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?"

of your business,

yet he asked the question. At this point, he could

after prolonging the inevitable

"I…"

am more than willing and able to offer you what you

"...."

is hand her over, and

he felt to permeate the room for

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

choice… was it

for Rey. The answer was already 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!"

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

into the area. So far, it had

on the stubborn Elves, he hoped it would have at least some effect on

Unfortunately, it did not.

She asked, cocking her

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

I should have expected her to

her Skills basically made her a walking cheat

has an SSS-Tier Skill too. I have more Skills than her overall, but what good would that do for me here?' He swallowed hard as he

Rey mumbled as he did his best to observe The Oracle's stoic

She shrugged in response.

one meant to see you. That it's the

"Indeed."

you know about