Chapter 161: Red Zone 67 (1)

After observing a few more times, they could only conclude that the core was not doing any harm to Ayen. They still did not know what its purpose was, but finding it out was only a matter of time.

By the next day, the three had returned to where the dungeon had collapsed, and the devastating aftermath almost made the mana density around manifest to the naked eye.

The concentration was so intense that it might nurture stronger sea monsters from then on. They needed a clean-up operation. Of course, that was not their job.

Khal communicated through the submarine lines and passed on the order. After a simple barricade, they finally left the vicinity of the sea area.

As the unexpected detour ended, they were finally back on track again. Their journey to return to the forbidden zone continued.

Just as the three were traveling at their own pace, at their destination, Red Zone 67.

“It’s been a week,” Lucian murmured, tone so controlled that only the person beside him could hear. Who else was beside him?

“He’s enjoying his trip.” Nolan shrugged.

He was also absent-minded and answered without thinking too much. He was slumped on the chair, wanting to stay that way rather than leave and face someone.

Lucian glanced at him, and he narrowed his eyes. “I’m not talking about Ayen.”

Sure, Ayen must be enjoying his trip with his espers, while it has been a week since they arrived in this zone. None of them thought it was unfair, though, and it was already something they expected. After all, it was not that they were being overworked either.

Even Lucian, who still accepts guiding session requests, had to stop because of a particular person.

Nolan glanced at him, their eyes met, and both let out a heavy sigh.

“Damn. They aren’t leaving, right?” Lucian rubbed his head.

Nolan bit his lips. “They will, eventually.”

Right? After all, both espers were not idle, and with the ongoing chaos, they were needed by the government.

Lucian pursed his lips.

“Of course, they will.”

Once more, the two sighed. Remembering what happened leading to this point. Ayen had left much earlier than they had, and both had to complete some process first.

It was more of a formality, and the transfer orders were approved beforehand. There were questions here and there, but as they only stayed for a month, the relationship they created with their colleagues was not that deep.

There was no need for goodbye parties either. It was such a zone where having fun had already become a luxury. Everyone preferred to stay at home and sleep.

Lucian and Nolan were also ready to leave, but once they were at the armored truck. Both could not help but pause and blink; their expression was the same.

“How come you’re here?” Lucian pointed at the man helping carry his items to the truck.

Nolan had the same dumbfounded expression.

“You didn’t leave yet?” His tone was accusing and almost helpless. Nolan massaged his temple. “You’re not supposed to be here.”

The two espers, who were powerful leaders in their own right, were being questioned as if they were a nuisance.

Renji and the others knowingly avoided the area with them and continued with what they were doing. The staff that was included in the transfer was either Clynne’s or Arstem’s people.

Arstem securely put Lucian’s luggage in the back. While he had gifted a space artifact to the guide, it seemed he was not using it.

He met Lucian’s eyes and raised a brow. “What’s wrong with me being here?” Arstem asked, as if it were a matter of course.

Lucian scrunched his nose and was about to refute, but Arstem was not finished yet.

“Is it wrong to escort my guide—” His words stopped as his mouth was suddenly covered by both of Lucian’s hands.

Lucian’s cheeks flushed, but he was still glaring at Arstem. In fact, both of them knew that he was just embarrassed.

“Can you even say that here?” Lucian whispered; his tone was unlike his usual. It was not soft, but definitely milder than his usual tone.

Arstem found this side of Lucian to be extremely endearing. He was accustomed to Lucian’s embarrassment and his little efforts to hide their relationship when it was never a secret to begin with. At least, most S-class awakened knew.

He could not help but lick Lucian’s palm that way over his mouth.

A shudder ran through Lucian’s spine, and he almost jumped; his cheeks became hotter.

“Stop licking me! Are you a dog?” Lucian reprimanded, but he did not pull his hand away either.

Arstem’s eyes crinkled. His hands slowly held Lucian’s waist.

“Hey,” Lucian protested, but it was not he who moved away either.

Lucian felt another lick on his palm, tickling him.

“You… stop it,” Lucian repeated, but his voice was so small, it was a wonder if he truly intended for Arstem to stop.

Arstem pulled him closer. Lucian was taller than average men, and his figure was not small either. Yet, when beside Arstem, Lucian looked particularly small and delicate.

His body was completely covered by Arstem’s figure, towering over him. Lucian had been in the same position a lot of times, but he still marveled at how massive Arstem was.

Something that truly scared him when they first met.

Lucian then flinched. This time, he had not felt a tongue touch his palm, but it was a soft kiss. Arstem Viktor’s gaze only had him in his eyes, so Lucian could not meet them bravely.

It was… overwhelming.

Lucian’s mouth parted, about to say something, but he bit his lips again and was unable to say any kind of reprimand.

He was the one being stubborn anyway. Lucian was not used to it, so he always ignored them. Arstem Viktor was the complete opposite of him.

The Esper was never afraid to show his affection, no matter how overwhelming it was, since the start of their meeting. A dog that would wag its tail at the sight of its owner.

It should be an insult, but…

Lucian’s hands moved from Arstem’s mouth to cup that face; the fine stubble pricked him, but it was not uncomfortable, but slightly ticklish.

“Aren’t you embarrassed acting like this, old man?”

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