The X Guide-Chapter 121: The Most Imperfect Anomaly (6)

"I also find this place interesting."

If it were others who said this, it would be like a simple remark. However, when it came from Devion, it should be taken more seriously.

Devion spent his time in the darkness; he preferred it more. During his days with them, Ayen noticed this detail about him. Although he would put up an electric lamp to illuminate the night, the light was dimmed at most.

This place was bright and peaceful, a great contrast to their usual environment.

Khal did not say anything. Yet, his eyes glimmered as he watched Devion and Ayen. One would say that these two were the last few people who would appreciate or voice their interest in such a place.

Within him, Khal had long passed wishing and hoping that the world would become better. However, once in a while, enjoying a paradise was not bad.

For a few moments, the two let the calm scenery envelop them. Things were not too urgent, and they could relax their minds. As Ayen watched the fish play around, his mind and heart were unusually at ease.

The three did not discuss what to do next or the observer. They fell into a comfortable silence.

They were not in a rush, but it might not be the same for others. At the corner somewhere of this paradise, someone was watching them with curiosity but caution.

Khal and Devion had long sensed it; Ayen also had a hunch. Yet, they did not call out or expose the owner of the gaze. They were only waiting for the observer to come by itself.

A minute or perhaps an hour had passed; in this place, time seemed not to move much. It was easy to get lost in the serene atmosphere.

Fortunately, the three were not ordinary people. They were not too enticed by such tranquility. In essence, they still longed for the chaos, as if it was etched into their souls.

The silence was soon disturbed by the sound of someone stepping on wild grass scattered on the ground. It was not loud, almost nonexistent.

Then, the footsteps paused. It seemed careful, even hesitating. The three did not turn around at the source of the sound; they pretended that they did not notice it.

They remained in their position, seemingly oblivious to the newcomer.

Soon, the footsteps were heard once more. It was still cautious, stopping a few more times before continuing to walk towards the center.

It then stopped not far from the table. Ayen glanced to the side; he could now see the figure. He lowered his gaze, staring down to match the newcomer’s height.

Though expected, it was still a surprise.

The newcomer looked like a three- or four-year-old boy. His appearance looked particularly round and chubby, wearing a soft green overall dinosaur outfit.

His little hands fidgeted on his clothes with a nervous expression. His eyes were bright, and the chubby cheeks emphasized the purse of his lips, glancing shyly at them. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Ayen could consider him a cute kid... No, an extremely cute kid.

Devion frowned; the kid noticed it, and he stepped back. Ayen glanced sharply at Devion. Devion softened his features, and since he had very approachable and angelic features, it also made one lower their guard on him.

The kid seemed not to be deceived, but he stayed where he stood; he was still affected.

Devion had not interacted with kids much, so he did not know what to do. To be exact, it had been a long time since he normally interacted with others.

He was clueless, and so he chose to be silent. Ayen was also not experienced and similarly not a sociable person either.

So, the job was left to one person again.

Khal quickly put on a gentle smile toward the kid. He already knew what to do.

"You’re the one who brought us here," Khal’s voice was as assuring as always.

Despite the intimidating and sharp features, he exuded a more approachable vibe than Devion or even Ayen with his indifference.

He did not stand up or try to approach the child, but spoke from his seat.

The child looked startled; he bit his lips and glanced at Khal before averting his eyes immediately, looking at his feet instead. The three patiently waited for the child to respond.

The child swallowed, then looked up again; his round eyes and cheeks put a more genuine smile on Khal’s lips and, in turn, made the child calm down slightly.

He still looked wary, though. Khal was not in a hurry.

"Uh," the child’s voice was also appropriate to his age, sounding cute as his appearance. "I, mean no harm," he spoke slowly and softly as if to make sure he was speaking clearly.

The child darted his eyes around before landing on Ayen and swallowed. "I, I don’t, kill. I’m sorry." He bit his lip, looking so aggrieved. "Please don’t, don’t hurt me."

The child thought he had done something wrong and feared that they would be angry. It seemed it was aware that Khal and Devion could harm it, even if it was also not sure of its existence.

Ayen clasped his hands together, and an itch rose from within him; somehow, he wanted to pinch those chubby cheeks. Ayen was not fond of kids... But he could not help feeling that way.

Devion’s gaze became a bit more friendly. He was still wary at first, since this anomaly might have used a form of a child to lower their guard.

However, he could feel that the child was indeed innocent and held no malice towards them.

"Don’t worry." Khal waved his hand, motioning for the child to come forward. "We’re not mad at you."

Devion nodded. "We’re the ones who entered your territory."

In other words, they were the ones who intruded and were the ones at fault. The kid had not done anything to them, and so no enmity had been formed.

"Come here." It was not Khal who said it, but Ayen. "Can we talk more closely?"

Khal and Devion glanced at Ayen, and then they exchanged glances and smiled meaningfully. Ayen did not bother with them; he was only looking at the child.