The X Guide

That was the moment when Devion and Khal finally realized that the situation was not as simple as they thought. Khal could not help but glance at Devion, seeing him also having a hard time making a decision.

Ayen held Khal’s hand, but he lowered his gaze.

This was not within their expectations. He understood that point. And Keeran... was not someone they cared about. She was not important to them enough to change their plans.

Ayen was well aware that the two espers could not enter the chaos this early. This was the same for their forces, which might cause another confusion.

Asking them to save Keeran might not work.

He took a deep breath to regulate his emotions. His hold on Khal’s hand loosened. Ayen began to think of what he should do if Khal and Devion were out of the question.

Should he show himself? He wanted to dismiss this idea. Ayen had been escaping for years; now, he was back to square one. Was that the last choice?

In this situation, he could only rely on himself.

Ayen’s mind became lost and only snapped awake when his hand, which was about to fall to his side, was grabbed and held tightly. He stiffened slightly from his thoughts and looked up.

He found out that both were now holding his hand, the two espers looking at him. Their gaze was conflicted, but there was a hint of panic in their eyes.

Ayen could not understand why that emotion appeared in their eyes. He glanced at his hand, which was currently covered by their hands.

He lifted his head again and shifted his gaze to both of them.

The two stared at him. Ayen met their gaze.

He realized it then why they had such complicated emotions in their eyes. They might be guilty for not being able to help. Ayen did not blame them. At the end of the day... their relationship was not deep enough for them to change his plans for him.

Ayen might be selfish, but he understood the reasoning.

"It’s fine," Ayen assured, his tone low. The rage within remained, but the emotions could not help him. He had to stay rational at least to think of any solution. "But can you at least..." he paused.

Was it shameless of him to ask for some assistance from Khal’s force? Ayen would not be able to travel alone. As he was already thinking of this, the two were also thinking of other countermeasures.

This was truly unexpected. Khal thought he might be able to stay outside the chaos for a few months at least. He glanced at Devion, who might be thinking the same.

He was both conflicted about Devion’s condition, but if the other wanted to help... Khal could not stop him. His stance had changed after the last curse relapse.

"It’s just as well. We can use this pretext to attack the Nevaris Clan." Khal’s mind spun, and he thought of this. He was thinking of a more reasonable way, or when things got chaotic enough, to take action against Ayen’s previous clan.

Things were too early, but it could be a start.

"What do you mean?" Ayen sounded confused. He was not hoping for anything, and yet Khal seemed to plan on helping him?

Devion also squeezed his hand.

"I thought so too."

Devion was already briefed on the deal between Khal and Ayen about the Nevaris Clan last time.

He did not want to see the same expression on Ayen ever again. The way he suddenly became isolated and distant from them in those few seconds was enough for his chest to tighten.

Devion held Ayen’s chin and lifted it to make him look him in the eye.

"We won’t let you put yourself in danger."

At that second, when Ayen fell silent, both understood that Ayen was already contemplating how to save Keeran alone. She was not really important to them, but she was for Ayen.

That should be enough to save her.

Ayen’s mouth opened, about to say something, but he paused. He wanted to say that they did not need to, but... He was not a hypocrite.

Deep inside him, as the darkness inside him surged, he wanted the two to help him. Ayen was actually hoping that his position in their hearts had already reached a certain extent for them to abandon their plans for him.

"Then, what should we do?"

In the end... Ayen had confirmed it. It might not have reached yet where the two position each other in their hearts, but Ayen should not be far from being their priority.

Ayen had ignored this emotion for far too long, and it was not a good one either. With this one, he was forced to suppress them again; the rage in his heart and concern for Keeran, fortunately, occupied his mind.

The news of the green zone falling had also reached the two important espers of the government. Arstem’s and Clynne’s expressions were both conflicted.

It would not be long before they leave this place and enter the war again.

The trio was not that interested in their situation as they began to talk about their change of plans. At this, Khal and Devion might be discovered.

Of course, it was only inconvenient, but not something to fear. What they could only do was make their intentions clear. Which was saving Keeran.

This was not yet absolute, as they could work silently while taking action against the Nevaris clan. The chaos was a good disguise.

"We can set off tomorrow. Or later," seeing Ayen was about to say something. "We will save your friend as soon as possible," Khal assured, busy fiddling with his communication device. This was the tricky part.

He could have just sent his subordinates, but Ayen wanted to come himself to see the situation, and Khal could not just rely on his men to protect Ayen.

Ayen was stubborn to begin with, and when it came to something or someone he was concerned for, the two espers could not dissuade him.

Especially so as... The Nevaris clan was also involved. This would be their first confrontation in years.