COTE X Re: Zero: A Demon's Isekai

Some magic and some murder.

The boy stood outside what seemed to be a rundown shack. It had broken windows, vines and algae covering parts of the walls and it was very ill maintained. The wooden beams looked like they could fall any second, and overall the whole building looked like it was hanging on a thin thread. The boy took a deep breath, muttering to himself. I took that opportunity, knowing that no one was around, and rushed around in my full speed, taking a long circle as I reached the side of the shack, escaping the boy's sight. 

Once again, my body felt faster, my legs stronger. Perhaps it was this world that created the difference, but my body felt like I had returned to my prime, without reducing my age. I could think of that later, for now I had to investigate the events that were going to transpire. I leapt up, climbing onto the upper floors, as I snuck in through a broken window. As expected, there was still light entering the upper floor through the broken windows, but it was quite cloudy outside, and the visibility was bound to decrease over time. 

I stealthily walked around, removing my phone and switching it on. As soon as I did so, I turned it to the maximum power saving mode, which left only the most essential apps operational. Just what I needed. I quickly turned the camera on, and positioned myself at a spot from where I could clearly see and hear what transpired below without anyone below hearing me. For now, there was only banter between the giant that managed this bar and the boy, whose name was Natsuki Subaru. While I waited for something to transpire, I put my phone on sleep mode and simply observed. Recording some of the more important things will help me understand this world better, and perhaps even help me verify if only the people here were magical or if magic also truly existed.

It was my suspicion that magic exists, but beyond the diverse populace, I have no other factor to go on. 

"So, what are you doing here, anyway?" The giant asked. Finally, someone asks the right question. I looked down, listening closely. But, I also kept note of the suspicious things that Subaru said, such as asking the giant if he had died before, almost as if he had met the giant prior to today. However, the giant claimed he didn't recall any such encounter, and it was clearly visible that he didn't recognize him. 

What exactly was going on here? 

Subaru acts with intent, searching, reaches here, then questions the giant, claiming they had crossed paths, and the giant had somehow died at some point. If so, how was he here, still alive? The giant's death surely wouldn't have passed easily, and there should have been conflict. He also recalled the bandits, while they claimed they never met him. However, the shack may be rundown, but there weren't any signs of damage through violence. Only wear and tear at the hands of time. But, there was one thing clear. 

I did not have all the facts with me. I needed to know what was missing before I could move forward. I had a theory on hand, but it was one made without proof, and thus I can't rely on it. It is mere speculation and a hypothetical scenario for now. 

"Oh." Subaru finally answered. "I'm looking for an insignia."

Is this guy serious? 

All that distress, all that talk about death, over an insignia? Really?

But, it could be true. And if it is the case, then that insignia must belong to someone important. Someone influential perhaps. Subaru might just be more useful than expected. 

"It belongs to a silver haired girl who helped me out." Subaru continued. Silver haired girl? Once again, Subaru mentioned someone that he hasn't met so far. Perhaps he could have met her before, but if he had why would he stop looking for apples? And why would the distress take root suddenly instead of being there throughout? He hadn't asked the vendor any questions either, which means he knew that this would be the only place where he could find it? "I don't know why, but it's important to her."