Purge

"My God! What happened?"

Lister, who had been asleep, was jolted awake by the relentless pounding on the door.

"My lord, our harbor is under attack!" came the attendant's panicked voice from outside.

"An attack? Wait, where?" Lister was still groggy.

"The harbor. It might be a band of pirates."

Lister was startled and suspicious. What kind of pirates would dare launch a frontal attack on a harbor under Arda's control?

"I have to take a look!" He hurriedly jumped out of bed and scrambled to find some clothes.

"Don't go! It's too dangerous!" Sevia rushed over, her uncombed hair tousled around her head.

Her words calmed Lister somewhat. "There are naval warships moored in the harbor district, and a battalion of Marines is stationed there. It shouldn't be unable to stop a band of pirates."

Just then, a brilliant light rose in the west, and huge fires erupted throughout the harbor district.

Lister forced himself to remain calm and quickly entered the corridor toward the front hall. As he walked, he ordered, "Gather all the officials at City Hall. Send people to investigate the situation in the harbor district! Oh, right—I need to contact General Quirk immediately!"

"Reporting!" A naval-uniformed sergeant appeared from around the corner ahead. After saluting Lister, he reported, "General Quirk has already gone to the harbor district. He ordered all armed forces to prepare their defenses according to the previous arrangements, and he hopes you can reassure the residents and prevent panic from spreading."

Lister slapped his forehead. "That's right. If the attack on the harbor is merely a feint, we can't fall for it. Do as the general says!"

Everyone settled down and hurried to the front hall to await the arrival of the various officials. At that moment, Sevia put on her hood,