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!"

saying is that Adrien must at least have a reason for doing what he is doing. It all hinges on the deal he has with

want me to give him the benefit of the doubt and hear

would be my

frown slowly dissipating

such a sympathetic

that could push him

try." Rey finally murmured

very

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

about that, Master. I have it all

"Ah… okay."

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

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

that it

at him at such an

and eliminate all the fatigue that

~Master…~

Her black, slime-like form stood over him like a guardian angel, observing his every features…

serenity of the night helped her absorb

this time would be

~Hey… Emil~

up in fright. Her jelly-like body danced as she screeched, turning back in an instant to glare at the one who interrupted

her. No

~Over here, Emil…~

this time, the Symbiote Slime had her attention drawn to

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

also knew the only one who could reach Rey

was certain it was

~How cold, Emil…~