In that instant, a resolute, burning sense of tragic heroism came through the screen and hit King Vellent head-on.
The imperial soldiers' blood was boiling, their fighting spirit blazing, their courage forged in fire. They were ready to pit their flesh and blood against these cosmic beasts, creatures that could soar through the stars and tear warships apart with their claws.
They would die without regret! They were the very model of imperial soldiers.
King Vellent was so moved that he let out a nasty, derisive laugh on the spot. His face was covered by his helmet anyway, so he didn't have to worry too much about keeping up appearances.
"Did I not know that old man's character? He isn't going to his death—he's clearly calling for help! At a time like this, even if the call for help goes unanswered, the story will still be that he died a glorious death. His descendants will be treated well." King Vellent was just about to repeat something along the lines of "Hold the line, and there will surely be a way" when the screen hovering before him abruptly went dark without warning.
In the final moment, he saw only General Yelick's heroic (desperate) expression, like that of a martyr.
His communications terminal had encountered unknown interference and cut out. Worse still, the lights around him in the space where he stood had all gone out at once.
King Vellent was startled. A chill ran through his entire body, and he felt as if an invisible iron claw had closed around his throat. He was still wearing his heraldic armor—or rather, the "Dragon of Blazing Sun" relic disguised as heraldic armor—but he didn't feel the slightest bit safe.
Someone had infiltrated the place!
This command center had been built with a psionic