The Regression of Great Sage Riddle Episode 4: Episode 4

The battle against the goblins ends abruptly, not with a struggle, but with an overwhelming display of magic. Riddle unleashes 'Gravity Smash' and 'Gravity Wave,' crushing his foes effortlessly, leaving Norn stunned by his raw power. Yet, a shadow falls over his face; the victory feels hollow to him. He looks at his hands, knowing this immense strength is still not enough for the war to come, revealing a deep, unsettling urgency.

Meanwhile, Darsu flees through the forest, a picture of pure panic, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He leans against a rock, sweat slicking his brow, trying to convince himself that Riddle and Norn are surely dead. His internal monologue reveals a man consumed by self-preservation, muttering excuses for his cowardly abandonment. The guilt is there, an uncomfortable companion to his desperate flight.

In a moment both humorous and unnerving, Riddle appears behind the still-panicked Darsu, placing a hand on his shoulder. Darsu screams, a genuine shriek of terror, while Riddle maintains a bright, innocent demeanor. Norn emerges, her face a mask of fury, ready to unleash her anger on their cowardly companion. Riddle intervenes, choosing to smooth over the betrayal rather than confront it, a strategic move hidden beneath a cheerful mask.

Reporting back to the guild, Riddle spins a deliberate lie for Leiphon, the sharp-eyed clan leader. He attributes their success and the goblin annihilation to Darsu's fictional leadership and combat prowess. Darsu stands beside him, sweating and utterly confused by this unexpected act of protection. Leiphon's narrow eyes study Riddle, her gaze piercing through the facade, sensing the deeper truth being concealed.

Walking through the guild halls, Norn presses Riddle for answers about his mysterious power, but he skillfully evades her questions. Left to his own thoughts, Riddle reflects on the 'Box of Malice,' the source of the world's impending destruction. A montage flashes through his past lives—youth, sage, and his current self—showing him feverishly studying and training in solitude. He is driven by a singular, desperate goal: to regain his former strength and prevent catastrophe, working in the shadows to change fate.

In her private office, Leiphon receives a shocking report from her scouts: the goblin battle site shows 'monster-like' destruction, the earth itself upturned. The scouts cannot believe a normal magician caused it. Leiphon connects these impossible details back to Riddle, realizing he possesses a power far beyond that of a novice. She decides against immediate confrontation, choosing instead to observe him closely, seeking to uncover his true identity and intentions.

Riddle meticulously scans the guild's bulletin board, searching for a high-reward quest that will grant him financial independence. He understands that the clan's constant supervision will hinder his preparations for the coming war. As he selects a promising task, a tall, cloaked figure approaches him from behind, offering a path to greater power or profit. Riddle turns to face the stranger, and the episode closes on this intriguing potential alliance.

The episode concludes with a series of reflective character stills and montages over the rolling credits. These visuals revisit the core cast: Riddle's unwavering determination, Norn's curious gaze, Darsu's perpetual fear, and Leiphon's shrewd observation. The background art emphasizes the grand scale of the world, highlighting the vast shadows Riddle is fighting against. The music swells, leaving a lasting impression of his resolved, yet uncertain, future.