This puts me in such a bind...

But Li had to admit it: they coveted that Creation Power. Anyone could possess Creation Power, but not everyone could summon it. It was the power countless alchemists dreamed of. With it, you could create exactly the results you wanted.

Whether it was a potion’s effects or something else, Creation Power could achieve it all. The power of an Authority meant control over all things, like issuing a direct command. And among the Authorities, Creation Power was an especially exalted one.

Li naturally coveted this Creation Power...

But...

“It’s undeniably tempting. This is a power I’ve spent my whole life pursuing. If I could obtain it, I could do things I can’t do now. But... I refuse.”

“Why?”

“Because, deep down, Chloe matters more to me...”

That was right. Even if Li gained Creation Power, they would lose the only family they had in this world—their only little sister...

What would gaining Creation Power mean then?

It was only a power. Even if Li couldn’t obtain it now, they’d find it someday. And even if they didn’t... Li wouldn’t regret a thing. They knew exactly what they wanted, and why they had fallen into this place.

So, even with this enormous temptation laid before them, Li would still choose Chloe over Creation Power.

“You would choose your little sister over yourself?”

The white wolf narrowed its eyes.

“Chloe is the only family I have in this world. She’s always been by my side. No matter what happened, she was the one who encouraged me and comforted me. I owe that girl so much. And my greatest regret is that, as an alchemist, I can’t cure my own little sister’s illness. Since you know Hortons, you should understand that every alchemist has an obsession. Most dream of creating a true panacea and becoming the greatest alchemist of all. And I... of course I want to create a panacea too. But I only want it for my sister. I don’t care about some panacea for its own sake. I make potions for money, so I can afford a comfortable life.”

“You really are an odd one. Never mind... I have things I must do now, too. So even if you’re unwilling, I doubt you’ll be able to resist this power.”

“Wh—!”

BOOM!!!

“Aaaah!!! What is this?! Why does this keep happening?! Hortons did this too! And now you! Didn’t you say you wouldn’t make things difficult for me?! Why?!”

“I’m sorry.”

Pal’s overwhelming pressure bore down on Li! Its immense force left them unable to move!

【Master... You were never its match from the start. You had no real chance of refusing... Creation Power is absolutely vital to an alchemist—and to your power.】

“Even if it’s absolutely vital! Are you saying I should abandon Chloe?! You bastard!”

【I’m very sorry, Master... But you’re the only one I serve. Everyone else, whoever they may be, is nothing but a passing cloud to me.】

Do you even have a heart...?

“Aaaah!!!”

The magic circle passed through Li’s body! In that instant, their Pal burst forth, directly blocking the magic circle rushing toward them!

“How is that possible?”

The white wolf was taken aback.

“I don’t want to... But I’m not afraid! I absolutely refuse to sign that damned contract with you!”