CHAPTER 406: A FEW STRONG PEOPLE SHOULD STAY BACK AND PROTECT THE CITY

Devon stared at her softly, and his thoughts said the rest of the words he could not dare to say out loud.

His thoughts and his feelings...

’You make me breathe easier. The tension of the monsters, the cries of the citizens, the loneliness I put Damian through with my continuous absence, and the load of work piled up on my desk cause me to sigh in agony, my heart squeezing in guilt, and my thoughts wondering if I could’ve done more for the people. But when I see you, when I see your powerful ray of hope, my worries feel lighter and my heart feels so much at peace that the breath flows out smoothly from my lungs. I... I feel like I cannot breathe properly when you are not near.’ His thoughts rang in his head, and Leo from behind tilted his eyebrows a bit.

He heard everything clearly and then looked at Alice, who was nothing but confused by his words.

’Ah, I’m becoming too greedy. This isn’t right.’ Devon thought and then gently dropped his hands from hers. "Anyway, I’ll ger going. I have so much work to do." He said. ’You’re the only reason I can leave my precious brother outside alone without worrying too much, and you’re the reason why I wish to become stronger than I already am. This time... I will definitely improve with this subjugation.’

*Alice,* Leo called. *You have to stop Devon from going on that subjugation.*

’What? Why?’

*Have you forgotten so soon? He’s now the target of demons. If he goes, then he will definitely attract the demons, and everyone, including him, may lose their lives.*

’Ah, that’s quite serious.’ Alice thought and turned to Devon. "Devon, you can’t participate in the subjugation," she said outrightly that even Adolf and Marcus, who were discussing a few things behind her, heard it and wondered what she was on about.

"What?" Devon looked at her, confused. What did she mean by that?

*Don’t say it like that, dummy. You’ll only make it seem you’re undermining his strength.* Leo pointed out.

’Huh? Then how do I say it?’

*Say it like this.*

Devon pressed his lips tightly together, unable to comprehend Alice’s thoughts.

"Oh, don’t misunderstand, Devon." Alice said. "It’s just..." Her eyes swept through the floor briefly and then back at him, acting so not like herself. "... Almost all the powerful people I can count on will be gone, and no one will be around to protect my friends and your brother, of course. So, I thought it would be better if we left you to watch over the city in case of an emergency," she grabbed his hand. "You’re so capable that I can only count on you for this. Please, will you stay behind? If something were to happen while you, I, and everyone else who’s capable of fending off an emergency, are gone, then it would only bring about a disaster."

Devon looked into her pleading eyes, and the sense of responsibility she put on him warmed his heart.

So, it was because she thought he was the most reliable, huh? Knowing this, he felt somewhat proud.

He had not thought about this because he was too focused on wanting to get stronger and prove himself to Alice, but what if a gate spawned right in front of his house, where his brother was, and monsters began to rampage?

His brother, as well as other innocent lives, would be lost

He would never be able to forgive or live with himself if something like that happened while he was trying to pursue his own selfish goal.

He clenched his fist.

"I understand," he said. "A few strong people should stay back and protect the city, and I will be among them. I... Will not let anything happen to the people you care about," he took her hand. "Nor the ones I care about." He kissed her hand, and she smiled.

She did exactly what Leo told her to do, and even if it felt strange, she still pulled it off, and the result was fine.

Devon had come to realize how important his role was, and he would take it seriously. All he asked was that no harm befell Alice and no unexpected tragedy arose on his part.

He was indeed staying back, but there was no guarantee that he would be able to fend off whatever tragedy might open up.

Just like that time with the eclipse dragon... He pursed his lips.

He hoped to never feel that powerless again.

"Are you two done?" Adolf asked, and Alice turned around.

"Yes, Chairman." Devon answered and lightly bowed his head. "I will take my leave now."

He was about to leave when Alice grabbed his hand and said,

"It’s not like I’m going on the subjugation today or tomorrow, so... Let’s meet up and talk." She said, smiling warmly. "Is that okay?"

Devon stared at her for a few seconds and then smiled.

"Yes," he answered. "I’ll wait for your call then."

Alice let go of him and waved.

After he left, Adolf asked,

"You two seem close? Is there a spark my old fading eyesight can’t see?" He asked, brushing his beard, and Alice sighed.

"Cut it out, old man." She said and sneered. "You and I both know your eyes see more clearly than the average human."

"Hoho, you might be right." He said. "But do you intend to play ’that’ game?" He asked, and Alice took a moment to think.

"I’m not sure," she said, understanding what he meant. "But I honestly doubt it."

"Well, if you say so." He said and watched her as she walked towards Leo.

Her relationship with Leo was that of equals, he could tell that much. And while he did misunderstand and think he was her actual boyfriend, he could not deny that she was the only one on the same level as her.

Someone who could stand next to her with their head held high.

But he could not sense ’that’ chemistry in their relationship. The same chemistry he felt when watching Devon look into her eyes and exhibit features that he had never seen him exhibit for any other woman.

The same could be said for Mark and the other individual males he had seen trying to ’protect’ her.

She was a truly remarkable child, but he couldn’t help but feel worried on her behalf regarding ’that’. That game was a tough one, and the losing side always felt the most pain.

And yes... That game was the game of love.

And Alice, who never gave that concept two thoughts, just gave it a thought and said she was not sure.

Could this be the sign that she was finally willing to go deeper beyond mere lip connection? It was hard to say, but in this game of love, where the winner gets to move on without any problems, the loser always ends up in despair and regret.

Let’s see... Let’s see how that game would work out for Alice if she ever did try to play it.

"Alice," Adolf called and Alice turned to him. "Walk with me."

"Sure."