Chapter 25: The Concept Of Backlash (3)

Ayen’s next words calmed the surprise of the two.

“I’ll only stay until my new assignment.”

He made it clear last time that he wanted to remain as E-class on records, which meant his life also remained unchanged. Any involvement between them must be kept a secret.

On paper, Ayen did not have obligations for the two. He was an official member of the Guide Association, albeit an insignificant one; most guiding contracts must go through them first.

Khal and Devion had to ask the Guide Association directly for Ayen’s consent and a compatibility test, and then finalize the contracts.

That would be troublesome, specifically for Ayen, who did not want to stand out. Not to mention, it was not illegal for Guides to do unauthorized Guiding Sessions. But the lack of a contract was dangerous for a Guide if an Esper did something inappropriate without consent.

“I remembered that.” Khal understood the underlying meaning. Devion did not comment either.

Ayen was not asking for permission; he was merely informing them.

“I plan to guide you both during this time.” Ayen wiped the corner of his lips with the handkerchief that Devion handed him. He looked at the two. “As long as I’m in good condition.”

This had to be said. Ayen was not yet a self-sacrificing fool, giving his all to the espers and neglecting his own. He witnessed guides become absorbed by the sensation and heat of the moment, not minding possible backlash.

Khal and Devion nodded seriously.

“I’ll be the first to stop you if you guide us in a bad condition,” Khal spoke in a firm tone, smiling yet not. Devion briefly glanced at him and then nodded.

“Of course… that goes without saying,” Devion agreed without saying more.

Ayen noticed something, which he pretended not to. Now that he was feeling a bit better, it was time to discuss what happened and would happen to them.

He already confirmed that he could guide the two espers; Ayen did not have apprehensions left except for the identities of the said espers themselves.

Ayen did not want to deal with any changes brought by this discovery; he lacked the power and mentality to do so. As much as he could, he would hide it forever. That was his current intention; unless something happened, it would never change.

“I’m sure you know of Backlash for Guides.” The two nodded. It was common knowledge. What happened with Ayen was one.

Ayen fiddled with the spoon and slowly told them what he vaguely sensed.

“I don’t know what’s different. It’s me or the two of you or all of us.” Ayen shook his head and stopped beating around the bush. “I’ll have a certain amount of Backlash each guiding session. You need to know. I’m not suffering alone.”

Ayen would not hide it, never. He had no intention to suffer and cry in the corner to ease the worries of the espers. They had to be there with him and go through the experience together.

If he needed another cook, Devion had to be there. If he needed the cold, Khal had to be there. If he was afraid to be alone, they had to accompany him. And… If he was having a fever or in pain, they needed to take care of him.

Ayen did not care if he was being too much.

His gaze, which became sharp, swept over the two. Their expressions lingered with surprise, but there was no contempt either. If anything, a look of understanding soon graced their faces.

“I get what you mean.” Devion tapped on the table slowly, mind racing. His face was serious. “And I agree to everything. What about you, Khal?”

Khal had the biggest reaction to Ayen’s words, especially the prospect of having backlash in each guiding session. Backlash did not necessarily mean a dangerous type, but it was still uncomfortable for the Guides.

“Are you sure… You want to continue guiding us?”

Khal’s question stunned Ayen for a while. It was unexpected. When he turned to Devion, he did not look surprised that Khal asked that. He simply waited and remained silent at the side.

Ayen was certain that the guiding session had a great impact on the two espers… And yet he was willing to let go? Just like that? What if he said no?

Suddenly, he was reminded that the two were not forceful the first time they discovered the possibility of a guiding session.

They even let Ayen leave; if not for him bringing it up on his own, the two might already be in their home in the forbidden zone by now.

Ayen’s gaze became complicated, and his hand firmly held the spoon.

They were truly strange… but Ayen was strange too. He had this impulsive thought to say no and be done with it, and wait to see if they would come and beg him to change his mind.

How could you just let me go? Why… was it always easy to give me up?

Ayen blinked and lowered his gaze, swallowing the bitterness that suddenly appeared. He took a deep breath to calm down. Fortunately, his emotions were always masked by indifference and were not easily seen through.

“Yes,” Ayen nodded, lifting his head to show his sincerity and willingness. A fire took root inside of him, staring at the two. “I want to guide you two.”

Perhaps… If he guides them longer, giving him up will no longer be an option. Only Ayen matters.

The two did not notice the darkness in his eyes; even Ayen did not.

Khal stared at his eyes, as though confirming if he was serious and willing. Seeing Ayen was certain, he sighed and then looked at Devion. The two nodded after exchanging glances.

“We also don’t have a problem. Dealing with your backlash will also become an important part of us.” Khal looked particularly serious uttering these words and continued. “We’ve also been thinking, it’s not fair to you to guide us with nothing in return.”

Devion nodded. “Yes, you’re dealing with backlash too. You don’t want to go through the association for contracts. I know why you’re hesitant. Those bastards… ahem, the government will pester you once they find out you can guide us.”

Their serious faces darkened a bit. Strictly speaking, Ayen was also now their weakness, something those old shits could use to exploit them.

“Khal and I talked about this. You needed compensation. We need to sign a contract.”

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