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

multifarious colors,

Runes littered the ground in layers,

runes made it an impressive task that only she could have

mostly

at his Master's work, though. He was still in a state of confusion—paralyzed through most parts of his

Rey…" He barely

coming with you. The same

"W-what?!"

point, Adonis' eyes widened in shock. He couldn't

saying? Now 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…?"

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

"N-no…"

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

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

began to fall from his wide open eyes

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

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

was

I can't do it like you

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

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

more than that, he felt

be able to

with frustration—all directed at

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

I could go due 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

"I-I don't…"

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

"A-ah…"

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

about this future."