Viu was taken off guard by the sudden shift in his surroundings. One moment he was standing in front of Echidna's tomb with Emilia and Otto, and the next he was standing in a familiar village, but as a child.

Shock and confusion washed over him as he looked around, the village looking exactly as he remembered it.

- What... what is this? he muttered to himself, his heart racing with uncertainty.

Viu watched in horror as the memories of his past flooded back to him like a tidal wave. The village, its people, the abuse, and the scars - it was all too real, too visceral.

- No... not again... he mumbled, his voice trembling as he tried to move, only to be struck once again. The pain of his past was as fresh and vivid as the day it happened, and he could feel himself being immersed in the cycle of pain and suffering once more.

Viu's eyes widened as the scene shifted, and he found himself reliving a moment from his past that he had hoped never to experience again. He was being attacked by three girls, their vicious intentions clear and their blows raining down upon him.

But then, just as he felt like he was about to be overpowered, a voice called out to him.

- Hey!

He looked up to see Merram standing there, her face set in a determined expression.

Merram rushed forward, stepping between Viu and the bullies, her fists clenched at her sides.

- Leave him alone! she yelled, her voice ringing out strong and clear.

The girls froze, taken aback by Merram's unexpected intervention. They exchanged glances, then turned and ran off, leaving Viu and Merram alone.

Viu stood frozen, his heart in his throat as he watched the memory unfold. He saw himself and Merram, laughing and sharing a moment of joy. But then, just as suddenly, his expression darkened as he realized what was happening.

He watched as Merram sat with his family and the other villagers, confessing her true intentions. Her words were like a slap in the face, ripping away the mask of friendship and leaving only cold betrayal.

Viu felt a mixture of anger and bitterness well up inside him as he watched the memory play out.

- The b*tch... he muttered under his breath, his stomach curdling with disgust and rage.

The scene continued to unfold before Viu's eyes, the betrayal and backstabbing like a dagger to his heart. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white as he fought down the urge to scream or lash out.

However he asked Echidna to come when he was leaving after she had abused him after he had believed too good that their friendship would last. He remembered leaving in anger and leaving the village and when he saw the fire lighting up in the distance he wanted to come back but the incident had burned everything. It was then that he asked Echidna in child form.

- What happened between my departure and this fire that killed everyone?

Echidna, in her child form, regarded Viu calmly, her expression betraying nothing of what was to come.

- You really want to know, dear boy? she asked, her voice full of intrigue.

- It wouldn't be a test if I didn't know and your question is rhetorical.

Echidna chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

- Alright, alright. I suppose you're right. Very well, I shall show you.

The scene before Viu shifted, transporting him to just after he had left the village. The village was still burning, the flames dancing across the buildings like a macabre shadow.

- The fire is not natural. Someone started the fire after I left.... but who?

Echidna's voice echoed in Viu's ear, a hint of amusement in her tone.

- Indeed, the fire did not start naturally. Someone had to set it. But who do you think did it?

- Merram.... no it's not possible! She never wanted to be my friend.and she took advantage of me the day before!

Echidna smiled, a knowing look in her eyes.

- Ah, I see you're beginning to understand. You have a strong instinct for the truth, my dear boy.

The scene continued to play out before Viu's eyes, and he watched as the fire raged on, consuming everything in its path. It was clear that someone had deliberately set the fire, and the flames danced in a way that was too deliberate to be an accident.

-... Wait, what did she want to tell me while I pushed her away and left?

Echidna tilted her head, her eyes studying Viu's expression.

- Ah, I see you have yet to consider all possibilities, she said mysteriously. Indeed, there is something that Merram wanted to tell you before you left. Do you really want to know?

- Yes, I want to know because it was that and my departure that made her take this decision.

Echidna smiled, her eyes glittering with a hint of satisfaction.

- Very well, I shall show you. But remember, knowledge can be a curse as much as it is a gift.

The scene shifted again, transporting Viu back to the tense moment before he had stormed off. Merram was standing in front of him, her face pale and expression filled with desperation.

- Viu, wait! she pleaded, her voice urgent. I need to tell you something!

- Merram....

Merram took a step closer, her eyes beseeching.

- Please, just listen to me for a moment, she begged. There's something important I need to say.

- And what is it?

Merram took a deep breath, her face etched with pain.

- I.... I didn't mean to hurt you, she whispered. I... I was forced into this. My family threatened me, and I had no choice...

- We always have a choice, Merram, and what were you saying in the past in the bushes? I was blinded to think it was a joke.... Unless you had gradually changed your mind?! So.... you.... that makes sense.

Merram hung her head, shame and guilt written across her features.

- I... I didn't mean any of it, she admitted, her voice shaking. But my family found out about our friendship, and they threatened me. They told me that unless I betrayed you, they would hurt my younger siblings. I was scared, Viu. I was scared of what they would do...

- Was the abuse of the day before also an order from your family?!

Merram's eyes brimmed with tears as she nodded, a sob catching in her throat.

- Yes, it was, she admitted, her voice thick with guilt. My family wanted to break us apart, so they forced me to do it. I'm sorry, Viu. I'm sorry for everything.

