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."

heard this. He

most of them were

But most of them weren't your friends, so I guess

up a little, but he quickly dissolved it all and

a little, obviously noticing the change,

said nothing more about Trisha as

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

face. He didn't look angry, neither was he hurt. He truly seemed happy to

if I did, would you really want

anymore." Noah said with a

does that even

but others where I feel

this, Rey couldn't help but nod

to return, but... I can understand

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

for me? I mean, I am the Guildmaster of this place, but... I guess, in a

it didn't seem like he took offense

somewhat proud

only one who seemed to have an issue with the status

my lackey? You've made a big name for yourself

me that sword and making that big speech, I

and shook his head.

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

had everything it took

a strong one

consider you my lackey, Noah." Rey smiled as he softly planted his fist on

had 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 start of their relationship

enough reason for Rey to utter his

"You're my friend."

all over Noah's face as he looked at Rey and his genuine

loosened slightly as the two boys stared at each other in sacred silence for

Then—

away from the smooth talker. "I mean… I already consider

chuckled and nodded. "Yeah,

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

"No. She's real."

held his chest

weird if that had been Rey all along. How would he be able to live with himself if he had indirectly been

"Ugh…" The boy shivered.

death, and also falling for Lux." Rey murmured. "Aren't you a bit livid that I deceived you like