Chapter 88: Visitors (4)

Khal’s gentle gaze towards Ayen did not go unnoticed; Devion saw it too. He also smiled and agreed.

“I understand now, too. Clynne must have also eaten his words. Now, he’s chasing a guide, a karma, I must say.” Devion laughed at someone’s misfortune.

Ayen did not need to ask as Devion continued the story after they finally lay down.

Arstem was a veteran esper, and he was already a commander general ten years ago; he commanded awe and respect. In fact, his reputation was even bigger than Khal and Devion’s for the espers.

After all, Khal and Devion rarely show themselves and participate in team dungeon raids. Before, he always focused on his duty, and even Devion and Khal admired this dedication of his.

Until three years ago, when Arstem suddenly became fond of one guide. It could be said that this news was even reported to Khal’s desk as an important one.

He was head over heels, to say the least. Thus, he gained a nickname: a doting old monster among the S-class espers who were aware.

Then, Clynne provoked Arstem when the former suddenly insulted his Guide. Clynne was never a fan of guide pairing, anyway. And he disdained how the Commander General was suddenly a doting fool to a guide, who he deemed… nothing special.

The Guide was merely an A-class. And yet Arstem acted like he was a priceless treasure.

Ayen already guessed what happened. And sure enough, Arstem did not let that insult slide. Arstem immediately attacked Clynne, and so the two fought.

According to Devion, the place where they fought still has traces to this day. Everyone also became aware that Arstem was truly furious that time; it escalated to an emergency.

Arstem only calmed down when they called his beloved guide. Thus, the fight ended. However, they never got along after that. Arstem still held a grudge from that time.

“Heh. If someone insulted you,” Devion’s eyes sharpened, and he did not continue.

Ayen already understood. He could not help but hold Devion’s hand. Devion’s eyes quickly softened, and he snuggled closer to Ayen.

Khal watched the two; a kind of satisfaction welled up inside him.

The three fit in and let the serene atmosphere lead them. After talking with each other, they naturally fell asleep. They did not bother to watch the show.

By the next day, it was finally their time to leave. Before that, the trio received two visitors.

It was the two newly arrived S-class espers.

Devion was the one who opened the door for them. They already expected their visits.

“Sit wherever.” Devion casually let them in and went back to the kitchen. This was their last meal here before setting off.

Arstem silently occupied the big couch while Clynne went to a single sofa. They were silent, which was fortunate enough. Otherwise, the two might have already been fighting verbally.

Khal went downstairs, followed by Ayen.

Ayen was a bit taken aback seeing they had visitors, and likewise, the visitors were surprised to see him. Their eyes landed on Ayen as if scrutinizing him, but a cold gaze swept over them.

They naturally dropped their gaze. However, they already have an idea in mind. Soon, their eyes landed on Khal, who sat with them in the living room, while Ayen went to the kitchen.

The questions and suspicions in their minds were answered without them speaking a word.

“He’s our guide,” Khal casually spoke and introduced Ayen, but did not say his name.

Arstem’s expression changed slightly, and Clynne showed surprise. Both were privy to the fact that no one had managed to sense Khal and Devion’s wavelengths, and the two had yet to be guided.

“Since when?” Arstem was the first to speak after he recovered. There was obvious relief in his face; he was genuinely glad of this news.

For them, Ayen’s arrival was truly a welcome and pleasant surprise.

Khal was also not stingy and answered him.

“About two months now.” Khal stared at the two and continued. “I’ll be glad if both of you will keep it a secret.” There was a smile on his lips, but the two would not be deceived by his gentle demeanor.

“Hmm, it’s not my story to tell.” Arstem shrugged and promised. He more or less understood the idea behind it.

Clynne seemed about to ask something, but he sighed and also nodded.

Then silence fell. The two did not speak and only waited for Khal.

Khal stared at the two and clasped his hands on his knees.

“Are you here because of the deal? Don’t worry, they’ll stay with my guide.” Khal could empathize with their worries, so he generously reassured them for once.

They looked relieved, but it was obvious they also came with a different reason.

“I’m sure you know.” Clynne gritted his teeth and finally spoke. “Is there a way to…” He had yet to finish when Arstem coldly interrupted him.

“Don’t be foolish.” Arstem narrowed his eyes at him. “This war is inevitable.”

He was a Commander General of the government and so knew that the higher-ups wanted to go all out this time.

Clynne pursed his lips. He knew that, but…

“I’m not talking to you,” Clynne could only rebut.

Khal watched the exchange between them; there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

“I won’t interfere. Devion won’t either.” Khal firmly declared his stance to the two leaders. “I can only protect your guides so you can fight without worries.”

As for their other families, Khal was sure the two also had arrangements for them.

“It has been too peaceful for years. The power distribution had long been stabilized… and also became stagnant. Let this war be a wake-up call for everyone. Who knows, maybe a new power will come to light?” Khal was too casual with his words.

It could be said that he truly did not mind the impending chaos. In fact, he sounded as though he was looking forward to the results.

Arstem stared at him; Khal did not evade that gaze and met it with the same intensity. Clynne leaned back, looking gloomy.

“Who do you support?” Arstem suddenly asked before he changed the question soon after. “Or, who do you think will win?”

Clynne’s attention was also drawn, and he waited for the answer.

Khal did not immediately answer.

He stared at the two, and a kind of chill spread through the room.

“Do I need to support a winner?”

Khal’s answer made the two stiffen. Khal smiled gently and stood up.

“Don’t worry. You have my word. No one under me will support either side. Who wins in the end… is up to you. However,” he looked at the two meaningfully, “do you really want to win?”

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