A dense army marched across the vast plains, the dawn light shining on the soldiers' not-yet-dry armor and reflecting brightly off its polished surfaces.
"The sun's up."
Deep within the army, someone seemed to ask, "How much longer until we reach Dawn City?"
"After passing through the Storm Corridor, we entered the Eastern Plain. If we keep up our marching speed, we should reach Dawn City tonight," a voice answered from the crowd. "But we're exhausted from the journey, and most of the soldiers haven't rested properly. Even if we reach Dawn City, we'll need some time to recuperate."
"That's fine. Pass down the order: open the Transport Vehicles and let the soldiers take turns resting inside. Everyone else advances toward Dawn City at full speed."
The questioning voice spoke without hesitation.
"Yes."
The responding voice immediately replied.
"Have we received any news from the Mercenary Groups in other areas?"
Soon, the questioning voice asked again.
"No," the voice replied quickly. "According to our earlier agreement, after arriving in the Eastern Plain, Stars Pharmaceutical's Mercenary Group was supposed to leave contacts in nearby cities. But we haven't found any contacts yet."
"Mint City, which was supposed to be controlled by Note Intelligence and Vist Steel, also seems to have run into some problems. The liaison officers we sent out still haven't returned, and we haven't received replies from either Mercenary Group.
"In theory, we should have rendezvoused with the other allied forces outside Dawn City no later than early this morning."
"I understand," the questioning voice said slowly. "Send out a Mecha Squad as liaison officers and try to contact the 'allied forces' to the west and south. The whole army continues forward."
"Yes."
The responding voice answered again.
A crimson aircraft streaked swiftly through the sky. He Ao,