After Natsuki Subaru died, the power of the Witch of Envy manifested once more, and a black mist shrouded the entire world.
Shendu could only feel time flowing backward, influenced by Natsuki Subaru's Authority, gradually returning to its initial state.
Within less than a few minutes, the black mist slowly dispersed. Shendu realized that the scene before her had shifted, and she was now directly standing in the park.
The point to which they had returned was precisely fifteen minutes earlier. Such a reversal of time left Shendu feeling as though her horizons had been broadened.
Natsuki Subaru's resurrection was complete, and Shendu's memories had not been erased. An invisible black mist had attempted to wipe away her recollections, but it had been directly repelled.
Compared to the previous time—when the world had changed during sleep—this time had been a straightforward alteration of time itself, which left Shendu somewhat astonished.
Authority truly was a wondrous power. Different Authorities were akin to laws of the world itself, utterly unreasonable in nature.
Having returned to the earlier point in time, Liliana was still performing her song, and she and Emilia's group were still watching the lively scene.
Akane and Beatrice beside her were listening to the music with interest, appearing thoroughly entertained.
Before long, the performance ended. Just as before, Priscilla attempted to recruit Liliana, but without exception, she failed.
After remaining silent for a few seconds, Natsuki Subaru's legs suddenly went weak. He collapsed to his knees and began vomiting loudly.
The sudden display left Liliana, as a bard, feeling extremely displeased. She believed that Natsuki Subaru had vomited because of her singing, which she found deeply disrespectful.
"Hey, what's wrong with you, Natsuki Subaru? Is my singing really that unbearable?"
Liliana narrowed her eyes and questioned him with dissatisfaction. "Even if it's bad, there's no need to throw up on the spot!"
After voicing her complaint, Natsuki Subaru finally came back to his senses. Realizing that he had returned to over ten minutes earlier, he let out a temporary sigh of relief.
The second return by death left him feeling immense pain. Compared to the last time, when he had died silently in his sleep, this death had been far more terrifying.
"Sorry. It's not that I have any issue with your singing. I'm just not feeling very well. Please forgive me."
Natsuki Subaru spoke with sincerity and politely apologized to Liliana.
"Hmph, that's more like it. Then I'll perform another song!"
Upon hearing his explanation, Liliana, who had been somewhat angry, gradually returned to her usual expression and proceeded just as she had in the previous timeline.
Seeing that he had managed to smooth things over, Natsuki Subaru quietly sighed in relief. He cast a complicated glance at Garfiel, unsure what to say.
In the previous loop, Garfiel had fought the Archbishop of Wrath alone and was ultimately sent flying. Even with the healing potion Natsuki Subaru had given him, he had still died.
It could be said that the power possessed by the Archbishop of Wrath was not to be underestimated—she was undeniably formidable.
From the intelligence Shendu had conveyed to him in the last timeline, that woman's Authority was far more complex than imagined.
"Hey, Natsuki Subaru, that look of sympathy in your eyes is really pissing me off."
Noticing the expression directed at him, Garfiel voiced his displeasure.
"Sorry. I just thought of something. Please forgive me."
Natsuki Subaru hurriedly apologized again, his friendly attitude leaving Garfiel visibly surprised.
After standing still for a moment and barely accepting the reality of his resurrection, Natsuki Subaru took a deep breath and looked earnestly at Shendu.
"Lady Shendu, please come with me. I have something important to tell you."
Having finally regained his life once more, Natsuki Subaru could not help but speak up.
Feeling the urgency of time, he knew he had to keep it brief and accomplish his mission as efficiently as possible.
"Very well. Let's talk over by that statue."
Shendu pointed toward an empty statue ahead and spoke solemnly.
Seeing the two of them acting mysteriously, Emilia and Beatrice felt slightly puzzled, but they did not ask any questions.
Before long, they arrived in front of the statue. Shendu turned to look at the worried Natsuki Subaru and spoke casually.
"I still retain the memories from the previous timeline. I remember all the intelligence about the Archbishop of Wrath."
The moment her words fell, Natsuki Subaru's face lit up with joy. He had never expected that Shendu would also retain her memories.
After all, bearing such memories alone was unbearably painful. This realization left him deeply moved.
"That's wonderful, Lady Shendu. You still remember as well. I won't have to endure it alone."
Holding back his tears, Natsuki Subaru's mood improved significantly.
"Mm. However, the issue of the Archbishop of Wrath, Sirius Romanée-Conti, remains extremely serious. We cannot ignore it."
Shendu stroked her chin, sensing that the situation was escalating. To resolve it perfectly would require considerable effort.
"What about asking Miss Akane and Reinhard for help, Lady Shendu? If the two of them are here, we'll have more combat power—and we can rescue the hostages as well."
