The Youngest Master wants to be exorcised! chapter 8

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After the monsters that attacked humans appeared, the awakened who defended their homes from these monsters were constantly at the brink of life and death.

The more they used their powers, the more tangled the waves became, and the ever-evolving monsters posed a continuous threat. There was always the fear of losing a colleague in a moment of inattention or of going berserk. Despite these challenges, they were deployed to the field.

The death toll among the awakened during the mandatory two-year guide training was significant. The mortality rate was even higher for those who stayed at the center for the high salary and additional benefits after their mandatory service ended.

The presence of a six-year veteran in a place where the list of fallen comrades was updated daily was extraordinary. Especially if they were a main team member of D Team, known for handling top-tier red-level missions.

Kim Yoon, who seemed carefree with a bright smile, had successfully completed numerous missions over six years. He was well-known, even to those not hoping for long-term service at the center, often appearing in the news.

Such an S-class esper had appeared as a subject for basic training practice.

‘Is this what you meant by coming to see me?’

Hyunsoo subtly ignored Yoon’s piercing gaze. Although it was touching that Yoon had volunteered to be a practice subject just to see him, it also made him worried.

He had warned Yoon once to avoid any slip-ups in titles yesterday, but they had spent six years together. Even though their appearances were different, old habits and ways of speaking couldn’t be ignored.

Hyunsoo himself had almost missed Minchan carrying his luggage to the entrance yesterday because of familiarity. One wrong move could lead to strange rumors. As Hyunsoo was keeping his expression neutral, the professor spoke again.

“In the basic training course, only contact guiding lectures will be conducted. Advanced guiding will be done through regular training sessions after probation placement, only for those who apply.”

The professor gestured to check their tablets. As Hyunsoo reviewed the newly updated materials, he found the group assignments. After finding Jaehee’s name, he sighed.

[Group 3]

Guide: Jaehee (S), Shin Jungmin (A)

Esper: Kim Yoon (S, Central Center Special D Team)

The group consisted of two guides and one practice esper. Hyunsoo wasn’t surprised, as he had vaguely expected this outcome from the moment Yoon appeared smiling.

Following the instructions to sit with their assigned groups, Hyunsoo found his spot.

“Oh, hyung! We’re in the same group!”

“Yes, we are. Let’s do our best.”

A-grade guide Shin Jungmin, who had been assigned to the same group as Jaehee, had previously asked Hyunsoo about his relationship with Minchan during the orientation in the auditorium.

As they exchanged brief small talk, Yoon approached their group with the assistant’s guidance. He was wearing the uniform issued to espers affiliated with the center.

The badges on his uniform, reflecting his six years of service, were impressive. Yoon smiled brightly as he sat down.

“Wow! I look forward to working with you. I’ll do my best today!”

“Yes!”

Shin Jungmin responded with shining eyes, while Hyunsoo nodded appropriately.

The professor, after confirming that the groups were seated, began explaining the basics of guiding based on the distributed materials.

For Hyunsoo, a ten-year veteran guide, it was all tedious, but ‘Jaehee’ was different.

Jaehee couldn’t appear inattentive in class, so Hyunsoo pretended to take notes and nodded at the appropriate times. The professor, deciding the explanation was sufficient, closed the materials.

“That’s enough of the explanation. Now, let’s proceed with a simple practice.”

The professor clapped his hands and briefly explained the practice.

“Lightly touch hands and try to accept the esper’s waves. Espers, please be careful not to overdo it when transferring your waves. Each person should take about 2-3 minutes.”

As the professor finished speaking, a peculiar tension filled the practice room.

“Okay, who would like to go first?”

Yoon alternated his gaze between Hyunsoo and Jungmin. Then, Jungmin swallowed hard and raised his hand slightly.

“I’d like to go first, if that’s okay?”

“Sure. What’s your name?”

“My name is Shin Jungmin. Oh, and I’m 21 years old.”

Answering politely, Jungmin looked visibly excited.

“Haha. Then I’ll introduce myself too. I’m Kim Yoon, and I’m 25, so I’m your hyung.”

