Ayen could not decide on his own; thus, he did not give his answer.

He raised the issue with the two espers after the meeting. The two appeared solemn after hearing what he said.

"They got Arstem too?" Devion exclaimed in disbelief. He swept his eyes over the two. "How come... they are getting so active recently?"

This was something Ayen had been curious about. They had almost not heard of this organization, but they were suddenly hearing more about it lately.

This feeling was valid. However, Khal had a convincing reason for this. It was also something that applied to him.

"It’s not that they weren’t active before, but just that we didn’t notice or did not care before. Now, we are aware of this existence and taking them seriously."

It was like how people did not care about others’ issues until they were finally involved. That was the case here.

And there was another reason.

"The war. It’s a time where espers fight among each other."

It was rare for espers to fight among each other, at least on the surface. They had a common enemy, and so no one had the time to have an internal war.

The madmen hiding behind the scenes had yet to play their cards because of this. Until the war happened. A perfect opportunity to test the horrifying inventions they created.

Ayen and Devion fell silent before they had to agree. Thinking more about it, what Khal said made absolute sense.

"Should we... visit him?"

Ayen cautiously inquired. They had plans, and if they were to visit the Commander General, this might be delayed. However... Ayen could not bring himself to ignore Lucian’s request.

It did not matter if this proved that he was getting softer, and his indifference to others’ affairs might have mellowed.

"Do you want us to?" Khal asked calmly.

Both espers were waiting for their decision. More than anything, Ayen thought their decisions were important. For them, Ayen’s decision was just as important, if not more.

"Yes," Ayen nodded.

The two espers nodded slightly.

"We’ll pass by the city first, then," Devion sealed the deal. A few days of delays would not matter much.

With that, the three decided to visit the city first and also take a look at Arstem’s condition.

When Ayen informed Lucian, the guide almost knelt in front of him and bowed; fresh tears immediately welled up in his eyes.

"Thank you... Thank you so much, Ayen." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Lucian’s worries erupted with a slight relief that he would not be holed up in this place while his esper was in a critical condition far away from him.

Ayen also knew he needed this and could only watch him cry.

"Do you want to come?" Ayen whispered to Nolan. How could he not notice the worry in his eyes?

Nolan stiffened slightly, then he sighed.

"I don’t..." Then he paused. "Can I?"

Ayen hummed and nodded. There was no need to complicate things. Their trip was then decided.

"You can’t return." Before Keeran could say anything, Ayen dropped this statement with a firm tone. "You’ll stay here."

At the domineering tone, Keeran only gave a cheeky grin.

"I’m not requesting to come," Ayen stared at her. Keeran spread her hands. "Really. I’m telling the truth! But uhm, I want to ask."

Ayen lifted a brow and motioned for her to continue.

"When will you return?"

At that question, Ayen did not quickly respond. He thought for a moment.

"I’m not sure." That was the truth. Ayen was not sure.

Keeran’s shoulders dropped.

Ayen was changing, but he was still not good with words, especially comforting someone.

"But I’ll return. This place is close to home."

The moment he said that, Ayen realized that it was truly what he thought deep in his heart.

Keeran stared at him, her eyes glistened, and slowly she nodded and leaned to embrace Ayen.

Ayen stiffened slightly, stunned. He was not expecting it, but he slowly relaxed and returned the hug, patting her back.

"Don’t leave Georgina’s side, or always tell her where you’re going. Don’t go too far either." Ayen began his nagging, and Keeran listened intently.

It was as though their roles were reversed.

While Renji was an assurance, Ayen still felt the need to remind Keeran of these things, even if she knew she was a coward and would not wander alone in such a dangerous zone.

In the end, his last words made Keeran’s embrace tighter as she nodded obediently.

"You can visit the city outside and have fun. This place... isn’t a prison, Keeran."

Although he knew that Keeran would not take a grudge against him for hiding her here... In a place that might bore her, he wanted to make it clear.

This place was not a prison; she could have fun and go to places she wanted. But... under his protection. Ayen would not let anyone touch her ever again.

Khal and Devion also took her presence seriously, knowing her importance to Ayen.

They stayed for a couple of days. This made Lucian anxious, but he did not make a fuss. While he was not as energetic as before, he was not crying anymore.

It also helped that there was still Keeran making the room lively with her antics and Georgina playing along with her. The two seemed to have become besties, at least, according to Keeran.

The day they were about to leave the red zone again arrived. Ayen had not even stayed in this place for a full month yet. It was odd, but it proved how unpredictable life was.

Khal and Devion had scoured monster nests and dungeons in the forbidden zone; the cores and corpses piled up there. They only left there and let Farrah and Calson take care of the aftermath.

Nolan stared at the massive lizard. The mana it exuded was enough to suffocate him, even if they were already subdued. Lucian was the same, though he was faring better than Nolan.

"We’re traveling with her." Ayen casually rubbed Liz’s head, and she closed her eyes, loving the touch.

Lucian and Nolan blinked. They soon accepted it. After all, they were not traveling with normal people.