Chapter 2

Chapter 2: New contract and a new world

Exiting the subspace on the previous spot where he summoned the messenger lamp, he walked toward the Contract and Quest hall which are less crowded than before probably due to now being the night cycle.

The out of place medieval style bar located between the marketplace and the Contract and Quest hall however has a lot of traffic of people entering the building with tired look probably after a tired day of doing quest.

Arriving at the hall, Ray went to the nearest personal terminal that looked similar to an ATM machine located on the inner side of the building.

He saw no staff or receptionist anywhere and felt slightly disappointed because he imagined there would be a beautiful big sister or milf like in anime.

Accessing the terminal, he saw a lot of grey out options stating that his rank is insufficient on the greyed out Contract. He utilized the filter to only show the contract that I can take for my current rank.

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Urgent Contract

•High School DxD

The world is currently infiltrated by an outer god agent which is a reincarnator who reincarnated as Hyoudou Issei's younger brother.

Main Quest

-Prevent the agent from derailing the canon to prevent the outer god from siphoning the world energy.

-Prevent the outer god minion disguised as the Chaos Brigade member from attacking the peace conference.

•Fate

A group of transmigrator affiliated with an unauthorized hub created by a rogue administrator entered the world on UBW timeline planning to rob Gilgamesh conceptual treasury and the grails using a device provided by its hub.

Main Quest

-Eliminate all transmigrator

-Destroy the rogue administrator mark on the world

…

…

…

…

…

•Re:Zero

Due to interference by an unknown party, the current timeline of Re:Zero was altered and The White Whale the mabeast is empowered by the unknown party resulting in deviation of story when the attack on The White Whale failed regardless of method or attempt cause Subaru to stuck in a never-ending loop The Witch of Envy, Satella who posted the contract will provide support during the duration of the contract.

Main Quest

-Assist Subaru's group to eliminate The White Whale

-Investigate and eliminate remnants of the unknown influence.

…

…

…

–––––

Among other contracts he browsed on the list, only three stand among others due to them being located in a familiar world. The rest of the contract he doesn't recognize which makes it harder to complete the contract.

Information is vital when completing a contract since it's uncommon for contractors to fail their contract due to not knowing what timeline they are in and missing vital objectives which directly failed the contract.

Of the three contracts that stand out, DxD is a good world to get powerful artifacts or spells by hooking up people like Azazel with a trade. Though the involvement of the outer god minion is probably too powerful for him, he contemplates.

The Fate world is a preferred choice of mine but I have to deal with a group of unknown strength transmigrators. Then a rogue administrator to boot? Nah I pass this one. He reluctantly ignores the Fate world contract in which he can fish out noble phantasm literally.

"Haah… If only my strength is better than my current self, such an opponent cannot stop me" Ray can only feel regretful then renew his goal to get stronger.

The Re:Zero world is the best choice for me since I have support from the person who posted the contract to assist me. The White Whale hunting is a job that he is familiar with after being through the hunt in Yharnam after all.

He then selected the Re:Zero world contract then caused a series of notifications to appear.

(Contract Re:Zero world #195302 selected. Initiate teleportation? Yes/No)

Yes.

Then the space ripple before it shatters, he gets sucked into the space crack leaving before ends up floating in sky overlooking mass of cloud and a visible landmark like Flugel tree and then a black shadowy figure that looks eerily identical to Emilia who definitely is Satella.

"Greeting contract, I am glad someone took the contract I put up." She spoke to me without a change of expression but her voice hid a slight sense of urgency. He only nodded while waiting for her to brief about the quest.

"As you already know, an unknown party is interfering with this timeline causing Subaru to be stuck in a never-ending loop of battle against the White Whale."

"The quest will be listed by your assistant, my time is limited, I will provide you with a temporary ability to assist your quest. Good luck"

Nodding slowly as he skim through the information before he remembers something important. "How about the support during the quest?"

Satella was surprised by my question, gave a mischievous smile which made Ray question if the Satella in front of him was fake.

"Ah… about that, I forgot to rectify but I will provide you with emotional support in the duration of the contract." She immediately vanished, leaving Ray dumbfounded looking at the screen displaying the content of the contract.

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[Contract]

World: Re:Zero

Status: Ongoing

Description: Due to interference by an unknown party, the current timeline of Re:Zero was altered and The White Whale the mabeast is empowered by the unknown party resulting in deviation of story when the attack on The White Whale failed regardless of method or attempt cause Subaru to stuck in a never-ending loop The Witch of Envy, Satella who posted the contract will provide support during the duration of the contract.

