After relocating to Shizuka, Tanaka found himself juggling two part-time jobs, one as a waiter and the other at a convenience store. During his shifts at the store, he would often notice a boy, not much younger than him, appearing at different times of the day. Sometimes in the night, sometimes in the morning, and even late at the evening when he should have been in school. The boy didn't strike Tanaka as a delinquent or troublemaker, which piqued his curiosity.
One day, seizing an opportunity, Tanaka struck up a conversation with the boy. "Aren't you supposed to be at school?" he asked, catching Subaru off guard.
He remained silent until Tanaka added: "Are you a dropout?"
Subaru then quickly responded, "I'm not! I'm just taking a break." He then turned the tables, curious about Tanaka as well. "What about you? I always see you here, and you don't seem much older than me."
Tanaka's questions came across as an interrogation, and he quickly realized his approach was too direct. Trying to ease the tension, he reassured Subaru, "Ah, don't worry, dude. I was just curious. And yeah, I am a dropout. I personally think school is overrated."
He added the last part as a consolation, hoping to provide some comfort. In truth, Tanaka believed that despite having to work, he had found both peace and freedom in choosing his own path of study. He saw the only advantage of school as obtaining a degree, which could serve as proof of qualification for certain jobs.
But Subaru just remarked, "That doesn't sound very convincing, seeing you working here full time."
Tanaka couldn't help but snap back, feeling defensive. "Shut up, I was just trying to be considerate,"
That was the last interaction he remembered having with that person.
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Tanaka: "What the hell are you doing here?"
Subaru: "That's my line, I thought I was the only one who got summoned to this fantasy world."
Tanaka: " Summoned? Fantasy world? What the hell are you talking about?"
He was shocked enough with the encounter of a familiar face, but the teenager was spouting non-sense.
Subaru grinned confidently, "That's right! This is a fantasy world, filled with magic, adventures, and the glory that awaits me."
His words seemed like pure nonsense to Tanaka, who couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.
'Great, he's as clueless as me,' Tanaka thought, realizing that Subaru's claims were as far-fetched as his own confusion.
Tanaka: " Hah, listen dude. This is not a manga and there's no such thing as magic."
Determined to debunk the idea of magic, Tanaka dismissed Subaru's words with a hint of frustration. However, his skepticism was abruptly shattered when a voice resonated in his ears, addressing him directly.
[???]: "There is no such thing as magic, huh? You sure say funny things, Tanaka."
Startled, Tanaka turned his head to locate the source of the voice. To his astonishment, he found himself face to face with a floating cat. Its gray and white fur stood out against the backdrop, and Tanaka couldn't help but stand there, momentarily dazed, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation unfolding before him.
The cat continued to speak, its voice sounding both amused and mischievous. "He's making a funny face."
Tanaka's eyes widened in disbelief as he stumbled backward, quickly retreating to the corner of the room. His heart raced, and he couldn't contain his shock. "What the fuck! That cat just spoke!"
As Tanaka continued to reel from the shock of the speaking cat, the feline entity corrected him with a hint of indignation.
Puck: "A cat? That's rude! I'm a spirit, and my name is Puck."
Tanaka, still in a state of panic, spoke with a high-pitched tone, struggling to comprehend the situation unfolding before him.
Tanaka: "THAT CAT KEEPS TALKING, AND IT'S ALSO FLOATING!"
Puck maintained its usual happy-go-lucky attitude, seemingly unfazed by Tanaka's reaction.
Puck: "Well, it's not every day you encounter a spirit like me, right? Don't worry, I won't bite. Unless you ask me to, hehe!"
Tanaka's eyes widened even further, his voice trembling as he attempted to process the absurdity of the situation.
Tanaka: "A talking floating spirit cat... That... What the fuck is that!."
Emilia and Subaru watched the exchange between Tanaka and Puck, bewildered by the whole spectacle.
Subaru: "Oh no, he doesn't have enough weeb blood in him enough to comprehend the situation."
Emilia: "Stop Puck! You are scaring him." She urged, her concern evident in her voice.
Puck, seemingly innocent and nonchalant, responded with an air of innocence.
Puck: "Ehhh, I didn't do anything."
However, in the midst of Tanaka's panic, the twins Rem and Ram appeared once again, holding a bucket of water. Without warning, they splashed Tanaka, drenching him from head to toe. The cold water shocked his system, momentarily snapping him out of his bewildered state.
