“You’ve got a wild imagination, that’s for sure,”he says, shaking his head. “That’s not happening. Pherebosrescuedyoufrom that creep Henri. He didn’t do that for nothing. Still having nightmares about that slimeball who killed your sister?”
“How could I not?” I mutter. “He’s murdered so many people who got in his way. And yetI’mthe one on the run, whilehe’srunning Jaga-18 like some kind of hero.”
“Don’t let that jerk drag you down. He’ll have to answer for what he’s done—don’t doubt it.”
Wingo always surprises me. For someone who acts like a mischievous furball most of the time, he’s got a deep well of empathy and insight. Well…wisdom, maybe not always. Let’s not push it.
Suddenly, Pherebos appears, striding toward us with purpose.
“Akifumi will be here in a few days,” he announces, smiling broadly.
So I’m finally going to meet this mysterious friend of his. I’m not sure whether to be excited or worried—but I guess I’ll just have to wait and see.
Chapter 13.
Pherebos.
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the intel Akifumi shared.
The Confederation’s developed a new kind of weapon—not for planetary assaults, but as a defense against the Coalition’s increasingly aggressive attacks. The Coalition sees them as easy prey: rich, vulnerable, and worth exploiting without much risk. So, the researchers came up with a hybrid shield—both defensive and offensive.
Naturally, my thoughts went straight to Asgarne, my home planet… and to Eris, where Silmarwen—my beautiful Soul Dedicated—has been living ever since she met her life partner.
Akifumi told me the shield’s schematics are top secret. If they ever fell into Coalition hands, they could be used to disable the shield entirely. That’s why we decided to send out incomplete versions of the plans to a few trusted bases. It’s a kind of bait—meant to help us track any leaks.
Akifumi’s supposed to meet me here on MyFaS soon. He’ll fill me in on the rest.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the latest intel Akifumi shared.
The governor of Jaga-18 has officially issued a warrant for Ileana. She’s now wanted for murder. But the arrogant fool still hasn’t figured out she’s no longer on his base. He probably assumes she’s dead—lost somewhere in the undergrowth. But as long as there’s no body, there’s still a chance she’s alive, and that means he’ll keep looking.
Meanwhile, Akifumi’s recovered all the files tied to my Soul Dedicated. He’s working on getting him a false identity so he can safely travel to a Confederation base. He even had two suits tailored to his measurements.
I’m excited to see my mentor again, but I can’t help feeling a little uneasy about keeping Ileana in the dark. Akifumi asked me not to tell her anything until he’s had a chance to evaluate her himself. He’s cautious like that.
If everything goes smoothly, she’ll know the truth about my secret role in the Confederation within a few days. Who knows—she might even have valuable intel of her own. After all, she was the governor’s companion for over a year and a half. Just thinking about that makes my stomach turn.
Back in the dining room, I notice she’s gone. My first thought: the lake. I can’t help but worry. If I hadn’t been there last time… I don’t even want to think about it. I rushed back to her faster than I’ve ever traveled. And thank the stars I did. I almost lost her. That thought alone still shakes me.
When I step outside, I spot her and Wingo standing close to the building. I walk over, heart still pounding, and share the good news.
“Akifumi’s coming in a few days!”
“Does he know everything about Ileana?”Wingo asks.
“What does he know? He knows she’s wanted for murder. But he believes me when I say she’s innocent.”
“What about your link?”
“No, but seriously—do you think I’m just going to tell everyone? She doesn’t even know! And at the rate things are going between us, she probably won’t for years!”
“Wow, look at you! The great Pherebos, thrown off balance by a young human. Confidence much?”
“Why don’t you mind your own business for once? Don’t you have a pile of insects to go harass somewhere?”
“Fine, fine. I’ll leave you two lovebirds alone and come back later to see how it’s going.”
“Am I interrupting something?” Ileana asks, catching the tail end of our telepathic exchange.
