~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…?"
One 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 through.
The entire thing gleamed with multifarious colors, but mostly gleamed with brilliant white.
Several ancient symbols and undeciphered Runes littered the ground in layers, all of them pulsating and resonating with one another.
The fact that Lucielle was able to augment these runes made it an impressive task that only she could have accomplished.
Sure, Adonis helped, but this was mostly due to her efforts and expertise.
The young blonde didn't 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 body.
"W-what are you doing…? We're supposed… to be helping Rey…" He barely whispered as he cast his blurry gaze on Lucielle.
"Rey isn't coming with you. The same applies for me."
"W-what?!"
At this point, Adonis' eyes widened in shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Why…? What was Lucielle saying? Now that they have gotten to such a crucial juncture… after sacrificing the lives of so many of their comrades… why was she saying these things?!
"It is as I 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 we brought with us."
"W-wha…?"
"Rey and I already discussed this ahead of time. It's fine, Adonis."
"N-no…"
Seeing Lucielle give her signature smile, the kind that usually put him at ease, didn't make her words easier to digest.
"A-after coming all this way together… you can't just… I can't do this… by myself."
Tears began to fall from his wide open eyes as he stared at his Master's distant smile.
"Rey… Rey should be 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 like me?!"
It made no sense to Adonis! If they wanted a better shot at saving the world, then wouldn't it be better if one of them did it instead of him?
This burden… it was too much for him.
"I'm… not good enough. I can't do it like you can…"
Sobbing and whimpering, he cried out as he looked at Lucielle. He knew what fate awaited her and Rey.
Even now, it wasn't like he 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 end here.
But… more than that, he felt miserable.
"Yet again… you're saving me. I thought… I thought I'd finally be able to do something for you. To help… but once again, you're saving me…"
Powerlessness mixed with frustration—all directed at himself
—echoed out.
Then, Lucielle's voice emerged.
"Neither Rey nor 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 able to travel to."
"I-I don't…"
"You're the weakest of us, Adonis. Your relatively weaker force makes it so that more can be changed and the world can stand a better chance in the new future that will be made."
"A-ah…"
"Remember the Dragonfly effect, 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 me and Rey—
about this future."
"B-but…"
"There isn't enough time to explain everything in details, but just remember everything the Oracle said about the only way to defeat the Dragon Emperor. The Hero Class and the Divine Blade… you must obtain those two…"
"B-but my Karma is…!"
"I'll be activating the Ancient Magic now. We're counting on you…"
It was at this point, for the first time, that Adonis witnessed Lucielle leak out tears from her eyes.
Throughout their time together, she always had to be strong for everyone. Her cheery personality and happy demeanor shone light into the hearts of everyone around her.
But now… Adonis could see that mask fall off.
She wasn't happy at all.
"… Adonis. Please save this world."
Upon hearing that last request from his Master, and feeling the sacrifice of his friend in his heart, rhe weight of all the sacrifices that were made to reach this point fell upon his shoulders.
At that moment, he no longer lived for himself.
He lived for everyone.
And so, with a stifled, whimpering voice, he let out his response.
"I will!"
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Thanks for reading!
I can see some people don't like Adonis as the leader due to his decisions, but he was never meant to be perfect to begin with.
He messed up this time… and that's normal.
I just hope we get to see him somewhat redeem himself.
