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…~

please calm yourself. It's not particularly helpful to threaten Emil like that." Rey

do you mean,

almost as if it never existed to begin with. Replacing it

was just joking. Please take none of my words to

Ater's killing intent towards Emil. He could also sense the animosity that the latter felt towards the

He held his forehead and sighed despite having no headache of

you along with me, Ater. You know the

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

It was non-negotiable.

can't repeat the same mistake as last time. Unless I've made all preparations to

Master…" Ater mumbled, bowing

~Hihihihihi!~

Emil for her laughter of victory, but he decided to ignore it. At the very least, she was

you too, Rey!" Esme's voice suddenly erupted into the air, both of

"What?"

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

you sure? The Elves don't

am well aware. But… I really don't want to sit this one out. I want to help you however I can, and if possible,

them, the Elves were quite stubborn. He already had his hands full trying to convince them to assist him without resorting to

I add Esme to the mix…' He turned to Ater for assistance, hoping his blunt

I

he wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting Ater to

Rey muttered, looking to see if this was just a joke on the part of a Familiar—perhaps revenge for not signing

one, grants her some form

found his eyebrows raised a little in confusion, so Ater went on to

said that the Oracle is connected to all Elves and sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm this from a few people—even from their memories—during my

to convince both Ater and

too dangerous for

Skill to become an Elf and try to tap into this

"And? Did it work?"

among the Elves in that land, which is what makes Esme

sense, but Rey still felt uncomfortable

searched for any excuse or alternative to

he wanted to be with her—as a friend,

want her