Chapter Four: First Battle at Starsea

"Astra-X does not rely on conventional synchronization. It rebuilds the pilot's battlefield perception." She paused, then added: "Leon Voss is not a legend. He is a variable." When Astra-X entered the hangar, the lighting dimmed automatically. Before the heavy doors closed, Leon heard Rafe over the public channel. "Voss." "Here." "Next time, I win it back." Leon looked at the starlight reflected across the armor in the dark hangar. "I will be waiting." The doors sealed. In the darkness, Astra-X spoke. "Academy threat level has risen." Leon removed the neural light strands, and blood seeped from his nose again. He wiped it away with his sleeve, eyes steady. "This is the first day." "Pilot intent?"