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

you

completely gone, almost as if it never existed

just joking. Please take none

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

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

You know the

moment. The only one he could count

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 to

Ater mumbled, bowing his head in all

~Hihihihihi!~

laughter of victory, but he decided to ignore it. At the very least, she was doing it in

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

"What?"

understand her desire to help, but he also understood just how problematic it

don't take too

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

considered it to be a bad idea. Based on his interactions with them, the Elves were quite

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

Esme. I am in

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

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

Elf, albeit a Half one, grants her some form of connection to

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

Oracle is connected to all Elves and sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm this from a

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

was too dangerous

an Elf and try to tap into this special

"And? Did it work?"

something special among the Elves in that land, which is what makes

sense, but Rey still felt

he searched for any excuse or alternative to make her remain in the

as he wanted to be with her—as a friend, of

want