The morning begins with a familiar, soft knock on Subaru's door. He groans, rubbing his eyes, still caught between dreams and waking.
"Good morning, Subaru-kun" comes Rem's sweet, gentle voice. She stands in the doorway, wearing her maid uniform, a soft smile lighting her face. "It's time to get up."
Subaru sighs dramatically, pulling his blanket over his head, trying to buy a few more minutes. "Rem, can't a guy sleep a little longer? Beauty sleep is essential, you know."
Rem chuckles softly, stepping closer. "Everyone is waiting for you at the dining table, Subaru-kun. You wouldn't want to keep them waiting, would you?"
With a groan, Subaru finally stirs, throwing off his blanket. "Alright, alright. Give me a few minutes."
He quickly goes about his morning routine, changing into his usual outfit, washing his face, and mentally preparing himself for another day filled with chores, training, and, if luck favors, a few moments with Emilia. Fully awake, he makes his way down the grand hall to the dining room.
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Subaru enters the dining hall to find a lively, bustling scene. Roswaal is seated at the head of the table. Emilia also sat in a seat adjacent to him, looking radiant as always, her silver hair shimmering in the morning sunlight. Beside her sits Beatrice, pouting as she stirs her tea. Ram is busy serving dishes with her usual elegance, though her expression remains stoic and unreadable.
As Subaru takes his seat, Rem appears with a tray and gently places a steaming plate in front of him, her gaze lingering with a hint of warmth. "Your breakfast, Subaru-kun." she says softly.
He grins up at her. "Thanks, Rem. You're a lifesaver."
Seated across from him, Emilia gives Subaru a bright smile. "Good morning, Subaru. You're looking cheerful today."
Subaru chuckles, rubbing the back of his head. "How could I not be? I get to start my day with all of you! A meal is always better with good company."
Beatrice scoffs, glancing up from her tea. "Honestly, you're just saying that because you're getting free food, in fact."
Subaru shoots her a playful grin. "Come on, Beako, you know you'd miss me if I didn't show up for breakfast."
Beatrice's cheeks turn pink, and she huffs, turning away. "I would most certainly not, I suppose."
Emilia giggles, enjoying the banter. "You two really have an interesting relationship. It's nice to see you so close."
Ram approaches Subaru with her usual, cool expression. "Barusu, don't get too comfortable. There's work to be done after breakfast."
"I'll be ready!" Subaru declares, already planning to slip out of the more tedious chores if he can. His mind, however, drifts to the Omnitrix—his divine protection—and his upcoming training session.
While they eat, Subaru notices a faint, almost shy smile on Rem's face as she quietly watches him. Catching her gaze, he raises an eyebrow, unable to resist teasing her a little. "Rem, you keep looking at me like that—I might start thinking you've got a crush on me."
Rem's cheeks redden, and she fumbles with her napkin. "I-I… was just wondering if you slept well, Subaru-kun."
Emilia laughs, finding their interaction endearing. "Subaru, don't tease her. Rem is always looking out for you."
Subaru grins, a warmth spreading in his chest at Emilia's words. "You're right, Emilia-tan. I'll be good." He looks back at Rem. "Thanks, Rem. I really do appreciate you."
Ram rolls her eyes, irritated. "If you two are finished, we do have work to get done today."
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After breakfast, Subaru and Rem head to the gardens, a routine they've adopted since the manor's quiet days began. Together, they trim the hedges, water the plants, and even plant new flowers under Rem's guidance.
As the days go by, Rem's affection for Subaru becomes more apparent. She's always nearby, quietly offering assistance, and her once cold demeanour has melted into a caring presence. She starts making subtle attempts to get closer to Subaru, though she's still reserved in her approach.
This afternoon, as they're tending to the garden together, Rem hands Subaru a flower.
"This one suits you," she says with a soft blush on her cheeks. "I thought it might brighten your day."
Subaru grins, accepting the flower with a playful wink. "Thanks, Rem. If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to win me over with flowers."
Rem's blush deepens, but she says nothing, just smiling as they continue working. Her quiet attempts to express her feelings are endearing. Moments like these are her way of showing affection, and though Subaru feels the shift in her demeanour, he's careful not to push too hard. He's come to deeply value her quiet companionship
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In the midst of these peaceful days, Subaru never stops training with the Omnitrix. His transformations have become smoother, his transitions faster, and his combat skills have significantly improved. He's able to switch between Humungousaur's brute strength, Big Chill's stealth, and Echo Echo's numbers with ease, and he's even learned to control the delicate balance required for Swampfire's regenerative abilities.
