The Shrine of Greed VI: Shadow

Emilia finds herself in a faceoff against a mysterious individual who looks exactly like herself. There have been rumors of phenomenons involving a person meeting something known as a "doppelganger." Yet, this scenario isn't at all strange for Emilia. Deep down, she already considered a scenario like this is likely to happen at some point. Especially with the recent knowledge she gained involving Subaru's pain and Return by Death.

It's just she didn't expect it would come too soon.

Nevertheless, throughout all her life, there is one person she has always been likened to. Supposedly, they bear an uncanny resemblance both being silver-haired half-elves. Thus, her initial impression is the same most would come to.

"Satella…"

It's only reasonable to think so. It's almost like her entire life has been tied to Satella from the very beginning. It can be said that Satella is almost like a bothersome shadow that follows her everywhere. Because of Satella, people have always looked at her the wrong way.

Yet, upon further consideration, there's a feeling that the other 'her' is awfully familiar as if they had interacted before until just recently. That feeling doesn't hold for Satella.

And that's when it finally hits…

"No. Not Satella. You're… Fake Emilia."

That mocking smile. It's the illusion that has been bothering her for some weeks. The illusion that keeps claiming to be her "true feelings."

She hasn't seen it since the incident. And frankly, it would've been a welcoming change to the half-elf had they never met again.

But then… another realization hits. A very daunting realization. The illusion; Fake Emilia. It attacked her, didn't it? And most likely, it killed Garfiel.

Normally, one would think a mere illusion can't touch the living. But somehow, the illusion was able to harm others physically…

"How? How were you able to?" Emilia wondered. "How is that possible?!"

"I am real. And you will acknowledge me. My existence. Didn't I tell you so?" The supposed illusion answered with a smirk.

"No… you're not real."

"It pains to see 'myself' being this stubborn! Fine! Be that way, then. You will acknowledge me one way or the other!" said the illusion with a childish pout. "Also, 'Fake Emilia' rather sounds very insulting. Hence, I took the liberty to name myself 'Leviathan.' Please refer to that name beginning from now."

"Leviathan?"

Emilia's eyes shift into a glare.

It's becoming apparent how awkward it is to be staring at someone who looks exactly like her. It's like staring at a mirror and seeing an "evil version" of herself.

"How is it possible you're here?!" Emilia asked again with more of a demanding tone this time.

"That's a secret. But it's thanks to that witch." Leviathan answered vaguely.

"That witch? Is this Echidna's doing?!"

"If that's what you want to believe."

"Echidna… What is she up to this time? Also, did you…"

Leviathan grins menacingly. "Yes, I'm the one who killed that sleeping girl. Heheh. She's an annoying bitch starving for attention who was taking Subaru's attention from us! In other words, she's a threat to us. So, I got rid of her! Where's the gratitude? I got rid of her for your sake! You're afraid and hesitant to do it yourself so I took that burden! You may stubbornly refuse to admit it, but that's what you truly wanted, right? Deeeeeeep in your heart. Ahh, breaking that girl's body was satisfying."

"SHUT UP!" Emilia screamed, her fists clenched. "Don't you dare lump me in with a miserable creature like you! I am NOT you! I am NOTHING like you! And I will NEVER be anything like you!"

"So, you will continue to deny me?"

Leviathan's tone has a notable change. It didn't sound mocking anymore. Instead, it's a tone of anger, sorrow, dejection, and madness all mixed into one.

"Very well. All I wanted was to be acknowledged. But if you keep being this stubborn, I was planning to get rid of you anyway! So, why don't you just die here so I can take your place?!"

As soon as she declares her threat, Leviathan lunges at Emilia. It's all too sudden that Emilia didn't have time to react.

Luckily for her, a sudden flash appears in front of her. That flash turns out to be a newcomer to the confrontation, kicking Leviathan away.

The kick is subsequently followed by a dozen knives flying towards Leviathan. Leviathan simply brushes them aside, creating a ball of shadow.

"Emilia-sama! Come!" Scylla grabbed Emilia by the hand.

"Scylla?! What are you doing here?!"

"Let's leave that for later! For now, let's get out of here!"

"Wait! There's still Subaru and Beatrice!" The half-elf turned to their hideout, not willing to leave them behind.

