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…~

Ater, please calm yourself. It's not particularly helpful to

do you

almost as if it never existed to begin with. Replacing it was a bright, unassuming

take none of my words

to ignore Ater's killing intent towards Emil. He could also

are such problematic Familiars, though they're very capable…' He held his forehead and sighed despite having

wish I could bring you along with me, Ater. You know the terrain more

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

It was non-negotiable.

mistake as last time. Unless I've made all preparations to secure everyone's safety, it would be foolish for me

Ater mumbled, bowing

~Hihihihihi!~

Emil for her laughter of victory, but he decided to ignore it. At

with you too, Rey!" Esme's voice suddenly erupted into the air, both of her hands tightly clenched as she looked at him with determined

"What?"

desire to help, but he also understood just how problematic it would be for everyone if she tagged along

you sure? The Elves don't

want to help you however I can, and if possible, I want

them, the Elves were quite

for assistance, hoping his blunt

I am in full

have popped out of his eyes if he wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting

a joke on the part of a Familiar—perhaps revenge for not signing him up for the

Elf, albeit a Half one, grants her

a little in

is said that the Oracle is connected to all Elves and sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm

fabricated." Rey stated, trying his best to convince both Ater and himself not

too dangerous

an Elf

"And? Did it work?"

There is certainly something special among the Elves in that

sense, but Rey still felt

his body, and he searched for

wanted to be with

want her to get