044 Vanished into the Night Sky

What did fifteen minutes mean? For many people, fifteen minutes was the time it took to eat breakfast: a family sitting together, the mother peeling an egg and asking whether the child had been studying properly, the father discussing wages and benefits before launching into an orderly analysis of national affairs. The child basked in the warm atmosphere, gathered themself up, and headed into a new day.

But for the people of Azure Planet, these fifteen minutes would see the most efficient mobilization in history.

As an advanced Interstellar Civilization, White Candle Star's professional bureaucrats and military advisers sprang into action. Even soldiers on leave immediately reported to the nearest stronghold.

32 seconds: Azure Planet's network defenses were established.

—At the same time, eleven-year-old Frostplate boy Lin Mingji opened his eyes, turned off his alarm, and began getting dressed.

1 minute 1 second: White Candle Defense Force combat formations were fully assembled.

—Lin Mingji began folding his blanket. The Social Fosterage Center's wake-up call sounded outside the window, while the air filled with the scents of toothpaste, shampoo, and facial cleanser amid the clamor of voices.

1 minute 27 seconds: White Candle Star's air defense system began intercepting the spore pods launched by the Maxwell Syndicate—Lin Mingji picked up his terminal, checked today's schedule, gathered his toiletries, and entered the washroom.

2 minutes 12 seconds: Azure Planet's Emergency Committee was established. Li Aoz took off for battle and was about to reach Thunder God Star—Lin Mingji was brushing his teeth as the facility began using freshly melted snow water.

3 minutes 55 seconds: The committee passed a resolution to retaliate. White Candle Star revoked Li Aoz's citizenship.

—Lin Mingji carefully brushed his back molars.

4 minutes 2 seconds: Li Aoz encountered the Syndicate's Astral Army fighters and exchanged fire. An