Colony One (Part 3)

The world was not immutable. In truth, it changed every day, and inventions that could alter it might even be born while you slept—from that perspective, the curse that turned people into monsters could be counted among them.

After all, it had indeed changed the entire world.

John Rambo sat on the ground, his expression bitter, carrying a trace of ascetic solemnity. He looked as if he had already accepted his fate. Litosys stood beside him, the R-1 slung behind his back, his posture ramrod straight and dignified. Even at a time like this, he looked like a statue.

"Keep talking. What is Agent Orange?"

Rambo glanced up at him, then suddenly gave a helpless laugh. "Buddy, I've got to say, if you really are a government agent, then your acting is way too good."

"Call me sir or captain, soldier."

Litosys calmly lowered his head and looked at him. "You have been conscripted by the Empire, and you will serve it. From this moment on, you are a member of the Astra Militarum. Though you are a reservist, you still must not bring shame upon it. The reason I allowed you to sit while speaking with me is because your body was just electrocuted."

"But that does not mean you may disregard military discipline. Understood?"

The stern, forceful words left Rambo stunned. In a daze, he felt as if he had returned to the army—that was the place he knew, the place where he was needed.

Rambo immediately stood, eyes fixed straight ahead, chest out, and saluted.

"Understood, sir!"

Litosys frowned, but for the moment did not correct his salute. "At ease, soldier. Now, tell me, what is Agent Orange?"

Expressionless, Rambo began to recount that deadly poison. His voice was flat and devoid of emotion, yet his eyes