The Married Alpha Who Refuses to Be a Heartthrob (A/B/O · Alpha POV) - Chapter 35

Kaes was deep in thought, Inspector Erlan must not die. Otherwise, the Queen would hold it against him, preventing him from gaining her trust and ultimately exacting revenge.

 

After the trio dined at the annex, Kaes went to the Governor’s Mansion to get the Ghost Nun’s magic stone.

 

Before evening arrived while the sky still hasn’t darkened yet, Kaes ordered Long Shi to take his men and bring a detailed map of the opera house.

 

Considering the theater’s spacious and dim interior, where handguns wouldn’t have sufficient range, Kaes retrieved a long-unused rifle from the armory.

 

A plain white rifle. It would have to do for now.

 

Erlan had returned to the residence, but he found himself restless. What he hadn’t anticipated was that Kaes was preparing to enter the opera house space for his sake.

 

This only deepened his unease. What if Kaes died inside? Then his own predicament with the Skinless Ghost would remain unresolved.

 

Erlan ordered a carriage prepared. He was heading to the Governor’s Mansion. If elemental magic was out of the question, perhaps witchcraft could help. He donned his crimson robes, grabbed his staff, and stepped outside.

 

…

 

Kaes was testing his rifle at the shooting range behind the Governor’s Mansion. His SSS-grade weapon could lock-on attack within thirty meters. If the target passed in front of him, he could use psychic power to lock onto it—commonly known as tracking bullets.

 

Ordinary attacks could reach fifty or even a hundred meters, but accuracy dropped significantly at longer ranges, making them unreliable.

 

Considering the enemy’s likely high mobility, a lock-on attack within 30 meters proved more reliable. At least it wouldn’t miss.

 

Physical damage could be channeled through psychic weapon control, with higher levels amplifying the weapon’s destructive power.

 

Special enchanted weapons could double the damage output.

 

Originally, a single bullet fired one shot. Through psychic control, a single bullet could now fire multiple rounds in rapid succession.

 

Rifles boast numerous single-target skills with immense damage, ideal for soloing bosses. Their weakness lies in limited area-of-effect capabilities; even with psychic-enhanced bursts and incendiary effects, they can’t match a mage’s vast AoE.

 

While the Shooting class excels in burst damage, the Wizard class remains superior in overall capability. Most commoners choose Warriors for survival, Wizards for profit, or simply to dabble in fun magic.

 

Thus, Marksmen typically become stronger with higher social status. They require support—the more, the better: healers, mages to clear minions, all kinds…

Honestly, lone wolves playing this class are heading for disaster. Their mobility isn’t great; they can’t charge like a Knight.

 

In one-on-one combat, if you can’t kill your opponent with one shot, you’ll die.

 

Kaes pulled the trigger. The bullet pierced the bullseye, leaving a scorched circular mark. This test only revealed accuracy, not actual damage.

 

He tried to rouse the lazy system in his mind:

[What kind of damage is this? If I don’t take Adam down with one shot, am I dead?]

 

From what he understood, Wizards possessed terrifyingly versatile abilities. This was literally a life-or-death gamble with a single shot.

 

System: [Adam is indeed formidable. We recommend you activate your shield. Have faith in yourself. Your SSS-tier gun system is exceptionally powerful.]

 

To his surprise, the target display showed [Attack Power: 1,000,000]. The lazy system had finally deigned to show him the data and offer advice.

 

Kaes: [Cast a shield? Adam can do that too?]

 

System: [Of course. Many wizards can. In that case, you’ll need two shots.]

 

Kaes fell silent. One shot could guarantee his own survival, but two shots meant Adam might still have time to retaliate. Reloading a gun here was too cumbersome, though he could use psychic energy to control a burst of several rounds.

 

It was too late to modify the weapon now.

 

“Governor Kaes.”

 

A voice sounded from behind.

 

Kaes turned to see Erlan clad in a splendid crimson robe. Black hair was hidden beneath the hood, with two strands cascading over his chest. A golden rose necklace hung upon his collarbone, and he held a jewel-encrusted staff in his hand.

 

“Why are you so dressed up, Inspector?” Kaes was slightly surprised. This was his first time seeing Erlan in robes. Truthfully, Erlan was quite beautiful.

