First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 215

Chapter 215: Redemption

Lian Sheng hid behind the wall, checking the number of infantry at the distant street corner, their positions, and which faction they belonged to.

Zhao Zhuoluo confirmed the full length of the street behind, possible hiding spots, and speed arrangements.

He didn't know Lian Sheng's current stamina. Although she had received a blood bag just now, the short-term neurological effects of related drugs were undeniable.

Previously, Lian Sheng's complexion was very poor, even speaking seemed weak. Now, still pale, but at least much more spirited.

Lian Sheng leaned against the wall: "Great doctor, may I ask you a question."

Doctor: "Go ahead."

Lian Sheng asked: "Why insist on getting a doctorate? Isn't being a doctor fun? Didn't you study medicine to become a doctor?"

"You don't understand. I used to be a top student, the real kind. Grew up surrounded by praise. I like studying, but I don't like working. Because I fundamentally lack the psychological quality to be a doctor," the young doctor said bitterly. "My hands shake. I get nervous too easily. Even if I can do it well, others don't believe me. I have no future as a doctor; everyone laughs at me."

Lian Sheng: "What are you afraid of? Why shake? Don't you have a golden right arm?"

The doctor sniffled: "Afraid of killing people, also afraid of others killing me."

Lian Sheng said: "Just haven't seen enough. This time, let you broaden your horizons. Mere surgery is nothing. All clouds."

The doctor gritted his teeth: "You're right, not even clouds, all bullshit!"

Lian Sheng shrank back slightly, gave Zhao Zhuoluo a signal, suddenly said: "Shoulder that carried a gun, great doctor, I count to three, you rush out immediately. Remember to raise both hands above your head to show your harmless stance. Before they tell you to put them down, absolutely do not make any suspicious movements, especially putting hands in pockets. One!"

"Ah?" The doctor instantly panicked, his whole body started shaking, even his voice trembled: "Wait wait wait! Don't don't don't, let me prepare!"

Lian Sheng: "Two!"

Zhao Zhuoluo pressed his back: "Prepare to sprint, adjust your posture. Don't rush out only when their backs are turned, otherwise he might just turn around and shoot you."

"My—heavens—!" Doctor, "Then what should I say? What should my first sentence be? Did I bring my ID card? When I'm nervous I speak..."

Lian Sheng interrupted him: "Just cry!"

Zhao Zhuoluo: "If possible, help us provide cover."

Lian Sheng reminded again: "Oh, when providing cover, remember not to say we are colleagues, otherwise if discovered, you will also be in trouble."

The doctor wrung his fingers, collapsing: "Can't... can't digest, I can't remember! What did you just say?"

Lian Sheng: "Three—run!"

Zhao Zhuoluo quickly gave him a push.

"Ah—!" The string in the doctor's head instantly snapped; air rushed into his mouth. He rushed out with wide eyes, screaming, shouting recklessly: "Help! I can't take it anymore, my magical right arm!"

The doctor ran forward. Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo followed closely, sticking to the wall, turning left, running towards another street.

The soldiers ambushing at the street corner were suddenly startled, stood up aiming at the target, got up to pursue.

Several people heard a faint voice shouting: "Who? Stop! Person ahead stop!"

But running, the wind whistled past their ears, soon couldn't hear anymore.

The doctor tilted his head, glanced at Lian Sheng and the others, threw himself to the ground, extended his hand towards them: "Save me! I'm a doctor! I'm a doctor! Don't kill me!"

Two soldiers ambushing nearby came out; another came over from afar.

The three surrounded him with guns raised.

Temporarily unable to confirm this person's danger level, couldn't safely pursue. Several people reported to the captain, told the brothers ahead to pay attention, stayed behind to verify the young doctor's identity.

The doctor felt the three pitch-black muzzles aimed at him, terrified they might accidentally fire. Every inch of muscle in his body twitched; his whole person was about to go crazy. Closed his eyes, hugged his head, shouted: "Don't kill me! Don't shoot!"

Soldier asked: "State your identity! Who are you? Why are you here, what do you want to do?"

The doctor looked up, carefully asking: "Can I put my hands down to get my ID card?"

Soldier: "...Yes."

The doctor tremblingly took out the electronic card from his coat pocket, handed it over with both hands. Then continued hugging his head, lying prone on the ground.

This posture gave him immense security.

