Voltage of the Veiled Past

Hikari ran through the tall grass, her footsteps rustling rhythmically as she rushed toward Subaru with uncontainable energy. Despite the lingering drowsiness in her eyes, her spirit was fully awake, driven by the excitement of a new day. Each step she took stirred the dew-kissed blades of grass, filling the serene morning air with the soft whisper of motion.

"Onii-chan! You should have woken me up!" she exclaimed, her voice a blend of mild reproach and a yearning for comfort. Her cheeks puffed up as she pouted, both adorably and sincerely upset.

Subaru turned to face her, a gentle smile warming his face. His expression held both a trace of guilt and a brotherly fondness that couldn't be hidden. "I just wanted you to rest a little longer, Hikari. You looked so peaceful in your sleep that I didn't have the heart to wake you. But now that you're here, we can get started with your training. Did Beatrice wake up already?"

Hikari nodded eagerly, strands of hair bouncing as she did. "Yep! Beako-chan is up! And she's probably almost here ri—"

Her words were interrupted as a sudden presence made itself known. Beatrice had arrived, standing proudly in front of them with her arms folded, as if she'd been there the whole time. The soft morning light shimmered across her blonde curls, lending an almost ethereal glow to her small figure. Her face bore the confident expression of someone who never needed an introduction.

"I hope you weren't planning on starting without Betty," she said with mock sternness. Her tone, though sharp, was laced with familiarity and warmth.

Subaru raised a hand and waved, grinning broadly. "Not a chance, Beako! Without you, even the atmosphere feels off. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if the planet stopped spinning in your absence."

Beatrice turned her nose up slightly, trying to mask her amusement. But the tiny smile tugging at the corners of her lips gave her away. After a beat of silence, she took a step forward and clapped her hands together.

"Let's not waste any more time then. Hikari, to your position."

Training commenced in earnest. Beatrice, as ever, was strict and methodical in her teaching. Her voice carried the clarity of command as she guided Hikari through the fundamental steps of mana control. Hikari closed her eyes and took a deep breath, following Beatrice's instructions as she focused on centering her energy, feeling the subtle flow of magic within herself.

Beatrice moved around her, correcting her posture, adjusting her breathing pattern, and offering soft encouragement with the authority of a seasoned instructor. It was clear she took her role seriously, and equally clear that Hikari was doing her best to meet those expectations.

Meanwhile, footsteps approached from beyond the field. A shadowy figure emerged from the edge of the trees. It was Elsa. Her body glistened with sweat, her black outfit clinging to her skin after an intense training session. Yet her expression remained calm, composed, even serene. She walked slowly but with purpose, her gaze flicking between Subaru and Beatrice, noting the structure and focus of the training.

Beatrice narrowed her eyes slightly, turning toward Elsa. Her tone, while not unkind, carried a clear note of scrutiny. "And you? What brings you here now?"

Elsa paused for a moment, her eyes reflecting a rare seriousness. "I saw Subaru imbuing his dagger with magic. It... intrigued me. I want to learn how to do that."

Beatrice arched an eyebrow. She tilted her head, evaluating Elsa's words carefully. "That's an ambitious goal for someone like you. You have no affinity for magic. In fact, your body resists it. You know this, don't you?"

Elsa nodded slowly. Her smile faltered, but she stood her ground. Her voice dropped to a lower, more thoughtful tone. "I do know. But I still want to understand it. Even if I can't wield it, I want to know how it works. I want to know what makes it so powerful, what makes it beautiful. I want to see the world the way magic users do."

Beatrice hesitated, then looked to Subaru for support. Subaru returned her gaze, his expression calm and considerate. After a moment, he gave a slight nod.

Beatrice let out a quiet sigh. She turned back to Elsa and said nothing, but her silence was permission enough. Elsa, reading the mood, offered a quiet smile of gratitude. She found a place to sit nearby, folding her legs beneath her and watching the lesson intently.

For the next hour, the clearing was filled with the calm voices of instruction, the steady rhythm of breathing exercises, and the quiet rustle of movement as Hikari refined her control. Beatrice's voice never wavered; Elsa's eyes never strayed.

And Subaru stood silently beside them all, the warmth in his chest growing quietly as he watched his strange little group grow stronger together, each in their own way.

While Beatrice busied herself with tending to Hikari, Subaru wandered a short distance away from the training ground, his footsteps slow and deliberate. The faint rustle of grass beneath his boots was the only sound accompanying him. He stopped near the edge of the field, where the wind stirred slightly stronger, carrying with it the dry scent of dust and sun-scorched earth. He took a deep breath, as if trying to clear the tangle of thoughts in his head. Slowly, he drew Duskveil from its sheath. The cold metal pulsed faintly in his hands, almost as if it were alive—breathing, waiting.

"It's been a while since I last did this..." he murmured internally. As the dagger reflected the midday sun, old memories surged forth—fights that left him broken, victories that came at a cost, and decisions made in the heart of chaos. Every scar, every wound, every moment where he barely survived... they all lingered just beneath the surface of his skin.

[DING!!]

[Mana Blade - Active]

Duskveil—the cursed dagger bound to his soul—felt less like a tool and more like a limb. Its ability to absorb mana was exceptional, and the way it unleashed that energy bordered on terrifying. No other weapon in his arsenal could match its raw destructive potential. Etherfang, impressive as it once seemed, now felt obsolete. Duskveil wasn't just sharp—it was a storm waiting to be unleashed. It had survived explosions, spells, counterstrikes, even dimensional pressure. Subaru had, through trial and error, discovered that he could charge it like a conduit and then throw it like a timed bomb.

