An Extra’s POV

"Was this… the best choice?"

Rey now had Esme in his arms, and The Oracle was now holding the unconscious Ciela. After she fell unconscious, Rey had used his Spatial abilities to bring her to him, and afterwards gave The Oracle the Vessel she required.

With their deal sealed, there was practically nothing left of their exchange. It was time for Rey to return home, and for The Oracle to start her business.

But…

"I feel like I just did a horrible act, depriving her of her wish."

Rey's guilt was eating him up, and he turned to The Oracle to hear her opinion on it.

"Indeed. Ciela should be more compatible with me anyway, so having her as the Vessel is a lot more beneficial to—"

"Not that, idiot! I mean… ahem… sorry about that."

"It's fine. It takes one to know one."

"W-whoa! Where did that come from?" Rey was more than surprised to see the usually emotionless and detached Oracle throw a jab at him in such a way.

It even made him smile a little.

"A-ah…" The moment he smiled, he realized that this had to have been The Oracle's plan all along.

This was her way of cheering him up.

"Thanks… Oracle?"

"You're welcome, Rey." The two of them exited the space where Esme was in through another door that suddenly appeared before them, and once they did so, they returned to The Oracle's golden palace. 'Does that mean she could have brought us to Esme directly? Then why didn't she?' Rey wanted to ask, but quickly decided against it. The reason she chose such an elaborate method was probably to have a discussion with him, and based on how productive it was, he didn't regret a second of it. The only problem on his mind was Esme… and one other issue.

"What about Alicia? Is she—?"

response was swift, almost as if she could read his thoughts. Upon hearing this,

[Tempora], but that would mean reverting her Stats and Skills that have evolved due to

didn't

he already had some way to save her, so he didn't feel

muttered, almost in a defeated tone. "Thank

"It's nothing."

The Oracle said this, Rey began to feel the spatial pressure around him loosen. The difference between how he was willingly leaving the Domain this time, and how he was forced to

little time that he didn't know how

"One last thing, Rey."

he heard his name, Rey looked

Familiar that you keep close. The one you trust so deeply and place in charge of

brow went up

knew most of these things about Ater, but there was a certain ominousness that rang from

mean, even the System told me to stay

was that at

me, I guess there's no real way to verify his claim. It's also possible that

could stop him if push came to shove, though, since most of Ater's attacks wouldn't have an effect on

I'll be

you. I will take your counsel seriously." He bowed, smiling broadly

"Mhm…"

"Bye."

"Yeah… bye."

would probably be the last time he was going to lay his eyes on the entity before him. Something about their farewell sounded too lackluster and

be more memorable—at least,

"Your name?"

"Pardon?"

remember

I believe I was once

during our last meeting, and for being rude