Main Quest

-Assist Subaru's group to eliminate The White Whale (0/1)

Reward: Skill Gem (Presence Concealment EX)

-Investigate and eliminate remnants of the unknown influence.(0/?)

Reward: 500k HP(Hub Points)

Side Quest

-Assist in clean up of witch cultists after defeating White Whale (0/1)

Reward: System Function (Lottery)

-Join one of the candidate camp (0/1)

Reward: Character Summon Gem (Re:Zero)

-Don't join any candidate camp (?/1)

Reward: Character Summon Gem (Re:Zero)

-Remain unknown to the candidate until the fight with White Whale begins (0/1)

Reward: ???

-Prevent Archbishop of Sloth from possessing Subaru (0/1)

Reward: Active Unit Slot +1

•The contract maker provides user with [Presence Concealment EX] temporarily for the duration of the contract.

–––––

(Begin Quest? Yes/No)

He selects 'Yes' then his body falls into the world atmosphere or rather it floats down without any resistance from the 'fall' while the system starts filling him up with information of the quest objective.

(User will arrive after Subaru's death to Emilia contracted spirit Puck when subaru killed Emilia via Satella by revealing his ability to her)

(Do user want to set a custom or random background?)

"Random"

(Random background created.)

A travelling beast hunter rumoured to originate from land beyond the great waterfall arrives in the kingdom of Lugnica chasing after the famous Demon Beast of The Mist which is rumoured to be appearing in Lugnica.

(Confirm?)

"Yes"

(Inscribing information into Akashic Record[Re:Zero]...

Inscribing complete.)

As the system finishes with the background, he turns on the Presence Concealment that recently received from Satella before soundlessly lands on a building that provides a clear view to the bustling market where the Appas stall which Subaru and Rem are currently at.

Subaru who just returned by death looking traumatized,pulls Rem in a panic running somewhere while Ray follows them from the roof using presence concealment to stay hidden.

Isn't this the part before the infamous 'I love Emilia' confession? Ray suddenly remembered the famous scene from Re:Zero.

Thinking about it made his blood boil at the audacity of this lucky bastard to reject Rem. Almost instinctively pulls out the blunderbuss from inventory to shoot him.

The sudden bloodlust released unintentionally cause Rem to freeze up and enter a defensive stance before warily scanning the surroundings.

Before she managed to detect the preparator, she was pulled by Subaru to the plaza where Rem confessed to Subaru which Ray followed to watch the confession live in 4k. "Maybe I should bring some food to enjoy with."

Taking a seat on the nearby bench while munching on a skewer I just 'bought' with the use of quickening, he watch as Subaru starts his confession while explaining why they need to run away from Lugnica to elope with him.

'Damn it feels better looking at it with my own eyes.' Ray told himself as he engrossed to the soap opera in front of him.

"Subaru-kun… Rem cannot run away with Subaru… we still need to talk about the future while laughing right? Subaru-Kun." A bit of tear gathered at the corner of her eye.

As the 'soap opera' slowly reaches its climax as Subaru releases his pent up feelings of how he hated himself while Rem replies with what she loves about Subaru and how he is her hero with a pink blush on her face.

Meanwhile Ray can feel a strange urge to yell out his frustration of being a member of the Single Club while a lucky bastard has a cute girl confessing to him which he rejects.

"Rem…"

"Yes"

"I love Emilia"

"Yes"

"I want to see her smile"

"I want to help her in the future even if she sees me as an obstacle. Even if she told me to stay away, I wanted to always be by her side." Subaru continues his speech to the smiling Rem who hears intently.

Cannot bear this anymore he leave to somewhere else trying to gather information about the unknown influence for the main quest while sightseeing this fantasyland before he fills Subaru up with bullets.

Although Ray's skill in information gathering is nonexistent, he does have a gut feeling that he can find what he seeks if he simply just follows Subaru.

Before Ray leaves Subaru for sightseeing, he left a tendril of energy to serve as a beacon which will show him the location of the Flugel tree where the battle will take place tomorrow night.

---

Looking around the city, Ray stumble upon the House Barielle estate where Priscilla Barielle currently stays. They wouldn't notice if he borrowed some gold from their vault right? Just a few pieces of gold coin for his own vacation.

Silently Ray slip into the estate while using presence concealment to 'borrow' a few gold coins before fleeing the crime scene quickly only to stumble upon the sword saint.

