Quest Rewards & Cupped Calm

Kazuma

(That last quest almost killed me... literally.)

Umi

Your shoulders are completely stiff. Let me help.

Subaru

(Better make it strong. He looks like he's been through hell.)

Umi

You carry too much tension here. When was your last break?

Kazuma

(This... actually feels amazing. When did she learn this?)

Subaru

Tea. Figured you could use something warm after whatever nightmare you went through.

Umi

(His mana circulation... it's completely warped. What kind of quest was this?)

Kazuma

Wait... why are you both looking at me like that?

Subaru

(That scar on his neck... it's pulsing with dark energy. This isn't just exhaustion.)

Kazuma

(Why does my scar feel like it's burning?)

Umi

My hands... they're glowing?

Subaru

(Those chains... I've seen them before. In the cult's scripture!)

Kazuma

U-umi?! What's happening to us?!

Umi

(My mana... it's being drained!)

Subaru

Don't let the rune complete! It'll bind your souls!

Kazuma

(Too late. The contract is sealed.)

Subaru

(That voice... it's not Kazuma anymore. The Witch's curse has awakened.)

Kazuma

Your little massage triggered something beautiful.

Subaru

This isn't just possession. You're channeling the Witch!

Umi

(My heart... it's beating in sync with the rune...)

Kazuma

Let's play a game. Every loop resets their bond.

Subaru

(If I die now... Umi won't remember... Kazuma won't be saved...)

Kazuma

The contract requires three souls. One to bind, one to break, one to keep.

Subaru

Then I'll be the one who breaks. Every. Single. Time.

Umi

(I remember... all of it. Every loop. Every death. The tea...)

Umi

Petelgeuse...

Kazuma

(I can't move... what did she just say?)

Umi

Return to the void, vessel.

Kazuma

Umi! Snap out of it!

Subaru

(Not again... I won't lose him again!)

Umi

(Kazuma? Why am I... what did I just...)

Subaru

The loop reset... but she's still here. The Witch's influence is growing.

Umi

(The mark... I can feel it. Every time I remember, it spreads...)