Chapter 177: Time to Leave
The morning air was crisp and filled with the scent of diesel and metal as Aziel and Arthur approached the front gate of the massive wall that surrounded Port Nova. Their footsteps echoed against the concrete pathway, each step bringing them closer to the next phase of their journey. The imposing barrier that had protected them during their brief stay now loomed overhead, its reinforced steel and concrete construction serving as a stark reminder of the dangerous world that lay beyond its protective embrace.
Cara had instructed them to meet at this location the day before, and as they drew closer to the designated meeting point, they could see two familiar figures waiting for them near the gate. The sight that greeted them, however, was far more impressive than either of them had anticipated.
There, positioned strategically in front of the gate, stood Cara and Myah leaning casually against what could only be described as the most intimidating vehicle either Arthur or Aziel had ever laid eyes on. The machine before them was clearly some form of armored SUV, but calling it simply an SUV would be like calling a dragon a large lizard – technically accurate but woefully inadequate.
Arthur and Aziel stared at the vehicle wide-eyed as they closed the remaining distance, their pace unconsciously slowing as they took in the incredible sight before them. Aziel’s excitement was practically radiating from him in waves, his entire body language shifting as his enthusiasm reached new heights.
"That thing is... fucking awesome!" Aziel exclaimed, his voice carrying a note of reverence that was typically reserved for sacred artifacts or legendary weapons.
They both continued to stare at the SUV in amazement, their minds struggling to process what they were seeing. The vehicle was unlike anything they had encountered even in their wildest imaginations. It was a large, black SUV-shaped machine, but that’s where any comparison to civilian vehicles ended abruptly.
Every surface of the vehicle was covered with thick armored plating that gleamed dully in the morning light. The armor wasn’t just functional – it was artistic in its design, with lines of fluorescent blue energy pulsing through intricate channels carved into the metal. The glow seemed to follow specific patterns, creating an almost hypnotic display that suggested the vehicle was powered by far more than conventional fuel.
Most impressive of all was the mounted gun turret positioned on the roof, its barrel thick and menacing as it pointed toward the sky. The weapon looked capable of taking down aircraft, much less any ground-based threats they might encounter on their journey.
As they got closer and managed to drag their attention away from the vehicle long enough to acknowledge Myah and Cara, Arthur couldn’t help but voice the question that was burning in his mind.