Meet the NEET

Her eyes scan down to my woundless stomach as she starts to hyperventilate. Her breathing erratic as she staggers backwards and tumbles. My instincts as a waiter kick in and I'm by her side in an instant. I catch her in my arms, her body angled as I prop her up. Our bodies positioned as though we were doing a poor attempt at the Dip (type of dance move).

"Miss, do you need to rest for a moment?" I stare at her red face with a serious expression, the whole Subaru being a girl thing kind of throwing me off.

"Y-yes." I lift her up in a princess carry and move her over the stones I'd rested upon earlier. Sitting her against the rocks she sits on the stone floor, her back against the fountain wall. Her bags of food nearly spill onto the ground as she clutches her knees against her chest.

While she steadies herself I decide to check out her confidant, Persona.

[Social Stats]

-> [Confidants]

-> Death XIII : Subaru Natsuki - RANK 3

- Strength VIII : Adelheid Van Astrea - RANK 8

Death XIII : Subaru Natsuki - RANK 3

• Rank 1: Alpheratz - Increased Resistance against harmful Authority.

• Rank 2: Mirach - Social Stats increase at a faster rate.

• Rank 3: Almach - Increased Affinity with Spirits.

I have no idea what any of these names are. Maybe I can ask Subaru later? I think I recognize the first one as a star, and if I remember correctly she's a huge astronomy nerd.

Nonetheless, the abilities themselves are quite useful, especially the second one. Social stats are the core facets of my character, and they are extremely useful in indirect ways. They help me grow my confidants faster, and also grant me increased capabilities in a wide variety of situations. Some may say it's scary to have core parts of you changed, but it doesn't feel that way when it comes to this system. It feels like I'm becoming 'more of myself' in a way. Like I'm not being changed, but increased. Social stats have always been a slow grind. It had taken five months of perfect customer service to even get my Charm to the third level, so any boost is going to be a welcome one.

I mindlessly hand the girl my half drunk cup of appa juice and she grabs it after it softly bumps into her cheek.

"So . . . needed a moment?"

"You have no idea." She snarks back with nearly bloodshot eyes, she then drowns the appa juice and rockets up.

"I have a maiden to save! Will you join me on this quest?" Her eyes are bloodshot, the mask of bravado her shield against the world. She's definitely still the same person as that poor kid in the anime.

"Sure, I've got some time to kill. Though we should take that cup back to Mr. Risch."

"O-of course!" Her bravado falls a little as I redirect her. I feel as though changing the crash course of someone who's stressed out can help redirect their energy in order to help calm them down. As we walk down the path I try to start a conversation, distracting her from all the horrible stuff she probably just went through doesn't feel like a bad way to start.

"You've got quite foreign clothes, what brings you to Luginica?" Part of me wants to just tell her I'm an isekai victim too, but keeping that card close to my chest until I can confirm she's not suddenly going to crash out feels like a good idea.

"I'm on a heroic quest to save someone!" She smiles as she leans down slightly, a casual expression on her face.

"Must be someone pretty important then." She nods as her smile becomes slightly lewder.

"Only the most beautiful half-elf in the world!" I give a light snort but smile nonetheless.

"Sounds like she's a lucky lady to have you as her hero." She nods her head with sincerity, as though I was simply confirming her words. Fuck, didn't Subaru have a giant ego problem at the beginning? My customer service technique simply bled through instinctually! I must change the topic quickly, and the green haired stall owner is a perfect distraction!

[SPOILER="Friendly Shopkeep"][/SPOILER]

"Hey Mr. Risch." The green haired man smiles as he sees me.

"Bah, you know better than to call me that James!" I set the cup down next to him as he squeezes more fresh appa juice into it. The man wipes his hands with a rag after the maneuver. Through my suggestion the restaurant and Mr. Risch made a deal where we buy appa's from him. Through the deal and later interactions I'd become good friends with the man. I was surprised he never became a confidant, but I spent time with him nonetheless.

I'm not going to make my life revolve around 21 mysterious figures I haven't met yet. I choose who I spend my time with, even if it doesn't give me 'power'.

"Whose the lady with you?"