The soldier took it, lifted his face to take a photo, then transmitted it along with the ID number upwards to confirm his identity.

Soon the system produced results. Person found, native Gelen citizen, works nearby, identity no problem, trustworthy.

Several soldiers sighed in relief.

Soldier asked: "What happened to you?"

"We were doctors lingering in the clinic, overslept working overtime, wearing headphones, didn't hear the evacuation broadcast. By the time we realized fighting broke out outside, it was already too late," the doctor burst into tears, coming readily. "Too damn scary... They treated us like enemy troops, pinned us down in the clinic, never seen such a scene. Thought I wouldn't see my family again."

"..." Soldier said, "Accidental injuries happen. Next time encountering this situation, first state your identity, call the rescue hotline, report location, wait for official contact."

Doctor asked carefully: "You... which side are you on?"

"Whichever side, still Gelen soldiers. Don't worry, we don't harm civilians." He forcefully pulled the doctor up. "Can stand up. We'll send a car now to take you back to the main urban area. Where are your two colleagues?"

"The previous incident scared them too much; they don't trust you. I told them to come with me, they didn't believe, said they'd run back to the main urban area themselves. Oh, the girl inside injured her hand, you guys are very nervous... just very nervous, maybe don't trust you, don't shoot." The doctor's thoughts jumped around, hastily adding: "Oh, they aren't my colleagues; we just met on the road."

Soldier said: "Got it, we understand."

He began reporting to headquarters, telling them to be careful not to accidentally injure two civilian doctors in white coats.

Lian Sheng and Zhao Zhuoluo wrapped their white coats tightly, preventing the equipment underneath from being exposed.

Hearing the instruction to stop nearby, the two quickly lowered their heads, circled around the nearest building, then looked for an opportunity, using the green belt as cover to escape.

The people behind didn't dare shoot, just shouted from afar. The two ran fast enough, frequently changing paths with map assistance, actually managing to shake them off one by one.

However, the white coats were only useful for short-term concealment; they couldn't confront the opponent head-on. If the opponent saw their faces, or if stopped, then a body search, an identity check, the two would be finished.

But escaping the opponent's search line for a long time clearly wasn't something ordinary doctors could do. The opponent would inevitably become suspicious and start taking coercive measures. If really pushed to that point, the two of them alone would be in danger.

Lian Sheng asked: "How far is it from here to the main urban area?"

Zhao Zhuoluo said: "Actually not far. Calculating based on the edge line drawn for main urban area evacuation, a little over one kilometer."

Gelen, to ensure the safety of the main urban area, had already expanded the area outwards as much as possible.

Lian Sheng asked: "One more digit?"

Zhao Zhuoluo: "Add a zero then multiply by two."

Lian Sheng blurted out: "Damn!"

"That's the straight-line distance," Zhao Zhuoluo said. "Our curved path like this, might need to multiply by two again, or maybe multiply by two again."

Didn't even want to curse anymore.

The number of soldiers in this internal war was relatively small, or rather, the number of soldiers left in the suburbs was relatively small. Most were concentrated near the main urban area border line. The number of soldiers sent for searches was even smaller.

The streets here in the suburbs had wide fields of vision; buildings weren't as dense as in the urban area. Few hiding spots on the roads. But on both sides lined with factory buildings, because large factories generally occupied large areas, and the external planning between different factories wasn't as strict as in the urban area, varying sizes, intertwined, making it harder to find people mixed within.

Roads led in all directions; many choices for hiding too.

They were now walking inside the factory complex on the inner side of the road.

Lian Sheng felt weak in her limbs, vision starting to blur, knew she needed rest. Excessive blood loss was a fact; body and mind couldn't remain excited indefinitely. After the hormone effects subsided, fatigue and exhaustion began to backlash multiplied.

She stopped to listen for sounds, confirmed no pursuers nearby, signaled Zhao Zhuoluo to rest first.

The sky had already darkened.

Lian Sheng felt she just blinked; the sky, gray moments ago, instantly turned ink black.

The two turned on their communicators together, listening to what others were doing.

Zhou Shirui was communicating with Hundred Meter Flying Dagger on a separate channel. Lu Mingyuan was resting temporarily. Ye Buqing was responsible for lookout, guarding against special situations.

Fang Jianchen was singing, the tune exceptionally soulful.

Made Lian Sheng instantly feel the urge to cut off communication again.

