William's eyes fluttered open as his vision adjusted to the sunlight streaming through the window. He noticed the velvet seats beneath him and the sound of wooden wheels turning beneath the carriage.
In his hands were the same materials he had been examining at the start of the day. He was certain now—he was back inside the carriage.
—I really am time looping…
He didn't know how, but the loop was centered around everything happening within the dragon's mountain—The Serpent's Path. He had seen just about everything it had to offer, experiencing the scenario in countless ways. With all that knowledge, there was only one question left.
—What the hell do I do?
It was both a blessing and a curse. He had the chance to fix everything, to save everyone. But he still didn't know how. One wrong move could lead to another painful death… another reset.
—Annabelle…
He thought of the lonely goddess, as if her memory might somehow guide him. But even she lacked the power to reach him here. Still, her smile and her faith in him gave him strength. Knowing she was enduring the same nightmare made him feel a little less alone.
—I promised her this time it would be different.
He was committed. This time, he would overcome every obstacle. He wouldn't let adversity stop him.
"—Master! That butler is saying strange things again!"
"Ah…"
There he was—running toward him. The young man who had sworn to become a hero under William's guidance. The one William had vowed to protect.
The boy with golden-blonde hair.
The greatest threat inside the mountain: Nicolas Stern.
And yet—
"Uh, Master?"
William couldn't help but pull him into a tight embrace.
"Master, what's going on? You're suffocating me!" the young man cried, struggling to break free—but William wouldn't let go.
"Nothing… I'm just glad you're okay, kid," William said, fighting back tears.
"For your information, I'm not a kid! I'm of drinking age, remember?"
William chuckled. "That you are."
The path ahead was still hazy in his mind. He needed a plan before the time ran out. He didn't know how he would manage it, but he had made a vow to the goddess.
He wouldn't let anyone—himself included—die in vain.
—Just you watch, Annabelle. I will save everyone.
***
The blacksmith suggested they continue on to the tunnel instead of stopping halfway to eat. Although the young man protested at first, he eventually followed William's lead.
"God, I hate looking at this stupid place."
William had grown tired of seeing the tunnel's entrance. This was his fourth time facing it, and he had yet to make any real progress getting through to the other side.
—Okay. If we stay here long enough, we'll meet up with Olivia. That gives me some time to think.
They had arrived a bit earlier than he expected. It would take a while before Olivia showed up. What William needed now was an excuse to be alone.
—I know just what could help.
Just like in the previous loops, the trio had everything they needed to cook—except for firewood. Before Nicolas could volunteer like last time, William offered to get it himself.
"Master, I'll come with you! I need to be part of every part of the cooking process. That includes wood gathering!"
The blacksmith stopped him. "No. Stay and finish prepping the food. I won't take long."
Nicolas tried giving him puppy eyes, but William was firm.
The young man pouted. "What if you run into a beast? You'd need help from a knight such as myself."
William chuckled. "Don't worry, self-proclaimed knight. I may not look it, but I can handle myself. I've lived in this forest a long time, you know."
Nicolas fidgeted. It was clear he was worried, but William reassured him. "I'll be fine, Nicolas."
With a sigh, the young man relented. "Fine, but hurry back, Master. I need you to bring that wood quickly so you can witness my amazing cooking!"
"Sure. I know it'll taste great, anyway."
Nicolas raised an eyebrow. "Hm? You said that like you've tasted my cooking before."
William smiled wryly. "Ah—intuition, I guess?"
Nicolas shrugged and turned to the butler with a smirk. "I might let you have some. Get ready to be amazed! I won't mind giving you seconds… if you bow down before me, that is."
The butler scoffed but didn't dignify him with a response.
"You're no fun either," Nicolas muttered, returning to his prep work.
William glanced at Sebastian, who stood quietly in the corner with his arms crossed, watching the young man. The blacksmith hadn't spoken to the butler directly in this loop. He'd sent Nicolas to relay the suggestion about reaching the tunnel early, and Sebastian had agreed without protest.
Sebastian caught William staring. "Is something wrong?"
William flinched. "N-not necessarily. I just thought you said something…"
"I haven't said a word. But do return quickly. We need to eat and get moving."
"Sure…"
—This time he's stayed quiet about it. Maybe he's too hungry to argue.
William knew Sebastian wasn't pleased about Nicolas joining the journey. The butler had pulled him aside in past loops more than once to argue the point. William still didn't understand what Sebastian saw in Nicolas that he couldn't.
He took a deep breath and walked up to him. "Can I trust you to watch over him while I'm gone?"
Sebastian looked puzzled by the request but nodded. "Of course."
"Don't do anything reckless."
"I'd never do such things."
"…I wonder about that."
William had experienced firsthand just how far Sebastian was willing to go. He still had some time before Nicolas's unstable mana became an issue. Just in case, he needed Sebastian to keep his word.
"Alright, best be moving."
The butler watched him leave, his eyes sharp.
"Something's not right…" he murmured as William disappeared into the trees.
***
William wandered through the woods until he came upon a path that led to a secluded pond. He paused for a moment to appreciate the peaceful scenery, then allowed his thoughts to drift back to the problem at hand.
—Everything happens so suddenly. What am I supposed to do?
He began pacing around a tree near the water's edge. No matter how many times he circled it, he didn't grow tired or dizzy—his mind was too focused, too busy searching for answers to his many questions.
"—My, what a strange boy you are."
William jumped, startled. "Who's there?!"
He immediately reached for his sword and unsheathed it. He wasn't going to let himself be caught off guard this time.
He scanned his surroundings as a soft giggle echoed through the trees.
"It's none other than the powerful one!"
His brow furrowed. "Huh?"
A small light descended from the branches above and stopped at the tip of his blade. Then—with a soft pop—a little girl appeared, striking a confident pose.
"The great pixie Lilly has arrived!"