"Is your arm okay? Can it still be healed?"
Ilyas' worriedly checked on my arm, but there's one thing I needed to address.
"You know how dangerous it is to jump in front of enemies like that right? What if-"
"I know." He said, cutting my words, "I know, so let's just treat you immediately, okay?"
I stared at him, his emerald eyes were unreadable.
Turning my attention to the surroundings, Xain had already been taken by Patricia to the medic stationed nearby with Cedric following them. Marcello however, was clutching his side as he walked toward us.
"We got the token already? That was fast."
"You should get your wound treated."
"So do you."
Marcello plopped down on the ground, though he was covered in bruises, he looked happy, smiling even.
"These bosses definitely shouldn't be underestimated. I think I broke my hand and ribs after directly receiving its attack. Geez, a mere businessman like me definitely doesn't suit to be a combat esper."
As I was talking with Marcello, Ilyas tugged my sleeve. I gave him a nod and said one last thing to Marcello.
"We'll finish the last two towers, you can't back up now."
He answered gleefully, "Of course."
For some reason, he had been unusually happy since we got out of the tower, but I didn't think too much of it as I walked side by side with Ilyas to the nearby stationed medic.
.
.
"It's done."
"Thank you Ilyas."
I clenched and unclenched my hand. Ilyas' guiding energy residue was still flowing in my hand. After receiving treatment, we went straight to our next destination, the Ruby Tower in the south.
Ilyas gave us guiding any second we got – even after we stepped foot in the safe zone in front of the tower – which made him quite exhausted rotating between five espers at once.
Seeing him wiping his eyes from exhaustion, I held out my hand.
"Want me to carry you?"
Ilyas processed what I just said and stared at me blankly, before his face flushed red and he stuttered.
"W-Wha- C-Carry me?"
"Yes, you look exhausted, I'll carry you until we enter the tower."
In a raid, the time when the esper could rest was the busiest time for the guide. While we were on the jet, Ilyas had been running around giving us guiding. So I offered to carry him until we arrived in front of the tower so he could rest a little.
But I guess I was too bold.
Ilyas grumbled, "Why do you have to make the wildest choice? You know I like you. How can you do this to me? With a flat face at that."
"Is-Is it a bad thing?"
I scratched my cheek and Ilyas smiled while nudging my shoulder, "Usually, people will feel awkward when the one they confessed to has not given them an answer. But I guess there will always be an exception like you."
I laughed awkwardly at Ilyas' words, I had no dating experience so I didn't know how to approach their confession, and I was the type to face my problem head on, so rather than dodging Ilyas and Xain, I'd rather enjoy my time with them to form the resolve I needed in my heart.
"Alright, I'll forgive you, carry me Ethan."
Ilyas opened his arm wide in front of me, his red cheeks showed his excitement. I turned around and crouched, ready to carry him.
"Ethan...?"
"Yes?"
"Why are you crouching?"
"Because I need to carry you?"
Ilyas' mouth opened wide, he looked down at his outstretched hands then looked at me again before he covered his face with his palm and released a heavy sigh.
"I should have expected this."
Though I was confused by his mumbling, I watched as Ilyas climbed on my back and wrapped his arms around my neck. He buried his nose on my nape and his soft hair tickled my skin.
"Haha Ilyas, it tickles."
But Ilyas buried himself deeper on my shoulder instead, "Don't care, you smell nice."
"I washed my hair this morning. You sure I don't smell from all the sweat?"
I said, rising from my crouching position and walked toward my teammates. Ilyas raised his face, I could sense his stare behind my back.
'Did I say something wrong?'
"Why are you not catching the hint? You dummy."
'What hint?'
Ilyas buried his face back on my shoulder. Regardless of what he meant, I kept moving forward.
The tower was quite a walking distance away from our plane's landing spot. Because the ominous aura spreading on the air, we got teleported outside the tower's zone and had to walk on our own there.
"Hurry up you two! We're already behind schedule!"
Patricia shouted. The others had arrived faster than us, so I let Ilyas down and we both walked toward the entrance of the tower.
Marcello gave us a look before scoffing.
'What's with him?'
His mood changed so fast I couldn't guess what he was thinking.
"Hopefully this one doesn't do something as ridiculous as sealing our abilities again."
Cedric said as he folded his arms, the others sighed in agreement. I also prayed we didn't have to deal with something similar to that painting world.
After checking for traps in the entrance, Patricia and Xain led us forward. The surrounding environment was that of a sand dune. While our prayers were answered, the intimidating presence of the boss was crystal clear.
Under the scorching heat of the sun, a vermillion bird soared freely across the sky. Its scarlet wings spanning wide, each feather glimmered in red and gold, burning fiercely with flames.
It landed gracefully and silently into the sand, not even allowing a speck of dust to form. Turning its head toward us, a melodious voice echoed in our heads.
[A new challenger hast come. Will thou be worthy of my approval?]
Without cue, we all prepared our battle stance, ready to attack anytime.
[Violence is not something a creature of tranquility like me prefers. Let's make this more peaceful, shalt we?]
A black matter shot out from the sand below us. And soon, our vision and mind were consumed whole.