SOFTIE 19

It wasn’t a voice produced through vocal cords, but a type of telepathy that transmitted words directly into the mind. Perhaps because the warning-laden words delivered directly to their brains affected their physical bodies, everyone began complaining of headaches.

They couldn’t withstand the powerful telepathy. Among them, Shin Witaek, who clutched his head and staggered, shouted in horror.

“Finally, you’ve revealed your true form! Kill that magic beast at once!”

The Espers in the vicinity lunged all at once, but Yeonwoo moved first. The Espers collided with a solid, transparent wall and were pushed back.

“I told you not to think of causing any harm!”

“Look at the actions of that magic beast before you speak! Are you shielding that thing even when it’s threatening people?”

“You’re saying something very interesting. Did Softy attack you first? Since you came into someone else’s workplace and made such a racket, didn’t he just quiet you down? And the one who shouted that he should be killed first was you. If anyone heard that, they’d think the Minister just stands still when someone shouts about killing him.”

“When did I ever say such a thing?”

“Was it not so?”

Yeonwoo shot a sneer filled with murderous intent toward Shin Witaek. He was an ordinary human. He could not withstand the killing intent sent by an Esper. Simultaneously, the Espers failed to pierce through Yeonwoo’s barrier.

“Why act like that when they can’t even win?”

That remark echoed particularly clearly. However, because so many people were gathered, it was impossible to tell who said it. Shin Witaek, having lost face, glared at Yeonwoo with wide eyes, but Yeonwoo remained unfazed.

The enlarged Softy circled near Yeonwoo rather than lunging at the opponents. He was rubbing his face against Yeonwoo, bumping his wolf-shaped head against him.

Nothing was going according to plan. Eventually, Han Sunghoon whispered quietly into Shin Witaek’s ear.

“Minister, it would be best to withdraw for now.”

Shin Witaek bit his lip. Does that brat think the whole world flows according to his will just because a Guide was discovered…!

“Softy, you did well to endure.”

“Woof!”

Since he’s a wolf, does he make dog barks?

“Softy, can you return to your original form?”

When Yeonwoo spread his arms, Softy slowly grew smaller. Soon, he returned to the round appearance Yeonwoo knew. He checked meticulously to see if Softy had overexerted himself. After checking, he looked around at his surroundings.

“No one is hurt. Since Softy stepped forward for my sake, let’s just let this go.”

“You saw it just now, too. What do you intend to do if that magic beast is hiding its power? Are you being so conceited as to think you can handle everything yourself if it causes an accident?”

“I’ll take care of it myself.”

Shin Witaek furrowed his brow. Look at that—the way he speaks so confidently. He didn’t even avoid his gaze. Shin Witaek fell into thought with his arms crossed.

Certainly, the contamination level has dropped significantly. If that thing is truly an S-rank Guide, Yeonwoo can be utilized further.

However, just as he gave up everything to find his Guide, he will do anything to protect that Guide. These Esper types are truly impossible to understand.

“Esper Seo Yeonwoo, we recognize that child as a Guide, but as long as he has become a Guide, he belongs to the Guide Association, and a newly awakened Guide requires lessons. This is a legally mandated matter.”

When the Guide Department stepped forward, Han Sunghoon whispered quietly in Shin Witaek’s ear.

“Minister, what would you like to do? It seems the Guide Department intends to protect that magic beast.”

“Protect? Nonsense.”

“Should I oppose it?”

“No, let’s watch. For now, the excuse of Guide lessons will be the best way to separate that fellow from the Guide.”

As long as that Association President is there, it’s hard to make a move on the Esper Association. It might actually be better to send it to the Guide Association’s side. Their thoughts will be predictable enough.

“I know what Esper Seo Yeonwoo is concerned about. Education is essential to increase Guiding efficiency. Access to the Guide training rooms is restricted for Espers. We will ensure there is no threat and that there are no cases of Guiding other Espers.”

“Softy, what do you want to do?”

Yeonwoo wanted Softy to answer via telepathy, but there was no response.

