Magi; My Isekai Life

After the meeting and introductions, Sinbad began questioning Princess Dunya about her circumstances—just like in the original scenario of the manga. Watching him interact with her, I silently stood back, trying not to interfere prematurely. But my thoughts wouldn't rest.

If I save Dunya from her demise, I contemplated, it might alter the future as well as the present... I paused for a moment, then clenched my fists. But isn't that exactly what I wanted to do from the beginning?

As I solidified my resolve, I noticed Sinbad reaching out his hand toward Dunya—likely as a gesture of sincerity and comfort. My heart sank. I remembered clearly what would happen next if he touched her while carrying his metal vessel.

Without hesitation, I dashed to Sinbad's side and caught his hand firmly before it made contact with hers. Everyone in the room turned in shock.

With utter seriousness in my voice, I said, "Sinbad. Please stay away from her for a while. Otherwise, she might get hurt badly."

A stunned silence filled the room. Even Sinbad, the King of Sindria, seemed taken aback.

Before he could speak, I released his hand and turned toward the others. "Aladdin, use Solomon's Wisdom on Dunya. Lady Yamraiha, please summon the healers immediately to examine her body."

Aladdin and Yamraiha both stared at me, clearly confused.

"But wh—" Yamraiha began, but I cut her off.

"You'll find out soon enough. Now hurry," I said, my voice calm and controlled.

Dunya looked up at me, concerned. "Is there something wrong with me, Mr. Naberius?"

I bent slightly to her level and gave a soft, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Lady Dunya. It's nothing too serious. Just a precaution."

Aladdin, still unsure but trusting, nodded and activated Solomon's Wisdom. The magical glow filled the room as his consciousness delved into Dunya's inner world.

Meanwhile, Sinbad, arms crossed, frowned slightly. "Naberius, explain yourself."

Still calm, I answered, "Your metal vessel would have reacted to the black fragments of the corrupted metal embedded in her body. The power of your Djinn Equip could have worsened her condition severely."

Sinbad narrowed his eyes slightly, suspicious. "And how do you know that?"

"I'll explain myself later. But for now, it's crucial to follow through with this plan. Please, trust me just this once."

Sinbad sighed, lowering his arms. "Very well. I'll allow it."

The tension eased, but only slightly.

Inside Dunya's consciousness, Aladdin was overwhelmed by the flood of emotions. He saw the desolate ruins of Mustasim, the burning of its royal halls, and Dunya's broken spirit as she was manipulated by Al-Thamen. Her rage, sorrow, loneliness, and thirst for vengeance coursed through her being like a raging storm.

But amidst the darkness, something began to shift.

Aladdin felt it first. The black Rukh surrounding her core began to stir—agitated, unstable. He gasped.

"Her Rukh... it's being consumed from the inside... corrupted," he muttered.

Back in the real world, Yamraiha looked at me with disbelief. "You knew this was inside her? You knew she carried fragments of a dark metal vessel?"

"Yes," I replied. "And I knew Sinbad's Djinn Equip would trigger those fragments to react—just like in the original timeline."

Yamraiha blinked. "Original timeline? What do you mean?"

But I ignored her question for now. This wasn't the time.

Aladdin opened his eyes slowly, beads of sweat on his forehead. "She's... still fighting. Even now. But the black Rukh is rooted deep in her soul. We need powerful healing and purification magic... or she won't last much longer."

Yamraiha nodded grimly. "Then we have no time to waste."

As the healers rushed in and began their treatment, Dunya looked up at me once more, her eyes filled with confusion and faint hope.

"Why... why are you doing this for me?"

I smiled faintly, placing a comforting hand over hers.

"Because you were never the villain. You were just someone who deserved another chance. And I'm here to make sure you get it."