Perseus let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. Relief—unexpected, but real—flowed through him at Tomato's reckless laughter. Her mockery had shaken loose the dread, giving him a spark of hope where none had been.
Then she jabbed a clawed finger toward the looming angel. Her grin widened.
"Can't you see? It is a mere weakling."
Perseus followed her gaze. The colossal eye still blazed, but its glare was not as sharp as before, its holy radiance flickering with strain. A titan still, yes—but no longer untouchable. His heart tightened.
There was a way.
"That weapon you fired from Earth," Tomato said, her voice alive with hunger, "can you use it again?"
Without hesitation, Perseus pressed a hand to his ear and called down to the Earth-bound command. Static crackled, then a reply came back sharp and hurried:
"It's possible. Cooldown window is five minutes. After that, it needs thirty before we can fire again."
Perseus relayed the words.
