Athena finally took to the stage, seemingly aware of the cruelty of the war-torn planet. In contrast to her usual rosy makeup, today she appeared much more unadorned, dressed in white silk stockings pulled over high military boots, coupled with a commander's uniform that seemed to stretch across the sea of clouds and topped with a pristine white beret—she truly looked dashing. After all, she wasn't a real soldier, nor was she a 'national' actress, hence she did not possess the credentials to wear a military uniform.

But this was enough—the common people didn't care about such trivialities. They mistook her for a fleet commander with her pure white look. Her spirited appearance quieted the crowd in an instant as she took the stage... but that silence was swiftly replaced by a tremendous cheer...

Yes, you saw correctly. If there was anyone on this world whose popularity could rival that of the Revenge Shadow Rider, it was definitely the super idol Athena. In fact, her fame in various countries might even surpass that of the Revenge Shadow Rider.

There were no tickets for this event, but perhaps if tickets had been sold, the situation might have been better. The crowd below was so dense that it could not possibly get any more packed, with some halfway up the hill holding telescopes to watch from afar. Of course, the blazing warriors watched from inside their mechas, and many visitors from outside the domain were equipped with recording devices. Ask them why they rushed here in a matter of days—the reason is simple, they are adults, and because adults do not make selective choices, they are here not only to watch the Revenge Shadow Rider in battle but also not to miss Athena's performance.

The music accompaniment started softly... However, Athena didn't express gratitude to the audience who had come specifically to watch her performance as a typical celebrity might do, no pretense or pleasantries. Instead, she used her heavenly voice to deliver genuine condolences for the souls who died in the flames of war, for the blazing warriors who fell on the battlefield in recent times, and for the rebel forces that had been striving long-term on Mardis. Her song, "Sky Garden," was a tribute to all comrades, a wish for no worries in heaven, for no suffering on earth, and for an early end to the war.

In the end, she bowed deeply to the crowd, and as the music gently rose, everyone was immersed in the moving beauty of the Sky Garden.

It was a summer night

The breeze was so tender

It reminded me of them

Those helpless eyes

It was that summer

When I could no longer see the warrior brother's face

He carried the dawn of peace upon his shoulders

In the darkness, tears

Filled my eyes

Don't leave

Don't hurt

I saw the brave warrior walking far into the battlefield

Leaving us peace and happiness in this world

Don't know what risks the future may bring

I want to hold his hand tightly

They tell me there's still hope

Seeing the sunrise

The warrior smiled

The day broke...

I watched as the warrior brother walked into the distance

Peace and happiness are what's left for us in the world.

I wish to build a beautiful Sky Garden for him.

A song of sadness from the Sky Garden moved everyone present, even the sky began to drizzle… People were immersed in the lingering melody of the song for a long time, unable to extricate themselves. The venue was silent, with nothing but soft crying and sorrowful faces. Especially for those who fought with the Empire's soldiers all year round—the rebel forces and the recently battled Flame Legion—thinking of the brothers who had fallen on the battlefield, even the strongest men couldn't help but feel their eyes sting…

The next moment, the sound was suddenly drowned out by a wave of applause… In an instant, the place exploded; it was a soul-deep touch no words could enhance. The rain gradually stopped, leaving a rainbow reaching straight up to the sky, as if narrating the scene after the storm, wordlessly recounting the beauty of sweet after the bitterness.

Without trials and tribulations, one would not see the rainbow; without the trials of war, one cannot become an ace force. A truly militarily proficient unit is never merely theoretical but is forged and transformed through the rites of battle.

The Flame Legion, the road for this unit is still long, but for now, everyone is honored…

"Drinking alone?" Takla suddenly emerged from behind Feng Yi's mecha, lighting a cigarette as he habitually did.

"Not exactly drinking alone." Feng Yi didn't even look at him, drinking and replying, "As you know, this place doesn't welcome wanted criminals, especially today. So why still come?"

"Because you won't catch me." Takla said, looking towards the stage…

Feng Yi laughed, "That was before—before Mardis was completely conquered, but now it's different. You're a world-famous fugitive, and I am a federal soldier. Our stands differ, and by rights I should have you arrested. Your presence might pose a threat to Athena."

"That's why I say I hate soldiers."

Feng Yi 'oh'ed, "Why?"

"Heh, you know I wouldn't do anything to Athena. Her presence will only speed up Mardis' development. But as a soldier, you have to fulfill your duties and out of consideration warn me. Either friends or enemies, you want me to submit to the law—give it up, I'm not joining the Flame Legion."

Takla also shook his head with a wry smile, his gaze profound. He knew Feng Yi was warning him. Without Saudi's control, their situation in Mardis might not necessarily improve than before. On the contrary, without Saudi, they might become enemies one day.

Feng Yi didn't pursue the matter further. Who could be certain of the future? Perhaps the Federation was reclaiming Mardis on moral grounds, or maybe Mardis would become the next Colonial Planet—it wasn't about the political ideologies of Greedy Wolf and Adams, but politics is something no one can ever make clear. However, he, Feng Yi, would never be controlled by others.

"When do you plan on leaving?" TK asked, his voice unusually grave.

Feng Yi replied with uncertainty, "Maybe right after the charity concert is over. What about you? Have you considered being an ordinary person? Mardis' future state will no longer suit you."

"Heh, my hands are stained with blood, both good and evil, and there's no turning back for me—of course, I'm also used to life on the road. I'd rather stay in the desert among the chaos, being a wanted criminal that everyone wants to strike down." TK shrugged.

Feng Yi fell silent for a while… Everyone has their choices, and he had no right to interfere. Apart from fighting and wandering the starry sea, he really couldn't understand TK's thoughts. Among the world's top pilots capable of going head-to-head with TK, only a few could be counted on one hand. Yet such a person would choose to remain a fugitive. Feng Yi asked TK, "What about those rebel soldiers who have followed you for years?"

"Of course, they'll disband. I don't want to involve anyone, and you can choose to take them in—as for me, I hope they can live as ordinary people."

"You came here today just to tell me this, didn't you?"

"Yes." TK said and then turned to leave. Midway through his steps, he suddenly paused, tilting his head, "Of course, it's not entirely that. If given the chance, I'd also hope to continue the unfinished battle... well, that's it."

"Take care." Although Feng Yi wanted the same, the current conditions didn't allow it; a greater enemy was before him—Saudi.

Watching TK leave, Feng Yi also quickly returned to his room. From morning till evening, the performance continued nonstop, and the audience under the stage was at full capacity. There was a show scheduled for eight o'clock in the evening, and since no one knew when Athena and the Sweet Combination would perform, everyone could do nothing but wait. In the end, Athena's segments were not few, but still much less compared to comedy sketches and crosstalk.

The most tormented was Old Wang the photographer. At over 40 years old, in these troubled times, was making a living easy? Don't even mention how hard it is. To earn a living, he traveled over mountains and through water to get to Mardis, risking his life for it. The charity concert was said to last at least three to four days, and he didn't know if his body could endure it till then.

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