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…?"

himself at the center of the Magic Circle that they tried so hard

entire thing gleamed with multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed with

symbols and undeciphered Runes littered the ground in layers, all

Lucielle was able to augment these runes made it an

helped, but this was mostly due to

have time to marvel at his Master's work, though. He was still in a state

be helping Rey…" He barely whispered as he cast

coming with you. The same

"W-what?!"

in shock. He

after sacrificing the lives

is as I suspected. The energy required for accepting more than one person is too fraudulent. We can't afford it—not even with all the

"W-wha…?"

discussed this ahead of time.

"N-no…"

her signature smile, the kind that usually put

this way together… you can't

wide open eyes as he stared at his

stronger. Or maybe you… you're smarter. You know this stuff more than the rest of us! Why me? Why choose someone

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

was too

I can't

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

to live, and a part of his cowardly self

that,

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

frustration—all directed

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

much. If either of us were to take your place, it would compromise just how

"I-I don't…"

more can be changed and the world can stand a better chance in the new

"A-ah…"

effect, Adonis. You can't go around making silly changes that do not benefit the future, okay? That means you can't tell anyone—not

about this future."