Getting to the S rank Rift after the dramatic way he joined Phoenix Flight's strike team was daunting, even for Ambrose.
He sat quietly in the car he was placed in—alongside four others. Which included three A ranks and one S rank.
That S rank is Alisha Simmons.
She was donned in a form-fitting black combat suit, complete with the phoenix symbol on the shoulders and flaming red fur linings along her arms.
On her head were also large headphones that seemed like accessories.
But Ambrose wasn't deceived.
The past Ambrose didn't have much information on S-ranks for him to gauge. So all the current Ambrose could collect was from the system.
[Target acquired.]
[Gender: Female.
Sexuality: Pansexual.
Rank: S
Main power Type: Sound manipulation.
Attraction points: Null.
Total Evaluation: Inadequate to proceed with attraction protocol.]
Ambrose's brow arched at the screen displayed before him.
Sound manipulation.
That explains the over-the-top headphones.
'I wonder how much her power affects the surroundings.' he thought to himself. 'Would I need to get headphones too or—'
"That's a lot of staring, Guide Ambrose." An amused feminine voice made him stiffen, his thoughts fading faster than they came.
His eyes focused as the screen disappeared, letting him take in the lady speaking to him. "Careful now. More of that and you'll give me the impression that you have a crush."
Heat pooled on Ambrose's cheeks.
Pfft. Lady, please!
Was the past Ambrose not openly gay?
"Or, wait," Alisha went on, her head tilting. "You'd prefer it if it were Captain Devon in my place... Won't you?"
Terror gripped Ambrose. Suddenly the car's comfortable interior felt suffocating.
He coughed, turning his head to the window to take some air. "I–I apologise for the staring, Hunter Alisha."
She giggled softly. "Alisha would be just fine. It's surprising how someone who was able to stand before the Guild master can be so meek now."
[Probably nerves. Right host?]
Ambrose could only offer Alisha a smile while ignoring the system. Everyone in the car stopped what they were doing, straightening as they looked out of their windows as well.
Even Hunter Alisha's smile shifted into something brittle. "That doesn't feel good."
This... Pressure.
They'd gotten close to the airport.
★★★★★
Aurelia International Airport.
Despite civilians being evacuated within a ten-mile radius of the airport, that didn't stop some desperate journalists and reporters from gathering at the airport's entrance.
The entire airport was sealed off but they yelled at the gates, pointing cameras at the incoming cars of the Phoenix Flight Guild.
"Can you address the exodus of Guides in your Guild to other Guilds?"
"What are the chances of a dungeon break?"
"Can your Guild truly work together with Glacier Talon?"
"Captain Devon!"
"Alisha!"
However, no one stopped to answer.
Finally, the cars stopped in front of the Rift.
As everyone hopped out of the cars, Ambrose gawked with awe at the tear through time and space. It was huge, spiralling like a portal and flaring with bright white light.
It spewed an enormous amount of energy, making Ambrose wonder if he was even fit enough to go on with this raid.
[Time left for completion of side mission: 16 hours, 32 minutes and 22 seconds!]
Oh, right.
His side mission to permanently link with Devon was still on.
When the system brought that notification, Ambrose's eyes searched for Devon. Soon enough he spotted him, already standing ahead of the crowd in that body suit that accentuated his muscles.
"Remember what the Guild master said," Devon thundered, the currents from the rift blowing his flaming red hair over his face. "When the Glacier Talon Guild arrives we need to focus on teamwork. Raiding an S rank dungeon requires—"
The sharp, unmistakable sound of tyres screeching on asphalt interrupted him. All heads swung toward its direction just in time to witness two more cars driving in.
An emblem of a bluish-white falcon beak was etched on the sides of the sleek black cars.
Glacier falcon.
Ambrose noticed the instant change in everyone's posture. Like they were welcoming enemies instead of allies.
Once the cars halted, people in icy white full-body suits trooped out in an orderly manner. Ambrose's eyes scanned past all of them and the system screens attached above their heads.
'Two S rank Espers. Five A ranks. Two A rank Guides and...' he paused, noticing someone else taking a while to step out.
But the moment he rose out of the front seat—the air chilled.
Literally.
Ambrose's eyes widened when he saw the man and the scan the system had of him.
[Target acquired!]
[Gender: Male.
Sexuality: Gay.
Rank: S.
Main power type: Cryokinesis.
Attraction points: Null.
Total Evaluation: Possible future link.]
Other than the system report, this man had PRESENCE.
Icy white hair. Cold, blue eyes. Tall, dangerously handsome. And donned in a silver white long fur coat and black trousers, his palm covered in black gloves.
Each step left behind a trace of frost on the floor behind him.
Yet despite looking like Jack Frost himself... He had a small smile. The kind someone has when they're in total control of a situation.
Alisha huffed behind Ambrose. "Of course, they deployed Viktor," then her voice lowered. "Don't make a fuss, Devon."
That made Ambrose glance back at Devon curiously.
Do they know each other?
"Ah, the Phoenix Flight Guild." The snowman beamed when he and the others got in front of them. "A pleasure doing this raid with you guys."
He sounded American for sure.
But there was an edge in his voice. An accent.
[That's Russian, dingus. The cliché name wasn't a tell?]
"And Devon," Viktor's eyes swept to the team's captain. Accessing. "Perfect choice for your grandfather to make you captain representing your Guild today."
Ambrose's eyes widened slightly.
Grandfather?
Since when?
Why the fuck was that new information to both his past self and current self?
"Save the small talk, Viktor." Devon stayed stiffer than stone. "We're on a mission."
All Viktor did was nod as he scrutinised Phoenix Flight's side. It didn't take long before his eyes landed on Ambrose.
At that moment, he froze.
Ambrose did too. 'Uhm... What's happening?'
He expected an explanation from the system but there was none.
How quaint.
"A low rank Guide," Viktor mumbled, bringing his gaze back to Devon. "It's quite the peculiar team you have here. Let's hope it'll be enough."
Simultaneously, both Devon and Viktor turned their heads to the rift.
For a second, the wind howled between them like it couldn't decide whom to obey.
Then Viktor clasped his gloved hands behind his back. "Shall we settle command before we walk into chaos?"
Murmurs stirred on both sides.
Alisha scoffed. "Phoenix Flight showed up to this Rift first."
"And Glacier Talon still answered the call," one of their A ranks shot back.
Viktor's smile didn't waver.
His eyes, however, slid to Devon again. Calculating. "Your grandfather entrusted you, did he not? You've led more A-rank raids than most captains twice your age." A pause. "You lead. We'll follow the formation."
That… wasn't what anyone expected.
Devon narrowed his eyes. "You don't take orders well."
"I take competent ones," Viktor replied smoothly. "For today, you're the spear. I'll be the shield."
Silence stretched for too many seconds. Then Devon gave one curt nod. "Fine. Two-point advance. S ranks front. Guides centred. No heroics."
Viktor inclined his head. "Agreed."
The rift pulsed—bright. Hungry.
Devon stepped forward first.
Viktor followed.
And with the rest of the strike team close behind, they crossed the threshold into blinding white.