Page 326 of Light Leech

Well?

My question went unanswered. Feeling our connection, I didn’t have to ask him. I knew he was just unsettled as Ralia by the system reading us.

Did you disguise yourself as a Light Leech?

“No.”

He wasn’t as unsettled there.

I spoke to Ralia. “What if the system just thought our Gui were Light Leeches? When Naoma and I met the therapist and Kalacia, I thought the Light Leeches were just their Gui.”

“Maybe, but I don’t like it either way.”

“Does Sha understand?” Zhu asked.

I repeated his question to Ralia.

“I don’t know. Why?”

“Zhu doesn’t like the system knowing him, either.”

She shrugged after a brief pause. “He doesn’t seem too bothered.”

Zhu snorted. “What does he understand? What do I lack?”

I ignored his complaints and focused on Ralia. “It doesn’t matter right now. If we pass the Test, I’ll ask Dokkaebi or whomever is on the other end of this.”

“Doesn’t it bother you?”

“Of course it does, but I’m more bothered by not understanding how to play this zegging game.”

“Right, right. Sorry, I’m just a little… I—“

“Frustrated because something is outsmarting you?”

She shook her head, but I knew I was hitting close to the mark. Perhaps her pride was costly, but I was going to do my best to make use of it.

“Teach me how to win.”

Chapter eighteen

Enter the Dynasty

We waited in the skyride while 3Rochi left to change. They invited us into their penthouse, which included the top five levels of an already massive skyscraper, but Naoma and I decided that we would rather not give Kyo the opportunity to give us an extensive tour.

With the partition down and the rest of the skyride to ourselves, I did my best to relax after watching the upsetting news coverage.

Naoma took a glass of water from the risen table in the cabin’s center. “Do you think Ralia can do something about it?”

I looked at her with eyebrows tented and let out an airy laugh. “You think she can wipe the minds of everyone who just saw the news?”

She blew out her nose. “Sorry. You’re right. I’m stupid.”

“No, no, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that. I’m just–”

“Frustrated that the public is going to see you for what you’re not? That sounds awfully familiar.”

“I’m sorry.”