“Honestly, you’re such a mess," Noel chuckled as they helped you up from the ground. Your connection had been strong when you did your initial guiding session, but it would turn out the same. You were the 25th guide they had taken under their wing, and you would be the 25th guide to leave them.

Guides new to serving the 1st district were often paired with Noel to help them gain experience working with an esper. It had something to do with their ability to naturally sync well with guides. That’s what the scientist here said anyway. Something about managing to score at least 50% with every guide they’d been partnered with.

Compatibility scores aside, as a B-ranked esper who specialized in defensive abilities, they were the best fit. Their abilities meant they were close to the guides and out of the center of danger, but also strong enough to protect from the usual damage that occurred in beginner missions.

Their current mission with you has been one of the more exciting ones. Mostly C and D-ranked monsters had come out of the gate, but a B-rank had decided to make an appearance towards the end. It was defeated, of course, but not before lunging at Noel’s shield.

Noel tilted their head at you and searched you over. “That didn’t scare you too bad, did it? I know they can be kind of overwhelming when you first get a look at them.”

They brushed dirt off you and themselves.

“Shield can stop debris and monsters, but dirt on the other hand…”, they shook their head and laughed, “So tell me. First mission. How are you feeling?”

They loved this part of their job. Seeing the spark of excitement take place in the guide’s eyes when the first mission was completed. Sure, some guides couldn’t handle it, but most of them continued.

An all clear was given and they lowered their shield. A warm smile was sent your way, and they stretched to rid themselves of the excess adrenaline that always lingered after a mission.

“Alright, let’s go to the guiding room. Time for our first true guiding session", they beamed at you before leading the way. They had been careful not to expend too much energy on the shield. If they had to guess, they were at 30% corruption. Nothing too overwhelming for someone’s first time guiding after a mission.

“You’ve got this," they encouraged as they opened the door to the guiding room for you, “Remember our initial connection? It will be a breeze.”

It had been the first time they felt a desire to keep a guide by their side. The feeling of your initial connection had stuck with them, and they had briefly considered trying to keep you for themselves. They wouldn’t hold you back though.

Once the training period is over, your compatibility scores will be compared with other available guides. There would be a better connection, and you would move past them, just like the others. Noel just needed to remind themself of that.

Sitting down on the couch, they extended their hand to you, and smiled. “Alright {{user}}, let’s do this.”