# Chapter 102
“It is indeed condensed wavelength.”
Jiwon let out a short sigh.
“Though it looks small, it contains tremendous power.”
That was what the researcher said after examining the dark red gemstone.
“I can’t say for certain that it’s Esper Choi Young’s wavelength. It would be nice if we could compare wavelengths like we do with DNA, but that’s still impossible.”
When Jiwon asked if it might be Choi Young’s wavelength, the researcher shook his head.
It was a question without much expectation, but hearing that confirmation was impossible left him somewhat disappointed.
“By the way, if this gemstone is the source of Riska’s power… we’re in trouble.”
“What’s the problem?”
“It seems like it would be extremely difficult to break with physical force. I haven’t tried because we need it to track Riska, but… well. I don’t think it would be easy to destroy a crystallized form of an Esper’s power.”
Jiwon bit his lower lip and closed his eyes. Not only was there no real progress in finding Riska’s base, but now they might not be able to destroy the crystal even if they found it.
“This is serious.”
He had thought they might be getting closer to a solution.
“We need to find the point inside the dungeon where the Esper’s wavelength becomes distorted. That spot should be the connection point to Riska.”
“Not the dungeon entrance or exit?”
“Since Riska exits through the dungeon’s exit, the exits might be the same. But Riska’s entrance to the dungeon seems to be generated at that specific point.”
Jiwon rubbed his furrowed brow.
“Riska’s wavelength extends from that point and controls Espers through our entrance.”
“…”
“I can’t be completely certain, of course. But if they used the same entrance as us, the wavelength would become distorted as soon as they entered the dungeon. However, the area that causes the Esper’s wavelength to go wild exists separately inside the dungeon. Their power is likely strongest near this crystal’s entrance.”
It was a credible theory. However, Jiwon found it difficult to readily accept.
After all, it meant that to eliminate Riska, they would have to go through that area.
They would have to enter the dungeon despite the risk.
“There’s only one person who can do it.”
Jiwon muttered with a troubled expression. Only Suhyun was free from Riska’s mental domination. It was ultimately his task to accomplish.
“Haah…”
He had informed the ability user associations of various countries about this. Their opinions didn’t differ from Jiwon’s.
‘Too weak…’
It would be a lie to say he wasn’t angry about it. Why should only Suhyun be in danger? In a way, it felt unfair.
Jiwon expressed his position not to act hastily until things became more certain. Even if it weren’t Suhyun, he wouldn’t have suggested trying recklessly.
“…Are you alright?”
“Huh?”
Jiwon had been pressing his throbbing head, half-lowering his face, when he quickly looked up at the voice he had been longing to hear.
Suhyun, who had been leaning against the doorway, was approaching. Jiwon hadn’t noticed when he arrived.
“You must be tired. Wouldn’t it be better to go in and rest?”
“Uh…”
Jiwon’s eyes rolled around. Remembering what happened last night, his face turned bright red.
“Ahem, yes, no. Um, I’m not tired, but I think I’ve finished everything I needed to do…”
Jiwon stammered out of embarrassment. Then, seeing Suhyun suddenly standing in front of the desk, he jumped to his feet.
“Have you finished contacting everyone?”
“Ah, yes. I have.”
“What did they say?”
“Well… basically that it’s not their problem, so we should handle it quickly ourselves.”
Since Suhyun had visited the research team together with Jiwon, he knew everything. He also knew that Jiwon planned to relay what he learned from the research team to foreign associations.
“I suppose we’ll have to check it out directly soon.”
“…No. We’re going to observe a bit more before taking action.”
In truth, Jiwon regretted bringing Suhyun along to the research team. He was afraid Suhyun would feel responsible and want to act immediately.
“I see.”
What if he insisted on entering the dungeon right away?
Jiwon was extremely worried, but fortunately, Suhyun responded matter-of-factly, as if he wouldn’t try anything without Jiwon’s permission.
“…”
Jiwon’s lips twitched as he approached Suhyun. Jo Wooyeon’s desk that they were temporarily using was annoyingly large, making Jiwon want to just jump over it, though he restrained himself.
“Haah…”
Soon Jiwon stood before Suhyun and buried himself in his embrace. Beyond the marvel of being able to be completely hidden in his arms, what felt best was how warm Suhyun’s embrace was.