Ram, with a stern tone, admonished Tanaka's reaction.
Ram: "Get a grip of yourself Tanuki, this is pathetic."
As water dripped from his soaked clothes, Tanaka found himself speechless.
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After a brief moment of silent contemplation, Tanaka retreated to the sanctuary of the mansion's grand staircase. The cool stone steps offered a temporary respite from the chaotic events that had unfolded earlier. Shivering from the combination of cold water and his racing thoughts, he sought solace in the familiar routine of his vice. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette, its slender form providing a fleeting sense of comfort.
With a flick of his lighter, a flame danced at the cigarette's end, casting a dim light on his face. Inhaling deeply, he embraced the smoke's momentary escape from his tumultuous emotions and uncertainties. Exhaling, he watched the smoke disperse into the air.
His gaze shifted towards Subaru and Emilia, who were engrossed in their warm-up exercises in the expansive garden.
'Hah, he really isn't fazed at all', Tanaka thought as he observed the two teenagers from a far.
Despite the turmoil that had unfolded, Subaru appeared remarkably unfazed, his carefree attitude shining through as he stretched his limbs alongside Emilia.
Ram: " Have you calmed down?"
Just as Tanaka settled into his thoughts, the voice of Ram pierced through the tranquility. He turned his head to face the source, finding Ram standing behind him. Her presence disrupted his momentary solitude, recalling the earlier event of getting splashed with water, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of annoyance.
Tanaka shot a glare at Ram, his voice tinged with irritation as he spoke.
Tanaka: "Hey, did you have to douse me with water like that again?"
Ram: "Tanuki was acting pathetically, so Rem and Ram had to take action."
Tanaka: "Screw off. Now it will take at least two hours for my clothes to dry."
The dampness clinging to his clothes and the chill in the air served as constant reminders of the unexpected shower he had endured. Tanaka's patience was wearing thin, and he wasn't in the mood for jokes.
Ram, seemingly undeterred by Tanaka's irritation, continued with a hint of jest in her voice.
Ram: "Yes, yes, stop crying. You're a man, aren't you?"
She added: "Plus, Tanuki didn't do anything this morning so Ram and Rem had to do morning chores and prepare lunch on their own."
Tanaka scratched the back of his head, feeling a twinge of guilt. While Ram's words were meant in jest, they held a grain of truth. It was still his job to assist them.
Tanaka: "Augh, sorry about that."
His frustration subsided, replaced by a sense of remorse. He clicked his tongue, berating himself for his negligence. But as he opened himself up to their presence, Ram approached him with an outstretched hand.
Tanaka: "What are you doi--!?"
Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden burst of air pressure struck him, causing him to lose his balance and tumble off the staircase. The sheer force of Ram's action left him more astonished than angry.
Tanaka: "What... How did you do that?"
Ram: "It's just a simple spell of wind magic, there you go, now Tanuki is dried up and ready for work."
The air around them had momentarily come alive, swirling and gusting with an unseen power. Tanaka couldn't help but marvel at the display of magic before him, a concept that had been foreign to him until now.
The wind settled, and Ram's voice cut through the quiet air.
Ram: "Have you really never heard of magic? While it might be rare in places like the Vollachian Empire, it's not unheard of. Is that perhaps where Tanuki's hometown is?"
Tanaka: "Nope, I have never heard of the Vollachian Empire or Lugunica. They are all new names to me."
'VICTORY!!'
A triumphant cheer from Subaru in the background broke the conversation's flow, drawing their attention. Subaru had completed his warm-up exercises, his voice filled with exuberance.
Ram with her gaze towards Subaru spoke up, "Tanuki and our guest seemed to know each other. Are you two acquaintances?"
Tanaka: "Acquaintances? I guess something like that. He used to buy things from the store where I worked."
Ram: "Tanuki worked at a store? That's surprising."
Tanaka: "What's there to be surpr--"
Before he could finish his sentence, the sudden arrival of Rem interrupted their conversation, her presence demanding their attention.
Rem: "Sister, Roswaal-sama has arrived."
Ram: "Tanuki can discuss these matters later. Now, let's go inform Emilia-Sama of Roswaal-Sama's arrival."
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Subaru: "Nice warm-up Emilia-Tan." Subaru said raising a thumbs up.
