"Form a line. No cutting in. Anyone who cuts in gets no food." The Defense Force soldier's booming voice carried clearly to everyone.
His tone was stern, carrying an unquestionable authority, as though telling everyone: order must be obeyed.
The people, who had been so excited at the sight of food that they had nearly forgotten the terror of the Space Marines, suddenly came to their senses.
Only then did they realize that the Space Marines' immense power still hung over this land. Fear surged back into their hearts, and people began recalling the bloody scenes they had witnessed earlier. Reverence for the Space Marines arose within them.
Thus, the previously chaotic crowd immediately became orderly. They no longer argued or shoved one another, instead following the Defense Force soldiers' instructions and obediently forming neat lines as they waited to receive food.
These people regarded the Defense Force soldiers as beings just as powerful as the Space Marines. Although the Defense Force soldiers were slightly shorter, the power armor they wore resembled that of the Space Marines, giving off an aura of strength and inviolability. That visual similarity made the survivors unwilling to challenge their authority.
With the combined efforts of the Defense Force soldiers, Shino, and the others, the survivors orderly received bread, canned meat, and water from the Defense Force soldiers. Everyone was overwhelmed with gratitude, hope shining in their eyes.
"Eat." Seeing that Shino had arranged the survivors, Magras walked over and spoke to him with concern before handing him the food in his hand.
Shino respectfully accepted the food Magras handed him, his heart filled with gratitude. He knew that without Captain Magras's care and help, he might not have made it through this difficult time. With reverence, he said, "Thank you, Captain Magras."
Then, Shino