Chapter 14 - Sweet Traces Part 14: Longing for You

"What are you all doing? I won't be the squad leader. Where is our original Captain, Achim ?" Filia's face flushed as she looked around, not spotting the former captain anywhere."Achim suffered severe injuries and was sent back home on a medical ship," ToTo explained as he handed a bag of blood plasma to Filia, then continued, "Captain Athena, please don't decline. From now on, we will all follow your lead."Realizing she couldn't refuse anymore, Filia accepted. "Alright, from now on, as Team 5, we share life and death, facing adversity together.""Yes, sharing life and death, facing adversity together.""Long live Captain Athena."The voices of her comrades filled Filia with warmth, her eyes stinging with tears as she felt that her efforts were worthwhile.Just as Filia was being surrounded by her teammates and heading towards the third floor, a man in a dark gray military uniform, looking like a captain, approached her with a few others in similar attire."Are you Athena? Hello, I am Cole, the commander of the Ninth Division of the Joint Forces," he introduced himself.As soon as the name Cole was mentioned, the members of Team Alpha showed shocked expressions. Cole, a decorated officer with three honors, was a prominent figure in the Joint Forces. Why was he here? Did the Joint Forces have their eyes on Athena?Despite everyone's fear of their new captain being recruited by the regular army, Filia did not extend her hand. Setting down the half-empty bag of blood plasma, she simply nodded, said hello, and then walked away.Walked away!Not just the members of Team Alpha, but even Cole and his companions were incredulously looking at Filia.Watching her slender figure move gracefully away, Team Alpha members saluted Cole before following her. Cole slowly withdrew his hand, clenching it into a fist."This Captain is too arrogant," complained Cole's deputy."Yeah, who does she think she is? Just a mercenary," another deputy chimed in agreement.After taking several deep breaths, Cole fixed his gaze on his deputy's face. "Just a mercenary? Have you ever seen a mercenary take on a high-level sorcerer alone? General Lin has made it clear; that we must recruit her before the Blood Clan gets to her. Do you understand?"As beads of sweat formed on his forehead, Cole realized the gravity of the situation. General Lin had ordered that if they couldn't recruit her, they would bury him instead.Thinking it was unacceptable, sacrificing a bit of pride, Cole cursed internally a few times before turning and walking away.Meanwhile, back on the third floor, Filia was once again surrounded by Team Alpha members upon her return. Brook even prepared a welcome feast for her.The celebration continued until late at night, with Filia only returning to her cabin in the early morning. Lying in bed, gazing at the stardust outside, she felt a deep sense of pride as a soldier.The more she thought about it, the more she realized how difficult it was for Luciano. Holding her stellar communications wristband, after contemplating for a while, she dialed Luciano's number, opting for a simple voice call rather than a video.This was the first time she initiated a call to him during his absence on a mission. At the same time, Luciano, in a meeting with other generals discussing battle strategies, felt his heart skip a beat as he heard her special ringtone."Excuse me for a moment, I need to take this call," he informed the others before stepping out of the conference room.On the other end of the call, Filia's voice was sweet and endearing, making Luciano's heart race. "Hey there, what are you up to?""I'm in a meeting," Luciano replied, feeling his heart quicken at the sound of his beloved wife's voice."Oh? Am I disturbing you?" Filia hesitated."No, it's fine. I could use a break," Luciano lied."Oh! I don't have anything important, I just..." Filia trailed off."Yes? What is it?" Luciano prompted."I... I miss you," Filia lay in bed, cheeks gradually warming.On the other end of the line, Luciano's ears also reddened. Struggling to compose himself, he unbuttoned his military uniform collar."I... I miss you too..."Before he could continue, David burst out of the meeting room, the urgency evident on his face. Luciano's lips moved briefly, but he ultimately swallowed the unfinished words."There's an issue here. I need to handle it. Wait for me at home, it won't be long before I return," Luciano hurriedly spoke."Okay."The call ended, and at the same moment, there was a knock on Filia's cabin door. Opening it, she found Brook."Gather your team, emergency mission. Depart in 10 minutes.""Yes."Just minutes ago, a power plant on the edge of a star had been attacked by a demon legion, with many research personnel still inside. The command center immediately alerted Team Alpha to prepare for battle. Due to the overwhelming numbers of the demon legion, Alpha alone was not sufficient."General Lin, send a squad to make a feint attack on the enemy's frontlines, while Alpha Team is tasked with rescue," the orders came.While setting aside the tender moment his wife had just shared, Luciano sat at his command post. As he resumed commanding the battle, a chilling aura emanated from him, causing tension among all in the command room.After much consideration, General Lin sent out his main force, led by Cole of the Ninth Division.Ten minutes later, Team Alpha assembled completely. This time, they did not board their Falcon but instead embarked on a larger transport ship with the Joint Forces.As everyone onboard prepared their equipment, Cole, scanning the room, finally noticed Filia sleeping in a corner.Filia's tendency to snooze was irreparable, especially during space travel. Without the initial excitement, only heavy drowsiness remained.However, when the commander's voice echoed through her earpiece, Filia instantly snapped awake."Everyone, I am Luciano. I will be leading this fight."