Quintina's gaze fell on the sand table, her fingertips tracing the winding river. She asked softly, "Ang, do we really need to stretch our defensive line this far?"
There was a hint of doubt in her voice, as though such a broad defense made her uneasy.
Ang stood before the sand table, his gaze fixed on the land cleared by magic bombs.
Pointing at the river and mangroves on the model, he said gravely, "The area from the mangroves to the far bank has been cleared with magic bombs, but it still isn't safe enough. The lizardmen may have retreated for now, but they won't give up easily."
His gaze hardened. "We need to use this time to build a fortress. Even if the lizardmen regroup and attack, we'll be able to hold it to the death."
Quintina fell silent for a moment before finally nodding in understanding.
Slok, standing beside them, immediately added, "My lord is right. If the defensive line is stretched too far, our forces will inevitably be spread thin. Only by concentrating our troops around the fortress can we truly control the situation."
The atmosphere in the meeting grew slightly heavy. Everyone understood that this brief peace was only temporary, and the real challenge still lay ahead.
Just as everyone was discussing how to build the fortress, Quintina suddenly said, "Ang, should we find a way to divert this river?"
Ang paused and looked at her. "What do you mean?"
Pointing at the sand table, Quintina spoke with determination in her eyes. "North Wind Port is the river's mouth, and its location is unique. Apart from the estuary, nearly everything around it is made up of steep cliffs. If we can divert the river, this place won't be nearly as attractive to the lizardmen."
Ang's heart