I'll ask once more.
Why did you call me by the name of the Jealous Witch?
Because you told me to.
I don't know who told you that,
but they have terrible taste!
The Jealous Witch is the epitome of taboo,
and you call me by her name, which most dare not even say!
That's right!
That's going too far, boy!
If you have nothing to say, I'm leaving. I have things to do.
Felt!
Were you stalling me?
Are you working with her?!
N-No!
Hey... W-Wait a minute!
You have it all wrong! I'm...
Damn it!
Could someone just treat me a little nicer?
Why was I even...
summoned to this world?
What are you babbling about?
If you don't wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you've got!
Would you stop it already?!
No one is this damn persistent!
You think you can mouth off to us?
You're in my way! I have somewhere I need to go!
Man, now you've done it.
You stabbed him?
You've gotta be kidding me...
It hurts... It hurts...
N-No! He walked right into my blade!
What are you doing?
Well, no sense in wasting it.
Take anything on him worth selling!
Huh?
Whoa, wait! Guards will arrive any second!
But Old Man Rom ate those.
How?
C-Could... this be...
Run! We're in trouble!
Well, boy? You want this appa?
Hey, mister...
Huh?
How many times have you seen me now?
What do you mean? I've never seen you before.
Well? Are you buying it or not?
Sorry, but I'm broke beyond compare!
Get the hell outta here!
Wallet, cell phone, corn potage snack, cup noodles.
My tracksuit and sneakers are intact, too.
And naturally...
Thank god. A wound to the back is a warrior's greatest shame.
Well, with so much circumstantial evidence, there's no denying it.
It's kinda hard to believe, but this has to be...
A time leap.
And each time, I return to my initial state.
I'll call it
"Return by Death."
I actually get a time-leap ability, and it only activates when I die.
The precondition being pitiful is so typical.
If I've gone back in time, Satella hasn't helped me in this fourth life.
Meaning the debt I owed her for saving me is gone.
In that case, I should forget everything, sell this,
save some funds, and use my knowledge of the modern world to live in luxury!
My dream is taking shape before my eyes!
Right, mister?
Wh-Why are you asking me?
I have no idea what you're talking about.
Aw, that's cold...
I don't wanna get caught up in other people's problems.
Don't talk to me.
Well, I guess the saying, "Let sleeping dogs lie," applies in any world.
But still, there are always softies
who help others, even when they really can't afford to...
She'd just had something precious stolen.
She didn't have time for me.
Yet she saved some useless stranger,
and even healed him.
Then she let that useless stranger be pleased with himself...
Even if Satella doesn't know me,
Felt still stole her insignia. And Elsa will...
No matter how many times I repeat this, that won't change.
They say history repeats itself, right?
Yeah.
If I have knowledge that people I used to know will be killed,
I can't just ignore it!
Hey, mister...
What do you want, broke kid?
There's something I want to ask you...
Have there been any pickpocketing incidents around here?
Asking questions, without buying anything? You really do have guts.
Incidents like that aren't uncommon at all.
Though, that last one was unusual...
They threw some magic around in the street a few times.
Things that looked like icicles flew around and lodged in the wall.
But they disappeared fast.
I'm too late?
I thought if I could keep the insignia from being stolen, then maybe...
Maybe what?
Oh, just talking to myself, but...
Thanks, mister... For telling me, even though I didn't buy anything.
It's no big deal!
A broke kid, like you, just helped my daughter after she got lost earlier.
I guess fate is a compelling force, too...
What are you smiling about?
Nothing.
I'll buy an appa next time!
Sure. Buy one, and you'll be a customer.
Get to work, broke kid!
Right!
This means there's only one way!
Before Elsa comes to the loot house,
I have to buy the insignia from Felt, and return it to Satella.
Wait...
"Satella" was just an alias, wasn't it?
Then I've gotta get her to tell me her real name this time—
What are you babbling about?
If you don't wanna get hurt, cough up whatever you've got!
I'm getting sick of seeing your faces, Larry, Moe, and Curly.
After doing this four times, I've learned my lesson!
Guards!
What the hell, you bastard?!
My memory from before was right.
This world does have some kind of police force!
Someone! P-Please, I need a man!
Damn it, shut up!
No, don't touch me... Stop.
I can't hear you. You're not being sincere enough.
