Arc 4 of Re:Zero Life in a Different World from Zero also known as The Everlasting Contract is the fourth arc in the series which looks a little into the past and begins elaborating on the true nature of the Witches of Sin. It is covered in Volumes 10-15 of the light novel series. There are currently 5 chapters of manga in this arc (collectively known as Daiyonshou). It is not yet depicted in the anime though it is assumed that Re:Zero Season 2 coming up will cover most if not all of the events of this arc.

Previous: Arc 3 - Return to the Capital City
Next: Arc 5 - Stars That Engrave History

Synopsis

As this is the longest Arc so far in the story, the synopsis is broken into two parts. For the second part, click here.

Fixed Time

Subaru is shocked to learn of what happened to Rem. He tries killing himself to change the past but his 'save point' is already past the point where he can change anything. With no solution, Subaru, Emilia, and Otto return to the mansion with Rem's body. On the way they enter Irlam village but find it is still mostly empty. The villagers who had evacuated to the Sanctuary had yet to return. Seeking answers the party makes their way to the Mathers mansion. There they meet Frederica who used to be a maid in the mansion and has recently returned to pick up the slack that Ram couldn't manage on her own.

To The Sanctuary

After sorting out matters in the mansion Subaru, Emilia, and Otto make their way to the Sanctuary to find the lost villagers. Upon entering the forest near the Sanctuary, Emilia loses consciousness and the party is attacked by Garfiel. He eventually relents and lets the party through. They arrive at the village and Ram guides them to Roswaal. He had been placed under house arrest due to his injuries. The party learns that the Sanctuary they are currently in is also known as the Witch of Greed's Graveyard and that 'Roswaals' have been charged with taking care of the location.

Echidna

Garfiel returns to guide Subaru and Emilia to the grave proper. Garfiel reveals that there are trials associated with the grave and that those worthy of undertaking the trials may not leave the Sanctuary until completing the trials. He further explains that losing consciousness when entering the forest is a sign of worthiness and all other trial candidates were also half elves. After some arguing Subaru enter the grave area for the trials first to scout ahead.
He falls into a trap hole almost as soon as he enters and meets Echidna. She changes the area around them into a glassy plain and invites Subaru to a chat over tea. The two are currently conversing in what Echidna calls her dreams. He is introduced to Typhon the Witch of Pride, Sekhmet the Witch of Sloth, and Minerva the Witch of Wrath one at a time before Echidna returns. She explains that she collected the souls of the other witches. They discussed various topics but eventually Echidna revealed that she was confined to the grave by the dragon Volcanica. She is acting as a deterrent to Satella the Witch of Envy and that she is not firmly sealed away and could one day return. Eventually the tea that Subaru drank (which contained Echidna's body fluids) began taking effect, helping to settle the Witch Factors in his body. In exchange for keeping his newfound knowledge a secret and allowing the Witch Factors to anchor themselves in him Echidna granted him the right to take the trials.

The Trials

Subaru awakes in the village. Emilia has decided to take the trials. She begins the next night, but as the lights in the grave suddenly go out Subaru rushes in to help her. He suddenly finds himself back in Japan and manages to find a peace with his past even if the people he saw were fakes from his memories. He wakes up in the grave near Emilia who is unconscious and struggling with her trial. Even when woken up she still seems to be shaken from what she saw. She eventually recovers but continuously fails to complete the first trial. With no other choice Subaru negotiates the release of the villagers in exchange for him taking the trial in Emilia's place. He leads the villagers home and stops by the mansion where he is killed by Elsa.

Back to the Graveyard

Subaru awakes once more on the night of the first trial after he had made it past his memories of Japan. He tried to replicate the events of the previous loop but the lingering smell of the Witch on him caused Garfiel to distrust him. This time he instead frees the villagers with Roswaal's help. On the journey back to the village (earlier than the previous timeline) he stops by the mansion to speak with Frederica. He learns a lot about Demi Humans, Garfiel, and the Sanctuary itself though she cannot tell him everything due to a contract.
Subaru then goes searching for Beatrice but fails to find the entrance to the library. He instead explores a hidden passage he found in a previous timeline. Petra explained that it led to a shack in the mountains but before they could reach the end they were attacked by Elsa. He retreated and Frederica tried to intervene but Petra died in the frantic events. Subaru tries to flee to Rem's room but is saved by Beatrice and ends up in the library instead. The two get into an argument which causes her to eject Subaru out of the library. He realizes he's in a laboratory in the Sanctuary. Returning to the nearby village he finds it empty. He goes to the grave and is attacked and killed by the Great Rabbits Demon Beast.

Part Two

For the rest of the synopsis, click here.

Links

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