Edwin's house was quiet, tucked away in the outer district of Perfect City. As he, Sophie, and their mysterious new ally Ice settled in, the tension hung thick in the air.
Edwin leaned forward, eyes locked on Ice. "Alright. Who are you and what do you want?"
Ice, calm as ever, replied in a voice like chilled steel. "I'm part of a militia. NWM. New World Militia."
Edwin raised an eyebrow. "Ain't that original."
Ice chuckled. "You can say that about our name. But our actions and our hearts are in the right place."
Edwin nodded slowly. "I like that. So what do you want with me?"
Ice didn't flinch. "I'm here to take you to HQ. Whether you comply or not."
Edwin studied him. Ice sat with the kind of stillness that made silence feel like a statement. He radiated power not loud, not boastful, but undeniable.
"Why me?" Edwin asked. "Why would you want me in your militia?"
"You could be a valuable asset to our cause."
"Just an asset, huh?" Edwin said, voice edged with skepticism.
"Don't take it personally."
"Noted," Edwin muttered. "But what can I even do for your cause?"
Before Ice could answer, Sophie gasped. "Look the news."
They turned to the screen. The anchor's voice was urgent.
"Breaking news: Supreme Ruler Light has arrived in Perfect City and will address the public shortly."
Edwin's stomach dropped. "What's Light doing here? Wait… the assassins earlier said they had a message from him. Is he hunting me?"
Ice remained silent, stoic, absorbing every word.
The anchor continued. "Here is our supreme ruler and blessing to humanity our savior, Light."
Light stepped onto the stage, regal and composed.
"People of Perfect City," he began, "I come on urgent business. I've heard of wrongs committed not by all, but by a few. Their crimes will not go unpunished."
The crowd erupted in cheers.
"You deserve respect and gratitude," Light continued. "I admire the lives you've built here. I am proud of you."
Edwin turned to Ice, voice rising. "What do you know? You were there when those guys came for me. How did you know?! Answer me!"
Ice met his gaze. "I'm not your foe."
"Then who is?!"
The TV blared again.
"There are individuals in this city," Light said, "who threaten our paradise. They must be brought to court immediately."
The crowd roared in agreement.
"We already have one in custody," Light continued. "Three more fugitives remain. They are wanted for the murder of two police detectives. Their capture is of the highest priority. If they killed officers, who's to say they won't kill you in your sleep?"
Gasps. Boos. Panic.
"We must expose these vermin to the light of justice," Light declared. "Here are their faces."
The screen flashed.
Edwin. Sophie. The surviving officer.
Wanted.
Edwin's breath caught. The assassins they were detectives. Light was trying to erase anyone who knew what really happened in the woods.
He turned to Ice, eyes burning.
"You're not the foe," Edwin said. "They are."