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?"

none of your business,

in such a way, yet he asked the question. At this point, he could no longer stall for time or try to push the issue in any

deadlock after prolonging

"I…"

am more than willing and able to offer you what you desire. Is that

"...."

is hand her over, and I

felt to permeate the room for a moment. The choice presented to him

have Alicia, and perhaps obtain a Skill that would remove his need of The Oracle forever. But, if

was

needed enough time to think about the follow-up before responding with the only

"I refuse!"

of heart? Perhaps you are not as desperate as I imagined…" As

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

stubborn Elves, he hoped

Unfortunately, it did not.

She asked, cocking her

could think of to get her on his side. It was painful, but didn't he already

thankfully I've adapted to it. I should have expected her to be unaffected by my

and her Skills basically made her

SSS-Tier Skill too. I have more Skills than her overall,

a question…?" Rey mumbled as he did

She shrugged in response.

one meant

"Indeed."

do you know