After the message went out, the communications channel fell silent for a long time.
The signal light for Krakoa blinked on the equipment panel, but no reply came.
Out at sea, blue light had filled the entire view along the east coast.
From Hokkaido in the north to the waters off Shikoku in the south, the outlines traced by blue fluorescence kept spreading and deepening under the daylight, extending inland.
The air in the command center grew heavier by the minute.
According to the military's latest report, nearly seventy percent of its heavy munitions reserves had been used, yet the giant beasts' advance had barely slowed.
The ancient beasts' shells surpassed the defensive limits of every known material, while the tide of deep-sea creatures following them quickly overran each breached defensive sector.
The chief cabinet secretary sank back into his chair, folded his hands on the table, and stared at an aerial image of a coastal town blanketed in blue fluorescence.
After a moment of silence, he spoke quietly to the assistant beside him, forcing the words from deep in his throat:
"Contact Krakoa again. Tell them... tell them we're willing to accept any terms."
High above Krakoa's Main Island, the sea breeze blew in from the depths of the Pacific Ocean as it always did, carrying salt and the warmth of the morning sun. Apocalypse stood at the edge of the platform, one hand on a railing forged from Psionic Energy, gazing toward the distant horizon.
A faint golden halo was slowly spreading there as Valhalla's morning energy cycle adjusted its projection angle.
Behind him stood a messenger in a dark blue uniform, holding a communications panel in both hands. She hesitated, her expression cautious.
"Lord Apocalypse, Nippon has sent another plea for help."
The messenger lowered her voice.