"S-subaru. Natsuki Subaru." She throws me an odd look, and the man an even stranger one. Perhaps she recognizes him from a previous loop? Weird coincidence. Shame I remember next to nothing from the anime besides the important characters.

"She's my traveling companion at the moment, apparently we're off to save a maiden." The man lets out a hearty laugh.

"Then perhaps some food for the road?" He tosses an apple which Subaru fumbles before securing the thing in her grasp, her eyes lighting up at the food. She places it in one of her plastic bags.

"Ms. Natsuki, perhaps it would be best for you to set down your bags somewhere else while we tackle this quest?" She pauses for a moment, but nods. A small expression of guilt on her face.

"Yep! Can't be weighed down by such things when playing the hero!" Mr. Risch just raises an eyebrow to which I can only give him a light shrug in response. This girl is too much.

I take her over to the Boar's Bounty, plenty of guests greeting me with smiles and I can't help but notice Subaru looking at me in a new light. Her expression is dark as she mutters 'stupid Ikeman'. I awkwardly scratch the back of my head at her words in confusion. I know that's a japanese term but I don't remember at all what it even means.

I even hear a few of the women in the crowd seeming to let out sighs of disappointment as I take a girl up to my room, an old man slapping me on the back as I walk by.

"Looks like you've finally found someone eh' Bell?"

"No, no, Mr. Roark. She's just going to be traveling with me for a while and needs a place to set her things." He wiggles his eyes a little bit and I roll mine in response. Subaru and I enter my room while she silently glares at me like I've wronged her in some secret way.

"Sorry if my room is a mess . . ." The room is quite clean, a simple bed against the corner, a desk covered in books I'd used to learn how to properly read and write, and a cabinet with neatly folded clothes. She lets out a small huff and sets her things on an unoccupied space over my desk.

"With that out of the way are you ready?" She mutters something under her breath about me being popular before pointing a finger straight at me.

"Definitely! But make sure to let me do the talking!" What? Does she think I'm going to mess it up really badly? Or is she just concerned about me 'seducing her waifu'?

"If it makes you happy then I'll do it." I give her a bright smile and she seems to recoil slightly at it, as though it truly were a radiant beam of light shining straight into her eyes.

"W-well alright then James! Let's go!" Making our way down the stairs the crowd mostly lets us through without much trouble. Mr. Roark yelling at the two of us to enjoy our date. Doesn't he know a man and woman can just be friends? After all, I'm just friends with Adelheid. Smiling at the thought of the awesome woman I get an idea.

"Say Ms. Natsuki, don't you think it would be a good idea to ask someone for help? I have a city guard as a friend and I think she could make this way easier. She is pretty amazing after all." She seems to get lost in thought for a moment. Her expression twisted in incredulity at my words.

AN: This is where the Pride IF would begin if I HAD ONE.

I softly pat her on the shoulder and give her a gentle look, she flinches a little bit but doesn't immediately push me away.

"I'm sure she'll make a great friend and assistant for our quest." Getting Adelheid a new friend plan is active! Poor girl is so lonely . .  .

Subaru pauses at words and seems to pull it over, her eyes trailing down to my stomach before letting out a slow nod.

"Alright, she can help us with starting this quest but is up to me to finish it." Up to me huh? This girl needs to develop her character ands he needed to do it yesterday.

"It's not wrong to rely on others, people are good at different things. Adelheid is good at fighting bad guys and I'm good at making food." She looks away, a glint of self loathing behind those eyes of hers.

She probably doesn't think she's good at anything. I know that exact look as I've started at it in the mirror before.

"You can still be a hero you know, but doesn't a hero need a hero's party?" She lights up and blushes lightly at my words. Everyone has things they're good at, skills they've honed, and quirks that guide their way. Everyone can be a hero in someone's life after all.

"Y-yeah! You're right James, I'll be the badass commander and you can be the wise chef!" I think she sort of misinterpreted my words but as it stands I'm just glad she's on the board with getting Adelheid's help. Then I hear the sound of a young girl's voice once again.

Rank 4: Titawin - Increased growth of Knowledge. Increased Willpower.

