The X Guide-Chapter 139: The Horror Under The Sea (1)

One thing Ayen had discovered was that, despite Khal appearing to have more self-control than Devion, it might not be truly the case.

"Ayen needs to build stamina to handle both of us." Khal finally addressed the suspicion after a while; there was not a trace of shame in his voice. "Of course, it’s not the only reason."

Devion had an expression as if to say, I knew it.

Ayen’s mouth parted, about to argue. However, like Devion, he could not refute either. After all, Khal’s words actually made sense.

Devion and Khal had absolute beast stamina; if they both teamed up, Ayen would be truly overwhelmed. Furthermore, it was not just about their bedtime activities either.

Their guiding sessions, and even the upcoming test about the curse... everything needed Ayen’s stamina to keep up more than anything else.

"Told you, he’s thinking something perverted," Devion mumbled; Khal merely smiled as always.

Not denying the claim at all. It was the truth, after all.

It was not that Ayen would be against the idea of Khal touching him either. All three of them were aware, and so they gradually moved on.

Out of all the equipment there, Khal only focused on four, while he still emphasized the treadmill and the guiding session simulator.

Simple methods were sometimes still superior to the rest of the seemingly amazing equipment.

"That child’s ability will be difficult to manifest."

Khal explained the difference between esper abilities and anomalies. Although Ayen was contracted with it, it did not make Ayen’s body suitable for its power.

"But there’s no need to worry. Once something happens, the child will notice it immediately and will support you through the link."

This was the main reason he contracted the anomaly, and he was not worried that it would harm Ayen. Artifacts could be lost or fail to be activated, the same thing with bodyguards.

It was not the same for subordinate contracts, which had direct connections with each other.

The first day in the submarine went smoothly. Ayen also followed the routine Khal set up. Khal and Devion also started training inside, even though they actually did not need to, just to accompany Ayen.

The change happened about three days into their trip.

Ayen was exhausted from his training but also from an intimate session just a couple of hours earlier. Devion was by his side while Khal was reading something at their side.

They were just leaning on each other, lingering on the bed, and enjoying each other’s presence. It was when the submarine suddenly shook.

Then an indescribable mana erupted, and Ayen could even feel it down to his bones, as though wanting to crush him into pulp.

Fortunately, it only took a split second, and Ayen could no longer feel it. The two espers quickly covered Ayen with their mana and protected him with the impact.

Ayen felt his body being carried by Devion, the mattress still wrapped around his body. Khal had already checked the situation, his expression solemn.

Devion frowned, his expression not much better than Khal’s. This was his first time seeing them this serious. Even in the forbidden zone, they always wore a casual attitude.

"What happened?" Ayen asked, curiosity written in his eyes.

Devion did not leave him in the dark either.

"A dungeon suddenly appeared. It seems to be an S-class or worse SS-class dungeon." Devion furrowed his brows.

The appearance of this dungeon was truly unexpected; only when it finally manifested did Khal and Devion feel it. It was odd, but he could not ponder that fully.

He glanced at where Khal ran to. "Let’s go check it out."

Devion went to the closet and found clothes for them. He also got something for Khal, who was only in his boxers. After they were done, he led Ayen towards where Khal was.

"Is it an SS-class dungeon?" Devion immediately asked, silently handing the clothes to Khal, who accepted them.

Ayen clung to Devion closely; the oppressive mana density could affect him after they got closer. It was not much, but it still affected his emotions.

Khal nodded, putting on his clothes. "It is." He furrowed his brows and glanced again outside. Ayen could also see it from the transparent window.

His mouth parted, gripping Devion’s arm tighter.

The dungeon gate was different from anything he had seen. It was like a gigantic whirlpool; the dungeon gate must be its core. It constantly moved and emitted a dangerous and oppressive mana.

Its surroundings were now a dead zone; all sorts of unfortunate sea monsters flowed and moved around the vortex. Most of them were dead, but some with tenacious bodies were still alive, but more like being tortured.

Their desperate howls could even be heard inside the submarine. Ayen shuddered at the sounds.

"What should we do?" he asked, uncertain. If he were not here, the two might not have hesitated much longer.

Ayen bit his lips and glared at the vortex. Why was he always unlucky? He always found himself in such dangerous situations. If it happened once or twice, it could still be a coincidence.

But to happen three times? Was it still a coincidence?

Khal and Devion were more focused on how to deal with the dungeon that appeared out of nowhere to notice Ayen’s thoughts.

Ayen waited for the two to decide. If the two chose to leave him here, he would still accept it. He knew that he could only hold them down.

While he experienced dungeon raids with them, those were not dangerous at all. They could leisurely guide Ayen, but an SS-class dungeon, even for the two, was not a joke.

In fact, this was only the second SS-class dungeon to appear in the history of mankind.

Khal met Ayen’s gaze. Devion did the same.

"We can’t leave you here." Khal’s voice was firmer than Ayen had ever heard him.

Khal has always been someone who does not trust anyone to protect those precious to him, other than himself. It was the same with Devion, and that too with Ayen.

While he might assign bodyguards and countless treasures to Ayen for his safety, those were never a guarantee. And now, Ayen would be alone once they entered the dungeon.

They could not just leave, as they had to put Ayen to safety first. Meaning Ayen would be left alone in the submarine, under this perilous sea, and an SS-class dungeon not far away.

SS-class dungeons behaved very differently from a normal dungeon. As the only SS-class espers, this was their responsibility.

Devion also agreed. He would not be at ease if Ayen were not in their sight.

So, there was only one option.

"Do you want to come with us?" Khal asked, but his eyes showed how much he wanted Ayen to say yes.

There was urgency in his voice.