Reinhard furrowed his brow as he began to see the scene begin to change and shift before finding himself standing in a city.

It was no longer the same wooden settlement he'd seen in the memories, but transformed. Buildings that used to be made out of wood and stone were not changed to the familiar golden walls and roofs he saw before.

They were decorated with colorful banners that swayed in the gentle wind, while he saw the streets were shining golden.

He then saw people move through the streets with laughter and a bit of carefreeness. There was no fear in their expressions, constant glancing over their shoulders for threats, and no tension in how they carried themselves.

Dune walked ahead of Reinhard, wearing the golden and iron armor in pristine condition. His golden cape hung from his left shoulder without tears or bloodstains.

Children ran past, their voices bright with excitement, and they waved at Dune as they passed. "Commander! Commander! Watch this!"

One child attempted a cartwheel, executing it poorly and tumbling into the street. His friends laughed while helping him up and encouraging another attempt. Dune chuckled as he stayed to watch the boy succeed before then waving back with a faint smile.

Teenagers gathered near a market stall, their conversation animated as they debated something Reinhard couldn't quite hear.

One noticed Dune passing and called out. "Thank you for yesterday's training session! I finally figured out the stance you showed me!"

Dune waved back, and then his smile widened at the sight of the others also waving at him.

Adults moved through their daily routines, such as merchants arranging goods, craftsmen working on projects, and families walking together without urgency.

An elderly woman approached Dune directly, her face creasing with a smile, and she pressed a wrapped package into his hands. "For you, Commander. Fresh bread, just like you enjoy."

"You spoil me." Dune said, accepting the gift with both hands and a grin.

"You've earned it," she replied, patting his arm before continuing on her way.

Reinhard noted how the settlement had truly become a place where people could live for another reason other than to survive.

I suppose he fulfilled Voyer's dream and wish. Reinhard thought as he heard laughter echoed from open windows. He then heard music drifting from somewhere nearby. Someone playing an instrument with skill that suggested they had time to practice, to develop artistry beyond basic survival.

Dune walked through it all, his gaze taking in every detail with visible satisfaction. His eyes reflected the scenes around him, children playing without fear, adults working without constant vigilance, and elderly citizens sitting peacefully rather than mourning the dead.

He stopped walking, standing in the middle of the main street while people flowed around him like water around a stone. His voice emerged softly, carrying wonder despite speaking to himself. "Now I see… This is it… What my parents meant long ago…"

His gaze swept across the city, the rebuilt buildings, the decorated streets, the people moving with confidence and joy. "The sight of people no longer showing fear, or despair, or being anxious or frightened by a single sound…" His smile grew while his face softened. "It's this beautiful sight and joy that makes me smile and fills me with pride."

Dune bent his knees slightly, then leaped. The jump carried him high up into the air before he flipped and then landed on top of the Memories Pillar. The golden monument stood tall in the city's center, names carved across every visible surface.

From this elevated position, the entire city spread before him, allowing him to look at its magnificent beauty.

People noticed immediately.

Some waved, their hands raised in greeting, while others cheered, voices carrying genuine affection rather than obligatory respect.

A few of the older citizens who'd known Dune longer shouted complaints. "Get down from there! You'll damage the pillar!" But their words carried no real anger, only the comfortable familiarity of long-standing relationships.

Children pointed and laughed, delighted by the Supreme Commander's antics, while teenagers grinned, some attempting similar jumps and failing spectacularly. Adults shook their heads with fond exasperation, returning to their activities while keeping one eye on the spectacle.

Dune absorbed all these reactions, the waves, the cheers, the complaints, the laughter, the head-shaking. All of this made his smile widen until it threatened to split his face. His eyes glistened with moisture that might have been tears, but if so, they were tears of happiness, relief, and joy.

"Yes…" Dinevoice carried across the city despite not shouting, as if the memory itself amplified his words. "This is my Golden Age. The current state of Forerunners at their most beautiful, prideful, stunning, and shining to me."

He spread his arms wide, embracing the entire scene before him. The sun caught his armor, reflecting golden light that painted the buildings in warm radiance.

The breeze caught his golden cape, making it billow dramatically.

"It's amazing." Dune continued, his voice thick with emotion. "An age that was paved by the wills and beliefs of my comrades, my friends…" He paused, his gaze finding the names carved on the pillar beneath his feet. "And my parents. It's a beautiful sight, one I'm sure they too would be proud of."

The city continued its rhythm around his life, proceeding with the natural flow of people who'd found peace. All of the citizens were safe, protected, and allowed to simply exist rather than constantly fight for survival.

This was what they'd sacrificed for.

This moment stretched across years, where people could laugh without looking over their shoulders. Where children could play without fear of beasts tearing through the streets. Where families could gather without wondering if tomorrow would bring another raid.

This was the Golden Age of Melo City, not conquest or glory or military might.

Simply people living the lives they wanted rather than the lives they must. It was his Golden Age that he would stake everything to protect.

"I see… Mom and Dad… These feelings you guys have when you stay to protect this beacon… I understand why you wouldn't give up on it, this feeling… It feels amazing." Dune says softly as he chuckles.

Dune stood at its center, bearing witness to what his generation had created with their blood and sacrifice.

A future where the next generation could smile.

Reinhard saw the scene freeze before shifting violently, time compressing and reforming. Reinhard stood before a different scene, night blanketing the landscape, stars scattered across the sky like scattered diamonds.

The golden walls of Melo City stretched behind him, buildings quiet but alive with watching eyes peering from windows.

In front of the city stood countless Beast Masters, over a hundred of them were forming defensive lines that stretched across the approach.

They wore golden and iron armor matching Dune's, their weapons drawn and ready. Their faces showed no fear despite what approached from the darkness.

Reinhard's eyes widened when he saw the Night Terrors rushing over towards them like a tide of living shadow.

Black variants were screeching as their face had opened up, while Crimson forms shone among them, with it radiating Third Class power. Behind those came shapes that made the others seem insignificant by comparison.

Towering Night Terrors stood the size of Kungala, fifteen feet tall with four arms extending from torsos. Each arm wielded a weapon forged from shadow material, such as a sword, axe, spear, or hammer. All gleamed black, all leaked smoke that trailed in their wake, while four horns arranged like crowns topped their heads. Multiple black tendrils rose from their backs with three eyes glowing white in a triangle formation, two on the sides, and one between.

Among them moved Night Centipede variants, segmented bodies stretching twenty feet long, dozens of legs carrying them with terrifying speed. Crow-like Night Terrors filled the air above, their wings spreading darkness.

Other forms emerged that Reinhard couldn't categorize, shapes that suggested nightmare made manifest.

Dune stood at the front of the defensive line, his golden cape billowing despite no wind. His voice carried across the assembled warriors. "Our beautiful city is behind us! Are you all willing to let it crash and burn? Are you all willing to let our Golden Age fall today?"

The Melo City Guards roared in unison. "No!"

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