Chapter 27
Curious what happens next? Read more here
Behind Brenda, a voice spoke up. It was Samuel.
With a calm expression, Samuel stepped past Brenda and stopped right beside Adrien.
Adrien, who had been silently watching the only one to step forward, finally spoke.
“Guides, stay behind the Espers.”
Only then did Brenda and Ricola hastily move into position. Samuel stood behind Brenda, but since he was a head taller, his face was still clearly visible.
“Focus on the enemy when it appears. Don’t assume I’ll swoop in to save you if things go wrong.”
“Yes, ma’am!”
“Your life is your own responsibility. Remember that, and that alone.”
Adrien jerked her chin, signaling the keeper to move deeper into the building.
“Wow, this is kind of nerve-wracking.”
Peter muttered under his breath.
All of them had training experience, of course, but being in the lead on an actual field mission was a first.
The rookie Espers stepped into the dark interior first. Just as Samuel, at the head of the Guides, was about to step into the building’s shadow—
A roar like a beast’s bellow shook the air, and something heavy lunged out of the darkness.
“Fall back!”
Brenda shouted. A lion burst out from the shadows, its eyes glowing blood-red, just as the keeper had warned. Brenda thrust her hand forward.
The charging lion froze midair.
“Telekinesis?”
“Yes, Commander.”
Michelle confirmed with a nod at Adrien’s murmur.
Brenda, a Silver-level Esper, wielded telekinesis. She could move objects—or even living creatures—without touching them.
With a sly grin, Brenda made a shoving gesture.
“An animal like this is nothing for me—!”
Suddenly, the lion roared.
“Urk!”
“Brenda!”
Brenda went flying, her telekinesis breaking. The lion landed lightly and leapt again.
“A Silver Esper losing to a mere lion? What a disgrace!”
With a fierce shout, Ricola Alvard lunged forward and thrust her hand out.
“Peter Ludd! Assist me with Guiding!”
“O-okay!”
Ricola slammed her palm to the floor, and Peter rushed forward, pouring radiation guiding into her. The building trembled violently as the ground shook beneath them.
The lion froze before it pounced, startled by the sudden quake.
Ricola’s ability was Ground—earth manipulation.
“She’s impressive. What’s her name?”
“Ricola Alvard, the youngest daughter of House Alvard.”
“No wonder. That family has produced plenty of strong Espers.”
Adrien gave a short nod.
“But Ricola Alvard is only Bronze.”
“Which is why she called for a Guide right away. Smart girl.”
Using Guiding immediately to reinforce an ability could compensate somewhat for a lower rank.
Adrien nodded again, then glanced up at the ceiling before turning her gaze toward the last rookie.
“Ensign Brenda, pull yourself together.”
Samuel was holding Brenda’s hand, feeding her Guiding while shaking her gently to wake her. It was the proper response for a Guide in this situation.
But for some reason, Adrien found the sight unsettling. Her brows knit faintly without her realizing.
She couldn’t seem to take her eyes from their joined hands. A sudden, childish urge struck her—to pull Samuel up by the arm and make him stop.
‘…What on earth am I thinking?’
It was the sort of unprofessional thought only Espers unable to separate duty from personal feelings would have. Startled at herself, Adrien pressed her palm hard against her lips.
Still, it wasn’t entirely her fault.
Samuel Norah’s guiding was simply too good. The mere brush of his touch made Adrien struggle to hold on to her slipping reason.
If Brenda experienced that same Guiding, she would surely…
“Samuel Norah is exceptional, isn’t he?”
What?
Adrien jumped at the sudden comment. She turned to see Michelle looking at Samuel with pride.
“He’s an excellent guide. He trained with the Makas Mountain Unit, so his stamina’s solid, and today he showed sharp judgment too.”
“…Yes. That’s true.”
It wasn’t what Adrien had feared she meant. After a pause, she finally managed to reply.
“Should we take Ensign Samuel Norah off the regular guiding rotation?”
Adrien froze. That possibility hadn’t even crossed her mind.
Any guide without a dedicated esper had to provide guiding to the esper members in their unit.
Discussion
0 CommentsNo comments yet.