"Fuck!" Ray could only curse mentally while deciding his next action.

Reinhard van Astrea, current generation sword saint who is blessed with a lot of blessings, a borderline hax character is blocking the back alley.

"Of all time, it has to be now." Ray whispers to himself while wondering if his luck just reduced to F rank.

The sword saint gripping his sword in a ready stance staring at Ray. The invisible pressure emitted from him crushing on Ray like a tidal wave, reminding him of his fight with Gehrmen.

Reinhard exudes the air of an extremely experienced fighter like a lion ready to pounce on its enemy.

As a person with a decent mental capacity Ray decided to run away instead of fighting in this disadvantageous narrow back alley.

"Halt! You are under arrest." Reinhard command while slowly approaching with wary steps.

---Reinhard Pov---

In the afternoon while attending Felt sama in Astrea estate, one of my blessings that can warn of a threat nearby me suddenly triggered, warning me of a great threat suddenly appeared in the sky of the capital.

(Note: Idk if he have one in canon but with the amount of blessings he have, i don't think it is weird if he have one.)

I tried to gleam on its nature to affirm the threat. Jumping on top of the estate, activating the magic sight, my pupil changes colour as I line up my sight to the human falling from the sky.

A quick scan on him, I can conclude him as a mercenary or a bounty hunter from his equipment.

Pristine black multi layer cloth armor that lacks 'armor' for better mobility with a strange saw-like blade hanging from the belt. The face is hidden by dark grey cloth while wearing an odd shaped hat.

Looking deeper with my magic sight, I saw a figure hidden by mist in the void.

"Argh… my head"

Gripping my head I stop looking at the person as my head feels like being pounded by a hammer repeatedly.

"Oi Reinhard! Why with the sudden… Reinhard you are bleeding!" Felt who went after Reinhard was shocked to see the undoubtedly strongest person in the world bleed from his orifices.

"Felt sama don't worry about me." I sat on the roof wiping the blood away with the piece of cloth Felt offered to me.

My eyes look at the last direction of the creatures before hopping down the roof while hauling Felt like a bag of potatoes.

"Felt sama, I need to investigate something of great importance. Please forgive me for leaving my duty to guard you." I bow down to Felt who smirked after hearing my words.

"Ah, go ahead, take as much time as you need." She smiles happily that she will be free for a while, to which I reply with a small chuckle knowing her intention behind the smile.

I leave after assigning temporary protection for Felt and get checked up by a healer.

Sensing the presence again I can sense it around the Barielle estate which then vanishes as if it never existed.

Rushing the best I could using various speed enhancing blessings to make my feet become lighter and faster until I become like a wind, rushing through half the city at breakneck speed.

Arriving at the back alley near Barielle estate, the day already darkened slightly indicating that it was already evening. The alley way however looks darker because the buildings block the evening sunlight.

Spreading my senses at the estate I feel no disturbance nor attack which is great news since the creature's motive is still unknown to him.

Suddenly I saw the creature appear again with a pouch of… gold coins?

Better I guess, at least the creature didn't kill anyone which I believe it is able to without a doubt. The 'thing' he saw has the aura of bloodlust, dread and hunger like a starving wolf stalking its dinner.

"Halt! You are under arrest." I shout while attempting to arrest it to identify its purpose.

The creature raised its hand to surrender which gave a relief that it didn't attempt to resist. I warily step forward while gripping my sword ready if it retaliates.

---Mc Pov---

Raising both his hands while still holding on the gold pouch he stands still as Reinhard walks closer to apprehend Roy.

"Sike!" Roy quickened to the left toward the city gate with a smile hidden under his mask. "Why should I fight a bugged enemy when I can just run away."

Reinhard was stunned by the unexpected action of Ray recomposing himself before chasing after the direction of mist trail left by the quickening.

Swish

Ray's instinct honed by countless battles against the beasts rang loudly to warn him of an income attack which I quickened upward to the roof.

Boom

The stone paved street exploded by the magic sword wave, sending stone fragments and dust into the air. Few stone fragments managed to hit Ray but there was a harmless bounce on his body.

Intended to lead Reinhard away from possible onlookers that might expose his appearance. Ray continues escaping outside of the city.

Along the pursuit, Ray purposely follows the route that has citizens nearby to prevent Reinhard from attacking until they leave the city into the open space outside the city.

They slip undetected due to their near instantaneous movement throughout the pursuit and pass through part of the wall with less guard on duty.

