An Zhe gently held Lu Feng’s hand. The firewood was burnt and the dim red light had faded. The wind echoed through the church like another windy night.

“I want you to go to the United Front Center,” Mrs Lu had told him.

It was the last time Lu Feng had talked with her before joining the military. At that time, he was in a small field base flanking the base, at a distance where the base’s communications could barely reach.

“It is the best place for you. It might be out in the wilderness but it is also the safest.” She told him. “After so many years of serving the base, this is my only selfishness. I want you to live. I want all my children to live but I only know you.”

Lu Feng didn’t speak.

“If it is somewhere else then I won’t stop you. Just don’t go to the Trial Court. I’m afraid of that place.” She whispered. “Last year, there was another shooting incident in the Trial Court. The many dramatic changes in the base started a bloodbath and the Trial Court is bleeding every day. That place is too painful.”

“Are you listening?” She asked after a moment of silence.

“I’m here,” he answered.

“Then you promise me.”

“You must promise—”

Suddenly, there was a current sound.

“Beep—”

This was immediately followed by soothing music and a gentle female voice. “Sorry, the base signal has been interrupted due to the solar wind in the ionosphere. This is a normal situation so please don’t panic. All activities will continue as usual and the communication signal will be restored from time to time. A public broadcast will be sent to you so please keep listening.”

“…please keep listening.”

Once all the wood was burned to loose, white ash, the church sank into darkness and silence.

Just then, there were countless faint green lights. The insect monster An Zhe had picked up had died. An Zhe looked over and saw its body gradually disintegrating, becoming little green fireflies. They were like bright green smoke or a swarm of fireflies.

They enveloped An Zhe and Lu Feng like a dream at first. Then they rose up, illuminating the entire dilapidated church, showing the mottled status of the weeping Virgin Mary on the left wall and the huge crucified Jesus in front. Withered vines hung from the shoulders of the Virgin Mary and her cheeks were scratched by the claws of a beast. Jesus’ body was covered with mildew. Their eyes were the only clear things. They stared at the world silently from behind the vines, mildew and dust.

The light flew away.

Destiny drifted in the world.

CHAPTER 87: SUMMER DAY

Summer in the Abyss had arrived.