From within the damaged Painting Scroll, Steve asked in a hoarse, feeble voice:
"Great master, am I beyond saving?"
When Cyril did not answer, he continued:
"Master, could you ask that Ancient Dragon to preserve my memories and mind? I want to leave them to your next painting. That way, I can keep following you."
Tobias looked at Steve, who was delivering his last words, and sighed.
"You have a loyal servant."
"Perhaps you could have that Ancient Dragon separate out a real identity for him, too, then transfer the released characteristic into it."
"Although he's a Mystical Item, his mind and emotions are virtually indistinguishable from those of a real living being. Perhaps, like me, he could have an identity he once possessed separated out."
"His effects as a Mystical Item might change, but it should be possible to save him."
From within the damaged Painting Scroll, Steve looked expectantly at Cyril.
"Could you, master?"
Cyril nodded thoughtfully. "It's theoretically possible, but we haven't reached that point yet. I think there's still a chance to save you."
Then he turned to Tobias.
"Sorry for the trouble, but please stand guard outside for me. I need an absolutely quiet environment to set up a ritual."
"No problem."
Tobias nodded slightly. Without another word, he rose and headed for the door.
After watching Tobias leave the room, Cyril erected a Wall of Spirituality to isolate the room from the outside, then took out a painting prepared for a ritual of sacrifice and bestowal.
Using the power of Fantasy to manifest the ritual depicted within it, he altered the portion that pointed to the Fool so that it pointed to himself instead.
Then he snapped his fingers.
The two candles placed in the center of the ritual ignited instantly. A few drops