Ava re 2

Chapter 5: Unexpected Meetings

In the heart of the Sanctuary, Emilia sat alone beneath a gnarled tree, her silver hair catching the moonlight as she struggled to gather her courage for another attempt at the trial. Each previous failure weighed heavily upon her—memories of ice and destruction, the frozen faces of villagers she couldn't save, the crushing guilt of a past she had tried so desperately to forget.

"I must succeed," she whispered to herself, violet eyes fixed on the distant tomb. "For the villagers, for Ram, for Subaru... I cannot fail again."

"Determination without proper foundation crumbles under pressure," observed a calm, resonant voice from behind her.

Emilia whirled around, ice magic instinctively gathering at her fingertips as she faced the unexpected intruder. Her eyes widened at the sight before her.

A woman of impossible beauty stood several paces away, her presence radiating a serene power that made the very air seem to bow around her. She wore what appeared to be an elegant maid uniform, though one crafted from materials Emilia had never seen—fabrics that shimmered with subdued power and moved with liquid grace. Despite the servant's attire, her bearing suggested absolute authority, calm and terrifying as a mountain before a storm.

"Who are you?" Emilia demanded, maintaining her defensive stance despite the intuitive understanding that her magic would be useless against this being. "How did you enter the Sanctuary? The barrier—"

"Barriers operate on principles that recognize authority," the woman replied, her voice carrying the weight of ancient wisdom. "I am Durga, Warden of Fortresses in service to the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight."

She stepped forward, and despite herself, Emilia took a step back. Something about this woman's presence suggested immense restraint—as if she were carefully containing power that could level mountains with casual ease.

"I don't understand," Emilia admitted, confusion temporarily overriding caution. "I've never heard of Avalon Evernight or a Supreme Monarch. Are you affiliated with one of the royal candidates?"

Durga smiled slightly, the expression somehow both gentle and terrifying. "My allegiances transcend your reality's political structures. I serve a higher authority." She studied Emilia with penetrating intensity. "You interest us, half-elf with the witch's face. Your struggles against memories that define yet diminish you present patterns worth observing."

Emilia's confusion deepened, but something in Durga's manner suggested she wasn't an immediate threat despite her overwhelming presence. "You've been... watching me? During the trials?"

"Indeed. Your repeated confrontations with your past demonstrate admirable persistence, if flawed approach." Durga moved closer, her steps making no sound on the frozen ground. "You attempt to overcome memory through force of will alone, yet the barrier lies not in the memories themselves but in your relationship to them."

"I don't understand what you mean," Emilia confessed, her defensive posture relaxing slightly despite her confusion.

"Memory is not enemy but foundation," Durga explained, her tone suggesting she was simplifying complex concepts for Emilia's benefit. "You cannot reject what formed you without rejecting yourself. Acceptance does not require approval—merely recognition of what was, is, and might be."

Despite the cryptic nature of these words, something in them resonated with Emilia's struggles. "You sound like you understand the trial better than I do."

"I understand principles that transcend specific manifestations," Durga confirmed. "The witch's trial merely implements fundamental concepts of acceptance and integration in localized form."

She reached out suddenly, her movement too graceful and swift for Emilia to react. A single finger touched the half-elf's forehead, and Emilia gasped as a brief sensation like cool water flowing through her mind washed over her.

"What did you—"

"A minor adjustment to perceptual barriers," Durga explained calmly. "The trial will remain challenging, as growth requires struggle, but artificial constraints have been... recalibrated."

Before Emilia could question this further, a distant voice called her name—Subaru, emerging from the tomb, looking exhausted but determined as he searched for her.

"I must return to observation," Durga stated, already stepping back into the shadows between trees. "Remember, Emilia with the witch's face: foundations cannot be discarded, only built upon. Accept what was to become what might be."

"Wait!" Emilia called, reaching out instinctively. "Why are you helping me? What is Avalon Evernight? Who is this Supreme Monarch you serve?"

Durga paused, her form already seeming to blur at the edges as if she were fading into the very fabric of reality. "Questions better left for another time. For now, know only that your struggle has drawn attention from beyond your comprehension. Whether that proves blessing or curse depends largely on your actions in trials to come."

With those cryptic words, she vanished—not with the dramatic effects of teleportation magic, but with the casual ease of someone stepping between rooms. One moment present, the next simply gone, leaving Emilia to wonder if the encounter had been real or merely a stress-induced hallucination.

"Emilia!" Subaru's voice drew closer. "Are you out here?"

She turned toward his approaching figure, her mind racing with questions that had no clear answers. Whatever had just happened, she felt subtly different—as if something locked within her mind had been gently loosened, not enough to fall open but enough to allow movement where there had been only rigid resistance before.

"I'm here," she called back, deciding to keep the strange encounter to herself until she better understood its meaning. Some instinct warned her that sharing knowledge of these mysterious observers might create more problems than solutions.

As she joined Subaru to prepare for another attempt at the trial, Emilia couldn't shake the feeling that unseen eyes continued to watch her every move—eyes belonging to beings whose very existence challenged everything she thought she understood about the world.

Miles away from the Sanctuary, in the opulent mansion housing one of the royal candidates for the throne of Lugunica, another encounter of cosmic significance was about to take place.

Priscilla Barielle reclined on her velvet chaise, idly fanning herself while her knight, Al, stood at attention nearby. The red-haired candidate radiated imperial confidence, her every gesture laden with absolute certainty in her own superiority.

"This world continues to bore me," she declared, golden eyes narrowed with dissatisfaction. "Even the competition for the throne lacks worthy adversaries. The half-elf is a child playing at politics, the merchant girl buys what she cannot earn, the knight-girl mistakes duty for destiny, and the duchess drowses through opportunities."

"As you say, Princess," Al agreed automatically, his masked face revealing nothing of his thoughts. "None compare to your radiance."

"Naturally," Priscilla agreed, as if this were simply objective fact rather than flattery. "The world exists to entertain me, yet fails consistently in that singular purpose."

"How provincial," commented a new voice, dripping with aristocratic disdain. "To believe the world exists for your entertainment, when you yourself are merely momentary amusement in a greater tapestry."

Priscilla snapped upright, fan forgotten as she faced the intruder who had impossibly appeared within her private chambers despite multiple layers of magical defenses. Al moved with warrior's reflexes, placing himself between his mistress and the unexpected visitor.

"Stand down, Al," Priscilla commanded after a moment of tense assessment. "This... person presents an interesting anomaly rather than a threat." Her golden eyes narrowed as she studied the intruder. "For now."

Before them stood a woman of breathtaking beauty and overwhelming presence. Golden hair cascaded around a face of perfect proportions, while crimson eyes regarded them with imperial disdain that matched Priscilla's own. She wore what appeared to be a maid uniform, though one crafted from materials that shimmered with power and integrated with golden armor of exquisite workmanship. Despite the servant's attire, every line of her posture radiated absolute authority.

"A wise assessment, if surprising from one so clearly accustomed to overestimating her importance," the golden-haired woman observed, her tone suggesting she was granting a generous compliment.

Al tensed at this casual insult to his mistress, but Priscilla's laugh stopped him from any rash action.

"Intriguing," the royal candidate declared, studying their visitor with newfound interest. "Few would dare address me with such disregard for consequences. You either possess power to match your arrogance or a death wish of remarkable proportions."

"The former, naturally," the woman replied with a dismissive wave. "I am Queen Gilgamesh, Keeper of Relics and Treasurer of Avalon Evernight, in service to the Supreme Monarch Ramiris."

