Furnace Fortress, command center.
Silad stood before the holographic Star Map, his fingers sweeping lightly through the air as command after command went out with his movements. He stood much straighter than he had a few months ago, and the sharp gleam long absent from his eyes had flared to life again.
"Commander-in-chief, the Beast Tide at West Sand Fortress is severe. They need reinforcements!" His deputy hurried over and handed him a data tablet.
Silad took it, scanned it, and frowned slightly. "Wasn't West Sand's defense system just upgraded? How are they under pressure already?"
"The Beast Tide is larger than anticipated, and..." The deputy hesitated. "There's a problem with West Sand's energy core. Their firepower is only at sixty percent of normal output."
"Dispatch three transport ships with a spare core, and send a mecha squad to help defend the fortress." Silad tapped the Star Map. "Tell West Sand's commander to carry out maintenance ahead of time next time, instead of waiting until something goes wrong to report it."
"Yes, sir!"
The deputy had barely left when someone else approached. "Commander-in-chief, several mining sites in eastern Fenyu Continent have been attacked by Mutant Beasts. Production has stopped."
"Send the Seventh Mecha Regiment to clear them out. While those mines are out of production, bring in supplies from other mines to cover the shortfall. Also, have the engineering teams inspect the mines' defense systems. Reinforce what needs reinforcing and upgrade what needs upgrading."
"Understood!"
Silad issued one order after another, crisp and decisive, without dragging his feet. Every member of the Mechanical Empire's staff in the command center moved swiftly, busy but never chaotic, their work orderly and methodical.
Flash Thunder stood in a corner, watching Silad issue commands. His expression remained calm, but a barely perceptible shadow flickered