North City Command Center
"General, was that the mayor calling?"
A lean-looking officer pushed open the metal side door, entered the room, raised his head, and looked at the tall, upright Scott before him.
"Yes."
Scott set down his wristband and nodded lightly.
"He called you at a time like this? Does he want us to support the South City?"
The lean officer asked hesitantly.
"I'm afraid it's more than that."
Scott shook his head and took a deep breath. "I have a feeling that old bastard has noticed something."
He turned to look at the lean officer. "Are you ready?"
"Reporting, General. Everything is ready."
The lean officer's expression hardened. He immediately stepped aside, revealing the small glowing door behind him. Standing at attention, he replied.
"Good."
Scott strode past the lean officer and toward the light beyond the small door.
A long, temporarily constructed steel staircase came into view. He watched it and lifted his foot.
A faintly grim, desolate wind swept across his face. His leather military boots thudded against the steel steps, like mournful war drums beating through the endless night.
Soon, he crossed the final step and stood atop the steel platform, raising his head to look ahead.
Countless soldiers clad in neat Exoskeleton Armor stood in formation, while rows of Seraph Mechs hovered on either side of them, slowly emerging beneath the night sky.
At the distant edge of the darkness, faint glimmers flickered, accompanied by an almost imperceptible roar that shook the air.
Flames spewed by the massive Mecha shone like brilliant lamps, nearly illuminating the entire sky. Scott stood before the orderly ranks of Mecha and soldiers, atop the temporary platform, looking down at everything below.
"The fact that you can stand here proves that you are the finest soldiers in North