Just as he once said, life is about stumbling and growing amidst ups and downs.
Natsuki Subaru would have to go through an even more painful process to understand this.
"What a profound depiction, I still need to learn more from sensei and strive to write a high-level work like yours someday…"
Seeing this, Gokou Ruri mumbled to herself, her fingers lightly pinching, and she turned the page to continue the story.
The conversation with Emilia made Natsuki Subaru want to isolate himself.
[It's okay, I'm trying.]
That was the excuse he gave himself.
He numbed himself in sword practice, temporarily forgetting his troubles.
For an ordinary person, when facing a predicament, those who can bravely push forward are always few; most people choose to escape.
Although escaping cannot solve problems, for him, who possesses Return by Death, as long as he stays away from this vortex, he can live an easy life…
But how could he do that?
This is the main storyline, and he is the protagonist; he cannot escape his destiny.
So, at this time, a character should be arranged to comfort him, and that, of course, is Rem.
Compared to others, they had truly fought side by side in a life-or-death struggle, and their two hearts could now put aside their differences and sincerely confide in each other.
"Why did you stay with a pathetic me? Was it because you were ordered to?"
"Thinking you're pathetic and staying together are not contradictory. Even if no one ordered her to, Rem would definitely stay."
"Why?"
"Because Rem wants to."
The young man received some comfort from the maid and tried to step out again.
His conversation with Crusch changed his resolve, and the Sword Demon declared that he no longer needed to practice swordsmanship.
A turning point also appeared at the right time.
Emilia was once again in danger, and even though his injuries hadn't fully healed, he, having regained his composure, chose to return to Emilia's side.
Because he understood that Emilia could only rely on him.
Although it was a show of bravado, a young man who isn't a bit wild hasn't truly lived!
Return by Death served as his trump card, maintaining his courage.
And during their journey's accommodation, Rem's almost confessional moment allowed everyone's tense hearts to experience tenderness once more.
But it was still that common writing trope for evoking emotions—contrast!
The more heartwarming it was, the more cruel it would be afterward, making the impact on readers even more intense.
Rem left a letter and departed, and he, riding Otto's ground dragon, rushed to their destination.
But what followed was a horrifying scene.
Whether it was the sight of corpses scattered across the village or the tragic state of Rem and the others in the castle, it tormented his heart.
This was a much crueler scene than any previous Return by Death.
Finally, Return by Death in the midst of ice…
The confidence he had just regained was once again heavily shattered, everything vanishing like smoke.
Then, he drifted aimlessly through the subsequent loops, finally regaining a bit of clarity only through Rem's selfless death as a sacrifice. However, what he saw next was a scene that would turn the world into an eternal frozen wasteland.
His head fell off.
But that didn't matter.
Driven by his anger and killing intent towards the Sloth Archbishop, Natsuki Subaru welcomed the next Return by Death… and the next struggle.
"Phew, it makes one feel so hopeless and suppressed. It feels even more upsetting than the previous Madoka and Demon Slayer," Usami Suzune said after putting down the book and taking a deep breath.
"Perhaps the focus is different. I've also read the teacher's other works. Demon Slayer still follows the royal road of passionate action, and Madoka's plot in this regard was kept as brief as possible…" Shino Aki said softly.
"Just because of the Return by Death setting, he can abuse the protagonist endlessly? This Old Thief is truly despicable! Well, it looks like Natsuki Subaru has recovered, so he should be cleaning up the mess now, right?" Usami Suzune mused.
"Strike while the iron is hot, then it wanes, then it's exhausted… and then clarity? Perhaps it's not that easy. The next part of the story shouldn't progress so quickly." Senju Muramasa gently shook her head.
"Why do you say that, Kohana?" Usami Suzune turned her head, her eyes full of anticipation.
Her own insights were generally average, so her saying this also meant she wanted her childhood friend to elaborate.
"Because this incident hasn't fully unfolded yet. To resolve it, he will definitely have to take some more detours. If the protagonist's setting is to be maintained, then passing through it won't be so simple…" Senju Muramasa slowly explained.
"Eh, so… he's going to be tormented again!? How many times does he have to die before he's satisfied?" Usami Suzune showed a pitiful expression.
"Subaru and Rem, I can only wish you good luck! I'm sorry, Izumi-sensei is too cruel." Shino Aki said with a praying expression.
…
"Compared to others, I prefer Rem. No matter what danger occurs, she will protect the protagonist without hesitation…" Kani Nayuta was quite moved after finishing this volume's story.
Rem's performance here undoubtedly made others pale in comparison. After going through the capture process, what one gains is such a maid who only gives to you. It's truly enviable.
"Senpai, I want to be your Miss Rem too!" A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"It's a pity, Senpai isn't that weak and doesn't have that need. It's such a shame…" Kani Nayuta thought with great regret.
…
"Fortunately, it stopped after Return by Death. If it had stopped at the part in the snow, it really would have driven people to despair and death!" Eriri covered her chest, feeling a certain spot was truly clogged up.
She understood this was a feeling that would arise after watching some excellent works.
The more empathy it evokes, the more intense the pain.
"From what I see, Chihiro's goal in writing isn't to become a light novel master, but to 'make the world feel pain'!"
The twin-tailed girl began to mutter.
… …
"Ah-choo!"
Izumi Chihiro sneezed.
"What's wrong, Ni-san? Do you have a cold?"
Sagiri looked up, her small, palm-sized face full of concern.
"Nothing, I might have caught a chill last night. I'll be fine after some hot water."
He replied.
"Oh."
Sagiri nodded, then held up her phone and said, "Ni-san, this volume seems to be a bit too cruel! Everyone is indignant!"
"Isn't it natural for ordinary people to struggle when trying to do something very difficult?"
He explained casually.
"Hmm, it seems so, but I always feel like something isn't quite right… Well, it doesn't matter, anyway, the focus of everyone's discussion will change soon."
A flicker of doubt appeared in Sagiri's eyes, then she cast it aside.
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💯 PS = 2 bonus chapter