She tries to resist Scylla who's trying to drag her somewhere.

"Don't worry about that. That's taken care of!"

"But-!"

"You're not going anywhere!" Leviathan screamed, summoning around a hundred dark crystals.

"There's no time, Emilia-sama!"

Scylla forcefully drags her with more force. As they stumble, Scylla reaches out to something in front. The next thing she knows, Emilia can feel herself and Scylla getting sucked in towards somewhere as if a vortex is dragging them towards the center.

As the sensation continues, Leviathan has sent the dark crystals zooming towards them. However, strangely enough, not a single one landed. The surrounding area slowly begins to fade.

Afterward, the surroundings go through a complete change. They're no longer in the dark street of the city. Instead, they find themselves in what appears to be inside a building lit up by purple magical lamps.

Emilia feels a little woozy after that experience. She places a hand against her forehead to calm her adrenaline.

"Ah~. That was Chary's door magic~. It takes some getting used to. Fufu~."

"... Door magic?"

"Hmm. You've 'seen' it in action, right? During the battle between Chary and I against the maid and the beast boy~. Chary can create 'doors.' Well, that's what I call it but it's something like a portal. Anything that goes through it is sent somewhere of her choice be it things, magic, and of course, as you have just witnessed, people! She left a door in that area while I came to get you. Only she can see the doors, though, so it's a little tricky. But I'm used to them by now~. Fufu~."

"So that's what it was. Anyway, I still don't know if we're on the same side or not. But thanks for your help."

"Hm! No problem, Emilia-sama!"

Then, suddenly, Emilia shudders upon remembering what she left behind. While she may be currently out of harm's way, the same can't be said for Beatrice and the others.

"Anyway, nevermind about that for now! We have to go back! Beatrice and Subaru! They're still there!"

"That will not be necessary, I suppose." Much to her surprise, she heard Beatrice's voice.

She sees Beatrice walking along the halls. Standing next to her is the other servant, Charybdis.

"I went to get the rest of them including the bodies of Natsuki Subaru and that girl while Scylla went for you." The white-haired servant explained.

"O-Oh. I see... Thank you."

"Unfortunately, it was already too late for the beast boy by the time we arrived…" Scylla announced the bad news, frowning slightly.

"Garfiel…" Emilia muttered his name.

The boy who looked up to Subaru as a boss. She feels awful for not being able to do anything for him. Even so, with her newfound resolve, she's able to momentarily shake it off her mind. However, perhaps, that's the very feeling that's eating her. How it's seemingly so easy for her to brush aside his death… regardless of her reasons.

"It's alright. Everything will be alright. I will save Subaru and he will be saved too…" That's the conviction she forced on herself.

Subaru probably felt the same on numerous occasions before. Because of Return by Death, he has to momentarily brush aside the deaths of those close to him. It's an ordeal that requires both resolve and the ability to control one's emotions. Eventually, these ordeals add up as the "restarts" caused by Return by Death occur again and again. Then, by the end, there will be nothing left of the person but a broken, emotionless husk.

Nevertheless, there's no other choice but to move on. This is the cruel reality of the situation.

"Anyway, what about Ram? Is she alright?"

She's bracing herself for the worst.

However, much to her pleasant surprise...

"She's badly wounded but she's alive," Charybdis revealed the maid's status. "She's safe, resting in one of the rooms at this moment."

"That's good to hear," she sighed in relief. "May I see her?"

"Well…" Charybdis trailed off in uncertainty.

"Let's say it's probably best if you don't see her right now, Emilia-sama~," Scylla suggested with a vague premonition in her words.

"Why? I want to see how she's doing." Emilia continued to insist.

"I would listen to those two, I suppose," Beatrice advised, agreeing with the servants' suggestion.

"Why?" The half-elf asked again. "Please don't take this as an offense. I don't think you're lying but I just want to be sure."

Scylla and Charybdis exchange a glance as if discussing with no words needed. In any case, they seem to have quickly come to a decision.

Charybdis turns to her. "Very well, Emilia-sama. However, I advise you to stay as close to me as possible."

Heeding the others' advice, Emilia remains close to Charybdis as they make their way to Ram.