After thinking for a moment, Natsuki Subaru proposed his idea.
"That works. We'll do that. I'll send the Shadowkhan to inform Reinhard. When we leave later, we'll bring Akane with us."
Shendu narrowed her eyes and, after a brief discussion with Natsuki Subaru, made her decision.
This time, she had no intention of bringing Garfiel along. She had initially thought they were simply out shopping and had never expected such an incident to occur.
The sudden appearance of Sirius Romanée-Conti, the Archbishop of Wrath, had nearly ruined her good mood—but it was also within expectations. If they wanted to completely eliminate the Witch Cult, this was the best opportunity.
After further discussing a basic plan, Shendu led Natsuki Subaru back to where Liliana was singing.
Glancing at Emilia, who was listening intently, Shendu smiled and patted her shoulder.
"Emilia, Natsuki Subaru and I are going to the square to buy some snacks. Akane, come with us. You all stay here and enjoy the music."
After a moment of consideration, Shendu decided on this arrangement and smiled at the girl before her.
"Okay, Master!"
Hearing that she could go shopping together, Akane's face lit up with delight. However, Beatrice appeared quite unhappy.
"What about me, Big Sister? Shouldn't I come too?"
Beatrice pouted and looked at Shendu with dissatisfaction, hoping for a response.
"Well... You'll stay here and protect Emilia. I'll take you next time."
Shendu gently stroked Beatrice's head and answered seriously.
"Hmph. Then I'll leave it to you, Big Sister."
After being comforted, Beatrice settled down somewhat.
"Alright, no time to waste. Akane, let's go."
Shendu waved her hand and departed with Akane.
Not long after leaving, Shendu explained the entire situation to Akane. The anticipation that had filled Akane's face moments earlier faded as though cold water had been poured over her.
However, as Shendu's servant, she quickly regained her composure and treated the upcoming matter with utmost seriousness.
"This is unexpected. The Witch Cult would launch a sudden attack... Master, what do you need me to do?"
Akane looked at Shendu with her ruby-like eyes, anticipation flickering within them.
"Hold her off. Do your best to probe her strength. Natsuki Subaru will observe from the side and analyze the characteristics of her Authority. Once we gather enough intelligence, even if this loop fails again, we can use it in the next one to counterattack."
Shendu explained the plan in detail. Akane's expression shifted several times before she ultimately nodded solemnly, fully understanding her role.
"Yes, Master. I will act according to your plan."
Akane replied firmly, her tone filled with determination.
...
Watergate City, near the clock tower by the plaza.
As Shendu's group of three arrived, a fireball suddenly shot into the air. Its blazing light immediately drew the attention of the surrounding citizens.
"So it's about to begin? The Archbishop of Wrath!"
Akane looked toward the clock tower, her tone carrying a hint of surprise.
"Just about. That ill-tempered woman should be appearing any moment now."
Shendu lifted her gaze toward the very top of the clock tower. In her crimson eyes, there was not the slightest trace of emotion.
"In a moment, act according to the plan. Natsuki Subaru, stay close behind me."
"Yes."
When Shendu's gaze swept over him, Natsuki Subaru's expression turned serious.
However, recalling the agony of his previous deaths, he looked at Shendu helplessly and made a request.
"Lady Shendu, could you cast a spell to numb my sense of pain? I really don't want to experience that suffering again."
Natsuki Subaru felt conflicted. Facing death alone was far too miserable. All he wanted was for the next rewind to be a little easier—that was his only wish.
"Hmm. That is indeed a problem."
Shendu seemed to understand what he feared. Placing a hand on his shoulder, she cast a spell that dulled his sense of pain.
"Alright. I've given you a pain-numbing spell. You can carry out your task without worry."
Shendu spoke seriously, and Natsuki Subaru nodded decisively, feeling as though a weight had been lifted.
"Now then, everyone, my apologies for the interruption. Good morning to you all!"
Just like before, Sirius—her body wrapped in bandages with only her left eye exposed—spread her arms and greeted the citizens below with theatrical politeness.
"It took only nineteen seconds for you all to quiet down. It seems you were truly eager to see me. Allow me to introduce myself. I am the one who embodies Wrath within the Witch Cult—Sirius Romanée-Conti."
The moment she finished speaking, the citizens influenced by her Authority wore dull expressions and began applauding involuntarily.
Aside from Shendu's group of three, everyone else had fallen under the control of her Authority and clapped against their will.
"Rest assured, I won't take too much of your time. Next, I shall present to you the most magnificent performance."
Sirius spoke lightly, the power of her Authority intensifying further.
"So far, Sirius has displayed three abilities."
