When Liu A'dou set off to bomb Mars, he did hesitate for a moment—but that's when Ada's Microcosmos reached out.
Queen Ada had finally discovered that the magnetic and gravitational fields of this world had a unique effect on their Microcosmos. The influence wasn't invasive, but subtle and constant. It made them more active, more aggressive. Ada was fine—pregnant and unable to fight—but even in the hospital, she realized something was off. Eventually, she figured out the cause.
Ada's Microcosmos sensed her husband's hesitation and reached out to him. She knew Liu A'dou was headed to bomb Mars and she supported him. As independent, rational adults, their thinking was mature—there's no such thing as a perfect solution in this world. Sacrifices and compromise are everywhere.
Even heroes can't save everyone. As Earthlings, both Liu A'dou and Ada were willing to destroy the invaders to protect Earth. Superman and Batman didn't talk about alien rights when they killed invaders either. It wasn't discrimination—it was war.
"A'dou, Earth's magnetic field was disrupted by the destruction of the moon. On top of that, the surrounding meteorites have twisted the gravitational field. That even affects our Microcosmos, magnifying our negative emotions," Ada said.
Liu A'dou blinked. "You're telling me I've turned into a warmonger because of that half-a-cookie floating up there?"
Ada giggled. Her husband's metaphor was weirdly accurate. "That's part of it. But the bigger reason is you really don't like Martians. That's why your emotions were amplified so much," she explained. "A'dou, are you still going to Mars?"
Liu A'dou fell silent. After a long pause, he said, "Ada-jie, does this seem unlike me?"
"You mean, unlike Kaitou's style?" Ada had been married to Liu A'dou for over two years now and understood him well. She knew that deep down, he was always restraining himself. He didn't really live as freely as he appeared. The reason was simple—he was Kaitou Kid, a gentleman thief who used magic to steal precious gems. A rogue who made the impossible possible with sleight of hand.
But as Liu A'dou grew stronger, those magic tricks became clownish. That was why he hadn't acted in over a year. Magic theft no longer mattered to someone like him. But his title—Kaitou—still bound him to steal. So Liu A'dou was torn. He never told anyone, but Ada was smart and had figured it out. For the sake of his pride, she never brought it up. She didn't expect him to carry this conflict all the way into a new world.
Liu A'dou had started questioning his actions, dissatisfied with his own title. The satisfaction of saving the world far outweighed the thrill of stealing. He realized he liked saving Earth and humanity more than being a thief. But he started as a thief, and that contradiction was the root of his inner struggle.
"A'dou, go bomb Mars," Ada said unexpectedly. "Go blow it up and enjoy yourself."
Huh? Had his wife gone nuts? She was actually encouraging him to massacre thousands of Martians?
Then Ada continued, "Darling, you'll become a hero to Earth. Just like you always have. Because you ended the war."
"…" If it worked, that was true. Not just Liu A'dou, but everyone on the Delkalion would become Earth's heroes. They'd have avenged the more than 1 billion innocent dead and ended the Martian invasion. It would be a historic, legendary achievement.
"To Earthlings, they won't care how many Martians died from a nuclear strike. Just like no one in World One cared that you were a thief. What you brought humanity is far greater than you imagine—hope. You saved Earth and the human race. You're Kaitou Kid, but you're also a superhero," Ada said. "Didn't you tell me that we transmigrators are supposed to follow our hearts and repay kindness and hatred freely? If you enjoy the cheers and admiration, then embrace them. If you enjoy fighting alien invaders, then do it. Whether you're a thief or a hero, I'll always support you."
With a wife like this, what more could a man want? Liu A'dou suddenly figured it out. Yeah, why was he even conflicted? He was both a thief and a hero. Among thieves, he was the strongest. Among heroes, he was the most skilled. He'd only been a hero for a few days, and he was already ashamed of being a thief? If not for Ada waking him up, he didn't know how much longer he'd keep overthinking this.
He didn't need to hide his strength either. He was human, and his power was gained through his own cultivation. It was something other humans could learn too—and it could be used in theft. In the future, Earth would become a planet of superheroes. Countless gifted and powerful people would appear. He was just the first of them.
With this thought, Liu A'dou's Microcosmos suddenly expanded. The universe around him became clearer. The interference from the gravitational and magnetic fields vanished. He laughed. So what if he was bombing Mars? No need to hesitate. If they'd chosen to be invaders, they should also be ready to get counterattacked.
"Ada-jie, thank you."
"My daughter and I will be waiting for you to come back," Ada smiled.
Departure.
Yanglu City, carrying the Delkalion, moved like a modern-day Trojan Horse. This operation would settle everything.
From the moon to Mars only took a few minutes. On the other side of the space gate was the Vers Empire—a grand civilization built on Martian tech. But because the second emperor had gone all-in on heavy industry while neglecting agriculture and light industry, their cities looked unimpressive. Only massive factories constantly burned resources to churn out weapons.
"This is the Vers Empire?" Inaho gripped his weapon. In a moment, they'd have to kill all the Martians in Yanglu City, then launch the nukes.
"Prepare to act. This time, we're going to force the old emperor to surrender. Kill!"
At the order, soldiers charged out. Gunfire echoed through Yanglu City. At the same time, Liu A'dou made his move. He took down everyone in the control room, entered the launch codes, and armed the nukes.
"What's going on?" The princess and Slaine hadn't even processed what was happening when they saw Inaho aiming a gun at them.
"Because we're enemies," Inaho said calmly. He knew clearly—he was from Earth, and the princess was from Mars.
Slaine tried to fight back but was shot in the thigh by Inaho. Blood gushed everywhere, splashing onto the princess's pure white gown. She was stunned.
The first nuclear missile launched. It crossed half the Vers Empire and landed in a remote industrial city. The entire empire trembled slightly. It was Earth's declaration: Earth would be silent no more.