Conversation

Twelve years ago, Hollow Zero erupted, and the Old Capital fell.

Alarms rang across Weifei Land. In that disaster, everyone in New Eridu learned just how fragile life could be.

At the onset of the catastrophe, in the Obsidian Battalion's garrison in New Eridu's Thorne District.

Isolde was still a major then, and captain of Agamemnon Squad.

With her subordinates, she always spoke gently and wore a smile. She was an approachable commander, and her superiors considered her an excellent one.

The Defense Force's top brass had already taken notice of her. Put simply, all she lacked before they entrusted her with greater responsibility was seniority.

"Major Isolde! A Hollow has erupted near the Helios Institution and swallowed Minerva District!" her adjutant Joy reported.

But Isolde did not answer her. She was staring at the roster on her desk.

It listed the Obsidian Battalion's finest soldiers. Every name crossed out meant another person had died, and each one cut Isolde to the heart.

But there was no other way. When disaster struck, Defense Force soldiers had to fight on the front lines, putting their mortal bodies between the Ethereals and the people.

That was a soldier's duty!

Joy stood beside Isolde. Seeing that her commander remained silent, she frowned and spoke again.

"Captain Isolde, we need to move. Would you like to address the troops before we deploy?"

Joy pulled Isolde from her thoughts.

"Yes."

Isolde steadied herself and nodded. Everything was on the brink of collapse. The Defense Force had to hold the line!

Before long, the Obsidian Battalion's vanguard had assembled under Joy's direction.

"Reporting, Major Isolde! One hundred and fifty were ordered to report. One hundred and forty-nine are present."

"Who's missing?"

"Orpheus of Agamemnon Squad is late, Major Isolde."

"Never mind. We're out of time!"

Isolde