Theus looked at Alexei, stroked the sea serpent around his neck, and gently shook his head.
Whether out of sentiment or reason, he had no option of fleeing at the last minute. Besides, even if he wanted to run, where could he go?
The seawater had swallowed everything. Once he boarded the airship, he would never be able to come back down.
If Castel was destined to sink, then Theus would rather let this shell be buried with it than abandon those who believed in him.
"No, Alexei. There's still hope. The airships we sent out haven't replied yet. We need to keep holding on."
Alexei's gaze flickered. In the end, he said nothing. He bowed, then left.
"My Lord! My Lord! News has come from Chloe's side!" Suddenly, a Moth Chasing Flame researcher rushed into the room, shouting at the top of his lungs.
The noisy command center fell silent in an instant. Everyone stopped moving and stared at the document in the man's hand.
The researcher grew nervous as well. He carefully stepped forward, handed over the document, and stood uneasily against the wall.
No one spoke. Everyone looked toward Theus, like prisoners quietly awaiting judgment.
Theus barely pushed himself upright. Zoe moved to support him, but he waved her away. Leaning half his body against the wall, he opened the document and lowered his gaze to it.
A moment later, he took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.
The message had come from Chloe. She described in detail everything she had seen at the Pirate King's Court, recorded all their tests and plans, yet regarding their fate, she wrote only one sentence.
"I can no longer return."
Chloe.
Theus's fingers trembled. He could not tell whether it was from weakness or grief. He took several