Chapter 20: Jo Hyun Half-Explodes
After I told Cha Cha about my speculation that Lee Do Ha was very likely the Fate Guide of Esper Jae Sin, Cha Cha was so shocked that she could not utter a single word.
"Hyung, are you joking or kidding me? Lee Do Ha is just a Rank B Guide, how could he possibly be the Fate Guide of a Rank SS Esper?"
To be honest, something like this had never happened before.
The probability of an Esper encountering their Fate Guide was already infinitesimally low, yet a Rank SS Esper having a Fate Guide who was only a Rank B Guide actually happening?
"Didn't you say that low-rank Guides would have difficulty being effective with high-rank Espers, Hyung?"
Cha Cha asked in confusion.
I nodded lightly, then shook my head again.
"Fate Guides belong to an entirely different category. The compatibility of a Fate Guide with their Esper will exceed 100%. In history, there has even been a Fate Guide with 135% compatibility with their Fate Esper."
Cha Cha said, "135%! Does that really exist!?"
"Yes."
Another voice sounded, answering Cha Cha's question.
It was Jae Hyo, leaning lazily against the doorway, having changed into a lighter outfit instead of the combat gear from earlier.
"Are you arranging things for Guide Lee Do Ha? Have you explained everything clearly to him?"
I asked. Jae Hyo responded with a soft "Mm" and walked over to sit beside me.
"Too many things have happened recently. I'm exhausted. Jun, could you Guide me for a bit?"
Jae Hyo spoke in a pitiful tone.
Guiding Jae Hyo for a short while was not a big problem. I took hold of Jae Hyo's slender wrist and transmitted energy into him, soothing the chaotic energy inside his body.
"Actually, our compatibility is not bad. Kim Jun, do you still not want to return to Area A with me? I guarantee no one will be able to force you anymore."
Every time he saw me, Jae Hyo asked this question. Was he really not tired of it yet?
"The problem is not you or me. I just like the atmosphere at my current workplace more."
Everything that happened in the past had long since passed. I was no longer the weak teenager who did not dare speak up in the face of bullying like before. Now, I had enough ability to protect myself.
But my wage-slave soul had already become hardened.
"You really are hard to persuade."
Jae Hyo sighed and shook his head with a smile.
Setting aside the past, I asked Jae Hyo what he intended to do with Lee Do Ha, and what Jae Sin was thinking.
"He will not let go. Jae Sin has waited for his Fate Guide for a very long time. He is extremely obsessed, extremely insane."
I agreed with this as well. The two of us sat on the sofa, sighing and lamenting together, leaving Cha Cha beside us, half understanding and half confused, eating snacks.
"Esper Jae Hyo."
Cha Cha suddenly spoke up, her eyes filled with admiration as she stared intently at Jae Hyo.
Cha Cha said, "I am very curious about the relationship between Esper Jae Hyo and Guide Kim Jun. There really seems to be a special kind of connection between the two of you. Were you lovers before?"
I froze stiff, and so did Jae Hyo.
"Ahem… Cha Cha, do not think such terrifying things. Esper Jae Hyo and I are completely innocent. We were just former classmates and once had a normal colleague relationship as Guide and Esper."
Cha Cha let out an "Oh," but she still did not seem to fully believe it, even though what I said was the truth.
"Alright, I have to go check on Jo Hyun. I am really worried about him!"
I quickly found an excuse to escape this topic. The best method was to flee as fast as possible. Before leaving the room, I glared at Jae Hyo and growled, threatening him to take good care of Lee Do Ha.
"He is a valuable Guide of my team. Do not let Lee Do Ha suffer any grievances, Jae Hyo!"
Jae Hyo clasped his hands together and bowed to me three times, looking extremely remorseful and sincere. Only then did I let him off and head toward the room where Jo Hyun was resting.
What I did not expect was that the scene when I arrived would be anything but peaceful.
Jo Hyun was clutching his chest tightly with one hand, fresh blood seeping from the corner of his lips. His face was pale and ashen, and his pupils were gradually turning a blazing red, like flames.
"Hyung…"
He looked toward me with eyes already filled with tears. His lips, dyed a brilliant red by blood, looked like those of a demon, yet carried a bewitching allure that made me freeze in place.
"It hurts so much, Hyung… Help me…"
I rushed forward and wrapped my arms around Jo Hyun's trembling body. My hand touched his back, drenched in sweat, making me understand that Jo Hyun was currently in an extremely dangerous state.
Exactly like being in a half-explosion state.
"Why is it like this? How long has Jo Hyun been in this condition!?"
The doctor standing nearby was also flustered. He hurriedly explained himself.
"Esper Jo Hyun only just entered a half-explosion state recently. Our measurements show that the energy inside his body is in a reversed shock state due to excessive use over a long period while still unskilled."
I remembered that I seemed to have encountered this situation before.
When Jae Hyo awakened, he also had to fight continuously and frequently fell into this state. I had worked extremely hard back then to help him return to normal.
"Then I will immediately guide Jo Hyun. Everyone, please go outside."
After hearing this, everyone left the room and even locked the door for me.
I gently stroked Jo Hyun's burning hot cheek, telling myself that normal Guiding would be very difficult to have a quick effect.
"Tch… just this once…"
Under Jo Hyun's tear-soaked gaze, I had no choice but to raise my hand and undo the buttons, removing my shirt and tossing it onto the floor.
"After today, forget about this, understand, Jo Hyun?"