Arriving outside, Ray stops running and stood still for a few seconds before Reinhard also arrived looking warily at the surroundings anticipating a possible trap.

The sparse green shrubberies decorating the fertile soil of the open plain with a straight unpaved dirt road exiting the capital city of Lugnica provide some cover for their little encounter.

"Reinhard van Astrea, the infamous sword saint of the Lugnica kingdom I assume?" Ray stated while giving a bow with his left hand raised to the chest.

"So, I owe a great sword saint a visit on this lovely evening." Jokingly Ray forwards another question to gauge the wary looking Reinhard.

Looking around making sure the surrounding is clear, Reinhard relaxes slightly while still keeping his guard up, looking confused by the creature in front of him.

He tried to compare the 'man' to the creature he saw from the afternoon. Although impassive, the 'man' looks polite like a gentleman who possesses manners like the nobles.

The lower face is covered with cloth but the exposed part he can see a young 20+ years old looking man although abnormally tall. His attire is made of high quality materials that may cost a few dozen gold coins.

(Note: Mc wear the better version of hunter attire he bought from hub)

Now that he scans the man again, he can feel the presence of the being which he assumed is an evil god that this man had tied to.

"What is your purpose for entering the capital illegally and stealing from House Barielle?" Reinhard asks with a polite tone to gauge the threat of this man as his duty as a royal guard of Lugnica.

"Would you believe me if I say it was an unfortunate accident." Ray said while scratching his face with a finger. "And about the gold, believe me I just intended to 'borrow' them. I will repay them double the amount later if I complete my job."

Reinhard, slightly shocked by the sudden change of expression, nodded to his answer. "The illegal entry we can resolve easily but the latter one is… a bit difficult… can you elaborate what you mean by 'borrow'."

Ray contemplates if he should involve Reinhard with the White Whale since his blessings will not work on authority of sins which the White Whale have. Reinhard also cannot leave the capital without official permission.

If the unknown force is involved with tampering the White Whale encounter with Subaru, he would need to recruit the royal knight's help.

Reinhard awaits Ray's answer while also secretly waiting for reinforcement from the knight which he mobilised before confronting Ray on Barielle estate.

Ray massages his forehead before looking at Reinhard. "Would you believe me if I say Lugnica is under threat by an unknown party, especially Crusch of House Karsten and Subaru of Emilia camp."

Ray plans to overwhelm Reinhard with vital information which he cannot ignore to distract him from arresting him while trying to recruit his help. Two birb with one stone, Ray amazed with his genius plan smirk secretly under his mask.

Before Reinhard could reply, Ray continued. "If you doubt my word, we can have Crusch to validate since she can detect lies." Ray proposed, effectively dragging the conversation to a somewhat favourable direction.

After thinking hard, Reinhard sighs before reluctantly agreeing with a nod.

"But you have to cooperate with the knights, we will escort you to meet Crusch sama." As he spoke of the knight, 6 knights approached rapidly with a familiar face leading them.

"You have my promise as a gentleman that I will cooperate" Ray stated while holding his hand out to Reinhard for a handshake which Reinhard repricorate.

"Reinhard! Is he... the one you informed us about?" Julius, the light purple haired knight panted lightly while looking at Rey with hidden hostility.

Reinhard noticed the hostility quickly diffused it. "Julius, he possesses information of great importance, he will cooperate to be verified by Crusch sama. We will escort him there right now."

"Can we really trust him, my spirits warn me of him. Something is weird about him that made my spirits want to escape." Julius whispered to Reinhard which Ray was able to hear with his enhanced hearing.

"He has information that involves the safety of the kingdom and he possesses a strange ability to escape if we try to apprehend him."

Julius looks at Ray before nodding to Reinhard then gives a signal to the knights to surround Ray.

"Follow us, we will escort you to Crusch sama to verify your claim." Reinhard spoke before escorting Ray with other knights.

…

Ray walked with an unhurried pace as the sun already set, revealing a beautiful nearly full moon. Admiring the beautiful scenery which unlike the grim theme of Bloodborne world, he saw the city still lively even after sunset.

Lamp post and lantern in every corner of the main street illuminating the city as the people minding their business. Ray's entourage's arrival caught the attention of some curious passerby and people as they passed by to reach Crusch Estate.

Ray kept silent throughout the journey while sightseeing the beautiful capital of Lugnica before arriving at a stone wall surrounding the massive villa.