Police... Huh?
Don't scare me like that.
I might have freaked out, just a little.
Just a little bit.
Just a tiny, little bit.
Trying to run won't help you.
That's enough.
Red hair.
And a knight's sword, with scratches made by dragon claws.
It can't be.
Reinhard?
The master swordsman, Reinhard?
Seems I needn't introduce myself.
Though, that nickname is a bit much.
I don't know how much my modest strength could aid him.
But if you wish to resort to extreme measures,
as a knight, I would have to fight back.
S-Screw this! It's not worth it!
I'm glad we're both safe. Are you unhurt?
A-Allow me to thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for saving my life!
I, Natsuki Subaru, deeply admire your selflessness!
No need for such formality.
Once it was three against two, they lost their advantage.
If I'd been alone, it would have been different.
H-His nice-guy index is off the charts.
Uh... Reinhard-san, right?
You may just call me "Reinhard," Subaru.
He closed our distance like it was nothing...
Well, thanks again, Reinhard.
You're the only one who heard me shouting and came to help...
Talk about lonely.
For most, it's too risky to face off against people like them.
As far as it goes, you were right to call for the guards.
Are you a guard?
You don't look like one...
I'm off duty today, so I'm not in uniform.
And I realize that I don't appear particularly intimidating.
Come to think of it, didn't they call you a master swordsman?
My family is fairly unique.
Every day, I feel I'll be crushed by their expectations.
Anyway, Subaru...
You have quite the unusual hair, apparel, and name.
What nation are you from?
At the moment, Lugunica is a bit more restive than in peacetime.
If you have a problem, I'd be glad to help you.
Would you come to the loot house?
The loot house?
N-Never mind... Forget it.
I can't trouble you with that...
I'll handle the rest on my own, somehow.
But... I'd appreciate it if you could deliver a message.
I'd be glad to, of course.
To whom? And what?
Well, I don't know her name, but...
Have you seen a girl with white robes and silver hair nearby?
White robes and silver hair?
She's also extremely gorgeous!
No, I haven't.
Then, if you do see her,
tell her not to go near the loot house, no matter what.
I'll find what she's looking for and bring it to her myself.
Very well. If I see her, I shall relay your message.
Thanks.
I'll repay you one day!
All right.
Take care.
Felt's den?
Yeah, just go two streets down that way.
Thanks, I appreciate it, bro.
Don't mention it, bro. Live strong.
The question is whether Felt will return there...
I'd rather catch her before she goes to the loot house,
and trade her the cell phone for the insignia—
Whoa!
Oh, dear!
I'm sorry. Are you all right?
Yeah, I'm fine.
I don't look it, but toughness is one thing I... have...
What is the matter?
You don't have to be so scared. I will not do anything to you.
I... I'm not scared...
What gave you that idea?
Your scent.
When people are scared, I can smell their fear.
Right now, you're frightened.
You are also angry, yes?
At me.
It's fine.
I am a little curious, but this is not the time to start a commotion.
That's not a very nice thing to say...
If you're too scary, that beauty will go to waste—
Oh, very good.
Conceal your hostility, and you will be even better.
Well, I shall be going now.
Something tells me we shall meet again.
Someone actually lives here?
Elsa hasn't already been here and trashed it, has she?
I-It's fine, I'm sure...
I don't smell blood.
But it does smell like garbage.
What do you think you're doing, peeking into someone's house?
Sorry, but there's nothing worth stealing in there.
Beat it!
No, wait! That's not what I was doing...
Shut up! Don't argue!
Whoa, stop...
Calm down! This is no time to fight!
Before it gets dark—
Before it gets dark, you'd better be gone.
I told you, you've got it all wrong...
You don't give up, do you?
I told you to get out of here!
Just listen to me!
P-Please! Just hear me out, Felt!
I came to see you on important business!
How do you know my name?
You want me to steal something for you?
You should have said that first!
You're the one who attacked me right away.
You know, this is a greedy business you're running!
Do you pride yourself on sticky fingers?
It's all a matter of how to stay alive.
If not for this, I'd have no choice but to sell my body.
So, what's your business with me?
Spit it out.
There's one thing I want.
Here and now, I want to buy the insignia you stole!
You aren't associated with my client.
Are you a business rival?
Call her a rival, or call her the one who killed my parents...
