Explosion

Pandora Empire, Antalie Fortress.

Ever since Steel Eagle Fortress had fallen, at the strong urging of Crown Prince Gaudy and the other hawkish nobles, the Pandora Empire had regrouped here, cramming its remaining ragtag troops and new recruits together in one place. It had also built massive fortifications, specifically designed to counter the Reincarnators' abilities, with enhanced defenses against earthquakes and thunderstorms.

At that moment, the entire fortress looked like a huge construction site, with countless soldiers bustling about like ants.

The enormous Steam Engines roared, generating astonishing power to drive the bearings and mixers as they churned cement. Nearby, excavators swung their mechanical arms, swiftly digging up slabs of hard earth and stone. When the arms lifted, the other workers stepped in to handle the finer tasks.

They had no idea that the cold Grim Reaper had already come silently among them, swinging his scythe and preparing to reap the entire fortress in one fell swoop.

"Do you understand how to operate it, Harun?"

Aboard a strange-looking aircraft, Doctor Xiti stroked the oddly shaped warhead before him as he studied the Reincarnator standing in front of him.

"I do!"

The Reincarnator named Harun wore goggles and a leather flight suit. At the question, he shivered again. "But... Doctor, why do we have to use this experimental aircraft? Can't we switch to something else, like an airship?"

"An airship?"

Doctor Xiti seemed to have heard the funniest joke in the world. "The Empire's airship fleet suffered heavy losses before, but do you think their anti-aircraft guns are blind and stupid? With an Armored Airship's plodding speed, the moment it strays into enemy airspace, it'll become a sitting duck!"

Noticing Harun's unease, Doctor Xiti reassured him. "This aircraft may be experimental, but I have considerable faith in its performance. And look,