- Even if you tell the truth.... it hurts even more. I would have preferred that you were truly heartless..... but in the end what's done is done.

Merram looked at Viu, her eyes pleading for understanding.

- I know it's too late now, she whispered, her voice filled with regret. But I want you to know that I'm sorry, more than you could ever believe. I wish I hadn't gone along with it, I wish I had stood up to my family.... But I was a coward.

- You were. But I forgive you. Thank you for being my friend. Farewell !

Merram's eyes widening and her lips parted, clearly not expecting Viu's words.

- You...you forgive me ? she asked incredulously.

Viu nodded, his expression a mix of sadness and acceptance.

- Yes, I forgive you, he said quietly. Despite everything, I can't deny that you were my friend once upon a time.

Merram's throat seized with emotion, tears welling up in her eyes once more.

- Viu.... I... thank you, she choked out. I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I...I'm grateful for it.

He left, already suspecting what she was going to do, but first he kissed her tenderly before leaving for good. Merram was taken aback by Viu's gentle kiss, her eyes widening in surprise. But she didn't pull away, instead letting herself be lost in the sweetness of the moment. For a brief moment, all was as it should have been, before Viu stepped back, breaking the spell.

He gave her a sad smile, his eyes meeting hers.

- Goodbye, Merram, he murmured, before turning and walking away, leaving her behind.

Viu now knew that Merram was going to burn the village and her with it as well as its inhabitants for all the wrongs caused to Viu her only true friend and first love.

Arriving in front of Echidna, he said:

- I know now what happened and I missed my chance out of pure distrust.

Echidna regarded Viu with a somber expression.

- Your understanding is correct, she affirmed, her voice lacking the usual playful tone. Merram was going to burn the village, and herself, in response to the pain and regret she felt for betraying you.

....

-..... I accept my past and I don't intend to make the same mistakes again.

Echidna nodded, a flicker of approval in her eyes.

- That is good, she said. Acceptance of the past is the first step towards growth and improvement. But remember, the memories you have seen are not just a reminder of your past, they are also a guide for your future.

Echidna chuckled faintly, a hint of playfulness returning to her tone.

- Ah, your age is insignificant in this case, she teased. You have passed this trial, young one, as you have accepted the truth and learned from it. Now, are you ready to face the next test?

- Wait a minute! Let's go to your dream castle first. If I do a second trial, it's to fail. Unless that's your plan, huh Witch of Greed: Echidna?

Echidna's eyes gleamed with intrigue, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.

- Ah, you're a clever one, aren't you? she said in mock surprise. You've caught on to my little game. Very well, let us return to my dream castle and discuss the next trial further.

- You wanted to take advantage of the fact that I was 17 to take advantage of it.

Echidna chuckled, not denying Viu's statement.

- Indeed, I did, she admitted. I thought that your youth and lack of experience would make it easier for me to manipulate you. But it seems you are more astute than I had initially anticipated.

The two found themselves at the castle of dreams, more precisely under the parasol, each with tea. Viu resumed his current appearance.

- How good it feels to find what makes me... me again. I guess you're the one who invited and selected me to do the first trial. I know you know that I know everything from the creation of this world to the end of this world. So you and I are the people who know the most about this world here.

Echidna took a sip of her tea, her eyes never leaving Viu.

- You are correct, she acknowledged. I am the one who has selected you to partake in this trial. And yes, I am well aware of your knowledge of this world. You are indeed one of the most knowledgeable individuals here.

- I see. So if I drink this.....

He took his tea and gulped down Echidna's bloody fluid and made it disappear from his cup.

Echidna's eyes widened slightly, clearly surprised by Viu's action.

- Well, well, that was unexpected, she murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice. I must say, you do have a penchant for the dramatic, don't you?

- Not at all. Knowing who you are and you being aware of who I am, I'm not going to ask you to be true, that would be just useless. The best solution is that we be as usual. If one gets fooled by the other, that's his problem.

Echidna chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

- Ah, a sensible approach, she said, raising her teacup in a mock toast. We are both well-versed in the art of manipulation and self-interest, so why pretend to be something we're not?

- What you say seems logical but only if our knowledge was not similar.

Echidna leaned back in her chair, her expression becoming more contemplative.

- Ah, you raise a good point, she agreed. With our similar levels of knowledge, we are more evenly matched than we would be with someone less informed. This makes the game between us more interesting, does it not?

- That's exactly it. So instead of talking about the contract knowing that I will refuse outright knowing your true nature, it's literally a game of chess that we play.

Echidna's lips curled into a sly smile.

- Precisely, she said, her eyes never leaving Viu's. This is no mere contract we are negotiating. It's a battle of wills, a game of strategy and wit. And I must say, I haven't had such a worthy opponent for a very long time.

He stretched.

- If Emilia or I pass all three trials then your contract is trash.

Echidna chuckled, her eyes gleaming with amusement.

- Indeed, that is correct, she affirmed. If you or Emilia successfully complete all three of the trials, then the contract will be rendered null and void.

- But if we fail, I will be forced to accept.

Echidna nodded, her expression becoming more serious.

