Chapter 181 - Miyazaki Aoi (2/2)

One of these pirates found Aoi's hiding spot and attacked her.

Aoi managed to defend herself with a kitchen knife she found.

But she was still overwhelmed by the pirate and almost killed if a Protector didn't appear out of nowhere to save her.

The one that saved her was kind, middle-aged woman.

Her primary job in the fleet was being one of the medics, and as such she helped tend Aoi's wounds.

Aoi was impressed by the kindness and prowess displayed by the Terrene Protectorate.

Ever since that day, she became infatuated with the Protectorate and wished to be one herself.

The Protectors save her and gave her a ride back to Kuraokami, the capital of the UHG, and her home.

Back home, Aoi was severely punished by her father and was even grounded for a few years, and only when she reached 17 years old did she find a chance to escape from Kuraokami.

A lot older and experienced, Aoi easily found her way towards Earth, the Headquarters of the Terrene Protectorate.

”And this is my story, basically.” Aoi finished her tale, ”You're the first person beside my mother that I told everything. Not even young master Rei knows this much.”

”Impressive.” John commented, ”Even as young as 11 years you were that daring. You were a lot different than I thought you were.”

Aoi giggled as she said, ”Yeah, I changed a lot from 11 years old to the 22 years old now. Looking back, I really was a daredevil back then.”

”Everyone changes with time.” John spoke, ”We never stay the same...”

”I can see it.” Aoi's eyes gleamed as she looked up and down at John's figure, ”You've matured. You are a lot more calmer, rational, somber, and visibly stronger.”

”...yeah...I have experienced a lot in this last weeks.” John said with a downcast expression.

Aoi sighed when she saw John that way. She decided to break the somber atmosphere and chatted with John about other things.

They talked for a few more minutes before Aoi received an urgent message.

Aoi opened her PIPS and indifferently looked over the message. After reading it, she glanced up and spoke to John with a smile on her face, ”Looks like I have to go...”

John nodded and smiled in response.

”I'll be at Kuraokami with young master.” Aoi said, ”When he finds something relevant, I'll come with him.”

”Don't worry about me.”

”How can't I?” Aoi rolled her eyes before she switched her tone to a more serious as she warned, ”You should be careful, John, there's a bounty on your head.”

”Bounty?” John was surprised.

”Yes, it was apparently posted by the Reef Faction.” Aoi carefully spoke, ”Tepei was killed as he was being transported towards the prison, Alpis. Of course everyone knows that it was the Reef Faction itself that got rid of him, but still, they want to placate Tepei's family by killing those that indirectly led to his death. That means, they want yours and your friend's head. You should be very careful around the Outpost. Although the security is good and the Ocean Faction somewhat have taken control, some of the guards still belong to Reef Faction. They probably won't try to kill you, as this would be a crime and they will be severely punished, but that doesn't mean they can't turn a blind eye you are suddenly ambushed and attacked.”

”I'll be careful.” John nodded seriously with a grim expression.

He never expected that his thoughtless action of wanting to fix his spaceship would led him to the murky waters of the conflict between Letheia's factions. Now, he ended up offending the most unreasonable faction, the Extremist Reef Faction. John knew his future wouldn't be as easy as before now that he fell on Reef Faction's eyes