"Now then! Let's go meet our new party member!" I let out an awkward chuckle as I lean against a wall. Maybe I can help nudge her in the right direction so she doesn't crash and burn. She starts to walk in a direction before freezing.

"Where is our new party member again?" I shrug before clearing my throat.

"Adelheid, can you help me with something?" I ask quite loudly to no one in particular, simply trusting that the girl would have heard me.

"Is our new party member invisible or-" "You called?" "Eep!" Adelhied gives a small wave as she jogs over a bright smile on her face as she greets me.

"I have the perfect mission for my perfect friend." She blushes at the praise and runs a hand through one of her bangs.

"Don't scare me like that!" Subaru shouts out, yeah it's probably best that I introduce the two of them.

"Adelheid, this is Subaru. She's on an epic quest to save a maiden in need. Subaru, this is Adelheid. She is a completely average knight." Subaru only raises an eyebrow at the introduction.

"The knights of this place must be pretty scary then." Adelheid sends me a thankful look, but shakes her head in disagreement at Subaru's words.

"I just have good ears, that's all. The knights are here to help you so there's no need to be afraid of us!" She has a slightly strained smile on her face as she speaks, and Subaru nods begrudgingly.

"Well then Adelheid we have a maiden to find and I know just where to look. So let's get moving before we run out of time!" Beginning to walk with Subaru through the city I give Adelheid an odd look.

"Honestly I'm sort of surprised you showed up, you're always busy after all." She lightly tilts her head with a gleam behind her eyes. A victorious smile on her face.

"Whenever you call me, I'll be there." I blush lightly at the words, but this is Adelheid we're talking about so she probably hasn't even thought about any other meaning to those words. Seriously, what if I'd asked for her in the bedroom!?

"Subaru, where are we going exactly?" I change the subject before the image of a naked Adelheid can worm into my brain. Seriously, the more I hang around her the more I think about her being the real Persona protagonist.

I take the opportunity of my system shovings itself into my face to look at Subaru's fourth confidant rank.

[Social Stats]

-> [Confidants]

-> Death XIII : Subaru Natsuki - RANK 4

- Strength VIII : Adelheid Van Astrea - RANK 8

Death XIII : Subaru Natsuki - RANK 4

• Rank 1: Alpheratz - Increased Resistance against harmful Authority.

• Rank 2: Mirach - Social Stats increase at a faster rate.

• Rank 3: Almach - Increased Affinity with Spirits.

• Rank 4: Titawin - Increased growth of Knowledge. Increased Willpower.

Increases my social stats even more! Subaru might just be my new favorite person . . . nah it's still Adelheid. She really is my most reliable friend. The Willpower bonus from this ability is also nice to have as well, I might be stabbed so being able to push through does seem quite nice. Hopefully I don't die though, that would suck quite a lot.

"We're going to a place where some evil lady is going to try and kill us. So we gotta defeat her first and save the maiden!" Adelheid pauses at that before sending me a concerned glance.

"Do you know who this 'evil lady' is?" Subaru lets out a small laugh, a hint of fear behind her eyes.

"Her name is Elsa and she loves tearing people's stomachs open!" The first boss is mentioned, and Adelheid narrows her eyes before clearing her throat.

"It's good you called me. I have good reason to believe that may be the infamous Bowel Hunter."

"Scary lady with knives, right?" Adelheid nods and Subaru tenses up.

"Is she really that famous?"

"She's famous in Gusteko and known by her title as the Bowel Hunter, if this 'maiden' brings her Luginca then it's my responsibility as a Knight to aid in saving her." Subaru's smile thins.

"Just let me do the talking, you two can back me up in a fight." She knows I can fight. So I must have given it a go in the previous loop, I suppose Elsa is just really strong then. Damn, I'd thought that with Adelheids swordsmanship I'd stand a chance but it looks like the answer is no.

"Ah- we're here." We'd moved through the slums without much trouble, Adelhied's presence scaring off everyone who could have been a potential problem. Now in front of the ramshackle building Subaru knocked on the door three times before a voice came from the inside.

"For the rats?"

