Chapter Forty-Nine: Five Days! Five Days! Five Days!

As the days passed, the people of the United States began to panic.

All the nations, large and small, were preparing for the apocalypse, yet the United States remained inert.

Now, Americans found themselves isolated.

The turmoil in the powerful European nations had long since settled; united as one, they too were preparing to face the end times.

Not only that, but smaller nations began to seek aid from Kyushu.

As a great power, Kyushu shouldered this responsibility without hesitation, sending teams to help build the infrastructure for the apocalypse free of charge. Of course, the prerequisite was that Kyushu would be granted the rights to mine radium there without compensation.

Even China, though reluctant, could only accept passively, for now they needed Kyushu’s help.

Thus, Kyushu became the savior in the eyes of many nations.

Even countries in the southern hemisphere began to seek assistance from Kyushu.

Kyushu was now reaching out to the world.

February 24th—five days remain until Pluto awakens!

As time slipped away, the hour of Pluto’s awakening and the coming of the apocalypse drew ever closer.

Amidst the emergency drills, the troops received a piece of good news.

“All soldiers are granted a day’s leave; go home, enjoy yourselves, and return to your posts by 6 PM on the 25th!”

This message was not only for the soldiers, but also for the Red Hacker Alliance.

They had endured more than two months of isolation, and at last, they could see their families once again.

In truth, they knew—once the war began, whether they or their families would survive was uncertain.

Ji Kaicheng gazed at the soldiers standing on the open ground, eyes reddened.

From now on, they would stand against Pluto with their flesh and blood.

Though there were fortresses and advanced weapons, they would still be wounded, still make sacrifices.

“Soldiers! Today you are on leave—cherish this time with your families! If you have no family, go out, enjoy yourselves, relax—whatever you do, make the most of it!”

His once spirited voice faltered, “Otherwise, who knows if you’ll ever meet again…”

“But it doesn’t matter! As Kyushu’s soldiers, we are ready to give our lives for our nation! Sacrifice ourselves at any moment to protect Kyushu!”

“Soldiers! Am I right?” Ji Kaicheng shouted, his voice nearly a roar.

Without hesitation, the troops responded loudly, “Right! Absolutely right!”

Each one shouted with fervor, as if only through their cries could they expel the complex emotions within and leave behind nothing but blazing fighting spirit.

The Red Hacker Alliance received the news; Zhang Hua’s first action was to inform everyone.

“Stop your work—leave is granted! Be back by 6 PM tomorrow!”

“Go home, see your family and friends. If you can’t, go clubbing, have a drink—whatever you like! I hear the entertainment industry is open for just today, closing at 6 PM tomorrow!”

Yet no one reacted; they simply stared blankly at Zhang Hua.

Zhang Hua forced a bitter smile, speaking quietly, “Go home, quickly. You never know if you’ll meet again—maybe this is the last time.”

No words were exchanged. Silently, everyone packed their belongings, preparing to go home.

“Don’t be so stiff! Go home, enjoy yourselves! Remember—be back on time! We still need to prepare for battle!”

“Remember this: we’re protecting Kyushu. It’s an honor! Understood?”

“Why aren’t you saying anything? Speak up! The world hasn’t ended yet!” Zhang Hua tried his best to lighten the mood, but ultimately couldn’t help but shout.

As Pluto’s awakening drew near, the pressure on their shoulders grew heavier, and their confidence in victory waned.

For a moment, everyone was stunned. The blankness in their eyes gave way to a spark of spirit.

“The world hasn’t ended yet! We still have a chance!” someone cried.

“Exactly! Who knows if Pluto is really so formidable—it’s just a machine. Can it outsmart us humans?”

“Haha! Well said!”

...

Watching this scene, Zhang Hua smiled faintly. This was the spirit Kyushu’s people should have. Lu Dang came over, patted Zhang Hua’s shoulder, their eyes meeting briefly, then together they shouted the slogan they had long prepared.

“Kyushu will prevail! The Red Hacker Alliance will prevail! Pluto, get out!”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the room was silent.

But only for three seconds. Then everyone joined Zhang Hua and Lu Dang, shouting, “Kyushu will prevail! The Red Hacker Alliance will prevail! Pluto, get out!”

The scene grew uncontrollable. Each person screamed out their fear and hatred of Pluto, and their unwavering resolve to win.

On this day of leave, all the people gathered with their families, doing as they pleased.

Because after 6 PM tomorrow, a new round of preparations would begin.

Chu Xiao also took this chance to return home.

Upon entering, he saw Qin Lihua had already prepared dinner, waiting for him. Chu Renfang, meanwhile, wore his glasses and read a book on military theory.

“Well, look who’s finally come home!” Chu Renfang’s voice was stern but tinged with amusement.

Chu Xiao raised his eyebrows, “Mind your own business!”

“Chu Xiao, you’re home! Come eat! Don’t mind your father!” Qin Lihua ladled out the food, warmly inviting Chu Xiao to the table.

“Alright!” Chu Xiao replied with a smile and walked over.

February 25th, 7:00 AM—four days remain until Pluto awakens!

Chu Xiao went to West Mountain, intent on seeing Wang Lulu.

He arrived at her dormitory, stood outside the door for a long time before finally raising his hand to knock.

But before he could knock, the door swung open.

Wang Lulu, head bowed, lost in thought, stepped out and accidentally collided with a firm chest.

“Ah! Who is it?” Wang Lulu rubbed her forehead, instinctively looking up—and was stunned to see the very person she had longed for.

Tears welled up and spilled from her eyes; her mouth quivered, and before Chu Xiao could speak, she threw her arms around him.

On that day, the bodies of these two lovers could no longer contain their passion, entwining in ecstasy. On the eve of war, it was their last embrace, their final madness.

February 25th, 6:00 PM.

The glow of the setting sun bathed the land, shining on every face.

Everyone returned to their posts.

All the people of Kyushu threw themselves into preparation, giving their all to defend Kyushu and resist Pluto.

The apocalypse was imminent. Pluto was about to awaken.

Would it be humanity that was destroyed, or Pluto?

The final preparations were about to begin.