When Lucien finally stepped out of the testing room, he was still in a daze, his mind replaying the compatibility results.
Beside him, Zephyr stood in high spirits.
The lingering clouds of indifference and gloom he always carried had completely lifted—and it wasn't because of the newly issued Esper ID in his hand, neatly listing his name, classification, and rank. It was because he was extremely satisfied with his and Lucien's compatibility results.
A 100% match rate.
Now, even if the heads of the Association wanted to, they couldn't oppose him if he chose to receive guiding from Lucien.
No one could separate them.
Zephyr had also been given a gold-bronze badge indicating his official designation as an Esper serving under the Association. He had agreed immediately when the examiner who conducted the test asked if he wanted to be put under the Association, making the examiner assume he was naive—after all, newly awakened people like Zephyr had no idea that joining a private guild could offer better opportunities than the Association.
But the truth was, Zephyr only wanted to stay closer to Lucien. The pay didn't matter to him. Being blind, he doubted any guild or influential family would want him, anyway.
His own family had left him, treating him like a stain on their perfect reputation—so why would anyone else be any different?
Almost unconsciously, a barely noticeable, cold sneer tugged at the corners of his lips when he thought about his family, though he himself didn't notice his own reaction.
He hadn't realized it yet. But ever since Lucien gave him guiding during his panic attack in the car—his body, now far more stronger than before after being recreated with nothing but energy—had instinctively forged a natural defense mechanism.
The effect was gradual, as he had yet to grasp the extent of his own power, but it had already begun to make him reflexively shield himself—from anything that could harm him, both emotionally and physically.
Zephyr snapped out of his thoughts when Jake, who was leisurely standing outside the room, inquired with Lucien about how his compatibility test had gone with him.
Jake's shocked gasp echoed in his ears when the man heard that his compatibility with Lucien was 100%. Soon after, Zephyr felt several intense gazes on himself. Well, that was to be expected—Jake's loud voice had drawn the attention of those nearby.
Faint murmurs rippled through the air, but the three men who were the subject of the shocked gossip were not even bothered.
Lucien, on the other hand, simply hummed—pleased that this SSS-rank Esper was now tied to him. Well, even if their compatibility had been very low, he would have ensured Zephyr received guiding from him alone.
After all, this blind yet powerful, unknown side character was his one and only ticket to somehow return to his own world.
Quite satisfied, he grabbed Zephyr's arm, surprising him with the voluntary contact, and exclaimed with a hint of excitement and impatience edging his delighted voice.
"Come on, I will help you get a room in the Association and settle down. You also need clothes and other necessities since you had nothing on you when you left the prison. I'm not rich, but I know Erick will give us money willingly, since he's your dear school friend."
Zephyr nodded in a daze, barely registering that Lucien intended to ask Erick for money to help him. His attention was captured by the warmth at his side. As he was led away, a faint smile played at the corner of his lips.