Chapter 124: Full-Powered Strike
Subaru Natsuki, resting his head on Rem's lap, felt her gently stroking his hair, allowing his mind to finally relax a little.
He didn't ask why Rem was doing this, nor did he allow any suggestive thoughts to develop. Instead, he slowly closed his eyes and began to reflect on everything that had happened since he arrived in this world.
He had only just finished the game when he was suddenly transported to this strange new world.
As he was wondering how to survive in this unfamiliar place, he found himself caught in a murder case. After saving Old Man Rom and Felt and meeting Emilia, he ended up staying at Roswaal's mansion.
Not long after, he was caught in the incident of the demon beasts attacking the village. It was a hard-fought battle, but once it was over, he finally earned some rare rest and spent a beautiful winter season.
Then he came to the royal capital to receive treatment, and before long, he was embroiled in the matter of the White Whale and the Witch Cult.
Looking back, everything had been exhausting and chaotic.
He had to learn this world's language and knowledge, study how to become a capable servant, learn how to fight, and learn how to help others. All of it was for himself— And for the sake of chasing after that one person's back.
Now, standing here, he wondered if he had really gotten any closer to that person. He didn't know. But if he kept walking forward like this, then surely, someday, he would reach them.
Subaru slowly rose from Rem's lap and looked up at the massive tree blocking out the night sky. Then, he softly said, "Thank you, Rem."
"Hm?"
Smiling, Subaru looked at Rem and reached out to pat her on the head. "I've gathered my resolve now, so there's no need for this anymore. Let's go—the White Whale is coming soon."
Rem nodded slightly at Subaru as he stood and followed him back toward the main force.
.
.
.
Riding their ground dragons, Subaru and Rem approached Crusch. Subaru glanced up at the moon hanging high in the sky.
"Crusch, get ready. It's coming. I can feel it—that disgustingly oppressive gaze."
"The White Whale… Everyone, ready for battle!"
As everyone around grew tense and began scanning their surroundings, Subaru's eyes remained fixed on one direction. In the center of the moonlight, a shadow was gradually enlarging.
A grin split across Subaru's face. He tightened his grip on the longsword he had taken from the armory.
"Ah… I've been waiting for you. Let's settle this."
Though his voice wasn't loud, those around him could clearly hear it. Their gazes followed Subaru's to the sky— And they saw it.
The enormous White Whale was flying toward them.
More and more soldiers saw it as it approached, and for many, it was their first time witnessing its immense size and presence.
Just the sheer bulk of its body and that massive singular horn was enough to strike fear into the hearts of even the most resolute.
Though their hatred of the White Whale had been enough to rally them for this subjugation mission, facing the real thing made their bodies tremble.
The White Whale's roar thundered through the air, echoing in everyone's ears. As its colossal form swept overhead, the resulting gale froze the soldiers where they stood.
Beside them, Crusch gripped her sword tightly—not in fear of its size or shape, but because of an indescribable feeling rising within her.
Her eyes shifted toward Subaru— Just in time to see two figures charging forward, leaving the formation.
When Crusch focused, she saw that it was Subaru and Rem leading the charge.
A large ice spear flew straight at the White Whale, landing a medium-sized wound on its body. The creature's pained cry shook Crusch from her thoughts.
"Fire!!"
Drawing her sharp sword, Crusch gave a clear order that echoed in the ears of all nearby mages.
Simultaneously, fireballs flew toward the White Whale. Thus, the White Whale Subjugation Battle had truly begun.
The battle strategy had been decided beforehand. Because the White Whale hovered in the sky, it was difficult for ground units to land effective blows. So their first goal was to force the White Whale to lower its altitude.
Ideally, they would bring it down to the ground— Only then could the soldiers inflict serious damage.
But its massive body also meant incredible durability. A sudden strike likely wouldn't be enough to bring it down. So the new plan was to lure it into lowering itself.
"Spread out!"
Crusch shouted the command while watching Subaru at the front of the charge. She recalled the serious expression on his face during the strategy meeting—there had been no deception there.
The plan was simple: Subaru would act as bait to draw the White Whale lower. When it came within reach, the ground forces would strike.
Crusch watched the White Whale gradually descend, diving toward Subaru. Just as she prepared to issue the next order—
Wilhelm had already rushed forward. Right behind him was Ricardo, the captain of Anastasia's mercenaries.
Meanwhile, Subaru continued baiting the White Whale down as he slowly drew his sword.
"Rem… I'll be counting on you in a moment."
"Yes. Subaru-kun, please be careful."
"Got it."
Leaving those words behind, Subaru jumped down from his ground dragon.
He rolled once as he hit the ground, then sprang up and pointed his sword toward the approaching White Whale.
Running away wasn't in Subaru's plan.
Facing the massive monster head-on, his heart began to race. His senses sharpened—the world seemed to slow down.
This was the most critical moment. If he could land this strike, he might be able to keep the White Whale grounded.
Taking a deep breath, Subaru charged at the White Whale. He had no long-range attacks—he had to get in close.
And then, he would use a move he had never unleashed before— All-Out Attack.
He didn't know what the cost would be,
But it surely wouldn't be worse than overexerting his body for nothing. With that thought, he rolled to the side just before being swallowed by the White Whale's mouth, dodging the attack and arriving at its flank.
Facing that enormous eye, Subaru's lips curled into a smirk.
"All-Out… Attack!!"
At that moment, Subaru felt an explosion of energy erupt within his body.
The power surged, churning within him like a storm, seeking an outlet— An exit from this body.
He ran a few steps, then leapt high into the air. The chaotic force flooded into his arms and sword.
Right in front of the White Whale's eye— Subaru swung down his sword without hesitation.
The world around him went silent.
A moment later, Subaru's body was flung backward. In his blurred vision, he saw the result—
A massive, grotesque gash carved across the White Whale's eye.