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

entire thing gleamed with multifarious colors, but

undeciphered Runes littered the ground in layers, all of them pulsating and resonating with

Lucielle was able to augment these runes made

this was mostly

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

are you doing…? We're supposed… to be helping Rey…" He barely whispered

with you. The

"W-what?!"

widened in shock.

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

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

"W-wha…?"

this ahead

"N-no…"

kind that usually put him at

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

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

Rey should be the one to go. He's stronger. Or maybe you… you're smarter. You know this stuff

a better shot at saving the world, then wouldn't it be better if one of them did it instead of

was

enough. I can't do it

as he looked at Lucielle. He knew what

to die. No, he badly wanted to live, and a part of his cowardly self was grateful

than that, he felt

I'd finally be able to

with frustration—all

—echoed out.

Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.

were to take your place, it would compromise just

"I-I don't…"

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

"A-ah…"

not benefit the future, okay? That means you can't

about this future."