Chapter 137: A New Plan
Opening his eyes once again, Natsuki Subaru looked at the scene before him and let out a bitter smile. The save point had changed.
The current point in time was when he had already reunited with Julius and the others, right before the strategy meeting.
"Thank you all very much for agreeing to come with me on this adventure. But before we head out, there's some information about the Witch Cult I need to share."
"Huh? Didn't you already tell us everything about the Witch Cult? Weren't we about to set off?"
Hearing that, Subaru froze for a moment—realizing he had slightly misjudged the timing of the new save point. But it didn't matter much.
"Yeah, I did explain already. But after thinking it over just now, I realized there might be some information I missed... and possible things that could happen."
Seeing that everyone was now paying attention and showing serious expressions, Subaru finally began to speak.
"First off, I realized that my plan might run into some problems. The Witch Cult is hiding in the forest. With such a large group heading toward the village, there's no way the cult won't notice our movement."
"If that happens, our actions will be completely exposed. There's a very high chance we'll be attacked right when we're busy evacuating the villagers."
"Also, regarding the Sin Archbishop from the Witch Cult—his attack is indeed invisible, but it probably still has a physical form. For instance, if the invisible attack is stained with blood, its shape might become faintly visible."
"And the most crucial point—I'm starting to suspect that this ability might not be unique to just the Sin Archbishop."
"All of this is based on my own speculation, and I can't guarantee it's all accurate. But in our current situation, we have no choice but to treat these assumptions as fact. That's the only way to avoid unnecessary casualties."
"That makes sense. What Lord Subaru says is reasonable. With such little intel, every possible scenario must be treated seriously. It will help us in battle."
Wilhelm's words brought closure to the issue, much to Subaru's relief.
He had been worried someone would question the credibility or source of his information. If that had happened, he wasn't sure what kind of lie he would've had to tell to fool them all.
With Wilhelm's comment, no one else seemed interested in probing further.
"So, Subaru, should we change the plan? A big group can't sneak into the village, and even if they manage to enter, the villagers won't trust them. That would work against us."
"I've already come up with an idea for that... Since the enemy is hiding in the forest, let's force them out and eliminate them. Even if we can't wipe them all out, we can at least draw the Witch Cult's attention. During that time, the rest of you can evacuate the villagers."
"Draw them out? How do you plan on luring out the Witch Cult?"
Subaru recalled what Petelgeuse had said when they first met.
"As much as I hate to admit it... the scent on my body might not only attract demon beasts—it could also make me mistaken for a member of the Witch Cult."
Seeing the shocked expressions around him, Subaru didn't offer much more explanation.
He had long forgotten something important—that time when Rem had shown hostility toward him, she had mentioned the stench of the Witch Cult on him.
After everything had settled, and Rem's attitude toward him had changed, he had forgotten all about the smell that clung to him.
Even if he couldn't smell it himself, and most people around him couldn't either—when he thought about it, Beatrice had also seemed capable of detecting that particular scent, one that only certain people could notice.
"Don't look at me like that—I don't know what the deal is either. I don't smell anything weird on myself.
But someone did tell me this before, so I'm willing to use myself as bait and test it out. Worst case, even if it fails, we don't really lose anything."
"No way! This plan might sound reasonable, but your body hasn't fully recovered yet, Subaru! You can't go risking your life!"
"I'm fine. Really, I've fully recovered. If you don't believe me, you can check me right now."
Felix didn't believe a word of it. But when he walked over and began inspecting Subaru's body, his expression shifted to one of surprise.
Because, in truth, Subaru's body was in very good condition—possibly even stronger than before.
"Alright, that's enough touching."
Subaru looked awkwardly at Felix, whose hands were still roaming his body with curiosity.
"Weird... This doesn't make sense. There's no way I'd misdiagnose this... Subaru, are you really human?"
"That's rude! Of course I'm a full-blooded human!"
Pushing Felix's hand away, Subaru's expression turned serious.
"Now it's time for the most important announcement. There is... a member of the Witch Cult hiding among our group."
"Well, Felix?"
"Just as you said. There's a strange sorcerer inside this guy's body."
"I also found some unstable materials on the dragon carriage."
Subaru turned his head to see the bag Julius was holding.
"I've already performed emergency stabilization. Everything inside is under control now."
Subaru nodded and said,
"Thanks. If that stuff exploded, it would've been a real mess."
After saying that, he crouched down and used his sword to cut off a piece of cloth from the opponent's clothing.
Only after wiping the blood from his blade did he finally sheath it.
Watching Subaru's swift and clean swordwork, Felix couldn't help but doubt whether this was the same Natsuki Subaru he had always known.
"Alright, let's get moving. We can't guarantee that the Witch Cult doesn't have a way to detect when their members die. It's best to act quickly."
After saying that, Subaru turned and climbed onto Patrasche's back.
"Let's split into two groups. The letter I wrote has already been sent out. Felix, I'm counting on you to take the merchants and evacuate the villagers."
"Got it. Let's meet in the village later."
"Sounds good."
Everything now set in motion, Subaru turned to look at the fully prepared combat team behind him.
"Move out!"
With Subaru leading the way, the battle group ran toward the forest in the distance.
Sitting atop Patrasche, Subaru wasn't feeling particularly good at the moment.
Even though it was his own decision to stay and resolve this situation... the problems caused by the Witch Cult had cost him his chance to return home.
"Tch... I was even acting all tough, saying I'd find my own way home... and now I'm stuck here again. Damn it."
Despite his frustration, Subaru had obtained some useful information from the god.
He now knew that his power truly reset the entire world—it wasn't some parallel-world-jumping ability.
That news, at least, was comforting.
As long as he kept moving forward like this, everyone would eventually be able to live peaceful, happy lives.
He alone would carry the weight of the sadness and pain.