Several days later.
Atlantis City.
Inside the enormous translucent energy barrier protecting the city stood a dense, magnificent cluster of buildings.
Spire after spire and square tower stretched straight toward the sky, as though they would not stop until they touched the top of the barrier. The many public buildings refused to be outdone. Though they could not compare in height, they covered vast areas, looking like independent little cities.
The roads between these "little cities" teemed with pedestrians and traffic. A brand-new locomotive traveled in from beyond the city along its tracks. After brushing past countless pedestrians, it sprayed out thick clouds of white steam and headed toward the city center.
A moment later, the brand-new locomotive arrived at the central transit station. The door of the first carriage opened, and a large group of people stepped out. Nearly all of them had bandages wrapped around their arms or legs and were carrying injuries, yet they were in high spirits. After getting off, they curiously surveyed Atlantis—the city known as the Pearl of Shalin.
Among them were Goring, commander of the Gray Parrot Enhanced Regiment; Locomotive Chief Bob; crew members Frank and Philip; and another Philip—Ma Qiu Philip.
They did not linger on the platform for long. Special attendants appeared and politely led them out of the transit station toward a colossal semicircular building in Atlantis City.
That was the City Auditorium, built specifically for ceremonies of great significance. Frank, Philip, and the others had come to attend the medal presentation being held there today. Based on their respective contributions during the Truth Society's Raging Disaster Level assault, they would receive Richard Medals of different grades.
Frank, Philip, and the others all wore faintly excited expressions. Whether receiving medals from Molly, the lord of Atlantis City, or broadening their