She surveyed the opulent room with critical assessment. "Your accommodations are... adequate, I suppose, for a minor noble of a provincial realm. The attempt at grandeur, while falling dramatically short, shows commendable aspiration beyond your actual station."

Rather than taking offense, Priscilla's eyes gleamed with fascination at this unprecedented challenge to her supremacy. Few in the kingdom would dare speak to her as an equal, let alone as an inferior.

"These titles mean nothing to me," she stated bluntly. "Queen of what kingdom? Keeper of what relics? Treasurer of what realm? I know all powers of significance in this world, and yours are not among them."

Queen Gilgamesh laughed, the sound both beautiful and cutting. "How delightfully narrow your perspective remains! To believe your awareness encompasses all 'powers of significance' when you cannot even perceive the city that hovers above your world at this very moment."

"You claim to be from beyond Lugunica's borders?" Priscilla inquired, her interest clearly piqued despite her skepticism.

"Beyond your world's borders," Queen Gilgamesh corrected imperiously. "Avalon Evernight exists between realities, observing but rarely interacting directly with lesser realms."

Al stepped forward slightly, his masked face concealing his expression but his tension visible in his posture. "Princess, this person's claims are... unusual. Perhaps caution—"

"Silence, Al," Priscilla commanded without taking her eyes off their visitor. "I find myself... entertained for the first time in weeks. That alone warrants continued conversation."

She rose from her chaise with fluid grace, approaching Queen Gilgamesh without apparent fear despite the overwhelming aura of power surrounding the visitor. The two women regarded each other with remarkably similar expressions of imperial assessment—as if two queens from different realms were taking each other's measure.

"You appear in my private chambers, claiming origins beyond my world's borders, presenting yourself as servant yet clearly accustomed to command," Priscilla summarized. "Either you are the most audacious fraud I've encountered, or something genuinely interesting has finally occurred. Which raises the obvious question: why are you here?"

Queen Gilgamesh smiled slightly, the expression containing equal parts amusement and condescension. "Curiosity, primarily. Among the royal candidates, you alone possess the particular combination of arrogance and intuition that might recognize value in communication with beings beyond your reality's limitations."

"Flattery?" Priscilla raised an elegant eyebrow. "How unexpected from one who entered with insults."

"Observation, not flattery," Queen Gilgamesh corrected. "I state facts rather than seek favor. Your certainty in your own superiority, while laughably exaggerated within cosmic context, provides useful foundation for efficient communication."

She gestured casually, and reality rippled around her hand. A small golden object materialized from nowhere—a miniature gate that opened to reveal what appeared to be a jewel unlike any seen in Lugunica. It contained what looked impossibly like an actual galaxy, stars swirling in perpetual motion within its faceted surface.

"A token of acknowledgment," Queen Gilgamesh explained, offering the jewel. "Proof of my claims, should you require such, and a means of communication should future interaction prove desirable."

Priscilla studied the jewel without touching it, her golden eyes reflecting the miniature stars swirling within. "Communication for what purpose? What interest could beings of your claimed stature have in the politics of our kingdom?"

"Your succession struggle presents patterns worth observing," Queen Gilgamesh replied with aristocratic casualness. "The convergence of prophesied candidates, witch cult machinations, and a certain death-returning individual creates interesting configurations of fate."

She smiled, the expression holding knowledge beyond mortal understanding. "My King finds your world's drama... entertaining. And I find your particular approach to authority conceptually intriguing, if primitively implemented."

"You speak of Subaru Natsuki," Priscilla observed shrewdly, ignoring the implied criticism. "The half-elf's peculiar knight with his inexplicable knowledge of future events."

Queen Gilgamesh's eyes narrowed slightly, reassessing Priscilla with marginally increased respect. "Your perception exceeds expectations. Yes, the boy's relationship with causality presents unusual patterns within your reality's typical frameworks."

Priscilla laughed suddenly, the sound both genuine and calculating. "The world truly does bend to my will! I demand entertainment, and beings from beyond reality appear in my chambers to provide it." She reached out and took the galaxy-jewel with casual confidence. "I accept your token, Queen Gilgamesh of Avalon Evernight. Your intrusion has proven sufficiently diverting to warrant continued acquaintance."

"How magnanimous," Queen Gilgamesh replied with subtle irony. "I shall inform my King of your gracious acceptance."

The two women regarded each other with mutual recognition of a unique dynamic—neither truly accepting the other's claimed superiority, yet both acknowledging a certain kindred quality in their imperial natures.

"When next we meet," Priscilla declared with absolute certainty, "I expect a full accounting of these other realities you claim to travel between. The world exists for my entertainment, after all. It seems only fitting that other worlds should serve the same purpose."

Queen Gilgamesh's laughter held genuine amusement. "Your ambition, while absurdly disproportionate to your actual significance, has a certain charm in its absolute conviction." She inclined her head slightly—not a bow between equals, but acknowledgment of momentarily aligned interests. "Until next time, princess aspiring to queenship. Do try not to break your little kingdom before our return—my King finds your struggles here most entertaining."

Before Priscilla could respond, Queen Gilgamesh simply vanished—not with magical effects or dramatic flourish, but with the casual certainty of one to whom the laws of conventional reality were mere suggestions rather than absolute constraints.

Priscilla stared at the spot where the visitor had stood, the galaxy-jewel cool and impossibly light in her palm. For perhaps the first time in years, genuine surprise registered on her face before quickly transforming into delighted anticipation.

"Al," she addressed her knight without looking at him, "it seems the world has finally remembered its purpose. Things are about to become significantly more interesting."

"Princess," Al replied cautiously, "that visitor was... concerning. Her claims of other realities, beings beyond our understanding—"

"Were either truth or the most elaborate deception ever attempted," Priscilla finished for him, holding the galaxy-jewel up to catch the light. "Either possibility presents entertainment value far exceeding anything this tedious succession struggle has offered thus far."

She returned to her chaise with renewed energy, her boredom thoroughly banished by the encounter. "Inform the household that I expect no disturbances until further notice. I have much to consider regarding this Avalon Evernight and its inhabitants."

As Al bowed and departed to carry out her instructions, Priscilla continued to study the impossible jewel, her golden eyes reflecting the miniature stars swirling within its depths. For the first time since the royal selection began, she felt genuine excitement at the possibilities unfolding before her.

The world, it seemed, had finally provided entertainment worthy of her attention.

Chapter 6: Converging Fates

High above in Avalon Evernight, Ramiris observed the various encounters with amused interest. On the reality fragments hovering around his throne, he watched Durga's interaction with Emilia and Queen Gilgamesh's meeting with Priscilla play out simultaneously, assessing the ripple effects these direct contacts would create throughout the local reality's causal patterns.

"Your maids have made quite an impression on the locals," observed a familiar voice as Milim bounded into the throne room, her maid uniform somehow making even her exuberant movements appear elegant. "The silver-haired girl looks super confused, and the red-haired princess lady is practically glowing with excitement!"

"Indeed," Ramiris agreed, gesturing for her to join him by the throne. "The initial contacts proceeded largely as anticipated. Emilia's receptivity to Durga's guidance suggests promising adaptability, while Priscilla's response to my treasure keeper confirms my assessment of her fundamental nature."

"Why those two, though?" Milim asked curiously. "There are lots of interesting people down there we could talk to!"

