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

to ask her anything, and from her expression, it didn't seem like

you tell me

but it felt like he was about to say

Alicia didn't label him as weird

Thankfully, she didn't.

That's a great start. But first, I

I

This was a lie.

them either. He was in the gray

she asked the question, he

online, and since I pressed the love button on the posts, that technically means I love

the truest things that had come out of his lips since he came

brainwash himself with this delusion, all so he wouldn't feel guilty about lying to Alicia, he found his heart simmering

cope, but Rey indulged in

kind of

"U-um…"

that this would be the next question that

Alicia was trying to figure out if he was lying or

genuinely excited about

I just fess

had now been shattered, and he was ready to give

rescued by Alicia

it's the same for me.

could already see the excitement in Alicia's eyes get more and more

if it was indeed the right choice to

he really be able

Grand Tamer, right? I can see

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

had to keep this

I only count the ones in my parents' house,

"E-eh…?"

more than thirty-seven with

'What the hell…?'

waters that

out before it was too

did he know… he had passed the point of

a lot, you

It would never end.

are so cute too. Want me to tell you all

Never…

have all their pictures in my wallet. I carry it with me all the time, so I

… Ever.

so happy I finally have someone

"Yup! Me too…"

White—the prettiest girl in his class—gush

was able to learn a thing or