An Extra’s POV

Awkward silence.

As the three-way deadlock remained at a standstill, the atmosphere grew more tense with every passing second.

Guildmaster Noah, looking more like a child than an actual leader, kept fidgeting as he alternated glances between Rey and Trisha.

As for the two, they stared at each other without saying a word.

"Me? Strong? Please don't joke."

"I'm not joking. I enjoyed my fight with you." Rey raised his hand towards Trisha. "It was enjoyable."

Perhaps it was because he had the Martial Arts Supremacy Skill, but despite being able to see and easily react to Trisha's moves, he could still admire her skills.

No, maybe it was because he could see everything that he had a better appreciation for her prowess.

"You really impressed me."

"Whatever." Trisha scoffed, slowly walking away from Rey as she moved towards the entrance--which also served as the exit.

"The world needs the Otherworlders, so I have no choice but to grow stronger. As powerful as you are, I don't think it's wise to leave the safety of humanity in your hands alone."

She walked past Noah and nodded slightly, muttering "Guildmaster," before walking out of the room.

"Also... I enjoyed my fight with you too."

Those were her last words before she left the room for Rey and Noah, taking most of the tension away with her as she departed.

**************

"Haaa...!"

Moments passed after Trisha left the room before both Rey and Noah finally released the breaths they had been holding for some time.

While it was true that Rey was stronger, and Noah had more influence, both of them still felt tense around the fierce tomboy that was Trisha. Maybe it was just the way she spoke or reacted, but they waited a few seconds before saying anything--even after she left.

Then, after what felt like an eternity, Noah finally broke the silence.

"Damn man... you really pissed her off. I wonder why..." The smaller boy made a sly grin, looking at Rey with knowing eyes.

"Shut up, Noah. You know why."

"Of course! Haha! I guess with the cat out of the bag, things are also quite tense back in the Royal Estate."

shrugged as he heard this. He shook his head

of them

of them weren't your friends, so I guess that makes

little, but he quickly dissolved it all and returned his expression to the stoic

head a little, obviously noticing the change, but he said nothing more on

he said nothing

because you finally found a way back to Earth." He laughed, having his seat on the

matched the unimposing look on his face. He didn't look angry, neither was

haven't found a way back. But if I did, would you really

sure anymore." Noah said with a

does that even

are days when I feel like returning, but others where I feel like this world is too good

Rey couldn't help but nod and smile. He wholeheartedly agreed

want to return, but... I can understand

held the most promise for him. He had his challenges sure, but he wouldn't trade it

why did you call for me? I mean, I am the Guildmaster

those words, it didn't seem like he took offense by it, or the thought

he seemed somewhat proud of

an issue

would you still call yourself my lackey? You've made a

Guildmaster? If not for what you did, giving me that sword and making that big speech, I don't think I would have been able to achieve such

shook his head. "You underestimate yourself,

been considered for the role. However, not only did he prove to be the strongest Adventurer in the city, but he also had a spirit of camaraderie that was evident during the Teleportation Incident of the Dungeon, and also how he stood up for Jet and Lux

he had everything it took to be

a strong one

don't consider you my lackey, Noah." Rey smiled as he softly planted his fist on

gone a long way since they first knew each other. Noah was the first person he intentionally showed his true identity to, and while the

more than enough reason for Rey to utter

"You're my friend."

as he looked at Rey and his genuine

jaws loosened slightly as the two boys stared at each other

Then—

from the smooth talker. "I mean… I already consider you my friend as

chuckled and

have to ask… since you disguised yourself as Jet, did you also do the same as Lux? Did you shapeshift as

"No. She's real."

his chest and

had fallen head over heels for Lux, he would have felt completely weird if that had been Rey all along. How

"Ugh…" The boy shivered.

surprised you are taking all of this well. I remember you crying over Jet's death, and also