Across the boundless snow plains, a massive white bear pulled a sledge, racing over the thick drifts as it headed south. Behind it, Elsa, dressed in white martial arts attire, leaped and bounded across the snow like an agile white fox.
Inside the sledge, Aomori lay back, idly playing with a green crystal the size of a ping-pong ball. This was a Mana Crystal, an item used for storing magical energy. Following his friendly conversation with the Great Spirit Odglass, the crystal had been gifted to him as a welcoming present. In return, Aomori had given the spirit a ninjutsu scroll from Naruto containing the technique Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet.
Days had passed since they left the Sacred Mountain, and they were drawing closer to the border. Aomori planned to head toward the Dragon Kingdom of Lugunica, the theater where many of the world's major events would unfold.
As he toyed with the Mana Crystal, he sensed how this world's mana differed from other energy systems. In the world of Re:Zero, mana exists in six elemental forms: Fire, Wind, Water, Earth, Yin, and Yang. Green corresponded to Wind, meaning Aomori held a Wind Mana Crystal.
With his high Spirit stat, it wasn't difficult to distinguish Wind mana in the atmosphere, but he couldn't draw it into his body because he lacked the corresponding "Gate." For instance, the protagonist Natsuki Subaru possessed a Yin Gate, allowing him to only extract Yin mana for shadow magic. After testing himself using the method Odglass provided, Aomori discovered he possessed both Yin and Yang Gates, likely due to his elemental affinities: Holy Light (Yang) and Dark energy (Yin).
However, he remained unclear on how to actually manipulate mana to cast spells. Perhaps I should find some grimoires to study. Fortunately, with the system's help, Aomori didn't need to learn the local script from scratch.
"Whew... ha..." Elsa flipped into the sledge and habitually burrowed into Aomori's arms, panting heavily. "Klein-nii, I finished the five kilometers."
"Good, well done." Aomori pressed her head and pushed her aside. "Don't get so close. Your body is plenty warm now, isn't it?"
"That's different!" Elsa licked her lips. "The temperature coming from you feels good. I crave that sensation."
How did she still end up on the yandere path? Aomori sighed and tossed her back outside. "If you have the energy to think about that, you clearly haven't reached your limit. Give me another five kilometers."
"Eh?!"
…
Due to the uniquely harsh climate of the Holy Kingdom of Gusteko, small towns often struggled with self-sufficiency if any accidents occurred. Consequently, merchant caravans traveling between settlements became essential. To survive the weather and the "Snow Bandits" that prowled the wastes, they traveled in large, united groups.
One such combined caravan was currently trudging forward through the snow.
"We're almost at the Konashu territory! Put your backs into it!" shouted Ralph, the caravan's guard captain. "Stay alert! Snow Bandits love to ambush at times like this! Scouts, check the perimeter carefully, they like to bury themselves in snow wearing white furs!"
"Yes, sir!"
Caravans heading south were "fat sheep" carrying gold from successful trades, making them prime targets. They had already repelled four waves of bandits on this journey alone.
"Report! Captain Ralph, a single sledge has appeared behind the convoy."
"Just one?"
In Gusteko, anyone traveling alone was either a top-tier expert or a desperate troublemaker. Ralph didn't want to deal with either. "If they don't approach us, leave them be."
"But... what if they do?"
"Draw your weapons and warn them off. Do I really have to teach you everything?"
"S-sorry! I'll keep a close eye on them!"
Ralph watched the rookie scurry off, then turned his gaze back to the road.
Soon, they reached a canyon. The atmosphere among the merchants lightened; once through this pass, they would be within Konashu territory, close to a border guard post. They were safe. Or so they thought.
Looking at the high slopes flanking them, Ralph felt a sudden prickle of unease. He immediately ordered the caravan to halt.
"Captain Ralph, why are we stopping?" a merchant asked. "We're almost there. Shouldn't we hurry?"
"Something feels wrong."
"Hahaha, you're paranoid! This is Konashu land. No bandit would dare cause trouble here."
Ralph ignored him and ordered two guards to scout ahead. He pulled his spear from his back and began prodding the snow. After a few thrusts, he unearthed a scrap of bloodstained cloth. His pupils shrank. "Get back here now!" he roared to the scouts.
"Huh?" The scouts turned, confused.
At that moment, two arrows whistled through the air, piercing their chests. Scores of bandits clad in white fur and riding giant white wolves surged from the slopes, surrounding the caravan in a crescent. They deliberately left one opening, not due to a lack of men, but to prevent the merchants from resisting too desperately. Once they fled through the gap, they would become easy target practice.
