On the main screen, the indicator bar representing the ship's energy reserves was plummeting from green to yellow at an unprecedented rate, then turning red. Conversely, the weapon energy pool indicator bar was skyrocketing, its blinding red almost overflowing the screen, accompanied by flashing structural overload warnings.
"Damn it, it feels like all the blood in my body is being drained and poured into a gun!" Rex spat, feeling the ship's subtle vibrations and low rumbles. He gripped the control panel tightly, his scanning eyes fixed on the dim red star on the screen—G-173, their impending target.
"Target parameters locked: Star G-173, 35 degrees North latitude, 120 degrees East longitude. Sensors focused, zoom in on the target area." Kane's voice was eerily calm, as if this wasn't a suicide attack, but a routine exercise.
The screen switched, zooming in. The surface of the previously seemingly calm red dwarf star revealed a grotesque side under the high-precision sensors. The target area was a massive, much darker cluster of sunspots, its complex magnetic field lines like intertwined venomous snakes, constantly erupting small flares and accumulating destructive energy. It was like a volcano ready to erupt at any moment.
"The target area's magnetic energy is extremely unstable; confirmed as the optimal detonation point," Leah confirmed.
"Report energy transfer progress and main cannon charging status."
"Energy transfer complete 78%. Main cannon charging…91%…95%…98%…100%! Overload charging complete! Main cannon ready to fire at any time!" Leah's voice carried a sharp edge, as if the system was operating at its limit. "Warning: The main cannon's energy conduit temperature is rising rapidly; it is estimated that it can only sustain one firing at most, and there is a very high probability of a structural explosion after firing!"
One chance. Only one.
Kane's gaze shifted from the stellar image, taking one last look at the collapsing planet below. A grayish-white area covered over sixty percent of the surface, its core brightness exceeding that of a star, radiating an ominous, chilling light. The ecstatic fluctuations of the crystalline consciousness almost materialized, as if celebrating an impending "rebirth."
There was no time to wait.
"All personnel, hold your positions! Prepare to withstand the recoil and potential structural impact!" Kane issued the final command, his hand slowly resting on the launch button that represented the final decision.
His fingertips could feel the cold touch of the control panel, and the destructive energy contained within, about to surge forth.
For the Alliance.
For his fallen comrades.
For the countless lives that might be saved.
He pressed the button.
There was no deafening roar. Only an extremely suppressed **humming**, as if space itself was being torn apart!
A **pure white torrent of energy**, indescribable in its thickness and brightness, erupted from the main gun muzzle of the Nightingale's bow! It was no longer a typical energy beam, but rather a **waterfall** of pure energy forcibly pulled from a higher dimension!
At the moment of launch, the entire Nightingale trembled violently, as if struck by a giant hammer! The structural metal emitted a teeth-grinding groan! Lights flickered wildly inside the bridge, and sparks even erupted from some control panels! The immense recoil propelled the ship backward!
Kane, Rex, and Leah were all pressed firmly into their seats, enduring the immense G-force!