She can't help but wonder why it seems to be an issue for her to see Ram. Does that mean her injury is that bad? If that's the case, she's beginning to be worried about what she might see.

Fortunately, her curiosity didn't need to wait long to be answered. They shortly arrived at the room where Ram is being rested.

The door opens.

Ram slowly raises herself into a sitting position. Her eyes land on Emilia.

On the surface, she's covered in some bandages but overall, she appears fine. There's no sign of any permanent injury. Emilia's worries have been somewhat alleviated.

"Ram…" Emilia feels relieved, forcing a smile. "I'm glad you're alright."

However, it appears the feelings aren't mutual. Ram's stare turns into a glare. What's unsettling is that it's a glare full of hatred. Emilia is all too familiar with that hateful glint.

"... Ram?"

"You…" The maid hissed.

"..."

"You killed him… I saw it with my own eyes. I think you're the one who killed the girl who's supposed to be my sister too… You might have as well killed Barusu… And… you did this to me..." Ram softly declared a list of accusations against Emilia. Her voice was soft and venomous, almost like a whispering snake.

"Ram… P-Please! I-I I didn't! T-That wasn't me! T-That was..." Emilia tried to defend herself.

Emilia falters. How else is she to explain "Fake Emilia," or Leviathan?

She now understands why she was advised not to see Ram. From the maid's perspective, she and Garfiel encounter Leviathan who shares Emilia's appearance. Most likely, there are after-effects from that deadly encounter. To add the fact that what happened to Subaru and Rem is still fresh in their minds, the stress of the situation might have finally gotten to Ram.

Of course, Emilia wants to deny being likened to Leviathan at all costs. But how is she to say that an illusion that existed inside her mind somehow manifested into reality? Will anyone believe her? And in her current state, Ram will simply refuse to hear anything she says. The maid has already made up her mind. She already found a "villain" to blame everything for.

Then, as if something snapped…

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha…" Ram chuckled. There's an unsettling crazed look in her eyes. "Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! I can't believe I trusted you. I can't believe my trust in Roswaal-sama almost wavered for a second. This is all your doing, after all, Emilia-sama. What's your agenda?! Why did you bring us to this place?!"

"Ram! Please! Listen to me!" Emilia pleaded.

"Listen to her, I suppose," Beatrice offered her support to Emilia. "There's many you don't know, child. Don't go around convicting others when you don't know anything, I suppose."

"SHUT UP! I SAW IT! I SAW HER! I SAW HER RIP THAT KID APART! I SAW HER ATTACK ME! ARE YOU TELLING ME I'M LYING?!" Ram screamed, losing all manner of composure. "She's no different than Satella. No. Actually. SHE IS SATELLA! Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Emilia gasps, shocked by the maid's words. She stands frozen, eyes wide.

"Heh. JUST DIE, BITCH!"

Despite her injuries, Ram jumps out of the bed. She forcefully tears the bandages holding back her arms, revealing stabbing wounds. Then, she lunges and tackles Emilia, sending them both tumbling on the floor. By the end of it, Ram ends up on top of Emilia with her two hands locking the half-elf's neck in a tight grip, choking her.

"Emilia-sama!" Charybdis quickly reacted to the escalating situation, putting a hand on Ram's head.

Ram disappears as if swallowed by the air. Then, she reappears on top of the bed as if something dropped her back to it.

"Emilia-sama, are you alright?!" Scylla quickly rushed by the half-elf's side.

"Y-Yeah…" Emilia tried to assure through ragged breaths, touching the soreness in her neck.

Scylla helps her to her feet. "Come, Emilia-sama. It's best if you leave for now. Give it time and I think it'll be alright."

As they slowly begin walking out of the room, Emilia turns to get one final glance at Ram.

The hatred in the maid's eyes hasn't dulled.

"This isn't over… Satella." Ram hissed her parting words.

"Well," Scylla clapped her hands, perhaps trying to lift the gloomy mood. "That was awkward~, to say the least. But now that's over with, I'm sure you have plenty of questions for us~. So, feel free to ask away!"

After the visit to Ram, the servants led them to what appears to be the living room.