The method was deceptively simple:

Activate [Overburst]. Feed the dagger with compressed mana. Release it into the air like a javelin.

BOOM. Total annihilation.

Subaru exhaled slowly. His breath was steady, yet he could feel the strain already beginning to mount. He focused harder, channeling his mana into Duskveil. The blade pulsed with a growing intensity, a black-violet hue wrapping around it like smoke under pressure. The air around him vibrated—soft at first, then increasingly sharp, as though space itself were reacting.

[Shadow Blades - Active]

Yin-element magic, dark and dense, poured into the dagger. The energy wasn't just filling it—it was coiling, writhing, like it wanted out. Subaru's hands trembled as he tightened his grip. The twin daggers shimmered ominously.

"Huh? This is... too much. It's almost at the breaking point," he muttered.

Then, as if summoned by the instability, a familiar voice whispered through the back of his mind. Flugel.

"It's only adjusting to you. You mix everything in battle—magic, mana control, spatial awareness, footwork, brute force, improvisation. Most weapons aren't designed for that kind of chaos. They follow rules. But Duskveil... it thrives on it. Its core isn't power—it's adaptation."

Subaru's gaze drifted to the dagger's shimmering aura. He could feel the truth in those words. The blade wasn't resisting him—it was learning him. Matching him. Reflecting the disorder inside. For a moment, the realization made him feel seen, understood. Not by a person, but by the weapon he wielded.

"Then what about the others? The rest of my weapons—what are their unique traits?" he asked aloud, half to himself, half to the voice lingering in his mind.

Flugel sighed dramatically. "You'll find out in time. No spoilers—I'd rather not make your readers angry."

Subaru paused, blinking in confusion. "Wait... readers?"

There was a low, amused chuckle. "Ah, never mind. Just a slip of the tongue. Ignore me."

Subaru narrowed his eyes. "Whatever you just said made zero sense, but I'm sure it was nonsense."

"Your Imagination," Flugel whispered, his voice fading like mist on the breeze.

Subaru shook his head. "Why is he like this? I can't tell if he's trying to sound mysterious or if he's just genuinely unhinged." He ran a hand through his hair, pushing the sweat-soaked strands away from his face. The sun beat down relentlessly, painting his skin red and sticky. Dust clung to his clothes, mixing with sweat, forming an unpleasant crust over every inch of exposed skin. Yet, he didn't stop. The training had to continue. Duskveil's energy coiled through him, mana waves echoing outward in rhythm with his heartbeat.

He lunged, twisted, struck at invisible enemies. Each movement drew from different techniques—some learned, some improvised. The dagger responded with startling precision, syncing with his erratic yet purposeful flow. He wasn't just practicing forms—he was testing limits.

As time dragged on and the sun inched toward its zenith, Subaru's mana reserves dwindled. Every breath was shallow, every motion heavier. The once-vibrant aura around Duskveil dimmed, flickering like a dying flame.

"That's enough for today," he muttered, voice ragged.

With a final breath, he canceled the summon. Duskveil vanished in a shimmer of violet particles. The symbols floating before his eyes shimmered once more—then disappeared into nothing.

He stood there in the silence that followed, sweat-drenched, exhausted, and strangely satisfied. He had pushed his limits a little further today. Tomorrow, he'd go further still.

When he turned around, Subaru was caught off guard. Emilia was sitting quietly in the shade of a nearby tree, her violet eyes fixed on him with a soft yet contemplative expression. Sunlight filtered through the branches above, scattering golden specks on her silver hair. There was a quiet serenity about her presence, yet her gaze held a question he wasn't sure how to answer. He hadn't heard her approach, hadn't sensed her presence. And yet, somehow, she was there—as if she had always been.

"Mili... So, you were watching me," he said, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips as he made his way over to her. He rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "How long have you been there? I didn't want you to see me like this."

Emilia returned the smile with one of her own, gentle and sincere. "Not too long. I came quietly," she said, tilting her head. "You seemed really focused when I got here. I didn't want to disturb you."

Subaru sat down beside her with a small sigh, stealing a brief glance at the sky above. A few birds chirped distantly, the soft breeze rustling the leaves overhead. "Well then," he murmured, turning to her. "What did you think? I know you were watching closely. Your eyes always catch more than you say."

Emilia brought a finger to her lips, thoughtful. She studied him for a moment longer before answering. "You've changed," she said softly. "On the outside, it's easy to see. You're taller, more built. Your shoulders are broader and your movements more measured. There's... confidence in the way you stand. You seem more in control of yourself."

She paused for a moment, then continued. "But it's not just that. There's something in your eyes. You're more mature, more composed. The way you speak, the way you carry yourself... it's different. You've become someone stronger. Not just physically. Emotionally. Mentally. I can feel it."

At that moment, a familiar voice echoed lightly in Subaru's mind—a voice that always seemed to appear when he least expected it. "My, my," Flugel mused teasingly. "Such noticeable progress. Should I be jealous that someone else noticed before I did?"

Subaru didn't react outwardly to the voice. Instead, he looked up toward the sky again, his expression unreadable. "She's right," he said after a pause. "I had to grow stronger. I didn't really have a choice. Everything that's happened... it forced me to change. To face things I didn't want to face."

Emilia gave a soft nod, her expression both warm and serious. A peaceful silence followed, stretching between them like a protective veil. Then, slowly, Emilia leaned in closer, their shoulders brushing gently. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. There was no need for words—her presence was enough to remind Subaru of everything he had fought for.

