20

Teeroth leaned in close and whispered into Banteon’s ear.

“How does his aura look right now?”

Only Teeroth knew that Banteon could “see” auras. Irritated by the cautious question, Banteon responded in a low, exasperated voice.

“How am I supposed to tell from this distance?”

“Beats me. I’ve never seen it. Can’t you do it remotely?”

“This ability isn’t a telescope… But you should be able to sense something, right?”

“I’ve never felt anything remotely similar to that guy’s aura.”

Banteon’s eyes widened in surprise.

Banteon had the ability to “see” others’ auras, which appeared like shimmering heatwaves around them. While most people couldn’t perceive them visually, Espers could instinctively gauge the strength of each other’s powers—like animals sensing a threat.

But hearing that Teeroth, who was quite sensitive, had never sensed Delroz’s aura was shocking. No matter how powerful Delroz was, it didn’t make sense that his aura would be entirely undetectable.

“What?”

“It’s not just me. Others can’t sense it either…”

“What interesting conversation are you having behind my back?”

Delroz had approached them without warning, now standing directly in front of them. Banteon could finally see the expression that Teeroth had mentioned—a smile, but one that looked more like he was contemplating how to deal with them.

Teeroth was an idiot. This wasn’t a smile; it was a calculated look, considering what to do with them.

Banteon answered Delroz in a businesslike tone, trying to diffuse the tension.

“It’s a personal conversation.”

“Quite a way to have a personal conversation, staring at someone like that.”

“Must be your imagination.”

Sometimes, outright denial is more effective than an awkward excuse. Banteon’s dismissive response made one of Delroz’s eyebrows twitch upward slightly.

“So you say… Fine, if that’s how you want it.”

His condescending tone irritated Banteon. Why did Delroz feel the need to come over and graciously let things slide when he was the one barging in uninvited? Sure, they had been talking about him, but they weren’t the only ones.

Yet, Delroz had chosen to confront the person furthest away from him, as if intent on causing trouble.

Teeroth nudged Banteon with his elbow.

Despite his irritation, Banteon realized this was a good opportunity to observe Delroz up close. As he quickly scanned Delroz’s aura, he noted that contrary to Teeroth’s claim, Delroz’s aura was clearly visible to him.

‘As I thought.’

Delroz’s aura was much like it had been when Banteon had seen him in the tent. It still swirled ominously around him, clearly indicating he hadn’t yet found a compatible Guide. It was odd that Teeroth couldn’t sense it.

After a quick assessment, Banteon gave Teeroth a slight nod.

Noticing that Banteon had finished his scan, Teeroth spoke up.

“If you have no business with us, please move aside.”

“Oh, you’re here too?”

Delroz responded as if only just now noticing Teeroth’s presence. His tone was blatantly dismissive. It was an obvious slight, but Teeroth didn’t react, simply crossing his arms and staring back at Delroz.

“We’re not done with our conversation yet.”

“It didn’t sound particularly nutritious.”

He didn’t even bother hiding the fact that he had eavesdropped on their conversation. Banteon quickly replayed their previous conversation in his head. Thankfully, there was nothing too incriminating.

If Delroz could hear them from this distance, Banteon realized they would need to use their communicators for any future private discussions. This guy was unnervingly sharp.

Teeroth, visibly annoyed, tapped his fingers against his forearm.

“Espers having good hearing isn’t unusual, but do you have to make it obvious that you’re listening?”

“What can I do if I can hear it?”

“There’s still an unspoken rule. It’s not like I don’t hear things and keep quiet out of respect.”

For the first time, Delroz carefully examined Teeroth’s face.

“Ah… I see. You’re that peculiar Esper.”

“…”

“They say you could be an S-rank if you matched with a Guide, but you stubbornly stay an A-rank. Hiding out here, wagging your tail, I see?”

“Enough of that.”

Teeroth’s voice dropped, his tone growing cold. Delroz’s gaze flickered briefly to Banteon before returning to Teeroth.

“Did you choose the wrong master? Doesn’t look like he has any intention of holding your leash.”

“You…”

“I don’t understand how you can fawn over someone with the same anatomy.”

“It seems there’s been a misunderstanding.”

Banteon quickly stepped in, blocking Teeroth from retorting further.

“Teeroth and I are relatives. Your assumptions are offensive.”

“Oh… relatives?”

For some reason, despite the clarification, Delroz’s smile only deepened. It was as if he was mocking Teeroth.