"Each serves a specific purpose in our observation," Ramiris explained patiently. "Emilia's trials connect directly to Subaru's temporal causality loops, while Priscilla's unique certainty in her own fortune presents an interesting counterpoint to the death-returner's struggle against predetermined fate."

Tiamat entered the throne room, her serene presence immediately filling the space with maternal calm. "Durga reports successful implementation of perceptual adjustment for the half-elf," she informed Ramiris. "Subtle but sufficient to create new possibilities within existing constraints."

"Excellent," Ramiris nodded approvingly. "And Queen Gilgamesh's token?"

"Functioning as designed," Tiamat confirmed. "The princess has already attempted preliminary communication, though she lacks proper understanding of the conceptual principles involved."

Ramiris laughed, the sound both melodious and slightly mischievous. "Her frustration will prove educational. Ambition tempered by limitations creates more interesting patterns than either unlimited power or constrained mediocrity."

Void Shiki materialized silently from the shadows, her empty blue eyes revealing nothing of her thoughts. "The Witch of Greed has detected our interventions," she reported in her characteristically soft voice. "Her awareness of perceptual manipulations has increased substantially since our direct contact."

"As expected," Ramiris acknowledged, unconcerned. "Her nature compels investigation of anomalies in her understanding. Let her study the edges of our influence—the exercise will prove stimulating for all involved."

Milim bounced slightly on her toes, barely containing her excitement. "So what happens next? Do more of us get to meet the locals? Can I introduce myself to the death-loop guy? He seems like he could really use some help!"

"Patience, Berserker of Joy," Ramiris cautioned, though his golden eyes held obvious affection. "Direct interactions must be carefully calibrated for maximum effect. Each contact creates ripples throughout causal patterns—too many simultaneous disruptions would result in chaos rather than interesting development."

"But some chaos can be fun too!" Milim protested with a pout.

"Indeed it can," Ramiris agreed with a knowing smile. "Which is precisely why I've authorized your own introduction to a particular local entity—one whose nature complements your own in ways that should prove most entertaining."

Milim's eyes widened with delight. "Really? I get to meet someone too? Who is it? When? Can I go right now?"

"The former Beast of Sin, now contracted spirit of flame," Ramiris explained, gesturing to one of the reality fragments showing a small cat-like spirit with fiery fur. "Puck, as he's called in this reality, presents interesting contradictions—immense power constrained by contractual limitations, protective instincts at war with destructive capacity."

"The cute fire kitty?" Milim's excitement reached new heights. "He's ADORABLE but also super strong! When can I meet him?"

"When he next materializes to protect his contractor," Ramiris decided. "Your encounter should occur naturally within the flow of events rather than forced into existing patterns."

Milim could barely contain herself, practically vibrating with anticipation. "I'll be super diplomatic, just like I practiced with Queen Gilgamesh! Well, maybe not EXACTLY like that because she's all formal and stuff, but I'll represent Avalon Evernight properly!"

"I'm certain you will," Ramiris assured her with a fond smile. "Your natural enthusiasm often achieves what calculated diplomacy cannot."

As the maids discussed the implications of their increased involvement with the local reality, the atmosphere in Avalon Evernight shifted subtly from passive observation to active interest. The patterns forming below had captured their master's attention more thoroughly than anticipated, suggesting this particular world might receive more direct interaction than originally planned.

In the reality fragments surrounding Ramiris's throne, various scenes continued to unfold—Subaru preparing for another attempt at the trial, Ram defending the mansion against Elsa's imminent attack, the remaining Witch Cultists consulting their gospels with growing confusion as events diverged from their prophecies.

And through it all, the Supreme Monarch watched with the appreciative eye of one who recognized truly interesting patterns forming within the chaos of mortal struggles—patterns worthy of divine attention and, perhaps, divine intervention.

"The convergence accelerates," he observed thoughtfully, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he studied the unfolding events. "Soon, very soon, our little death-returner will face choices that transcend his current understanding. I find myself genuinely curious about which path he will choose when conventional options exhaust themselves."

"And if he chooses poorly?" inquired Tiamat with maternal concern.

Ramiris's smile widened slightly, revealing an aspect of his nature that transcended mere casual amusement. "Then we shall see whether his ability to rewrite fate through death extends to circumstances beyond his reality's typical parameters. Either outcome presents patterns worth observing."

In the world below, oblivious to the divine attention focused upon them, the inhabitants of Lugunica continued their desperate struggles against fate, unaware that beings from beyond their conceptual understanding had begun to take active interest in their choices and their consequences.

The stage was set for interactions that would challenge the very foundations of their reality—and for the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, the performance was just beginning.

In the forests surrounding the Sanctuary, a small figure moved with unnatural speed and grace, tracking magical signatures that shouldn't exist. Puck, the Great Spirit of Fire, had materialized independently of his contractor for the first time in days, drawn by disturbances in the underlying magical fabric that he couldn't ignore despite his contracted limitations.

"Impossible," he muttered, his feline form darting between trees as he followed traces of power unlike anything he had encountered in centuries of existence. "This signature doesn't match the Witch, the dragons, or any known entity in this world. Yet it's clearly present, clearly powerful, and clearly interested in Lia."

His whiskers twitched with concern as he recalled Emilia's strange behavior following her return from the forest—subtle changes in her magical resonance, slight alterations to her emotional patterns, and most concerning of all, fragmented memories she couldn't quite articulate. Something or someone had interfered with his contractor, and as her bound spirit and self-appointed father figure, Puck considered that a direct challenge he couldn't ignore.

"Whatever you are," he declared to the seemingly empty forest, "I will find you. Nothing threatens Lia while I exist."

"Wow, you really do sound just like a protective dad!" exclaimed an enthusiastic female voice from directly behind him. "That's super cute coming from a tiny cat spirit!"

Puck whirled, battle magic gathering instantly around his diminutive form as he faced the unexpected intruder. What he saw defied immediate classification—a young woman with pink-tinged hair wearing what appeared to be an elaborate maid uniform, hovering slightly above the ground with casual disregard for gravity. Her aura radiated power that should have been impossible to conceal, yet he hadn't sensed her approach at all.

"Who and what are you?" he demanded, maintaining his combat stance despite the growing realization that this being's power drastically exceeded his current manifestation.

"I'm Milim Nava, Berserker of Joy in service to Supreme Monarch Ramiris of Avalon Evernight!" she introduced herself with a cheerful bow that somehow managed to be both formal and bouncy. "And you're Puck, the fire kitty spirit who goes all world-destroy-mode when his daughter is threatened! We've been watching you guys and you're SUPER interesting!"

Puck's eyes narrowed, his magical senses straining to understand what confronted him. The being before him projected power beyond what should exist in this world, yet contained it within a form and personality that seemed almost childlike in its enthusiasm.

"You're not from this world," he stated flatly, recognizing the truth even as he struggled to fully comprehend it.

"Nope!" Milim confirmed cheerfully. "We're visiting from outside your reality! Ramiris thinks the patterns here are super interesting, especially with the death-loop guy and the witch stuff and all the trial business!"

"Death-loop...?" Puck's eyes widened slightly as connections formed. "You mean Subaru? You know about his ability?"

"Of course!" Milim replied as if this were obvious. "We've been watching everything! Though we're mostly just observing, not interfering." She paused, looking momentarily sheepish. "Well, mostly not interfering. A little bit of interference for interesting purposes is allowed sometimes."

Puck's combat stance relaxed slightly, not from any reduction in caution but from the practical recognition that if this being intended harm, his resistance would be futile in his current form. "What do you want with Lia—with Emilia?"

