Axel Leo's last memory was a blinding explosion, the deafening roar of battle drowning his final thoughts. As darkness swallowed him, he expected oblivionāyet fate had other plans.
When his eyes fluttered open, Axel found himself floating within a dimly lit chamber, the hum of machinery surrounding him. Data scrolled across a holographic display above, listing an unfamiliar name: Ensign Axel Leo - Galactic Alliance Pilot. His mind reeled, struggling to process the influx of memories that weren't his own.
He wasn't just reborn; he was in another world entirely.
"Welcome, Ensign Axel Leo. You are assigned to Ensign Ledo's platoon under Commander Kugel," a monotone AI voice informed him.
Suisei no Gargantia... The name resonated within him, awakening fragmented recollections from a life before this one. He knew what lay ahead: the endless war against the Hideauze, the transport to an unknown water-covered planet, and the revelation that would shatter their very purpose.
Axel had watched this story unfold once before, but now, he was part of it.
The next few days were a blur. He was quickly ushered into a strict routine of training simulations, combat exercises, and strategic briefings. The Galactic Alliance functioned with relentless efficiency, its soldiers molded into living weapons against the Hideauze threat. Axel adapted, knowing he had no choice. His body moved on muscle memory he hadn't built himself, reacting with the precision of a soldier trained from birth.
Ledo, stationed in the same barracks, was eerily silent. The boy was just as conditioned as Axel remembered, his entire existence dedicated to fighting. Kugel, their commanding officer, was even more distantāan icon of the Alliance's ideals.
One evening, as Axel studied their mission briefs, Ledo finally spoke. "You perform well for a new recruit. Better than expected."
Axel hesitated, then smirked. "And here I thought I was just keeping up."
Ledo frowned slightly, as if processing the remark. "The Alliance does not assign soldiers lightly."
Axel leaned back, considering his words. He couldn't reveal the truthāno one would believe him. But if he wanted to survive, he needed to prepare. "Yeah," he said finally. "I'll make sure I don't slow us down."
Ledo simply nodded, returning to his studies. Axel exhaled, staring at the endless void beyond the ship's window.
The storm was coming.
The alarm klaxons blared, signaling deployment.
Axel snapped into action, entering the cockpit of his Machine Caliber. His AI assistant, designated CHM-002, greeted him with a clinical tone. "Ensign Axel Leo, synchronization complete. Orders received. Engaging combat mode."
The mission was routine: an engagement against a Hideauze swarm near the sector's edge. But Axel knew what this meant. The anomaly was near. The event that would change everything.
Kugel's voice crackled through the comms. "All units, prepare for battle. Maintain formation."
Axel flexed his hands, taking a steadying breath. "Understood."
The moment he fired his thrusters, he felt the weight of destiny pressing down. He had to be ready for what came next.