A week later...
The morning sun cast a golden hue over the sprawling grounds of the Kernel Tower, where a sombre assembly had gathered. Given the circumstances, the Tower had been shifted next to Earth, considering it was the safest place in the galaxy.
It was a day of mourning, a day to bid farewell to two towering figures whose absence was felt like a void in the hearts of all those present.
Clad in a simple black suit, Ashton stood before a mirror, his eyes reflecting the galaxy's weight. Beside him stood Anna like a pillar of support. Her eyes weren't red and puffed from the tears anymore.
Irina and Verina stood nearby, their faces etched with sorrow, much like the rest of the Ghosts. Vimur, Laihud, Leon, Otiga, everyone was present there.
Even Ava had joined them as Ashton had visited Earth a day before and informed them about the passing of Vulcan and Flintmace.
Despite all his regenerative abilities, it took Ashton a week before he could walk freely without any support. Before that, he had been unconscious for a month straight.
So, in a way, it had been a while since their one-sided beating against Kro'Han.
That said, the doctor informed Ashton that had it not been for the guardians, he was pretty much dead. Ashton took note of it and thanked the Guardians for saving his life, to which the automatons were confused as they had only done their job, and no one had 'thanked' them before.
"Ready?" Anna asked, gently placing her hands on Ashton's shoulder, who nodded, holding her hand in his as they walked outside.
The vast courtyard was adorned with flower wreaths and banners bearing the images of Vulcan and Flintmace, their smiles captured in happier times.
It was a symbolic funeral, for the two revered warriors had not left behind physical remains. All they had were their memories and teachings now, things that would forever be cherished by Ashton and everyone who ever interacted with Vulcan and Flintmace.
As Ashton and Anna walked forward, they saw the crowd waiting for them, from the Orion empire to the Goldwater mercenary group. Everyone with a bit of significance in the galaxy was present there.
But they weren't the only ones there—senators, scientists, warriors, and ordinary citizens. All had come to pay their respects to the fallen heroes and witness the formal induction of Ashton as the new Tower Master of the Kernel Tower.
Besides that, there were media personnel present there, covering the story of how not one but three S-grade beings had perished. After all, no one was informed about the circumstances under which the legendary figures had passed away.
Ashton took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. He stepped forward to the podium, his gaze sweeping over the sea of faces before him.
The atmosphere was laced with sorrow, but there was also an undeniable sense of unity and a shared determination to face the challenges ahead.
"Friends and esteemed guests from all around the galaxy," Ashton began, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "Today, we gather not only to mourn the loss of two extraordinary individuals but also to honour their legacy."
He paused, his eyes resting on the wreaths that adorned the platform. "Vulcan and Flintmace were more than just warriors. They were mentors, friends, and protectors of the entire galaxy. They dedicated their lives to preserving the peace and defending the innocent."
Anna, standing beside Ashton, squeezed his hand in silent support. The twins nodded, their eyes filled with unspoken determination.
"They may be gone from our sight, but their spirit lives on within us," Ashton continued. "Their sacrifices were not in vain. Today, I stand before you as the new Tower Master of the Kernel Tower, carrying the torch of their legacy.
I promise to uphold the values they held dear—to protect the peace Flintmace had struggled to achieve, to seek justice, and to defend the vulnerable."
A mournful breeze rustled the banners bearing Vulcan's and Flintmace's images as if nature herself grieved their loss.
"But our world faces a grave threat—a challenge unlike any we have seen before, A challenge that took the lives of my masters," Ashton's voice grew stronger as he addressed the gathering.
"An ancient being of unimaginable power, Kro'Han, a Precursor, has emerged from the shadows, and he vows to bring destruction to our galaxy and beyond."
Murmurs of concern and disbelief rippled through the crowd. While no one knew about Kro'Han, everyone was well aware of the Precursors, as they all had grown up listening to the ancient tales of their immense power and malevolence.
"Vulcan, Flintmace, and the First Seatholder of Euphoria gave their lives so that I could stand before you today and sound the alarm," Ashton's gaze remained resolute. "We must prepare, for the coming days will be dark and fraught with danger."
A journalist raised a trembling hand, her voice a mixture of worry and curiosity. "But how can we hope to stand against a being like Kro'Han? If he is a Precursor, do we even have a chance against him?"
"Kro'Han indeed possesses formidable power, who almost killed me," Ashton nodded, acknowledging the gravity of the question. "But we cannot lose hope. We must remember that unity is our strength. Together, we can achieve the impossible. And, I must confess, there is more to this story."
The crowd leaned in, their collective attention fixed on Ashton.
"Today, I'll reveal a secret only the ones closest to me knew about... that I, too, am a Precursor," Ashton revealed, his voice unwavering.
Silence fell upon the courtyard as Ashton said those words. However, the silence didn't last for long as the journalists jumped to ask him more questions. But instead of answering them, he continued saying what he wanted to.
"While I may not possess the same level of strength as Kro'Han, I believe that with time, preparation, and the support of each of you, we can challenge him."
While he was in the middle of his speech, Otiga interrupted the ceremony and whispered something to Ashton. Entire fleets of warships were headed their way. But they were no ordinary ships. They belonged to the Xyrans!