The experience of passing through the gate was a little unbearable for new Espers and even for those who had already experienced it a lot of times.
It was like riding a terrifying rollercoaster that would only spin and circle inside a vortex with fast movements. And this feeling would only last for a few seconds, making it more potent, especially for people with motion sickness.
However, for Rise, it was just a breeze. After stepping inside the gate, his vision only went dark for a couple of seconds before the other side appeared in front of them.
He was not uncomfortable at all as he casually put his hands inside his pockets, roaming his eyes around to observe the new surroundings.
In great contrast with him, those Espers and Guides around him experienced symptoms of nausea in varying degrees. Some Guides even vomited; the suction of the gate teleportation was too much for them.
This was also an expected outcome, and so Kamille did not urge everyone; just like Rise, he also stood and observed his surroundings.
Rise's gaze then shifted downward, and his lips drew into a smirk.
'Weak.'
Rise did not say it out loud, but it was evident in his eyes, looking down at most members, especially so to Hayes, who was only just behind him, scrouching just like the others.
Actually, except for Kamille and Rise, each member needed a few minutes to recover. Most of these Espers were indeed experienced, but a year or two was not enough to become accustomed to them. Not to mention that it was an evolving gate, much more chaotic than normal gates.
Hayes glared at Rise, gritting his teeth, but did not argue. He was still dizzy, and this was the start of a mission, meaning Kamille would be in his strictest mode.
Seeing no one could react at his provocation, his smirk widened, standing proudly as if: Hah, I can stand normally after that, not like you weak fools.
Needless to say, he was dead a lot of times in these Espers and Guide's minds. He was that cocky!
Kamille turned at the members before he gave Rise a warning look, who slyly smiled sweetly and averted his gaze, returning to his well-behaved form.
"We'll set off in a few minutes, prepare yourselves then." Kamille then motioned at Rise, "Come here, don't leave my side." He had to keep this troublemaker at all times or this mission would already suffer a big problem.
Kamille's intention was to not give the members and Rise the time and space to provoke each other. For Rise, it was such a perfect idea! While laughing victoriously inside, he nodded obediently and made sure to stand beside Kamille with little space between them.
'Take your time, guys!' Rise cheered inside his mind.
Kamille could only sigh and decided to focus on observing the surroundings.
Rise also did not mind the little chaperones on their date and finally examined the new environment much more closely.
Wherever his eyes went, he could only see pure white snow. The expanse of white seemed to paint a rather beautiful scenery, completely unlike the danger it brought.
Strangely enough, where they stood was not cold at all. Rise felt curious as to why, so he stretched his hand, seemingly wanting to take some falling snow in his palm.
When he stretched his hand, Rise's eyebrows rose, feeling a barrier before a kind of coldness pentrated his skin once his hand reached the other side.
Rise was not too surprised since he also experienced a lot of miraculous things inside the gate, his rebirth included, but it was still an amazing feeling.
"This gate is not like this before." A deep and low tone reached his ears, a voice he knew and loved so much.
Rise turned his head, looking at Kamille at his side. He also drew his hand, and while it was amazing, it was still cold. His palm had already turned red with just a few seconds of exposure.
"What's it like, then?" Rise had not entered this gate in his past life; he also did not look it up, although he heard the result of this subjugation.
He knew a few things, though... and some major details as well.
Kamille did not answer immediately but instead took out a hot pack and offered it to Rise. His movements were also natural, just like a habit.
"It was a desolate gate, like a desert." Kamille's words were a bit vague but seemed straight to the point at the same time.
Rise looked at the hot pack, then looked up at Kamille, gently enclosing the pack between his palms.
"It's so different now." Rise could only say; his mind was still in the hot pack.
Sigh. Why are you always so lovable, Guild Leader?
Kamille was always like this; he seemed not to like it, but he was caring and attentive to anyone, making Rise fall even deeper.
He stared hungrily at Kamille as the latter explained, noticing his gaze but ignoring it. Kamille was also like this, in Rise's every advance, he had a wall. So dumb, but handsome!
"What's behind this change might be the reason this gate evolved. We can only explore to discover this reason, I only hope... It's not over yet."
Kamille's voice remained calm, but with the way his gray eyes were more prominent, Rise knew how restless he was to use True Sight to this extent.
And again, that moment was cut short as the biggest cockblocker emerged.
"Guild Leader, we're ready." His thick glasses seemed to glimmer as he adjusted them, being so dedicated to his job.
Rise narrowed his eyes and glanced meaningfully at Hayes, it seemed he had to first figure out how to dispose of this first obstacle, just like that Epsilon.
Hayes suddenly felt a chill crawl through his spine as he shivered, his brow furrowing before looking at the surroundings.
Perhaps... It's the cold.
Kamille's mind shifted almost immediately; his eyes passed through each member of the raid.
Seeing they were ready, Kamille said his first order.
"The formation is just like how we discussed it. Hayes, make sure to secure the rear. The Guides will be in the middle, Dinara; their absolute safety is your responsibility." Kamille still went on, but more like just repeating the important points of their meeting.
And again, as last, his gaze stopped at Rise. The temporary member but the most troublesome one.
"Don't leave my side." There were not any instructions but those four words.
Rise's eyes lit up, controlling his expression, but some of them still appeared on his face.
"Yes, Guild Leader."
You bet, Kamille. I'll never leave your side from now on. I hope you're ready for that.