Chapter 43 – Passing the Torch
The estate gates swung open with a low groan as the truck rolled in. The night air smelled faintly of smoke from the city. Lanterns burned along the courtyard walls, throwing wide pools of yellow light across the stone path. People waiting near the gate stepped back when they saw the returning patrol.
Gaius climbed down first. His heavy blue-and-gold armor caught the lamplight, polished metal shining in places where gunfire had left small marks. Saeko followed, sword still in its sheath but ready. Takashi and the rest of the team also climb down from the vehicle.
Gaius said nothing as he crossed the courtyard. He moved with the same steady weight as always, each step measured and sure. Saeko walked at his side, her face calm, though her eyes scanned the crowd like a silent guard. Together they entered the main building and climbed the stairs to the office.
Souichiro Takagi was already waiting when they arrived, Yuriko and Saya standing beside him. A few senior guards filled the room. Papers covered the big desk, maps marked with red circles where food and fuel had been found.
Gaius stood at the head of the table. "The Enemy at the Police Station area are eliminated," he said. His voice was even, carrying easily to every corner. "Tomorrow at first light, you all move to secure the area. All weapons, food, and medicine left behind will be collected. Any survivors hiding nearby will be brought back here. Safety is first priority. Move in teams, keep the radio contact open, and avoid unnecessary fire."
Souichiro nodded and began noting names of those who would lead each squad. "Understood."
Gaius gave a final glance around the room. "Make sure any wounded survivors are treated on, but Safety are Priority. No mistakes."
The meeting continued only a few minutes longer. When it ended, Souichiro dismissed the guards to prepare their teams. The room slowly emptied until only Gaius and Saeko remained.
As the door closed, a faint glow flickered at the edge of Gaius's vision. He recognized it at once, the quiet pulse of the Multiversal Chat. It appeared like a translucent panel only he could see.
System Message
Mission: Help Saeko Busujima.
Objective 1: Escort and safeguard Saeko as the apocalypse begins. (Completed)
Objective 2: Establish a safe base for humans. (Completed)
Optional: Cleanse the dangers of the world. (Not yet completed)
Additional reward available.
Gaius focused on the message. Another line formed beneath it: [Accept Reward].
He reached for it with his mind. The screen shifted.
Choose one reward:
– Indomitable Will: Strengthen your mind and spirit. Fear and corruption cannot break you.
– Titan Body: Strengthen your body in every way.
The choice required no debate. He thought of the daemons and warp creatures he had faced in past wars, enemies that attacked not flesh but the mind itself. He had once nearly fallen to such a thing, a memory that never left him.
Indomitable Will.
He made the choice.
For a moment there was no change. Then a quiet steadiness spread through him. His thoughts sharpened. Distractions faded. It was not a surge of power, only a clear, unwavering calm, as if every doubt had been set aside, though there were no doubt to even begin with.
The message shifted again.
Reward applied.
Mission: Help Saeko Busujima.
Objectives 1 and 2: Completed.
Optional: Cleanse the dangers of the world. Ongoing.
Will you return now? Yes / No
Time limit: 1 year.
Gaius studied the words. Return now, or wait. He looked around the office. The estate still needed structure. The world outside was far from safe. He blinked once, and the screen faded as he chose No. He needed to do some things before going back to his own universe.
He also know that he has limited time he can stay here, as the Oath of Rectitude are on the warp, and are only days away from Terra, as he is also needed there.
He called for Souichiro, Yuriko, Saya, and Saeko to return. When they gathered again, Gaius stood behind the desk. The faint sound of guards drilling in the courtyard drifted through the window.
"My mission here is complete," he said.
At first no one spoke. Then Saeko tilted her head slightly. "You plan to leave?" Her voice was calm, but there was a quiet weight behind the question.
Souichiro frowned. "Leave? Sir Gaius, we still rely on you. Our defenses, our ammunition, most of it comes from you."
Saya crossed her arms, her sharp eyes fixed on Gaius. "People see you as the reason this place is safe. If you go, that changes everything."
Gaius rested his gauntleted hands on the desk. "The mission was to keep Saeko alive and build a base where humanity could survive. Both are done. The estate is strong enough to stand without me." He turned to Saeko. "She will handle supplies from now on."
Souichiro looked at Saeko and then back at Gaius. "Can she also Supply the Guns and ammunitions like you do?"
"Yes, she can do it as well," Gaius said. His voice left no space for doubt.
The older man took a slow breath, then gave a small nod. "I see."
Gaius stepped around the desk and placed a heavy hand on Souichiro's shoulder. "You have kept this estate steady even when the world collapsed. You will continue to lead. With the supplies we have and the teams you command, this base will hold."
Souichiro met his gaze and straightened. His own military training came back in a sharp salute. "Yes, sir."
Gaius returned the salute, a small but solid gesture of respect for this person.
Saeko moved closer. "Thank you, Gaius," she said softly. He gave a single nod in reply.
By the next morning the entire community had gathered in the main courtyard. Survivors filled the balconies and lined the walls. The sky was pale with early light.
Gaius stood on the steps with Souichiro beside him. "From this day," Gaius said, his voice carrying across the quiet crowd, "Souichiro Takagi resumes full command of this estate. He has my trust and my respect."
A ripple moved through the people, sadness, but no panic. They had seen Gaius fight and protect them, but they also trusted the Takagi family. Many bowed. A few of the armed guards saluted. No one spoke against the change.
Souichiro stepped forward. "With the resources we now hold, we will remain strong. Continue your duties. Keep watch. We survive together."
The crowd slowly broke apart, voices low but steady. Some guards lingered, clearly unhappy to see Gaius go, but discipline held.
Later that afternoon, Souichiro, Yuriko, Saya, and Saeko walked with Gaius to the open field behind the main house. The grass waved gently in the breeze, the distant city a faint haze on the horizon.
Saeko was the first to speak. "Goodbye, Gaius," she said simply.
Souichiro and Yuriko followed, offering quiet thanks and well wishes. Saya added a small nod, her usual sharp tone softened.
Gaius looked at each of them in turn. "Lead well," he said. "Protect each other."
They waited, unsure what would happen next. No vehicle stood ready. No aircraft circled above.
Light began to shimmer around Gaius's armor, soft at first, then brightening until it outlined his massive frame. The glow spread, turning his form into countless tiny sparks.
Yuriko gasped. Saya stepped back in shock. Souichiro's eyes widened as the last of the armored giant dissolved into the air.
Only Saeko remained still, watching with calm acceptance.
Souichiro found his voice at last. "You truly were a warrior from the stars," he said quietly.
End of Chapter 43
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