Chapter 137: Contacting at This Time—Won’t We Get Caught?

“Stop, stop, stop. Routine inspection. Show me your documents.”

A large white modified transport truck, its exterior covered in metal plating, was stopped at a checkpoint. With a mechanical click, the engine shut off, the vehicle shuddering slightly before coming to a halt. The door opened.

An Alpha stepped out, a cigarette between his lips, and pulled an Imperial resident ID from his pocket. “Here.”

The Federation officer, dressed in uniform, took the document and scanned it with an electronic device. A string of identification data appeared on the pale blue screen.

“Hm? You don’t look much like your photo.”

Suspicious eyes scrutinized him, but the Alpha, seemingly unfazed, stepped forward. “Look closer. People say I’ve gotten a lot more handsome lately.”

The officer instinctively took a step back to maintain distance and compared the ID again. Maybe it was just his imagination, but…

Now that he looked more carefully, there was a resemblance—especially around the eyes.

“You’ve changed a lot.”

“I’ve been working for the lab, riding on their coattails. Life’s been better, so of course, I look good.”

“The lab?” The officer’s expression shifted slightly as he glanced at the modified truck nearby. “You’re…”

The Alpha waved a hand dismissively. “Just a procurement and transport worker. Not anyone important.”

Both men knew exactly who the important people were. With an unspoken understanding now between them, their relationship subtly shifted. The modified transport truck was allowed to pass without much scrutiny.

Handing back the ID, the officer casually asked, “Heading back?”

The Alpha nodded. “The big shots at the lab weren’t happy with my last delivery. Gotta make another trip.”

A flicker of understanding crossed the officer’s eyes. He wouldn’t dare delay a delivery for those people. If the higher-ups found out he’d held up their goods, that would be the real problem.

Watching the truck drive away, the officer hummed an off-key tune before stopping another vehicle—a hovercar.

Damn, must be nice to be rich.

He puffed up his chest, chin raised. “Hey! Who gave you permission to drive this here? Do you even have—”

Before he could start harassing the driver, his communicator suddenly buzzed.

“Captain? Why are you contacting me now?”

“We’ve received an order from higher up. All checkpoints are to be locked down immediately. No vehicles or aircraft are allowed to leave.”

“Yes, sir!”

After acknowledging the command, the officer couldn’t help but ask, “Captain, what happened?”

“It’s about him. Word is, things have gone to hell over there—a Federation infiltrator got in.”

“Keep a close watch. That infiltrator escaped in a procurement truck. I’ll send you the details soon—check the vehicle carefully. No one leaves Nagano Star!”

If the Federation found out about the chaos on Nagano Star, everyone who had cooperated with the Empire would be finished.

The officer nodded seriously. Then, suddenly, his eyes widened.

“Shit!”

By the time he realized what had happened, Lei Po had already driven past the first checkpoint, getting his people out of the most heavily armed part of the city.

The white transport truck had probably been flagged by now—it was no longer safe to use.

Escaping Nagano Star wouldn’t be easy. The identity checks were a major hurdle, and as Lei Po predicted, Garna would definitely seal the exits to trap them.

As long as they were stuck here, it was only a matter of time before they were caught.

“Nagano Star has been infiltrated this badly?”

Chi Fei’s expression darkened. He scoffed bitterly. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think this was Imperial territory.”

For a Federation soldier to be trapped here—it was unbearable.

Lei Po felt the same way, but he was far more optimistic. Now that he’d removed his poorly made disguise, his sharp Alpha features stood out—arrogant, fearless, and completely unafraid.

“They’re just a bunch of trash.”

“I’ll get you all out of here. And when I do, you owe me big time.”

Lei Po’s reckless confidence actually made Chi Fei feel a little lighter. He chuckled. “I’ll repay the favor. You have my word.”

Seeing that Chi Fei didn’t doubt him, Lei Po raised an eyebrow. “Relax, I won’t make things difficult for you. Just teach me how to shoot better.”

“You’re talking about marksmanship?”

Chi Fei hadn’t expected that to be the favor. He laughed, his tone carrying a hint of pride. “Of course. I’m a sniper.”

“But why do you want shooting lessons? You’re bad at it?”

“Tch. What do you mean ‘bad’? I’m just not satisfied with my current level!”

Lei Po narrowed his eyes. “There’s this annoying bastard who keeps shooting at my face. Once I sharpen my skills, I’m putting three bullets in his.”

Chi Fei: …What a childish junior.

For the first time in a long while, he laughed—the kind of laugh that reminded him of his days at the Federation Military Academy, competing with his comrades.

Alphas were like that. No one ever backed down. That’s why he was always the one mediating conflicts.

“Chi Fei, you know, Betas really have it easier.” Lei Po sighed dramatically. “I used to look down on Betas, but now I realize… my past self was a complete idiot.”

“Alphas might have superior genes, but breaking through is hell. I’ve worked my ass off for years, and I still can’t even be the best of the second tier. But Betas? They don’t have this problem at all!”

“You’re so impressive—not even affected by pheromones, a great shot, and perfect at hand-to-hand combat. Damn, you’re making me jealous.”

Lei Po pinned him down, his arm locking around Chi Fei’s neck, as if ready to punish him.

“With those skinny arms and legs, I don’t get how you’re so good at fighting.”

Chi Fei chuckled, but the laughter quickly faded. His fingers trembled slightly before he clenched his fist to cover it up. Tilting his head, he asked, “What’s our next move, Lei Po?”

Lei Po noticed the sudden shift in his mood. The tall Alpha’s eyes reddened slightly.

He wasn’t as perceptive as Zhai Yifei, nor as good with people as Ji Laili. He had no idea what was going through Chi Fei’s mind at that moment.

All he could do was awkwardly avert his gaze and go along with the change in topic.

“We just need to make it to the Nagano Wastelands. Laili will contact Instructor Aiger and arrange for our extraction there.”

From the very start, they had never planned on using Nagano Star’s transportation system to escape.

They chose to reach out to the military academy and seek help from their instructors instead.

Lei Po patted Chi Fei’s shoulder, his tone a little stiff. “You don’t owe me for this one.”

“After all, the Federation Military Academy is your second home.”

Chi Fei froze for a moment, then couldn’t help but tease him. “Never expected you to have a sentimental side.”

“Fuck off! Chi Fei, you better pray my punches don’t hurt!”

Chi Fei shrugged. “Take it easy on me, junior. My body hasn’t fully recovered yet. But seriously, won’t it be dangerous for the curly-haired kid and the others if they try to make contact?”

Lei Po instinctively wanted to say no, but then hesitated, considering the situation over there. He was a fugitive now—he had no idea if his actions would bring trouble to Laili and the others.

Contacting them at this time… won’t it get them caught?

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Inside the laboratory base on Nagano Star.

The communicator flashed, indicating that the message had been successfully sent. The Alpha let out a breath of relief.

In the next moment, a voice came from behind him.

“What are you doing?”