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

her anything, and from her expression, it didn't seem like she had any reservations answering

tell me more about

such a question, but it felt

could only hope Alicia didn't label him as

Thankfully, she didn't.

I have to ask,

I

This was a lie.

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

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

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

all! In fact, this was one of 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

was all cope, but Rey indulged in

Which kind

"U-um…"

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

wasn't even like Alicia was trying to figure out if he

genuinely excited

I just fess

illusion of Rey's cope had now been shattered,

was rescued by Alicia

me. That's why I have a ton

already see the excitement in Alicia's eyes get

it was indeed the

be able to keep

is Grand Tamer, right? I can

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

to keep this conversation going,

the ones in my parents' house, they're

"E-eh…?"

than

'What the hell…?'

was entering waters that were too deep

to pull out before

he had

a lot, you

It would never end.

so cute too. Want

Never…

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

… Ever.

I finally have someone to

"Yup! Me too…"

Rey had to sit and listen to Alicia White—the prettiest girl in his class—gush over cats

to learn a thing or