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."

he heard this. He shook his head

really. In fact, most of them were

most of them weren't your friends,

Rey's face tense up a little, but he quickly

the change, but he said nothing

said nothing more

because you finally found a way

friendly tone perfectly matched the unimposing look on his face. He didn't look angry,

way back. But if I did,

anymore." Noah said with a

that even

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

hearing this, Rey couldn't help but nod and

to return, but...

him. He had his challenges sure, but he wouldn't trade it for anything in

me? I mean, I am the Guildmaster of this place, but... I

seem like he took offense by it, or

he seemed somewhat proud of

who seemed to have an

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

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

shook his head. "You underestimate yourself,

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

he had everything it took

a strong

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

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 wasn't the best, they

reason for Rey to utter his next

"You're my friend."

Noah's face as he looked at Rey and his

as the two boys stared at each other in sacred silence

Then—

smooth talker. "I mean… I already consider

and

you disguised yourself as Jet, did you

"No. She's real."

Noah held his

he had fallen head over heels for Lux, he would have felt completely weird if that had been Rey all along. How would he be able to live with himself if

"Ugh…" The boy shivered.

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