You said mechs were going to fight monsters, but instead you're destroying stars with your bare

Chapter 114 Operation Sunset: All Parties Gather

"The girl ace pilot who was once the team's mascot and was loved by everyone has grown up and become the president of a new energy company."

"Every day I wear a suit and tie and attend various press conferences."

"At the banquet, I mingled with those greasy officials, exchanging toasts and greeting them with smiles."

"He has completely become a boring 'adult'."

"The captain who was once the most reliable and took care of everyone like an older sister later got married and had children, and became an ordinary housewife."

"With such a big belly, let alone piloting a mecha, she'd probably have trouble even pressing the accelerator."

"The glory of the past can only fade slowly amidst the daily grind of life."

"And those three loud and boisterous little followers who were always clamoring for meat, they grew up and opened a ramen shop together, becoming small business owners."

"I get up early and work late every day, kneading and mixing dough."

"The passion and dreams of my youth have long been worn down by the burdens of life."

"The most passionate second male lead later became a law-abiding soldier."

"Although I am still piloting the mech, I need to report to my superiors and get approval every time I fire."

"It's no longer possible to just rely on passion, shout 'Unleash your power!' and drive a fully powered mech to fight the enemy like before."

Li Zhe's tone carried a hint of regret.

"And what about the protagonist who was once invincible and could take on a thousand men?"
"He left the front lines long ago and worked as a researcher at the company for more than ten years, living a stable life."

"My driving skills have become rusty, and my physical functions are not as good as before."

"When the crisis struck again, he mustered his courage and once again boarded that legendary magical mech, attempting to turn the tide, but the result was..."

Li Zhe sighed.

"As a result, after just a few rounds, they were utterly defeated and left in a sorry state by the enemies of the new era."

"The heroes of the past have become propaganda models of 'fighting bravely and sacrificing themselves' in the official narrative."

"Sitting on the mothership, watching helplessly as batches of young lives follow the path he once walked, and then... die one by one."

Li Zhe sighed, his gaze sweeping over the slightly moved faces of the two ship spirits.

"The boys of yesteryear have grown up and lost their passion and courage."

"My views on justice and interests are no longer as pure as they were when I was a teenager."

"They either conform to the world and become the very thing they once hated; or they hold fast to their own little world, only to be abandoned by the times and become mascots used by those in power."

"But the problem is, if we really let this group of 'adults' who are no longer young stage a 'youthful passion' again, people would probably think they're fools..."

"But if we really make them act like 'adults,' weighing the pros and cons, and compromising and backing down, wouldn't that be the same as negating everything they have fought for?"

These words plunged the command room into a long silence.

A hint of confusion flashed in Kazuko's eyes.

The energy body of the star also showed slight fluctuations.

"commander……"

The stars were the first to break the silence.

Her golden eyes shone with an unprecedented determination.

"Kazuko and I are not fragile carbon-based life forms that will age with the passage of time or be shaken by the changes of the world."

"We are the ship's spirits, your navigators."

Kazuko also raised her head, and a flame reignited in her obsidian-like eyes.

"Our existence is to always be by your side, to share your burdens, to offer advice, and to clear away all obstacles for you!"

"No matter what the future holds, no matter what choices you make..."

"We will all be your most loyal sword and shield."

Hoshi and Kazuko spoke in unison, their voices perfectly overlapping at that moment.

"If you do not abandon me, we... will follow you to the death!" This vow-like declaration stirred an indescribable warmth in Li Zhe's heart.

He looked at these two unique "family members" in front of him and a relieved smile appeared on his face.

"That's right."

He reached out and patted their heads, one in each hand.

"Speaking of my own body, I wonder if I'll ever experience birth, aging, sickness, and death. When that day comes..."

“Commander, please don’t say that.” Xing interrupted Li Zhe. “According to my calculations, if you can truly succeed in ‘Foundation Building,’ it might really bring you true ‘immortality.’”

"Oh? Then we definitely can't miss it."

Li Zhe stood up and stretched.

“Xing, your analysis is correct. The resources and intelligence authority that position can access are crucial to us.”

"Kazuko, you're right too. Wiping out those beasts is the right thing to do!"

He walked up to the huge holographic strategic map and fixed his gaze on the Fusang Islands, which were completely shrouded in abyssal energy.

"Since they've put up the position of 'King of Guandong,' then... why not give it a try?"

A confident and flamboyant smile curved the corners of his mouth.

"The Tokyo Secretary? Give it to me!"

……

At the same time, the United Government's top secret order was also transmitted to every corner of the planet.

Pudong Islands, aboard the aircraft carrier Jiangzhe.

Bai Xihe has returned to the team.

He looked at the instructions coming from the terminal, and his expression instantly became extremely serious.

"All personnel assemble! 'Sea Eagle' squad, Level 1 combat readiness! Prepare to execute 'Operation Sunset'!"

……

Inside a base deep in the mountains.

A group of female mecha pilots, who had just finished intensive training and exuded a chilling aura, received the same order.

Bai Wangshu looked at the instructions, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement and fighting spirit.

"Stop looking! You have other important tasks to complete! Don't stop training!" The female instructor interrupted their enthusiasm for preparing to go to the front lines...

"Sigh..." Bai Wangshu couldn't help but sigh.

She gazed eastward, her thoughts already drifting to Li Zhe, the man she longed for day and night.

"I wonder if he... can complete this task..."

The girl's pretty face immediately turned red, and she quickly washed her face and threw herself back into training.

……

Jaeger pilots around the world reacted in different ways after receiving the secret order.

Some are ambitious and eager to make a fortune in this high-stakes gamble that will determine the fate of the world.

Some were deterred by the difficulty and enormous risks of the task and chose to remain on the sidelines and protect themselves.

But more often, they are true warriors who are driven by a sense of justice and mission.

They answered the call without hesitation and piloted their mechs.

They gathered and headed towards that land shrouded in darkness!

The Bund in Shanghai, on the banks of the Huangpu River.

History and modernity converge at this moment.

(End of this chapter)