Night fell, moonlight illuminating the forest below.
Shendu strolled along the edge of the ruins and soon found the core location of the site—a recessed section in the white wall.
"Whew! This is the place. Time to begin the next phase of the plan."
Shendu took out a blue magic stone and placed it into the indentation. In an instant, a dazzling light flooded her entire field of vision.
When the light faded, Shendu slowly walked inside and looked toward the massive crystal in the chamber. Within it lay the core body of the Sanctuary—Ryuzu Meyer—slumbering in silence.
"So this is Beatrice's friend's true body? She still seems to be asleep. I wonder if she can even be awakened."
Gazing at the girl sleeping within the crystal, Shendu spoke thoughtfully.
"I do not believe that is possible. Until the barrier of the Sanctuary is lifted, the original Ryuzu will remain in slumber. No method can awaken her."
From the hidden entrance of the chamber, a figure with light crimson hair slowly approached Shendu. She was slightly shorter than Shendu, yet carried herself with a steady and composed aura.
After four hundred years of life—even without much contact with outsiders—her mental maturity was undeniably real.
"As you surmised, I already know most of what has happened here. Including the purpose of this place."
Shendu glanced around the chamber and spoke unhurriedly.
"I see. As the daughter of the Witch, it is not strange for Beatrice to know these things. Though you lack the authority to command my apostles, you still possess a certain degree of access."
The crimson-haired girl nodded matter-of-factly, inserting her own interpretation into the situation.
"Everything you have done has been in accordance with that Gospel, correct?"
Suddenly, Shendu posed a sharp question. Beside her, Ryuzu Bilma hesitated for a moment before nodding.
At the mention of the Gospel, a faint tremor passed through Ryuzu.
It was both excitement and longing. To speak those words meant Shendu understood far more than she had imagined.
"Yes. Everything within the Sanctuary has followed the instructions of the Gospel. That book was inherited from the Witch herself. One could even call her our creator."
The crimson-haired girl recalled scenes of the past and began recounting them slowly.
"Managing this Sanctuary was also part of what was written in the book. All of this has been for the sake of welcoming the one we have long awaited—the one who will liberate the Sanctuary. That is what I heard from the previous Roswaal, before the last."
As she remembered what Roswaal had once told her, the crimson-haired girl remained deeply convinced of it.
"After waiting four hundred years... doesn't it feel unbearably long?"
Shendu looked at the unchanged, eternally youthful girl before her and placed a hand on her shoulder.
In that instant, the calm expression on the girl's face softened slightly. A faint blush colored her cheeks as she looked at Shendu.
"It has indeed been a long time. But upon seeing you, I believe I have also seen the key to liberating the Sanctuary. Perhaps the one we have awaited for four centuries—the one we longed for—is you."
Her heartbeat quickened for a moment before gradually steadying again. She spoke steadily as she gazed at Shendu.
Hearing those words, a smile curved Shendu's lips. She asked casually,
"Could it be that you think I am the one you have been waiting for these four hundred years?"
She spoke teasingly, curious to see how the spirit girl would respond.
Hearing the question, the spirit girl hesitated briefly and recalled everything Shendu had done since arriving here.
First, she had thoroughly disciplined Garfiel and helped him untangle the knot in his heart.
Moreover, Emilia's rate of growth would undoubtedly accelerate. She would become exceptionally strong and resilient, and it seemed she already understood her past.
All of these signs pointed to an invisible hand manipulating events from behind the scenes. Combined with Shendu's knowledge of her secret and the Sanctuary's core, the identity of the long-awaited individual became self-evident.
Coincidentally, Beatrice had also been following the Gospel, waiting for that person's arrival. The same held true for the Sanctuary.
With Shendu—a transmigrator—now present, everything had begun to change, progressing in increasingly intriguing directions.
"Yes. I have waited for that person for a very long time. You happen to meet every condition. According to the Gospel's guidance, I will obey your commands."
After careful thought, the spirit girl chose to place her trust in Shendu.
In four hundred years, a few people had occasionally wandered in—but they had merely been lost. None had known everything as Shendu did, nor secretly begun making arrangements.
"Heh, I am honored by your trust. I will personally liberate the Sanctuary. Though this place has remained sealed for four centuries and has been relatively safe, it has also lost the opportunity to interact with the outside world."
"The world beyond is incredibly fascinating."
The truth was that not only was Shendu overwhelmingly powerful, she was also a master of persuasion. With just a few words, she painted a vision of a promising future before the spirit girl.
