The next evening, Tianlang Street Bar.
"Cheers."
One glass after another lightly clinked under the lights, making the liquid inside shimmer with a hazy glow.
Luo Yan took a sip of his chilled beer before setting down his glass and looking around. Everywhere he looked, he saw familiar friends.
Yang Kui, Zhang Tianyi, Dong Huang, Hanna...
Those rivals from their student days had now all become comrades—and friends.
This was something Luo Yan, who had once lived alone in Flower City, would never have dared imagine.
Back then, he had never thought that one day he would pilot a mech into battle against giant beasts, with so many good friends by his side.
He had been lonely then. The cruel reality had made it impossible for him to trust anyone. Forget friends—he hadn't even had anyone to talk to.
Luo Yan remembered that once, back then, he had gone six whole weeks without saying a word.
When he finally attended a gathering to trade for supplies, he had nearly been unable to speak.
After that, even when no one was around, he would talk to himself so he wouldn't develop aphasia.
"Congratulations, Luo Yan."
Hanna smiled. She had become even more mature and beautiful.
"I never thought you'd be the first among us to become a Dragon Rider Captain in the Heavenly Division."
"I originally placed great hopes on Han Bai, but I never expected you to surpass all of us instead."
Luo Yan nodded with a smile. "Han Bai is outstanding too. He won't disappoint you."
Hanna said with a hint of pride, "I know. He's my younger brother, after all."
Dong Huang leaned back against the sofa, tilting his head up toward the bar's ceiling.
"Time really flies. In the blink of an eye, we've all been serving