A Way to Survive

A moment later, the command center's heavy wooden door was firmly shut once more.

Franz, operating under the alias "Mike," was an experienced Intelligence Bureau agent under Richter. He followed closely behind Baron Werner with a steady demeanor and stepped into the oppressive command center once again.

Unlike the despair of moments ago, everyone's eyes were now fixed on him, filled with the urgency and expectation of a drowning person clutching at the last piece of driftwood.

The group practically surrounded him as they took their seats beside the crude wooden table.

Baron Werner even personally poured him a cup of water. His voice was slightly hoarse with tension and anticipation as he asked impatiently, "Mr. Mike, you came here at great risk. You must have something important to tell us!"

"Could it be... could it be that Lord Karl of Carnford has decided to send troops to rescue us here in the Iron Islands?" The last spark of hope burned in his eyes.

The other officers, including Knight Klein, held their breath and stared fixedly at Franz's lips.

Franz did not answer immediately. He first picked up the cup and took a leisurely sip, his calm gaze sweeping over every anxious, yearning face in the room.

He set down the cup and shook his head. His voice was calm and clear as he directly shattered their unrealistic hopes. "Baron Werner, my lords, forgive my frankness. I was ordered to come here, and I already have a clear understanding of the Iron Islands' current crisis."

"The Sauron army is at the gates, and a landing is imminent. The Iron Islands... will likely fall sooner or later."

His words were like a basin of ice water, draining the color from everyone's faces.

But then he abruptly changed tack. "As for sending