Jared, who had fallen, was breathing raggedly.
At the same time as his stamina reached its limit, his body was strained by the magic that had been unleashed from its seal.
He had felt a discomfort in his normally light body during his fight with Barnabas, but he had continued to fight, ignoring it. The result was this state of being unable to move.
The magic overflowing within him was raging.
Despite using an ancient magic called Petrify Magic, which has no users in modern times, he had ample magic power. However, his body could not keep up with the amount of magic.
He now understood why Almeida had sealed most of his magic.
“…I have to go back.”
He opened his heavy eyelids and moved his limbs while crawling on all fours.
He desperately moved his limbs, feeling anxious that the magic swirling within him was too immense and might cause him to explode from the inside.
He needed Almeida to seal his magic again. She had said that releasing fifty percent of his magic was fine, but clearly, more than that had been released.
Instead of a constant amount of magic wriggling within him, it pulsed, growing and shrinking like his heartbeat. Each time, Jared’s consciousness would flicker.
“Olivier…”
If he were to be consumed by magic in this state, he wouldn’t be able to meet her.
He thought he would surely be scolded again, but he didn’t even have the composure to force a wry smile.
He was also worried about Laurentz and the others. He had defeated Barnabas, but they had also suffered severe injuries. He couldn’t help but wish they were safe.
Just as he felt his limbs lose strength and resigned himself to his fate, someone appeared in his vision.
“I see. If you possess such magic power, then it’s no wonder you defeated Brother. However, too much magic power is consuming you.”
“Rio?”
He didn’t know why she was here, but he didn’t have the energy to ask.
“Stay still. I will ease your suffering now.”
As she said this, the red-haired girl knelt beside the immobile Jared, brought her lips closer, and took a deep breath.
He felt a forceful pull as his magic was ripped from his body.
There was no pain, no suffering.
He knew his magic was being forcibly drained, but his body felt lighter instead.
Rio repeated the action of inhaling a large amount of magic and then, with a satisfied expression, pressed her lips together.
“That was delicious. You feel better now, don’t you?”
“I do…”
His body was still weary, and his injured parts still ached, but he noticed that the feeling of being consumed by magic had completely disappeared.
“I ate most of Jared’s magic. It will likely recover eventually, but before that, you should have Almeida seal it.”
“Did you come here for that?”
“Almeida and Olivier asked me to. Anyone would notice if that much magic was released. It seems Almeida would have taken too long, and the mansion would have been unguarded. So, I came here. Dragons can consume magic, so it worked out well.”
“Thank you. If Rio hadn’t come, I’d be in serious trouble.”
“I imagine so. I don’t know much about curse users, but your body could have exploded at any moment.”
If Rio’s words were true, he had narrowly escaped death thanks to her.
Mere words of gratitude wouldn’t suffice, but he was utterly exhausted, both mentally and physically.
“Well, you see, I saved your life.”
“Yeah.”
“So, um, I’d like you to forgive me for what happened the other day.”
“Is that all?… I’m not bothered by it anymore. Thank you for saving me. I’m glad you were here, Rio.”
As he conveyed his gratitude, the girl’s expression visibly brightened.
“I wanted to take Jared back to the mansion, but it seems some humans who were looking for you have arrived. It seems my appearance isn’t ideal, so I’ll head back first and tell Olivier and the others you’re safe.”
“Please do. And tell them I’m sorry for making them worry.”
“No. Those important words should be conveyed by Jared himself.”
“You’re right. I will. Thank you so much.”
“Yes. We’re friends, after all. Don’t worry about it!”
What kind of friends, he wondered, but seeing how happy Rio looked, he didn’t press the issue.
“Then I’ll be waiting at the mansion, Brother.”
“Ah—wait, what do you mean, Brother?”
But there was no reply. Rio had already vanished.
Deciding it was fine, he let his body relax.
The consuming magic was gone, but his stamina was completely depleted.
“Murphy-samaaaaaaaa!”
He heard someone calling his name.
“Dennis Beckman, an official of the Magician’s Guild! I heard from Bertha Bart, gathered reinforcements, and rushed here! Where is Barnabas Kaif—!”
While feeling relieved that Dennis had arrived, Jared tried to ask about Laurentz and the others’ safety, but his mouth wouldn’t cooperate.
Sensing this, Dennis hurried to Jared’s side.
“Laurentz Herring and Adelina Bischof are under the protection of the Magician’s Guild and are receiving treatment. Both are out of danger, so please rest assured.”
“Th, thank you.”
“No, we are the ones who should be thanking you. To think you defeated Barnabas Kaif alone…”
It was thanks to Laurentz’s help and Adelina’s sacrifice to protect him, but he no dłużej had the strength to explain.
His eyelids slowly began to close.
“Please rest. We will take Murphy to the Guild for treatment.”
Jared faintly nodded at Dennis’s words and closed his eyes.
In his fading consciousness, he thought about how he would explain himself to Olivier, who was undoubtedly angry at him for acting so recklessly.
“She probably won’t forgive me.”
With that thought, Jared lost consciousness.
