Galian and Alagana walked away from the battlefield. The air was still thick with smoke and the stench of rotting flesh, while behind them lay piles of dead parasites and the mangled remains of soldiers.

  Alagana walked in silence, but inside, her anger boiled. Her fists trembled with tension, nails digging into her palms.

  — Do you even understand what you just did?! — she snapped, spinning around to face Galian.

  Galian smirked, lazily stretching.

  — Oh, relax. It's over, isn't it?

  — "Over"? — Alagana nearly hissed in fury. — He could have killed you, do you even understand that?! Did you see what he did to the GIGANT?

  Galian rolled her eyes.

  — Yeah, yeah, he was really scary, pierced the giant through... and so what? I'm still alive, right?

  Alagana gritted her teeth, still glaring at her.

  — Did nothing about the way he fought make you hesitate before starting that battle? He wiped out our squad by himself, Galian. One man. Without much effort.

  Galian shrugged.

  — Well... not exactly without effort. — She shrugged again. — He was covered in blood, barely standing...

  — And yet, it was only a miracle that saved us! — Alagana turned away, pressing her temples. — Damn... I don't even want to think about what the boss will say.

  Galian giggled.

  — Oh, I can just imagine his face...

  At the base.

  — YOU'VE LOST YOUR MIND, GALIAN?!

  The loud roar reverberated through the command center, making even the battle-hardened soldiers flinch. The boss towered over them, his face contorted with rage, and his fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white.

  Alagana stood off to the side, arms crossed, with a stony expression.

  — I warned you, sister.

  Galian smirked, slightly shrugging.

  — Oh, come on, boss. Nothing really happened... well, almost.

  — ALMOST?! — The boss slammed his fist onto the table, and the thick metal plate dented under his strength. — Galian, you're the daughter of the leaders, and I respect you, but that doesn't give you the right to do WHATEVER YOU WANT! IF SOMETHING HAD HAPPENED TO YOU, WHAT WOULD I HAVE SAID TO YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER?!

  For a moment, Galian lowered her gaze, but her smirk didn’t disappear.

  — Well, I'm still here and fine, right?

  The boss let out a deep sigh, covering his face with his hand as if trying to collect his thoughts.

  — And now tell me... What about the traitor? — He looked at them with a grave expression.

  The girls recounted everything that had happened.

  — You’re telling me he SINGLE-HANDEDLY DEFEATED THE ENTIRE ARMY?!

  Silence hung in the air like a taut string.

  Galian’s smirk widened.

  — Yeah... and it was awesome.

  The command center was lit by dim lamps casting yellowish light on the metal walls. The air was thick with the smell of smoke, sweat, and oil—a mix that had become familiar to the base.

  The boss continued to shout, his voice shaking the walls, veins in his temples bulging with fury.

  — Do you even realize you could have died?! — He stepped toward Galian, pointing at her as though accusing. — You treated that bastard like it was just a sparring match! EVEN THOUGH YOU KNEW HOW DANGEROUS HE WAS!!!

  But Galian, as if nothing were wrong, lazily yawned, looking at him as though his shouting wasn’t worth a single coin.

  — So what? — she drawled with a smirk. — I survived.

  The boss clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles whitened.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  — You...!

  Just then, the door slammed open, and a tall woman with long white hair entered. No emotion reflected on her face, but as soon as she appeared, even the most seasoned fighters snapped to attention.

  — M-Madam Val! — The boss immediately regained his composure. He bowed his head in respect. — What brings you here?

  Val walked forward slowly. She stopped, crossing her arms over her chest, and scanned the room with a sharp gaze.

  — I came to check on my daughters. — Her voice was calm, but there was a hint of steel in it. — And also to find out why you’re shouting at them like it’s their last day alive.

  The boss swallowed and shrugged.

  — M-Madam... Galian fought the traitor... Ghost. — He frowned. — And... she barely made it out alive!

  Val sighed heavily and, rolling her eyes, turned to her daughter.

