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…?"

moment he was in his previous position, and the next he found himself at the center

with multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed

in layers, all of them pulsating and resonating with

to augment these runes made it an impressive task that only

mostly due

though. He was still in a

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

with you. The

"W-what?!"

eyes widened in shock. He couldn't

crucial juncture… after sacrificing the lives of so many of their comrades… why was she

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

"W-wha…?"

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

"N-no…"

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

can't just…

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

You know this stuff more than the rest of us!

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

it was too much for

enough. I can't

at Lucielle.

No, he badly wanted to live, and a part of his cowardly self was grateful that he wasn't going to

that,

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

with frustration—all directed

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

go due to our power being too much. If either of us were to take your place, it would compromise

"I-I don't…"

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

"A-ah…"

around making silly changes that do not benefit

about this future."