The SSS-rank Guide Doesn't Need Saving novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140: Galithe’s Attempt

Or so she tried.

The first attempt came only minutes later, when she let out a soft gasp and stumbled dramatically, one hand flying to her chest. "Oh! I thought I saw something move over there..."

Her sudden outburst did take the attention of the two Sentinels who were with her. But when they glanced at the wall where she was pointing, they saw nothing there but rough bumps on the wall.

Zeke turned his gaze away nonchalantly. "If you’re frightened, you can walk in front of us. Or you can stay here and wait for us to explore ahead and come back."

How could she not understand the underlying meaning behind his words? He was suggesting to leave her behind!

Galithe’s smile strained. "N-no, that’s alright. I’ll keep walking."

A few minutes after that, she deliberately misstepped, letting her ankle wobble just enough to make her lurch sideways with a small cry. Gwen, walking a step behind her, instinctively reached out to steady her—but Zeke had already moved on ahead without so much as glancing back.

"Careful of the uneven ground," was all he said, voice utterly devoid of concern.

Her third attempt was to feign curiosity over a strange marking on the icy wall, hoping he’d stop and explain it to her, perhaps standing close enough that their shoulders might brush. She’d heard it would make anyone’s heart beat fast from accidental touches like that.

But Zeke’s response was, once again, the same cold offer: "If you’re here to sightsee, you can stay behind. You can also record some things here that you can bring back to the Federation."

Who wants to record things for them!

Galithe’s fingers curled into fists at her sides. Her eyes had turned bloodshot already; the only thing amiss was the tears falling from them.

Every attempt, every carefully crafted moment of vulnerability that should have drawn out even the smallest flicker of protectiveness from any normal Sentinel, was met with nothing but detached indifference.

Was he even a man? No... was he even a Sentinel?!

Gwen, sensing her mounting frustration, cleared her throat awkwardly as they continued forward.

"Don’t take it personally," she said in a low voice, careful to keep enough distance so Zeke wouldn’t overhear.

Though they both knew it was useless with their senses fully active now. Still, she continued to explain so that the Chief Master of their Association wouldn’t get wind of how badly the Guide from the Federation was treated by him.

"The Admiral has always been like this. Even back when he was younger, he never let anyone get close enough to guide him. I’ve heard he’s been picky about the Guides who can stabilize him. I honestly haven’t seen him guided by anyone. Though I’m sure that wasn’t the case before I became a member of the squad."

Galithe’s stomach dropped. "And how long have you been a squad member?"

Seeing that she was finally showing some interest other than their Admiral, Gwen honestly answered, "Two years. I’m the newest member of the squad, but I’m doing quite well to keep up with the team."

On the other hand, Galithe was thinking deeply again. She was glad to know that no Guide had ever come close to Zeke since it meant that he had been clean and untouched for two years or more. Not many Sentinels could achieve that feat with the amount of miasmic energy and mental pollution they’d end up having after entering a contaminated zone.

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