Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 112

Chapter 112: Chapter 54: Crisis and Unstable Territories_1

Elias pressed forward, his tone firm. “This is why Phase Two is critical. Our recon teams will systematically scout and assess these locations. If there are survivors, we’ll provide assistance and escort them here to safety. If there are functioning villages that wish to remain where they are, we will offer them support—supplies, medical aid, and defense strategies—to ensure their survival.”

“And,” he continued, his gaze scanning the room, “this isn’t just about saving people anymore. We have to secure resources. We need food, medicine, fuel, weapons, and technology. If we don’t start preparing for long-term sustainability, the people we save today might not make it through tomorrow.”

As the weight of his words settled deep into everyone’s bones and everyone thought of survival wasn’t just about rescuing people anymore but was about making sure those they saved didn’t starve and also was about fortifying their future.

The weight of those words settled deep into everyone’s bones as Amira leaned forward, tapping her fingers on the table.

Amira leaned forward, tapping her fingers on the table. “You said earlier there might be unknown factions operating in these area?”

Elias nodded, his face grim. “We’ve gathered multiple reports from the refugees who arrived here, and what we learned is deeply concerning.”

He shifted the map, highlighting two towns in red markers. “Some of these people fled from their own towns—not because of the beasts, but because their towns are under the rule of awakened individuals.”

A murmur rippled through the room.

Elias continued. “One of these towns, according to the refugees, is ruled entirely by a single group of awakeners. Their leader has absolute control, and their rule is a complete tyranny. The people there live in constant fear—anyone who tries to escape is executed.”

Aiden’s fists clenched as he listened. “They managed to escape during an incident, but many others are still trapped and helpless, unable to leave.”

Amira’s expression also darkened as she thought back to how Cole and his thugs had taken over their town before her arrival. “Are all the towns under this kind of rule?” She asked.

Elias shook his head. “We only have direct reports from two towns. The second one is… different.”

A new section of the map highlighted, marking another town in yellow. “This town is currently managed by three different groups, each with their own interests. They formed an association to run things, but their control is fractured at best.”

Amira leaned forward, intrigued. “Three groups?”

Elias nodded. “The first group consists of awakened individuals who were originally from a local gang. They banded together and are following the leadership of a former gang boss.”

His tone grew heavier as he continued. “The second group is made up of officials and former police officers who survived. They’re trying to enforce order, but their power is limited.”

“And the third?” Amira asked.

“The third group is… unique. It consists entirely of women, led by a CEO from a small company that was based in that town before everything collapsed. She awakened a strong ability and managed to gather all the women under her banner. Together, they formed a faction that operates separately from the other two.”

Aiden’s eyes narrowed. “So, these three factions are keeping each other in check?”

Elias exhaled. “For now, yes. But that balance is unstable. Even though they are preventing one another from fully taking control, the civilians still suffer.”

He paused, then continued. “People there don’t have full freedom. Many are forced into labor, some are used as shields during beast attacks, and even though the women’s faction exists, there are still numerous cases of exploitation and abuse.”

The room tensed as everyone processed the reality of the situation because there were no truly safe places left.

The map shifted once again, zooming out to display all of Vandrim Province. The 500-kilometer expansion was significant, but it still only covered a quarter of the province.

Elias pointed toward the central region of the map. “If we successfully secure this 500-kilometer region, we will have covered at least one-fourth of the province’s total landmass. This means we would have a stronghold stretching from our Central Zone to the border regions.”

“But,” he continued, “our biggest challenges lie ahead. The major cities—the true power centers of this province—are deeper inside enemy territory. That will be our greatest challenge once we stabilize this outer region.”

Aiden, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “Then what are we waiting for? We should head there as earliest and take these places back.”

Amira nodded, turning back to Elias. “How many teams will we need for this operation?”

Elias closed the map and took a deep breath. “For the villages, we’ll send out eight recon teams to sweep the area first. They’ll assess and extract survivors. Once the villages are secure, we’ll regroup and make a strategy for the towns.”

His voice was sharp, determined, carrying the weight of an unstoppable force. Amira however, met his intense gaze with a steady, calculated expression. We will, Aiden. But not recklessly.”

Aiden frowned, his fire rising, but he waited for her explanation. “We need to clear the villages first before we move on the towns.”

He exhaled sharply, understanding her logic but still frustrated. “Fine. But we need a plan. We can’t afford to waste time.”

As Elias finished his update and returned to his seat, a brief silence settled over the room. Amira took a moment, letting everyone digest the information before shifting her gaze toward Megan. “Megan, you can proceed with the logistics update.”

Megan nodded, standing from her chair and moving toward the monitor station at the front of the room. Even though there wasn’t a specific visual presentation for her data, she still chose the spot—it gave her a better position to address the room while gracing everyone expression.

Clearing her throat, she began. “Currently, we have conducted a census of our population here in the Icelorn basin and as of today, our settlement houses close to 60,000 people.”

A soft murmur ran through the room. The number was growing faster than anyone had expected.

“Among these people, as of yesterday, we have registered approximately 10,000 individuals who have officially awakened their abilities and begun cultivating them.”