The Sanctuary, more accurately called the "Tomb of the Witch of Greed," had a dark history.
Four hundred years ago, the Jealous Witch Satella consumed the world, exterminating other witches in the process—including the Witch of Greed, Echidna.
Unlike other witches, Echidna's soul persisted after death. She created an enormous mental realm and, having collected massive knowledge, could replicate worldly objects within it—even other witches' souls—enabling personality summoning.
As for why she couldn't leave, legend says the divine dragon volcanica sealed her there to restrain Satella's power. Whether true or not, the exact reasons remain unclear.
Lillian's reason for seeking her was simple: he had many questions, and she was the shortcut to answers. Even at some cost, he was willing to pay.
"First, I need to find the 'tomb.'"
---
Lillian crossed the forest into a small plain. In the distance stood a low, dilapidated village.
He knew the Sanctuary contained residents, but preferred to avoid contact to minimize complications.
Suddenly, footsteps echoed from the forest behind him. He flashed to hide behind a large rock. Moments later, two figures appeared—not humans, but demi-humans.
Two bull-headed demi-humans carried bundles of firewood toward the village, chatting as they walked.
"More and more people want to go out recently."
"Yeah… all because of those people."
"I think it's safer to stay inside the Sanctuary. The outside world is dangerous."
"I agree. But don't worry. To disable the barrier, you have to pass a trial. Roswaal-sama… hasn't he changed already? Others definitely wouldn't pass."
"True."
They walked off, leaving Lillian to eavesdrop. From their brief conversation, he gleaned valuable information.
Firstly, Roswaal was indeed in the Sanctuary, though he seemed weakened, possibly from failing some trial. Lillian didn't like him much, and the feeling was mutual.
Secondly, the trial itself—though he didn't know its details—wasn't directly relevant to him. His main purpose remained…
Suddenly, a warmth rose in his chest. He frowned, retrieving the faintly glowing gospel book obtained from Geuse.
"This…"
Adjusting his angle, he noticed the glow varied in intensity, seemingly guiding him.
"Echidna already knows I've arrived? Makes sense."
Though an imperfect copy, the gospel book was part of the full version, capable of sensing certain things. It seemed she was using it to guide him to the tomb.
Not questioning the invitation, Lillian followed the direction of the strongest glow—toward the village.
---
Inside, a few people found Roswaal lying in bed, wrapped in blood-soaked bandages, looking near death. They were shocked and speechless.
"Roswaal! What happened to you?!"
"What's going on?!"
Even in Subaru's eyes, Roswaal was a top-tier figure, yet he now appeared utterly defeated. No amount of clown makeup could hide the fact he was on the brink of death.
"Ay, just a little scratch~ No need to make such a fuss. Honestly, showing you all like this is a bit embarrassing. It's better not to ask for the reason~"
Even badly injured, Roswaal's teasing, cheeky demeanor annoyed the others. But Ram, seemingly expecting this, stayed calm and silent.
Roswaal noticed her, narrowing his eyes.
"Ram, you seem… stronger."
"…"
"What do you mean 'just a little scratch'?" Emilia asked angrily. "With injuries like this… how did it happen?!"
"Ah… that's a long story—how should I put it…" Roswaal sounded troubled under her stern violet gaze.
"Before I answer… may I ask, my dear maid, what happened to Rem's legs?"
Even ignoring the wheelchair, Roswaal's calm tone carried an unusual authority.
"The Witch Cult did it," Ram replied. "Two of them called themselves the 'Archbishop of Greed' and the 'Archbishop of Gluttony.'"
Roswaal's heterochromatic eyes narrowed slightly.
"The reason I brought Rem here is to see if there's a way to regrow her legs."
"Regrow… 'rebirth,' you say." Roswaal's voice sounded strange. "You might have come to the wrong place. This is, after all, the 'Tomb,' a symbol of death."
---
This was it.
Lillian looked at the glowing gospel book in his hands and then at the dark, cave-like entrance ahead—the Witch's Tomb. He had no hesitation, entering the passage. There were no bends or branches, only a corridor leading deep inside.
Having inherited—or rather, stolen—the Sloth Witch's Factor, Lillian could now sense "witch auras."
While tracking Ram in the dragon carriage earlier, he could feel Subaru's witch aura—intense, overwhelmingly strong. No wonder those sensitive to it paid so much attention. Such a dense aura rivaled an actual witch's.
Now, walking into the corridor, Lillian could feel the aura enveloping him, thick enough to almost consume him. Yet, it wasn't hostile. He continued forward and, after seven to eight minutes, reached the end.
There was a stone door, covered in creeping vines. He pressed it lightly.
"I received your curiosity."
A cheerful, yet commanding voice echoed. The surrounding world shifted. The dark, damp corridor vanished, replaced by a pure white space that seemed to descend from the heavens.
He realized: this wasn't the real world—it was the mental world of the Witch of Greed, Echidna.
"You're here."
A delicate round table appeared, carved with floral patterns. A girl sat with one leg crossed over the other, holding a pristine white teacup.
Her extreme beauty was accentuated by a black dress that absorbed color, and her pale, nearly white hair flowed to the ground, reaching her waist. She leaned slightly, resting her elbow on the table, hand supporting her snow-white face, the other hand holding the steaming cup. A faint aroma wafted around.
"Would you like some tea?"