The X Guide

Half an hour later, Devion also managed to suppress the annoying whispers, according to him. It was quick, largely because of Ayen’s presence.

As soon as he came to his senses, he was briefed on what Ayen said. Unsurprisingly, his expression also hardened, and he glared at the sky. He could also feel something on them while not physically there.

He took a deep breath and looked at Khal and Ayen.

"Let’s go."

After a long while, this was Devion’s first public appearance in a mission, and the same was true for Khal. And for Ayen, this was his debut.

The SS-class esper’s guide. The one and only SS-class guide, not officially, but everyone would think so.

For the three, it was not worth pondering too deeply, and Ayen was already prepared for any reactions. He only needed to do what he had to do.

The appearance of the aircraft and the unique symbol on it earned countless exclamations below. They could not help but watch it, and hope surged in their hearts.

Most of them began to cry, both from despair and relief. This was not only the civilians, but even the espers could not help but sob at the aircraft’s arrival.

This was known to everyone. The symbol of the Special Branch of the Institute. A unique symbol that only two people in this world could use. The SS-class espers had arrived.

The other half of the city was already destroyed, but the city had managed to put a line of defenses around the other half. This became a headache for the security, but this was a situation where civilians generally understood the emergency and did not make a fuss.

In the more than fifty million estimated population, almost ten million were lost to the first siege of both unusual humans and monsters. Some were unfortunately trampled by the crowd.

If not for this city being bigger and more equipped than the last city, they might have lost more than that. They were taken aback by the sudden turn of events, but the people quickly went to the other part where the branches of government organizations and companies were located to concentrate defense.

It was also because of the man in charge, Oros, who miraculously survived.

The division of the city was even apparent because of the sky. The other side was obviously darker than the other.

The inside of the institute was now busy, and Oros, with his second in command, arrived there. Everyone was scrambling to ready the landing pad. They were all too busy to fend off the oncoming enemies to prepare.

Not to mention, Khal and Devion did not advise the government of their arrival. Even until now, they had yet to reply to the mission request and went directly to the city.

Oros looked up and waited, his hands clasped in front of him as though praying. His expression and demeanor were not unique to him; a lot were doing the same thing.

This was something Ayen had yet to see. And he was about to witness the full extent of the SS-class presence in the people’s hearts.

The Symbol of Survival and Humanity, was not a mere empty title.

Ayen was silent. For some reason, now that they were about to land, he was getting anxious. This was not about the curse. The reality was just sinking into him.

He was truly about to show himself to the public.

Khal and Devion were busy, and perhaps they noticed Ayen’s hesitation, so they gave him space. Ayen was thankful for that. It was not serious, and so, he only needed some time.

After getting the signal, Khal began the landing process. Devion now stood with Ayen and, like him, was silent.

Ayen knew why it was the case. Unlike the younger version of him, Devion is not very good with the crowd now. He was not the same media darling as before.

Ayen hooked his arm around him and pressed their bodies. This was an assurance for both of them. Now, Ayen felt that his anxiety had gotten lighter.

Devion turned to him and smiled.

"Thank you," he whispered, and Ayen nodded, tightening his hold on his esper’s arm.

Khal looked at the two and patted them. They had already landed, and he was only waiting for them before he opened the door. Seeing they were fine, Khal stood before them and sighed.

In fact, Khal would become their spokesperson now, but everyone knew those wanting to ask him were few and far between.

The three already knew this was going to happen. The legendary awkward pause. Before, Khal only arrived and left without talking with representatives or the media.

Devion was the complete opposite, who actively made his presence known, and so this impression still remains today. However, Khal was the one who needed to step up.

Devion and Ayen were behind him, holding each other. In others’ eyes, they looked indifferent and somewhat even intimidating. Their posture was also casual and expressed an intimate relationship.

Yet, only the three knew that the two were currently uncomfortable in front of the crowd and the attention. Khal found it concerning at first, but it’s gradually now becoming amusing.

After they were greeted by the personnel, the three were escorted by Oros and his second in command towards the office on the institute’s first floor.

Only then did Devion and Ayen somewhat sigh in relief inwardly. Ayen was accustomed to gazes, but not those desperate and intense gazes. It made him seriously uncomfortable, and unsurprisingly put a heavy weight on his shoulders.

Devion was accustomed to them, but it had been years since he had witnessed it again, and so... He found it very burdensome.

Only Khal could keep a straight face and yet a calm demeanor. Oros was not one to scrutinize the SS-class espers and the person with them.

He first bowed to them once inside the office, and it was only the five of them. His companion did the same, who even cried silently.

Right. That was one thing Ayen felt unaccustomed to the most. The moment they arrived, as he swept his eyes around... Those people, every single one of them, suddenly shed tears.

It was as though they could finally relax, and their lives were saved. Ayen knew the reason for that.

Hope.

Khal and Devion were their hope of survival.