According to the servants, after that fateful day, they've retreated to this place. They've been shadowing Emilia and the others for days, keeping an eye for them while also trying to search for another exit on their own. Unfortunately, like Emilia and the others, the servants admitted they can't break the barrier nor do they know an alternative exit.

"Just what is this place, I wonder?" Hence, the question Beatrice wanted to ask was related to that. "The whole city, I mean."

"Hmm," Charybdis took the initiative to answer the question. "As you may have already figured, it's a city with ties to another world. A world known as the Outside World."

"The Outside World. Is it the world beyond the Great Waterfall, I suppose?"

"I suppose you can think of it like that."

"How did this city come to be, I wonder?"

"It all started with a Witch of Greed from many generations ago," Charybdis began telling the tale of the city. "Although none of the previous witches held knowledge of the world as much as Lady Echidna do now, those with Greed tend to be the ones most knowledgeable among the holders of the seven Sins when it comes to the world. One day, the said Witch of Greed from many generations ago who was a seeker of knowledge looked down on the world with contempt. To her, the world was nothing more but a backward world full of 'savage barbarians and brainless buffoons,' to quote her words. Thus, she wanted to escape it and build a world for scholars and knowledge seekers. And thus, that's how this city came to be. A city that was sealed and hidden from the rest of the world. A city of enlightenment isolated from the ignorant world. Only those who seek knowledge are invited and welcomed here. Over time, records of the world, including its hidden history, have been gathered here. Of course, that also includes various things from another world, the Outside World. Records and traces of its existence have also been gathered here."

"If you remember, some of the books written in strange languages you found in the library are some examples belonging to the Outside World~," Scylla added. "And as you have seen, some architecture in the city is influenced by those in the Outside World."

"Anyway…" Charybdis continued. "Naturally, with the Greed factor missing from the world, the witch knew that the Sage would search for it, which will eventually lead to this place. The witch had already anticipated such a problem would arise. Thus, she struck a deal with the Sage. She presented the city to him under the guise of being 'a facility to help the world grow and develop.' Having impressed the Sage, she proposed to 'return' the Greed factor upon her passing which the Sage must collect. In return, the Sages of the future must pass the Greed factor along to her ancestors or those who pursued knowledge to maintain the world's progress indefinitely. The Sage agreed. However, the Witch of Greed has to be present in the world just enough for the world to acknowledge her existence. Of course, the witch made sure the city always stayed far advanced from the rest of the 'ignorant world' she hated very much. Her efforts to help the world's progress were lacking and half-measured. What she truly was after… was knowledge and information about the Outside World. Included in their agreement, the Sage, who always comes from another world, was to bestow that knowledge to the city. And thus, that is how this city came to have been influenced by the Outside World."

"The Sage is from another world?" Emilia asked quietly, more to herself than anyone.

"In any case, such a relationship existed between the Sage and the Witch of Greed for many generations~," Scylla picked up where Charybdis left off. "My~. I suppose there were even times the relationship between the two might have been… scandalous. Much to the ire of Envy. Fufu~. Regrettably, good things don't last forever~. Everything changed when Lady Medea the Witch of Greed never intended to 'return' the Greed factor to the Sage. Instead, she found a way to replicate the Greed gene and passed the copy to her unborn child, Lady Echidna. Perhaps, she might have discovered something important. A breakthrough… in her pursuit of the truth of the world. Or… she might've been naughty enough to try and trick the Sage. Fufu~."

"Most importantly, the consequences of her action resulted in retribution. It goes without saying but there were people who weren't happy with what Lady Medea did. Her action went against the established rules of the world. Thus, a malevolent hunter, among others, was sent to invade this city, killing everyone. Fortunately, Lady Echidna escaped to the island she created near the Great Waterfall. But for most of her life, she has been pursued by that hunter… And then, well, one day, the Sage Flugel discovered that island. Along with an Envy candidate named Satella, they went to that island and met Echidna the Witch of Greed. And as they say, the rest is history," concluded Charybdis. "One thing led to another. Then, the worst tragedy of the world occurred; the Great Calamity."

"Unfortunately, the history that followed has either been erased or altered~. So not many people know about it~."

"A malevolent hunter." Something about it bothered Beatrice. There's a familiar sense of dread beginning to build up. "..."

