Late at night, Yang Ying returned to his home, first taking a shower in the bathroom, then changing into clean clothes before settling onto the sofa in the living room.

He turned on the television and switched it to the news channel.

The current report detailed the rising confirmed death toll from the "Light of Titan," along with the number of people still missing. After a while, the broadcast switched to scenes of numerous citizens petitioning the city government for emigration.

The tragedy that had unfolded in the city had plunged many residents into sorrow and terror. Those who had lost loved ones here wished to flee this place of grief; those who had narrowly survived as a family now mistrusted the city's safety. This had ignited a city-wide exodus.

Yang Ying watched the entire news program, noting that there was no mention of the ancient legion's invasion—he presumed that news was still confined to a select few.

Just as he was about to switch off the television, the living room door suddenly swung open. Yang Ying turned, but saw nothing beyond the empty expanse of the room.

A look of understanding crossed his face.

“Is that Kalia?”

“Yes! Commander!”

A figure gradually materialized from the void. He wore a grayscale optical camouflage suit, his mask fitted with peculiar lenses, and a rifle slung across his back. Though his frame appeared lean, he exuded an aura of lean, hardened efficiency.

This was Kalia, the first Ghost operative of the Floating Continent.

Yang Ying bypassed pleasantries and asked directly, “How is Phase One of Project Theran progressing?”

Kalia reported respectfully, “Perfectly smooth, Commander. I successfully infiltrated City Hall and inputted the necessary data.”

“Excellent,” Yang Ying allowed a slight smile to surface.

Project Theran was, in essence, the plan to bring the Terran race (Theran being the transliteration of Ren-zu or Human in the StarCraft context) into the light.

Phase One involved registering a Terran company in the government's computer databases, primarily manufacturing various machines, including weaponry. Henceforth, all equipment data produced on the Floating Continent would be logged under the Theran Company’s accounts, serving as a smokescreen for the Terran war machines.

All personnel associated with the Theran Company were fabrications. Hundreds of non-existent profiles needed to be created, linking them to the company—from the Chairman down to the doorman, every position filled. Naturally, aside from a few individuals who would assume these roles, the rest were slated to die in the Light of Titan campaign.

And CV Engineering Corporal Tom would assume the alias Tom Theran, positioned as the heir to the company chairmanship.

As for specifics like funding and facilities, Yang Ying had entrusted those intricate details to Kalia. After all, with an entire cadre of subordinates, there was no need for him to fret over every trivial matter; once the broad strokes were set, others would naturally flesh out the plan.

Simultaneously, several CV units, Marines, and Ghost operatives who had supposedly perished in the Light of Titan were now given legitimate identities. Kalia had stealthily forged dozens of family profiles for his own people—families sharing the common trait that all relatives had perished in the Light of Titan battle, ensuring no one would recognize them or search for them.

This was made possible because the Light of Titan was in such extreme chaos that all surveillance capabilities had been reduced to their lowest point.

Most of these subordinates would be placed in the Theran Company to maintain its daily operations and present a façade to the outside world. Any manpower gaps would be quickly filled as the barracks operated at full capacity.

Kalia’s recent infiltration of City Hall to input data was the most perilous step; discovery would have complicated matters immensely.

With the mission largely accomplished, Yang Ying breathed a sigh of relief and then asked, “Do you have anything else to report?”

Kalia shook his head. “No report as such, Commander. However, there is one matter I don’t quite grasp and would like your counsel on.”

“Oh? What is it?” Yang Ying asked, curious.

“Commander, you strive ceaselessly to make yourself stronger. Yet, you have so many subordinates like us; if you ordered anything, we would exert every effort to complete it successfully. Why must you still be so demanding of yourself? Is it perhaps a lack of faith in us?” As Kalia spoke, he lowered his head, awaiting Yang Ying’s response.

Yang Ying remained silent for a moment. “It’s a matter of personal conviction, I suppose. I believe that as your Commander, I should possess the strength worthy of that title. How can I, as the leader of the three races, be no different from an ordinary person?”

“The history of humanity has always been led by ordinary people guiding ordinary people. If we carry no weapons, we are merely ordinary people. Why should you concern yourself?”

“Perhaps that held true in the past,” Yang Ying said, drawing a deep breath. “In the past, the greatest difference between people was brute strength. No matter how strong one individual became, they could not stand against an army. But now, the rules of the world have changed. Those with Psionic energy can wield power that surpasses machinery, like Master Pang Qian, powerful enough to sweep battlefields and be unkillable. The Ancient Legion and the Psionic Monastery both command immense power, and the higher the rank, the greater the strength. How can I afford not to strive?”

“Furthermore,” Yang Ying continued, “I send you onto the battlefield to fight, even to die, while I reap the fruits of your labor from the rear. Isn’t that fundamentally unfair to you?”

“So, Commander, you intend to join us on the battlefield?” Kalia’s expression shifted to one of realization.

“Precisely,” Yang Ying nodded.

Kalia took two steps back and saluted sharply. “I understand the Commander’s intentions, but there is one thing I must say.”

“Speak.”

“We are not like the Ancient Legion or the Psionic Monastery. Regardless of whether you wield immense power, we will unconditionally obey your commands. Moreover, the population of the Floating Continent will eventually grow. Not every battle can see every person deployed. If something should befall you, the Commander, while deep in danger, what would become of those left on the Continent?”

Kalia’s words caused Yang Ying to fall into deep thought.

Indeed, if he were to stumble on the battlefield and fall, what would become of the Interstellar within his grasp? Would the Floating Continent be doomed to perish, or lost forever in the void, unable to reconnect with the real world?

“You are very articulate, Kalia. It seems since I obtained the Interstellar, I’ve been swept away by excitement. Looking back now, perhaps my approach was somewhat rash,” Yang Ying closed his eyes and spoke slowly, word by deliberate word.

“Not at all, Commander. Your intentions stemmed purely from goodwill toward the three races when you conceived that idea,” Kalia replied, sounding relieved as if a great burden had been lifted.

“What should I say now?” Yang Ying murmured to himself. “Since I won’t be on the front lines, should I relax, slow the pace of progress… No! I cannot say that!” He suddenly stood up, only to fall back into contemplation.

“Commander?” Kalia called out softly when he saw Yang Ying standing motionless.

“I see it clearly now, Kalia,” Yang Ying turned back, his confusion vanished. “I will fulfill my responsibilities as Commander even more diligently from now on, but I will not slow my pursuit of strength! Nor will I distance myself from the battlefield…”

Kalia couldn't help but ask, “You will still be so harsh on yourself? What is the reason this time, Commander…”

“Does becoming stronger require a reason? By the time a reason to become stronger arises, it will already be too late,” Yang Ying stated. “There is no gain without effort. Without fighting experts in actual combat, practical ability cannot improve. What use is an increase in sheer brute force? Furthermore, many lessons cannot be learned outside the battlefield. To be a competent commander, engaging in combat is unavoidable. I have an advantage over other commanders: the existence of mental power. I possess sharp intuition, allowing me to assess the situation in real-time, and if insurmountable obstacles arise, I can order a timely retreat.”