Near Garden City, inside the military command tent.
Army Commander Zhang stood sternly before the sand table. To his left was an enormous screen.
At that moment, the screen was showing the battle situation inside Garden City—the footage had been captured by helicopters over the city and transmitted back.
A group of officers stood around the sand table, not saying a word.
The entire command center was deathly silent!
After a long while, Army Commander Zhang spoke.
"Everyone, what do you think of the current situation?"
Jiao Yang was the first to raise his hand.
"Reporting, sir! I recommend that we act immediately and enter Garden City. Only then can we protect the lives of the civilians inside to the greatest extent possible!"
The moment he finished speaking, several others immediately voiced their opposition.
"I disagree. The phantom image has only just descended, and a completely stable environment has yet to form. Entering recklessly now will increase our soldiers' casualties. The price would be enormous—one we cannot afford!"
"That's right. Soldiers are the foundation of our nation. Trading the lives of our soldiers for those of ordinary civilians inside the city clearly isn't worth it!"
"Exactly. A large portion of the people still inside the city refused to evacuate. Think about how much work we did trying to persuade them to leave, yet we still couldn't. All we can say is that they brought it upon themselves!"
"..."
Hearing the chaotic voices in the command room, Army Commander Zhang furrowed his brows tightly.
"General Liu entrusted me—and all of us—with the vital task of protecting Garden City. We should protect the safety of the residents inside to the greatest extent possible, so stop saying things like that!"
"Some ordinary civilians have limited understanding and cannot be reasoned with, but that