12

However, reality was cruel.

Banteon was the first in the Aethlant family to manifest as a guide. The shock for Banteon and his family was indescribable; the first direct descendant of the Aethlant family, which held all the power in the world, turned out to be a guide.

Although the rights of guides were gradually improving, it was still a far cry from past standards. Until Banteon’s manifestation, society still largely viewed guides as mere appendages to Espers.

Back then, he didn’t want to meet anyone. Feeling abandoned by the world, he stayed in his room without stepping out, spending time alone. It took changing the calendar twice before he finally decided to join the center after a long period of wandering.

During those long months, Teeroth visited Banteon every day, waiting in front of his door. Even though he knew Banteon wouldn’t see him, he waited until evening without fail.

A few years later, Teeroth manifested as an Esper.

On a night when the full moon shone brightly, Teeroth, barely awake from the rising heat, came to Banteon. His face, newly manifested as an Esper, was a mess of emotions. On what should have been a joyful day, Teeroth knelt in front of Banteon, sobbing uncontrollably.

Even though he couldn’t touch Banteon, Teeroth sobbed and gasped a few steps away. The memory of that moment was still vivid in Banteon’s mind.

‘I’m sorry… I’m so sorry….’

‘Why are you sorry?’

‘Because I became an Esper alone….’

Teeroth, his words slurred by sobs, cried for a long time before making a vow to Banteon.

‘I won’t let anyone treat you as just a guide. I’ll protect you until the day an Esper appears who values you as you deserve.’

‘Idiot. I’m an Aethlant. Even as a guide, no one will dare treat me poorly.’

Young Banteon had answered curtly.

Blaming the fever for Teeroth’s nonsense, he comforted him and had the attendant, who had followed them late, support him and lead him away. The unsettled energy trailing after him as he departed still lingered sorrowfully in Banteon’s memory.

Afterward, Banteon returned to his room as if nothing had happened. The moonlight streaming in through the window felt unusually cold that night.

Though he didn’t say it to Teeroth, that night Banteon shed a few tears alone. He was touched by his friend’s sincerity and enviously admired his visible energy.

Reflecting on the distant past, Banteon looked at Teeroth now. Once somewhat cute in their childhood, he had grown into a wily adult.

“Other guides must resent you. You’ve kept a perfectly good Esper wandering around all this time.”

“Not really? I’m not popular among other guides.”

“Why not? An A-rank Esper in perfect health should be quite popular.”

Banteon smacked Teeroth’s back with a loud sound. Teeroth’s overly modest words didn’t reflect the truth. With his abilities, respectable family, and decent manners, he was an ideal match for any guide.

Teeroth scratched his neck, showing no sign of pain.

Having placated Teeroth, who had been grumbling about early training, Banteon’s business was concluded. He threw the remains of the pain patch into the trash and stood up. He had a mountain of work piled up due to the sudden change in schedule.

Before leaving the room, Banteon looked back at Teeroth one last time.

“If you find a good guide, go ahead and match. I’m okay now.”

“……”

The usually talkative Teeroth only smiled silently. His signature sly gaze concealed deeper emotions. Stubbornness like his couldn’t be broken by others. Shaking his head, Banteon left the room.

The long-deserted mountain path was rugged. Even military vehicles struggled to climb, gears fully engaged. The numerous cushions did little to soften the jolting ride.

“The ride is terrible.”

“This is pretty decent. It’s a road where vehicles can go. Some places we have to carry our gear and walk.”

“Dreadful.”

“Why did you sign up for this? Are you really not going to tell me?”

“……”

Banteon couldn’t explain the reason. He just kept silent and stared out the window. He’d rather suffer silently than explain. Despite Teeroth’s repeated questions, he dismissed them like the wind blowing past the window.

“Fine, have it your way.”

Teeroth gave up and slumped his shoulders.

The greenery outside the window passed by quickly. As the two continued their varied conversations, the military vehicle gradually slowed down.

“We’re finally here.”

Beyond the stopped vehicle, silhouettes of people could be seen. Then came a soft knock on the door. When Banteon unlocked and pushed open the door, the person outside eagerly swung it open and secured it with the latch.

Banteon looked at the man in front of him. His hair was cut close to the scalp, and his slightly darkened skin marked him unmistakably as someone who worked in the field. Banteon noticed the insignia on the man’s chest and slowly straightened his clothing.