Within the villa is a group of carriages and a lot of people preparing for something which should be subjugation of White Whale.

Ray's entourage of royal knights attracted the attention of people in the courtyard especially Subaru, Felix and Wilheim.

Wilhelm who is butler for Crusch and Felix, knight in service for Crusch come forward to inquire about their purpose.

"Felix… Wilheim, I am here to have an audience with Crusch sama with an official matter." Reinhard stated his purpose while subtly indicating Ray.

Wilhelm nodded. "I will inform Crusch sama of your request." He then went into the villa leaving Felix who are smelling Ray as he did to Subaru before.

"Blegh… he reeked of blood and… moon?" Felix scrunched his nose before adding, "He also had some hint of floral scent."

"Reinhard kyun… Julius kyun, where did you find this guy nya?" Felix asked curiously at Reinhard and Julius who were thinking about Felix's earlier statement trying to gain insight on Ray identity.

"Reinhard, Julius" Felix called them again to get their attention with a slight nudge.

Ray who ignored the others' while considering if he should hint Subaru about the meddling unknown party and pranking him. Perhaps revealing that he knows about Satella or him being otherworlder. Maybe calling him Sage candidate as he does become one later.

After a while, Ray sees Wilheim exit the villa toward his direction. Wilhelm looks at Reinhard then Rey before stating that Crusch is waiting in the meeting room while hinting Felix to follow.

Ray walked in a steady pace following Reinhard before stopping abruptly at Subaru who was looking at the preparation.

"Subaru is it? My employer sent her regards to you and…"

Ray moves closer to his ear before whispering a bit loud for Reinhard and the other while unheard by nearby mercenaries and soldiers.

"She wishes you success in passing the test." Ray whispers while pointing at Subaru's heart before continuing walking with Wilheim and Felix who ignored his actions.

"How did you know about S— kuh…" Sudden pain flashes on Subaru's face before he grabs his chest from the phantom pain.

The knights halt their step immediately before Julius unsheathe his sword pointing at Ray in a split second.

"I didn't hurt him at all." Ray lifts both his hands before continuing looking at Subaru. "You need to be careful, someone is tampering with the fishy." I whisper my last word before following Wilheim.

…

A spacious room, decorated with wooden furniture and green curtains which are similar to Crusch's deep green hair.

Sitting in the meeting room that Subaru and Crusch used a while ago, four nameless knights stand behind Ray while his left and right are Julius and Reinhard flanking Ray.

The opposite side is Crusch, wearing an outfit similar to military officers while Felix crossdressing in her white and green dress and Wilheim with his usual butler outfit.

"So, I heard you have information about a threat to Lugnica, Emilia camp and me." Crusch as without beating the bush.

"Indeed I have"

Worry laced her face upon hearing Ray's answer.

"He did not lie." Crusch stated, clearing Reinhard doubt. They look at Ray, waiting for him to continue.

"Well before that, I am Ray, a hunter." Ray introduces himself before continuing. "So, I am currently employed by someone to investigate a threat upon this land."

"I was also tasked to track and eliminate the witch cult that surfaced around Mathers territory."

Crusch nodded at my statement indicating its true which made everyone become serious while looking at Ray wanting to ask where and who his employer was.

Ray, cleared of suspicion, relaxes his body while slouching to the seat.

Since his arrival to this world, he has yet been able to sit down and relax because stuff happens too quickly.

Taking his time relaxing while they are discussing. Ray suddenly has a craving to eat mango pudding. He looked into his inventory only to find no food.

'System, do you have a shop where I can buy stuff with points?' Ray mentally asks while trying his best to act like he is listening to their discussion.

(No, User have to buy an upgrade for the shop function from hub)

'I have to buy upgrades?' Ray's sudden body tense was noticed by Julius who had been keeping an eye on him since they entered the meeting room.

(User have to buy specific upgrades for the user's needs. Example is skill tree upgrade which are recommended because it contain additional ability that resembles rpg class skill)

(For example, user can use Summoner passive ability to expand active unit slots to summon more active companions or General active ability to summon soldier type units aside from Bloodborne world hunters which is your right as their worshipped god.)

Ray's face was livid as his system revealed more hidden functions that he wasn't aware of.

'... Why y–'

(User didn't ask.)

Before Ray is able to question his system for hiding information from him, his word is interrupted.

Ray's vein popped as he tried to reign his anger problem which became more apparent after his race change. His body unconsciously releases mana aroused by his bubbling anger.

