An Extra’s POV

"Fine. I will come out."

Rey could see the pleased look on Gratiana's face as he announced his compliance with her words. He couldn't particularly read her mind, but judging from her expressions, he could pretty much guess what was going on in it.

The Elder Elf most likely intended to incapacitate both him and Kara, while they executed Esme. He couldn't sense any particular hostility directed at him or Kara--just disgust.

Lots of disgust.

However, Esme bore the brunt of Gratiana's killing intent, and even Rey could feel it, almost as if it was physical.

'She doesn't even bother to hide her intentions. Are all Elves like this?' He wondered to himself as he slightly glanced at Esme.

The neutral look on her face told him she was fine. Still, he wasn't so sure about that.

"You good?" As his voice softly echoed out, he saw her nod and look at him with glistening blue eyes. They looked full and wet, and he instantly knew why.

'She's holding back her tears. I knew it was a bad idea to bring her here!'

Still, he had to temporarily suspend how he felt about Esme and the current situation at hand. The Elves were beginning to piss him off, but since he already knew this much was going to happen, he didn't overreact.

Besides, with the knowing stare that Kara kept directing at him--one that basically told him to mind his tone and words towards their prospective business partners--Rey decided to remain calm about everything.

'I'll take all necessary defensive requirements to protect myself from harm, and I'll leave Kara and Esme within the barrier until it's confirmed safe for them to come out.'

Despite seeing everyone's Status Windows and already knowing they were much weaker than him, he still didn't want to take any chances.

'Emil, be on full alert.'

~Yes, Master!~

He took a few steps forward until he got to the barrier's boundary. One more step and his first foot--along with a portion of his body--would be out of the barrier.

One more and he would be completely outside.

"What are you waiting for?" Gratiana's voice sounded imposing as she continued folding her arms and looking at him.

They stood about ten meters from each other, but Rey knew that distance meant nothing to both parties. Gratiana seemed like the gap to close the gap within a moment, but Rey could do so even faster.

deep breath, and

took a step

~FSHUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU~

moment he did so, already prepared to be assaulted by a swarm of dozens of Elves, what

W-what is... what is

"P-please stop..."

"S-so good... g-good..."

that very moment was something he had

and they began dropping to their knees in submission. Their eyes

their cheeks as they tightly embraced their own chests or stomachs,

are you people

the Elves began to lower

More drool escaped their lips, and tears even

expressions of twisted

"U-uuu..."

"A-ahhhh... ahh...."

"O-ohhh... uohhhh..."

air, until Rey took one more

did this partially out of concern, but

every single Elf surrounding him— with

oddly conflicted by what he was seeing. Their tongues literally licked the sands, and each Elf seemed to be drowned in a puddle

even want to use his

much all the Elves collapsed

his

told Emil to do the same, so they won't be able to read my exact

by spreading out his senses to

a fight—not

w-what are

she didn't lose it like the rest

lips constantly quivered,

have no idea what's going on." Rey said, taking a few more

pride and bravado, standing firm in place

he got closer to her than she could

The result was obvious—

"Guhh…"

her knees and trembled even more