As Lucian began guiding Arstem, they waited for a minute, and when the guiding session continued, the three relaxed a bit and only watched.

Since it was only minimal guiding, it only took five minutes.

"How is it?" Khal asked as soon as Lucian withdrew his hand from Arstem’s shoulders.

"It’s the same?" Lucian could not quite put it. He was nervous at first, but as nothing happened, he just continued.

"Any discomfort?" Khal continued his questions for a while, and they all led to one conclusion.

Lucian could guide Arstem just fine.

Khal nodded, confirming what he had in his mind.

"This curse only affected the surface and doesn’t harm the wavelength."

Whether that could change if the poison remained untreated was not yet within his consideration. They needed to run some tests.

For now, it was a good thing.

Khal and Devion then talked to Jarred while Lucian and Ayen were transferred to the next room. It was not advisable for them to remain inside Arstem’s room.

Lucian was still distraught, and Ayen gave him some time. He was not exactly talkative, and he could only stay with him.

When the two espers returned, Nolan was already with them. Ayen did not see Clynne, but he did not ask either. Since Lucian now had another companion, Ayen went with his espers to the next room that was hastily prepared for them.

"We already contacted the SS-class branch in the Institute to cooperate with the team handling Arstem’s matters."

Devion sat beside Ayen, his hands stretched behind the guide. Khal sat across from them. Ayen knew it was already time to talk about it.

"We inquired about what happened." Khal’s calm voice enveloped the whole room. "The one who injured Arstem isn’t an S-class esper but a B-class esper from a small clan."

Ayen frowned at that. It sounded unbelievable that a B-class esper could even injure an S-class esper. However, if one used tricks, then it was not impossible.

"The esper used the curse?"

"Yes. They said Arstem was caught off guard when an unknown esper suddenly hugged him and then..." He paused, and seeing Ayen was calm, he continued. "He self-destructs."

It was something unexpected, but Arstem had managed to defend himself and his vitals. Although he was still in a critical condition because of the substance that prevented his wounds from healing naturally, corrupting it.

Until now, he was still unconscious.

"They said the other clan members are already in custody... and the Locke clan is cooperating in investigating this matter."

The two were at war; the clan should be happy that the government’s greatest weapon was now in critical condition... But that actually was not the case.

They must have been racking their brains too and communicating to the government about what happened. It had to be said that the government might not be what it used to be, but it was still a giant on its own.

If they suddenly went crazy because of what happened, the clan would not be able to bear the losses. Especially this early in the war, when they were mostly disadvantaged.

That was not something Khal would concern himself with. He was thinking about something else.

"They are escalating this war," Khal stated with certainty.

"For what reason?" Devion asked.

"I’m not sure."

Khal honestly did not know. This third force was also not within his calculations, and so he was also surprised. What’s more, this force seemed to be moving in a direction that was completely in an unpredictable curve, like the madmen they were.

Devion and Ayen merely waited for him to continue.

"We need to find any of their trails. And one’s already in our hands."

As soon as possible, they had to interrogate the people they captured.

In fact, Khal was not even mad that most of his plans were now like scrap paper because of the increasing unpredictability on the battlefield.

The more chaotic, the better.

Just as they were about to proceed to another matter, Ayen took the stage this time.

"Antidote. We need that."

Both Esper’s expressions sank, as if they already knew where this was headed.

"I can participate in the development."

His uniqueness, the two had already witnessed it. If Ayen could guide through the curse source, then...

"No." Devion firmly refused again. Usually, he respected Ayen’s decision, but this time, he could not bring himself to do so.

This was a different matter.

"Ayen," Khal looked at him straight in the eye. "I agree with Devion. I refuse to let you be..." He did not continue as though saying the word was the hardest thing in the world.

Devion’s expression darkened, and he fell silent. Ayen was not used to this Devion, the refusal emanating from him.

Khal was no better.

However, Ayen had no intention to back down this time.

If it were the Ayen before, what would he do in this situation? Probably, he would not risk himself for others, too. The Ayen of before only prioritized himself and did not have the time to mind the situation beyond his own.

It made sense before, because he only has himself. Ayen was powerless and only surviving for the sake of it. How would he even think of saving others?

"I want to know my uniqueness."

Ayen was curious as to what he could offer and certain as to what he could do. And for their record, he was not doing it because he was worried about Arstem or the other potential victims.

At the end of the day, he was still selfish.

"I want to be prepared," Ayen continued and looked at Khal intently before he shifted to Devion a few seconds later. "You’re worried about me, I know. I’m not exactly calm either."

"Then, why do this?" Devion helplessly responded. His dark expression slightly faltered, maybe because he knew that Ayen’s decision was firm.

"I’m worried. If someday... both of you are in the same situation. I know it seems impossible right now. But what if they also did tricks to harm you?" 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Ayen held Devion’s hand as he turned to Khal.

"I don’t want to regret anything, Khal."