The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows into the conference room of the War Department building.
Victor, dressed in a crisp military uniform, sat upright at the head of the table. His expression was solemn and focused as he prepared to preside over this crucial emergency joint meeting.
The attendees came from every sector of the territory—military commanders, government officials, and heads of other relevant agencies.
They had gathered to discuss how to respond to the imminent threat of war.
Every face bore an expression of gravity and tension, for no one could predict what impact this war would have on the entire territory.
After sweeping his gaze around the room, Victor cleared his throat and began, "There is only one purpose in convening this emergency meeting today: to deal with the war that is about to break out!
"I believe everyone present already understands part of the situation, but I still wish to emphasize once again the severity and urgency of our current circumstances.
"According to the War Department's latest intelligence, the Barbarians may launch an attack against us ahead of schedule. This means the originally anticipated start of the war will be greatly accelerated.
"Faced with such an urgent situation, we cannot afford the slightest lapse. We must make every possible preparation for war with all our strength!
"..."
At the very moment the meeting officially began, a special train slowly pulled into the platform at Blue Lake Bay Railway Station.
Station staff helped open the carriage doors, and a group of stern-faced medical personnel in white coats filed out.
These people had clearly been urgently transferred from various places. Some came from the military's medical units, while others came from hospitals across the region.
Before arriving, they had received notice from the territory's Medical Department that