Chapter 19: First Guiding session
"Well, Kellen." Ms. Hill began. "You're basically a veteran from the front lines. All of the Guilds know who you are because you were there for so long, and good at your job. You practically had a choke hold on the Field Guide work, and people fought to gain access to you and your partner. We are very grateful that you prioritized us, by the way. But, that being said, now that you are with us, and you are a higher Class, we want you to be on the team that goes into the gate. Not the scouting team, but the official team that goes in after them. How do you feel about that? I know you haven't gone into a gate that was higher than B Class just for safety reasons, but your basic knowledge and expertise is something we just can't overlook. With that being said, if you do agree, the Captain would be joining you as well in the gate. If you are worried you might be under too much stress, please speak up now. If you also don't want to do it, I understand, but that would mean we'll have to hire another Field Guide as soon as possible so that we can brief them on what we need them to do. Of course, if that ends up being the case, we would love your input on who to hire as well." Ms. Hill had dropped her playful personality, getting rather serious as she spoke. It was understandable, since this was the first pitch they were throwing Kellen as a Guide from their Guild. He was surprised that they weren't trying to force him do to it, but also pleased that the two Espers respected him enough to sit him down and have this conversation.
That being said, Kellen wasn't so sure he could accept the offer. He hadn't had a lesson with Casper yet, he barely even knew his new body, and he wasn't in perfect form yet. There were so many things he needed to learn before he could even think about taking on such a big role, and he didn't even know how far away they were from winning the rights for the gate. if it was only a few weeks, he would have to turn it down. That was not enough time for him to feel comfortable guiding however many people would be on the team.
"I'm flattered with the offer, but can I have some more time to think about it? I think if I was still a C Class I'd have jumped at the offer, but because I don't know the depths of myself right now, I need some more time to figure that out. It's not a no, I am very interested in this offer, but I just..." He trailed off. No one said anything for a moment, before Kellen felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up at the Captain, who gave his shoulder a squeeze.
"I understand. It's urgent, but that doesn't mean we should rush you. Take your time. Is there any way we can help? What do you need to help you with your decision?" He asked. Kellen looked away from him in thought.
"You probably aren't going to like my answer since we just signed a pair contract, but I need several Espers of different levels. That way I can test how much my powers have changed. Especially at the base level, which is the most important for Guides to know." Captain's grip tightened on Kellen's shoulder as the man stiffened.
"Base level?" He asked and Kellen nodded.
"Holding hands. I use that as my gauge for everything, which is standard practise." The Captain relaxed, and Kellen felt a small smile touch his lips before it disappeared.
"That's easy then. I can agree to that. What else?" He prompted and Kellen frowned again as he thought.
"Well, a sparring partner would be very helpful since I've not been keeping up with the fitness level I would need on the front lines. I also need the results from our guiding sessions with Taylor. I like to know every nook and cranny of my powers, which is what makes me so useful in the field. If I know exactly how close I can get to the edge without collapsing, that is the line between life and death." The Captain seemed surprised for a minute, before he softened.
"Of course. I'll ask around about both of those things." He told him but the sound of Ms. Hill clearing her throat made both of the men look at her.
"Office lackey, remember? I can do those things, Captain. On the topic of powers, I really do think Kellen should go in for another test to confirm if he is A Class or not. I know that we're just assuming that he is, but I think for everyone's peace of mind he should do it. I offered to be his partner, and it still stands. If you're worried, Captain, you can come with us." Ms. Hill offered. Kellen felt his body tense at the mention of retesting. The Captain, who still had his hand on Kellen's shoulder, felt the younger man stiffen. He glanced down at how he was staring straight ahead, and his lips tugged up in a smile.