The sewer tunnel was a cold, dark maze, but Felt, with his streetwise instincts, navigated it with ease. Subaru, on the other hand, struggled with every step. Blood soaked his shirt, and the pain in his abdomen was a constant, a sharp reminder of the brutal reality of this world.
He forced himself to keep up with Felt, limping, leaning against the damp walls as fatigue threatened to overwhelm him.
"We're almost there," Felt whispered, his voice echoing in the narrow passage. "There's an exit near the shopping district, not far from the main street."
Relief flooded Subaru. A nearby save point, a chance to rest, and, most importantly, to get closer to the main quest.
[Active Main Quest: Survive the night in the capital.]
[Objective: Secure the path to Roswaal's mansion.]
[Reward: 100 EXP, 5 SP, System Shop Unlock.]
The quest was still active. That meant he hadn't reached the safe point yet. He had to get the badge back to Emilia, and then, to the mansion.
Finally, a blast of fresh air and a faint glow of light appeared. Felt pushed open a rusty metal grate, and they stepped out into a less crowded alley behind a row of shops.
The smell of food and the murmur of the city were a balm to his senses.
"Now, Roswaal's mansion?" Felt asked, looking at Subaru curiously. "That's a bit far for someone as injured as you."
"I know," Subaru panted, leaning against a brick wall, trying to catch his breath. "But it's the only way you'll get your reward back and for me to be safe."
Felt hesitated for a moment. He wasn't the most compassionate person, but saving her from Elsa had created a tenuous bond.
"Look, I'll take you to the mansion, but I want my share of the reward when the badge returns to the silver-haired girl," Felt said, with her usual pragmatism.
""Deal," Subaru nodded, a weak smile on his lips. He knew Felt would keep her word. She was greedy, but she had her own code.
The walk to the mansion was agonizing. Subaru's wound continued to bleed, and his vision began to blur at times; the pain was so great that he even stumbled.
Felt, despite her size, helped him stay on his feet, sometimes almost dragging him through the less-traveled streets. They avoided the crowds, and with each step, Subaru felt himself approaching the edge.
Finally, the imposing figure of Roswaal's mansion came into view. A massive building with unique architecture, it radiated a sense of power and mystery, even in the darkness of the night.
"We're here," Felt said, stopping at the front door. "Now what?"
Subaru slumped against the door, slamming the heavy knocker with a trembling hand. "Knock... knock." The door, Felt. And when they open it... tell them you have Emilia's insignia. Say Rom and I sent you."
Felt nodded and knocked on the door with more force than Subaru could have mustered. A few moments later, the door slowly opened, revealing a familiar figure.
A young woman with blue hair and large eyes, holding a candle. Rem.
Rem looked at Felt, then her eyes widened at the sight of Subaru, bloodied and collapsed.
"You guys!" Rem exclaimed, her voice ringing with a mixture of surprise and alarm.
"We have Miss Emilia's insignia," Felt spoke quickly, holding up the small, glittering piece. "This guy... Subaru... helped us escape from an assassin. And he said he'd take us here to retrieve his reward."
Rem, though cautious, seemed to process the information. Her gaze softened slightly at Subaru's condition.
"Quickly go inside." "He needs a doctor," Rem said, opening the door wider.
Subaru crawled inside the mansion, falling to the ground once the door closed behind them. The last thing he saw before darkness enveloped him was Rem's worried face and Emilia's taller figure appearing beside her.
And then, everything went black.
[Main Quest Complete: Survive the Night in the Capital!]
[Objective: Secure the Path to Roswaal's Mansion Completed!]
[Reward: 100 EXP, 5 SP, System Shop Unlock!]
A flurry of notifications appeared before his eyes, even as his consciousness faded.
[Natsuki Subaru has leveled up!]
[Level: 1 -> 2]
[Current Attributes:
* Strength: 5
* Agility: 6
* Stamina: 6
* Intelligence: 11
* Charisma: 5
* Luck: 1
[You have received 5 Attribute Points (AP) to distribute.]
[System Shop Unlocked!]
[Accessing the System Shop for the first time... Welcome!]
Subaru couldn't help but smile weakly before sinking into unconsciousness. He had done it. He had completed the first objective. The game had begun in earnest.