To see upbeat, optimistic Nitoh like this, because of him--Haruto swallows, and reaches out to catch Nitoh's wrist in a too-tight grip. "Thanks," he gets out, though what he means it for--he's not sure. Everything, probably.

The meaning Nitoh's confession he disregards without thought. However he regards Nitoh--and he regards Nitoh with a depth and need that scares him--Nitoh needs Haruto the wizard. His magic is his strength, as it has ever been. A final spire tears through him, and he cries out, his eyes flashing unnatural red.

'Goodbye, Haruto Souma.'

Haruto's hand stiffens around Nitoh's wrist before going slack. His body comes alight with the strange purple fire of mana, which burns until a new body, armored and inhuman, can take its place.