Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 75

Chapter 75: Chapter 36: Taking Over the Compound_2

The room exploded with murmurs, some soldiers leaned forward with their eyes wide from disbelief, while others whispered furiously among themselves.

Because even the fresh recruits had heard whispers about the Phoenix Unit—a shadow force that operated in the dark, feared by corrupt officials and criminals alike, stories of their covert missions were told like legends in the barracks, but no one ever expected to meet them face-to-face.

Some felt better when they learned the truth because they thought, “Maybe they really did come to help.” But some people, especially those who were more realistic, stayed wary.

One veteran soldier stood abruptly with anger on his face. “You’re just like the governor!” he shouted while pointing an accusing finger at Amira. “You say you’re here to help, but all I see is you taking control of this military compound for your operations, so how are you any different?”

As everyone turned to look at him, the room fell silent again, while keeping his feelings in check as his chest heaved. “She’s using us.” he yelled with his voice breaking in earnest. “She’s not here to save anyone, but is just another ruler pretending to be a savior!”

Though his words did stirred unease among the crowd as he glanced at his fellow soldiers, trying to rally their support and while emboldened by the attention, he turned toward the exit. “I’m going to the central province myself to find out if my family is safe. I’m not listening to this bullshit.”

Before he could reach the door, a blur of motion shot forward, Voss—one of the Phoenix Unit’s most hot-headed soldiers, moved faster than anyone expected and in an instant, he tackled the man to the ground with a loud thud that echoed through the room.

It shocked the man when Voss twisted his arm and pressed his face against the cold floor. Soon, the whole room was gasping and murmuring in shock.

“Enough,” Voss said with his voice carrying an undeniable edge. “We don’t care if you insult the entire world—or even us, but don’t you dare disrespect our captain in front of us.”

The other members of the Phoenix Unit nodded in unison, their expressions hard as steel and their loyalty was clear.

Amira stepped forward calmly. “Let him up, Voss.”

Voss hesitated but then released his grip, allowing the man to stand but he stumbled to his feet, rubbing his arm but staying where he was while wary of making another move.

When Amira spoke straight to the man, her voice was firm but calm. “You’re partially right,” she admitted. “We are taking control of this compound—but not for our own gain as we need a secure base to keep our families safe but also creating a safe zone for others who need help.”

Her gaze swept the room again. “If any of you want to leave, you’ll have that freedom. But not now. In a few days, once it’s safer, you’ll be free to go wherever you choose. But until then, for your own safety, you need to stay.”

When he saw how sure she was, the man looked down as his anger fading.

Amira straightened and addressed the entire room. “I’m not asking for blind trust but a chance to prove that we’re here to do what’s right and we’re not your enemies—we’re your allies, so if we stand together we can survive this.”

The room was still and quiet because of how heavy her words were and soon the anger and fear in the room started to change slowly. There were soldiers who nodded thoughtfully and soldiers who sat up straighter, showing that they were becoming more determined.

She then conveyed to everyone to stay in their room for next few days till they get everything settle here. After which they will be left for their own choice of whether to leave or stay here.

The crowd dispersed after Amira’s announcement as her team members escorting everyone to their temporary quarters.

And soon the large hall that had been brimming with tension was now empty, save for Amira, Mira, Liam, Lilah, and Megan.

Amira turned with her eyes locking onto Megan, her gaze was calm but carried a weight that made Megan hesitate who instinctively shifted, unsure of what was coming and before she could speak, she asked, “Other than you, who else knows this town and the basin area well?”

The sudden question made Megan blink. “Um… Eddie and Carl.” It took her a moment to say,”They’re locals and know every corner like the back of their hand.”

Amira gave a thoughtful nod as she turned to Liam. “Bring them.”

Liam nodded briefly before making his way out of the room, though intrigued Megan asked while frowning slightly. “Why—”

“We’ll explain outside,” Amira said, already heading toward the exit with Leah and Mira close behind. Megan hesitated for a heartbeat before following.

When they reached the entrance, Megan’s eyes widened as a large number of villagers were gathered just beyond the gates huddling together while waiting anxiously.

Some sat on makeshift crates, others leaned against the vehicles that had transported them her while Carl and Eddie who had already joined the group, looked at everything with expressions a mixture of concern and confusion.

Sam was standing near the entrance, arms crossed, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. When he saw Amira, he strode forward. “Is everything settled?” he asked, his voice low but steady.

Amira gave a small nod. “For now.” She turned to him and added, “You’re in charge of the facility until we get back.”

Sam nodded without hesitation. “Got it.”

Amira motioned to the armored vehicle waiting nearby. “Let’s go.”

As they climbed into the vehicle, Megan finally broke her silence as she leaning slightly toward Amira. “Where are we going?”

Instead Mira, who had taken a seat beside her answered. “When we arrived at the basin, we found a group of people keeping watch over the entry and exit points and they admitted someone named Cole who is an awakened individual has taken over the town.”

Megan’s mouth parted in surprise. “Cole? Are you serious?”

Mira nodded with her expression grave. “We’re going to handle it. And while we’re at it, we’re settling the villagers in the town. Their village was overrun by a beast horde and they lost nearly a third of their people.”

When Megan thought about how bad situation outside, she felt sick to her stomach while Eddie and Carl looked at each other with unease but didn’t say anything.

Although slowly, she felt a small wave of relief knowing that Amira’s intentions were truly about helping the people and she wasn’t here to seize control—she was here to save lives.