The Guide Played Her Role as a Stand-in a Little Too Well - Chapter 48
Right now, it’s better to guide Esban.
His abilities are directly linked to my survival.
“We need to focus on getting away from that thing.”
Christopher, who had approached by then, said to Esban.
In his arms was Shaelock, tightly clinging to him.
“Or should I try summoning?”
“…Can you summon a bird of that size?”
Esban was appalled by Shaelock’s suggestion.
“I haven’t made a contract yet, but I’ve read about it. You know, the phoenix that appeared during the founding?”
“I know, but I’m not sure if Your Highness Shaelock can handle summoning two different creatures.”
Pheon added from our side.
‘Pheon’s physical abilities aren’t that great.’
How is he keeping up?
Curious, I turned my gaze and saw him using fire as a kind of booster.
Small flames continuously exploded beneath his shoes.
Beside Pheon, Hedonia was panting heavily.
‘…Is he okay?’
Even in the midst of this, why does the fluttering platinum blonde hair look so beautiful…?
It was otherworldly.
“But indeed, the difficulty level of this dungeon is abnormally high.”
Pheon murmured, lost in thought.
“It seems true that the difficulty level of a neglected dungeon increases.”
“We’ve always dealt with them immediately, so it’s fortunate we didn’t know until now.”
In the midst of this, the way Esban and Shaelock calmly continued their conversation was impressive.
“We can still resolve this now.”
“I could fight as soon as I find a place to put Shaelock down.”
Christopher joined the conversation, not wanting to be outdone.
‘That means we’re currently a burden.’
For me, that was a relief.
They won’t think of bringing me along in the future.
‘I wish it would always be like this.’
However, Hedonia’s face turned red.
…Watching his pride get crushed in an instant made me feel uneasy.
‘That’s why I told you not to come.’
Should I have more firmly refused his coming if this was going to happen?
“There’s a cave-like place under this cliff.”
The endless forest gave way to a cliff.
Upon Esban’s observation, everyone jumped down towards the cliff as if they had been waiting for this moment.
Swoosh…
Esban’s hands, descending the cliff, turned red.
It looked as though they might bleed, but Esban, expressionless as ever, completed his task.
We landed perfectly at the base of the cave.
It felt like watching a circus act, and I instinctively started clapping.
Clap clap…
“What was that?”
My clapping quickly ceased due to Esban’s frowning gaze.
“It’s nothing.”
Esban, who had been looking at me with an unusually intense gaze, gently set me down.
Shaelock also got down from Christopher’s arms, and Hedonia sat down exhaustedly. It seemed Pheon had protected him with his fire.
“Then, it might be best to wait here.”
Pheon, who had been intently looking at Hedonia, suggested.
“We can’t know how the hunt will proceed from here.”
Shaelock was the first to object.
“Don’t worry, Shaelock. We’ll take care of it quickly and come back.”
Christopher patted his chest with confidence in his voice.
“I can still be summoned since we’re close by.”
If a summoned creature and its summoner are too far apart, the creature naturally dissolves.
Christopher seemed to be hinting at this.
“…Right.”
Shaelock agreed easily.
“Then, could I receive some quick guidance before we go?”
Pheon seized even the faintest possibility immediately.
“A hug would be good.”
Before I could say anything, Pheon, who had approached me, extended his hands.
“Of course, this guiding will be recognized as a contribution towards this dungeon, and you will be compensated later.”
He continued, clearly mindful of Hedonia.
“…Does eliminating the boss yield rewards?”
“Hmm… A scroll that allows us to exit this dungeon is provided. But aside from the creatures, virtually everything in this dungeon could be considered a reward item.”
That meant the Fairy’s Tears, which were supposed to connect Hedonia and Shaelock, might be somewhere here.
‘Is it related to the pumpkins we found?’
It seemed likely.
“…Miss Karina?”
“Oh, yes.”
Snapping back to reality at the sound of my name called by Pheon, I stepped forward and opened my arms.
“Let’s hug, then.”
I still had quite a bit of strength left since I had only given Esban a slight guiding.
‘It seems like my power grows with practice.’
It’s odd to say this myself, but… Karina definitely had a natural talent for guiding.
Pheon embraced me as if he had been waiting for it.
Honestly, it would be more accurate to say I hugged him.
“Thank you for doing as I said.”
Pheon whispered so only I could hear.
“I’ll make sure to take care of it later.”
It was reassuring to see that Pheon clearly distinguished between professional and personal matters.
Despite his kind words, he was earnestly siphoning off my strength.
The hug lasted longer than I thought.
‘I can handle this much.’
That was my thought.
“Enough of that.”
Until Hedonia stepped in to separate me and Pheon.
