Becoming the Guide of the Mysophobic Villain? Absolutely Not! - Chapter 271
However, Oscar’s method did not achieve the expected results. Claude continued to push the unit members relentlessly, and the Espers grew increasingly exhausted.
The first to reach his limit was none other than Daniel.
Daniel, who had been excluded from the previous mission due to his guiding allergy, was deployed this time. With Livener—another S-Class Esper—out of commission due to severe injuries, they needed Daniel despite the risk of him going on rampage.
That was the official reason, but it was possible that Claude, unwilling to leave Rose alone with Daniel at the Center, had a hand in the decision.
Regardless, Daniel had been diligently following Claude’s orders without complaint, behaving as a model unit member.
But even he began to show signs of strain by the third week, frequently holding his head. It was clear to everyone that he was in poor condition. His guiding depletion had worsened to the point of nearing its limit.
Even in non-war times, Espers receive guiding at least once or twice every two weeks. As an S-Class Esper enduring a strenuous wartime situation without guiding for over three weeks, it was inevitable that his physical condition would deteriorate rapidly.
So, the unit members watched Daniel with growing concern. If he couldn’t endure and went berserk, everyone would be in danger.
After about a month, Daniel made a decision.
“Please help me. I need guiding.”
He bowed his head before Wilhelm with a desperate expression. It was a declaration that he would endure the pain of his guiding allergy to receive guiding.
Given the uncertain length of the mission, it was the wisest decision, as he wouldn’t be able to hold out without guiding.
However, no matter how determined he was, human instinct to avoid pain was a different issue. His body already had a searing memory of the pain caused by the guiding allergy.
Thus, Daniel needed the assistance of other Espers. If he unconsciously lashed out at the Guide while resisting, he might harm them.
“Prioritize the Guide’s safety. It doesn’t matter how badly I get hurt in the process.”
If an S-Class Esper went berserk on the battlefield, the damage could be immense. But forcing guiding to prevent his rampage only for the Guide to get hurt… this would be equally problematic.
Even Wilhelm, who wasn’t particularly fond of Daniel, reluctantly agreed to the plan.
So, one day, a peculiar situation unfolded in a clearing near the barracks.
A somewhat nervous Shana sat facing a much more anxious Daniel.
Shana had to be the one because the only Guides available for this mission were Shana and Oscar, and Oscar stubbornly insisted on guiding only female Espers.
Wilhelm stood behind Daniel, with other Espers surrounding them.
The Espers watched Daniel and Shana with heightened alertness. Oscar, relieved that he wasn’t the one sitting opposite Daniel, mingled with the others.
“I deeply apologize for putting you in such danger.”
Daniel, head bowed in guilt, was promptly cut off by Shana.
“Work is work. If it needs to be done, it must be done. There’s no need for you to feel guilty towards me, Lord Daniel.”
“Lady Shana, don’t worry. No matter how much Daniel thrashes, I’ll make sure to protect y—”
“Shall we get started then?”
“Ah… yes.”
Wilhelm clicked his tongue in regret at Shana’s firm urging.
After taking several deep breaths, Daniel rolled up his sleeve and extended his arm. He was trying to maintain his composure, but his outstretched hand was trembling slightly.
Shana also extended her arm and cautiously took his hand.
Daniel reacted immediately.
“Ugh…!”