Emilia: "Tan? Where did Tan come from? What does it mean?"
Subaru's playful expression faltered as Emilia questioned the meaning behind the nickname "Tan."
Subaru: "Don't pay it too much attention, it's just an expression of my affection."
Emilia, unamused, dismissed his explanation.
Emilia: "There you go again, spouting nonsense."
As the conversation continued, Emilia's curiosity turned toward the connection between Subaru and Tanaka.
Emilia: "In any case, are you and Tanaka friends?"
Subaru pondered for a moment, his gaze drifting toward Tanaka, who sat on the staircase of the mansion, exhaling smoke clouds one after another.
Subaru: "Hmm, friends? Not exactly. He works at the store where I used to frequently shop. I suppose you could say we're acquaintances, but our interactions have been brief."
Emilia shifted her attention toward Subaru, her violet eyes filled with genuine interest.
Emilia: "So, where did you two come from?"
Subaru wrestled with the decision to reveal the truth about his otherworldly origins. The notion of being summoned from another world seemed too fantastical, possibly marking him as insane.
With a pensive expression, Subaru rubbed his chin and muttered to himself.
Subaru: "I should probably say I have amnesia and can't remember anything."
Emilia, keenly observant, interjected with a teasing tone.
Emilia: "I can hear you, and you've already mentioned your name is Natsuki Subaru."
Subaru's eyes widened in realization.
Subaru: "Oh, shit! You're actually paying attention to what I'm saying!"
Emilia: "Soooo, you're not going to give me a straight answer. —Well, I won't try to pry if you don't want to answer."
Subaru hesitated, his gaze shifting between Emilia and the distant figure of Tanaka.
Subaru: "It's not that I don't want to answer... It's just... It's kind of hard to explain."
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Subaru sat at a large table, his face buried in his hands, overwhelmed by embarrassment. Tanaka stood behind him, offering comforting pats on the back.
Tanaka: "Don't mind it, man. I made the same blunder when I first arrived here."
A few moments ago, everyone had been summoned back inside the mansion upon the arrival of its lord.
When Subaru first met Roswaal, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
Subaru: "Haha! You guys actually hired a clown for the meal? Man, I'll never understand how rich folks think. Haha!"
But soon, the realization of his mistake hit him like a punch to the gut.
Roswaal, unperturbed, spoke with a serene smile.
Roswaal: "It's alright. I've become quiiiiiite accustomed to that reaction."
Tanaka reassured Subaru, his hand still resting on his back.
Tanaka: "See? You won't get executed. Good for you."
Roswaal, now addressing both Subaru and Tanaka, urged them to take their seats at the large dining table.
Roswaal: "Please relax, Subaru-Kun. You are Emilia-Sama's benefactor and shall be treated as an honorable guest. And Tanaka-Kun, you should also sit so that we can continue our conversation, as it seems you are acquainted with Subaru-Kun."
Tanaka did as commanded and sat down at the large dinning table.
Seated around the table, the group displayed a diverse range of appearances. Emilia, sitting beside Subaru, was a vision with her shimmering silver hair and captivating amethyst eyes. A small and enigmatic figure named Beatrice caught the eye with her striking blonde hair and captivating blue eyes.
Roswaal, positioned at the end of the table, stood out with his eccentric attire and flamboyant makeup, reminiscent of a clown or jester. Standing together, the twins Rem and Ram showcased their unique individuality through Rem's mesmerizing blue hair and Ram's vibrant pink locks, both accentuated by their expressive eyes.
Roswaal then looked at both of them and then spoke up.
Roswaal: "I believe it might be best to start with how both of you arrived here."
Tanaka pondered for a moment, considering his response. Meanwhile, Subaru observed the scene with a calm demeanor.
Tanaka "As for me, I was about to enter my apartment's door 'my house', and then suddenly I found myself in front of this massive mansion."
Seeing that Tanaka didn't intent to hide any details, Subaru spoke up.
Subaru: "I was coming out of the convenience store, and out of the blue, I got transported to this world."
Roswaal turned to Beatrice, seeking confirmation.
Beatrice: "Betty doesn't know about the bug human, but I can confirm that the butler human arrived through teleportation. Betty sensed traces of advanced Yin Magic around the time he came."
Subaru: "Oi, there's a clear discrimination in the way you're referring to us."
Beatrice responded with a disdainful "Hmph."