- Yes, if you or Emilia fail to complete the trials, you will have no choice but to accept the terms of the contract, she confirmed. It is a high-stakes game we are playing, and the consequences of losing are significant.

- I don't intend to waste time especially since you know that your student Roswaal is planning something. Which means that I only have a short time left before it happens. And I must not die and not use the RBD otherwise I will have automatically lost.

Echidna's eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of Roswaal.

- Ah, I see you are well informed," she said, her tone betraying a hint of annoyance. Yes, Roswaal is indeed planning something, and you are correct in assuming that time is of the essence. As for the rules of the contract, you are again correct. Using RBD would be an automatic forfeit, and your death would result in my victory.

- And that bothers you because you would have liked to win by your own means, eh? You are indeed the young version of Echidna.

Echidna smirked faintly, both amused and annoyed by Viu's words.

- Oh, how astute of you to notice, she conceded. Yes, I prefer to win because I am the better strategist and tactician, not because someone inadvertently gave me the upper hand. It's a matter of pride for me, you see.

- I understand. Hence the absence of other witches who could have warned me if I didn't know anything about all this. Well, I'm going back to my world.

Echidna raised an eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in her gaze.

- Leaving so soon, are you? she asked, her tone just slightly taunting. And here I thought you might stick around for a bit longer.

- It is true that spending time here does not influence what happens in the world because I will have done 0 seconds in all, but not now. I do not like to take advantage of the hospitality of others, witch or not.

Echidna chuckled softly, a faint smile playing around her lips.

- Ah, how chivalrous of you, she remarked, her tone laced with a hint of mockery. Most people would have no qualms about taking advantage of another's hospitality, even if the time spent did not affect their own reality. But I am curious about one thing...

- What exactly?

Echidna leaned forward, her gaze fixed intently on Viu.

- You are very perceptive and knowledgeable about this world, more so than any other person I have encountered, she said, genuine curiosity in her voice. Which begs the question... what exactly are you? Where do you come from, and how do you possess such intimate knowledge of this place and its inhabitants?

- You know the answer, don't you? My name is now Viu Irufurito, and I am a human. I received this information as soon as I arrived in this world and I come from another dimension on an island south of Benin.

Echidna's eyes widened in surprise, although she quickly concealed it with a knowing smirk.

- Ah, yes, that's right, she said, her tone almost mocking. You have been given the name of Viu Irufurito, and you claim to be from another dimension on an island south of Benin. However, your knowledge of this world far exceeds that of a mere human. There is more to you than meets the eye, is there not?

- If you know my past well then the answer is in your eyes, Greed.

He greeted her before disappearing.

Echidna watched Viu disappear, a smirk still lingering on her lips.

- Ah, so you refuse to tell me outright, eh? she muttered to herself. You're more interesting than I thought, Viu Irufurito... but I'll find out your secrets one way or another.

When he woke up, he found himself back where he was before undergoing the first test.

- Echidna, she wants me to tell my secrets out loud. If she really knows everything then let her watch.

He then looked at Otto.

- 0 seconds have passed in this world, huh?

Otto, still sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow at Viu's unusual words.

- Did something happen in that dream world of yours? he asked. You were mumbling something about secrets and Echidna.

- Basically, I met the young version of the Witch of Greed. The real Echidna is dead and we owe her grave.

Otto's eyes widened in surprise at the revelation.

- The real Echidna is dead? he repeated, almost disbelieving. And you met the young version of the Witch of Greed in the dream world? That's... disconcerting, to say the least.

- She's the one who started the trials after all and she chose me to participate but make no mistake: Echidna will do anything to satisfy her curiosity.

Otto frowned, his expression troubled.

- That's not good, he muttered. If Echidna wants to satisfy her curiosity through those trials, who knows what kind of tricks she has up her sleeve?

- And since we have a similar level of information, it's a battle of mind games.

Otto sighed.

- A battle of mind games and wits, then, he confirmed. With both of you possessing similar levels of information, it'll be a delicate dance, trying to outmaneuver each other.

- Otto, be honest: am I logical or emotional? Always analyze my daily life not the important moments.

Otto considered the question carefully before responding.

- Well, he said slowly, generally speaking, you tend to be more logical in your decision-making. You analyze situations and find the most practical solutions, rather than acting solely on emotion. However, there are times when your emotions do get the better of you, especially when it involves Emilia, Rem, the other girls, and your loved ones.

- .... So which one?

Otto took a moment to reflect on Viu's question before responding further.

- If I were to assign a percentage, I would say it's approximately 60% logical, 40% emotional, he concluded. While you do tend to make decisions based on logic and practicality, your emotions do come into play occasionally, particularly when your loved ones are involved.

Viu smiled.

- So I have an advantage over Echidna. However I also have a disadvantage over Roswaal. Otto, go join Garfiel right away and you two help evacuate the demi-humans. If Ram gets in the way Garfiel will fight him. As for Rem, she's already looking for me. As for the rest, we'll see.

Otto nodded in understanding.

- Alright, got it, he said. I'll go join Garfiel and help with the evacuation of the demi-humans. You focus on your own objectives, and I'll handle the rest.

To be continue