@cor3zone I would like to add, that just from the creepy way he was clinging to Ruty after kicking Red out it's pretty obvious he has a thing for her, and seeing the way she acts towards Gideon in this most recent flashback, Gideon was an obvious obstacle to that affection. I imagine he hoped that affection would transfer to him if he got the other out of the way.
It may have been an unspoken buff from the guide protection, though there may also be an unspoken buff to his charisma towards young folks who need a guide if this latest chapter is any indication.
@cor3zone : If I recall (it has been a while since I read the chapters from Ares/Alex's perspective) unless it was changed in the light novel it is not accurate enough to be a spoiler
Ares (his name in the webnovel, the MTL is consistent on using it) booted Gideon because he was jealous of Gideon. He did understand Gideon's value, and always did.
Gideon excelled at everything Ares considered sagely other then attack magic, and in Ares mind, was interfering with his spotlight. Ares is extremely prideful, through with his family history should not be
his family are fallen nobles who lost their status as a wealthy Duke family because his Great-grandfather (maybe great-great, it has been a while) betrayed their kingdom to its neighbour in a failed bid for power. His family lost almost everything, and only still exists because 1 member could be proven to be innocent of the treachery due to being fostered at the time. Though from what I got they still had the pride of their former station
and basically believes that he should excel at everything because of his DP alone, and does not put any real effort into anything he does not care about, he is basically the self entitled "expert" who thinks because he is good in one area, you need to take his word in every area but does not work ito the other areas. Gideon put effort into learning everything needed for adventuring and the heroes journey (he basically dedicated his life to supporting her) and as such excelled in every area Ares felt he should be the one looked to.
He booted gideon to appease his own ego and because he felt it would help his goals of restoring his family name, he needs the closeness to the hero (not happening since her DP kills almost all emotions, her bond with Gideon being one of the few strong enough to survive), and to be seen as a major member of the Hero party to bring in the glory to restore his family, but Gideon was getting in the way of both since he was close to the hero and the effective party leader.
He also lied to the party about why gideon left (and not the lie Gideon had agreed to to save face) and demanded to take all of gideon duties after the boot. but since he put no effort into anything and just relied on his DP for everything he failed at everything, never improved, and got defensive when the party brought up saying learning to do the tasks was beneath, and if I recall a waste of effort that could be spent on improving his magic.
But it is emotional suppression, not negation, and very strong emotions can win out. Which is why she nearly killed the sage right with 1 punch immediately after Gideon left, then her DP made her heal him
Yeah, the DPs basically being a form of minor upwards of major brainwashing is a pretty f'd up setup for this world's system. Also that all DPs only improve ultimately through combat is crazy for the production/creation DPs
It feels like he left because he believed Alex was involved with his sister and he was supporting them. Is that the effect of the "guide" protection then? Help people get strong and send them away?
So... is Alex screwed unless he gives back her big brother? Then again he's probably screwed either way; since this is his fault. Jealous son of a bitch.