Milim's expression brightened at the question. "Nothing bad! Durga just helped her a tiny bit with the trial stuff because watching her fail over and over was getting sad. She still has to do the hard work herself, but now it's actually possible instead of super-rigged against her!"

"Durga?" Puck repeated, filing away this new name. "There are more of you?"

"Lots more!" Milim confirmed enthusiastically. "We're all maids in service to Supreme Monarch Ramiris, though we're each super powerful in our own ways! I'm the newest but I'm catching up fast on all the proper protocols and stuff!"

Despite the gravity of the situation, Puck found himself momentarily distracted by the sheer incongruity of this being's presentation—immense power housed within a form that expressed itself with childlike enthusiasm, all while claiming to be a "maid" to some entity of even greater significance.

"Why reveal yourself to me?" he asked finally, his tactical mind seeking understanding of this unexpected development. "If you've been observing without interference until now, what changed?"

Milim bounced slightly in midair, clearly pleased by the question. "Ramiris decided it was time for more direct interactions with key individuals! Queen Gilgamesh is talking to the red-haired princess lady, Durga already met with your daughter-contractor person, and I get to meet you because we're both super-powerful beings who care a lot about protecting those we like!"

She tilted her head, studying him with surprising insight beneath her cheerful demeanor. "Plus, you're interesting because you have all these self-imposed limits and contract stuff even though you could be way more powerful if you wanted. Kind of like how I'm learning to control my powers better since joining Avalon Evernight!"

Puck considered this information carefully, recognizing both the opportunity and threat it represented. "These interventions—what do they aim to accomplish? What does your master want with our world?"

"Just interesting patterns!" Milim explained, spreading her hands. "Ramiris appreciates complicated fate stuff and reality developments! He finds the struggles here entertaining to watch—especially with how the death-loop guy keeps trying different approaches to save everyone!"

"Entertainment?" Puck repeated, a note of incredulity entering his voice. "Our world's suffering exists for your master's amusement?"

Milim's expression grew surprisingly thoughtful. "It's not just about amusement—though that's part of it. It's more like... appreciating the patterns that form when beings with limited understanding face challenges beyond their knowledge. Ramiris finds beauty in how mortals struggle against seemingly impossible odds."

She floated closer, her manner becoming unexpectedly serious. "And sometimes, when the patterns are particularly interesting, he allows small interventions that create new possibilities—like what Durga did for your contractor-daughter. Not solving problems directly, but adjusting constraints to allow for growth that might otherwise be impossible."

Despite his caution, Puck found himself reluctantly intrigued by this perspective. As a Great Spirit who had observed countless human struggles across centuries, he understood the concept of finding meaning in patterns beyond individual suffering.

"These interventions," he inquired carefully, "do they serve any purpose beyond your master's entertainment?"

"They create possibilities!" Milim replied earnestly. "Without Durga's help, your daughter-person couldn't complete the trials no matter how many times she tried. The blockages were too fundamental to her nature. Now she still has to do the work, but at least it's actually possible!"

She floated in a small circle around Puck, her energy seemingly impossible to contain in stillness. "And my meeting you creates new possibilities too! Now you know about us, about Avalon Evernight, about beings beyond your world's boundaries! Knowledge creates options that didn't exist before!"

Puck remained silent for a long moment, processing this information and its implications. As a being who had existed for centuries, he had long suspected there might be powers beyond the Witches and Dragons that defined his world's known hierarchies. But direct confirmation, in the form of this enthusiastic maid-entity, presented both opportunity and complication.

"What would your master have me do with this knowledge?" he asked finally.

"Whatever you want!" Milim replied with genuine cheer. "That's the whole point! New knowledge creates new choices which creates new patterns! Ramiris doesn't want to control what happens—he wants to see what interesting developments occur when key players have expanded understanding!"

She reached out suddenly, offering a small crystal that seemingly materialized from nowhere. "Here! A communication token, like what Queen Gilgamesh gave the princess lady! If you ever need to talk to us directly, this will help—though using it takes a lot of magic, so it's for emergencies only!"

Puck studied the offered crystal cautiously before accepting it with one paw. The object hummed with power beyond his complete understanding, yet didn't feel threatening—merely operating on principles outside his current knowledge.

"I will use this wisdom responsibly," he stated formally, tucking the crystal into his spiritual essence for safekeeping. "My priority remains Lia's wellbeing—regardless of how entertaining any patterns may be to external observers."

"That's exactly what makes you interesting!" Milim exclaimed with apparent delight. "Your dedication to your purpose despite knowing there are bigger things happening! It's super admirable!"

Before Puck could respond further, she glanced upward as if hearing something beyond mortal perception. "Oops! Gotta go report back to Ramiris! It was super nice meeting you, fire kitty spirit! Maybe next time you can show me your big scary world-destroying form!"

With those parting words, she simply... vanished. Not with the magical signatures of teleportation or dimensional shifting that Puck could recognize, but with the casual ease of someone stepping between rooms in a house—there one moment, gone the next, leaving no trace for his magical senses to track.

The Great Spirit remained hovering in the forest clearing, the crystal secured within his spiritual essence and his mind racing with implications. If beings from beyond his reality's boundaries had taken interest in current events, the struggles surrounding the Sanctuary and the royal selection might have significance far beyond what any of them had imagined.

Most concerning of all was the casual mention of Subaru's "death-loop" ability—a secret Puck had only recently begun to suspect through careful observation of magical inconsistencies surrounding the young man. If these visitors knew about that power, what else did they know? What other secrets lay exposed to their observation?

With new urgency, Puck turned toward the tomb where Emilia prepared for another attempt at the trial. Whatever game these beings from Avalon Evernight might be playing, he would ensure his contractor had every advantage he could provide.

The patterns were shifting, and for the first time in centuries, the Great Spirit felt something approaching genuine uncertainty about what tomorrow might bring.

Across reality, in the ethereal halls of Avalon Evernight, Ramiris observed the unfolding events with growing satisfaction. Each intervention created precisely the ripples he had anticipated—confusion, adaptation, and most importantly, new possibilities within existing fate patterns.

"The pieces move according to their natures," he observed to Tiamat, who stood beside his throne watching the reality fragments with maternal attention. "Emilia struggles with newfound clarity, Priscilla plots with expanded ambition, and our little fire spirit reconsiders his understanding of reality's boundaries."

"And young Subaru remains unaware of our attention," Tiamat noted, her expression thoughtful. "His pattern remains the most volatile—death and return creating loops within loops of causality."

"For now," Ramiris agreed with a knowing smile. "But soon, very soon, our death-returner will face circumstances that transcend his current understanding. His response to that moment will determine much about the patterns to follow."

In the reality fragments surrounding his throne, the inhabitants of Lugunica continued their desperate struggles against fate, now subtly influenced by knowledge and adjustments from beyond their understanding. The convergence approached—a nexus of possibilities that promised patterns of rare complexity and beauty.

And for the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight, such patterns were worthy of his full and undivided attention.

Avalon Evernight: The Supreme Monarch's Audience

Chapter 7: Beyond the Veil

Emilia stood before the entrance to the tomb once more, steeling herself for another attempt at the trial. After her strange encounter with the being who called herself Durga, something felt different—not easier, precisely, but more possible. The overwhelming dread that had previously paralyzed her when facing her memories now felt... navigable, like a dense forest that still required effort to traverse but no longer appeared completely impenetrable.

