Chapter 302
Wilhelm’s words were abruptly cut off as his chin hit the ground.
“I asked, where is Rose right now?”
Claude growled, his boot pressing down on Wilhelm’s head.
His voice was chillingly calm and rational. There was no trace of the chaos or anger one might expect from someone betrayed by a trusted subordinate.
The reason was simple. The only thing that mattered to Claude was retrieving his lost Guide.
Realizing this, Wilhelm’s attitude shifted instantly.
“What could such a trivial Guide possibly mean to you… to make you so weak?”
Gasp. All the soldiers watching were stunned into silence.
Wilhelm, who had always shown blind obedience to his superior, had crossed the line by mocking Claude’s imprinted Guide.
Despite the soldiers’ anxious glances, Claude remained unshaken. His demeanor was as cold and consistent as ever.
Encouraged by his defiance, Wilhelm shouted louder.
“You were never like this, Lord Claude. For decades, you were the strongest without ever receiving any guiding, bowing to no one. Everything started to go wrong the moment you met that weak Guide!”
“……”
“Why, with all the power others crave, do you not seek to rule over them? Why do you let that weak Guide control you and settle for a mundane life? You could have easily overpowered and subdued such a pitiful Guide with your strength!”
“……”
“And it’s not just you, Lord Claude. It’s the same for all the Espers here. Isn’t it ridiculous? Espers who used to keep several Guides locked in their basements are now scrambling to share just two Guides. That’s why Guides strut around arrogantly, looking down on the Espers crawling at their feet! Even though we have the power to make them kneel easily!”
The ones who showed the most obvious disdain were the two Guides, Oscar and Shana. Yet the Espers were equally shocked by Wilhelm’s crude words.
The idea that powerful Espers could rule over Guides, and even the world, without issue was a conservative belief that had been common before the establishment of the Center.
However, it was rare for someone to openly express such beliefs after the Center was founded, where ethical respect for Guides was heavily emphasized. Any statements or actions treating Guides as mere tools were strictly punished, making Espers cautious with their words and behavior.
Wilhelm had always seemed unremarkable in this regard, maintaining a decent reputation among the Guides. Despite being an S-Class Esper, he had never displayed a noticeable sense of entitlement.
No one had suspected he harbored such vile thoughts.
Unleashing his pent-up resentment, Wilhelm spoke even more harshly.
“For what purpose do we endure such hardships in this barren environment? Why must we, who are chosen by the heavens with special powers, sacrifice ourselves to protect the weak? Why must we carry this radiant power as a shackle instead of enjoying it…!”
But Wilhelm, who had been shouting with veins bulging in his neck, could no longer continue. He was crushed by an overwhelming force that he couldn’t escape from.
It became difficult to breathe, his eyes bulged and blood vessels burst, and foam started to form at his mouth.
“I will ask you one last time.”
Claude looked down at Wilhelm with a merciless gaze and asked again.
“Where is Rose now?”
Claude’s only concern was the safety of his Guide.
Nothing else mattered.
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