The Dragon

The scene shifted to Subaru pacing the library, his arms crossed and his brow furrowed in frustration. Days of searching through endless tomes had yielded nothing—no revelations about the Witch Factors, no breakthroughs on Flugel, no answers about Rem's amnesic state. It was all loose threads, dangling out of reach. Subaru sighed, running a hand through his hair as he turned to Beatrice, who was leafing through yet another ancient book.

"This is getting us nowhere, Beako," he muttered. "We've been at it for days, and we're no closer to figuring anything out."

Beatrice glanced up, her eyes soft with sympathy. "Sometimes answers don't come when we want them, I suppose. But that doesn't mean we stop looking, in fact."

Subaru groaned, collapsing onto a nearby chair. "Yeah, but maybe I need to try something else. Sitting here isn't working."

Beatrice tilted her head. "What do you mean, I suppose?"

Subaru sat up, a determined glint in his eyes. "The top of the tower. If there's one place that might have some real answers, it's gotta be up there, right? Might as well check it out."

Before Beatrice could respond, Shaula strolled into the room, her golden eyes narrowing as she caught the tail end of Subaru's words. "You're planning to go up top, Master? You know who's up there, right?"

Subaru frowned. "Volcanica, right? The Divine Dragon?"

Shaula nodded, folding her arms across her chest. "That's right. And let me tell you, that big lizard isn't what you're expecting. He's… well, let's just say he's not all there anymore."

"Not all there?" Subaru repeated, his curiosity piqued.

Before Shaula could elaborate, Reid entered the room, his usual cocky grin plastered across his face. "No point in warmin' him, bug. Omee's gonna find out the fun way." He mimed a swirling motion around his head with his finger, his expression exaggeratedly goofy. "Big ol' lizard's brain's fried. He's about as sharp as a sack o' wet sand."

Subaru blinked, confused. "Wait, what do you mean by that? He's supposed to be this wise, ancient dragon. How can he be—"

"Dumb as rocks," Reid interrupted with a laugh, leaning against the doorframe. "Oh, he used to be somethin', sure. Back when I was alive, he was the big deal, the Divine Dragon everyone looked up to. But now? He's just a shadow of what he used to be. Talkin' to him's like talkin' to a broken record."

Shaula sighed, shaking her head. "Volcanica's been up there for so long, he's… deteriorated. His mind's not what it used to be. You'll see for yourself."

Subaru leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms as he processed this new information. "So, let me get this straight. The legendary Divine Dragon, protector of the kingdom, is basically senile?"

Reid grinned. "Pretty much."

Beatrice frowned, her small hands gripping her book tightly. "Even if that's the case, Volcanica might still have some useful information, I suppose. He's ancient, after all."

"Exactly," Subaru said, standing up. "Even if he's not all there, he might still know something important. And if nothing else, it's worth a shot."

Shaula shrugged, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "Your funeral, Master. Don't say I didn't warn you."

Reid chuckled, clapping Subaru on the shoulder. "Good luck, Omee. And hey, if the lizard fries ya, I'll make sure to remember ya fondly."

Subaru rolled his eyes, brushing Reid's hand off. "Thanks for that Reid."

With that, Subaru turned toward the staircase leading to the tower's summit, Beatrice following closely at his side. The top of the tower loomed ahead, shrouded in mystery—and whatever awaited them there, Subaru was determined to face it head-on.

As Subaru ascended the winding staircase, the air around him began to shift. The oppressive hum of the tower faded, replaced by an eerie stillness. He passed through Reid's former chamber, the remnants of their battle still faintly etched into the room's atmosphere. His gaze lingered briefly on the ominous door leading to the top floor, its design intricate and foreboding. Taking a deep breath, Subaru pushed it open and stepped through.

The moment he crossed the threshold, the atmosphere changed entirely. The raging desert storm outside the tower, ever-present since their arrival, came to an abrupt halt. The wind died down, the howling silence replaced by an almost reverent calm. Subaru blinked, squinting as the space beyond the door unfolded before him. It was as if he had stepped into another world.

