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!~

her, and a shockwave followed his arrival due the built-up velocity he created from

He whispered, watching her from a distance of only a

surreal. Her long gown danced with the wind as the two of them remained stationary in the

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

moment, Esme looked like the prettiest thing

the rest of reality with Light Mode

he stared at her. Before realizing it, he closed the short distance between them and hugged her deeply. "I'm sorry for neglecting you, Esme. I… I'm glad you're okay. You're safe. I heard everything

softer manner than the tight way he gripped her and pulled her close

almost felt like he didn't ever want to let her

my head. And… well, thanks for worrying about me." Her last words were awkward, and her cheeks were flushed with shades of

that, though,

as Esme was

guess I just got a little extra…" He laughed with awkwardness, scratching his head like

look of disappointment in Esme's eyes, but the expression was quickly snuffed out. Instead, Esme gave a slight giggle and shrugged

I

"Whew… I see…"

seconds that existed between them were occupied by silence. They both looked at each other with similar gazes—longing, but

that he now had full rein of his emotions. He never used [Dead Calm] with Esme, so the moment

now, though, he was

"Mad at who?"

I-I don't know, but you look a bit distressed…

hide her pain from