Over at DX Group, the shutter of an inconspicuous factory rolled down as a car pulled inside.
Subsequently, two men alighted from the vehicle. “Let's go,” Dave said, looking at Alpha Kilian .
The latter pondered for a moment and eventually followed behind him.
They then entered an elevator, and after Dave placed his finger on a fingerprint scanner, the elevator began to descend.
“Well? Does it feel familiar?” Dave asked.
Alpha Kilian shook his head in response. “There have been some big changes, but I'm surprised you guys retained the location of the base.”
“This place holds a sentimental value for everyone. That's why we didn't move.” At that, Alpha Kilian buttoned his lips.
“We're all awaiting your return,” Dave voiced.
Once again, Alpha Kilian glanced at him but said nothing. It was then the elevator came to a halt.
As the doors slid open, a modern and hi-tech place soon came into view. It formed a stark contrast to the exterior of the factory.
There was an abundance of workstations and computers scattered throughout the space, and multiple screens were hung on the walls.
Most importantly, ten or so people stood outside the elevator. Alpha Kilian was stunned to see them.
Conversely, Dave quirked the corner of his lips into a smile and said, “Let's go.” Slowly, Alpha Kilian stepped out of the elevator.
The faces that were once familiar to him turned to look in his direction.
Just as he walked forward, they greeted him in unison, “Welcome back, Boss.” Alpha Kilian looked at them, not quite knowing what to say at the moment.
Thereafter, memories of the past began playing in his mind like scenes in a movie.
Dave stood aside and continued to look on in silence as Alpha Kilian gradually made his way down the steps and arrived in front of the group of people.
A complicated look crossed Alpha Kilian 's eyes as he looked at them.
None of them piped up, merely exchanging glances with one another. Nevertheless, silence spoke volumes.
A moment later, a smile spread across Alpha Kilian 's face.
He took a step forward and enveloped the two men who stood at the front of the group in an embrace. “It's been a long while.”
Following that, the rest of them swarmed over and surrounded him. “Boss!”
“Boss!”
They called out to him.
Looking at the men, Alpha Kilian remarked, “Right now, I'm no longer your boss.” “No, you'll always be our boss,” said the two men, echoing one another.
Gratified, Dave took in the scene with a smile touching his lips.
Alpha Kilian continued embracing the men and only released them after a few moments. “How's everything? Are you all doing all right?” he queried.
“Everything's fine. We just miss you, that's all.” “That's right, Boss. You finally came back to see us.”
“When one leaves DX Group, one may never return. That's a rule, and I can't break it,” said Alpha Kilian . “Dave got rid of that rule after you left. We've all been waiting for your return.”
Hearing that, Alpha Kilian turned around to look at Dave. The latter arched a brow, explaining, “You know I'm not a stickler for rules.”
“You're being irresponsible toward DX Group.”
“You're right. I'm not a competent leader, so what do you say? Would you like to consider coming back and assuming your former position?” Dave raised a brow, evidently having no qualms about relinquishing his position to his former leader.
Words eluded Alpha Kilian .
In the next second, the rest of the men began to cheer, “Come back, Boss!”
When Alpha Kilian heard their shouts, he turned to look at them and replied, “Dave doesn't fancy the rule, but I was the one who made it a rule in the first place. Therefore, it can't be broken. I've left DX Group, and that's that.”
“Boss...”
“Also, I'm not your leader anymore. Dave is. You should all get used to that,” added Alpha Kilian . They stared at him, momentarily at a loss for words.
Just then, Dave stepped forward and chimed in, “I don't like it when they address me as 'Boss.' In my opinion, it sounds crude, and I'd much rather they address me by my name, Dave.”
“That's right! Boss, you're always going to be our boss, and Dave is Dave. Neither of you is replaceable. Isn't that right, boys?” one of the men who stood at the front of the group uttered.
Alexia stared at the man's back as she inched toward him, her eyes filled with anticipation.
Memories of the time when she was young came flooding back to her. She had lost both of her parents during the riot, causing her to become a lonely and helpless little girl whose life was in danger. It was then Alpha Kilian showed up as if he was heaven-sent and freed her from her misery.
At that thought, an unbidden smile touched her lips. I've waited too long for this day!
She stood behind him and took a deep breath before voicing, “Savior!”
Alpha Kilian was still chatting with the men, so he had not noticed her. Even when he heard her voice, he did not give it much thought until one of the men beside him turned around and said, “Alexia? You're back?”
That had him turning around slowly.
With the corner of her lips quirked into a smile, Alexia looked at Alpha Kilian as if she only had eyes for him.
“Savior.”
Alpha Kilian knew, without a doubt, that she was looking at him and talking to him. However, he had no recollection of her.
Everyone wore puzzled expressions on their faces as they watched on.
With a distant look in his eyes, Alpha Kilian gave Alexia a once-over and queried, “You are?” “I'm Alexia. You saved me when I was a little girl,” she replied.
He then narrowed his eyes as though he was searching through his mind for memories of her. Unfortunately, it was evident that nothing came up.
“You don't remember me?” Alexia asked, disappointment appearing in her eyes.
Just then, Dave chimed in, “A riot broke out during one of our missions eight years ago. A young girl was almost shot by an arrow, but you saved her in the nick of time.”
At the mention of that matter, Alpha Kilian nodded contemplatively. “I suppose something like that did happen.”
A look of delight manifested on Alexia's face.
“That's her. She's all grown up now and has become a part of DX Group,” explained Dave.
Alexia looked at Alpha Kilian with anticipation, as if she was waiting for a response or to be praised by him. At that moment, she seemed to have returned to being a child.
Alas, the man merely swept his gaze past her and nodded indifferently. “That did happen, but I can't remember it clearly.” He then fixed his gaze on Dave and chided, “Seriously? You can't even spare a child?”
A child...
Hearing those words, Alexia retorted, “I was a child when we met, but I'm not one anymore.”
That took Alpha Kilian by surprise. After snapping back to his senses, he nodded in acknowledgment. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything else.”
Yet, she frowned at his apology. “You don't have to apologize to me, Savior. All these years, I've always wanted to meet you and thank you personally.”
“Don't mention it. Anyone would've done what I did back then.”
Alexia shook her head, staring at him. “No, not everyone would do something like that.” She witnessed gruesome things during the riot, so she was very certain not many had the courage that Alpha Kilian possessed.
Alpha Kilian cast his eyes downward. “What I meant was that anyone in DX Group would've done the same. Isn't that right, Dave? You'd do it, too, right?”
Dave nodded. “Indeed, but I'd be a step behind you.” Alpha Kilian smiled at that.
Even so, no matter what they said, Alexia still regarded Alpha Kilian as her one and only savior and the first ray of light in her life.
“It doesn't matter if you don't remember the incident. I still want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and one day, I'll definitely repay you for saving my life!” she declared.
“There's no need for repayment. Since you survived the ordeal, you should live well,” Alpha Kilian replied. The young woman bobbed her head. “I will.”
Without saying anything else, he nodded at her in acknowledgment before shifting his gaze toward Dave. “Why don't we look for a quiet place? I don't have much time to spare since I have to head back soon.”
“Let's go upstairs,” the latter suggested.
The two men turned around and left, with the other men following closely behind.
Alexia wanted to say something, but Alpha Kilian had already left by the time she raised her head.