Or even the one who killed me!
You make no sense.
Well, I'm only interested in selling to whoever pays most.
If you've got an offer that might be profitable, I'll listen.
Very shrewd...
I have something worth more than twenty holy coins.
I want to buy your insignia with it.
It's what everyone wants these days, a metia.
That is the power of a metia!
It's a one-of-a-kind item that can stop, and capture, a moment in time.
So, how about it?
You don't seem to be lying.
But that's supposed to be me? I'm way prettier.
If you look this good without makeup, you're doing fine...
Don't complain.
Well, it is unusual. I'll give you that.
But twenty holy coins? Not likely.
I'm not so stupid as to unquestioningly believe
everything a prospective buyer says.
Well, of course not.
At the far edge of the slums is a loot house.
The fair thing is to have the codger who lives there, Old Man Rom, appraise it.
So it still comes to that...
Okay, got it. Let's go.
Right now... Let's move.
On the double!
We'll have him take a look, and get right out of there!
Hey, hey!
What's your problem?
Why are you in such a hurry?
You're soaked with sweat.
Live strong.
Everyone in the slums says that.
Is it some kind of slogan?
Don't lump me in with those guys!
They're all talk. They aren't strong at all.
They're just a bunch of stingy losers at life.
That's a bit harsh...
I'm not like the people here.
I have no intention of living out my life in these back alleys!
And you think twenty holy coins will make your dream come true?
It's true that'd be a huge leap toward my goal.
Even if I were alone, it isn't as if I couldn't get by with effort.
If you were alone?
Never mind...
What are you smirking about?
You really piss me off!
Don't worry about it.
H-Hey, what're you doing? Stop!
Hey!
Just gotta make it work, huh?
I said, "Stop!"
And only I can do that.
Don't get all sentimental and babble nonsense!
I'll bite you!
It isn't only for her.
I'll change the fate that's waiting for me!
And to do that, I'll...
I told you to cut it out!
So this is a metia...
Even I've never seen one before.
It's fairly delicate, so handle it with care.
Think along the lines of, "If you break it, you have to die,"
like no do-overs.
Yeah, I'm definitely impressed.
If I were to sell this, I'd take no less than fifteen... no, twenty holy coins.
It's worth at least that.
All right! Negotiations complete!
Now, if we're done talking, let's go for drinks to celebrate a completed sale!
Hold it!
Why are you in such a hurry?
Life doesn't last forever.
Make every second count. Don't waste any—
Yeah, yeah!
I don't care about all that.
Why do you even want the insignia, anyway?
This insignia is worth a lot more than it looks!
That's why everyone wants it.
In other words, this would sell for more than a metia—
Hang on, Felt! That's a dangerous way to think!
He appraised it at over twenty holy coins.
Just sell it for that! Don't ask for more!
El— The woman who asked you for it can't go higher than twenty, either.
She won't pay more than that!
How do you know that?
You just admitted that you're with them.
I don't have time... Please, Felt!
Begging won't help.
I acknowledge you as a negotiating party.
But not hearing what my client says wouldn't be fair.
The reason I want that insignia
is so I can return it to its owner.
Huh?
I want to return it to its owner!
That's why I want the insignia!
That's all! So please!
Felt, it doesn't look to me like the boy's lying.
Don't get taken in by him.
He's obviously joking around.
Return it to the owner? Ridiculous!
If you're gonna lie, make it believable!
I won't be fooled!
Felt...
Who's that?
It might be for me.
It's a little early, though.
Don't open it!
W-We'll be killed!
Kill you? I wouldn't do something so terrifying.
Reunion with the Witch
I'm glad you're here.
This time, you won't get away.
Why is she here? It's still light out.
Wait, if she hadn't been with me, would she have arrived this early?
You never quit, do you?
I'm telling you, just give up already!
Sorry, but this is something I cannot give up on.
If you do as I say, I won't hurt you.
I have only one demand. Return my insignia.
It's very important to me.
If she were just another magic user, I wouldn't back down,
but this one's trouble...
What's with you, Old Man Rom?
Admitting defeat before we even fight?
Young lady, you're an elf, ain't ya?
Not exactly.
I'm only a half-elf.
A half-elf?
And with silver hair... Wait, are you...
It's an accidental resemblance! Really, it's bothersome to me.
