A deathly silence fell over the room.
Lipo sat on the sofa, barely daring to breathe, her wide eyes nervously watching the two men facing off.
Zephyr simply stared at Gern, his gaze unwavering.
Although he had always known what Gern wanted, he had thought it stopped at reaching the top.
Only now did he truly, fully understand the ambition of the "West Blue soldier" he had favored all those years ago-an ambition so immense it made his heart tremble.
Gern wanted more than power. He wanted to completely reshape the Marines!
Above all, this was no longer a request, but... a notification.
Looking into Gern's unwavering eyes, Zephyr knew he could not change his disciple's mind.
He let out a deep sigh and staggered a step backward, first lowering his head helplessly to stare at the floor.
Then he raised his head again and gave Gern a long, searching look.
"Do you know... if you fail doing this..." Zephyr could not finish the words on his lips.
He knew any warning would be futile to the man standing before him, who had long since planned everything out.
In the end, he could only wave a weary hand. "Forget it... an old retiree like me can't talk you out of it anymore.
"Besides... you've never been someone who likes acting without confidence.
"As for Ain... that kid Tesoro should already be over there making 'contact,' shouldn't he?
"You didn't come here to ask for my approval at all... you only came to let me know, didn't you?"
Gern answered neither yes nor no.
His silence was the clearest answer of all.
Rather than trying to explain or make any promises, he responded through action.
Gern slowly took a small liquor bottle from the pocket at his waist, then flicked his