Just as the Progenitor was about to bring her foot down on Jared, her movement froze.
“…Why?”
“…Well, well, everyone’s here.”
From his position on the ground, Jared couldn’t tell who the Progenitor was addressing.
However, he could see several layers of magical chains wrapped around her.
“I only had business with Jared. You people weren’t invited,” she said, her voice sounding harsher than when she had spoken to Jared.
Puzzled by what was happening, Jared pushed his aching body up.
“…Why are you all here?”
—His companions were in his line of sight.
“I called them. You’re all so talented; you could master restraint magic with just a little guidance,” said Rasmus Lowood.
He was a descendant of the Progenitor, a former prince of a fallen Magician Empire who sought to grant her peaceful rest.
Rasmus wasn’t alone.
“I am the one who will defeat you. I have no intention of yielding to a mere Progenitor.”
The young assassin Pfeil, with whom he had once fought to the death, was also there.
“Jared, everyone expected you to struggle. It’s understandable if Olivier’s body was used,” said Rosa, the second killer who fought alongside him.
“If it were just about raw strength, I thought no one could beat me anymore. But you’re still too kind, too soft, my troublesome little brother,” said Luzer Fischer, his former benefactor and once an enemy.
“Jared! Why didn’t you rely on us? We’re best friends!”
“My friend, no matter when or where, if you are in danger, I will rush to your side.”
His schoolmate Laurentz Herring and Prince Lars, who shouldn’t have been there, were also present.
“Jared! I’m so sorry! Until I can apologize properly and atone, I won’t let you die!”
Crysta Oken, Rasmus’s younger sister and precious friend.
“It just happened. I’ll help too,” stated Drew Zimmer gruffly, with whom he had had past conflicts.
“As your Master, I must look after my dear disciple!”
Almeida Mourauf, his life’s savior who taught him how to fight.
“Though I showed a pathetic display once, I have no intention of making such a mistake again.”
Wahash, his mother’s father whom he hadn’t even known by face until recently, and former leader of the Assassination Organization.
“Olivier is my family! Who cares about dragons or humans!”
The dragon princess Rio, who had become family regardless of their racial differences, shouted loudly.
“We won’t let you fight alone in a crisis that threatens the country, no, the continent.”
“I owe you one, so I’ll repay it here.”
Both Court Mage Tres Brauer and Adelina Bischof were also there.
“Older Brother! I can help too!”
Olivier’s younger brother, Conrad Alway.
“I’ve come to assist as your Secretary Officer.”
Ernesta Kaif, Barnabas Kaif’s younger sister, who had once fought as an Avenger and now worked as a secretary, a part of their family.
And then:
“…Jared Murphy. I won’t apologize for reviving the Progenitor. However, taking Olivier from you, sacrificing Olivier… I do regret those actions.”
“I will also lend my humble assistance.”
Cassandra, who had been Jared’s enemy and the one who offered Olivier as a sacrifice to the Progenitor, had also arrived with Dennis Beckman, the former fiancé and First Seat Court Mage.
Everyone connected by Jared and Olivier’s bond had gathered there.
“Hmph. Such a grand reunion. You all detest me that much, don’t you?”
“That’s not true, Progenitor. Everyone is worried about Jared. They want to get Olivier back. That’s all.”
“So I’m inconsequential. That’s also infuriating… So, what do you intend to do by restraining me? With this many people, even I can’t move if you cast restraint magic.”
Rasmus smiled.
“I have been waiting, for what feels like an eternity. To grant you, who are used even in death, a moment of peace.”
“I’ll graciously accept that as a huge bother.”
“I am aware of that. I have wavered many times. However, I am grateful that I was able to be present in this era, at this place.”
Rasmus, the only one among the assembled group not using restraint magic, approached the immobilized Progenitor.
“What are you plotting?”
“I will transfer you, Progenitor, into myself.”
A magic circle appeared at Rasmus’s feet as he stopped before the Progenitor, and it began to glow brilliantly.
“The Progenitor’s vessel is female. However, there are exceptions. I am your direct descendant, so becoming a temporary vessel should not be a problem.”
“…I see, you intend to free Olivier.”
“No, that’s not it.”
“Then what is your objective?”
“Naturally, my goal is your peace. Progenitor, I will have you die with me.”
