The descent was rough. Axel fought against the failing stabilizers, guiding his Machine Caliber through the turbulent atmosphere. Sensors struggled to adjust, their readings chaotic.
"Status report!" Axel barked.
"Atmospheric entry successful. Location: unknown planetary body. Oxygen levels: optimal."
Axel exhaled, looking out at the vast ocean stretching infinitely below. He wasn't ready for how breathtaking it was.
"This is… Earth," Ledo muttered through the comms, awe barely detectable in his voice.
Axel's stomach twisted. He had seen this world before, but now, it was real. The rusted ships of Gargantia floated in the distance, unaware of the warriors that had just entered their domain.
Kugel's voice came through, unreadable. "We proceed with assessment."
Axel knew what was coming. Ledo would integrate. Kugel would struggle. But Axel? He had no script to follow.
His second life had truly begun.
And this time, he wouldn't let fate decide everything.