1.Here

It was a normal day for the people who lived in the capital of Lugunica, some where doing their business as usual, other where just enjoying walking through the busy streets of the capital, and other where riding their carriages that where being pull by their respective earth dragons, contributing in give more life and fullness of this medieval look alike city.

The interesting sight added the fact that it's population was not only filled with humans, but also another species, ones who were like anthropomorphic animals of all kind.

This species were a variation from furred people like humanoid dogs, to interesting anthropomorphic reptilian. All these interesting creatures were either chatting or walking alongside of either by persons of the same species or humans, showing an co-existing community.

Plus the fact with the mesmerizing castle that one could see in the horizon just added more of the vibe akin to a fantasy world that one could find in the kids stories.

It would not be a surprise if other persons where to be left in a speechless awe by the incredible sight of this world if they were to arrive to this place.

Except for one person in particular…

A towering colossus standing at a staggering 2.6 meters, is a living embodiment of raw, unstoppable power. Known as the "Goliath ", his mere presence commands respect and fear. His frame is as massive as it is intimidating, with muscles rippling like steel beneath his skin, giving him the appearance of a walking fortress.

His height is only the beginning of what makes him an awe-inspiring force on the battlefield. With hands the size of giant hammers, he can shatter mountains with a single blow, and his strength knows no equal. His every movement is imbued with the terrifying precision of a predator, and those who face him often crumble beneath the sheer weight of his presence before he even lifts a finger.

His combat prowess is legendary—bullets bounce off him, magic fizzles upon contact, and monsters that once struck fear into nations find themselves cowering in his shadow. In battle, Thomas becomes an unstoppable force, using his herculean strength to tear through legions of enemies, his blows shaking the earth and splitting the sky.

But it is not just his physical dominance that makes him so fearsome. His eyes, sharp as a hawk's, burn with the intensity of a man who has seen countless wars and emerged victorious every time. Beneath his rough exterior lies a mind as sharp as any weapon, calculating and relentless. Though he exudes arrogance, it's an arrogance earned through countless victories, a confidence that comes from knowing he stands at the apex of power.

Thomas Andre, at 2.6 meters tall, is more than a man—he's a juggernaut, a force of nature.

His choice of attire was a striking contrast to the immense power he wielded—dressed in a loose, colorful Hawaiian shirt that fluttered with each of his  movements, the vibrant patterns seemingly unable to contain the raw force of his presence. Snow-white pants clung to his muscular legs, giving him a sharp, yet laid-back look, while polished, dark, expensive shoes clicked against the ground with every thunderous step.

Perched atop his forehead, resting just above his piercing eyes, were gold-framed glasses—simple in design, yet exuding an air of wealth and authority. They gleamed in the light, a testament to his status, while also adding a certain charm to his otherwise overwhelming presence. The combination of casual elegance and otherworldly power made him even more formidable, as if he were constantly mocking the very notion of dressing the part of a warrior, knowing full well that no attire could diminish the force he carried within.

Thomas had been wandering through the slums of Lugunica for the past ten minutes, and oddly enough, he hadn't encountered a single soul. It wasn't fear that kept people at bay—it was the fact that, in this part of the city, people simply weren't around. He could sense it. His unique ability, Inner Solar, gave him the insight to reach that conclusion.

"Where the hell am I?" he muttered to himself for what felt like the hundredth time. He knew he was in a run-down neighborhood, probably in some ancient city. The massive castle looming in the distance was enough proof of that. However, this wasn't like any castle he had seen before—not like those in England, France, or Austria. It wasn't a Chinese palace either. The structure had the distinct influence of European architecture, yet something about it seemed foreign, almost otherworldly.

Normally, castles and palaces stood far from residential areas, but this place defied that logic. Through Inner Solar, he could sense life up ahead, a bustling presence in the heart of the city. The slums he was currently passing through, though, told a different story. These dilapidated homes were practically ruins, ready to collapse at any moment. They reminded him of the shantytowns he had seen in the poorest parts of Africa—makeshift dwellings that barely qualified as shelter. Wherever he was, this place was in dire need of help, and the neglect was worse than anything he had ever seen.

He wished he could ask someone for directions, especially the woman whose voice he had heard when he first arrived here. It had echoed in his mind, filled with emotion—pity and longing, a desperation that was hard to ignore.