Crusch group and the knights interrupt by sudden mana spike back away minus Crusch herself who remains seated but calls upon her wind magic just in case.

Ray raises his palm to massage his forehead while dissipating the mana build up. Collapsing to the sofa he apologized.

"Sorry, something annoying just happened. So, are we done with the interrogation? I had a busy schedule after all."

Crusch holds her chin with her hand looking straight at Ray trying to decipher his intention. His claim of being annoyed by something and busy is true, but what is he busy with?

"Haah… Yes but before you leave, I wanted to ask, "Do you have bad intentions for me and the kingdom?" Crusch leaving no leeway to evade her question.

"No, infact my actions will benefit you, Lugnica and this world." Ray exclaimed boldly before continuing. "Detaining me will only give disastrous results."

Technically a truth because only Ray can interfere with the unknown influence. He manipulates Crusch's ability to his benefit by feeding her true information.

Reinhard perks up his ears after hearing there is potential danger to the Lugnica kingdom which he cannot ignore as a royal knight.

"Are you convinced now Lady Crusch? I need to get going, I have a tight schedule to keep up."

"Wait! Can we discuss another matter first?" Crusch signals the knights to leave the room for her to discuss a private topic.

Before Reinhard could speak up, Wilheim interjected, "Worry not Reinhard sama, as Crusch sama butler, I will take care of her safety if anything happens."

Reinhard nodded reluctantly while looking at Ray slouching at the sofa before exiting the meeting room with other knights.

Click

Ray adjusted his posture after the door clicked upon closing. Her amber eyes locked to mine, she adopted a stern expression.

"You said you are a hunter?" Ray replied immediately, "Yes, a beast hunter to be specific."

"Crusch-sama" Felix suddenly called out but Crusch only swayed her head, "He perhaps can help, I have my suspicion that the threat he talks about is the White Whale. Isn't it correct…"

"Ray, Ray Elliot and yes it is about the White Whale." Ray admitted since he can't lie to Crusch anyway.

She furrowed her brow processing the information.

"If you help me remove the royal knights from aftering me, I will provide information that can save your life." Ray drop another bomb on conversation alerts Crusch from her thoughts.

"So... Do you agree?" Ray asks impatiently since he still needs to convince Reinhard to help them.

"Only after I verify the information and determine its usefulness."

"Of course, I can guarantee my information is vital for the White Whale subjugation." Ray revealed that he knew about their plan.

Crusch eyes widened slightly as her body tensed slightly since this information. Although her action was not very well hidden, it should be discreet enough that an outsider shouldn't know about her plan to subjugate the White Whale.

"How do I know you wonder?" Crusch nodded to Ray.

"I am employed, remember, my task is to assist Natsuki Subaru eliminate the White Whale."

"Natsuki Subaru, not Emilia camp." Crusch mutters under her breath.

"Indeed, an outsider had meddled into my employer's business which is why I am hired." Ray spoke steadily while gauging her reaction.

"The outsider tampers with the White Whale and your current lineup will get wiped out if you proceed with the subjugation."

Ray remains stoic as he look at Crusch who just determined the truth of my word.

Wilhelm, who stayed silent since the beginning of the meeting, suddenly asked Crusch. "Is his word true Crusch sama?" Which Crusch nooded, "I sense no falsehood from his claim."

"How do you know about the outcome of the battle unless you—"

"Unless I witnessed it?" Which she replied with a nod.

"I didn't see the outcome of current subjugation but I know for sure your subjugation will fail." Ray spoke out certainty in his voice which cause Crusch's face to twisted.

She supported her head with both hands looking down while starting to wonder if her ability is a curse instead of blessing after listening to the information Ray told her.

"No need to think hard, I can definitely solve this matter but I require help to convince someone which I require you assistance."

Gifting firewood during the winter, providing assistance when they needed the most. Ray can see Crusch face restored from her depressed state to once again looking confident.

"If you can ensure the subjugation success, I will definitely assist you." With a smile like victory within her grasp, she agreed, almost jumping from her seat.

"With my addition to your ranks, subjugation of White Whale is definitely doable I assure you with my vow to my honour as a Hunter." Ray emphasizes his honour as a hunter.

"I will hold you on to it, 'Hunter' Ray… but if you are able to ensure our victory, who and why do you need to convince?" She asked, confused, why we needed extra help.

