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…?"

found himself at the center of

gleamed with multifarious colors, but

undeciphered Runes littered the ground in layers, all

fact that Lucielle was able to augment these runes made it an impressive task

this was mostly due

Master's work, though. He was still in

doing…? We're supposed… to be helping Rey…" He barely whispered as he cast his blurry gaze

isn't coming with you. The

"W-what?!"

this point, Adonis' eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe what he

that they have gotten to such a crucial juncture… after sacrificing the lives of so many of

too fraudulent. We can't afford it—not even with all

"W-wha…?"

I already discussed this ahead of time. It's fine,

"N-no…"

kind that usually put him at ease, didn't

can't just… I can't do this…

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

smarter. You know this stuff more than the rest of

Adonis! If they wanted a better shot at saving the world, then wouldn't it be better if one of

burden… it was too much

can't

and whimpering, he cried out as he looked at Lucielle. He knew what fate awaited her

badly wanted to live, and a part of his cowardly self was grateful that he wasn't going to

than that, he

I thought I'd finally be able to do something for you. To help… but once again, you're

frustration—all

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

If either of us were to take your place, it would compromise

"I-I don't…"

force makes it so that more can be changed and the world can

"A-ah…"

go around making silly changes that do not benefit the

about this future."