Episode Title:
A Step Forward.
Episode Description:
Echidna congratulates Subaru on clearing the first trial, overcoming his past, and reveals that there are two more. He then wakes up next to Emilia back at the ruin when she suddenly suffers a mental breakdown, having failed her own trial. He takes her back to their residence at Sanctuary where he, Otto, and Garfiel try to think of a way to get around the barrier. However, they are told by Sanctuary's elder, Ryuzu, who Subaru recognizes as the elf girl from earlier, that clearing the trials is the only way. The next day, Emilia once again tries and fails to clear the trials, though she does rely on Subaru more in Puck's absence. Subaru later has a talk with Roswaal and is angered when the latter reveals his inaction regarding the Witch Cult was because he wanted him to take the credit. Several days later, Subaru convinces the Sanctuary residents to let the Ingram Villagers go while Emilia stays behind to clear the trials. Upon returning to Roswaal Mansion, however, Subaru finds it deserted when he is suddenly stabbed in the gut before being met by the return of Elsa.