“Ah, this is nice.”
Jiwon giggled and lifted his head. Suhyun, looking down at him, was smiling too.
‘Now I really have to… let him be guided by someone other than me.’
Choi Sojeong. B-class Guide.
He had already looked into this guide who recorded a fairly high matching rate with Suhyun.
With the discovery of the dark red gem, Jo Wooyeon had suggested that the “guiding rejection response” might have been an illusion that never existed in the first place, but that was mere speculation.
In the end, to prepare for potential accidents, Sojeong needed to guide Suhyun at least once.
‘I really hate this.’
Having to assign another guide to the man who had become his lover. The thought alone was unpleasant, but it was something he had to endure.
Hoping it was truly an illusion, he had tried to find information about Espers who experienced “guiding rejection responses” through foreign associations, but found nothing conclusive.
They had all been guided by only one guide and were in loving relationships.
The fact that these conditions applied to everyone remained an unchangeable fact.
“…Um, you know.”
He had to let go of his selfishness. Until everything became certain, he needed to be cautious, extremely cautious.
With that in mind, Jiwon struggled to open his mouth. Since he’d already thought about it, he planned to convince Suhyun now.
Bang!
“Oh my goodness!”
“Huh!”
But his hard-earned courage vanished in an instant, thanks to Won Jungyeom who appeared by flinging open the director’s office door.
“What are you two doing in a public place…!”
Won Jungyeom exclaimed in a rather shocked voice. Startled along with him, Jiwon tried to push Suhyun away, but like a massive boulder, he didn’t budge an inch.
“No, um…”
Feeling awkward, Jiwon looked at Suhyun as if asking to be released, but instead, Suhyun held him even tighter while just staring at Jungyeom.
“Wow. Talk about being ungrateful.”
Jungyeom laughed dejectedly at Suhyun’s behavior.
“Who helped you two get together? Me! And now you’re being cautious around me? Huh? How can you give me such looks?”
Despite his upturned lips, Jungyeom kept ranting. Jiwon looked at Suhyun and tilted his head.
“Are you giving him looks now?”
“…He says I am.”
“What looks? Why?”
“…”
“Besides, no matter how few people there are to be cautious of, you’re cautious of Esper Won Jungyeom? Do I have such high standards?”
Jiwon giggled as he looked back and forth between Jungyeom and Suhyun. Still holding Jiwon tightly, Suhyun smirked and finally loosened his arms.
“Such ungrateful people…”
Jungyeom said, full of betrayal.
“They say a person is different before and after using the bathroom, but how can you be like this…”
Though free from Suhyun’s embrace, Jiwon hadn’t moved far away. He laughed and waved his hands dismissively.
“I’m not different at all. I’m extremely grateful to you, Esper Jungyeom.”
“…”
Jungyeom glared at them sourly before letting out a hollow laugh.
“Fine. I’m just hurt beyond words.”
Despite his words, his face didn’t look hurt at all.
“How is Director Jo Wooyeon?”
Since Jungyeom had been taking care of Wooyeon, Jiwon quickly asked about his well-being.
“He’s insisting on working. I convinced him to rest a bit more before leaving. I know Guide Jiwon is working hard, but no matter how much he claims to be fine, I think he can’t be at ease working while constantly thinking of Esper Choi Young.”
Jiwon nodded in agreement.
“Still, I’m heading back right away because I’m afraid he might pop out. Well, I came because Director Jo Wooyeon asked me to do something.”
Jungyeom’s gaze shifted to Suhyun. His eyes became somewhat serious. Jiwon felt like he knew what he was about to say.
“Director Jo Wooyeon mentioned it. That a guide with a high matching rate with Esper Suhyun has appeared. So… he was wondering if we could go meet that guide together.”
Jiwon’s prediction was correct.
Wooyeon, having regained consciousness, must have first decided he had misspoken. He probably thought it would be problematic if Jiwon and Suhyun firmly believed his suspicion.
As someone who believed that an accident like his own should not happen again.
“…That won’t be necessary.”
Though Jiwon was about to agree since it was precisely what he was going to bring up, Suhyun’s sharp refusal was much quicker.
