#9

Covering a class on a day off wasn’t ideal, but given the center’s current situation, Banteon nodded in agreement.

Ordinarily, without any assigned espers, Banteon would have been the top choice for deployment to the subjugation squad. However, thanks to his distinguished family, no one dared ask him to join. Thus, he had never been concerned about the formation of subjugation squads, but this one seemed large enough to require every available person.

With the informal power of his family allowing him to rest comfortably in the center, this level of cooperation was a small price to pay.

“Alright, send me the lesson materials.”

“I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to do this, but my father is ill, and I need to go home.”

“In that case, it’s understandable. Don’t worry about it.”

Banteon responded with a gentle smile. Mr. Sodel, visibly relieved, sighed softly.

“Thank you so much! Oh, we’re temporarily holding the class in Building F. The usual classroom in Building C is still under repair.”

“Ah.”

“The class starts at 3 PM. Thank you again.”

Without waiting for Banteon’s reply, Mr. Sodel hurried away. Given his parents’ situation, his urgency was understandable.

As Banteon walked in the opposite direction, he pulled out his terminal. Opening his calendar, he saw the lesson materials Mr. Sodel had hastily sent, updating his schedule for the afternoon.

‘Substitute class in Building F at 3 PM’

Seeing the new entry, Banteon felt a baseless sense of unease at the mention of Building C, which Delroz had destroyed.

Surely not. It couldn’t be.

With over ten classes in one building, the chance of it being Delroz’s class was minimal without even calculating.

He was just overly sensitive these days. He already had enough on his mind without adding unnecessary worries.

Banteon stopped by his study to pick up the materials for the advanced class.

---

“Oh my… it’s Mr. Banteon.”

“Wow, I’m seeing him for the first time.”

As he opened the door, the students murmured to each other.

“Who is that?”

“You know, from the Aethlant family.”

“Oh!”

The reaction wasn’t unfamiliar. Many students had been surprised initially to learn that a direct descendant of the Aethlant family was teaching. This new reaction brought back memories of those early days.

“Quiet.”

Banteon rapped the podium twice, and the room fell silent. Some students, unable to contain their whispers, continued to mutter quietly.

Banteon scanned the classroom, noting that the students were younger than those in his regular classes, likely due to the advanced nature of the course. The oldest seemed to be around 20, with most in their mid-teens.

Despite their youthful charm, he had no interest in minors.

‘This won’t be very interesting.’

Banteon thought to himself as he opened his book. The material was basic enough that he could teach it with his eyes closed. He turned his attention to the screen and began the lesson.

“We’ll start on page 97.”

As Banteon conducted the lesson, the initial rowdiness subsided, and the atmosphere became more settled. The earlier anxiety about the class originating from Building C dissipated. The students were just children, after all.

The lesson progressed smoothly, the only sounds being the tapping of his pointer on the screen and his calm voice. Before he knew it, half the allotted time had passed.

-Creak.

The classroom door swung open harshly, shattering the peaceful atmosphere. All eyes turned to the entrance, and a heavy, suffocating tension filled the room.

The latecomer walked in nonchalantly and took a seat as if nothing were amiss.

Following him, a man with mouse-gray hair entered, bowing apologetically.

“Sorry for being a bit late.”

Banteon stared at the man, who bowed his head more deeply in response to Banteon’s gaze. He then walked quietly to sit next to the earlier arrival.

Banteon’s eyes followed the two latecomers. He wasn’t annoyed just because they were late. He cursed under his breath.

‘So that’s why I felt uneasy.’

The tall figure among the students was Delroz, accompanied by his subordinate Paton.

Of all classes to cover, it had to be Delroz’s. His luck couldn’t be worse. His heartbeat quickened, and he exhaled slowly to calm himself.

Various thoughts raced through his mind. Surely Delroz wouldn’t recognize him in disguise from that night.

Given that Delroz believed the guide that night was a woman because of the long hair, Banteon was relieved. Despite the mistaken identity, it worked in his favor.

Memories fade over time. As time passed, Delroz would only remember the key details, not the specific image or aura. The memory-blocking earrings would hasten this process.

This should gradually widen the gap between Banteon and the guide in Delroz’s memory.

