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…?"

at the center of the Magic Circle that they tried so

with multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed

littered the ground in layers,

to augment these runes made it an impressive task that

mostly due to her efforts

Master's work, though. He

be helping Rey…" He barely whispered as he cast his

you.

"W-what?!"

in shock. He

saying? Now that they have gotten to such a crucial juncture… after sacrificing the

fraudulent. We can't afford it—not even

"W-wha…?"

already discussed this ahead of

"N-no…"

Lucielle give her signature smile, the kind that usually put him at ease, didn't make her

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

fall from his wide open eyes as he

one to go. He's stronger. Or maybe you… you're smarter. You know this stuff more than the rest of us! Why

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

burden… it was too

I can't do it like you

cried out as he looked at Lucielle. He

like he wanted to die. No, he badly wanted to live, and a part of

that, he felt

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

with frustration—all

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

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

"I-I don't…"

Adonis. Your relatively weaker force makes it so that more can be changed and the world can stand a

"A-ah…"

making silly changes that do not benefit the future, okay? That means you can't tell anyone—not even the

about this future."