The Purple Wind descended from space, following the coordinates provided by the unmanned reconnaissance drones and slowly lowering itself above a cliffside castle by the coast. The castle had a distinctive foreign style, full of classical charm yet carrying a strong sense of technology. Several different styles blended together without seeming ugly; combined with the surrounding natural environment, they instead felt remarkably harmonious.
Although the castle appeared intact, the tall bridge in front of it was already badly damaged. At least across the vast area visible to the eye, there were no other man-made structures to be seen. Only this castle stood alone atop the cliff, carrying an indescribable sense of history and mystery.
As Xiao Ran stepped out of the landing craft, twenty to thirty Landing Force members swiftly ran out from both sides of him. Carrying their weapons, they quickly conducted a thorough inspection of the front of the castle. Four people remained behind while everyone else cautiously entered the castle.
Two squads of Variable Fighters circled above the castle, while a squad of MS quickly flew out from the Purple Wind and landed around the castle. Together with the Purple Wind hovering overhead, they had surrounded the entire castle inside and out.
Xiao Ran advanced all the way forward, with Cruze beside him. Behind them were Saki, Aiba Shinyo, Hana, Miet, and Yao, split into two rows as they slowly made their way deeper into the castle.
Saki suddenly quickened her pace and walked to Xiao Ran's side. "The Landing Force has found the people inside the castle and has them all under control. The Purple Wind's inspection results are out as well. This castle appears to be a spaceship, and according to environmental analysis, it has been here for more than ten thousand years."
Xiao Ran