Emphasizing that he was the older one, Yoon subtly glanced at Hyunsoo.

‘This guy?’

Inside was 30-year-old Park Hyunsoo, but on the surface, Jaehee was 22 years old, making him younger than Kim Yoon.

“Since we’re meeting like this, if it’s okay with you, could you call me hyung? It’ll make guiding easier if we’re more familiar.”

“It would be an honor! Can I call you Yoon hyung?”

“Of course.”

Yoon extended his hand to Jungmin, who shook it respectfully with both hands, like an intern meeting a company president.

“Then, please take care of me, Jungmin.”

“Yes!”

As Jungmin gradually accepted Yoon’s waves, his eyes widened. It was his first time receiving an esper’s waves.

Hyunsoo watched, feeling proud as Yoon gently transferred the waves, showing consideration for the novice guide. Their eyes met.

When their eyes locked, Yoon glanced around.

Jungmin, who was holding Yoon’s hand, had his eyes tightly closed, and the others around were busy with their own practice.

Confirming that no one was watching, Yoon quickly winked at Hyunsoo. Startled, Hyunsoo looked around and frowned. Just as he was about to say something, Yoon cut him off.

“Alright, I think that’s enough!”

Kim Yoon gently pulled his hand away from Shin Jungmin’s grasp.

“Yes! Thank you!”

“Was it okay? Was it uncomfortable?”

Yun carefully checked Jungmin’s condition, and upon confirming that he was fine, turned to Hyunsoo with a smile.

“Shall we try it with this person now?”

“Yes.”

Hyunsoo responded with a business-like smile. Yoon tilted his head and smiled brightly.

“But aren’t you going to introduce yourself?”

“…I’m Lee Jaehee.”

“How old are you?”

Hyunsoo sighed internally and forced a wide smile, understanding that Yoon wanted to be called “hyung” (older brother).

“I’m 22. Should I call you hyung?”

Yoon’s eyes widened. He didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be called “hyung” by Park Hyunsoo, who had ruled like a dictator for six years as the team’s oldest member.

“Yes….”

Seeing Yoon’s slightly blushing face, Hyunsoo chuckled.

“Hyung. Give me your hand.”

As Hyunsoo reached out for Yoon’s hand, Yoon slowly placed his hand on Hyunsoo’s palm, looking extremely cautious.

“Here.”

As Yoon’s hand touched his, Hyunsoo habitually checked Yoon’s condition, his eyebrows twitching.

The waves weren’t as good as he had expected.

He had thought Yoon was fine because he was smiling, but he wasn’t. Having watched Yoon for a long time, Hyunsoo knew that Yoon needed guiding right now.

‘Hasn’t he received guiding for a while?’

Each person was allocated at most three minutes. Hyunsoo was planning to give Yoon as much guiding as possible within that time when suddenly a familiar siren and wave sound echoed through the speakers in the spacious practice room.

“This is the central control room of the center. We are issuing a level 2 danger alert for all areas within the central center.”

At the announcement, both Hyunsoo and Yoon’s faces hardened. Despite the surrounding noise, the announcement continued.

“Please evacuate to your designated shelters in a swift and orderly manner. All personnel, except for combat personnel, should stay in the shelters and follow the instructions from the central control room.”

As Yoon stood up, the new espers in uniform also stood up. Yoon was still holding Hyunsoo’s hand.

“Yun.”

Hyunsoo called him softly amidst the commotion, and Yoon slightly interlaced their fingers.

“Let’s go to the shelter. I’ll leave after seeing you off.”

Yoon frowned slightly as he watched the professors and assistants evacuate the people.

Just as they were calming the confused people and heading down the stairs, the sound of breaking glass echoed as the windows shattered, sending glass shards flying.

Instantly, a wind blew around Kim Yoon, sending the flying glass shards out of the window. Yoon turned to Hyunsoo.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. But look outside.”

Hyunsoo gestured towards the window with his chin.

Yoon turned his head. Something was floating in the sky beyond the shattered window frame.

What had looked like a dot was now getting closer.

It was a monster.

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