The Guide is Actually a Body-Switching Esper [BL]-Chapter 278: Director Torres

Damien didn’t procrastinate with getting things done. He contacted Director Torres as soon as they sat down in the cafeteria, and was granted a private meeting less than an hour later, so that he could go there shortly after finishing his lunch with Lane. It wasn’t because the Director was so free, but rather, because Damien was important to the Association. It wouldn’t be surprising if it turned out that one of his other meetings got pushed or canceled because of Damien.

But that was what Lane thought. Damien still remained blissfully unaware, at least to some extent. Because he would have disliked that, receiving special treatment just because of his rank as an Awakened. So, although he thought it was a bit suspicious that he had been able to schedule a meeting so quickly, he chose to believe that he was just lucky, and Director Torres had time right now.

And time was important for Damien as well, so he wasn’t in a position to refuse it, even if the truth turned out to be far less pleasant. So, he went to the Director’s office, while Lane waited outside, in case he was needed, sitting on one of the chairs and playing some games, while the Director’s assistant threw him curious looks from behind her desk.

And sure enough, ten or so minutes in, maybe even less, the door opened, and Damien peeked out. "Lane, do you mind?"

"Sure." Lane slid his phone back in his pocket and stood up, stretching his waist. Then, he threw the assistant a charming smile, and disappeared inside with Damien.

Director Kevin Torres, the only S-rank Esper in the Association apart from Damien, sat behind his desk, leaning forward, with his hands intertwined. He was a man in his late fifties, if Lane remembered correctly, but he looked much older because of his grey hair, and the countless wrinkles covering his face, especially his forehead.

...Was it because of frowning? If so, then perhaps Lane should try to fix Damien’s frowning habit. As much as he liked that frowny face, it would be a shame if Damien were to end up with so many wrinkles...

Wait, why did that even matter? Why was Lane worrying about how Damien would look once he was older?

He didn’t get to think about it any deeper, because Director Torres cleared his throat, grabbing Lane’s attention again.

"Ahem, so," he spoke, scrutinizing Lane with his eyes narrowed. "Lane Allen, right? First son of Guild Leader Miles Allen."

"Yes, that’s correct." Lane nodded his head. There was no point denying, since the truth would come up the moment Director Torres took a look at his file. If he hasn’t done that already.

"You registered fifteen years ago as an F-rank Esper with physical enhancement ability. Is that correct?"

"Yes."

"And yet, you tested today as an A-ranker." Director Torres leaned forward, his eyes narrowing even more, his full attention focused on Lane’s face, observing his every reaction. He must have already heard the gist of it from Damien, but he had to hear everything from the main person of interest as well. "Can you explain to me how it happened?"

"Well..." Lane let out a sigh.

The truth was, that was what his initial assessment had been, based on the fact that he couldn’t activate his ability. And later, when the rank assessment machine was first invented, and all the Awakened had to get their initial ranks properly reassessed, Lane maintained this facade by using the weakest of his plundered abilities during his test. But he couldn’t exactly explain to Director Torres what had actually taken place...

Luckily, he already had a story prepared. "I actually lied about my ability. I pretended that I couldn’t do anything besides moving a bit faster and using more strength..."

"And why would you do that?"

"Because of my parents," Lane twisted his lips in a sad, bitter smile. "We never got along, you see. They never cared about me, so I didn’t want them to use me as their pawn once they found out about my ability."

"Hmm." Director Torres hummed lightly, scanning Lane. He found no trace of falseness in him though.

Well, because it wasn’t a lie, not entirely. Lane’s secret was much bigger, and he might have actually been considering revealing himself at some point, before Diana, but what he had just said was also correct. The possibility of becoming the Allens’ pawn had been one of his genuine concerns.

"Then your real ability is A-rank air manipulation, is that right?"

"Yes, it is."

"That seems to be somewhat similar to Nyla Allen’s telekinesis."

Not the same, but it had some similarities. On the spectrum of so many different abilities, they were indeed very close.

"Well," Lane shrugged his shoulders. "We are twins, after all."

Fraternal twins, yes, but twins nonetheless.

"Hmm, I see," Director Torres nodded his head, seeing nothing wrong in Lane’s statement. He observed Lane for a while longer, before he got to the point. "I understand your circumstances. However, no matter what your reasons were, you must be aware that you have violated the Awakened law by concealing your rank and ability."

"Yes." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

"That is a serious crime."

It was not, even Lane knew that. Director Torres was only saying it to intimidate Lane. But Lane decided to just go along with it for now, and only lowered his head, as Director Torres continued,

"However, I am not an unreasonable person. Since you came to us yourself, we can negotiate a settlement. I’ve heard from Damien that you are willing to join the Association, and repay for your crime by working as a Field Agent?"

"Yes, I am. As long as I will be a part of Team Leader Lennox’s team."

"Oho?" Director Torres lifted his brows. "Do you think you are in a position to negotiate?"

’Yes, of course,’ Lane thought, but out loud he said, "I just believe that would be the most suitable place for me. As I’m an A-rank Esper, I would be best working under an S-ranker such as Team Leader Lennox. Not to mention, our abilities are also well-suited."

Or at least they wouldn’t get in each other’s way.

"Hmm." Director Torres hummed lightly, before easing his expression a bit. "Well, that’s alright. I was planning to place you on Damien’s team regardless of your preferences, but I’m glad that we can agree on that. Shall we discuss the contract details, then?"