At Lacus's reply, Felix stepped forward and hugged her, then released her and turned to leave. Lacus watched his retreating figure for a long time, worry and prayer lingering in her eyes.
Inside the Athena's central hangar, someone asked, "Captain, will you be taking the Destiny Support Combat Flyer on this sortie?"
Taibo stood before Felix, expression composed and voice serious. Felix turned toward Taibo and shook his head.
"No!"
Taibo nodded at his answer, then watched Felix climb into the cockpit.
As the cockpit closed, Taibo turned away and called to the rest of the Maintenance Crew.
"Clear out!"
The command reached everyone else's ears.
They followed Taibo out.
The Creation moved forward along the floor rails.
"Felix Leo Griffith, Creation, launching!"
Felix's voice rang out loud and clear.
He pressed the acceleration pedals all the way down with both feet.
With the electromagnetic catapult's assistance, the Creation shot out at tremendous speed.
Once clear of the Athena, Felix pushed the thrust lever forward!
The thrusters on the Creation's back unleashed even greater thrust, driving it toward the battlefield at an even higher speed.
As he flew, Felix activated the Multi-Lock System.
The targets on the integrated targeting display were locked on one after another, and he squeezed the firing trigger.
The Whale Plasma Cluster Beam Cannon, Sailfish Railgun, and Beam Rifle fired forward simultaneously.
After three full-firepower volleys, vast clusters of explosions blossomed ahead of the Creation.
Inside a Strike Dagger's cockpit, a pilot used the screen's zoom function to get a clear look at the Creation, then quickly reported to the rear.
"The Sword of Damocles has reappeared! The Sword of Damocles has reappeared!"
The report passed up through the chain of command until it reached the bridge of the fleet's flagship.
Upon hearing the report,