Raon was startled by Siwoo’s harsh tone. When Siwoo was upset, he usually just frowned or went silent—he had never spoken like that before.Even the look on his face was strange: his expression was hard, furious, unlike anything Raon had seen from him. And the reason for that anger—because of a bruise on Raon’s cheek—made it feel even more surreal."It’s nothing—""Nothing? Your face is swollen like that and you call it nothing?""…"He hadn’t realized it looked that bad. Han Myunghun must have been stronger than most unawakened humans.Guides could stabilize Espers, but their physical strength was no different from ordinary people. If Raon were an Esper, he would’ve dodged the slap—or healed it instantly.Maybe he should’ve gone to the infirmary when Hamin made a fuss earlier. He just hadn’t expected anyone to care enough to notice, let alone worry."Tell me. Which bastard did this—""Hey. Are you really going to keep saying ‘bastard’ in front of your Guide?""…"Raon’s voice came out firm, almost scolding on purpose. Siwoo’s face twisted in disbelief.He knew it sounded ridiculous—old-fashioned, even forced—but there was no way he could tell him the truth.Myunghun already despised their pairing. If Siwoo went after him in this state, it would explode into something uncontrollable.Just imagining it gave Raon a headache. No, he’d have to play dumb."No one hit me. I just fell—""You think I can’t tell the difference between a bruise from a fall and one from a slap?""…"Fair point.Raon found himself nodding before he realized it. Siwoo’s gaze grew sharper."Who was it? Why aren’t you saying anything?""Siwoo, it’s—""Was it someone here?"Siwoo suddenly turned on the others in the training hall, voice like ice. The first person he focused on was the nearest—Hamin."M-me? No way!""…"Hamin flailed in panic. Nobody in their right mind would believe the gentle, timid Hamin capable of that—but Siwoo still suspected him.Raon quickly stepped in to clarify Hamin wasn’t involved, and Siwoo’s attention snapped to the next target."Was it you?""I didn’t do anything," Juwon answered stiffly, looking baffled. He’d been on his way out of the room.Raon shook his head in exasperation. "Siwoo, stop.""If you won’t say, then stay out of it. I’ll find them myself.""What—"At this rate, Siwoo was going to tear through the entire Center. And the one who’d actually hit him wasn’t even here.Before Raon could intervene again, Hyunseung, who’d come with Juwon, frowned in irritation."What’s your problem? He said it wasn’t Juwon.""That’s what he says.""You’ve got to be kidding me."Hyunseung scoffed, turning his gaze toward Raon. That’s when he finally noticed the swollen cheek.He didn’t care. No one in this building cared about Han Raon’s well-being. Most people ran the other way to avoid his infamously nasty temper.And yet this guy’s worried? He clicked his tongue silently. Apparently, Yoon Siwoo had lost his mind after pairing with that lunatic Guide."So that’s what it is, huh? S-rank guiding really does feel good?""What?""You acted like you couldn’t stand him before, but a few sessions in and now you’re panting after him like some rutting dog—""…"His insolent gaze swept up and down Siwoo’s body, mocking. Clearly this wasn’t the first time he’d picked a fight.Was he always like this?Raon’s memory of Hyunseung was vague. The original Han Raon had never paid attention to anyone but Seo Dojin, so there’d been little reason to notice Alpha-2’s Esper.But seeing him now, it was obvious. They hadn’t just looked down on Raon—they resented Siwoo too.Right. Teams One and Two never got along.Team Leader Dojin and Team Leader Park of Alpha-2 had been rivals—though “rivalry” mostly meant the latter’s inferiority complex. Their feud had even hampered cooperation during the Black Gate incident in the novel, worsening the crisis on purpose to heighten the heroes’ struggle."And you should mind your tone. I’m older than Esper Yoon Siwoo.""…"While Raon was lost in thought, Hyunseung kept running his mouth, now pulling the seniority card.Being older was hardly something to brag about. Raon sighed quietly and stepped forward."Esper Jung Hyunseung, Guide Hyun Juwon—I apologize for the disturbance.""…!""But Esper Jung, those words just now were out of line. Do you really want to make this worse?"He took hold of Siwoo’s clenched fist. The hand was icy cold, dripping water—literally.Seriously? Trying to use his ability in the middle of the Center?Raon kept his smile calm, but sweat beaded at the back of his neck."Hey, he started it—""Hyunseung, enough."Sensing the tension, Juwon stepped in. Hyunseung, who’d been bristling at Raon and Siwoo, immediately softened in front of his own Guide."Tch. Fine.""Siwoo, stop too. The person who hit me isn’t even in the Center."Raon had no choice but to tell him the truth—though not here. They moved to the Guiding Room for privacy."…Chairman Han Myunghun?""Yeah. My father. He can lose his temper sometimes.""…"Raon tried to sound casual, but Siwoo’s expression only grew colder. Raon could feel his disapproval radiating."Does Chairman Han hit you often?""No. It was the first time.""…"That, at least, was true. The original Han Raon had obeyed his father too well to be struck. This was the first time he’d ever defied him."Let’s go get you treated.""What about your guiding?""Does that matter right now?""…?"Doesn’t it? Raon blinked, puzzled. Siwoo, however, just grabbed his wrist and pulled.He could guide and «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» get treated afterward…If Team Two had joined the same mission, the Gate must’ve been large. Siwoo should have needed guiding himself.He’s really too kind, Raon thought, watching the back of Siwoo’s head as they walked.Would he get mad if I ruffled his hair? The thought barely crossed his mind when Siwoo stopped."Stay here and get treated. I’ll be back soon.""Uh, okay."Siwoo dropped him off at the infirmary and went back out.What could he possibly have to do right now? Wasn’t the mission over?Raon wondered for a moment, then sat obediently while the medic healed him. The medical Esper’s touch closed the bruise instantly."All done?""Yeah."Siwoo returned almost immediately. That was fast.Raon stood to meet him."Let’s go guide, then.""Okay.""…?"As Siwoo came close, Raon caught a faint smell—something like damp stone or river water.It wasn’t raining outside. Strange."What is it?""Nothing."Siwoo tilted his head, and Raon waved it off. Probably just his imagination. Too little time had passed for him to have used his ability anywhere.Raon smiled again. "Let’s go.""Yes, Raon."He’d listened for once—maybe that scolding yesterday had worked. Today’s guiding went smoothly; Siwoo’s contamination levels improved even faster than before.Raon was pleased. Coming back from such a large Gate, his levels could’ve dropped dangerously low, but they hadn’t.Satisfied, Raon returned to his quarters afterward—only to stop cold at what he saw on the TV. He’d turned it on absent-mindedly, but a breaking news banner flashed across the screen with a familiar name.[Hanmyung Group Chairman’s Office Flooded]

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