An Extra’s POV

'Is that… Esme?'

Standing behind him was an entity covered entirely in dark armor.

They wore a hooded cape, but beneath all of that was a thin-layered full-plated armor.

It even had a helmet and everything.

"You are…?" Rey asked, tilting his head to the side a little.

"It's Es… I mean, you know who I am already!"

Of course, he did! Rey could easily recognize her voice. Plus, he had also confirmed by using [Absolute Appraisal].

It really was Esme, locked in a fully armored attire.

'I mean, I told them to focus more on defense and concealing her identity when it came to her appearance, but to think they'd go this far…'

The entire armor was made from Orichalcum, though certain areas were lined with Mythril in order to ensure that her Mana Flow wasn't too disturbed.

"The inner regions that directly touch her body were designed to be very comfortable. I can assure you that your partner is not in any discomfort." Rebal finally spoke up, adding more context to the black armor that Esme donned.

"Really? Did she confirm that?" Rey shifted his gaze to Rebal.

"N-no. Actually… this is the first time we've heard her speak."

'A-ah…!' Rey's thoughts snapped as he remembered how Esme was usually silent around these people.

He wondered why she decided to speak.

'Is it because I'm here with them? Or because it could be unavoidable to communicate due to the nature of the mission?'

Either way, Rey could see from the stunned expressions of the three seated ones that they were also blown away by Esme's amazing voice.

'So it isn't just me. Whew!' He gave an internal sigh of relief.

"What are you standing there for? You should come sit and join us." Rey said to Esme before turning to the three who sat before him.

He knew his tone was a little demanding, but he had a reputation to keep among these people.

Rey could only hope Esme could pick up on that and act accordingly.

Thankfully, she didn't disappoint.

Esme sat on the chair closest to Rey, one which had been left intentionally empty since the start of the meeting.

It was as if everyone in the room already knew that it belonged to Esme—just as they thought to reserve the best seat for Rey.

'Oh well. This much is natural, I suppose.'

things regarding how the entire thing would play out—especially reactions to certain antics that

of all transport Asher to the KariBlanc Store in the Capital's Black Market, then transport Kara, Rebal, and another replica of himself to the respectable in that they would be staying in pending the time of

this was done, the only two who remained in the

as they both just stared

Then—

know I can't take you seriously

broke the silence with a

your mask… and

that, collapsing on the

now completely gone, and Esme able to talk a lot

really feel comfortable inside that thing?"

help but suspect that she couldn't complain to them

are

"I see. I see."

before putting it on, but it had

some words that

"W-wait, so you're—!"

armor? Yes." She responded

nearly screamed. "Why did you have to tell

What does that mean?" Esme

a little clunky since she still had her helmet

means 'too

trailed and went low, almost as if

not long after,

right? How is my situation so special that you'd freak out

fell dead silent once

his attire he

I

take off enough clothing, and you get a

not the same

wearing a dense layer of metal.

his head. Arguing with someone like this was

important things, else

investigating the Warehouses in the Merchant City pending the time the Dark Gathering begins.

he saw

a single slave or clue

heart of the corruption that threatened to devour

start?" Esme asked in excitement, which prompted Rey to rise to

us from

easily cloak himself and Esme, so they could freely

busy now.' Rey grinned with

busy with

running a campaign against the

enemies were preparing for their final showdown, and Rebal's side was

do his best to help Esme and

but this much should be fine.' Rey thought to himself as he opened