Chapter 902: Is This Farewell?
"Haa... haa..."
The chamber fell into an uneasy silence after Adonis lay motionless, his ragged breaths the only sound echoing in the vast, ancient room. Rey stood over him, his expression unreadable.
The overwhelming power he had displayed moments ago was now cloaked in a calm, yet authoritative demeanor.
Adonis tried to rise, but his body refused to obey. His defeat was absolute, and he knew it.
"Stay where you are," Rey said coldly, his voice cutting through the stillness.
A flick of his hand conjured a shimmering barrier around Adonis, trapping him within its confines. "This is for your own good. Rest and reflect on what's happened here."
Adonis didn't respond.
The fight had drained not just his body, but his spirit as well. His gaze was distant, a mix of anger and despair swirling in his eyes. He slumped back against the wall, his will to resist completely shattered.
Rey turned away, his focus shifting to Lucielle, who had been watching from the shadows. Her crimson eyes glimmered with a mix of relief but also worry.
'His overall demeanor has changed. Is he okay?' Her expression seemed to say. 'Is this what he meant about his emotions being suppressed?'
"It's time for the last phase of the plan," Rey said, his tone firm. "I need to inform Alicia and the others about the Transmigration Magic, so they're ready."
Lucielle nodded, her expression softening. "You're still set on staying here, aren't you?"
"I am." Rey's gaze flickered to the barrier containing Adonis. "This world still needs me, and I promised to fight for it. For everyone."
Her lips curved into a faint smile, and she stepped closer.
"You've always been kind, Rey. I think that's one of the reasons I..." She hesitated, then leaned in, placing a soft kiss on his cheek.
Rey froze, blinking in surprise.
Lucielle pulled back, her cheeks faintly flushed. "Thank you. For everything."
He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, his stoic demeanor briefly faltering. "I, uh—" "Go get Alicia," Lucielle interrupted, a teasing glint in her eyes. "I'll start working on the Magic Circle. Adrien's keeping guard outside, so you won't need to worry about any interruptions."
Rey hesitated, glancing between Lucielle and the barrier around Adonis. Finally, he nodded. "Fine. But don't push yourself too hard. The Magic Circle is a lot more complex than I expected, and with all the tampering Adonis must have done, it isn't going to be easy." "Pfft! Is that a consideration for me that I sense?" Lucielle chuckled. "You should have thought of that before bringing me into this."
"Haa... just get it done."
Lucielle gave him a mock salute. "When have I ever done anything halfway?"
He chuckled softly, the tension in the air easing slightly. With a wave of his hand, the barrier shimmered and tightened around Adonis, ensuring there was no way for him to interfere.
Adonis didn't even flinch, his defeated expression unchanged.
"Stay put," Rey said, more as a statement than a command.
Adonis didn't reply.
Satisfied, Rey vanished, leaving Lucielle alone in the chamber.
She sighed, her playful demeanor fading as she turned her attention to the task ahead.
"No time to waste..." She muttered, rolling up her sleeves and inspecting the intricate runes etched into the stone floor.
"This has to be perfect."
**********
In a dimly lit room on the far side of the fortress, Alicia sat on the edge of her bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The room was modest, a stark contrast to the grandeur of the castle itself, but it was comforting in its simplicity.
Her thoughts drifted to Rey-his calm yet commanding presence, his unwavering resolve. She missed him more than she cared to admit.
A soft knock at the door snapped her out of her reverie, but before she could answer, space warped in the center of the room.
Alicia gasped, instinctively reaching for the dagger hidden under her pillow. But when the distortion settled, and Rey stepped through, her tension melted away.
"Rey?" Her voice was a mix of surprise and relief.
She tried to hide the red that was rising on her cheeks, and how flustered her rapidly beating heart had made her become. However, before she could succeed at that, she noticed the serious expression on Rey's face and worry soon crept in.
He nodded, his gaze steady. "We need to talk."
She stood, her brow furrowed in concern. "What's going on? Is something wrong?"
"It's time," he said simply. "Lucielle's preparing the Reverse Summoning spell to send you back to Earth."
Alicia's breath caught in her throat. "What?"
"It's what I have been working on in the Dragon Continent... or, at least one of the things."
"Rey..."
"Everything is ready now." Rey stepped closer, his voice firm but gentle. "I'm not sure, but this is the only chance we have to send you home safely. I wanted to make sure you knew and had time to say goodbye."
Her mind raced.
The idea of returning to Earth felt surreal, almost impossible after everything they had endured together in this world. "What about the others? Are they coming too?"
Rey's expression darkened slightly, and he shook his head. "I asked them. None of them want
to leave right now. They feel they still have a purpose here."
Alicia's heart sank. "So it's just me, then."
Rey nodded. "You're the only one who wants to return. And that's okay. You have a life waiting for you back on Earth."
She smiled sadly, tears brimming in her eyes. "It feels... strange. Saying goodbye like this. After everything."
"I know." Rey's voice softened, and for a moment, the weight of his decision was evident in his eyes. "But this isn't goodbye forever. I'll find a way to see you again. I promise." Alicia wiped her eyes, trying to compose herself. "You've always been terrible at goodbyes,
Rey."
He chuckled lightly. "You're not wrong."
She stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Thank you, Rey. For everything. I'll never forget what you've done for all of us... and for me."
He nodded, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips. "Let's go."
Alicia took a deep breath and closed her eyes, steeling herself for the journey ahead. When she opened them again, her resolve was clear.
"I'm ready."
Rey extended his hand, and she took it without hesitation. The air around them crackled with energy as the space began to distort once more.
~VWUUUSH!~
In an instant, the two vanished, leaving nothing but an empty, quiet space behind.
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[A/N]
Thanks for reading!
I suppose this is the end of the road for Alicia. It feels sad to see her go, though...