Eventually, it was Emilia who broke the silence. Her voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "Subaru... why didn't you tell me you were going with Anastasia? When I found out, it... it hurt. I thought we shared everything."

Subaru's gaze dropped. He stared at the grass, fingers curling slightly in the dirt. "There were reasons," he said, his voice low. "The moment I saw her, I knew you'd want to come too. But you couldn't. You're a royal candidate. You have duties here, responsibilities to the people who believe in you."

He hesitated, then continued. "If two royal candidates left the country at the same time, it could have caused political complications. There would've been rumors, tensions. And more than anything... I didn't have time. If I'd hesitated, even for a moment, Hikari would have been lost. I couldn't afford that."

His voice grew firmer as he spoke, not out of anger, but from conviction. Each word was weighted with sincerity. He wasn't trying to justify himself. He was simply being honest.

Emilia turned her face slightly, looking at him with narrowed eyes. For a moment, he thought she might scold him. But instead, she spoke in a soft, vulnerable tone. "I'll forgive you this time, Subaru. But promise me something. If anything like this happens again... don't leave me in the dark. Don't leave me behind. I want to be by your side. No matter what. Even if it's dangerous. Even if it's scary. I want to share the burden."

There was a long pause. Then, with a chuckle that broke the tension, Subaru sat upright and raised a hand to his forehead in a playful salute. "Understood, my lady. I solemnly swear to never leave you behind again. Not even if the world is ending."

Emilia giggled at his theatrical gesture, her laugh pure and melodic. The sound of it melted the heaviness that had settled in his chest. For a brief moment, everything felt lighter.

"Alright then," she said, wiping a tiny tear from the corner of her eye, not from sadness but from laughing too hard. "Tell me everything. What happened in Kararagi? What did you go through? Who trained you? What did you learn? I want to know it all. Every little detail. It must have been an entirely different world."

Subaru turned to face her fully, a spark of warmth lighting in his eyes. "Yeah," he said softly. "It really was another world. And I can't wait to tell you all about it."

The two of them sat beneath the tree, the morning sun rising higher as the shadows danced gently around them. And as Subaru began to speak, the wind carried his words like memories on the breeze, weaving them into the stillness of the moment they shared.

Subaru began explaining, his voice tinged with both pride and nostalgia. "The one who trained me was Halibel-san. He's known as the strongest person in all of Kararagi—a legend in his own right. A true shinobi. He doesn't just fight in the shadows—he is the shadows. He moves silently, unpredictably, and can neutralize a target before they even realize he's there. He's a master of stealth, misdirection, and precise, deadly combat."

He paused, allowing the words to sink in before continuing. "When he saw how Elsa and I fought, relying on agility, quick strikes, and unconventional movements, he said our style had the markings of an assassin's path. That's when he decided to train us. Not because he was obligated—but because he saw potential."

Emilia looked intrigued, her expression tinged with surprise. "A shinobi... That sounds like something out of a storybook. Mysterious and kind of thrilling."

Subaru nodded eagerly. "Exactly! Hal-san is like someone ripped from the pages of a forgotten legend. And he's not just some mythic figure—he's also someone who helped Hikari back in the day. He never talked much about it, but she trusts him. I think that's part of why he welcomed us so warmly."

He smiled at the memory, though his tone turned more reflective. "His methods were, let's say... intense. Unorthodox, even brutal at times. But they worked. He'd take us deep into the forest at night, blindfolded, and then vanish. Our task was simple—find him by dawn. But nothing about it was easy. The forest was wild, the terrain unfamiliar, and he left no trace. Every time we fell, he would watch from a distance and let us pick ourselves up. Every scratch was a lesson. Every mistake, a test."

He chuckled, shaking his head. "And he always had a pipe in his mouth—constantly. I don't think I ever saw him without it. That pipe was practically part of his identity. Whenever he spoke, it was through clouds of smoke."

"Pipe? What is that, Subaru?" Emilia asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"Ah, right. It's something people use to smoke dried herbs. It's like a cigarette, but a bit more old-fashioned. Definitely not healthy. Hal-san once told me he couldn't concentrate without it, said it helped him think more clearly. I've never touched the stuff though, and I never will."

Emilia nodded slowly, her nose wrinkling slightly. "Sounds like something that could shorten your life. But this Halibel-san... he sounds fascinating."

For a few moments, silence took over. The breeze carried the soft rustle of nearby trees, and the scent of fresh grass hung gently in the air. It was peaceful.

Then Subaru lifted his gaze, his voice shifting to something more serious. "Mili, yesterday you mentioned we'd be attending a few important meetings soon. Do you remember the details?"

Emilia tapped her chin thoughtfully, then suddenly brightened as she snapped her fingers. "Oh! Yes, now I remember. Crusch-san wanted to talk to you—she specifically said it had to be as soon as you returned. On top of that, Priscilla is arranging a grand gathering. It's supposed to bring together all the royal candidates, and it'll be a big event. Crusch's meeting is the day before, so we'll have time to see her first if that's okay with you."

She paused, her eyes growing wide with excitement. "Priscilla's event will be huge! Knights, nobles, representatives from all corners of the kingdom, and maybe even a few members of the royal family. Everyone important will be there."

Subaru furrowed his brow slightly. "I'm not a knight, Mili. I don't even have a title. Wouldn't it be weird for someone like me to be present at such a formal gathering?"

