Seducing the Guideverse With My System — Raising an Anomaly [BL]

Chapter 119: _Hope Cracking Through Chaos

Naturally, Ambrose didn’t give a straight answer. Zero puns intended.

Instead, he stayed staring at Devon for several seconds, his cheeks getting so red you’d think he just came back from the edge of an active volcano.

And when Devon saw this... he finally remembered Valentine’s warning on emotionally stressful situations. He lowered his head, catching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger.

"Shit," he cursed. "I’m sorry. I didn’t... I didn’t mean to make it sound pressuring at all."

He quickly grabbed Ambrose’s hands again. "I understand if you can’t answer yet. At least until you’ve gotten time to... think."

Thank the gods.

"... But..."

Well, fuck.

"... I also need you to know I’ve thought this through for quite a while. I’m prepared for whatever answer you have. So please, don’t feel forced to say something you don’t mean."

Ambrose heaved, his chest caving in with pain. Whether that was from his complications or Devon’s confession—he didn’t know.

Fortunately, a worthy distraction came in the form of the Russian Prince who didn’t waste any time wrapping an arm around Devon once he came back.

"Mom and I have to start leaving," he announced, oblivious to the emotional tension sizzling in the air. "Devon, your grandfather wanted to talk to you. Something about your nephew."

Devon froze, his eyes scouring the ship. Once he saw Magnus already waiting by the foredeck with his arms crossed, he sighed.

As he left, Viktor inched closer to Ambrose, resting a palm on his shoulder.

’Fuck,’ the Guide thought, still raw from Devon’s confession. ’What now?’

"You pretty much saved my life twice. In the dungeon." Viktor didn’t waste time, rubbing Ambrose’s shoulder. "I’m... still amazed at how you could manage Guiding me then destabilising the core."

Sigh. Weren’t they all?

"It’s almost like," Viktor’s lips pursed, "you were made for me..."

Ambrose’s eyes widened.

Were these men TRYING to kill him?

"I–I know it’s weird to say," the ice Prince quickly added, "but I’ve never received as much clarity from being guided as I have with you. And trust me, I’ve met my fair share of Guides."

’Don’t tell me he suspects I made a permanent link,’ Ambrose could feel just a little guilt twisting his stomach. ’I need a diversion.’

No sooner had he made that thought than the universe naturally provided one. He hacked a strained cough, his features twitching with pain in the process.

Viktor’s eyes flashed with concern. "Oh—sorry. Am I—?"

"Messing with my peace?" Ambrose forced a smile. "Yeah, kinda."

They laughed, although Ambrose’s was mostly humourless. Fortunately, that seemed to cause the S-Rank to take a couple of steps back.

"I... guess I’ll be going now." He winked. "Take care of yourself, little bird. I’ll check on you once I get home."

Ambrose managed a nod. "Looking forward to it."

The moment Viktor sauntered off, Ambrose let out a shaky exhale. ’Show me the guy’s attraction points.’

[Viktor’s attraction points: 92%]

For the briefest second, a mischievous light flickered in those silver orbs. He was so close to a hundred now. All he needed was one move. One final push that’ll get Viktor completely tied to him.

And then—he’ll finally get a new Esper power added to his arsenal.

He smirked, letting himself relax. His gaze was pinned on the cloudy skies and the sunlight breaking past them. Like hope cracking through chaos.

The road to getting stronger has never seemed brighter.

★★★★★

Phoenix Flight HQ

After taking Valentine’s potion, Ambrose got enough strength to walk again. Yet he still clung to Devon’s arm as they waltzed into the building’s lobby later that day—followed by Magnus.

A small group of Guides and Espers in the Guild were gathered waiting for them, all beaming with proud smiles. They began clapping and cheering. For the members of their Guild who represented them in the closure of the country’s seventh Cataclysm Level Rift.

Ambrose held back the smile quivering at the corner of his mouth. He could already sense the stares pointed at him longer than necessary. The whispers on how odd it was that he was walking amongst S-Ranks.

The jealousy.

Even after all these days they still underestimated him. Still thought he was nothing more than a C-Rank Guide.

Good.

Let them.

"Alright, alright." Magnus lifted a hand, bringing silence to the lobby. "Thank you. Today—we celebrate the end of what could’ve easily become an Extinction-level event."

Then came a pause. One that made every single person stiffen with unease.

"But as some of you may know already..." the Guild master continued. "An entity from the Echo Rift is still somewhere out there. An existence whose presence in our world should serve as a reminder."

"A Hunter’s work is never done. As long as Dungeon Rifts and more of us keep emerging every day, we must be prepared. For survival. For victory. And sometimes..."

He angled his head to Ambrose and Devon. "... Defeat."

It took the Guide by surprise, making him swerve away from the older man’s piercing gaze when it lingered too long. Before he could internally spiral, the Guild Master snapped his attention back to the crowd.

He preached on and on about never giving up or some shit like that before dismissing everyone.

"Your grand daddy sure never misses with his speeches." Ambrose chuckled when he and Devon got to the floor leading to his suite.

"At least your snark is back."

Ambrose caught himself leaning closer into Devon’s warmth. He tightened his hold around his arm, drawing in a calming breath.

Hours ago he’d told Orion that he might not return. The memory of how shaken his brave little boy was made warmth surge in his chest.

Now they are back. And hopefully ready to slip into normalcy... or whatever version of it was available.

When they finally got in front of the door and Ambrose pulled out his key card—his senses picked up something off. His brows furrowed, eyes flicking from Devon to the door.

It didn’t take long for the Esper to notice. "... Is something wrong?"

Ambrose shook his head. "No, it’s just—there’s something different."

"What? Did they change the locks?"

The former didn’t say anything, immediately pushing the door when he realised it was already open from the inside. He’s always told Orion to keep it locked.

Panic spiked through him like a lightning bolt.

"Orion?!" He yelled, darting in. "Orion, what—?"

He stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching at the scene before him.