Chapter 417: A Different Pace

As he stepped out of the building, Alexander was greeted by a motorcade: luxury vehicles and a contingent of escorts lined up on both sides. The moment they saw him, everyone bowed with respect. Word had spread: the TMC had a new Platinum Rank, a young man overflowing with potential who possessed the qualities to become humanity’s next Pillar.

Standing at the front of the line of cars was Elena, his assigned personal secretary.

"My lord, I’ve heard the news. Welcome back," said Elena, stepping forward with her eyes lowered. "I am sorry we had to leave you behind; everything is my fault, and I accept responsibility."

Alexander approached her and stroked her hair.

"It’s fine, everything happened as it was meant to," said Alexander. "Where are the others?"

"They returned to their lives," said Elena. "With the curfew lifted, we were allowed to leave the TMC zone without restrictions, so they didn’t want to keep us in custody. With Mr. Stephen escorting us, the permits flowed quickly; no one made things difficult."

"Good. I’m glad everyone is safe," said Alexander.

"Of course, my lord," said Elena, gesturing toward the line of vehicles. "By the way, I prepared the cars I thought might be to your liking. Using the database of the vehicles you acquired previously, I prepared these and brought drivers and escorts. Anything you need, we can bring it."

Alexander let his gaze sweep across the automobiles. He felt an urge to drive something fast. It felt strange, but after spending time in that other world where force dictated everything, returning to technology felt unusual, and he wanted to enjoy it for a while.

"I’ll take that one," said Alexander, pointing to a Ferrari Enzo with a silhouette that stood out as the pride of the brand.

"Of course, my lord. They will have it ready for you," said Elena.

"Also, dismiss the escorts and the rest of the vehicles," said Alexander, adjusting his jacket. "In this world, who would dare try to harm me?"

Elena was left speechless by the order, but she didn’t object.

"It shall be done as you command," said Elena, bowing.

Alexander reached out, took her chin, and raised her face to look at him.

"Nothing has changed, you know?" said Alexander. "Everything is the same, and I am the same man. Stop acting like this in my presence."

"Forgive me, my lord... it’s just that you... I... I’m just... me," stammered Elena.

"Don’t underestimate yourself. You are with me, don’t forget that," said Alexander.

Alexander pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist as he pressed his lips to hers in a kiss. The power emanating from him enveloped her. Even without activating his vampire transformation, Alexander exuded the aura of an emperor, a charm enhanced to its peak by his [Charm] skill.

"My lord... everything is ready," said Elena, her voice trembling as a shiver ran down her spine while she tried to catch her breath.

"Want to take a ride?" asked Alexander, leaning against the Ferrari’s door.

"I would love to, but I need to receive the documentation regarding your new position," said Elena, straightening her blazer with hands that were shaking.

"Well, your loss," said Alexander.

He stepped inside, fired up the engine, and tore out of the structure at full throttle.

The drive was fast from the first second. Alexander slammed the pedal to the floor, yet boredom settled in. His body reacted fast, and his mind made the surrounding traffic appear to move at a slow pace. He wove through cars with margins, feeling as though the world around him was moving in slow motion.

Taking a turn at over two hundred kilometers per hour, he blasted past a parked police cruiser. The officer inside looked up and reached for the radio, ready to hit the sirens.

"I’m pulling that maniac over!" shouted the cop, reaching for the ignition.

His partner slapped him across the back of the head before he could touch the dashboard.

"Are you an idiot?" said the veteran officer, grabbing him by the vest. "Remember this: if you mess with a numberless black plate, you are dead."

The cop stared at the rear of the supercar speeding away and swallowed hard. Without a word, the veteran killed the lights and leaned back into his seat.

In the mirror, Alexander watched the police car kill its emergency lights and shook his head. He had accelerated to see if they would give chase so he could play around, but it seemed even that wasn’t possible. He was operating on a level high for them.

"Living in this world is losing its meaning," said Alexander, letting out a sigh as he stared down the open road. "Now I understand what that old man was talking about... This world really is boring."

Everything around him felt too fragile. Alexander tightened his grip on the steering wheel, listening to the leather and carbon fiber creak under his strength. He was certain that, if he wanted to, he could tear the Ferrari apart with his hands.

As he coasted down an avenue, a silhouette walking along the sidewalk caught his eye.

Alexander slowed the car to a crawl, stunned by the sight. It was Lilly. It had been a time since he last saw her; the last time they spoke, things between them had been left ambiguous. With chaos tearing through his life and danger surrounding him, he couldn’t afford to keep her close. Yet, watching her now from a distance, she looked detached from the wars, the blood, and the pursuit of power.

Should I get out and say hello? thought Alexander, his eyes locked on her as the engine hummed beneath him. Bring her into my world... or should I just let her continue living her quiet, happy life?.

Lilly turned her head and locked eyes with him, squinting as if she couldn’t recognize the man behind the wheel of the supercar; that moment of contact became his chance to decide. thought Alexander, maintaining his eyes on her.