My Instant Death Doomed Firefly to a Lifetime of Regret

The day to depart for the Mountains arrived swiftly.

"The full name of the Mountains is the Clustered Peaks Defense Outpost, the first line of defense against hostile forces, buying time for the Empire's core territories. It's also where the Molten Knight Project began its trials. I was born here."

Liuying naturally fastened An Ming's seatbelt while explaining the base's history. "This is your first interstellar flight. You might feel dizzy."

Her beautiful eyes brimmed with concern as she leaned close. "Squeeze my hand if you feel unwell. We'll arrive soon."

"I'm not a child," An Ming protested.

"Oh? Isn't 14 still a child?" Liuying's eyes sparkled with mischief. She held his hand and leaned back, her smile fading. She harbored no fond memories of the Mountains. If not for An Ming, she'd never return.

The cabin trembled faintly as the hatch sealed. An Ming lost his chance to retort as the starship roared to life.

For An Ming's maiden voyage, the journey proved turbulent. The classified flight path rattled the ship violently. Soon, his awe at the galactic vista outside the window faded, replaced by nausea. He clung to Liuying's hand.

Liuying noticed she no longer blushed when he held her hand. Instead, warmth bloomed in her chest—sweet as cake. Watching his profile, she wondered: Should I ask him about this feeling?

The ship stabilized. Through the viewport, An Ming glimpsed the Mountains—a jagged cluster of asteroid-like fortresses guarding the Empire's borders. Around them floated a graveyard of debris: shattered armor, husks of Molten Knights, and Swarm carcasses.

"We call it the Dead Sea."

Liuying's voice turned somber. The skeletal remains of countless knights littered the void. How many hacks had burned away here? The Empire's "peace" was a lie, sustained by ash and sacrifice.

"Are there… no ordinary humans among the Molten Knights?"

"You'll be the first."

Liuying tightened her grip. Before An Ming, ordinary candidates had either died or fled. Hacks were expendable—their enhanced lifespans better suited to powering the armor. Caesar's gamble hinged on An Ming's unprecedented talent.

The ship docked at a bleak starport. Grim artificial light cast long shadows across the lifeless base.

"Welcome to the Mountains. I am B31, assigned to oversee your activities." A hulking teen saluted mechanically. Behind him stood rows of expressionless youths—hacks with hollow eyes.

Liuying had described their fate: "If born to die, what's the point of living?"

B31 turned to Liuying, bowing deeper. "A07 Senior, welcome back. Your service honors us."

Liuying's lips pressed into a thin line. She longed to scream "Stop calling me that!" But did she deserve to?

"What must I do?" An Ming interrupted.

"The armor is prepped. Touch it to begin," B31 replied, eyeing An Ming with reluctant admiration. Few ordinary humans dared this madness.

As B31 led them deeper, An Ming's chest tightened. The hacks' vacant stares haunted him—a living condemnation of the Empire's cruelty.

"Don't blame yourself," Liuying whispered, squeezing his hand. "Your kindness makes you grieve. But this… is our fate."

An Ming met her gentle smile, vowing silently: I'll rewrite that fate.

A massive gray door groaned open, revealing the Molten Knight—silver armor inert, its hollow gaze fixed on An Ming.

"What now?"

"Touch it." B31 stepped back. "A07 Senior, you must leave."

Liuying shook her head. "I stay."

The door sealed. Whether knight or demon would emerge, only time would tell.