Erwin stood his ground as Alexander Diablo approached with an almost ethereal aura. Lyria, standing just a step behind Erwin, crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow. She knew Alexander's type: charming in the spotlight, venomous in the shadows. Yet even she had to admit, the man's ability to inspire such devotion from the crowd was impressive.
"Erwin, was it?" Alexander's voice was smooth and measured, with just the right amount of warmth to disarm anyone. "I couldn't help but notice your presence earlier. Rarely do I encounter individuals who carry themselves with such… distinct confidence."
Erwin didn't respond immediately, his sharp gaze appraising Alexander. Behind him, Lyria muttered under her breath, "Distinct confidence? That's just a fancy way of saying you're too stupid to blend in."
Pugs snorted softly, wagging his tiny tail. "For once, she's not wrong."
Alexander's smile didn't waver, though his piercing blue eyes flickered briefly to Lyria. "And you must be Miss Vayne. Your reputation precedes you."
Lyria smirked but didn't reply. She knew better than to get tangled in Alexander's web of pleasantries.
The small crowd around them grew in size, people gathering to catch a glimpse of the man they all revered. As Alexander turned to wave, the onlookers erupted into cheers and heartfelt greetings.
"Alexander! You're amazing!"
"Thank you for protecting us!"
"Our hero!"
Erwin watched the display with detached interest. The adoration was palpable, the kind reserved for legends and saviors. He glanced at Lyria, who rolled her eyes and whispered, "You'd think he cured a plague."
Alexander turned back to them, the faintest hint of smugness behind his warm facade. "It's humbling, really. The people's trust is a burden I gladly bear. Speaking of trust, I have a proposal for you both."
Erwin's brow furrowed, but he said nothing.
"I'd like you to join me and my men as we survey the town," Alexander continued. "It's a routine check, but I find it invaluable to be among the people, to understand their struggles firsthand."
Lyria barked a laugh. "You? A grand-level player? Doing grunt work? That's rich."
Alexander's smile tightened. "It's important to stay grounded, Miss Vayne. Power without empathy is tyranny."
Erwin tilted his head, genuinely curious now. "Why would someone like you waste time on routine surveillance?"
The question hung in the air, drawing murmurs from the bystanders. Lyria's eyes narrowed, studying Alexander's reaction.
"Because leadership isn't about sitting on a throne," Alexander said smoothly. "It's about walking alongside those you protect."
Erwin remained unconvinced. He turned away, muttering, "I'll pass."
As he took his first step, a strong hand clamped around his wrist. Alexander's grip was firm, almost too firm, but his expression remained serene as he glanced at the watching crowd. Slowly, he released Erwin, stepping closer as though sharing a private word.
"Don't cause a scene, you dumb prick," Alexander hissed, his voice low but venomous. "Walk with me now, or die where you stand."
Lyria stiffened, her hand instinctively moving toward her concealed blade. Erwin, however, didn't flinch. Instead, he turned to Alexander with a menacing smile.
"Take your best shot," Erwin said coldly, his voice just loud enough for Alexander to hear but not the crowd.
For a moment, the air between them crackled with tension. Alexander's carefully maintained composure faltered ever so slightly, his eyes narrowing.
"Easy, boys," Lyria said, stepping between them with a grin that didn't reach her eyes. "We're all friends here, right?"
Erwin leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You're not as untouchable as you think. But sure, I'll play along—for now."
Alexander's jaw tightened, but he forced a smile, nodding as if they'd just reached a mutual agreement. "Excellent. Follow me, then."
As they began walking, Lyria leaned toward Erwin and muttered, "You're playing a dangerous game, pal."
"I know," Erwin replied without looking at her.
Pugs trotted alongside them, his tiny tail wagging. "This is shaping up to be a delightful disaster."
---
The group moved through the ruined streets, Alexander at the helm with his usual entourage of guards trailing behind. The locals greeted him with smiles and waves, their admiration unwavering.
"He's like a celebrity," Erwin remarked dryly.
"More like a cult leader," Lyria whispered back.
As they passed through a bustling market square, Alexander stopped to speak with a vendor, inquiring about the state of trade and supplies. The vendor's face lit up as she recounted how Alexander's efforts had revitalized the area.
"You're too kind, Alexander," she said, her voice brimming with gratitude.
Alexander waved her off modestly. "I only do what I can."
Erwin, watching from a few steps away, couldn't help but feel the weight of the performance. Every word, every gesture was calculated, designed to reinforce the image of a benevolent leader.
"He's good," Lyria admitted reluctantly. "Almost makes you believe he cares."
"Almost," Erwin echoed.
They continued their journey, Alexander occasionally stopping to greet townsfolk or inspect an area. Despite the facade of camaraderie, Erwin felt the undercurrent of tension. Alexander's guards watched him and Lyria closely, their hands never far from their weapons.
As they neared the edge of the town, where the bioluminescent flora grew thicker, Alexander turned to Erwin. "Tell me, Erwin, what do you think of our world?"
Erwin shrugged. "It's a mess."
Alexander chuckled, though the sound didn't reach his eyes. "True, but there's beauty in chaos. Opportunity in adversity. Don't you agree?"
"Depends on who's seizing the opportunity," Erwin replied.
Alexander's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary before he turned away, addressing his men. "We'll set up camp here for now. Ensure the perimeter is secure."
As the guards dispersed, Lyria sidled up to Erwin. "He's sizing you up, you know."
"Let him," Erwin said.
Lyria snorted. "You're either brave or stupid. Maybe both."
Pugs yawned dramatically. "Can we get to the part where someone does something interesting? All this posturing is exhausting."
Alexander approached them again, his expression unreadable. "Erwin, a word in private?"
Erwin exchanged a glance with Lyria, who gave a small shrug. "Go ahead. I'll be here, sharpening my wit."
With a sigh, Erwin followed Alexander to a quieter spot. The grand-level player's smile had vanished, replaced by a steely intensity.
"You're not like the others," Alexander said. "I can see it in your eyes. You're calculating, unyielding. That's rare in this world."
"And?" Erwin prompted.
"And I could use someone like you," Alexander continued. "Join me. I can offer you protection, power, and purpose."
Erwin crossed his arms. "Sounds more like a leash than an offer."
Alexander's lips curled into a smirk. "Think about it. The alternative isn't as pleasant as you might hope."
Erwin held his gaze, unflinching. "I'll take my chances."
Alexander's smirk faded, but he stepped back, allowing Erwin to return to Lyria. As they regrouped, Lyria gave him a questioning look.
"Well?" she asked.
"He's exactly what you said he was," Erwin replied.
"Told you," she said, a hint of satisfaction in her voice.
Pugs wagged his tail. "This is going to be fun to watch."
As they walked away, Erwin couldn't shake the feeling that Alexander wasn't done with him. Whatever the grand-level player had planned, Erwin knew one thing: he had no intention of playing by Alexander's rules.