There's No Love In the Deathzone (BL) novel Chapter 81

Chapter 81: Chapter 79. A Test

It started with a little glass that Han Shin brought for Zein. A harmless wine with a low percentage catered to people with a normal constitution like guides and civilians.

"I never drink," Zein said with a frown.

It was easy to understand why--Zein never touch something that would result in him losing consciousness. One could easily imagine what might happen to a guide with a pretty face who couldn’t say no or fight back. So he had never touched one, although it might be easier to find a bottle of booze than a bottle of fresh water in the red-zone.

"I know," Han Shin already guessed that might be the case. "But just a little bit is alright, isn’t it?"

The guide was in a different environment right now, and Han Shin wanted to show the guide that he was in a safe place. That he didn’t have to feel too scared or too cautious of things anymore.

"Don’t worry, you’re safe here," he patted Zein’s shoulder reassuringly, spreading his arm around. "It’s just Trinity."

At that time, around the table where Zein decided to stay, were only the guides and the civilian staff. They had been warming up to him and seemed to shed their apprehension of him little by little. He looked at those green-zone dwellers’ faces, all looked harmless, having fun on their own.

Actually, Zein might be the most dangerous one in this group. Who else between guides and civilians could beat an esper but him?

"I’m here," Han Shin kept giving him reassurance from the side. "Bassena’s here...somewhere," he looked around, although there was also a little mischievous smirk playing on his face.

Zein looked at the small glass in the healer’s hand. If he had to be honest, then...he was kind of curious actually. People seemed to like those alcoholic drinks a lot, but he never found the courage to try them. Even if he could strengthen his body with magic, Zein didn’t want to risk it.

But just as Han Shin said...he was in a safe environment, right? There would be no one in this building crazy enough to do anything that would harm him--not with the rumor about his relationship with Bassena still circulating.

"Well..." in the end, with the healer’s wide grin, he took up the small glass, retracted his mask, and drank it.

It was...weird? A bit sour, a bit bitter, but he liked the sweetness that lingered in the end. It smelled nice too, fruity.

"How is it?" Han Shin asked eagerly, as someone who introduced the stuff.

Zein tilted his head, twirling the glass in his hand while savoring the remnant of taste above his tongue. He thought he’d feel the effect of alcohol right away, but he didn’t feel anything different with his body. "Not bad," he said in the end.

"Right?" the healer laughed cheerfully. "Just relax and have fun, okay?"

With that one cheerful message, Han Shin left to mingle with the other guild members and workers. Zein stayed in his spot, leaning into a high serving table like an exquisite sculpture, observing the place.

It was his first time knowing that Trinity had a ballroom. No--it was actually the main conference room, the largest one which took almost a quarter of the entire floor. It was indeed meant for the kind of event that included all members and workers, like guild anniversary or such.

Normally, it looked like a symposium hall. But once the chair and desk, the rising platform, and the podium got taken off, it turned into a wide ballroom, with glass walls on two sides showing Trinity’s compound. Zein had no idea what they did to decorate this place but there was no trace of a serious conference room in this place anymore.

The noise and the joyful vibe reminded him of the borderland unit’s new year party--perhaps the only mass event the unit held aside from the more common funerals. It was one of the rare days they would be able to eat fresh meat and vegetables, maybe even fruits if they were lucky. The Captain even allowed them to drink as much as they wanted--although Zein never touched any--to celebrate the fact that they were alive to see a new year rolling by.

Of course, comparing that event with this one was quite ridiculous. From the quality of the food and drinks that couldn’t even be compared, to the nice music in the background instead of a yelling for more meat. Zein was sure none of them would end up in a petty brawl over who emptied out the beer crates.

Here, everything was mild, with people talking in good mood, and food kept flowing endlessly. Zein found himself full with just plates of canapes and finger foods his division members brought him.

Now that they had spent more time together, the guides realized that Zein wasn’t as scary as his initial image was. In fact, although the man always strict and pushed them hard, he was also caring, always making sure they were back in good enough condition. It made them curious to know more about this new boss of theirs, who surprisingly always answered their question as long as it wasn’t too personal.

With Han Shin leading that first glass, these guides came to Zein with another. They had been too unsure about offering Zein a drink or two before, but the 5-star healer paved the way. That one glass became two, three, and then other department staff started to greet him too--especially the PR team whom Zein often treated with coffee and lunch. More and more people started to flock to him, now that they could see the mysterious guide’s face clearly, trying to strike up a conversation or just admiring him.

It seemed like every time he talked with different groups, he ended up with a different glass. Thankfully, he had a mind to circulate magic energy to up his tolerance. So despite it being his first time drinking, Zein was fine through many glasses of wine and cocktails.

Perhaps that was why he started to let his guard down. He carelessly took any glass being offered to him, one of which felt way stronger than the others he took before. It was good though, made him feel quite warm. But when he took another sip of the same drink, someone grabbed his wrist.

He gripped the guide’s hand tightly--just the fact that Zein followed him meekly like this was enough proof that the man was tipsy. What the fuck is that brat doing?! Bassena almost wanted to curse in rage when he realized an esper drink found its way to Zein’s hand.

Looking up into the night sky, the blue eyes still looked deep and beautiful even in their hazy state. For once, Zein looked as if he was at peace, like he no longer had all those heavy thoughts he always carry in his pretty head. _{freeweɓnovēl.coɱ}