Chapter 32: About Dungeon Explorations (2)

Ayen’s first experience clearing a dungeon was nothing like what he had heard in normal discussions. It was particularly smooth.

The two espers did not even break a sweat as the last painful howl of the biggest wolf Ayen had ever seen resounded in the whole forest.

Its huge body fell with a thud, and the ground cracked, accommodating its body.

“Let’s see what you have.” Devion licked his lips in anticipation.

He was unlike the rich SS-class Esper who should be indifferent to world possessions. Of course, that was only the impression the world gave to the most powerful espers.

Khal stood by the side and watched Devion dig out its mana core.

It glittered once the light shone on it. Devion held it in its palm; though not as big as the earlier mana core, the mana it emitted was incredibly pure.

Even Ayen, who was a Guide, could keenly sense them.

“Jackpot!” Devion’s eyes gleamed, and he turned to look at them. “We’ll use this instead of that ring… once we find it.” He nearly stumbled in his words, but his excitement did not drop that much.

There was no argument about that. Khal began freezing the huge wolf. Devion arrived beside Ayen, who was sitting by the large rock, near the wolf’s head.

He handed the mana core to Ayen. “Put it in your pocket for now.”

The space artifact they had did not have space, and neither did the bag. Ayen did not immediately reach out for it. He glanced at it, then at Devion.

“Why on mine?”

Devion shrugged. “My pocket’s full. Khal’s too.”

They usually do round-trip for mana cores. Although some mana cores had low quality, they still had worth on the market, especially if they came from forbidden zones.

Devion and Khal always took all the spoils that had value, no matter how low. Their bags were always full. This time, they did not bring a huge storage because this was a dungeon raid for Ayen’s sightseeing.

“Also, it’s yours.”

“I never said I’ll accept them.”

“Do we need to put this on the contract?” Devion narrowed his eyes and offered it again.

Ayen stared back, and so the two had a staring contest for a while before a voice disrupted the tension.

“What are you doing?” Khal had his arms folded on his chest, watching the two with an amused smile.

Devion turned to him and pointed at Ayen. “Ask this stubborn beauty.”

He threw the mana core at Khal, who skillfully caught it. Ayen almost had a heart attack at that. He could not help but give a second glance at Devion, who stuck his tongue out and sat on a smaller rock.

Khal shook his head helplessly and walked towards the two, dragging the tail of the frozen wolf behind him. He paused and gave the mana core to Ayen.

“I know why you’re hesitant. You think it’s precious. And they do.”

He did not need to lie about this point. Mana cores were what made humanity alive and functioning to this day.

Khal took Ayen’s hand and put it directly in his hand. He stared straight through Ayen’s eyes, making sure he was listening.

“That’s why we’re giving them to you. For us, you’re worth far more than this. Always remember that.”

Ayen looked at him, then at the core, before eventually being persuaded and taking the core in Khal’s hands. Deep inside, he was still conflicted.

He knew too well how precious mana cores were, and to acquire them easily was a little overwhelming. As much as possible, Ayen did not want to let him adapt to this.

Sooner or later, he would need to return to his own reality. Where he needed to obtain everything he needed by himself. Khal and Devion would not be there anymore to protect him like they were doing in this dungeon.

Clearing an A-rank dungeon so easily was only possible because they were SS-class espers. Ayen did not want to fall into the illusion of comfort they brought.

He held on to the mana core a little more tightly than intended.

“How come you easily accept when Khal gave it to you?” Devion pursed his lips, feeling so indignant.

“Maybe start by using words more effectively.” Khal sat at the frozen wolf, trying to rest.

“Heh.” Devion was unconvinced. “You only know how to flirt using words.”

Khal shrugged with an amused smile. “Why don’t we ask Ayen?”

Suddenly, the mic passed to Ayen.

Ayen fiddled with the core and looked up. He did not have any intention to play along, but his mind was in turmoil. To calm himself, he chose to answer.

“Ask me what?”

The three faced each other as though only talking during a picnic and not inside an A-class dungeon.

“Obviously, about who you like more.” Devion winked.

“I’m not answering that,” Ayen said with a deadpan expression.

Khal flicked his hand, throwing a small ice stone at Devion’s head. It did not hit him since he caught it.

“Nice try.”

Khal snickered, eyes filled with warning. “Next time it will be bigger.”

“Okay, okay.” Devion lifted his hand in an act of surrender, then propped his chin in his hand. “Do you find Khal more trustworthy than me? So, you prefer to listen to him?

Khal’s brow shot up. He did not reprimand Devion for the question. Instead, he looked interested in the question and turned to Ayen, waiting for an answer.

Being stared at by the two, Ayen’s brow creased.

“Should I need to answer that?”

He felt like the two were working together to embarrass him, and he had enough proof of that.

“Why not?” Devion replied. “Khal’s excited to hear your answer.”

Ayen turned to Khal, who only smiled amusingly but denied. “I’m not excited.”

“Look at that smile. Stop lying.”

Ayen narrowed his eyes, observing Khal, who only chuckled.

“So what, if I’m excited?” Finally, he admitted it.

“Hah. Now, you’re honest.”

“There’s nothing wrong with feeling excited to hear Ayen’s answer.”

The baton was once again passed on to Ayen.

“You’re right,” Devion agreed and pressed on. “Just answer. It’s only the three of us here.”

Ayen almost rolled his eyes. That was exactly the problem. There were only the two of you with him.

“Khal’s voice…” Ayen paused, licking his lower lip. The two looked at him intently, waiting for him to continue. “…sounds so soothing.”

At this answer, Khal subconsciously smiled and shrugged at Devion. Devion looked confused.

“Huh? Soothing? Where?”

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