Yes, the Merlin speaking from within the staff was not the one from the Singularity, but the real Merlin—the Merlin of the current timeline, who had been sealed away by Fairy Queen Morgan.
The Merlin from the Singularity had always belonged to the past, to the past of the first timeline that could never return.
When he departed, his mission had already ended. As though passing on his duty, everything would now be entrusted to the true Merlin of the current timeline.
However, this change also meant that this was the first time the real Merlin had met Fujimaru Tachibana and the others, and that the Merlin Servant from the "past" could no longer appear.
In an instant, a silent grief spread through the air, and countless people in the real world felt an intense sense of sadness and melancholy.
Because the Merlin in the Singularity—the one who had laughed and joked with everyone, leaving behind so many hilarious and unforgettable memories—was truly gone.
In a sense, he was another sacrifice that had to be recorded since Tiamat's awakening.
It was... painful.
Within the Light Screen footage, Fujimaru Tachibana and the others realized this as well, and their gazes dimmed.
However, this was not the time for grief. Fujimaru Tachibana immediately pulled herself together and solemnly greeted Merlin. "It's a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Mr. Merlin. I look forward to working with you."
Seeing this, Mash and the others greeted him as well.
Then, everyone also greeted Fairy Queen Morgan. Yet this cold queen was exactly as aloof as her expression and bearing suggested. She merely gave everyone an indifferent glance before withdrawing her gaze and returning her attention to Tiamat, who was still crying out "Aaaaaa" in the distance.
Under the continuous effects of the