The floor beneath him shimmered like polished marble, reflecting the sky above—a vast expanse of swirling golden clouds and radiant sunlight. The entire space felt ethereal, almost heavenly, as if it were a domain untouched by time or the chaos below.

And there, at the center of it all, was the massive form of Volcanica.

The Holy Dragon loomed high above Subaru, its enormous body coiled like a slumbering storm. Its scales gleamed like molten gold, reflecting the light with an almost blinding brilliance. Twin, ancient eyes glowed faintly with an otherworldly power, fixed somewhere far beyond Subaru's grasp. As he approached, Volcanica stirred, its massive head lifting with a slow, deliberate motion. The sound of its movement was a low rumble that shook the very ground.

Then, its voice boomed, shaking the air and reverberating through Subaru's chest like a clap of thunder:

"Thou who steps here in mine domain for thy trial, make thineself known."

Subaru froze, his breath caught in his throat as the weight of the dragon's presence bore down on him. The Holy Dragon's gaze finally focused on him, glowing brighter as it repeated its demand, the same words echoing once more:

"Thou who steps here in mine domain for thy trial, make thineself known."

Subaru swallowed hard, forcing himself to find his voice. "Uh… I'm Natsuki Subaru. I've come here to—"

But the dragon's deep, booming voice cut him off, repeating its speech as though it hadn't heard him:

"I am the Royal Dragon of Lugnica, protector of the divine covenant, keeper of balance. Thou who stands before me, make thineself known."

The dragon's glowing eyes seemed to flicker, and its enormous frame shifted slightly as it paused. Then, as though stuck in a loop, it began to speak again, the same words tumbling forth in the same tone, unwavering and mechanical:

"I am the Royal Dragon of Lugnica, protector of the divine covenant, keeper of balance. Thou who stands before me, make thineself known."

Subaru's stomach sank as he realized what Reid and Shaula had meant.

This wasn't a legendary being of wisdom and guidance—it was a being fragmented, its mind a broken record stuck on repeat. The majesty of Volcanica's presence was undeniable, but its words carried no life, no recognition.

He stepped closer, his voice steadier now. "I already told you! I'm Natsuki Subaru! I've come here to pass your trial, whatever that is."

For a moment, the dragon paused, its glowing eyes narrowing as if considering his words. Then, once again, its booming voice echoed through the space:

"Thou who steps here in mine domain for thy trial, make thineself known. I am the Royal Dragon of Lugnica, protector of the divine covenant, keeper of balance. Thou who stands before me, make thineself known."

Subaru gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling under the surface. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to stay calm.

Subaru let out a frustrated sigh, turning toward Beatrice, who stood at his side with her arms crossed, looking equally unimpressed by the repetitive display. "Beako," Subaru began, gesturing toward the massive, unmoving Volcanica. "Do you think there's, like, any way to fix him? I mean, maybe we could—"

"Don't be ridiculous, I suppose," Beatrice snapped, cutting him off with a sharp glare. "How exactly do you intend to fix a senile dragon, in fact? You can't even fix your hair when you wake up in the morning."

"Low blow, Beako," Subaru muttered, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "But seriously, how is anyone supposed to form a contract with this guy? Isn't that kind of the whole deal with the Royal Selection? The dragon's supposed to guide the kingdom and its ruler, right? How is that gonna happen if he's… like this?"

Beatrice sighed, clearly exasperated. "Perhaps that's why things have deteriorated as they have in Lugnica, I suppose. A broken covenant, a fragmented mind… it's no wonder the kingdom is struggling, in fact."

Subaru stared at the Holy Dragon, deep in thought. His mind raced with ideas, none of them particularly helpful. "I mean, maybe we could—"

Before he could finish, Reid stepped forward, his grin as smug as ever. "Alright, omee, move aside. Let me show ya how it's done."

Subaru blinked, startled. "Reid? What the hell are you—"

Reid ignored him, striding confidently toward Volcanica's towering form. "Oi, big lizard!" he called out, cupping his hands around his mouth for effect. "Ya still in there, or has that noggin o' yours gone completely kaput?"

Subaru and Beatrice both froze, their eyes wide with alarm.

