Chapter 172: Warning by Sven

Part 1

The plot progressed, showing Christopher's character, the son, dying in battle. Finally. Isabella's character then brought back the injured, retired Sven. Isabella looked at Sven, who hung its head and whimpered, as if apologizing for failing to bring her son back safely.

With a choked voice, Isabella approached and patted Sven's head. "Good boy, welcome home."

As the background music and lighting shifted through the four seasons, Isabella slowly walked to the front of the stage with Sven. Her body gradually hunched, and she sat down with difficulty, facing the audience. Leaning against the dog, they gazed into the distance. Behind them, a large screen displayed photos of military families, eventually forming the image of the country's border.

The scene was powerful and moving, captivating the live audience and viewers alike. Tears streamed down many faces.

Online comments included:

• "There really isn't any drama, but it's so beautiful!"
• "We live in peace because someone else is carrying the burden for us."
• "I just wanted to watch a variety show, why did it make me cry?"
• "They are our idols! They bravely protect us when bad guys appear."
• "Suddenly, those scandalous stars' antics seem like a joke!"
• "Exactly, it's a joke!"
• "I found out that Sven is actually a detection dog! But its owner retired safely too. Otherwise, I would cry to death today."
• "I never thought a drama without scandals could be so good. Team A-list, good job!"

As the play neared its end, Taylor and Riley finally exhaled, relieved. They had been on edge due to Scarlett and Freya's last-minute stage changes, fearing a public revelation of the truth. It felt like dealing with a troublemaker—a persistent epidemic. However, they were experienced in handling such situations. Their initial worry about Team A-list being implicated had subsided. They were mentally prepared for any fallout. Unexpectedly, everything ended smoothly. It was so normal, it felt abnormal. The previous team had used the stage to settle personal scores, while Team A-list had no such intention.

Taylor and Riley finally responded to their anxious friends' inquiries. Although their friends were innocent, their friends' friends might not be. Everyone was on edge because of Team A-list's performance. A mass message was sent: "Except for Scarlett and Javier's situation, nothing happened tonight. Justice Upholder is off duty." Then they received a reassuring message from Danielle. They felt uneasy but ultimately relieved. They anticipated some minor trouble later, confident it would be manageable given the involved person's influence. Another trending topic wouldn't bother them.

Part 2

As they were about to reply, they saw the trainer in the filming area take a few steps forward. "Sven?" The audience murmured in confusion. Taylor and Riley looked up to see Sven, who had been sitting quietly beside Isabella, suddenly stand, bark fiercely, and prepare to pounce. Its gaze was fixed on the Quirks.

The sudden aggression startled everyone, including Isabella. "S-Sven," she stammered. The trainer was even more shocked, trying to signal the dog, but Sven remained focused on its target. Having been retired for over two years, its sudden behavior surprised the trainer. Sven barked more urgently, causing nearby people to scream and scatter.

Linda cursed, "Why bring a beast on stage? It's dangerous. Your precious daughter-in-law might get bitten!" Selena snapped back, "Shut your filthy mouth. That's a detection dog that is smarter than you!"

Javier, terrified, stood up, ignoring the pain from his sudden movement. He realized the dog was targeting him; they were only five meters apart. He turned to run, but the barking pursued him. The crowd gasped as the large black dog leaped through the air. As Javier ascended the stairs, Sven tackled him, biting his leg hard, preventing his escape. His hat flew off, and someone recognized him, exclaiming, "That's Javier!" The studio erupted.

Part 3

Cameras focused on the scene, and the live stream chat exploded.

Online comments included:

• "What's happening? Javier's here and got bitten!"
• "So, the dog knows who's bad?"
• "This isn't just any dog. It's a dog brought by Justice Upholder. Did they judge someone in the end?"
• "Wait a minute. Everyone, this isn't just any dog. It's a trained detection dog. Even in retirement, it wouldn't bite randomly!"
• "I've seen videos like this. Sven is alerting that it found drugs."

The atmosphere was chaotic. Everyone's attention was on Sven and Javier. No one noticed Isabella on stage. When Sven pounced, Isabella instinctively stood to stop it but couldn't match its speed. She lost her balance and stumbled. Just as she braced for impact, an urgent yet reassuring voice cut through the noise: "Don't be afraid. Fall, and I'll catch you."

Isabella recognized Alexander's voice. For a moment, she felt the urge to surrender to gravity, trusting Alexander to catch her. Instinct, however, took over, and she twisted to break her fall. As she jumped, she saw Alexander ready to catch her. His eyes were focused solely on her. She had no idea when he'd reached the stage. He'd already opened his arms, his muscular build visible through his suit. She knew he could catch her safely.

Isabella felt a fleeting sense of regret. She jumped with all her might, and Alexander caught her, causing a collision. She bumped into him with a grunt but ended up hugging his body. Luckily, his stance held.

Part 4

Alexander steadied Isabella and set her down, but kept a hand on her, looking down with concern. "Are you okay?" "I'm fine. Thank you," she replied, her heart racing, feeling shy.

Linda's scream pierced the air. "Ah, stupid dog, get lost! Stop biting Javier!"

Isabella snapped out of her daze, withdrawing from Alexander's embrace to assess the situation. "What's wrong with Sven? Unfortunately, I can't check on the dog Wait, let me see Javier's"

Other Quirks turned to see Isabella and Alexander standing together. They were puzzled until Isabella's thoughts, sharp and clear, cut through the noise. "Oh my God! Is he crazy? He trafficked drugs for someone and even hid them there!"