ReZero: The Mastermind and the Simp

Chapter 35: The Trial of the Present

Bringing Emilia inside another house to recover, I needed to speak with Subaru about what he mentioned earlier. Otto had come by, curious as to what happened. I told him it was nothing extreme and he should stay at our lodgings until we finished assessing the situation.

But before that, Subaru stood by Emilia's side, as she was sleeping, breathing heavily.

Subaru: She... can't do the trial again. If she continues like this, the next one will kill her.

Me: I agree. Whatever she saw in that trial must have shattered her consciousness. We'll have to see if she returns to her usual self after a bit of rest. But first, we have a more pressing matter regarding Roswaal's estate. It could be under attack for yet another time. Subaru, now tell me exactly what Echidna told you during your trial.

Subaru: It wasn't much. We were taking normally until I called her a pervert which seemed to piss her off. Then she scoffed at me and said, 'How do you think Rem's doing right now?'

Me: You might be right, but it could also mean she's getting complications from her condition. We should go pay the mansion a visit, if only to be certain of Beatrice, Rem, Petra, and Frederica's safety.

Subaru: But then that'll leave Emilia alone here.

Me: Not really alone, but I can understand. One of us needs to continue completing the trials in order to free the sanctuary. Now, I can't be certain that the Sanctuary will be freed if one of us completes it, since we are humans and not hybrids like Emilia. But we must at least continue to complete the trials in her stead, until she's at 100 percent.

Subaru: I can go to the mansion. If there really is something dangerous happening there, then at least I'll just reset us to a previous checkpoint.

Me: Nice thinking Subaru. In any case, pay attention to everything you see there. This information will be vital should you die. I'll continue the trials.

Subaru: Are you sure? Emilia-tan won't like that. She was insistent that she'd do the trials herself.

I smiled.

Me: I'm positive. I'll do what needs to be done. She'll understand, rest assured.

Subaru: Ok! I guess I'll have to leave it to you.

Me: Same here. Take Otto with you. I'll deal with Garfiel so you can leave the village.

As he nodded, Emilia's eyes were opening up slightly.

Me: Go Subaru. Get prepared and set out.

Subaru: Take care of Emilia-tan!

Me: Sure.

Leaving the room, Subaru went as fast as he could towards where Otto was staying so they can depart. Meanwhile, I began to talk to Emilia, who had recently opened her eyes.

Emilia: Ayanokouji, how long was I out for?

Me: It depends. When we found you inside the trial room, you were unconscious. Subaru and I brought you here more recently. I'm glad to see you're alright.

Emilia: Wait, Ayanokouji, did you take the first trial with Subaru?

I sighed.

Me: It was sudden. We went inside to find you and both of us went unconscious. In order to leave, we conquered the first trial to bring you back here for recovery. I know you said you could do the trials, but it's not like we had much of a choice.

Emilia: I-I'm sorry, Ayanokouji. I don't even recall what happened during my trial. But that means it must have ended rather quickly. You and Subaru always seem to clean up my failures.