An Extra’s POV

"Ahh, that…"

Noah's face fell a little, and something akin to a sad smile added to his clouded countenance.

His tale wasn't particularly a sad story. Many Adventurers in the City had more tragic experiences to share.

However, for Noah, a sixteen-year-old teenager who had been living a pretty mundane life on Earth until three months ago, his story was just as heavy.

"I think… I realized that I had no other choice but to become strong." His smile broadened as he uttered those words.

Many would agree with him, but most were probably going to miss the point. No one could really understand the depths from which he uttered those words.

People desired to get stronger for various reasons.

Some wanted wealth.

'I already have more than enough money to retire to some countryside and live the rest of my life without worrying about sustenance.'

Some craved power.

'I have enough strength to be in the one percent of humans in this world.'

Some lusted after influence.

'I find attention annoying, and most of the time… I like being left alone.'

Women.

'I don't think most of them are anything special.'

Thrill.

'Nothing about fighting Monsters thrills me. It's a dangerous job.'

Noah didn't qualify for most of the reasons why most people desired to be Adventurers. He wasn't like the average Adventurers, and he didn't relate to most of the things they valued.

ideal of freedom were lost

the sentiment, he found the whole thing too abstract and a little childish. In

Restrictions molded society.

why the Adventurers were still coexisting pretty well within the City, despite the lack of solid rules and sufficient regulations, was

tried to deny this

see patterns in their behavior which

why they're

rules didn't exist, or maybe the population of this city grew to an absurd degree—to the point where control became difficult—then the cracks would begin

status-quo

path—despite a lot of easier options—was due to a much more

engrained within him; to the point where he could not escape or

"I wanted to change."

a moment, there was silence

voice caused Noah to smile even more. Of course, no one would get

cowardly person. I hid behind stronger people and always looked for ways to benefit

hadn't gotten rid of the latter part of his statement. He didn't think he needed to, considering how that was the hallmark

Less risks, more reward.

was with

hated myself." Noah's solemn tone oozed through the

we became friends, I used to comfort myself by thinking he was more pathetic than I was. He was average in every way, and I always told

shitty or sad—that at least there was one guy

Noah

realized. He was stronger, smarter… better. He was better than me, than most people around

"I liked that."

happened to this friend of yours?

to run away. That guy was a monster who wanted to keep getting strong, and I knew he

and Noah

his past to

want

since things are a lot safer there than

from the war as possible. If anyone could afford it, they would instantly

of living there was ridiculously high. Many would consider the quality of life incredibly low for the amount they were