Fang Jianchen was quite spirited, probably bored, stared at the optical computer, instantly spotted the two, excitedly: "How are you guys? Everyone okay?"

He glanced at the map: "Revolution is about to be completed; comrades continue to strive!"

Lian Sheng said: "We're fine. How are things over there?"

Fang Jianchen: "Ready to support anytime. Ji Ban is waiting at the border line. We just stopped in the middle of the urban area to ensure Moshi's activity space. But Gelen military personnel are rushing him back."

Ji Ban was negotiating with the Gelen military over there.

Opponent said forcefully: "Please move your mech away from this place immediately!"

Ji Ban said: "We entered legally!"

"Legal entry doesn't mean you can legally go anywhere in Gelen. This is a special situation; you are not allowed to stay here," the opponent said. "Gelen has slight internal disputes; the Alliance has no right to interfere."

Ji Ban said: "Protecting peace is everyone's responsibility!"

Opponent said angrily: "If your mech continues to stay here, we will have to suspect your true purpose!"

Ji Ban: "We entered legally!"

Gelen military: "Your legality is to protect the joint team! The joint team personnel are now in the shelter; you should go protect outside the shelter!"

Ji Ban: "Protecting peace is everyone's responsibility!"

"..." Gelen military, "..."

Lian Sheng listened, smiling: "Okay. Being shameless is fine at times like this."

Bite down on two points: one motivation, one legality. Feign ignorance on everything else. That's the smartest approach.

Even if disliked Alliance personnel, would avoid taking action at times like this. Besides, Moshi was a new type of mech, weapon arsenal abundant, components complete. If really fought in the developed 3rd District, estimated they would die of heartache.

Ji Ban dealt with the opponent steadfastly, later unwilling to listen to them speak, just randomly answered "hmm hmm ah ah." Stared at the optical computer, busy browsing Gelen news and announcements online. Incidentally scrolled through social media, seeing if anyone still left in the suburbs hadn't evacuated, could reveal some internal information.

He glanced at Lian Sheng's position. Even if not a data analyst, knew something was wrong, asked worriedly: "Lian Sheng, your position is still a bit far, no problem?"

At 5 o'clock, they were located in some small alley. Although injected, broke through the original spot, circled around several times, but nearly four hours passed, still less than ten kilometers from the original position.

This evacuation speed was a bit off. Ji Ban felt their condition probably wasn't good. This speed, approaching the main urban area, where enemy forces were dense, could be understood, needing cautious movement, scouting the map. But they clearly just set off.

Thinking carefully, everything felt wrong.

For example, starting to rest in place so early. For another example, Lian Sheng turning off the communicator completely for the first time during action, her views and commands on the action also significantly reduced. Even Zhao Zhuoluo followed suit, turning off his communicator.

Completely like two separate teams.

Lian Sheng said: "Fine. You listen to Brother Dao's command actions over there. Any leads on Cornell and Harry's location?"

Lu Mingyuan woke up over there, answered for her: "No. Brother Dao asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs personnel to inquire, the joint team personnel also went to ask, but no results. Maxwell stated he's no longer in the 3rd District, doesn't know about the situation occurring in the 3rd District. Additionally, the 3rd District is currently in chaotic battle, no time to respond to our questions."

Lian Sheng clicked her tongue.

Fang Jianchen said: "Next time see him, definitely drink him under."

Maxwell, this person, too much of that politician's calm trait. His rhetoric impeccable, reasons all stood firm. Just not enthusiastic.

Many things weren't just about doing according to common sense. Above the bottom line, wasn't there still human feeling? But the other party just wouldn't talk human feeling with them.

Saying one less sentence, screwed them over big time. But holding back that half sentence, what good did it do him?

This person was too cautious, unwilling to trust them, so unwilling to provide extra intelligence.

Lian Sheng looked up at the tranquil night sky, felt somewhat sleepy, yet had to remind herself to stay alert. Blinked hard: "The matter of us coming to the 3rd District with the joint team, wonder if they know. If they know, then perhaps will actively come find us."

This kind of thing wouldn't be reported externally; only official personnel would know. Maxwell probably didn't tell them.

Ji Ban understood: "Should have known I'd drive Moshi around the streets a couple more times."

Fang Jianchen said: "Gelen's police uncles would be scared to death by you."

