The X Guide-Chapter 101: Mana Disturbances (5)

Khal could not help but scratch his head with a faint smile. Ayen threw a decision at them. Devion would surely let him decide, so it was he who needed to decide in the end.

After thinking about it, there was no reason to be indecisive.

"Let’s enter, then."

With the two of them, Ayen’s safety was almost guaranteed unless something unforeseen happened. Thus, with that decision, the three entered the building.

As usual, Ayen stood between the two espers, and he could clearly feel their presence. Once they entered the main door, a sudden premonition welled inside him.

Something was amiss.

Ayen’s eyes widened when he felt the space shift, as though entering a dungeon. It was not just him. Khal and Devion also sensed it.

They quickly held onto Ayen’s hand, but it was too late. The gate had eagerly swallowed them, and Ayen slowly felt a slight dizziness.

He was not yet used to entering a dungeon gate. Although Ayen noticed that something was a little different about it. While the gate had similarities with a dungeon gate, there was an unfamiliar but faint sensation around it.

Perhaps that was the mana disturbance that slightly changed it.

Soon, Ayen had to stop sensing his surroundings and let his consciousness be submerged in this unfamiliar but warm sensation.

He did not know how much time had passed; Ayen felt like he had been asleep for a long time. It was to the point that he almost forgot his existence.

Almost.

Through his half-awake consciousness, Ayen felt someone shaking his body. Ayen moved his body to the side, and the murmurs reached his ears.

Who was that? Was it Khal? Or Devion?

Again, someone shook him.

Ayen chose to slowly open his eyes. While still feeling groggy, he forced himself to wake up. His surroundings were blurry at first, and with a few blinks, they gradually became clearer.

However, Ayen could not help but frown. His eyes swept to the people inside and then furrowed his brows. He searched for the two people he first wanted to see, but they were not inside the room.

What happened?

Seeing him silent, the people inside exchanged glances and also frowned. The woman standing at the bedside had an expression filled with concern.

Ayen did not speak. He may have changed in the last few months, but he was still the same with strangers.

He did not trust them, and so not speaking was more advantageous for him. At least, for now.

For about five minutes, none said a word.

Suddenly, an elderly man sighed and finally spoke. He went to Ayen and looked at him.

"Grandson, are you still in pain? Do you remember what happened?" His aged voice held affection and also concern.

Yet none of them affected Ayen more than what he called him. Ayen looked at the elderly man with clueless eyes.

Did he just call Ayen his grandson? Or was that how he called all the younger generation?

This assumption was easily proven otherwise.

"Son," the woman by his side, who seemed to be the one shaking him earlier, opened her mouth. "Can you say something? I’m getting worried here."

Ayen turned to the woman. Ayen was starting to realize something was seriously wrong here. However, he still maintained his silence.

The more he could not understand the situation, the more he needed to be cautious with his words. He needed to know what was going on first.

Suddenly, a curse resounded in the room. It came from a thin but tall man, who stood by the door. He had looked pissed since earlier and now had exploded.

Perhaps Ayen’s silence was what triggered him.

"Aurelle! What is this silent treatment? Can’t you see everyone’s worried here, and you’re only frowning like some idiot? Or did a monster really eat your brain?"

Ayen was not offended by his words, but the name quickly caught his attention.

"What did you call me?" Ayen could not help but blurt out.

"Heh. Aurelle, are you pretending or really being an idiot?"

"Auxia! Stop it. Your brother’s already hurt and experienced a traumatic event. Stop being rude. Apologize immediately!" The woman reprimanded the thin man, whose name was Auxia.

Auxia was taken aback, glared at Ayen, and only fell silent. He did not apologize even when his mother repeated her words. The woman could only sigh and stop focusing on him, turning on Ayen again.

"Son, don’t listen to your elder brother. We’ll stop asking you questions. Maybe you’re hungry? What do you want to eat?"

Her words carried a motherly affection, something Ayen was not familiar with. Ayen could not even hear her in full as his thoughts were occupied by analyzing what was going on.

They called him Aurelle. These people seemed to know him and acted like they were his family. What exactly was going on?

Ayen pursed his lips and closed his eyes. He took a deep breath and opened his eyes again. This time, he answered the woman.

If he wanted to gain any information, he could not just stay silent anymore.

"I’m not hungry..." Ayen opened his mouth and paused. He touched his throat, and surprise flickered in his eyes. His voice... was different.

The people inside focused on what he had to say, especially the woman.

"What do you want, son? Tell mother."

Ayen lifted his gaze again and looked at her. There was only one thing he needed to do at this moment.

"Can I wash up?

That was to see his face. He already had a hunch, but he needed confirmation.

No one objected. The woman was about to help him, but Ayen instinctively dodged her touch. The woman was taken aback but still let Ayen stand on his own.

Most of the people in the room had already dispersed; the mom and Auxia were left inside. Ayen did not bother them, and after getting his clothes, he went to the bathroom.

Ayen quickly found the mirror and looked at himself.

Even if he already had a hunch, confirming it still made Ayen quite startled. He reached out and touched his face.

To a very unfamiliar face.