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…"

to show genuine disappointment. Something akin to regret

"… Rey."

Rey heard his name, his

on… he knows

as Ralyks, and Adrien had also addressed him the same

thought Adrien didn't know who

of that was

Calm], so he didn't react

He was just quiet.

don't trust me. It's about Adam's death…

things, yeah.' Rey felt his heart pounding, but it slowed

was strangely clear, though that didn't do away with all of his

have betrayed the class

expect me to believe that?' Rey nearly

he was very rebellious, but

him off—the same

was too much for one of their

it's true. This is probably not relevant anymore, but

'What?!'

but it's true. All those crimes were swept under

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

him to verify any

sure was that Adam indeed had a

why he was such an asshole to everyone, able to get away with bullying and the likes. Despite his terrible behavior, he was still very popular

all due to his

lot of shitty things in the past, but… isn't rape too

you that he also killed

didn't want

but why do you think he readily

influenced his mind…

It's because he's done

enough." Rey sighed, refusing to make any comment that would cement his

he knew, Adrien could be

idea what you're talking about." He

shrugging casually once

"I understand. Fair enough."

said anything. Both parties merely stared

Then—

want to apologize for the entire ordeal you had to go through

—Adrien spoke once again.

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

was rendered speechless by

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

Adam's death, that concrete image

this… this

in fact he was more similar to Rey than the