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n’Just look at him…’ Sam thought, wearing his fake polite smile as he looked the old man in the eyes. ‘He probably thinks he has me all figured out…’

nNathaniel Carter was a shrewd man. Even when faced with overwhelming disadvantage, he would go on to work his way back to the top, creating his own faction among the Awakened and starting a war against Sam and Freyja’s Children. Unfortunately for him, his plans were halted before he could even make the first move.

nWith the power to see the future in his hands, Sam didn’t have to worry about such threats. The Needle might not be perfect, and Fate can be a bitch sometimes, but as long as he could get an early alert then he would have a chance at weaving the Path of his choosing.

n‘The real problem comes from here…’

nSam would’ve liked to believe he had everything in his control, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Seeing the potential future alone wasn’t enough to ensure it became a reality. A lot of work was needed to get the results he was looking for and the first step was to gain the support of

nAfter shaking the previous Head General’s hand, Sam stood behind the podium and faced the guests. He could see the scrutiny in their eyes as they waited for him to say his first word.

n“Ladies and gentlemen, friends and comrades, thank you for gathering here today as we mark the end of this decade-long war that has shaped the course of our lives.” Pausing for a moment, he made sure to keep the hold on his emotions steady as he delved into a topic he seldom spoke of. “As I stand before you, memories flood back to Syracuse, the city I once called home. I was there when the first attack unfolded, when the first Calamities raided our skies. I witnessed the devastating destruction that unfolded before my eyes; buildings crumbled, lives were shattered, and death walked among us burning everything to the ground. The scars of that day run deep, etched in the collective memory of our community. Tʜe sourc of ths content s N(o)vl(ꜰ)ire.nt

nSurvival on that fateful day was a matter of luck, and I count myself among the few who emerged from the ashes. The aftermath forced us to confront the fragility of life and the randomness of fate. It was a day that changed me in ways words can barely capture.

nUnfortunately, I can’t say I was among those who picked up arms to fight against the invaders. I can’t claim to have had the fire in my heart from the very beginning.

nA dear friend, a resilient woman, dragged me to the frontline. I found myself serving as a Valkyrie physicist, a role I never imagined for myself. My passion for medical research took a back seat to the urgent demands of the battlefield.

nLife in the forty-sixth Resistance base became a crucible that transformed me. Our comrades, both human and Valkyrie alike, displayed unparalleled courage and resilience. In their eyes, I witnessed the indomitable spirit of Resistance. The camaraderie forged in the storm of conflict, the shared pain, and the triumphs of survival, all of it changed my outlook, and I felt the ambers ignite within me, lighting up a fire that fueled my commitment to the cause and to each person standing with me today. Together, we have overcome adversity, and as we stand on the precipice of peace, let us remember the lessons of our shared journey and forge a path towards a better future!”

nCheers and applause filled the venue once more. To Sam’s relief, the attendees’ response was no less enthusiastic than it was to Carter’s speech. Though Sitta and the others took care of most individuals who were unstable enough to cause problems, the fear that someone might snap during his speech kept him on edge. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to go wrong, but thankfully everything proceeded just like how Nino saw it, at least until his eyes fell on her.

nAmong the cheerful guests, a single woman remained in her seat, seemingly untouched by the jubilant atmosphere surrounding her. Cloaked in an eerie pallor, her skin bore a ghastly white hue, almost luminous against the backdrop of animated faces. Dressed in a frilly black gown that draped gracefully around her, she exuded an air of quiet elegance. A large, brimmed hat cast shadows over her eyes, concealing them in a shroud of secrecy.

nSam felt his whole being tremble at her sight. His eyes had studied the crowd the entire time he was on stage, but it was only until this moment that he noticed her presence, something that should’ve been impossible considering her very unique appearance.

nIn the short second he spent staring at her, the world seemed to lose all its color. Sounds faded away from the world and time slowed down to a crawl.

nThe enigmatic woman moved, raising her head ever so slightly. Her lips, painted in a deep shade of blood-red, spoke in a whisper. Normally her words would’ve never reached him under such circumstances, but Sam was sure that he heard her, as if each syllable was uttered right into his ears.

nDo not be afraid.

nA shiver ran down his spine and his Force Field flickered for an instant. He managed to catch himself before his reaction became more apparent and he fastened his grip on his emotions once more, regaining his calmness and gazing at the woman once more.

nI bear no ill intent. She spoke once more, her lips curving into a calm smile. Please go on with your ceremony. Our talk can wait.

nTime gradually returned to its normal flow and the world was filled with the excitement of the cheering crowd. The woman didn’t disappear as Sam had predicted but instead, she remained seated, making no move and continuing to watch him with the same smile.

n‘You had to be right, hadn’t you?’ Sam thought to himself, feeling his frustration growing at the sudden change of events. ‘Can’t things go as planned for once?’

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