Without withholding any information, Ray explains to Crusch group why he needs Reinhard as precaution if anything goes south or if the outsider appears to attack them, which Ray doubts since the quest indicates something will happen during the part where Subaru is possessed by the sin archbishop.

Ray also hinted that the witch cult will use the White Whale which they plan to use to attack Lugnica.

Note: Ray just say they plan to use White Whale to attack Lugnica but didn't specify where since he also didn't know.)

"I see, I will negotiate with the Wiseman Council for Reinhard cooperation." Both parties shake hands before Wilhelm invites the knights into the meeting room to conclude the meeting.

"Reinhard, I will need you with me to negotiate with the Wiseman Council. This is a matter of Lugnica kingdom's safety which we require your help. If what Ray revealed to me is true, we might even need to mobilize the royal knights."

Sudden revelation from Crusch surprised the knights since she will not joke or lie to them, especially in a serious conversation they are engaged in currently.

"Let's depart quickly, we don't have time to waste. We have a day to prepare since the subjugation will take place tomorrow around sunset."

Crusch rose from her seat before leaving in a hurry followed by everyone.

Smirking toward the sighing Reinhard and Julius who still guarded against him, Ray nonchalantly follow Crusch to exit the room.

"Can't arrest me now huh?" Ray taunted Reinhard who simply ignored him before following the group to meet the Wiseman Council.

…

Morning of the next day.

A large convoy of carriage consist of the Cruch Karsten group, Anastasia Hoshin group and the Royal knight group led by Reinhard which will be the main fighter of the subjugation force.

Last night after the meeting with Crusch. Ray, Crusch and Reinhard meet the Wiseman Council assembly.

The meeting was a rollercoaster, the Wiseman Council was strong headed when confronted by Crusch to gain permission to deploy Reinhard to clear the threat of Witch Cult emerging near Mathers territory.

The meeting was going on for hours until Ray got tired of it and revealed that Lugnica will fall if the threat isn't resolved. His claim was verified by Crusch but some of the council members still disagree.

Ray, who isn't in the mood to argue politics with them, went ahead and said he saw the future and Lugnica will be attacked by the Witch Cult led by the sins archbishop.

(Note: Ray said he seen the possible future which he did since he watch the anime and it register as true on Crusch divine protection of wind.)

His claim made everyone's eyes widen before looking at Crusch who nodded verifying his claim.

The council members whisper to each other discussing while Ray gets more irritated since 4 hours had passed since the meeting and still no conclusion.

Forced by them, Ray revealed his trump card by dropping a thermonuclear bomb on the discussion saying that if the threat isn't properly handled. Even Reinhard can die a true death without a chance to use his blessings.

Ray's assumption is based on the unknown influence being the outer god or its agent. An outer god is a being that transcends the limitation of a world to become beings that thrive in the omniverse eating worlds for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Even op characters like Reinhard can't fill the gap between their teeth. Even Ray's true form can't compare to one percent of their power.

But people might question how Ray dares to fight such a threat?

Well, Hub users are protected from prying eyes of the outer god. So, unless Ray goes ahead to court death with the outer god.

The outer god is also limited to only sending agents or psychic fragments since the world's will and its gods will actively resist the outer god from entering the world.

So, the outer god can only stay in the edge of the world's will influence while supporting their agent to derail the world to weaken it before invading the world.

…

Back at the Wiseman Council meeting, the verbal nuke Ray drops on the meeting causes every eyes in the room to lock on him.

"You!" Julius Juukulius who stood next to Ray, caught off guard by Ray's statement, suddenly grabbed the edge of Ray's short black cloak then pulled him down.

Crusch, who was one of those who are stunned by Ray's word, is one of the first to react to Julius' sudden violence which was almost never seen before.

"But, he—"

"Enough Julius, control your temper. He is… stating the truth." With a slight pause, Crusch then verified Ray's statement to be true again which woke up the rest of the stunned people.

"How is it possible? He is one of the strongest beings in this realm." One of the Wiseman loses his self control, shouts out, demands an answer from Ray.

Everyone then focuses again on Ray , especially Reinhard who surprisingly didn't seem to be worried.

"I cannot reveal it before Reinhard joins the subjugation." Shifting his gaze to the Wiseman, "So, unless you give permission I will remain quiet."

The Wiseman Council looked at eachother nodding before a long white bearded councilman stood up.

"The Wiseman Council approved a request for Reinhard van Astrea to join the Duchess Crusch subjugation." He declared.

"Now, tell us what is the threat we are dealing with." Impatient Julius demanded Ray with a polite tone.

