An Extra’s POV

'Why would I ever want to go back to Earth?!'

Rey had this thought as he stared at Alicia's surprised expression.

'I'm rich here, I have a broken Skill, and I actually have things I want to achieve!'

He had tons of good prospects in H'Trae than he ever had on Earth, where he was a mere nobody.

Of course, Rey didn't expect Alicia to understand his perspective. After all, he was still a weak Extra to her.

However, this world had changed Rey more than anyone—including him—could have imagined.

For the first time in his life he had a goal, and he was motivated enough to chase after it.

He wanted to fight Dragons, save the Nation, and explore this new world he was in.

The mysteries and intrigue in this world far exceeded the mundane and stale stuff that waited for him back on Earth.

'I was average. I was broke. I was just the same as a regular student drifting through school…'

He rejected that past.

'It's understandable that she wants to return, though.'

Rey smiled at Alicia and shrugged slightly.

"Different strokes for different folks, I guess."

In response to his words, Alicia slowly lost her dazed reaction and returned his smile.

"I guess."

They both stared at each other for a few seconds before Rey quickly sprung a topic.

"Tell me more about your life back on Earth! I'm actually curious."

Rey didn't know if he was overstepping his bounds or not, but he somehow felt like he wasn't.

After Alicia shared her motivation and desire to return home, he sort of felt like a gap between them had been bridged.

He felt less awkward asking questions and things didn't feel as intimidating as before.

"You sure you want to know?"

"Of course!"

"Alright! What part?"

"W-what?"

"You have to be specific!" Alicia began to giggle. "What part do you want to know?"

of saliva slowly forming in his

being offered a blank check here. Alicia was telling him to ask her anything,

p-pussycat. Can you tell me more

for going for such a question, but it felt like he was about to say something else when those exact words came

could only hope Alicia didn't label him as weird for

Thankfully, she didn't.

a great start. But first, I have to ask, Rey…

course! I

This was a lie.

cats, but he didn't like them either. He

after looking Alicia in the eyes when she asked the question, he couldn't give such a lackluster

videos online, and since I pressed the love button on the

wasn't lying at all! In fact, this was one of the truest things that had come out of his lips since he came out of his mother's

Rey was able to brainwash himself with this delusion, all so he wouldn't feel guilty about lying to Alicia,

was all cope, but

great! Which kind of cats

"U-um…"

next question that would come out of a cat-lover's

was trying to figure out if

genuinely

I just fess

had now been shattered, and he was

was rescued by Alicia

right? Well, it's the same for me. That's why I have a ton of them

already see the excitement in Alicia's eyes

if it was indeed the right choice to

he really be able

is Grand Tamer, right?

many cats do you have?" Rey was scared to ask this, but he gulped down all of his nervousness

this conversation going,

the ones in my parents' house,

"E-eh…?"

more than thirty-seven with my

'What the hell…?'

he was entering waters that were

to pull out

he know… he had passed the

a

It would never end.

so cute too. Want me to

Never…

wallet. I carry it with me all the

… Ever.

happy I finally have someone to talk

"Yup! Me too…"

and listen to Alicia White—the prettiest girl in his class—gush

he was able to learn