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

fact, most of them were pretty cool

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

but he quickly dissolved it all and

his head a little, obviously noticing the change, but

he said nothing

way back to Earth." He laughed, having his seat

look on his face. He didn't look

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

quite sure anymore." Noah

that even

others where I feel like this world

help but nod and smile. He wholeheartedly agreed

to return, but... I can understand why some

in H'Trae held the most promise for him. He had his challenges

did you call for me? I mean, I am the Guildmaster of this place, but...

seem like he took offense by it, or the thought

somewhat

only one who seemed to have an issue with the

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

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

shook his head. "You underestimate yourself,

if there were more qualified people, perhaps Noah wouldn't have 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

showed that 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

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 wasn't the best, they had come

was more than enough reason for Rey to utter his next set of

"You're my friend."

slight hint of pink appeared all over Noah's face as he

as the two boys stared at each other in sacred silence

Then—

murmured, looking away from the smooth talker. "I mean… I already consider you

and nodded.

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

"No. She's real."

Noah held his

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

"Ugh…" The boy shivered.

Jet's death, and also falling