Furnace Fortress, Command Center.
Silard stood before the holographic star map, his fingers lightly tracing through the air. Commands streamed out with each movement. He stood far straighter than he had a few months ago, and that long-lost sharp glint had rekindled in his eyes.
"Commander-in-Chief, the beast tide at West Sand Fortress is severe. They need reinforcements!" The deputy commander hurried over and handed him a data tablet.
Silard took it, gave it a glance, and frowned slightly. "Wasn't West Sand's defense system just upgraded? How is it already under such strain?"
"The beast tide is larger than expected, and..." The deputy commander paused. "There's a problem with West Sand's energy core. Their firepower output is only sixty percent of normal."
"Deploy three transport ships and send them a spare core. Also send a mech squad to assist with the defense." Silard tapped the star map. "Tell West Sand's commander that next time, maintenance needs to be done ahead of schedule. Don't wait until something goes wrong before reporting it."
"Yes!"
No sooner had the deputy commander left than someone else stepped forward. "Commander-in-Chief, several mining zones in eastern Fenyu Continent have been attacked by mutant beasts. Production lines have shut down."
"Send the Seventh Mech Regiment to clear them out. While the mines are shut down, transfer goods from other mining zones to cover the shortfall. Also, have the engineering teams inspect the mines' defense systems. Reinforce what needs reinforcing, upgrade what needs upgrading."
"Understood!"
Silard issued orders one after another, crisp and decisive, without the slightest hesitation. Within the command center, every Mechanical Empire worker moved swiftly, busy yet unflustered, everything proceeding in perfect order.
Flash Thunder stood in a corner, watching Silard issue commands. His expression was calm, but a trace of darkness flashed through his