Emilia smiled brightly, waving her hand dismissively. "Not at all! People want to see you, Subaru. Reinhard and Julius-san have publicly acknowledged your strength and integrity. That's not something people forget. Plus, your role in the battles against the Sin Archbishops has made you a symbol—an icon. And your work in improving trade systems has already started making a visible impact. People see you not only as a hero but as a brilliant thinker."

She giggled. "There's even talk of giving you a title. Some think you deserve one unique to your contributions."

"All eyes on you, ooooh~" Flugel's voice echoed in Subaru's mind, teasing and theatrical. "What's next, a throne and a scepter?"

Subaru sighed with a smirk. "Let's not get ahead of ourselves. Still... I'll go. If this is important, then I'll be there. How much time do we have to get ready?"

Emilia held up three fingers. "It's in three days. We've got enough time to make plans, pick the right clothes, and maybe practice a few speeches just in case."

Subaru nodded. "Sounds good. For now, I should head back to the mansion. Training's done, and I think we all deserve a little rest."

As he turned to leave, Emilia called out cheerfully. "Don't push yourself too hard, Subaruuu~ Save some of that strength for the big day!"

Walking through the open corridor leading back toward the mansion, Subaru raised his voice. "Beako! Hikari! Time to head back! Training's over for today!"

From the center of the field, Beatrice lowered her arms with an exaggerated sigh, ending the spell she was weaving. Her pigtails swayed slightly as she turned around, expression mildly annoyed. "Ugh. So training's done already? Betty didn't even realize the time."

A few steps away, Hikari was stretching, her small frame drooping slightly as she wiped sweat from her brow. "Whew... I'm tired! But it was fun!"

Subaru approached them with a grin, reaching out to ruffle both their heads. "You two did great. I mean it. You're improving so fast it's honestly impressive. I'm really proud of you."

Without warning, he scooped both girls up, effortlessly lifting them onto his shoulders. Their laughter rang out, light and bright. As they giggled, he began walking toward the mansion with steady steps.

After a few moments, Subaru glanced back. Elsa stood behind them, quiet and composed. She met his gaze, her expression unreadable. After a second's pause, she silently fell in step behind them.

No words were exchanged—but the understanding was clear.

Another day behind them. Another challenge ahead.

After returning to the mansion, Subaru took a long, soothing bath to wash away the accumulated fatigue of the day. The hot water embraced him like a balm, easing the tension that had taken root deep in his muscles. He lingered there longer than usual, letting his thoughts wander freely, the rippling surface of the water mirroring the flow of ideas stirring in his mind. By the time he stepped out, dried his hair, and dressed in a fresh set of clothes, the sky outside had turned a deep shade of twilight.

When he opened the door to his room, he came to an abrupt stop. Beatrice and Hikari were already there, seated comfortably on his bed as though it were the most natural thing in the world. Their expressions were calm, but something about the way they looked at him suggested they had been waiting for this moment.

Subaru sighed deeply, standing still for a heartbeat before speaking. "I've made a decision."

Beatrice arched an eyebrow, her arms folded tightly across her chest. "Subaru has something ridiculous planned again, does he not? Another of your absurd schemes, perhaps?"

Hikari perked up, leaning forward curiously. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What kind of decision? Something exciting, right?"

Subaru didn't answer immediately. He moved to his bedside and knelt down, opening the worn leather bag he always kept nearby. Inside were a mess of folded papers, filled with rough sketches, complex formulas, circuit concepts, and more than a few scribbled-out mistakes. He shuffled through them quickly, found what he needed, and laid several pages out on the floor in front of him.

"I'm going to invent electricity," he said at last, his voice low but unwavering.

The room fell silent for a long moment.

Hikari's mouth dropped open. Then, a second later, she burst into delighted laughter, clapping her hands in excitement. "That's incredible! Like, really incredible! We'll have light, machines, maybe even those things you called... games? The whole mansion could change!"

Beatrice remained skeptical, her frown deepening. But the flicker of amusement in her eyes betrayed her interest. "Electricity, is it? An ambitious goal, even for someone as insufferably reckless as you. But... perhaps it wouldn't hurt to see how far you get. Betty doesn't know much about it, but learning together might be intriguing."

Later that evening, the mansion had quieted down. The hallways echoed with the soft footfalls of passing servants, and the distant rustle of leaves outside became a rhythm in the stillness. Subaru was alone in his room once more, hunched over his desk. The surface was cluttered with open notebooks, blueprints, and long pages filled with theoretical equations. Ink smudges marked his fingers and sleeves.

Moonlight filtered through the open window, casting pale ribbons across his workspace. The cool night air drifted in, carrying the distant scent of grass and early blossoms. On the far side of the mansion, in the library, Beatrice was hosting a lesson for Hikari, Meili, and Petra. At Subaru's request, she had agreed to teach them about Lugnica's history, its cultural systems, and what little scientific knowledge this world possessed. Subaru believed deeply in this: magic alone wasn't enough—knowledge could shape the world just as powerfully.

He rubbed his forehead, eyes narrowing as he stared at one of the diagrams. "The ratio between the primary and secondary coils... it's still not right. Why does increasing the turns here lower the output? This doesn't align with the theoretical energy transfer model. Is it a problem in my material assumptions or in the calculation itself?"

A familiar voice rang in his mind, crisp and slightly amused. It was Flugel.

"You might want to consider a transformer. It adjusts voltage by modifying the current based on the coil ratios. But you need to be precise. No shortcuts, no approximations. This is a science of numbers."

Subaru nodded to himself, pulling another blank sheet from the stack. He quickly began drawing, pencil movements becoming more fluid as he recalled fragments from his old physics classes back on Earth. Coils, ferromagnetic cores, alternating currents...

