An Extra’s POV

~I have incomplete information, so there's the possibility that you will be misguided and act on bias when you inevitably encounter him. I deduced you would eventually figure out that Adrien was here, and responsible for the demise of so many Elves, so I wanted you to witness it yourself and form your thoughts on them before hearing my report on the matter.~

"I don't think that's enough justification, though…" Rey responded to Ater with a harsh tone.

~Perhaps. But, I believe it would be preferable for you to confront Adrien without much of your preconceived notions—especially regarding the boy.~

"Are you telling me to trust him?!"

~No. But… give the opening for that trust.~

"What does that mean?"

~Have you ever sat down and listened to Adrien? Maybe if you did so, and the both of you conversed at length with as minimal biases as possible… the conversation could end up becoming very fruitful.~

"You want me to calmly converse with someone responsible for Mass Genocide?"

~....~

"Answer me, Ater!" Rey raised his voice a little higher than normal, and the calming effect swiftly took over and soothed him.

All of his growing anger and frustration with Ater instantly vanished.

~Master… do you truly believe that there is not a chance in the world that you could ever be in Adrien's position?~

"What?"

~Is there nothing that you would be capable of going to any lengths to accomplish… even if it meant taking the side of Monsters?~

"...." It was now Rey's turn to be silent.

He creased his brow and thought hard about what Ater was implying.

~You killed the members of the Underworld back then because you determined them to be a danger to the United Human Alliance. What if you found out the Elves were the same?~

"But they're not!"

Adrien must at least have a

to give him the benefit of the

would be my advice,

his frown slowly

a sympathetic

were certain things that could push him to the edge. When

try." Rey finally murmured

very much,

is aware of my presence in the land of the Elves as

worry about that, Master. I have it all

"Ah… okay."

**************

on in the Capital, and how it was being handled—Rey finally hit

constant rollercoaster that it was

at him at

off and eliminate all the fatigue

~Master…~

stood over him like

habit anytime Rey slept, and she serenity of the

this

~Hey… Emil~

echoed within the room, causing the Symbiote Slime to almost jump up in fright. Her jelly-like body danced as she screeched, turning back in an instant to glare at the one who interrupted her silent moment with

one behind her. No one else

~Over here, Emil…~

came again, and this time, the Symbiote Slime had her attention drawn to the Black Box that still sat

slimy body slithered towards it, and while she had no facial feature of any kind, her sour mood was obvious

Ater?~ She recognized the voice, and she also knew the only one who could reach Rey through the box

was certain it was

~How cold, Emil…~