Crossover anime, starting with Hachiman Hikigaya replacing Subaru Natsuki!

He was overjoyed when Hachiman Hikigaya said he was a friend in order to gain fame... but then he never mentioned him again? Hey! Even if he's just a rag, a pure tool, could you at least say something like, "This tool is pretty useful"?

Just saying something like that makes me happy for half a day!

"Judging from this, Julius is a high-end version of me in every way, right? ... I feel so frustrated. It used to feel weird when Ebina fantasized about me. Now I would rather she give up Julius and fantasize about me and Hachiman instead."

At the same time, Anastasia turned her head and glanced at her knight.

"It's certainly a good thing to befriend someone like him, but seeing how you two hit it off so well, I'm really worried that one day you might be tricked into joining Emilia's camp."

“My loyalty has been dedicated to you, Lady Anastasia, and I, Julius, would never betray you!” Julius declared resolutely.

What he said was actually quite unreliable... He certainly wouldn't do it subjectively, but whether he would be deceived by Hachiman Hikigaya in reality and unknowingly do some performance for Lady Emilia, that's really hard to guarantee.

This is also what Anastasia cares about.

"What level of strength do the top experts in the Kingdom of Lugnica possess?"

"At this moment, Julius unleashing his full power, Crusch giving it his all, and Wilhelm unleashing an extraordinary burst of energy—they answered this question with their dazzling performances!"

"This power, though far from comparable to the Sword Saint Reinhard, and though there are others in this country stronger than these three, is still a force capable of besieging a magical beast, even if it is the White Whale that has ravaged the world for four hundred years, even if it has unexpected methods. The outcome was decided from the very beginning."

Seeing the white whale's true form, relentlessly pursuing him not simply because of his witch scent, but out of anger at Julius, Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't help but sigh, his sigh filled with longing: "You really are strong, Julius."

"I still have a long way to go... Although I'd like to say that, I'm truly undeserving of your praise."

"Julius casually slashed at the white whale that was about to catch up, causing it to let out a mournful cry. 'I've heard about what Hachiman-kun did for Lady Emilia in the capital. Your mental and strategic prowess is no less than the power I possess.'"

""Ha ha!""

"Having abandoned fear, abandoned thought, abandoned everything else that didn't matter, Hachiman Hikigaya and Julius rode on the earth dragon, chatting and laughing as if suddenly only the two of them remained in the world, talking about whatever came to mind."

"His carefree and unrestrained demeanor didn't resemble that of someone being chased by a beluga whale at all."

"Every soldier who sees them feels an overwhelming surge of courage within them."

"With such reliable leaders taking the lead, what is there to fear about a mere white whale? What face do we have to back down?"

""ha--""

"The three siblings, who looked like children, suddenly appeared around the white whale and unleashed a powerful magical attack together."

"Waaah—"

"The wounded beluga whale called for its clone, but..."

"Thump thump!!"

"The sound of the earth dragon's footsteps spread, blocking the advance of the other two earth dragons. The warriors, having regrouped, did not allow these two clones to hinder Lord Hachiman and Lord Julius."

"He's trying to escape!"

"It's alright, I have a way. Julius, cover your ears."

"Julius did as he was told, without a single doubt or thought—the next second, he saw Hachiman Hikigaya shout something, which he couldn't hear, but the white whale, which had intended to escape, suddenly went berserk and chased after him again."

"Just as I expected, it's exactly the same as back then!"

"From afar, Crusch seemed to have already set up a deadly trap. She shouted, almost roaring, 'There! Run that way!'"

"It's that tree, the iconic towering tree outside the capital. Right now, the elven sorcerers and the remaining strategic weapons are all aimed at it."

"I see, so you lure the beluga whale over there, fire the cannon to cut the tree in half, and let the falling tree crush the beluga whale... Hold on tight, Hachiman-kun, we're about to accelerate!"

The outcome is decided.

Emilia murmured softly, her little feet shuffling on the ground, pattering happily.

