The Astral Hacker (Cryptopunk Revolution Book 1) Brian Terenna (best novels to read to improve english txt) 📖

because I just went through something much more extreme. “It’s not as good, but I can still study the Evo. You should take it out.” Of his brain, but it felt strange to say that aloud.

He nods to me with a grunt. “Thomas, get the Evo out of his head before you dispose of him.”

Thomas’ lip pulls back in disgust. “I’m sorry, sir,” he says stiffly, “but I don’t want to touch that thing.”

Americus sighs. “Sorry, Thomas. I forgot. Asher, get the Evo.”

Asher nods.

“Now that we consolidated our cause, we’ll redouble our efforts. We’ll still win this,” says Americus with more confidence in his voice than seems appropriate.

“You were tough to back up Americus,” says Alexander to me.

I guess he didn’t see me duck behind the fridge. I shrug. “I’ve been meaning to ask you something. What’s the deal with you and Brandon?” I ask, my curiosity outweighing my usual caution.

Alexander’s face goes rigid. “I told you he’ll say anything to charm a woman. Unfortunately, he did it to my old girlfriend.”

Ohhh. “Where is she now?”

“He was with her for a few weeks, then cheated on her. After that, she joined the army. Last I heard, she was stationed at Fort Briggs near Philly. Thanks for saving our butts at the distribution center, by the way.”

“I thought you were the one that was supposed to be protecting me.”

Alexander frowns for the first time I can remember. “I’m sorry, Sprite.”

His concern warms my heart. “You got hit by a flashbang grenade. I’m just glad I got back to you in time.”

“You were a boss in there. A true hero.”

I look away, the compliments getting to my head.

He looks down and shakes his head, his long hair swaying. “I don’t ever want to be in this situation again. We need to train harder.”

I’m already nodding along with him. “I’m ready for team shooting and martial arts training. As long as I’m involved in this, I need to become a weapon,” I say as I remember Astrid getting beat.

He raises his hands. “Whoa, scary.”

I shake my head with a grin. “I want to be involved in our tactics more too.”

“I knew it,” he says. “You want to be like the great commanders, Caesar, Navin, and Hannibal. I can roll with you there.”

Before I know what I’m doing, I’m bumping fists with Alexander to the two of us becoming great commanders. I don’t know what world I’m in right now, but when I’m with Alexander, it feels like a different one.

“Your shooting was excellent. Quick, smooth, accurate. And now you can hack the Evo, like a puppet master.”

I puff up.

“Look at you,” he says. “Shoulders back, head up, that fiery look in your eyes. Almost intimidating. You’re a fire sprite.”

I giggle. “No. I’ve been putting out fires my whole life, and I don’t have much of a temper…. I’m more of an ice sprite.”

His smile grows. “Boss. Now, let’s start training for real. You still need to pass the initiation test.”

  CHAPTER 17

∶ GUNS OR WORDS ∶

Over the next few weeks, looting, burglary, assaults, and murders skyrocketed. Gangs took over large sections of major cities and destroyed several police stations. President Falk declared martial law to maintain control. The Loyalists melted down over it, but at least the gangs in Stroudsburg have been contained.

When Americus wasn’t teaching me fighting techniques, I tried to hack Gabriel’s stolen drive with Nav, and although our programs haven’t broken any of the encryption yet, they’re close. In between that, Nav taught me obscure hacking tricks, and I showed her my own innovations.

Most nights, Nav, Yumi, Astrid, and I spent time together, chatting and joking. We quickly became close and opened up to each other. Plus, Yumi seemed to love Sunny and his weird jokes.

When I was going to meet them one day, I heard Americus telling Alexander that he wanted to get closer to Nav. I was happy to hear it because I know Nav wants that too.

The rest of the time, I spent with Alexander. He treated me like a war hero for saving him. It was nice. He promised that he’d be the one saving me next time, though. We mostly talked about military tactics and strategies. Several of his ideas would have helped me win in Silent City if I’d thought of them.

We occasionally talked about more personal things. He told me how his dad taught him to shoot at six, and by seven, he was better than most boys twice his age. At ten, he was punished for shooting an apple off his friend’s hand. He thought it was unfair because he knew he wouldn’t miss. At twelve, he won an adult competition but was disqualified for shooting into the air in celebration.

I’m glad he’s calmed down a bit. I told him that Barbra offered to adopt me before everything went down and how it affected me. For whatever reason, I found it easy to open up to him.

One of the days, he surprised me when he cooked fried plantains, spicy beans, and rice to thank me officially. It was his first time cooking, and it was surprisingly good.

I pull my mind back on my task as I leap over a desk that’s tipped on its side. A laser zips by my leg. My hand and other leg hit the ground, and I roll to avoid injury.

Nav crawls over from the barrier next to mine. Her human arm is rigid at her side, temporarily paralyzed from a laser strike.

“This is cracked,” says Nav. “We haven’t even hit them yet, and three of our team are down. It’s up to us now. What should we do?”

I peek between two barriers, breathing heavily.

“We have them, Americus,” says Alexander. “Let’s move in and