The X Guide

Ayen did not answer Devion’s question and only stared at his face. Based on appearance alone, Ayen did not see much of a difference from the Devion he knew.

Yet, his overall demeanor appeared more easygoing and immature. If that made sense. Especially the arrogant grin on his face, which was several times more puncheable than the grin Devion flashed on him when they first met and interacted.

His eyes also landed on Devion’s hair. Striking red hair.

Ayen’s mind runs through his memory. From which year did he see Devion sport this hair? It was probably... 12 years ago?

Just as he was observing him, Devion was also looking down at him and frowned slightly.

"Are you listening?" Devion asked again, his feet nudging Ayen’s side.

Ayen paused his thoughts, averted his gaze, and looked at his side, where Devion was nudging him. He could not help but narrow his eyes.

Devion noticed that and thought he was displeased. He let out a chuckle, then squatted in front of Ayen, their faces becoming closer.

"Why are you still here? The association recalled the guides already..." Devion paused and scrutinized Ayen. "Wait, are you part of the association? I can’t remember seeing such a beauty in their midst earlier."

Ayen was still confused and processing what was happening. Why was he suddenly here? Was this an illusion?

However, he could not delve too much into his thoughts because Devion was distracting him. He frowned at him.

"Where are we?" he asked. At least he did not want to pretend that he knew something.

Devion was also perceptive in such an area; rather than make him suspicious by lying, Ayen decided to reveal his confusion earlier on.

Devion’s brow moved; the mischievous smile on his lips remained.

"You don’t know?" he inquired, unconvinced.

Ayen nodded.

Devion did not respond immediately, propping his chin in his hand and staring intently at Ayen. Ayen did not avert his eyes and bravely met that familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar gaze.

Devion’s lips twitched slightly before he dropped the smile. However, he did not look displeased either. It was more like he was intrigued by what Ayen said.

"You’re a guide," Devion stated.

Ayen nodded. That much was obvious.

"And not part of the association?"

This time, Ayen hesitated. In reality, he was. However, he could not say if he was still part of it here. After all, it might be from years ago when Ayen was still part of the Nevaris clan.

So, he still nodded. Devion’s brows moved again, noticing that slight hesitation.

"You don’t know where we are?"

Ayen sighed and almost rolled his eyes. If not for his confusion and wariness of this scenario, he might have already done that.

"Devion," Ayen called his name. Devion was not that surprised that Ayen could recognize him. Who did not know of him, and that person these days?

"Yes?" he played along. He did not know why, but Ayen exuded something that calmed him. It was weird, though.

"How old are you?"

"Is that important?"

"Just answer," his tone firm. He almost forgot that the one in front of him was not ’his’ esper yet. Still, Ayen could not soften it either; it was already late.

Devions seemed taken aback, but soon he chuckled lightly, feeling amused.

"I’m 22." Which was supposed to be public knowledge, not knowing why the guide asked this.

Ayen nodded. So, he was right.

When he observed Devione earlier, he also sensed his body and noticed his long hair. That meant he was not regressed to his age 12 years ago, unlike Devion.

Which meant...

"I’m older than you," he said, matter-of-factly, but Ayen’s eyes gleamed at that. Somehow, saying that, he could not help but feel excited inside.

"And?" Devion’s brow lifted slightly. "Do you expect me to listen to your words just because you’re older?’

"No." Ayen shook his head. It was unrealistic. Devion was unruly, and age did not really mean a thing on the battlefield. "I just want to confirm something."

Before waiting for Devion’s words, Ayen got up slightly. He looked at his pants and shirt. He was in the same outfit when he started guiding Devion.

What was going on here?

Devion sighed.

"Whatever. Let me escort you outside the dungeon." Devion finally lost interest and stood up, but before he could turn around, Ayen reached out and held his pants.

Devion paused, looked at his hand, and then at Ayen.

"What is it?"

Ayen looked up at him and swallowed. He felt a sting seeing Devion’s expression. Maybe he was accustomed to the gentle expression the esper always gave him.

Ayen did not lower his gaze, and he even tightened his hold.

"Just... Can I stay with you?"

He knew it might be crossing the line, and the Devion in front of him might not grant his request, but Ayen still wanted to stay. Even if he disapproved, Ayen would probably hug his legs so he could stay.

Devion would not be able to hurt him because he was a guide.

Sure enough, Devion frowned slightly.

"Why? It’s dangerous. The rank of this dungeon increased," he explained, knowing this guide did not know a damn thing and woke up here out of nowhere.

Ayen’s mind went through most excuses and even thought of revealing that he could guide the esper, but on second thought, he could reveal it as a trump card.

He still did not know what was going on, so revealing it early might be detrimental instead. Not to mention, Devion would not believe him.

"I feel safer with you," Ayen said in his calm, almost deadpan tone. But since this Devion did not know him yet, he was not sure of it.

He seemed to think Ayen was mocking or teasing him.

"Hah, really?" Devion looked down and then reached out to lift Ayen’s chin, observing him. "Well, maybe fighting with a beauty isn’t bad? At least, better than seeing that iceblock’s face all day."

Ayen picked up on it. Iceblock? Was he talking about Khal? Was he here as well?

Just as he was thinking of this, the ground shook, and soon the temperature dropped. A huge shadow shrouded him; Ayen could not help but look up.

Again, a familiar face appeared.

Khal.