The clinking and clanging echoed across the open construction site.
The grocery store owner sat in his chair, stretched lazily, and turned on the old television in front of him.
"Currently, the Federation's forces and the mercenary groups of the corporations commissioned by the Federation have completed the defense of and preliminary offensive against Rank City, an eastern Federation city."
"Rank City is a key fortress city in the southeastern Federation. It was once within Dawn City's sphere of influence. After rebel leader Christos revolted, Rank City also fell under the control of forces sympathetic to Dawn City."
"This city lies on the main transport routes linking the rebels' three key major cities—Yilan City, Dawn City, and Kaya City. According to Professor Serns of Aines Military Academy, once this city is captured, the Federation will be able to split these three cities apart and eliminate them one by one."
"The tug-of-war over the defense of this city has lasted nearly two months. During that time, Federation forces repeatedly broke into the city, only to be driven back by the defenders within. Mercenary groups from the Nolanka Group and the City Defense Army from Yilan City also came to provide support."
"But according to news from the front lines, after this prolonged stalemate, Rank City is already at the end of its strength. This time, Federation forces are about to capture the city completely."
"According to military experts from the Federal Central Army, once Rank City falls, the fall of Yilan City will only be a matter of time. Federation forces will crush the rebel army with unstoppable force, seize the cities controlled by the rebels, and once again envelop them in the Federation's radiance."
"President Skvis declared that he could quell the rebellion and end the war within three months."