The X Guide-Chapter 110: Curse Wavelength (2)

Was it the curse? Ayen was not sure.

Devion opened his mouth to answer and then closed it again. He looked at Ayen incredulously, staring intensely as though this was his first time doing so.

Ayen touched his cheek and repeated his question, urging an answer. He wanted to know, to at least have hope.

"Is it the curse?"

He wanted confirmation from Devion himself. Ayen had not encountered it before, and it was not taught in the academy.

Devion took a deep breath and slowly nodded his head.

"It is."

When Ayen’s wavelength tried to connect with it, Devion felt it too. It was not just him. He heard a roar ringing in his ears, angry at the sudden intrusion.

Ayen’s eyes obviously lit up with the answer, but Devion could not feel the same. Instead, he looked worried.

"Don’t do it again," Devion sighed, pulling Ayen closer. "What if something happened to you?" He was worried that Ayen’s exposure to it might implicate him.

This curse was completely new territory. They were completely stumped by it. He and Khal spent years searching for a possible cure, but they had yet to find anything other than suppressing its effects.

These were miraculous healing artifacts at most.

Curses were very mysterious. Humans had yet to truly discover anything with it, especially as it was rare and the chances of encountering one were unpredictable.

It was as mysterious as the dungeons’ origins.

"I won’t forgive myself if something happens to you, Ayen." Devion’s tone was firmer than it had ever been. He stared at Ayen with a heavy gaze.

Ayen bit his lips, stared at those eyes, and felt their intensity. He could see the concern and also the fear that came along with the unknown.

He could understand it. Devion was worried for him. Even with the slightest possibility that Ayen could do something about the curse, Devion thought of the possible consequences more.

Ayen lowered his head and slowly embraced Devion, resting his chin on Devion’s shoulder.

"But I want to do something for you."

Ayen spoke these words slowly, trying to make it clearer. He thought that in this way, he would be able to convey his feelings more to Devion.

Their chests touched, and so, for a moment, their heartbeats began to pound in the same rhythm.

"Can you let me try it again, Devion?" Ayen did not forcefully put his idea just as he usually did.

This time, more than his own, Devion’s opinion mattered more.

Devion’s eyes flickered in a conflicted light. His breathing slowed down as his feelings became complicated. He firmly closed his eyes again and embraced Ayen.

Ayen did not hear an answer, but he let Devion decide and stopped urging him. He nestled in his embrace, just like Devion did with his.

The guiding session had also stopped, as the A-class esper body had a limited capacity compared to Devion’s original body. A complicated but comfortable silence spread throughout the room.

When it seemed ten minutes had passed, Devion finally let out a breath. Ayen also opened his eyes and waited for him to speak.

"You’re so sure you want to do this?" Before making his decision, Devion asked for Ayen’s confirmation first.

Ayen nodded and answered without hesitation. "Yes."

Devion let out a sigh.

"Ever the stubborn pretty Ayen," Devion curled his lips and kissed the top of Ayen’s head. "It will be dangerous. The curse is extremely malicious."

"I know." Ayen was aware of that. It could not be said that he was not nervous. However, his desire to help Devion exceeded that.

He did not want to witness Devion in that state ever again.

"We can try. But... Let’s do it in a safe place. Khal needs to be there with us."

Devion would not let Ayen take risks without further assistance. It was more of that he did not trust himself once the curse was provoked by Ayen’s actions.

Khal needed to be there for more security.

"We’ll test it first. You can’t recklessly approach it again while in a guiding session. Ayen, do you agree with this?" Devion whispered against Ayen’s ears.

The sincerity laced in his words was also a reprimand for Ayen’s reckless actions.

Ayen also thought this was the best course of action. Khal’s presence would make them more assured to test anything. He was like the pillar that pushed them to do things more confidently.

Like knowing someone would catch them even if they failed and fell. Perhaps because of his abilities? However, it could not be just that.

Khal always exuded a calm and assuring presence.

"Yes, I agree," Ayen voiced out his agreement. Then, he asked. "What do you feel now? Is it still here?"

"It retreated. What you did surprised it," Devion honestly answered. For now, the curse retreated into his subconscious. However, next time, it would be more on guard.

This concerned him, but there was no need to dampen the mood for that.

Ayen sighed in relief. He was about to respond when Devion beat him to it, kissing his earlobe with a smile.

"You must be sent by God to reward our hard work." Devion’s eyes crinkled, and he chuckled. "How can we be so lucky to meet you otherwise?"

He was sure that if Khal was here, he would agree with what he said.

Ayen’s lips, which were already parted, pressed to each other again. He was stunned by Devion’s words, and heat rose to his cheeks.

He was not used to such words. Every time the two say sweet or intimate words to him, it always leaves Ayen breathless and unable to respond.

Ayen did not think he would be accustomed to them anytime soon, or if he ever would.

"Why? Do you believe in god?" He bit his lips and closed his eyes for a second. Why did he respond like that?

Devion laughed.

"I don’t," he paused. "But if he truly sent you to us, then I will." There was a smile on his lips, reaching through his eyes, but his words were sincere.

He was not joking.

Ayen could feel it too, and his cheeks flushed even further. Fortunately, Devion was not looking at his face.

"It’s just fate... We’re just fated, maybe?" Ayen spoke what he thought inside for the first time.

Devion’s laughter resounded. Ayen could tell Devion liked what he said.

"Right. You’re always right."

Devion grinned widely and hugged Ayen tighter, unable to let go for the next few minutes.