How Subaru Stole Authority: The Downfall of Ley Batenkaitos

Introduction

Ley Batenkaitos, the Sin Archbishop of Gluttony, was a terrifying force within the world of Re:Zero, a character capable of erasing people’s very existence and consuming their memories like a gourmet enjoying a rare delicacy. His flamboyant personality, coupled with his unsettling power, made him a formidable opponent. However, this reign of terror, this unsettling feast of stolen identities and forgotten histories, came to an end at the hands of Subaru Natsuki. How did a seemingly powerless protagonist, repeatedly thrown back into the unforgiving loop of death and rebirth, manage to defeat such a powerful foe and ultimately inherit the very Authority that defined Ley’s terrifying existence?

Ley Batenkaitos, as mentioned, was one of the Sin Archbishops representing the sin of Gluttony. His power stemmed from the Authority of Gluttony, a terrifying ability that allowed him to consume the names and memories of others, effectively erasing them from the world. Subaru Natsuki, on the other hand, is the main protagonist of Re:Zero, a young man who was suddenly transported to a fantasy world and granted the power of Return by Death, allowing him to rewind time upon his demise. This article delves into the intricate series of events that ultimately led to Subaru acquiring Ley Batenkaitos’s Authority of Gluttony, showcasing the protagonist’s growth, his strategic brilliance, and the complex interplay of fate and determination that defines the Re:Zero universe. The story of how Subaru Natsuki came to steal the Authority of Gluttony from Ley Batenkaitos is a complex tale of cunning and sacrifice.

Ley Batenkaitos: The Gourmet of Gluttony

The Authority of Gluttony is at the core of Ley Batenkaitos’s power and identity. It is a terrifying ability that manifests in a few distinct ways, all centered around the consumption of essence. The most prominent is Name Eating, the power to erase a person’s name from the world, effectively removing them from the memories of everyone. Memory Eating is another facet, enabling Ley to devour the memories of individuals, leaving them as empty shells or granting him access to their knowledge and skills. The effects of these abilities are devastating, creating immense suffering and widespread chaos.

Ley, fueled by his twisted perception of the world, views these powers as a form of gourmet cuisine. He sees the memories and identities of others as ingredients, carefully selected and savored. This warped sensibility fuels his obsession with consuming “tasty” memories and names, turning him into a living embodiment of the sin of Gluttony.

Beyond his powers, Ley’s personality contributes to the threat he poses. He presents himself as childlike and playful, masking a cunning and ruthlessly manipulative mind. This facade often lulls his opponents into a false sense of security, making them vulnerable to his attacks. The Sin Archbishop maintains a disturbing relationship with his “siblings,” Roy Alphard and Louis Arneb, other wielders of the Gluttony Authority, showcasing the twisted family dynamic at the heart of their insatiable hunger. Ley’s power, combined with his unsettling personality and the devastating capabilities of his Authority, established him as one of the most formidable and frightening antagonists in Re:Zero. Before Subaru Natsuki could steal authority from Ley Batenkaitos, he had to understand the depraved desires that drove the Gourmet.

The Battle for Pride Island: The Turning Point

The events leading up to the confrontation on Pride Island set the stage for the epic clash between Subaru and Ley. The siege of Priestella, a city under attack by the Witch Cult and other forces, created a desperate situation. Rem, a crucial ally and a source of unwavering support for Subaru, fell victim to the Authority of Gluttony, losing her name and memories. This devastating blow fueled Subaru’s determination to confront Ley and restore Rem to her former self.

Initial encounters between Subaru and Ley highlighted the vast power difference. Subaru, relying on his Return by Death ability and his growing strategic mind, repeatedly attempted to overcome the Sin Archbishop, but he was consistently thwarted. Ley’s power and cunning proved too much for Subaru to handle on his own. The challenge seemed insurmountable, and the weight of repeated failures threatened to crush Subaru’s spirit. Despite this, he pushed forward.

