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 has changed.

but was waiting for the others to

we need to discuss. I have a lot of thoughts, and questions, concerning what happened--especially after I fell asleep--but for now, I need to ask you something." Rey said, catching

is it,

you keep

two questions,

"You get the point!"

thought it would be better this

his actions. The particles that provided Rey nourishment could pass through clothing. The cleaning method that Ater used could also allow

one--would offer Rey additional protection

these factors, it was a mystery why

then..." Rey said with a sigh.

Ater sighed in

have a connection to you, though. With most of my previous Skills gone, I assumed you wouldn't be in

words, he felt a little sting inside

come on. You can't just reduce our bond to a Skill."

"Really?"

with you down to our very

sense when tragedy struck his Master. He left all

say it like that. It's weird." Rey sighed, placing his hand over his face while

almost seemed like he

"Really?"

people heard that, they might start

"Hm? Okay then."

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

"That's right, Master!"

case with all

Ater shrugged. "I doubt

that what he had with his Master was special. Not many other

about those Pheonixes? I didn't even bond

a liking to an entity and attach their souls to that entity—even without some sort of

"Really?"

also do the same even if we weren't

me when I first summoned

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

yelled out. "I, Ater, would never leave your side

didn't completely trust him, but Ater was being as sincere as he could be. His kind was known to be incredibly deceitful, and he was the very personification of the most evil kind of