The golden victory light of the extraction pedestal pulsed against the sky, casting a warm glow over the steel summit platform.
But before the Plateau Five could even begin to process the final confirmation chime, the heavy thrum of approaching turbine engines shook the mountain air.
From over the eastern ridge, a massive, executive-grade white transport helicopter swept into view, bearing the unmistakable royal crest of the capital's top conglomerates. It hovered steadily over the peak, its landing lights cutting through the morning mist, before gently settling onto the pad opposite the victory terminal.
The cabin door slid open with a hydraulic hiss, and Director Zhao stepped out first, wearing a slightly frazzled expression and holding a modern digital tablet.
But he wasn't here to give a speech or wave a production flag. He simply stepped aside, raising his hands in a gesture of absolute surrender.
