Simultaneously, Alfie felt a pang of shame as he realized that regardless of his actions, his focus remained solely on the present. Adrian, on the other hand, possessed the foresight to anticipate everything that would unfold afterward.

"I'll go open the gate," Alfie said, departing.

Less than two minutes later, the defensive formation opened, revealing an entrance toward the city tower. Rufus and his fleeing companions were ecstatic, racing into Leafall with fervor. Alfie, managing the defensive formation, observed their entry and promptly closed it again, thwarting any pursuers from following.

After Rufus, Ilyas, and their dozens of elite Grandmaster guards entered the city, they gasped for breath at the city gate. Upon looking up, they beheld a young man standing before them. With the exception of Ilyas, none of them recognized Adrian.

Rufus, upon seeing Adrian, surmised that the latter was likely one of the individuals from Silverboa now occupying Leafall. He perceived Adrian a