"By the way, are you aware that a calamity will soon befall the Sanctuary?"
Suddenly, the spirit girl looked toward Shendu, as if testing whether she knew about the impending disaster. If mishandled, the Sanctuary would face destruction.
"You're referring to the Great Rabbit's imminent arrival, aren't you? That Witchbeast is likely already active near the forest. Within three days at most, it will probably swarm this place."
Shendu's understanding of the situation was thorough. Hearing this, the spirit girl visibly relaxed.
The Great Rabbit, also known as the Many Rabbit—a horrifying existence born from a single shared consciousness—spread like a plague of locusts.
Wherever they passed, everything was devoured. Plants and animals alike would vanish without a trace. It was indeed a terrifying Witchbeast... though nothing more than that.
"You truly are clever. It seems you are also chosen by the Gospel. From now on, I will follow your orders."
"In addition, there are three of the original clones remaining. I will inform them of these matters as well."
The spirit girl hesitated briefly, a hint of happiness appearing on her face. She had long wished to see the outside world, yet had been bound by her oath and unable to leave.
Now, at last, someone had come to free her, and a faint smile graced her lips.
"Mm."
"Garfiel should also be a part of liberating the Sanctuary. In your opinion, can he pass the Trial now?"
Shendu smiled at the spirit girl and posed what was essentially a fatal question.
"From my understanding of Garf, once he learns what his mother did and the price she paid with her life, he will surely strive to step toward tomorrow."
"Do not be deceived by his age. Garf has always had his own convictions. Having lived here for so long, he already knows what he must do."
The spirit girl did not hesitate to praise her grandson.
Yes. In the eyes of this four-hundred-year-old spirit girl, Garfiel was still a child—a child she had personally cared for. That much was not strange at all.
"You're right. After Emilia completes the first Trial, the fourth day's Trial will be left to Garfiel. He should face reality by then."
Shendu spoke calmly, having already arranged everything.
"Understood. I look forward to seeing what astonishing deeds the one we have long awaited will accomplish."
After saying that, the spirit girl turned and left, leaving Shendu alone before the crystal.
"Another piece is in place. Next comes the task of conquering the Trial... and making sure Roswaal does not attempt any little tricks."
Shendu narrowed her eyes. She had long calculated every possibility—now it was merely a matter of executing the details.
...
Early the next morning, because of the first Trial, Emilia and Shendu rose at dawn. After a simple breakfast prepared by Rem, the two began strolling through the forest.
As it was morning, sunlight streamed through the trees, making the forest appear lush and vibrant, brimming with vigorous life.
"Sister Shendu, when should I begin the Trial?"
Walking beside Shendu, Emilia's mood was tinged with nervousness.
Although she had been comforted yesterday, she still lacked confidence. Facing her past inevitably brought fear. Deep down, she was still anxious.
"At noon. Don't rush. Think carefully about what you're about to face."
Shendu knew that the first Trial would force Emilia to confront her past.
"I understand. Geuse is by my side now, and there's still hope to save Mother. I won't fall into despair so easily."
Now that Emilia knew the truth, she was no longer as afraid as before.
Looking at Shendu's calm expression, Emilia gently took her hand. The two wandered through the forest, and when the time drew near, they headed toward the ruins.
As they approached, a golden-haired, wild-looking boy appeared before them, just as expected.
"Lady Shendu, Princess! I've been waiting here for quite some time. The Trial can begin at any moment."
Garfiel's attitude had improved significantly. The former volatility was gone, replaced by a much gentler demeanor.
"Huh? Why are you here?"
Emilia asked in surprise, finding Garfiel's increasingly polite attitude rather unexpected.
She couldn't help glancing toward Shendu, already forming her own guesses.
"Of course I'm here to wait for the Princess to fully liberate the Sanctuary."
Trust shone in Garfiel's eyes, stirring deep emotion within Emilia.
"I'll do my best. Thank you for trusting me."
Sensing the time had come, Emilia took a deep breath and turned to Shendu.
"Sister Shendu, I'm going in. You've given me so much support... with you protecting me, I'm no longer afraid."
One hand pressed against her chest, feeling the steady beat of her heart, her cheeks faintly flushed as she spoke.
With that, Emilia stepped through the entrance of the ruins. A pale green light flashed, signaling the official beginning of her Trial.
"How interesting... Do your best, Emilia."
Only after her figure completely vanished did Shendu withdraw her gaze. Garfiel stepped up beside her, and the two waited quietly for the result.