Curious about this reference to Yin Magic, Tanaka inquired.
Tanaka: "Yin Magic?"
Roswaal: "With Yin Magic, it's possible to do things like teleportation."
Tanaka: "I see."
Upon that revelation, Tanaka became more convinced that his sudden arrival here has to do with magic.
Tanaka: "Anyway, like I said yesterday, we came from this country called Japan." He then added, "But I'm pretty sure that neither magic or spirits exist there."
Subaru: "I mean there might have been some people who are able to use magic somewhere in the world but are hiding it, I mean the concept already exists."
Tanaka: " No, it's unlikely. The term magic wasn't completely obscure through out the history like visual tricks and etc. And the possibility that people are not able of using magic is higher than the possibility of the existence of someone who is capable to manifesting massive air pressure or fire balls with a wave of their hands and hiding it for no apparent reason."
There were a lot of people through out the world who invested their lifes pursuing spiritualties and trying to learn things like magic. But Tanaka has never seen or heard anything like what he has witnessed today.
Despite their skepticism, everyone kept listening.
Roswaal: "I see, but something doesn't add up with what you said. Yesterday when you first came the mansion you used some sort of magic device to create a small form of fire magic."
Tanaka: "Ah, you are misunderstanding. It's not magic , It's just a device that uses friction to create a spark, which then ignites a flammable gas, producing a flame." He added, "The gas inside will eventually run out as it gets used up with each ignition."
He demonstrated the functionality of the lighter, sparking a small flame.
Tanaka continued, shifting the conversation to another topic.
Tanaka: "Another thing is the map you showed me yesterday. It appears that there are only four countries in this whole land. Am I right?"
Emilia: "Yes, there are four great countries. The Holy Kingdom of Gustavo in the north, the Kararagi states in the west, the Vollachian Empire in the south, and the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica in the east, where we currently are."
Tanaka: " I see, then do you have like means to travel between these countries, something like horse-carriages?"
Emilia: " Ah, we travel using earth dragons that carry carriages."
Tanaka: "Dragons?"
He heard the world dragons quite often since his arrival, but the concept of a giant lizard with wings carrying a carriage and transporting people still seemed far-fetched.
Subaru: "It's not the type of dragons you imagine. They are like Komodo dragons, but with the size of a big rhinoceros. I saw them when I was in the capital," Subaru chimed in.
Tanaka: "Did you see how fast they carry a carriage?" Tanaka further inquired about their speed.
Subaru pondered for a moment before responding.
Subaru: " I'm don't know but I'm pretty sure they are faster than horses, if I take a guess it's between 15 km/h and 20 km/h."
Tanaka turned his attention back to Emilia.
Tanaka: "How long does it take to travel from Lugunica to the Kararagi states?"
The series of questions seemed to confuse everyone except Subaru.
Emilia answered hesitantly.
Emilia: "I think it will take around 5 to 7 weeks."
Upon hearing her answer, Tanaka took out a sheet of paper and began writing on it. He then turned back to her and asked her again.
Tanaka: "And how about traveling from the Vollachian Empire to the Holy Kingdom of Gustavo?"
Emilia: "I'm not entirely sure, but I think it would take somewhere between 3 to 5 weeks."
Tanaka furrowed his brow, processing the information. After a brief moment, he looked up, his expression serious.
Tanaka: "It's as big as Africa, at the maximum."
His conclusion was that the world they were currently in was only the size of a single continent.
Roswaal probed further.
Roswaal:" Did you figure out anything about your situation?"
Tanaka: "How should I put this? Where I'm from, an entire land like this is called a continent. And there are six more like this, and they're even bigger."
Subaru: "It's seven, you didn't count Antarctica."
Tanaka, "Yeah sorry, I meant seven."
Tanaka tapped his pen on the table as he kept talking, " Only Six of those continents are inhabited by a large amount of people and they contain a total of countries that exceeds 192."
Tanaka: "As he said, I think that this world is completely different from the one we know or we came from, it might be the phenomenon of a parallel universe, but again it's just an assumption and I would like to hear your thoughts first."
Supernatural stuff like magic, sprits and even dragons are part of their world, so it's not completely absurd for them to assume they know something about the existence of parallel worlds.
Emilia: "So basically, you are saying that you two are from the great cascade."
With that statement, both Subaru and Tanaka received an unexpected answer.