"Reporting, Rear Admiral! Civilian relief efforts are largely complete." The petty officer wiped the sweat from his forehead and closed his soot-covered notebook.
"The seriously wounded soldiers have been given priority for transfer to the medical ship, where they're being treated in cooperation with the doctors from Hachinosu Island.
Those with minor injuries are receiving treatment at the temporary medical station in town, and the remaining survivors have returned to town as well."
"Mm, good." Gern nodded slightly, his fingertips tapping the hilt of the Black Blade: Eight Desolations.
In the distance, the setting sun stained the sea blood-red, echoing the embers still burning on the island.
He was about to ask about the follow-up work when hurried footsteps interrupted his thoughts.
"Reporting!" A young Marine ran up, gasping for breath, his uniform cuffs still bearing scorch marks from fighting the fires.
"Rear Admiral Gern, we found a hijacked exploration ship on the western shore. The people aboard claim to be scholars from Ohara."
"Ohara?" Gern's fingers suddenly stopped tapping the hilt.
"That's right!" The soldier swallowed before continuing. "But the strange thing is,
they refused medical examinations from the Marines, and they're rushing to repair their ship so they can leave." At this, he lowered his voice.
"The captain thought their unusual behavior was suspicious, so he sent me to ask for your instructions, Rear Admiral Gern."
Scholars from Ohara appearing in the New World was already unusual. Stranger still, these frail academics seemed desperate to avoid the people who had saved their lives.
"Interesting." Gern suddenly chuckled.
"Instead of feeling relieved after being rescued by the Marines, they're in a hurry to run?" As he turned, his coat bearing the word "Justice" swept through a sharp arc.
"Come on. Let's take a look at these scholars who are