Hey guys, let's dive into a topic that's been stirring up the Re:Zero fandom: Subaru's Pride Route versus Reinhard van Astrea. It's a clash of wills, a battle of wits, and a journey of self-discovery, all rolled into one epic narrative. But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. Remember, Re:Zero isn't just about flashy magic and intense battles; it's a deep dive into the human psyche, exploring themes of resilience, failure, and the ever-present struggle to find one's place in the world.

So, what exactly is the "Pride Route"? It's a hypothetical path Subaru could have taken, a deviation from the canon storyline that hinges on a particular set of choices and, importantly, a shift in Subaru's mindset. Instead of relying on his friends and accepting his own limitations, the Pride Route sees Subaru embracing a more ruthless, power-hungry approach. He aims to achieve his goals by any means necessary, even if it means sacrificing his relationships and moral compass along the way. Think of it as the ultimate "ends justify the means" scenario, where Subaru is willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, regardless of the cost. This route is fueled by his pride, his desire to prove himself, and his fear of failure. It's a dark mirror of the Subaru we know, reflecting the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and a desperate need for validation. The Pride Route is a testament to the idea that even the most well-intentioned person can be corrupted by power and the relentless pursuit of their desires. It's a cautionary tale, warning us about the dangers of losing sight of our values in the face of adversity.

The Core Conflict: Subaru's Pride vs. Reinhard's Strength

Now, let's bring Reinhard into the picture. Reinhard van Astrea, the Sword Saint, is basically the ultimate good guy, the embodiment of chivalry and strength in the Re:Zero universe. He's got godly abilities, a strong sense of justice, and a heart of gold. The conflict between Subaru on the Pride Route and Reinhard is a classic David versus Goliath story, but with a twist. Subaru doesn't have the raw power to go toe-to-toe with Reinhard, so he has to rely on his cunning, his knowledge of future events (thanks to Return by Death), and his willingness to use underhanded tactics. This creates a compelling dynamic: a battle of strategy versus brute force, of manipulation versus unwavering righteousness.

Imagine Subaru, consumed by pride, trying to outsmart Reinhard, the epitome of honor. It's a fascinating contrast, exploring the different ways these two characters approach the world. Subaru, in the Pride Route, would likely try to exploit Reinhard's weaknesses, perhaps targeting his loved ones or manipulating situations to his advantage. Reinhard, on the other hand, would face this with his usual stoicism, trying to find a way to save Subaru from himself while still upholding his principles. The tension would be palpable, with each move calculated and each word carefully chosen. This confrontation would test the limits of both characters, forcing them to confront their deepest beliefs and question the very nature of good and evil. It's a high-stakes game where the outcome could determine the fate of everyone involved. This narrative also provides a commentary on the nature of heroism, exploring whether true strength lies in raw power or in the choices we make. Does Reinhard's strength come from his abilities, or from his unwavering commitment to his ideals? Does Subaru's downfall stem from his ambition, or from his inability to accept help? These are the kinds of questions that make this conflict so thought-provoking.

Subaru's Pride Route: A Breakdown

Alright, let's break down how Subaru's Pride Route might actually play out. Remember, this isn't a confirmed part of the main story, but rather a theoretical scenario. So, what steps would Subaru take? Well, for starters, he'd probably prioritize gaining power, even if it meant betraying his friends. He might attempt to master forbidden techniques, make deals with unsavory characters, and accumulate resources through any means necessary. He'd become a strategist, a manipulator, always calculating his next move. The core of his strategy would be centered around his Return by Death ability, using his knowledge of future events to gain an advantage. He'd learn from his past mistakes, yes, but instead of using that knowledge to improve himself, he'd use it to outmaneuver his opponents. He'd identify Reinhard's vulnerabilities, maybe targeting his loved ones or creating scenarios where he could exploit Reinhard's sense of justice. He would use his knowledge of future events to set traps, orchestrate ambushes, and control the flow of information. He would become a master of deceit, using others as pawns in his quest for power. He'd become a shadow, lurking in the background, pulling the strings. In this path, trust would become a weakness and loyalty, a tool. Subaru would be willing to sacrifice anyone and anything to achieve his goals.

The goal isn't just about defeating Reinhard; it's about achieving ultimate power. Subaru would want to be the one in control, the one who can dictate events and bend the world to his will. This is a very different Subaru from the one we see in the main storyline, who values his relationships and strives to protect those he cares about. In the Pride Route, Subaru becomes a dark reflection of his former self, a testament to what he could become if consumed by his own ambition. It's a chilling thought, but one that makes for a gripping and thought-provoking narrative.

The Tactics: Deception, Manipulation, and Exploitation

In this scenario, we can expect a different set of tactics from Subaru. He's not going to charge head-on; he's going to use his brain. Deception is key. He could spread false information, set up traps, and use others to do his dirty work. He'd exploit Reinhard's sense of justice, creating situations where Reinhard's actions would inadvertently benefit Subaru. Manipulation would be his forte. He might use his knowledge of future events to turn Reinhard's allies against him, fostering mistrust and division. This is the difference between the canon Subaru, who relies on his friends, and the Pride Route Subaru, who sees everyone as a means to an end. Exploitation is the name of the game. Subaru would find Reinhard's weaknesses, and he would exploit them. This could mean targeting his friends, using their safety as leverage, or creating situations where Reinhard is forced to make impossible choices. The clash between these two characters wouldn't be a fair fight; it would be a strategic battle, where every move is calculated and every word carries weight. This makes the Pride Route such a compelling narrative, exploring the dark potential that resides within Subaru.

