"Athena!" Captain Brooke repeated once, without further words, as this unit had no formal structure; it was simply a legitimate mercenary force employed by the Alliance government, rendering her identity inconsequential.
With a few maneuvers on the machine, in less than a minute, a military tag engraved with the name Athena was ready.
"Here, this signifies your identity. In case you perish on the battlefield, this is the most crucial item for identifying you. Wear it," Brooke instructed as he handed over the tag.
"Alright." Filia hung the military tag around her neck.
"Athena, I am Brooke, the captain of Alpha. There aren't many rules here but remember this one well," Brooke's demeanor turned serious.
"Please go on."
"Remember, no matter the circumstance, do not concern yourself with the life or death of your teammates. Each person has their specific task, focus on your own, not others. Even if I am in trouble before you, you need not rescue me. In short, mind your own business, preserving your own life is paramount. Understand?"
"Why shouldn't we save our teammates? Even if it is within our capabilities?" Filia didn't quite comprehend why there was such a rule in Alpha.
"No, this is protocol," Brooke replied sternly, then turned to the others standing nearby, "Brothers, it's time to depart. Let's go."
"Coming," Toto jogged over and joined Filia.
"Hello, Athena, I'm Toto, a half-demon mainly specializing in medic support and assisting in attacks. This is Sam, our assault expert," Toto introduced as he dragged the tower of a man who Filia had previously brought down.
"Sam." Sam was a bit embarrassed but still extended his hand towards Filia.
"Athena." Filia also reached out her hand, and as they shook hands, any past animosity melted away.
"Athena, let me introduce you to Alpha," Toto enthusiastically explained everything about Alpha to Filia, from their structure to armaments to missions.
Once everyone was aboard Alpha's spacecraft, Filia realized that this unit truly admitted individuals from all walks of life.
There were over a hundred people on the spacecraft, representing various races.
She was assigned to the 5th squad, Toto and Sam's squad.
The spacecraft quickly took off, and shortly after, the combat vessel entered the Zeus, the flagship of the Star Alliance—a massive ship comprising the Alliance's main forces.
As the Falcon Eagle of Alpha landed on the docking platform, Filia witnessed the conventional military forces of the Star Alliance.
One was a ground elite blood-only unit, while the other comprised predominantly human Alliance forces.
Was this the team Filia had yearned for?
"Don't look, Athena," Toto warned as he noticed Filia continuously gazing at the aligned regular forces.
"What's wrong?"
"Don't get into trouble. Those regular forces look down upon roughnecks like us. They assign us the dirty work, then act all arrogant. Just remember, ignore them," Toto cautioned.
"Alright, I understand."
Nodding, Filia withdrew her gaze.
Suddenly, a thought struck her—this was the flagship of the Star Alliance—wouldn't Luciano be on this ship too?
"Toto, do you think someone of our rank could meet the Commander?"
"The Commander? Haha, of course not. I heard he's already aboard his own Moonlight ship, headed to the front lines in advance," Toto chuckled.
"He left already?"
"Yes, urgent military reports came this morning. Several fringe stars were consecutively occupied. The Commander departed ahead of us."
"Oh." Hearing this, a doubt formed in Filia's mind.
Was Luciano's return home this morning truly just to fetch something? Or was it specifically to bid her farewell?
But if he couldn't bear to part with her, he would have said something, right?
Stoic and aloof, saying nothing, he simply left.
Biting her lip, Filia still couldn't fathom this man.
"Oh, Athena, why do you wear a face mask? Is there a story behind it?" Toto inquired when Filia remained silent for a while.
"Oh, nothing much, just a scar on my face, too ugly, I don't want others to see it," Filia explained.
"Ah, I see. Come on, let me show you our squad's quarters," Toto suggested.
Silently following Toto and the others, Filia reached the negative three floor of the ship—an area designated exclusively for Alpha's special forces.
It's worth noting that due to their unique military status, each member of Alpha was appointed an independent cabin, a luxury. Filia could open a portal and return home at any time, as she couldn't afford to disappear for too long in front of the servants; appearing before them at least once a day was necessary.
Finally, after changing into her combat attire and familiarizing herself with the surroundings, the flagship Zeus, carrying the main forces of the Star Alliance, set sail.
Through the porthole, Filia watched as the Nordra planet gradually receded, feeling a mix of excitement and exhilaration.
She was one step closer to fulfilling her previous host's desires.
Following dinner as a group, armed with a bag of the Zeus' special blood plasma, Filia excused herself early to her own cabin, citing the need for adequate rest.
Upon her return, she immediately secured the door, and then opened a portal back home.
After changing clothes, taking a shower, and styling her hair, Filia first stretched lazily downstairs in front of the housekeeper before strolling around, then headed to the backyard garden.
Armed with her phone, she snapped numerous photos in the garden, including a few selfies, before returning to her room.
To maintain her image, after editing the photos, Filia posted a nine-picture Instagram series, captioned: "Wishing my Commander a swift and safe return."
With everything settled, Filia reopened the portal and returned to Zeus.
Meanwhile, having made three consecutive jumps, Luciano, who was only a few hours away from arriving at the frontline, started browsing his phone.
His petite wife posted on Instagram every day, whether discussing new recipes or flowers blooming in the garden. Every time he saw these updates, he quietly clicked 'like.'
However, after waiting the entire day without any posts, he began to wonder.
What could she be doing? Was she feeling upset and saddened because he had left?