Discussion (Thanks to Amber for the generous support)

The Brigadier General nodded, then shook his head. "We do need to light a fire and make enough smoke to catch the attention of an exploration ship, but we can't pin all our hopes on one."

Before anyone could ask, he explained.

"We're on an uncharted island. The odds of an exploration ship passing by anytime soon are slim. So we need to light a signal fire on high ground, but we also need to prepare to survive here for the long haul."

The Brigadier General swept his arm down. The elderly man's voice suddenly rang with fervor.

"We'll gather supplies, build shelters, and explore this island beyond the bounds of civilization. We'll kindle fire, conquer nature, and transform this island. Like Alderis taming the nine-headed dragon, we'll tame this dangerous wilderness and make it yield to human wisdom and strength!"

"Even if no ship comes, we'll turn this place into our new home with our own two hands!"

"Remember, our fate is always in our own hands."

Boom!

As the Brigadier General spoke, another thunderclap erupted. Beneath the dazzling flash, his eyes widened. Though age had clouded them, they now seemed to gleam.

The young nobleman Horn felt his blood surge. He straightened his back without thinking, and in his excitement, even his empty stomach seemed less hungry.

"Here's how we'll divide the work." The Brigadier General's impassioned tone settled. His gaze swept slowly over the group before coming to rest on Xia Lun.

Xia Lun took a bite of canned fish and met the Brigadier General's gaze with a smile.

Their eyes met. After a moment, the Brigadier General blinked and slowly looked away. "Once the storm ends, the waves will wash supplies from the sunken ship back onto the beach. Horn and I will go there to