Not long after breakfast, an urgent military report came through from the central command. The Committee called for all representatives to convene immediately in the council hall to discuss the latest developments in the Ares system. Milton led the insectoid contingent into the chamber, while the rest of the Star Alliance delegates arrived in succession. The atmosphere was taut; holoscreens flickered, displaying detailed battlefield information.
Navien spoke first, his expression unusually grave. “There are currently two major emergencies requiring collective decision-making.”
The holoscreen shifted, revealing a stellar map.
“The first is civilian rescue. We have reclaimed the outer star cities, but the civilian districts near the central sectors remain unrecovered. Those areas have almost completely fallen, with dense concentrations of monsters. Communications are cut off, and utilities—power, water—are entirely disrupted. The situation is extremely critical.”
He swept a gaze across the room, his tone heavy. “The war has lasted nearly three months. If we do not act to save them, these civilians could be lost. This conflict is not just a military campaign—it is our responsibility to protect our people.”
A brief silence settled over the hall, then representatives murmured among themselves. Most agreed; after all, the populations of the Ares system were intermingled, and no one could guarantee that their own people weren’t trapped.
Navien nodded and brought up another map.
“The second matter concerns the Tumorafei Mineral Belt.” A red outline marked the sector, noted as the richest high-grade energy stone deposit in the system.
“This is the star system’s most abundant source of high-grade energy stones, powering the cores of starships, mecha, and civilian and military facilities. It is a strategic lifeline. With our defenses collapsed and monsters advancing rapidly, the situation is critical. If we do not reclaim it swiftly, the entire system could fall into paralysis.”
He spoke gravely. “These energy stones are our only stable power source—irreplaceable. If the Tumorafei Belt falls into enemy hands, the war cannot continue. We must act immediately.”
The room erupted into intense discussion, delegates debating quietly but fiercely how to allocate forces and who should participate in which fronts. Furrowed brows, clenched fists—the tension was thick.
At this moment, Milton stood, his voice firm and resolute. “The insectoid forces will participate in this operation. We will assist the Star Alliance, undertaking two simultaneous missions: civilian rescue and reclaiming the energy mining belt.”
All eyes naturally turned to Bladé beside him.
That powerful presence, impossible to ignore, felt like an anchor amid the storm.
A delegate raised a question. “Bladé is only one insect. How can you operate on two fronts simultaneously? Will you split your forces?”
Ais glanced at Gu Qing, worry clear in his eyes. “Will you be acting separately?”
Gu Qing’s fingers clenched, knuckles whitening.
Deep in his mind, the little orb’s voice whispered anxiously, “Qingqing, you don’t want to be apart from Mimo, right? Are you afraid he’ll be hurt… or afraid… you might never see him again?”
Gu Qing remained silent, lashes lowered, concealing the turmoil churning beneath.
After coordination by Navien and consensus among the representatives, the missions were assigned:
- Milton would lead Navien and part of the Star Alliance troops to the central civilian districts for emergency humanitarian rescue.
- Bladé would team with Rayne and a special operations unit to assault the Tumorafei Mineral Belt, aiming to reclaim the strategic energy resource.
The meeting adjourned, and representatives departed one by one.
Walking ahead, Bladé and Milton were shoulder to shoulder, yet the distance between them felt cosmic. The atmosphere was exceptionally heavy.
Il and Veli exchanged a glance, whispering, “Huh? Didn’t they just finish the meeting? Why do Bladé and the General look so… low?”
“Did they fight? Or—” Veli lowered his voice, “…a pre-battle farewell?”
Il scoffed, “Come on, it’s not that melodramatic! They’re both females anyway.”
Phili cut in abruptly, “We have things to handle ahead of you.”
Ais walked behind Gu Qing, whispering, “I’ll accompany them.”
He and Phili flanked the two squabbling ‘single-celled creatures,’ quietly leaving, leaving space for the pair.
The cabin door hissed shut, cutting off the outside noise.
Gu Qing immediately wrapped Milton from behind—tight, heavy, as if he could fuse him into his very bones. His forehead rested against Milton’s shoulder, breath trembling, emotions long restrained finally spilling over. Even this usually unshakable figure showed rare vulnerability.
Outside, starlight fell softly, filtering through reinforced glass, dusting their entwined forms with serene silver.
Milton froze for a moment, then turned to embrace Gu Qing in return. They held each other in silence, a tide of unspoken feelings flooding the room.
Finally, Milton spoke, low and resolute. “Gu Qing, this world isn’t your responsibility alone.”
Their eyes met, violet and unwavering. “I am Milton Collins, the youngest insectoid General, and currently the only 3S-class psychic. I am no one’s subordinate. I am your partner, capable of standing by your side.”
Gu Qing froze, a surge of emotion crashing through him.
He hadn’t expected Milton to declare it this way—this was more than a promise; it was a solemn proclamation. From now on, he would no longer fight alone.
A tide of emotions overwhelmed him—memories of solitude in the cultivation world, isolation in weakness, aloofness in strength, never having a true companion. Until now.
He knew clearly: the insect before him was never someone to protect, but a soaring eagle of the stars. Pride and worry tangled in his chest, difficult to calm.
He gazed into Milton’s eyes, infinite as the cosmos, and whispered softly, “Yes, General. But you must promise me—you’ll come back.”
Milton returned the look, starlight flickering in his eyes, his smile resolute yet tender.
Gu Qing lowered his head, pressing a kiss to him.
The kiss was deep, blazing, pouring every ounce of reluctance, anxiety, and emotion, imprinting them upon each other’s souls.
They were like two stars finding each other in chaos—attracting, meeting, burning. The kiss carried devotion and promise, condensing all their love.
Gu Qing’s fingers trembled slightly, yet he held Milton tightly, as if engraving him into his very bones; Milton clutched the back of his neck, embedding his vow into their embrace.
Starlight slanted through the window, bathing their pressed forms; even distant stars seemed to pause, witnessing this pledge and unspoken longing on the eve of battle.
Late at night, the starport lights gradually lit up, and the two fully prepared fleets, like blades tearing through the night sky, set off in opposite directions toward their respective battlefronts.