"Reid!" Subaru hissed, his voice a harsh whisper. "What are you doing? Don't piss off the dragon!"

Reid glanced over his shoulder with a casual shrug. "Relax, omee. This overgrown gecko's been like this for centuries. He ain't gonna change just 'cause I'm pokin' fun at him."

Volcanica's glowing eyes remained unblinking as it repeated, "Thou who steps here in mine domain for thy trial, make thineself known."

Reid snorted, waving a dismissive hand. "Yeah, yeah, heard ya the first dozen times. Protector o' the covenant, keeper o' balance, yadda yadda. C'mon, lizard, say somethin' new for once."

Subaru groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Reid, seriously, stop. You're not helping."

Reid smirked, turning back to face Subaru. "Oh, I'm not helpin'? And what's yer big plan, huh? Stand here all day hopin' he suddenly snaps outta it?"

"Better than making fun of him!" Subaru shot back.

Reid laughed, leaning lazily against the hilt of the Dragon Sword strapped to his back. "Omee, you're too soft. Lemme tell ya somethin'—this lizard's been stuck on repeat longer than you've been alive. Ya think a little ribbin's gonna do any harm?"

Volcanica remained utterly unphased, repeating its speech yet again in the same booming tone. "I am the Royal Dragon of Lugnica, protector of the divine covenant, keeper of balance. Thou who stands before me, make thineself known."

Beatrice huffed, crossing her arms. "This is pointless, I suppose. Reid's antics won't accomplish anything, in fact."

"Glad you agree," Subaru muttered, shooting Reid a pointed look. "So maybe we should come up with an actual plan instead of whatever this is."

Reid shrugged, completely unfazed by their disapproval. "Hey, don't say I didn't try. If ya want my advice, omee, sometimes ya just gotta work with what ya got. This big guy ain't changin', so it's on you to figure out how to deal with him."

Subaru sighed, glancing back at Volcanica's imposing form. "Yeah, thanks for the inspirational speech, Reid. Super helpful."

Despite his sarcasm, Subaru couldn't help but feel the weight of Reid's words. If Volcanica truly was beyond saving, what did that mean for the future of Lugnica—and the Royal Selection itself?

With nothing else to gain from the Holy Dragon's fragmented mind, the group made their way back down the winding staircase, leaving the ominous top floor behind. The heavy atmosphere of Volcanica's chamber still clung to Subaru as he descended, his thoughts spinning with frustration and unease.

Beatrice walked beside him, her tiny hands clutching the edges of her dress as she shot him occasional glances. She didn't say anything, but Subaru could feel the tension radiating from her. Behind them, Reid hummed an off-key tune, seemingly unbothered by the whole ordeal, while Shaula had joined them midway through the descent, her golden eyes flicking back and forth between Subaru and Beatrice with faint amusement.

When they reached the base floor, the warm glow of the Green Room greeted them, along with Garfiel and Halibel, who were seated around a makeshift table. Meili was perched nearby, swinging her legs idly while nibbling on a piece of dried fruit.

Garfiel's sharp golden eyes lit up the moment he saw them. "Cap'n! You're back! So, how'd it go? Did ya wrestle the dragon into submission or what?"

Subaru groaned, rubbing the back of his neck as he plopped down into a chair. "Not even close. Turns out, the 'mighty Holy Dragon' is… well, let's just say he's not all there anymore."

Garfiel tilted his head, frowning. "What d'ya mean, not all there?"

"He's like a broken record," Subaru explained, leaning back in his chair. "Just keeps repeating the same lines over and over again. 'Thou who steps here in mine domain for thy trial, make thineself known.' That kind of thing. It's like talking to a really big, really shiny brick wall."

Garfiel let out a low whistle. "Damn. That's… somethin'. What're we supposed to do with that?"

"Good question," Subaru muttered, crossing his arms. "If anyone has ideas, I'm all ears."

Halibel, sitting cross-legged with his usual composed demeanor, tilted his head slightly. "The dragon is the foundation of Lugnica's covenant, correct? If it is truly as fragmented as ya say, then the kingdom's instability begins ta make more sense."

