Living Again as a Man of Faith in Another World from Zero - Season 1

[ Arc 3 - 17 ] Dispute

Which he did with great hesitation. Deep down in the emotion he felt from Emilia, he suspected that he had to be careful. He suspected that things in his life were going to be tense but seeing his entire room turned to ice he understood that it was worse than he had anticipated.

- Absolute Zero, you really didn't like being left out of the operation.

Viu entered the room and immediately felt the chill in the air. The furniture, the walls, and even the air itself seemed to freeze around him. Emilia stood in the middle of the room, her eyes cold and unnaturally calm, a stark contrast to the icy aura surrounding her.

- Did you come to try and convince me once again? she asked, her voice a cool, biting edge.

This is not good at all. She's on fire and not just a little bit...However, I know it's the best decision. Regulus will want to kidnap her to marry her, and Emilia with the name and the memories eaten will cut off her contract with Puck; which is a disaster.

Viu looked at Emilia, his own expression reflecting his concern. The icy aura around her was a clear indication of her anger and defiance. He knew he had to tread carefully, yet he was determined to make her see reason.

- Emilia, he began, his voice measured and even, Please try to understand. It's for your own safety. Regulus is too dangerous, and Lye is a threat to your memory and identity. You shouldn't be involved in this.

Emilia's coolness quickly melted into frustration as she let out a frustrated huff.

- I don't care about safety or danger! she retorted. I'm not a child, and I won't be left behind while everyone else fights. I can do my part.

- If it's true, an adult, you wouldn't knowingly get angry.

His tone was neutral but with fiery warmth. He then stared at the half-elf.

- Let's say you come: Do you have a plan to get out of these dangers effectively?!

Emilia's frustration grew at Viu's calm yet firm response. She crossed her arms, her anger flaring again.

- I don't need a plan, she replied defiantly. I have my Icebrand Arts and Puck. I can protect myself.

- Can you hear yourself talking?

The cold disappeared in the face of heat.

- Pride precedes the fall. So you're planning to come with us without any plans just for the luxury of getting yourself killed? Have you forgotten that if you die Puck will freeze the world?

As Viu's voice grew heated, the coldness surrounding Emilia wavered slightly, giving way to a hint of vulnerability. She paused, her eyes widening slightly as she fully absorbed his words.

- I... I'm not trying to get myself killed, she protested weakly. But you can't just tell me to stay behind and do nothing while the rest of you risk your lives.

Except that Viu stared at her with his golden eyes.

Emilia felt the intensity of Viu's gaze as he looked at her. His golden eyes seemed to almost glow with determination and concern. She fidgeted slightly under his gaze, her frustration slowly morphing into a mixture of stubbornness and resignation.

- Just try to touch me once.

Emilia's brow furrowed in confusion, her anger momentarily sidelined.

- What? she said, eyeing Viu warily. Why do you want me to touch you?

- If you manage to touch me just once, I will reconsider the question. But you only get one shot.

Emilia's expression shifted from confusion to determination. She raised her chin slightly, her eyes fixed on Viu.

- Fine, she replied, her voice steady. Just one touch, right?

Emilia took a step forward, closing the distance between herself and Viu. Her hands trembled slightly as she extended one hand, reaching out towards him. Her expression was a mix of determination and vulnerability, her eyes locked on his.

Viu remained unmoved while remaining perfectly still.

Emilia took a deep breath and lunged forward, her hand outstretched, aiming to touch Viu. But just as her fingers stretched forward, Viu effortlessly dodged to the side, sidestepping her attempt with ease.

In addition he put his hand close to her neck

- 1.23 seconds. It would have taken 1.23 seconds to kill you and for Puck to freeze the world.

Emilia's eyes widened in surprise and frustration as Viu effortlessly dodged her and moved his hand closer to her neck. She could feel the weight of his words, the realization sinking in.

- But... I- she began, her voice catching in her throat. She tried to argue, but the stark reality of Viu's demonstration spoke louder than any words.

- If you don't understand that, it's because ultimately you don't deserve to be by my side, nor to be a candidate. You are much older than me, you are mentally a teenager. Bye !

With these words he left with a tear in his eye before closing the door.

Emilia's eyes widened further as Viu's words stung like a slap in the face. She was left standing alone in her room, stunned and hurt by his harsh but true words. The weight of her immaturity and recklessness sank in, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched Viu leave, feeling the pang of his departure. She slumped onto her bed, her mind a whirlwind of emotions and self-doubt.

He met Puck again and said to him:

- Let's see if she hates me for the rest of my life.

He made his way to Beatrice's library, leaving the great spirit alone.

Puck looked after Viu as he left, a mixture of concern and resignation on the spirit's face. He knew that Viu's words to Emilia would have a profound impact on her, potentially resulting in her hating him. But Puck also understood that Emilia needed to be taught, and Viu's tough love was necessary for her growth.

- I hope everything works out, Puck murmured to himself, his voice tinged with worry.