“By the way, have you seen that Granma is having a good time with that old man?” Tatsumi was asking Nene about their current situation.

Nene nodded slowly. She had seen with her own eyes that Granma was often discussing something with an unfamiliar old man.

“Supposedly, he is actually someone that Granma knew a long time ago. It is just that the current situation occurred that the two of them can meet like this. Isn’t this like a divine intervention?” Tatsumi added.

For him, this situation felt like something that came out right after the comic books that he had read. It felt good that it happened.

“Brother…they are looking at us,” Nene said in a nervous voice. Tatsumi then raised his head to see that both Granma and that old man were looking at them.

“Uh, oh. Let’s greet them then.” Tatsumi knew that he could not avoid this so he did not hesitate to go there. He also did not forget to bring Nene with him by grabbing her hand. Nene had no choice but to follow his lead.

“Seeing you little ones healthy and active makes me a bit happy.” The old man said with a warm smile on his face. His wrinkles also slightly moved as he put on a friendly expression on his face.

The old man, also known by many people as Miyamoto Mamoru, was a Marshall of the Hinon Federation military. However, on Offensive Campaign No. 10, he did not lead the operation; his friend Bruce was.

Furthermore, the deputy commander of the campaign was his student and he was here more like an advisor.

He was supposed to enjoy the flow and the ride but who would have thought that the Captain and Charlene would bring a surprise for him?

“Granpa, can I have the opportunity to know your name?” Tatsumi politely asked.

Miyamoto Mamoru patted Tatsumi on the head and said, “You are an excellent kid. This grandpa is known as Miyamoto Mamoru. The one who has seen the Second Star Battle.”

“Please, stop bragging about that particular point. The children will not understand.” Grandma said softly.

As expected, Tatsumi wore a blank look followed by Nene. Both of them did not understand the significance of what he said.

But Tatsumi suddenly got a ‘voice’ that told him about the background of Star Battle. It was a familiar voice, belonging to Kudungga.

At this moment, Kududngga had conjoined with Tatsumi and relayed some information to him.

‘Boy, Star Battle is an event where we humans have to fight against other race from outside our planet.’

“Is it where we have to fight aliens?” Tatsumi said as if he was not sure about the information from Kudungga.

“Hahaha, it is not wrong to consider it as such. Child, you sure are knowledgable.”

Hearing that only caused Miyamoto Mamoru to feel nice. But that time was also the moment where he was exposed to the Undead Element which caused death and decay.

And due to that exposure, his life changed. He saw someone who thrive on that situation but later on he discovered that person had the Necromancer’s Trait.

‘All of that is in the past. I believe the Thebes Kingdom is the one that researches things related to the Transcendent Power. I heard that the Hinon Federation and the Thebes Kingdom foster an alliance. It is good as long as it benefits humanity.’ Thought Miyamoto Mamoru.

He put that thought to the back of his mind and looked at the two children in front of him.

“Feng Mo, you have introduced the people under your care but I don’t know their appearance. Could you introduce me to these two first?” Miyamoto Mamoru asked. He was genuinely curious about them, especially the boy who knew about Star Battle.

“Hah, fine.” Feng Mo, the headmaster of the Nine Suns Orphanage said before she continued gently, “The boy here is Tatsumi. You’ve heard about it from me. Yes, he is capable of understanding more things than his peers.

“The one he holds hands with is Nene, his sister. They are discovered in front of the gate of the orphanage and since then become part of the family.”

Miyamoto Mamoru nodded thoughtfully, integrating information he had received through listening with Feng Mo to the two children in front of him.

Tatsumi stared at him and Nene hid behind her brother while Feng Mo explained.

“I see.” Miyamoto Mamoru said while his gaze was still lingering on Tatsumi.

“I think I know what you two wanted to ask.” Miyamoto Mamoru started to explain. He continued, “It’s about my relationship with your Granma, right?

“It is simple actually. We are an old childhood friend who was separated by their affiliation...”

Tatsumi listened attentively. Something important as this needed to be engraved in his mind.

 

-

 

The entire battle situation was grey. But the campaign commander was sure that ‘Operation Groundrazer’ would be executed flawlessly.

After all, it was where they had to demonstrate to the world and gather usage information. The result of the atomic bombs would become a reference for the Federation, which was the first one to develop such a weapon.

It had to be perfect so Bruce as the commander had to make sure that the ones who would do it were in perfect condition. Furthermore, they had to check for additional intelligence from someone who delved into the territory of the Heavensend Kingdom.

That was why the intelligence that the Captain had obtained from his mission became a valuable asset in their next move.

“The target has been set for certain. It is Nine Suns City and Marsh City.” Bruce said bluntly.