You set me up, didn't you?
Huh? No, I didn't do anything...
After you said you'd return it to its owner, I thought you were suspicious!
What do you mean? You two aren't working together?
Her nature never changes, no matter how many times I start over in this world.
Hey! What are you laughing about?!
Come on, isn't that enough? Return her insignia.
And, Sat—
You, hurry and get out of here.
Try not to let anyone steal it again.
Why are you suddenly being so nice?
I don't understand at all.
I don't understand you, either!
What's up with you?
Puck! Shield her!
That was a bit closer than I expected.
You saved us!
Nice one, Puck!
Thank goodness it was before five, while you're still on duty.
Thanks!
A spirit... That is a spirit, yes?
How wonderful.
I have never dissected a spirit's stomach before.
Hey, what do you mean by that?
If the item's original owner is here, we can hardly negotiate.
So I have changed my plans.
I shall slaughter everyone here.
You failed to see your job through to the end.
You talk a good game, but you do terrible work.
You really are just another slum dweller.
You bitch...
Cut the crap!
Don't get your kicks from picking on a little kid,
you guts-loving sadist!
Felt is doing her best to live strong...
Just because your plan was thrown off, you think it's over and flip tables?
Are you a little kid?
You should value life more!
Do you know how much having your belly cut open hurts?
Well, I do!
What are you talking about?
I'm in the process of letting the justice and chivalry I never knew I had
denounce all the world's unfairness!
And what I consider "unfair" is you, this situation, and...
Stay tuned, folks.
There!
All done buying time...
Get her, Puck!
A brilliant display of awkwardness, which I hope survives through the ages.
I'd better live up to your expectations!
We haven't introduced ourselves, have we?
My name's Puck.
Remember my name
after you die!
Did they get her?
Don't trigger that flag, old man!
One should always be prepared.
Don't underestimate a spiritual-arts user.
For a girl, you're well accustomed to battle.
My, it has been a while since I've been regarded as a simple girl.
Well, from my perspective, all opponents are basically babies.
Still, you're so strong. I almost pity you.
Being praised by a spirit, I am deeply touched.
If this turns into a battle of attrition, we should have a chance.
No, fer a spirit, the real battle is how long they can stay corporeal.
That's right, it must be almost five...
Oh, and just when we were having such fun. What a bore.
That's what sucks about being a ladies' man.
The girls just won't let you sleep.
But you know, staying up late is bad for your skin, so we should wrap this up!
I wasn't just randomly throwing those around.
Does this mean I've been had?
Goodnight!
My, how lovely...
I thought I was going to die.
But you're a girl, so I don't find that sort of thing very impressive.
Puck, can you keep going?
Sorry, I'm really sleepy...
I underestimated her a bit...
My mana's gone, so I have to disappear.
I'll take care of things here, so you can rest. Thank you.
If anything happens to you, I'll act according to my contract.
If it comes to it, call me, even if you have to squeeze me out of my odo.
You're going away?
Well, that is very unfortunate.
We can't just keep sitting around and watchin', Felt.
Yeah, I know.
If we're going to run, we should get moving now.
About before, well...
I guess you kinda saved me.
But just a little.
Also, don't call me a little kid!
I'm fifteen, you know!
That can't be much younger than you!
I'll be eighteen this year...
No way! You're totally a kid!
You need to live a life that shows on your face more!
Here I come!
Ah, but isn't it a bit boorish to cut in on a dance?
If you wanna dance, I'll show you the best dancin' you've ever seen.
Here we go... Round an' round!
Eh? What in the—
You are so strong, I was able to do this.
Not gonna happen!
Old Man Rom!
You bad girl...
You have neither the resolve nor strength to fight.
You should have at least stayed in the corner, making yourself small.
Damn, we're done for... There's really nothing I can do.
I guess I'll have to Return by Death and start over.
No, I don't want to feel that pain again.
I don't wanna die...
I g-guess, as long as I have life,
all I can do is fight with all my might.
Haidara!
Are you okay?
Why did you...
Listen to me, Felt. I'm going to buy us time.
I'll give you an opening somehow. So when I do, run as fast as you can!
What? You're telling me to tuck my tail between my legs and run?!
Yes... Stick out your butt, tuck in your tail, and run.
You're fifteen, and I'm eighteen.
