Reception Plan

Werner and the others remained on the cold pier, gazing for a long time in the direction where Franz had disappeared, as though they were trying to drag that faint hope out of the endless darkness by sheer force.

The sea breeze brushed their chilled cheeks, but it could not dispel the heavy anticipation that had just been kindled in their hearts.

Only after they could no longer see any trace of him did Werner draw a deep breath of cold, salty air and whirl around. His gaze had already become as firm and hard as stone.

He strode back to the command post, his steps more hurried and forceful than ever before.

"Bang!" The wooden door of the command post slammed shut.

"Listen up!" Werner's voice was like a drawn sword, instantly cutting through the lingering hesitation and grief in the command post. His eyes flashed as they swept over every officer before him.

"We have no time left for grief or hesitation! From this moment on, the Iron Islands are to enter the highest state of combat readiness! We have only one goal: to carve out a path to survival for as many people as possible with our blood and our lives!"

He issued a rapid string of clear, orderly commands, demonstrating his wealth of experience and his ability to remain calm in a crisis:

"First, mobilize everyone immediately! Klein, you'll take personal charge! Mobilize every able-bodied man and woman on the islands—even the older children! Regardless of age, expand the port with all your strength at once!"

"Clear every berth, reinforce the piers, and open temporary boarding points! We must ensure that when the fleet arrives, we can get people aboard at the fastest speed and with maximum efficiency! Speed is life!"

"Yes, Baron!" Knight Klein thumped