Miss Witch Doesn't Want to be a Diva

Chapter 337 Extra · Ashes of Grey Steel

Extra Story: The Gray Ashes of Steel

Timeframe: During the civil war, four hundred years ago.

"Captain, when do you think we can be victorious?"

The dark and cold space station corridor lit up from the enormous blue planet outside its windows as two soldiers wearing protective gear walked by and stopped here.

The two stood straight in front of the window, and in front of that huge blue planet, they appeared so small. Their reflections on the ground were just as solitary. In the silent void of space, no sound could be heard.

The war within the Federation had been going on for forty-three years. For many, that duration was likely longer than their age. From birth, they had been living amidst wars, their lives under control, with television programs eternally broadcasting frontline war reports. Factories churned out military supplies day and night, and every child received complete military education during their upbringing.

In graduation photos, figures were crossed out, those familiar names gradually faded, phone calls could no longer get through, and on the silent voyages, no one knew what kind of news they would sync to when connecting to the star network next time. Sometimes, simply seeing those still active IDs offered a slender comfort.

"We shall never surrender, maintaining the integrity and unity of the Federation is our sacred duty, Isenisha's will is inherited by us, and we shall ultimately purge all parasites and filth, giving all people a clear and just future!"

The fleet general on the podium declared with a clenched fist, his voice firm. The roar echoed under this steel dome, while the tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions of soldiers in the formations down below also swore with clenched fists.

"For a clear and just future!" The voices echoed throughout the dome, the united will and roaring chorus were breathtaking.

Meanwhile, outside the dome, vast battleships slowly drifted away from the Star Harbor. They blotted out the sky; shadows from the battleships passing by made the residents of the Star Harbor feel the change of day and night intermittently.

The Central Third Fleet, one of the most elite and powerful fleets of the Federation before the civil war, possessed 2,726 of the most advanced 'Odysseus' class main battleships, 15,788 'Paradise' class carriers, around 57,000 'Iskar' class cruisers, and approximately 210,000 destroyers of various types.

These ascending battleships slowly moved into the starry sky, their bright thrusters gradually disappearing into the pitch-black distance, like a scattering of stars embellishing the night sky.

To slow down the enemy's relentless breaches and to buy time for subsequent troop build-up, the Third Fleet undertook the most arduous task. It would enter the enemy-controlled area alone to obstruct and restrain the fiercest First and Second Fleets within the Federation before the civil war.

War stretched time, a single year passing, time and again surviving in the perilous battle conditions. The Third Fleet's individual squadron numbers were gradually decommissioned, the remaining battered battleships continuously gathering and reforming to face the fight once more.

Perhaps the starting point of war was justice, but as the war dragged on, and residents in the enemy-controlled areas grew accustomed to the laws and ideologies imposed by the enemy, no longer standing with them, could such a war still be just?

"No! We absolutely do not recognize such a future, a future so decayed and degenerate!" The general's words still echoed in their ears; he was so decisive and firm. Perhaps it was precisely because of his perseverance that the Third Fleet had not collapsed and still held on at the most intense front line.

"I'm sorry, I don't know when we can win... when I can take you back home." The captain turned, his large palm resting on Salin's shoulder.

"But I think, as long as we keep going, we will see hope and dawn. Yes, as long as we persist, as long as we have not admitted defeat, it does not signify failure, it means the future still holds some possibility." Such a burly and straight figure speaking these words that were so bitter and fragile.

Just not admitting defeat is enough, a childish and naive idea. Salin recalled the last conversation with the captain, sometimes mocking himself for such thoughts.

But if it wasn't for these naive and childish ideas comforting him, he probably would have mentally collapsed on that harsh battlefield.

Sometimes even deceiving oneself might be a good thing, at least it has kept him alive.

The Third Fleet's designation was canceled, and although the war was far from over, he had finally retreated from the front lines.

To console and care for the many sacrifices of the Third Fleet, Emuralin suggested that the surviving personnel be transferred to the rear for training and assisting in production, to avoid the brutal front lines.

This proposal was approved, and Salin distanced himself from his former designation and everything else, taking the only remaining damaged mech to a faraway and secluded Star Domain. It was said that a new battleship Star Harbor was being built here, to produce the still-experimental 'Sighing Dragon' class main battleship.

"Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, what a nice name." Salin sat in the cockpit, looking down at the verdant beautiful planet outside the window.

"You think so too, don't you, my old pal?"

He looked back at the mech in the glass-partitioned cabin behind him, a battered old mech with a body riddled with bullet holes, looming large with a steel-grey exterior and a Flame Branding on its shoulder, as if roaring and burning.

'Just not admitting defeat is enough, such a stubborn and childish statement, but my war is far from over. I have to repair you here, to properly record all those wounds and bullet holes you've experienced, to pass down the memories of those brushes with death, so that the younger generations can stand on our shoulders to develop stronger mechs and more formidable warriors.'

'We will do it, 'Burn-Iron-6412', just not admitting defeat is enough.'