Lian Sheng said: "You still stay put, don't move. When the opponent's situation is unknown, the more you move, the more chaotic. If they know we came, know we have to execute a mission, the border line is actually the best place to confirm."

Ji Ban said: "Mm."

Although saying so, none held much hope.

Even if Cornell knew they came, with Cornell's personality... no, even Lian Sheng would suspect, did the other party come for herself, or to do a mission?

Most likely inclined towards the second type.

Without seeing with own eyes, few would be narcissistic enough to think the Alliance dared risk lives to save a person with unclear stance full of trouble.

Then, with the Alliance's already awkward identity, actively avoiding to prevent implicating them seemed more likely.

Unless, the other party also fell into difficulty, might come over to slightly probe.

Lu Mingyuan said: "Then let's drive around. Turn on headlights, maybe they will contact us."

"Don't, movements too suspicious, easily cause trouble. Besides, Cornell and the others, when they left unknown, whether in main urban area unknown, even whether still in Gelen we don't know. Doing this is useless," Lian Sheng said. "And even if they are in the main urban area, saw your car, wouldn't actively contact you. Alliance car parked in Gelen's urban area, definitely already monitored. Cornell's identity special, cannot expose, cannot drag you down either. Otherwise everyone detained in Gelen can't go back."

Ji Ban sighed: "Then what to do?"

"Wait, watch again, don't rush," Lian Sheng said. "Currently, you are in the open, they are in the dark; they have better mobility than you. Cornell so smart, if wants to contact you, will actively come find you. Ji Ban, might be Harry coming to find you. Widen your perspective a bit, pay attention to support."

Ji Ban straightened his back, passed the cup beside him to Fang Jianchen: "Another cup of coffee for me! I need to grind another night's worth of instances!"

Currently no need to drive, Lu Mingyuan simply got out of the driver's seat, sat beside Ji Ban, helped him stare at the screen together.

Harry shrank in the sewer, opened the control system inside the sewer, checked the surveillance footage on the ground above.

Searched street by street like that, finally saw Moshi's figure.

He estimated the zoomed distance, quietly walked to the place closest to Moshi, aimed the optical computer at the ceiling above, carefully searched for sounds, then placed it by his ear to listen.

Outside too noisy, faintly received some sounds, but no useful information. Unable to determine Ji Ban and the others' purpose for coming to the 3rd District.

Maxwell couldn't provide them with legitimate identities, nor prepare lethal weapons for them. But if just released them like that, relying on the 3rd District's surveillance system, could catch them back in less than a day.

So he prepared a map of the city's underground passages for the two, including sewer entrance passwords.

Although the underground passages didn't cover the entire city, going somewhere required constantly adjusting positions up and down. But the sewer had control panels, could view surveillance footage within a certain range, ensuring they could safely change locations as much as possible.

Although the two weren't old, lacked deep experience, but were veterans in the military department, movements agile, had experience with these things, didn't encounter accidents.

However, the password was only valid for one week. If they couldn't leave the 3rd District within a week, Maxwell wouldn't care anymore.

Maybe stay forever in the sewer passages, maybe meet some merchant, leave Gelen as vagrants.

Of course, Cornell's face directly eliminated the second possibility.

The future the two could foresee was very short, hadn't even thought about life after seven days.

After coming out, the thing they did most was sit in the quiet narrow passage, leaning against the wall, listening to footsteps not far away.

They had no resentment or regret, just felt since it happened, besides accepting calmly, no second way, then accept peacefully.

Yet now standing in the sewer, mood completely different.

Harry's heart beat faster and faster.

Used to think being a soldier in the Alliance was a very boring thing. Woke up every day, just thinking about training. Trained every day, just thinking about fighting. Fought every time, just thinking about the peace that didn't know when would arrive.

Goal although distant, but clearly knew what to do. Only now understood how precious that clarity was.

Harry finished confirming, retreated a distance back. Away from their defense line, preventing his voice from being monitored.

Harry reported: "Saw Moshi, he is indeed guarding here. Others I don't know, didn't dare get too close."

Cornell stood in another area some distance away, stopped, frowned puzzled: "They are Alliance personnel, what are they doing guarding the border line?"

Harry: "I don't know. Couldn't hear clearly, didn't say anything important either."

