An Extra’s POV

"I-I…"

Justin didn't have a choice in the matter, the way he saw it.

If he didn't accept the deal, Ater was definitely going to do something incredibly awful to him. Ater knew all about his arrangement with Adrien, including the Soul issue, yet he was confident in killing him.

That meant there were other ways he could die—ways he didn't know yet.

'Adrien told me not to get overconfident about my immortality, so this is what he was talking about…' Justin sighed.

'If he can somehow save me from Adrien's grasp, spare my life, and make me stronger… is there really a reason to refuse?'

This was essentially just changing owners. It was the same job, but now he would be working for a different person.

'Adrien is searching for a way home, which I would be losing out on if I follow this man. But… I just have to bring it to his notice.'

"... I have some conditions to make before I—"

"No conditions can be made. This is not a negotiation, but a simple choice." Ater interrupted Justin before he could complete his statement.

"I know you desire to go home, and your deal with Adrien somewhat gives you that guarantee. You aren't sure you have that kind of security with me, which is fair. I won't make that promise to you, but you should also be aware that Adrien could just as well not keep his side of the deal… and you can't stop him."

Justin already knew that, which was why he had very loose loyalty to Adrien. Thanks to Ater's words, more doubt began to creep into Justin's mind.

Was there really a way home? Was he going to ever see his family again? He didn't know for sure.

"I can promise you this, Justin." Ater maintained his confident smile as he spoke. "You will see your family again."

"R-really…?" He whispered.

this a moment when Ater would laugh at him, or maybe mock him for being easily manipulated? Was

No… not at all.

them and have your happy ending—however you

not sure I can

negotiation." Ater shrugged, almost as if

options at the moment. Join me…

"...."

already know which is the best way to achieve your goals. You're sensible, at the very

Yes… Justin already knew.

just to confirm, if I join you… you'll undo the whole Soul

to me if you're still on his leash, so of course I'll liberate you from

then you'll own

I do not need to own or even be in possession of it to affect it. I'll make sure to protect it from any external attacks, though, so you should

Justin, at this point, was in way over his

could not really grasp Ater's

simplify this whole deal

condescending tone and use of words that Ater employed. Partly because he had no choice in the matter, but also because he was

so only a portion is with you, while the rest is with Adrien. Both of them share a connection that tethers them to each other. Are

"Y-yeah!"

to do is surgically separate the piece of your Soul that occupies your body from the

that kill me? Or maybe like… make me lose some of my memories or power?

shook his head and

on…" Justin

explain Soul Theory