Meanwhile, Emilia descended the stone steps within the ruins and quickly arrived at the Trial's location. When her hand touched the wall, a voice—neither male nor female—echoed in her ears.
"The first Trial begins!"
Before Emilia could fully prepare herself, the scene before her shifted. Her consciousness seemed to be restricted, certain memories slipping from her grasp.
She found herself standing within a vast forest, only a few years old—an age of innocence and wonder.
"Huh? Did I just have a dream? There are things I can't remember..."
Now smaller and even cuter, Emilia held her head in confusion and looked toward the nearby cabin.
On the table lay blue paint she had knocked over. The strange yet familiar scene stirred something within her.
"Wake up, Emilia!"
"Huh? That voice sounds familiar... Is that Sister Shendu?"
Just as Emilia struggled to understand what was happening, a familiar female voice echoed deep within her mind.
In an instant, the mental seal shattered. All of her memories involving Shendu surged back into clarity.
"That's right... I'm undergoing the first Trial. This is my past."
Looking at the room—both real and strangely distant—tears welled in her eyes, her heart brimming with longing.
Creak!
Just as Emilia regained her awareness, the door opened. Her adoptive mother, Fortuna—a female elf who resembled Emilia by seventy percent—appeared before her.
"Honestly, Lia, have you been making a mess again?"
Fortuna walked in with a bright smile, her voice overflowing with tenderness as she looked down at the scattered paint on the table, entirely unconcerned.
"Mother... Mother Fortuna!"
Seeing the familiar figure, Emilia rushed forward and threw herself into Fortuna's arms, tears streaming down uncontrollably.
"What's wrong, silly girl? Why are you crying?"
Fortuna gently patted Emilia's back, asking in confusion.
Outside, Shendu and Garfiel waited in silence for a while. The demi-human glanced at her uncertainly.
"Big Sis, I heard from that loli granny that in four days it'll be my turn to take the Trial and help liberate the Sanctuary. Is that right?"
Garfiel asked respectfully, not daring to show even a trace of his former temper.
Yesterday, when he had gone to see Ryuzu, she had conveyed Shendu's arrangements in full.
This time, Garfiel had no intention of refusing the challenge. He wanted to return to that moment buried deep in his memories—to see his mother once more.
"That's right. Are you prepared?"
Shendu smiled at him, quite satisfied with the little tiger.
At first, he had been a chuunibyou demi-human with a host of problems. But after her correction and guidance, he had improved significantly.
"No problem. But that clown Roswaal needs watching. Big Sis, I've always felt that guy is mysterious. He might do something harmful to the Sanctuary."
Garfiel spoke solemnly. With a beast's instincts, he could sense that the man posed a serious threat.
"I know. I'll settle accounts with him."
A trace of coldness flickered in Shendu's red eyes as she made a slicing gesture across her throat.
Seeing this, Garfiel relaxed, gazing at her with open admiration.
At first, he had merely found her beautiful—exactly his type. Then she had shown him memories of the past and untangled the knot in his heart.
Now, Garfiel both revered and respected Shendu. His favorability toward her was nearly maxed out.
Meanwhile, Emilia relived her past once more, warmth filling her heart.
Within the Trial's world, three years passed. She watched as Fortuna and Geuse gradually came together, and she also came to understand the true nature of the seal.
Behind that pitch-black door lay the legendary Witch of Envy, Satella—the very origin and soul of the Witch of Envy.
Now, they were enjoying a picnic. Fortuna and Geuse looked deeply in love, and Emilia felt reassured seeing them together.
"...This is enough."
Emilia clasped her hands together, speaking with joy.
After saying this, she took a few steps forward. Archi—who had once been like an older brother to her—approached. As he drew near, his form shifted into that of a white-haired girl dressed in black.
"Congratulations. You have passed the first Trial."
Echidna stepped forward, her tone far from friendly as she addressed Emilia.
"Thank you... for letting me return to my past without regret."
Emilia looked at the Witch of Greed with genuine gratitude.
"To be honest, I dislike you. Don't use that grateful tone with me, daughter of a Witch."
Echidna replied expressionlessly, inwardly remarking on Emilia's good fortune.
As the observer of the Trial, she had noticed Emilia's subtle cheating—but there was nothing she could do about it. She could only lament that woman's luck.
"No... but I like you. You allowed me to live a few more years with Mother Fortuna."
Emilia answered earnestly, sincerity shining in her eyes.