Chapter 15: The Arrival of War

Half a month later.

In the early morning, Ethan lay on his bed, feigning sleep with his eyes closed. After a long time, he slowly opened his eyes, which were bloodshot and filled with exhaustion. Since leaving the Nova Research Base, Ethan hadn't slept in half a month, suffering from insomnia every night. In the dead of night, his mind would constantly replay what Aiden had reported.

"BOSS, I've run the simulations for this war millions of times, and every result ends with the extinction of our civilization. The key point is our own people. Our strong physical constitution, shaped by our environment, means that if we are infected by the demon gene virus, the resulting super soldiers will be far stronger than ordinary demons. So the demons' primary objective will be to infect our people as quickly as possible."

"And we can hardly avoid infection. Even with the dark information shielding devices provided by the angels, they won't last long. Once the demons crack them, our underground refuge spaces five kilometers deep will be discovered and invaded, spreading the demon gene virus."

"If we want to achieve victory, the most critical point is how we handle the infected..."

A voice interrupted Ethan's recollection.

"You need to rest, child. If you exhaust yourself before the demons even arrive, your body will give out first."

Unbeknownst to Ethan, Angel Hane had appeared in his room, looking at him with concern. She wore a moon-white gown, and her face showed her deep worry for Ethan. She had observed his condition for the past ten days, finally unable to resist coming to see him today.

Ethan looked gaunt, burdened by responsibilities heavier than a mountain. This sight pained Hane deeply. She wished she could help him, but...

Seeing Ethan's exhausted state, Hane couldn't bear it anymore and decided to visit him, at least to be by his side.

"It's alright. I'll have endless time to rest in the future, so I might as well sleep a bit less now."

Ethan rubbed his face with both hands, trying to shake off his fatigue, and smiled at Hane.

Seeing Ethan forcing himself to stay strong, Hane's heart softened. She walked slowly to his bedside, sat down, and looked at his face.

"You really are a fool!"

She whispered, then leaned forward and gently lay on Ethan's chest.

"Am I? Then a fool I shall be."

Ethan placed his left hand on Hane's shoulder and his right hand gently stroked her soft, golden hair, closing his eyes slowly.

The room fell silent, both of them remaining in that position, lost in a moment of tranquility.

Ethan needed Hane to soothe his anxious state, and Hane just wanted to be by his side quietly.

Listening to the slow, powerful heartbeat in her ears, Hane wished time could stop at this moment, so she could just stay with him.

"Hmm?"

Suddenly, Hane sat up from Ethan's chest and walked to the bedside, her Eye of Insight activating. She had sensed a massive dark energy appearing in the outer space of Nova Star, breaking the serene moment.

With the blessing of the Sacred Knowledge Treasury, Hane quickly found the source: a massive floating fortress with a pair of enormous black wings installed above it. This was Demon King Moni's war fortress: Demon One.

Having identified the target, Hane didn't waste time. She deactivated her Eye of Insight and turned to Ethan with a serious expression.

"Child, the demon army has arrived outside Nova Star. War is upon us. You must prepare immediately. I need to report this to Queen Keisha."

With that, Hane's body flashed with light, and when the light faded, she had donned her familiar silver battle armor. Without looking back at Ethan, she connected to the Sacred Knowledge Treasury.

"Queen Keisha, I have urgent news to report!"

"Yes, Hane, what's the matter?"

"Queen Keisha, Moni has arrived at Nova Star much sooner than expected. Although Nova Star is prepared for war, they cannot withstand the demons alone. How long until you arrive?"

"Indeed, it's sooner than anticipated. What? Hane, are you worried? For Nova, or?"

"Queen Keisha, I simply don't want to see the lives here slaughtered by demons!"

"Ha ha ha, Hane, rest assured, justice will not allow evil to prevail."

"Though Moni arrived faster than expected, it doesn't matter. We, too, will arrive soon. If the calculations from the Sacred Knowledge Treasury are correct, we should reach Nova in a short while. So, Hane, don't worry too much."

"Understood, Queen Keisha."

After reporting, Hane's anxious heart eased slightly.

Meanwhile, upon hearing that the demons had arrived, Ethan was initially stunned but quickly composed himself, immediately rising from his bed.

"Aiden, issue the highest command: Demon invasion imminent. Nova is entering wartime status. All army groups and military units are to activate fire control switches and unleash unrestricted firepower. As soon as demons are detected, open fire with the ultimate goal of annihilating the enemy. Also, notify Mikhail, William Eaton, Zachary Thompson, and Leonard Smith to coordinate and command the battle."

"All one hundred members of the Leader's Guard are to assemble immediately and stand by!"

"Command received. Executing immediately."

Aiden responded without hesitation and disappeared.

Having issued his commands, Ethan turned to see Hane finishing her report to Queen Keisha. They locked eyes for a moment before Hane broke the silence.

"I've reported our situation to Queen Keisha. You needn't worry too much. Queen Keisha is on her way. In the meantime, I'll help you hold off the demons with Cold, Chase, and Mory. Just hang in there for a while, and victory will be ours!"

Ethan shook his head at her words.

"No, you are only four. Even if you are high-ranking guardian angels, you can't withstand the demon army for long, especially with Moni here. It's too dangerous! I don't want you to get hurt!"

"It doesn't matter. We are angels. We relish battle, thriving in the storm of fighting evil. So even if we fall, we have no regrets."

"And as long as I can protect your homeland, I, Angel Hane, fear no death!"

Hane's response, though not romantic, was resolute. Her heart, once confused by Queen Keisha, now felt clear. She thought to herself: Forgive me, Queen Keisha, let me be willful this once.

She then released the feelings she had buried deep in her heart, directing them at Ethan.

Ethan's expression grew complicated upon hearing Hane's reply. In that moment, his rock-solid heart wavered slightly. Why? He had resolved to protect Nova at all costs, but why?

"Is this the heart of an angel?"

After a long pause, Ethan stepped closer to Hane, gazing at her finely sculpted face. He lowered his head, resting his forehead against hers, and gently embraced her.

"Thank you! But this is my planet. How can I not fight? Let's face this together!"