Subaru glanced at him, his expression grim. "Yeah, that's what I was thinking too. No wonder everything's been falling apart. How is anyone supposed to form a contract with a dragon that can't even hold a conversation?"

Shaula leaned casually against the wall, twirling a strand of her hair between her fingers. "Told you, Master. Big lizard's brains are fried. Probably been that way for centuries."

Reid let out a bark of laughter, clapping Subaru on the back as he dropped into a seat beside him. "Guess it's up to you, omee. Ya wanna fix the big guy? Better figure out how to patch up somethin' that's been broken for longer than ya know it."

Subaru shot him a tired glare. "Thanks, Reid. Real helpful."

Beatrice, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up, her voice calm but firm. "The dragon's state is concerning, I suppose. But panicking won't help, in fact. We need to focus on what we can control."

"Like what?" Subaru asked, leaning forward.

Beatrice tilted her head thoughtfully. "Like continuing to search for answers elsewhere, I suppose. There may still be clues hidden within the tower—or perhaps even within the dragon itself, in fact."

Subaru sighed, resting his chin in his hand. "Yeah, maybe. But for now, I think we all need a break. This tower's not going anywhere, and neither is Volcanica."

The group descended into the depths of the Pleiades Watchtower, the spiraling staircase growing colder and darker as they moved farther from the central floors. Subaru, Beatrice, and Shaula led the way, their footsteps echoing softly in the oppressive silence. The faint hum of the tower's magical mechanisms accompanied them, a reminder of the ancient structure's self-sustaining power.

As they passed one of the large crystal beams, Subaru glanced at it uneasily, its sleek and ancient design pulsing faintly with energy. "So, these things were the ones shooting those light beams at us when we arrived, huh?" he muttered, scratching the back of his neck.

Shaula grinned, her sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. "Nope! That was me, Master."

Subaru froze mid-step, his eyes widening as he turned to face her. "Wait, what? You're the one who shot us?!"

"Of course," Shaula said nonchalantly, her grin widening. "You told me to do it, remember? Four hundred years ago."

"Four hundred—what?!" Subaru's voice cracked as he stumbled, staring at her in disbelief. "Why in the world would I tell you to do that?!"

Shaula shrugged, her expression completely unbothered. "You said something about testing intruders and keeping the place secure. Oh, and something about making sure only people with the right qualifications could pass. So, I did exactly what you told me, Master."

Subaru groaned, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Past me really set myself up for success, huh?"

Beatrice tugged at Subaru's sleeve, her voice dry. "It sounds very much like something you would do, I suppose."

"Thanks, Beako," Subaru muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. He turned back to Shaula, his brow furrowed. "Okay, but you could've at least recognized me when we got here. Did you really need to shoot first and ask questions later?"

Shaula tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "Well, you do smell different now, Master. But that's not my fault—you've been snacking on some pretty nasty drinks since then."

Subaru frowned. "Drinks? What are you even talking about?"

Before Shaula could elaborate, the group arrived at the basement floor. The air grew colder, heavy with an almost oppressive sense of ancient magic. A massive, intricately carved gate loomed before them, its surface etched with unfamiliar symbols and runes. Seven faintly glowing crystals were embedded into the gate, each a different color.

Subaru approached cautiously, placing a tentative hand against the cold surface of the gate. The moment his palm made contact, four of the crystals—one deep violet, one crimson, and one shimmering gold—flared to life, bathing the room in an eerie light.

Shaula's grin faded, and her expression turned unusually serious. "Huh… looks like you've got four out of seven, Master."

Subaru turned to her, his voice wary. "four out of seven what?"

Shaula pointed at the glowing crystals. "Those things light up when someone's got a connection to a Witch Factor. Guess it makes sense for you, considering how many you've… picked up."

Subaru's stomach churned as he glanced at the crystals again, the implications sinking in. "Wait, so this gate… it reacts to Witch Factors?"

"Yup!" Shaula replied cheerfully. "It's one of the seals keeping Satella contained."

The name hit Subaru like a physical blow, his breath catching in his throat. "Satella?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in pitch. "You're telling me that Satella—the Witch of Envy—is sealed down here?!"

