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 said, staring

you

as if it never existed to

joking. Please take none of my

Ater's killing intent towards Emil. He

they're very capable…' He held

really wish I could bring you along with me, Ater. You know the terrain more than anyone present, and your abilities are pretty

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

It was non-negotiable.

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

mumbled, bowing his head

~Hihihihihi!~

her laughter of victory, but he decided to ignore it. At the very

the air, both of her hands tightly clenched as she looked at him with

"What?"

but he also understood just how problematic it would be for everyone if she tagged

sure? The Elves don't take too well

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

Elves

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

Esme. I

wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting Ater to say something like that, and with a

see if this was just a joke on the part of a Familiar—perhaps revenge

as an Elf, albeit a Half one, grants her some form of

a little in

to them. I could confirm this from a few people—even from their

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

was too dangerous

[Shapeshift] Skill to become an Elf and try

"And? Did it work?"

Elves in that land, which is what makes

said made sense, but Rey still felt

he searched for any excuse or alternative to make

to be with her—as a

didn't want her to get