When they traveled long distances, they usually used Liz, as she could traverse most ruins and even the sea. However, if it were an official business, the two espers would only go on foot or use an aircraft.

The aircraft was too eye-catching, especially at this moment.

Khal and Devion put two saddles on Liz’s back once more. Both were aware that the guides would feel uncomfortable if they were near.

"An S-class monster from the forbidden zone?" Lucian asked, and Ayen nodded.

He seemed about to ask something more, judging by how his eye slit up slightly. Ayen knew that his gossip meter had been triggered; things about the most dangerous forbidden zone were not something anyone could know.

However, they were forced to stop their conversation when Devion approached them.

The two guides fell silent, or more like only Lucian did, since Nolan had been fascinated by Liz and was only staring at her.

"We’re about to set out." Devion’s hand naturally wrapped around Ayen’s waist.

Lucian noticed it and averted his gaze immediately; the corner of his lips could not help but curve. Ayen shook his head. Lucian would always be Lucian.

Ayen nodded; he looked at the two guides, who did the same, indicating they were ready. They did not pack much, as they would return here.

"Let’s go." Devion swept his gaze to the two guides as he said that, before he lifted Ayen, and his figure quickly arrived at the back of Liz.

He left him there before he did the same with Nolan and Lucian.

"Where’s Khal?" Ayen asked Devion.

"He talked with Calson for a moment."

Ayen had already said goodbye to Keeran and did not let her see them off. It was not a permanent farewell; Ayen did not want to be too dramatic about it.

"I’ll go see him." Devion left, and Ayen went to the two guides’ side.

The two were calming themselves because the idea of riding an S-class monster was too surreal and novel. Not to mention, they had to adapt to the mana Liz was emitting.

It distracted even Lucian.

He merely watched them. Taming monsters was actually rare unless one had certain abilities regarding it.

"She’s quite docile?" Nolan asked, the one fascinated by Liz since earlier.

"Only with their presence. She’s still an S-class monster."

"That makes sense."

"Do you like her? You keep looking at her?" Actually, as everyone was using "her," Lucian had also called Liz that.

Ayen had noticed it too.

Nolan gave an awkward smile. "Well. It’s going to be weird but, I love reptiles."

The two stared at him.

Nolan chuckled and rubbed his nose.

"I have a pet... uhm, a mutated iguana. Uh, it died years ago so, but still, Liz... She’s very beautiful."

In conclusion, Nolan was reminded of that iguana.

Ayen would not tease him, but Lucian was different.

"It does seem weird. And–"

Lucian was about to say something, but paused; he looked down and rubbed his head in embarrassment. If he said he did not agree that Liz was beautiful, would the monster throw him out?

Actually, it did not need to be Liz at all. Khal would look at him unfavorably. This was his beloved pet after all.

Both guides knew what he was about to say and why he also stopped.

Nolan laughed.

"You’re afraid, huh?"

Ayen’s brow arched up, narrowing his eyes. Lucian felt that... he actually dodged a bullet there.

Lucian spread his hands in surrender.

"She’s beautiful," he forced out. Nolan laughed harder at his expression, as though he were held at gunpoint when he said that.

Even Ayen could only shake his head, amused. Lucian was truly... a funny guy.

Khal and Devion soon returned, and they finally set off.

This time, Ayen chose to be with the two guides first. Khal and Devion did not say anything and sat at Liz’s head. They were not going at full speed, but still fast.

They spent the day peacefully on the road. Ayen was already used to it at this point; that was not the same for Lucian and Nolan.

They were suddenly suffering from motion sickness, and so Ayen had to be with them as they adapted. Unlike Ayen, who had the luxury of having SS-class espers to shield him from the effect of riding Liz for the first time, the two did not have that.

Keeran was also knocked out when she first rode Liz’s back.

There were no monsters around, and the journey went smoothly. On their Day 2 on the road, they decided to stop by the area they passed by, and it was close to the lake.

"Let’s wash up here first." Devion went to Ayen; he was still around the two guides who spent most of their time sleeping.

"The lake’s fine. No monster nests around," Khal returned after surveying the area.

"I’ll go cook something."

"Okay, I’ll help you."

The task was thus decided.

Ayen and the two guides went to the lake. They did not venture too far, and only where the two espers could see them. Liz also began feasting.

Their camp was peaceful.

But far from them, two figures were concealed by something. It was impressive, something that even fooled Khal’s and Devion’s senses.

"I knew it. It’s them." An excited voice rang.

"Don’t be too loud. Or we’ll die."

"I’m sorry," the first voice apologized. "I’m just too excited. Who would have thought we would come across them?"

The man beside him also nodded.

It was truly a coincidence. They happened to see a large monster coming and had concealed themselves. At first, they did not think too much.

However, they recognized Khal and Devion immediately after that. Although they could not go near, this was the limit, or they were risking the two SS-class monsters sensing their presence.

"Hah. Are they with three guides?"

They could not be sure of their appearance.

"So? They are SS-class espers... of course, they will have three or more guides."

"Hm, that makes sense."

The two feel silent.

"What should we do? Report it?"

"Why not?" The man smiled with his partner. "The higher-ups will like it."

It was a great merit to have a sighting of the SS-class espers, and with their guides no less.