Truth 'Vision' (Big Chapter Seeking Monthly Ticket)

The thunderous roar of huge engines echoed across the silent snowy plains beneath the night sky as smoking white mechas descended at the edge of a cliff.

Then the mechas crouched, and their hatches opened.

With that slight tremor, He Ao opened his eyes as well and looked at the blonde girl with twin ponytails before him.

Vili stepped out from behind the control console and looked beyond the hatch. "We're here."

He Ao rose to his feet and looked outside.

The snowy plains beneath the night sky were utterly silent. Heavy clouds blanketed the heavens, casting a dim shadow over the entire world.

Yet close within He Ao's field of view, right beneath the mecha's feet, trucks lined up along a road beneath the snowfield, their lights illuminating brief patches of brightness in the darkness.

"A trade caravan?"

He Ao looked up at Vili.

"Mm."

Vili nodded lightly and walked toward the lowered rope ladder. "It's a registered trade caravan. When we return, security won't check us."

He Ao nodded, carrying his harpoon and metal plate as he followed her down the rope ladder.

With two soft thuds into the snow, the two landed on the ground.

"Miss!"

Almost the instant He Ao found his footing, a short-haired woman in a loose standard security uniform rushed over, clutching a medical kit. She seized Vili by the shoulders and examined her carefully. "How could Rede and the others let you take such a risk? Have they lost their minds?"

"I'm fine, Carrie."

Vili smiled and patted the short-haired woman's shoulder. "Didn't I come back alive? At the time, I was the only one who could pilot the mecha. If I hadn't drawn those scum away, everyone would have died. By the way, did Rede and the others make it here