In spite of a civil war raging nearby in Kummen, the port city of Tabbing is a lively, boisterous place where merciless gladiator fights between ATs is a popular form of entertainment. Carradyne has come to the city after hearing rumors that Galvin Fox, one of the conspirators in the Planpandoll scandal, has been seen there.

While travelling across an old, wreckage-strewn battlefield, Mellowlink's vehicle breaks down. As he builds a campfire he is pricked by a thorn from the Tree of Chekoku, which is supposed to cause "bad illusions".

After the fight with the bandits, General Helumesion calls a trusted subordinate, Sergeant Boil. He tells Boil that Mellowlink has kidnapped his neice--Luicy Ramone.

Acting on Major Boil's comment that he will "find the real evil" in Coza City, Mellowlink is flying the Major's helicopter there.