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…~

not particularly helpful to threaten Emil like that." Rey said, staring at

do you

almost as if it never existed to begin

was just joking. Please take none of my words

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

they're very capable…' He held his forehead and

I could bring you along with me, Ater. You know the terrain more than anyone present, and

ally or subordinate as strong as Ater at the moment. The only one he could count on to

It was non-negotiable.

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

bowing his head in all

~Hihihihihi!~

victory, but he decided to ignore it.

into the air, both

"What?"

how problematic it would be for everyone if she tagged along

you sure? The Elves don't take

this one out. I want to help you however I can, and if possible, I want to change how

he considered it to be a bad idea. Based on his interactions with them, the Elves were quite stubborn. He already had his hands full trying to convince them to assist him

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

idea, Esme. I

his eyes if he wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting

see if this was just a joke on the part

Elf, albeit a Half one, grants

raised a little in confusion, so Ater went on

Elves and sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm this

trying his best to convince both Ater and himself not to bring Esme

was too dangerous for

become an Elf and try to tap into this special

"And? Did it work?"

Elves in that land, which is what

but Rey still

of protectiveness began to course through his body, and he searched for any excuse or alternative to make her remain in the Capital—where it

much as he wanted to be

also didn't want her to