"Poison," I give Adelheid a glance as she stands there, the smile on her face not falling as she notices my look. I just shrug while we let Subaru work her magic.

"For the white whale?"

"A harpoon!"

"And to the noble dragon lords?"

"Shitbags." The door slams open at the final words revealing a mountain of a man.

[SPOILER="Old Man Rom"][/SPOILER]

"Huh who are-" The man cuts himself off and his eyes widen as he staggers back. Adelheid gives him a remorseful smile as the goliath sees the sword saint in the flesh.

"I'm not here on official business, please just ignore me." Subaru lets out a nod.

"Yeah, what she said. I've got business with you though!" The man moves away from the door and towards the back of the shop. Subaru bounds inside despite not being invited, causing me to follow her in with Adelheid close behind.

"So . . . what can I help you with?"

"We're looking for something Felt stole, when she comes by I'll trade you for it!" He nods, his eyes not wandering from Adelheid as he speaks. The knight and the local waiter simply stand awkwardly off to the side as the isekai protagonist engages in negotiations.

"Then what do you have?" She smirks and pulls out her flip phone. Damn I haven't seen one of those in forever.

"This metia has the power to capture a moment in time forever! It'll go for no less than twenty holy coins!" That's an insane amount of money, but I guess modern technology is worth quite a lot in a world with none of it.

The giant's eyes glance at it when the sound of a flash echoes throughout the room, his eyes widening in intrigue at the little thing. It's at that moment a short blond girl walks in and spots our little group causing her to freeze.

[SPOILER="Definitely not someone who is secretly a princess"][/SPOILER]

"Old man Rom- why is there a knight here?" She slowly closes the door behind her as her hand towards her blade. Rom's eyes widened in terror before raising a hand to the girl.

"Felt. No." She blinks but lowers her hand. She makes her way around the room hugging the wall until she ends up at the Old Man's side.

"I'm not here on official business, no need to be scared young lady." Felt lets out a 'tch' noise.

"I'm not scared of you-" Tensions in the room are covered with a bucket of ice water at Subaru's interruption.

"Felt I need to trade for that insignia of yours." Her eyes widen and she lets out a slow nod.

"So you want to trade for the insignia?"

"Yep, I've got a metia worth at least twenty holy coins! You just have to give me the insignia and we'll be out of your hair."

"Hmm, this is a metia . . . and while I haven't seen one before he's right about the price. It's a good deal Felt, just let them have it." She lets out a sigh and reaches for something in her pocket to throw at Subaru but then we hear a knock at the door.

"You better explain yourself after this Rom, I've never seen you act like- huh?" Subaru pales instantly, and Adelhied is already on the defensive. Hand over the sword at her waist. I instinctively eye the room for a weapon and spot a sword against the wall.

"Don't open the door, we'll be killed . . . " She trails off as her eyes scan over me and Adelheid, the door cracking with light as Felt opens it.

"Looks like our other buyer is here."

[SPOILER="Half Elf unrelated to the Witch of Envy"][/SPOILER]

"I'm not here to kill you, why do you think I'd do something so insidious?" The entering woman leans against the wall as her eyes narrow before falling upon Adelheid causing her to tilt her head.

"What is the Sword Saint doing here?" Felt pales and Subaru looks at Adelheid and me in confusion.

"We brought a high level character to the first encounter!? I thought you said she was just a guard?" I shrug casually.

"She's really the only guard I knew off the top of my head." Subaru's jaw drops at my casual words. Felt letting out an awkward chuckle.

"Y-yeah, you can have your insignia back miss!" Taking the thing out of her pocket Adelheid watches with widening eyes as it glows with a ruby light. She dashes to the girl and stares half in shock, half seriousness as she holds the girl's arm.

"Ow! You're hurting me you jerk!" Subaru looks in confusion at the scene playing out in front of us. Oh yeah, Felt is a royal candidate or whatever they're called.

"This can't be possible." I've never seen that expression on her face before, it's actually a little scary.

"What's your name?" I glance at Subaru's eyes wandering over to the elf girl and her eyes focus on- huh? Oh, I thought she was staring at her breasts but I think she's just looking at the flower.

