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!"

that was the reason. All I am saying is that Adrien must at least have a reason for doing what he is doing. It all hinges on the deal

me to give him the benefit

would be my

frown slowly dissipating from

would take such a sympathetic role

perhaps there were certain things that could push him to the edge.

Rey

very

is here… doesn't that mean he is aware of my presence in

about that, Master. I have

"Ah… okay."

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

with Ater—mainly about what was going on in the Capital, and how it was being

were in a constant rollercoaster that it was a chore

eating at him at such an absurd

Rey decided to sleep everything off and eliminate all

~Master…~

stood over him

serenity of the night helped her

this time would

~Hey… Emil~

jump up in fright. Her jelly-like body danced as she screeched, turning back in an instant to

one behind her. No one else

~Over here, Emil…~

this time, the Symbiote Slime had her attention drawn to the Black Box that

while she had no facial feature of any kind, her sour mood was obvious

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

certain it

~How cold, Emil…~