My Instant Death Doomed Firefly to a Lifetime of Regret

Emerald-green liquid dripped from her pale neck as translucent tubes snapped free. Water droplets fell from her silver-gray hair, splattering against the sterile floor. Her porcelain feet hesitated, unsteady on the cold surface.

Her body—sculpted with godlike precision—glistened under evaporating nutrient fluid. Confusion flickered in her eyes before memories surged:

Years ago, a impoverished girl was dragged to a lab. Days in a cell, watching others vanish. Screams echoed until only she remained.

"Don't be afraid," her grandmother had whispered. "The world is kind."

But kindness died when insectoid blood splattered her face. A Carapaci's maw loomed, dripping violet viscera.

I don't want to die.

Scalpels carved her flesh. Swarm DNA rewired her veins. Reality fractured.

"100% synchronization! Success! Gramr is saved!"

Scientists cheered. Why? Her agony meant nothing to them.

Green fluid drowned her consciousness. The Hive's sunless dreamscape became her prison—until a voice pierced the void:

"Don't die!"

Warmth. Light.

Titanis awoke.

Mountains Base — Council Chamber

"Titanis has broken free?!" A senator slammed the table. "What of the Molten Knights? The Empire?!"

Caesar stifled a scoff. Hypocrites. They only care now their comfort's threatened.

Shadow leaned forward, calm amid chaos. "Her mental shackles remain. The Knights' triple safeguards hold."

First: Titanis' absolute Hive control.

Second: Her original psychological binds.

Third:…

"The Swarm's corruption spreads," Shadow continued. "Unshackle Titanis. Let her face them."

Unleashed, her amplified psyche could elevate the Hive—boosting all Knights' synchronization limits.

Silence gripped the chamber. Senators clung to hollow stability.

"Gramr falls as we speak." Shadow gestured to the monitors.

A violet singularity churned above the Dead Sea. Swarm cascaded like a necrotic waterfall.

"Mobilize all Knights!" Caesar barked. "Intercept at the border!"

Shadow smirked. Futile. Only he can turn the key.

Mountains Base — Preparation Bay

Sirens wailed. Crimson lights bathed An Ming's reflection in the sink.

Water dripped. Ripples fractured his image.

"Don't die."

His mirror-self glared back—amber eyes aflame.

The transformation device glowed in his palm, cyan wings flanking its crimson core.

Fire engulfed him. Molten armor encased his body, winged pauldrons flaring.

Molten Knight An Ming — Full Combat Mode.