Five days later.
Although Jing’an City had not suffered extensive damage, the special bomb capable of tearing through space had completely obliterated the city’s Underground Command Center.
A large number of otherworldly beasts crawling out from another dimension had burrowed into the city’s complex underground network of tunnels.
Because of the labyrinthine subterranean structures, the subsequent extermination of these beasts was progressing extremely slowly.
Night had fallen, and scattered lights flickered to life in the city center.
After all, this was one of the largest cities in the country.
Even though an unprecedented explosion had occurred just days earlier, the areas closest to the city center—where damage was heaviest—were gradually coming back to life.
The Grand Theater of Jing’an City was probably the large-scale building least affected by the incident.
Located in the northern part of the city center, far from the dense clusters of skyscrapers, its surrounding terrain was flat and had escaped serious destruction.
It had resumed its usual operations, with a major Orchestra from the capital city holding a free performance in Jing’an City to comfort the refugees.
Tianlang sat alone in the top-tier audience seats. Since the upper level was not open to refugees, there was almost no one nearby.
The Orchestra began playing the symphony, and the majestic music echoed through the circular seating area, captivating every listener with its stirring melody.
Of course, except for the man sitting beside Tianlang.
“This Western music,” he said, “I really can’t get used to it. If you’re going to play something, then play our military music. Ah, it’s been so long since I last heard our military tunes—I can’t help but feel a little nostalgic.”
“Heh, there won’t be many more chances to listen to music in the future. Days of peace are numbered. But thanks to your intelligence, our troops managed to locate the command center. You’ve done a great service.”
“It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t expect any reward.”
“Then, how about coming with us? Jing’an City might become the main battlefield of the future. Staying here is just courting death.”
“No need. I want to see how our soldiers fight in the end.”
“Suit yourself.”
Tianlang stood and walked forward to a vantage point where she could see the entire stage.
The third movement of Symphony No. 9 was nearing its end, about to enter the final movement.
“This is my favorite part coming up.”
After a brief moment of silence, the violins first played a solemn prelude, heralding the coming storm; then the brass section began to blow a melodious tune, surging like a river breaking its banks; meanwhile, in the background, the timpani struck thunderously, like the sudden roar of rolling thunder.
Tianlang conjured a magical baton she had never used before and, imitating the Orchestra’s conductor, waved it as if standing at center stage, conducting the entire Orchestra with graceful motions.
Seeing this, Han Zhenguo also stood up and came to the railing of the top tier.
The scene reminded him of a powerful army undergoing inspection.
The steady beat of the drums echoed like the heavy footsteps of marching soldiers, and the melody of the low brass sounded like the warriors’ rallying cries. Under this majestic military music, they marched forward toward a grand battlefield.
“This symphony is called ‘From the New World.’ What a meaningful name,” Tianlang said, intoxicated by the music.
“But the ‘New World’ you speak of—I have yet to see it.”
“Don’t worry. The New World doesn’t need to be sought out actively. It will come as the world demands it.”
“But before the New World arrives, the Old World will first play its finale of destruction—and the prelude to that finale has already begun rumbling.”
“Sadly, most people lack the patience to listen,” Han Zhenguo said thoughtfully.
“Hey, why are you starting to talk like me now?”
***
Ciyue sat alone amid the ruins, exhausted both physically and mentally after days of cleanup and fighting.
She always volunteered for missions, but her superiors insisted she move to a safer location.
So she simply set her communicator to silent mode and flew to a place ordinary people couldn’t reach, out of sight and out of mind.
However, today her superiors seemed to have changed their minds and assigned her to the frontline in another province.
“Ciyue sister.”
Luoxi landed behind her.
“Why do you always avoid me?” Luoxi asked.
Ciyue didn’t answer. She had always been like this—choosing silence when unwilling to respond.
“Do you know? My brother has died.”
Ciyue nodded and said, “I’m sorry.”
“Is that all you have to say to me, Ciyue sister? What’s wrong with you?”
“I don’t want to be a burden to you, Luoxi.”
Luoxi hugged her from behind.
“Ciyue sister, you are the closest person to me now…”
Ciyue only replied weakly, “One day, I will leave you too, Luoxi. You have to learn to be strong.”
“Why? Even you are going to leave me again?”
Ciyue noticed the small pinwheel atop Luoxi’s head—a gift she had given her before.
“You’re wearing the little pinwheel your brother gave you, right? So you should understand. I’m just like your brother. Protecting you is my choice.”
“I know. I understand…”
Ciyue freed herself and stood, walking toward the edge of the ruins. Below was a desolate street, with only a few people clearing away the scattered debris.
“That’s enough, little sister.”
“Ah…” The word ‘little sister’ stirred something deep inside Luoxi.
Being called ‘little sister’ by Ciyue gave her an uncanny sense of familiarity, as if her brother and she were one and the same.
“Before I leave, I have one last request. Although you weren’t part of our squad before, now you must take over my responsibilities. Take good care of the other girls. Don’t let them go astray…”
Luoxi couldn’t believe it. “Ciyue sister, are you really going to leave me?”
“I’ve already said—it’s to protect you. I could be assassinated at any time. I don’t want to drag you down.”
Ciyue swallowed hard, her heart in pieces.
[As long as you’re in their hands, I will never be able to reveal the truth…]
“Where are you going next?”
“To Donghai City. It’s under an unprecedented attack and needs reinforcements.”
“Can’t I go in your place?”
“No. It’s safer for you to stay here. If I stay, it’s more dangerous.”
Luoxi took her hand and said heavily, “Alright… Ciyue sister, you have to survive! I can’t lose you again.”
“Mm, and you must take good care of our comrades.”
“When this is all over, Ciyue sister, let’s go on another date.”
Luoxi caressed her palm.
“Mm, I promise you.”
***
Ciyue boarded the military aircraft bound for Donghai City, accompanied by dozens of fully armed Paratroopers.
Under the night sky, the military airport was brightly lit, signal lights blinking rapidly as transport planes took off urgently, ferrying troops and equipment from the Central Theater Command to the frontline in Donghai City.
“Tell me, what happened in Donghai City?” Ciyue asked the accompanying liaison.
“Several hours ago, Donghai City suffered an attack from an unknown source. Reliable intelligence suggests a Kingdom-level beast infiltrated the nearby Bay under Donghai City.”
“The biggest issue now is that all the local magical girls have inexplicably lost their combat abilities. Reinforcements from outside are needed to fill the defenses.”
“I understand.”
The transport plane flew through thick clouds over the North China Plain’s sea of lights below.
Several Escort Fighters flanked the plane, and Ciyue’s eyes fixed on one Su-35 Fighter, its wingtips flickering with red lights.
“Must be their Mental Attack… How could Donghai City have no defenses at all?” Ciyue murmured to herself.