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 of the Magic Circle that they tried so hard to work

multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed

Runes littered the ground in layers, all of them pulsating

that Lucielle was able to augment these runes made it

mostly due to her

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

We're supposed… to be helping Rey…" He barely whispered

coming with you. The

"W-what?!"

widened in shock. He couldn't believe what

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

too fraudulent. We can't afford it—not

"W-wha…?"

and I already discussed this ahead of time. It's

"N-no…"

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

can't just… I can't do this… by

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

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

at saving the world, then wouldn't it be better

it was too

not good enough. I can't do it like

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

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

than that, he

be able to do something for you. To help… but once again,

with frustration—all

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

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

"I-I don't…"

can be changed and the world can stand a better

"A-ah…"

can't go around making silly changes that do not benefit the future, okay? That

about this future."