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?"

yet another dosage of saliva slowly

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

you tell

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

didn't

Thankfully, she didn't.

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

course! I love

This was a lie.

particularly hate cats, but he didn't like them either. He was in the gray area

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

seen some kitten videos online, and since I pressed the

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

himself with this delusion, all so he wouldn't

but Rey indulged in

great! Which kind

"U-um…"

be the next

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

was just genuinely excited

just

cope had now been shattered,

he was rescued by Alicia

for me. That's why I have a ton of them at

excitement in Alicia's eyes get more and more

if it was indeed the

he really be able to keep

Class is Grand Tamer, right? I can

Rey was scared to ask this, but he

to keep this conversation going,

count the ones in my parents'

"E-eh…?"

have more than

'What the hell…?'

entering waters that were too

out before it

did he know… he had passed the point of no

a lot, you

It would never end.

so cute too. Want me to tell you

Never…

carry it with me

… Ever.

so happy I finally have someone to talk to about

"Yup! Me too…"

sit and listen to Alicia White—the prettiest girl in his class—gush over cats for three hours

to learn a