That means you're probably the youngest one here.
So it's a given we'd pick the method most likely to keep you alive.
It's a given!
Give me a break. A minute ago, you were cowering in fear!
That was then. This is now.
I'm not cowering now, so it's fine.
Take this!
Now! Go, Felt!
You think I'll let her go?
Whoa, I'm awesome!
But that hurt the tips of my toes more than I expected—
You let one get away...
For once, I do feel a tiny bit annoyed.
Don't forget about me.
By now, I have quite tired of that game.
Do you think you can still keep me amused?
If you've got some hidden true power,
now would be a good time to use it.
I do have a trump card.
But if I use it, I'll be the only one left standing.
No exploding yourself, please...
Don't do anything hasty, all right?
I won't use it.
Not when you're still here...
Doing your best.
Just now, I didn't see anything...
Huh?
None of that entire conversation ever happened!
I finally remembered why I'm here, to begin with.
I'll kill you, you shitbag!
I won't let you play your trump card!
I'll blow you away and get...
a happy ending!
Seems you have a bit too much energy.
You black widow!
Well, there's no doubt you'll be the first caught in my web.
Nice cover!
Ouch, damn it! How do you like this?!
I caught you.
That's enough.
It looks like that was a close call,
but I'm glad I made it in time.
Now...
You're...
Shall we put an end to this?
Someone!
Anyone! Is anyone here?!
Damn it! Please... Please, someone...
Someone help!
Very well.
I'll help.
Reinhard?
That's right, Subaru.
We meet again. Sorry I'm late.
Black hair, black clothes,
and a blade unique to the northern provinces.
There is no mistaking those characteristics.
You are the Bowel Hunter.
What kind of evil nickname is that?
It was derived from her unique killing style.
Her name is known, even in the capital, as that of a dangerous individual.
Reinhard...
Yes, a knight among knights, born to a line of master swordsmen, correct?
How remarkable, having all my opponents be so much fun.
There are many things I'd like to ask you.
I strongly suggest you surrender.
You expect a starving predator to resist such choice, juicy prey?
Subaru, stand back a bit.
If you'd stand next to her, I'd appreciate it.
You got it.
That woman is like a monster, so don't lower your guard...
As luck would have it,
hunting monsters happens to be my specialty.
Old Man Rom is still alive?
He isn't out of the woods yet. I have to heal him now.
You really want to? He's part of the gang that stole your insignia.
That's why.
I need him to recover, so he'll repay the favor by giving me information.
He wouldn't lie to one who has saved his life.
This is as much for my own sake.
I would rather not use violence on a woman.
Just as the rumors say... No,
you are even better.
I'm not sure I'll meet your expectations.
Aren't you going to use that sword at your hip?
I would love to experience its legendary sharpness.
This sword can only be drawn when needed.
The fact that it hasn't left its sheath
means this is not one of those times.
I do believe I've been underestimated.
It's an upsetting judgment for me, as well.
Therefore,
I shall take you on with this instead.
Do you object?
No, it is wonderful. Wonderful!
Do entertain me, please.
If you've lost your weapon, I strongly suggest you surrender.
She's got a second one, Reinhard!
I'm impressed you knew.
Well, I've personally experienced it...
But I don't have a mere two fangs.
Would you mind if we start again?
If I divest you of all your weapons, will you be satisfied?
If I lose my fangs, I'll use my claws.
If I lose my claws, I'll use my bones.
And if I lose my bones, I'll use my life.
That is how a Bowel Hunter fights.
Surely Reinhard won't fail to land the decisive blow, will he?
Because I'm using my spiritual arts, he cannot fight at full strength.
What do those have to do with each other?
If Reinhard were truly intent on fighting,
all the mana in the atmosphere would turn away from me.
I'm almost done healing him.
When I give the signal, let him know.
Now he's all right. Go ahead.
Reinhard! I don't really get it, but do your thing!
What will you show me?
The swordplay of the Astrea family.
The Bowel Hunter, Elsa Granhiert.
Reinhard van Astrea, of the line of master swordsmen.
Whoa, whoa, whoa!
Hunting monsters is your specialty, my ass!
You're a monster yourself!
Even I'm a bit hurt by a comment like that, Subaru.
I'm sorry I asked too much of you.
Rest well now.