"Their mech can openly stay in the border line area, means indeed entered legally. But Gelen and Alliance relations tense. The only way to let them in probably is... following the joint team personnel," Cornell said. "Joint team personnel definitely not in border line area now. Then Moshi stopping here, more likely to support someone."

"Hey, Cornell? I say..." Harry said very softly, "That direction, is it the place we came out from? The nearest path."

That hope was like a little rainwater, falling into the pond, rippling outwards layer by layer.

Although not turbulent waves, yet made him unable to remain calm, always couldn't help thinking 'if'.

—If it really was like that, he felt he could cry on the spot. But he didn't dare believe. Rarely calmed down, they didn't want to accept a 'no' result again at the end.

"Cornell, you think it's possible?" Harry wavered. "When Lian Sheng left, said would bring you back."

Cornell was silent for a moment: "...I don't know."

Harry asked: "Then what now? Why would he stay here? Internal war not over yet, I see Barite will soon attack the urban area. If they don't leave soon, won't be able to leave. Barite really dislikes Alliance people."

Cornell said: "They might have someone trapped outside. So Moshi went over to support."

Harry: "Who?"

Cornell: "Don't know. But border line now has many soldiers, Moshi not easy to support. Slightly larger movement might arouse suspicion, be detained for questioning under various excuses. But if movement not large, perhaps cannot support teammates."

Harry: "Ah...?"

Cornell said: "Let's try, see if can go that way and bring them back."

Harry: "If not on the road..."

If not, at most means they were being sentimental.

But if the Alliance really encountered danger here, helping them one last time was also very good.

At least found something to do again, no need to let thoughts run wild anymore.

Cornell said: "Don't know where they've gone. To prevent accidents, you stay just outside the defense line. If see them, remind them. I'll circle around front to find people."

Harry nodded: "Okay."

A moment later Harry asked again: "Then seeing them, what to say? Have you eaten?"

Cornell pondered: "No need to say anything."

No need to say.

Lian Sheng looked down at her left hand, then used her right hand to touch the fingers of her left hand.

Zhao Zhuoluo stared fixedly at her movements, suddenly asked: "Does it hurt?"

Lian Sheng shook her head.

"Excellent."

Lian Sheng opened her mouth: "This operation had accidents; we only got this far. Don't know what happens next, but we need to be prepared."

Zhao Zhuoluo listened quietly.

Lian Sheng: "You can always do very well. Can do anything very well, I believe you. This time I wanted to save Cornell and Harry, but I don't hope you guys will stay here because of this. If can leave, have a chance to live, don't let it go. This is the most important thing."

Zhao Zhuoluo didn't speak.

Lian Sheng said again: "Did you hear me?"

Zhao Zhuoluo opened his mouth sullenly: "Why did you want to save Cornell? Knowing the danger, still came."

Lian Sheng said: "I can accept him leaving, but I cannot accept him leaving this way. If indifferently ignore, maintain huge guilt and regret for the rest of life, too painful, I cannot convince myself. Rather try once myself. But here is different."

"Same," Zhao Zhuoluo stood up. "No matter what way of leaving, I cannot accept you leaving before me. I cannot convince myself, so I want to take you away."

Zhao Zhuoluo grabbed Lian Sheng's left hand, fingers somewhat forceful, paused, then turned around, squatted before her, put her arm around his neck: "Let's go."

Lian Sheng "mm"-ed.

They walked forward along the dim light.

Zhao Zhuoluo turned his head side to side, listening for surrounding movements. From time to time freed a hand to confirm the map.

Light too dim, somewhat nervous, afraid he'd take a wrong turn. At times like this, memory seemed not very useful; couldn't remember the map ahead clearly. Just put down hand, forgot again.

He worried if encountered emergency, couldn't think in time, entered some wrong place, took another detour.

Taking detours at times like this would simply cause collapse.

Surroundings very quiet, didn't hear any suspicious sounds. Zhao Zhuoluo's ears filled with Lian Sheng's breathing. The sound regularized, but he always felt it getting lighter.

Zhao Zhuoluo quickly asked: "Are you conscious?"

"I'm awake," Lian Sheng asked. "Did you give me anesthesia?"

Zhao Zhuoluo: "I didn't. If did, you'd have slept long ago."

Lian Sheng: "Oh, wonder if that someone did."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "You're just tired."

Lian Sheng's head rested on his shoulder, occasionally swaying could brush his face. The gradually heating temperature made him very uneasy.

