The X Guide-Chapter 38: Red Zone (4)

Nothing happened besides sleeping together. Of course, in Devion’s words. It was cramped as hell. However, they still managed to fall asleep as soon as Ayen closed his eyes.

Perhaps, also because of the accumulated fatigue from the critical season, Devion and Khal fell asleep without much fuss.

Throughout the night, Ayen was still holding their hands, and no one decided to take back their hands either.

The next day, Ayen, who always woke up late, suddenly woke up at the same time as the two were about to get up.

Their gazes meet, and slowly, the memories of what happened last night return to Ayen. He did not forget them just because he was drunk.

Ayen expected to feel embarrassed, but he did not. And it was the two who were watching and waiting for him to talk so they could react accordingly.

"Last night," Ayen brushed his hair and tied it with a small hair tie wrapped around his wrist. "I’m a mess. Sorry." Although not feeling sorry, he still apologized.

"Oh, that’s fine." Devion smacked his lips and stood up. "Just, avoid drinking alcohol if you can."

"What he said." Khal agreed.

"I don’t like drinking alcohol." If not for the backlash, Ayen would never have thought of drinking.

"Sure," Devion responded. Ayen glanced at him, and he smiled. "Ah, I’ll prepare hangover soup for you. Khal, help me here."

Khal could only shake his head towards the escaping Devion. Ayen was not really offended, as his behavior last night was indeed questionable.

"Good morning," Khal greeted late and also got up to help Devion. Before he walked towards the door, he spoke again. "Wash up, and then we’ll set off after breakfast."

With his words, Ayen was reminded that this was the day of his departure to the red zone he was assigned to. He nodded as an answer.

Soon, he was alone. Ayen lingered on the bed for a minute, eyes looking around. After taking a deep breath, he decided to wash up.

He did not want to be too attached when he was already getting accustomed to this kind of life. It was only two weeks, and their effect on his life was immediately felt.

What would happen if he stayed for a month? A few months? Or a year? Ayen could not imagine it, and he did not want to. All these years, he only relied on himself.

And two people would not change that. No matter how much the deepest part of him wanted to depend on them, he would not allow himself to.

That luxury could not be easily afforded, especially by people like Ayen.

With such thoughts, Ayen’s lingering hesitations faded, and he prepared his departure. He already wore his Guide Association uniform and packed everything he could.

Mostly what he had packed last time. The clothes he used while staying here were all borrowed, and he did not intend to pack those.

When he went downstairs, the two had finished cooking and prepared the dining table. Devion briefly glanced at him but did not joke as usual.

"Let’s eat," Khal invited Ayen, pulling the chair for him. Ayen did not deny them and directly sat, thanking him.

This was the last time they would be together in a while. Ayen ate more than usual, not admitting out loud that he would miss Devion’s cooking, but it shows.

This made Devion smile.

They ate in silence, only the kitchen utensils making the sound. Unlike the last time Ayen was about to leave, the silence was not uncomfortable.

Ayen relished the rare peace the two could give him. Once he was in the red zone, his life would be back to how it used to be. Perhaps, harder.

"We’ll visit you as soon as we can." Devion started the conversation while they were on the way to the yellow zone last time.

They were still riding Liz this time. Ayen was also only wearing the bracelet that had their mana so as not to be affected by the miasma. Still, he was wearing a heavy suit and mask to isolate his uniform from its effect.

As Ayen would now be interacting with others who were not SS-class Espers.

"This critical season won’t end anytime soon." Devion clicked his tongue in annoyance. Khal was not around, opening the path for them by killing the monsters.

Since it was a critical season, just the mana they emitted or from Liz was not enough. The monsters were more aggressive than usual. Devion was not idle either; he occasionally attacked the strays that managed to escape Khal.

"Also, that ring... once we find it, we’ll have it delivered to you." Because of the timing, the chances of them delivering it themselves were quite unlikely. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Unless they wanted to expose Ayen early on. Khal and Devion could not easily hide once their whereabouts had become known; too many eyes were watching them.

Ayen had already agreed with this.

"You can also take your time." Ayen was not very fixated on this, but as they worried for him, he could only accept them.

"No way. You’re assigned to a red zone and needed protection even more." In this situation, both Devion and Khal were on the same side.

They would not allow Ayen to stay in the red zone without a guarantee of his safety.

"If you sensed something suspicious, contact us immediately."

Red Zones were very unpredictable. What happened in the yellow zone Ayen was in could also happen there. And with a higher chance too.

"Don’t ever hesitate," Devion pointed out between gritted teeth, as Ayen was quite stubborn sometimes.

Ayen sighed and had to promise over and over again that he would do what he said. Only after he was satisfied did Devion drop the subject.

The journey to the yellow zone was faster than the last time. It was still because the critical season made the forbidden zone very dangerous, and they could not risk Ayen being exposed to such a phenomenon for longer than necessary.

It was still quite early when they arrived. They ’parked’ Liz a little further away from the vicinity of the zone. The yellow zone was also alerted by this time.

The Forbidden Zone’s critical season put the surrounding area on high alert since it typically affected the monsters and dungeons near them.

"Be careful," Khal whispered, right through Ayen’s ears.

Ayen looked up and met his eyes. "I will. You too." He then glanced at Devion, who was silent. "Goodbye."

When they were at the gate, the two watched as Ayen walked away. Each of their expressions lingered in reluctance, but none stopped Ayen, and he did not look back.