Almandine carried Bahyun in her arms, hurrying forward, hoping to find an exit so she could call for help.

Only silence echo in the vast, empty and pure white space; her footsteps were muted even as she ran wholeheartedly in rush. Bahyun remained unconscious in her arms, showing no signs awakening anytime soon.

For the first time, she felt utterly helpless, tears starting to roll in her eyes as she struggled to fine a solution to help him. She desperately sought a sign of hope - a rock, a stone, anything that could provide guidance on her how to save the person lying in her arms.

But there was nothing. Nothing but herself and Bahyun, no response to her cries.

She thought of using healing magic; she had read about it in Bahyun’s study, where numerous magic books lined the shelves, some dedicated to healing magic and its fundamentals. But she couldn’t. Dark energy, representing destruction, coursed through her circuit. Though she could attract mana from the air to mimic Mages attack, it was all rooted in dark energy, which was not acceptable for use in healing magic.

For the first time, Almandine felt she was wrong for existing in this world.

If it wasn’t for her, Bahyun wouldn’t have met her, and he wouldn’t have been discovered by the authorities. He could have continued to be the wild wizard who could conduct experiments as he pleased, purify the wasteland at his leisure, and read magic books indoors whenever he wished. If it wasn’t for her, Bahyun wouldn’t needed to enter in the secret realm in the first place, and he wouldn’t have ended up in this condition...

It’s all my fault. She halted her steps dejectedly, her eyes fixed on Bahyun. Only now did she realize her tears had covered her face.

It’s all my fault that he became like this. So, he would be alright if I’m gone, right? If leaving him could safe him, I would rather disappear this instance, as long as he’s safe...

A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

***

Bahyun continued to walk in the vast and empty space, holding Almandine’s hand tightly in his palm. However, after some time, he felt his grip loosen, not because he released it, but because Almandine’s hand began to lost its solidity. He turned around in shock, witnessing Almandine’s figure starting to thin out, as if she was about to disappear into thin air, second by second, like mist being blown away by a gust of wind.

What...How is this happening? He looked at her in disbelief, “Almandine!”

Hurriedly, he grabbed Almandine into his arms, holding her tightly, but it felt like he holding onto nothing. His eyes told him that he had Almandine in his embrace, yet her outline began to blur when he tried to he tried to hold onto her tighter. He was frightened, loosening his hug but no daring to let her go, unsure of what he should do.

Almandine, with her eyes opened, appeared unconscious, showing no response to Bahyun’s action, which was highly unusual.

No, this can’t be...This is a world with MohoShojo where miracle happens, isn’t it? Why is Almandine destined for this ending? She should have a happy ending!

Where is everyone? Where are the challenges? Please, someone, tell me where the halved FayOra is! He need it now, or Almandine would be lost forever! Bahyun grabbed Almandine in his arms and began running, but he saw nothing in this vast, pure white world. There was no one to lend him a hand.

The weight in his arms started to diminish, and he couldn’t do anything to stop it. He knelt dejectedly, his face covered in tears, yet he made no move to wipe them away.

He shouldn’t have believed he could find a miracle in this secret realm. In the MahoShojo anime, villains who sought refuge with magical girls always ended up dead or disappeared due to various reasons...Was this why Almandine couldn’t live? Was this her destiny, as a villain?

I guess I’m the most inept reincarnator in the universe. Trying my best to same someone, or to be precise, an AI, but ending up fruitless and helpless...

***

The white mist began to gather around the two unexpected candidates of the secret realm. Amidst their desperation, they heard a voice.

[Are you willing to sacrifice your life in exchange for the other’s?]

I do. I shouldn’t exist in the first place, my life for his would be the best choice. Almandine smiled as she hugged the man in her arms tightly.

I do. I have lived a life, and now everything I have is a bonus, but she’s different...a life for a life, I do. Bahyun caressing Almandine’s head with his chin, wearing the same smile.

[Criteria fulfilled. Activating Wish Accomplishment Project.]