With the Marines taking full control of the island, the chaotic situation on Wavewatch Island finally stabilized.
The Marine soldiers split into several squads and searched every house, removing the explosives buried throughout the village one by one.
The military doctors also set up a more comprehensive aid station at the docks.
Deuce did not stop just because the Marines had taken over. Instead, he continued assisting the military doctors, stitching wounds and handing out medicine.
"This patient has lost too much blood. Start him on fluids first."
"Cover those burns with clean gauze first."
An older military doctor gave him a few looks.
"Have you studied medicine before?"
Deuce's hands paused slightly.
"A little."
After saying that, he continued treating the wounds.
Elsewhere, Marines and Spade Adventure Group members formed long lines, passing bucket after bucket of seawater toward the houses that were still burning.
As the last open flame was extinguished, the thick smoke shrouding the village finally began to disperse.
The sea breeze flowed through the streets once more.
Although more than half the houses had been destroyed, at least most of the people had survived.
After listening to the villagers' accounts, Iska finally understood the entire sequence of events.
The Spade Adventure Group had not only taken the initiative to attack the Despair Pirates while they were pillaging the village, but had also placed rescuing civilians above all else once the battle began.
As for Ace...
Even knowing that Karen held a large number of hostages and explosives, he had still not allowed his flames to harm a single innocent person.
The rescued villagers gathered around.
"They saved us!"
"That young man in the hat saved my wife and child!"
"They even carried all the food from the warehouse back!"
"If it weren't for them, we'd