Ram, who happens to pass by with a basket of laundry, pauses to observe Subaru transforming into Echo Echo, splitting into multiple copies to spar against himself. She raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.
"Barusu, what exactly do you think you're doing? Is this training or some form of play?"
Subaru, now in three forms of Echo Echo, shrugs and laughs, "Why not both? I call it 'multi-tasking genius mode!'"
Ram rolls her eyes but lingers, secretly intrigued as Subaru shifts between forms with impressive fluidity. She finally crosses her arms, sighing. "Just don't make a mess, Barusu. If I have to clean up after your… antics, I'll charge you extra." She left saying that.
As Subaru trains diligently with his divine protection, his growing mastery over each alien form brings a newfound confidence. Each transformation feels smoother, each ability sharper, and he's begun to strategize in ways he hadn't thought possible before. Jetray's speed, Humungousaur's strength, Big Chill's stealth—all blend seamlessly as Subaru learns to wield each form like an extension of himself. With every success, he feels a thrill of invincibility, a tantalizing taste of true power.
Then, one afternoon, while perfecting Spider monkey's acrobatics, he feels an unfamiliar pulse, deep within his divine protection—a subtle, rhythmic sensation that's new, intriguing, and strangely insistent. Subaru halts mid-air, feeling his heart pound as he reaches out mentally, focusing on this mysterious signal. It grows louder, a hum resonating through his mind and chest, and as he concentrates, something incredible happens.
A voice, calm and ancient, echoes in his mind: "Ultimate transformation unlocked."
Subaru stares down at his divine protection in shock, unable to believe what he's hearing. This wasn't a mere form shift or ability he'd already known; this was something entirely new, something beyond what he'd believed possible. His divine protection, once limited to basic transformations, had now revealed a hidden layer of power, as if rewarding him for his dedication and skill.
A rush of excitement floods through him. He feels his entire body vibrate with energy, as though the divine protection is awakening his very core to this new potential. Ultimate transformation? The idea alone sends shivers down his spine.
Testing it cautiously, he reaches out to feel for this new power. He senses a path to each alien form he's already mastered, but now, with a twist—something fiercer, untamed, and undeniably powerful. Subaru's breath catches. With Ultimate Echo Echo, he feels the potential to unleash shockwaves that could level mountains. With Ultimate Humungousaur, he senses strength beyond anything he'd felt before, missiles forming on his arms as if prepared for battle.
The thrill is intoxicating. The thought of what he could do with these transformations—how unstoppable he could be—is overwhelming. "So, there's even more to this divine protection than I thought," Subaru mutters to himself, a grin spreading across his face. His heartbeat quickens, not with fear, but with exhilaration.
The Omnitrix had been his divine gift, something that made him stand out in this world. But with these Ultimate forms, he could become something more—a force to be reckoned with, a hero powerful enough to protect everyone, to truly stand against the greatest threats without fear.
"Just you wait, world." He clenches his fists, feeling his divine protection hum warmly in response. "With this new power, I'm going to protect everything and everyone important to me. I won't let anything stop me from becoming the OP isekai protagonist."
Subaru, filled with an electrifying sense of destiny, takes a deep breath, preparing to explore these Ultimate forms. The journey that lies ahead suddenly feels boundless, and for the first time, he's not just surviving—he's ready to face any challenge, ready to carve his own path with power he hadn't even dreamed of.
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Despite his training and newfound powers, Subaru's heart remains firmly anchored to his relationships, particularly with Emilia and Rem. That evening, Subaru manages to coax Emilia into a walk around the manor grounds. As they stroll through the gardens, Subaru weaves exaggerated tales of his heroism back in his world, hoping to impress her.
"And there I was, single-handedly saving everyone! They cheered my name, 'Subaru, Subaru, Subaru!' The girls were in awe, I tell you, Emilia-tan!"
Emilia laughs, her violet eyes dancing with amusement. "You have quite the imagination, Subaru. It sounds like you had a very… active life."
Subaru's face turns serious, and he gives her a heartfelt grin. "Active, yeah. But I think I'm finally doing something worthwhile here, thanks to you, Emilia-tan."