Beatrice clutched his arm tightly, her small hands trembling as she stared at the gate with wide eyes. "Subaru… this place, I suppose—it's connected to the Witch of Envy, in fact."

Shaula nodded casually, as though she were discussing the weather. "Yup. It's her seal. You told me about it too, Master. Said it was really important to keep it closed, no matter what."

Subaru's heart raced as he stumbled back from the gate, his mind spinning. "And you just casually bring this up now?! I might have just… I might have touched her seal!"

"Relax, Master," Shaula said, her tone breezy. "You didn't open it or anything. Three crystals aren't enough to break it. Takes all seven, and as far as I can tell, you're the only one here with any."

Subaru's breathing was still uneven, his gaze fixed on the gate. "Still… Satella, sealed beneath the watchtower… I didn't sign up for this. This is way above my pay grade."

Beatrice clung to his side, her voice shaking slightly. "This place… it's dangerous, Subaru. I don't think we should stay here any longer, I suppose."

Subaru nodded, stepping back from the gate. "Yeah, you're probably right. Let's get out of here."

But even as they turned to leave, the ominous glow of the crystals burned in Subaru's mind. The implications of what lay beyond that gate—and his inadvertent connection to it—sent a cold chill down his spine. This wasn't just a relic of the past; it was a ticking time bomb waiting to go off.

As they began to step away from the ominous gate, Shaula lingered, her golden eyes glinting in the faint light of the glowing crystals. Her expression was uncharacteristically pensive, a rare moment where her usual carefree demeanor seemed tempered by something deeper.

"You know," she began, her voice softer than usual, "I never really understood Satella all that much."

Subaru, still rattled by the revelation, turned back to her, his brow furrowed. "What do you mean by that? You've been here for centuries, guarding this place. You've got to know something about her, right?"

Shaula shrugged, tilting her head as she gazed at the gate. "She was always… quiet. A lot quieter than you'd expect from someone with a reputation like hers. But she had this way about her, you know? Like she wasn't all there but was still watching everything."

Subaru's curiosity flared despite his nerves. "So, what's her deal, then? Why is she sealed here? Why does this tower have her name written all over it, even if it's not spelled out in big, bold letters?"

Shaula turned to him, her usual grin returning as she wagged her finger in front of his face. "Nope. Uh-uh. You don't get to know that yet, Master."

Subaru's expression darkened. "What? Why not? You're supposed to be helping me, aren't you?"

Shaula's grin widened mischievously as she childishly waved her hand toward the gate, motioning to the three glowing crystals embedded in it. "See those? Three out of seven, Master. You're not complete yet."

Subaru blinked, his confusion turning into frustration. "Complete? What are you talking about?"

Shaula leaned against the gate casually, tapping one of the glowing crystals with her finger. "The Witch Factors. You've got three, but you're not there yet. Until all seven crystals light up, there are things I'm not allowed to tell you. Orders are orders, you know."

"Orders from who?" Subaru demanded, his voice rising. "Past me? Flugel? Or was it the Witch of Vainglory herself?"

Shaula merely wagged her finger again, her grin never faltering. "Tsk-tsk. No spoilers, Master."

Beatrice tugged at Subaru's sleeve, her voice tense. "Subaru, this isn't the time to get distracted, I suppose. We need to leave, in fact."

Subaru's jaw tightened, but he nodded, tearing his gaze away from Shaula and the gate. "Fine. But this isn't over, Shaula. If I'm 'supposed' to be complete, I'll figure it out. And when I do, you're going to tell me everything."

Shaula's grin softened slightly, her golden eyes glimmering with something Subaru couldn't quite place. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Master."

When Subaru, Beatrice, and Shaula climbed back up from the basement, the first thing they noticed was the unnatural silence. The usually faint hum of the Watchtower's mechanisms was gone, replaced by an oppressive stillness. A strange, rolling fog now blanketed the main floor, twisting unnaturally as though alive. The air was heavy, the kind of weight that made breathing feel like a chore.

"What's going on, in fact?" Beatrice muttered, her small hands clutching Subaru's sleeve tightly. She peered around cautiously, her sharp eyes scanning the room. "Something's wrong, I suppose."

