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 forming in

here. Alicia was telling him to ask her anything, and from her expression,

p-pussycat. Can you tell me more

such a question, but it felt

hope Alicia didn't label him as

Thankfully, she didn't.

a great start. But first, I have to ask, Rey…

I love

This was a lie.

either.

the eyes 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

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

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

was all cope, but

great! Which kind of cats do you

"U-um…"

that this would be the next question that would come out

Alicia was trying to figure out if

genuinely excited about the

I just fess

Rey's cope had now been shattered, and he was ready to

rescued

can't decide, right? Well, it's the same for me. That's why I have a ton of them

the excitement in Alicia's eyes get more

was indeed the right choice to begin

he really be able to keep

Grand Tamer, right? I can see

to ask this, but he gulped down all of his

keep this conversation going, no matter

only count the ones in my parents'

"E-eh…?"

have more than thirty-seven with my

'What the hell…?'

like he was entering waters that were

pull out before

had passed the point of no

a lot, you

It would never end.

Want me to tell you

Never…

their pictures in my wallet. I carry it with me

… Ever.

have someone to talk to

"Yup! Me too…"

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

least he was able to learn