An Extra’s POV

Ater felt his heart race as he looked at his Master's calm, smooth face.

It had only been a brief moment since his Master fell into his slumber, but for the Familiar, it felt like an eternity. He had set up this room from scratch, using only the finest of materials at his disposal to make the ambiance worthy enough for his Master.

It still felt too shabby for his tastes, but Ater had to attend to the other assignments that his Master wanted him to handle, so he hoped that he would be forgiven for his inadequacies.

For his Master's protection, he made sure to erect a barrier that was invisible to the eyes of most. Regarding his Master's sustenance, particles of energy--containing nutrition that would energize the body--filled the interior of the barrier.

His Master was never going to starve or go malnourished under his watch.

In terms of hygiene, Ater made sure to personally--

"You look tired, Ater. Have you been working yourself very hard?" Rey's voice interrupted the Familia's thoughts, causing him to nearly break down in tears.

"M-Master...!"

If not for his mandated elegance, for the sake of his Master's image, he would have broken down in front of Rey and completely displayed his full emotions.

But... Ater would never slight his Master that way. Being the competent and capable Familiar that he was, he simply bowed once more, before straightening his posture to give a refreshing smile.

"Ah, I am fine. Being in the presence of lowly vermin just drains me and of life."

"R-really? Is it that serious?!" Rey gasped in shock. "I guess I burdened you too much..."

"It's just a figure of speech, Master. Haha, I'll be fine, so don't mind me."

Just one look at Rey told Ater that his Master was more than fine. He was literally glowing, his body carved like perfection.

His plain face ensured that the rest of his body displayed their full glory.

'I was alerted the moment he woke up, but since I figured Master would desire some time alone, I let him have his time alone.'

It pleased Ater that Rey called for him not too long after he woke up, though.

"Alright then. Thanks. Ah, also... please refrain from calling humans lowly vermin in their presence. I don't personally mind, but..."

'It's a little too late for that.' Ater's thoughts trailed as he struggled to maintain his composure.

Still, he nodded in recognition. "Understood, Master."

Ater found his smile broadening the more he looked at Rey, and it seemed the latter caught on to this. He shot the Familiar a suspecting look, but Ater didn't mind at all.

much he

to recognize it, Ater decided to bottle everything in; masking everything with

after I fell asleep--but

is it,

am I naked right now? Also, why do you keep looking at my body like

two

"You get the point!"

be better this

had no real excuse for his actions. The particles that provided Rey nourishment could pass through clothing. The cleaning method that Ater used could also allow Rey

wearing an attire--particularly an enchanted one--would offer

all these factors, it was a mystery why Ater didn't choose that

then..." Rey said with a sigh.

Ater sighed in

still have a connection to you, though. With most of my previous

words, he felt a little sting inside

come on. You can't just reduce our bond to a Skill." He whispered, clutching his chest a

"Really?"

down to our very Souls. I am yours,

struck his Master.

it like that. It's weird." Rey sighed, placing his hand

almost seemed like

"Really?"

If people heard that, they

"Hm? Okay then."

get you right, you're still my Familiar since we were bound together

"That's right, Master!"

case with

not sure." Ater shrugged.

deeply believed that what he had with his Master was special. Not many other Familiars could

about those Pheonixes? I didn't

some kinds of creatures who take a liking to an entity and attach

"Really?"

also do the same even if we weren't

Says the guy who wanted to murk me when I first summoned him. You

in his heart, clutching his chest tightly as he held back the tears

recognized your greatness, Master!" He yelled out. "I, Ater, would never leave your

Rey didn't completely trust him, but Ater was being as sincere as he could be. His kind was known