Chapter 418: Invisible Distance

Alexander killed the engine and pulled the car over. His mind told him "run," but his heart refused to flee.

He opened the door, stepped out, and walked toward her. Lilly stopped in her tracks as she saw him approach, blinking before a smile broke across her face.

"Look who we have here. Is that the prince?" said Lilly, letting out a laugh. "Hello! How are you? It’s been a while. Where have you been?"

"Hey, Lilly. Easy, one question at a time," said Alexander, returning her greeting with a smile. "I’ve been busy traveling for work and settling business out of town. I’ve been doing well. And you?"

"I see you’re doing well for yourself," said Lilly, glancing over his shoulder at the supercar parked behind him. "New toy?"

"Yeah, something like that," said Alexander, casting a look at the car. "Life has been good. But tell me about you, how’s college going?"

"Good, the usual," said Lilly, adjusting her backpack strap. "School, the library, exams... I’ve been pushing myself to keep my scholarship."

"I’m glad to hear that. You’ve always been dedicated," said Alexander.

"Thanks. It feels strange seeing you like this, out of nowhere," said Lilly, looking into his eyes. "You seem... different."

"I’m the same, I’ve just had hectic weeks," said Alexander.

"I suppose so," said Lilly, offering a smile. "It’s just that you look different, as if you belong to a different world now."

As they spoke, Alexander could feel that barrier between them. It was like looking at someone who used to be part of his life, but now felt like a different person.

"Do you want to grab something to eat?" said Alexander, pointing toward the car. "I know a place nearby."

Lilly looked at the vehicle with curiosity and hesitation, but nodded.

"Alright, I’m in," said Lilly, walking over to the passenger side. "But you’re paying—on my student budget, I can barely afford coffee."

She accepted the invitation and got into the Ferrari. Minutes later, they were seated at a table in a restaurant. As the food arrived, the conversation picked up, but along with it came signs of a distance.

"The professors have been unbearable this semester," said Lilly, cutting a piece from her plate. "The workload is massive, and if I drop half a point from my GPA, the board will pull my scholarship."

"I understand. Academic pressure is heavy," said Alexander, taking a sip of his drink.

"That’s why you should consider going back to school!" said Lilly, looking at him. "I know you’re doing well with your business and that you got this car, but having a degree is important. It gives you stability, Alex. You can’t rely on quick money."

Alexander listened in silence, keeping a calm expression. While she spoke about grade point averages, credits, and diplomas to secure a job, his mind processed the paradox. To him, a problem meant the slaughter of legions, the purge of guilds, the threat of demonic entities, and controlling energy. The gap between their universes wasn’t status; it was an abyss of existence.

"Education is valuable, Lilly. I’m glad you’re working hard for your future," said Alexander, offering a smile.

"I say it because I care about you," said Lilly, reaching out to touch his hand across the table. "The world is harsh and competitive. If you don’t have a safety net, things will get complicated. Promise me you’ll think about it."

"I’ll think about it," said Alexander.

Looking into the warmth of her eyes, Alexander realized that speaking to her about the TMC, the Platinum Rank, or the power gap separating them made no sense. To her, the world consisted of classrooms and exams; to him, the world was the law of the strongest, where human fragility could be snuffed out in a second.

Lilly noticed Alexander’s gaze and placed her cutlery down.

"What’s wrong?" said Lilly, looking at him with curiosity. "You’re distracted."

"Do you like your life?" said Alexander, locking his eyes onto hers.

"Yes, it’s fun," said Lilly with a smile. "I push myself to learn and build my path."

"If you could step away from all of this, would you?" said Alexander.

"Are you asking if I want to marry you and live in a mansion with a chauffeur?" said Lilly with a chuckle. "No, thanks. I hate free things because when you get bored of me, I’ll have to give it all back."

Alexander let out a sigh, feeling the weight of her refusal.

"Think about it, I’m asking this seriously," said Alexander. "Do you want to come into my world? It’s interesting and fun."

"No, thanks," said Lilly, shaking her head. "It was a pleasure seeing you, Alex. I loved the days we spent together, but that’s all. I don’t want to be a display doll."

"I understand. It was good seeing you," said Alexander.

"You don’t need to walk me out, I’ll catch a cab," said Lilly, standing up and taking her bag.

Alexander watched her walk toward the exit without making a move to stop her. He pulled out his phone, dialed the TMC operator’s direct line, and brought it to his ear.

"Can you do something for me?" said Alexander as soon as the line connected.

Stepping out of the restaurant onto the sidewalk, Lilly felt a wave of relief wash over her chest; she felt as though a Chapter in her life had come to a close. At that moment, her phone vibrated in her pocket with an incoming text notification.

Opening her screen, she froze at the banking notification:

[$1,000,000,000,000 dollars have been credited to your account]

Stunned by the number on the screen, Lilly whipped around toward the avenue, but the red supercar was already nowhere to be seen.

Alexander was behind the wheel of the Ferrari, tearing down the highway, when the dashboard display flickered and a synthesized voice played Lilly’s incoming message.

"Where are you? You can’t send me this. Answer me."

Alexander glanced at the road for a second, tapped the touchscreen, and sent a single voice reply that dictated onto the screen: "Enjoy a worry-free life."