Chapter 172: Approaching the Demon Gate

 I stared at Alex's hand for a moment before moving my gaze up to his smiling face. "I'm really okay, Alex. Why don't we just go with them?"

"Please, no need to be modest. I can tell you're exhausted. When we first made camp, I was told you weren't given a tent, so I tried to find you, but no one seemed to have noticed you. It must have been hard, being surrounded by such common men. They didn't try anything with you, did they?"

"Of course not!" I snapped. I bit my lip as he raised an eyebrow, regretting the uncharacteristic outburst. "I mean, they were nothing if not polite and respectful. When the Infernal Monsters attacked, they threw themselves in harm's way to protect me. I don't know if I'd even be alive if it weren't for them."

"I see," he said slowly. "Then what about that Explosive Cascade? I was on the other side of the camp battling the leaders of the attack when I saw it being cast, otherwise, I would have been there to protect you."