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…~

Ater, please calm yourself. It's not particularly helpful to threaten Emil like that." Rey said, staring at

do you mean,

deep frown was completely gone, almost as if it never existed

just joking. Please take none of my words

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

them are such problematic Familiars, though they're very capable…' He held his forehead and sighed despite having

with me, Ater. You know the terrain

moment. The only one he could count on to protect humanity's

It was non-negotiable.

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

mumbled, bowing his head

~Hihihihihi!~

Emil for her 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 her hands tightly clenched

"What?"

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

you sure? The Elves don't take too well to

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

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

He turned to Ater for assistance, hoping his

Esme. I am in

wasn't controlling his emotions. He wasn't expecting

a joke on the part of

one, grants her some form of

a little in confusion,

is connected to all Elves and sometimes speaks to them. I could confirm this from a few people—even from their memories—during

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

too dangerous

Skill to become an Elf

"And? Did it work?"

There is certainly something special among the Elves in

Ater said made sense, but Rey still felt uncomfortable with

he searched for any excuse or alternative to make her remain in the Capital—where it

be with her—as a

also didn't want her