Fires in the Dark [Interstellar]

Defend our borders, serve the imperial family, and benefit the people: the Starfall Empire Military Academy's oath.

Even many years after graduating, Legion Commander Su Yu still faithfully upheld these three principles. But when he looked back, he realized that the person who had taken the oath with him had long since gone down a different path.

Only Su Yu knew how disappointed he had been when he learned that Bai Ren had joined the rebel army.

Only Su Yu knew that he had never given up hope for him.

But when they met again, Bai Ren was no longer the sunny, spirited young man he had once been.

He was a despicable madman, his cold gaze clinging to Su Yu every moment of the day. Like a hungry wolf with its teeth sunk into its prey, he refused to let go even when bloodied and broken.

And yet, he would crouch down to gently brush the dust off Su Yu's trouser cuffs. He would peel his shrimp for him, leaving them whole. He would even go alone to the most desolate planet to pull Su Yu back from the brink of death, paying whatever price he had to.

A tide of hidden turmoil swept in, tearing the heart of the Empire to shreds. No one could escape unscathed.

When Su Yu was swept away by the current and toppled from his pedestal, Bai Ren suddenly stopped acting like a madman. Fearlessly taking his hand, he slowly pulled him from the depths back up to the clouds.

Bai Ren wore his military uniform, his spirit undiminished from years ago. The stars on his epaulets glimmered faintly, while the smile on his lips remained as arrogant and defiant as ever.

"Commander, I saved you once, and you saved me once... You will always owe me one. Don't even think about denying it!"

* Both secretly in love, happy ending.

* The author let loose. The plot is melodramatic and old-fashioned, the level of technology is anyone's guess, and the logic is mostly intact.

Theme: Love, not interstellar conquest