Reinhard's Perspective: Unwavering Justice

Now, let's consider Reinhard's perspective. How would he react to Subaru's Pride Route antics? Reinhard, being the Sword Saint, is all about justice, honor, and protecting those in need. He's the good guy through and through. So, he'd likely approach this situation with a heavy heart, knowing that he'd have to face a friend turned enemy. He would try to understand what drove Subaru down this path, perhaps trying to reason with him and appeal to the Subaru he once knew. Reinhard is not one to give up easily, and he would likely try everything he could to redeem Subaru, even if it meant putting himself in harm's way. He'd be torn between his duty to protect the innocent and his desire to save his friend. Reinhard's unwavering commitment to his principles would be tested, as he'd have to navigate a complex situation where his opponent is using every trick in the book. It's a clash of ideologies: Reinhard's unwavering belief in justice against Subaru's ruthless pursuit of power. The conflict would force Reinhard to confront his own limitations and question the very nature of heroism.

The Moral Dilemma: Justice vs. Friendship

This would present a massive moral dilemma for Reinhard. He's bound by his code of honor, but he's also faced with the prospect of fighting against someone he cares about. How does he balance his duty with his personal feelings? This is where the narrative becomes incredibly complex and interesting. Reinhard would have to make some tough decisions. Does he prioritize his duty and stop Subaru, even if it means hurting him? Or does he try to find a way to save Subaru without compromising his principles? The story could explore themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the difficult choices we must make when faced with conflicting loyalties. Reinhard might try to reason with Subaru, hoping to reach the good in him. He might offer alternatives, trying to find a peaceful resolution. But, if all else fails, he would have to make a difficult choice. Ultimately, Reinhard would probably choose to uphold justice, but it wouldn't be an easy decision. He would likely carry the burden of this choice, knowing that he had to fight against someone he considered a friend. This internal struggle would add depth to his character and make him even more compelling.

Potential Outcomes

So, what are the possible outcomes of this clash? Well, the Pride Route is a hypothetical scenario, so we can only speculate. But let's brainstorm a few possibilities.

• Subaru's Victory (Temporary): In the Pride Route, Subaru might use his knowledge to gain a temporary advantage. He could outmaneuver Reinhard, perhaps by weakening him through strategic attacks or by manipulating events to his advantage. This could lead to a series of pyrrhic victories for Subaru, where he achieves his goals but at a significant cost, damaging his relationships and eroding his own sense of self. The victory would be hollow, and it would come with a heavy price. This outcome would highlight the dangers of unchecked ambition and the illusion of control.
• Reinhard's Victory (With Sorrow): Reinhard, with his incredible abilities and unwavering sense of justice, might prevail. However, this victory would be bittersweet. He might be forced to subdue Subaru, perhaps even imprison him or, in the worst-case scenario, have to end his life. This outcome would highlight the tragedy of the Pride Route, the potential for good people to go astray, and the heavy burden that heroes carry. Reinhard would be left with the weight of his actions, knowing that he had to fight against someone he considered a friend.
• A Middle Ground (Redemption or Compromise): There's a chance, albeit a slim one, of a more nuanced outcome. Maybe Reinhard could help Subaru find his way back from the dark path, perhaps by helping him to overcome the source of his pride and self-doubt. This could lead to a form of redemption, where Subaru, through struggle and hardship, reclaims his humanity. In this scenario, both characters would grow, challenging each other's beliefs and forcing them to confront their own weaknesses. This outcome would require a lot of character development and storytelling to pull off, but it could be the most powerful and thought-provoking of the bunch.

The Impact on the Re:Zero Universe

The ripple effects of such a clash would be significant. The outcome would impact the entire Re:Zero universe. A victory for Subaru on the Pride Route would alter the balance of power, potentially leading to a dark age. Reinhard's defeat, even if temporary, would shake the foundations of the kingdom. On the other hand, Reinhard's victory would be a reminder of the importance of values and the strength of the human spirit. The ramifications of this clash would extend to all of the other characters in the story, influencing their decisions and shaping their destinies. The Pride Route would serve as a crucial lesson about the dangers of unchecked ambition, the importance of friendship, and the difficult choices we must make in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Paths

In conclusion, the clash between Subaru on the Pride Route and Reinhard is a fascinating thought experiment. It's a hypothetical scenario that forces us to question the nature of good and evil, the cost of ambition, and the importance of our values. The Pride Route highlights the potential for anyone to go astray, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection and the strength of the human spirit. It's a clash of titans, a battle of wits, and a journey into the heart of darkness and light.

Ultimately, whether Subaru triumphs or falls, the Pride Route offers a compelling narrative, exploring the depths of character and the choices that define us. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, reminding us that even in a world of magic and monsters, the most captivating battles are the ones fought within ourselves. So, next time you're rewatching Re:Zero, think about the Pride Route. Consider what could have been, and what it tells us about Subaru, Reinhard, and the very essence of what it means to be human.

What do you guys think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I'm curious to hear what you think the outcome would be, and if you have any other cool theories about Re:Zero. Peace out!