“This is bad...!” Lalyn murmured under her breath, tension tightening her voice.

Amoria’s face paled as she and Lalyn struggled to maintain the ritual’s magic. “What’s happening in there?!”

“The meatshield... The spell’s unraveling his psyche—and Arlyn’s too!” Lalyn exclaimed, biting her lip in frustration. “I don’t understand why! She’s only supposed to act as an anchor, not get drawn in!”

‘Do you understand now, Arlyn?’ Van’s voice echoed in her mind. ‘There’s no light. There never was.’ His thoughts were cold, relentless. ‘You know it’s the truth, don’t you?’

[...]

Arlyn inhaled deeply, her mind clearing.

‘...?’ Van sensed the shift, her raging expression disappearing.

Her voice cut through his thoughts with firm resolve.

[I understand.]

A beat of silence.

[Then, consider me your sworn enemy, Van.]

“It’s working—something's happening!” Amoria shouted, sensing the sudden shift in the turbulent spell.

Lalyn’s lips curved into a faint smile as she whispered inwardly, ‘Arlyn... Thank you.’

Van let out another chuckle, dark and resigned. ‘Then tell me—why try so hard to cure me if it’d be better to fail and let the runes stay? What changed?’ His gaze sharpened on Arlyn, sensing the shift in her demeanor.

[I doubt you’d understand,] Arlyn replied, her voice hard and unyielding. [This isn’t for you. My master’s happiness matters more than petty revenge. I act for her, not you. I'm doing this so she wouldn't be sad... And because she asked me to.]

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As the ritual concluded, the oppressive tension in the room evaporated, leaving only the ragged breathing of Lalyn, Amoria, and the priest, all collapsed on the floor, drenched in sweat.

“It... worked...” Lalyn gasped, relief washing over her as she noticed the runes had disappeared from Van’s skin.

[...]

[But mark my words, Van,] Arlyn’s voice echoed, cold and final. [Because of your involvement with Magus and the manipulation of my master’s noble mind... I will have my vengeance. The next time you hurt her, I will not be so merciful. And there will be a next time. When that moment comes—you will answer for this.]

As the silence deepened, Lalyn straightened her posture and swiftly made her way towards the exit, her steps quick and determined.

She paused, turning slightly to look back.

Van caught her expression. Arlyn's promise still lingering.

"Thanks..." Van said softly, his voice carrying a weight of gratitude that filled the quiet of the church.

She sighed audibly, her tone dismissive.

"You are just a meatshield... Nothing more, nothing less. I... I did this as a favor for Amoria, not for you." Lalyn stated coldly.

Van chuckled as he was reminded of the early days by Lalyn's cold response, while Amoria's face twisted with indignation.

"Lalyn...!!" she almost growled.

"But... Just... Don't lose yourself anymore..." Lalyn added softly, her cheeks coloring as she averted her gaze.

"You're just... my meatshield... What would I do without my meatshield..." Her voice faded into a murmur, tinged with embarrassment.

Amoria's expression softened, a smile breaking through as she understood Lalyn's true sentiment.

Meanwhile, Van tilted his head, puzzled.

'My meatshield...?' He pondered.

"...Who is supposed to absorb attacks for me... Ridiculous... I have such a fragile... Meatshield... Stay strong, you airheaded... Meatshield..." Lalyn continued, her words trailing off.

Van's confusion deepened.

'The hell...?' He thought.

"And..." She added.

"...Thank you for looking out for my daughter yesterday." She briefly murmured.

Observing the exchange, Amoria smiled wistfully, resigning herself as Lalyn hurried out of the church.

'Hah... It really was her kid, then.' Van thought as she left.

Lalyn walked by herself outside, 'Want to tell me what that was all about, Arlyn? I couldn't hear you while the spell was activated... What did you two talk about?'

[I do not wish to say anything about that, master. Not right now.] Arlyn coldly replied.

'I see...' Lalyn sighed, 'Then, I'll respect your wishes.' She thought.

[...You always have, Master.]