The silver-haired girl looked up and around. Whether it was vendors, pedestrians, or guards stationed on the street, they were all staring at the light screen with wide eyes, looking at that future.

They watched as Hachiman Hikigaya laughed and joked amidst the threat of the white whale; they witnessed what the truest friendship in the world looked like. They were awestruck, assimilated, and tamed…

"Hikigaya Hachiman, Hikigaya Hachiman!"

Cheers erupted in the streets and alleys; everyone was calling his name!

That kind of masculine spirit, the composure in the face of death, and the unwavering trust in his friend Julius to protect his true feelings.

This man launched a campaign to eradicate the monsters that had plagued the world for four hundred years, removing a great terror from the hearts of the Lugunica Kingdom.

"The one who slays the white whale must be a man like this! It has to be a man like this!! A man like this deserves to return laden with glory!!!"

No one cared that the white whale was just a side effect; its true purpose was to unite and destroy the Witch Cult.

“See that, Parker?” Emilia whispered. “I’m so happy, so excited… It’s wonderful, really wonderful, Parker…”

Emilia felt genuinely gratified. She straightened her back, her flawless and beautiful face radiant with joy for Hachiman Hikigaya's danger, delighted in his success, and praised his strategy.

"Phew... I've lost by half a point again."

At the same moment, Crusch listened to the shouts of people outside the mansion and shook his head helplessly again. "As expected of Lord Hachiman, even though our side contributed the most, he still stole the limelight at the last moment... But, he really deserved it."

"Boom!!"

"The beluga whale's flesh and blood were defeated by the power of nature, and the resulting noise, dust and shockwaves rushed towards us."

"Julius's sharp eyes narrowed, he turned and jumped off the earth dragon, sweeping out a sword to drive away the last vestiges of damage from the fleeing earth dragon and Hachiman Hikigaya on it."

"Hey, Julius!"

79. Promises that are difficult to keep

"The beluga whale...is it dead?"

"The dissipation of the white fog and the return of a wide field of vision symbolizes something self-evident."

After a moment of silence, the exhausted soldiers erupted in earth-shaking celebrations and shouts, one after another, releasing the tension that had been building since the start of the war.

"Dead? Dead! Dead..."

"Wilheim, covered in beluga blood, staggered as he looked up at the sky, as if he saw something in the air, silently mourning his deceased wife and hoping for her peace."

"Hachiman Hikigaya, who had turned back, helped the panting Julius up, made him cover his ears, and shouted 'Return of Death.' Only when he realized that the white whale was not moving did he relax and become extremely cautious."

"Are you alright?"

"Two people, Crusch and Rem, came side by side, their voices mingling together."

"Kurshuu, the earth dragon, glanced at Hachiman Hikigaya, his eyes darting around as if he wanted to rip out his own heart so Hachiman would be grateful and submit to him. He was even more concerned than Rem: "Are you injured? Should Phyllis treat you?"

"I'm fine, but Julius needs to rest."

"Hachiman Hikigaya awkwardly turned his head away. He was the type of person who responded better to gentle persuasion than force, and he really couldn't handle Crusch's enthusiasm. Fortunately, the understanding Rem immediately stepped forward and stood between him and Crusch, otherwise, it was hard to say what might have happened."

"By the way, could I borrow your sword for a moment, Julius?"

Julius, bewildered, handed over his sword: "It's possible, but... what for?"

"Hachiman Hikigaya took the sword without answering. He took a few steps, walked up to the dead white whale, and stared at it for a while."

"Clang—"

"With all his might, he plunged the sword into the white whale's eyeball and stirred it inside. Even though he was splattered with liquid, Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't suppress the exhilaration of avenging his great grudge. The emotions he displayed were exactly the same as Wilhelm's feelings when he avenged his wife."

Rem couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, envying the person who, though seemingly dead for who knows how long, still held a special place in Hachiman Hikigaya's heart. She whispered, "Hachiman... did anyone close to you ever have been killed by the White Whale?"