"Those 'people' you mentioned. Who are they? What is it that upset them so much? Why was Echidna hunted?" Emilia asked.

Scylla presses a finger against her own lips. "It's not good to talk about them, Emilia-sama. Those are the people who control this world and its rules. This world may have been messed up to the point of no return thanks to the Great Calamity but they still have influence and you could suffer divine retribution at any moment. So, shhhhhhhh."

"..." The half-elf gulped, a little unsettled by the tone of her words.

"Anyway, it has been centuries since anyone has lived here until recently," Charybdis continued, perhaps to change the subject. "However… something, or rather someone, has taken control of this realm. All the current rules of this realm are according to that someone."

"Someone? Who is that someone, I wonder?" Beatrice asked.

"Even Chary and I don't know but we have certain suspects in mind," Scylla admitted. "But it's not who you think. It's not Lady Echidna who has taken control of this realm. That, we're certain. Because it wasn't Lady Echidna who 'awakened' us from our 'slumber.'"

"It goes without saying but that is also the reason why Return by Death has not worked. It's because even the Witch of Envy has no influence here. This place… this city… you can think of it as some sort of pocket dimension that is cut from the rest of the world. Thus, the Witch of Envy's influence does not extend here. On that account, it's not the Witch of Envy who has taken control of this realm either." Charybdis explained.

"Return by Death?" Beatrice asked again, having never heard of that term before but it feels oddly familiar…

Emilia was initially surprised by how Return by Death was just casually mentioned. The very burden that Subaru has been carrying all this time, being unable to confide with anyone about it. But if what they say is true, then that means…

"If we bring Subaru back to the world where Satella's influence extends… does that mean… Return by Death will activate?" She asked the question that immediately came to mind.

"Hmm~. Most likely, it will. It's not a guarantee it'll always work but it probably will~." Scylla answered with uncertainty. "I doubt that creepy yandere will just let it end like that~. She's probably freaking out right about now. Fufu~."

Emilia nodded to herself.

This is the best news they had for days! At least now, there's a concrete path to turn the situation around! Not just hopes and optimism!

"But that brings us back to the main problem at hand. How do we get out?" She stated their dilemma.

"Unfortunately, even we don't know the answer to that." Charybdis reminded her of their inability to find a way out. "But we'll keep doing our best to find one. You have our word."

"I see. Thank you."

However, that is not good enough.

She continues thinking over their predicament to go along with the new information they learned.

The goal now is to somehow find a way out of this realm. Doing so will return them to the world where the Witch of Envy has influence. Thus, Return by Death will likely activate, returning them to a certain "checkpoint."

Of course, that would be easier than done. According to the servants, the realm as it currently stands had been taken over and controlled by someone who's neither Echidna nor Satella. That someone has probably been influencing what has been happening in this realm from the very beginning.

That someone is very likely to be an enemy. A very formidable enemy that has been toying with them and now obstructing their way to salvation.

To further add to their problems, there's Leviathan who attacked them. Up until a moment ago, Emilia had known her as "Fake Emilia." An illusion that has repeatedly appeared in her mind, claiming to be her 'true self' and tormenting her with nonsensical accusations. How and why did it suddenly manifest?!

"Leviathan… do you know anything about her?" She asked the servants, deciding now was a good time to ask.

The servants appear uncharacteristically unsettled by her question. It takes them a few moments before they decide whether they want to give her information. It seems Scylla decided to take the initiative this time.

"Well… the one known as Leviathan… I suppose she's Emilia-sama's shadow."

"My… shadow?"

"A person's shadow is said to be another aspect of a person's self. A shadow may be considered to be a person's dark side, hidden within the subconscious. Be it desires or emotions that are unpleasant, it's an ugly part of the individual that is often denied and refused to be acknowledged. In which case, left unconfronted for too long, the shadow only grows bigger and stronger… until it can no longer be contained and begins to torment its host, breaking apart the individual emotionally," Scylla explained her understanding of the "shadow."

Emilia takes a deep breath.

"An aspect of myself…" She quietly repeated the words to herself. "Then…"

...