 

“I thought I’d accompany the Governor to meet the Skin-Eater and Adam.” Erlan smiled faintly, lowering his hood to reveal his long black hair. “I wonder if the Governor needs me?”

 

Kaes held his rifle, muzzle pointed downward, studying Erlan. He noticed Erlan wasn’t wearing his fiery red bracelet today. “What difference does it make whether you bring the staff or the bracelet?”

 

“Following my cousin’s advice, no magic. With the staff, I can use witchcraft.” Erlan pointed at a stone on the ground, and it floated upward.

 

That was witchcraft.

 

“I need a shield.” Kaes wasn’t about to gamble with his life; he’d stick to the system’s advice.

 

“A shield bearer?” Erlan assumed he needed a warrior to charge ahead with a shield, his expression turning slightly disappointed.

 

“No, I mean a sorcery that can cast a protective shield over my body.”

 

“Oh… I know that one.” Erlan arched his slender eyebrows. He raised his staff, drew a half-circle in the air, and chanted the incantation.

 

The incantation lasted about eight seconds, which felt long to Kaes. He stood several meters away from Erlan. When the spell ended, a translucent blue circle appeared around Erlan, only two meters in diameter. A small, glowing shield symbol also appeared above his head.

 

“It’s so bright. Won’t Adam see it?”

 

“I don’t want him to see it. He’s unlikely to notice.”

 

Kaes’s gaze fixed on Erlan: “Only for me? What about you?”

 

The Third Prince absolutely cannot die here. The Queen would go mad.

 

“A shield with this level of defense? Even an SSS-rank wizard can only cast one. It can’t be recast until it’s broken.” “ Erlan explained. Besides, he was only an S-rank himself. Overall, the shield was usable.

 

Kaes stepped closer to Erlan. The rose-scented fragrance immediately enveloped him. This time, he didn’t feel as repelled by it. Perhaps because Erlan was now useful to him. ”Can we share it if I stay close?”

 

“…Yes.” Erlan felt slightly uncomfortable. He glanced up at Kaes, who towered slightly above him, and took half a step back.

 

“Stay close to me when the time comes. I need you. I believe the two of us together can defeat Adam.” Kaes leaned closer to Erlan, still a bit worried he might run outside the shield’s range.

 

“Huh? …Governor, you’re so confident? He’s a top-tier wizard.” Erlan froze. No one had ever been this direct about needing him. Xiu always said he’d protect him, as if no one truly needed Erlan. Meeting Kaes’s sincere gaze, Erlan saw the other man genuinely, desperately needed him.

 

The intensity of that gaze made Erlan want to look away.

 

A top-tier wizard without a shield was still a one shot, one kill.

 

Kaes shifted his gaze to the target: “I wonder if we can use wizardry to attack Adam. Inspector, try attacking the target with psychokinesis.”

 

Erlan swung his wand, and a white beam of psychic energy shot forth, striking the target with a sharp whizz.

 

Text appeared on the target: [SS-Rank Wizard Attack Power: 250,000 / SS-Rank Mage Attack Power: 300,000.]

 

“Governor, who crafted this target?” Erlan was intrigued. He wanted one made for his own residence—one that could test his profession and attack power. Even if he switched elemental bracelets, it would only show 300,000.

 

“It was already here. I have no idea who the master craftsman was.” Kaes wanted Erlan to see the system prompt; only then could Erlan view it.

 

Kaes loaded a bullet, raised his rifle, and fired at the target.

 

It still displayed [SSS-tier gun-type attack power: 1,000,000], rock-solid.

 

SS-tier gun-type was roughly 700,000, while SSS-tier mages were also around 700,000. As ranged damage dealers, they were inherently a notch below gun-types.

 

This left Erlan speechless. The difference was too vast. Even someone as arrogant as him had to temporarily heed Kaes: “The opera house matter—I’m at your disposal.”

 

…

 

Long Shi and his team mapped the opera house site, returning only after nightfall.

 

Kaes summoned Longshi, Erlan, Vansen, and others to his office to discuss tonight’s operation. The nun ghost hovered nearby, silently observing them. She could sense the portal to another dimension the moment she entered the opera house.

 

The four gathered around the desk with the opera house map spread out. Kaes believed they should split into two teams to better isolate and defeat the Skinless Ghost and Adam.

