Hope's Flame

Franz's words were like a torch lit in a dark mine, instantly illuminating the faces of everyone in the command center and rekindling the flame of hope that had nearly gone out in their eyes!

"Lord Karl has now taken complete control of Tyrol Fortress. The entire coastline of the Southwest Peninsula is already under our control!" Franz's voice was clear and forceful, carrying an unquestionable confidence.

"We have multiple deepwater harbors available for docking! Since the fall of the Iron Islands is unavoidable, Lord Carnford's plan is to use our naval strength at all costs to rescue as many soldiers and civilians from the Iron Islands as possible from the Saurons' blades!"

"Rescue... evacuation?"

"The Southwest Peninsula? We... we can go to Carnford?"

"Is there... is there really a way to survive?"

The officers exchanged glances, their breathing suddenly quickening as unbelievable light burst from their eyes!

They had long been mentally prepared to live or die with the islands. Their resolve to face death was certainly firm, but if they could live, who would truly be willing to die?

Especially to make a pointless sacrifice for a kingdom that had already abandoned them! Carnford's outstretched hand was no different from a sturdy rope thrown into a raging flood!

Baron Werner was the commander-in-chief, after all. Despite his delight, he immediately grasped the most critical practical issue.

He forcibly suppressed his excitement and asked cautiously yet urgently, "Mr. Mike, is this really true? This... this is truly an immense kindness! But please forgive my bluntness—evacuating twenty thousand soldiers and civilians will be no easy task!"

"How many ships can Carnford mobilize now? How many people can they transport in one trip? How many round trips will be needed? The Saurons' fleet is cruising outside, and they certainly won't sit