The intense sound of artillery bombardment echoed in the distance.
The shock wave, like a storm, ravaged everything, destroying the buildings and reefs along the shore, hurling tons of soil into the air. The deafening roar seemed to rip people's eardrums apart.
A young man with blue-gray beast ears and a wolf tail supported a bloodied wounded person, grumbling incessantly, "Battista, do you really think you're a hero?"
Battista swallowed some blood-tinged spit, forcing a smile as he said, "Alita is such a cute kid. Every time she sees me, she politely calls me Uncle Battista."
"Did she buy you off with just a word of uncle?"
"Couldn't possibly let the little girl address me all for nothing, right?"
Feeling the loud noises behind him, Battista struggled and said, "Boss, you should go quickly; those people are about to land. I won't run fast if you take me along."
"Cut the crap!"
