Hence, I gave up on the idea of going after the ship, I resolved to make my way towards the General, braving the tumultuous chaos surrounding us. Fortune smiled upon me, for I managed to intercept his airborne descent. Nevertheless, our descent was far from gentle, hurtling downwards with a rapid velocity. In a desperate attempt to minimize the impact, I shielded myself as best as I could. Miraculously, my efforts bore some fruit, sparing us from the worst of the damage.

Moments later, as consciousness slowly reclaimed me, I delicately lowered the General to the ground. His eyes fluttered open, his voice faintly reaching my ears.

"I apologize, Ryuu. I failed to halt their advance. I impeded your path."

"Speak not in such terms, old man. You exerted every ounce of effort within your grasp."

"It is not merely that. Throughout my long tenure in past wars, I have made numerous ill-fated decisions. True, it is a matter of resilience, yet recurring errors cast a disquieting shadow upon any individual. Nonetheless, aligning myself with you in this war was no haphazard choice. It was evident that you possessed the capacity to accomplish greatness. That is why I entrusted you, the son of Alpha Prime."

"But how could you...?"

Somehow the general knew who my father was.

"I knew him well. His unwavering valor, his unique style of combat, the trepidation he concealed amidst the battle—I discerned all of these traits within you. Your heart bears the noble essence of a warrior akin to his."

"In that case, you must also know that I shall not falter, nor let you down in such a manner. I won't let you die, old man."

Raising a trembling hand, he presented the solemn gash etched upon his abdomen, his voice weighted with melancholy.

"Regrettably, Ryuu, time eludes me. My fate has been sealed. However, there remains hope yet for you."

"No, it need not be so. We still possess precious moments, and I implore your aid against our adversaries. Alone, I cannot triumph over them. I require your guidance, a little more of your strength."

"Then seize what you require in this very moment."

His hand extended slowly, reaching towards me, coming to rest gently upon my chest. With a hushed tone, he spoke anew.

"Through a technique acquired long ago, I shall bestow upon you the power of 'One Inch.' One Inch is the name I gave to this power, it's not the real name of the power, but I'm sure you can understand where it comes from. When this power converges with your other abilities, you shall encounter a realm yet uncharted."

"But how is this possible...?"

"Such a power can only be inherited by those hailing from a lineage of unwavering fortitude, just as you do. Were I to pass it to another, they may struggle to acclimate, their very being consumed until demise. Yet, I trust that, in due time, you shall master its control."

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"No, there is no need for this sacrifice. The power you bestow upon me only heightens the debt and responsibility I bear towards you. I can't ask you to do that."

"Your father, he possessed a phrase that resonated within me, one I cherished deeply."

His gaze bore into mine, unwavering and resolute, as he uttered these words.

"Wherever possibility dwells, where light or benevolence holds sway, darkness is bound to converge. Yet, it is through light that even shadows find purpose. Ultimately, it is light that perseveres, vanquishing all. It is this luminosity that propels us forward."

He then added, a fleeting smile gracing his features.

"Now, as I reflect, he was indeed correct. Should I cross paths with him, I shall relay your greetings."

His complexion grew paler by the second, the pallor of his skin draining away as if fleeing from life itself. His pulse weakened, each beat echoing with a dwindling cadence. I bore witness to the gradual dissolution of vitality within him, as if he were vanishing like a mirage, fading into the ethereal.

"Old man, stay with me," I pleaded, my words a desperate plea to defy the encroaching inevitability.

Once more, the numbness overwhelmed my mind, clouding my senses. With his last breath, the General placed his trembling hand upon my heart. I could see it quivering, I could feel its tremors. It was an agonizing sight, witnessing such a colossal figure reduced to quaking frailty. Yet, that was not the most astounding revelation. The General's eyes, in a sudden metamorphosis, transformed into a luminous shade of golden yellow, radiating an otherworldly glow.

In an instant, a sensation surged through me, just as he had foretold—an indescribable force I had never before experienced. The power of "One Inch" coursed through me, as if it were the very lifeblood flowing within my veins. It surged abundantly, threatening to overflow its boundaries. Yet, by some instinctual accord, I managed to contain its might.

As the General concluded the transfer of his strength, his hand slipped from mine, relinquishing its grasp, and his eyes fluttered shut. His suffering had ended, but mine had just begun. I bowed my head, unable to restrain the tears streaming down my face. Though our acquaintance was brief, we had lost an invaluable presence.

Now, the General lay lifeless in my embrace.

A tempest of rage surged within me, an overwhelming torrent of emotions. I rose, my heart a cauldron of mixed sentiments, cautiously surveying my surroundings before forging ahead. Meanwhile, Hiroshi finally caught up to me, his eyes falling upon the lifeless body of the General.

Removing his hat, he spoke softly, "I am sorry you bore witness to such a sight, kid. But we must press on. They likely possess a means to breach our current position."

My fist clenched, the anger still raging within me. "I couldn't save him..."

Hiroshi's expression shifted to one of confusion, a tinge of surprise crossing his features. However, as understanding washed over him, his countenance grew grave.

"This is not a playground, kid. We are taking our positions on real battlefields. In this path we have chosen, we may lose many more comrades. It was a reality you knew from the very beginning, from the inception of our journey. Yet, it is also a truth that you cannot alter, nor can any of us."

He readied his weapons, his gaze fixated on another direction, and continued, "But remember this. The General fought for you. While he may have regarded us as a unified force, his unwavering belief in you stood on an entirely different plane. So continue down this path, not solely in the absence of his physical presence, but in honor of the deep camaraderie he instilled within us."

"You're right, Hiroshi." As difficult as it was, I agreed with what Hiroshi said.

"Come now, time slips through our fingers, kid. If we do not press forward, more lives will be lost."

His words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the stakes we faced.