An Extra’s POV

Rey felt something rise within his chest every time Adrien spoke, but it was always suppressed by [Dead Calm].

His words struck some kind of chord within him.

'If it wasn't for this entire incident, I wouldn't have killed anyone…'

It was Adrien's fault that he became a killer.

'No. That's not fair. I might have had to do it eventually…'

Rey knew he had to take responsibility for his actions. However, looking at the boy before him, he couldn't help but dread something.

'Will I become like him eventually?'

Was that so bad?

It was mostly thanks to Adrien that the Criminal Underworld was crumbling.

'No! He went about things the wrong way. His actions were too extreme!'

But… were they?

Rey dug deep within himself and asked himself a very difficult question—one that he was just considering at the moment.

'Who was hurt during all of this?'

It was only the members of the Underworld. They were the ones affected by Adrien's actions.

The Obsidian Houses that suffered heavy losses, like Kara's family, were not innocents. Objectively, they were a part of the cancer eating into the wealth and progress of the Alliance.

All the dead relatives of the Councilors were also deemed guilty of knowledge and connections to the Underworld thanks to the investigation he personally did.

The victims of the entire Dark Undertaking… they were criminals—the scum of the world.

And so, with all of this flowing into his mind, Rey had to ask himself once again.

'Is he really wrong?'

Rey desperately wanted to say "No" but he couldn't.

That would be hypocritical.

After all…

… He would have done the same if he was in Adrien's shoes.

"I still don't trust you." Rey spoke, almost whispering his words.

"Is that so? That's a shame…"

genuine disappointment. Something akin

"… Rey."

Rey heard his name, his eyes

he knows

and Adrien had also addressed him the

thought Adrien didn't know

all of that was

and shock were suppressed by [Dead Calm], so he didn't react at all despite hearing

He was just quiet.

why you don't trust me. It's about

other things, yeah.' Rey felt his heart pounding, but

though that didn't do away with all

betrayed the class

me to believe that?' Rey

was a loose cannon, and he was very rebellious,

just sent him off—the same

for one of

not relevant anymore,

'What?!'

shitty person despite being so young, but it's true. All those crimes were swept under the rug by his rich and

you expect me to believe such outlandish claims?!' Rey's thoughts nearly

for him to verify

knew for sure was that Adam indeed

with bullying and the likes. Despite his terrible behavior, he was still

all due to his money and

lot of shitty things in the

I told you that

want to

why do you

influenced his

because he's

sighed, refusing to make any comment that would cement his identity

Adrien

no idea what you're talking about."

chuckled, shrugging casually once

"I understand. Fair enough."

said anything.

Then—

apologize for the entire ordeal

—Adrien spoke once again.

stealing those Monster Cores. I needed resources to obtain a bunch of things for my plans back then. I know it's not an excuse,

by what he was

always thought the Mastermind was a heartless machine who manipulated everyone and

that concrete image had been imprinted into

this

very reasonable, and in fact he was more similar to Rey than the latter