The Final Act (Part 1)

Weifei Land, Defense Force evacuation dock.

On a moored ship, Isolde leaned against the cabin wall, wiping down a pistol.

She was waiting for Ghostfire to make her choice, but she also knew that "companion" was merely a term she used to deceive herself.

Ghostfire was not a transferred consciousness, merely a backup of her consciousness from before her death. The real Orpheus was already dead. She had long since become utterly alone.

"That's just how this world is! When procedural justice cannot deliver fairness, personal revenge begins to seem justified."

"Ghostfire, I know revenge cannot drag innocent people into it... but once I decided to seek revenge, it became impossible not to involve the innocent.

Once I decided to repay blood with blood, I could only resort to any means necessary.

But that's fine. As long as I was prepared to bear the cost. Having implicated the innocent, I was also prepared to pay life for life!"

With a click, Isolde chambered a round, then peered toward the shore.

Ghostfire had led the Obol Squad after Lorenz and the others. The two sides stopped several paces apart and faced each other.

Lorenz's gaze settled on Ghostfire as he said, "Captain Ghostfire, I have always admired you. After all, you were one of only two soldiers to survive that battle.

But that does not mean you can use such false intelligence to slander me without cause!"

Ghostfire restrained herself with all her might and asked again, "General Lorenz, please answer me with 'yes' or 'no.' I cannot guarantee that I will remain rational at all times."

Lorenz narrowed his eyes and studied Ghostfire.

"Captain Ghostfire, are you threatening a Defense Force major general? Such conduct would earn you a serious conviction in military court."

Ghostfire raised her gun, and the