Shaula, who had been trailing behind them, suddenly stopped. Her golden eyes sharpened, and her usual playful demeanor twisted into something far more aggressive. Her muscles tensed, her hand reaching for her weapon as she muttered under her breath, "Master, stay close. Something nasty's crawling around."

Subaru blinked, stepping toward her. "Shaula? What are you—?"

Before he could finish, a piercing scream tore through the air. It wasn't human—it was high-pitched, guttural, and desperate. A moment later, a figure came hurtling through the fog like a bullet, their body spinning uncontrollably.

Subaru barely had time to register what he was seeing before the figure crashed into a nearby wall, their momentum shattering the stone.

The man who hit the wall screamed again as he peeled himself off the crumbling debris. His slim figure, his wild, unkempt hair, and his gleaming, manic eyes—it was Ley Batenkaitos, one of the Sin Archbishops of Gluttony. Blood dripped from his mouth as he stumbled to his feet, his movements frantic and disoriented.

"No, no, no, no, no!" he babbled, clutching his side as if trying to hold himself together. "This isn't right! It's not fair! They're not supposed to fight back!"

Subaru's breath caught in his throat. He knew that face—he'd seen it in the haunting visions and whispers surrounding the Witch Cult. "Gluttony… What's he doing here?!"

Shaula's aggression spiked as she raised her weapon, stepping protectively in front of Subaru and Beatrice. "Nasty little bastard," she muttered. "I'll take him down right now if you—"

Before she could finish, another figure came flying through the fog—Roy Alphard, another Archbishop of Gluttony. His scream was cut short as his body smashed through the same wall, sending chunks of stone tumbling to the ground. He barely managed to stand, his arrogant demeanor shattered as he clutched his broken arm.

"Y-you'll regret this!" Roy snarled, spitting blood as he glared into the fog. "You're just a relic, an ancient, broken thing! You can't—"

Before he could finish, the fog parted, and Reid Astrea stepped into view, his golden eyes gleaming with a mix of disdain and amusement. He was twirling the Dragon Sword lazily in one hand, his other hand gripping Roy by the back of his collar like a sack of trash.

"Nasty kids," Reid muttered, his voice dripping with irritation. "Don't know their place. Always makin' noise, runnin' their mouths, actin' like they own the damn place."

With a flick of his wrist, Reid tossed Roy out through one of the massive windows lining the tower's walls. The Sin Archbishop screamed in protest as his body sailed through the air, crashing into the desert sands below.

Ley, still clutching his side, began to back away, his wide eyes darting between Reid and the group. "N-no! You can't! This isn't how it's supposed to go! We're Gluttony! We're—"

"Quiet." Reid's voice cut through the air like a blade, silencing Ley instantly. "Ya don't get to talk."

Reid moved so quickly that Subaru barely saw him. In the blink of an eye, Ley was lifted off the ground by his throat, his feet dangling as Reid hoisted him up effortlessly. The Archbishop flailed, his eyes bulging in fear.

"You kids are all the same," Reid muttered, his tone casual yet menacing. "Always thinkin' you're somethin' special, runnin' around causin' trouble. But lemme tell ya somethin'—you're nothin'."

With that, Reid hurled Ley out the same window, the Archbishop's scream fading as he disappeared into the sands below.

Subaru stared, wide-eyed and speechless, as Reid turned to face the group, brushing his hands together as if dusting them off. "That's two down. Shouldn't be any more creeps sneakin' around, but ya never know."

Shaula, for once, was speechless, her mouth hanging open as she stared at Reid. Beatrice tightened her grip on Subaru's sleeve, her voice shaking slightly as she whispered, "Subaru… what is going on, I suppose?"

Subaru didn't answer. His eyes were locked on Reid, his heart pounding in his chest. This wasn't just a battle—this was chaos.

Reid dusted off his hands, his sharp grin widening as he glanced at the shattered wall and the distant dunes where the Archbishops had landed. "Hah! These little fish are what Pandora's been puttin' her faith in? Gotta say, she's gotten sloppy. Back in my day, we had real terrors. Daphine, the Witch of Gluttony? Now that was somethin' to fear."

