The military vehicle rumbled along the reinforced path, its tires crunching softly over the gravel. Around the perimeter of the base, a smaller, but still formidable, fence circled the area like a secondary defense, a buffer to prevent any breach from within the Federation side. Mounted turrets tracked the vehicle for a moment, scanning for hostile signatures, before soft beeps signaled clearance.
With a mechanical hiss, the gate slid open, and the vehicle passed through the final threshold into Base 01.
The moment they crossed the boundary, the cadets could feel it.
This was no training ground.
This was war's doorstep.
The transport rolled to a halt on a designated landing pad surrounded by towering buildings and fortified watchtowers. The driver gave one final glance over his shoulder and announced flatly:
"We're here."
Leon leaned forward, casually stuffing his phone into his inventory.
"Finally," he muttered, stretching his arms as he stood up.