He was on the bridge of the aircraft carrier and across from him was the figure of the deputy commander.

“But would this cause those human rights activists to act?” the deputy commander asked.

“I’d rather hear them talk about it and win the future battle than not hear it because we are losing.” Bruce decisively said.

The deputy commander was stunned. He did not expect that even Bruce who was an Admiral to have a broader mind and vision.

Of course, as an educated person and informed as well he had heard of the famous Star Battle.

But to hear that the commander was so concerned about it despite there being no sign of another battle meant that every higher-up from the Hinon Federation was probably preparing for another possible Star Battle.

“What is the progress of the current battlefield?” Bruce next asked about the situation of their forces in the enemy territory.

“So far, we are doing well. We didn’t go too far into the hinterland and build several outposts to fend off the enemy’s potential guerilla tactics.” The deputy commander answered.

Bruce had an indifferent face as he heard that. After all, it went according to the plan. They were here to intimidate the Heavensend Kingdom, not to cause unnecessary problems.

In the face of the unity of humankind, Bruce would not let any problem appear as long as he was the commander of the campaign.

“We will move after ‘Operation Groundrazer’ is done. At that time, we shall see what reaction the Heavensend Kingdom will do to counteract it.”

Bruce wanted to create an image in which the Hinon Federation would launch other atomic bombs if the Heavensend Kingdom did not surrender, causing massive damage to their territory.

“Other than that, what does the intelligence say of the Bornea Region?”

“Reporting to the commander, it is actually the headquarters of the Snatcher. They are its uncrowned ruler there.”

“Is that so? Tell me more.”

“Bornea Region is actually given to the Jiuli which is under the first king Chi You. Even there is a city dedicated to them, Nine Dawns City. But strangely, the headquarters of the Snatcher is located in Nine Suns City instead which piqued the Strategic Intelligence Division.

“That was why we approved of your move regarding Miss Charlene’s request as it also served as an intelligence gathering mission.” The deputy commander said.

“Fortunately, they made the right call. Who would have thought that the Snatcher is actually above ten thousand people and below one? With the intelligence we have acquired, the negotiation is going to be fun.” Bruce said while he took another cigarette and lit it up.

The deputy commander could see that Bruce was smiling.

Then they proceed to exchange information regarding the daily activities of the forces under them.

At the same time, Charlene was inspecting the special cargo that the fleet had delivered. It was actually the two produced atomic bombs based on what Charlene and Annie had envisioned.

While Charlene was to put in the calculation of the effect of the bomb, Annie was the one who had to design the bomb.

One of the bombs was big, an oval-shaped form viewed from the side. The other was slim and sleek. The two bombs were pitch black in color with only the end part being a bit white.

Charlene looked at the two and could not help but wonder…

‘How much damage these two will cause if they are used for real? According to my calculation, it should at least raze buildings within a few kilometer radius of the impact point.’

But that was just theory, meaning it was only based on calculation and estimation. The real thing had to be tested on the field to gather accurate data.

Furthermore, depending on the fission, the result of the energy explosion also varied. So Charlene could not possibly know the exact damage the two would cause, but it probably would not be small.

As Charlene was considering the effect of the two bombs, someone was at the front of the storehouse.

“I know that there is someone in here.” A voice belonged to an old man. Charlene who heard the voice felt familiar with the voice.

“Mister, what are you doing here?” Charlene then went to the front door of the temporary storehouse and greeted the figure.

Of course, Charlene knew the figure. He was someone who she had recently seen more with the headmaster of the Nine Suns orphanage, Miyamoto Mamoru.

“I am here to look around. Unexpectedly, you are also here. I am also looking for you to discuss something.” He said heartily.

“What is it? Let’s move to a more comfortable place.” Charlene said while Miyamoto Mamoru followed. They walked side by side to the place near the runway. That place was wide and they could see the view of their surroundings perfectly.

“I heard from someone that you are the one who wanted to bring someone from the Bornea Region’s Nine Suns City to be part of us.” Mamoru started.

Charlene knew that the matter was probably discussed by Bruce and the Captain as they were the only ones who could know such information.

“Yes, what is it that Mister wants to say?” Charlene asked.

“I just wanted to thank you. This is personal. Before, I looked at you like looking at the younger generation full of potential. But now, I can see that you are also having shouldered a big burden. You look like someone who needs some help in determining the direction.”

Charlene silently noticed what Mamoru wanted to say. But she did not expect that the old man could see her situation.

“I just feel like I had to see this matter to the end. After all, I am the one who is responsible for starting first.” Charlene stated.

“I see.” Miyamoto Mamoru only looked at Charlene and knew that she was determined in her words. Then he continued, “So what about the people that you carry here?”