Banteon could feel the tension in Teeroth’s clenched fist. After all the teasing about being foolish, it seemed like Teeroth really was being foolish now, trying to confront an SS-rank Esper.

Banteon tapped Teeroth’s arm, and he slowly relaxed his grip. The raised eyebrows settled back into place as Teeroth calmed down, his usual sly demeanor returning.

“It looks like neither of us has someone to hold our leash.”

“There’s a difference between a dog wagging its tail for a leash and a mutt who’s already chained and flaunting it.”

“So, are you satisfied with your current situation?”

The tension between the two flared up again. With calm expressions, they stared at each other as if they were ready to kill, while Banteon stood off to the side, feeling like a bystander in a straw sack.

He knew he should intervene, but the conversation was veering into territory where he didn’t want to get involved. He watched the two, arms crossed, as they growled at each other like beasts.

With Delroz distracted by his standoff with Teeroth, Banteon realized this might be his chance. If he pretended to intervene and made contact, he could test whether guiding Delroz was possible and achieve his goal.

But he also knew that a guy as sharp as Delroz wouldn’t miss even the slightest attempt at guiding. It might be better to wait for a combat situation or catch him while he’s asleep… But then again, was it even possible to approach Delroz while he was sleeping?

For the first time, Banteon found himself grappling with a basic problem. It was easy to think about staying close to test guiding, but how was he actually going to do it?

The realization of the challenge ahead finally hit him. He hadn’t thought about how to check if guiding was possible without Delroz noticing. Without realizing it, Banteon furrowed his brows.

How stupid of him not to realize this sooner. Spending too much time with Teeroth must be rubbing off on him.

He let out a deep sigh, a bitter smile on his face.

First, he needed to get Teeroth out of this pointless argument, then figure out a way to make contact without raising suspicion. Just as Banteon opened his mouth to intervene, a thunderous noise echoed from a distance.

-BOOM!

A massive sandstorm erupted far away.

“Sandworm!”

“Prepare for battle! Non-combat personnel, fall back!”

Sotenlu’s voice rang out from the front, where he had been keeping watch. The sandworm, which had been moving underground, had sensed the presence of people and burst out of the ground. Even from a distance, its massive body, the size of a five-story building, was clearly visible.

“Combat Team 1, assemble!”

“…What a bother.”

Combat Team 1 was Delroz’s team. He clicked his tongue and cast a glance at Banteon and Teeroth before turning away with a look of reluctance. Delroz’s figure quickly receded as he walked towards the giant sandworm without hesitation.

Other combat personnel swiftly formed up behind him.

“Let’s see how skilled he is.”

Teeroth watched the scene with a casual air. Sandworms were desert-dwelling monsters, and even though this mine was in a lower area near the desert, it was still surprising to see one appear here.

“Why is there a sandworm here?”

“That’s why it’s called a dungeon. With the monster gate open, you get all sorts of creatures. They even spotted a siren last month.”

If sea monsters like sirens were appearing, then expecting anything normal was out of the question.

Banteon had read about sandworms in books, but seeing one in person was a completely different experience. It was larger and more grotesque than he had imagined, causing him to frown in disgust.

“How strong is a sandworm?”

“Well, it doesn’t have venom and is mainly a close-range fighter, so its attack power isn’t that high… but its shell is annoyingly tough.”

“So there won’t be much damage?”

“Not exactly. You’re more likely to be crushed to death by the collapsing ground than killed by the sandworm itself. Once it appears, you pretty much have to abandon the campsite. Especially here, where the ground is full of gravel. There’s also a risk of being injured by flying debris.”

Looking around, Banteon noticed the newly set-up canopies and temporary campsite. The thought of it all being destroyed left a bitter taste in his mouth. People were standing still, assessing the situation.

“Should we move over there?”

“It’s better to stay put. Sandworms track people by sound.”

So that’s why they’re all standing still in that awkward spot. Banteon remained where he was, watching Combat Team 1 engage the sandworm. The ground bulged and large clouds of dust rose as the sandworm tunneled through the earth, making the surface heave like a mole’s trail.

The visibility quickly deteriorated, becoming so hazy that it was difficult to make out any silhouettes. Teeroth used one hand to shield Banteon’s eyes from the flying dirt.

“Dust is flying everywhere.”

“Does Delroz seem to be fighting well?”

“Well… His control isn’t great, but…”

Banteon couldn’t see Teeroth’s expression, but the tone of his voice suggested a tinge of bitterness.