Frozen Flame of Dawn - Chapter 92

Chapter 92: Chapter 45: Icelorn Basin’s First Defense Project_1

The first light of dawn stretched across the sky, painting it in hues of gold and crimson as a new day began. It had been four days since the surge, and the world was already reshaping itself in ways no one could have anticipated. Society was scrambling to adapt—some fighting for survival, others exploiting the chaos, and a few attempting to build something sustainable in this changed world.

Despite the eerie silence that blanketed the land, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind, the undercurrent of change was undeniable.

As the sun rose higher, the two convoys—Aiden’s and Grant’s—began preparations to move out. Each had its own mission, its own goals, but their paths were set to collide soon enough.

Meanwhile, in Icelorn Basin, Amira had already been awake long before dawn. She followed her usual morning exercise routine, her body moving with precise discipline as she pushed herself through rigorous drills. Her breath was steady, her movements efficient—each one a reminder of the years spent honing her skills.

After finishing her workout, she washed up, grabbed a quick but nourishing breakfast, and made her way to the military compound’s meeting room.

The meeting room inside the military facility was larger and more structured than their previous safe house. The walls were reinforced, giving it a sturdy, fortified feel, and the long table at the center was surrounded by a mix of Phoenix Unit’s elite members, along with local personnel who had previously served in this military facility.

Among them were individuals intimately familiar with the town’s layout, resources, and vulnerabilities.

As Amira stepped into the room, she took a quick but thorough survey of those gathered. Around thirty people were already seated, engaged in low murmured conversations as they awaited the meeting’s start.

She hadn’t summoned her entire squad—it wasn’t necessary. Only those who were crucial to planning were present:

Commanders and strategists Scouts and local guides familiar with the surrounding geography Logistics and supply coordinators

Taking her usual seat at the center, she waited for the remaining attendees to arrive.

Once the last person took their seat, she leaned forward, her sharp gaze sweeping across the room, commanding instant attention.

“Now that we’ve secured our position, it’s time to take the next steps.”

Amira’s calm but authoritative voice cut through the room, immediately silencing any lingering whispers.

She gestured toward Megan, who sat to her right.

“Megan will provide us with a full overview of Basin’s current state.”

Megan stood, a stack of notes in her hand, flipping through them quickly before addressing the room.

“At present, the town holds a population of roughly 27,000. However, after integrating the villagers brought in yesterday, the number has increased to approximately 30,000.”

She paused, letting the figures sink in before continuing.

“Among them, around 500 individuals have officially registered with us as awakened. However, we estimate that there are many more who have not yet come forward.”

Megan’s eyes briefly met Amira’s before she continued.

“We also noted a rise in awakenings after last night’s feast, where many consumed mutated beast meat for the first time. Several individuals displayed signs of evolution overnight, meaning that within the next few days, our numbers could well exceed a thousand awakened individuals.”

She exhaled, flipping to another page in her notes.

“We understand that some are hesitant, either due to fear or distrust. While we will give them time to come forward, we must also remain prepared for any unforeseen challenges.”

A few nods of agreement passed around the table.

Megan then pulled out a detailed map of Basin, placing it at the center of the table for everyone to see.

“Basin has natural defenses working in its favor.”

She pointed at the outer regions of the map.

“The town is surrounded by steep ridges and mountains, making it extremely difficult for a large-scale attack to breach its perimeter.”

She tapped at two specific locations.

“There are only two primary entry points into and out of the basin. These entry points are where the river flows through, cutting across the landscape and providing us with a freshwater supply as well as fertile land for agriculture.”

Megan then directed attention to key locations within the town.

“The farmland inside the basin covers about one-fourth of the total area, which means that, if managed correctly, we have a sustainable food source.”

She circled a few more areas on the map.

“Icelorn is also home to several tourist spots—abandoned now, but they could serve as potential outposts or storage facilities. There are unmanaged lands within the basin that we can repurpose for further expansion.”

Lastly, she tapped on various points outside the basin.

“There are several small villages and towns nearby, but they are a considerable distance away. We have little information on their current status.”

Megan then took her seat, allowing the information to settle amongst those gathered.

Amira folded her hands together, her expression unreadable but resolute.

“We’ve ensured the immediate safety of this town’s residents, but that’s just the beginning.”

Her gaze swept across the room, lingering on each individual as she continued.

“Our next objective is to secure the entire area around the basin. We can’t afford to have threats lurking beyond our walls, slipping in unnoticed. If we want this place to truly become a safe haven, we need to control what’s outside just as much as what’s inside.”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room. Everyone understood—without securing the perimeter, all their efforts would be pointless.

She locked eyes with Bella, who was leaning back with her arms crossed.

“Bella, your task today is to take the same recon team from yesterday and sweep the entire area outside the basin again.”

Bella, leaning back with arms crossed, simply raised a brow. “Another recon? We already scanned the area.”

“This time, I want a detailed sweep.” Amira’s tone brooked no argument. “Mark down everything—terrain changes, potential threats, strategic positions—but do not engage. If you find anything dangerous, report back.”

Bella let out a slow exhale and nodded. “Alright. Consider it done.”

Satisfied, Amira turned her attention to Liam, who was already sitting forward, sensing his turn.

“Liam, you’ll oversee internal security, take a small squad and work with Megan and the local personnel.” She tapped on the map, pointing to the two narrow passes where roads cut through the mountains. “Check both entry points to the basin and identify our weak points and reinforce them. I want increased patrols and lookout points. If anything moves, we know about it before it reaches us.”

Liam gave a curt nod. “Consider it done. I’ll have men stationed at both points within the next few hours.”