"Good advice is wasted on those destined to die, great mercy cannot save those who think themselves righteous."
This saying stems from his understanding of Seneca's philosophy and some Chinese wisdom he picked up while trying to impress a girl online. It means: No matter how persuasive the words, they cannot convince someone bent on their own destruction, and even Buddha's great compassion cannot save those who reject salvation.
This saying fits perfectly with Natsuki's type — stubborn, obstinate, refusing advice, and arrogantly headstrong.
But! This ancient saying is something I've studied my whole life — how can you, a Japanese person, use it so naturally?!
And what's more, you spoke it in perfect English, with barely a trace of accent!
How long did you practice this, you bastard?! This is bad, truly bad! I've completely underestimated this world — this is hell-level difficulty!
At this moment, Adam realized his greatest crisis in this world: he cannot avoid Death by Return! The cheat doesn't work anymore! If he accidentally dies, Death by Return will overwrite reality as established fact — what should he do?
For the first time, even he felt afraid.
"Young man, what you're saying is quite interesting." Adam's expression was serious.
"Ah haha, is that so." Natsuki said with a bitter, half-crying face, "If possible, I really never want to say these words again."
"Then, who are you?" Adam was certain that even his previous self who had looped would never reveal that he knew him from the beginning.
"Nice to meet you, let me introduce myself again! My name is Natsuki Subaru, the world's most useless good-for-nothing high school student! Like you, I'm from another world, please take care of me!"
As he shouted this, his right index finger pointed to the sky, left hand made a fist at his side, right leg stepped forward, and his hips slightly raised.
This was his signature pose. Although he appeared energetic and positive, his eyes still held confusion and despair.
However, this made Adam understand one thing: his previous self must have told Natsuki about being from another world.
But that makes sense — the saying "Good words can't persuade those destined to die" is clearly something he pieced together, and because it was in english, he must have known about Adam's otherworldly origin.
That makes the conversation much simpler.
After a brief pause, Adam nodded and said, "I see, nice to meet you, my name is Adam Carter, please take care of me."
"Adam, although you might think this is absurd, please listen carefully. I've actually redone this many times, and I've met you many times already." Natsuki explained with careful precision, "As a modern person, you should understand! In games, when the protagonist hits a Bad End from wrong choices, we reload the save and try again for a Happy End. My ability works exactly like that!"
"I see, I understand." Adam realized his previous self must have taught Natsuki this clear way of explaining things while bypassing the death reset limitation, "I've never hated living in modern society so much — being able to understand myself this quickly."
No, it's hatred for that previous version of me who calculated everything so precisely.
"So, Natsuki-kun, how many times have you returned, and how many times have you met me?"
"Tenth return, fifth time meeting you."
Five whole days to learn one English phrase — no wonder the pronunciation is so clear.
Then why not leave? Even after returning, why didn't I choose to escape? You can leave this world anytime, right? What are you thinking, me?
Adam wanted to say more, but they were standing in the middle of the road, conspicuous among the passing pedestrians.
"Natsuki-kun, come with me." He led him to a nearby secluded alley, "There's something I'm curious about."
He adjusted the Nichirin sword at his waist and asked.
"Not to brag, but I have some confidence in my abilities. However, even so, I also—"
"No, it's not like that! Your strength is incredible — you can fight equally with that horrible garbage woman." Natsuki explained in a low voice, "It's me, it's all because I was too rash and reckless—"
Hearing this, Adam understood.
He must have been so desperate to save Emilia that he got ambushed by Elsa Granhiert*,* the Bowel Hunter, had his guts ripped out, and entered another loop.
But to endure this five times?! No, to persist even after ten loops — truly worthy of being called stubborn!
The methods might differ, but the results are all the same?
"Adam, please! I can only rely on you now, please help me!" His words carried helplessness and urgency, like grasping at the last lifeline.
"..." Adam fell silent.
What should I do, what should I do? This is so frustrating! I might as well just leave! After all, this isn't my world — it doesn't matter if I can't learn skills, staying alive is what's important!
Give up, give up, just giving up would be fine! What's the point in helping others? Wouldn't it be better to just leave?!
Damn it! I hate being forced to take on this responsibility!
Just as he was thinking this, he saw Natsuki's expression. Fear, pain, timidity, sorrow, regret — these emotions once again appeared on his young, immature face.
At this moment, he finally understood why his previous self hadn't left. Natsuki was teetering on the edge of breakdown.
If this continued, he would fall into darkness and become Pride, plunging the world into war and strife. Countless innocent people would be sacrificed.
And all because his current self refused to help this stubborn young man.
"Natsuki-kun, you're in pain, aren't you? I can see it in your expression." Adam gently patted the shoulder of the 17-year-old.
"..." Natsuki remained silent, head bowed as he wept quietly.
It was clear he had developed psychological trauma from that gut-ripping maniac Elsa. Better to let him cry it out now.
"Sigh!" Adam never imagined he'd end up looking after kids not only in " KonoSuba ", but in " Re:Zero " as well.
To prevent the world's destruction, he had to forcibly correct the storyline — it couldn't go down the Pride IF route!
So this was all the world's fault!
"Natsuki-kun, a true warrior dares to face life's bleakness and look upon flowing blood!" Gently patting his shoulder, he comforted and guided him, "Don't be afraid. I'll help you!"
I will definitely correct the world line!
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