Chapter 94: To Travel The Chaotic Lands (6)

“Why don’t you all enter any government zones?” Ayen had always been straight to the point.

This might catch them off guard, but whether to ask in circles or directly, they would still feel that way.

The two thought Ayen was about to ask something more important, but it was only this trivial question. This was actually easy to answer and understand.

“It’s not that we don’t want to. But we can’t.” Genea actually grew up in a nearby yellow zone with others.

It was not that the small villages or settlements like theirs sprang up because they did not want to be governed or anything. It was more of that the circumstances did not allow them to.

The nearest zone around the village was a red zone. There was not any yellow, let alone a green zone. The last yellow zone, where they came from, was already destroyed.

Genea explained that with her ability alone, she would not be able to escort everyone to safety. Casualties would be inevitable. They could get some help in the red zone to transfer the villagers.

Sure, it could be done in theory. However, in reality, the red zones were more of a combat-focused stronghold. They did not really care about the civilians.

That was the truth. The journey was perilous; not everyone was willing to take the risk. Genea could leave with her Guide, Lulu. The problem was that Lulu’s family was also villagers.

Genea could not possibly let Lulu choose between her and her family; that would be cruel. Unless it was absolutely necessary, she was unable to take that direction.

So, she was fighting for this village and prolonging the inevitable end. Everyone was aware of that. Sooner or later, they had to make a decision.

“Our circumstances aren’t unique. Not far from here, there’s also another village. We’re only surviving on our own. As for trying to get any help again,” Genea put on a bitter smile. “The government did not care about us.”

Cases like them were numerous. The government was actually stretched thin, but if they really wanted to spare some resources, they could rescue a lot of citizens surviving in the wild.

However, the higher-ups were already rotten; what could be expected of those below?

Ayen frowned; his heart was a bit heavy. He realized once more that the impending war against the clans and the government might open the reality of this world to everyone.

He sighed and thanked them for honestly answering his question.

Genea smiled. Even though Ayen appeared indifferent, there was a kind of gentle air around him that made her lower her guard and evoke a good impression.

This was confusing. It was like… Ayen’s presence slowly affected her to the core. It was similar to how a guide cleanses the mana toxins in their bodies. She could not understand this feeling.

“It’s our pleasure.” Genea almost forgot Devion and Khal, but she quickly composed herself and asked to be excused with Lulu.

This time, Ayen did not stop them.

Once they were alone, the two sat across from Ayen.

“What are you thinking?” Devion asked. Khal’s attention was on them.

Ayen snapped at his thoughts and pondered about what to say.

“Do you want to save them?” Devion questioned before Ayen could say something. They could do that. Escorting these few villagers to the nearest yellow zone was doable, but what happened after that?

Ayen knew that too.

Khal and Devion were never heroes. Ayen could see them as one, but they really were not and never would be. If they started saving these people, and Ayen also saw another pitiful village, they needed to do the same.

It would snowball like that until even they would not know how to stop.

“I’m not…” Ayen trailed off; he was actually doubtful of himself.

If it were the Ayen before meeting these two espers, he would not bat an eye. He could go on his way without any hard feelings. Yet, why could he not do the same this time?

He needed to sort this out. Was being together with the two most powerful espers making him too confident about himself?

Khal held Ayen’s right hand and kneaded it slowly. Ayen’s mind focused on the action, disrupting his thoughts.

Both espers knew that this situation might come up along the journey. While they traversed the land and became aware of the situation, Ayen would undoubtedly feel heavy about the world’s real situation.

Ayen was human, too.

“I’ve been in the same situation before.”

Khal started. His tone was gentle but still deep and firm. Devion’s mouth parted as if to say something, but closed it again and listened.

“I’m not as casual in handling civilians. I can save anyone whenever I can. You can say that I’m in the height of the illusion, where I can do anything.” Khal softly smiled at the memory.

Devion gave a light laugh as though he remembered those days, too.

“He’s saying the truth,” he chimed in.

Khal glanced at him and chuckled before he nodded. Ayen listened intently, his eyes filled with curiosity.

“Devion’s more famous because he always wants to show off.” Khal paused when Devion jabbed at his chest in protest. “Wasn’t that the truth?”

Devion clicked his tongue but did not react further. It was the truth.

Khal gently shook his head and continued with a smile.

“Honestly, I disdained him for that before. He knew that too. And he also hated me for the same reason. Devion only fights monsters, but he never cares about the civilians affected below. Yet, he’s always praised after defeating a monster, no matter how huge the casualty.”

Khal did not hold back this time. However, he also quickly added something. His eyes landed on Devion, looking him in the eye.

“And in the end, I was the naive one.” Khal also reached out and stroked the back of Devion’s neck. “An incident that made us closer happened to change my perspective.”

Ayen held Khal’s hand tightly as he listened to Khal’s words.

“I can’t save everyone. It’s not worth it.”

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