Chapter 48: Desire and Bodyguard

Khal and Devion.

It had been a month since he last saw them, and Ayen could not figure out the sudden emotions he had. Did he grow too attached to them without realizing it?

Or was it because of the compatibility pull? Yet, he could deny that he wanted to see them even more after looking at their photos.

He soon snapped out of his thoughts and looked away. Although the two would not immediately be suspicious if he looked at the photos that deeply, Ayen still chose not to give any idea or something to joke about.

“Their guides are so lucky,” Lucian commented as he took back his phone.

Nolan also agreed. Not to mention the security they provided, but to be able to guide them was every guide’s dream. Of course, anyone below S-class did not have a chance.

“Guides?” Ayen snapped to his side, looking at Nolan. He had forgotten to hold his reaction.

Nolan nodded. “Yeah. We don’t know who their Guides are. The Institute did not disclose it.”

“Damn, they struck it rich for sure.” Lucian was obviously thinking about the contract money more as he almost salivated right there and then.

Ayen had understood and so did not ask further.

Everyone thought that Devion and Khal were rivals, and so no one even dared to imagine them having the same Guide. Moreover, since the highest Guide rank was S-class, guiding two SS-class seemed impossible.

Ayen was also reminded of the secret that no Guides had ever sensed Khal and Devion’s wavelength; thus, they had not received guidance for years. So no one knew that they did not have Guides at all.

Before Ayen, of course.

He had long realized why it was such a guarded secret, although the two had openly told Ayen about it casually. The chaos it would bring would be massive, enough to bring worldwide despair.

They had a casual chat about it without delving into what possible affairs the two SS-class espers had with the Institute. It was more like they did not dare even be curious about that.

Ayen had always known Khal and Devion’s influence in the world, but he only truly realized the extent of it.

The next day, Ayen was greeted by everyone talking about the appearance of the two SS-class espers after so long. No one had said their names outright, as though saying them was considered disrespectful and might summon the wrath of the espers themselves.

Though cautious, everyone had become so enthusiastic. Everywhere Ayen went, there were conversations about the media articles about the two.

Of course, some had argued, likely fans of either of the two, but no one truly insulted any names but talked about who was stronger. This was not an unfamiliar sight for Ayen.

Khal and Devion were depicted as rivals, and their admirers had adapted the same rivalry.

The whole efficiency of the stronghold had doubled, and the tension had eased significantly. Ayen had even noticed the smiles of the civilians as they passed by.

If the appearance of an S-class esper boosted morale and increased the sense of security, then the appearance of Devion and Khal was the symbol of survival itself.

They carried the hope of humanity and its citizens. Maybe this was also the reason why the higher-ups hated but were also afraid of them at the same time. If the two suddenly thought of ruling the world and abolishing the government, they would not need to show their power.

The citizens would march themselves and elect them as their ruler. This was no exaggeration; this was the truth.

And Ayen, observing this, felt a sudden urge to call and talk to them. He wanted to tell them how much they were mean to everyone, even if they did not care about them.

Ayen himself never cared about others’ opinions of him, but he felt so happy and overwhelmed when it was directed to someone he cared about. It was confusing, yet that was truly what he was feeling at this moment.

He wanted to tell them that they deserve this admiration. Forget the fame or anything, but Devion and Khal genuinely fought for humanity. They secluded themselves in that forbidden zone and shielded the world from the most terrifying monsters that lingered inside.

He also wanted to let the world know and broadcast what they had done to make everyone more fervent in worshipping them. Ayen’s fervent desire had even surprised him.

Ayen had never imagined thinking this way before. He was only ever allowed to let the days pass and survive until he died. However, suddenly, he wanted to see this desire come true.

He wanted to live until then.

The day Devion and Khal stood far above everyone, more than they already did.

Ayen worked with that twisted desire, and his demeanor had not changed once. His terrifying ability to compose his expression despite his thoughts was something even Khal himself found incredibly impressive.

The commotion only died down after three days. And Ayen had received another message from Devion. This time, it was sent three days ago, almost at the same time when they were spotted outside of the Institute.

With this message, Ayen suddenly found Lucian extremely impressive. His connections in the capital might be a big shot to be able to spend extravagantly on mana cores to send a timely message through urgent channels.

Devion could do it but was reminded by Ayen multiple times not to do so unless truly urgent.

[we’re back in the capital. going to search for the ring.

btw, Khal sent you a bodyguard. have you met him?]

There was a second message.

[This is Khal. Devion already told you. I don’t have any other intention, but since the red zone you’re in is one of the dangerous ones, without the ring, I’m worried for your safety. You don’t have to meet him, and I already gave him the mission to protect you if any issue arises.]

And a third message.

[His name’s Renji.]

Ayen blinked as soon as he read the name. Renji… Kanzaki? The S-class esper?

“How extravagant,” Ayen murmured. To use an S-class esper as an E-class Guide’s bodyguard? If anyone knew this, they would condemn them so much for wasting resources.

While he thought that, Ayen’s lips almost curled into a smile. Almost. Somehow, if he were to smile again, Ayen hoped the two would be the first to see them.

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