"This time," she whispered to herself, violet eyes fixed on the stone doorway. "This time I will face it properly."

As she stepped forward, the air around her suddenly... shifted. Not with the violent disruption of magical teleportation, but with unsettling smoothness—as if reality itself had politely stepped aside to allow something else to take its place.

Before Emilia could react, the tomb entrance vanished. The snowy clearing, the trees, the very ground beneath her feet—all disappeared in an instant, replaced by surroundings so alien her mind struggled to process what her eyes reported.

She stood in a vast chamber unlike anything in her experience. The floor beneath her appeared to be marble, but with veins of actual starlight flowing through its pristine surface. Columns of impossible architecture supported a ceiling that contained what seemed to be actual galaxies swirling in slow, mesmerizing patterns. The walls—if they could be called walls—shifted between states of matter, sometimes appearing solid, sometimes liquid light, sometimes pure conceptual boundary.

At the chamber's center stood a throne of white gold that somehow managed to be simultaneously ornate and elegantly minimalist. And upon that throne...

"Welcome to Avalon Evernight, Emilia with the witch's face," spoke a melodious voice that carried authority without effort. "I thought it time we spoke directly."

The figure lounging on the throne studied her with evident interest. A man of striking appearance—white hair streaked with gold, sharp handsome features set in an expression of casual amusement, and golden eyes that contained what appeared to be actual galaxies swirling in their depths. He wore elaborate regalia of midnight blue containing what seemed to be moving stars, with a half-cape of purest white draped casually over one shoulder.

Despite his relaxed posture, something about him radiated such absolute authority that Emilia found herself instinctively lowering her gaze before catching herself.

"Who—" her voice faltered, then strengthened with characteristic determination. "Who are you? Where am I? What have you done with the Sanctuary?"

The man smiled, seemingly pleased by her questions rather than offended by their directness. "In order: I am Ramiris, Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight. You stand within my personal audience chamber in our realm that exists adjacent to, yet separate from, your reality. And the Sanctuary remains precisely where it was—you have simply been temporarily relocated for this conversation."

He gestured casually to his right, where a reality fragment hovered in midair, showing the tomb and surrounding clearing as if viewed through a window. "See? Time progresses differently here, so you'll return with minimal disruption to your local causality."

Emilia stared at the floating image, momentarily speechless at this casual manipulation of reality itself. She had encountered powerful magic before—the Witch, the Dragons, the Great Spirits—but this being's casual certainty suggested power of an entirely different category.

"You're connected to Durga," she realized aloud. "The woman who spoke to me in the forest."

"Indeed," Ramiris confirmed with an approving nod. "Durga serves as Warden of Fortresses in my court. Her intervention was... preliminary. A gentle adjustment to prepare you for more significant interaction."

Emilia's confusion gave way to a flash of indignation. "You've been watching us? Interfering with the trials? With my memories?"

"Observing, primarily," Ramiris corrected with casual precision. "Durga's assistance with your perceptual barriers represents one of very few direct interventions thus far. Your world's struggles present fascinating patterns worthy of attention."

"Patterns?" Emilia repeated, struggling to understand this being's perspective. "People are suffering, fighting for their lives, and you speak of patterns?"

Rather than taking offense, Ramiris's expression showed something like appreciation. "Your compassion honors you, even when directed at one who exists beyond your conceptual framework. Yes, I speak of patterns—the complex interweaving of choices, consequences, and causality that form the tapestry of existence."

He rose from his throne with fluid grace, approaching her with casual confidence. Despite herself, Emilia took a step back, instinctively responding to the overwhelming presence that seemed to intensify with each step he took.

"Fear not," Ramiris assured her, stopping at a respectful distance. "You stand here as honored guest, not prisoner. I merely wished to speak directly with one whose role in unfolding events carries particular significance."

"Significance to whom?" Emilia challenged, finding her courage. "To the Sanctuary? To Lugunica? Or just to your entertainment?"

Ramiris laughed—a sound like distant thunder and silver bells combined. "All three, in their respective contexts. Your struggle against artificial memory constraints presents micropatterns of particular elegance, while your position in broader political conflicts creates macropatterns of noteworthy complexity."

He gestured, and the air between them shimmered to reveal another reality fragment—this one showing Subaru making his way through the snow toward the tomb, his expression set in familiar determination.

"But most significantly," Ramiris continued, his tone shifting to something more serious, "your connection to our little death-returner creates nexus points of reality-shaping potential rarely observed in worlds of your developmental stage."

Emilia's eyes widened, fixed on the image of Subaru. "Death-returner? What do you mean? What do you know about Subaru?"

"I know everything about Subaru Natsuki," Ramiris replied simply. "His origins in another reality. His transportation to your world through the Witch's intervention. His ability to reverse death through temporal regression. The accumulated trauma of memories no one else retains. The weight of failures only he remembers."

He observed her shocked expression with mild interest. "Ah, you were unaware. He keeps his ability secret even from you—partly from necessity due to the Witch's restrictions, partly from misguided desire to protect others from knowledge he considers burden rather than advantage."

Emilia struggled to process this revelation. Subaru could return from death? Had done so repeatedly? The implications staggered her—how many times had he suffered, died, returned to try again while she remained oblivious?

"Why are you telling me this?" she asked finally, her voice barely above a whisper. "If he's kept it secret..."

"Because patterns reach convergence points where knowledge creates new possibilities," Ramiris explained, watching her reaction with evident interest. "Your trials, his suffering, the Sanctuary's liberation—all approach a nexus where understanding may prove more valuable than ignorance."

He turned away with casual grace, returning to his throne with unhurried steps. "Besides, the Witch's prohibition prevents him from speaking of his ability directly. It does not, however, prevent others from sharing knowledge they've obtained through independent means."

He settled back onto his throne, one leg casually draped over the armrest. "What you do with this information remains your choice—another variable in the pattern, another thread in the tapestry."

Emilia's mind raced, connecting fragments of previously inexplicable behavior—Subaru's seemingly impossible knowledge of future events, his desperate determination in the face of overwhelming odds, his nightmares and occasional thousand-yard stare. It all made a terrible, heartbreaking sense.

"He's been fighting alone," she whispered, the realization hitting her with physical force. "All this time, dying and returning, and none of us knew..."

"Such is the curse and blessing of his condition," Ramiris confirmed. "To bear memories others cannot share, to experience horrors that exist only in timelines erased from conventional reality."

He leaned forward slightly, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he studied her reaction. "The question now becomes: what will you do with this knowledge? How will it influence your approach to the trials, to the Sanctuary's liberation, to Subaru himself?"

Emilia straightened, her natural determination reasserting itself even in these impossible circumstances. "I'll help him. If what you say is true, he's been carrying this burden alone for far too long."

"Admirable sentiment," Ramiris acknowledged with a slight smile. "Though implementation presents challenges. Direct discussion remains impossible due to the Witch's constraints. Even knowledge shared by third parties triggers punishment when explicitly acknowledged."

"Then I'll find another way," Emilia declared with characteristic resolve. "If direct words are forbidden, there are other ways to show understanding and support."

Ramiris's smile widened, genuine appreciation showing in his expression. "And this, Emilia with the witch's face, is precisely why your pattern holds such interest. Determination in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles—a quality you share with your devoted knight."

Before Emilia could respond, the chamber door opened to admit several figures—the maids of Avalon Evernight arriving for what appeared to be a scheduled gathering. Emilia recognized Durga immediately, along with others she hadn't encountered: a golden-haired woman of imperial bearing, a maternal figure radiating primordial energy, a silent woman with empty blue eyes, and others too numerous to catalog in her current state of confusion.

"Ah, my court arrives," Ramiris observed casually. "Excellent timing."

The maids, noticing Emilia's presence, showed varying reactions—from Queen Gilgamesh's imperial assessment to Tiamat's maternal interest to Milim's barely contained excitement at seeing another "local" brought to their realm.

"My King has honored you greatly," observed Durga, approaching Emilia with formal dignity. "Few mortals receive direct audience in the Supreme Monarch's personal chambers."

"Indeed," agreed Queen Gilgamesh, her crimson eyes studying Emilia with aristocratic precision. "Though this one at least demonstrates appropriate gravity at the privilege, unlike the red-haired princess who responded with presumptuous familiarity."

"Different natures produce different responses," Tiamat noted with gentle wisdom. "The half-elf's compassionate foundation contrasts with the princess's imperial self-certainty."

Emilia looked between these impossibly powerful beings discussing her as if she were a curious specimen, feeling increasingly disoriented by the surreal situation. "I don't understand any of this," she admitted finally. "Why me? Why now? What do you want from us?"

"Want?" Ramiris repeated thoughtfully. "An interesting question. Perhaps nothing more than what artists want from their subjects—to observe beauty in struggle, complexity in choice, growth through adversity."

He gestured expansively, encompassing his gathered court. "We exist beyond your reality's conventional framework, observing countless worlds across the multiverse. Yours presents patterns of particular elegance—death loops creating causality fractures, memory manipulations altering fundamental identities, love transcending rational self-interest."

"That doesn't answer my question," Emilia persisted with surprising boldness given her circumstances.

"No, it doesn't," Ramiris acknowledged with evident amusement. "Very well. What we 'want,' to use your terminology, is continued entertainment through observation of interesting pattern development. Minimal intervention to prevent stagnation. Occasional direct interaction with key individuals to create new possibilities within existing frameworks."

He rose once more, approaching her with measured steps. "In simpler terms: we want to watch your world's story unfold, occasionally turning pages when the narrative slows, sometimes highlighting passages of particular significance."

Despite the overwhelming aura of authority surrounding him, Emilia stood her ground. "Our lives aren't stories for your entertainment. The suffering is real, the struggles matter to us even if they seem insignificant from your perspective."

"Of course they do," Ramiris agreed without hesitation. "Significance exists independently of observation. Your struggles would matter regardless of our attention—we simply appreciate the patterns they create."

He stopped before her, studying her with unexpected seriousness. "Consider this, Emilia with the witch's face: would you prefer a reality where cosmic forces observe with appreciation but minimal interference, or one where such forces remain completely indifferent to your existence?"

Before she could formulate a response to this philosophical challenge, he continued. "Besides, our limited interventions thus far have objectively improved your circumstances. Durga's adjustment to your perceptual barriers makes trial completion possible rather than futile. Knowledge of Subaru's death-return ability provides context previously denied to you."

Emilia found herself unable to refute this logic, unsettling though it might be. Whatever their motivations, these beings had indeed provided advantages she previously lacked.

"The question now," Ramiris concluded, "is how you'll use these advantages when you return to your reality. The patterns that follow will determine much about our continued interest in your world's development."

"I'll use them to protect the people I care about," Emilia stated with simple certainty. "To free the Sanctuary, to support Subaru, to work toward peace in Lugunica. My goals haven't changed, even if my understanding has expanded."

"Well answered," Ramiris nodded approvingly. "Consistency of purpose despite changed circumstance—another quality worthy of observation."

He glanced toward Tiamat, who stepped forward with serene grace. "It is time to return her, Beloved King. Extended absence from her timeline may create unnecessary complications."

"Indeed," Ramiris agreed, turning back to Emilia. "Your visit concludes, though the knowledge gained remains. When you return, mere moments will have passed in your reality, allowing seamless resumption of your intended activities."

Emilia straightened, gathering her courage for one final question. "Will I remember this? Or will you take these memories like the trial took my past?"

"You will remember," Ramiris assured her. "Knowledge shapes choices, choices create patterns, patterns sustain our interest. Removing such understanding would defeat the purpose of this audience."

He gestured casually, and reality began to shift around Emilia once more. "Until our next interaction, Emilia with the witch's face. The trials await your renewed attempt—now with proper foundation for potential success."

As the magnificent chamber and its otherworldly occupants began to fade from her perception, Emilia caught her last glimpse of Ramiris—lounging casually on his white gold throne, golden galaxy-eyes watching her with undisguised interest, a slight smile playing at his lips as he observed yet another pattern unfolding according to his inscrutable design.

"Good luck," she heard him say, the words somehow both sincere and faintly amused. "The patterns you create will be observed with appropriate appreciation."

Then reality solidified around her once more, and Emilia found herself standing exactly where she had been moments before—at the entrance to the tomb, the snow beneath her feet, the stone doorway before her. As Ramiris had promised, barely seconds seemed to have passed in the Sanctuary despite what felt like an extended audience in his realm.

Yet everything had changed. Knowledge of Subaru's terrible burden, understanding of cosmic forces observing their struggles, awareness of subtle manipulations to reality itself—all this she carried now as she prepared to face the trial once more.

With newfound resolve, Emilia stepped forward into the tomb. Whatever these beings from Avalon Evernight might be playing at, whatever patterns they sought to observe, she would use every advantage they provided to protect those she cared about.

The trial awaited—and this time, failure was no longer the only possible outcome.

Chapter 8: Ripples of Knowledge

In the audience chamber of Avalon Evernight, Ramiris observed Emilia's return to the Sanctuary with evident satisfaction. The reality fragment showing the tomb entrance captured her determined stride as she entered to face the trial once more—now armed with knowledge and understanding she had previously lacked.

"She adapts well to expanded perspective," he observed to his gathered court. "Many mortals would fragment when confronted with cosmic awareness beyond their conceptual framework."

"Her foundation is unusually stable for a being of her developmental stage," agreed Tiamat, maternal assessment evident in her tone. "The artificial memory constraints actually strengthened rather than weakened her fundamental identity—an interesting inversion of typical patterns."

Queen Gilgamesh made a small sound of aristocratic skepticism. "She demonstrated adequate composure, I suppose. Though her presumption in questioning your motives bordered on impertinence."

"Her directness is part of her charm," Ramiris countered with a casual wave. "Unvarnished honesty presents more interesting response patterns than calculated deference."

Milim, who had been uncharacteristically quiet during the audience, finally burst with her typical enthusiasm. "I really like her! She's super brave, standing up for her friends even when facing beings way stronger than her! It's like me before joining Avalon Evernight!"

"A not entirely inaccurate comparison," acknowledged Queen Gilgamesh with reluctant tolerance. "Though lacking your natural combat instincts."

Void Shiki, silent until now, spoke with her characteristic softness. "She perceives more than she understands. The void between knowledge and comprehension creates interesting internal patterns."

"Indeed," Ramiris agreed, rising from his throne to approach the reality fragments displaying various scenes throughout the region. "And those patterns will propagate outward as she integrates this new understanding into her actions and choices."

The fragments shifted to show Subaru now entering the tomb himself, unaware of the cosmic audience observing his every move or the profound changes occurring in his beloved Emilia's understanding of his burden.

"The death-returner approaches another critical junction," Ramiris noted with heightened interest. "His pattern interweaves with the half-elf's in configurations of particular elegance. How will her new knowledge influence their combined trajectory?"

