The Regression of Great Sage Riddle Episode 2: Episode 2

Riddle, ancient and worn, stands amidst the arcane glow of his greatest spell. Time itself seems to bend around him, a desperate plea to undo what was. The world blurs, then reforms, leaving him young once more in a peaceful meadow. A thousand years have vanished, a thousand years of pain he hopes to rewrite.

A familiar, booming voice shatters the quiet, and Riddle turns to see Darsan, alive and as loud as ever. Overcome, Riddle embraces him, a touch laden with centuries of unspoken grief and joy. Darsan, naturally, finds this intense affection unsettling, mistaking it for oddness from a junior. His clumsy attempts to punch Riddle are easily dodged, a testament to Riddle's ingrained wisdom within a youthful body.

The bickering ceases as Norn appears, her blue hair a beacon from a lost past. Riddle sees her, the one whose death shaped his original desolate future. He takes her hand, a silent vow passing between them in his mind: this time, her fate will be different. His intensity flusters Norn, who cannot comprehend the depth of feeling behind his gaze.

Darsan's impatient shout breaks the tender moment, reminding them of their present duties. He cares little for Riddle's lingering intensity, only for the mission at hand. Norn, mortified by Darsan's abruptness, pulls Riddle along towards their first adventure in this new timeline. Riddle smiles, noting how little they have changed despite his own transformation.

As they walk, Riddle reflects on the fragmented nature of his memories. His sage-level knowledge remains, a clear beacon in his mind, but the specifics of this younger era are hazy and elusive. He sees flashes of his past, of forbidden texts and a darkening world. This memory gap serves as a new challenge, a reminder that even with foresight, the path ahead is not entirely clear.

The trio arrives at a dark cave, a suspected goblin nest. Darsan, ever eager for battle, charges forward, dispatching the first goblins with ease. He revels in his strength, showing off for his companions, eager for their admiration. Yet, Riddle's heightened senses perceive something amiss: the goblins are not simply fleeing, they are leading them deeper, luring them into a dangerous trap.

As they venture further into the cavern, the true scale of the threat is revealed. A massive goblin horde emerges from the shadows, an overwhelming force led by a fearsome chief. Darsan and Norn are visibly stunned, caught off guard and surrounded. Riddle, however, remains calm, his eyes sharp and assessing, the sage's mind already calculating the impossible odds.