‘Stay calm.’

Espers had animalistic instincts, especially SS-class ones. If Delroz remembered him, he would have recognized Banteon immediately upon entering the classroom.

Sitting in his seat, Delroz seemed indifferent, his legs crossed, leaning back nonchalantly. There was no indication that he recognized Banteon.

His subordinate set up his writing materials hurriedly while Delroz gazed distantly, showing no interest in the new teacher.

Everything should be fine. Nothing will happen.

Repeating this mantra to himself, Banteon lightly massaged his stiff temples and adjusted his glasses more firmly.

Despite the turmoil in his mind, Banteon continued the lesson in a calm voice.

“There are differences in abilities among guides, but they cannot be measured in ranks like espers. The reactions vary greatly depending on the matching rate with the respective esper….”

Even as he tried to maintain his composure, a slight tremor in his voice was unavoidable.

As Banteon resumed the lesson, Delroz’s previously indifferent gaze began to shift. His eyes, which had been staring blankly into the distance, slowly followed Banteon’s voice, focusing intently on him.

Banteon, trying to avoid looking at Delroz, didn’t notice this change. Meanwhile, Delroz’s dry gaze traveled from Banteon’s head to his feet, scrutinizing him carefully.

“Teacher, what about you?”

“You don’t have a matching esper yet, right?”

The students, fascinated by the famous Banteon, began to show more interest and asked questions eagerly. Banteon smiled faintly at the questions from these much younger espers.

Desiring a guide was common among all espers, regardless of age.

“Unfortunately, I haven’t found a matching esper yet.”

“Can we apply for a matching test?”

“Who have you tested with?”

Though these were quite personal questions, such curiosity was common between espers and guides. Seeing the young esper’s eyes sparkle with interest, Banteon firmly set boundaries.

“I don’t test with minors.”

“Aww…”

“Cheh.”

The students’ disappointed reactions made Banteon’s previously tense expression relax slightly.

“Alright, let’s get back to the lesson.”

The pointer made a sharp sound as it tapped the screen. The brief joke had eased the suffocating tension, and the lesson flowed smoothly once more.

Banteon avoided looking at Delroz until the bell rang, signaling the end of the class.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll definitely sign up for your class next time, teacher.”

A few students approached the podium, chatting cheerfully. Surrounded by these sociable students, Banteon resisted the urge to glance at Delroz. He used the students as a barrier to naturally exit the classroom.

Once he was out of the room and away from Delroz, he felt he could breathe easier.

“You’re heading to Building A, right? Let me carry your things.”

Most of the students had dispersed, but one remained, lingering beside Banteon. The student offered to carry his belongings, which consisted of just one book, a terminal, and a pointer. Despite the minimal weight, the student was clearly eager to assist.

Turning his head slightly, Banteon noticed the student’s energy subtly shifting, clearly indicating he was an esper. These were the types of students—particularly ambitious and interested in Banteon. While it was sometimes endearing, this particular student was too young for Banteon’s interest. It would be more entertaining to engage with them when they were of age.

About to firmly refuse, sensing potential trouble, Banteon opened his mouth to speak.

“No, that’s alri—”

“I’ll take them instead.”

An unwelcome voice interjected from behind. Banteon froze in his tracks, recognizing the speaker immediately. It was his first time hearing the voice directly, but the arrogant tone made it unmistakable.

Clutching his books and items closer, Banteon turned to face Delroz, who stood there with an unreadable expression.

From a distance, Delroz’s lean build didn’t seem imposing, but up close, his large frame and unique presence felt intimidating.

“Thank you, but it’s really not necessary.”

Banteon said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Delroz, ignoring Banteon’s refusal, stepped closer, his eyes fixed intently on him. The student who had offered to help backed away, intimidated by Delroz’s presence.

“Let me help.”

insisted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Banteon’s heart raced, but he kept his expression neutral.
“Alright, if you insist.”

Handing over the minimal items, Banteon tried to maintain his composure. Delroz’s intense gaze made him uncomfortable, but he had to stay calm.

Delroz took the items with a nod, his expression still unreadable. They walked together in silence, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken tension.