Still, something felt incomplete. A gap he couldn't bridge. He stared at the sketch, then frowned. "There's something I'm not seeing..."

As if answering his thoughts, a translucent hand slid into view. It hovered over his page, pointing at a specific connection point near the base of his circuit diagram. Subaru blinked, startled but too deep in concentration to react instinctively.

Then a clear, resonant voice—not Flugel's this time—echoed through the room. It was ethereal, almost vibrating with faint harmonic overtones.

"This section is flawed. The windings in your primary should be different in number from those in the secondary. That's what allows for voltage manipulation. And also... you can't rely on a battery alone. Transformers require alternating current, something with a rhythmic, directional flow. A static power source won't do."

Subaru murmured aloud, still gazing at the schematic. "Alternating current... Right. That makes sense. A power source that changes direction repeatedly would establish a dynamic magnetic field. That's how you maintain consistent energy flow... Of course. That's what I was missing. Thank you fo—"

He froze mid-sentence. His hand stopped moving. Slowly, eyes wide, he turned toward the source of the voice.

Standing beside him was a transparent, humanoid figure. It shimmered faintly under the moonlight, the contours of its body eerily familiar. Too familiar.

"AHHH! A GHOST THAT LOOKS LIKE ME!"

Subaru leapt back, knocking over a stool and sending papers flying across the floor. His heart pounded wildly in his chest. For a moment, all he could do was stare in shock, trying to process whether he was hallucinating, dreaming—or had just come face to face with a spectral version of himself.

The ghost smiled faintly.

And said nothing.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Flugel burst into laughter, his voice echoing through the room with a mix of triumph and exhilaration, as he watched Subaru's exaggerated expression of disbelief. Then, with an almost childlike curiosity, he turned his gaze to his own hands, flexing his fingers and marveling at the way light passed over them. "Wow... So my 'materialization' technique actually worked! I'm not just some whisper in your soul anymore. I have form—well, sort of. I'm Flugel, by the way. You can stop freaking out now, Natsuki Subaru."

Subaru stepped forward with slow, wary steps. His brows furrowed as he reached out, cautiously extending his hand. It passed clean through Flugel's semi-transparent chest like mist disturbed by wind. "So... you're like a half-ghost now? Some sort of spirit projection? Can anyone else see you, or am I going crazy again? And what about the physical world? Can you actually touch things—or is all of this for dramatic effect?"

Flugel crossed his arms over his chest, floating a few inches above the ground. His eyes gleamed with amusement and a hint of mischief. "invisibility is up to me. I can choose who sees me and who doesn't. As for physical interaction... well, that's the exciting part. Let's conduct an experiment, shall we?"

He raised one glowing fist and swung it straight at Subaru's chest. It passed through harmlessly, like water slipping through fingers. Subaru flinched instinctively, letting out a tense breath.

"For a moment there, I really thought you were going to hit me," he muttered, chuckling nervously.

Flugel didn't reply. Instead, he smirked, turned slightly, and raised his fist again—this time aiming at the wall next to Subaru. "Okay, what about this?"

The moment his knuckles made contact with the wall, a deafening crack echoed through the room. The entire wall convulsed from the force, sending a tremor through the floor. Shelves rattled violently, an ornate picture frame crashed to the floor, and jagged cracks spiderwebbed across the plaster like veins of a wounded structure.

"HAH! Test successful! Even in this semi-corporeal state, I can interact with the world. This is amazing! Theoretical application confirmed. I'm brilliant!"

Subaru staggered backward, thrown off balance by the shockwave. He landed on the floor with a grunt, scrambling to his feet while flailing his arms. "You experimental maniac! Are you trying to bring the mansion down?! What kind of mad science are you even doing?!"

Right on cue, the door burst open with a loud slam, and Ram and Rem rushed in, their faces pale with concern and alarm.

"Subaru-kun, what was that noise?! Are you hurt?!"

"Barusu! Do you want Roswaal-sama's mansion to collapse over our heads?!"

Floating near the corner with a smug expression, Flugel offered no explanation. Subaru scratched the back of his head sheepishly, flashing a crooked grin.

"Ahaha... Sorry, sorry. I may have gotten a little too excited. I was testing something... a very important project, actually. Didn't expect it to be that effective."

Rem darted to his side immediately, gripping his hands and inspecting him for injuries, her eyes scanning every inch.

"Rem! I promise, I'm fine. Look, no blood, no bruises. Just... startled."

"You say that, but we felt the whole building shake. That wasn't normal, Subaru-kun."

The hallway behind them began to fill with murmurs as more people arrived. Petra peeked inside, followed closely by Frederica, and even Meili wandered in, rubbing her eyes as if she'd just woken up. Each wore a look of confusion or worry. Subaru waved his arms, trying to calm them.

"Everything's under control! Seriously, it was just a little magical mishap. Nothing's broken... well, aside from one wall. But we're all fine! Just a bit of excitement."

The others exchanged glances, unsure whether to believe him. Still, reassured by Rem and Ram's presence, they slowly began to retreat. The air gradually quieted.

As the last footsteps faded, Hikari walked toward Subaru, her steps slow and deliberate. She reached out and gently took his hand, her eyes narrowing in quiet suspicion.

"Onii-chan... there's something cold over there. Like a chill in the air. Did you do something? The room smells... weird. Like metal and smoke."

She pointed directly to the same corner where Flugel floated, still invisible to everyone else. Her instincts, sharpened by magical sensitivity, had picked up on something the others missed.

