บท 7: Under You

Red zones were a lot different than green zones or even orange zones. Other than them, the stationed military, and the monsters beyond the gate, nothing was left.

The citizens had long been evacuated or had already died before they could, as was the usual scenario in today's world. Every year, the human territories were dwindling and being conquered. New gates would emerge in an indefinite amount of time, giving the federation a lot more work on their plate.

And so, Esper Guilds, which fell into an ambiguous position, became a great help in shouldering these burdens for the government. Of course, in exchange for their own autonomy as well.

It was the same with Dark Crimson Guild. Kamille, the Guild Leader, was the top authority, and not even the government could overstep in his decisions until he permitted it to.

If they did not want a mission, they could refuse, and the government would not be able to force them. The least the federation's higher-ups could do was sanction them. In Rise's opinion, this was also a harsh punishment, especially for smaller guilds that needed the resources the government provided.

As for Guides, they did not have individual guilds but were more similar to Union. Guide Association, a collective organization for Guides. Since Guides were relatively smaller in number compared to Espers and their existence was crucial for Espers, the government did not permit anyone to create an independent guild for them.

This was both a protection and a restriction. Guides were very important for Espers, as they calmed and controlled the Esper's chaotic wavelenghts every time they used their abilities. This meant reducing the potential berserk Esper.

If Esper guilds could recruit Guides freely, it was like they had finally grown wings, and the government would not be able to control them anymore.

"Here, test your wavelength here." Kamille led Rise inside the temporary establishment and pointed to the portable wavelength device. "In this mission, we might get stuck for days or even a week inside the gate, and making sure you're compatible with the guides we have is necessary," he further explained.

Actually, it was already common knowledge, but Kamille just could not help explaining, as if making sure Rise was aware of this. If anyone made him seem stupid, Rise would not stand idly by to teach them a lesson. However, it was Kamille! He was not offended at all.

So, Rise did not say much. He only smiled again and nodded, following obediently. Anyone would be shocked if they saw him so behave.

As it was common sense for Espers, who was not new to how to use it, Kamille did not instruct Rise; otherwise, Rise might already react for himself.

After registering his wavelength, the device blinks for a few moments, calculating his compatibility with the guides available.

Kamille and Rise stood side by side in front of the device; it was only the two of them inside the room. The sound of the device was also the one making sound.

Rise did not flirt with Kamille as well, maintaining a comfortable silence. His show was not here; he was still waiting for that perfect opportunity.

After a while, the device beeped, and words began to appear on the screen.

"Let me see..." Kamille muttered, reading the results. Rise just stood there, not the least bit concerned about the result. Instead, he raised his head and decided to watch Kamille's handsome face, even more now that he was so serious.

"40%... 30%... 48%..." Kamille sighed as he read these results before finally ending with, "The highest is 57%. That's so low," he commented, then turned and looked at Rise. "But it's still within the requirements, you only need a wavelength amplifier, which is also available for this mission."

Rise nodded again, freely meeting Kamille's gaze, admiring the Guild Leader's face without concealing it.

Kamille frowned slightly, raising a brow. "Are you listening to me?"

Rise, who only appeared absentminded, gave a nod. He blinked and chuckled.

"Of course, why wouldn't I?" His tone was soft, but there was something odd to it. He sounded enthusiastic for some reason.

Kamille paused, scrutinizing Rise once more. For him, Rise seemed normal and even not what he was expecting from the troublemaker the Union described to him.

And yes, Rise's appearance was far from that. However, interacting with him really did make a difference when it came to impressions.

Kamille turned serious and let out a breath. "Come here." He turned and went to one of the seats there. As he sat, he patted the seat in front of him, signaling for Rise to sit.

Of course, Rise did not sit opposite him but shamelessly occupied the seat next to him.

"Do you have something to say to me, Guild Leader?" Rise inquired; his skin touched Kamille's as he closed the distance between them. At least, he did not completely invade Kamille's space.

He sounded more excited than someone who was curious.

Kamille's serious expression almost dropped, and his gaze gradually filled with a rather incredulous light as he looked at Rise.

"Tell me honestly, why did you come here?" Kamille still did not forget what he wanted to say, despite his curiosity. Rise was like a puzzle slowly creeping into him, wanting him to figure it out.

His instinct told him something was off, but he did not know exactly what it was.

Rise, excited to be so close to Kamille and talking to him, answered honestly.

"I saw you on the news, and the subjugation seemed interesting, so I came." Rise simply told this truth, which was not the whole truth but still the truth nonetheless.

Kamille leaned on the seat; his index finger touched his forehead. He paused for a moment, thinking of what to say, then shifted again to Rise.

"This mission is important, Rise." Kamille's voice softened, wanting to sound more friendly, at least to convey the seriousness of the issue.

However, Rise's smile widened, and for some reason, his eyes lit up. Not only that, he appeared even flustered.

Kamille became speechless; his next words suddenly paused and became stuck in his throat.

"Is there something wrong with what I said?" Kamille really did not know what to say. This Rise was not what he was expecting... He was not expecting someone to be so... foolish.

Rise smiled and blushed for whatever reason, even looking at his face so dumbly. Was he missing something?

Rise laughed and shook his head. He was just excited to hear Kamille say his name so softly. That made him blush.

"No... nothing." Clearing his throat, Rise continued. "I know this mission is important, Guild Leader."

"It's good that you know," Kamille stopped in his friendly tone, seemingly guessing that was the root of the problem. "Rise, if you're only here to play and have fun... I'm now letting you leave on your accord."

Kamille did not want any variables, even more someone who thought everything was a game. This mission was crucial; their lives were literally on the line. No matter how powerful he was, he would not be able to tell what would happen inside that gate.

Again, Kamille's expression turned extremely puzzled. Why was this fool still smiling dumbly even if he dropped the friendly tone? Kamille did not really know what was wrong in Rise's head, making him want to look inside.

Rise bit his lips, wanting to stop himself from smiling, but he could not help it! Kamille said his name again! Actually, since he did not see the guild leader for months before he died, he was extremely excited at this moment.

Even if Kamille did not say anything, his presence alone would be able to make Rise blush at how much he missed him.

Rise took a deep breath, trying to control himself, but he did not do anything about his blushing face. He was also not ashamed of it.

"I've always been serious with what I do. So, you don't have to worry, Guild Leader. I'll do my best to be of help to you." Rise's voice was as sincere as it sounds.

Rise was playful, and he lied all the time, but he never did so to Kamille. Everything he promised Kamille, he fulfilled and will always be.

This time, Kamille fell silent again, but for a different reason. His gaze suddenly focused heavily on Rise, examining his face for any lies. He seemed to hear the sincerity and even strange devotion in those words, which confused him.

As far as he could remember, he had not met Rise before. Where was this coming from?

"Why?" Being left with words, that was the only thing he could ask.

Rise did not mind; for him, his Guild Leader was always attractive, whatever he did.

"The truth or the partial one?" Rise playfully, he asked, cocking his head to the side as he smiled.

Kamille's brow rose. "What do you think?"

This made Rise laugh, and he almost leaned on Kamille.

"Actually, Guild Leader... I'm one of your admirers," Rise admitted, his eyes staring straight at Kamille. "I've always wanted to be under you, Guild Leader."

In Kamille's ears, his words might be an innocent word from a fan who wanted to join his guild. For Rise, it was a double entendre. And he would make sure, Kamille would learn of it sooner.