"I'm just trying to protect 'myself' from getting hurt. How many times do I have to tell you? Stop living in denial. Stop acting so ignorant. Stop denying your real feelings. Stop acting so innocent. Subaru certainly loves that girl and it will be a disadvantage for you when she returns. Deep down, you know you want that girl to stay 'dead.' In that case, you might as well kill her yourself. After all… all is fair in love and war."

"I'll… make you acknowledge me. My existence. You'll see. Heheh."

"I am real. And you will acknowledge me. My existence. Didn't I tell you so?"

The illusion within her mind, or rather her shadow Leviathan's words, echoed within her thoughts.

"But she's a fake… Just an illusion… No… it can't be… I don't have those disgusting feelings… No… She's not real… She's a fake… fake… fake… fake..."

"A shadow may be considered to be a person's dark side, hidden within the subconscious. Be it desires or emotions that are unpleasant, it's an ugly part of the individual that is often denied and refused to be acknowledged." She was quickly reminded by Scylla's words a while ago.

"!"

The image of Rem's body that was brutally desecrated is forced into her mind, causing her to gasp and shiver.

"No… No way… I-I didn't… It wasn't me..."

"You killed him… I saw it with my own eyes. I think you killed that girl who's supposed to be my sister too… You might have as well killed Barusu… And… you did this to me..." Ram's words reverberated.

"I am you." Leviathan's words followed Ram's.

"!"

...

She clutches her head with both hands, trembling. "H-Ha… haaa… T-This is all my fault… Subaru… because of me… I… I thought that I could do something… but I'm no use at all… I-I'm just a burden…"

She feels her entire world is beginning to collapse. Everything feels very suffocating. The shadows left untouched by the magical lamps seem to have grown bigger and stronger, as if swallowing the whole world.

It's as if she's the only person remaining in a world of darkness. A world of darkness with no exit.

"Haa… h-ha… h-haa… h-ha... hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha…"

...

People start appearing.

No. Those aren't living people. They're corpses, to be precise.

The corpses of so many people. The corpses of everyone.

Rem, Ram, Beatrice, Garfiel, Otto, Roswaal, Frederica, Petra…

But thank goodness Subaru isn't among the corpses!

And in the midst of it all.

Surrounded by corpses.

Surrounded by a burning, broken world.

She sees Subaru and "herself."

They embrace, drowning themselves in each others' warmth.

Their lips lock.

A heartwarming kiss.

The world may be going through destruction but who cares? Nothing else matters. Because they're together. And he's safe in the arms of his beloved. In her arms.

It's a very beautiful tale of love.

...

"Emilia-sama, please calm yourself," she heard Charybdis' firm yet calm voice, snapping her out of her stupor.

The corpses and the burning world all disappear. Everything returns to the normal scenery.

"... H-Huh?"

"You're not to blame for anything," the white-haired servant assured. "While it's true that you have a shadow, all of us have one. It's the ugly, unpleasant side of ourselves we don't show others and hide within ourselves. However… a shadow should always remain within a person. It doesn't… separate from its host and manifest as its own individual in the physical world."

"What do you mean?"

"Most likely, the reason why your shadow manifested physically is because of the rules of this realm. In other words, it was 'brought to life' by the one who has taken control."

"Someone brought it to life? Why?"

"Emilia-sama, you must realize that common sense doesn't apply to this realm. If I could describe this place as accurately as I can... This is… a playground of a witch."

"Chary's right~. So, don't blame yourself, Emilia-sama~." Scylla smiled at her. "I understand how it may look from your perspective but I believe you can do it. It won't be easy confronting something unpleasant that's a part of you. But you can do it. You can confront your shadow and 'win.' Unlike Satella who succumbed to her shadow, you can conquer it. I believe in you!"

"Scylla." Charybdis gave the black-haired servant a stern look as if she mentioned something she wasn't supposed to.

Scylla merely smiled mischievously.

Their awkward exchange didn't escape Emilia's attention. Regardless, she smiles. "H-Hm! Thank you, Scylla."

Belief is slowly starting to re-ignite.

Now that she's been brought back to her senses, there's no way around it. She can't keep denying and ignoring Fake Emi- No, Leviathan's existence, forever. Left alone, it will only continue to grow stronger. And worse. It's a part of herself she must confront. And win.