  — Galian, sweetheart, we’ve talked about this.

  — But, mom...!

  — Don’t “mom” me. — Her tone turned sharp.

  Galian scowled but fell silent.

  — And you, Alagana? Where were your eyes?

  Alagana looked away, clenching her fists.

  — I tried to stop her... but you know how stubborn she is.

  Val shook her head.

  — Alright, let’s move on. — She looked at both daughters. — What can you tell me about him? About the traitor?

  Galian spoke up first.

  — He’s strong. Fast. Smart.

  — And you, Alagana?

  Alagana bit her lip, recalling.

  — He always aims for the head... And he pierced the giant right through. — She swallowed. — And also... He’s incredibly angry. When I look into his eyes, I... get chills.

  — Sister, you’re exaggerating.

  — Not at all.

  Val nodded slowly.

  — If we compare him to our warriors, who would you say he’s like?

  Alagana hesitated, her fingers twitching nervously.

  — ...Probably... like an elite titan.

  Silence.

  — An elite titan?! — Val’s voice rose sharply. — You’re saying he’s that strong?!

  Alagana shivered but nodded.

  — It’s... just my guess, mom. I can’t guarantee I’m right...

  Val crossed her arms over her chest, frowning.

  — I hope he doesn’t cause us any more problems...

  The boss, who had been listening quietly the entire time, suddenly raised his head.

  — Uh... Madam Val, sorry for asking, but... what’s Mr. Ashbor doing right now?

  Val raised an eyebrow.

  — He’s with the Lord.

  A heavy silence fell over the room.

  — Another important mission? — The boss swallowed.

  — Something like that. Why do you want to know?

  — Well, you usually come together.

  Val paused for a moment, then smiled.

  — Madam... — The boss spoke cautiously, choosing his words carefully. — I’m not demanding anything, but... wouldn’t it be wiser to deal with this traitor while it’s still early? He could wipe out a small army by himself.

  Val raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond immediately. Her golden eyes narrowed, and something dangerous flickered in them.

  — Are you worried about this?

  The boss swallowed.

  — Yes and no, Madam. It’s just... usually, when things like this are ignored, it leads to bigger problems. If you know what I mean...

  Val nodded briefly.

  — You’re right. We should deal with him.

  The boss straightened.

  — Should I gather a special squad?

  — No. — Val smiled, but there was no warmth in it. — I’ll handle it myself.

  A heavy silence filled the room.

  — What?! — Galian spun around to her mother, her eyes flashing with indignation. — So it’s okay for you to do it, but not for me?!

  Val sighed heavily.

  — Daughter, don’t forget that he’s probably stronger than you. I won’t let you risk yourself like that again.

  Galian clenched her fists.

  — Fine... — her voice trembled with hurt.

  The boss cleared his throat, drawing attention.

  — Madam, are you sure you want to handle this yourself?

  — I’m bored. People give up too quickly; they don’t entertain me in battles. Even with their weapons, they’re useless. And if this traitor really is that strong... Why not check him out before I kill him?

  Alagana frowned.

  — Just be careful, mom. He’s unpredictable.

  Val looked at her and nodded slowly.

  — I’ll keep that in mind, daughter.

  She asked her daughters with a hint of curiosity:

  — Where should I look for him?

  Alagana and Galian exchanged glances.

  — He’s not the type to hide for long, — said Alagana. — I’ve noticed he always shows up where there’s active combat. He attacks unstable regions, wiping out our squads.

  — And also... — Galian added, frowning. — He's clearly hunting us (parasites). Last time, he attacked us too, took down our fighters, and then even took out the giant.

  — So, he’s moving towards where there are more of them, — Val remarked.

  The boss nodded.

  — Then the next target is Sector 12. Our troops will advance there. If he attacks again, it’ll be there.

  Val smiled, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

  — Well then... I should hurry.

  Galian turned away, her lips tightly pressed together. She was angry. At her mother. At herself. At this damn order.

  She was upset that she wouldn’t be allowed to fight Ghost again.