Education. To be honest, he didn’t feel like it. However, it is a legally mandated matter that all Guides must go through education. And Guides can choose. They can join the Association and Guide multiple Espers, become a team Guide, or become the Guide of only one Esper.

That was a “pair.”

Since the obsession of Espers toward Guides couldn’t be stopped, they allowed it to be manifested in this way. And Yeonwoo had declared Softy his pair Guide.

It was a declaration equivalent to telling them not to even think of touching him.

“I will ask for Softy’s opinion and give you an answer. It seems today is not the day for a decision.”

“Understood.”

It was a positive response. The executive, having achieved what he wanted, backed away. The only one remaining was Shin Witaek. He was still staring intently at Yeonwoo. Yeonwoo did not avoid that gaze.

‘So he’s no longer an unstable Esper.’ Shin Witaek’s eyes grew sharp. It would be fine if he followed orders obediently as before, but he likely wouldn’t.

“Do you still have business here?”

“Minister.”

Han Sunghoon urged him. Continuing to push would not be good for his image. While they fought over interests internally, to the public, he was evaluated as a kind-hearted Minister who worked hard to improve the perception of Espers and Guides.

“No. There is none. It seems I was a bit too excited. Yes, any beast will resist if someone tries to kill it. I didn’t realize that. However, I hope you understand that I cannot stay still if it is recognized as dangerous.”

“I am well aware of your thoughts, Minister. I don’t misunderstand. It was a part I was concerned about as well.”

They exited in an instant, just as they had swarmed in. Yeonwoo closed his eyes slightly and stroked Softy as if finding peace of mind.

“Noona, sorry. I caused a stir.”

“Why are you sorry? I’m just glad the Guide is safe. I need to settle this mess. Here, this is Softy’s examination chart. He’s an S-rank Guide, alright. There’s nothing wrong with his body. He’s healthy. I was worried because slimes are usually made of toxic substances, but it’s not for the purpose of harming humans.”

Yeonwoo slowly read over the examination chart Kim Yoojung handed him. The graph was distinctly different.

This is an S-rank Guide. Since he’s an S-rank Guide, everyone is making a fuss. Shin Witaek backed down for that reason too. He’ll be curious about the power of an S-rank Guide.

“But can we really send him to the Guide Association? Our relationship with them isn’t good.”

“I know.”

Protect him from Espers? I wonder if that’s true. There are many rookie Guides in the lessons. Would they put a magic beast there? Children who have just become Guides are no different from ordinary people. Do they want the news about Softy to spread far and wide?

Or will he receive intensive lessons alone? If so, it would be closer to persuasion under the guise of lessons. No matter what they do, I have to protect him.

“What do you want to do about the matching rate test? Shall we do it now?”

“…No, next time. Softy might be tired.”

“Yeonwoo-ya, I’m sorry. I should have stopped them.”

“It’s okay. It’s not like it’s the first time. Mister, you worked hard too.”

“But is it really okay to send him? Since he’s an S-rank Guide, they’ll come lunging with their eyes lit up.”

“You saw it earlier. Softy will handle it well.”

Softy attacking a person and causing an injury—that was the picture they wanted. But he didn’t do that. He’s so commendable.

“I was a bit surprised because it was different from his usual voice.”

“Kkyu-ut?”

Since he had only seen Softy’s energetic and cheerful side, he thought the tone would be high, but he was surprised by the voice that sounded lower than expected. Which one is Softy’s real voice?

Ma Seongtae let out a sigh of relief. His condition looked a bit bad in the middle, but he looked fine now. Rather, the two of them were acting all lovey-dovey.

However, one must not forget that his contamination level once reached 90%. If his condition were fully healed, it would have turned green long ago. There is only one reason it hasn’t dropped below that. They haven’t been able to untangle the messily intertwined wavelengths through Guiding.

Or, it could be a case where the wavelengths are so entangled that it takes time to untangle them or requires high-intensity Guiding. But can you even do that… with that magic beast?