"Please... help my love... help Natsuki Subaru."

Her plea had been clear, but ever since arriving, he hadn't been able to communicate with her again. No amount of shouting or mental effort brought any response. Frustrated, yet unwilling to stand idle, he pressed on, moving toward the distant signs of life.

Hopefully, someone would recognize him soon and wouldn't react in fear. His imposing size often made introductions awkward. At 8 feet 7 inches, he towered over almost everyone he met. It wasn't just his immense strength or the strange abilities that set him apart—it was his height that people found hardest to accept. He could understand that. He knew how unbelievable it seemed, even to him, but as long as people didn't flee in terror, he didn't mind being gawked at. After all, it wasn't every day you ran into a giant.

And then there was the matter of Natsuki Subaru. Who was this person? The name sounded foreign, almost like it had been plucked from a car catalog. "Natsuki… Subaru," he mused, rolling the words over in his mind. "He must be Asian. Parents liked the car so much they named their kid after it." He smirked at the thought, though the situation was anything but amusing.

With his hands stuffed in his pockets, Thomas moved at a steady pace, making his way toward a massive archway that seemed to lead into the heart of the city. 

As Thomas moved closer to the archway, he could tell he was nearing a populated area. His Inner Solar ability revealed a concentration of life signs ahead, while the presence of people behind him had steadily diminished. He had been right—this part of the slums had been abandoned. Good, he thought. That meant fewer chances of causing a commotion with his sudden arrival. The last thing he needed was to send people into a panic.

His thoughts drifted back to the mysterious Natsuki Subaru, the one he was apparently here to save. Whoever Subaru was, this "mutant lover" must be desperate, pulling one of the world's most powerful heroes out of his peaceful life for some grand rescue mission. People did crazy things for love. Even dragging a man like him across dimensions, it seemed. "I hope I find this Subaru soon," Thomas muttered, his voice filled with mild exasperation. "Then we'll see what all the fuss is about." With a resigned sigh, he continued moving forward, following the trail of life signs that began to cluster nearby.

Maybe, he mused, this could turn into a much-needed vacation. At least until Steven tracked him down, like last time.

As he neared one of the houses, something about it stood out. Unlike the others, which were crumbling and barely standing, this one seemed somewhat more livable. It was large enough, perhaps even spacious, though it had clearly seen better days. Two stories high, with a first floor tall enough to accommodate even his towering frame. A rarity in itself. "Not often you come across houses built for someone my size. I might've actually considered visiting," Thomas muttered, his voice light as he walked with an easy, carefree stride.

His immense height was often a problem in day-to-day life. Sure, it had its perks in the world of heroics, but it complicated the simple things—like finding clothes, food, or furniture that fit his enormous build. Even something as ordinary as a café posed a challenge. Most places didn't have space for a man of his size, which meant meetings were usually confined to his mansion, designed specifically to accommodate him. The more he thought about it, the more intrigued he became by the house before him. Not that he intended to enter; it wasn't his style to invade someone's home. But still, he couldn't help but take a closer look.

His Inner Solar pinged again—five life signatures inside. "Looks like a family," he guessed, stepping closer.

*SWING*

The sudden sound of metal clashing caught his attention. Something fast, moving at speeds beyond what a normal human could manage. Thomas's heightened senses picked up the frantic movement within the house. Thanks to Inner Solar, he could track the exact position of the target, and it was moving rapidly from one side to another.

"Hmm? Better speed things up," he muttered, quickening his pace. His instincts kicked in, and he dialed up his hearing, trying to discern what was happening inside. The clang of metal rang out again—something sharp, something fast. A fight, perhaps? And from the sound of it, whoever was inside was armed.

***

Subaru was exhausted. Completely drained.

He was sick of going through the motions, repeating the same endless cycle. Day after day, he found himself back at the apple merchant's stall, fighting off the same three thugs in the same filthy alley, only to call on Reinhard for help once more. Each time, Reinhard saved him. Each time, it worked—except when it really mattered. Except when it came to protecting Emilia from Elsa.

