1) Re Zero: The Great Sage

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{ 3rd Pov }

"It's the White Whale," Wilhelm muttered, clenching his fists as he stared at the massive corpse of one of the strongest Mabeasts in the world.

"Someone got to it before us," Crusch said through gritted teeth, her eyes narrowing in frustration. Her fists tightened by her side.

It was supposed to be her hunt. The victory that would skyrocket her camp's reputation.

All her planning. All that effort. Gone, just like that.

"My, my... Who do you suppose slayed this beast, Julius?" Anastasia asked with a sly smile, glancing toward her purple-haired knight.

"I'm not certain, Anastasia-sama," Julius replied, his tone thoughtful. "But that pillar of light... it resembled Reina Van Astrea's technique."

Wilhelm's fists clenched even tighter as he turned to face Julius.

"Sir Julius. Are you saying Reina killed the beast?"

Julius shook his head slightly. "I only meant that the attack looked similar to her style. I recall the pillar of light she unleashed during her battle with Divine General Cecilus—it was even more powerful. But that one was pure white, not blue."

"Couldn't it— Ya be another one of the Ten Swords of Power?" Felix chimed in, tail flicking as he raised a brow.

"You're right," Wilhelm muttered, staring down at the massive corpse.

For years, he had waited. For years, he had vowed to slay this damn beast.

And now, with his only wish lying dead before him—fulfilled by someone else—he felt nothing but emptiness.

"So, what do we do now?" Anastasia asked casually, breaking the silence.

"What do you mean?" Crusch glanced at her, visibly confused.

Anastasia smirked. "If the person who slayed the White Whale doesn't come forward... maybe we can claim the credit."

"What are you saying, Lady Anastasia?!" Julius asked, clearly horrified by the suggestion.

"We can just say that blue beam of light was one of your attacks, Julius," she said, smiling innocently.

Crusch's glare was sharp enough to cut steel.

"Absolutely not. Whether the person reveals themselves or not, I refuse to take credit for something I didn't do."

Anastasia sighed, clearly unimpressed by Crusch's unwavering sense of justice.

"Fine. Let's give it a few weeks. If nothing comes of it... we take the credit."

"That is not what I meant!" Crusch snapped.

"Ugh, so the corpse is still here, huh?"

A familiar voice echoed out of nowhere—startling everyone.

Subaru had appeared, just like that.

Julius and Wilhelm instinctively drew their swords the moment Subaru appeared—only to relax slightly upon recognizing him.

"Nyah! W-What is that?!" Felix yelped, pointing at the floating chunks of meat hovering behind him.

"Ah, that? That's the Sin Archbishop of Greed—Regulus Corneas," Subaru said casually, dropping the bomb.

"T-The Sin Archbishop of Greed?!" Crusch gasped, immediately unsheathing her weapon as everyone around tensed up.

"Relax. He's technically alive because of his Authority... but he's no threat anymore," Subaru added, trying to calm them. Crusch narrowed her eyes but didn't move, sensing he wasn't lying.