The Zetta Sonic
Ride

Jayden gave no reason when they got back to the car.

Alex also immediately asked, “So, there are better stores or there are people we should avoid? Enemy or rival?”

“Wow. I'm glad you responded quickly.” Jayden shook his head, not expecting Alex to be able to guess so quickly. “There are other ICPA agents there. Not an agent from Sinde. Agents from Regis.” Jayden stopped there. He should be careful not to mention Mark Hill who is the head of the ICPA in Regis.

“So, now I'm stuck for a lifetime with you guys, eh?” lirih.

“Better, get used to yourself Alex. I look forward to calling you Sonic.”

Alex did not continue their conversation. He chose to follow the people's game until he could find his own game. They return to the reservoir, the secret headquarters of the Zetta Sonic operation.

As planned, after breakfast, Jayden drove Alex home. Caitlin has prepared some souvenirs that make it seem as if she has followed a real camp complete with a bundle of materials and brochures. The rover was delivered through the back door, the door Tiger used to infiltrate. Alex has a job to fix this weakness. He doesn't want anyone to break into his house to steal or kidnap anyone.

When it came down on the front fence, Preston was already there. He brought Alex a bag without asking anything. It's one of the things Alex likes about Preston. The old man didn't even ask who drove him to know why the car didn't drive him to the front door. Alex enjoys watching the garden in front of his own house. He never realized how beautiful the garden was. All this time, he passed her in the car instead of on foot.

In the living room, Mrs. Bellsey is waiting. He's pinpointing Alex's new schedule. There will be some additional lessons and courses to catch up. Alex just kept quiet, he knew clearly the ICPA would help him set the schedule. Otherwise, the Zetta Sonic would not have been able to appear.

Preston spoke when they went into the room. “I'll bring you tea and snacks. You look thinner, Alex. Anything you want?”

At home, Alex can ask for anything he wants. Just mention it and the servants will bring whatever he asks. Local food, imported fruit, whatever. Alex threw his gaze at the window that was still tightly shut by the curtains. He shook his head slowly.

“You okay?” Preston asked again.

“Do I look that straight?”

Preston shook his head and flashed a faint smile. “You're quieter than usual.”

“Really? Maybe I'm just a little tired.”

Preston nodded and walked out of the room. Alex drops himself on a swivel chair, facing the computer, allowing himself to be immersed in the darkness without bothering to turn on the lights or open the windows.

Alex knows he's asleep. She woke up with a blanket over her body, a Rover beside her swivel chair, also a snack on the round table. The teapot is covered by a cloth cover, keeping it warm while the snack is still inside the stainless cover. While stretching, he woke up.

It feels comfortable, being at home.

Then, he was shocked by the phone ringing. From Willy, his classmate. He checks if Alex is okay considering he's been lost without news for a week. He also discussed the task of the group and ended up talking about a new game with a release date tomorrow.

For a moment, Alex felt he had returned to his old life. Of course, that's not true. He sighed, recalling the presence of a white bracelet in his hand. Alex doesn't even know how to take it off. Because of that, he ended up even tinkering at his bracelet until the day changed.

Everything went well. Too smoothly. When Alex realized it, he was fully aware that it was time for things to go unexpectedly. Starting from his pick-up after school that afternoon. There are no Preston cars. Instead, a white SUV has been waiting for him at the school gate.

“Why am I not surprised that you showed up at my school today?” Alex immediately took the position next to Jayden. His hands put on a seat belt and immediately crossed in front of his chest. “So?”

“Any walk?”

“Depends. Is there another big cat today?”

“Better. You will be attending a party with the models today. They-”

“You're kidding!?” sahut Alex's. “I once came to a party with my mother. If they recognize..” Alex stops suddenly.

She had indeed come with her mother to a party attended by models, filmmakers, and workers in the field. That was long enough. Two years ago, if he didn't remember wrong. Then, she recalled how mom was more busy chatting with her friends. Finally, Alex turned on the phone, continuing his learning about hacking. His heart feels twisted. Not a pleasant memory.

Alex continued but changed the topic. “It is not strange that suddenly a young man like me appeared there? I'm still in uniform.”

Jayden laughed as he drove his car down the highway. “I don't think you'll ask about that. Professors Otto and Caitlin have prepared a disguise for you. Which do you prefer, catering waitress or aspiring teen model? I'd rather you be a teen model. Your face and body match.”

Alex frowned, not taking that as a compliment.

“A little make up and wig then nobody will recognize you.” Jayden smiled to himself as he said it.

Sensing that their conversation could widen to his mother, a famous actress, and his father, whom he thought was involved with a criminal organization, Alex attempts to cut their conversation. “Forget about models! I'd better be a catering waiter. It makes it a lot easier to blend in. Indeed, what should I do there?”

“There was a wealthy businessman who bought a poisonous gas formula. The transaction will be done at the party. Eight o'clock tonight. You need to find a good-looking model, snatch her necklace that contains data chips, and destroy it. Quite simple.”

“Oliver Button?” Alex guessed the model's name quickly.

Jayden doesn't like it every time Alex guesses right. “How do you know?”

“I'm Killer Bee, remember? I know that he received a lot of money from the sale of drugs. Many of his colleagues were also involved. It's just... Poison gas? In this age? You serious? For what?”

Jayden shrugged his shoulders. “Oh, it's nothing yet. Something else will surprise you. Maybe this is even the most important thing. The reason why it wasn't the police who handled the case wasn't because of the poison gas. But, because they have a killer robot.”