The X Guide-Chapter 26: Guiding Contract

Guiding Contracts were standard for every company, especially when dealing with higher-ranked espers. Guide Association was no exception, but it was not as strict as private companies.

Unlike private companies, where they manage the guides’ contracts and take commissions on every contract, the Guide Association merely facilitates them from guides to espers.

It sounded like the association was better, but in fact, it was the opposite. Guides on the association were contracted to the government and were given salaries.

They also prioritized espers contracted to the government, as well as the low-rank espers who could not afford the guiding contracts from the private companies.

If one wanted to get rich, one had to apply to private companies. Despite the commission cut, a Guide could easily earn millions in one contract alone.

Of course, the guide and the esper’s ranks and the company’s prestige needed to be considered in the equation as well. In other words, the higher the Guide’s rank, the more likely it was to be paired with a higher-rank esper who could afford it.

Ayen was not new to them; he was not opposed to the idea. Although he did not need the contract, it was also necessary to have it.

As for its legality, there was no need to be concerned even if the contract would not go through on official channels. Khal’s and Devion’s words were enough to bend the law, much less a guiding contract.

So, Ayen was not too fixated on it as much as one would. He only treated it as a formality.

"Okay, I agree."

Seeing him nod, the two appeared more relieved.

"We’ll talk after you eat." Khal sealed the deal, and Ayen also had nothing to add and continued eating. Devion hummed with agreement, then fell silent again.

The meal ended peacefully, and at some point, the two espers began eating with Ayen, mostly eating his leftovers. Devion cooked a lot of dishes, but the portions were only for one person; nothing was wasted in the end.

Ayen looked a lot better. Although it did not show on his face, since he always looks lethargic. He was not looking as frail anymore.

The two also cleaned the kitchen afterward. Ayen did not insist on helping. He was still feeling a little weak, but not as uncomfortable as before.

After the cleanup, they were once again seated in the living room. Ayen was alone on the big couch, Devion sat in the single sofa, and Khal was seated on the floor.

The apartment was old, and the stay was hasty; they did not have any time to clean upstairs. That was also useless since they were leaving by tomorrow.

The couch still looked good and also clean without insects crawling on it, at least.

"How much is needed?" Devion pondered out loud, looking at Khal, who was holding a small notepad they conveniently found in one of the cabinets.

They could only draft the most important agreements of the contract, such as money, Ayen’s taboo, and so on. The rest would wait for a lawyer.

Khal spoke of an amount that even Ayen, who was indifferent to money, was shocked by.

"Is that too much?" He could not help but argue.

Unexpectedly, Devion even frowned. "We can increase it."

Khal also agreed, and the two discussed it in front of Ayen. His eyes watched them back and forth before he sighed and let it be. In any case, that would only go on his bank account without seeing the light of day.

He leaned lazily on the couch and watched silently.

The two finally set the agreement after a while, and Ayen did not even flinch at the ridiculous number. It only made him realize... The two were ridiculously rich; Ayen could not even comprehend the extent of it.

Then again, as Ayen observed, they did not act like one at all. If he had not known they were the only two SS-class Espers in the world, he would surely have disdained them for bragging.

"I’m fine with that," Ayen already answered before they could even ask, noticing their eyes about to glance his way. "I don’t have objections."

He repeated so as not to be asked with ’Are you sure’, which he knew was about to come out of their lips.

To fully stop the money discussion, Ayen decided to lay down his ’taboos’, or so they said. They were pretty self-explanatory, and he did not ask about them.

"I’ll guide you through hand contact only. Unless necessary, we won’t proceed to the next steps." Ayen was not unaware of the most intense side of guiding.

The reason he did not fully restrict the idea was that it was always a possibility. There were times when just skin contact alone was not enough, kissing... and even sexual intercourse was permitted.

However, those were already extreme cases and mostly done by committed and bonded pairs. Kissing was more common, but sexual intercourse was not.

That did not mean it would not happen. Especially for those caught in the moment.

"I said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m an E-class Guide. I have never met you before. You have never met me either." This was said firmer than the last.

The two easily agreed. There were more conditions that were discussed throughout the meeting, but it mostly revolved around the already established rule.

For the time being, Ayen would stay in the forbidden zone until his new assignment and guide them. Wherever the zone he was assigned to, the two must be informed of the regular visits.

Regular visits, but did not have a definite time. Devion and Khal could schedule a guiding session together; individual sessions would need to be discussed as well, and Ayen had to confirm them.

They had to stop, as further discussion was needed after Ayen was given the assignment and the zone he would be in. Calculating the distance and availability was a must.

Devion and Khal could not be away from the forbidden zone, especially during critical seasons, and sometimes they were invited to gate raids and some important events.

Ayen’s time was more flexible, but as an employee of Guide Association, he could not be absent for too long. The salary was not important, especially after the contract; Ayen simply did not want to be idle.

With those discussions finalized, Khal’s writing or scribbles were also complete. Devion requested the notepad and read the contents.

It was a surprise that he could read them.

"Can I add another condition?" Khal suddenly murmured, leaning his back against the couch. His head turned, looking up at Ayen.

Ayen looked down at him, and so did Devion, who lifted his gaze from the notepad and listened. Ayen nodded as a response.

"If you feel like your life is in danger, you can call us anytime. And... if we’re the reason, or any of us, don’t hesitate to cut us off. There’s no contract termination needed, only your word."