A Gathering of Guardians: The Prologue (Etrian Odyssey Nexus Fanfiction)

Chapter 12

AN: If someone was to say that I'm getting carried away with this novel, I couldn't confidently deny it. But I mean, it's filled with all my favourite boys. Of course I'm getting carried away. So, enjoy~

-

Chapter 12:

Lynus smiled and nodded his head to Nitish's gracious invite and followed him toward the stairs that lead to a three-story building. Clearly, it was the Researchers' Clinic that Isiah had told him about in their letters. Having a building all of their own to conduct research, experiments, and meetings in; Lynus was somewhat envious.

Not that he could complain, of course. Matron Hana allowed them to practically own the tearoom of the inn, and the hospital allowed for Lynus to conduct his medical research there.

Still, it must be nice to have a space all for their own during their fledging explorations.

As he reached the top step, Nitish suddenly paused and turned to face him. "I feel that I should warn you. There are some very...vulnerable auras inside," he said delicately.

Lynus shifted his gaze toward the door of the clinic and spent a moment to study the auras felt on the other side of the door. Even from this distance, he could sense that a few of them, roughly seven in total, held a sense of...fragility within their auras. Hidden away under an outwardly fascade, but nothing can be hidden from their aura.

"...Yes, I can feel them already," Lynus admitted.

"They're all very good people," Nitish immediately insisted.

Lynus gave him a small smile. "Hm, I can feel that, too."

That response clearly pleased Nitish and he nodded his head in return. Nitish appeared to be a very gentle person. Not just in aura, but in his mannerisms and speech as well. Very considerate and delicate. He was quite the talented empath.

Honestly, Lynus hadn't encountered another empath before, especially one who seemed to be able to sense and distinguish auras like he could. He hoped that the Phaedron guild agreed to join them on their Lemurian expedition; it would be wonderful for their two guilds to work together. With other guilds, of course.

Nitish opened the front doors of the clinic and motioned for Lynus to follow. Of course, he promptly did. With Axel right behind them. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by the sight of Roxbury standing before a rather large group of explorers. His guild, no doubt.

And it appeared that he had just finished reporting to them what had occurred during his meeting with the Highland Count. Amongst the auras of the men that littered the room were expressions of surprise and apprehension.

Honestly, Lynus felt as though he was intruding in some way. They needed time to respond to Villard's request, not play host to a couple of surprise visitors. But, perhaps a small selfish part of him wanted to stay and finally speak with Isiah and meet the guildmates that he obviously adores.

So, maybe it wouldn't hurt if they stayed for a couple of hours. And maybe offer them some reassurance about Maginia. He didn't want to influence their decisions; it was entirely up to them whether they wish to join or not. But perhaps he could help lift the burdens, as it were.

Lynus and Axel were ushered into the foyer by Nitish and Isiah. Nitish gave Lynus a small smile before he hurried over to a man with dusty blond hair and glasses. They were obviously very affectionate toward each other as Nitish rested his hands against the man's chest and leaned against him. And the man wrapped his arms around him in return.

A look of surprise soon appeared on the man's face after Nitish whispered something to him. Surprise was seen in his aura, too. Quite vividly. As was the sense of...gratitude. Pure, adulterated gratitude.