The "Return Vision" was a disturbing ability. Subaru had activated it several times in the following days, and each time, a pang in his chest indicated the approach of danger. It was like a death radar, a premonition that intensified as disaster approached. And each pang felt stronger when he thought of Arlam Village.
Time passed quickly, too quickly. Subaru knew the incident involving the demon dog curse was just around the corner. Several days had passed since his "rescue" in the capital, and his week at the mansion was drawing to a close.
One afternoon, as Rem bandaged a hand slightly bruised from his training, the concern on her face was palpable.
"Subaru-kun, are you sure this training with Lord Roswaal is good for you?" Rem asked, her voice soft. "You seem... more tense. And Lord Roswaal has very strange methods."
"I'm fine, Rem," Subaru assured her, though the truth was that training with Roswaal was exhausting, more mental than physical. Roswaal kept pushing him to "feel" and "accept" the connections to death. "I'm just a little tired. But I feel stronger, I promise."
[Charisma Obstacle Overcome: Reassuring an Ally's Concern.]
[Reward: 10 EXP, Charisma Increase: 9 -> 10.]
Subaru smiled. His Charisma had reached 10. He felt he could express himself better, that his words carried more weight. It wasn't a drastic improvement, but it was enough to calm Rem.
"If you say so, Subaru-kun," Rem sighed, though her expression relaxed. "But if you need anything, or if you feel unwell, just let me know. Don't hesitate to ask."
"Thank you, Rem. I will," Subaru nodded, sensing the value of their growing bond.
Later that day, as Subaru headed to his room, he passed Puck, Emilia's spirit, floating peacefully down the hallway.
"Oh! Subaru," Puck said, his voice adorable and fluffy. "I'm glad to see you so... active. Emilia has been worried about you, you know."
"I know, Puck. I already spoke to her," Subaru replied, feeling the familiar pang of "Return Vision" at the sight of the spirit. Was Puck a threat? No, not in and of itself, but his relationship with Emilia and her power were crucial.
"Hmmmm," Puck regarded him with his wide eyes. "You're a peculiar boy, Subaru. I can sense something strange about you. Something that wasn't there before. A connection... to many things, and with very little time. What are you hiding?"
Subaru tensed. Roswaal himself, and now Puck. His secret wasn't going to last long.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Puck," Subaru replied, trying to sound as nonchalant as possible.
Puck laughed, a light sound like chimes. "Oh, you know that. But don't worry, I'm not one to judge. Just... be careful. This world isn't as simple as it seems. And some connections are heavier than they seem."
Puck stared at him for a moment, his eyes glittering. "And Subaru... the village. Be careful when you go to the village. Danger is approaching. I feel it in the wind."
With those enigmatic words, Puck vanished into thin air, leaving Subaru alone in the hallway, his heart pounding. A direct warning from Puck. That was confirmation. The village's curse was imminent.
[Side Quest: Protect the children of Arlam Village.]
[Reward: 50 EXP, 10 SP, Passive Skill: Curse Resistance (Basic).]
The new notification appeared just as Puck disappeared. A side quest, with a significant reward and a very useful passive skill. This was what he needed.
Subaru clenched his fists. His training had paid off. He had unlocked Return Vision and improved his attributes. Now, with Puck's warning, his goal was clear. He wouldn't let the village children suffer the curse.
He had to find a way to get to the village. And he had to do it before it was too late.