“Welcome. I am Sotenlu, the operations commander here. Are you Banteon Aethlant?”

“Nice to meet you.”

Banteon shook Sotenlu’s outstretched hand slowly. Teeroth, who had followed him out, also greeted with a slight bow.

“You have no idea how surprised I was when I saw your name on the list.”

“I’m just sorry it took so long to get here. You’re always working hard.”

Banteon responded with a professional smile. Teeroth, standing slightly askew, turned his head to stifle a sudden laugh.

“No, your presence here is an honor. Your arrival has significantly boosted morale.”

“I hope I can be of some help.”

“May I show you around the depletion team?”

“Of course.”

Commander Sotenlu led the way, saying he would show them the best view of the depletion team’s area. After following him slowly, they reached a high ground that provided a clear view of the entire team.

“That over there is the operations headquarters. There are some convenience facilities around it. Do you see the small tents over on the other side?”

Following Sotenlu’s pointing finger, Banteon saw an open area with rows of small tents about 4 square meters each, spaced at a reasonable distance.

Pointing to a tent slightly apart from the others, Sotenlu explained that it was where Banteon would be staying. He mentioned that despite their best efforts, the depletion team’s limited supplies might make things uncomfortable.

“I’m used to staying in the same quarters as everyone else at the center. Don’t worry.”

Banteon’s gentle smile reassured Sotenlu, who sighed in relief.

“Then please rest. Teeroth will provide more details.”

Sotenlu saluted crisply and marched off with the precision of a soldier. Teeroth, who had been quietly following behind, finally spoke up.

“They’re putting you to work right away, aren’t they?”

“Do you know him?”

“We’ve been on the same mission before, so I know him well. But I can never get used to how your attitude changes.”

“It’s not like this is the first time.”

Banteon usually spoke in short, curt sentences, but in public, he donned a perfect business mask and maintained formalities. It was a survival skill for smooth social interactions.

Teeroth, who maintained a consistent, casual demeanor in both public and private settings, shook his head in exasperation.

“I couldn’t do it. The depletion team facilities are pretty much the same everywhere. Anything you’re curious about?”

“The shower facilities. I doubt there are private showers in the tents.”

“Of course.”

Teeroth, commenting on Banteon’s love for cleanliness, led the way.

Unlike the makeshift tents, the main buildings of the headquarters were proper structures. Banteon pressed against the walls, which looked similar to concrete. They were solid enough to be considered proper buildings.

Walking around the building, they saw a door marked with a blue sign.

“Here it is. They usually place it close to the residential area. Let’s see if it’s occupied.”

Teeroth pressed his ear to the wall to listen for water sounds. The center’s buildings were built with excellent soundproofing to accommodate Espers with keen hearing. Temporary buildings, however, lacked such sophisticated facilities.

Teeroth’s expression changed as he listened. He looked slightly troubled.

“It seems like someone’s in there now.”

Although Banteon wanted to inspect the facility, he didn’t want to share the space with someone else. Deciding to check it out later, they turned to leave just as the bathroom door swung open.

The person emerging from the shower, still dripping, froze upon seeing the two standing there.

Banteon was equally stunned to see someone he hadn’t expected. The person was Keslan, a student he had often interacted with at the center. Keslan’s endearing looks and reliance on Banteon had often made Banteon fondly ruffle his hair.

“Sir, Teacher?”

“It’s been a while.”

“I heard you had signed up! I’ve missed you!”

Keslan, with a flushed face, looked ready to embrace Banteon, but Teeroth stepped in to stop him.

“Calm down, Keslan. You’re still wet.”

“Oh, right! Sorry, I got carried away.”

Keslan, still visibly excited, took a step back, drying himself off while keeping his eyes on Banteon.

“How have you been, Keslan?”

“Great! I’ve been doing my best here. But seeing you is such a relief. I didn’t expect to run into you here!”

Banteon nodded, feeling a mix of nostalgia and relief at seeing a familiar face.

“Let’s catch up later. For now, I need to get settled in.”

“Of course! I’ll be around if you need anything.”

With that, Keslan smiled brightly and walked away, still drying off. Teeroth looked at Banteon with a smirk.

“You seem to have quite the fan club.”

Banteon chuckled, shaking his head as they continued toward the tent area.