The moon hung high, stars twinkled, and the forest was utterly still—no trace of movement, not a sound. I lay quietly on the ground, gazing up at the flashing red lights above. Three Heavy Sentinels were recharging; though slow, they should be fully powered by morning.
Once you get the hang of it, finishing up is much easier than before. One Guardian Drone after another stood quietly under the moonlight.
Beside me, the Spirit Snake's body had shrunk considerably. Now, he stood upright, his golden-red eyes fixed on the distant White Sun, lost in thought for quite a while.
"What's wrong?"
I asked. After a long moment, the Spirit Snake finally turned his head to look at me.
"Destruction and rebirth usually coexist. Destruction is often accompanied by rebirth, and what is newly born is doomed to be destroyed. I told you this a long time ago, didn't I? Since ancient times, we serpents have represented both destruction and rebirth as totemic symbols."
I nodded. Spirit Snake did tell me this long ago.
"Did you sense something?"
I asked. Spirit Snake nodded.
"Now, this world has only destruction, no rebirth. This feeling has lingered ever since the Azure Luan left."
"I don't know, I'm not clear about the specifics. I just feel cornered. Ethan, go get some rest. I'll patrol the wall—if anything happens, I'll notify you immediately."
When I reached the wall, the moon had already set in the west, but someone was still awake. Her long, white hair shimmered in the silver light, fluttering in the wind. Under the moonlight, Sylvia Blue looked stunning. She stood in front of their sleeping quarters, lost in thought, gazing into the distance.
Sylvia, why aren't you sleeping yet?
I asked. Sylvia turned her head, looking cheerful and smiling brightly.
I was taken aback, looking at Sylvia who had already turned away. I blinked, unsure what she meant. Scratching my head, I glanced at Rachel Lan, already fast asleep in the room. Sylvia tiptoed over and, before lying down, made a funny face at me.