"F-felt!"

"No. What is your family name?"

"L-look I don't-" Suddenly Adelheid pulls away, something flaring in the corner of my senses as Subaru lets out a determined shout.

"PUCK quick shield her!" A flying dagger slams into an icy shield just barely manifesting itself in time.

"That was some fast thinking, good job!" She flashes the tiny cat spirit a thumbs up in response to their praise.

"Nice shield Puck-" Me and Adelheid move as one, I move towards the sword I'd spied earlier and she rushes the scary woman.

[SPOILER="Scary lady with knives"][/SPOILER]

"All of you stand back. Subaru was right, you are the Bowel Hunter."

"Ah, Adelheid. A knight among knights. Born to the master swordsman line. What an interesting piece of prey I'll have today." I hurl the sword at the red head who catches it with ease. A smile blooming upon her face.

"I suggest you surrender, I have many questions for you."

"Do you truly expect me to resist the temptation of a battle, when I'm just so hungry."

"Adelheid be careful! She's dangerous!"

"Don't worry Subaru. Adelheid is very reliable." The two clash and Elsa is instantly disarmed, Adelheid catching the spinning dagger with a smile.

"Now that you're disarmed can I convince you to surrender?" Throughout this whole interaction I see Rom positioning himself protectively in front of Felt, a large club gripped in his hand.

"She has another!" Ice slams into Elsa's side as she jumps around the room, Adelheid however keeps her away from our group as I grip Subaru's shoulder.

Snatching a chair leg I break it off, and hold it like a makeshift club just in case.

"Forgive me Ms. Emilia, but I'll be handling this from now on." The woman nods and retreats as Adelheid's blade glows with magical power. The two go in for one final engagement and then-

A massive wave of force hits me as I grab Subaru and hold her closely to keep her from flying backwards.

"W-what! The real dangerous one was you!" Adelheid gives off a small chuckle as she stares down at the disintegrating sword.

"Looks like this maiden truly was in a lot of danger Subaru." She smiles at my words and gives a nod.

"Of course! Honestly I'm just glad nobody ended up dead." She stares intently at Emilia with a smile, her form tired but unharmed. A pile of rubble quivers and Adelheid and I's head swivel towards it.

I clutch the table leg tightly as the Bowel Hunter dashes towards the now named Emilia. Subaru positions herself in front, seemingly ready to use herself as a meatshield. But both Rom and I step forward protectively.

"JAMES-" Thanks for worrying about me Adelheid.

Our two pieces of wood fly towards the woman and she weaves elegantly through them, twin blades flying towards our guts at the same time.

Luckily for myself however I've picked up quite the mastery over the blade with my newfound power. I strike rapidly with the table leg and it snaps against her arm flying towards Rom, I move the leg to defend myself but to my horror it falls apart from the brute strength at which I wielded it.

My stomach feels warm. Ah, that's a lot of blood, I think I can even see my small intestine.

"Somebody catch me, I'm about to dramatically fall-" My body is falling as my knight in shining armor protects me from the Bowel Hunter, while the isekai protagonist clutches me in her arms. Worry brewing in her eyes as tears nearly start to fall from her face. Perhaps nervous that I'm about to die. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little scared myself.

Though, she's quite cute when she worries.

Then the darkness takes me, and I can only hope I get to see tomorrow in this new world.

AN: Another chapter where we finally finish the first Arc!? For anyone wondering this is Subaru's third loop. In the first she never met James and died, in the second she met James and assumed he was the tutorial NPC that forgot to show up. Sadly both of them met their end against Elsa (because James forgot she could regenerate) as Subaru was still running on her isekai protagonist complex and refused James when he said he knew a city guard who could help them out. Also she publicly humiliated the both of them so James had to explain who the Witch of Envy is. 

While Subaru has concerns of Emilia being stolen, it was actually Subaru who was being seduced the whole time! Also Adelheid carries the team so I didn't really have to write a fight scene . . . it was over before it even began.

The more I write this the more I feel like James is the waifu haha.

As always please leave nice comments and I give my thanks to all artists whose work I borrowed for this chapter.