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 shook his head and

really. In fact, most of them

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

face tense up a little, but he quickly dissolved it all and returned

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

said nothing

you organized this meeting because you finally found a way back

didn't look angry,

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

sure anymore." Noah said with

that even

mean, there are days when I feel like returning, but others where I feel like this world

hearing this, Rey couldn't help but nod and smile. He wholeheartedly agreed with the

to return, but... I

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

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

Noah phrased those words, it didn't seem like he took offense by it, or the thought of that position

seemed somewhat

an issue

still call yourself my lackey? You've made a

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 status so

chuckled and shook his head.

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

it

strong

Rey smiled as

knew each other. Noah was the first person he intentionally showed his true identity to, and while the start of

for Rey to utter his next set

"You're my friend."

pink appeared all over Noah's face as he looked

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

Then—

fine." He murmured, looking away from the smooth talker. "I mean… I already consider you my friend as

and nodded.

Jet, did you also do

"No. She's real."

Noah held his chest

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 he

"Ugh…" The boy shivered.

this well. I remember you crying over Jet's death, and also falling for Lux." Rey murmured. "Aren't you a bit livid