Just as Akrol guided his warship slowly toward Nocturne, a Thunderhawk Gunship suddenly shot past them all.
The gunship burst out from behind the Fleet like a black meteor, its engines spewing brilliant blue flames and leaving a bright trail across space.
Its speed was astonishing, far beyond the Thunderhawk Gunship's designed maximum.
It swept past Akrol's warship, close enough for them to see the bullet scars and scorch marks on its hull, close enough to feel the heat pouring from its engines.
"What?"
Akrol's voice erupted over the Communications Channel. His gaze remained fixed on the Thunderhawk Gunship streaking past, his face filled with shock and confusion.
He instinctively glanced at his instrument panel. His warship was moving at cruising speed, while the Thunderhawk Gunship was traveling at least three times as fast.
"Aren't Thunderhawk Gunships incapable of long-distance travel?" The officers aboard the warship exchanged looks of disbelief.
Thunderhawk Gunships were designed as short-range assault craft for atmospheric and near-orbital operations. Neither their fuel reserves nor their life support systems could sustain prolonged, long-distance travel.
Even a dedicated assault ship needed more than a dozen hours to cover the distance from Colchis to Nocturne. How could a Thunderhawk Gunship possibly have flown all the way here?
While everyone aboard the warship stared in bewilderment, the Thunderhawk Gunship was already hurtling straight toward Nocturne.
Its course was straight and unwavering. It made no evasive maneuvers and showed no sign of slowing, as though its goal was to crash directly into the Daemon Planet.
"Oh, my brother has arrived."
Vulkan stood on Nocturne's surface and raised his head, looking toward the rapidly approaching Thunderhawk Gunship.
A smile curled at the corners of his mouth, carrying a complicated mix of emotions.
There was anticipation, appreciation, and the composure of a hunter