"A pity we cannot simply tell him of our observations," commented Kali, her predatory nature evident in her focused attention on the struggling young man. "His reactions would undoubtedly prove entertaining."

"Direct intervention at this stage would collapse rather than enhance potential pattern variations," Ramiris explained, studying Subaru with genuine curiosity. "The boy's tendency toward self-destruction when confronted with overwhelming information makes gradual revelation through secondary sources more productive."

Durga stepped forward, her serene authority drawing attention even among the assembled maids. "The perceptual adjustments to the half-elf's barriers function as designed, my King. Her access to suppressed memories now proceeds without catastrophic emotional fragmentation."

"Excellent," Ramiris nodded approvingly. "And our other interactions proceed similarly well. The fire spirit contemplates cosmic hierarchies beyond his previous understanding, while the red-haired princess plots with expanded ambition."

He turned to his assembled court, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he considered their next moves. "Continue observation according to your assigned areas. Report developments of significance, particularly regarding our death-returner's progress through the trial."

As the maids dispersed to their various observation duties, Ramiris remained before the reality fragments, his expression showing rare seriousness beneath his typically casual demeanor.

"Show me Echidna," he commanded softly, and the fragments rearranged to display the Witch of Greed in her metaphysical tea garden, furiously making notes and calculations based on her encounter with Queen Gilgamesh.

"Fascinating," he murmured, watching her desperate attempts to incorporate cosmic principles into her limited conceptual framework. "Such hunger for understanding, even when confronted with knowledge that renders centuries of accumulated wisdom obsolete."

He observed her for several moments more before turning his attention back to the tomb where both Emilia and Subaru now faced their respective trials—the half-elf with newfound clarity, the death-returner with familiar determination born of countless failed attempts across erased timelines.

"The convergence accelerates," Ramiris noted with satisfaction. "Soon, very soon, patterns of rare complexity will emerge from these interconnected struggles."

And in the world below, oblivious to the divine attention focused upon them, the inhabitants of Lugunica continued their desperate fight against forces they only partially understood—now with subtle advantages and burdens granted by beings whose very existence challenged everything they thought they knew about reality itself.

The patterns shifted, evolved, intertwined—and the Supreme Monarch of Avalon Evernight watched it all with the appreciative eye of one who recognized true beauty in the complex tapestry of mortal struggle and determination.

Within the tomb, Emilia faced her memories once more—but this time, everything felt different. The icy visions of destruction still came, the frozen faces of villagers still accused, but something had changed in her perception. Durga's adjustments combined with Ramiris's revelations had transformed her relationship to these painful images.

"I see you," she whispered to the memories as they swirled around her. "I acknowledge what happened, what I was part of, what was done to protect me."

The trial's manifestation of her younger self appeared before her, silver hair flowing around a childlike face twisted with confusion and fear. But unlike previous attempts, Emilia no longer recoiled from this reflection of her past.

"You are me," she acknowledged, reaching out toward the child. "Not something to deny or reject, but to understand and accept. Your experiences shaped me, your pain became my strength, your losses taught me compassion."

The child-Emilia stared back, suspicious yet hopeful. "They still hate us," she whispered. "For looking like her. For the destruction."

"Yes," Emilia agreed without flinching. "Some do and some will. That cannot be changed. But hating myself for circumstances beyond my control serves no purpose. I cannot undo the past, but I can shape what comes next."

As she spoke these words, something shifted within the trial's structure. The memories continued to flow, but no longer as overwhelming flood—instead, they integrated into her understanding, painful but no longer paralyzing.

And beneath this transformation, a new awareness colored her experience: knowledge of Subaru's countless deaths and returns, his solitary struggle across timelines that only he remembered. Somehow, this understanding provided context for her own difficult path—if he could face death repeatedly for those he cared about, surely she could face memories she had tried to escape.

"I accept what was," she declared firmly to the trial and to herself. "Not to approve or embrace it, but to acknowledge its reality and move forward carrying its lessons rather than its burden."

The frozen landscape around her began to shimmer, the trial's magic recognizing successful completion of its requirements. Child-Emilia smiled faintly before dissolving into particles of light that merged with her adult self, symbolic reunification of fragmented identity.

As the trial's chamber returned to physical reality, Emilia found herself on her knees but conscious—for the first time, she had navigated the memories without being overwhelmed by their emotional impact.

"I... passed?" she whispered in amazement, feeling the magic of the tomb confirm her success. "I actually passed the first trial."

As this realization settled, her thoughts turned immediately to Subaru. He must be nearby, possibly facing his own version of the trial, unaware that she now carried some understanding of his impossible burden.

With newfound determination, Emilia rose to her feet. The path ahead remained challenging—two more trials awaited, and the larger political struggles of Lugunica continued beyond the Sanctuary's boundaries. But something fundamental had shifted in her approach to these obstacles.

Knowledge from beyond her reality's boundaries had provided perspective she previously lacked. Beings of cosmic power had taken interest in their struggles, for reasons she still didn't fully comprehend. And most importantly, the person who had fought hardest for her carried wounds across timelines that only he remembered.

"I will help carry your burden, Subaru," she promised quietly as she made her way toward the tomb's entrance. "Even if I can't speak of it directly, I'll find ways to show you're not alone anymore."

As she emerged into the snowy clearing outside, Emilia glanced upward at the night sky. Somewhere beyond perception, beyond conventional reality itself, she knew Ramiris and his court continued to observe their struggles with detached interest.

"I hope our pattern proves worthy of your attention," she whispered to the watching cosmos. "But even if it doesn't, we'll continue fighting for what matters to us."

And high above in Avalon Evernight, unseen and unheard, the Supreme Monarch smiled with genuine appreciation at her defiant determination. Truly, this reality's struggles continued to provide patterns worthy of divine observation.

The convergence accelerated, and with it, possibilities beyond anything the inhabitants of Lugunica could imagine—even with their newly expanded understanding of reality's true scope.

In a luxurious bedchamber within Avalon Evernight, Queen Gilgamesh prepared for her next assignment with imperial precision. Her formal maid attire—elegantly integrated with elements of golden armor—had been polished to perfection, while her crimson eyes reflected calculated anticipation.

"The princess of assumed destiny awaits your return," observed Ramiris from the doorway, his casual posture belying the authority that radiated from his very being. "She's attempted communication through the token three times already."

"As expected," Queen Gilgamesh replied with aristocratic amusement. "Her hunger for cosmic knowledge matches the witch's, though filtered through imperial ambition rather than intellectual greed."

"Different motivations, similar patterns," Ramiris noted, entering the chamber with unhurried steps. "Her certainty that the world exists for her benefit presents interesting parallels to the death-returner's desperate struggle against predetermined fate."

"You find meaning in these contrasts," Queen Gilgamesh observed, not quite a question.

"Naturally," Ramiris confirmed with a casual shrug. "Opposing approaches to similar circumstances create pattern variations of particular elegance. The princess believes destiny bends to her will through inherent right; the boy forces fate's revision through sheer stubborn determination."

Queen Gilgamesh considered this as she made final adjustments to her appearance. "The princess shows potential beyond local limitations. Her intuitive grasp of authority concepts suggests capacity for growth exceeding typical parameters for her reality."

"Indeed," agreed Ramiris, golden galaxies swirling in his eyes as he considered possibilities. "Which is precisely why your continued interaction with her serves our observation purposes. Nurture that potential—carefully, within appropriate limitations."