"A witch, you say? I'll ask again. Who is the witch you're talking about? Who do you think is the one who has taken control of this realm, I mean?" Beatrice asked. "If it's not mother or the Witch of Envy, then who?"

While the news of Emilia's shadow may have been a disturbing revelation, it seems the prospect behind the current ruler of this realm proves to be the more pressing issue for Beatrice.

"Ah, that's right! I'm also wondering about that! I understand neither of you knows for certain but you said you at least have an idea, right?"

Emilia desperately wants to know as well. After all, it's because of that person that Leviathan was "brought to life." She doesn't know what kind of grudge that person has against her for doing something awful like that. But she'd like to confront them as well. Surely, not even Echidna would go that far… right?

"Well, this is only a guess. But there is only one individual I know capable of playing this sick game." Scylla's expression turned grim. "It's the Witch of V-"

…

Silence.

As if someone pressed a switch, turning "on" to "off," both Scylla and Charybdis' eyes lost its color, becoming blank. Empty. Lifeless.

Their bodies go limp before collapsing, their bodies crashing to the ground.

It's all happening too quickly. Emilia and Beatrice look at each other in surprise.

Shaking off her surprise, the half-elf checks on Scylla.

"Hey. Are you alright?!"

The black-haired girl is unresponsive. Her eyes remain empty and lifeless. She isn't even breathing. Her body is as still as a corpse. At the moment, she's not any different than a lovely doll.

Likewise, Charybdis's condition is the same.

"What happened?"

Beatrice didn't answer and she's just as baffled as the half-elf as to what just happened.

From the looks of it, what happened isn't too different than when a puppetmaster's strings are severed, disconnecting them from the puppets.

The bodies of the servant slowly disperse into tiny glowing circular light like those of spirits.

"Spirits?"

Perhaps it's easy to forget but it appears the servants are artificial spirits most likely created by Echidna. Although, they refer to themselves as "furniture."

"How demeaning," Emilia thought sadly.

Just then, she remembers it's also spirits that guided her to this realm.

"Spirits…"

...

"W-Wait a minute…"

She remembers something rather vital to her past.

Scylla and Charybdis have pointed out that someone has taken full control of this realm. They seem to refer to that individual as a witch. If their assumption is correct, then that witch must be extremely powerful if it's capable of bringing life to a shadow. It's almost like a power that can alter the world itself.

"But there is only one individual I know capable of playing this sick game," she recalled Scylla's words.

And now that she thought of spirits.

And the crucial reminder that they have been led to this place by spirits.

It's all finally coming together for her.

Of course! How could she overlook something like that?!

The way she's guided to this realm is almost like "that time" many, many years ago. She can't believe she didn't realize until now.

"Fairies…" She whispered.

A figure appears in mind.

A demon to be precise, wearing a human's skin.

So beautiful.

A beautiful demon.

Her platinum hair is almost blinding…

Yet, Emilia can only clench her fists in anger.

"Heheheheh. Nostalgic, is it not? I'm a little offended it took you some time to remember. Well, you're not exactly the smartest so all is forgiven." A sweet, beautiful voice tickled her ears.

"You…"

"It's a shame about the servants," the beautiful owner of the sweet voice said as the bodies of Scylla and Charybdis continue to fade. Her voice didn't express any sympathy at all. It was mocking. "My, to rob me of the glory of re-introducing myself to the key by revealing dear old me? Oh, how naughty of them! Or rather, how naughty of that greedy bitch. After all, they're nothing more than delusions in that witch's head! If anything, she should be grateful I blessed them with life for a little while! Haha!"

"You! How dare you show yourself?!"

"Hey. Calm down, will you? Why so angry? I should be the one angry here! That greedy little witch ruined everything by being an annoying snitch! Now the story is all messed up. Not even I can return it to its rightful path. Talk about rudeness! I should be throwing a tantrum right now."

"PANDORAAAAA!" Emilia yelled in anger.

Images of the memories she had with Fortuna and Geuse flash one after another.

First, the happy, sweet memories. Then, it's replaced by despair and tragedy. And the one who caused it is standing in front of her with a smug, shameless smile.

Pandora, the Witch of Vainglory, has announced her presence.