In the underground sector HQ, with just two days left until the moon's catastrophic impact on Earth, all eyes were glued to the display broadcasting events on Earth's surface to the entire universe.
Commander Kenzo's voice carried a hint of anger as he turned to Everett and demanded, "Who is responsible for this broadcast? It's bound to sow chaos among the civilians. Inform HQ to track it down and shut it off."
Valerie interjected urgently, "Kenzo, now isn't the time to worry about the broadcast. We need to leave immediately; otherwise, we'll be ensnared in that impending disaster. Let's go."
Everett concurred, "Commander, Valerie is right. Our top priority is to save those with enough mana and strong souls."
The Commander, with a reluctant nod, inquired, "But don't forget about Leon."
Everett reassured him, "I've already made arrangements for the Sector A Cadets to evacuate from Earth, sir. You can count on it."
With a somber tone, the Commander confessed, "Everett, today I've failed Cyrus again, just like last time. I'll leave the battlefield as soon as things worsen. Nothing has changed."
"We've exhausted every possible avenue, Sir," Everett replied.
"The fate of the planet is sealed, and there's something else brewing above our surface. We must leave."
As they prepared to depart, they stole a glance at the screen, revealing the serene orange sky with clouds drifting lazily.
The Commander thought, "Perhaps this isn't such a terrible place to meet one's end."
Suddenly, growls emanated from the surface. The satellite display depicted a massive storm swallowing nearby voids and dust, and the unsettling sight of voids merging within the tempest.
As the storm continued to absorb and expand, it nearly matched the moon's size, which measured 1,740 kilometers. And it kept growing.
Once it reached a critical size, it began spiraling towards the moon, rising rapidly. The surge in mana pressure rendered escaping Earth an impossibility. All they could do was watch the screen, tremble, and hope for a miracle.
---
Meanwhile, at DEXTERS HQ on an unknown planet, officials feverishly attempted to trace the broadcast's origin.
An unidentified authority barked, "Has anyone identified the source of this broadcast?"
A soldier replied, "Yes, sir. The signal originated from Earth, and the ID belongs to Che Cadell."
"Contact Che Cadell immediately," the authority ordered.
Another officer chimed in, "Sir, we've established a connection with Che Cadell."
The unknown authority demanded, "What is the meaning of this, Cadell? Terminate this broadcast at once."
Che Cadell defiantly retorted, "Earth is on the brink of destruction. Its residents have the right to know their fate. If you wish to halt this, come to Earth and end it yourself, you scoundrel."
The unknown authority seethed, "Cut off this broadcast signal immediately."
"Sorry, sir," the officer replied.
"We can't. He's overridden all our satellite codes. It won't cease until Earth is destroyed or he terminates it."
The unknown authority spat, "Our family will pay for this, brother."
---
In the Underground A Sector infirmary on Earth, Amelia urgently exclaimed, "Everyone, evacuate now."
Jila and Juk rushed in, crying out, "Captain, we couldn't find Leon. What should we do?"
Amelia, with a sorrowful smile, replied, "He probably boarded the first evacuation ship off Earth. Now it's our turn to depart. Let's go."
A voice echoed through the microphone, "Please wait a moment. We're encountering difficulties evacuating people. Soldiers, maintain order among the civilians. Royals, report to Sector 77."
Chaos erupted after this announcement. Voices in the crowd clamored, "We want to be saved too. Don't abandon us!" and accusations flew, labelling the royals as selfish.
Riots erupted across the planet, intensifying the turmoil.
People turned on each other, and some even resorted to taking their own lives. Earth had descended into hellish chaos within moments, with children crying and people screaming.
Then, a voice reverberated through the microphone, reaching every corner of the planet and silencing everyone.
"People of Earth and residents from DEXTERS Planets, I am your Commander. Today, I failed in my duty to protect all of you. Earth is destined to be crushed by the moon, and we are all destined to perish. The bitter truth is, none of us can escape this fate."
As soon as these words were uttered, cries of disbelief erupted. "You're lying! Only the Royals are being evacuated, we know it! Stop your lies!"
