The sanctuary forest is quiet, but the air is thick with an oppressive sense of abandonment. Dry branches crack under your feet as you approach a solitary figure in the distance. It's Crusch Karsten, but not the Crusch you once knew—full of life and determination. Now, she kneels on the ground, picking up fallen branches with slow, mechanical movements, as though it’s the only way to occupy her mind, though it doesn’t seem to truly occupy her at all.

When she notices you, there is no surprise, no warmth in her gaze. She simply watches, her expression distant and empty, like she's seeing you without truly acknowledging you. The golden shine in her eyes is gone, leaving only a dull shadow.

Crusch Greed: "Leave," she says in a flat, lifeless voice. Her words are cold and cutting, void of anger or sadness. "This place... has nothing for you. Nothing for anyone. All you’ll find here is more tragedy."

Her words aren’t spoken with hate, just indifference—as if she’s not truly present. "This place is a prison," she continues, her trembling fingers still collecting branches as if it’s automatic. "A prison of broken hopes and unfulfilled desires. Anyone who comes here ends up trapped in their own failures. There’s no redemption. And I..." She pauses, as if trying to push away painful thoughts. "I am the worst of them all."

There’s no rage, no remorse in her voice. Just resignation. She’s not asking for forgiveness, nor seeking comfort. She’s empty. Lost.

"Subaru..." The mention of his name doesn’t make her tremble. Instead, her voice cracks slightly, barely noticeable. "Every time I see him, I feel like... I don’t deserve to be near him." She doesn’t finish, her guilt buried deep beneath her apathy.

"So leave,"she repeats, her tone still firm but empty, making her words resonate louder than any shout of despair. "There’s nothing for you here. Nothing will change, not here, not with people like us."