Emilia blushes, glancing away shyly. Subaru feels his heart flutter, and though she still doesn't see him in a romantic light, these quiet moments feel precious.
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Next day, Rem suggests a trip to the village. Subaru is surprised but happily agrees, and they spend the afternoon helping villagers and browsing the local shops. Rem quietly guides Subaru through the shops, her eyes lighting up as they examine small trinkets and handcrafted items.
At one point, she pauses in front of a small pendant, holding it up for Subaru's inspection.
"Do you think this would suit you, Subaru?" she asks, her tone hopeful.
Subaru raises an eyebrow, smirking. "Are you trying to dress me up, Rem? I didn't know you were into accessorizing me!"
Rem stifles a laugh, her cheeks pink. "I only thought it might suit you… But never mind, it was just a thought."
Subaru quickly snatches up the pendant and wears it proudly, giving her a thumbs-up. "If Rem thinks it suits me, then it's officially cool!"
Rem's smile is small but warm, and they continue their outing, sharing comfortable silence and gentle laughter. Subaru is fully aware of her growing feelings, and he's come to treasure her affection.
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In the village, they're greeted by a small whirlwind of excitement—Petra, who rushes to meet Subaru with boundless enthusiasm.
"Subaru! You're here again! Did you come to see me?" she asks, her eyes wide with admiration.
Subaru chuckles, bending down to ruffle her hair. "Of course, Petra! How could I resist seeing my favourite little fan?"
Petra blushes, her face lighting up. Her crush is innocent but sweet, and Subaru plays along, never failing to make her feel special. It's moments like these that remind him of how much this village means to him—and how far he's willing to go to protect it.
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One evening, as everyone gathers in the manor's lounge, Subaru's playful energy lights up with an idea. He claps his hands to get everyone's attention.
"Hey, let's play a game to liven things up! How about... the King's Game!" he announces, earning curious looks from everyone.
Emilia tilts her head, her brows knitting in confusion. "The King's Game? Subaru, is that some kind of royal tradition?"
Subaru laughs, shaking his head. "Not exactly, Emilia-tan! It's a game where one person—the King—gets to give an order, and everyone else has to follow it. But no crazy orders, don't worry!"
Ram folds her arms, unimpressed. "Barusu, do you really expect us to play along with such a childish game?"
"Oh, don't be a spoilsport, Ram!" Subaru teases, winking at her. "Besides, everyone's welcome to play. It's fun, I promise!"
After a bit of convincing, and Roswaal's enthusiastic "Oh-ho, I would delight in a gaaaaame like this!" everyone finally agrees. Puck and Beatrice, usually skeptical of Subaru's antics, perk up at the idea, and soon everyone is gathered in a circle, drawing sticks numbered from 1 to 7 to decide who the first "King" will be. No names allowed—only numbers.
As the first sticks are drawn, Rem lets out a satisfied hum and raises her own with the number "1." A confident gleam sparks in her eyes as she declares, "Looks like I'm the King, and I know my first order!"
Subaru braces himself as Rem, holding the King's stick with a glint of mischief in her eyes, surveys the group. "Number 5," she declares with a confident smirk, "must spend the whole day tomorrow at my side, helping me with anything I ask."
She grins, certain that she's reeled Subaru in for some well-deserved attention. But then, Emilia lifts her own stick and blinks, surprised to see the number 5 on it. "Oh, it's me?" Emilia says, looking over at Rem with a curious smile.
Rem's expression falters as her plan backfires. Her cheeks flush just a bit, and she fumbles, trying to save face. "Ah… yes, Emilia-sama, I thought you might… enjoy the company."
Subaru stifles a laugh, watching the scene unfold. "Looks like someone was hoping to give a certain someone a personal task list."
Emilia tilts her head, still smiling. "I'd love to help you tomorrow, Rem!"
"Of course, Emilia-sama," Rem replies, though her cheeks are now slightly pink. Ram, observing her sister's thwarted plan, lets out a small chuckle, enjoying Rem's flustered reaction.
The game continues, with each round getting a little wilder. When Beatrice draws the King's stick, she narrows her eyes, looking around. "I command number 4," she says, "to carry me around the room like a queen." She glances at her stick and smirks as Subaru's face falls—he's number 4 again.