"Manipulation of chains, brainwashing—or rather, emotional resonance—with the citizens, and her physical combat skills combined with fire manipulation. She is not an opponent to underestimate."
Beneath the clock tower, Shendu patiently explained Sirius' abilities to Akane, reminding her to exercise caution.
"Understood, Master. I will continue probing the characteristics of her Authority."
After hearing Shendu's explanation, Akane bowed slightly, already forming her own plan.
Having grasped part of the Authority's power, Akane stepped forward. Before Sirius could continue speaking, she hurled a fireball directly toward her.
"That's enough. Witch Cultist, you've done something you shouldn't have. It's time to drive you out."
Akane advanced barehanded, staring coldly at Sirius as though issuing a warning.
"Ahaha! How marvelous! The servant of the silver-haired hero—what a splendid beginning! To serve such a master, admired by thousands—you must be brimming with hope and love!"
Sirius descended further into madness, her emotions spiraling out of control.
If left unchecked, she would no doubt ramble on endlessly with meaningless chatter. That was hardly an ideal start.
"Spare me your nonsense. You'd do better to keep quiet."
Sensing the frenzy within Sirius' words, Akane wasted no time. She stomped on the ground and shot upward, soaring toward the spire where the Archbishop of Wrath stood.
Like a streak of red light, she appeared before Sirius in an instant and threw a punch. Sirius narrowly evaded it, but the tremendous force shattered part of the tower's spire.
That was not the end of it. Hovering in midair, Akane engaged Sirius in fierce combat. The two exchanged blows evenly, neither yielding.
Relying solely on her physical strength, Sirius was able to trade blows with Akane in her human form—and even held a slight advantage. That alone proved how terrifying her strength was.
"Ahhh! What an exhilarating battle! You're quite powerful as well, woman. In that case, I cannot afford to lose!"
Sirius laughed madly as the hooked chains in her hands extended continuously, lunging toward Akane in an attempt to grievously wound her.
Akane evaded them with ease. Seeing she could not capture her opponent, Sirius leapt down from the tower.
Strangely, she landed upon her own chains. The chains did not fall but instead floated midair, as though defying gravity, allowing her to stand upon them.
The chains in her hands extended further still. Akane sensed just how troublesome this opponent truly was.
"It's useless. My chains can generate endlessly. You cannot defeat me!"
Sirius cried out in madness. The chains broke the sound barrier, splitting into two directions and relentlessly attacking Akane.
Facing the incoming assault, Akane did not dodge. She clenched her fist, flames blazing fiercely around her hand, and struck the chains head-on.
Crack!
With a single punch, the impossibly sturdy chains shattered. Fortunately, they had not been imbued with flame at that moment—otherwise, one strike might not have sufficed.
After more than a dozen exchanges, the two remained evenly matched.
Watching for a while, Shendu's expression grew serious. Natsuki Subaru understood what mattered most at that moment.
"Lady Shendu, let's rescue the hostages quickly!"
Natsuki Subaru said earnestly.
"Agreed. To the clock tower!"
Shendu pointed ahead and rushed forward with Natsuki Subaru at her side.
As expected, the entrance to the clock tower was tightly sealed with a heavy lock and several iron chains.
"Childish."
With a single wind blade spell, Shendu sliced through all the locks and chains. As the metal clattered to the ground, they stepped into the dim interior of the tower.
A spiral staircase wound upward toward the top. Shendu regarded the sight calmly, unfazed.
"Let's go."
Grasping Natsuki Subaru, she flew straight upward, bypassing the stairs entirely and arriving at the rooftop.
There, a bound young boy came into view. Not very old, he was tightly wrapped in iron chains and suspended to one side.
A cloth gag stuffed his mouth. No matter how he struggled, it seemed futile.
Seeing this, Natsuki Subaru hurried forward and removed the cloth from the boy's mouth.
"Are you alright? Why were you captured?"
He asked curiously. It seemed unlikely that the boy would have been seized so easily.
In the previous loop, there must have been circumstances he did not know. Asking carefully was only natural.
"Sob... That crazy woman threatened the lives of my childhood friend—and my family! She forced me to carry out a performance. If I refused, I would die!"
The boy, Lusbel Kallard, spoke angrily through tears.
"So that's why you were captured?"
Shendu asked, surprised, her gaze growing solemn.
"Yes. That's the truth. Thank you for saving me."
Lusbel sighed helplessly. His father was a city administrator of Watergate City, responsible for monitoring water levels. His younger sibling was about to be born.
At such a critical time, threatening his family was despicable—but Lusbel had no choice.
Either his family would die, or he would. Given only those two options, the brave and kind Lusbel chose to bear the burden himself.
After learning the full story, Shendu looked at Lusbel with newfound respect. The boy possessed admirable courage.