword saint and his ever-persistent admirer."

Otto sighed. "So that's a yes."

Roswaal smirked. "Let's just say that if our dear Reinhard does not figure it out by next year, this will become a trilogy."

Subaru snorted. "At this rate, you might as well make it a never-ending series."

Felt glared at them. "Oi, you guys better not be making money off my suffering!"

Anastasia smirked. "Oh, but business is business, Felt-chan~."

Reinhard, still smiling, looked at everyone. "I'm glad you're all getting along so well!"

Felt groaned. "Someone just kill me already."

Felt looked at Reinhard as he spoke. "Why are you writing a book aren't you Rich Enough Why are you writing a Book".

Roswaal looked at him as he spoke. "Why yes, but this for fun".

Subaru looked as he spoke. "You need better hobie then writing Fictional Love Story on Mine and Reinhard Love Life".

Roswaal chuckled, twirling his pen dramatically. "Ooooh, but Subaru-kuuun, life itself is the greatest inspiration for art! And your chaotic love life is a gold mine!"

Subaru groaned. "Roswaal, buddy, my real love life is already a mess. I don't need a fictional one added to the mix!"

Felt pointed at Roswaal. "Yeah, and stop dragging me into this too! Why the hell are you writing about me and Reinhard?!"

Roswaal smirked. "Because, Felt-chan, the audience adores a slow-burn romance~."

Priscilla sipped her wine, amused. "How entertaining. The clown is making gold out of your suffering."

Julius, who had been silent, finally spoke. "Wait… fictional love story? Are you saying that Subaru's been—"

Subaru immediately cut in. "Nothing! Absolutely nothing! Don't worry about it, Julius!"

Otto sighed, rubbing his temples. "This conversation is going to give me a headache."

Meanwhile, Reinhard was still smiling, completely oblivious to everything. "I'm really happy everyone is bonding so well tonight!"

Subaru, Felt, Anastasia, Priscilla, and Crusch all thought the same thing at once:

"Dear gods, he's too pure for this world."

To be continued

Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones and enjoy