At the mere thought of it, Luciano couldn't help but regret not kissing her before his departure. She was so obedient and gentle, and she had few friends of her own. Would she be feeling particularly lonely at home?
Just as he pondered, a special dynamic alert set on his Star Alliance bracelet lit up.
Upon opening it, Luciano felt his earlier worries dissipate entirely, seeing his darling wife's selfies exuding pure joy. However, a few words in the caption stirred warmth within Luciano's heart.
"My Commander," she said, "He is hers."
This sense of heartfelt belonging was something Luciano had never experienced before. Unintentionally, a smile graced Luciano's lips as he typed four words in the comments: "Wait for my return!"
Considering giving her a call, Luciano hesitated. She loved her sleep; perhaps she had dozed off again by now. Deciding not to disturb her, he removed the Star Alliance bracelet, leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and sought his final moments of rest.
On the other side, having readjusted into her combat attire and donned her mask, Filia emerged from her quarters once more. She aimed to visit the mid-level observatory, hoping to catch a glimpse of unseen nebulas.
Unexpectedly, as she stepped outside, Toto caught her attention.
"Athena, awake at last? We're playing Wizard Cards; we're a player short. Care to join?" offered Toto.
"Wizard Cards? What are those?" inquired Filia.
"Don't ask, join the game, and you'll find out," Toto remarked.
Initially resistant, Filia found herself succumbing to the allure after just one round, succumbing to the merriment.
While her husband worried about her potential loneliness and boredom at home, Filia had already won twelve consecutive matches. Excitedly shedding her combat jacket, she sported a simple tank top and dominated the game amidst a throng of men.
In three days, Filia had forged strong bonds with the members of the Alpha special forces team. She learned about the circumstances surrounding her comrades.
As the Captain mentioned, most had joined for financial reasons - be it to treat their loved ones or to enhance their families' living conditions due to financial struggles. Some were exceptionally skilled, focusing on earning for retirement. Individuals like Filia, striving for ideals, were a rarity.
Toto shared that he sought funds for his sister's rare illness, while Sam had four younger siblings back home. As for Not Dead, his monthly wages of tens of thousands were a safety net; his demise wouldn't financially cripple his family, who would receive a substantial sum upfront.
However, the rule admonishing against rescuing teammates, reiterated by Toto, remained incomprehensible and unacceptable to Filia. In her worldview, both from her former host and her current perspective, comrades were never to be abandoned.
After departing from the capital star for five days, the Zeus mothership finally reached the frontline.
Standing at the mid-level observation deck, Filia spotted ahead a silver-white ship amidst the fleet formation. The vessel's design was unique, resembling a laid-flat crescent or a silver scythe.
"Athena. That's the Commander's Moonlight ship, the fastest in the entire Star Alliance. It not only boasts speed but can perform five consecutive jumps. That means a return trip to the capital star from here takes less than half a day. If only one day, I could board it," Toto exclaimed with fervour as if ascending the Moonlight ship marked the pinnacle of his aspirations.
"Just a shabby ship. What's so remarkable about it?" Filia couldn't fathom Toto's dream.
"But that's the Commander's ship."
"So what? Isn't the Commander just a werewolf?" or her husband?
"Don't speak lightly," Toto nearly covered Filia's mouth, "The Commander has numerous admirers. In the Alliance army, there are even fan clubs dedicated to him. Many women aspire to marry him. Not limited to the Alliance army, there are rumours even within the Blood Clan leadership that covet him. However, there's speculation that the Commander recently got married."
Initially taken aback by Toto's earlier statements, Filia's jaw practically dropped at his final words.
This Toto would never have imagined that the woman conversing with him was the Commander's wife.
"Let's go, Athena. The Commander's ship is about to dock, and the pre-battle briefing is starting," Toto urged.
"What? A pre-battle briefing held by the Commander himself?" Filia's eyes widened.
"Yes, the Captain just informed us. Let's hurry," Toto tugged at Filia's sleeve, leading them to the training grounds.
The training grounds were already crowded with Blood Clan and regular Alliance troops, with the Alpha special forces unit relegated to the rear due to their distinctive combat role.
In this space of over ten thousand individuals, voices blended into a cacophony.
Suddenly, on the lectern, stood Luciano in his pristine white military attire. He simply stood there, without saying a word, yet the entire assembly fell silent.
"To all Star Alliance soldiers, the clarion call of war has sounded. For years, our conflict with the Demon race has persisted without abatement. Yet this time, they have amassed all their strength.
In just a few days, we have lost over a dozen fringe stars, each crucial resource hub for the Star Alliance.
This battle concerns the future of all races within our galaxy. We must protect our home, our loved ones, our partners, and our children - the very essence of our existence. Therefore, I say to you all, we must emerge victorious in this war at all costs. Regardless of the sacrifices demanded, we must eradicate the Demon race entirely."
Luciano's speech was brief yet exceptionally stirring. Upon concluding, with a last statement, he saluted the tens of thousands of soldiers below.
Watching her man from afar, looking so audaciously handsome, Filia felt as though pink bubbles were bubbling in her eyes.
He was indeed, too perfect. Apart from being a bit fierce and reticent on the bed, he excelled in every other facet.
Moistening her lips, Filia's desire to become the strongest warrior burned even brighter within her heart. Regardless of the world she inhabited or her societal position, provided her circumstances allowed, she wished to stand shoulder to shoulder with her beloved. He was exceptional; she could not fall behind.
As Luciano finished speaking, the next speaker, Army Commander, and Grand Wizard Ning, prepared to address the troops.
Yet before the briefing could conclude, Filia was whisked away by Toto.
"What's going on?" asked Filia.
"The Captain just relayed urgent news; we have a mission. The situation is critical," explained Toto.