At the defensive position, Rick said with difficulty, "Miss, this is too dangerous."
Ilis replied calmly, "I know, but there's no other way."
"Only if I appear in person will that fool willingly let me get close to him."
"No man can resist my body and soul."
"With the forces we have, we can't even break through the gates of the Imperial Palace, let alone get near that fat pig."
Rick's face darkened. "But Miss, if something happens to you..."
Ilis took a deep breath. "Uncle Rick, I know what you promised my mother."
"But I have to do this. It's the only way I'll get a chance to avenge her!"
Beside her, Su Yi said, "Colonel Rick, I'll protect the young lady even if it costs me my life."
Rick fell silent for several seconds, then sighed.
He reached out and gently stroked Ilis's hair. "You really are like your mother."
"Whatever you decide, I'll protect you with my life."
Ilis nodded slightly. "Thank you, Uncle Rick."
Rick turned and climbed into his armor, then called out, "All guards, hear my command!"
"Clear a path for the young lady, whatever the cost!"
The eighty Elite Troops roared, "Yes, sir!"
Su Yi raised his voice to address his brothers.
"Brothers! This is our last stand!"
"Above us, terrifying Life Devourers are eyeing this planet! The company's warriors are fighting bravely!"
"And here, evil men are plotting to overthrow the entire planet!"
"For our home, for our loved ones, for our tomorrow!"
"Today, we'll accomplish a feat that will shake the universe!"
"With mortal strength, we'll slay an Evil God!"
"Every sacrifice and every battle today will be remembered on Rhode Star for ages to come!"
"Even a hundred years from now, even a thousand, the image of us fighting today