Flugel threw his arms up in exasperation. "What?! Are you kidding me?! I missed my epic entrance because of that?! Seriously?! Lunaria, what the hell? Why'd you give this kid cheat-level sensory skills?! This is totally busted!"

At that moment, Beatrice entered from the far end of the room, her arms tightly crossed and her gaze fixed toward the same space Hikari had indicated. Her voice was calm, but the tension behind it was unmistakable.

"Betty feels it as well. Something... unsettling. It's familiar, but not. Not just mana. Not just spirit energy. This... this is from another layer. Something deeper. Older."

Subaru sighed deeply and placed a hand on his hip. He looked at the empty space where he knew Flugel hovered, invisible to all but a few. His voice, while weary, carried a trace of amusement.

"Oi, you chaotic lunatic... Stop lurking in the shadows like some smug ghost. Show yourself already. It's time you introduced yourself to everyone before someone decides to perform an exorcism."

Flugel snapped his fingers. The soft sound rang out like the chime of a distant bell, and in an instant, the veil of invisibility that cloaked him melted away like mist before sunlight. His form emerged slowly from the dissipating haze—an ethereal yet solid figure that bore a striking resemblance to Subaru. But there were clear distinctions: he stood taller, his physique more refined and muscular, his hair an immaculate sheen of bright white. Most captivating of all were his eyes—one a deep, otherworldly violet, the other gleaming with a radiant golden hue that seemed to shimmer with arcane depth.

"Onii-chan?"

"Master Flugel!"

The two voices rang out simultaneously. Hikari and Beatrice shouted in joyous unison, unable to contain their excitement. Their faces lit up like the morning sun, eyes sparkling as they took in the familiar-yet-unfamiliar figure before them.

Flugel opened his arms wide in an exaggerated, almost theatrical flourish.

"Yes! Come, my adorable little ones! Your beloved master has returned from the shadows! Rejoice in my brilliance!"

The girls rushed forward eagerly. As they reached him, Flugel scooped them both into his arms, lifting them effortlessly into a warm, spirited embrace. Hikari let out a bubbling laugh, swinging her feet slightly in the air, while Beatrice turned her head away with a flustered pout—though the slight upward curl at the corners of her lips betrayed her pleasure.

Watching the scene unfold, Subaru let out a long, exaggerated sigh. He crossed his arms with a mock pout, though a hint of amusement glimmered in his eyes. "You're really stealing my spotlight here, you know. I was the one who built this household dynamic."

Beatrice, still in Flugel's arms, raised her head and turned to Subaru with a far more serious expression. Her voice, usually tinged with sarcasm, carried an edge of concern. "Subaru... what is Master Flugel doing here in physical form? Wasn't he tied to your soul? This kind of tangible manifestation... it shouldn't even be possible, not without severe consequences."

Hikari, still held against Flugel's side, looked up at him with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "And why does he look so much like you, Onii-chan? Is he... like, your twin? Or something more than that?"

Subaru took a deep breath as he met the eyes of the two girls. There was tension in his face, but not fear—just a heavy sense of truth that weighed on his chest.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how he's managing to manifest like this. I didn't summon him, and I didn't expect it. But why he looks like me... it's because, in a sense, he is me. Or rather, he's a fragment of me. We share the same soul. He's the echo of my essence—a mirrored version of who I am."

Flugel chuckled, puffing out his chest in mock arrogance. "But let's be clear, I'm the better version. Smarter, stronger, and undeniably more stylish. Feel free to admire me openly, Natsuki Subaru."

Subaru rolled his eyes but smiled faintly. "You've got the ego of a dozen royals packed into one. But seriously—how are you even here? What made this possible?"

Flugel's demeanor shifted slightly. He set the girls down gently and adopted a more scholarly air.

"I created a pseudo-core inside your body. It acts like a vessel—a mana catalyst, you might say. Through it, I was able to channel mana and manifest a temporary form. It's not a true body, merely a reflection. A projection of what I am in spirit. But it serves my needs. For now."

Subaru narrowed his eyes. "That core... does it use my mana to sustain you? Is this draining me somehow?"

Flugel's face grew uncharacteristically serious, though his tone still held a note of superiority. He slowly shook his head. "No. I wouldn't be so careless. The mana I use comes from the Authorities—those ancient, overwhelming sources that far surpass the natural flow of this world. They're deep, chaotic, but incredibly potent. I haven't touched your mana at all. If I had, believe me, you'd be sprawled on the floor, unconscious."

Subaru rubbed his chin, eyes narrowing with contemplation. "That tracks. Your presence alone has to consume a massive amount of energy. There's no way my own reserves could sustain you for this long."

Flugel shrugged casually. "And even with the Authorities, my capabilities are limited. I can't bend reality, I can't cast advanced spells, and I'm not immune to most physical forces. All I can manage are basic invisibility, some low-tier sound projection, and limited interaction with the physical world. I'm more a shadow than a man. A whisper given form. For now."

Subaru blinked, absorbing the truth piece by piece, his eyebrows slowly knitting together in a complex weave of curiosity, concern, and awe. "So... you're here, but not really here. Not just a voice in my head anymore, but not fully real either. And yet, people can see you, hear you, even feel you... How can that be? How does a projection become tangible?"

Flugel stepped closer, folding his arms as he examined Subaru. "It's all about intent. I bend the idea of presence—not form. I exist because you allow it, and because the Authorities give shape to that allowance. A soul anchored in this world, bound to another, can echo if the resonance is strong enough. That's why I can be seen, heard, and briefly touched. But only in the shallowest sense."

