Free Web NovelChapter 49: _It’ll Cost You
[NEW SIDE MISSION!]
[OBJECTIVE: Be at Devon’s side during the Echo Rift mission.]
[REWARD: 500 EP and 500 HP.]
[PENALTY: Extraction of Devon’s copied fire ability and possible psychic backlash.]
Ambrose blinked at the screen with dread.
Extraction of the fire ability? Psychic backlash—this was torture!
’I only just got the fire ability,’ he sneered. ’And all it did was make me comparable to a D-Rank monster.’
[Which is still very impressive for someone who’s supposed to be merely a Guide.] Aura countered. [The higher your EP and HP, the higher your fire ability’s rank. Currently, it’s at D-Rank. With this mission’s reward it’ll cross over to C-Rank.]
That managed to get Ambrose’s attention.
Meanwhile, Orion coughed awkwardly after witnessing his parents kiss. "I’m still right here guys."
Devon chuckled, getting on his feet. "Sorry you had to witness that, buddy," he gave Orion a wink before his eyes slid to Ambrose. "I have to go now. Gear up for the mission and all."
He paused. As if hesitating with the idea of leaving.
But he had to.
Other than being mandated by the Federation itself, he had to find out Leo’s fate. And he certainly can’t do it sitting here and glaring at the news all day.
He moved, lips curving into one last smile. However, before he could take two steps toward the living room door.
"Wait," Ambrose stood up as well, chest falling with a heavy exhale. He could already feel how this would go but decided to try. "Let me come with you."
Devon’s brows knitted. "What?"
"I’m serious," Ambrose inched closer as the Esper spun around to meet his gaze. All while Orion stared at them, confused but curious. "I want to come with you. I’m your permanent Guide and you might need me."
Silence settled between them for a beat.
Then — Devon’s head shook. "We aren’t talking about another S-Rank dungeon raid, Ambrose." He intoned. "This is an SS-Rank dungeon break. A never-before-seen anomaly."
Ambrose’s hands trembled. "I... know that—"
"Do you?" The S-Rank arched a brow. "I don’t think so. I don’t think you realise the gravity of what a Cataclysm Level Rift event is. Or how many lives it can claim."
Before the Guide could retort, Devon’s mouth opened again. "S-Rank Espers can barely bank on their survival in such a mission. Let alone—"
"A measly C-Rank Guide," Ambrose’s sarcasm was sharp. "I know. But it’s also why I want to go with you. You might need me and I won’t be able to live with myself if anything happens."
Orion’s tiny voice broke the tension just then. "Devon? Please let daddy follow you."
Devon’s jaw tightened. His eyes stayed pinned on Ambrose briefly before sweeping to the lad behind him.
"Your daddy can’t tag along, buddy. The Federation didn’t send him an invitation and it’s too dangerous."
The little boy was persistent. "But—"
"No buts, young man. I’m going alone and that’s final." Devon was firm, his gaze once again settling on Ambrose. "Please, just stay back."
He found Ambrose’s hands, pressing a soft kiss on his knuckles. "I’ll come back. I promise. Just take care of the little guy and yourself. Okay?"
Ambrose’s lips remained sealed for a few seconds too long.
Then, "Of course. As always."
Devon nodded with a broad smile, hands leaving Ambrose. He didn’t say anything else, waltzing out of the suite. Once the door shut behind him, however, Orion crept to his dad’s side.
"Daddy?" The boy called. "Does this mean Papa is going to face those monsters alone?"
Ambrose didn’t answer. Not yet.
Because in the back of his mind, an idea began forming. A particularly tedious one... but an idea nonetheless.
He smirked. "You’re about to learn something new today, little urchin." He pulled out his phone, unlocking it and going straight to contacts. "Your daddy never takes ’no’ for an answer."
[That’s a problematic thing to say to a child, you know?]
Ambrose ignored Aura as his eyes landed on his target contact.
He might regret this. And it might bite him in the ass some other time.
But right now only two things mattered to him.
Completing the system’s mission. And ensuring that stubborn Esper’s safety.
So... he clicked on the call.
★★★★★
Glacier Talon Guild HQ
"Look what the cat dragged in." Viktor grinned wolfishly when he stepped out of the sky scrapper’s front entrance only to meet Ambrose waiting outside.
You could imagine his surprise when the Guide called him some minutes ago. Almost pleading and asking if Glacier Talon had any space to accommodate him during the trip to Norfolk.
No details. Absolutely nothing else other than that.
Of course, Viktor told him he could find space. And that’s how the Guide rushed down here, eyes glinting with a hint of desperation he tried to hide.
This should be fun.
"I’m sorry to disturb you with this, Viktor," Ambrose, unaware of what went on in his head, stepped closer. "So? Can you sneak me into one of your Guild’s ships for the mission?"
He resorted to this because there was no other option. Even if he wanted to defy Devon and board one of the Phoenix Flight’s ships, he would be declined.
Things were really that serious.
"Sneak you in?" Viktor repeated, gloved hands in his coat’s pockets. He leaned in until his mouth brushed the Guide’s ear. "You make that sound deliciously wrong."
Ambrose swallowed hard, a chill racing down his spine.
There was the ’ass-biting’ he was talking about.
Seriously, what was it with powerful queer Espers and being unable to control their urges around him?
"Viktor," he managed to take a step back. "Please, be serious. Can you get me to Norfolk or—"
"Of course, I can," Viktor snorted a laugh. "But it’ll cost you."
Ambrose’s brows twitched. For just a second. "Cost me?"
"Hmm." Viktor nodded, eyes drifting heavenward. "If you wish to get to Norfolk, you’ll owe me a favour. Anything of my choosing once the time comes."
The S-Rank paused, stretching a hand toward Ambrose. "Deal?"
The latter was taken aback.
A... favour?
He may not know much about the man but he wasn’t stupid.
Any favour from Viktor Morozov was bound to be sketchy. Probably another antic to get under his pants.
Hmph.
With a light breath, Ambrose shook Viktor’s hand, nodding. "It’s a deal then... but it better not be anything illegal or lewd."
Viktor laughed. "You’re no fun," but he didn’t push it. This outcome was already enough for him. "Agreed then."
As they both withdrew their hands, Ambrose couldn’t help but wonder:
How long could he keep up with the system’s risky missions before breaking? And what exactly had Viktor Morozov just gained from that handshake?
