"Adele's Time Stop: Crystal Form" did not turn its target into eternal crystal completely. As long as Shade released the spell, the target could return to normal. However, Shade discovered that in this peculiar crystalline state, the frozen target's Time Resistance was greatly enhanced. It could even be said to be nearly immune to all time-related effects except his own.
Ordinary "Time Stop" merely halted a target; it did not increase Time Resistance. Therefore, Shade guessed this was another effect of that strange Mystic Lock. It was like wrapping the frozen target in a glimmering outer shell. Time that had solidified truly would not flow again.
Maintaining Time Stop in this special form consumed less spirit as well, and Shade guessed that was related. After all, Dorothy had said that once the thaumaturgy "Crystal Touch" turned something into eternal crystal, no further spirit was needed to maintain that state.
"It's really beautiful."
To prevent Miss Isabella from arriving early, Shade had breakfast at the inn that day. During breakfast, Dorothy commented on the apple in his hand:
"It hasn't become entirely crystal. Instead, a translucent crystal shell wraps around the apple's original colors. It's even prettier than complete crystallization. A fully crystallized apple is merely a dead thing, but the one in your hand still shows the vitality frozen in that instant."
Emerald eyes shifted toward Shade:
"If one day we meet with misfortune, perhaps you could turn us into—"
"Leisha!"
Shade sternly warned her. That sentence alone was enough for him to tell who was speaking.
That day, seated around the inn's dining table were Shade, Dorothy, Luvia, Emilia, Angelina, Miss Danist, and Miss Olanord. There were not as many people dining together as there had been on the ship, but it still felt wonderfully warm.
After breakfast, Miss