Beatrice, now standing at Subaru's side, looked back and forth between them with furrowed brows. "That's dangerous. Even if he isn't hurting you now, if something goes wrong with this 'pseudo-core', the backlash could be catastrophic."

Subaru gave a half-nod, thoughtful. "Yeah... I know. But for now, let's not jump to conclusions. He hasn't tried to hijack my body or make me pass out. Yet."

Flugel smirked. "Please. If I wanted to take over your body, I'd at least leave a dramatic monologue behind first. It's only fair."

Despite himself, Subaru chuckled. The tension in the room eased slightly, though the sense of mystery remained like a lingering fog. Something deeper was at work—threads of fate tightening—but for now, they had each other, and a fleeting moment of clarity in the chaos.

Flugel gently wrapped his arms around the two resting figures in his lap—Hikari and Beatrice—as he replied with a calm, almost amused tone. "I still have access to your body, you know. Our spiritual frequencies are intrinsically linked. If I really needed to, I could temporarily pull your soul back and slip into your place. But I'd only consider doing that in the most dire emergencies. As for returning to my original body... it's theoretically possible, but that vessel is currently located somewhere far out of reach, beyond dimensional interference. So, for now, I make do with this reflective form. It's temporary, yes, but surprisingly comfortable. Plus, let's be honest—I'm staying here because it's warm, and I've got two little drowsy heaters on my lap."

Subaru let out a long, dramatic sigh, dropping his hands limply to his sides. "You know what... I'm just going to stop asking questions. Trying to untangle your explanations is like wrestling a tornado."

Turning on his heel, he walked back to his desk and hunched over it once more. Scrolls, diagrams, scribbled notes, arcane blueprints, and strange glyphic calculations lay strewn across the surface like a storm had passed through. As his pen resumed its rhythmic glide across the parchment, the atmosphere in the room softened, tension melting away like fog in sunlight.

Time passed—quiet and unmeasured. The night beyond the window stretched deep and star-speckled. Subaru worked with laser focus, occasionally murmuring to himself or adjusting his calculations with furrowed brows. Behind him, cradled by Flugel's arms, the children finally surrendered to sleep. Hikari nuzzled deeper into Flugel's cloak, sighing softly. Beatrice stirred, blinked once with sleepy indignation, and then let out a tiny yawn before burying her face in the soft fabric.

Eventually, Flugel gently shifted his position. With the utmost care, he lifted the girls and carried them over to a wide couch nearby, tucking them in with an almost paternal tenderness. Then, as silent as breath, he drifted toward Subaru's side once again. His eyes scanned the drafts and notes across the desk—ether resonance charts, mana channeling matrices, and experimental enchantment equations. He murmured softly, occasionally pointing out flaws or improvements.

What began as a quiet presence turned into a hushed exchange of theories and magical principles. The two discussed the properties of spirit-thread catalysts, the harmonic instability in dual-element artifacts, and the mechanics of soul-bound conduits. Ideas were volleyed back and forth, sketched, revised, and discarded. The room pulsed with focused energy, like a sanctum of forgotten wisdom awakening under candlelight.

By the time the first light of dawn brushed the sky with pale indigo hues, Subaru leaned back and rubbed his eyes, stifling a massive yawn. His limbs ached, and his mind fogged from exhaustion.

"Okay, that's... enough. I don't think I slept more than ten minutes tonight," he muttered, blinking slowly.

He trudged toward the bed, collapsing onto it with a soft grunt. Dragging the thick blanket over himself, he barely registered Flugel's fading form. The older spirit offered a quiet, unseen nod as his projection dissolved into ethereal mist, spiraling gently down to merge once more with Subaru's soul. The spiritual tether pulsed faintly—like the final note of a lullaby.

The candle sputtered beside the desk, casting flickering shadows that danced like memories. The silence that followed was deep, profound, and expectant—like the stillness before a tempest.

With the morning sun gradually rising, its light spilled golden onto the floorboards. Petra pushed the door open gently, peeking in with cautious steps. Her slippers barely made a sound against the wood as she entered the quiet room. Her eyes scanned the bed: three figures lay nestled together.

Hikari was the first to stir. She wriggled beneath the covers and poked her nose into the cool morning air, yawning with a sleepy squeak. Beatrice groaned from under the blanket and slowly turned onto her other side, her signature pout forming even in half-consciousness.

But Petra's eyes were drawn to Subaru.

Something wasn't right.

She took a few more steps forward, her brows knitting. Subaru hadn't moved. His expression was peaceful—but too still. Unnaturally still.

Hikari had already propped herself up, blinking rapidly as confusion turned to concern. "Onii-chan...?" she whispered, scooting closer.

She reached out and placed her small hand gently on his cheek. It was warm—but he didn't respond.

Beatrice climbed out of the covers with slow precision, sensing the shift in atmosphere. She walked around to Subaru's side, eyes narrowing. She poked his shoulder, then gave him a small shake.

"Subaru. You do realize it's morning, right? That means you're supposed to be awake," she said in her usual dry tone, though a nervous note slipped in underneath.

Still nothing.

Petra's curiosity gave way to anxiety. Her fingers tightened around the edge of her apron as she watched Beatrice study the situation. The spirit-girl's gaze shifted toward the desk, and her expression changed.

Open books lay stacked atop one another, half of them askew. Formulae for multi-core mana distribution were scrawled across entire pages. Pages were ripped, corners bent. Ink had dried in erratic pools.

"He worked through the entire night... probably pushed himself too far," Beatrice muttered, her voice quieter now.

