Edo City Compound, Yamato Empire Supreme Command Center…
"Takahashi-san, did they agree or not?" Takeo asked, practically vibrating with nerves.
"No idea," Ryuji Takahashi said, uncertainty creeping into his voice. "He said he was going to discuss it with the Atlas Federation's leadership. If you think about it from their perspective… they probably will."
"Then why hasn't he called back?"
"How the hell should I know?" Takahashi snapped, then hesitated. "You want me to… call again?"
"Don't," someone cut in. "That makes us look desperate. Just wait for them to call us."
"…Fine."
They waited, tense and restless.
But the call they got wasn't from Ethan.
It was from one of their people down below.
"Bad news, Prime Minister! Those red monster birds—they're flying straight at us!"
"What!?" Takahashi blurted, the sound tearing out of him.
"What is it?" the others demanded, instantly on edge.
"They're here," Takahashi said, face going pale. "They're coming to Edo City!"
"They…?"