Subaru, who was still trying to process everything, groaned and rubbed his temples. "Great. More stuff about the past that sounds like it should've stayed buried. But honestly, Reid, if they're so weak, why not just finish the job? I mean, isn't that your whole deal? Kill first, ask questions never?"

Reid shot him a look, raising an eyebrow as he leaned lazily on the Dragon Sword. "What's the point, omee? Fish that small ain't worth my effort. I only get up for the big ones, the kinda fights that make my blood sing. These brats? They're just noisy snacks, nothin' to sink my teeth into."

Subaru blinked, his frustration mixing with disbelief. "Noisy snacks? They're Sin Archbishops! They've probably ruined hundreds of lives!"

Reid shrugged, his grin never faltering. "Yeah, and that's cute, but I've fought beasts bigger than their egos. If I went after every little troublemaker like them, I'd never get any sleep. Nah, omee, I'm savin' my strength for somethin' worth my while. Besides…" He gestured lazily toward the broken window. "They're not dead, but they're not exactly winnin' any awards for survivin' that either. Let 'em lick their wounds. Maybe next time they'll bring somethin' interesting to the table."

Shaula, who had been standing nearby with her arms crossed, finally spoke up, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, sure, just let the noisy snacks run off and come back later. Great idea, Reid. Truly a strategy for the ages."

Reid barked out a laugh, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Damn straight! Not like they'll be a problem for omee here. He's got plenty of fire in him, right?"

Subaru shot him a glare. "Yeah, thanks for that. Super helpful."

Beatrice tugged at Subaru's sleeve, her voice low and steady. "This isn't a game, Subaru, I suppose. If those Archbishops get away, they'll only cause more suffering, in fact."

Subaru sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I know, Beako. Believe me, I know. But right now, I'm not exactly in a position to argue with Mr. Sword God over here."

Reid smirked, giving Subaru a playful slap on the back that nearly sent him stumbling. "Smart move, omee. Just stick to what ya do best—gettin' stronger, survivin', and causin' a little trouble along the way. I'll handle the big stuff when it shows up."

Subaru rolled his eyes, muttering under his breath as he steadied himself. "Yeah, because that's been working out great so far…"

The room fell silent for a moment as everyone exchanged uneasy glances, the weight of the situation settling over them. The Archbishops might have been thrown out, but their presence lingered like a bad omen.

Subaru let out a long, weary sigh as he leaned against the cold wall of the Watchtower. He'd uncovered everything he could for now—answers to some mysteries, more questions about others, and an unsettling realization about the nature of his connection to this place. It was time to leave.

He wandered through the tower, eventually finding Garfiel, who was lugging Hienkle over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Hienkle, red-faced and reeking of alcohol, was barely conscious, muttering incoherently under his breath.

"Garf!" Subaru called out, pinching the bridge of his nose when he caught sight of Hienkle. "Do I even want to ask what's going on here?"

Garfiel grinned sheepishly, his sharp teeth glinting as he adjusted Hienkle's weight. "Ah, found him knockin' back bottles in the kitchen, Cap'n. Didn't even know this place had liquor, but this guy sure did. Ain't that right, Hein?"

Hienkle groaned, lifting a hand lazily before letting it flop back down. "I'm not drunk… I'm… researchin'..."

Subaru sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Of course you are." Turning, he noticed Halibel leaning against the wall nearby, his usual calm expression tinged with faint amusement as he watched the scene unfold.

"Let me guess," Subaru said, raising an eyebrow at Halibel. "You found him too late?"

Halibel shrugged, his Kagaragan accent rolling off his tongue as he replied, "Found him? No. I saw him. But, eh, a man drowns himself in a drink every now and then. Who am I ta' judge?"

At that moment, Reid appeared, his face set in an irritated scowl. "Oi, what's this stinkin' mess? Don't tell me that little sack o' misery's the one who drank all the liquor!" He jabbed a thumb toward Hienkle.

Garfiel laughed nervously. "Y-yeah, seems like it. Sorry 'bout that, Reid."

Reid clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. "Hmph. Don't see why ya brought him up here, then. Might as well toss him off the balcony."