The merchants froze in terror. Only Ralph held his ground. "Everyone, grab your weapons! Prepare to fight!"
"How dare you!" the merchant screamed at the bandits. "Aren't you afraid of the Konashu guards?"
"Hahaha!" a brawny man, the bandit leader, laughed. "Old fat man, you're out of the loop. The conflict between Konashu and Alcos has escalated to the brink of war. They don't have time for us."
Despair took hold as Ralph gripped his spear. "Then I'll take as many of you down with me as I can!"
Suddenly, a crisp, out-of-place voice rang out: "Klein-nii, they're the bad guys, right? As a hero, should I kill them all?"
"Naturally. Remember, don't let a single one of these dregs escape."
Ralph looked toward the voice and saw an exquisite man in black patting the head of a cute girl in white. He initially thought the man was an elf, but noted the lack of pointed ears. A human this beautiful... perhaps he has elf blood?
The bandit leader's eyes lit up with a lewd grin. "What a handsome man! He's mine! Everyone, charge! Pillage everything!"
"Yeah! Kill them!" The bandits surged forward.
"Hmm?" Aomori glanced at the leader and flicked two fingers.
His Telekinesis condensed into invisible blades. The bandit leader was instantly reduced to a heap of minced meat. In a heartbeat, every single bandit followed suit, falling dead. A vast field of "blood plum blossoms" bloomed across the white snow.
"Blegh!" Many merchants vomited at the sight. One man fell to his knees, pointing a trembling finger at Aomori. "Devil! You're a devil!"
Elsa's eyes turned cold. She flicked a dagger toward him. The blade stopped inches from his face, causing the man to wet himself in terror. Aomori retrieved the dagger telekinetically and handed it back to Elsa. "He's just foul-mouthed. No need to take his life. If you're unhappy, just give him a lesson he won't forget."
"Oh." Elsa tucked the dagger back into her sleeve and nodded obediently.
Ralph, realizing he had just escaped death, marveled at the power displayed. Such strength! Could he be a Temple Knight? He ran to Aomori and knelt on one knee. "Thank you, my Lord, for saving our lives! That fool was simply scared out of his wits by your power. Please, do not take offense."
"I haven't. Stand up," Aomori said.
Ralph introduced himself as the guard captain and offered his services to repay the debt. The merchant, sensing a golden opportunity, hurried over. "Ralph is right! We can do anything for you, Lord!"
"Anything?" Aomori smiled.
…
"Klein-sama, this is my manor."
By the time they reached the city in Konashu, night had fallen. The merchant guild president, Grand, respectfully invited Aomori and Elsa inside. Ralph followed along, using the excuse of repaying Aomori. The manor was filled with dome-roofed, low-rise buildings.
"It looks average from the outside, but the interior layout will surely satisfy you!" Grand said, rubbing his hands as he watched Aomori's indifferent expression.
"I don't care much for such things," Aomori said.
Inside the hall, Grand offered Aomori the seat of honor. Elsa unceremoniously sat on Aomori's lap. Grand cleared his throat, ignoring the scene. "I have maps of various countries. The Empire is a bit far, so that map isn't quite complete, but..."
"That's fine," Aomori said. "What about the grimoires I mentioned?"
Grand hesitated. "As you know, our country worships spirits, so most choose to become Spiritual Arts Users. Mages are rare, and grimoires even rarer. However..."
"I see. Is it easier to find them in the Kingdom of Lugunica?" Aomori asked, pinning Elsa's restless hand down.
"Naturally! I'm sending a caravan there in a few days. I'll have them search—"
"No need. I'll go to Lugunica directly." Aomori decided he would simply look for Beatrice. Her library would have everything he needed, and he could meet the "clown" while he was at it.
"Lord, would you stay here for a few days until the caravan is ready? We've been to Lugunica many times; we can handle the logistics for you," Grand offered.
"Fine. A few days won't hurt."
Aomori and Elsa were shown to the most luxurious guest room. Elsa rolled around on the large bed. "Klein-nii, come here! This bed is so soft."
"Elsa, you haven't finished your evening lesson yet."
"Oh." Elsa bounced up and lunged at Aomori, daggers appearing in her hands like magic as she aimed for his vitals.
Aomori blocked her strikes with a single finger, then swept her off her feet when she left an opening. "Keep your core stable. Again."
"Yes!"
————
NOTE: This fic has been completely translated. If you want to read the whole story head over to my p-atre-on: p-atre-on.c-om/Overgod [Just remove the hyphen to access normally]