The X Guide-Chapter 23: The Concept Of Backlash (1)

"Vegetable soup?" Devion asked, confirming unhurriedly.

Ayen nodded weakly. His body slumped against the couch, looking frailer and more listless than usual. It was as though the indifference he exuded decreased by a notch and was replaced by a kind of softness.

Looking at him like this, Khal and Devion felt their hearts itch, but did not dwell deeper because the worry was greater.

"We don’t have ingredients," Devion spoke, turning to Khal.

"We’ll buy."

"Is the market open at this hour?" Devion’s concern was valid.

In a yellow zone, especially a mere town-sized zone, one could rarely see people outside their homes when night hits, much less open establishments.

Khal almost rolled his eyes at Devion. "Ayen wants to eat vegetable soup, and he will." The conversation ended with that firm tone.

"I’m just saying, but I agree."

Ayen watched the two talk without bickering and also about himself; he found it odd but not repulsive. An aftermath of the guiding session?

He could not think further about that. He frowned again, and the craving kicked in again. He was not that hungry, but his whole being shouted for something to eat, and the first thing that came to mind was the first dish Devion cooked for him.

Was this the backlash at this guiding session? Or a whim?

"Hurry up..." Ayen cut in, pursing his lips. "...please." The last word was hurriedly and reluctantly added, thinking he sounded too bossy at the outburst.

Ayen was glad that he was only having a craving for a backlash... at least, for now. Fretting over something that had yet to happen was better left until after he was a bit better.

"Any other food you want to eat?" Devion asked.

The two began preparing to leave for groceries; their clothes were fine, but they decided to put on a hood. It was better than nothing.

"Babe, where’s my wallet?"

Before he could answer, Khal rummaged in the bag and shouted.

"Think more," Devion told Ayen, then helped Khal turn the small bag over. Annoyed, Devion slapped Khal’s back. "If it’s not there, just use mine. Maybe we forgot to bring yours."

"You’re right." Khal agreed easily.

Ayen watched them with interest; his half-lidded eyes observed their actions. They said they were only fuckbuddies or something, but Ayen found it hard not to associate them as lovers instead.

Devion and Khal were more like an old married couple.

Once they were done preparing, the two focused their attention on Ayen again.

"Any other request?" Khal asked this time. "Dessert?"

Ayen pondered a bit. What else did he crave for?

"Anything."

That was basically nothing. The corners of Devion’s lips twitched. Khal gave a helpless smile instead.

"We’ll buy as many as we can."

That was the only solution. It would be a bit wasteful, but that little bit of money would not make a dent in their bank account. This was for Ayen.

"Are you fine being alone here?"

Before leaving, Khal checked the house and then asked Ayen, who was weakly resting on the couch. Devion had already carried Ayen to the bigger one that could accommodate two people lying down at once, so Ayen could comfortably lie down.

Ayen did not even open his eyes; his body turned to the side of the backrest. His black hair flowed messily at the back of his head.

"I’ll be fine."

What a joke.

Even a monster accidentally came. Or an unfortunate individual became curious and robbed the place. Ayen would still be completely safe in this house.

They were in the height of emotions; someone attacking an esper’s guide after a guiding session was a blatant provocation. Espers were more possessive and protective during this moment.

Devion and Khal were no exception and were even worse.

Ayen watched as the two put protective measures around the house, and he quickly became bored. He found it too much but did not dissuade the two. As a result, this place had become like a forbidden zone for low-ranked espers and ordinary people.

"We’ll be back."

Ayen nodded.

Soon, the place became quiet. Ayen became fully aware of his breathing until he was subconsciously counting them.

Forget sleeping; he could not even think of anything else. His mind was more restless than he thought. The sight of vegetable soup lingered in his mind, and saliva pooled in his mouth no matter how much he swallowed it.

Annoyed, Ayen’s eyes opened and were greeted by the ceiling. His half-lidded eyes squinted even further. He wanted to take a nap to ease the cravings, but that was out of the question now.

He was experiencing a real ’Backlash’, and it was the annoying type. He had heard of many kinds of backlash: the annoying, the dangerous, and the sensual.

Thinking of those, Ayen felt relieved that he was experiencing the lighter backlash. That did not mean it was less irritating and uncomfortable.

"Come faster," Ayen murmured in a hoarser tone while swallowing saliva. If Khal and Devion were here, they might fume inside again when they heard him.

The room felt darker and gloomier because of what he was feeling. Ayen turned his head to the side, glancing at the only source of light.

Devion did not light any bulbs, aside from the electric lamp in the end. It was small but still enough to light the whole room, though not as bright.

Ayen blinked slowly, staring at the light. It happened for a few moments, then he lowered his eyes and looked at his hand.

Through this hand, he guided two SS-class Espers. Ayen did not have much reaction earlier as he concentrated on finishing the guiding session. But now, everything sank in, flooding his mind.

Ayen finally realized how significant the thing he did was.

Guiding one but two SS-class Espers? Espers that none had ever managed to guide before.

Ayen’s mouth parted before he closed it again and swallowed another pool of saliva. He stared absentmindedly at his hand.

"E-class Guide."

"No esper wanted him."

Abandonment. Insults. A red mark of disgrace stemmed from that simple verdict.

As soon as they flashed in his mind, they disappeared as he blinked. Ayen bit his lips and curled up, closing his eyes again.

He was officially... a Guide, huh...

Ayen bitterly swallowed and buried his face in his hand, his forearm covering his eyes. The corners of his eyes were moistening, but no tears fell to his cheeks, merely wetting a corner of his sleeves.

I hate backlash. Ayen blamed inwardly. It made him hungry and emotional.

"Hurry up, you two," Ayen murmured.

The silence sniffles continued.