Chapter 22 - 21. Where the Night and Day Merge
The night and day in the borderland almost had no difference. It was still dark, still suffocating, still full of danger. The only mark was that the day came when it felt like the sky grew slightly brighter, like someone lit a torch in the distant sky.
And it was at this slightly brighter state that the Mortix van roared across the marsh. As expected of a military-grade vehicle made by a leading company, the deep red van was equipped with artillery. It obliterated the wraith and beasts wandering between the route it take from the gate to the jungle's entry point.
But while the van looked rough and scary from the outside, the inside was actually rather snug. Of course, it couldn't be compared to the cars those elites from the green-zone usually used, but for Zein, he had never traveled in such a comfortable container before. All the vehicles he traveled in was either logistic truck or big wagon with hard seats.
Nothing with this comfortable leather couch and built-in mini-fridges. Nothing with the absence of a silent annoyance of stuffy space and the tension of dangerous missions. Everyone felt calm, some were even excited. Whether it was because they had no idea how dangerous their destination was, or because they were confident in the level of security. Probably both.
It was the first time Zein became a part of such an atmosphere; a vibe that was far from threat and danger.
It was strange and unfamiliar. But...Zein looked around him; a 4-star tank, a 3-star sharpshooter, a 5-star healer, and—
He glanced at the seat beside him, at the one who looked the calmest, crossing his arms with closed eyes as if he was just sleeping. Instead of a suit or leather jacket, the man had changed into a dark red scale armor with gold lines, and a black leather coat. With a pair of gauntlets, and two rings emanating mana, now he looked like an esper instead of a celebrity.
Zein had never gone with a party of a Saint-class esper before, and he had to admit that having someone with that enormous mana core was...comforting.
Well, no wonder the other looked at ease.
But having someone that good meant you couldn't sneak a glance without being find out immediately.
"I like it," Bassena opened his eyes and spoke softly with a smile, amber eyes turning toward Zein.