Chapter 39: The Stronghold Under Snow Storms (1)

It took almost three days before Ayen arrived at the red zone. Due to the mana abnormalities, the aircraft was not often used. Only in certain circumstances would civilians be permitted to do so.

The Guide Association specifically used an armored truck to transport Ayen and the other recruits of the Red Zone #21. It was located far north, where people not only struggled with monsters and dungeons but also against the extreme cold.

The journey was far from smooth; many times, they had to stop because of monster raids. The path was harsh, and one also had to endure the obvious changes in temperature.

This new assignment was proving to be harder than before.

“Why does an E-rank Guide come?” Murmurs could often be heard from the idle Guides and the already tired Espers, who had long since lost their patience on the long journey.

“I also don’t know. Did he offend someone?”

“Perhaps. No way that guide will survive. I’m not sure even for myself.”

Ayen nodded inwardly. Right, he was back in reality. Subconsciously, he touched the bracelet on his wrist as he closed his eyes.

Unbeknownst to him, he gave an unintentional favor to the convoy through this bracelet.

They did not know that the one association staff member and two A-class espers who were tasked to escort Ayen and the others were currently wondering why they were being attacked less.

They had not even seen any A-class monsters at all, and most were mobs that did not have high intelligence and only knew how to court death.

“Are we lucky?” the staff asked, though he himself could not believe it.

One puffed out a smoke and looked at the horizon.

“Perhaps.”

His partner also did not say anything and only looked meaningfully at the armored truck.

Somehow… They suspected that the monsters were afraid of something. And for what was that? They chose to ignore it.

Sure enough, as they prepared for battle, when they were about to pass by a very dangerous area where battles often occurred, nothing happened.

Mouth agape, the staff looked at how the monsters, who became energized seeing a newcomer, suddenly retreated to the shadows as though they had never been there.

“If I were you,” the man blew another smoke, not looking at the staff as he reminded. “I won’t report what you saw. Keep it to yourself. And be thankful.”

One less battle was greatly welcome. To survive as an esper on the battlefield, your own power was not enough, but choosing your enemies was.

Someone who could make those dangerous monsters exude mana, which was at least S-class; as for SS-class, they did not even think about them.

How would those two sneak into the convoy? The man had already suspected an S-class esper had anonymously joined them. For their intentions? That was not their concern.

After three days, the red zone #21’s stronghold finally appeared in their sight. The huge wall looked imposing from a distance, but even more so up close.

Each corner was equipped with huge mana weapons. Ordinary soldiers with some espers inspected the entrance of the stronghold.

Their armored truck was quickly permitted to enter. Ayen did not bother with the process, and he slept throughout the journey. Only waking up when there was a disturbance, when about to eat, or for a nature call.

The armored truck soon stopped.

“Everyone ready. We arrived.” One other staff member alerted them. Ayen took his backpack and joined the others. His demeanor showed his effort not to stand out, but Ayen had always been like this.

However, he had long been the odd one out before they even arrived. Others were already talking to each other, except for him.

No one wanted to be associated with an E-class. Espers did not care about him, and the guides were even more so. About this, Ayen maintained his indifferent expression.

Everyone prepared huge luggage, especially not forgetting to pack thick coats, and some relatively wealthy guides had coats made up of monster hides.

Ayen unintentionally stood out because of his small backpack. He ignored the strange gazes and followed closely behind the staff. He was not there to make friends.

“These are the new recruits. Inform them about the new rules and their accommodations.” After saying that, the staff who were with them on the journey passed them to the other staff.

The reception was not huge, and so the twenty-something recruits huddled together. It was also because of the cold. Ayen already knew most of the new rules that were specifically made for a red zone.

Although yellow zones and red zones typically differ by one rank, red zones were by far more dangerous. He still listened through it all.

“Guides’ rooms were already prepared; the keys are here with your names and room number. As for you, Espers, come with me for a brief meeting.”

The espers groaned but did not make a further fuss. The Guides only cheered and talked with each other. Ayen was the first to get the key with his name and went to the elevator.

Seeing him, the rest followed.

The branch building was not considered big compared to other zones, but it was already the biggest in this stronghold. Aside from the government branch and the institute itself.

Ayen was wearing a jacket, but not as thick as the others. Fortunately, there was a heater inside that effectively increased the temperature indoors.

He still folded his arms on his chest, standing silently in the corner of the elevator. The silence crept inside; the other Guides with him also did not talk much.

The excitement had faded slowly, and the reality was gradually sinking in.

Laughter ceased, only anxiety for their future in this dangerous zone.

Ayen’s and the others’ room was mostly on the fifth floor. When he saw his room number, located at the far end of the hallway, Ayen also saw someone going on his way.

They would be his roommates. Ayen was not very fond of having roommates, but he was not exactly in a position to complain. Entering the room, three single beds greeted him.

Though clean, the room was not satisfying in the slightest.

“That’s it?” Someone behind him almost cursed. And the other agreed with him. Ayen ignored them and went to the bed on the right, just before the door. He tossed his backpack into it and sat.

“Hey,” someone interjected. Looking back, Ayen was greeted by two displeased expressions. The one with the buzz cut was the person who called out to him.

“What?”

“What? Huh.” He laughed sarcastically, then turned to his side. The man who leaned was the shortest of them. “Look at him, deciding on his bed without consulting us.”

The man’s lips twitched; he obviously did not want to make a fuss, unlike the buzz cut. Although not on Ayen’s side, he refused to take the buzz cut man’s side either.

Saying Ayen needed to consult them for a bed was unreasonable.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep