The Sorcerer Killer's Third Chance (JJK x Re:ZERO)

An Unexpected Acquaintance

"What's the matter? Why'd you suddenly space out?"

"...Huh?"

"I asked you about the appa. The appa!"

A middle-aged man with stern features, the most striking one being his green hair and beard, called out to him. Toji blinked, snapping back to reality. The bustling sounds of the market, the vibrant chatter of merchants, and the smell of freshly baked goods all came rushing back. For a moment, it was like he had been somewhere else—something nagging at the back of his mind, like a distant echo he couldn't quite grasp.

He looked down at his hands, flexing his fingers as if to confirm they were real. There was this strange, vague feeling, like something important had happened, but he couldn't pin down what. Whatever it was, it was unsettling, but he quickly pushed it aside, not wanting to dwell on it.

"The appa... right," he muttered, trying to refocus on the present.

The man squinted at him, scratching his beard. "You sure you're okay, lad? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I'm... fine," Toji responded, his voice distant, as if he was trying to convince himself. Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, his movements casual but aimless. The man watched him with a furrowed brow, concern flickering in his eyes.

As Toji weaved through the crowd, that strange feeling continued to gnaw at him, like a piece of a puzzle that didn't quite fit. He felt fine—physically, at least—but there was a nagging sense of unease, as though something had slipped through his fingers, something he was supposed to remember.

"Something's off..."

Toji couldn't shake the feeling. He slowed his pace, eyes narrowing as he instinctively patted his abdomen where the blade had sunk into him. His skin was smooth—untouched. No wound. No blood. Yet he distinctly remembered the feeling of cold steel, the weight of death creeping in as he shielded Satella. But now, standing here in this market, he was fine.

He scanned his surroundings, but everything felt surreal. His mind wandered back to Satella—she was fine too, right? He couldn't remember clearly. His brow furrowed as he struggled to piece it together. The last thing he remembered before the void overtook him was the undeniable urge to protect her, to shield her with everything he had, even though he didn't care for her or anyone else. That strange, gnawing force in his gut—the contract, probably—was what pushed him to save her.

But now? It was gone.

There was no need anymore, no nagging pull at his soul that compelled him to act out of character. The obsessive urge to protect her, to be her shield... vanished. It was a relief, honestly. He hadn't even wanted to help her in the first place. It wasn't like him to be the hero; he knew who he was. A man driven by power and self-interest. The idea that he'd put his life on the line for some half-elf he barely knew—it irritated him. That wasn't the Toji Fushiguro he remembered.

Yet, something had forced him into that role, and now that pressure was gone. He felt... normal. Not burdened with any grand responsibility. Maybe it was the contract, maybe not. He didn't care anymore.

⟡

Toji found himself wandering the streets, his sharp eyes scanning the bustling surroundings. The market was a mess of clamor and chatter, and the evening air was heavy with the scents of food, sweat, and something that felt distinctly foreign. But he paid little mind to the details. He needed information—about where he was, about this world that made no sense to him.

As he walked, he made sure to keep his ears open, catching bits and pieces of conversations here and there. People spoke of things he didn't quite understand, names he didn't recognize. None of it mattered; it was all part of the bigger picture he was trying to piece together. The thought of Satella crept into his mind, but he quickly pushed it away, the corners of his mouth twitching into a slight scowl.