An Extra’s POV

~BOOOOOOOOMMM!!!~

Thunderous echoes burst from the world outside that even the safe interior of the chamber began to tremble.

The unspeakable violence—shouts and countless crackles of energy—made it difficult to believe in the sanctity of the sanctuary that enveloped them.

Unfortunately, Adonis was not even afforded the luxury to properly think or process what was happening outside.

No, perhaps this was a good thing.

Being distracted by the ritual with Lucielle—perhaps that was the better alternative than to continuously contemplate the fate of his dear friend.

As Lucielle's disciple, he had learned a lot about Magic, as well as Runes, but compared to her knowledge on Magic—especially one this ancient—he could only assist her in little ways.

Following her instructions here and there, they both worked together to complete the equation as soon as possible.

Until finally…

"I think we're all set."

Lucielle's brilliant smile, as she waved her short white hair, caused Adonis' breath to leave his lips in relief.

Finally, they were done.

"L-let's call for R-Rey! We can go together—!"

"No… he's not coming with." Lucielle shook her head as she placed both hands on her waist.

The piercing gaze she gave Adonis was a serious one. The Grand Mage wasn't joking—not that this was any situation to do such.

"W-what are you… saying? We're abandoning him…?" Adonis felt his chest tighten as he even uttered those words.

Rey had protected him all this time. He lost his eye in order to save Adonis' life, and even right now… he was risking it all to buy them time to complete the ritual.

"We don't have time for this. Rey is fighting! We have to—!"

"Indeed. We do not have time for this…"

Before Adonis could move his trembling feet towards the entrance in an attempt to rendezvous with Rey, he felt his entire body turn numb.

"H-huh…?"

the next he found himself at the center of the Magic Circle that they tried so hard to

gleamed with multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed with

and undeciphered Runes littered the ground in layers,

made it an impressive task that only

this was mostly due to

young blonde didn't have time to marvel at his Master's work, though. He was still

Rey…" He barely whispered as he cast his blurry gaze on

you. The

"W-what?!"

in shock. He couldn't believe what he was

to such a crucial juncture… after sacrificing the lives of so

for accepting more than one person is too fraudulent. We can't afford it—not even with all the Mana Cores and Crystals we brought

"W-wha…?"

this

"N-no…"

kind that usually put him at ease, didn't make her words

all this way together… you can't just… I can't do this… by

fall from his wide open eyes as he stared at his Master's

you're smarter. You know this stuff more than the rest of

they wanted a better shot at saving the world, then wouldn't it be better if

was too much for

good enough. I can't do it like you

at Lucielle. He knew what fate awaited

to die. No, he badly wanted to live, and a part of his cowardly self was grateful that

than that,

thought I'd finally be able to

with frustration—all directed

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

to our power being too much. If either of us were to take your place, it would compromise just how far back we'd be able to

"I-I don't…"

be changed and the world

"A-ah…"

benefit the future, okay?

about this future."