Zhao Zhuoluo quickened his pace, lifted her up slightly, changed from small jogging steps to large strides fast running: "I'll carry you, you sleep. I will take you out."

Lian Sheng laughed out loud, asking: "If I sleep, will you be scared?"

Zhao Zhuoluo said: "No."

Nothing to be scared of. He felt every step he took could see the road ahead.

Just keep running forward, anyway he had plenty of strength.

He never felt his running speed was so slow. No matter how walked, seemed still very far.

Not there yet, not there yet.

The distance between the two points on the map seemed to show no sign of shortening.

But clearly a long time had passed.

Zhao Zhuoluo's breathing grew heavier, pace somewhat disordered.

Lian Sheng opened her eyes, raised her hand to press his head: "Calm down, don't rush. Slow down. I'll guide you."

Everything at night seemed to become clearer. Amidst the intertwined breathing, mixed a trace of other noise.

A white beam of light shot down from the sky, constantly scanning the ground, searching.

Lian Sheng looked back, about to sweep towards them.

Lian Sheng said: "Turn left. Don't rush. There's a protruding rain canopy over there, hide underneath."

Zhao Zhuoluo carried her, walked to the entrance of the adjacent building.

White light swept over their heads, then quickly left.

Zhao Zhuoluo covered in sweat, whole body sticky, eyes couldn't adapt to the strong light for a moment, closed them.

Suddenly a startled shout broke the silence.

"Who! Who's there?"

Zhao Zhuoluo felt like cold water poured over him, shivered, Lian Sheng could feel his whole body stiffen. Didn't even see clearly where the person came from, directly started running wildly.

"Stop—! If civilian, stop immediately! Otherwise I'll shoot! Warning again, still don't stop I'll shoot! Report report! Requesting forward interception! Found suspicious elements requesting forward interception..."

Cornell walked in the underground passage, wearing headphones, holding the optical computer high for sound reception, jogging forward.

Suddenly heard chaotic footsteps, then soldiers shouting reports.

His footsteps paused for a moment, rushed forward, opened the control panel.

However, too dark. Even if surveillance activated night vision function, couldn't tell who was who, only a rough outline.

Yet Cornell had a strong premonition, it was them.

He confirmed the direction the two fled, also chased quickly that way.

Zhao Zhuoluo breathed hard, squeezing the air in his lungs, finally started sprinting.

Even carrying a person, running for nearly half a day, his speed at this time was still terrifying, actually shaking them off by half.

However, the footsteps behind hadn't completely disappeared, yet the nightmare-like pursuit sound echoed again from the front.

Zhao Zhuoluo shook his head, felt dizzy, nearly fell.

Cannot continue like this; Zhao Zhuoluo would die of exhaustion.

Lian Sheng patted his shoulder: "Stop! Excellent, stop!"

Zhao Zhuoluo subconsciously slowed down, sweat rolling down his forehead. His vision blurred, gasped for air, couldn't see the road ahead clearly.

"Which way to go?" Zhao Zhuoluo adjusted speed with small steps forward, squinting: "Where is there still a road?"

Lian Sheng was also looking, suddenly her gaze turned a corner, her elbow hooked slightly. Zhao Zhuoluo stopped his steps. Asked: "What's wrong?"

Lian Sheng raised her finger to point.

He looked in the direction she pointed. A black figure stood alone ahead of them.

Orange light shone from behind him, stretching his shadow long and thin.

Side profile indistinct, couldn't see clearly. Seemed to have grown taller slightly.

But it was the person they were looking for.

It was the person they were looking for!

Zhao Zhuoluo took a deep breath, eyes reddening.

Several gazes met, all carrying a trace of astonishment, also an indescribable emotion.

Harry asked, what to say upon seeing them.

Cornell told him, no need to say anything.

Because he felt he wouldn't encounter them.

Because even if encountered, he didn't know what he should say.

Both sides spoke in unison.

Lian Sheng said: "We're here to take you back."

Cornell: "We're here to take you out."

—No matter how dangerous the place, if you are there.

—We will rush over.

Cornell's fingers jumped lightly, like a drifting life finally landing.

At that moment, for the first time, he desperately hoped to live.

Not thinking about death, getting his name in the Alliance. Not using his life to strive to prove he lived. But hoping to live to go back and see again.

If there was, the Alliance was his destination.

---

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