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…~

particularly helpful to threaten Emil like that." Rey said, staring at

do you mean,

gone, almost as if it never existed to begin with.

just joking. Please take none

Emil. He could also

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

You know the terrain more than anyone present,

subordinate as strong as Ater at the moment. The only one he could count on to protect humanity's stronghold

It was non-negotiable.

same mistake as last time. Unless I've made all preparations to secure everyone's safety,

bowing

~Hihihihihi!~

of victory, but he decided to ignore

suddenly erupted into the air, both of her hands tightly clenched

"What?"

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

don't take

don't want to sit this one out. I want to help you however I can,

Based on his interactions with them, the Elves were quite stubborn. He already had his hands full trying to convince them

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

idea, Esme. I am in full

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

joke on the part of

one, grants her some form of

a little in confusion,

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

could be fabricated." Rey stated, trying his best to convince both Ater

was too dangerous for

So I used my [Shapeshift] Skill to become an Elf and try to

"And? Did it work?"

in that land, which is what makes Esme quite

made sense, but Rey still

sudden wave 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 with her—as a friend,

want her to