An Extra’s POV

'I've been thinking about it for some time now, but I still can't make sense of it. Why does The Oracle want Esme?'

As Rey sped through the air, his speed causing shockwaves as the space around him trembled, his mind was busy with thoughts as his eyes traced the trail of Esme's Mana.

His senses were also spread far and wide, so as soon as she entered his wavelength, he would sense her instantly.

Still, his head couldn't stop going through the condition that The Oracle gave him.

'Every Elf despises Half Elves. The way they treated Esme is further proof of that, and apparently it's because of the commands of Nature. Doesn't that mean The Oracle is directly responsible for this bigotry against Half Elves?'

Why would The Oracle want Esme in their presence then?

'Do they want to eliminate her? If that's the case, then is it really safe to do as The Oracle pleases?'

He didn't know what to think.

On one end, he didn't want to think that The Oracle had that nefarious intention. Even if they did, he wanted to assure himself that he could protect Esme.

However, on the other end… he didn't want to take the risk.

'I don't want to put her in such danger. But… if I don't do this, then my chance of saving Alicia has returned to zero.'

Rey was still in the process of sorting out these thoughts when he felt something enter his radar.

'ESME!' His eyes widened instantly as his heart skipped a beat.

In a flicker, he easily closed the gap that existed between himself and his target, creating a spatial rift as he rushed at full speed.

~VWUSH!~

arrival due the built-up

her from a distance of only a few

behind her felt surreal. Her long gown danced with the wind as the two of

didn't expect you to be done so quickly." She slowly turned and

Esme looked like the prettiest thing in the

him viewing her, and the rest of

hugged her deeply. "I'm sorry for neglecting you, Esme. I… I'm glad you're

the tight way he gripped her and

like he didn't ever

I just decided to take a flight to clear my head. And… well, thanks for worrying about me." Her last words were awkward, and her cheeks were

see any of that, though, since he was hugging

and overwhelming display of emotion, so right as Esme was making herself comfortable in his embrace—about to wrap her arms around

I guess I just got a little extra…" He laughed with awkwardness,

but the expression was quickly snuffed out.

I didn't

"Whew… I see…"

occupied by silence. They both looked at each other with similar gazes—longing,

emotions. He never used [Dead Calm] with Esme, so the moment he sensed her presence, the Skill was instantly done away with. That accounted for his

he was

"Mad at who?"

know, but

want Esme to hide her pain from