“About them…I initially only wanted to bring one person but since the people I carried to here are his family, I cannot just abandon them, right? Fortunately, the matter is settled in a manner that even I feel like something is helping me.” Charlene let out one thought that followed her ever since she had found out about it.

“As if a hand of fate is helping you, is that right?” Miyamoto Mamoru added to confirm it.

“Right. I hope that this is just a coincidence. Otherwise, I don’t know how to properly utilize this kind of power.”

“No need to concern yourself so much. All that matters is that your goal has been achieved so far.”

Charlene nodded while Miyamoto Mamoru looked at the distant horizon where the line separated the heaven and the sea.

The wind blew from the sea to the land. As it arrived, Charlene could feel the wind caressing her face as she enjoyed herself in it. Miyamoto Mamoru was also similar.

After that, they said some pleasantries before they left.

Charlene went to the temporary residence where Tatsumi was to discuss something with him. That matter was actually in regard to the mental model that she had created.

When she got there, she could see several temporary buildings erected. The materials were light and could be removed quickly by professionals.

“Is there anyone here?” Charlene shouted loudly.

After waiting for some time, Charlene could see a door slowly open from one of the buildings. From the opened door, she could see that Tatsumi was with Nene and Feng Mo.

“Sister Charlene, what brings you here?” Tatsumi asked with excitement on his face.

“Headmaster, hello there.” Charlene also greeted Feng Mo.

Feng Mo nodded slightly before she said, “Please take care of him for me.”

Charlene was stunned for a moment. What did she mean by that?

Charlene could only see the figure of Feng Mo leaving the building and entering one that was presumably her own.

Tatsumi then brought Charlene to his own residence and closed the door. He did this without the slightest bit of hesitation.

“Do you know what I want to talk about?” Charlene asked.

“Probably about something related to…mental?” Tatsumi took a guess based on the information he had received.

“Amazing, how did you know that? That’s right, it is about the human’s mental model that is connected to the theorized afterlife model that I made.” Charlene became energized and started to explain some things.

Tatsumi listened but he felt like the topic was too much for him. Fortunately, he also had the ‘voice’ of Kudungga to help him translate some of the difficult terms for him.

“So according to this model, our consciousness is connected with the consciousness of the deceased? I know that Sister Charlene had explained some of it to me but what does this mean in the grand scheme of things?” Tatsumi asked.

“It means that humans in general have a connection with the deceased and can gain certain knowledge through them. The issue is I don’t know what kind of knowledge the humans will absorb. Is it good or bad?” Charlene explained.

“Good or bad?” Tatsumi was confused.

“It means that the deceased that is connected to you will transmit their knowledge to you regardless of the application of the said knowledge. Some of it is beneficial but some of it is just misleading you. That is why you have to be careful about the things you receive from them. I personally experience this.”

Charlene said more things about the mental model while Tatsumi was in a heated discussion with Kudungga.

‘She is right, boy. You have to be careful of any knowledge you receive from this connection. Even I cannot guarantee that my knowledge is all useful. You have to filter all the knowledge you receive, understood?’ Kudungga advised.

‘Yes, I understand.’ Tatsumi paid attention to this issue and decided to take this matter seriously.

Then there was another knock on the door. Both Charlene and Tatsumi stopped what they were doing and opened the door.

It was the Captain at the door. Of course, Tatsumi also recognized the figure as a friendly uncle. At least, he was friendly to Tatsumi.

“Oh, it’s you two. Looks like you two are mostly together.” The Captain teased.

“Of course. After all, we have a good start with each other.” Charlene retorted.

Tatsumi could only nod hearing their explanation. He felt that was truly the case with Charlene.

“I went here to check on all the civilians that we have brought. I don’t want to be an irresponsible person after all.” The Captain said.

He continued, “Seeing that this is the last person I check, I can rest assured. Alright, sorry to bother you two. I will leave immediately.”

Like what the Captain had said, he left as soon as he finished speaking. Charlene and Tatsumi could only see the figure of the Captain going into the distance before disappearing into the crowd of logistic people scurrying around.

Then Charlene also said, “Since I am done here for the day, I also have to return to my residence.”

“Okay, then. See you later!” Tatsumi waved his hand as he also saw Charlene go to her own residence. Her residence was quite far from him.

After that, he went to Nene’s residence to visit her. His sister was one who needed his presence the most so of course he went there.

“Brother, are you discussing something with Sister Charlene?” Nene asked. Tatsumi nodded fervently.

“Yes. It is something important that I have to take seriously. So what’s wrong?”

“Brother, you have not spent time with me recently.”

Tatsumi finally knew that his ominous feeling must come from Nene. He decided to spend some time with her for the rest of the day.