There isn't a shadow left, let alone a body...
This is all that's left, after just one sword swing?
It's over now?
Yeah, somehow or other. Literally.
Why are you staring at me? That's quite rude.
It's just, you still have your arms and legs, even your head...
Of course I do. Don't say such scary things.
Yeah, you're right. It's obvious, huh?
I still have my arms, too.
And there's no knife in my back or gaping hole in my gut.
You talk as if you've experienced those things before.
There was a time when I did.
Oh, yeah, Reinhard... I haven't thanked you yet.
You saved my ass!
Back in the alley, too.
I guess you heard my heart's cries for help, friend!
If I did do that, I'd certainly be proud...
Friend.
She was desperately running around the streets,
and she asked for my help.
That's...
Now, hang on...
If she hadn't brought Reinhard, we'd have been destroyed.
Just take a look at this face, and spare me the ice-statue punishment?
I wouldn't do anything so violent!
And what does your face have to do with—
Subaru!
She'll go for the gut!
He got in my way again.
That's enough, Elsa!
Soon enough, I'll disembowel everyone here.
Till then, take good care of your bowels.
Are you unhurt?
Whether I'm unhurt doesn't matter! More importantly,
are you all right? That was far too reckless!
Ow...
Oh, it was no problem.
I sure took the long road, but I finally reached this point.
My name is Natsuki Subaru!
And I just saved your life from a heinous villain!
Are we okay on that?
"Okay"?
It means "Are we clear on that?" So...
Okay?
O-Okay...
I, your rescuer, saved your life.
And you are the heroine I saved!
So wouldn't that mean you should repay me in kind? Wouldn't it?
All right, I get it.
Only if it's within my power, of course.
In that case, I have only one request!
Yes, my request is...
Tell me your name.
Emilia.
Huh?
My name is Emilia. Just Emilia.
Thank you, Subaru. For saving me.
All those times I got hurt, all the crying I did,
all the pain I felt, all the fighting with my life at stake...
And my reward was her name and a single smile.
Jeez...
Talk about unequal compensation.
Anyway, Subaru, I'm impressed that you're unhurt.
That thing protected me just in time.
If not for that, I'd be in two pieces right now.
True, if not for this...
Eh?
Uh-oh. I should have seen this coming.
Subaru?
Subaru!
Man...
She's so cute when she's panicking...
A parallel world fantasy...
There. His treatment is complete.
He should be over the hump now.
By the way, Emilia-sama, what is your relation to Subaru?
A passing acquaintance?
I don't recall ever meeting him before.
I thought our meeting, earlier today, was the first time.
But he was looking for you.
He said he had something to give you.
That's why it's so strange...
What shall we do with him?
I would be glad to take him home as a guest.
No, I'll take him home with me.
That way, I can learn what's really going on.
But more importantly, what will become of that girl and the old man?
Officially, I cannot overlook what they've done.
But...
Unfortunately, I'm off duty today.
You're a bad knight.
Is this old man your family?
Something like that. Old Man Rom is the only one I have...
I guess he's like my grandpa.
I see. I only have one family member, too.
But he's always asleep at the most important moments.
When he's awake, I'd never say that aloud.
I thought you'd be a lot harsher to me.
I'm sorry.
You saved my life, and I can't let a debt go unpaid.
I'll return what I stole.
If it's important, keep it hidden, so no one can steal it again!
It feels funny, having you give me that warning.
Reinhard?
You're hurting me! Let go!
How can this be?
What is your name?
Huh? It's Felt...
And your family name? How old are you?
I don't have anything fancy like a family name!
I'm... about fifteen, I think.
I don't know my birthday.
Look, just let me go!
Emilia-sama, I am afraid I cannot keep my promise to you.
I shall be taking this girl with me.
May I ask why? If it's for stealing my insignia...
That is, indeed, no small crime.
But next to the gravity of overlooking the crime unfolding before me, it's trivial.
I need you to come with me.
I'm sorry, but I cannot allow you to refuse.
Get over yourself! Just because you saved me—
That wasn't very courtly, either.
I was careful not to use too much.
Emilia-sama, I will be calling upon you soon, most likely.
I hope you understand.
Please take good care of Subaru.
Today may be the last chance we have
to gaze calmly at the moon.
Starting Life from Zero in Another World