Warmth Before the Battle

[Ember Base, kitchen]

The beeping of the communicator at his waist still lingered in the kitchen corner. The scent of Star Energy Fruit jerky and warm sunlight that had filled the room moments ago was quietly overlaid by a heavy tension.

Tiandao headed outside without breaking stride.

The icy, razor-sharp edge of Azure Star Power around him drew back in once more, and the softness in his eyes was replaced by restrained coldness.

In an instant, the mood shifted from "cozy" to "serious."

Old Tian switched modes so fast! One second he was enjoying daily life, and the next he was maxed out for battle.

Old Tian: I'm an emotionless shark-assin. (doge)

What fish? What bait? Are there fishing addicts in Stellaris World too?

Amid the teasing comments, Ink Shadow seemed to sense the shift in Tiandao's mood. It immediately sprang up from beside Jing Liuli's feet and nimbly climbed onto his shoulder.

Tiandao turned his head and brushed the little creature's fluffy, soft ear with his fingertips. The motion was so quick it was almost impossible to catch, yet it carried a trace of indulgence that was hard to notice.

The instant Tiandao's fingers touched its fur, Ink Shadow's ear gave a slight twitch before it jumped back to Jing Liuli's side.

"Let's go, let's go. Now that we've eaten our fill, it's time to get to work!"

Jing Liuli held Ink Shadow a little tighter in her arms, and her once buoyant voice had already turned steady.

The silly cuteness from moments ago had vanished from her, leaving only crisp determination in her eyes.

As she spoke, Jing Liuli looked up at Tiandao, her gaze clear and earnest.

"Tiandao, Ink Shadow and I will inspect every blind spot in the base. We won't overlook a single trace of