Lawrence stepped forward. He didn’t know what he was going to do to aid the knights, but he would think of something on the way.

“Before you go, my friend… take this.” He grasped Lawrence’s forearm, and magic was infused into him. He nearly flinched, as it felt like white-hot fire coursing up his arm for a moment before quickly cooling. His arm now felt chilled and tingly, the runes there glowing red as magical energy coursed through his body.

“I feel invigorated.”

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“Use it to fight,” Hiun said. “Do not waste it. I fear I will not be able to use magic again for some time.”

Lawrence nodded, gave Sakura and the others one last glance. Behind her, he caught sight of Dija cresting the hill and running as fast as she could.

“Close it behind me, Hiun.”

Hiun glanced in Dija’s direction. To Lawrence, he nodded. “I… understand.”

“Oh,” Sakura said. “She’s going to be upset.”

From the distance—“Damn youuuuuu!”—the cat eye snarled.

The failed mage smirked. “She’ll be fine. But you,” he said, almost sternly, “get some rest. Please”

“I will.”

He glanced toward Tomiichi. “Look after her.”

The samurai nodded.

Lawrence stepped into the portal.