It started with Alpha and then Sky City. Was a sovereign nation so powerless against a demonic legion? How could this war possibly continue? The people saw no hope. The complaint hotline for Sky City administration was about to break from the influx of calls. The government's response at best was that the army has been deployed for support. But as for when it would arrive, who knew? They couldn't even contact the Fate driver, Sky Shadow.

This battle was no longer limited to the frontline. Civilian opinion was a horrifying invisible weapon. The Federation made a tough decision, ordering the five main fleets on the frontline to return and intercept the Black Devil legion. The public needed an explanation. The enemy couldn't get away after causing so much chaos.

Just then, a group of advanced Federation fighters appeared on the corner of the light screen. There weren't supposed to be any troops near the Val Temple. Who were they?

That's right, they were the special operations unit tasked with protecting the Freedom Dancer. They were just a combat unit, but every member was a seasoned veteran. As soon as they received the news, under Huang Zhennan's leadership, the unit headed straight for the battlefield without a second thought.

There was no chance of winning against the Black Devil legion with only 40 soldiers. But there was no other way. As a veteran, Huang Zhennan could maneuver around the battlefield and the enemy. But every second wasted against these beasts meant more injuries and casualties. He had to use every possible means to catch up with the Black Devil legion.

Before long, the Federation soldiers unexpectedly encountered the Black Devil legion. Each soldier had a burning flame within them at the sight of the destruction. Huang Zhennan was very aware of what would happen to the civilians if anything went wrong with this group. But instead of attacking right away, he shouted through the loudspeaker with utmost anger, "Stop."

Just a few dozen mechas, deemed insignificant by Kanmaier, yet he ordered his men to stop, and with loud interest he asked, "Are you reinforcements?"

"Yes. The troops from the back will be here soon. You should withdraw, we will let you go."

"Ha, alright." Upon hearing this, Kanmaier ordered his men to retreat by one step. But before Huang Zhennan even reacted, a laser shot into a civilian crowd. "I'm very sorry, I agreed, but my laser gun does not," he teased.

"You bastard Kanmaier!" Without wasting a word, Huang Zhennan and his 40 companions took action. The battle started instantly. With a proven track record as special operatives, they immediately targeted the Black Devil legion and pulled the trigger, destroying twelve mechas and damaging twenty-four. However, at the same time, two Federation soldiers were caught in the explosion. Despite being highly skilled, they were unable to predict the attack and were too outnumbered.

"What are you waiting for? Run!"

The loudspeaker echoed Huang Zhennan's roaring yell. It was hard to see the grim countenance on his typically cultured face. The horrified refugees finally understood and scattered... As Kanmaier sneered, he rushed towards the fleeing crowd, ordering his men not to chase. He intended to slaughter them personally.

With a gasp, Huang Zhennan's mecha rushed at Kanmaier. He brandished his weapon and announced, "Stay where you are. I'm your opponent."

However, Kanmaier didn't stop moving and wholly ignored Huang Zhennan. A blade of energy easily cut Huang Zhennan's alloy gun, blocking the route. The Black Devil's Mecha unit intercepted them.

"Hello, you're not fit to fight Lord Kanmaier. Besides, you would die at my hands. By the way, my name is Kun Dun."

There was no time for his bullshit. They cannot let Kanmaier continue slaughtering civilians, but no matter how many times he tried to break the lines and charge, Kun Dun blocked him effortlessly.

In a blink of an eye, dozens of refugees were engulfed in flames. He could only watch, powerless. Seeing the terrified and desperate eyes of their victims and their longing for life was unbearable. The thoughts of their ruined homeland, devastated families, and crying orphans filled his heart with a burning fire of rage.

"Still not giving up? I told you, you would die at my hands."

Ha, the overconfident fool, it's not clear yet who will reap the spoils. As he pushed through his anger, Huang Zhennan chuckled - a resigned chuckle of one who's seen through life and death. He made for Kanmaier, retreating once before lunging again with a blast of energy.

The man named Kun Dun shook his head. Boring, he had completely missed.

But...what about the second shot...?

This one blocked his route entirely. Not bad, but Kun Dun still had a little wiggle room left.

The third shot…

Kun Dun was taken aback. That third shot went exactly where he wanted to move.

Then came the fourth... Each shot was quicker and more cunning than the last. Having fired four shots already, Kun Dun realized there was more to it as he dodged each. Despite being an advanced Red Robe Level pilot, he found himself unable to counterattack.

The suppression didn't stop there. This was Huang Zhennan's ultimate skill - Lightning Ten-shot. By the time Huang Zhennan fired the seventh shot, the enemy mecha exploded, surprising everyone in the Black Devil legion. Nobody expected the skillful and formidable Kun Dun to fall into the hands of an ordinary Federal soldier.

Just when Huang Zhennan was about to take a breath, his mecha quaked violently. His mind went blank as the mecha was bisected, from the head down to the torso, by a blade. This surprise attack was impossible to guard against.

As the mecha exploded, Huang Zhennan jumped out in a reflex and rolled on the ground, looking utterly defeated. All 40 Federal soldiers had fallen, but the battle was far from over. Huang Zhennan was about to stand up and counterattack when he felt a pain piercing his chest. A slender arm had impaled him. It must've belonged to a woman.

"Kun Dun's stupidity got him killed. You're a dangerous shooter."

The woman stood upright, but the battle wasn't over yet. Huang Zhennan tried to use his last ounce of strength to pull the trigger but the woman stomped on his arm with her ice-cold military boots, sending horrifying crunches echoing through him. She looked amused. But no matter how she tried, she received no scream of submission from Huang Zhennan.

When Huang Zhennan's consciousness began to fade, he loosened his grip on the gun he had carried with him for years. He was so tired. His strained body needed a good sleep. Flashes of memories rushed into his brain. It was interesting how emotions could bring one to his knees or make him stronger.

In his mind, he could still recall the days Roland was foraging in the front line; in his ears, he could faintly hear his brothers celebrating over drinks. But there was going to be a day when he had to lay down all ties. Goodbye, homeland. Goodbye, parents, wife and children, my comrades. And you, Feng Yi, forgive me for not being able to keep my promise to clink glasses with you in the northern hemisphere…

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