An Extra’s POV

"NO!"

Both Ater and Esme said this at the same time, and the expressions on their faces showed just how much they meant every word.

"Master, it's too dangerous for you to go there on your own! You need guidance of the terrain and might require my assistance!"

"Isn't that why you're going to tell me every single thing you found out in that place?" Rey asked with a smile on his face.

"Besides… I can't allow you to leave the Capital while I'm away. It'll be too vulnerable, and there's no one I trust more than you to handle things.

Ater seemed to slightly blush once Rey said this. However, his eyes still displayed concern for his Master. It wasn't really that he was worried for him, but because he didn't want to leave his side.

"No fair. Why don't I get to have my own adventures with Master…" He mumbled, almost sulking at this point.

When Ater looked through his history with Rey, he didn't see a single moment where they both went to an important event or mission together.

He was always apart from him.

'Why do things always end up like this? It sucks!' Perhaps this was his competence coming back to bite him.

Right as he was thinking this, a voice echoed in the air.

~Don't worry, Ater! I'll take care of our Master really well!~

It came from a mouth that had formed from Rey's current attire. A portion of it was stretched out, like dark slime, and the mouth that formed from it was smiling in an overly confident—slightly mocking—manner.

"Y-you…" Ater narrowed his eyes in bottled rage, his eyes now glowing a fierce crimson as he frowned at the Symbiote Slime's sneer.

"I should have destroyed you while I had the chance!"

~Should have? Stop acting like you could, even if you wanted to.~

"Oh? Why not come and find out?"

~Pfft! Please! I don't need to do any—!~

"Emil!" Rey slightly raised his voice. "You shouldn't pop out like that unless I give you permission to."

~B-but Master…~

particularly helpful to threaten Emil like that." Rey said, staring at

do you

deep frown was completely gone, almost as if it never existed to begin with. Replacing it was a bright,

Please take none of my words to

course, knew better than to ignore Ater's killing intent towards Emil. He could also sense the animosity that the

capable…' He held

me, Ater. You know the terrain more than anyone present, and your abilities are pretty useful—in all

Rey possessed no ally or subordinate as strong as Ater at the moment. The only one he could

It was non-negotiable.

to secure everyone's safety, it would be foolish

Master…" Ater mumbled, bowing

~Hihihihihi!~

to ignore it.

erupted into the air, both of her hands tightly clenched as she looked at

"What?"

he also understood just how problematic it would be

The Elves don't take

really don't want to sit this one out. I want to help you however I can, and if possible, I want to change how they view me

Based on his interactions with them, the Elves were quite stubborn. He already had his hands full trying to

mix…' He turned to Ater for assistance, hoping his blunt rejection of her desires would help her

idea, Esme. I am

controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting Ater

part of a Familiar—perhaps revenge for

Half one,

a little in confusion,

sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm this

best to convince both Ater and himself not to bring

too dangerous for

my [Shapeshift] Skill to become an Elf

"And? Did it work?"

in that land, which is

but Rey still

course through his body, and he searched for any excuse or alternative

wanted to be with her—as a

also didn't want her to get