However, Subaru was not alone in this fight. Crucial allies, including Beatrice, the contracted spirit who provided invaluable magical support, Rem, briefly regaining her memories and fighting alongside Subaru, and Julius Juukulius, the skilled knight who offered his strength and tactical expertise, played pivotal roles in turning the tide against Ley. Their combined efforts, their sacrifices, and their unwavering belief in Subaru allowed him to persevere and push Ley to his limits.

Subaru’s Strategy and Key Moments

Subaru’s eventual success hinged on his ability to exploit Ley’s weaknesses. The Sin Archbishop, despite his formidable power, suffered from a significant flaw: his arrogance. Ley constantly underestimated Subaru, viewing him as an insignificant nuisance rather than a legitimate threat. Subaru capitalized on this hubris, using it to lure Ley into traps and exploit his overconfidence. He also understood that Ley was not a lone wolf; he was intricately connected to his siblings, Roy and Louis. This connection became a vulnerability that Subaru sought to exploit.

Understanding the nature of Witch Factors is also key. These are remnants of the Witch of Envy, embodying a specific sin. They grant their wielders immense power but also carry a heavy burden. When someone consumes a Witch Factor, the body fights against it, and it only becomes stable in the “most compatible” person. If someone takes one without the proper affinity, it will simply be dormant and the individual will not get the powers. This is the event that happened when Subaru devoured the Witch Factor, and later died.

The eventual moment of victory was preceded by a dire circumstance. Subaru, pushed to the brink, found himself in a position to consume Ley’s Witch Factor. By consuming Ley’s Witch Factor, he became compatible, in a way that the Authority was passed to him when he died.

Louis Arneb: A Temporary Vessel

Subaru’s death set in motion a chain of events that led to the Authority of Gluttony being transferred to Louis Arneb. She was already carrying a Witch Factor, but a part of Subaru was now inside of her, which gave her the abilities of gluttony. Though Louis was a gluttony archbishop, she was also reluctant to erase people. After the events that happened, she was later killed.

Subaru’s Reabsorption: The Completion of the Cycle

The final transfer happened through Louis, as well. The Authority of Gluttony, after circulating through different vessels, finally returned to Subaru. Subaru finally absorbed the Witch Factor, making him the new wielder of the Gluttony Authority.

Possessing the Authority of Gluttony had significant consequences for Subaru. The mental and emotional toll of carrying such a burden was immense. The constant temptation to consume names and memories, the echoes of Ley’s personality within his mind, threatened to corrupt him. However, Subaru, through his unwavering resolve and the support of his allies, managed to resist these temptations and maintain control.

Why Subaru? Why was he able to eventually contain the Authority of Gluttony? The answer is complex and multifaceted. His repeated exposure to Witch Factors, his connection to the Witch of Envy, and his unique ability to Return by Death likely played a role. Perhaps his inherent goodness and his unyielding desire to protect others made him a more suitable vessel than Ley or Louis. Ultimately, Subaru’s capacity to absorb the Authority of Gluttony showcases his exceptional resilience and his potential to become a force for good, even with the burden of a Sin Archbishop’s power upon his shoulders.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the story of how Subaru stole authority from Ley Batenkaitos is a testament to his growth, his strategic brilliance, and his unwavering determination. Through cunning tactics, the support of his allies, and his willingness to confront his own limitations, Subaru managed to overcome a seemingly insurmountable obstacle.

This event fundamentally altered the power dynamics in Re:Zero. Subaru’s acquisition of the Authority of Gluttony not only weakened the Witch Cult but also granted him a new level of power and influence. While the burden of wielding such a dangerous ability is heavy, Subaru’s resolve and his commitment to protecting those he cares about suggest that he will use this power for good, becoming a beacon of hope in a world shrouded in darkness.

The tale serves as a powerful reminder that even the most seemingly powerless individuals can achieve extraordinary feats through perseverance, strategic thinking, and the unwavering support of those around them. The story of how Subaru Natsuki came to steal authority from Ley Batenkaitos showcases the broader themes of *Re:Zero*, those of overcoming impossible odds, the price of power, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.