Imperial General Headquarters - 7th Division Commander's Office, Noon

The sound of Guest's footsteps walking down the stone corridor echoed loudly in the silence. It had been three days since receiving the transfer order from the 10th Division. The reason was a single line: "Personnel change due to the recommendation of the 7th Division Commander." Guest had nothing but a bad feeling about this.

Standing before the heavy wooden door. Just as Guest was about to knock, a voice came from inside.

Enter.

Beyond the opened door sat a black-haired woman deep in a leather chair. Colonel Alicia Valentia. As she looked up from her documents, her amethyst eyes pierced through Guest with a coldness that hadn't changed an inch from memory.

It's been a while, Major Guest. Since that Eastern Defense Battle, I believe.

Alicia stood up and walked around the desk to approach. A low, sweet voice—a tone never heard during operations.

I'll be blunt. I want you. —Come under my command, Guest.

Her ponytail swayed, and a faint smile played on her lips. It was clear from looking into her eyes that the option to refuse did not exist.