"Report to His Majesty the Emperor! Haneda Airport in Tokyo has been successfully secured. We've captured over a hundred individuals," a military officer announced firmly, saluting Kenthelion.
"Prepare to move. Have all Astra Militarum forces in Japan gathered at Haneda Airport?" Kenthelion asked, his voice calm, yet laced with undeniable authority.
"Your Majesty, there are 300,000 Astra Militarum troops stationed at Haneda, and another 200,000 are currently escorting survivors from various cities across Japan to the airport."
"Excellent. Proceed as planned. Use this world's military equipment for speed—ships, helicopters, whatever is available."
"I will depart immediately by helicopter."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
Then, Kenthelion turned his gaze toward the woman standing silently nearby. With composed steps, he approached her.
"Lady Yuriko Takagi," he said, voice deep and measured, his golden eyes seemingly piercing through all falsehoods of the world. "Would you be willing to accompany me? A journey lies ahead… and somehow, I feel your presence would make it… complete."
Yuriko fell silent. The words—so formal, so grandiose—were uttered by a man who clearly had no shame. He said them as if he were inviting a queen to share his throne, not addressing a high school girl in the middle of a crisis.
"Go? Why not…" she muttered quietly, slightly flushed—either from his words or the sheer overwhelming aura he exuded. This bastard… she thought. He's even making me curious. Just who are you, Kenthelion?
"Then..." Kenthelion turned, a faint smirk playing at the edge of his lips. "Let us depart."
And just like that, he walked off—without even looking back.
Yuriko followed quietly behind him, her footsteps steady, though her expression hinted at amusement.
"What kind of gentleman walks ahead after inviting a lady?" she murmured under her breath, her voice laced with dry sarcasm. "No sense of chivalry at all."
----------
When Kenthelion and his group arrived at Haneda Airport, Tokyo, the scene that unfolded before them was more fitting for a battlefield than an international terminal.
Leman Russ tanks rumbled across the tarmac, their heavy treads grinding against the scorched pavement. Astra Militarum troops patrolled in tight formations, clad in olive-green and grey uniforms. Some carried hellguns, others were coordinating the constant arrival of trucks overflowing with survivors.
Off to one side, hundreds of civilians knelt on the ground, hands behind their heads, guarded closely by armed soldiers. Confusion and fear painted their faces, but beneath it all was a flicker of relief—they had been saved. Makeshift tents lined the edges of the lot, marked with the Aquila of the Imperium, and Commissars in hybrid uniforms—reminiscent of both Nazi and Soviet military designs—oversaw the scene with sharp eyes and an unyielding presence.
As they stepped into the airport's lobby, Kenthelion observed the swelling crowd of survivors. Despite not understanding who these strange soldiers were, their joy was evident. They had survived hell—and these unfamiliar soldiers had brought salvation.
Then, Kenthelion's eyes locked onto a woman with long, violet hair.
She leaned casually against a pillar, meticulously cleaning a sniper rifle with steady hands. Her posture was disciplined, her gaze cold and calculating. She looked like a soldier—no, like a veteran of more battles than she could count. Strangely, the Astra Militarum soldiers gave her a wide berth, not out of fear, but respect.
Rika Minami.
A sudden, overly cheerful voice broke the tense air:
"Rikaaaaa!"
Shizuka Marikawa ran forward, waving her arms like an excited child.
Rika looked up, her sharp gaze softening as she recognized the voice.
"Shizuka?"
For a moment, Rika seemed stunned—but then a smile spread across her face.
The two women rushed into each other's arms, embracing tightly.
Kenthelion watched as their generous chests pressed together in the hug, but—strangely for him—no lewd thoughts crossed his mind. The scene was too pure. Too... human.
"Shizuka, thank the stars you're safe… I've missed you so much these past few days."
"Rika… I missed you too! Waaaah…!"
Shizuka, always the emotional one, burst into tears of joy, sobbing into her friend's shoulder.
Saeko Busujima, Yuriko Takagi, and Kenthelion stood in silence, watching the heartfelt reunion unfold. Even Saeko, usually composed and cold, allowed herself a soft smile.
"Shizuka, tell me everything… What's happened to you? Who are these soldiers? What's going on?"
Rika began to ask rapidly, her tactical mind hungry for answers, even as her heart clung to the warmth of her friend's return.