Living Again as a Man of Faith in Another World from Zero - Volume 1

[ Arc 4 - 8 ] The Sage Candidate

Viu recovered from his injuries, then with Beatrice, Bilma, and Alba, he went to the grave of Echidna who had now lost her glow. Indeed, during the healing time and after the discussion with Beatrice, Emilia had succeeded in the last trial. When Viu was taken to the castle of dreams, he arranged via Wlan that Beatrice was with him too, as a sign of trust. He found himself facing an Emilia making a big face, then Minerva, Sekmeth, Daphne, Typhon, and Carmilla.

- Looks like I won the fight. Beatrice, here are all the witches in their younger versions.... and the younger version of your mother.

Beatrice's eyes widened at Vui's words, her heart pounding in her chest. She had heard tales of the witches of old, but never thought she would see them in person. When her eyes fell on the young version of her mother, her expression softened, mixed with a hint of sadness and longing.

- My... my mother, she whispered, her voice filled with a mix of awe and nostalgia.

- So Echidna, how does it feel to have been beaten by a newcomer and a half-elf?

Echidna, the Witch of Greed, let out a scoff, her expression a mix of annoyance and amusement.

- Please, she replied, her voice dripping with arrogance. This was merely a momentary setback. Fate will prevail, and my plans will not be thwarted so easily.

- Say it's your simp disciple who ruined everything. But hey, considering the big trap of the second trial that you prepared for me, I'm glad that Emilia succeeded in the three trials before me.

Echidna's eyes flickered with irritation at Vui's words, but she couldn't deny the truth in them.

- Yes... my disciple,"she repeated, her voice tinged with displeasure. And yes, it seems that your little companion managed to surpass my trials with unexpected ease. But don't boast too much, boy. This is merely a temporary victory. My plans and my destiny are bigger than mere trials or obstacles.

He stared at the other witches.

- Is she like that when she loses?

Minerva and Sekhmet exchanged a glance, rolling their eyes in mutual agreement.

Minerva spoke up, her voice laced with sarcasm.

- Oh, absolutely. Echidna can't handle losing to save her life. She'll pout and sulk for days, at the very least.

Sekhmet chuckled, adding her own comment.

- She's always been a sore loser. It's quite entertaining, really.

Viu laughed even harder.

Echidna's eyes narrowed further in annoyance as Vui and the other witches laughed at her expense. She was not used to being the butt of the joke and certainly not in front of her own familiars.

- Hmph, she huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. You think this is funny, do you? Mark my words, boy. Your victory may be temporary, but I will not forget this insult. You and your pesky companion may have won this round, but the game is far from over.

-.... Are you talking about Beatrice or Emilia?

Echidna's expression flickered with surprise, her arrogant veneer faltering slightly at Vui's words.

- What... what do you mean? she retorted, her voice suddenly taking on a defensive tone. Of course I meant the half-elf. She's the one who completed the trials, isn't she?

- Emilia. She has a name. E M I L I A. Do you understand?

He then spoke to Daphne:

- Know that the Mabeasts have caused too much trouble in the world but since my daughter controls some of them I forgive you.