Puck's warning echoed in Subaru's mind, an ominous melody that mingled with the constant pang of the Return Vision. The curse of Arlam Village. There was no time to waste. Hiroto's knowledge merged with the urgency of the system: he had to act, and fast. And for that, he needed Rem's help.
He found her in the kitchen, preparing tea with her usual efficiency. Ram was sitting at the table, polishing a set of cutlery with a distracted look.
"Rem, Ram, I need to talk to you," Subaru said, entering the kitchen with an air of seriousness he had rarely used. His enhanced Charisma gave him a confidence the original Subaru would never have possessed.
Rem turned, her blue eyes flashing with surprise. Ram raised an eyebrow, her smile teasing for a moment.
"What is it, Subaru-kun?" Rem asked, noticing the urgency in her voice.
"It's about Arlam Village," Subaru began. Rem and Ram exchanged a look. "I've been feeling something strange. A... premonition, I guess. I feel like the village is in danger. A curse, or something worse, is approaching."
Ram snorted. "Barusu, now you fancy yourself a fortune teller? Your perception is as keen as a... um, a snail's."
[Charisma Obstacle: Meeting Resistance.]
[No reward. Ram is immune to simple Charisma.]
The system confirmed it. Ram was a tough nut to crack. But Rem... Rem was different.
"It's not a fortune teller, Ram. It's a feeling. The same one I had before Elsa appeared in the alley," Subaru said, turning to Rem. "It's strong, and growing clearer. I think the village is in grave danger. The children, Rem... they could be in danger."
The mention of the village's children made Rem's expression tighten. She had a genuine attachment to the villagers, especially the younger ones. It was one of her responsibilities to look after them.
"What kind of danger, Subaru-kun?" Rem asked, her voice now filled with concern.
"I'm not sure of the details, but I sense a malevolence, something creeping in the shadows," Subaru continued, discreetly activating his Return Vision.
A sharp pang in his chest told him he was right. "I know Lord Roswaal doesn't want you anywhere near the village right now for some reason, but this is different. This is an imminent threat."
Ram, surprisingly, remained silent, listening. The seriousness in Subaru's voice was unusual.
"I need to go to the village. And Rem, I need your help," Subaru said, looking directly into the demon's eyes. "I know it's your duty to protect the mansion, but it's also your duty to protect the villagers. If we go now, perhaps we can avert a disaster."
Rem hesitated. Her loyalty to Roswaal was absolute, but so was her sense of duty and her affection for the villagers.
"If it were such a great threat, Lord Roswaal would have sensed it," Ram interrupted, though her voice lacked its usual mockery.
"Perhaps Roswaal senses it, but doesn't act," Subaru thought, but didn't say it aloud. Instead, he focused on the emotion. "Ram, Rem, do you remember the village children? Their smiles, their innocence. If something were to happen to them, could we forgive ourselves for not doing anything?"
Rem's expression twisted with anguish. The doubt was gone. Her decision was made.
"I'll go with you, Subaru-kun," Rem said, her voice firm. "If there's a threat to the villagers, it's my duty to protect them."
[Charisma Obstacle Overcome: Securing the Loyalty and Support of a Key Ally.]
[Reward: 25 EXP, Charisma Increase: 10 -> 11.]
[Natsuki Subaru has leveled up!]
[Level: 3 -> 4]
[You have received 5 Attribute Points (AP) to distribute.]
The wave of notifications was overwhelming. Another level! And a significant EXP increase for convincing Rem. This was crucial.
"Rem, you're the best!" Subaru exclaimed, feeling a wave of relief and gratitude.
Ram stood up from her seat. "Hmph. If Rem goes, I'll go too. I can't let my little sister get into trouble with an idiot like you, Barusu."
Subaru was surprised. He hadn't expected Ram to join in. It was an unexpected victory, and a very valuable one.
"Ram! Thank you!" Subaru said, genuinely grateful.
Ram just snorted, but Subaru swore he saw a small, almost imperceptible smile on her lips.
"We must go now," Rem said determinedly. "Before Miss Emilia or Lord Roswaal notices our absence. If Roswaal knows, he might stop us."
Subaru nodded. The urgency was clear. Three against the village's imminent danger. With Hiroto's knowledge and the system, the Vision of Return, and Rem and Ram's power, the odds were much better than in the original loop.
As they discreetly left the mansion, Subaru opened his Status Window. He had 5 new Attribute Points. He decided to invest them in what would be most useful for the upcoming battle.
* Strength: 9 -> 11
* Agility: 10 -> 12
* Stamina: 8 -> 9
He now had Strength 11, Agility 12, and Stamina 9. He wasn't a warrior yet, but he was far from the defenseless Subaru Natsuki. And he had a mission: to protect the children of Arlam Village.