After the battle ended.
Wavewatch Island's port remained shrouded in thick smoke and firelight.
The fractured Despair Widow slowly sank into the sea, its charred deck rising and falling with the waves, letting out bone-grating cracks from time to time.
The members of the Spade Adventure Group did not stop to celebrate.
Rock Flow led people in moving fallen beams aside, searching for villagers trapped beneath the rubble.
Scar stood atop the docks, continually directing the crew to move the injured and put out the flames that were still spreading.
Deuce knelt before a makeshift aid station, stitching up the wounds of a villager who had been stabbed in the abdomen.
Mihal remained atop the lighthouse, vigilantly observing the waters around the island.
Just then.
"Woo—"
A deep, prolonged whistle suddenly sounded from the distant sea.
A warship flying a seagull flag passed through the lingering white mist and quickly entered Wavewatch Island's harbor.
"It's the Marines!"
The villagers on the docks were startled at first, then their faces filled with excitement.
Before the warship had fully docked, figures were already climbing down the lowered rope ladders and jumping onto the pier.
"First squad, secure the port!"
"Second squad, assist with the firefighting immediately!"
"Medics, head to the aid station and take over the wounded!"
"The rest of you, spread out and search! Do not let a single pirate escape!"
The Marine soldiers swiftly sprang into action.
At the front of the group stood a young girl with short orange-red hair.
She wore a Marine cape and carried a slender saber at her waist, her sharp gaze sweeping over the chaotic harbor.
Marine Ensign Iska.
Several days earlier, the Marines had received intelligence that the Despair Pirates had appeared in nearby waters.
Iska had led her subordinates in pursuit, but