 

Vansen wanted to follow Kaes, but Kaes stated, “I’ll go with the Inspector.”

 

“Oh.” Vansen raised an eyebrow, glancing at Erlan. He didn’t care for the guy, having heard rumors that Erlan specifically sought out Alphas as lovers. He was a bit worried Kaes might be cuckolded.

 

Erlan merely curved his lips, ignoring Vansen’s concern.

 

Kaes instructed everyone to memorize the layout—if they couldn’t fight, they could retreat. He suspected the summoned creature would be easier to handle than its master. “Long Shi and Vansen take the Skinless Ghost. Just rip off its mask. Inspector and I will handle Adam.”

 

Vansen’s support skills far surpassed Erlan’s, so having him follow Longshi gave Kaes greater confidence in the pair.

 

“They’re all crammed around the stage?” Vansen anticipated utter chaos.

 

Kaes turned to Longshi: “I’ll lure Adam out. Longshi, just keep the Skinless Ghost pinned down near the stage.”

 

Long Shi gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist, his expression resolute. He never questioned Kaes’s plans: “Understood. You two be careful too. Adam is far more difficult to deal with.”

 

“Master.” The ethereal voice of the nun ghost in the pink dress sounded as she floated beside Kaes. “Actually, I have a small suggestion. I’m not sure if I should speak it.”

 

Everyone turned to her. She now resembled a pet, possessing almost no say in matters.

 

Kaes, however, believed her suggestion might be valuable, given her past proximity to Adam: “Sister, please speak.”

 

“Adam can move incredibly fast at times, faster than ghosts, even. His blows are brutal, and the opera house’s vast space makes it perfect for hide-and-seek… I think the puppy might be better suited than me—not that I’m afraid of dying, Master, please don’t misunderstand. “The nun’s ugly face showed a hint of nervousness; afraid her master would think she was cowardly.

 

Kaes was relieved the nun had suggested this early. Otherwise, going in would have been disastrous—they might have been wiped out entirely: ”We’ll go to the annex and swap in the puppy.”

 

The Ghost Puppy’s acceleration magic was indeed perfect for hide-and-seek.

 

To ensure Vansen and Long Shi’s safety, Kaes brought several musketeers along. They’d gang up on the skin-ghost later.

 

They went to the annex to fetch the Ghost Puppy and on the way, Keith hugged him goodbye, urging him to come back alive.

 

…

 

The four rode in the carriage, with several musketeers following on horseback.

 

“Why did you come looking for me? Woof woof.” The puppy jumped onto the carriage table and wagged his tail at Kaes.

 

The carriage suddenly surged forward. The Ghost Puppy whose name is “Baibai” had cast a spell on it, startling the coachman who yanked the reins: “Hold on! How did it suddenly get so fast? Don’t tip over!”

 

Colorful bubbles appeared beneath the horses’ hooves. The horses were thrilled, grinning and neighing incessantly. Though they maintained their usual gait, they pulled the carriage at breakneck speed, they were having the time of their lives.

 

“Baibai!” Kaes scolded the mischievous puppy, reaching to pinch its neck, only to find it was a spirit. “Slow us down around the town.”

 

Right now it’s like we’re racing down a highway.

 

“Whimper whimper.” The puppy hung its head dejectedly, significantly reducing the carriage’s speed.

 

“You’re quite the little character, aren’t you?” Erlan crossed his arms, studying the pup. “If you weren’t a spirit, I’d ask the Governor to lend you to me for a couple of days.”

 

Kaes: “Four hundred gold coins for the Inspector to play with you for a day. It listens to me, I can lend him it to you if you want.”

 

“Really?” Erlan’s eyes lit up as he reached out to poke the puppy’s translucent head.

 

“Ouch! My master only pays me a hundred gold coins a day, yet he wants to sell you for four hundred.” Baibai sat on the table, swishing its tail back and forth, sounding thoroughly displeased.

 

Vansen snorted lightly: “I doubt the Inspector is short on a few coins.”

 

Erlan, who’d been dismissed as a sucker with deep pockets, choked on his words.

 

“…” Long Shi turned to look at Kaes, and Kaes could actually see a hint of expectation in his eyes.

 

Kaes felt a twinge of headache. “Don’t tell me Long Shi wants to play with the puppy too?”.