The X Guide

The news of the green zone falling at the hands of the elite clans had not reached Red Zone 67 yet. But it was only a matter of time.

After all, it was a zone where Keeran, Ayen’s only friend, was located.

Two days after they arrived, they quickly fell into a certain routine. The first day, Ayen visited the house in the forbidden zone and spent a night there before returning to the red zone.

Now on Day 2, Ayen was left behind at the red zone while the two espers returned to the forbidden zone to clear up some monsters and dungeons.

Life at the new assigned red zone was not as hectic and could be said to be boring, but for Ayen, it was just right. There were few people inside if one did not leave the compound.

"Is it alright for them to linger here?" Lucian’s melancholic voice rang; it was devoid of its usual laid-back tone.

Ayen lifted his gaze, instantly landing on Lucian and also Nolan sitting beside him. Unlike him, Nolan seemed rather carefree if a certain esper was not around.

The three did not have any work to do at all and were sitting in the Association building’s lounge. It was quite empty, except for them. The two were used to it, and Ayen did not mind the silence.

Ayen knew he was referring to Clynne and the Commander General. The two went to the forbidden zone with Khal and Devion; thus, the two guides could finally relax.

He still could not understand what the deal was with their relationship. They seemed not to want their espers to be around them.

Ayen did not know if he was the one different from them. He liked it when Khal and Devion were with him. It did not matter if he was becoming more attached than necessary.

"Do you want them to leave?" Thus, Ayen could not help but ask. The question could apply to both; he did not need to point out their names.

Lucian and Nolan looked at him. They did not answer immediately but stared at Ayen intently.

"You changed a bit from when we first met," Nolan pointed out with a smile. Although it was only about two months since then.

Lucian nodded. "Indeed. You don’t usually take the initiative to ask. But," he smiled and propped his chin. "It’s a good thing, actually."

Being roommates for a month could not magically make them close-knit friends, but they were more than acquaintances at least. Even Ayen, who was aloof, admitted that.

Ayen’s expression almost remained the same, but if one looked closely, the gloom behind his eyes had faded significantly. His overall impression changed a lot. If his previous colleagues saw him, even Keeran, they might be surprised when they met him again.

"I’m aware of this... change." Ayen nodded. Then, he quickly shifted their topic back. "I’m still waiting for an answer."

Their expression twitched.

"Darn it. I thought it would divert your attention! " Lucian jokingly rubbed his head, sighing heavily. Nolan’s reaction was not as exaggerated, but he still leaned lazily in his seat, as if he had fainted.

Ayen did not say anything, only stared at them.

The two exchanged glances and took a deep breath. There was no escaping this one. After all, it was rare for Ayen to take the initiative. If they ignored this question, the other might not do it next time.

"It’s not that... I don’t want him here." Lucian’s voice lowered. As though afraid that the esper might hear his words when he was not even around. "I just don’t want to get in his way."

Lucian swallowed and rubbed his head, whose hair had grown quite a bit from the last time they had seen each other.

Arstem Viktor was a Commander General and had a big responsibility on his shoulders. Lucian, being one with extensive connections, knew the chaos that was about to happen or was happening, and now the Commander General was with him.

Lucian did not want the esper to be criticized again for neglecting his duties because he was a doting fool to his guide. Yes, Lucian was aware of this rumor.

He did not want Arstem’s reputation to be smeared because of him.

"There’s a war going on. So, I’m worried that the higher-ups are already looking for him." Lucian’s voice had lowered by a notch and was laced with his deepest sincerity.

Ayen slightly nodded. This one he understood deeply. When he glanced at Nolan, he found the other guide lost in his thoughts. Lucian also paused and glanced at Nolan.

Nolan sensed their gaze and made eye contact with them. His lips curled slightly, devoid of any spark.

"Same with him."

Nolan was always tight-lipped about his affairs with his espers, and the two knew there was a deeper reason to their relationship. Since the last time when Nolan even had a guiding strain.

Fortunately for Nolan, the two could read the room and did not press on the matter.

The three fell into silence again. It was a comfortable one at least. There was nothing for them to do. Everyone knew that the place was a hiding spot from the chaos.

Although it was boring, and Lucian was more likely to be uncomfortable in this kind of atmosphere, he did not complain. They were a weakness that should be hidden for their espers to perform well.

In this war, one should not rely on the clan’s espers to play fair. Espers valued guides, but that did not mean they would not lay their fingers on them if there was a benefit of doing so.

Nolan was actually a bit fine; his existence was not as widespread. However, Lucian, being the Commander General’s guide, was known among the higher-ups, and the clan should have gotten hold of this information by now.

A few hours later, this assumption just proved itself. News reached them that made Ayen’s body tremble in anger.

Someone from the Nevaris Clan... dared to provoke his soft spot.