847 A Dying Flame

Enigma was surprised on their journey into the Despair Abyss.

The passage to the inside spanned at least a few hundred miles. Such a distance should've been but a blink for a spaceship.

Even though this 'tunnel' was covered by countless dark green vines that were attacking them relentlessly, Irene's armor had successfully defended them against the attacks. They should've moved out in a split second.

But at some point, a set of purple vines attacked the ship. These were incredibly strong. Just a slap by these vines shook the space and split the sky.

When faced with another attack on top of the original one, the momentum of the ship plummeted to the point they moved a mile every few seconds.

But instead of worrying about their travel, the hundred level 8s, and a couple of level 9s in the spaceship were also looking at the woman on the platform.

A white light was originating from the armor on Irene's body. And this was the same white light that was forming a protective barrier against both the dark green vines and purple vines.

"Phew."

Shining in a graceful white light, Irene Nial opened her eyes. A heavy aura filled the air, suffocating even the strongest level 9s.

The Sovereign quickly withdrew her aura she inadvertently released. It happened because she really gave it her all to enter the Abyss.

"Everyone," Irene gazed at the men and women who followed her into the heart of danger with a solemn expression.

The atmosphere in the spaceship cooled down all of a sudden and everything and everyone went still and utterly silent.

Like the oddball she always was, Enigma stood far away from the neatly lined up rows of awakeners.

Irene didn't mind. No. She wasn't even bothered about such small things. There was a bigger task, a greater problem, and a higher priority.

She began in a hoarse voice. "We got lucky. The initial reinforcements, the situation in Pluto, the Crimson Abyssals, and now, the Undead.

This isn't some normal plan to wage a war and deal us damage. It's a plan to exterminate us. To slaughter every last one of us."

A few gasps sounded in the hall before thick killing intents filled the air. The strong awakeners clenched their fists as they recalled the obstacles they faced and realized the truth.

Indeed, this was not just a war. It was a bid to drive them to extinction. It wasn't as simple as it seemed now.

"The Abyssals failed in every 'plan' until now. But they're still very confident." Irene's eyes narrowed in seriousness. "Every man and woman here should be clear about what that means for us, our families, and your race."

The Awakeners nodded with a heavy expressions. They already knew and that's why they were so gloomy.

Even with all the failures, Abyssals were still certain that they could win this war, no, they were certain they could exterminate Humanity.

Winning a war against your enemy and exterminating them were two completely different things.

Even in the accidents that happened until now, the worst case was the loss of a planet and then a protracted defensive war. If Humanity lost a planet, it had a chance of extinction, but it also had a good chance of defending itself.

So, what were the Abyssals up to now?

A new reinforcement? Another special army? Even stronger level 8s?

They didn't know. But they did know that it must be something that could kill everyone.

"Their original plan is thwarted once we started hunting down the crystals," Irene gave Enigma a grateful gaze. It was meant for Varian.

"Now, whatever they're about to do, the results will be premature. We can still stop them." Irene clenched her fist.

The gloomy atmosphere was dispelled and a light called hope filled the hearts of every officer.

"But," Irene looked at them with a neutral gaze. "To stop them, we might have to sacrifice."

A chilling wind seemed to have blown in the spaceship. Even though everyone here was a veteran, faced with their potential death, their eyes flashed with complicated emotions.

"We're deep in the enemy territory. No Human Invasion of Abyss has ever been successful," Irene cited the countless attempts which all ended in failure. "I don't know how many of us will return alive, if at all."

Enigma opened her mouth to say that a few attempts had indeed been successful. Varian's invasions of Mirage Aybss were an astounding success. He achieved what he intended and beyond.

But Irene gave her a look and lightly shook her head.

'…She wants them to prepare for death.' Enigma understood. 'Only that way, they can fight without any hindrance. Perhaps Irene herself was prepared to meet her end.'

When that thought flashed in her mind, Enigma stiffened. She carefully observed the older woman on the platform and saw something in her eyes that she hadn't seen until now.

Acceptance.

Acceptance of her death.

Perhaps Irene didn't just intend to risk her life, she also wanted to kill Despair Queen at the cost of her life.

As for why that's the case…

Enigma observed Irene's face. Despite her old age, she looked to be in her thirties. She had beauty, brains, and power.

If she survived this war, then she could perhaps live the rest of her life happily. So, why…?

As Irene continued her speech, Enigma, due to her psychic powers noticed something about Irene's mind.

Irene's eyes were shining like a bright fire. But surrounding that fire was endless darkness. Slowly, but surely, that fire was being devoured.

Irene was one of the few strongest members of the federation. But against the likes of fate and time, she was as powerless as anyone else.

She lost her parents at a young age. Her husband and son were killed by the Abyssals when she was just starting out.

The people around her, the ones she loved and cherished, died one by one.

To protect Uranus, she had to sacrifice her family members with her own hands.

An old saying went as 'Time heals all wounds.'

But Irene's wounds only grew more painful with every passing year. She was able to bury them deep in her heart, but the deeper she hid them, the more they hurt.

On her son's funeral day every year, Irene would shut herself in her room and sob like a helpless child.

In others' eyes, she had it all. But in her eyes, she had nothing.

She had been fighting all her life. The web of relationships she built slowly unraveled. At the center of it all, Irene remained alone.

Yet, she still fought.

Perhaps it was out of her love for her homeland.

Perhaps it was out of duty for the power Heaven's Will gave her.

Perhaps it was just to be an example for people like her.

But even the strongest of hearts had their limits. And Irene was reaching hers.

"…will stop the Abyssals' plan, even at the cost of our lives." Irene raised her hand and vowed.

"Even at the cost of our lives." The Awakeners vowed with her.

Only then did Enigma understand.

This speech, this preparation, it wasn't just for the soldiers, it was also for Irene herself.