20 A Difficult Transition

Including the few days you took medication before, it was just under a week in total—the sentinel’s full separation anxiety period had finally come to an end.

You had been forced to accompany Caesar through his daily training regimen—a top-tier sentinel who maintained such an intense and demanding routine every day. Watching his training data, your initial shock quickly turned into numbness.

The sentinel’s physical prowess was truly extraordinary… Coupled with the generally larger build of Europeans compared to Asians, it was no joke that a single punch from him could send an average person—a guide—flying.

During this time, the German seemed to intentionally, or perhaps unintentionally, show off his sleek, powerful muscles. But to you, all you could think about were the numbers from his strength training, and you thought, “This is terrifying. If I ever anger him, the consequences would be dreadful.”

A sentinel would never harm a guide—but seeing his imposing figure, your faith in this unspoken rule wavered.

That afternoon, noticing your boredom, Caesar suggested going out to have some fun. But having endured the training alongside him, you were even more exhausted than he was. In the end, you decided to watch a science fiction movie in the hotel’s theater.

Caesar hesitated but ultimately followed your lead.

When he got sleepy, he simply closed his eyes and rested in the reclining chair, avoiding many other potential awkward situations. You thought the plan was perfect.

After a series of checks the next day, Caesar finally set off on his journey back to Germany.

Just before leaving, he seemed to remember something and took out his phone to exchange contact information.

Looking at Caesar’s profile picture on Twitter—handsome and charismatic—with millions of followers, you fell silent.

The social media app you used wasn’t that one; Twitter was merely your outlet to vent… There was absolutely no way you’d follow Caesar back.

Feeling a bit guilty, you admitted, “I… don’t have an account on that app.”

—I know you don’t have an account on the app I use either, so just stop asking to add me! Your implication was clear, but Caesar was persistent:

“Then leave me your number. When you register a new account, remember to tell me.”

“……”

After confirming it was indeed your phone number, he finally let you off the hook.

“See you next time, my guide.”

In high spirits, Caesar bid you farewell, his blue-tipped hair radiant with vitality as he turned away.

You didn’t reply, forcing a faint smile as you watched him leave with a few staff members.

Finally, a great burden was lifted.

You swiftly took off your headphones and stuffed them into your pocket, ready to turn and leave.

***

At that moment, you spotted Shinpa Eiki standing not far behind you, arms crossed.

Reliable adults, indeed—Shinpa Eiki had kept his promise to come pick you up on the third day.

Though you weren’t quite sure when he had arrived. Could he have been there when Caesar asked for your contact details?

Still, in your heart, he didn’t seem like the kind of person who would stand by and let someone suffer.

Thinking it over, you comforted yourself that Shinpa Eiki had merely coincidentally shown up. You felt a little reassured.

“Did that Caesar give you any trouble these past few days?” Shinpa asked from the car seat beside you.

“Hmm… no,” you replied.

If you didn’t count the first day—you thought for a moment and decided not to mention those troublesome details.

Shinpa adjusted his glasses thoughtfully.

“You probably haven’t seen a live football match yet, have you?”

You nodded, somewhat puzzled by the sudden change in topic.

As Shinpa raised his hand, you noticed two tiny scars on the back of his hand, looking like injection marks.

“The third round of selections is the day after tomorrow. I’ll arrange for the guides to be on-site—especially you.”

“The upcoming matches are crucial for the survival of the Blue Prison project. You need to integrate quickly, understand the [obsessions] of these sentinels, just like the other guides.”

You understood his meaning well. Since your guide career had started late, and your values differed from the sentinel-guide system, in short, you were expected to comprehend, empathize with, and become one with the natives.

“Your internship salary will also increase during this period. If you have any issues, feel free to tell me.”

“! Understood, no problem, Mr. Eiki.”

Mentioning this perk immediately energized you.

Though you didn’t mind attending the matches—in fact, with nothing else to do in Blue Prison, it was easy to get distracted—thinking about the pay raise gave you fresh motivation, making you feel ready to manage a whole football team.

Seizing the moment as the topic paused, you pointed to your hand and asked about the two scars.

“Guidance injections,” he replied succinctly.

“Ah…” you recalled something Miura Hoshimitsu had said. “Mr. Eiki, does that mean you haven’t found a compatible guide?”

After saying that, you realized it might sound offensive. “Sorry, I’m just a bit curious, no offense intended…”

“Yes,” Shinpa said calmly. “No need to apologize; it’s quite common.”

“Oh…” you fell silent awkwardly.

The car finally stopped before the gates of Blue Prison.

Your spirits lifted.

My room! My game console!

You got out, dragging your suitcase happily toward the entrance, with Shinpa following at a leisurely pace.

You took the elevator, but Shinpa did not.

He went straight back to his office, briefly greeting you before leaving. You returned a smile.

In any case, you now had a full day off!

You pressed the button for your floor, but the elevator stopped halfway.

The doors opened, and several tall, unfamiliar foreigners stepped in.

You instinctively took a step back.

…Since when were there Europeans inside Blue Prison? Moreover, some looked far older than the average age of the project participants.

They spoke English, disdainfully discussing something—perhaps the match that had just taken place?

Your English was decent, but their speech was fast, and you couldn’t catch everything.

When they saw you, their chatter abruptly ceased.

The group quickly spread out to occupy the elevator space, and you stood in the corner, shielding yourself with your suitcase.

It seemed they were watching you.