Chapter 135
Chapter 136 To Stay or Return
She believed everything she was told.
“No one’s ever sat down and explained it to you, but you only need to look at how reverently everyone treats Guides to understand how vital and irreplaceable they are p>
Lyra’s mind buzzed.
She frowned, utterly stunned.
But how could she possibly be a Guide?
She was not even from here!
Hadrien did not call out her earlier lie.
He simply said, “It’s possible you lost that memory after your awakening p>
Lyra shot him a complicated, guilty glance.
She nodded slowly, feigning deep thought.
That explained it… This was why Jessa had suddenly teamed up with others to take her away.
Since he had already handed her a ready–made excuse, she might as well go along with it.
Lyra typed on her Star Brain device, “Does that mean I can help the Sentinels in the cells get out of there p>
Hadrien said, “If that is what you want p>
Lyra nodded vigorously at once.
Her fingers raced across the interface, nearly blurring from speed.
“I want to help the Sentinels on the third floor first. But they’re so aggressive, I’m too scared to get close. Is there any way to approach them? Or how do other Guides go about purification p>
The feral Sentinels on the third floor were her most urgent concern; they could die at any moment.
Many bodies were carried out every single day.
The thought that one day she might have to watch the Sentinels of Building Three perish filled her with
sorrow.
Hadrien fell silent.
Truly, she was a novice unafraid of the fiercest dangers. She aimed straight for the hardest challenge the second she learned of her abilities.
Still, foolish as she was, her selfless kindness was rare and precious.
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Chap
The Stay or Return
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understand what you hope to do, but that is for later. Right now, we need to focus on the situation in front of us. ”
Lyra froze, blinking in quiet confusion.
Hadrien asked her, “Would you like to stay on Core Prime p>
Lyra only paused to think for a second before shaking her head firmly.
“On Core Prime, Guides receive the utmost care. You could have anything you desire instantly, living free of worry. You would only need to purify one or two Sentinels each day. You could refuse work whenever you pleased, with no one to bind you. Are you certain you want to return to the Black Spire p>
Lyra nodded without hesitation.
Hadrien went on, “This opportunity is something most people p>
Lyra cut him off and typed her question, “Do you not want me to go back p>
Hadrien halted mid–sentence. “What makes you think that p>
“You keep telling me how wonderful life is on Core Prime p>
Hadrien’s expression turned earnest. “I only fear you will come to regret your choice p>
“People who care about me are trapped in suffering, and I run off to live an easy life all by myself?” she typed, shaking her head with pressed lips. “It is out of the question. Even if I went, I would never know peace for the rest of my days p>
After reading her words, Hadrien stared at her for several long seconds, his gaze shifting subtly.
He let out a quiet sigh.
“All right. Let me explain exactly what awaits you if you stick to this decision p>
Lyra nodded, finding a spot to sit. She sat rigidly, just like a student listening closely to a lecturer.
Hadrien explained that while everyone respected a Guide’s wishes, Guides were not permitted to live outside the White Citadel.
A Guide’s physique was far weaker than a Sentinel’s, and their value was immeasurable. If rebel factions captured one, they would exploit them ruthlessly, forcing constant purification and psychic soothing for their Sentinels, treating them as nothing more than a tool.
If a Guide wandered alone out in the open, they faced grave risk of fatal harm when encountering psychic monsters that drove humans to madness and violence.
Beyond that, Guides were an uncommon breed, yet countless Sentinels waited desperately for healing.
The public and officials all preferred for Guides to remain on Core Prime.
That way, Sentinels in need of contamination purification would flock to Core Prime in droves.
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Charter It To Say or Return
The White Citadel and the government could then wield Guides to command the Sentinels.
Sentinels were blades–nulitary force, armed power.
In the eyes of politicians, both Guides and Sentinels were merely instruments.
Finished
That was why the instant a Guide’s location was uncovered, authorities sealed all information and moved to bring them back immediately.
The official explanation for the Sentinels conducting such a large–scale search right now was that suspicious rebels had infiltrated, and a thorough investigation was required.
They would have to wait until the search died down before attempting to leave.
Once she finished reading. Lyra typed another message into her Star Brain.
“The search is this thorough. Can we really leave safely in a few days p>
Hadrien replied, “I am working on alternative arrangements for these coming days p>
Lyra grew curious. “What sort of arrangements p>
Hadrien glanced toward her.
“There is no guarantee they will succeed, so nothing is set in stone p>
Lyra chewed the inside of her cheek.
That only made her more curious.
If it was not an official, legal route, it sounded like a risky workaround.
Could Hadrien, who always carried such an upright, principled demeanor, resort to methods like that?
“Are you hungry p>
Lyra nodded. She watched as Hadrien began manipulating his own Star Brain interface.
Is he ordering food delivery?
She leaned forward slightly out of curiosity.
Hadrien did not pull away or eye her warily, signaling she was welcome to watch.
He even expanded the screen display to make it easier for her to see.
“What would you like to eat p>
Lyra’s mouth fell open in shock when she saw food displayed in full 360–degree live previews, with customer reviews scrolling across the top like live stream chat.
She had never discovered this useful feature before.
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Chaps to Stay of Return
Shaelicd ene meal that looked appetizing. Hadrien added an identical portion for himself and confirmed the payment.
Now that she sat closer, byra caught the sharp scent of medicine clinging to him.
Finished
Wracked with guilt, she typed, “Mr. Vale, why have you not gone to a medical clinic to dress your wounds p>
Hadrien said, “I was afraid you would wake up disoriented and frightened p>
Lyra’s chest ached sharply. There was no physical pain, yet her breath caught tight in her throat.
It was true. If she had woken alone and panicked, she would have tried to flee and call for help–walking straight into mortal danger.
She typed, “Thank you p>
Hadrien’s features remained calm. “It is a Sentinel’s foremost duty to stand guard and protect & Guide p>
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Ruby Walker
Ruby Walker is a rising voice in the world of romance and spicy fiction. With a gift for weaving deep emotions, sizzling chemistry, and unexpected twists, her stories are a blend of passion and drama that captivate readers from start to finish. Ruby’s writing style is bold and irresistible—perfect for those who crave intense, addictive love stories.