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?"

dosage of saliva slowly forming in

Alicia was telling him to ask her anything, and from her expression, it didn't seem like she had any reservations answering

tell me

such a question, but it felt like he was about to say something else

only hope Alicia didn't label him

Thankfully, she didn't.

That's a great start. But first, I have to ask, Rey… do you like

I

This was a lie.

didn't particularly hate cats, but he didn't like them either.

when she asked the question, he couldn't give such

seen some kitten videos online, and since I pressed the love button on the posts, that technically

lying at all! In fact, this was one of the truest things that had come out of his lips since he

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

cope, but Rey

That's great! Which kind of cats do

"U-um…"

known that this would be the next question that would come out of a

like Alicia was trying to figure out if he was lying or

just genuinely excited

I just fess

cope had now been shattered, and he was ready to

rescued by

same for me. That's

in Alicia's eyes get more

wondering if it was indeed the right choice to begin this

really be

Grand Tamer,

to ask this, but he gulped down all of his nervousness and

this conversation going, no

count the ones in my parents' house,

"E-eh…?"

more than thirty-seven

'What the hell…?'

he was entering waters that were too deep for

to pull out

he know… he had passed the point

really reproduce a lot, you

It would never end.

kittens are so cute too. Want

Never…

their pictures in my wallet. I carry it

… Ever.

happy I finally have

"Yup! Me too…"

to Alicia White—the prettiest girl in his class—gush over cats for three

able to learn