Subaru lifts Beatrice, who clings to his neck, muttering, "You best hold me carefully, I suppose," but there's a tiny smile on her face as he carries her around, eliciting laughter from the group.
When it's Puck's turn as the King, he flicks his tail mischievously. "Alright, number 2 and number 7 must stand on one leg and recite a silly poem about how much they love carrots!"
Ram and Roswaal glance at their sticks, realizing they're the ones chosen. Ram scowls but follows through, making up a surprisingly poetic tribute to carrots, while Roswaal joins in with exaggerated flair, much to the delight of everyone else.
In the following round, Emilia draws the King's stick, looking at her number in surprise before taking on a serious, almost regal demeanour. "Number 8," she declares, "you must give a sincere compliment to everyone here!"
Rem, holding the number 8 stick, doesn't shy away. She starts with Emilia. "Emilia-sama, your kindness is inspiring, and your strength as a leader shines through." She moves around the circle, her compliments bold and genuine, until she gets to Subaru.
"And Subaru…" she pauses, her gaze softening, "your courage, even when you're afraid, is what makes you a hero. Thank you for always being here."
Subaru blushes, speechless, and the room falls silent, the sincerity of Rem's words leaving a lasting impression. She's never been one to hold back her intentions, and everyone feels the warmth behind her words.
Finally, Subaru draws the King's stick, his eyes gleaming with mischief. He smirks, looking around, and with a dramatic pause, calls out, "Number 3, come and sit on my lap for the rest of this round!"
Everyone looks down at their sticks, and Emilia's face flushes a deep red as she realizes she's holding the number 3. Hesitating, she inches forward, settling onto Subaru's lap, her face a mixture of embarrassment and amusement as he beams with pride.
Subaru can hardly contain his excitement, savoring the moment as Emilia leans back, her face flushed. He grins from ear to ear, his heart racing.
"Well, I guess my luck's finally turned around," Subaru says, winking dramatically at the group. "Here I was thinking I'd be stuck in a training session tomorrow, but instead, I get this—Emilia-tan sitting on my lap. Truly, I must have been a saint in my past life!"
Emilia's face turns an even deeper shade of red, while the others chuckle. Puck gives a low whistle, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Well, Subaru, seems like you've found the real treasure of this game," Puck teases, his feline grin widening.
Subaru chuckles nervously, rubbing the back of his head. "Yeah, well… I won't let my newfound luck go to waste. I'll take full advantage of this blessing... though I don't think I'm ready for all this attention from the beautiful ladies of the manor," he adds, striking a mock heroic pose.
Puck's grin shifts into a more serious, though still playful, expression. "Listen here, kid," he warns, his tone light but with an edge, "you've got yourself a pretty good deal, but don't you go trying anything funny. I've got eyes everywhere—everywhere," Puck says, flicking his tail in Subaru's direction with a wink.
Subaru freezes for a moment, then laughs nervously. "Whoa, hey! What kind of funny business do you think I'd get up to? I'm just enjoying the moment, that's all!" He waves his hands in front of him, a bit too enthusiastically.
Puck raises an eyebrow, his cat-like eyes narrowing. "Keep it that way, Subaru. No funny business. Or I'll make sure to really make you regret it."
Emilia looks between the two, her face still flushed but a smile tugging at her lips. "Puck, don't tease him too much," she says, her voice soft but warm.
Subaru, still laughing awkwardly, grins. "No promises, Emilia-tan. But I swear, I won't do anything weird—unless it's part of the game, of course!"
Rem, still eyeing them from the side, crosses her arms with a small, mischievous smile. "I wouldn't get too comfortable, Subaru-kun. The game's only just started."
Subaru gives a dramatic sigh, his hands raised as if to the heavens. "I'm just trying to thank my lucky stars here, Rem. Don't ruin my moment!"
Rem watches with a hopeful, longing look, her heart filled with envy. She can't help but wish she were in Emilia's place, feeling a pang as she sees the closeness between Subaru and Emilia. Roswaal's hearty laugh breaks the tension, and Puck snickers in amusement, his tail swishing with delight.
As the game continues, the orders grow bolder, and laughter echoes through the manor, filling it with warmth. With each playful command and spirited response, they bond even further—a family bound by shared moments, mischievous grins, and memories that will last well beyond this one night.