Beyond the flat, open city district stood a massive warship.
All commoners had been stopped at the perimeter by armored guards.
The enormous spaceport seemed empty at this moment.
A Bone Whale drifted in and out of sight in midair. Beneath its belly, the black mech—a fusion of savagery and splendor—stood silently.
Everyone's gaze fell upon the center of the vast area.
The tall young woman stood on tiptoe and gently embraced the young man before her.
Though her heart was filled with unbearable reluctance, she merely clenched her teeth tightly, her eyes red-rimmed as she said nothing.
Because she knew that the man who had once held up the sky for her was going to do something even more important.
Time seemed to fall silent at that moment.
Mu Fan spread his arms and held her soft, delicate body in his embrace. "No one can say where humanity's future lies. Once the war begins, all that remains is to fight to the death. Nuonuo, do you remember how we first met?"
"I do. I was cheering you on while I watched you blow up one opponent after another," the girl said in a muffled voice, refusing to lift her head from the comforting embrace.
"Then it'll be the same this time. I just won't be able to livestream it for you." His gentle voice sounded beside her ear, and the girl wiped away her tears as she smiled.
Mu Fan's rough palm gently stroked her smooth hair, warmth in his eyes. "Nuonuo, you said I was your sky. But do you know? When I was buried in hatred, pain, and confusion, you were the light that still shone upon me in the darkness."
"When I hold you, that is when I am at my bravest. I do not love