Hachiman Hikigaya glanced at her, his hoarse, deep voice gradually brightening, tinged with lingering fear: "Yes, there is... someone very, very, very close to me."

While comparing himself to Hachiman with envy, jealousy, and hatred, and while plotting to disfigure Emilia, Ram suddenly felt his sleeve being tugged.

She looked down and saw her younger sister Rem nestled against her chest, her gentle eyes holding a special emotion.

The love that her future self held transcended time and space, truly taking root in Rem's heart in reality, creating an unparalleled resonance—that real love.

The sisters, who were of one mind, knew as soon as Ram saw her sister's expression that her sister was subtly reminding her... never to do anything to harm Hachiman Hikigaya.

Even though she is Rem's sister.

"Sigh..." Ram sighed sadly, "Rem has grown up."

"That's great."

The scene of Hachiman Hikigaya avenging his beloved Rem was witnessed by countless girls on Earth.

Fumino Furuhashi, the Nakano sisters, Nanami Aoyama, Eru Chitanda, and many other innocent girls who harbor feelings for the boys beside them can't help but feel their hearts flutter, secretly glancing at the person they like, shy and adorable.

The way Hachiman Hikigaya and Rem showed their affection only strengthened their belief in the beauty of love.

Everyone was happy except for Yukino Yukinoshita.

"Lord Hachiman, I am so grateful—so deeply grateful!"

"Having finished mourning, the Sword Demon Wilhelm's respect for Hachiman Hikigaya surpassed that for Crusch. He didn't care about any deals or calculations; he only knew that Hachiman Hikigaya had given him a chance to fight the White Whale."

"Hachiman Hikigaya shook his head slightly. He helped Wilhelm up and then discussed the division of forces with Crusch."

Crusch suggested, "I will take some soldiers to transport the white whale carcass back to the capital. We need to put everyone's minds at ease as soon as possible. The rest of you can accompany you to reinforce Emilia."

“Alright,” Hachiman Hikigaya pondered for a moment, “Rem, you return to the capital with Crusch.”

Rem showed obvious resistance, but before she could object, Hachiman Hikigaya continued, "You've already expended a lot of energy. With Julius here, my safety isn't a concern... In the royal capital, we also need you to represent Emilia and let others know that our side is involved."

"Rem, please."

"Hachiman Hikigaya placed his hand on Rem's shoulder."

Rem opened her mouth, but couldn't speak—how could she possibly refuse such a earnest request and command?

"But ultimately, it's not just her and him; Lady Crusch and the others also know perfectly well that this is for her safety, to prevent her from participating in the dangerous battles of the Witch Cult."

"Rem will handle the remaining matters in the royal capital," the girl nodded slightly, unwilling but unable to refuse her beloved. "Rem will wait for Hachiman's triumphant return in the royal capital... So, so—"

"I will protect him," Julius solemnly swore, "In Julius's name, I will not allow my dearest friend Hachiman Hikigaya to suffer any harm that could endanger his life in this war!"

"Rem reluctantly withdrew her longing gaze at Julius's vow."

"Because he loved Rem, Hachiman went against Rem's own wishes; because he loved Hachiman, Rem obeyed Hachiman's own wishes."

"Hachiman Hikigaya seemed to suddenly remember something and instructed the girl, 'Rem, when you leave, leave those fruits and books on my earthenware trough. Those are for Beatrice; I promised her.'"

"What--"

Betty's breathing slowed, and the book in her hand fell to the ground with a clatter. "After going through so much chaos and danger, dying so many times in agony, and still not having dealt with Jus... when you think about going back to Roswaal's mansion, do you still remember your promise to Betty?"

"No, that's not right... Since it was an agreement, it's only natural, so there's nothing that Betty should be moved by. Yes, that's it..."

Betty bent down to pick up the book. She was all alone there, and no one knew what her emotions were or what her expression was at that moment.