Elsa, the very name made his stomach churn with rage. He hated her. The intensity of that hatred was suffocating, boiling his blood until his body trembled. He wanted to kill her. He needed to kill her. She was beautiful, yes, but her beauty masked something far darker—something vile. She was insane, a monster who took sick pleasure in the hunt. They called her the "Bowel Hunter," and Subaru had learned firsthand how fitting the name was. Her attacks were cruel, always aimed at the gut, always ending with intestines spilling onto the floor. He had died to that blade more times than he could count.

And now, he was tired.

He had died almost ten times, each one more agonizing than the last, and every time for a different reason. But in the end, it was always the same—failure. He failed to save Emilia. He failed to stop Elsa. Each death was a reminder of his weakness, his inability to change the outcome.

And he couldn't bear it anymore.

But this time felt different. This time, everything seemed to be falling into place. Emilia was standing strong. Old Man Rom and Felt had answered his call, and now he stood in front of Elsa, acting as a human shield between her and the ones he cared about. His heart pounded in his chest, heavy with the weight of all the lives he had lost, all the failures piling up behind him.

He didn't believe he would win. Deep down, he knew it. But he wanted it so badly. More than anything, he wanted this time to be different. He was desperate for it.

His body trembled, not just from fear but from pure exhaustion. He was so tired. He didn't want to die again. Not here. Not like this.

So, he prayed.

"Please, please, please," he whispered under his breath, over and over, like a mantra, a desperate plea that pounded in his skull. "Please, Reinhard, someone, anyone—don't let me die again."

He stood in front of Elsa, every muscle in his body screaming in defiance of his exhaustion, of the pain, of the fear. Her face twisted into a sickening smile, one that made him want to retch.

"My, my... You're quite the interesting~ Like a  little knight, aren't you? If I wasn't ordered to kill all of you quickly, I'd take my time torturing you~," she cooed, her voice dripping with amusement, as though his suffering was nothing more than a passing entertainment.

Subaru's legs shook, but he didn't move. He couldn't. He wouldn't.

"Please..." The word barely escaped his lips, a final plea into the void, hoping that this time—just this once—fate would be kind.

But deep down, he already knew what was coming.

Footsteps echoed from the street, heavy and deliberate, each step reverberating louder than the last. Whoever—or whatever—was approaching, they were drawing closer to the door. The sound was unmistakable, sending a ripple of unease through the room. A shadow fell across the floor, blocking out the last rays of the setting sun that streamed through the window. Elsa paused mid-step, her twisted smile faltering for a brief moment. The entire room fell into an eerie silence, as if the air itself held its breath.

Subaru's heart skipped a beat. Could it be? Could someone have finally come? For the first time in what felt like ages, hope flickered in his chest, a fragile, flickering light. He barely dared to breathe.

Then, the door creaked.

Old Man Rom, the owner of the bar, was a giant of a man. His doors were built wide and tall to accommodate his massive frame, designed so that he could move comfortably through them. But whatever stood on the other side of that door was bigger—*much* bigger.

The door swung open with a groaning sound, pushed by a massive, long arm. Muscles rippled beneath the skin, thick and powerful, the kind of build that even a blind man could not miss. It was clearly the arm of a man, but no ordinary man.

Every head in the room snapped toward the door, bodies tensing as the tension in the air rose to an unbearable pitch.

And then, he appeared.

The man had to duck, bending his towering frame just to fit through Old Man Rom's colossal door. Subaru's eyes widened in disbelief. This... this was no ordinary person.

He stood tall—*too* tall—his head nearly brushing the high ceiling. His long hair cascaded down his back, and his equally long goatee framed a rugged face. His body was massive, even more so than Rom's, broad and muscular to a degree that made everyone else in the room seem like insects by comparison. Rom, a giant in his own right, looked almost small next to this behemoth.

The man was dressed in a brightly colored...Hawaiian shirt??? The garish pattern so out of place in the dingy room that Subaru could hardly believe his eyes. And perched on his head were a pair of black sunglasses, like some bizarre fashion statement.

The contrast was absurd. A giant in beachwear had just walked into a life-or-death standoff.

Could this be real?

Subaru's mind raced. Could *this* man—this impossibly large, strangely dressed man—be his salvation? Was this the one who would save him from Elsa, from death, from despair?

"Attacking civilians, a fatal mistake. "

He spoke in a low, almost growling voice, intensifying his presence.