Volume 1 Chapter 100 The Price Of Salvation
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After waiting for what seemed like forever, the final moment never arrived.
"What's this...?"
Instead, a frozen world appeared in its place.
Everything seemed to have stopped moving, as if I was the only one disconnected from the world.
What is this frozen world exactly?
Is it just a fading illusion that my fading consciousness sees?
"Ugh..."
I tried to move my limbs, but they wouldn't budge. It seems like I've lost too much blood.
All I know is that I'm on the brink of death.
There's nothing more I can do.
I remember a time when I was in a similar situation.
When I had just become an adventurer, I was attacked by a monster in the forest and found myself leaning against a tree trunk just like this.
It hasn't been that long since then, maybe just a couple of months.
It was a brief period, but undoubtedly the most intense time of my life.
Even though I never became a Hero, I didn't mind being ordinary. Yet, here I am, not just facing monsters, but even battling an S-Rank adventurer.
It may sound like a lie, but that will soon come to an end.
If there is one thing I regret, it is that I couldn't achieve anything.
Fatina is desperately shouting something at me.
Mel is looking at Io with eyes filled with fear.
I'm sorry.
I couldn't help.
In the end, I was completely powerless.
My vision is getting darker.
After a while, everything around me was completely engulfed in darkness, and I couldn't see anything anymore.
I was alone in the darkness, where only silence reigns.
The sense of time was lost, thoughts became foggy, and I couldn't even remember what I looked like.
'It seems like it was useless after all.'
Suddenly, I heard a familiar and solemn voice.
Two red lights appeared from the darkness, and the outline of a giant dragon's head became faintly visible.
...Ragius"
The figure that writhed in the darkness was a white snake.
It was Ragius, the Elder Worm I encountered earlier on the Inferno Pathway.
The space that was pitch black regained its colors.
The scene from a moment ago── Kasim swinging his axe towards me── remained the same.
"Was it you who caused this?"
'I stopped the time within this space. However, my magic is just a imitation of Astal-sama's. It won't last long.'
I can't believe it.
Is there really magic in this world that can stop time? But the scenes before my eyes tell me it's true.
'Ark, I had high hopes for you. It's very disappointing that it ended up like this.'
Ragius' tone was calm, just like when we spoke in the cave, but I could sense his disappointment.
'Soon, you will lose your life and your soul will return to where it belongs.'
In other words, it means dying.
I already knew that without being told.
'But, the fact that you collected the two keys and made it to this place. I considered it valuable.'
"You lied."
Interrupting Ragius' words, I continue.
"At that time, you have said, 'I don't know anything about the key.'"
'I changed my mind. I want to make a deal with you.'
"Do you think I will agree?"
'If you listen to my wish and help me, I will give you a way to avoid this tragedy.'
Wish.
What is Ragius' wish?
'Stand up.'
My body stood up without any conscious intention.
The blood on my hand... crawled back into my body.
The wounds inflicted by Kasim closed up as if time was rewinding, and even the torn coat returned to its original state.
"...What?"
Ragius did it.
His power is beyond abnormal to be called a monster.
It's something that surpasses human intelligence.
'I will give you the right to choose one of two paths.'
Ignoring my confusion, Ragius announced with his shining red eyes narrowed.
'One is to maintain the current situation. You will be killed by the man in front of you as it naturally should happen, and of course, the remaining two will not survive.'
If a miracle doesn't happen, Fatina will eventually be defeated by Lyle.
Mel has a short sword stuck in her shoulder. And because of Kashim's skill, Healing Magic (Holy Magic) is also sealed, so she'll die without being able to recover.
'Another option is to accept my treatment.'
"Treatment?"
'I will rewrite your mental structure through magic. Then, you will be able to draw out the power of [Instant Death Magic] even more strongly. As a result, everyone will be saved.'
Rewriting the mental.
Does that mean I can become stronger?
'[Instant Death Magic] is an extremely advanced form of magic. Additionally, it incorporates a formula to bypass the major seal that Albain placed on this world. Normally, you would learn magic and master the formula step by step, but this method takes too long, so it's not feasible.'
"What are you talking about...?"
Ragius's story was completely incomprehensible.
In this world, magic is something you automatically learn as your level increases, based on the skills you are born with. It is common knowledge, and I, as a Level Cap 1 adventurer, should have been able to survive thanks to the unique ability of skills themselves to grow.
Who is Albain?
And I don't know anything about this person called Astal that Ragius mentioned...
'Now, you should choose one or the other.'
"What is Instant Death Magic?"
'Depending on your choice, you may have the opportunity to find out.'
"Answer the question! Who on earth are you?"
'I said that time stoppage wouldn't last long. Besides, don't you have something else to do?'
When Ragius turned his head, he saw Fatina and Mel.
What's important is to save the two of them and obtain the key.
There didn't seem to be any choices at all.
Ragius knows I won't choose the fate of death.
That's why he's so calm.
"What will happen to me if I undergo the 'procedure'..."
'Your current personality will vanish, and a new one will take over your body.'
Isn't that becoming a completely different person?
The appearance will be the same, but the inside will be different.
By accepting Ragius's proposal, can I really save both of us?
"What do you wish?"
'I will tell you when you choose to live.'
No.
Don't believe Ragius who evades everything.
But, if I don't accept the choice, we won't be saved anyway.
It's okay if I, defeated, don't matter anymore. But, at least I want to return the two of them safely.
"If I can help the two of them with my life, I want them to be saved right now."
'That won't do. Your death is not my wish.'
"Why are you so fixated on me?"
'...'
Stay silent again?
Do as you please.
"If I undergo the procedure, the two of them will truly be saved, right?"
'Don't worry. I will guarantee it.'
"...Understood."
'The deal is done. The rewriting will be completed soon. Just wait a little longer.'
As I nodded, a mysterious pattern appeared above my head. It resembled what Ragius showed when he used Teleportation Magic.
'The contract is complete here. Let me convey my wish.'
As I heard a roar, my field of vision was enveloped in light.
I closed my eyes due to the overwhelming brightness.
'You, Ark, the user of Instant Death Magic, I command you to destroy those who stand in your way, obtain the three keys, and offer them to the Goddess's altar.'
It was the same as our objective.
Is this what he wishes?
"'I understood.'"
My mouth moved on its own.
My personality is truly being rewritten.
'Be Careful of the Homunculus' [Hyperfocus]. In past battles, many magicians were defeated by it. If it proves difficult to handle, send a Necromancer.'
"Got it."
'Also, take the opportunity to eliminate Cretia's daughter. The spellcaster is unknown, but she's under mental manipulation.'
"Understood."
──What?
Promises have been broken!
He said he would guarantee the safety of both of them!
'[The Magician Plan of Instant Death and Destruction] is our fervent wish. There's no mercy for those who interfere. Albain might come up with something, but if our predictions are correct, there shouldn't be a battle.'
I've been deceived.
Unable to even scream, my thoughts gradually being replaced by someone else.
The last thing I saw was the moment the scenery cracked and crumbled with a loud noise.
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