As the watcher tasked with guarding the Blood of the Sage and preventing the Sage's Resurrection, Nina Adelard was ageless and immortal, doomed to a lifetime of loneliness.
The refining core was the control device for the Blood of the Sage. If a pseudo-refining core could also control the Blood of the Sage, then Nina Adelard might... be freed.
She would no longer need to be bound by the Blood of the Sage like a living sacrifice. That temptation... mattered greatly to her.
"I won't disappoint Lady Nina Adelard."
Though he had failed to make the legendary alchemist take him as her disciple, he did not care... After all, becoming her apprentice had never been his goal. Everything was proceeding according to plan.
He hurriedly held the pseudo-refining core in both hands and respectfully presented it to Nina Adelard.
"No matter what... as a gesture of respect, please accept this stone as a gift. With your abilities, I'm sure you'll be able to determine its purpose."
"This... all right."
Nina Adelard felt rather embarrassed, but after hesitating for a moment, she could no longer restrain her longing for freedom... and reached out.
Hahahaha!!!
Seeing that success was within reach, Amatsuka Mercury rejoiced inwardly. Yet he used all his strength to endure, refusing to laugh aloud lest Nina Adelard notice something strange and cause his efforts to fail at the final moment.
Just as Nina Adelard was about to touch the pseudo-refining core, an accident occurred.
A pink arrow shattered the glass window and struck the pseudo-refining core head-on. Yet, surprisingly, the pseudo-refining core remained undamaged after being hit.
"What?"
Startled by the attack, Nina Adelard instinctively pulled back her hand and turned toward the source.
"Who is it?"
Having his plan interrupted at the very moment of success felt no