The SSS Ranked Villain's Return - Chapter 275

Chapter 275: Going Out, And The Offer
“Hey, are you alright?” Alice asked gently as she crouched down beside Neraxis.

“I’m fine. The last fight just knocked me out for a few moments,” Neraxis replied plainly.

“Last fight…?” Alice’s eyes widened. “Did you fight the last boss?”

Zaria giggled. “Yep, he said the rift locked him inside, so he had no choice but to clear it. It’s amazing, right?”

“Of course it’s amazing,” Alice replied with a sigh. “I’m just surprised you were able to do that without us. You know… given how difficult this rift was supposed to be. It’s no wonder the government assigned all of us to handle it.”

“And yet, he was able to clear it alone,” Zaria added as she leaned down and hugged him.

That caused Alice’s brow to twitch. However, before she could protest, Lar’s helicopter landed right beside them, and every single one of them stepped out.

For once, Bale took the lead as he ran up to Neraxis, a wide grin on his face.

“You’re pretty amazing, you know that? It’s only natural you’re my rival,” Bale said with a chuckle. “But are you alright? I don’t want my rival to die just yet.”

“Is he alright?” Lar asked, stopping right behind Alice.

“Oh right…” Alice muttered as she put her hand over his chest, inspecting him.

Zaria seemed like some animal protecting its cub, but despite that, after Alice was finished with the check-up, she found that nothing was wrong with him.

“Minor concussion. He’ll probably heal it up in a minute or two,” Alice explained before standing up and dusting herself off. “But be careful. I don’t know what kind of complications could arise. Also, we need to deal with the rift closing.”

“I’ll do it,” Asher volunteered. “I’ve been itching to do some exercise for a while now.”

“Heh, you’re too much of a womanizer to stand still now, are you?” Bale teased. “I guess that’s what you get for sleeping with Bella and her sister earlier. They must’ve wrung you dry.”

Asher’s brow twitched, and before he could reply, Lar simply raised his hand.

“Come now… at least he’s not forming any deep emotional connections. He’s just having fun.”

That sentence was directed toward Neraxis and Zaria. Of course, they seemed to catch onto that too as small frowns appeared on their faces.

“So he’s okay, right?” Zaria asked as she stood up with Neraxis in her arms. “Can we go now?”

“We?” Alice muttered.

And Zaria simply nodded. “We’re heading back to my place.”

The moment she announced that, all four of them fell silent, staring at her with mixed expressions.

Asher and Bale were surprised, Lar was speechless, and Alice simply stared at the two of them blankly.

“Mind if I tag along?” Alice asked with a gentle smile.

However, Zaria shook her head and crossed her arms in an ‘x’ shape. “He promised me dinner, and I suggested we have it at my place. Sorry, Alice, but I’ll be sure to invite you next time.”

Alice nodded. “…Have fun.”

Zaria giggled and proceeded to carry the squirming Neraxis off the beast and into a random taxi.

And of course, without even looking back, they drove away, leaving the rest of the group stunned.

“They’re definitely going to do it, aren’t they?” Bale commented with a sour look. “Man… I’m pretty jealous. I always wanted to do it with a redhead. But I doubt I’d even have a chance. She was gunning for him since I joined. Probably before that as well.”

Huh…? Alice tilted her head.

“Yeah, I’ve not slept with a redhead in like a week. I feel you, man,” Asher remarked with a chuckle. “But hey, I guess we all saw this coming from a mile away, right?”

“Indeed.” Lar nodded. “They’ve been showing interest in one another for a while now. It’s a surprise it took them this long to finally hit it off. On that note, I believe we should discuss the earlier plan.”

“Agreed,” Bale and Asher said in unison.

In the meantime, Alice couldn’t believe what she was hearing.

All this time, she never noticed Zaria was into Neraxis—nor the opposite.

Yet for some reason, the three jockeys realized it years ago, while Alice was completely in the dark.

But we were friends… we were always together… Alice thought, looking up at the sky. Was it all a lie?

She felt betrayed, but more importantly, she was jealous.

How could he begin liking her while I was there all the time? He didn’t even want to be in a room together with me.

Her mind kept wandering. However, a sudden tap on the shoulder woke her out of her stupor.

“So, Alice, what do you say to our plan? Are you in or out?” Lar asked plainly.

Alice tilted her head. “What plan? Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.”

“It’s alright,” Lar assured. “We understand that you might be feeling a little overwhelmed, considering you have feelings for Neraxis as well.”

“What? No, I don’t,” Alice replied flatly. “If I really wanted him, then I would’ve gotten him long ago. You know this.”

“Right…” Asher and Bale looked at each other, flashing knowing gazes.

And of course, Bale decided to point out the obvious.

“You’re a bit sadistic for his liking… wouldn’t you say?”

“What was that?” Alice frowned. “Do you think him and I wouldn’t be a good match?”

Before either of them could answer, Lar spoke up.

“Yes. You don’t seem like the type of person who could ever be in a relationship. We’re similar in that regard.”

“I’m not you,” Alice shot back with a glare. “Just watch, I’ll—”

“I propose we kill Zaria,” Lar interjected calmly. “As it stands, she is building too much outside influence. In just a few weeks, she can go independent from our raiding group, and my bet is, she will take Neraxis with her.”

Lar glanced straight into her eyes, a determined look on his face.

“So, Alice. What will you choose?”