This Is Probably the Last Time

“How did you manage to cast seven Tier 3 spells simultaneously just now?”

Sevis lay on Ain’s back. Up ahead, Mordred was dragging a young girl along. Subjected to such humiliating treatment, the latter looked utterly lifeless. The three of them made their way through the academy grounds under the cover of night.

“Well... maybe the achievements from my past life carried over to this one?”

The moment the words left his mouth, Ain realized his mistake.

Shouldn't he, as a Tier 4 Mage of the Titan Prosecution Office, have said that such a feat was child's play?

Ain sighed.

Yet, he felt he wasn't entirely wrong. His status panel was inherited from his first playthrough, meaning all his spell Proficiencies and levels were maxed out. The moment even a faint thought of casting a spell crossed his mind, the memories required to construct the corresponding magic circuits would automatically flood his consciousness, forming the spell instantly.

It was like solving a Rubik's cube for over a decade; even if you didn't touch it for a while, your hands would still instinctively restore it the moment you picked it up again.

On top of that, he now had two sources of mana: the Scale of Astral Judgment and Mordred.

Using one allowed the other to enter a recovery phase, not to mention that Mordred could absorb mana from anything below Tier 5.

Anything below Tier 3 was a total breeze, while Tier 4 might take a bit of time. After all, his maximum mana was only 1,300, and the spell tier he could currently cast was still capped at Tier 3.

But if it were Tier 5...

Ain sighed again, recalling his previous fight with Sevis.

Once an opponent's tier exceeded Tier 5, Mordred became completely useless. Not only was it unable to absorb their mana, but as a magical beast, its own mana capacity was only about two to three thousand higher than an ordinary mage's.

But for now, the chances of running into an opponent above Tier 5 were highly unlikely.

“I highly doubt another guy carrying high-tier magical tools will just pop out of nowhere to cause trouble.”

From the looks of it, he really needed to find a way to increase his maximum mana.

Sevis wasn't really listening to Ain.

Her hands hung awkwardly in the air, unsure of where to rest, and she hesitated, wondering if she should rest her chin on his shoulder. Feeling clumsier than ever, she wanted to ease his burden but had no idea how to go about it.

Ever since she was a child, she had always been the one standing at the very front. Whether it was taking the blame for her younger siblings' mischief or stepping forward when others were in danger, she was always there.

Having long grown accustomed to being the one others leaned on, being carried so securely on someone's back felt incredibly foreign. This feeling of completely entrusting her weight to another was entirely new to her.

“You might as well lean closer.”

“You're a bit heavy like this.”

“Oh.”

Sevis wrapped her arms around Ain's neck, her chest pressing fully against his back. For some reason, a wave of happiness washed over her.

“Senior Sevis, what kind of person do you think you are?”

“Me? Handsome, powerful, reliable... and probably the most charismatic guy in the world, wouldn't you say?”

Ain spoke with absolute confidence.

Sevis wanted to retort, but she also felt a secret trace of joy in her heart.

Soon, however, her cheerful mood plummeted to rock bottom.

At the thought of being stripped of her Arbiter authority by the Prosecution Office and facing disciplinary action for this incident, a wave of helplessness and sorrow washed over her.

“Actually, I...”

“Hmm? What is it?”

“Never mind, it's nothing...”

After hesitating for a moment, Sevis ultimately decided not to tell Ain the truth.

Her father had already cut ties with her. Not only was she to be transferred to the remote south, but she was also being forced into an absurd arranged marriage.

Suspension, transfer, marriage... every single step of her future seemed to have been meticulously mapped out by them.

Even if she was unwilling, what could she possibly do?

After pondering for a long time, Sevis finally resigned herself to her fate.

She knew very well that once this incident was over, the Prosecution Office would undoubtedly make her the scapegoat for everything.

Therefore, she had to sever all ties with Ain before that happened. She could not allow the flames of this disaster to engulf him.

The thought filled her heart with a deep sense of reluctance.

As her Swordbearer, he had already done his part in this incident. Although she didn't know what kind of information he had gathered, under the current circumstances, nothing they did would make a difference anyway.

He had already done more than enough for her.

Suddenly, she remembered that the Scale of Astral Judgment was still in his possession.

Someone who had never carried the burden of sin deserved to possess it more than anyone else in the world.

Since a severe punishment was already inevitable, what difference would a little extra disciplinary action make?

It seemed this was the only thing left she could do for him.

Sevis bit her lower lip gently. As if letting down all her guards, her head leaned against Ain's back of its own accord.

This was the first time she had ever been carried on someone's back like this.

But it would probably be the last time, too.

Sevis suddenly wished that time would freeze at this very moment.

She didn't want to think about tomorrow, nor did she want to shield anyone from disaster anymore. She just wanted to lie on Ain's back like this, clearing her mind of all the chaotic thoughts, thinking of nothing, doing nothing.

“Can you walk a bit slower?”

“Huh?”

Ain had absolutely no idea why she would suddenly say such a thing.

Slowing his pace, he quietly cast a few strength-enhancing spells, carrying the young girl through the hazy night.

“By the way... what's your name?”

Sevis opened her mouth, hesitating for a long moment.

Since she would likely never see him again after this anyway, what did it matter if she revealed her true identity?

“Imeve...”

“That's my name. Imeve.”

Ain smiled and replied, “It's a beautiful name.”

“Do you... like it?”

The moment she said it, Sevis instantly regretted it.

Ain pondered for a moment.

“Though the name is like a blooming flower, it doesn't hold a candle to even a fraction of the beauty before me.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the name is beautiful, but it's far inferior to how lovely you are in person.”

Sevis's face flushed slightly.

“You really know how to flatter people...”

...

After walking for about an hour, a brightly lit building appeared before them. Quite a few students and instructors were gathered outside.

It was the Titan Prosecution Office.

A young girl not far away seemed to spot Ain and jogged over.

The newcomer was none other than Rosalind.

“Senior Sevis, you can put me down here.”

“Alright.”

Ain nodded and crouched down. Then, he looked at Rosalind and spoke.

“By the way, this is my subordinate, Rosalind. If you have any urgent matters, you can contact her.”

Ain gave her a meaningful look.

Rosalind froze.

Once Sevis was back on her feet, Rosalind finally got a clear look at her. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly composed herself and remained silent.

“Just like before, Rosalind. I'll leave this to you.”

Ain recalled Mordred and dragged the bound girl over, placing her in front of them.

Just as they were about to part ways, Sevis turned around, smiled at Ain, and said, “Thank you.”

Ain returned her smile and quickly took his leave.

Sevis felt a sharp squeeze in her chest, a wave of bitterness washing over her.