"As my King commands," Queen Gilgamesh acknowledged with formal dignity. "What information am I authorized to share during this encounter?"

Ramiris smiled, the expression both casual and calculated. "Enough to intrigue but not overwhelm. Cosmic hierarchies beyond dragon authority. Multiverse conceptual frameworks. Perhaps hints regarding the death-returner's unique causality manipulation—though presented as theoretical rather than confirmed fact."

"A careful balance between revelation and restraint," Queen Gilgamesh summarized with imperial precision. "Sufficient knowledge to expand her ambition beyond local concerns without providing specific tools that might disrupt emerging patterns."

"Exactly," Ramiris confirmed with evident approval. "The princess presents interesting growth trajectories when properly stimulated. Her reaction to cosmic perspective provides valuable contrast to the half-elf's compassionate integration of similar knowledge."

Queen Gilgamesh completed her preparations, her golden hair and armor catching the ethereal light of Avalon Evernight in shimmering patterns. "I shall depart immediately, my Glorious Ramiris. The princess's ambitious nature will provide suitable entertainment while the death-returner and half-elf continue their trial progress."

"Indeed," Ramiris agreed, already turning to leave with casual grace. "Different threads in the same tapestry, different notes in the same symphony. Maintain observation protocols and report developments of significance."

As he departed, Queen Gilgamesh allowed herself a small smile of anticipation. The red-haired princess's imperious nature presented a refreshing contrast to the typically deferential responses Avalon Evernight's representatives encountered across realities. Their interaction promised entertainment value for both parties—though for vastly different reasons and from dramatically different perspectives.

With practiced concentration, she focused on the connection established through the galaxy-jewel token, preparing to step between realities once more. The patterns continued to develop, and each member of Ramiris's court played their role in observing and occasionally influencing their elegant evolution.

The symphony approached crescendo, with players both aware and oblivious to the cosmic audience appreciating every note of their desperate performance.

In the frozen forest surrounding the Sanctuary, two unlikely companions walked together—Puck, the Great Spirit of Fire in his diminutive cat form, and Milim, the Berserker of Joy in service to Avalon Evernight. Despite their vast power differential, they had established an unexpected rapport based on shared protective instincts and appreciation for straightforward approaches to complex problems.

"So you've been watching EVERYTHING?" Puck asked, whiskers twitching with barely contained concern. "Even Subaru's... special ability?"

"Yep!" Milim confirmed cheerfully, bouncing slightly as she walked alongside him. "We've seen all the death loops and resets and suffering and stuff! It's super sad but also super impressive how he keeps trying different approaches instead of giving up!"

Puck's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "And your master—this Ramiris—he finds this entertaining?"

"Not just entertaining," Milim corrected with surprising insightfulness. "He appreciates the patterns it creates! Like how someone might appreciate really difficult music or super complicated art! It's not about the suffering itself, but about the beauty in how mortals overcome seemingly impossible challenges!"

"An interesting perspective," Puck acknowledged, struggling to integrate this cosmic viewpoint with his own understanding. "Though cold comfort to those experiencing the suffering firsthand."

Milim nodded vigorously. "That's why we sometimes help a tiny bit! Like how Durga adjusted Emilia's memory barriers so she could actually pass the trial! We don't solve problems directly because that would make boring patterns, but we can sometimes make the challenges fair instead of impossible!"

"And is that why you're speaking with me now?" Puck inquired shrewdly. "To make challenges 'fair' for Lia?"

"Partly!" Milim admitted with characteristic honesty. "But also because you're super interesting as a Great Spirit who limits his power for love reasons! It reminds me of how I'm learning to control my powers better since joining Avalon Evernight!"

She spun in midair, somehow making the movement appear graceful despite its exuberance. "Plus, I really like talking to someone who understands both super-cosmic stuff AND caring about specific individuals! Most beings are either too small-perspective or too big-perspective, but you get both!"

Despite himself, Puck found her enthusiasm oddly comforting. In a world where threats typically presented as calculating malevolence or mindless destruction, this being's cheerful directness provided refreshing contrast.

"What happens next?" he asked finally, coming to the question that concerned him most. "With these trials, with Subaru's ability, with your master's... observations?"

Milim's expression grew surprisingly thoughtful. "The patterns continue evolving! Emilia passed her first trial with help from Durga's adjustments. Subaru's still struggling but might find new approaches with Emilia's improved understanding. The princess lady is getting more cosmic knowledge from Queen Gilgamesh. All these threads weave together into super interesting new possibilities!"

"And the Witch Cult? The mansion under attack? The larger threats beyond the Sanctuary?"

"All part of the same big pattern!" Milim explained, spreading her arms wide to encompass the entirety of their situation. "Ramiris sees how everything connects even when the people involved don't! That's part of what makes it so interesting to watch!"

She lowered her voice slightly, as if sharing a secret. "Between us, I think Ramiris might allow more direct interventions soon. The patterns are getting extra complex in ways that might benefit from tiny adjustments at exactly the right moments."

Puck absorbed this information carefully, weighing implications against his primary concern—Emilia's safety and wellbeing. "And these interventions... would they benefit Lia?"

"Probably!" Milim replied with cheerful confidence. "Ramiris finds her pattern super interesting, especially how she deals with her witch-face problems and memory stuff! Interesting patterns get helpful nudges more often than boring ones!"

The Great Spirit considered this cosmic cost-benefit analysis with mixed feelings. On one hand, assistance from beings of such overwhelming power could provide advantages Emilia desperately needed. On the other, becoming dependent on the whims of entities who viewed their struggles as entertainment presented obvious risks.

"I must consider all this carefully," he said finally. "My contract and my heart both bind me to Lia's protection above all else. If your master's interests align with her wellbeing, so much the better. If not..."

"You'd fight us even knowing you couldn't win," Milim completed his thought with surprising perceptiveness. "That's exactly what makes you interesting to Ramiris! Dedication to purpose regardless of cosmic perspective!"

She bounced ahead several paces, then spun to face him with undiminished enthusiasm. "Don't worry too much, fire kitty! From what I've seen, Ramiris genuinely wants interesting patterns to develop in positive ways! Despair and hopelessness make super boring patterns after a while!"

Puck couldn't help but smile slightly at her peculiar yet oddly reassuring perspective. "I suppose we shall see how these patterns develop, then. In the meantime, I should return to Lia—she's completed her first trial and will need support for what comes next."

"Good idea!" Milim agreed brightly. "I should report back to Ramiris anyway! It was super fun talking to someone who gets both big cosmic stuff AND personal caring stuff!"

With a cheerful wave that somehow conveyed both childlike enthusiasm and cosmic power, Milim simply... vanished, stepping between realities with the casual ease that continued to unsettle Puck despite repeated exposure.

Left alone in the snowy forest, the Great Spirit contemplated everything he had learned from these impossible visitors from Avalon Evernight. Knowledge beyond his reality's boundaries provided perspective he had previously lacked—yet also raised questions no one in his world could answer.

Whatever game these cosmic entities might be playing, whatever patterns they sought to observe and influence, Puck's purpose remained unchanged: protect Emilia at all costs.

With renewed determination, he turned toward the tomb where his contractor had finally achieved success in her first trial. The path ahead remained fraught with challenges, but perhaps—just perhaps—the interest of beings beyond their reality might tip the scales in their favor.

Provided, of course, that their struggles continued to create patterns worthy of divine appreciation.

High above it all in Avalon Evernight,