An Extra’s POV

"I do not deny my ability to grant your desire. I can indeed cure your friend of that which ails her."

The Oracle's response to Rey was cold, and the tiny smile that formed on her face slowly faded away, leaving behind the cold demeanor she had not too long before. Rey noticed this, but his stubbornness made him unable to give up.

"Then—"

"However, just because I can do something doesn't mean I should." The Oracle said in a rather detached tone.

"If you are so desperate for my assistance, then perhaps I can propose some sort of arrangement—a trade of sorts."

Rey raised his eyebrows a little, but his suspicions didn't stop him from jumping on the opportunity as soon as he heard what was being said. "What trade?!"

"I will require a sacrifice from you in order to fulfill your request. I wonder if you possess sufficient resolve for that."

"Sacrifice…?" Rey was beginning to have bad feelings about what he was hearing. Still, he had come too far to turn back at this point. And so, as he swallowed and readied himself for whatever The Oracle would tell him, he asked the question.

"What sacrifice?"

Her hand moved slowly, and she pointed her finger in a particular direction—towards the girl that stood behind him.

"The Half Elf girl. Hand her over, and I will cure your friend."

"H-huh…?"

Somehow, Rey had already expected this outcome. His surprise now was more fabricated than genuine when considering how obvious The Oracle's interests were from the start.

It was clear that Esme and the woman before him shared some connection. The Oracle's desire to have her further proved the point.

But… why? What was the connection?

"Why do you want Esme?" Rey asked, his voice trembling slightly. "Is there nothing else you desire?"

is none of your

At this point, he could no longer stall for time or try to

an eventual deadlock after

"I…"

Rey Skylar. I am more than willing and able to offer you what

"...."

to do is hand her over, and I

tension he felt to permeate the room for a moment. The choice

he would have Alicia, and perhaps obtain a Skill that would remove his need of The Oracle forever. But, if he chose Esme, nothing would

was it

obvious to him. He just needed enough time to think about the follow-up before responding with the only reply he could possibly

"I refuse!"

heart? Perhaps you are not as desperate as I imagined…" As she said this, Rey resorted to an option he prayed

far, it had worked on all the Elves, helping him solve

hoped it would have at least some effect

Unfortunately, it did not.

you just do something?" She asked, cocking

her response to the only plan he could think of to get her on

should have expected her to

unreal, and her Skills basically made

overall, but what good would that do for me here?' He swallowed hard as he tried to

ask a question…?" Rey mumbled as he did

She shrugged in response.

how I'm not the one meant to see you. That

"Indeed."

do you know about