An Extra’s POV

"Your mother, Ciela, became impure for the role of Oracle the moment she took those lives and became impure."

The Oracle told the story in a rather detached tone. While there were hints of sadness here and there, it seemed to stem more out of frustration rather than pity towards the Elf of discussion.

"M-my mother was…? I still can't believe this…" Esme's whispers were stifled.

She cupped both her palms over her mouth as she listened with intensely rising emotion, staring straight at The Oracle as she continued listening to what she was being told.

"She was appropriately punished for what she did, and the child in her womb was going to be executed the moment she was born. But…"

"But what?!" Esme's widened eyes stretched even further as she awaited a response.

"Ciela managed to convince one of her closest friends at the time—the only one who didn't look at her with scorn after her mistake—to help her safely deliver the baby to the human nation."

"Let me guess… Feralia?" Rey's voice echoed within the hall as he narrowed his eyes while speaking.

The Oracle nodded slowly.

"Indeed. Feralia was conflicted about her choice and approached my Shrine for guidance. I could have told her, at the time, to execute you on the spot…" The Oracle looked at Esme with a slight look of compassion.

"But I didn't. I commanded Feralia to spare you and send you off to the human world."

Esme was speechless as she heard this. It was clear she wanted to know more, and she had millions of questions running simultaneously in her mind, with no idea where or how to begin asking them.

"Why did I spare your life, you might ask? Well… it could be the very same reason why I decided to intervene in the moment of your despair and grant you those powers when you needed them the most."

instantly remembered what The Oracle

and family… she heard a voice. It seemed to be a message from the System, but

It felt personal.

notification back then… that was

inferior genes and allowed you to awaken some aspects of your natural heritage. I allowed you the strength to make your

implications—the most important one being what The

Esme. I did not interfere with your life, just as I do not with your

smile this time was so captivating and motherly that even Rey felt

to return here—to your home—which is why I decided to have an audience with him despite not being the Hero… no offense, Rey

"I-I understand…"

The Oracle that he was pretty

at the moment, and he had to be most instrumental in taking down The Dragon Emperor. He

even a

this story is

never felt so much like an Extra as he did

didn't mean he didn't have

people, you know?" Rey finally blurted out his thoughts, elucidating yet another implication of The

Not only was The Oracle complicit in the

impure by your standards? Ah, no offense, Esme." Rey swiftly turned to

that too." She raised both