(Rem x Reader) Re:Reader - Starting YOUR New Life in Another World

Chapter 170: In My Place

***

A/N: This week's chapter is a bit shorter, but that's in preparation for next week's, which, is set to be the longest of the entire fic, and, is truly the culmination of the no.1 chapter I've wanted to write in this entire series, bar-none. It WILL be this fic's high-water mark. Next week is going to feature a total of 10 artworks from two different artists (1 from 1, and 9 from THIS chapter's art artist; the very talented @MagzanZaksylyk on twitter, which, you will see at the end of this chapter, if you're on WP or AO3.)

I highly encourage ffnet readers, (or any that for some strange reason, the one or two AO3 readers who can't see the art embeds) please check out the art for this chapter, and the next, on WP or A03.

While this chapter is merely set-up for 171, please know that 171 is one I feel like I've poured my entire heart and skill as a writer into. Until then, please enjoy this week's release. Thank you all again for the support (likes, kudos, reviews, comments, votes, etc.) I've continued to receive.

***


Chapter 170: In My Place

From the tip of her thumb, a beam of pale light lanced outward into the darkened horizon, while three more streams spilled from her remaining fingers, striking the ground beneath them. The damp stonework hissed and sizzled where the light made contact. Yet among them, one ray stood apart, —the one cast from her index finger.

Unlike the others, it did not scatter nor falter. It held steady, drawn into a single point with pinpoint precision.

Emilia: Ngh...

Subaru: —Emilia!

The beam struck true. It pierced the fair, unblemished skin of Emilia's chest with a light just barely paler than her own complexion, slipping through flesh as though it met no resistance at all. It lasted no more than an instant.

On her back, where the white fabric of her dress left her exposed, a small exit point formed, the light carving cleanly through before vanishing as abruptly as it had come.

The moment it was done, Algol released the mana sustaining the spell. The glow dissipated, leaving behind only the faintest residual shimmer in the air. What she had resolved herself to do, —what she had asked for permission and trust to carry out, was complete. The entire act had unfolded in less than a blink. To Subaru, it was nothing short of incomprehensible.

Without a word more, Subaru lunged forward, panic and fury driving his body before thought could catch up. He had every intention of shoving Algol aside, but she had already moved. Anticipating his reaction, she stepped out of his path before he could even reach her.

Subaru: —E-Emilia!

Before he could examine the wound, Emilia's hands flew to her chest, instinctively covering the point of impact. A soft blue radiance blossomed between her fingers, swelling outward as healing magic took hold. At her back, the glow intensified, thicker and more concentrated as a dense cluster of micro-spirits gathered over the exit point, their collective light pulsing as they worked.

Subaru: What the hell was that for?!

Algol: — — —

Shouting this with grave prejudice at Algol, Subaru's teeth ground together as he glared at the spirit, fury plain in every line of his expression. Yet she did not return his gaze. Her eyes remained lowered, her posture rigid. Guilt was there, but it did not consume her. It stood alongside something else, —something unyielding. A quiet certainty that what she had done, had been necessary.

Driven by instinct, Subaru reached for Emilia's hands the moment the blue light began to fade. His grip was urgent but careful as he pried them away, his own battered skin brushing against the lingering warmth of healing magic. With her delicate hands in his own, he felt the last bit of that magic tingle against his own scraped up skin as he inspected the damage.