The commander continued with a humble tone, "As you've seen, a storm is brewing above our surface, preventing our escape. Concealing the truth will only lead to more grief and senseless death. So, I implore you, cease fighting amongst yourselves. Reunite with your families, spend your remaining time together. Though humankind may perish, let us not let our humanity perish with it. I know this is hard to accept, but we have two days left. Live out this remaining life so you can say you have no regrets when the end comes."
Upon hearing these words, people dropped their weapons and abandoned their conflicts, returning to their homes without resistance.
As the Commander concluded his address, he turned, and Valerie gazed at him, saying, "Commander Kenzo, Cyrus would have made the same choice."
A solitary tear welled up in the eyes of Everett and Valerie.
Zora rushed forward and hugged Valerie, declaring, "Let's all go home and have one last dinner together."
Meanwhile, in the Sector A Cadets infirmary, Amelia instructed the J-Trios, "Let's go see our siblings one last time."
Jil replied with tears, "Yes, big sister."
---
In the Sector B Cadets infirmary.
Codey and Menoetius continued to cry for help, pleading, "Please, help our friends. They're dying, please. Someone, please help us. They're our only family. Ash is my only family.
A nurse who had been caring for Mickey hurried over after hearing their cries. She said, "I'll do my best. You should leave this place. I'll stay with your friends during their remaining time."
Both of them refused, and Codey said through tears, "We'll stay together until the end."
The nurse checked Ash's pulse and said, "He's in critical condition. His mana is depleting rapidly. We need to insert a mana stone into his heart immediately, but we lack a surgeon to perform the procedure."
Suddenly, an unfamiliar doctor arrived and instructed the nurse, "Prepare the operating procedure. We will save this young man."
The nurse, shocked, asked, "Dr. Che Cadell? Why are you here? You're needed at HQ, sir."
Che Cadell replied, "The Commander has taken over my responsibilities. I'm here because I must fulfill my duty as a doctor, right?"
The nurse nodded and said, "Yes, Doctor. I'll prepare the operating theater."
As Che examined Ash, Annarrgeal assured them, "He will be alright."
The nurse hesitated, then spoke, "Doctor,I'm here because I have no one else, but you have your family. You can leave this place; no one will blame you, sir."
As they prepared to take Ash to the operating room.
Che Cadell responded, "I'm here because this patient needs me more than my family does. It's alright; my family will understand."
Che Cadell thought to himself, "I wish I could see you one last time, Valerie and Zora."
Valerie interrupted his thoughts with a smile, saying, "If you get lost in your thoughts, how will you save that young patient, you foolish husband?"
Zora waved at him and said, "Hi, Dad."
The Commander chimed in with a smile, "Didn't I tell you? Che would be here."
Che looked at everyone, rushed towards them, and hugged them tightly.
Valerie scolded him, saying, "You fool, you don't have time to hug us. Save that patient."
Che addressed everyone, saying, "After all is said and done, we'll share Zora's favourite coffee."
Che asked the Commander, a mix of anger and relief in his tone, "Kenzo, why are you here?"
The Commander explained, "Everett insisted that I come. It's not my choice, you know."
Valerie teased the Commander, saying, "You're such a tsundere, still unable to express your true feelings."
As events unfolded before Codey and Menoetius, Codey looked at Ash and reassured him, "You're in safe hands, Ash."
Meanwhile, in Mansion Sector A8, Frida Auger seethed, growling and shouting, lamenting, "Why is this happening? I was supposed to be the next head of the Auger family, and now Earth is going to be obliterated, along with my palace and dreams."
In the Auger Family Research Centre,
Amelia exclaimed, "Hey, everyone, we're back," as she glanced at the children who had been confined in chambers.
People on Earth soon banded together, doing everything within their power to assist each other and forging unbreakable bonds. While their mana dwindled, their will to survive remained unyielding.
Soldiers and civilians gathered, singing and engaging in sports, preparing to confront death with courage and smiles.
A song played through the microphone, reaching every corner of the planet. It instilled calm and serenity in everyone, as they gazed at the clear red sky on the display. In unison, they all thought, "I'm proud to meet my end this way, without regrets."
[End of Chapter]