An Extra’s POV

Trisha already knew…

She had realized it a long time ago. It didn't matter how hard she swung her blade, or improved her form, or desired victory… she was never going to get it.

Not against someone like Rey.

As the boy closed in on her after parrying her final move, she felt herself descend into a haze.

'I thought… if I hit him one time, I could prove something to myself… and to him. If I managed to do it, then he wouldn't have been such a liar.'

All this time, Rey portrayed himself as weak but skilled. It lit a flame within her that even she could become stronger if she kept at her training and adhered to his advice.

She indeed became stronger, but the backlash of betrayal that came from her new perception of Rey wasn't something she could ignore. She tried to, but was unsuccessful at every turn.

It seemed like Rey lied to her all along.

'This is the difference between those who have good Skills and those who worked hard to hone their skill.' Trisha closed her eyes as she watched Rey's blade near her.

'In the end, Skills are all that matters.'

~WHOOOM!~

A powerful gust of wind blew past her, and she suddenly felt something warm wrap itself around her—like a coat that covered her from the front.

It was Rey, and he was currently embracing her.

"Trisha, I'm sorry…" As he whispered those words in her ears, his calm voice caused her body to grow stiff.

She wasn't miraculously relieved of the anger within her, but her heart raced regardless.

"...."

For the longest moment, she said nothing. Perhaps she derived some sort of comfort from being hugged by Rey, who now had a height taller than her.

~CLANG!~

Her weapon fell to the ground, causing a loud echo to fill the room.

Trisha remained silent, though. A conflicted expression played on her face. It was clear that she still despised Rey for his several threads of deciet, and for how he gave her a hope—an expectation—that she could never live up to.

After all, back then… when Rey fought and defeated Billy, he became an inspiration to her.

She monitored his growth from that point on with utmost diligence and arrived at a conclusion.

'If Rey could do it, I can too…'

that was all a lie. And Trisha hated him for

you for the longest time. I liked you so much,

"...."

"You knew, didn't you?"

"... Yeah."

atmosphere as the two of them remained still. Rey's arms were still wrapped around her, but there was no sign that any of that

have feelings for me, I already know. Your eyes… are for Alicia,

forced to give the

"... Yeah."

not sad about that. In the past, I wouldn't have let that deter me, and I'd compete for your love and attention until I won." Trisha pulled

took a few steps away, looking at

I no longer

calm through it all. It almost seemed he was a

seems I was wrong.' Her unshed tears slowly

on that." Rey's voice pierced

flickered in his

things very differently if I could, but… I never

pick up her blade. Her sweaty ebony body gleamed as her muscles went

weapon by the hilt and

too late to change anything, anyway. Plus, it would be too petty of

was Rey responsible for a large chunk of her growth, but he also protected her and the city more than

owed him her life and

hard to just put it all behind me and only focus

come up with all kinds of excuses for him, but in the end…

you find happiness, Rey. I just don't want a part in it." She spoke pretty bluntly, glancing to her side—the very

was still silent—the cold,

spotted something there, and as she narrowed her eyes at the place, her lips

"Trisha, I—"

Guildmaster?" The sudden words she uttered caused Rey to sigh and also glance to

noticed his presence. That was no surprise, all things considered. The one known as the Guildmaster was merely hiding behind the partly shut doors of the vast hall, and he must have been eavesdropping

don't get the wrong idea…" A few seconds after Trisha spoke up, and both parties focused their attention on the door, the culprit stepped out with a slightly

like a fine blend between a child and a teenager; cute, yet having

scratched his similarly colored hair. One look at him, and one would never guess he was the Guildmaster of the Adventurers

I wasn't eavesdropping

were met with doubtful gazes from both Rey and Trisha as

for real!" He yelled out, raising both hands

than an ordinary teenager. That wasn't so

nice to see you again,

months ago! You

well?!" Trisha's eyes widened

"Well, that was actually—"

lies…" Trisha's frown deepened, and Rey could only do one