Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- Episode 1: The End of the Beginning and the Beginning of the End

The city of Pristella lies broken, a testament to the recent battle. Subaru Natsuki walks through the wreckage, his victory feeling hollow amidst so much suffering. He stands with Julius Juukulius, a man whose very existence has been forgotten by the world, save for Subaru himself. In a makeshift meeting, Anastasia Hoshin — or so she appears — explains the dire state of the victims, those lost to Gluttony and Lust. Their only hope, she declares, is the legendary Sage Shaula, whose knowledge resides in the forbidden Pleiades Watchtower.

The journey begins, the party traveling through a deceptively green landscape. Anastasia details the Three Great Sages and the perilous Augria Sand Dunes, a place infested with deadly Demon Beasts that guard Shaula's tower. Even Reinhard Astrea, the world's strongest knight, once failed to breach the tower's barrier. The discussions are grim, acknowledging that failure means permanent oblivion for those they seek to save.

Night falls, and a small camp is made. Subaru Natsuki finds a quiet comfort with Beatrice, who rests on his lap by the fire. His eyes, however, betray a deep introspection, reflecting the flickering flames and the weighty dangers ahead. Emilia eventually guides Beatrice to bed, leaving Subaru to his solitary thoughts and a watchful vigil.

Alone on watch, Subaru Natsuki is joined by Anastasia Hoshin, but his instincts tell him something is profoundly wrong. He confronts her, noticing a shift in her voice and mannerisms. The playful facade drops, and the woman reveals herself as Echidna, an Artificial Spirit who inhabited Anastasia's fox-fur scarf for a decade. Echidna explains that during the chaos in Pristella, she had to overwrite Anastasia's consciousness to save her, and that Anastasia now sleeps within her own soul. Magic drains Anastasia's life, and Echidna, professing a deep love for her original owner, seeks the Sage's help to restore her.

Subaru Natsuki agrees to keep Echidna's secret, especially from Julius Juukulius. The group then regroups at Roswaal Mansion, where Roswaal L. Mathers and Ram await. They confirm that navigating the treacherous Augria Sand Dunes requires a guide with unique skills. Subaru visits Meili Portroute, who sits amidst stuffed animals, utterly terrified of the journey. He employs playful banter and gentle pressure, appealing to her unique ability as a Demon Beast User, convincing her that only she can lead them safely.

As dusk settles, Subaru Natsuki finds Julius Juukulius on a balcony, grappling with profound despair. Julius mourns the world's forgetfulness, questioning his very identity now that his name and title are lost to others. Subaru, with a fierce and passionate voice, snaps him out of it. He reminds Julius that he, Subaru, remembers everything, validating Julius's past and strength, and rekindling his knightly resolve.

Late that evening, Subaru Natsuki encounters Ram as she prepares for the journey. Ram again questions his relentless drive, and Subaru's answer is simple, yet profound: he wishes to be the first face Rem sees upon her awakening. He then enters Rem's room, gazing at her sleeping form. There, at her bedside, he makes a solemn vow, dedicating this dangerous quest to her return.

In a quiet room, Garfiel Tinsel sits across from Reala, a kind woman who, heartbreakingly, does not recognize him as her son. The normally aggressive Garfiel appears vulnerable and downcast. Mimi Pearlbaton observes from the shadows, sensing the profound grief. The dam finally breaks, and Garfiel, sobbing uncontrollably, calls Reala 'Mother' while collapsing into her lap. Reala, though confused by his words, instinctively cradles and comforts him, offering solace for years of pent-up sorrow and guilt.

Under the warm glow of the setting sun, Garfiel Tinsel bids farewell to Reala and her children, Fred and Raphael. Reala, with gentle sincerity, tells him he is always welcome to return and cry in her arms. Garfiel manages a small, genuine smile, understanding now that his own name and his sister Frederica's were inspired by these very children. His spirit renewed, he waves goodbye to his mother and sets off with Mimi, ready to face the Augria Sand Dunes, his resolve cemented as "Gorgeous Tiger Reloaded."