"Let's not," Subaru said quickly, holding up a hand. "He's already got enough problems. Speaking of which…" Subaru turned to Halibel, his expression turning serious. "We ran into the Archbishops of Gluttony just now. Two of them, Roy and Ley. They're not dead, but Reid gave them a pretty hard beating."

Halibel's calm demeanor shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing. "Gluttony? That's bad news. If they're still hangin' around the tower, they'll be regroupin' soon enough."

"I figured as much," Subaru said. "I'm counting on you to keep an eye out. If they try to come back in, deal with them."

Halibel nodded once, his sharp gaze steady. "Consider it done."

Subaru let out a breath of relief before turning back to Garfiel. "Alright, Garf, I know this is a mess, but since we're still here… how about you check out the dragon? You've been fanboying over everything else in this place, so why not?"

Garfiel's golden eyes lit up, his grin widening into something feral. "Hell yeah! The Holy Dragon? No way I'm missin' that!"

Still carrying Hienkle over his shoulder, Garfiel eagerly followed Subaru and Beatrice back to the staircase leading to the top floor. Reid tagged along, muttering complaints under his breath about wasted liquor and ungrateful descendants. Shaula watched them go with a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance, but she didn't intervene.

As they began their ascent, Subaru couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in his gut. He glanced at Halibel, who remained at the base of the tower, ready to handle whatever threats loomed below. The Archbishops might be temporarily out of the picture, but their presence lingered like a storm on the horizon.

Still, Subaru pressed onward. He had promised Garfiel, after all—and maybe, just maybe, the Holy Dragon would give him some kind of clarity before they left. If the dragon's mind could be pieced together, it might offer the answers they desperately needed.

As the group stepped onto the top floor of the tower, an uneasy silence greeted them. The ethereal chamber, once bathed in golden light, now seemed eerily dim. Volcanica, the mighty Holy Dragon, sat still and silent, its glowing eyes dimmed like a dying ember. The atmosphere was heavy, oppressive, as if the air itself were holding its breath.

Subaru stopped in his tracks, glancing uneasily at the others. Garfiel shifted uncomfortably, adjusting Hienkle's weight on his shoulder. Beatrice, her small hand clutching Subaru's coat tightly, looked around with wide, anxious eyes.

"This ain't right, Cap'n," Garfiel muttered, his voice low, his feral instincts clearly picking up on something wrong.

Before Subaru could respond, the shadows began to move. They stretched and warped unnaturally, creeping along the walls and floor like a living entity.

The golden light of the chamber was snuffed out in an instant, replaced by a suffocating darkness. It consumed everything, swallowing the group whole.

"Subaru!" Beatrice's panicked voice cut through the blackness as she reached for him. Her hand slipped through his arm as though he wasn't even there, and she gasped. "Subaru, where are you, I suppose?!"

"Stay calm, Beako!" Subaru shouted, his voice cracking as he tried to find her in the swirling void. But his words barely left his mouth before he felt something cold and alien wrapping around him—tendrils of shadow coiling tightly around his arms, his legs, his torso. They lifted him off the ground, dragging him into the abyss.

"What the hell's goin' on?!" Garfiel roared, his golden eyes wide as he flung Hienkle to the ground and tried to charge toward Subaru. But the darkness surged between them, a wall of impenetrable blackness cutting him off. "Cap'n!"

Subaru struggled, thrashing against the unseen force holding him. "Garf! Beako! I—" His voice was muffled as the shadows tightened, pulling him higher into the void. The last thing he saw was Beatrice, her small form glowing faintly in the oppressive dark as she shouted his name, her voice breaking.

Then, a voice broke through the chaos.

"Not this bullshit," Reid muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. Even in the darkness, Subaru could feel his irritation radiating like a tangible force.

The shadows coiled tighter around Subaru, dragging him further into the void. A chill seeped into his skin, and his vision blurred as the world slipped away. The last thing he saw before the darkness consumed him completely was Reid stepping forward, the Dragon Sword in hand, its faint glow a defiant ember against the encroaching blackness.

And then there was nothing. Only cold, suffocating darkness.