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…~

calm yourself. It's not particularly helpful to threaten Emil

do you

it never existed to begin with. Replacing it was

was just joking. Please take none of

intent towards Emil. He could also sense the animosity that the latter

problematic Familiars, though they're very capable…' He held his

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

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

It was non-negotiable.

to secure everyone's safety, it

bowing his head in

~Hihihihihi!~

decided to ignore it. At the very least, she was doing it in

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

"What?"

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

sure? The Elves don't

I want to help you however I

liked her intentions, but 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

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

idea, Esme. I am in

would have popped out of his eyes if he wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting Ater to say something like that, and with a

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

one, grants her

eyebrows raised a little in confusion, so

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

to convince both Ater and himself not to bring

too

Skill to become an Elf and try to tap into this

"And? Did it work?"

in that land, which is

made sense, but Rey still

of protectiveness began to course through his body, and he searched for any excuse or alternative to make

wanted to be with

didn't want her to get