She looked toward Petra, her tone softening. "Let him sleep a bit longer, He's not in danger—just worn out. There's still time before we head to the capital."

Petra had accepted Beatrice's words, but a shadow of unease still lingered on her face, as if uncertainty had settled deep in her chest. "Ram-nee is going to be angry, but... if Beatrice-sama says so..." she murmured hesitantly, her voice barely louder than a whisper as she slowly made her way to the door. Her steps were quiet, reluctant even, as though each one carried the weight of doubt.

Beatrice and Hikari followed close behind. While Petra hurried ahead to inform the others, Hikari clung tightly to Beatrice's side, unwilling to stray from the person who had become her anchor in this strange, unfamiliar place. Her little hand occasionally tugged at Beatrice's sleeve, as if afraid the older girl might vanish.

"Beako-chan... Onii-chan is still asleep. So, what do we do now? Can you teach me something new?" she asked, tilting her head up, golden eyes wide and shimmering with childlike curiosity.

Beatrice came to a halt. Her gaze fixed somewhere far beyond the corridor, as if peering into a world only she could see. "I've already taught you all the knowledge you need, Hikari. At this point, it's important for you to begin connecting with others—Meili, Petra... even Emilia."

Hikari took a small step forward and wrapped her arms around Beatrice's waist, burying her face against the frills of her dress. Her tiny fingers gripped tightly, her voice muffled. "But I don't want to leave Beako-chan... I want to stay with you forever. So no!"

A soft, almost imperceptible smile crossed Beatrice's lips, one that mirrored the quiet pride of a mother watching her child grow. Though she didn't return the hug, her eyes shimmered faintly with emotion. After a pause, she gently placed a hand on Hikari's head and then gestured forward. Together, they descended the stairs, their footsteps echoing in the quiet manor.

Down in the breakfast hall, Rem was already waiting. The air was warm with the scent of freshly baked bread, butter, and herbs. Plates had been carefully arranged, teacups steaming lightly. It was a homely scene, filled with effort. When Beatrice, Hikari, and Petra arrived, they took their seats quietly.

Conversation eventually drifted toward Subaru. After hearing what Hikari had to say about his condition, Emilia's expression shifted. Her brows furrowed slightly, and she stood up abruptly. "I want to check on him," she said, her voice firm but laced with concern.

Rem stood to join her without hesitation—but Beatrice and Hikari quickly moved to block their path. Hikari puffed her cheeks, while Beatrice simply stood with a calm, unwavering expression. Caught off guard, Emilia let out a sigh and reluctantly sat down, followed by a similarly frustrated Rem.

Meanwhile, Roswaal casually flipped through some notes spread across the table, his multicolored eyes gleaming with interest. "I'd like to have a look at Subaru's sketches. Who knows—he might've scribbled down something fascinating in that sharp mind of his."

Yet even as the conversation carried on, one among them rose silently from her seat. Elsa. She didn't utter a single word. Like a breeze slipping through a crack, she vanished—no sound, no trace. It was as though she had never been there. Hikari blinked, sensing it instinctively. Elsa was going to Subaru's room, likely through the window. That was always her way: quiet, deliberate, and unpredictable. Strangely, Hikari felt no urge to stop her. There was something between them—something unspoken.

Once breakfast concluded, Beatrice and Hikari returned to the Forbidden Library. The ancient room, lined with countless tomes and illuminated by the dim glow of mana-lit lanterns, had grown familiar to both of them. Beatrice sat at a long desk, carefully transcribing pages taken from Subaru's belongings into a timeworn tome bound in dragonhide. Her hands moved with precision, her eyes scanning each line.

Hikari, on the other hand, sat curled on a nearby stool. Though the library was as quiet as ever, a gnawing sense of unease twisted in her chest. She glanced at the door, then at Beatrice, then down at the floor.

"Nii-nii... please wake up already," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her eyes were glassy, and she leaned forward to rest her forehead on the desk. The minutes dragged on like hours.

Then, with the faintest creak, the library door opened. A rare sound, since the library no longer moved between spaces. The stillness was broken by the cheerful chirp of a familiar voice.

"Hikari-chan! Rem-nee, Petra and I are going shopping in the village! You should totally come with us!"

Meili's voice, bright and carefree, was like sunlight breaking through a cloud. Hikari slowly lifted her head. Her expression was distant, but Meili's presence began to melt that fog away.

"But... aren't we supposed to leave today?" Hikari asked, voice unsure.

Meili skipped over and grabbed her hand with a grin. "We are, silly! But we need supplies before we go! You can't leave for an adventure on an empty satchel! So come on already, you lazy lump!"

Hikari let out a whiny groan, but Meili's infectious energy proved impossible to resist. She let herself be pulled to her feet. Outside the library doors, Rem and Petra stood waiting. When Rem saw Hikari emerge, she gave her a warm smile that reached all the way to her eyes.

"Hikari, it's such a beautiful day. You've been inside for too long. A bit of sunlight will do wonders," she said kindly, placing a comforting hand on Hikari's shoulder.

And so, under the golden morning sun, four young girls began their walk to the village. Their chatter and laughter slowly blended with the rustling of leaves and the songs of birds. Each step felt lighter than the last, as if the warmth of the day was chasing away lingering shadows.

Meanwhile, high above in the Roswaal mansion's upper levels, a solitary room remained still. Within its walls, Subaru lay in deep, unmoving slumber. The soft rise and fall of his chest was the only sign of life. His dreams, distant and unreachable, carried him through a realm unknown to all others. What he saw, what he felt—remained a mystery to the waking world.