"Before that I need you all to swear oath that nothing will leave the room." Shifting his gaze to the ceiling,"They have to leave too."

Ray had detected several individuals snooping around at the ceiling but they didn't feel like part of the Witch Cult or possible outer god's agents.

The Wiseman agrees since this information is very dangerous if leaked to the outside world.

With dallying, they swear a magic oath of secrecy before Ray starts to explain.

"I anticipate that we will be dealing with an outer god and its agent."

Everyone looks confused upon hearing the unfamiliar term which Ray resumes to explain.

"Outer god is simply a very strong god that exists in higher dimensions. They will sow chaos in the world to weaken the world's resistance before devouring it."

"Such a formidable opponent, how can we fight it!"

"I had to be made up right, he had to be lying. How can such a being exist? The dragon will save us."

The second Wiseman reply gain a stink eye from Crusch who tried to remove the dependence of Lugnica on the Divine Dragon Volcanica.

"What is destroying our world?" Reinhard, who was silent from the start, suddenly asks Ray.

"Nothing complex really, your world is sustenance for the outer gods."

"Sustenance?"

"Yes, for the outer gods this world is nothing but a delicious meal for them."

"Worry not however, the world and its gods will prevent its entery to the world. We will be dealing with its agents and I need your help for that, Reinhard."

"I see." Reinhard smiled sincerely and chuckled. "I wonder how it goes from arresting you for illegal entry and stealing gold to saving the world."

"I told you it was an accident and the gold coin I 'borrowed' is for hiring transport to join the subjugation."

Ray said with a jesting tone before looking at Crusch who had been quiet for sometime now.

"So I will be joining you during the subjugation as an independent person."

Crusch ignored the minor detail and agreed to Ray's request with a handshake.

…

Back to the moving convoy.

Ray can be seen taking on top of a carriage belonging to Crusch camp carrying ammunition for the magic cannons.

Although Ray does not require sleep since he cannot get tired as he can fight non stop evident from his hunt in Bloodborne, he still takes one to annoy Julius who said Ray is being too carefree which is supported by some royal knights that joined the subjugation.

He also secretly converses with his system to understand all his and his system abilities that he is unaware of.

Result of his discussion with the system is.

*His current self is weaker than his true self and lacks some skills and ability. (The stats in ch 1 status is true form self)

*He is able to temporarily call upon his true body by overloading his hunter body with eldritch energy turning it into his true body temporary vessel.

*He can call upon hunters that worshipped him, previous hunters phantom and Hunters that he previously existed in Yharnam as soldiers type summon units.

*His divinity is limited in his hunter body.

Ray most excited is the summoning hunters to fight for him. How epic will it look, commanding fierce hunters fighting agains impossible adversary to achieve victory.

Ray doesn't need to worry about them dying too since any hunter that perishes in fight will return into my Hunter dream to be resurrected to fight again without consequence.

The hunter is the only one with the special ability to revive upon death. Other soldier type unit summons he bought from hub don't have such ability.

By the time the subjugation force arrived at Flugel tree, the sun already lowered itself, sending a golden ray of light illuminating the world for one last time as if trying to bless them before this group of brave warriors challenge one of the three legendary demon beasts.

—————

AN: sort of halfway through this chapter when I open the fanfiction app to find out I have 2 fav and 3 bookmarked. I immediately rush to the last part of the wiseman discussion, which honestly grinds out my last brain cell because I have to investigate a lot of character and plot consistency which I puncture many times.

The part where Julius suddenly gets angry is because he is worried about his friend Reinhard. If that is out of character sorry 🙏.

Also I choose Re:Zero because that's the anime I am most familiar with and I wanna experiment on my writing of mc adventure into other anime worlds later. When I reread, idk, probably talked too much and less explained what happened in the background.

Extra

I write that the status mc have don't reflect his actual capability.

-The stats is his true body stats where he is boosted by being true form. (Stats all x10)

-He can use his true form by using eldritch energy to temporarily modify his mortal body or aka hunter body to fit his true body like divine possession or divine spirit of fgo but both part of soul is mc own soul.

-mc use soul partition which is an innate ability of being a great one. He can split his soul to control multiple body while true form lazily in Hunter's Dream. ( He keep the splitted soul in true body to maintain basic functions while real soul adventuring.)

-the hunters he summoned are his authority as god of Bloodborne world which he shouldn't have but Odeon let mc 'inherits' his position as that world's god.