Yilan City
Sunlight shone down from the heavens beyond the gateway, spreading a golden radiance.
Dense ranks of City Defense Army soldiers sealed off the narrow gateway corridor, surrounding a mild-looking, fair-skinned man in his forties or fifties.
Beyond the gateway, dense crowds could vaguely be seen.
Bang—
He Ao looked at the contamination detector that had exploded in his field of vision again, and a question mark gradually appeared over his head.
"Cough, Mr. Pete," the captain in protective gear casually tucked the detector into his pocket and smiled. "Welcome to Yilan City."
"What was that—?" He Ao looked at the detector, now reduced to half its length. "I remember you were here the last time I came too, right? We should... know each other?"
"Cough." The captain coughed again. "Hasn't it been a year since you last came? You didn't bring any identification either, so we had to verify your identity and follow the procedure. That way, I can explain it to my superiors."
He lowered his head to look at He Ao. "Are you here to see General Kewi again this time?"
"No." He Ao shook his head and glanced at the exploded contamination detector in the captain's hand. "Just take me to the lounge. You've already notified the person I want to see. He'll be here soon."
"Have I?" The captain froze slightly and scratched his head. Looking at He Ao's mild, natural expression, he did not ask further. "Then please follow me."
With that, he turned, pushed open a small side door beside the gateway, and led He Ao toward it.
The City Defense Army soldiers blocking the entire gateway gradually backed away and dispersed.
The gateway walls were covered in clean tiles, reflecting the silhouettes of passersby.
He Ao slowly walked forward and glanced