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?"

another dosage of saliva slowly

ask her anything, and from her expression,

p-pussycat. Can you tell me more about

but it felt like he was about to say something else when those exact words

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

Thankfully, she didn't.

start. But first, I have to ask, Rey… do you

course! I

This was a lie.

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

looking Alicia in the eyes when she asked the question, he couldn't give

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

truest things that had come out of his lips since

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

all cope, but

kind of cats do you

"U-um…"

should have known that this would be the next question that would

wasn't even like Alicia was trying to figure out

genuinely excited about

I just

been

rescued by Alicia

me. That's why I have a ton

could already see the excitement in Alicia's eyes get

was indeed the right choice to

he really be able

Grand Tamer, right? I

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

keep this conversation

count the ones in my parents' house,

"E-eh…?"

than

'What the hell…?'

waters that were

to pull out

had

really reproduce a lot, you

It would never end.

Want me to tell

Never…

my wallet. I carry it with me all the

… Ever.

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

least he was able to learn a thing